The Great American Smokeout

November 12, 2008

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The American Cancer Society is hosting its 33rd Great American Smokeout on Thursday November 20th, 2008.  There are approximately 45 million Americans who smoke.  And quitting is tough, but doable.  One place you can go for free help is the American Cancer Society Quitline® at 1-800-227-2345 where you will receive free confidential counseling.  If you are a smoker who is ready to move beyond this crutch, auricular acupuncture is another successful way to help you quit.  The ear contains acupuncture points that correspond with every organ and system in the human body, and there are some points within the ear that are particularly helpful, and well researched and proved to modify the moods and behaviors that lead to smoking.

Cellular detoxification is a critical step on the path to quitting.  I recommend a three week whole body, systemic cleanse, to aid in the removal of stored nicotine that makes quitting so difficult. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance and a thorough detoxification program will help reduce your body’s cravings for it.

I also recommend  one scoop of ITI Greens mixed with one tablespoon of LTP Green Light every day if you are a smoker. This will help support daily detoxification and help protect your cells from the free radical damage and DNA damage that is produced when you smoke.

The decision to quit smoking can’t be taken lightly. But when you do decide to quit for good, get some counseling, and start detoxing.  I recommend doing the 3 week cleanse at the change of each season for the first year, and after that, back down to twice per year.  And in between, take your ITI Greens and LTP Green Light daily. Your cells will thank you for it.

If you are ready to quit, why not start detoxing today, and make the commitment on November 20th, to be a part of the Great American Smokeout!

–Dr. G

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

Antioxidants can Protect the Body from Heavy Metal Toxicity

November 10, 2008

A new research study just published in Food and Chemical Toxicology points to the potential benefit of antioxidant therapy as a way to prevent and treat lead toxicity. This study was done on mice, and demonstrated that the underlying cause of lead toxicity is the production of free radicals that causes cellular damage.  Antioxidant therapy is an effective way to neutralize free radicals and potentially protect or treat the body from the damaging effects of heavy metals like lead.  The same mechanism holds true for other toxic metals including mercury, cadmium and arsenic.

This makes a lot of sense since free radicals tend to congregate within the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) where the DNA is also housed.  Hence free radicals lead to DNA or genetic damage.  Antioxidants bind to free radicals and render them inactive so that they cannot damage the most vulnerable areas within the cell.

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One of my favorite combinations for optimizing antioxidant status in the body is one scoop of ITI greens mixed with one heaping tablespoon of LTP Green Light in about 8 oz of water.  This   combination provides antioxidants in their most bio-available, potent and effective form, as designed by nature in its infinite brilliance – whole foods.  These green products also bind to toxins within the body and pull them out of stored tissues, oxygenates the blood, and are a critical foundational element to overall health and vitality.

I believe that everyone will benefit from taking steps daily to remove heavy metals from their system and to optimize their antioxidant capacity through whole, organic green foods.  I also recommend a 3 week systemic cleanse, at least two times per year to optimize your health and feel energized to fulfill your purpose(s) in Life.

In Health,

Dr. G

4 Comments | Diet and Disease, Heavy Metals, Latest Nutritional Research, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Prevention, Toxins and Detoxification | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

More Internet Time, Less Sleep and More Alcohol are Causes of Weight Gain in Adolescent Females

November 7, 2008

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A research study published in the Journal of Pediatrics followed over 5,000 girls aged 14-21 from around the United States to see if there were any correlations between alcohol consumption, internet usage, coffee (with caffeine) intake, sleep and increases in body mass index.  Females, aged 18+ years who slept less than or equal to five hours per night or who drank 2 or more alcoholic beverages per week gained an average of 4 extra pounds over 1 year. And these behaviors were highly correlated with internet use.

What this study, and others like it, reveals is that older girls will benefit from replacing recreational Internet time with sleep and by avoiding alcohol. I also recommend that women in this age group consume a high potency multivitamin complex, essential fatty acids, and take in adequate amounts of quality protein each day.  All of these components will help their developing bodies to handle stress in a healthy way, which will translate into a healthy weight and will prevent unnecessary pounds from creeping in!

In health,

Dr. G

Leave a Comment » | Diet and Disease, Latest Nutritional Research, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Prevention, Weight loss, Women's Health | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

Beyond Thyroid Medication

November 6, 2008

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A number of my patients come into my office with a low functioning thyroid gland.  Typically they have symptoms including fatigue, weight gain that is difficult to overcome, thinning hair and mental “fog.” Nine times out of ten they have been prescribed Synthroid.  I will often re-test their blood levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH, T3 [active thyroid]) and TPO.  Additionally we have a medical test in our office called Thyroflex that tests the actual functioning of the thyroid gland.  I will then often switch my patients from Synthroid to Westhroid which is a natural alternative. One product I find beneficial for my patients who are not responding well to prescription Westhroid or who need additional support is Thyroid Support by Gaia Herbs.

I also find that patients with hypothyroid symptoms tend to have a vitamin B12 and iron deficiency, which is verified through blood tests we perform in our office.  Once that is treated, patients truly begin to feel better and their energy level, clarity of thought, and weight loss efforts dramatically improve.

And finally, for those patients that still do not feel fabulous after addressing thyroid function, I take a look at adrenal gland function and will test cortisol and DHEA levels in saliva to find out if the adrenal glands are playing a role, because adrenal gland function and thyroid function are interrelated.

In health,

Dr. G

1 Comment | Diet and Disease, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Weight loss | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

FDA Urged to Recall Over-the-Counter Children’s Cough & Cold Medicines

October 3, 2008

Pediatricians are urging the Food and Drug Administration to recall cough and cold medications sold over the counter that are marketed to children under 6 years of age.  The evidence shows that these medicines are not effective and can actually be harmful to children.  According to market research firm Nielson Co., families spend at least $286 million dollar per year on these questionable products.

Big business need not get in the way of protecting the health and well-being of children who depend upon adults for their care.

If you would like to try a natural and effective way to boost your child’s immune system, I use and recommend the following for my patients: Berry Well Immune Support, Coconut Milk Powder with Probiotic Blend and HP Multi-Vitamin Complex.

Some capsule supplements, such as Probiotic Blend and HP Multi-Vitamin Complex, mentioned above, can be added by simply opening the capsules and empty the powder into your child’s favorite beverage.  For strong immune support I use Oregacillin and Allimed.

In health,

Dr. Gina

1 Comment | Childhood Nutrition, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Pharmaceuticals | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

Ante Up for Autism with Jenny McCarthy and Lance Armstrong

October 3, 2008

On Friday October 3rd,  I will be representing LTP Natural Medical Center at the Ante Up for Autism fund raising gala with Jenny McCarthy and Lance Armstrong. They are teaming up to raise funds for TACA (Talk About Curing Autism).

Researchers and physicians are making exciting breakthroughs in ways to help children and adults with autism overcome their health challenges.  This celebrity-filled fundraiser is sure to draw a large crowd and many donations that will support the advancement of innovative, individualized and effective care for people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

LTP Natural Medical Center in Laguna Beach, CA, where I treat patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder, is donating $4500 worth of goods and services to this event.

Stay tuned for the post-event blog!

In health,

Dr. Gina

4 Comments | Autism, Naturopathic Medicine, Prevention | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

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