Author and functional medicine doctor, Datis Kharrazian D.C., tells a story about taking a leading expert on endocrinology and thyroid function to lunch. The esteemed doctor is not only the head of the faculty at a prestigious medical school, but he writes endocrinology textbooks that are used nationwide. During the course of their lunch, the following conversation occurs:
M.D.: “What you say about the immune system and the thyroid is very interesting.”
Dr. K: "Yes, it is."
M.D.: (slowly nodding) "Very interesting indeed."
Dr. K: "Yes, it is."
Dr.K: "Do you know how understanding how the immune system causes thyroid problems will impact endocrinology?" (He's excited to hear the answer because so many Americans are suffering from hypothyroid symptoms and the medical treatment hasn’t changed much from the 1950s.)
M.D.: "Not at all."
Dr. K: "How can that be?"
M.D.: "We're endocrinologists, not immunologists."
This is the age of (over) specialization and many specialists can't see the forest for the trees. In other words, they're trained in one specific area—not how one system interacts with other systems in the body.
A functional medicine practitioner offers the best chance of a successful outcome for thyroid patients because he can puzzle together information from specialties that relate to thyroid function, including endocrinology, immunology and gastroenterology, for example.
After all, thyroid problems are very complex. Every cell has a thyroid receptor so the impact of thyroid hormone is felt throughout the body. This is why thyroid patients complain of such diverse symptoms such as lack of motivation, osteoporosis, gall bladder disease, elevated cholesterol or triglycerides, fatigue, headaches, weight gain, feeling cold all over, hair falling out, dry skin, etc.
Some of these problems are capable of further worsening thyroid symptoms creating a viscous cycle. For example, brain function and thyroid metabolism influence each other: Abnormalities in certain areas of the brain affect thyroid metabolism, which can then exacerbate dysfunction in the brain.
It’s important to understand the different approaches of conventional doctors and functional medicine practitioners when seeking treatment for diseases that are complex.
Showing posts with label functional medicine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label functional medicine. Show all posts
What's Your Thyroid Story?
Many of the patients who have come to our clinic tell a similar story: Nobody believed that they had hypothyroidism. The patient did enough research to learn that their symptoms could be caused by hypothyroidism, but their doctor told them that their blood tests were normal.
As their condition worsened they eventually received a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and were prescribed medications that helped some. Still many hypothyroid symptoms persisted. So they started their journey within the alternative community. Here they were told that they needed a single nutrient like iodine, tyrosine, zinc or a glandular containing an animal source of thyroid gland.
After years of bouncing from one doctor to the next and taking one pill after another hoping that it was the silver bullet that would make a miraculous difference, the thyroid patient begins to lose hope.
Reality check
The vast majority of hypothyroidism sufferers find themselves in this situation—they’re often left without any significant improvement after years of treatment.
The truth is there is no silver bullet.
Your thyroid physiology is complicated and that’s why you probably haven’t gotten the results you’re looking for – no single thyroid pill or nutrient is capable of correcting the widespread dysfunction in the web of chemical reactions throughout the body.
Volumes of peer-reviewed research illustrate the complexities of thyroid physiology. For example, your thyroid function can be influenced by your blood sugar, cortisol (a stress hormone), testosterone, estrogen, the immune system and brain function. A problem in any one system is capable of affecting all other systems.
Ideally, you want to work with a doctor who understands these interactions that are capable of affecting thyroid metabolism. That is, you want someone to unfurl the web. As a patient, you will also need to be willing to follow through and make any necessary changes to your diet and lifestyle to improve your health. There may me no silver bullet but you can still hit the bulls-eye for good health.
As their condition worsened they eventually received a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and were prescribed medications that helped some. Still many hypothyroid symptoms persisted. So they started their journey within the alternative community. Here they were told that they needed a single nutrient like iodine, tyrosine, zinc or a glandular containing an animal source of thyroid gland.
After years of bouncing from one doctor to the next and taking one pill after another hoping that it was the silver bullet that would make a miraculous difference, the thyroid patient begins to lose hope.
Reality check
The vast majority of hypothyroidism sufferers find themselves in this situation—they’re often left without any significant improvement after years of treatment.
The truth is there is no silver bullet.
Your thyroid physiology is complicated and that’s why you probably haven’t gotten the results you’re looking for – no single thyroid pill or nutrient is capable of correcting the widespread dysfunction in the web of chemical reactions throughout the body.
Volumes of peer-reviewed research illustrate the complexities of thyroid physiology. For example, your thyroid function can be influenced by your blood sugar, cortisol (a stress hormone), testosterone, estrogen, the immune system and brain function. A problem in any one system is capable of affecting all other systems.
Ideally, you want to work with a doctor who understands these interactions that are capable of affecting thyroid metabolism. That is, you want someone to unfurl the web. As a patient, you will also need to be willing to follow through and make any necessary changes to your diet and lifestyle to improve your health. There may me no silver bullet but you can still hit the bulls-eye for good health.
Vertigo & Your Blood Sugar
When I started practicing in 1986 I asked a female patient to perform Rhomberg's Test, in which a patient stands with eyes closed and arms stretched out in front of them like a sleepwalker. If the patient sways or their arms drift from midline, the test is positive—there is a problem. My female patient fell over.
She was later diagnosed with diabetes. To date, this was the most dramatic relationship between balance and blood sugar that I’ve ever witnessed.
Sugar is the brain’s sole source of energy. If blood sugar is too low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) the brain may not be able to function normally. Abnormal blood sugar levels can cause vertigo, dizziness and balance problems. The problem is that hypoglycemia isn't easily diagnosed because:
1. To determine whether or not you have a healthy glucose level, you must fast for 10 to 12 hours before the blood test is performed. Many of my vertigo patients have had their blood tested in a non-fasting state, which often does not accurately reveal abnormal glucose levels.
2. To interpret blood test results, you need to consider the “functional range” for glucose in the body. There is a difference between a functional range and a lab range, the range typically used to interpret blood tests of glucose level. Lab ranges are determined by a statistical analysis of all the blood that goes to a lab. Your glucose level is compared to the glucose levels of all other lab samples. If your glucose level is worse than 95% of the populace, then your test will be flagged as abnormal. Lab ranges for fasting glucose levels are often 60 to 99.
In contrast, functional ranges are based upon what the American Institute Of Chemists determines is a normal range. A functional range is not based on a sick population but rather normal physiology. Functional ranges for fasting glucose levels are 85 to 99.
Remember, in the medical model once pathology is ruled out for a vertigo patient, often a diagnosis of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)—or “inner ear problems” is given. Many patients don't respond to the medication or vestibular rehabilitation for this diagnosis. It's important to consider other factors that can cause or play a role in vertigo—and blood sugar is one of them.
Here are some of the symptoms of abnormal blood sugar levels:
- Craving sweets but eating sweets does not satisfy craving
- Irritability if meals are missed or delayed
- Dependence upon caffeine (coffee/tea) to keep yourself going
- Getting lightheaded if meals are missed
- Eating relieves fatigue
- Fatigue after meals
- Feeling shaky, jittery, tremors
- Feeling agitated, easily upset, nervous, anxious
- Poor memory, forgetful, confusion upon wakening
- Blurred vision
- Bad temper, mood swings
- Waist girth is larger than hip girth
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms along with vertigo, blood sugar abnormalities may be to blame. Talk with a functional medicine practitioner to get the treatment you need.
She was later diagnosed with diabetes. To date, this was the most dramatic relationship between balance and blood sugar that I’ve ever witnessed.
Sugar is the brain’s sole source of energy. If blood sugar is too low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) the brain may not be able to function normally. Abnormal blood sugar levels can cause vertigo, dizziness and balance problems. The problem is that hypoglycemia isn't easily diagnosed because:
1. To determine whether or not you have a healthy glucose level, you must fast for 10 to 12 hours before the blood test is performed. Many of my vertigo patients have had their blood tested in a non-fasting state, which often does not accurately reveal abnormal glucose levels.
2. To interpret blood test results, you need to consider the “functional range” for glucose in the body. There is a difference between a functional range and a lab range, the range typically used to interpret blood tests of glucose level. Lab ranges are determined by a statistical analysis of all the blood that goes to a lab. Your glucose level is compared to the glucose levels of all other lab samples. If your glucose level is worse than 95% of the populace, then your test will be flagged as abnormal. Lab ranges for fasting glucose levels are often 60 to 99.
In contrast, functional ranges are based upon what the American Institute Of Chemists determines is a normal range. A functional range is not based on a sick population but rather normal physiology. Functional ranges for fasting glucose levels are 85 to 99.
Remember, in the medical model once pathology is ruled out for a vertigo patient, often a diagnosis of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)—or “inner ear problems” is given. Many patients don't respond to the medication or vestibular rehabilitation for this diagnosis. It's important to consider other factors that can cause or play a role in vertigo—and blood sugar is one of them.
Here are some of the symptoms of abnormal blood sugar levels:
- Craving sweets but eating sweets does not satisfy craving
- Irritability if meals are missed or delayed
- Dependence upon caffeine (coffee/tea) to keep yourself going
- Getting lightheaded if meals are missed
- Eating relieves fatigue
- Fatigue after meals
- Feeling shaky, jittery, tremors
- Feeling agitated, easily upset, nervous, anxious
- Poor memory, forgetful, confusion upon wakening
- Blurred vision
- Bad temper, mood swings
- Waist girth is larger than hip girth
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms along with vertigo, blood sugar abnormalities may be to blame. Talk with a functional medicine practitioner to get the treatment you need.
Functional Medicine Is Individualized Medicine
When I first consult with a patient who has a chronic illness like hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy or fibromyalgia, I communicate the differences in disease classification between allopathic (traditional) and functional medicine.
Allopathic physicians use set criteria to diagnose their patients. Patients are treated using roughly the same approach that, for the most part, involves pharmacological intervention. This model is sometimes critiqued as “one size fits all”.
In contrast, functional medicine practitioners evaluate and treat each patient individually. Even if two people have the same diagnosis, differences between patients are appreciated. In many ways the doctor practicing functional medicine has the more difficult task—to treat the individual, not the condition.
Unfurling The Web Of Disease
In treating patients at the individual level, functional medicine docs take a holistic approach. They evaluate a complex web of chemical interactions in the body in determining a diagnosis and the best course of treatment.
Take, for example, a diagnosis of Hashimoto's disease.
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. Allopaths typically prescribe thyroid hormone—in reality, Hashimoto's is not primarily a thyroid problem. Because the immune, endocrine (aka hormone-producing), nervous, circulatory and digestive systems are all part of an interactive web, abnormalities in any one system can affect another.
A patient with Hashimoto’s may be suffering from multiple conditions that are exacerbating symptoms. For example, the patient may also have insulin resistance. Through an understanding of the interactions between bodily systems, a functional medicine practitioner can recognize that excess insulin causes abnormal levels of the hormone cortisol. Excess cortisol can in turn interfere with thyroid metabolism in several ways. It can also reinforce insulin resistance, which can create a positive feedback loop that worsens the initial condition.
With the roots of Hashimoto’s exposed, a functional medicine doc will then look into the source of insulin resistance. The differential diagnosis for insulin resistance includes poor diet, hypothyroidism, food sensitivities, gastrointestinal problems and autoimmune disease. Each of these conditions has multiple components and a functional medicine doctor tackles them one by one. As metabolic dysfunctions are revealed, the doctor can see a pattern particular in the Hashimoto's patient.
This in-depth analysis allows for a tailored treatment regimen—a far cry from a one-size-fits-all label.
Patients who are aware of the fundamental difference between allopathic and functional medicine therapeutic paradigms will understand that motivation to cooperate in functional medicine treatment programs can lead to real improvements.
Allopathic physicians use set criteria to diagnose their patients. Patients are treated using roughly the same approach that, for the most part, involves pharmacological intervention. This model is sometimes critiqued as “one size fits all”.
In contrast, functional medicine practitioners evaluate and treat each patient individually. Even if two people have the same diagnosis, differences between patients are appreciated. In many ways the doctor practicing functional medicine has the more difficult task—to treat the individual, not the condition.
Unfurling The Web Of Disease
In treating patients at the individual level, functional medicine docs take a holistic approach. They evaluate a complex web of chemical interactions in the body in determining a diagnosis and the best course of treatment.
Take, for example, a diagnosis of Hashimoto's disease.
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. Allopaths typically prescribe thyroid hormone—in reality, Hashimoto's is not primarily a thyroid problem. Because the immune, endocrine (aka hormone-producing), nervous, circulatory and digestive systems are all part of an interactive web, abnormalities in any one system can affect another.
A patient with Hashimoto’s may be suffering from multiple conditions that are exacerbating symptoms. For example, the patient may also have insulin resistance. Through an understanding of the interactions between bodily systems, a functional medicine practitioner can recognize that excess insulin causes abnormal levels of the hormone cortisol. Excess cortisol can in turn interfere with thyroid metabolism in several ways. It can also reinforce insulin resistance, which can create a positive feedback loop that worsens the initial condition.
With the roots of Hashimoto’s exposed, a functional medicine doc will then look into the source of insulin resistance. The differential diagnosis for insulin resistance includes poor diet, hypothyroidism, food sensitivities, gastrointestinal problems and autoimmune disease. Each of these conditions has multiple components and a functional medicine doctor tackles them one by one. As metabolic dysfunctions are revealed, the doctor can see a pattern particular in the Hashimoto's patient.
This in-depth analysis allows for a tailored treatment regimen—a far cry from a one-size-fits-all label.
Patients who are aware of the fundamental difference between allopathic and functional medicine therapeutic paradigms will understand that motivation to cooperate in functional medicine treatment programs can lead to real improvements.
FDA Clears Zerona For Effectiveness & Safety
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal (Freeze! Zap! Bye-Bye, Fat) discusses how the Zerona laser has been cleared by the FDA. The Zerona has been found to be both safe and effective.
I emailed author Melinda Beck the following:
Dear Ms. Beck,
I enjoyed your recent Wall Street Journal article regarding the Zerona Laser. We have had the laser for over a 1.5 years and have treated a few hundred patients. I especially appreciate that you mentioned the biochemically active role of fat cells in the body:
"….fat cells are not just passive storage depots for surplus calories. They are busy chemical factories that send signals all over the body, helping to regulate growth, puberty, healing, disease-fighting, and aging. Among the 100 or more hormones that fat cells secrete are adiponectine, which helps manage metabolism, and leptin, which tells the brain to eat more or less (although the brain doesn't always listen)."
In my experience, patients generally misunderstand the effect of removing fat cells. As a result, I've consulted with a number of post-liposuction patients who complain that the fat has returned. This is why—as you mention in your article—it is also important for patients to follow-up any body contouring procedure with a healthy diet and exercise program.
Still, it’s not exclusively a matter of willpower. Quite a few people have metabolic problems that hinder them from losing weight regardless of how much they diet or exercise. These patients require more complex treatments including identifying where the metabolic block occurs, and correcting it so they can better break down and process fat.
Best Regards,
Dr. Nicholas Ungaro
Better Body Solutions
5th Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10017
Functional Medicine Treats the Whole Person
I’ve mentioned the science of functional medicine in prior posts but I wanted to highlight some some specific differences between this approach and that of conventional medicine.
1. Functional medicine can offer real solutions to health conditions rather than only symptomatic relief. Pharmaceutical representatives, who regularly visit MDs to educate them about their latest products, heavily influence physicians’ practices. The result of the relationship between pharma and medicine is that medicine as a whole is concerned less and less with treatments outside of the pharmacological/surgical model.
2. Functional medicine sees the patient as a whole person, not the sum of his or her diseases. The current healthcare model is to prescribe a “pill for every ill”. The true nature of the patient’s health status—their lifestyle, correlations between symptoms and subtle imbalances in body processes—is often not appreciated.
3. Functional medicine recognizes the health impact of preventive measures. In conventional medicine “prevention” often falls under the rubric of early detection. This way of thinking—promoted by HMOs and big pharma—overly simplifies the scope of preventive methods and leaves out alternatives to cost-driven healthcare. As a result, MDs aren’t encouraged to learn alternative methods and they have limited opportunities to provide patients with real preventive education other than “watch your diet and remember to exercise”.
4. Functional medicine promotes specialized, holistic training. Medical schools do not typically encourage thinking outside the pharmacological model. Doctors are trained to look at a patient as a symptom but each symptom could be caused by a number of different factors and patterns specific to the patient. A holistic approach can keep patients off medications or help those medications work more effectively.
I’ve written several posts on the approach of functional medicine to heartburn and thyroid problems (please use the search box to see the various posts). If you would like more information on a certain condition feel free to email me at info@betterbodysolutions.com.
1. Functional medicine can offer real solutions to health conditions rather than only symptomatic relief. Pharmaceutical representatives, who regularly visit MDs to educate them about their latest products, heavily influence physicians’ practices. The result of the relationship between pharma and medicine is that medicine as a whole is concerned less and less with treatments outside of the pharmacological/surgical model.
2. Functional medicine sees the patient as a whole person, not the sum of his or her diseases. The current healthcare model is to prescribe a “pill for every ill”. The true nature of the patient’s health status—their lifestyle, correlations between symptoms and subtle imbalances in body processes—is often not appreciated.
3. Functional medicine recognizes the health impact of preventive measures. In conventional medicine “prevention” often falls under the rubric of early detection. This way of thinking—promoted by HMOs and big pharma—overly simplifies the scope of preventive methods and leaves out alternatives to cost-driven healthcare. As a result, MDs aren’t encouraged to learn alternative methods and they have limited opportunities to provide patients with real preventive education other than “watch your diet and remember to exercise”.
4. Functional medicine promotes specialized, holistic training. Medical schools do not typically encourage thinking outside the pharmacological model. Doctors are trained to look at a patient as a symptom but each symptom could be caused by a number of different factors and patterns specific to the patient. A holistic approach can keep patients off medications or help those medications work more effectively.
I’ve written several posts on the approach of functional medicine to heartburn and thyroid problems (please use the search box to see the various posts). If you would like more information on a certain condition feel free to email me at info@betterbodysolutions.com.
Why Your Doctor's Not REALLY Treating Your Hashimoto's Thyroid
Fifth in our thyroid series.
Most cases of hypothyroidism in the U.S. are due to an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. If you are suffering from this disease you may be surprised to find out that your doctor isn’t treating it at all. In fact your M.D. may be ignoring it completely.
In Hashimoto’s, your body (specifically, your immune system) attacks your thyroid gland. No medical treatment exists for Hashimoto’s. There are, however, treatments for other types of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus and Crohn’s disease. Treatments for autoimmunity include strong anti-inflammatory drugs like cortisone shots, and immunosuppressants. These can have serious side effects and aren’t effective in Hashimoto’s so they’re not used.
What is done about Hashimoto’s? Not much. Hashimoto’s gradually destroys the thyroid gland so a blood test may look normal even though many patients have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism: fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, etc. The well-intentioned (but uninformed) doctor says, “Well, it’s not your thyroid. I’ll put you on an anti-depressant and you should start to exercise.”
When hypothyroidism becomes present, patients with Hashimoto’s are treated the same as other hypothyroid patients: They are given thyroid hormone in one form or another and that’s it. The immune system is totally overlooked. Thyroid hormone alone is a one-size-fits-all type of therapy that is really only indicated for cases of uncomplicated primary hypothyroidism (PH). PH is one of over 20 patterns of thyroid dysfunction and it’s not the most common, by far. In previous posts about the thyroid, I’ve described some of these patterns and written about the many chemical reactions that need to take place for your body to properly manufacturer, activate, transport and utilize thyroid hormone. See the links below.
The bottom line here is that if you have Hashimoto’s you need to work with a doctor who practices Functional Medicine and appreciates the underlying biochemistry of the immune system and thyroid metabolism. A functional medicine doctor will perform comprehensive diagnostic testing, help you make lifestyle changes to promote better health, and provide you with nutrutional supplements that support normal thyroid function.
With a complete diagnosis, healthy lifestyle guidance, and nutritional supplements you’ll have more manageable symptoms including more energy, easier weight loss and better skin.
Thyroid Links:
Hashimoto: The Missed Thyroid Diagnosis
Is Your Thyroid Hormone Activated?
What Your Doctor May Not Know About Your Thyroid
How Estrogen Hijacked The Thyroid Cab
Most cases of hypothyroidism in the U.S. are due to an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. If you are suffering from this disease you may be surprised to find out that your doctor isn’t treating it at all. In fact your M.D. may be ignoring it completely.
In Hashimoto’s, your body (specifically, your immune system) attacks your thyroid gland. No medical treatment exists for Hashimoto’s. There are, however, treatments for other types of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus and Crohn’s disease. Treatments for autoimmunity include strong anti-inflammatory drugs like cortisone shots, and immunosuppressants. These can have serious side effects and aren’t effective in Hashimoto’s so they’re not used.
What is done about Hashimoto’s? Not much. Hashimoto’s gradually destroys the thyroid gland so a blood test may look normal even though many patients have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism: fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, etc. The well-intentioned (but uninformed) doctor says, “Well, it’s not your thyroid. I’ll put you on an anti-depressant and you should start to exercise.”
When hypothyroidism becomes present, patients with Hashimoto’s are treated the same as other hypothyroid patients: They are given thyroid hormone in one form or another and that’s it. The immune system is totally overlooked. Thyroid hormone alone is a one-size-fits-all type of therapy that is really only indicated for cases of uncomplicated primary hypothyroidism (PH). PH is one of over 20 patterns of thyroid dysfunction and it’s not the most common, by far. In previous posts about the thyroid, I’ve described some of these patterns and written about the many chemical reactions that need to take place for your body to properly manufacturer, activate, transport and utilize thyroid hormone. See the links below.
The bottom line here is that if you have Hashimoto’s you need to work with a doctor who practices Functional Medicine and appreciates the underlying biochemistry of the immune system and thyroid metabolism. A functional medicine doctor will perform comprehensive diagnostic testing, help you make lifestyle changes to promote better health, and provide you with nutrutional supplements that support normal thyroid function.
With a complete diagnosis, healthy lifestyle guidance, and nutritional supplements you’ll have more manageable symptoms including more energy, easier weight loss and better skin.
Thyroid Links:
Hashimoto: The Missed Thyroid Diagnosis
Is Your Thyroid Hormone Activated?
What Your Doctor May Not Know About Your Thyroid
How Estrogen Hijacked The Thyroid Cab
Lifetime Spinal Health
Yesterday, I had a conversation with a patient that I’ve had hundreds of times over the last 20 years. He couldn’t believe how quickly his back and leg felt after getting just 3-4 treatments at Better Body Solutions. He had come in a couple of weeks ago unable to walk for more than a block or two, having to stop and squat until the back and leg pain subsided enough to walk another block. Patients like this can spend a fortune on cabs.
We began treatment with him to correct his posture, strengthen his cerebellum (the part of the brain that helps to control posture) and we used non-surgical spinal decompression on a disc in his low back. Not everyone receives such fantastic results after a handful of treatments, but this particular patient was feeling great so he said, “You know, I feel so good it’s tempting to stop getting treated.”
Let’s just say that I’ve heard this before. Occasionally, a patient believes that once they begin to see positive results, it is unnecessary to complete the duration of their treatment. However, here are 3 reasons to stay on track with your treatment instead of jumping the gun at the first signs of progress:
1. The disc itself does not contain many pain fibers, except at the very periphery. Therefore, your disc could be ripped and torn on the inside and you wouldn’t know the difference. Pain is an unreliable indicator of your spinal health.
2. Most disc conditions are part of a degenerative process than can prematurely age your spine and cause significant pain and disability in the future if they’re not properly healed now. It’s best to slow or even stop the degenerative process!
3. Objective diagnostic analysis is a better measure of your health than the presence or absence of pain. For example, a cardiologist doesn’t say, “How does your heart feel?”and leave it at that. The doctor examines your heart and the objective test results tell the real story. If you think you’re better and want to quit, let your doctor run some tests to see what’s really going on.
Remember to think of your spinal health in the long term, you’re going to have the same spine throughout your life.
We began treatment with him to correct his posture, strengthen his cerebellum (the part of the brain that helps to control posture) and we used non-surgical spinal decompression on a disc in his low back. Not everyone receives such fantastic results after a handful of treatments, but this particular patient was feeling great so he said, “You know, I feel so good it’s tempting to stop getting treated.”
Let’s just say that I’ve heard this before. Occasionally, a patient believes that once they begin to see positive results, it is unnecessary to complete the duration of their treatment. However, here are 3 reasons to stay on track with your treatment instead of jumping the gun at the first signs of progress:
1. The disc itself does not contain many pain fibers, except at the very periphery. Therefore, your disc could be ripped and torn on the inside and you wouldn’t know the difference. Pain is an unreliable indicator of your spinal health.
2. Most disc conditions are part of a degenerative process than can prematurely age your spine and cause significant pain and disability in the future if they’re not properly healed now. It’s best to slow or even stop the degenerative process!
3. Objective diagnostic analysis is a better measure of your health than the presence or absence of pain. For example, a cardiologist doesn’t say, “How does your heart feel?”and leave it at that. The doctor examines your heart and the objective test results tell the real story. If you think you’re better and want to quit, let your doctor run some tests to see what’s really going on.
Remember to think of your spinal health in the long term, you’re going to have the same spine throughout your life.
What Your Doctor May Not Know About Your Thyroid
This Is The First In Our Thyroid Series
Many of our patients who are hoping to lose weight have thyroid problems that have gone undiagnosed or somewhat ineffectively treated. The medical approach to treating hypothyroid patients is oftentimes very simple. They prescribe a synthetic or less commonly, a natural hormone to make-up for poor thyroid function. My patient population though, commonly complains of symptoms even though they’re taking thyroid medication. If this sounds like you, please know that there is hope.
If you suffer from hypothyroidism you know how much it affects the way you live and feel. Common symptoms include weight gain, depression, lack of motivation, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, constipation, intolerance to cold, muscle aches, poor memory and decreased libido.
Clinical Tidbit: A high TSH score on your blood test is a sign of primary hypothyroidsim.
Now the good news. Fortunately, there are blood tests and treatments, although not routinely run, that are available to determine the more subtle nature of thyroid problems. I practice metabolic medicine and love treating thyroid patients who I really believe are under-served by conventional measures. Because I don’t prescribe thyroid medication, I look at the problem from a more holistic vantage point. The is quite important because everything from cortisol (stress) levels to the immune function to hormones like estrogen (birth control, hormone replacement) can significantly impact thyroid function.
The thyroid gland makes thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones determine how quickly your body burns energy.
Stay tuned for more information on your thyroid and your quality of life. We’ll teach you how to read your blood tests, what to ask your doctor and tell you about natural, alternative strategies to help improve thyroid function.
Adaptogenic Plants = Stress Busters
From “The Simpsons”
Homer: Are you saying you're never going to eat any animal again? What about bacon?
Lisa: No.
Homer: Ham?
Lisa: No.
Homer: Pork chops?
Lisa: Dad, those all come from the same animal.
Homer: Heh heh heh. Ooh, yeah, right, Lisa. A wonderful, magical animal.
Homer might question Lisa’s sanity for becoming a vegetarian but she has a great point – certain plants can positively impact your life and energy in a variety of ways.
In fact, there is a group of magical plants that have the ability to both improve your endurance AND help you get a good night’s sleep?
These same magical plants can also help improve your immune system, enhance your mental clarity and memory, increase your sense of well being, help detoxify your body, normalize your blood sugar and more?
Adaptogenic plants like siberian ginseng for example, support the adrenal system and help us respond to stress and maintain a healthy inner balance. In our clinic we use a product called Adaptocrine which contains 5 different adaptogens that research has proved to decrease the effect of stress upon the body. These ingredients include:
Panax Ginseng root
Ashwagandha root
Holy basil leaf extract
We probably recommend Adaptocrine to 75% of our nutrition patients to combat daily stresses. Ultimately, these botanicals have been found to help re-establish healthy functioning of the brain and body.
Some, like Homer, might prefer the taste of pork, but these are wonderful, magical plants indeed.
Homer: Are you saying you're never going to eat any animal again? What about bacon?
Lisa: No.
Homer: Ham?
Lisa: No.
Homer: Pork chops?
Lisa: Dad, those all come from the same animal.
Homer: Heh heh heh. Ooh, yeah, right, Lisa. A wonderful, magical animal.
Homer might question Lisa’s sanity for becoming a vegetarian but she has a great point – certain plants can positively impact your life and energy in a variety of ways.
In fact, there is a group of magical plants that have the ability to both improve your endurance AND help you get a good night’s sleep?
These same magical plants can also help improve your immune system, enhance your mental clarity and memory, increase your sense of well being, help detoxify your body, normalize your blood sugar and more?
Adaptogenic plants like siberian ginseng for example, support the adrenal system and help us respond to stress and maintain a healthy inner balance. In our clinic we use a product called Adaptocrine which contains 5 different adaptogens that research has proved to decrease the effect of stress upon the body. These ingredients include:
Panax Ginseng root
Ashwagandha root
Holy basil leaf extract
Rhodiola root extract
Eleutherococcus root
We probably recommend Adaptocrine to 75% of our nutrition patients to combat daily stresses. Ultimately, these botanicals have been found to help re-establish healthy functioning of the brain and body.
Some, like Homer, might prefer the taste of pork, but these are wonderful, magical plants indeed.
Low Blood Sugar & Your Cranky Inner Child
Have you ever been around a child who is Really hungry? It’s not pretty, is it?
The kid probably has low blood sugar and as an adult you can have low blood sugar (functional hypoglycemia) too. And if you do, you’re probably just as unaware of the cause of your distress as the child.
Although diabetes and high blood sugar get all the attention, low blood sugar can drastically affect the way you think and feel every day. You may be blithely unaware of the role low blood sugar is playing in your emotional and intellectual life, not to mention your waist line. Because the great majority of people don’t know the symptoms that are associated with functional hypoglycemia, they think instead that it’s normal to feel that way. Sometimes a patient will say to me, “Oh, I thought thats just the way I am.”
Functional Hypoglycemia can be defined as a fasting blood sugar between 65 and 85. This isn’t a disease state, however it can greatly impact your health both now and in the future due to the stresses it places on the hormonal system. About 50% of the people that I see who wish to lose weight have low blood sugar.
Here are some symptoms associated with functional hypoglycemia:
- Craving sweets
- Irritability if meals are missed or delayed
- Dependence upon caffeine (coffee/tea) to keep yourself going
- Getting lightheaded if meals are missed
- Eating relieves fatigue
- Feeling shaky, jittery, tremors
- Being agitated, easily upset, nervous, anxious
- Poor memory, forgetful, confusion upon wakening
- Blurred vision
- Bad temper, mood swings
The good news is that functional hypoglycemia is usually easy to treat. You don’t need a medication, which is probably why you haven’t heard of it. Otherwise, there would be commercials all over the TV. However, if there were more public information about functional hypoglycemia you may have a different perception of what normal is.
So the first step is recognize why your inner child is cranky. More about your blood sugar and what to do about it later.
The kid probably has low blood sugar and as an adult you can have low blood sugar (functional hypoglycemia) too. And if you do, you’re probably just as unaware of the cause of your distress as the child.
Although diabetes and high blood sugar get all the attention, low blood sugar can drastically affect the way you think and feel every day. You may be blithely unaware of the role low blood sugar is playing in your emotional and intellectual life, not to mention your waist line. Because the great majority of people don’t know the symptoms that are associated with functional hypoglycemia, they think instead that it’s normal to feel that way. Sometimes a patient will say to me, “Oh, I thought thats just the way I am.”
Functional Hypoglycemia can be defined as a fasting blood sugar between 65 and 85. This isn’t a disease state, however it can greatly impact your health both now and in the future due to the stresses it places on the hormonal system. About 50% of the people that I see who wish to lose weight have low blood sugar.
Here are some symptoms associated with functional hypoglycemia:
- Craving sweets
- Irritability if meals are missed or delayed
- Dependence upon caffeine (coffee/tea) to keep yourself going
- Getting lightheaded if meals are missed
- Eating relieves fatigue
- Feeling shaky, jittery, tremors
- Being agitated, easily upset, nervous, anxious
- Poor memory, forgetful, confusion upon wakening
- Blurred vision
- Bad temper, mood swings
The good news is that functional hypoglycemia is usually easy to treat. You don’t need a medication, which is probably why you haven’t heard of it. Otherwise, there would be commercials all over the TV. However, if there were more public information about functional hypoglycemia you may have a different perception of what normal is.
So the first step is recognize why your inner child is cranky. More about your blood sugar and what to do about it later.
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