February 13, 2020
An interesting article was published this week in Psychology Today that talks about how inflammation in the body not only causes depression but also alters our mood and even decision making.
About 15 years ago I began to study this link. I even purchased the domain address inflamedbrain.com because I felt that one day this information would become mainstream.
And here we are!
The approach I take to treating patients often involves recommendations that lower inflammation in the body.
The fields of psychology and even sociology will likely evolve to incorporate this new information about how to help people lead more focused and clear lives.
In health,
Dr. Gina
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
February 4, 2020
A new study published this week reveals how the prescription diuretic Bumetamide reduces the symptoms of autism.
Interestingly, the drug treats swelling and works by repairing the neurotransmitter-related “GABA switch” (excitatory-to-inhibitory GABA switch) in the brains of autistic children.
There are however side effects and potential concerns because the drug can cause dehydration and electrolyte depletion-both crucial elements in addressing a child with autism.
On the hopeful side, this study shows another link between inflammation, and complex brain and/or nervous system disorders like Autism. It may follow that by lowering inflammation in the body, neurotransmitter function can be restored in autistic children, and may explain why some kids respond to functional medicine testing and treatment for digestive, nutrient and immune related imbalances that cause systemic inflammation.
Clinically, I recommend testing to see if taking nutrients like butyrate (and not taking GABA) is a better option for resolving symptoms in autistic children who are not responding well to treatment.
In health,
Dr. Gina
33.657766
-117.877457
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
December 27, 2018
Kick off the new year with new information on how to live your best life. It is scheduled for
Thursday January 17th from 6:30 – 7:30 PM.
Learn the secrets to peak brain function and naturally treat addiction, depression, anxiety and insomnia without the use of drugs.
Please RSVP to Cierra promptly at frontdesk@drgina.com or (949) 715-9321 x 2. Seats are limited.
Organic food and drink will be served.
33.657549
-117.877731
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
October 27, 2018
“My experience with Dr. Gina was 5 star. She had studied the entire 16 page questionnaire I filled out in advance of our first visit, and based on that and her background, already knew much about my physical, emotional, mental and dare I say, spiritual health. I’ve been to many ND’s over the years, the naturopathic principles resonate with me. Dr. Gina was professional, science based, yet what impressed me the most was her intuition and perceptive “read” of my entire being. While several health issues precipitated my visits, what I learned was how deeply our mental, emotional and spiritual health affect the physical-and how empowering that realization was and is.
Truly I can say my experience with Dr. Gina was life changing, and the healing of all of those four has been permanent.
I was also quite impressed with her detecting that my thyroid was “off” although the usual tests did not reveal this. We treated that based on her understanding of other symptoms often overlooked by other doctors (not only MD’s, other ND’s as well). At that time she was also quite active in legislation to legitimize ND’s as primary care physicians, and offered limited office hours.
I felt and feel very fortunate I was able to be seen and treated by her.”
⁃ JD
Thank you JD!
–DrGina.com
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
September 10, 2010
New research concludes a rapidly emerging gene – found in a large and growing number of bacterial samples – makes bacteria immune to all drugs. Bacteria that acquire and reproduce this gene could spread so quickly that they could make all antibiotics redundant and signal the end of modern antibiotics. The gene, known as New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-1), was first found in pneumonia and E. coli bacteria taken from a single Swedish patient in 2009. But NDM-1 was found in 73 samples of Enterobacteriaceae (bacteria) taken from patients in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as 37 from the UK, who had traveled to these countries for elective surgery. Importantly, the NDM-1 gene was found on plasmids, DNA structures that can be easily copied and transferred between evolving bacteria, suggesting, wrote the researchers, “an alarming potential to spread and diversify among bacterial populations.” Worse, the infections were community acquired, meaning they exist in the general environment. No drugs, including those in development, are effective against NDM-1. This study was released August 11, 2010 and will be published in the September 2010 print issue of The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Meantime, the full-text version of the study can be accessed online at http://bit.ly/bEGfvg by journal subscribers or to those who register on the site; registration is free.
At LTP Medical our foundational approach to preventing and treating bacterial infections includes the use of Allimed, Oregacillin, Glutathione Complete, Green Light, Organic Reds, and Vitamin D3. Be sure your body also has sufficient levels of immune-boosting probiotics, minerals like Zinc and Selenium, and vitamins like A, C and E. There are simple blood tests that licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctors run to determine what your body really needs in terms of probiotic, vitamin and mineral supplementation. As we face a new generation of bacteria on the planet, it is best to optimize your immune function with proper nutrients and the removal of negative stress. And when possible and necessary, partner with a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor for individualized attention and to strengthen your approach to optimal health.
To your health!
Dr. G
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
August 18, 2010
A new study released by Michigan State University found that nearly 1 million children have been misdiagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The reason, the study found, was that kids who are youngest in their grades have a 60% greater chance of being diagnosed with ADHD. Nothing to do with brain chemistry, or the genuine need for medications. Simply due to their age. The details of this study were just published in USA Today.
There are beneficial naturopathic treatments for those labeled with ADHD. The beauty of Naturopathic Medicine is that doctors are treating the individual. Even if your child was diagnosed with ADHD, a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor will work on the underlying cause of the behavioral challenges and not simply treat the label your child was given by writing a script for Ritalin or other popular ADHD medication. This individualized treatment helps to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments with unknown long-term effects to a child’s developing brain and nervous system. Let’s focus on what is in the best interest of the children, now and in the future. Finding a doctor who takes the time to get to know your child, run appropriate lab tests to pinpoint the imbalances, and is focused on addressing the underlying cause of your child’s behavioral challenges is a reasonable place to start.
Yours in health,
–Dr. G
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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
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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
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
March 30, 2009
The first of seven Naturopathic Medicine segments will air on KOCE on April 08, 2009 in southern California. 
Tune 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
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
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.
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.
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
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