There are many symptoms that can be associated with colds and flu and to find what remedies are going to work the best for your needs, here is a list of recommendations broken down by common symptoms. These recommendations are based on successes from other individuals but you may need to mix and match to fit your particular symptoms and needs.
Throat spray tone, xenoforce, and temple guardian for initial onset of cold like symptoms. These initial remedies are designed to help support the body’s natural immune defenses creating healthier stronger bodies.
If the symptoms have not been alleviated within a few days it is best to utilize a more specific approach to target the xenobiotic. The following recommendations are broken down by symptoms to find the best combination for your needs.
• Sinus Congestion:
o Sinus Chord: homeopathic drainage blend includes red onion to assist with burning eyes, sneezing, and sinus congestion from colds and allergies.

o Core Sambucus Blend: spagyric botanical traditionally used for support with influenza, sinus issues, mucus, and lymph drainage.

• Chest Congestion:
If your symptoms have moved down into your chest we recommended these products to help break up the mucus and drain the toxins out of the body.
• Flu-Tone: homeopathic drainage support for colds, viruses, and flu-like symptoms.

• Core Myrrh Blend: botanical formulation traditionally used for lung congestion, breaking up mucus and pathogenic burden.

In addition to natural remedy support you can also take hot baths for fevers, drink hot tea, consume chicken broth (preferably from an organic or free range source), and gargle with salt water for sore throats.
If you are still experiencing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, or pain and headaches after 5-7 days please contact me to make an appointment. There may be some underlying issues that need to be addressed to help your body fight off the pathogens.

Remember to take care of yourself and that prevention is usually the best medicine.

References:

Energetix Corporation

Rachel Maskell-Revive Communication

I’m sure you have seen the posters everywhere, advertising the flu shots in places like Target, CVS and Walgreens. It’s the only real way to avoid getting the flu, right? I’m not convinced that it is, and many of you are not as well. So instead I have listed a couple of alternatives to consider if you are looking for safe and effective supplements in place of the flu vaccine.

Flu-Tone is a homeopathic remedy formulated to stimulate and support the body’s immune system during the onset of the flu. The key ingredient, Anas barbariae, also known as oscillococcinum, has been historically used to relieve cold and flu-like symptoms. Spagyrically-processed herbs, such as Echinacea and Lapacho, have been included for all-around immune enhancement.
Another main ingredient in this formula is the Influenzinum nosode, which is designed to trigger the immune system to target and dispose of influenza-related viruses. With its proven homeopathic formulation, Flu-Tone is a powerful, yet gentle remedy to assist with the onset of cold or flu-like symptoms.
I generally suggest using Flu-Tone prophylactically, from October to March and have had great success with just this remedy alone!

Another great supplement to use is during the winter months is Vitamin D3. It used to be thought that Vitamin D3 was only good for prevention of weakened bones and rickets but as more research is being done the connection between Vitamin D3 and the body is wide ranging. Research has shown that using higher doses of Vitamin D3 lowers the incidence and severity of the flu, in addition to improving a number of other health conditions such as depression, bone health, cancer and immune function.

Vitamin D Dose Recommendations:
Age Dosage
Below 5 35 units per pound per day
Age 5 – 10 2500 units
Adults 5000 units
Pregnant Women 5000 units

For more information on vitamin D check out this link:

http://www.mercola.com/article/vitamin-d-resources.htm

References:
(1) http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/02/23/vitamin-d-part-five.aspx
(2) image: http://vitamind.ucr.edu/disease.html
(3) http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-04/pgu-tvd040110.php
(4) http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2006/10/26/beware-of-most-prescription-vitamin-d-supplements.aspx

Energetix Flu-Tone

J.P. Ferley, D. Zmirou, D. D’Admehar, et al., A Controled Evaluation of a Homeopathic Preparation in the Treatment of Influenza-like Syndrome, British Journal of Clinical
Pharmacology 27 (March 1989):

329-35.Reckeweg, Hans-Heinrich. 1996. Materia medica: homoeopathia antihomotoxica Vol. 1. A selective pharmacology. Germany: Konkorida Druck GmbH, Bühl.

Boericke, William M.D. 1997. Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Material Medica & Repertory. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers Pvt. Ltd.

Cummings, Stephen M.D. and Dana Ullman, M.P.H. 1997. Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicines. New York, NY: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam a member of Penguin

How many times have we heard, you are what you eat? How many times have you heard me say, the gut is the second brain? For years now I have said to my patients that if you want to feel better quickly, start by eliminating gluten.

For those of you who don’t know what gluten is, it’s a protein found in wheat, barley and rye products. Most cereals and breads contain gluten. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease resulting in a true intolerance to gluten. Mark Hyman, MD stated in his article Gluten: What you don’t know might kill you, “a recent large study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people with diagnosed, undiagnosed, and “latent” celiac disease or gluten sensitivity had a higher risk of death from heart disease or cancer”. He also states, “The New England Journal of Medicine listed 55 “diseases” that can be caused by eating gluten. These include osteoporosis, irritable bowel disease, inflammatory bowel disease, anemia, cancer, fatigue, canker sores, and rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and almost all other autoimmune diseases. Gluten is also linked to many psychiatric and neurological diseases, including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, dementia, migraines, epilepsy, neuropathy (nerve damage) and, autism”. People who suffer from gluten insensitivity may exhibit the classic symptoms of celiac disease, yet have no detectable intestinal damage, and test negative for certain key antibodies.

How does gluten intolerance/sensitivity specifically relate to brain function? Once gluten is ingested, a biochemical process occurs ultimately causing an inflammatory response that is detrimental to brain health. Alzheimer’s, parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and autism all are associated with inflammatory brain function.

So how do you know if you have gluten intolerance? There are gluten allergy/celiac disease tests that are available through Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics. The testing may be expensive and may not always show the true picture of gluten intolerance or sensitivity. I generally recommend elimination of gluten and then see how you feel. Most people report a significant improvement in how they think and feel in a relatively short period of time.

If you are struggling with finding foods to replace your gluten products, here is a short list that hopefully will make the transition easier.
Udi’s Gluten Free Foods-Breads
Against the Grain-Breads
Van’s Waffles
Pamela’s-Cookies
Ian’s –Chicken Nuggets
Kinnikinnick Donuts
Sam Mills-GF pasta

References:
Is Gluten Free Diet Really Healthier, Susan B. Dopart, MS, RD
Gluten: What you don’t know may kill you, Mark Hyman, MD
Gluten sensitivity and the impact on the brain, David Perlmutter, MD

Resources:
Gluten Free Society-www.glutenfreesociety.org
Gluten Free Links-www.GFlinks.com
Gluten Free Recipes-www.simplygluten-free.com

I have been asked this question again and again, “Why do you recommend digestive enzymes?” In order to have optimal gut function, I believe that digestive enzymes are a critical component. Simply stated, digestive enzymes are enzymes produced in your body to aid in the absorption of foods you eat. However, it is not uncommon for most people to experience trouble in breaking down incoming foods, and consequently nutrient uptake is compromised.

There is a ripple affect that happens in the body when the digestive system is out of balance. Let’s say, for example, that your stomach acid, known as hydrochloric acid, is low. Without enough acid, the proper signal will not be sent to the pancreas telling it to release more digestive enzymes. Thus there will also be a lack of enzyme activity in the small intestine, allowing undigested food to pass through. And trust me, you do not want undigested food reaching the colon — the outcome is unfavorable, to say the least. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a lack of digestive activity.

The types of digestive enzymes are many and will vary depending on what your body needs. There are even digestive enzymes now available to aid in the breakdown of gluten, making it possible for people with gluten sensitivites to eat those foods once again. The long and short of it, just about everyone can benefit from from digestive enzymes. Together, along with a BioEnergetic Assessment, we can determine which particular enzyme is right for you.

Resources: Enzymes: Go with your Gut- Karen DeFelice M, Sc.

What do poor dietary habits, overuse of medication, unnatural amounts of prolonged stress, decreased nutritional value in foods, and an increasingly toxic environment all have in common?  They are all ways in which our bodies are depleted of B vitamins.  Without an adequate amount of B vitamins in our bodies, we are setting ourselves up for depression, fatigue, chronic illnesses, digestive issues, sleeplessnes, weight problems…B vitamins are essential for an astonishing array of life functions! In fact, the nervous, endocrine, nor metabolic systems can function effectively without B vitamins.

Since many people’s digestive systems are compromised, simply taking any B supplement may not be an effective or useful strategy. To truly experience the power of B vitamins, I recommend Phyto B Complex with Rhodiola Rosea Extract. This particular formula uses the biologically active forms of an array of B vitamins, making them more easily absorbable by the body, which is essential to ensure the body can utilize the nutrients it receives and effectively cope with emotional and physical stressors.

Rhodiola rosea is actually one of the few herbs where case studies indicate genuine effectiveness with extensive scientific research to support its benefits.  This adaptogenic herb works synergystically with the B vitamins to support and nourish the nervous and endocrine systems, by helping the body to adapt to its environment.  With greater balance in the nervous and endocrine systems, there is greater normalization of hormone production and regulation, which ultimately affects all organs in the body.

As a whole, Phyto B Complex assists the body to maintain normal energy levels, elevate mood, promote normal immune function, support normal metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, and help ease occasional stress and sleeplessness. As a bonus, these vitamins may also help promote healthy hair, skin, and nails.  If you think you may benefit from a B vitamin supplement, please come in for a visit and talk to me!

Inflammation in your body is a defense and repair mechanism that can be triggered by many different allergens, chemical toxins, or injury. The acute inflammatory process is normally self limiting and is part of the healing process. However, if left unchecked, inflammation can lead to chronic and debilitating disorders that may require prolonged pharmalogical care. Conventional treatment for inflammatory conditions involve non-steroidial anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids and selective inhibitors. These medications have been linked to renal and cardiovascular side effects and serious gastrointestinal disorders. Now there are natural agents to help modulate inflammation and research has shown there effectiveness.

Listed below are 6 natural anti-inflammatory agents that are extremely effective of inflammatory disorders:

Fish Oil is a concentrated source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that can impede inflammation by competing with omega-6 fatty acid

Probiotics are living organisms that support and maintain healthy, flora in the gastrointestinal tract.

Proteolytic Enzymes- Enzymes have long been used to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing.

Turmeric has a long history in South and East Asian countries as both a spice and a traditional remedy for liver ailments and inflammation.

Ginger is widely used in India, China, Africa and the West Indies as a culinary spice and medicinal herb for inflammation and analgesic properties.

Boswellia is also known as Indian frankincense herb that modulates inflammation and specifically helps with bowel disease and asthma.

In Part I of the discussion on Lyme’s disease I discussed what it is and the symptoms associated with it.  Keep in mind that Lyme is an intelligent bacteria which causes the body to manifest its presence in a wide variety of symptoms.

How is Lyme disease transmitted?

Lyme disease’s main mode of infection is from ticks, but there is also evidence of it being transmitted sexually.   Not all ticks carry the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, known to cause Lyme’s.  In the United States it is carried in the Northeast by the black-legged deer tick and on the West coast by the western black-legged tick.

In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36- 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted – so early removal is key.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention, as with anything, is the best course of action.  The CDC offers recommendations on keeping tick populations around homes and in recreational areas at a minimum.  According to them, ticks can be reduced 50 to 90 percent through simple landscaping practices such as removing brush and leaf litter, and creating a buffer zone of wood chips or gravel between forest and lawn or recreational areas.

Proper tick and flea medication for your pets is key as well.  Be sure to check them regularly for ticks, particularly if they have been outside in areas where there are woods or tall grasses.

And don’t underestimate tick checks for yourself, especially if it is high tick season (June, July, August) and you have been in areas of high tick populations.   iPhone now offers a Tick App complete with a tick map, Lyme disease symptoms, how to remove a tick, and more.  If you do find a tick in you, remove it immediately.  The CDC recommends grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling upwards with even pressure. If portions of the mouthpiece are left, try to remove them with tweezers, and if unsuccessful leave them and let the skin heal.

The principles of homotoxicology are integral to understanding the processes of reversing this illness.  If you think that you may be suffering from Lyme disease, please make an appointment with a BioEnergetic practitioner as soon as possible! Lyme disease is known to be a multisystem condition manifesting in layers of cause and effect.  The sooner you get treatment, the fewer problems you will have to endure.

While antibiotics can be helpful for some, it cannot address all issues, due to the disease’s ability to morph and intelligently hide in the body.  It could simply cause your body to go into remission, and then pop up again with even worse symptoms down the road.

A treatment plan individually designed for you is the best course of action.  Please don’t let you or your loved ones become another statistic.  There is an answer to this complex disease and your symptoms.

Resources:
http://www.medi-vet.com/felineticks.aspx

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2564911/?tool=pmcentrez

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2774030/?tool=pmcentrez

Sakonyi, Joy. “The Symptom Masquerade – Complexities of Lyme Disease Webinar.” <www.goenergetix.com>.

http://www.textbookofbacteriology.net/Lyme.html

http://www.underourskin.com

It may be the next epidemic.  It may already be more prevalent than Aids.  It is the fastest growing infectious disease in the United States.  I’m talking about Lyme disease, a disease so widespread that there are approximately 20,000 cases reported each year in the US alone.

Lyme disease can be very difficult to treat because of how quickly it spreads, its ability to mask itself in the body, and because of the vast array of symptoms it causes. A person with Lyme could feel fine for years, forget they ever had a tick bite, then suffer an onslaught of seemingly mysterious symptoms.  Therefore, many people may not seek medical treatment.  And yet, many others who experience debilitating symptoms may find no relief due to misdiagnosis or dismissal.  It’s not uncommon for sufferers to be told, “It’s just in your head.”

What is Lyme disease?

The most common bacteria responsible for this complex disease in the United States is Borrelia burgdorferi, which has the ability to change forms and produce a protective film, allowing it maximum survival and proliferation within the body.  If this were not enough, the condition is often exacerbated by co-infections that present their own symptoms and complicate the primary infection.

Babesia is a common Lyme disease co-infection that often times is overlooked and not addressed, which complicates the healing process and full recovery.  Other strains of bacteria, parasites, fungus, and viruses usually hitch along for the ride too.

Borrelia burgdorferi can morph into three distinct bacterial forms: spirochete, cyst, and cell wall deficient.  Spirochetes can burrow in tissues, even bone, making it hard to find.  When under stress or attack it will morph into a cyst — an inactive form of the bacteria.  Cysts are the ones responsible for relapses.  If the bacteria morphs into a cell wall deficient form, it causes the numerous symptoms not conventionally associated with the disease.

To further protect itself, Borrelia burgdorferi, produces its own biofilm.   The bacteria group together in large colonies and form a gelatinous substance for the purpose of hiding from the immune system, allowing them to proliferate in the human body.

What are the symptoms?

The hallmark symptom of Lyme’s disease is anxiety.  However, the symptoms are much more numerous, ranging from the neurological issues to gastrointestinal problems.  They may include:

•   insomnia

•   depression

•   memory loss

•   OCD

•   paranoia

•   brain fog

•   multiple sclerosis

•   headaches

•   fibromyalgia

•   nerve and joint pain

•   fatigue

•   low immunity

•   hypoglycemia

•   adrenal stress

•   gastrointestinal issues

•   food sensitivities (especially if have a lot)

•   rashes

•   exzema

But no need to fear! Thankfully, due to BioEnergetic testing, this complex condition is treatable.  A BioEnergetic assessment has the ability to look at all co-factors associated with Lyme Disease and design a protocol for you and your unique symptoms.  Stay tuned for the next post on prevention and treatment of Lyme’s.

Resources:

http://www.medi-vet.com/felineticks.aspx

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2564911/?tool=pmcentrez

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2774030/?tool=pmcentrez

Sakonyi, Joy. “The Symptom Masquerade – Complexities of Lyme Disease Webinar.” <www.goenergetix.com>.

http://www.textbookofbacteriology.net/Lyme.html

http://www.underourskin.com

Is there a fungus among us? The answer is yes.   All humans, within days after birth, develop a colony of single-celled fungus or yeast cells, called Candida albacans, in their intestinal tract and mucous membranes.  In a healthy body, these fungus and yeast cells are kept in check by friendly bacteria living in our digestive system. However, when the immune system is compromised or when friendly bacteria in our gut are killed by antibiotics or prescription drug overuse, candida flares up.

Most cases of fungal infection are the result of a multitude of yeast strains from the Candida family.  Historically it has been recognized in women in the form of vaginal yeast infections.  Today it is commonly known to occur in both men and women, and have a widespread affect on the entire body, otherwise termed as systemic candida.  Anyone who has taken antibiotics, birth control pills, steroids, or immunosuppressive drugs are at high risk for developing systemic candida. It’s symptoms range from fatigue, headaches, itching, gastrointestinal issues, allergies, ear infections, and recurring fungal skin infections (athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, persisting dry flaky skin, etc.).  Even dandruff is caused, in part, by skin fungus.

Fortunately, nature has provided us with remedies to combat fungal infections.  Four big ones are given here:

Coconut oil – Coconut oil’s main natural yeast-fighting component is its fatty acid component caprylic acid.  In fact, caprylic acid is commonly sold in supplement form for fighting yeast infections.  And as an extra bonus, it can be used topically or internally.  If using coconut oil for its health benefits, be sure to use Virgin Coconut Oil, since it is unrefined.

Pau d’arco – Pau d’arco is a natural fungistatic from the bark of a rainforest tree.  It’s anti-fungal properties are due primarily to its phytochemical beta-lapachone.  Pau d’arco may be taken in the form of tea.  For a more potent remedy, Core Pau d’Arco Blend is specifically designed for toxic fungal burden in the digestive and immune system. Interestingly enough, this blend also contains echinacea, which has been recently recognized by research for its anti-fungal properties.

Olive Leaf Extract – Olive leaf extract can kill invading fungus rather than just inhibiting its growth. It contains a phenolic compound called oleuropein, that with its naturally occurring synergist calcium elenolate, has more than just anti-fungal properties.  Our spagyrically processed Core Olive Leaf Extract is an effective and natural way to consume this herb.

Probiotics – Last but not least, let’s not forget our friendly bacteria.  Flora Synergy and Flora 12+ are two great products that everyone should have on hand to build your immunity and keep fungal infections at bay.  These are a must if you have been taking a course of antibiotics, to replenish the beneficial bacteria in your gut.  Flora Synergy is a unique probiotic used to boost the body’s good immune bacteria.  Flora 12+ is a probiotic supplement that contains 12 strains of microflora.

Which of these remedies have you tried and seen results?  If you think that you may benefit from any of these products, feel free to contact me to set up a bioenergetic assessment.

Resources:
Fife, Bruce. “Nature’s Marvelous Germ Fighter.” The coconut oil miracle . 4th ed. New York:Avery, 2004. 74-77. Print.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17703901

Spring means beautiful flowers, warmer weather, and for many of us seasonal allergies. If you are experiencing a runny nose, sneezing, sinus pressure, and watery eyes, you may be affected by seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies can be caused by many different factors and for all the pollen floating around it can be difficult to know which are the offending culprits!

Being outdoors and enjoying the change in weather can be challenging and this challenge can feel escalated when it limits what we can do and when we can do it. If this sounds like I am speaking to you then we may have your solution.

Two great products to help alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies are Aller-Chord II and Isopathic Phenolic Rings. Aller-Chord II contains a unique combination of homeopathic ingredients that work together to quickly soothe and desensitize the body, calm the immune system and bring relief from symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, sniffling and sneezing.

Isopathic Phenolic Rings is a homeopathic remedy that sends a signal to the immune system telling it to calm down. Isopathic Phenolic Rings is best utilized to relax allergy symptoms and to help connect the communication within the body so that it is able to determine the causative factors behind the allergy or sensitivity.

To discover which particular pollens are resonating as irritants in the body I recommend a bioenergetic assessment (link here). Once these are identified the above remedies can be potentized to help target your sensitivities. Clients have found much greater success with allergy relief by employing this level of specificity.

Now that you have a way to enjoy your spring and your health, call to book your session today! I look forward to being able to assist you to breathe easy and enjoy your life.