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
Friday, June 24, 2011
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
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