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In this issue of the Newsletter, we continue the dialogue about environmental medicine that we began last month. Dr. Connie muses on testing for toxicity and offers some simple solutions for detoxifying; Dr. Marcel offers his research on air and water filtering systems for home and office, and proposes a discounted bulk buy through Pacific Naturopathic; Jane H. writes on how to calm yourself by learning EFT tapping; and Lauren Hoover-West offers a delicious recipe for green kale smoothies.
You'll also find a write up about a new product on our shelves, Homeobiotic Concentrate from the Bulletproof Company, and a discussion of the powerful detoxifying powers of glutathione. Of course, regular features on breast thermography and our Hawaii vacation rental may also be found.
Our
Hernandez Center articles include information on a summer retreat for cancer patients, a discussion on the benefits of acupuncture for cancer patients and an article on how a moderate fruit diet can help prevent breast cancer and how more than a little alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Interested in spiritually-focused, uplifting theater? Most Pacific Naturopathic patients don't know that
prior to becoming a doctor, Dr. Marcel received an MFA from Stanford and was an actor/director for several years. Dr. Marcel's latest offering as a director is
the "Land of Golden
Sunshine," an allegory of a soul searching for the light, written by Swami Kriyananda and adapted for the the stage by Dr. Marcel. The play includes music and dance and will be performed at Ananda Palo Alto, 2171 El Camino Real, Friday May 27 and Saturday May 28 at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $12 and may be purchased at the door. See flyer below.
Finally, it is not to late to participate in the Ananda Valley Farm Community Supported Agriculture experience. Dr. Connie and Dr. Marcel have received a weekly "box" of organic, fresh, yummy produce for several years now. Scroll down to the end of this newsletter for more
information.
Be Well.
Dr. Connie, Dr. Marcel, Dr. Brad, Dr. Sage and your health care team at Pacific Naturopathic and the
Hernandez Center for Adjunctive Cancer Care
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Adapted for the stage
and directed by Dr. Marcel...
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Dr. Connie's Musings...
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Dr. Connie enjoys a chat with a friendly camel
during a recent journey to Turkey |
To Test or Not to Test
In last month's article, I mentioned the extensive testing Dr. Marcel and I did to assess our exposure to environmental toxins. Having digested the results, I've come to a few conclusions as to what best to test.
 I found the glyphosate (Roundup) testing academically interesting, but not all that useful. We know we've been exposed. The advice given, if glyphosate is high, is to avoid living in areas where glyphosate is applied and to avoid eating GMO foods or animal products such as milk or meat from animals fed on GMO foods. As this is good advice, regardless, I would assume exposure, skip the testing, and spend my dollars elsewhere. ($99 for Glyphosphate testing)
I was intrigued to discover which toxic compounds (industrial toxicants such as MTBE, Xylene, Styrene, Organophosphates) had built up in my system, but found that suggested treatment protocols were very similar, regardless of which toxic compound was discovered. First and foremost, again, is avoidance. Eat organic, avoid pesticides, avoid living near agricultural areas or golf courses, stay away from food and drink stored or prepared in plastic containers or tin cans. Again, good advice, regardless.
Considering the cost of testing, I find there to be the most benefit from the  Organic Acids Test-Nutritional and Metabolic Profile. This gives information on intestinal microbial overgrowth, mitochondrial markers, neurotransmitter levels, nutritional and antioxidant deficiencies, fatty acid metabolism and more. Treatments are specific to the results of the test.
(We favor the Great Plains Laboratory testing in this case: Toxic Organic Chemical Profile at $219; Organic Acids Test is $299, with discounts on some combination testing. Another option is the Toxic Effects CORE profile from Genova Diagnostics at $649, with individual test profiles for such things as volatile solvents, PCBs and so, being anywhere from $223 to $294)
 Detoxification is a multi step process. It has taken years to get you where you are. It will take time to reverse the process. I like to start simply. Biologic Drainage Remedies are gentle and target liver, kidney and lymph, helping to ensure the body can safely clear toxins. Moving forward, classic naturopathic liver and intestinal cleanses are effective.
Next are the detox needs generated by environmental toxins. Infrared  sauna, glutathione and N acetyl cysteine are mainstays in eliminating toxic compounds. See IV protocols below. Or check out the Quicksilver Scientific protocols for detox in a box kits. You'll find kits for liver, mold, general detox, and metals. (
https://www.purxpressions.com/store
) They are well designed, and available by special order from our office. If the concern is microbial, we recommend the Results RNA protocols. ACS 200 Extra Strength is available in our office. (
https://www.resultsrna.com
)
The long and short of it is that you can pretty much assume toxic exposure. Tests are useful if you'd like to verify mold exposure, or if you have concern about a specific environmental exposure. And you can certainly do testing if you would like hard before and after detox data. The Organic Acid Testing is useful in any case to narrow down and treat systemic effects.
And, with no testing whatsoever, you can make a commitment to doing all that you can to avoid toxic exposure in the first place.
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Recommended by
Dr. Connie and Dr. Marcel...
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In this new section of our newsletter, we will describe unique health care products we offer in our new, small retail section of our clinic.
Why are we selling retail with Whole Foods, Sprouts and Trader Joe's are each within a few feet of our office? Quite simply, you won't find these products on the shelves of local retailers. Furthermore, they are the best of the best -- products we have tested and used ourselves.
You can stop by the office and pick up the products or you can have them shipped via USPS with an additional mailing fee.
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NEW!!!
Homeobiotic Concentrate from Bulletproof Products
 Benefits:
* Maintains a healthy balance of microbes in your home
* 1 application covers 1000 square feet
* Non-toxic, GMO-free, Gluten-free
* Pleasant citrus smell from organic botanical oils
Homebiotic is an all-natural probiotic spray derived from healthy soil. It helps to restore a beneficial bacterial microbiome in your home.
Current treatments for mold in the home either aren't safe or practical, or they don't last. For example, chlorine bleach is toxic to people and also ruins many of the surfaces in a home that are prone to mold growth, like painted drywall. Other home antifungals are made of micronized salt, which stops working as soon as it is no longer evenly distributed on a given surface because the salt has to be there to prevent the mold from growing. It's also difficult to apply to vertical surfaces, so its effects tend to be temporary.
Homebiotic can help balance the microbiome in any indoor area,
especially parts of your home that have suffered water damage or may
be prone to moisture.
* Underneath sinks and cabinets
* Around windows and windowsills
* On carpets
* Near exterior doors
* By your washing machine
* In basements and garages
* Inside enclosed areas, especially during construction
A new, natural way to keep your home healthy - Homebiotic is easy to apply, effective and one treatment lasts up to six months. For more information:
Available in our office for $29.95
Other Bulletproof products available in our office...
Bulletproof Coffee --
Dr. Connie and Dr. Marcel drink Bulletproof Coffee every morning to kick-start their brains. The proprietary Bulletproof Process optimizes every step of coffee production for performance by minimizing the opportunity for performance-robbing mold toxins.
Ingesting mold toxins can contribute to chronic health issues. Bulletproof® Upgraded Coffee Beans are meticulously grown at high altitude on single estates in Guatemala, hand-harvested, carefully processed, handled and roasted to maintain maximum integrity and flavor. The final roast then undergoes proprietary lab testing to verify that our coffee meets the Bulletproof quality and purity standards.
Price: $18.95/12 ozs.
Brain Octane -- Jump-start your day by blending Upgraded Coffee with
Bulletproof® Brain Octane and grass-fed, unsalted butter to energize your mind and body for hours. You will feel the Bulletproof difference with your first cup.
Price: $23.50/16 ozs.
Collagen Protein --
Upgraded Collagen is the gold standard for achieving the fastest possible healthy tissue repair, muscle matrix, bone renewal and recovery after exercise! It can boost mental clarity, reduce inflammation, upgrade your skin, and it mixes easily with other foods and shakes thanks to its neutral taste. Price: $39.95
Collagen Bars (chocolate and vanilla) --
Absolutely the most popular product we've ever carried for sale. Hard to keep in stock they are so popular! People literally buy enough at one time to last a week!
Helps keep you full and focused for hours. Crafted with Bulletproof® Upgraded Collagen and Brain Octane to support glowing skin, flexible joints, supple muscles and healthy bones. Twelve grams protein per bar.
Price: $3.00/bar
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Achieving and Maintaining Clean Air and Water in Your Environment:
Bulk Ordering Through
Pacific Naturopathic
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Living in Silicon Valley presents challenges to reducing toxic load. T
here's not much we can do about our outdoor environment, but we can certainly enhance our home and work environments. Through the bulk buying power of Pacific Naturopathic, we are able to offer three exceptional products at excellent discounts.
AIR -- Visitors to our office may have noticed that we have two air purification systems at work. One is an
Austin Air HealthMate HEPA filtering system and the other is a filtering ozone generator. We strive to protect ourselves and our patients.
a) The
Austin Air HealthMate removes a wide range of airborne particles,  chemicals, gases and odors and will significantly improve the quality of air in your home or office. We are currently negotiating an arrangement with the manufacturer to purchase in bulk so we can pass the discount along to our readers.
If you are interested in participating in a bulk order discount for the Austin Air HealthMate, please contact the office at 650-917-1121. No commitment required, just interest. We'll let you know the price once we know it and then you can decide. The price will be less that the $539 offered most places on line. Find out more about Austin Healthmate systems at
 b) In our Mountain View apartment, we have a
Vollara Everest filter and ionizer. It is
not an ozone generator. Dr. Connie and I discovered this unit at an environmental medicine conference we recently attended. We could not help but notice that the air in the 200 person conference room was kept fresh and sweet by Everest units placed in the corners of he room.
The Everest technology is based on how nature keeps things safe and clean outdoors. The natural processes found in thunderstorms, sunlight, and lightening are re-created indoors. The air ionization process duplicates nature to safely reduce contaminants and on surfaces.
If you are interested in participating in a bulk order discount for the Vollara Everest air ionizer, please contact the office at 650-917-1121. No commitment required, just interest. We'll let you know the price once we know it and then you can decide. More information may be found here:
WATER-Here's a simple question:
Do you trust your tap water? All you have to
do is take a whiff of the stuff to know it is not mountain spring water. In Mountain View, our tap water tastes dead. I am not even sure it hydrates very well as so many of my dehydrated patients say that they drink liters of water every day. We have been filtering our water for many years, and although we know we are removing contaminants, the water still was not satisfying. That has all changed. At the same environmental medicine conference mentioned above, we discovered an amazing bit of technology called the Vollara Living Water filtering, ionizing, and alkalinizing system.
Having a LivingWater is like owning a limitless supply of alkaline, ionized, healthy water. You get pH-balancing, healthy alkaline water for drinking and cooking, strong alkaline water for washing vegetables, and acidic water for cleaning. Plus, when you drink alkaline water regularly, you're helping your body to hydrate itself as well as flush out toxins and waste products. If you're trying to lose weight, you may get a boost there as well. Overall, there's no better way to help stay healthy.
If you are interested in participating in a bulk order discount for the Vollara Living Water system, please contact the office at 650-917-1121. No commitment required, just interest. We'll let you know the price once we know it and then you can decide.
More information may be found here:
https://www.vollara.com/Site/LivingWater
For more on Dr. Marcel's work click
HERE.
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As noted above in Musings,
the first and essential step in the treatment of environmental toxicities of any kind, whether mold, chemical or electromagnetic, is to reduce exposure by eradicating the source. In our modern world, this is easier said than done. The second step, treatment, is also often easier said than done. That being said, let's consider some simple solutions.
Our mold specialist friend in Hawaii tells us that simple
first steps in mold elimination are ensuring air movement, lighting up otherwise dark areas, and dehumidifying home or work environment. The not so simple steps may require a mold specialist to identify problem areas (such as water leakage promoting growth of hidden mold colonies), to consult on initial clean up, possibly to shock treat with ozone, and then to mist with a solution of water, hydrogen peroxide and colloidal silver. (A recommended solution is 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of 35% H2O2, and 1 ounce of colloidal silver.)
The Bulletproof coffee folks have a novel solution that makes much naturopathic sense. Rather than focusing on killing any potentially problematic environmental microbes (thus strengthening bacterial strains and promoting fungal growth....as we see in our bodies),
they suggest spraying areas with a "homebiotic" formula that inoculates your environment with good bacteria, bringing a natural balance to the indoor environment.
(NOTE: Bulletproof Homeobiotic Concentrate is available in our office for $29.95. See description below.)
 Treatment wise, a close Hawaii friend of ours discovered that her nasal congestion and itching and sneezing issues (which had disrupted her sleep for more than 20 years, and for which she had tried virtually everything) responded instantly to a nebulized solution of ½ colloidal silver
(Results RNA 200 ppm, for sale in our office) and ½ 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide.
(Most chronic sinus infections are now thought to be due to mold.)
Dietarily speaking, fungi love sugar. Ridding your diet of sugar and simple carbs (as in an anti yeast protocol), hard cheeses, alcohol and mold contaminated foods such as peanuts and corn goes a long way to starving out the overgrowth. As with the environmental mold, a high quality probiotic is beneficial. Raw garlic and ginger are helpful dietary additives.
With regards to chemical toxins, indoor plants can help. Chrysanthemums and aloe vera filter out benzene. Aloe, bamboo palm, spider plant, Boston fern, English Ivy and Mother in Law's tongue help remove formaldehyde. They also release oxygen.
Once toxins are in your body, one safe and simple way to start eliminating  them, is through the use of an infrared sauna.
(An excellent portable sauna is available in our office. See HERE.)
You may be familiar with the Hubbard protocol, which has been disputed and discredited on line, though it IS acknowledged that it has worked for many. We don't necessarily recommend the high doses of niacin utilized in this protocol, but we do heartily recommend the use of the sauna. And there is plenty of evidence as to its efficacy.
Skin is the largest organ of detoxification. In addition to being eliminated through sweating, toxins can be drawn out through the use of clay. Check out Ancient Minerals environmental detox clay baths. Kaolin clay is considered one of the best for removing pesticides from the body, as is acalcium montmorillonite clay. These clays are also used to bind internal pesticides and toxins, as is activated charcoal.
Foodwise, saffron can reverse aluminum induced symptoms, is neuroprotective, and improves glutathione levels, as do Brazil nuts. Cilantro and chlorella help detox mercury. Asparagus can reduce pesticides. Algin in seaweeds helps absorb toxins from the digestive track.
Incorporating foods such as these into your diet is one more simple way to detoxify your body and enhance your health.
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Find out more about Dr. Connie's work
HERE.
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Intravenous Glutathione: Absolutely Essential for Systemic Detoxification
and Health Maintenance
Glutathione (GSH) benefits include living longer, living healthier, improving sports performance, slowing aging and increasing energy. Glutathione is our body's master antioxidant and detoxifier.
There are many reasons why we should raise GSH levels in our body:
1. GSH is the body's master antioxidant and detoxifier. Vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin E and alpha lipoic acid become unstable after they have neutralized free radicals. The rile of GSH is to stabilize the vitamins to allow them to do their job again and again. While the other antioxidants work only on a certain part of our body, GSH is needed in every part of the human body. A deficiency of GSH makes the other antioxidants ineffective in fighting free radicals.
2. GSH is anti-inflammatory. Inflammation accompanies a huge number of diseases. The first step towards disease prevention is to control inflammation in the body.
3.
GSH is abundant in a healthy liver.
Must people in today's world have a liver that is tired from over work. The liver is the organ that does the detoxification work and gets rid of waste materials. In order to do its job, the presence GSH is critical. GSH removes not only free radicals, but bacteria, viruses, drug poisons, environmental toxins and heavy metals from our bodies.
4. GSH transports proteins and nutrients into the cells. With low GSH, a person may be
malnourished even with a healthy diet.
5. GSH protects our immune cells from oxidative stress. It allows our immune system to do its work of fighting off viruses and bacteria effectively.
6. GSH is needed for energy production. Energy production in the body creates free radicals and GSH must be in abundance to prevent these molecules from causing cellular damage.
7. GSH never becomes a free radical. It is able to recycle itself constantly to neutralize free radicals and support other antioxidants to do their work.
8. GSH slows down aging. Many researchers believe that age related diseases like heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, cancer and others are caused by cellular damage by free radicals. When GSH levels are high, free radicals are quenched up before they cause harm to the cells, the organs and eventuallly our health.
9. GSH protects our eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light. This means fewer cataracts and protection from macular degeneration.
10. GSH improves the condition of skin, hair and nail. Skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, dry and itchy skin and wrinkles all improve with increased GSH in the body. GSH counteracts free radicals and improves skin health by keeping skin moist, supple and free of inflammation. It also allow collagen in our skin to stay intact so that our skin does not age prematurely.
11. GSH induces delta wave sleep. It is a savior of insomniacs.
12.
GSH supports peak athletic performance
and accelerates muscle recovery. Amateur and professional athletes find better endurance, stamina and most importantly faster recovery so that they can compete more competitively in shorter period time.
Although we do carry a highly absorbable form of glutathione in our office (click
HERE
), intravenous GSH goes right to the cells where it is needed. Either way, we recommend that GSH become an integral part of your supplement program.
Please phone 650-917-1121 for more information.
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Elijah Free: Herbalist, Shaman, Healer at Pacific Naturopathic
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Elijah Free has been an associate at Pacific Naturopathic s
ince January of 2000.
He specializes in working with both mechanical and metabolic pain.
and view his videos on Ending Fibromyalgia and Ending PTSD-One Veteran's Answer.
To see Elijah's personal site and learn more of his work please visit
And to find out more of Elijah's work with his 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization to end PTSD in war veterans, (Elijah is a veteran and paramedic of the Viet Nam conflict) Bring Our Vets All the Way Home, please go to www.bringourvetsallthewayhome.org
To schedule an appointment with Elijah,
please phone 650-917-1121.
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What to Do When You Want to Run Away from Your Life
Using EFT Tapping to Calm Yourself Down Within Minutes
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It's almost too good to believe but EFT tapping is a technique that anyone can learn to use to calm their nerves and enhance their well-being.
There's always something that is causing us stress or fear - be it a financial, health, relationship or family problem. The key is how we react to the problem and that leads to what we communicate to our body.
Let's take today...I challenge you to actively listen to your thoughts and I bet that they are filled with more negatives than positives. That's normal.
But our bodies are also listening and the effect is a tremendous load to bear every day, especially as we get older. Our thoughts get translated into chemicals in the body and end up being taken in by the cells. And guess what, there are approximately 37.2 trillion of them!
In time, constant stress messages accumulate and can bring on disease. As a matter of fact, it has been estimated that 75-90% of all primary care physician visits are stress related.
 So, I'm not talking about only putting those affirmation stickies up all over your house, I'm talking about EFT Tapping, which addresses the stressful problems in your life and then brings in the affirmations.
It consists of tapping on certain acupuncture points on head and chest while saying the words which relate to your problem
and THEN voicing the affirmations. This simple but effective technique calms down the stress centers of the body and allows you to let go and relax.
It has been scientifically proven that EFT is able to rapidly reduce the emotional effects of stress and incidents that trigger emotional distress.
Once the stress is reduced, your body can often rebalance itself, and healing is promoted.
I teach EFT Tapping to all of my clients at the first appointment
because it is so fast and effective. Like anything, the more you use it, the better you get. That said, newbies can get results from the start.
I often recommend tapping before meditation. Having a meditation practice is a valuable thing to incorporate into your life but sometimes your mind is racing at such a speed that you can't focus. Tapping for just a few minutes before meditation allows you to relax and prepare for an optimal session.
Please don't hesitate to call me about this life-changing healing technique, or check out information below and see an EFT Tapping demo:
http://www.thetappingsolution.com/what-is-eft-tapping/
"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." -
Rumi
For more information about Jane and her work
click here.
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Green Kale Smoothies
Lauren Hoover-West
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This is one of my favorite ways to eat my green veggies! It is so delicious and nutritious!
Ingredients:
3 cups organic Dino Kale or baby spinach, washed and chopped*
4 cups Plain Unsweetened Alternative Milk (nut or seed)
3-4 frozen organic bananas
1 cup pineapple or 1 cup green grapes
1 TBSP. gluten-free vanilla extract
1 TBSP. lecithin, optional(high in B vitamins)
1 tsp. spirulina, optional (high in protein & minerals)
 Directions:
- Make Alternative Milk (or use packaged almond or coconut milk), set aside.
- Wash and chop Kale or Spinach.
- In high powered blender blend kale or spinach and alternative milk until smooth.
- Add bananas, lecithin, spirulina and vanilla; blend until smooth. Taste and add one more banana if not sweet enough. Chill and enjoy!
Freezing the bananas helps thicken the smoothie and dramatically improves the texture. If it is not sweet enough, you can add a date or honey or agave to taste.
Combinations:
Spinach, banana, green grapes
Kale, banana, pineapple
*If you have hypothyroid do not eat raw kale as it dampens the thyroid function! I recommend using spinach or steamed or frozen kale.
Be Well & Thrive!
* * *
Lauren has appeared and cooked on ABC Live in Chicago and Sacramento. She has cooked for 4 United States Presidents and a United States Senator.
Lauren Hoover-West was classically trained at The California Culinary Academy, now the Cordon Bleu. She is a Chef/Educator/Consultant specializing in food allergies and health issues since 2002, including Gluten sensitivity, Celiac's Disease, Diabetes, Autism, Autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions.
Lauren has created a revolutionary way to cook delicious food that is gluten-free, dairy-free, low glycemic index, or sugar-free, and very healthy while tasting just as good as traditional food so, everyone can enjoy it.
 Lauren does not believe in using weird ingredients, so you will learn to use readily available food, and she will introduce you to items you may not have noticed before. She will help you replace all your pantry items with gluten-free, dairy-free, low glycemic alternatives!
She is the author of "No Wheat No Dairy No Problem"
cookbook and blog site. She has over 20 years of cooking and teaching experience at La Folie(Michelin star), Fairmont, Hyatt Resorts, Bally's, Marriott, New Leaf Market, Sur la Table etc... Lauren is the owner of Lauren's Kitchen, a customized meal service. She also earned a Bachelors of Science in Psychology at St. Mary's College. To contact Lauren or for more information go to her blog site.
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Breast Thermography at
Pacific Naturopathic
- "hormonal grade" in breast health evaluation -
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We often write of the thermal risk ratings found on the breast thermography reports, but don't write as often about the "hormonal grade.
The hormonal grade is determined by a study of vascular patterns in the breast, and reflects the sum total of estrogen influence on the breast."
Estrogen influence may be endogenous (coming from within the body itself) or exogenous (from or affected by environmental sources). Dairy, poultry, and many meats are full of exogenous hormones, which we consume when we consume those foods. And our modern environment is rife with endocrine disruptors, as found in plastic water bottles, for example. We see some of that influence in the hormonal grade.
A high hormonal grade may be normal and typical of the estrogenic phase of the menstrual cycle in young women, while a lower grade would be expected in menopausal women. Hormonal grade offers a way to evaluate efficacy of therapies intended to diminish estrogen in conditions like ER+ breast cancer. The environmental effect must also be taken into account.
****
Read more about
breast
thermography
at
Pacific Naturopathic
here.
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Pacific Naturopathic Hawaii:
Purify in Paradise
Check Future Openings
(then click on "Calendar")
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| The view at Pacific Naturopathic Hawaii |
Spend time on the Big Island of Hawaii at Pacific Naturopathic Retreat Center. The environment itself is therapeutic and healing.
The Hawaiian Island chain sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The trade winds keep the air moving and ensure that visitors are subject to fewer industrial toxicants than those of us in Silicon Valley. Though there is internet connection at Pacific Naturopathic Retreat Center (we need it and guests demand it), electronic networks are much less pervasive. Not all mobile phone services work well on the PacNat land. Considering what we know of EMF toxicity, we think that is a good thing.
Entering the View House at Pacific Naturopathic Retreat Center, you will notice the stunning ocean views and the lush greenery visible from the many windows and sliding doors. The View House is breezy and full of light. Enjoy the colorful sunrise and sunset, or, on misty days, a rainbow or two. Night times, enjoy a star studded sky, or be lulled to sleep by a soft, tropical rainfall. By all means, sleep with the windows open!
Openings available from June.
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Isn't it time you treated yourself to a magical experience?
Come, enjoy, rejuvenate and reinvent yourself.
Openings available from May.
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The Hernandez Center for Adjunctive Cancer Care
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News and Commentary on Cancer Topics
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What We Offer
at the
Hernandez Center
for Adjunctive Cancer Care
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Our cancer patients often ask us to give them an estimate of the effectiveness of therapy at the Hernandez Center for Adjunctive Cancer Care. We respond that
our entire focus is on helping our patients stay healthy, upbeat and positive.
The truth is that the botanical and nutritional therapies we offer
(including
intravenous vitamin C), although 'adjunctive' in nature, have powerful documented actions in decreasing inflammation, reducing tumor load and attacking cancer stem cells.
Our mind/body approaches are focused on transformation of experience. And our bodywork approaches helpreduce muscular pain, resolve lymph drainage problems and relieve stress.
The hope we offer is not that of a miraculous cure,
although we are definitely open to miracles,
but the hope of a life lived to the fullest in dignity
and understanding, for however long that may be.
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Summer Retreat for Cancer Patients
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| The Crystal Hermitage Gardens at Ananda Village |
We recently became aware of a 3 week retreat program being offered specially for cancer patients this summer in the Sierra Nevada near Nevada City at the Ananda Village Meditation Retreat. The retreat was designed by and is being led by a Yoga Therapist.
It is designed for adults over the age of 24 who have undergone chemo or radiation treatments in the last 10 years; for people struggling with the effects of the illness or the side effects of treatment; for those wanting tools to create and maintain health, well being, and inner peace and joy.
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Acupuncture and Cancer
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Despite being an ancient technique, acupuncture is recognized by the National Cancer Institute as an excellent complementary therapy for cancer patients undergoing conventional therapy. For the type of work we do with cancer patients at Pacific Naturopathic and the Hernandez Center, acupuncture also provides exceptional ancillary benefits.
The benefits include:
Pain Relief:
Acupuncture has been used for millennia to alleviate pain, one of the worst symptoms of cancer. When acupuncture needles are inserted in specific points, endorphins - the body's natural painkillers - are released. The endorphins then travel through the spinal cord to the brain to relieve pain. Serotonin, another natural chemical in the body that makes you feel more relaxed and encourages a heightened sense of well-being, is also released during treatment. Cancer
patients are often able to decrease their intake of prescribed pain medication.
Relief from Nausea and Vomiting:
Acupuncture helps alleviate the nausea and vomiting that are common side effects of chemotherapy. Specifcally,
by placing a fine needle into the P6 acupoint (also known as the Neiguan point), the urge to vomit is diminished.
Inflammation Reduction:
Cancer is an inflammatory disease. Chemotherapy and other traditional cancer treatments will contribute to even more inflammation throughout the body.
Acupuncture reduces swelling by improving the flow of cytokines within the body. Cytokines are chemical messengers that affect blood vessel permeability, vasoconstriction, and vasodilation.
Better Sleep:
Due to pain and inflammation, sleep is often illusive for cancer patients. Acupuncture sends signals to the brain that bring relaxation to the body.
Increased Appetite: Once cancer establishes a hold on the body, nutrient absorption becomes
a problem that may lead to wasting syndrome (cachexia). To make things worse, cancer therapy diminishes appetite and reduces saliva production. Acupuncture helps to reduce these side effects and improve appetite.
Lower Intensity of Hot Flashes:
Breast and prostate cancer patients often exhibit hot flashes when they undergo hormonal treatment.
Studies show that acupuncture has long-lasting effects on the reduction of hot flashes and night sweats for women receiving hormone therapy for breast cancer when compared to drug therapy for these conditions.
Note: As part of their health maintenance program, Dr. Marcel and Dr. Connie receive regular acupuncture treatments, administered by a very skilled local licensed practitioner. Please ask us for her name and contact information.
Please phone us for an appointment at:
650-917-1121
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High fruit intake during adolescence linked with lower breast cancer risk; But increasing alcohol intake in later life associated with higher risk
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Two linked papers in The BMJ this week shed
new light on the relation of alcohol and diet with breast cancer and heart disease.
The first study reports
that high fruit consumption during adolescence may be associated with lower breast cancer risk, while the second study finds that increasing alcohol intake in later life is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
A team of US researchers wanted to see whether fruit and vegetable consumption might affect subsequent breast cancer risk. They followed 90,000 nurses for over 20 years who reported their diet in early adulthood, of whom half also recalled their usual diet during adolescence.
They found that high fruit consumption during adolescence was associated with a roughly 25% lower risk of breast cancer diagnosed in middle age.
In particular, greater consumption of apple, banana and grapes during adolescence, as well as oranges and kale during early adulthood was significantly associated with a reduced breast cancer risk. But there was no link between intake of fruit juice in either adolescence or early adulthood and risk.
The authors say their findings are in line with cancer prevention advice to eat more fruits and vegetables, and suggest that food choices during adolescence may be particularly important.
In the second study, a team of Danish researchers wanted to test the effect of a change in alcohol intake on the risk of breast cancer and heart disease. Alcohol is responsible for about 11% of female breast cancers in the UK.
They followed the health of nearly 22,000 post-menopausal women in Denmark and
found that women who increased their alcohol intake by two drinks per day over five years had around a 30% increased risk of breast cancer but around a 20% decreased risk of coronary heart disease, compared with women with a stable alcohol intake.
However, results for women who decreased their alcohol intake over the five year period were not significantly associated with risk of breast cancer or coronary heart disease.
Altogether, the authors say their findings support the hypothesis that alcohol is associated with breast cancer and coronary heart disease in opposite directions.
The results for breast cancer are in line with previous research, but the true effect of alcohol on risk of ischaemic heart disease remains uncertain, say the editorial authors.
"There may be some benefit with low to moderate intakes of alcohol, but this could be outweighed by an increased risk of breast cancer and other morbidities," they explain. "Furthermore, risk of ischaemic heart disease can be reduced substantially by other lifestyle changes, as well as by drugs such as statins shown to be effective in primary prevention."
Source: BMJ, May 11, 2016
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Other I.V. Therapies Offered at Pacific Naturopathic and the Hernandez Center
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Many people have already heard about intravenous vitamin C as a complementary cancer therapy to help stimulate the immune system as well as being directly cytotoxic to cancer cells. This is the most common therapy we use at the Hernandez Center for our cancer patients.
What people may not know is that we also have many other IV therapies that are also very helpful in supporting our cancer patients, depending on their symptoms and what they need.
But intravenous therapy is not just for cancer patients.
More than half of our IV patients come for various
"cocktails" to help them ward off infections and optimize their health. We offer a number of individualized
versions of the famous "Myers Cocktail." Read about the Myers Cocktail HERE
And check out our new web site at www.IntravenousTherapies.com
For more information or to set up an appointment, please contact us at the Hernandez Center at (650) 917-1121. A lot more information can be found at www.IntravenousTherapies.com
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CLEAN, HEALTHY PRODUCE:
RECOMMENDED BY DR. CONNIE AND DR. MARCEL
(We've been receiving this amazing produce for several years...)
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NOW TAKING SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR THE 2016 GROWING SEASON
What makes our produce so unusually delicious?
* Hand harvested just 1-2 days before pickup
* Restorative, low-till agriculture
* Biologically alive soil filled with healthy microbes
* Plants and seeds carefully chosen for flavor and vitality
* Conscious farming by long-time meditators
Ananda Valley Farm is nestled amongst hills and canyons on 67 acres of rich farmland just outside of Half Moon Bay, land that has been lovingly farmed for more than 100 years. Water is available year-round from a mountain-top spring that American Indians have long considered sacred.
30 weeks of produce May-November, 2016
Classic box for 1-2 people/week
$26/box, $780 for the season
Family box for 3-5 people/week
$34/box, $1020 for the season
$50 early bird discount for orders by April 1
Questions? Please call Trisha at (650) 246-9453
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Pacific Naturopathic
and
The Hernandez Center
for Adjunctive Cancer Care
2570 W. El Camino Real, Suite 111
Mountain View, CA 94040
650-917-1121 (v) * 650-917-1127 (f)
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