December 5, 2013
New research from Karolinska Institute in Sweden shows that omega-3 fatty acids in dietary supplements can cross the blood brain barrier in people with Alzheimer’s disease, affecting known markers for both the disease itself and inflammation. The findings are presented in theJournal of Internal Medicine, and strengthen the evidence that omega-3 may benefit certain forms of this seriously debilitating disease. Click here to read more.
This is yet another published study that demonstrates how proper fatty acid balance in the blood stream can prevent and treat diseases with an inflammatory component. The research to date points to benefit of the essential fatty acids in the following conditions:
Cardiovascular Health
- Endocrine influence
- Glucose maintenance
- Lipids and triglycerides
- Metabolic parameters
- Primary prevention
- Secondary prevention
Children’s Health and Development
- Adolescent and teen health
- ASD – Autism spectrum disorders
- Attention, learning, and behavior
- Disease prevention
- Neurological development
- Intelligence
- Vision
Female Health and Reproduction
- Peri-and post-menopause
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding
- Puberty and menstrual years
Immune Health
- Acute infections
- Allergies
- Chronic immune deficiencies
Joint and Tissue Inflammation
- Intestinal health
- Joint flexibility & mobility
Lifestyle and Healthy Living
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- Body fat/weight
- Fitness
- Healthful living
- Stress
Mental/Neurological Health
- CNS Developement
- Cognitive function/agent
- Depression and mood
- Mental balance
In our concierge medical practice we test the blood for over 30 fatty acids to identify what specifically is out of balance and needs treatment. In some patients, too many of the omega 3 fatty acids can suppress important components of immune function and can promote tumor growth. In some patients their level of trans fatty acids (hydrogenated fats) are the culprit in blocking cell to cell communication. Other patients may only need DHA but not GLA. And so forth. This is why testing, and getting an individualized report on what your body needs, will lead to a more positive outcome in terms of managing your long term health.
In health,
Dr. Gina
1 Comment | 
Industry News, Inflammation, Latest Nutritional Research, Nutritional Supplements and Disease | Tagged: Alzheimer's, blood brain barrier, dha omega 3 fatty acid, Dr. Gina (Nick) Cushman, HealthBridge Medical Center, hydrogenated oils, www.drgina.com | 
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
December 29, 2012
A new study was just published in the Archives of General Psychiatry involving over 73,000 patients that points to the connection between inflammation in the body and depression. I identified this connection nearly 10 years ago, began publishing on it about six years ago, and coined the phrase “Sickness Syndrome” to help doctors to diagnose this prevalent cause for depression. I have been treating patients using this knowledge ever since.
It is time to take a new look at the underlying cause(s) of depression so that mainstream medicine can offer long lasting cures for this debilitating health challenge.
In health,
Dr. Gina
2 Comments | Depression, Inflammation, Sickness Syndrome | Tagged: Depression, Dr. Gina Cushman, Sickness Syndrome, www.drgina.com | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
October 22, 2012
A new study, albeit on mice, further points to the link between inflammation and depression. I began publishing on this topic six years ago. In our medical office I see the real world connection between mood disorders like depression, and inflammation in the body. It is always a pleasure to watch patients as they heal from debilitating symptoms, when we address this underlying cause.
In health,
–Dr. Gina
1 Comment | Depression, Inflammation, Sickness Syndrome | Tagged: Dr. Gina Cushman, HealthBridge Medical Center, Sickness Syndrome, www.drgina.com | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
April 12, 2011
A recent article in the New York Times discusses several large studies that link seasonal allergies to depression and anxiety. The cause is an increase in inflammatory cytokines that lower serotonin levels. This is a classic example of Sickness Syndrome Depression, a condition identified years ago and finally gaining media attention. We often see cases of wrongly diagnosed anxiety and depression at our practice where patients are prescribed antidepressant medications instead of being treated for Sickness Syndrome Depression. To learn more about the syndrome click here. One treatment that is not yet mentioned on the site but that we have recently been using successfully in practice to treat Sickness Syndrome Depression and other psychiatric illnesses with an inflammatory component is BRM4 by Daiwa Health Development– an immunomodulator that alters levels of inflammatory cytokines throughout the body. The effective dosage is 4 capsules three times per day for 4 weeks, and then 4 capsules per day thereafter.
In health and healing,
–Dr. G
2 Comments | Depression, Immune Support, Inflammation, Latest Nutritional Research, Sickness Syndrome | Tagged: BRM4, Daiwa Health Development, Depression, Dr. Gina (Nick) Cushman, Inflammation and Depression, LTP Natural Medical Center, Seasonal Allergies, Sickness Syndrome, Sickness Syndrome Depression, www.ltpmedical.com, www.sicksyndrome.com | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
December 13, 2010
A new article published in the November/December issue of Psychology Today reveals that gastrointestinal disorders, like infection, inflammation, and IBS cause anxiety and depression, and that probiotics may replace prozac and Valium as drugs of choice for some psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression. This concept, first introduced over 5 years ago and referred to as Sickness Syndrome, is finally gaining the attention of popular media channels.
For those of you who are experiencing anxiety and depression, there are options available to you that go beyond masking symptoms and address at least one of the underlying causes of why you are feeling the way you do. We see the success of naturopathic medicine in treating anxiety and depression in our medical practice everyday, and treating digestive health is often the first step.
In health and wellness,
–Dr. G
1 Comment | Depression, Inflammation, Pharmaceuticals, Prevention, Sickness Syndrome | Tagged: anxiety, Depression, Dr. Gina (Nick) Cushman, LTP Natural, Naturopathic Medicine, probiotics, Sickness Syndrome, Sickness Syndrome Depression, www.drgina.com, www.ltpmedical.com, www.sicksydnrome.com | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
November 11, 2010
Finally, a study has identified the mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acids appear to effectively fight chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and diabetes. The study found that there is a key receptor in obese body fat and that omega-3 oils – specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) – activate this receptor, which results in broad anti-inflammatory effects and improved systemic insulin sensitivity. (There is a strong connection between obesity and diabetes.) The effect of fish oil was powerful, according to the researchers, and, “The omega-3 fatty acids switch on the receptor, killing the inflammatory response.” The study team warned that more study is required to determine how much fish oil constitutes a safe and effective dose. Researchers suggested that the study could eventually lead to a natural dietary remedy for the more than 23 million Americans who suffer from diabetes. This study was published in the journal, Cell. The full-text version is now available online by clicking here.
In health,
–Dr. G
Leave a Comment » | Diabetes, Diet and Disease, Inflammation, Latest Nutritional Research, Obesity, Prevention, Weight loss | Tagged: Diabetes Natural Treatment, Dr. Gina (Nick) Cushman, drgina.com, Essential Fatty Acids and Inflammation, Fish Oils, LTP Natural Medical Center, LTPMedical.com, Obesity, vitamin deficiencies, Weight loss, www.drgina.com, www.ltpmedical.com | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
August 20, 2009
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring chemical found in the skins and seeds of red grapes, peanuts and in Polygonum, a popular and well respected herbal medicine from the Far East. Currently, the research on Resveratrol is promising as a protective chemical against the damaging effects of toxins, synthetic estrogen and xenoestrogens, inflammation, and the process of aging. It has specific actions on the brain, immune system, and heart.
In my practice I will use between 200 and 500 mg per day of Resveratrol as part of a treatment protocol. This typically is added to a protocol after a patient has been tested to determine if he or she has a deficiency of antioxidants or an imbalance of free radicals relative to antioxidants in the body. All too often patients come into my practice with a huge bag of supplements, with no idea of what is working, what is not working and still battling the same symptoms that led him or her down the path of supplementation.
You know your body better then anyone else… you have been living in it your entire life! You may have a sense of what is causing your symptoms and you also may have a sense for what medicines are helping or harming you. To help confirm that sense, and develop a balanced approach to solving your health challenge, I encourage getting lab testing completed through a qualified Naturopathic Medical Doctor who has access and has experience with taking objective measured to get to an underlying biochemical cause for your symptoms. And at that point, adding a powerful antioxidant such as Resveratrol to your protocol, and then re-testing after 3-6 months, this will let you know for certain if what you are taking is actually helping to balance your body!
In health,
–Dr. Gina
Leave a Comment » | cholesterol, Diet and Disease, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Inflammation, Prevention, Women's Health | Tagged: california naturopathic doctors association, dr. gina nick, environmental toxins, environtmental toxins, integrative medicine, licensed naturopathic physician, lower cholesterol naturally, LTP Natural Medical Center, Naturopathic Medical Doctor, Naturopathic Medicine, naturopathic physician, nutrition, synthetic hormones | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
July 30, 2009
A new research study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, points to the combination of Vitamin D3 and curcumin (derived from the common spice turmeric) to protect the brain against beta amyloid deposits. Beta amlyoid deposits can build up to form plaque. This plaque is associated with an increase in brain cell damage and a significant increase in Alzheimer’s disease, which affects over 13 million people worldwide.
The combination of Vitamin D3 and curcumin help boost the immune system to the point of neutralizing and/or preventing the formation of these amlyoid deposits. The deposits are caused by excessive free radical production in the brain. Other well researched foods that help to neutralize free radical production in the brain are spinach and raspberries. Unfortunately, they are also at the top of the list of foods that have a higher content of pesticides, which increase free radical production and DNA damage. I recommend consuming these foods if they are locally grown and organic.
There are several genetic forms of Alzheimer’s. The research shows that while one form responds well to curcumin, the other form does not. However, when you combine the curcumin with Vitamin D3, it supports the immune system’s ability to eliminate the beta amyloid deposits from two different mechanisms, so that it also impacts patients with the genetic form of Alzheimer’s that does not respond to curcumin alone.
I am always in awe of the medicines offered in nature that impact even the most troublesome of health challenges.
In health,
Dr. Gina
2 Comments | Diet and Disease, Inflammation, Latest Nutritional Research, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Orthomolecular Medicine, Prevention | Tagged: Alzheimer's, Curcumin, dr. gina nick, LTP Natural Medical Center, Naturopathic Medicine, Vitamin D3, www.ltpmedical.com | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
April 2, 2009
A new study done by researchers at my alma mater, UCLA , further confirms the connection between stress and inflammation. In this study researchers found that stress during the teen-aged years leads to silent inflammation as an adult, which then increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. I will also add that it increases the risk of depression, anxiety and other mood disorders and a condition called Sickness Syndrome that is best treated with Naturopathic Medicine.
You can take a free assessment on-line to see if the depression, anxiety, sleep disorders or weight gain you are experiencing is due to this syndrome by clicking here:
The foundation protocol that I use to support the health of patients who have Sickness Syndrome can be found here:
For more information about the condition click here.
It is amazing to watch as people pull out of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, weight disorders and severe mental health challenges without the use of prescription medications (in fact I often have to work with their prescribing doctors to taper them off the medications so that their body and mind can get to a balance point, and benefit from the natural medicines). Naturopathic Medicine works so well! I am always amazed by the the body’s ability to heal itself when you give it what it needs, and remove the barriers to cure (e.g. stress, drugs, food allergies, hormonal imbalances, structural imbalances, toxicities, digestive imbalances).
–Dr. G
Leave a Comment » | Depression, Inflammation, Naturopathic Medicine, Sickness Syndrome, Weight loss | Tagged: children's health, dr. gina nick, drgina.com, healthy children, integrative medicine, licensed naturopathic physician, LTP Natural Medical Center, Naturopathic Medical Doctor, Naturopathic Medicine, naturopathic physician, Sickness Syndrome, www.drgina.com, www.ltpmedical.com | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
March 19, 2009
The MOTHERS act has been introduced once again to the US House of Representatives and the US Senate. This bill is concerning as it would mandate the federal government to screen all new mothers for “psychiatric” conditions. It parallels the “Teen Screen” phenomenon where schools began screening kids to see if they were at risk for suicide. It appears like a good idea on the surface however, it opens the door for over-prescribing potentially lethal psychiatric medications with questionable justification. If you follow the money trail, it leads straight to the pharmaceutical industry, and new moms and teens are both huge markets that have, until now, been virtually untapped.
In my practice, I see many patients who have been prescribed psychiatric medications, feel disconnected from who they really are, and have grown extremely frustrated with the process of trying to get off the medications, with little if any support from their prescribing psychiatrist. I often learn that these patients felt better before taking the medications and are now left confused and totally disenchanted by the Health
care system that offers no answers once a patient decides that his or her antidepressant is causing more harm then help. Had they come in prior to taking the medications we would have worked together to find the underlying cause for the sad or anxious feelings. Oftentimes it is due to a multifaceted condition called Sickness Syndrome Depression that is best treated with natural medicines. Sometimes it can be related to adrenal stress, or compromised immune function, or an amino acid imbalance or other nutrient deficiency. Sometimes, and especially in new moms, it is simply due to a hormonal imbalance that can be easily and safely corrected through natural, nutrition -based medicine. Patients are able to eventually break free from the psychiatric medications, but it is a long and committed process that takes time, energy and patience.
To gain a better understanding of the consequences of allowing this bill to pass, click here.
To see and hear one woman’s story about being misled by the psychiatric field and losing her child as a consequence, click here.
To sign a petition urging congress not to pass the MOTHERS act click here.
In the spirit of doing what is best for the patient,
–Dr. G
Leave a Comment » | Depression, Inflammation, Naturopathic Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine, Orthomolecular Psychiatry, Pharmaceuticals, Pregnancy, Prevention, Sickness Syndrome, Women's Health | Tagged: antidepressants, dr. gina nick, MOTHERS act, natural treatment for depression, nutrition during pregnancy, Pregnancy, Psychiatric industry, Sickness Syndrome, www.drgina.com, www.ltpmedical.com, www.sicksydnrome.com | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
New research from Karolinska Institute in Sweden shows that omega-3 fatty acids in dietary supplements can cross the blood brain barrier in people with Alzheimer’s disease, affecting known markers for both the disease itself and inflammation. The findings are presented in theJournal of Internal Medicine, and strengthen the evidence that omega-3 may benefit certain forms of this seriously debilitating disease. Click here to read more.
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