Healing Positive

The best way to prevent the cold and flu is handwashing!

2011-09-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hand-washing is a simple and effective way to help prevent diseases, such as colds, flu, and food poisoning.

When to wash your hands

Washing hands:

Often, especially during cold and flu (influenza) season, can reduce your risk of catching or spreading a cold or the flu.
Before and after preparing or serving food reduces your risk of catching or spreading bacteria that cause food poisoning. Be especially careful to wash before and after preparing poultry, raw eggs, meat, or seafood.
After going to the bathroom or changing diapers reduces your risk of catching or spreading infectious diseases such as salmonella or hepatitis A.

Wash your hands after:

Touching parts of your body that are not clean.
Using the bathroom.
Coughing, sneezing, or using a handkerchief or disposable tissue.
Eating, drinking, or using tobacco (for example, smoking).
Handling soiled kitchen utensils or equipment.
Handling other soiled or contaminated utensils or equipment.
Handling or preparing foods, especially after touching raw meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, or eggs.
Changing diapers, handling garbage, using the phone, shaking hands, or playing with pets.

Proper hand-washing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following steps for hand-washing:

Wash your hands with running water and soap.
Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds.
Pay special attention to your wrists, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails.
Leave the water running while you dry your hands on a paper towel.
Use the paper towel as a barrier between the faucet and your clean hands when you turn off the water.

If soap and water are not available, use gel hand sanitizers or alcohol-based hand wipes containing 60% to 90% ethyl alcohol or isopropanol. There are some natural alternatives to synthetic based hand sanitizers, and some you can make on your own! Most supermarkets and drugstores carry these products. Carry one or both with you when you travel, and keep them in your car or purse.

If using the gel sanitizer, rub your hands until the gel is dry. You don't need to use water. The alcohol in the gel kills the germs on your hands.

Contact us for more information on how to prevent catching the cold or flu this season!

Source: WebMD.com

Vitamin B12 deficiency linked to diabetes drug ‘increases over time’

2010-09-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

Irish Medical Times - 8/10/10

Diabetic patients treated over prolonged periods with metformin are at risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency, which is likely to get progressively worse over time, according to a new study.

Dr. Jensen's Comment: What does this mean? It means that if you have Type 2 diabetes, you may need your Vitamin B12 levels checked. Vitamin B12 may be linked to peripheral neuropathy; a condition that causes numbness and tingling usually starting in your feet.

The researchers suggest that regular measurement of vitamin B12 levels during long-term metformin treatment should be strongly considered.

Metformin is the most commonly prescribed first-line therapy for patients with type II diabetes, according to the authors. Taking metformin can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and could be associated with decreased folate concentrations.

Researchers from the Netherlands set out to study the effects of metformin treatment on levels of vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine in 390 patients with type II diabetes.

They gave 850mg of metformin to 196 of the study’s participants and a placebo to the other 194 people three times daily for more than four years. Measures were taken at regular intervals of the patients’ vitamin B12 levels, folate and homocysteine levels.

People who had taken the metformin were found to have a 19 per cent reduction in their vitamin B12 levels, compared with people who had taken a placebo, who had almost no change in their levels. The reduction of vitamin B12 levels by metformin persisted and became more apparent over time.

There was also a significant rise in the number of people with deficient levels of vitamin B12 over the period of the study if they had been taking metformin, from three patients to 19. The equivalent number for the placebo group rose from four patients to five.

Compared with people taking a placebo, people taking metformin also had a 5 per cent increase in homocysteine, but their folate levels were the same once the researchers took body mass index and smoking figures into account. Homocysteine levels increased especially in individuals in whom vitamin B12 levels decreased – showing that the decrease in vitamin B12 levels were functionally meaningful.

BMJ Online, available at http://www.bmj.com/cgi/doi/10.1136/bmj.c2181

Headache and Migraine may be linked to low Vitamin D levels

2010-07-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

July 6, 2010 (Los Angeles, California) — Patients with headache and migraine may need to have their vitamin D levels assessed, report researchers. Preliminary findings released here at the American Headache Society (AHS) 52nd Annual Scientific Meeting reveal low vitamin D levels in these patients, with levels similar to those found in patients with chronic pain.

"This potential biomarker should be studied in double-blind trials both for epidemiological and clinical reasons and for potential treatment effects," said presenter John Claude Krusz, MD, from Anodyne Headache and Pain Care in Dallas, Texas. "Vitamin D may play some yet unknown role in multiple painful and possibly headache and migraine disorders."

The Vitamin D Council is a nonprofit organization set up to educate the public and professionals about vitamin D deficiency. The Vitamin D Council's recommendation of 50 ng/mL is a little lower than the current investigators cutoff of 60 ng/mL.

Vitamin D deficiency is more common among people with dark skin, elderly individuals, and those who avoid the sun. He suggests that vitamin D is safe when used in physiologic doses of at least 5000 IU/day from all sources, including sunlight, diet, and supplements.

It's important to get your vitamin D levels checked, and if you need supplementation, to make sure you work with a healthcare practitioner for safe treatment. Call Desert Naturopathic Health to set up a short consultation about your vitamin D levels. 602-774-0803

Green Tea Extract May Help Treat Uterine Fibroids

2010-01-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

I found this article today and thought it was interesting. Some of the technical details are a bit intense, but the bottom line is that there research is continuing in the realm of botanical medicine.

An extract from green tea may be useful in treating uterine fibroids, a condition that affects 25%-30% of U.S. women, new research indicates.

Fibroids of the uterus, a condition called uterine leiomyoma, can be debilitating, leading to excessive vaginal bleeding, anemia, and fatigue.

Dong Zhang, MD, and colleagues from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn., say they've found that an extract of green tea could kill uterine fibroid cells in test tube studies and reduce the size and weight of fibroids in mice.

Their work is published this week in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The researchers injected 20 mice with fibroid cells. Ten mice were given epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) mixed with their water, and 10 mice were given plain water. EGCG is a polyphenol in green tea and is a compound found in vegetables and fruits.

The mice were followed for up to eight weeks. At both four weeks and eight weeks after treatment, fibroid growths were smaller and weighed less. The researchers note that one mouse in the EGCG group had no tumor seen at the end of eight weeks.

In test tube studies with rodent fibroid cells, cells treated with EGCG grew more slowly and were smaller after 48-72 hours. EGCG also prompted fibroid cell death. The researchers write that it is "highly encouraging that, in our work, a relatively modest dose of EGCG ... that was delivered in drinking water was successful in inducing a dramatic and sustained reduction in fibroid tumor size up to eight weeks after treatment."

The researchers say their study suggests that EGCG "might be particularly useful for long-term use in women with a low fibroid tumor burden to arrest tumor progression and avoid the development of severe symptoms that necessitate major surgery."

Ayman Al-Hendy, MD, PhD director of Clinical Research at Meharry, says in the news release that women who suffer from uterine fibroids may lose time from work, have higher medical bills, and might need advanced treatment in order to become pregnant.

The condition disproportionately affects African-American women, who are four times more likely to have fibroid tumors than women from other ethnic groups.

The researchers say they are now recruiting participants for human trials.

SOURCES:

News release, Meharry Medical College.

Zhang, D. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

2009-11-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

There are many different home remedies to help you through the cold and flu season. One of my favorites is hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is basically any health treatment using water. It sounds so simple, and it is. It can transfer energy in the form of temperature very easily, is fluid so it can conform to any surface, and has a stimulating effect on the immune system. Here is a compilation of a few simple therapies for the treatment of colds and the flu using hydrotherapy.

As always, if you feel like you are coming down with something, consult your physician. Although these therapies are usually safe, the treatments below are merely suggestions, and there can be contraindications. Again, consult your physician about hydrotherapy. Call our office at 480-347-0220 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a complimentary 15 minutes consult with Dr. Jensen!

HOME HYDROTHERAPY TREATMENTS FOR COLDS & FLU

The Wet Sheet Wrap

The purpose of the wet sheet wrap is to heat the body and induce a sweat. It may be used to stimulate an immune response or as part of a detoxification program. The three step process -- first heating, then cooling, then re-heating -- increases the body’s defenses much more than a single heating treatment. The immune system stimulation will last between 24 and 36 hours, and the procedure may be repeated daily or every other day if needed. Heating the body by a bath or heavy exercise precedes the wrap, and the entire process may last 2 hours. An assistant is needed to wrap and unwrap the patient.

If a partner is not available the HOT HOT HOT treatment may be used. Those of weakened constitution who do not tolerate the cold will respond well to this treatment.

If time is of consideration, try the WET SOCK TREATMENT. It is beneficial for head congestion, lung congestion, sore throat, ear infection and insomnia associated with colds or flu. Someone who has low vitality or is intolerant to cold should not attempt it, however. The HOT HOT HOT treatment would be a better choice.

WET SHEET WRAP

MATERIALS:

1 sheet preferably cotton (flannel is fine).

2 - 3 blankets preferably wool (sleeping bag may be used).

Pillow & Pillow case.

Small pillow for under knees

1 bath towel

PROCEDURE:

1. Fill basin or large pan with cold water & ice cubes in sink. Soak sheet.

2. Cover the bed or your chosen sweat-site first with plastic, then with 1 wool blanket laid open.

3. Fill bathtub with water 106° - 107 ° F. Get into the tub and immerse yourself as far as possible (arms & legs under water) for up to 20 minutes. You may have a cold washcloth for your forehead if it feels comfortable. It's also important to have someone close by in case you need assistance. Hot baths can cause your blood vessels to expand, therefor causing your blood pressure to lower. This is why some feel light-headed.

4. As you are finishing the bath, have your partner carefully wring out the cold, wet sheet and spread it on the blanket.

5. Climb out of hot tub, carefully, and lie down on the sheet, folding arms across your chest. The partner wraps the sheet around the patient up to their neck. Then they wrap the under-blanket around as well, cover with second blanket folded in half and tuck in the sides and bottom. Drape the bath towel around the patient’s head so only their face shows. Place a small pillow under their knees to support their low back.

6. Partner checks patient in 30 minutes to make sure the heating/sweating process has begun. If the patient is not heating, remove the patient from wrap and re-warm them in the bath. If process is proceeding, check every 15 to 20 minutes for 2 hours or until sheet is dry.

HOT HOT HOT TREATMENT

1. Hot bath, as hot as the patient can tolerate the water, for 20 minutes. Place a cold washcloth on the head or neck to reduce the possibility of a headache occurring.

2. Drink one cup of hot tea while in the bath. Drink water, as thirst requires.

3. Get out of the bathtub and into sweat suit or flannel pajamas, with socks on their feet and a cap or towel on head, completely covered up.

4. Climb into bed, wrap with a flannel sheet and cover with extra blankets.

5. Stay in bed at least 1 hour if you can. If you soak through the flannel sheet, remove it and replace with a dry sheet. At the end of an hour, you may stay in bed and sleep, or remove warm bed clothing and shower before returning to bed for the night.

COLD, WET SOCKS

1. Just before bed, wet 1 pair of thin, cotton anklets in cold water. Wring out well and put on.

2. Put on 1 pair of heavy wool socks over the ankles and climb into bed.

3. Cover well and sleep all night with socks on. When you wake up in the morning, the socks should be dry.

Desert Naturopathic Health, LLC

480-347-0220

The 5 Pillars of Healthy Supplements

2009-11-21T17:18:00.000-08:00

I get many questions in my classes, seminars and practice... "What vitamins should I take?"

This is a loaded question, but I've been able to recommend a good foundation for supplementation. This, of course, is dependent upon a good diet and lifestyle, which we'll probably go into another post.

So here we go. The five pillars.

1) A high quality Multivitamin. Centrum one-a-day is not an option (sorry Centrum!) I have some pharmaceutical grade recommendations on the website, but barring that, "Nature's Way" is an acceptable brand.

2) EPA/DHA, also known as Fish Oils. These can help with mental function, cardiovascular health, and countless other conditions. Suffice it to say, they should be a mainstay of everyone's nutritional regimen.

3) Probiotic - We have bacteria in our intestines that help us digest food and manage our immune system. If we have a proper balance, we're in good shape. If we don't, then we may find ourselves with frequent colds, flus, and other immune compromising conditions. If we can simply provide our intestinal tract with beneficial probiotics, we can decrease the probability of catching the cold, flu or other maladies.

4) Green Drink - How many servings of vegetables do you get in a day? Canned vegetables and french fries don't count! One serving of vegetables is basically 1/2 cup of any raw vegetable. There are exceptions, but this is a general rule of thumb. Studies say we should be getting 7-10 servings per day. I know it sounds like a lot, but you can do it! If you can make this amount happen, and your fiber intake is adequate, (yet another blog post), then you can take a "Green Drink" These supplements are processed in such a way that the nutritional content is preserved, but most of the fiber is taken out. You can get the nutritional amount of 10 servings of vegetables in one serving of my favorite Greens Drink, "Greens First".

5) This one is variable based on gender. For women, I recommend a high quality calcium supplement: 1200mg Calcium, at least 600mg Magnesium, and 400IU's Vitamin D. Actually Vitamin D should be higher based on many recent studies (Boy do I have to catch up on my blog posts!! Vitamin D is SO beneficial for so many reasons!). However, a good "all around" supplement should have all of these combined. These levels are for PRE-menopausal women. Contact our office for post-menopausal recommendations, and for issues with osteopenia and osteoporosis. These conditions can definitely be worked with successfully. I've been able to help people reverse them with the proprer regimen without pharmaceutical intervention.

For men, I recommend a good selenium supplement as this can be good for prostate health. Eating 7 Brazil Nuts per day can give you what you need and your high-quality multivitamin may give you just that. Making sure you are taking care of your prostate health EARLY will help. There are other things that can do to stave off BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy), but we'll have to go into that in another article.

Many of these supplements can be found on our website: www.HealingPositive.com. You may also be able to find them elsewhere. Either way, this is the minimum I would recommend for a healthy lifestyle as far as supplements.

It's also important to recognize that some pharmaceuticals you may be taking will deplete nutrients in the system. Statin drugs for example (to lower cholesterol) deplete CoQ10. Some diuretics for kidney health depelete electrolytes like potassium and magnesium.

Please call me directly if you have questions! I'm happy to talk with you for a few minutes, and as always, an office visit to go over what you are taking or what you should take may be warranted. Always consult your physician before starting a new nutritional regimen!

In Good Health,
Jason W. Jensen, NMD
602-803-0803

Tuna and Heavy Metal Toxicity

2009-11-19T14:08:00.000-08:00

How much tuna are you eating, and how much should you eat? As you may know, tuna has a certain level of mercury in it. Mercury is a toxic metal that can cause a variety of symptoms depending on what your body's mercury level is. Extreme exposure can cause severe cognitive decline and dementia.

Here's a little trivia for you: In the old days, mercury was used in the manufacture of the brims of hats. Because "hatters" were exposed to such high levels, they frequently would find themselves in a demented state later in life, hence the term "Mad Hatter".

In lower body mercury levels, other nerve system damage can cause numbness, tingling, fatigue and other "I just don't feel right" symptoms.

Based on your weight and gender, it is recommended to only eat a certain amount of tuna per week. For example, a 145 pound woman can safely eat 13.2oz of light tuna per week. That's about 2 and a quarter cans of tuna. The same woman can safely eat only 4.5oz of tuna per week, which is about 3/4 of a can. Albacore tuna has three times as much mercury as light tuna. As a matter of fact, women of childbearing age and children under the age of 5 should not eat Albacore tuna at all due to its toxicity. Keep in mind that this is assuming that you're not eating any other seafood.

Getting your mercury levels tested is simple and easy. The test is non-invasive and the therapy is reasonable. Contact Desert Naturopathic Health today to get your questions answered!

You can visit the Environmental Working Group's "Tuna Calculator" to determine how much tuna you can safely eat per week. As a side note, Wild Alaskan Salmon is probably the best fish you can eat that has the lowest levels of heavy metals. It is high in Omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for so many things I'd have to do another blog. Maybe I will!

In Good Health,
Jason W. Jensen, NMD

Nutritional Supplements and the Flu Season

2009-11-16T07:18:00.000-08:00

As the Flu Season continues, I've compiled a few simple complimentary treatments that may help us all weather the season. It's important to realize that STRESS DECREASES YOUR IMMUNE FUNCTION. The fright of the severity of the Swine Flu has been greatly exaggerated, and while it is of concern, it is not as bad as what you may have heard.

Stay calm, support your immune system, enjoy your life and we will all get through the season. When in doubt, call our office if you have any questions or concerns.

Here is a short list of some simple things you can do to live a happy, healthy flu season.

Vitamin C - Definitely an immune booster, and is an antiviral by blocking the enzyme neuraminadase. Viruses need neuraminadase to reproduce, and there are anecdotal stories of people taking large amounts of Vitamin C surviving the Spanish Flu. Research shows that it may reduce the production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6, cell communicators that induce intense flu-like symptoms. A study on 470 people involved giving the test group 1000 mg hourly for 6 hours and then 1000 mg 3 times daily after reporting flu symptoms. Symptoms decreased by 85%. (Pubmed PMID 10543583, 634178, 16169205, 12876306). Keep in mind that the body can only absorb 2000mg at a time; any extra amount at once is excreted, and could cause intestinal distress.

Green Tea is a very effective antiviral, as well as helping to reduce the amount of toxins that we accumulate everyday by simply living our lives. It may also decrease the production of the cytokine (catechins) TNF-a and inhibit neuraminidase. There are encouraging studies that suggest that it may have antiviral activity that is equal to other antivirals such as Tamiflu. (Pubmed PMID 16137775)

Vitamin E is an underrated immune booster. It can decrease the production of the cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 155882360, 10929076) It can be very effective for those who are immune compromised, especially the elderly. The effects are enhanced when taken with Vitamin C. As a side note, it can do wonders for skin health and help you to keep your youthful appearance.

Resveratrol - An amazing antiviral. In addition to inhibiting neuraminidase, Resveratrol also sends a message to cells to stop manufacturing viruses. This is a proven antiviral found naturally in red wine, peanuts, mulberries, Japanese Knotwood root (richest source), raisins and red grapes. (This doesn't mean you can go an drink bottles of wine! :D ) Resveratrol supplements are relatively inexpensive, are more stable than wine and are available in liquid form for absorption in the mouth. No toxic effects have been noted. (Pubmed PMID 1583880, 12817628, 15985724)

Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) - Not just great garden decor, Cat's Claw may decrease the production of the cytokine TNF-a, and may also boost immune system function. The number of white blood cells was significantly increased during treatment in some studies, and no toxicity was noted. Active constituents can be found in the leaves, bark, vine, and roots. Be sure to acquire this botanical from a reputable source, as simply going outside and cutting off a a piece of vine may not be effective and could be harmful. Children and pregnant women should avoid this botanical as studies have not effectively demonstrated their safety.

Curcumin (Tumeric Spice) - Decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. This is the yellow compound in turmeric spice, and is commonly used to turn the color of mustard yellow. Research shows that Curcumin may be very good for preventing a cytokine storm although this has been not proven. It is however a phenomenal anti-inflammatory and has been beneficial to those with rheumatic and auto-immune disorders. Traditional dosage is 500mg to 4000mg daily.

Astragalus Root (Astragali Radix) - This botanical boosts immune system function, as well as complimenting a great salad. (Pubmed PMID15588652)

Tea Tree - Steam Inhalation - Reduces the cytokine TNF-a. Add 2 drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of steaming water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale for 5 to 10 minutes. It can relieve congestion and helps to fight infection. Its effectiveness is unknown. (Pubmed PMID 11131302). As a side note, Tea Tree oil has been remarkably beneficial as an antifungal for the toes.

2009-10-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

Swine Flu Update!

Manifestations of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) are similar to those of seasonal influenza. Patients present with symptoms of acute respiratory illness, including at least 2 of the following, the most common of which for the H1N1 flu will be fever and cough:

Fever (typically 102 or above)

Cough

Sore throat

Body aches

Headache

Chills and fatigue

Diarrhea and vomiting (possible)

Persons with these symptoms should call their health care provider as soon as possible. If an antiviral agent is warranted, it should ideally be initiated with 48 hours from the onset of symptoms. Alternatives to antiviral treatment consist of classical and injectable homeopathic preparations, as well as high dose nutrient intravenous preparations. Many of these intravenous preparations are well-documented in medical literature and may decrease the severity and duration of the regular and swine flu. Botanical medicine is also an option, which can significantly boost the body's immune system in battling viral infections. The duration of illness is typically 4-6 days. The infectious period for a confirmed case is defined as 1 day prior to the onset of symptoms to 7 days after onset. A typical rule of thumb is a full 24 hours after cessation of fever.

In children, signs of severe disease include apnea, tachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis, dehydration, altered mental status, and extreme irritability.

The BEST prevention of the flu, or any infectious disease, is to simply wash your hands often.

Intro

2009-04-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to my new blog!

My name is Jason Jensen, and I'm a licensed naturopathic physician with a private practice in Phoenix, AZ. A naturopathic physician is a primary care physician who is an expert in natural therapies. We can prescribe drugs, but usually don't in lieu of these natural therapies as they can be just as effective if not moreso than traditional treatments.

I'll be posting brief health topics in my blog, as well as some off-topic information. Cholesterol, diabetes, autism, insomnia, you name it. If you have any topics you'd be interested in, please let me know!

More information about me and naturopathic medicine can be found on my website at www.healingpositive.com.

Thanks for stopping by!