It is never too late

May 11, 2009

Happy BikersWhen times are tough, and you feel like your world is falling apart, it is human to have a tendency to fall into a hopeless state.  One of the wonderful gifts of practicing Naturopathic Medicine is having the opportunity to witness even the most seemingly hopeless situation with a person’s health turn around completely, when all other doctors and experts had given up.  We see patients who were asked to leave the hospital and head to hospice because there was nothing more to do, then, within two weeks of treatment turn around completely and head back towards the direction of health and well being moving beyond dis-ease in the body and a sense of hopelessness.

I encourage you to research Naturopathic Medicine, and the gifts it offers, in terms of providing genuine, scientifically sound tools that transform health and well-being, even in some of the most “hopeless” situations.

If you are unsure where to start, a good foundational approach is to go through a 21 day purification program that aids in the removal of toxins and “cleans the slate.”  Then you can get the proper lab testing and assessment you need, only from a clearer more receptive place.  In practice I find that this approach, more often then not, leads to longer term, more specific results, and happier, healthier, more inspired patients!  One of my favorite experiences at LTP Natural Medical Center is watching patients walk through our doors at the end of their 21 day purification program.  They are revitalized, their energy is cleaner, and they are inevitably smiling.  When you see that on a regular basis, there is no question that  the body has the ability to heal itself, and that it is never too late to start again, with a renewed sense of self and joy.

In health,

–Dr. G

Leave a Comment » | Naturopathic Medicine | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

Reminder: The Mother’s Act is Headed to the Senate… Please Act Now

April 14, 2009

I previously posted on the Mother’s Act. This Act would mandate  that all new mothers be screened for mental healthStop! challenges based on a subjective analysis.  This is a concerning issue that appears to serve Big Pharma rather than new moms.  Please act now to protect new mothers from unnecessarily being prescribed psychiatric medications that can cause an addiction that is difficult to overcome later on.

Oftentimes post-pregnancy depression is associated with a deficiency of progesterone, low adrenal gland function, and some specific nutrient deficiencies that can easily be tested for and treated naturally.

Below I have reprinted a plea from Sheila Matthews of http://www.ablechild.org regarding the significance of this Act and what you can do today to help prevent it from coming into law.

In health,

Dr. Gina

…

A sweeping government policy for all new births in the United States has just passed the House of Representatives and is now headed to the Senate.  The Mother’s Act, if passed, will mandate that all new mothers be screened by means of a list of subjective questions that will determine if each mother is mentally fit to take their newborn home from the hospital.   Just imagine that after your child is born, you are told that you can’t take them home since a multiple choice questionnaire wasn’t answered correctly.  Just imagine being told that the only way you can take your child home is if you or your spouse goes into treatment or on anti-depressants which we know causes psychosis, delusions, and even homocidal thoughts.  It just doesn’t make sense.  Unfortunately, this bill is on a fast track–No public debate, no public disclosure of the broad impact on our society and that is why we need you to act now!

The Mother’s Act violates our Constitutional right to privacy and your right to liberty and it is just outright dangerous.  That is why we need you to help stop this.  We urgently need you to call and email each Senator on the HELP Committee and tell them you STRONGLY OPPOSE the MOTHER’S ACT and that you are OUTRAGED that there was NO public debate or disclosure on the impact this would have on our society as a whole.

Send a letter by going here:  http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1918/t/7870/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26855

Please call the following Senators on the HELP Committee and tell them that you want the Mother’s Act to die in committee.

Lisa Murkowski, R: 202-224-6665, AK

John McCain, R: 202-224-2235, AZ

Christopher Dodd, D: 202-224-2823, CT

Johnny Isakson, R: 202-224-3643, GA

Tom Harkin, D: 202-224-3254, IA

Pat Roberts, R: 202-224-4774, KS

Edward Kennedy D: 202-224-4543, MA

Barbara Mikulski D: 202-224-4654, MD

Richard Burr, R: 202-224-3154, NC

Kay Hagan, D: 202-224-6342, NC

Judd Gregg, R: 202-224-3324, NH

Jeff Bingaman, D: 202-224-5521, NM

Sherrod Brown, D 202-224-2315, OH

Tom Coburn, R 202-224-5754, OK

Jeff Merkley, D 202-224-3753, OR

Bob Casey, D 202-224-6324, PA

Jack Reed, D 202-224-4642, RI

Lamar Alexander R 202-224-4944, TN

Orrin Hatch R 202-224-5251, UT

Bernard Sanders, I: 202-224-5141, VT

Patty Murray, D, 202-224-2621, WA

Michael Enzi, R, 202-224-3424, WY

Thank you so much for caring enough to call and take action!  Remember “We The People” are in charge!

Respectfully,

Sheila Matthews

Cofounder http://www.ablechild.org

Leave a Comment » | Depression, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Orthomolecular Psychiatry, Pharmaceuticals, Pregnancy, Women's Health | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

Teenage Stress leads to Adult Health Challenges

April 2, 2009

Teenage Problems, Social Issues and BullyingA 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: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

First of PBS Series Airs April 8, 2009 on KOCE

March 30, 2009

The first of seven Naturopathic Medicine segments will air on KOCE on April 08, 2009 in southern California.  Healthy dietTune in for valuable information from licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctors and their patients.

It is sure to be an educational and inspiring seven part series where you can gain a greater understanding for the power of Naturopathic Medicine, practiced by licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctors. If you would like to learn more about the difference between licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctors and natural health practitioners that are not licensed to practice medicine in California click here.

For more information on the PBS Special click on this previous blog post.

In health,

–Dr. G

1 Comment | Naturopathic Medicine | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

The MOTHERS Act-Please Take Action Today

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 Healthistock_000007074398xsmallcare 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: , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

Dr. Gina’s New Organic Vegan Smoothie Recipe

March 17, 2009

I’d like to share a new recipe with you that I have come up with that offers all around immune, digestive, antioxidant, and detoxification support. This is my new morning smoothie regimen. And it takes about 1 minute to make!

Here it is:

  • 2 scoops of Intestinal RejuvenX
  • 1 heaping tablespoon LTP Green Light
  • 1 heaping tablespoon LTP Organic Reds
  • 1/2 – 1 cups frozen fruit (banana, blueberries, etc.)
  • ice and cold water

Blend together to desired consistency and enjoy!

*** You can call the office to order any of these products as they are all stocked in our medicinary. Just mention you’d like the “new smoothie” products.

In joy, and in health,

Dr. Gina

Leave a Comment » | Latest Nutritional Research, Naturopathic Medicine, Prevention, Toxins and Detoxification, Weight loss | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

Vitamin D Deficiency Causes Teen Health Challenges

March 16, 2009

A new study done at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals even more data on the association between Vitamin D deficiency and health. In this case, researchers studied approximately 3,600 boys and girls ages 12 to 19 who took part in a government health survey from 2001 to 2004.

The teenage boys and girls with the lowest levels of Vitamin D in their blood were twice as likely to develop high blood pressure and high blood sugar.  Even more alarming, the teens with the lowest levels of Vitamin D in their blood were four times as likely to develop metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by a triad of conditions, namely high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels and high cholesterol, that are associated with diabetes and heart disease.  Metabolic syndrome patients also tend to store fat around their midsection.  This condition is closely related to stress and Sickness Syndrome.   Most of the patients that I treat for Sickness Syndrome Depression and stress-related illness inevitably have low levels of vitamin D in their blood.  This makes sense given that a key source for vitamin D is exposure to the sun, and lack of exposure to the sun will, in many people, lead to depression and inflammation.

In our office, we test the blood for Vitamin D3, which is the active form of the vitamin.  And oftentimes if a patient has inflammation, metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or Sickness Syndrome, then Vitamin D3 testing and treatment becomes part of their path to optimal health.

If this is a topic of interest to you, please read previous posts on vitamin D3.

In health,

Dr. Gina

6 Comments | Childhood Nutrition, cholesterol, Depression, Diet and Disease, Inflammation, Latest Nutritional Research, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Orthomolecular Medicine, Prevention, Sickness Syndrome, Weight loss | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

Sustainable Change at the USDA: New Leaders for Healthy Food and Agriculture

February 4, 2009

changes1

I came across an excellent Declaration for Healthy Food and Agriculture that I encourage anyone interested in the health of our communities, people, animals and the planet to read.  It is a project of the non-profit organization Roots of Change.

Now that President Obama is in office we must do our part and take action to ensure that the right people are in place to allow for a new health food system that meets the urgent needs of our time, with rising energy and food costs, compromised water supplies, and rising incidences of obesity paired with increasing numbers of starving people on the planet.

According to David Murphy, the Director of Food Democracy Now! while Tom Vilsack, the new Secretary of Agriculture, is heading the department, the Under Secretary positions at the USDA have significant influence on the day to day actions of the USDA. In light of this, there are twelve prospective Under Secretaries that have been identified by the leaders at Food Democracy Now! as people that are capable of creating sustainable change at the USDA.  Please read through and sign this petition if you support the efforts of this organization. Please act now, as time is of the essence.

In health,

Dr. Gina

2 Comments | Latest Nutritional Research, Naturopathic Medicine, Prevention | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

Your Body Has the Ability to Heal Itself

January 26, 2009

painLast week I was interviewed for an upcoming PBS Series on Naturopathic Medicine. The topic was chronic pain. Throughout the interview I found myself repeating the notion that “the body has the ability to heal itself,” provided you give it what it needs and you remove the barriers to cure.  What the body needs can range from a particular combination of nutrients, herbs, and natural hormones, to more positive emotions.  Some of the most prevalent “barriers to cure” that I see in my  practice are stress, food allergies, and toxin overload.

Most people suffering with chronic pain are handed a prescription for pain killers and muscle relaxants and/or advised to get psychological help.  The Naturopathic approach to chronic pain involves identifying the cause of the pain; be it emotional, physical, stress-related, toxin-related or hormone-related. Then treatment is individualized to suit the patients’ unique situation. No two treatment protocols are the same.  My experience has been that by addressing the cause of the chronic pain at the emotional, mental and physical levels brings about the most successful long term results and allows for freedom of movement and a pain-free life.

The most important message here is that if you are experiencing chronic pain, you do not need to suffer.  There is a way to find relief. One of the best ways to find that relief is by addressing the underlying cause(s) of the pain rather then chronically masking the symptoms with medication…and allowing your own body, in its innate wisdom, to heal itself.

In health,

Dr. Gina

1 Comment | Diet and Disease, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Inflammation, Latest Nutritional Research, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Pain, Toxins and Detoxification | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

PBS Documentary on Naturopathic Medicine

January 12, 2009


PBS TO AIR DOCUMENTARY FOCUSING ON NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE FEATURING DR. GINA NICK

Windsor Broadcast Productions, well known for its long running PBS series American Health Journal is producing a documentary focusing on Naturopathic Medicine. The documentary will be comprised of seven 30 minute segments on such topics as Mental Health, Adult Allergies, ADD & ADHA. The documentary will initially run on PBS in the greater Orange County, California area sometime in March 2009 and is expected to reach a nationwide audience later in the year.herbs2

One of the segments features Dr. Gina Nick and her naturopathic approach to dealing with Chronic Pain.

Some of the key messages highlighted throughout the series are:

* Naturopathic Doctors are trustworthy, credible, and a qualified choice for healthcare

* Naturopathic medicine offers a continuum of care

* Naturopathic medicine is the “new norm” for health and healthcare

* Naturopathic doctors believe in the power of the human being to regain greater health

Dr. Nick and LTP Natural Medical Center specialize in the prevention of dis-ease, optimizing overall health and providing a sense of well being.

Knowledge is power. LTP Natural Medical Center hopes you will tune-in to this very exciting documentary series and empower yourself with knowledge about the natural approach to your health.

6 Comments | ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Childhood Nutrition, cholesterol, Depression, Diet and Disease, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Prevention, Toxins and Detoxification | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »