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
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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 | 
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
April 3, 2011
Interesting news about a new lawsuit filed against Monsanto by the Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT).
For more details click here:
In health and healing,
–Dr. G
—
Farmers and Seed Producers Launch Preemptive Strike against Monsanto
By The Cornucopia Institute Posted by Lynn Christianson
“Lawsuit Filed To Protect Themselves from Unfair Patent Enforcement on Genetically Modified Seed
Action Would Prohibit Biotechnology Giant from Suing Organic Farmers and Seed Growers If Innocently Contaminated by Roundup Ready Genes
NEW York: On behalf of 60 family farmers, seed businesses and organic agricultural organizations, the Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT) filed suit today against Monsanto Company challenging the chemical giant’s patents on genetically modified seed. The organic plaintiffs were forced to sue preemptively to protect themselves from being accused of patent infringement should their crops ever become contaminated by Monsanto’s genetically modified seed.
Monsanto has sued farmers in the United States and Canada, in the past, when there are patented genetic material has inadvertently contaminated their crops.”
READ MORE:
~~~
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Farmers-and-Seed-Producers-by-The-Cornucopia-Ins-110330-49.html
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
March 17, 2011
We are receiving a flurry of questions from patients who are concerned about potential radiation exposure from the devastation in Japan. Please know that the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has said that harmful levels of radiation are not expected in the United States. At this time it would be wise to test for levels of iodine (we use a urine test at our medical practice) and if warranted and safe for you, based on your test results, increase your intake of iodine-rich foods (kelp noodles, sea vegetables, wild caught salt water fish), and supplement with Thyrodine Complex at 1 capsule per day, or every other day, depending on your starting iodine levels.
In health and healing,
–Dr. G
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
March 16, 2011
A new research study published in Clinical Nutrition looked at magnesium intake and levels in patients diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. The researchers found that those with Diabetes had lower levels of magnesium in their body and there was a direct correlation between magnesium status and insulin control. Magnesium is used by the body in over 325 enzyme reactions and in the case of Diabetes, healthy insulin function is dependent upon magnesium! Try to keep your magnesium intake at a minimum of 500 mg per day and if you are not getting enough from food (a common occurrence), then consider supplementing with a high quality mineral supplement with magnesium. Some of the highest sources of magnesium in foods are dark green leafy vegetables, kelp, wheat bran, wheat germ and organic raw cashews.
To your health and healing,
-Dr. G
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
February 8, 2011
Please send a letter to President Obama and Secretary Vilsack today requesting their immediate revocation of the decision to fully deregulate Monsanto’s GMO crops and to democratically investigate the impact of this unproven technology on human health, the environment and farmers’ long-term ability to meet the challenges of 21st century agriculture.
In health,
-Dr. G
From Food Democracy Now!…
Over the past 12 days, the Obama administration has unbelievably chosen to approve two biotech crops, Roundup Ready genetically modified (GMO) alfalfa and Roundup Ready genetically modified (GMO) sugar beets. Obama’s recent approval of them will allow them to be planted as early as this spring, despite widespread acknowledgement that these crops are certain to contaminate both conventional and organic farmers non-GMO crops. Their approval only benefits one company — Monsanto.
These decisions are a devastating blow to our democracy and the basic rights of farmers to choose how they want to grow food on their land and the rights of consumers who increasingly choose organic and sustainably grown food for its positive health and environmental impacts. Please join us in telling President Obama that it’s time to stand up to Monsanto and reject these GMO crops today!
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
January 19, 2011
Please sign this letter to Gov. Jerry Brown, encouraging him to make healthy, local, organic and sustainable food policies a central part of his administration.
Food Democracy Now has prepared a letter to Gov. Jerry Brown, asking him to prioritize healthy, sustainable and local food and farm policies that benefit all Californians. The letter prepared by Food Democracy Now asks for California food policies that place a strong emphasis on improving access to healthy food to underserved communities, create economically vibrant farms and farm jobs, reward and adequately protect farm workers and ensure that the bounty of California’s natural resources are preserved for future generations.
In health,
–Dr. Gina
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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
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
November 30, 2010
Below is a report by the Natural Products Association regarding the Food Safety Modernization Act. The Senate passed the bill with language that was largely debated and in support of the Natural Products Industry and small farmers.
Here’s to positive changes happening in America!
–Dr. G
—
Food Safety Bill Passes the Senate
This morning the Senate passed S. 510, the Food Safety Modernization Act, by a vote of 73-25. It is still expected that the House will approve the bill as passed by the Senate, and send it on to the President for his signature. Enactment will complete a long legislative journey spanning several Congresses, and is a significant win for the NPA and the industry; as provisions negatively impacting natural products retailers and suppliers were modified or kept out of the bill, and measures supported by the industry were included.
As noted in earlier updates, the bill includes the language negotiated between industry champion Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), which prompted McCain to withdraw his support for S. 3002. There also are provisions protecting supplement makers from duplicative safety regulations, and language clarifying that nothing in the bill promotes adoption of CODEX by the United States. These provisions were supported by NPA. The bill also includes a recent amendment offered by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) to protect small farmers, as well as several other provisions. Not included in the revised package is the penalties amendment proposed by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) that the Natural Products Association opposed.
The final version of this bill is a demonstration of the impact of the strong grassroots voice of NPA members and others in the industry, and the hard work by the NPA staff and lobbying team.
The NPA will remain vigilant for the rest of the lame duck session of Congress to ensure the interests of the industry are protected.
LTP Natural Medical Center and Dr. Gina Cushman are members of the Natural Products Association and support their efforts to make positive change happen in America’s Natural Healthcare Industry.
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
November 16, 2010
In the next 24 hours, the Senate is voting on a crucial and controversial bill (Food Safety Modernization Bill) that compromises the health and well being of America’s local farmers. Please call or email your local representatives to encourage them to include the Tester-Hagan Amendment and the Manager’s Amendment , which offers some protection for farmers that have gross sales of less than $500,000 and sell within 400 miles of their farm.
Click here to read more and take action now!
In health,
–Dr. G
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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
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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick
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.
