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Monthly Archives: January 2018

Diabetes Management | Diabetes Does Not Have to be Your Future

Diabetes BCND

Insulin resistance is a precursor to diabetes and also has been associated with the development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Insulin resistance may be genetic however is largely contributed to lifestyle factors. Eating a diet high in refined sugars, processed foods, etc all contribute to the bodies development of insulin resistance.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. These cells scatter around the pancreas in small groupings known as islets of Langerhans. Insulin is then produced and released into the bloodstream, throughout the body. The insulin is then used to metabolize carbohydrates within the body, lipids, and proteins. Insulin also can play a role in the bodies production of energy as well as growth and repair within the body.

Once the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, high levels are needed in order to create the same action within the body causing the pancreas to overcompensate by generating more insulin. Eventually, the pancreas can no longer produce sufficient amounts of insulin and then the blood sugar rises creating risk factors for the body to develop diabetes as well as heart disease. Insulin resistance is considered a metabolic disorder because it affects the way the body metabolizes nutrients within the body, thus affecting the body’s overall ability to produce energy, detox, etc.

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Excess weight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and triglycerides are often symptoms seen along with insulin resistance, known as metabolic syndrome.

As a holistic doctor in family practice, we do not focus on the symptoms, but rather work with the individual step by step to restore the bodies ability to heal itself through creating lifestyle choices and behaviors to allow the body to heal itself. Working with someone on their diet, and the food to which they are eating is critical and the baseline to any health and wellness plan. Just working with someone on their food can easily bring up many suppressed, stored, avoided, and unhealthy relationships associated with foods and eating. Healing is more than just a physical job and someone looking to truly heal must be willing to address all aspects of their health for long lasting benefit and change. After uncovering those aspects, and exploring the hidden behaviors that are preventing healthy eating we then can look at what nutrients are lacking and needing support in order to support metabolic processes. B complexes, in addition to lipoic acid, often help support the body in digesting and assimilating both carbohydrates as well as proteins. Lipid oxidation can occur as a product of toxicity, but also carnitine deficiency. Many vegetarians, in fact, suffer from carnitine deficiencies which can affect the mitochondria of the cell. Once a person is further able to digest and assimilate the food they are eating combined with eating healthy foods, they are on their way to building greater health for years to come.

Currently, we offer a metabolic health class that teaches a person digestion, assimilation from the “top down”. If interested in learning more about your metabolism and how to heal it feel free to come to a class, or schedule an initial visit to discuss in person. Being a functional medicine provider, I am able to examine lab work on a deep level beyond highs and lows to uncover root causes of imbalances in health rather than fighting disease processes. I truly enjoy this work as it creates long-lasting impact for people by transforming their health.

Want to learn more? You can purchase tickets to our wellness classes here.
All information contained in this blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and is neither intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment nor for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.

Thermotherapy Benefits: The Science Behind the Thermotherapy Biomat

Biomat BCND

The Biomat is an FDA approved medical device with positive health indications and thermotherapy benefits. These indications are ailments to which the FDA has proved that a particular device actually works to produce a result. The Biomat is classified as a class II Medical Device and its indications are for temporary relief of muscle spasms, minor joint pain and stiffness, minor muscular back pain, muscle pain, joint pain associated with arthritis, minor strains, minor sprains, relaxation of muscles and the increase of local circulation where applied.

The heat received from the far infrared rays dilates the blood vessels much like aspirin, thus relieving muscle aches, back tensions while dilating blood vessels which results in increased blood flow and circulation. More oxygen-rich blood to depleted muscles can produce relief from aches as well as pains.

The far infrared also results in a rise of tissue temperatures and is considered thermotherapy. Thermotherapy is a therapy that adds heat to the body resulting in a rise of tissue temperature. This can increase blood flow to provide nutrients, protein, and oxygen at the place of injury. Studies show that a 1% increase in the temperature of tissues is associated with a ten to fifteen percent increase in tissue metabolism locally. This increase helps in the healing process by removing metabolic byproducts of the damaged tissues producing an environment to which the tissue may repair themselves.

As the heat raises body temperatures it induces a healthy fever, which can provide greater benefit to the immune system, specifically as a type of lymphocyte, known as a CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell, helps to eradicate infected cells. The biomat also generates negative ions by the way of seventeen layers to its construction. The TOCA (Tourmaline Catch Power) layer contains tourmaline stones which are a natural emitter of negative ions. In 2013 report on the effects of negative ions the studies were discussed the positive effects on physiological functions and human health from negative ions.

Because of the increased mineralization of the negative ions, the biomat can also be soothing for those suffering from exhaustion, fatigue, malaise, and assorted circulatory conditions. The biomat is safe effective and gentle which is why it is considered a basic detoxification service within our practice.

It has also been used in conjunction with other treatments for the following conditions:

  • Cancer
  • Chronic Pain
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Depression
  • Stress Reduction

 Book your first biomat session today along with a complimentary wellness visit here

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All information contained in this blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and is neither intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment nor for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.

The following studies are found via Richway in regards to studies on the efficacies of these particular treatment:

Measuring Stress Reduction Using Far Infrared Medical Device

Dr. George Grant, Ph.D, I.M.D., M.Sc., M.Ed., C.CHEM., R.M.

March 2nd, 2011

Article Featured in Prime-Journal.com – Measuring Stress Reduction using the InfraRed Negative Ions Amethyst BioMat

(A study where subjects were tested before and after using the Biomat for an hour daily over 2 months using ICAP Brain Scan, HRV Heart scan and Bio resonance Magnetic analyzer. The results were reduction in stress by 78% among subjects tested and an increased sense of well being.)

Download Study

Evaluating thermotherapy using the amethyst Biobelt and the infrared negative ion amethyst Bio-Mat

Dr. George Grant, Ph.D, I.M.D., M.Sc., M.Ed., C.CHEM., R.M.

(George Grant discusses the results of a 3 month study using the BioBelt and Bio-Mat to reduce fat, pain, and stress in 12 patients)

Download Study

The Effects of Repeated Thermal Therapy for Patients with Chronic Pain

Masuda A, Koga Y, Hattanmaru M, Minagoe S, Tei C.

Nishi Kyusyu University, Saga, Japan.

Hyperthermia in Cancer Treatment

National Institute on Cancer

BioMat Skin Temperature Test Protocol and Thermal Images

November, 22, 2007

Test Facility: Teletherm Infrared Systems / Research

(Test Protocols of person using BioMat showing temperatures at each time interval for the center of the back of the head, upper-middle back, lower-middle back, buttocks, middle back of thigh and middle back of calf.

Download Study 1

Download Study 2

Too Hot for Cancer

Alternative Medicine,, Issue 37 September, 2000

Harvey Kaltsas, D.O.Ml, A.P.

(A report on hyperthermia, electrotherapy and far infrared rays as a treatment for cancer)

Download Study

Preliminary Trial To Investigate The Effect Of Myocardial Maintenance Of Amethyst BioMat Following Miocardial Infarct Operation

Medical Reseach Center, Sapporo Medical School, Japan

Skanuma Kiyosi MD/PhD

Download Study

Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications

Fatma Vatansever and Michael R. Hamblin

Fatma Vatansever, Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; and Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA;

Corresponding author: Michael R. Hamblin, Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

Published 2012 Oct 16.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3699878/

Controlled Trial of Bright Light and Negative Air Ions for Chronic Depression

Psychological Medicine, 2005, 35, 1-11

Namni Goel, Michael Terman, Jiuan Su Terman, Mariana M. Macchi and Jonathan W. Stewart

(A peer-reviewed study that concludes that bright light and negative ion therapy is effective in treating chronic depression)

Download Study

Negative ion therapy research and studies

Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder with a High-output Negative Ionizer

Michael Terman, Ph.D. and Jiuan Su Terman, Ph.D.

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Volume 1, Number 1, 1996

(A study that suggests electrolyzed-reduced water scavenges active oxygen species and protects DNA from oxidative damage)

Download Study

Negatively Charged Atomic Oxygen and Its Impact on Biology and Pathology of Life Processes

Harry L. Beckman, M.D.

Presented at the 5th International Congress of Cybernetic Medicine, Naples, 1968

The Owner’s Manual for the Brain: Everyday Applications from Mind Brain Research

Pierce J Howard, Ph.D

Bard Press, 1999

The Benefits of Steam Therapy: Benefits & Process

Steam BCND

Are you wondering about the benefits of steam therapy? The use of steam baths goes back centuries often to the Romans and the Greeks who used steam as a means to heal and draw out impurities from the body. Hippocrates, the father of western medicine, also documented the benefits of steam as means of generating daily health. Most recently, Dr Reinhard Bergel of the University of Munich’s Institute of Medical Balneology and Climatology attributes “physiological changes that occur during the bath” to “raise the body temperature in part to the influence of the reflexes of the hormonal and nervous systems, which attempt to increase heat loss” Moist heat has been known to be significant in the treatment of upper respiratory conditions.

Moist heat in the steam shower, has been documented by Dr. Bergel, to relieve the following conditions especially for cold sufferers. Benefits of steam therapy can help with the following conditions:

  • Bronchial Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Catarrh of the upper respiratory tract
  • Coughs
  • Hoarseness
  • Expectoration (coughing up phlegm)

Steam has often been praised for its benefits in respiratory health while improving sinus drainage, bronchial secretions, and nasal passages related to symptoms of viruses. However it also has many benefits for the skin as well including:

  • Opening pores
  • Lubricating the skin
  • Hydrating dry skin
  • Rejuvenating the skin

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Not only does the skin benefit overall steam helps with overall:

  • The removal of toxins
  • Increasing circulation
  • Ridding itself of excess sodium
  • Relieving pain and discomfort from arthritis
  • Aiding in metabolic function
  • Relieving stress
  • Promoting deep and restful sleep
  • Fostering wellbeing
  • Boosting in metabolism and burning 150 calories in a 15 minute steam session at 114 degrees

We use steam therapy as a means to detox the body in a safe, gentle, non forceful way which is why this service is one of our basic detox services, as it uses the body’s own ability to detoxify itself. This service can be combined with the healing properties of essential oils and various other clays as well as mud packs in order to facilitate ones healing. It is recommended to participate in one or more basic detox 1-2 times per week or as recommended by your doctor.

All information contained in this blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and is neither intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment nor for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.

Understanding Hypertension & What we Can do About it

Hypertension BCND

Hypertension affects millions of Americans every year and is considered one of the most commonly diagnosed medical condition. Hypertension or high blood pressure is often diagnosed and medication is provided in order to prevent heart attack or other cardiac events. Out of the many medications prescribed today, hypertensive medication is among one of the top most commonly prescribed medications. Sadly, many people are not taught that by changing your lifestyle and diet it is possible that blood pressures may turn back to normal while reducing the need for medications. That is not to say there is not a place for medications. In fact, I often work integratively with many cardiologists around Virginia beach collaboratively with cases as I look to undercover the causes of the person’s metabolic condition while the cardiologists manage the heart as well as any known disease process. Together we work collaboratively to assist a person in getting well. Not everyone can reduce their need for medication, however, some may reduce and sometimes eliminate their need if they work on repairing their bodies and finding the causes of imbalances in their health.

Common Causes of Hypertension

The number one cause of hypertension is…….dehydration. Many people often consume way too many calories and not enough water. As they deplete themselves of necessary water it thickens the blood causing more pressure on the blood and arterial walls. Other things that can contribute to a rise in blood pressure include toxicities such as heavy metals, specifically, lead and aluminum found in many common products in addition to diets high in refined ingredients and processed sodium laden foods. Chronic stress both internal, as well as perceived external stressors, can also play a role. Stressors such as underlying bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and yeast infections can wreak havoc on the bloodstream creating more pressures as the body attempts to signal that something is wrong. Perceived stressors such as external stress from work, children, spouses, and life can also put more unnecessary stress on the system including stimulating the adrenal glands (stress glands) which then, in turn, eat up necessary electrolytes and minerals in the body throwing off electrolytes that are necessary to the healthy regulation of the heart. Not to mention various nutrient deficiencies within the body from things like Vit D, Vitamin C, Choline, Mag, CoQ10, and more.

Understanding that these may or may not be the finite mechanisms to which pathologists (those who study disease) may agree with, your allopathic doctor may not even agree that these are some of the causes of hypertension. However, I can assure you I have seen it day in and day out, in living proof in front of me and the one thing that is most astonishing is that of all the things that people come to my practice ready to work on Hypertension is the most common AND the easiest to address. With a little direction and a focused strategic plan, we can uncover a healing journey that allows you to see not only the healing power of nature but also the healing power of the body. It truly amazes me every time I witness the body effortlessly heal itself when we provide it the necessary things and eliminate the things that do not serve us.

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A word on genetics. Dr. Bruce Lipton, famed geneticists taught us many years ago, please review The BIology of Belief, that we are not a victim of our genes. He discovered the concept of epigenetics. As a Harvard professor and researcher, he discovered that Genetic Predispositions were present, but the only manifestation if the genes did not like the environment they were in, meaning if the genes have a healthy environment they stay healthy if they have an unhealthy environment they are unhealthy. A person can have a predisposition to something and not manifest the disease process. What happens when people say, well My Mom had it, her Mother had it, and now I have it! I say you don’t have to, because most of the time unhealthy lifestyle patterns and behaviors are passed down from generation to generation. Although, you a shift those unhealthy lifestyle patterns and heal yourself if you so choose. And the choice is now!

Even if you are lots of medication, or perhaps have had surgical cardiac interventions, you still have an opportunity to heal your quality of life. As long as you are upright walking around you stand a chance. I am here to encourage you, motivate you, and fight for your well being every step of the way. Once you are ready, I can assure you that it will be a journey of self-discovery to which you have never imagined. I had a family history of cardiac disease and diabetes and through my passion for health, I discovered that my body is an amazing self-healing organism that can and will heal itself if given the right environment. My job is to simply care to take my environment and help myself live well and stay well.

If you are not ready to feet first into the pool of natural health, I strongly recommend our wellness classes. We have plenty of classes to choose from such as Food as Medicine, Clean Eating Classes, Positive Affirmation Classes, and more. We are committed to making a difference in our community by transforming the lives of families across Hampton Roads. Together we can truly make a long-lasting difference in the health of millions! And also, if you are ready to work directly with a Functional Medicine Practitioner or Naturopathic Doctor feel free to call (757-685-4325) and schedule your first visit, we have a 15 mins wellness consultation as well as a One-hour consultation available for a fee. 

Book your wellness visit or consultation today by clicking here.

All information contained in this blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and is neither intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment nor for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.