Announcements
We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!
The Clinic is closed for the holidays from December 24th to January 2nd.
Introduction
In this quarterly issue of the newsletter, our articles discuss allergies and nutrition. Also, we highlight their link to skin health. The Clinic has built a significant reputation over the past ten years in determining allergies and nutritional insufficiencies to help manage and reverse skin disorders such as acne, excema and psoriasis. Achieving success in these cases is very rewarding, as patients have often suffered for long periods of time with little hope of help beyond pharmaceutical interventions. It is especially important for children and adolescents to determine root causes of health issues, and treat them as naturally as possible. This allows them the best possible health throughout their maturation into adults.
Below is a simplified diagram. There are numerous interconnected processes that are specific to each patient. Always seek professional advice to treat a health condition.
Health Bulletin
The following article is something to consider over the holiday season if you are a wine drinker. It is also a good reminder that moderation is never out of style.
Posted in Nutrition, Functional Foods on Fri October 31, 2008 A study by British researchers has revealed that many red and white wines produced in Europe contain potentially dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals.
Professor Declan Naughton and Dr Andrea Petróczi of Kingston University, London, calculated target hazard quotients (THQs) for the presence of seven metal ions (vanadium, chromium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, and lead) in wines from 15 countries in Europe, South America, and the Middle East. THQs provide an indication of risk associated with long-term exposure to chemicals based upon reference upper safe limits - a THQ of 1.0 or less is classed as safe however a THQ above 1.0 is considered to be potentially hazardous.
Results showed that most of the wines tested had THQs between 50 and 200 per glass, with some having a THQ as high as 350. Wines from Hungary and Slovakia contained the highest levels of heavy metal contaminants. Italy, Brazil, and Argentina were the only countries out of the 15 tested whose wine had THQs of 1.0 or less.
The findings do not suggest that drinking one glass of wine could be dangerous; however the researchers say that there is a "significant concern to health for people ingesting one 250 ml glass per day."
The researchers conclude: "The results from this study also question a popular belief about the health-giving properties of red wine: that drinking red wine daily protects you from heart attacks is often related to levels of anti-oxidants. However the finding of hazardous levels of metal ions which can be pro-oxidants leads to a major question mark over the protective benefits of red wine."
Naughton DP, Petroczi A. Heavy metal ions in wines: meta-analysis of target hazard quotients reveal health risks. Chemistry Central Journal. 2008. doi:10.1186/1752-153X-2-22.
Success Story
Contributed by Dr. Jennifer Nardella
A child came to the clinic with severe excema, asthma and constipation. These conditions had persisted for the past seven years. Antibiotic and topical steroid treatments were used regularly over that time period. Due to the severity of the issues we tested the patient in all of the most pertinent areas that may be contributing to the patient's health conditions. Comprehensive digestive function (stool) analysis was completed, environmental and food allergies were determined, celiac testing, and the metabolism of essential fatty acids.
These tests revealed a very high level of inflammatory bowel disease. Numerous food and environmental allergies were identified. Celiac disease tested positive. The patient had an insufficient level of omega 3 fats and too high a level of trans fats.
Dietary changes were made according to allergy and celiac test results. Supplementation was used to heal the intestinal tract and eliminate nutritional deficiencies. Ultrasonic Dermasound treatments were used to restore healthy skin function. All of these actions resulted in a 75% decrease in the presence of excema, regular bowel function was restored, improved management of allergy and asthma symptoms and improved self-esteem for the patient.
Regular Ultrasonic skin treatments, following a dietary plan and the right supplementation regime are required to maintain the results.
Treatment Spotlight: Acupuncture Allergy Elimination Technique
The allergic response is an "over-reaction" by the body's immune system to a food or substance found in the patient's environment (e.g. pollen). The substance may be harmless to someone, but a nuisance to someone else. It usually takes repeated exposure to an allergen for a person to develop an allergy.
The concept of balance is central to Chinese Medicine. According to Oriental medical principles; "When the body is in perfect balance, no disease is possible." Any disturbance in this balance or homeostasis can cause disease. An allergen is considered a disturbance to homeostasis, or a blockage in energy pathways. The brain sends signals to the body when there is a blockage in an energy pathway. These signals can include illness, pain, inflammation and various physical and psychological discomforts.
Acupuncture allergy elimination is a mild and gentle, energy balancing procedure that is designed to remove energy pathway blockages and restore balance within the body. Before the acupuncture sessions begin, it is recommended to have the blood tests done to determine a patient's allergies. Once the allergies have been discovered, they can be treated by acupuncture elimination techniques. This process may need to be supported by supplements. A patient can expect anywhere from 5 to 10 acupuncture sessions for relief of allergy symptoms.
Physicians need additional training and certification in acupuncture allergy elimination. As a Naturopathic Physician, I have completed training and certification through Dr. Devi Nambudripad MD, L.Ac, PH.D, Los Angeles, California in acupuncture allergy elimination techniques.
Acne: Our Successful Natural Approach to Treatment
Contributed by Megan Strocel, Patient Care Manager
Acne is a common skin inflammatory condition afflicting people of all ages. There are a variety of internal and external causes of acne and delaying medical treatment can cause the development of scars and psychological damage. Acne can be controlled by external treatments; however it can rarely be eliminated. Active skin treatment, nutrition and lifestyle modifications may be necessary for the patient's long-term health. The Nardella Clinic focuses both on the internal and external basis of acne treatment.
Breakouts are largely influenced by our daily lifestyles and physiology. In the lifestyle of the Western world nutritional voids, stress, and hormonal imbalances exist. Acne lies in the result of our modern diet and lifestyle habits. We simply do not eat enough of the right foods. Also, some patients have difficulty appropriately utilizing nutrients. Detoxification, digestive problems and metabolism of essential fatty acids all pose long-term risk to our health and are of an immediate concern when it comes the treatment of acne.
The commonly occurring foods in the average diet have a high glycemic index and can spike blood sugar levels and insulin release; significant players in the production of sebum (oil) that can clog the follicles, folliculitis. Excess intake of saturated fats and dietary sugars provoke inflammation of the follicle. High iodide content in many foods can aggravate the skin and promote acne. At the Nardella Clinic, daily nutritional intake is measured, assessed, and adjusted based on a patient's individual dietary needs.
Androgenic hormones, such as testosterone, are a significant factor in the development of acne because of their ability to produce sebum in both males and females. Stress is a known contributor to the production of testosterone. Treatments and tests are available to help control an individual's particular hormone levels.
Inflammation can be connected to all chronic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and even acne. Hydrogenated trans and saturated fats and dietary sugars also found in Western diets are among the largest contributors to the growing negative influence of inflammation on health. The over consumption of omega-6 fatty acids (e.g. Corn, safflower, and sunflower oils) has been proven to promote inflammation. Conversely, omega-3s have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Fish oils may be prescribed to a patient battling acne.
The Nardella Clinic emphasizes the importance of a healthy intestinal tract. The bacteria inherent to healthy micro flora enormously influence the immune system by preventing toxins and unwanted materials from entering the bloodstream. The micro flora in our colons can diminish levels of inflammation and directly affect our skin. Colon hydrotherapy is available at the clinic as a means of flushing excess toxins from our intestinal tract, thus regenerating and maintaining a healthy environment for good bacteria.
External care and maintenance of acne is equally as important for producing and maintaining healthy looking skin. Sunlight, climate, friction, industrial factors, and cosmetics are all environmental contributors of acne. These forces can be mitigated through Ultrasonic facials, alpha hydroxy acids, and a variety of other effective products and treatments provided by the clinic.
As clinical skin care specialists, all of the Clinic's Patient Care Managers have a deep interest in successfully treating acne. We maintain a successful track record in restoring healthy skin and decreasing the long-term negative influences of systemic inflammation for our acne patients.
Disclaimer
This document does not convey medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. Persons wanting to learn more about the topics discussed in this document or to pursue treatments need to contact the Nardella Clinic. Assessment by a clinic doctor or qualified staff member is required prior to starting any treatment.
|
