I have created a 40-Day CLEAN & LEAN program featuring Arbonne's vegan, botanically based, and gluten free products. Make 2012 the year you finally learn about health and wellness.
Ok, so I am self promoting for once. Sue me!
Do you feel tired and sluggish all the time? Do you feel bloated most of the time? Has your skin and hair lost its glow? Skin rashes? Constipation? Poor memory? Headaches? Joint and muscle pain?
These are just some of the signs of toxic overload!
Join my 40-day program that will begin with a mini-detox, followed by a nutritional plan...that can be continued way past the 40 day mark.
Joining is very simple! There is no fee to join!
Call your family and friends. Join the program together!
The official start date of the plan will be Monday, Jan 2nd, 2012. We are NOT wasting anytime after the holidays!!
There will be a FREE group conferencing call every week for 4 weeks while you are on the plan. The calls are meant to be informative and motivating. Instructions will be sent via email after the purchase of the products.
Contact me at 914.909-2546 or tina.discepola@gmail.com for more info
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
The Power of Protein
http://www.livestrong.com/article/323403-arbonne-protein-shake-ingredients/
My vegan protein shake is part of my daily routine.
I use a variety of different brands...mostly all vegan. I do use PhysioWhey Powder by Physiologics cuz its the only whey powder that doesn't upset my stomach
Arbonne protein powder in vanilla is one that I use often. It comes in individual packets that I can carry to work or the gym making it very convenient...so I just keep them in my car.
I also use Vega protein mix and Bio-Pure Protein by Metagenics. I like them all, but the convenience of the Arbonne shake makes it a winner.
My morning shake is made with:
2 cups water
2 scoops of protein powder
1 scoop Arbonne's Fiber Boost (which is pectin based soluble fiber...tasteless and effective)
1 scoop of Phytotality Greens Powder by Physiologics
1 scoop of D-ribose powder
1 tablespoon of almond butter
1 banana (sometimes berries also)
1/2 cup of oat bran powder or ground flax seed.
In the afternoon I simply mix 2 scoops of protein powder with 1 cup of water in a shaker cup.
I get about 40 grams of protein in shakes daily. The rest of my protein needs are met through foodstuff (eggs, fish, beans, peas).
I encourage everyone to lead low-carb lifestyles. These protein shakes are a safe and easy way to increase protein in the diet which are better calories for the body. They also help curb carb cravings. Our protein intake becomes more and more important as we age. Unfortuately, as peple age they tend to increase their carb intake, not the protein.
Have fun mixing your shakes, There are loads of great recipes online.
Happy Season of Thanks to ALL.
Bacioni,
Tina
To purchase Physiologic products, go to http://www.physiologics.com/. Use 914-909-2546 or ID # SP03061 to order.
To purchase Arbonne products go to http://www.arbonne.com/ Use ID # 19259404 to order.
Call 914-909-2546 if you have questions. t
My vegan protein shake is part of my daily routine.
I use a variety of different brands...mostly all vegan. I do use PhysioWhey Powder by Physiologics cuz its the only whey powder that doesn't upset my stomach
Arbonne protein powder in vanilla is one that I use often. It comes in individual packets that I can carry to work or the gym making it very convenient...so I just keep them in my car.
I also use Vega protein mix and Bio-Pure Protein by Metagenics. I like them all, but the convenience of the Arbonne shake makes it a winner.
My morning shake is made with:
2 cups water
2 scoops of protein powder
1 scoop Arbonne's Fiber Boost (which is pectin based soluble fiber...tasteless and effective)
1 scoop of Phytotality Greens Powder by Physiologics
1 scoop of D-ribose powder
1 tablespoon of almond butter
1 banana (sometimes berries also)
1/2 cup of oat bran powder or ground flax seed.
In the afternoon I simply mix 2 scoops of protein powder with 1 cup of water in a shaker cup.
I get about 40 grams of protein in shakes daily. The rest of my protein needs are met through foodstuff (eggs, fish, beans, peas).
I encourage everyone to lead low-carb lifestyles. These protein shakes are a safe and easy way to increase protein in the diet which are better calories for the body. They also help curb carb cravings. Our protein intake becomes more and more important as we age. Unfortuately, as peple age they tend to increase their carb intake, not the protein.
Have fun mixing your shakes, There are loads of great recipes online.
Happy Season of Thanks to ALL.
Bacioni,
Tina
To purchase Physiologic products, go to http://www.physiologics.com/. Use 914-909-2546 or ID # SP03061 to order.
To purchase Arbonne products go to http://www.arbonne.com/ Use ID # 19259404 to order.
Call 914-909-2546 if you have questions. t
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The Neck Bone is connected to the Ankle Bone
Oh, aren't I just a terrible blogger?? Oh well, I am not going to apologize for the busy-ness of my life. Fact is I am loving every moment. I run, run, run in a good way...not the breathless, frantic kind of run I used to do.
I LOVE being active and occupied.
So, all this running around takes its toll on my body. I do a good amount of daily exercise and core training. I am jumping in and out of my car most days. Probably the worst thing I do most days is sit at the desk with patients and in front of the computer. I never feel pain and my joints are good, but I sometimes feel twisted or "uneven".
Last Friday, I was seeing a patient for an IV treatments at my colleague's office, Dr Peter Sayegh. He asked me when was the last time I had an adjustment. I was embarrassed to say that it had been 2 or 3 years. I couldn't believe it. I used to be a regular. My kids grew up receiving regular adjustments until my good friend and chiropractor, Deb Gioe, passed away. I have had a couple of ART treatemnts in the city. The real problem is that I am running taking care of anyone and everyone but me. Uh ohhh, that is a big NO-NO!!! The other factor is that I have had not so good adjustments that have sometimes left me feeling a bit worse than when I walked in. So there is always that anxiety about trying someone new.
Sooo, I hesitated a bit, but Peter coaxed me in to the chair. Unbelievable!! I am back in full form.
The neck adjustment was so effortless. I had no problem hopping on the table after that. I love that he talks while he is hands on, so it relieves the anxiety of anticipation.
He offically wins my "Hands of Gold" award.
It was such a small adjustment x 3, but it has made a world of difference. My workouts are better. My balance is better. My lung expansion is better. Even my mood is better!! DAMN!!!
Life is most definitely better after a Peter Sayegh adjustment!
Anyone in the NY/Westchester/Tri State area...Dr Sayegh is definitely worth the ride over.
http://www.mycreatingwellness.com/
Ok, my faithful Bogga babies...Stay loose, stay connected.
Keep the scales balanced.
Its ALL good!!
Peace, Tina
I LOVE being active and occupied.
So, all this running around takes its toll on my body. I do a good amount of daily exercise and core training. I am jumping in and out of my car most days. Probably the worst thing I do most days is sit at the desk with patients and in front of the computer. I never feel pain and my joints are good, but I sometimes feel twisted or "uneven".
Last Friday, I was seeing a patient for an IV treatments at my colleague's office, Dr Peter Sayegh. He asked me when was the last time I had an adjustment. I was embarrassed to say that it had been 2 or 3 years. I couldn't believe it. I used to be a regular. My kids grew up receiving regular adjustments until my good friend and chiropractor, Deb Gioe, passed away. I have had a couple of ART treatemnts in the city. The real problem is that I am running taking care of anyone and everyone but me. Uh ohhh, that is a big NO-NO!!! The other factor is that I have had not so good adjustments that have sometimes left me feeling a bit worse than when I walked in. So there is always that anxiety about trying someone new.
Sooo, I hesitated a bit, but Peter coaxed me in to the chair. Unbelievable!! I am back in full form.
The neck adjustment was so effortless. I had no problem hopping on the table after that. I love that he talks while he is hands on, so it relieves the anxiety of anticipation.
He offically wins my "Hands of Gold" award.
It was such a small adjustment x 3, but it has made a world of difference. My workouts are better. My balance is better. My lung expansion is better. Even my mood is better!! DAMN!!!
Life is most definitely better after a Peter Sayegh adjustment!
Anyone in the NY/Westchester/Tri State area...Dr Sayegh is definitely worth the ride over.
http://www.mycreatingwellness.com/
Ok, my faithful Bogga babies...Stay loose, stay connected.
Keep the scales balanced.
Its ALL good!!
Peace, Tina
Friday, June 24, 2011
Life Long
Everyone at some point wonders what their lifspan will be. Will they be old, withered and gray sitting in a nursing home? Will they be an active octogenarian involved in community affairs and still driving? Will they drop dead in their 50's from a sudden heart attack. Will their life's end mimic their parent's story?
I have certainly posed these questions. I look at my parents who are vibrant and very physically active in their late 70's. My paternal predecessors all lived to their 90's and 100's. My mom's family(both sides)never seem to make it into their 80's, for one reason or another. We are very fortunate still to not have cancer as part of our family history. But both families had very similar lifstyles, diets, and habits in southern Italy. So what's the deal for me??
What do I do? I take excellent care of myself. I read the research done in the world of Anti-Aging and Longevity Medicine. I learn from the data, and try to incorporate those findings into the real-time of my life.
Many studies have been done on telomeres, their activity, and how the shortening of our telomeres impacts mortality risk and senior health.
THIS is what we need to pay attention to!!!
We are made up of Chromosomes which are made up of strands of DNA. The
Telomere is the segment of DNA that occurs at the ends of chromosomes, the CAP at the end of the chain. Telomerase is the enzyme that causes telomeres to lengthen. Our telomeres shorten and divide everyday. That is part of the aging process
Bad things happen when telomeres shorten or telomerase is lost When we no longer have telomerase, our telomeres shorten.... SOOO not good.
This is a data interpretation excerpt from the Journal of American Epidemiology. March 2011, a study on short telomeres and its link to increased mortality over a six-year period...."Data strongly suggests that erosion of telomeres is the result of an accruing burden of oxidative stress and inflammation, which is known to enhanced by exposure to infectious and inflammatory disease. The significant relationship between leukocyte telomere length and interleukin-6, a biomarker of inflammation, found here, and in an earlier study, supports this finding."
I never mean for these blogs to be scientific or difficult for anyone to understand, but it is important to know that science is the basis for what we doctors do. Functional doctors, integrative doctors, anti-aging doctors (WHATEVER!!) rely heavily on these sorts of studies, especially since our practices are considered to be out of mainstream medicine.
Ok, SOOO...now I when I talk about my anti-inflammatory diet(whole food alkaline based), and natural anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing agents like turmeric and Vitamin D, and promote hormone replacement to help prevent inflammatory conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, and coronary artery disease....This is what I'm really trying to do. When I go on and on about the environmental toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis, and the efforts that we need to take to eliminate them....I am trying to SAVE our chromosomes.
Eating unprocessed foods, eliminating toxic exposures, building our immune systems to ward off infections and tumor growth are the things that we can all do to stop the aging process.
Everyday we are losing chromosomes. . So don't just be healthy some of the time. Don't just exercise sometimes. Be proactive in your march for longevity. THINK health all the time.
It's all about choices....and there is a consequence for every choice that we make in life. Determine what your outcome will be.
As for me....I'm on the long-term plan (and hopefully I won't get hit by a bus along the way).
Peace today and always,
Tina
I have certainly posed these questions. I look at my parents who are vibrant and very physically active in their late 70's. My paternal predecessors all lived to their 90's and 100's. My mom's family(both sides)never seem to make it into their 80's, for one reason or another. We are very fortunate still to not have cancer as part of our family history. But both families had very similar lifstyles, diets, and habits in southern Italy. So what's the deal for me??
What do I do? I take excellent care of myself. I read the research done in the world of Anti-Aging and Longevity Medicine. I learn from the data, and try to incorporate those findings into the real-time of my life.
Many studies have been done on telomeres, their activity, and how the shortening of our telomeres impacts mortality risk and senior health.
THIS is what we need to pay attention to!!!
We are made up of Chromosomes which are made up of strands of DNA. The
Telomere is the segment of DNA that occurs at the ends of chromosomes, the CAP at the end of the chain. Telomerase is the enzyme that causes telomeres to lengthen. Our telomeres shorten and divide everyday. That is part of the aging process
Bad things happen when telomeres shorten or telomerase is lost When we no longer have telomerase, our telomeres shorten.... SOOO not good.
This is a data interpretation excerpt from the Journal of American Epidemiology. March 2011, a study on short telomeres and its link to increased mortality over a six-year period...."Data strongly suggests that erosion of telomeres is the result of an accruing burden of oxidative stress and inflammation, which is known to enhanced by exposure to infectious and inflammatory disease. The significant relationship between leukocyte telomere length and interleukin-6, a biomarker of inflammation, found here, and in an earlier study, supports this finding."
I never mean for these blogs to be scientific or difficult for anyone to understand, but it is important to know that science is the basis for what we doctors do. Functional doctors, integrative doctors, anti-aging doctors (WHATEVER!!) rely heavily on these sorts of studies, especially since our practices are considered to be out of mainstream medicine.
Ok, SOOO...now I when I talk about my anti-inflammatory diet(whole food alkaline based), and natural anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing agents like turmeric and Vitamin D, and promote hormone replacement to help prevent inflammatory conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, and coronary artery disease....This is what I'm really trying to do. When I go on and on about the environmental toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis, and the efforts that we need to take to eliminate them....I am trying to SAVE our chromosomes.
Eating unprocessed foods, eliminating toxic exposures, building our immune systems to ward off infections and tumor growth are the things that we can all do to stop the aging process.
Everyday we are losing chromosomes. . So don't just be healthy some of the time. Don't just exercise sometimes. Be proactive in your march for longevity. THINK health all the time.
It's all about choices....and there is a consequence for every choice that we make in life. Determine what your outcome will be.
As for me....I'm on the long-term plan (and hopefully I won't get hit by a bus along the way).
Peace today and always,
Tina
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Gluten and Thyroid Disease
Hashimoto thyroiditis is a condition where the body makes antibodies (attacker cells) to its own thyroid, causing it to function improperly.
According to research reported on in the medical journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences, a significant number of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease also have celiac disease. Celiac disease is a disorder that causes the intestines to react abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, kamut, and other related grains.
"...researchers found that...organ-specific autoantibodies (i.e., thyroid antibodies) -- will disappear after 3 to 6 months of a gluten-free diet."
Celiac disease, which is sometimes referred to as celiac sprue, sprue, or gluten intolerance, makes it difficult for the body to properly absorb nutrients from foods. Symptoms include various intestinal difficulties, recurring abdominal bloating and pain, nausea, anemia, gas, tingling numbness in the legs, sores inside the mouth, painful skin rash on elbows, knees, and buttocks, cramping, hives, joint/muscle pains and aches, diarrhea, and constipation, among others. Untreated, celiac disease raises risks of contracting certain stomach cancers by more than double. Of perhaps greatest importance to thyroid patients, the researchers found that the various antibodies that indicate celiac disease - organ-specific autoantibodies (i.e., thyroid antibodies) -- will disappear after 3 to 6 months of a gluten-free diet.
(Digestive Diseases and Sciences, February 2000;45:403-406.)
The only real treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to a 100% gluten-free diet for life. Following a gluten-free diet can prevent almost all complications caused by the disease. A gluten-free diet means avoiding anything that contain wheat, rye and barley, or any of their by-products.
Foods which can be eaten on in a gluten-free diet include:
•Fresh meats, fish and poultry
•Milk and unprocessed cheeses
•Dried beans
•Plain fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables
•Corn and rice
Foods prohibited on a gluten-free diet:
•Any bread, cereal or other food made with wheat, rye, barley and oat flours or ingredients and byproducts made from those grains.
•Processed foods containing wheat, gluten-derivatives, or thickeners. These foods include hot dogs, ice cream, salad dressings, canned soups, dried soup mixes, non-dairy creamers, processed cheeses, cream sauces, and hundreds of other common foods.
So what is the moral of that story: If you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or even Graves Disease, you MUST eliminate gluten from your diet. I have gotten people off thyroid medication over time with very strict elimination of gluten. Do this even if you do NOT have Celiac disease. You can still have a terrible intolerance to gluten and not test positive for Celiac.
So I am lovin all the fabulous gluten free products that are so readily available everywhere now...and all the gluten free bakeries opening up in NYC and surrounding areas. Check out all of the various websites for lots of fun and important tips on how to live a gluten free lifestyle. It is NOT impossible, and your health depends upon it.
www.gluten-free.org
www.wheatfree.org
Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery
You'll Love Our Breads—And Buns. Soft, fluffy and tasty!
www.RudisGlutenFree.com
www.arbonne.com ID # 19259404
gluten free and vegan supplements.
Best, in Wellness
Tina
According to research reported on in the medical journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences, a significant number of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease also have celiac disease. Celiac disease is a disorder that causes the intestines to react abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, kamut, and other related grains.
"...researchers found that...organ-specific autoantibodies (i.e., thyroid antibodies) -- will disappear after 3 to 6 months of a gluten-free diet."
Celiac disease, which is sometimes referred to as celiac sprue, sprue, or gluten intolerance, makes it difficult for the body to properly absorb nutrients from foods. Symptoms include various intestinal difficulties, recurring abdominal bloating and pain, nausea, anemia, gas, tingling numbness in the legs, sores inside the mouth, painful skin rash on elbows, knees, and buttocks, cramping, hives, joint/muscle pains and aches, diarrhea, and constipation, among others. Untreated, celiac disease raises risks of contracting certain stomach cancers by more than double. Of perhaps greatest importance to thyroid patients, the researchers found that the various antibodies that indicate celiac disease - organ-specific autoantibodies (i.e., thyroid antibodies) -- will disappear after 3 to 6 months of a gluten-free diet.
(Digestive Diseases and Sciences, February 2000;45:403-406.)
The only real treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to a 100% gluten-free diet for life. Following a gluten-free diet can prevent almost all complications caused by the disease. A gluten-free diet means avoiding anything that contain wheat, rye and barley, or any of their by-products.
Foods which can be eaten on in a gluten-free diet include:
•Fresh meats, fish and poultry
•Milk and unprocessed cheeses
•Dried beans
•Plain fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables
•Corn and rice
Foods prohibited on a gluten-free diet:
•Any bread, cereal or other food made with wheat, rye, barley and oat flours or ingredients and byproducts made from those grains.
•Processed foods containing wheat, gluten-derivatives, or thickeners. These foods include hot dogs, ice cream, salad dressings, canned soups, dried soup mixes, non-dairy creamers, processed cheeses, cream sauces, and hundreds of other common foods.
So what is the moral of that story: If you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or even Graves Disease, you MUST eliminate gluten from your diet. I have gotten people off thyroid medication over time with very strict elimination of gluten. Do this even if you do NOT have Celiac disease. You can still have a terrible intolerance to gluten and not test positive for Celiac.
So I am lovin all the fabulous gluten free products that are so readily available everywhere now...and all the gluten free bakeries opening up in NYC and surrounding areas. Check out all of the various websites for lots of fun and important tips on how to live a gluten free lifestyle. It is NOT impossible, and your health depends upon it.
www.gluten-free.org
www.wheatfree.org
Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery
You'll Love Our Breads—And Buns. Soft, fluffy and tasty!
www.RudisGlutenFree.com
www.arbonne.com ID # 19259404
gluten free and vegan supplements.
Best, in Wellness
Tina
Friday, June 10, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
The Proof is in The Product
Oh man, Did I ever fall off the blog wagon, OR WHAT???? I meant to take a breather, instead I took a break, a long one.
Well I stopped writing, but I kept on with everything else in my life. My practice is doing well. Word of mouth works well, and the new patients keep calling. I also took a break from studying and trying new products. That is so exhausting...important yet, nevertheless, exhausting.
I suppose the most significant event that I can write about having to do with wellness is the start-up of my new business. Now why on earth would I want or need another business? I already have enough to do with my 2 practices, my home, and my family. I suppose that is the curse of the "very busy"...we are always looking to stay even busier. Well, thats not it at all.
I really love this new found product line, and am so happy that I got involved in the business of it.
In my search for better supplements to recommend to my patients, I discovered Arbonne International. My girlfriend from LA introduced us, and it's been a love affair since. I have finally found a good vegan, gluten free protein shake mix that I can offer to patients. As a matter of fact, all of their ingestible supplements are vegan and gluten free. The bonus package for me was that I discovered that their skin care line (for which they are famous ) is pure, chemical and toxin free, and strictly botanical based. They are the best skin care creams and lotions that I have ever used. People noticed my skin looking great even before I mentioned to anyone that I have been using a new product.
Now I know that this may be starting to sound like an info-mercial, but believe me, I am speaking from the heart. For the first time I can wholeheartedly recommend products to my sick, fragile, beautiful patients that I love so much, and have confidence that I am making the best recommendation for their health possible. It would be hard for me to sell something that I don't personally use. Heck, my kids are using this stuff...and I don't mess with their health at all.
As I have grown both in years and in professional experience, quality of work has become so vitally important. Before I sign a chart I ask myself, "Is this my best work?" "What is my intention here?" I want to make sure that my clients needs, wants, and best interests are served. First, and foremost, Do No Harm. I take that oath pretty seriously.
The quality (and affordability) of the product has always been very important to me. I have spent countless hours researching what I feel would be the best multi-vitamin, the best fish oil, the best glucosamine chondroitin, the best compounding pharmacy for hormones, the best remedy for eczema, etc. I try to support the smaller more personalized vitamin companies. With Rejuvenation Science (www.doctor.rejuvenation-science/cdiscepola/) I am dealing with Roxanne and Howard, the owners directly!!(and their Krill oil is ROCKIN!!!) With Physiologics (www.physiologics.com ID # I get a company that is very concerned with product superiority and environmental wellness.....all of their pills come in recyclable blue glass bottles (and best tasting whey protein on the market!)
With Arbonne (www.arbonne.com ID # 19259404) I get a 31 year old Swiss company dedicated to botanically based pure skin care and vegan, gluten free, supplements. Their RE9 skin renewal serum is DA BOMB!!!! Their protein powder, fiber boost, and Digestion Plus can be mixed together once daily EASY, EASY, EASY for my busy peeps.
Here is the best news, they are affordable. This is so important to me and my patients. These are tough times for everyone globally. I don't want people to stop taking care of themselves because it is too expensive
You all know, that any of you can shoot me a comment if you need supplement recommendations . If I don't know the answer, I will research it. Knowledge is POWER!!!
Ok, so I am back in the blog groove.
Rock it out today, my beautiful people.
Find some calm before the Monday rush.
Dream big when you lay to sleep.
God Bless.
xoxoxo......Tina
Well I stopped writing, but I kept on with everything else in my life. My practice is doing well. Word of mouth works well, and the new patients keep calling. I also took a break from studying and trying new products. That is so exhausting...important yet, nevertheless, exhausting.
I suppose the most significant event that I can write about having to do with wellness is the start-up of my new business. Now why on earth would I want or need another business? I already have enough to do with my 2 practices, my home, and my family. I suppose that is the curse of the "very busy"...we are always looking to stay even busier. Well, thats not it at all.
I really love this new found product line, and am so happy that I got involved in the business of it.
In my search for better supplements to recommend to my patients, I discovered Arbonne International. My girlfriend from LA introduced us, and it's been a love affair since. I have finally found a good vegan, gluten free protein shake mix that I can offer to patients. As a matter of fact, all of their ingestible supplements are vegan and gluten free. The bonus package for me was that I discovered that their skin care line (for which they are famous ) is pure, chemical and toxin free, and strictly botanical based. They are the best skin care creams and lotions that I have ever used. People noticed my skin looking great even before I mentioned to anyone that I have been using a new product.
Now I know that this may be starting to sound like an info-mercial, but believe me, I am speaking from the heart. For the first time I can wholeheartedly recommend products to my sick, fragile, beautiful patients that I love so much, and have confidence that I am making the best recommendation for their health possible. It would be hard for me to sell something that I don't personally use. Heck, my kids are using this stuff...and I don't mess with their health at all.
As I have grown both in years and in professional experience, quality of work has become so vitally important. Before I sign a chart I ask myself, "Is this my best work?" "What is my intention here?" I want to make sure that my clients needs, wants, and best interests are served. First, and foremost, Do No Harm. I take that oath pretty seriously.
The quality (and affordability) of the product has always been very important to me. I have spent countless hours researching what I feel would be the best multi-vitamin, the best fish oil, the best glucosamine chondroitin, the best compounding pharmacy for hormones, the best remedy for eczema, etc. I try to support the smaller more personalized vitamin companies. With Rejuvenation Science (www.doctor.rejuvenation-science/cdiscepola/) I am dealing with Roxanne and Howard, the owners directly!!(and their Krill oil is ROCKIN!!!) With Physiologics (www.physiologics.com ID # I get a company that is very concerned with product superiority and environmental wellness.....all of their pills come in recyclable blue glass bottles (and best tasting whey protein on the market!)
With Arbonne (www.arbonne.com ID # 19259404) I get a 31 year old Swiss company dedicated to botanically based pure skin care and vegan, gluten free, supplements. Their RE9 skin renewal serum is DA BOMB!!!! Their protein powder, fiber boost, and Digestion Plus can be mixed together once daily EASY, EASY, EASY for my busy peeps.
Here is the best news, they are affordable. This is so important to me and my patients. These are tough times for everyone globally. I don't want people to stop taking care of themselves because it is too expensive
You all know, that any of you can shoot me a comment if you need supplement recommendations . If I don't know the answer, I will research it. Knowledge is POWER!!!
Ok, so I am back in the blog groove.
Rock it out today, my beautiful people.
Find some calm before the Monday rush.
Dream big when you lay to sleep.
God Bless.
xoxoxo......Tina
Saturday, May 7, 2011
The Myth of Milk
All of my beautiful blogga peeps, I have missed you. Been busy with spring cleaning. Between work and family, I have been spending wonderful time in my garden, prepping to plant my seedlings, getting the patios ready for some summer parties. First party will be this sunday for Mother's Day. I am so lucky to still have my mom (and dad) with me and close enough so that we can spend time together.
Today's blog is about the dilemma of dairy. My mom, like many moms, made sure that we drank lots of milk when we were kids.She even insisted that I drink milk during my pregnancies because "the babies need calcium". I wish I knew then what I know now. Her intentions were good. Besides, this is what was taught to her. The benefits of milk are still touted today with all of the "Got Milk" ads.
I decided about 3 years ago to go completely dairy free. It has changed my life. I took my kids off milk as a beverage when they were very young, but they still had cheese (lots of fresh mozzarella cheese) and products made with milk. 3 years ago we did a complete elimination at home.
I currently take all of my patients off dairy also. That's my position. They can choose to do otherwise. After much research and thought, I truly believe that we should be off dairy after the age of 2.
Here are my thoughts. Milk is produced from a cow or a goat. That milk is intended for calves. Humans are the only animals to drink milk from another animal. We are also the only animal to drink milk past the age of two. Once other animals are weaned off the breast they drink water and eat food. If humans were meant to drink milk, well then, why aren't we drinking human breast milk which contains all of the nutrients and immunoglobulins meant for humans???
Secondly, milk has a very high allergenic potential...and.. Many many people are completely intolerant to milk. I can tell you that after the removal of dairy from people's diets I have seen severe eczema, irritable bowel, migraine headaches, asthma, painful menses, and chronic sinus just disappear. I have a few Lupus patients and MS patients that have gotten dramatically better off dairy.
Milk is high in sugar, and acts as an inflammatory agent in the diet.
The biggest obstacle with telling patients that they need to eliminate dairy is their concern for Calcium supplementation. NEWS ALERT: milk doesn't have a lot of calcium. You can get more calcium from Calcium fortified orange juice (organic, of course), canned sardines, and the dark leafy grens are just loaded with Calcium.
You can always take calcium as a supplement too. Rejuvenation Science makes a Skeletal Calcium product that I really like, and Physiologics makes Calsorb which is also good. You can find links to those site on my website. www.NYModernMedicine.com.
I tell people to explore the various milk substitutes that are readily available in most markets now. Almond milk, Hemp milk, Rice milk, Hazelnut milk are all very refreshing and tasty, and usually come in flavors. Watch out for the sugar content in the flavored ones. I recommend Silk Soy Creamer or Trader Joes Soy Creamer if you need a replacement for half and half. I normally don't recommend the soy milks for a variety of reasons, but a lot of people like the creamer for coffee.
People are also just afraid to get rid of dairy...as if they might be making a poor choice. They are especially afraid to eliminate it from their children's diet as if they might be robbing their kids of some important vitamins and minerals. Believe me when I tell you that your body will thank you after you get rid of it....and you wont miss it one bit.
Before I sign off, I want everyone to remember that anything and everything that a cow consumes or is injected with will show up in its milk.
I know a lot of the moms out there might dispute what I've written. Google it. DO your research. Know what it is that you are feeding to your children. Do not trust the FDA to determine what is healthy and SAFE for your children to eat.
To all the beautiful moms out there, have a joyous Mother's Day.
Enjoy your families. Take lots of pics. Cherish the memories that you have.
Till next time. Baci cari
Tina
Today's blog is about the dilemma of dairy. My mom, like many moms, made sure that we drank lots of milk when we were kids.She even insisted that I drink milk during my pregnancies because "the babies need calcium". I wish I knew then what I know now. Her intentions were good. Besides, this is what was taught to her. The benefits of milk are still touted today with all of the "Got Milk" ads.
I decided about 3 years ago to go completely dairy free. It has changed my life. I took my kids off milk as a beverage when they were very young, but they still had cheese (lots of fresh mozzarella cheese) and products made with milk. 3 years ago we did a complete elimination at home.
I currently take all of my patients off dairy also. That's my position. They can choose to do otherwise. After much research and thought, I truly believe that we should be off dairy after the age of 2.
Here are my thoughts. Milk is produced from a cow or a goat. That milk is intended for calves. Humans are the only animals to drink milk from another animal. We are also the only animal to drink milk past the age of two. Once other animals are weaned off the breast they drink water and eat food. If humans were meant to drink milk, well then, why aren't we drinking human breast milk which contains all of the nutrients and immunoglobulins meant for humans???
Secondly, milk has a very high allergenic potential...and.. Many many people are completely intolerant to milk. I can tell you that after the removal of dairy from people's diets I have seen severe eczema, irritable bowel, migraine headaches, asthma, painful menses, and chronic sinus just disappear. I have a few Lupus patients and MS patients that have gotten dramatically better off dairy.
Milk is high in sugar, and acts as an inflammatory agent in the diet.
The biggest obstacle with telling patients that they need to eliminate dairy is their concern for Calcium supplementation. NEWS ALERT: milk doesn't have a lot of calcium. You can get more calcium from Calcium fortified orange juice (organic, of course), canned sardines, and the dark leafy grens are just loaded with Calcium.
You can always take calcium as a supplement too. Rejuvenation Science makes a Skeletal Calcium product that I really like, and Physiologics makes Calsorb which is also good. You can find links to those site on my website. www.NYModernMedicine.com.
I tell people to explore the various milk substitutes that are readily available in most markets now. Almond milk, Hemp milk, Rice milk, Hazelnut milk are all very refreshing and tasty, and usually come in flavors. Watch out for the sugar content in the flavored ones. I recommend Silk Soy Creamer or Trader Joes Soy Creamer if you need a replacement for half and half. I normally don't recommend the soy milks for a variety of reasons, but a lot of people like the creamer for coffee.
People are also just afraid to get rid of dairy...as if they might be making a poor choice. They are especially afraid to eliminate it from their children's diet as if they might be robbing their kids of some important vitamins and minerals. Believe me when I tell you that your body will thank you after you get rid of it....and you wont miss it one bit.
Before I sign off, I want everyone to remember that anything and everything that a cow consumes or is injected with will show up in its milk.
I know a lot of the moms out there might dispute what I've written. Google it. DO your research. Know what it is that you are feeding to your children. Do not trust the FDA to determine what is healthy and SAFE for your children to eat.
To all the beautiful moms out there, have a joyous Mother's Day.
Enjoy your families. Take lots of pics. Cherish the memories that you have.
Till next time. Baci cari
Tina
Saturday, April 23, 2011
The Real Key to Wellness
Well I just didn't have time to do a formal blogspot this week. I was supposedly on vacation with my kids. We did go to Cape Cod for a few days and did the New England thing. When we had finally had enough of lobster and New England Clam chowder, we knew it was time to head home. Of course, upon arriving home, my phone messages and desktop mail were calling my name..vacation over.
I thought I would take a week off from the blog, but here I am on Easter eve, in between laundry loads, meditation and prayer, and I feel the need to write.
The past three days have been a whirlwind of personal issues. It is when I take the time to pray that I am able to sort out the issues, the struggles, the roadblocks. Clarity sets in when I pray, and the mountain becomes a small hill...and I can handle a small hill...no problem. When I pray the urgency and desperation lessen, and I feel the calm.
This Easter Eve I took some time to reflect on what the significance of the past three days means for Christians...and for me. I thought about the agony, suffering, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. I thought about the sacrifice, and the love that was the basis for the sacrifice. When we have different levels of love, so to speak, there are different degrees of sacrifice. For example, the sacrifices I would make for my mom would be different than the sacrifices that I would make for a co-worker (one that I am close to and do love). Sorry, I am just not evolved as Jesus Christ. Guess what? NONE of us are!!!
So, the greater the love, the greater the sacrifice.
One day I would like to experience ONE LOVE...maybe in this lifetime? Maybe not. I have WAYYY too much ego.
The other thought that came to me during prayer had to do with the Resurrection of Jesus. To me that represents, new birth, new life, the future with endless possibilities. In the moment that I was thinking of all of this, I felt this incredible need to let go of so much guilt, angst, anger, prejudices, old bad feelings. I needed to FORGIVE myself, my kids, my ex-husband, my parents, just everyone. I needed to puke...is what it felt like. So I did. I puked. I cried. I verbally forgave everyone on my hate list. I cried some more...this time from relief.
You know what? I feel great! I feel 10 years younger. I just realized that the true secret to anti-aging is just living well and free of bad feelings. Why do most of us hold onto shit for years?? Hold on to it like our lives depended on it??
This is the answer I hope that you all allow yourselves to experience. Experience great love. Just love...unadorned, untamed, unconditional, unadulterated. That love allows you to just LET GO. Just letting go...of the past, of old hurt, of old mistakes, of old regrets. Wipe the slate clean; it is so refreshing.
Forgiveness frees you from chains of bad feelings.
It is truly the best anti-aging potion around. I guarantee you that.
Have a Great Easter everyone, whether you are Christian or not. We all have the opportunity to resurrect our spirits, and the renewal of mind and body will follow.
Be Well.
Have Faith.
Forgive them...for they know not what they do.
Pace,
Tina
I thought I would take a week off from the blog, but here I am on Easter eve, in between laundry loads, meditation and prayer, and I feel the need to write.
The past three days have been a whirlwind of personal issues. It is when I take the time to pray that I am able to sort out the issues, the struggles, the roadblocks. Clarity sets in when I pray, and the mountain becomes a small hill...and I can handle a small hill...no problem. When I pray the urgency and desperation lessen, and I feel the calm.
This Easter Eve I took some time to reflect on what the significance of the past three days means for Christians...and for me. I thought about the agony, suffering, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. I thought about the sacrifice, and the love that was the basis for the sacrifice. When we have different levels of love, so to speak, there are different degrees of sacrifice. For example, the sacrifices I would make for my mom would be different than the sacrifices that I would make for a co-worker (one that I am close to and do love). Sorry, I am just not evolved as Jesus Christ. Guess what? NONE of us are!!!
So, the greater the love, the greater the sacrifice.
One day I would like to experience ONE LOVE...maybe in this lifetime? Maybe not. I have WAYYY too much ego.
The other thought that came to me during prayer had to do with the Resurrection of Jesus. To me that represents, new birth, new life, the future with endless possibilities. In the moment that I was thinking of all of this, I felt this incredible need to let go of so much guilt, angst, anger, prejudices, old bad feelings. I needed to FORGIVE myself, my kids, my ex-husband, my parents, just everyone. I needed to puke...is what it felt like. So I did. I puked. I cried. I verbally forgave everyone on my hate list. I cried some more...this time from relief.
You know what? I feel great! I feel 10 years younger. I just realized that the true secret to anti-aging is just living well and free of bad feelings. Why do most of us hold onto shit for years?? Hold on to it like our lives depended on it??
This is the answer I hope that you all allow yourselves to experience. Experience great love. Just love...unadorned, untamed, unconditional, unadulterated. That love allows you to just LET GO. Just letting go...of the past, of old hurt, of old mistakes, of old regrets. Wipe the slate clean; it is so refreshing.
Forgiveness frees you from chains of bad feelings.
It is truly the best anti-aging potion around. I guarantee you that.
Have a Great Easter everyone, whether you are Christian or not. We all have the opportunity to resurrect our spirits, and the renewal of mind and body will follow.
Be Well.
Have Faith.
Forgive them...for they know not what they do.
Pace,
Tina
Friday, April 15, 2011
Sustainable Wellness
This seemed to be my theme for the entire day yesterday. It began with an amazing hike in bright 55 deg early morning weather, where I could smell the beginning of spring. It then moved on to my vegetable garden which historically, and continues today, to be the only place where I can honestly let go and relax. I trace this back to my childhood. My childhood home had a HUGE garden. The vegetable garden was separate from the flower garden. The flower garden was designed in sort of a maze...and as a child it seemed to go on for miles. There was a fish pond, and roses, montauk daisies, dahlias, lilac bushes, honeysuckle, lavender,and rosemary. We also had morning glory that covered all of the chain fencing. How magnificent, and when I close my eyes and think, I can remember the fragrance of it all. Countless hours were spent in that garden. It's where I learned to walk, to play, and experience life in botanical terms. I grew up seeing plants born, live gloriously, then die....only to return again the following year. How spiritual the lesson!! The pergola which gave us the most unbelieveable abundance of delicious grapes each year was our piazza, and it was where I had countless uninterrupted conversations with my grandparents. It was our immigrant italian version of a summer home! The vegetable garden was meticulously laid out, and where my grandpa spent his days. The produce from the garden fed us (6 of us) daily. I read about "farm to fork" programs now and I laugh. That was all I knew back then. How many times the tomatoes wouldn't even make it to the kitchen...I would eat them right off the vine..and wash them down with water from the garden hose. LOL So my current veggie garden pales in comparison to the garden of my childhood, but I do the best that I can. Yesterday, my first day there, turning the soil and adding compost, and planting seedlings...I could feel my inner child. Memories flooded my brain. It felt so comfortable. I felt the spirits of my grandparents. It felt like home. It was so emotional for me. I sobbed and I believe it was a combination cry of joy, loss, renewal, release. No one was watching, and it was a place of safety and comfort for me. My dear blogger friends and family....THAT is sustainable wellness. The farming practices of my ancestors, the garden memories of my past, the soil in my hands today...all feed and nourish my "garden" within. These are the practices and values that will sustain my children, my grandchildren, and so on. I know that they will remember the natural world that I have exposed them to. We are so blessed to be surrounded by all of the colors, smells, and tastes of nature. This coming week we are off to experience spring in Cape Cod and the Hamptons. We can't wait to go hiking, fishing, biking, maybe some kayaking...and eat some farm fresh early produce, and New England seafood. Topping off this nostalgic experience, was an AMAZING event last evening that I was able to enjoy with my BFF on Sustainable Wellness....Coversations with Frank Lipman MD, Christiane Northrup MD, and Kris Carr. Great energy, great information on what the meaning of wellness is, and how unprepared and misguided the medical establishment is that regard. I just love being surrounded by people that have the same philosphy of health that I do. Some of us just get it, and for all the rest I pray. LOL but not so funny. Ok so this wasn't the blog on dairy that I promised, but I could not let this opportunity of sharing with you all just pass by. I pray that all of you can find what "sustains" you, what makes you feel whole. Maybe its getting rid of a bad habit, maybe it's cleaning up your diet, maybe it's making amends with a parent or sibling (pssst...forgiveness is BIG when it comes to feeling good), maybe it's spicing up your relationship with your spouse, or reconnecting with old friend that you loved. Its Passover and Holy week this week. What better time to reflect, rediscover, reconnect, and re-prioritize (pssst..always put love in 1st place). Have a wonderful week, everyone...and BE WELL.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Una Tazza di Caffe
As I say good morning to all my blogsta babies, I have by my side a piping hot cup of coffee... herbal coffee, that is. As most of you know I gave up my morning french press 22 days ago as part of a complete cleanse I was doing. The cleanse is over...and so is my indecisiveness about "to do or not to do" coffee. I actually had an espresso yesterday morning. Ya know what?? It was no big deal. I wasn't craving it. I didn't NEED it. What a great feeling...to know that I've lost my coffee crutch. I don't have an addictive personality, and I have never liked feeling dependent on anything. Needless to say, I'm feeling quite victorious over this nonsense accomplishment to some, but BIG deal to me.
Now that I'm a recovering Coffee-holic (LOL), I can look at this wonderful, aromatic,tasteful bean from a different perspective. I can honestly say that I think that coffee is OK...y punto. My belief in whole food dieting tells me that coffee is a natural product/bean, and that its brew is also natural. Does it acidify your system? Yes. Is that the worst thing in the world if you are generally feeling ok? Of course not.
The real problem with coffee is not the bean, it's the people that get hold of the bean...and rape it and modify it, and try to make it better (as if God doesn't know what he's doing LOL) The oils that are added to make flavored coffees are not good for you. The other real problem is that people just drink too much coffee, and most times that coffee comes with milk and sugar. The dairy and the sugar...uh, oh...DON'T get me started on that. Oh and that cigarette that goes along with every cup of coffee...BIG problem there. As with all things, moderation is best. There were some studies done that showed that some of the natural oils from the coffee bean could aggravate liver enzymes and maybe play a role in high cholesterol when take in HIGH AMOUNTS. Again, moderation is key. Now I don't know what the ideal number of cups is. What I will say is that if one or two cups of coffee is your pleasure and you do not smoke, have high cholesterol, palpitations, osteoporosis, heartburn, cancer, intestinal problems or any other inflammatory condition, then enjoy it.
If you love coffee then try to enjoy its flavor without sugar. If you can't drink it black, then try a milk substitute. Trader Joe's soy creamer is a great half & half substitute. As much as I hate to push genetically modified soy products, a teaspoon of the soy creamer is far better than dairy. You know what??? I'm gonna do my next blog about my thoughts about dairy and its impact on inflammation. So stay tuned.
Ok, so will I drink coffee again? Absolutely yes. Will I drink it daily? Probably not. I've really grown to love the Teeccino I'm drinking daily. This is what works for me. It makes me feel good.
My friends, always do what works for you. Do what is wholesome and makes YOU feel good. Make the intention wellness, and the rest will all fall into place.
Great weekend everyone.
Let me know if you wanna meet for coffee!!!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
The Compost of Life
Yesterday I met up with an old friend who now owns a popular gym facility near my hometown. It was great to see him after 6 years. He is a practicing Buddhist, a philanthropist, and spent many years fundraising for various Non For Profit organizations. He always had a wonderful stories to tell, and I was excited about meeting with him again. When I walked into the gym he was involved in a doubles raquetball match. I watched him play and I thought, "Wow, he is 72 years young...and look at him go!!" He walked me around showing me his latest "baby", and I was impressed that he would take on this big responsibilty of running a business and having 30+ employees at this stage of his game. As we talked and laughed and met with others, I realized how incredibly youthful he was overall. His speech was sharp, his movements and balance were light and sharp, he was witty, his skin was essentially wrinkle free and smooth, and he had loads of energy. We sat face to face and caught up on each other's lives. He wanted to know all about my medical practice and how it had evolved from the time we last saw each other. I was only doing acupuncture, in addition to ER, at that time, and had not fully integrated at that point. I told him that my entire approach to medicine and life had changed. I grew up; I learned more; my personal struggles played a big part in my transformations. I had joys, pains, doubts, mistakes, successes, bad days, good days.....and they all shaped the woman and the doctor that I am now. He smiled...that very enlightened kinda smile. He called all those experiences, both good and bad, the compost of one's life. I LOVE THAT! The compost of life!! The shit, the refuse, the leftover food stuff that gets fertilized into our lives. You gotta love it! All of it is YOU!! Aaahhh these Buddhists are unbelievable! You guys remember Kung Fu? Well Grasshopper, this was like a Kung Fu moment! He talked about his meditative practice and how over the years he has also transformed. He was so serene in his speech, and it was at that point that I realized that his steady practice of meditation is what has kept this man looking and acting this young! So we talked a lot about meditation. I do meditate, but I call it prayer. He says you can call it whatever label you want. Of course, my meditation has a focus and a direction and it is guided by me. His meditation is just "being"...no direction, just in the moment, and guided by no one. That is hard to do for those of you who have never tried it. The mind is all over the place. I talked about how the hardest part of my job is cutting through all the energy levels that a patient presents with...cutting through all the "clacking" in their brain. Most people can't listen to me because of all the jibber jabber in their head. They can't let go of their own dialogue long enough to listen. They hear, but they cannot listen. So, my goal is to not get caught up their negative or chaotic energy, and to redirect them to a more grounded place. I have decided to go to the Buddhist center and give weekly group meditative sessions a try...AGAIN. I have also decided to find a really well -trained Mind/Body Therapist to add to my practice. It is so important in a wellness program. The body hurts because the mind hurts. The body knows how to heal, but the mind needs help with healing. The body never lies, but the mind always lies. Our bodies don't play tricks on us, but our minds do. Moral of the story: If you are fucked up in the head, the body doesn't stand a chance!! Lets all take the time to meditate daily. 10 minutes to find the peace and calm within. Your health depends upon it. Have a great week everyone. Smile...it will change your mood and outlook. Peace be with you. xxx Tina xxx
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Keeping it Clean!
As most of you know I'm in the midst of another one of my 14-day cleanses. This time I've managed to eliminate coffee which is something that I have never been willing to do before. This time I wanted to attempt a true liver detox plan for two weeks. Of course, Mamma was weak and succumbed to the temptations of vino and tequila over the weekend. Therefore, I had to start over.
I must tell you the first 6 days without coffee were rough, really rough. I continue to drink caffeineated green tea all day so it obviously is not the loss of caffeine that I am feeling. It must be the actual coffee itself. I had a "heavy" headache for 2 days, but that passed and hasn't returned. My bowels were just a little off the first 3 days, but even that has normalized...BEAUTIFULLY, I might add. I think that I just LIKE coffee. I enjoy the taste of a dark roast. I enjoy the smell. I mostly drink it black. I only drink it in the morning, and drink tea as my other hot beverage.
I have been replacing the coffee with a product called Teeccino www.teeccino.com . It is a wonderful flavorful substitute for those who might be looking for a substitute.
I have another week of the detox plan, and I really dont know if I plan to return to coffee. It is certainly cheaper than the Teeccino. I'm not gonna stress about it. I hardy ever drink coffee outside my home because I'm very fussy about the brew. I do love the roasts at JJBeans in Dobbs Ferry though. So who knows, I may become an ex-coffee drinker. Shall keep you all posted.
You all might wonder why I bother with all of this. Ummm, because colon cleansing and gut health is the foundation of wellness. Most of my patients go through the cleansing plan before I start treatment. My really sick patients with extensive chronic issues go through a more rigorous liver detox. For the most part, very few escape! LOL.
Here's the good part; Everyone feels great after a cleanse. Digestion and elimination improves. Gas, heartburn and bloating disappear. Acne, eczema, and all the other itchy-scratchy problems go away. People also notice that joint pain is better. It is a great jump start to weight loss. Asthma gets better. Blah, blah, blah...thats what it sounds like if you have never experienced a cleanse.
There are no big enema bags hanging in the bathroom (unless you want there to be...we can do that too). No stinky potions to drink. No starvation. Its really not that hard to do, and its only 14 days. Not a bad deal if your life is plagued with chronic illness.
Ok so, getting back to MEEE, I've stopped most of my supplements. Taking some Liver herbs, NAC, SAMe, Fiber products, whey protein isolate, mostly sublingual vitamins: B complex, Vit D3, melatonin, and Vit C. I'll go back to my vitamin regimen after the 14 days. I normally do this anyway but for the rest of you : No dairy, no wheat, no sugar, no MSG, no margarine/PHO, only filtered water, no soy...really an alkaline based diet. Of course, sardines & olives drenched in olive oil for breakfast...and my beet salad for lunch....forever staples to me.
I had the absolute WORST B.O in the gym today. LOL. I caught a whiff of GROSS self while in a yoga pose. Hahaha. All those toxins need to be released somehow. I wish I had access to a steam/sauna to help with the elimination process. I'll have to remember that when I'm designing my next home.
Ok, my blogger friends....I wish WELLness today for you and your loved ones. Think about what you are feeding you beautiful body today, and how it makes you feel.
Nourish your bodies and soul beautifully today.
Keep the faith.
Spread the love.
Always....Tina
I must tell you the first 6 days without coffee were rough, really rough. I continue to drink caffeineated green tea all day so it obviously is not the loss of caffeine that I am feeling. It must be the actual coffee itself. I had a "heavy" headache for 2 days, but that passed and hasn't returned. My bowels were just a little off the first 3 days, but even that has normalized...BEAUTIFULLY, I might add. I think that I just LIKE coffee. I enjoy the taste of a dark roast. I enjoy the smell. I mostly drink it black. I only drink it in the morning, and drink tea as my other hot beverage.
I have been replacing the coffee with a product called Teeccino www.teeccino.com . It is a wonderful flavorful substitute for those who might be looking for a substitute.
I have another week of the detox plan, and I really dont know if I plan to return to coffee. It is certainly cheaper than the Teeccino. I'm not gonna stress about it. I hardy ever drink coffee outside my home because I'm very fussy about the brew. I do love the roasts at JJBeans in Dobbs Ferry though. So who knows, I may become an ex-coffee drinker. Shall keep you all posted.
You all might wonder why I bother with all of this. Ummm, because colon cleansing and gut health is the foundation of wellness. Most of my patients go through the cleansing plan before I start treatment. My really sick patients with extensive chronic issues go through a more rigorous liver detox. For the most part, very few escape! LOL.
Here's the good part; Everyone feels great after a cleanse. Digestion and elimination improves. Gas, heartburn and bloating disappear. Acne, eczema, and all the other itchy-scratchy problems go away. People also notice that joint pain is better. It is a great jump start to weight loss. Asthma gets better. Blah, blah, blah...thats what it sounds like if you have never experienced a cleanse.
There are no big enema bags hanging in the bathroom (unless you want there to be...we can do that too). No stinky potions to drink. No starvation. Its really not that hard to do, and its only 14 days. Not a bad deal if your life is plagued with chronic illness.
Ok so, getting back to MEEE, I've stopped most of my supplements. Taking some Liver herbs, NAC, SAMe, Fiber products, whey protein isolate, mostly sublingual vitamins: B complex, Vit D3, melatonin, and Vit C. I'll go back to my vitamin regimen after the 14 days. I normally do this anyway but for the rest of you : No dairy, no wheat, no sugar, no MSG, no margarine/PHO, only filtered water, no soy...really an alkaline based diet. Of course, sardines & olives drenched in olive oil for breakfast...and my beet salad for lunch....forever staples to me.
I had the absolute WORST B.O in the gym today. LOL. I caught a whiff of GROSS self while in a yoga pose. Hahaha. All those toxins need to be released somehow. I wish I had access to a steam/sauna to help with the elimination process. I'll have to remember that when I'm designing my next home.
Ok, my blogger friends....I wish WELLness today for you and your loved ones. Think about what you are feeding you beautiful body today, and how it makes you feel.
Nourish your bodies and soul beautifully today.
Keep the faith.
Spread the love.
Always....Tina
Friday, March 18, 2011
Times of Trouble
As I was driving into the ER early this morning I was dreading the St Paddy Day aftermath....the young people that drank too much, the older people that drank too much, the older people that drank and forgot to take their heart and diabetic medication, the drunks who fell down and didn't get up till this morning, and all the rest. Somehow I think that this isn't what the good St Patrick had intended. Chuckle.
I am always amazed at the problems that people mindFULLY create for themselves, even when they have some grasp of the consequences. Ohhh, Humans... such a weird and complicated bunch of creatures.
Then, of course, there is the havoc and the tragedy that we don't create, like the aftermath of the earthquake/tsunami in Japan. I haven't been able to listen to the news and see images...much too painful. I always think, "What if that were happening to me and my family?" I can't imagine that level of fear and anguish.
An old colleague from residency runs an emergency dept in Hawaii. He tweeted that things were chaotic there with concerns about all the radiation leak that was moving towards the Hawaiin islands. I can only imagine!! We, here in Queens, were inundated last year when the Swine Flu epidemic went wild and people were fearful. The ER's had to set up tents in the parking lots to accomodate the numbers of people seeking help. I also remember the Fear Factor when after 9/11 everyone was guarded and white powder inside envelopes and Islam became the enemy. That kind of fear can paralyze a nation.
I believe that during these difficult times it is so important to create a calm and safe place for your body and your soul. It is important to have calm in your home. Play music. Shut the news off (how many times do you have to hear the same crap ?). Meditation and prayer are excellent ways to take a break from the choas around us and create a peaceful spot in our minds. Mindful prayer and meditation help you grasp that in THAT moment everything is ok...that the "worry" is false belief that our minds have created.
Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes at your desk, find a quiet spot during lunch or coffee break, or anytime you feel like your wheels are just spinning out of control...take some slow breaths, in and out, and allow the muscles of your body to relax. Pick a phrase or a thought to focus on..something simple like, "I just want to relax" or "Everything is good in my life at this moment". Feel the peace, feel the relaxation, know that in spite of the fact that life is sometimes unfair we can maneuver through it, and that all things, even the greatest of tragedies, passes...and that life goes on.
Wow, this was SOOO heavy.
Now the good news, it is SPRING here in NY (at least for today LOL).
Get out, stretch those hibernating muscles, feel the sun, and breath deep.
Don't forget...high dose antioxidants, especially Vitamin C, melatonin and NAC, are always good...those environmental toxins are everywhere.
Appreciate Life today.
Besos!!!
I am always amazed at the problems that people mindFULLY create for themselves, even when they have some grasp of the consequences. Ohhh, Humans... such a weird and complicated bunch of creatures.
Then, of course, there is the havoc and the tragedy that we don't create, like the aftermath of the earthquake/tsunami in Japan. I haven't been able to listen to the news and see images...much too painful. I always think, "What if that were happening to me and my family?" I can't imagine that level of fear and anguish.
An old colleague from residency runs an emergency dept in Hawaii. He tweeted that things were chaotic there with concerns about all the radiation leak that was moving towards the Hawaiin islands. I can only imagine!! We, here in Queens, were inundated last year when the Swine Flu epidemic went wild and people were fearful. The ER's had to set up tents in the parking lots to accomodate the numbers of people seeking help. I also remember the Fear Factor when after 9/11 everyone was guarded and white powder inside envelopes and Islam became the enemy. That kind of fear can paralyze a nation.
I believe that during these difficult times it is so important to create a calm and safe place for your body and your soul. It is important to have calm in your home. Play music. Shut the news off (how many times do you have to hear the same crap ?). Meditation and prayer are excellent ways to take a break from the choas around us and create a peaceful spot in our minds. Mindful prayer and meditation help you grasp that in THAT moment everything is ok...that the "worry" is false belief that our minds have created.
Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes at your desk, find a quiet spot during lunch or coffee break, or anytime you feel like your wheels are just spinning out of control...take some slow breaths, in and out, and allow the muscles of your body to relax. Pick a phrase or a thought to focus on..something simple like, "I just want to relax" or "Everything is good in my life at this moment". Feel the peace, feel the relaxation, know that in spite of the fact that life is sometimes unfair we can maneuver through it, and that all things, even the greatest of tragedies, passes...and that life goes on.
Wow, this was SOOO heavy.
Now the good news, it is SPRING here in NY (at least for today LOL).
Get out, stretch those hibernating muscles, feel the sun, and breath deep.
Don't forget...high dose antioxidants, especially Vitamin C, melatonin and NAC, are always good...those environmental toxins are everywhere.
Appreciate Life today.
Besos!!!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Medicine...Outside the Box
This past weekend I participated in the Integrative Healthcare Symposium in NYC. I don't attend many conferences in the US at all due to my busy lifestyle plus the fact that I am still uneasy about leaving my teenagers unattended to for several days. So I was ready to reinforce my professional groove with lectures and networking.
It was a great and exhausting weekend. I LOVED being surrounded by like-minded physicians who are, like myself, thinking and practicing outside the box. The goal is HEALTH. What we offer is CARE. This was a group of practitioners dedicated to the Art and Science of Wellness. We just want to see our patients get well and stay well.
There were so many wonderful speakers. Tierona Low Dog, MD, with a powerful talk on the environmental toxins that we live with and how they affect our long term health, and actually change our genetic code. VERY powerful and enlightening shit!!! It made me reassess my cellphone use, my drinking water, plastics in our home, etc. I was always conscious of this, but it is always great to be reminded and have those truths reaffirmed.
Alan Gaby MD with his new book on nutrition talking about the latest news on foods and supplements. I love listening to him speak, as I learned so much from him and his medical nutrition courses over 10 years ago. Don't know that I learned anything new, but it certainly reaffirmed my belief in Whole Food Dieting for me, my family, and my patients.
Well, I'm not going to bore you all the lectures that inspired me.
I suppose this past weekend just inspired me to keep practicing the wellness care that I offer. It reaffirmed my committment to the practice of Functional & Restorative Medicine, my commitment to affordable healthcare, my committment to teach patients that the greatest potential for healing lies within and not on a prescription pad.
Health is a process, a journey, attainable by all....in spite of whatever diagnosis label you have been given. Patients and doctors need to change the current thinking process. We all need to undo the the current habits of practice that we are so entrenched in....because in spite of all the MRIs, CT scans, and 50,000 medications on the market, we are becoming more and more unhealthy as time moves forward.
We are a pill popping society that wants immediate results. We are a glutinous society with little regard for our toxic environment. We want to do what we want, eat what we want, become less and less physically active, yet expect our bodies and minds to feel ok (and expect the doctors to fix it when we are not ok!!!).
Good News: I will be practicing at the renowned Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in NYC. I am very excited to be working alongside the FABUUUlous Frank Lipman, MD, the founder of the Center. It is a wonderful space and place of healing.
I will continue to see patients in Westchester one day a week, and of course, my web consults will continue.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone. The buds are starting to peek out. The smell of spring is in the air. Take it in.
Get headsets for those toxic cellphones that we keep glued to our bodies.
Don't microwave your plastics.
Eat organic ALWAYS.
Respect the earth, and it will respect us.
Peace and Love
Tina
It was a great and exhausting weekend. I LOVED being surrounded by like-minded physicians who are, like myself, thinking and practicing outside the box. The goal is HEALTH. What we offer is CARE. This was a group of practitioners dedicated to the Art and Science of Wellness. We just want to see our patients get well and stay well.
There were so many wonderful speakers. Tierona Low Dog, MD, with a powerful talk on the environmental toxins that we live with and how they affect our long term health, and actually change our genetic code. VERY powerful and enlightening shit!!! It made me reassess my cellphone use, my drinking water, plastics in our home, etc. I was always conscious of this, but it is always great to be reminded and have those truths reaffirmed.
Alan Gaby MD with his new book on nutrition talking about the latest news on foods and supplements. I love listening to him speak, as I learned so much from him and his medical nutrition courses over 10 years ago. Don't know that I learned anything new, but it certainly reaffirmed my belief in Whole Food Dieting for me, my family, and my patients.
Well, I'm not going to bore you all the lectures that inspired me.
I suppose this past weekend just inspired me to keep practicing the wellness care that I offer. It reaffirmed my committment to the practice of Functional & Restorative Medicine, my commitment to affordable healthcare, my committment to teach patients that the greatest potential for healing lies within and not on a prescription pad.
Health is a process, a journey, attainable by all....in spite of whatever diagnosis label you have been given. Patients and doctors need to change the current thinking process. We all need to undo the the current habits of practice that we are so entrenched in....because in spite of all the MRIs, CT scans, and 50,000 medications on the market, we are becoming more and more unhealthy as time moves forward.
We are a pill popping society that wants immediate results. We are a glutinous society with little regard for our toxic environment. We want to do what we want, eat what we want, become less and less physically active, yet expect our bodies and minds to feel ok (and expect the doctors to fix it when we are not ok!!!).
Good News: I will be practicing at the renowned Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in NYC. I am very excited to be working alongside the FABUUUlous Frank Lipman, MD, the founder of the Center. It is a wonderful space and place of healing.
I will continue to see patients in Westchester one day a week, and of course, my web consults will continue.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone. The buds are starting to peek out. The smell of spring is in the air. Take it in.
Get headsets for those toxic cellphones that we keep glued to our bodies.
Don't microwave your plastics.
Eat organic ALWAYS.
Respect the earth, and it will respect us.
Peace and Love
Tina
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
"Eat Your Broccoli"
The other night I was having dinner with a friend at my favorite local restaurant. The chef, David DiBari, was glorifying brussel sprouts this week. I had the fried sprouts with parmigiana chunks and truffle honey drizzled on top. HEAVEN. Mmmm, I can almost smell the truffle scent right now when I close my eyes. I posted the dish on facebook, and could not believe how many people DISLIKE sprouts de Bruxelles. I am in complete shock. I suppose because myself and my children couldn't make it through the winter without my oven roasted (to a crisp!!) sprouts and potatoes.
Now, you all know how much I go on and on about beets (and rightfully so for all my hypertensives), but all in all the cruciferous veggies are far superior. Those would be the broccoli, the cabbages, brussel sprouts, and watercress. Tons of studies have been done on the cancer fighting properties of the cruciferi (is that the plural??).
Well, I try to eat one serving of something from this food family daily, as should you all. But for all the HATERS out there, there are supplements that you can take: DIM and Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C).
I give this supplements to any patients that has been diagnosed with a hormone sensitive cancer such as breast, cervical, prostate...or that might have significant risk factors for those cancers. I also give it to all my patients on hormone replacement therapy.
See the attached link if you would like to read some on this great supplement. http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2006/jan2006_report_i3c_01.htm I think it is an easy read and interesting. Basically, the supplement helps you break down estrogen to the more favorable metabolite,the "good" 2-hydroxyestrone vs. the "bad" 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone.
Getting back to my little balls of fiiiYAAA, brussel sprouts are like little heads of cabbage just growing on these massive green stalks. How can you resist?
Food network on line has wonderful and easy recipes.
Just trying to spread the good word, my Blagga babies.
Great Breasts come with Great Responsibility...I'm just sayin!
Now, you all know how much I go on and on about beets (and rightfully so for all my hypertensives), but all in all the cruciferous veggies are far superior. Those would be the broccoli, the cabbages, brussel sprouts, and watercress. Tons of studies have been done on the cancer fighting properties of the cruciferi (is that the plural??).
Well, I try to eat one serving of something from this food family daily, as should you all. But for all the HATERS out there, there are supplements that you can take: DIM and Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C).
I give this supplements to any patients that has been diagnosed with a hormone sensitive cancer such as breast, cervical, prostate...or that might have significant risk factors for those cancers. I also give it to all my patients on hormone replacement therapy.
See the attached link if you would like to read some on this great supplement. http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2006/jan2006_report_i3c_01.htm I think it is an easy read and interesting. Basically, the supplement helps you break down estrogen to the more favorable metabolite,the "good" 2-hydroxyestrone vs. the "bad" 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone.
Getting back to my little balls of fiiiYAAA, brussel sprouts are like little heads of cabbage just growing on these massive green stalks. How can you resist?
Food network on line has wonderful and easy recipes.
Just trying to spread the good word, my Blagga babies.
Great Breasts come with Great Responsibility...I'm just sayin!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
D-Licious
The media spotlight has been on Vitamin D for the past several years now, and the D-iva loves it. Every month there are new studies (real ones!!) showing how beneficial this vita-MONE is as an immune booster, in prevention of colon and breast cancers, and for the maintenance of brain function. I call it a Vitamone because it is classified as a vitamin but its chemical structure is that of a hormone.
Hot, Vogue, Provocative, Mysterious....Vitamin D is the Lady Gaga of the vitamin world, and I'm her biggest fan.
Most people are Vitamin D deficient. D3 is a very inexpensive vitamin to buy. It works great during cold and flu season for prevention. Hmmm...cheap and necessary....sounds like a deal.
Most of us don’t get enough sun, especially in the winter, to make the amount of vitamin D we need. Getting extra vitamin D is a good idea, either from supplements or from vitamin D–fortified foods. For those looking to supplement to correct or prevent deficiency, a new study shows that of the two forms commonly sold, one of them will impact vitamin D status more efficiently.
The most common form of D used in food fortification is a synthetic variety called vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol. It is also the only available prescription form of vitamin D.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is made in the body when skin is exposed to sunlight and occurs naturally in foods like eggs and fish. In order to produce vitamin D3 for supplements, some manufacturers are extracting D3 from wool fat that has been exposed to ultraviolet light.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism published a study comparing the effects of vitamin D2 and D3 supplements on vitamin D levels in healthy adults. The participants took capsules providing 50,000 IU of either vitamin D2 or D3 once per week for 12 weeks. Blood samples were drawn every two weeks to measure changes in blood vitamin D levels, and fat biopsies were taken at the beginning and end of the trial to measure changes in tissue vitamin D levels. In addition, a final blood sample was taken six weeks after the last dose. D3 does the trick faster !!
Blood vitamin D levels rose throughout the trial in both groups, but rose more rapidly in the D3 group. By week 12, the average vitamin D level had risen nearly 50% more in the D3 group than in the D2 group. The increase in tissue vitamin D levels from the beginning to the end of the trial was roughly three times as great in the D3 group. Blood levels dropped at a similar rate in both groups after stopping the supplements, but because the D3 group had higher levels by week 12, they maintained an advantage over the D2 group at the 6-week follow up. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011;96:online publication) These results show clearly that D3 produces a substantially larger effect than D2, as measured both by serum vitamin D status and by fat storage of the vitamin.
It is not easy to keep adequate levels of Vitamin D in your blood, but here are some tips:
• Get vitamin D3 from rich natural food sources such as fatty fish and fish oil. Fortified foods are also fine (remember that vitamin D2 raises vitamin D levels in the body, just not as quickly).
• Spend a little time in the sun. Just 15 minutes without sunscreen a few times per week will help keep your D3 production strong.
• Obtain a Vitamin D blood level yearly. Your doctor can order this for you. Aim for a blood level between 55 and 80
• Look for nutritional supplements that contain cholecalciferol or vitamin D3 or be sure to conscientiously use your D2 supplements to ensure maximum benefit.
• I sometimes need to combine the use of Vitamin D2 and D3 in order to achieve optimal levels. Please call me if you are having trouble raising your serum level or maintaining it.
• Difficult to maintain good levels during the winter months. I usually increase the dose for most patients during the gray winter months, and certainly during flu season.
Ok my bloggie babies, if you have any questions on this just shoot me an email or post here.
Be happy
Aim high
Choose health.
Love you ALL
Hot, Vogue, Provocative, Mysterious....Vitamin D is the Lady Gaga of the vitamin world, and I'm her biggest fan.
Most people are Vitamin D deficient. D3 is a very inexpensive vitamin to buy. It works great during cold and flu season for prevention. Hmmm...cheap and necessary....sounds like a deal.
Most of us don’t get enough sun, especially in the winter, to make the amount of vitamin D we need. Getting extra vitamin D is a good idea, either from supplements or from vitamin D–fortified foods. For those looking to supplement to correct or prevent deficiency, a new study shows that of the two forms commonly sold, one of them will impact vitamin D status more efficiently.
The most common form of D used in food fortification is a synthetic variety called vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol. It is also the only available prescription form of vitamin D.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is made in the body when skin is exposed to sunlight and occurs naturally in foods like eggs and fish. In order to produce vitamin D3 for supplements, some manufacturers are extracting D3 from wool fat that has been exposed to ultraviolet light.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism published a study comparing the effects of vitamin D2 and D3 supplements on vitamin D levels in healthy adults. The participants took capsules providing 50,000 IU of either vitamin D2 or D3 once per week for 12 weeks. Blood samples were drawn every two weeks to measure changes in blood vitamin D levels, and fat biopsies were taken at the beginning and end of the trial to measure changes in tissue vitamin D levels. In addition, a final blood sample was taken six weeks after the last dose. D3 does the trick faster !!
Blood vitamin D levels rose throughout the trial in both groups, but rose more rapidly in the D3 group. By week 12, the average vitamin D level had risen nearly 50% more in the D3 group than in the D2 group. The increase in tissue vitamin D levels from the beginning to the end of the trial was roughly three times as great in the D3 group. Blood levels dropped at a similar rate in both groups after stopping the supplements, but because the D3 group had higher levels by week 12, they maintained an advantage over the D2 group at the 6-week follow up. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011;96:online publication) These results show clearly that D3 produces a substantially larger effect than D2, as measured both by serum vitamin D status and by fat storage of the vitamin.
It is not easy to keep adequate levels of Vitamin D in your blood, but here are some tips:
• Get vitamin D3 from rich natural food sources such as fatty fish and fish oil. Fortified foods are also fine (remember that vitamin D2 raises vitamin D levels in the body, just not as quickly).
• Spend a little time in the sun. Just 15 minutes without sunscreen a few times per week will help keep your D3 production strong.
• Obtain a Vitamin D blood level yearly. Your doctor can order this for you. Aim for a blood level between 55 and 80
• Look for nutritional supplements that contain cholecalciferol or vitamin D3 or be sure to conscientiously use your D2 supplements to ensure maximum benefit.
• I sometimes need to combine the use of Vitamin D2 and D3 in order to achieve optimal levels. Please call me if you are having trouble raising your serum level or maintaining it.
• Difficult to maintain good levels during the winter months. I usually increase the dose for most patients during the gray winter months, and certainly during flu season.
Ok my bloggie babies, if you have any questions on this just shoot me an email or post here.
Be happy
Aim high
Choose health.
Love you ALL
Monday, February 14, 2011
Up Close and PERSONAL
Good Morning my Blogsters.
Beautiful day here in NY. The sun is shining. Finished an early morning hike. I love to feel the cool fresh air in my lungs; it intoxicates my brain!!
Of course, what I never forget to do is take my daily load of vitamins/supplements. I get so many emails and everyone wants to know what it is that I personally take. I guess they want to know if I practice what I preach. As you can see by the photo of my personal pillbox....I AIN'T joking around here!!! I also have a smaller pillbox by my bedside for certain supplements/hormones that I take VERYYYY early in the morning on an empty stomach.
Before I get started, I just want to remind everyone that certain vitamins are standard but for the most part, supplements are very individual, and you cannot follow any one person's routine.
So just check with me first before you start swallowing pills that your neighbor's mother swears by.
So here it goes:
High potency Vitamin and mineral supplement.
High dose B-complex.
Extra Folate and B6
Mixed tocopherols, gamma tocopherols.
Vitamin D3 6000 IU daily.
Magnesium 600 mg daily
Selenium 200 mcg daily
Zinc 30+ mg daily
Chromium 200 mcg daily
EPA/DHA (fish oil) 2000 mg daily with food
Olive fruit extract 300mg daily
Sesame seed extract 30 mg daily.
CoQ 10 30 mg (Q-gel) daily
Proanthocyanidins (grape seed&skin extracts) 150 mg daily
Resveratrol 250mg daily
DHEA 25 mg daily
Lutein 10 mg daily
Zeaxanthin & Meso-zeaxanthin 4 mg daily
Natural Astaxanthin 6 mg
Carnosine 1000mg daily
ArginoCarn 675 mg daily
Benfotiamine 150 mg daily
R-lipoic acid 150mg daily
BioPQQ 10mg daily
Luteolin 8mg daily
Complex digestive enzymes 2 x daily: bromelain, papain, inositol, cellulase, lipase, amylase, ficin, pancrelipase, SOD & catalase, organic beet extract 200 mg, CLA 10mg
Vegetable culture w/organic methyl donor 600-900 mg daily
5-HTP 200mg at night.
Secretropin (amino acid blend) at night or Free Form Amino Acid liquid 2 x daily.
Now this is my baseline. I add and subtract supplements depending on my need. For example,If I am working out hard I add D-ribose and creatine. If I am fighting a viral illness, I add a variety of natural anti-virals and immune boosters. I increase Vitamin D3 in the winter months.
I am not going to mention any hormones here, aside from the DHEA, because those are very individual and by prescription only. But please, obtain a DHEA-S level at least yearly before taking continuous supplementation.
Stay focused. Stay true. Stay healthy...mind, body, spirit.
Oh, and... Happy Day of Love to All.....cuz love is all we need!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Was the Donut Worth it?
Today was an exhausting day. I had to tell a very sweet special patient that she now has Diabetes. She cried. I gave her some tissues, and it felt like that was all I had to give.
The truth is that I knew this was coming. I've been warning her of PRE-Diabetes since 2007. She would always confide that she had a weakness for powdered donuts and ate them all the time...since she was a young girl. "I know that they are bad for you, but I just LOVE them"
I gave it my all in trying to educate her, teach her to make some lifestyle changes that would get her off the road to Diabetes. I preached about the evil of a highly processed, high carb diet. I explained that a bagel is not a meal (and neither is a donut). Stop eating pasta everyday. I tried to get her to understand that her life was too sedentary, that she was not a farmer and that her body did not earn the amount of carb calories that she was giving it each day. I pushed fresh fruit and raw vegetables. The response is always the same, "Oh I like fruit, but it just goes bad in the fridge." "Oh but I dont really eat much...just a little piece of cake once in a while" "Oh, I can't walk on the treadmill because my knee hurts". " I never eat sugar, so I don't understand"
When she brought me chocolates for Christmas, I explained that I don't eat them but that I would share them with the staff (you know, the pre-diabetic ones). I wanted her to learn by example. I REALLY wanted her to succeed.
Today I was again reminded that health is a very individual journey. Her diabetes is HER diagnosis, not mine. I can give her the tools, the information, the books, and all the dialogue, but its her choice to take it, or to just sit and cry. So I handed her more tissues.
The reality is she will go home and be upset for a couple of days. She'll go and buy some sugar-free donuts, Diet pepsi (which she has been drinking for years), and those stupid 100 calorie snack pscks. She'll join a gym. She might even make an appointment with the nutritionist and go once or twice. But over time, the shock and the novelty of the diagnosis fades. Old habits creep right back in. And we all know how true love.....between a woman and her donuts....never dies.
Type II Diabetes is a silent disease. She feels nothing. So she is not reminded of her diabetes on a daily basis, aside from the meds she now has to take. What she doesn't realize is that all that excess sugar viciously reacts with your body's proteins causing damaging GLYCATION reactions, which fuels chronic inflammation and the production of destructive free radicals.
It is rare to find a type II Diabetic that does not also have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, arthritis, poor vision, and coronary artery disease (even if they passed their stress test). Helloooo, those are all inflammatory conditions.
I offer my diabetics lots of supplements like Irvingia, green tea, propolmannan, brown seaweed extract, cinnmamon extract, chromium, etc. The key to success though lies in the diet. You must eat LESS (<1800 cal daily), and eliminate simple processed carbs. You simply do not need them. Period. There really is not much more to say about that.
People also develop II diabetes as they get older and hormone levels decline. It is so very important to maintain youthful DHEA and TESTOSTERONE levels which help with insulin sensitivity.
Type II diabetes is preventable, yet it is predicted that the number of Americans living with diabetes will TRIPLE by 2050. THAT is the greatest tragedy of all.
So, get to the gym today. Do 30 min on the bike. Eat an 2 apples a day. Eat the tuna salad on a platter without the bread.
Commit to health. Keep your fasting sugars less than 85. Your after meal sugar level should be no higher than 40 points above that. Call me if they are not. Early intervention is the key to success.
Ok bimbaccioni...
Be healthy. Make smart choices.
Like Nike says, "Just Do It"
The truth is that I knew this was coming. I've been warning her of PRE-Diabetes since 2007. She would always confide that she had a weakness for powdered donuts and ate them all the time...since she was a young girl. "I know that they are bad for you, but I just LOVE them"
I gave it my all in trying to educate her, teach her to make some lifestyle changes that would get her off the road to Diabetes. I preached about the evil of a highly processed, high carb diet. I explained that a bagel is not a meal (and neither is a donut). Stop eating pasta everyday. I tried to get her to understand that her life was too sedentary, that she was not a farmer and that her body did not earn the amount of carb calories that she was giving it each day. I pushed fresh fruit and raw vegetables. The response is always the same, "Oh I like fruit, but it just goes bad in the fridge." "Oh but I dont really eat much...just a little piece of cake once in a while" "Oh, I can't walk on the treadmill because my knee hurts". " I never eat sugar, so I don't understand"
When she brought me chocolates for Christmas, I explained that I don't eat them but that I would share them with the staff (you know, the pre-diabetic ones). I wanted her to learn by example. I REALLY wanted her to succeed.
Today I was again reminded that health is a very individual journey. Her diabetes is HER diagnosis, not mine. I can give her the tools, the information, the books, and all the dialogue, but its her choice to take it, or to just sit and cry. So I handed her more tissues.
The reality is she will go home and be upset for a couple of days. She'll go and buy some sugar-free donuts, Diet pepsi (which she has been drinking for years), and those stupid 100 calorie snack pscks. She'll join a gym. She might even make an appointment with the nutritionist and go once or twice. But over time, the shock and the novelty of the diagnosis fades. Old habits creep right back in. And we all know how true love.....between a woman and her donuts....never dies.
Type II Diabetes is a silent disease. She feels nothing. So she is not reminded of her diabetes on a daily basis, aside from the meds she now has to take. What she doesn't realize is that all that excess sugar viciously reacts with your body's proteins causing damaging GLYCATION reactions, which fuels chronic inflammation and the production of destructive free radicals.
It is rare to find a type II Diabetic that does not also have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, arthritis, poor vision, and coronary artery disease (even if they passed their stress test). Helloooo, those are all inflammatory conditions.
I offer my diabetics lots of supplements like Irvingia, green tea, propolmannan, brown seaweed extract, cinnmamon extract, chromium, etc. The key to success though lies in the diet. You must eat LESS (<1800 cal daily), and eliminate simple processed carbs. You simply do not need them. Period. There really is not much more to say about that.
People also develop II diabetes as they get older and hormone levels decline. It is so very important to maintain youthful DHEA and TESTOSTERONE levels which help with insulin sensitivity.
Type II diabetes is preventable, yet it is predicted that the number of Americans living with diabetes will TRIPLE by 2050. THAT is the greatest tragedy of all.
So, get to the gym today. Do 30 min on the bike. Eat an 2 apples a day. Eat the tuna salad on a platter without the bread.
Commit to health. Keep your fasting sugars less than 85. Your after meal sugar level should be no higher than 40 points above that. Call me if they are not. Early intervention is the key to success.
Ok bimbaccioni...
Be healthy. Make smart choices.
Like Nike says, "Just Do It"
Friday, January 28, 2011
Its Been "Snow" Easy Time here in NY
Hello my Bloggie Babies. The multi snowstorms here in NY have kept me quite busy. No time to write. My dedicated blog time is being used to shovel my GIGUNDO driveway...at least twice weekly. This last storm 2 days ago was a tough one. The snow was too wet and heavy for my snowblower. What I've been doing is turning the chore of snow removal into a dedicated core workout. Ahhhh, the power of the mind....can move mountains. I must say I was quite impressed with how much lifting I did, and for how long. Of course, my very strong 17 year old son was there to share in the work.
You all know how I preach about core training...how important it is for strength, bone health, muscle health, posture, to alleviate chronic back pain, etc (oh I could go on and on...) Well, a gym isn't necessary, just take advantage of the next snowfall.
Using a sturdy shovel, I scoped out my shovel path, took 3 deep breaths, and started my workout. I started by squatting down, scooping snow, lifting the weighted shovel using my core and thigh and butt muscles, then flinging the snow over again utilizing core, obliques, and controlled shoulder movements. I would do this rhythmically for 15 lifts and then stop for 10 sec, do another 15, rest 10 secs, for a set of 3.
I got my workout in, and cleared my drive in just under 2 hrs.
In spite of my daily gym routine, I feel wonderfully sore and pumped. That was amazing. It was also great cardio. My breathing was also rhythmic and controlled which keeps me from getting winded, and delivers continuous oxygen to the muscles.
I increased my D-ribose back up to 5 grams, and added White Willow bark, Marshmallow root, to my regimen that same day, and then realized that I also needed some Arnica pellets the following day.
Everybody, increase the intensity of your core training especially during these cold winter months when we tend to want to just hibernate. Remember to keep your belly button magically connected to your spinal column. That is your grounding line. All your energy and focus is on that "string" that connects your navel to your spinal column. Dont forget the breath....BREATHE IS LIFE.
Be well
Be happy
Life is too short for anything less
You all know how I preach about core training...how important it is for strength, bone health, muscle health, posture, to alleviate chronic back pain, etc (oh I could go on and on...) Well, a gym isn't necessary, just take advantage of the next snowfall.
Using a sturdy shovel, I scoped out my shovel path, took 3 deep breaths, and started my workout. I started by squatting down, scooping snow, lifting the weighted shovel using my core and thigh and butt muscles, then flinging the snow over again utilizing core, obliques, and controlled shoulder movements. I would do this rhythmically for 15 lifts and then stop for 10 sec, do another 15, rest 10 secs, for a set of 3.
I got my workout in, and cleared my drive in just under 2 hrs.
In spite of my daily gym routine, I feel wonderfully sore and pumped. That was amazing. It was also great cardio. My breathing was also rhythmic and controlled which keeps me from getting winded, and delivers continuous oxygen to the muscles.
I increased my D-ribose back up to 5 grams, and added White Willow bark, Marshmallow root, to my regimen that same day, and then realized that I also needed some Arnica pellets the following day.
Everybody, increase the intensity of your core training especially during these cold winter months when we tend to want to just hibernate. Remember to keep your belly button magically connected to your spinal column. That is your grounding line. All your energy and focus is on that "string" that connects your navel to your spinal column. Dont forget the breath....BREATHE IS LIFE.
Be well
Be happy
Life is too short for anything less
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
New Horizons
Hello all my beautiful Blogg-arazzi friends. This new year has brought change. New website. New Blog space. My old blog space was dissolved with the older website. I am a afraid I may have lost many loyal followers. I have faith that they will somehow follow me again. I was able to save my last 4 posts. I will try to get those re-posted on here, or onto my website, if possible.
I wish everyone success this year on their road to wellness.
The snow and cold weather here in the Northeast has kept me indoors. I haven't been able to enjoy my hikes and walks, and that has me blue. I am at a gym 4 times a week doing core training and dance exercises. Smile.
Eating lots of root veggies and deep green leafys, as I always do in winter. Not so much fruit in the winter. No matter how hard I try I just dont have the fruit appetite that I normally have in the warmer seasons. I do eat lots of apples, pears, pomegranate, and tangerines.
Well just wanted to say hello.
Next blog is gonna be good. Lets talk vitamins and supplements....but SERIOUSLY....a close and intimate peek into my personal drug world. HA!!!!
Buenas Noches.
Be sweet. Be true
I wish everyone success this year on their road to wellness.
The snow and cold weather here in the Northeast has kept me indoors. I haven't been able to enjoy my hikes and walks, and that has me blue. I am at a gym 4 times a week doing core training and dance exercises. Smile.
Eating lots of root veggies and deep green leafys, as I always do in winter. Not so much fruit in the winter. No matter how hard I try I just dont have the fruit appetite that I normally have in the warmer seasons. I do eat lots of apples, pears, pomegranate, and tangerines.
Well just wanted to say hello.
Next blog is gonna be good. Lets talk vitamins and supplements....but SERIOUSLY....a close and intimate peek into my personal drug world. HA!!!!
Buenas Noches.
Be sweet. Be true
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