Itchy, Dry Skin in the Winter?

Every year I hear the same complaint from friends and patients. “My skin is so dry, sometimes itchy, like a burning, prickly itch!” Here’s a few tips I share to help soothe the nagging, miserable effects of this problem.

1. Find your source:

Check for allergies or sensitivities. Switch to natural fibers for linens and clothes (including undergarments). Take a look at your detergents- they should be free of synthetic chemicals and dyes. Visit the Environmental Working Group’s website  www.ewg.org to obtain a list of harmful chemicals and preservatives you should avoid.

What laundry detergent are you using? Check your labels agains ewg’s website (link above). I prefer Seventh Generation brand. Occasionally it does go on sale at your local natural foods store so stock up!

Do you have a food sensitivity or allergy? Don’t let your doctor order a IgE blood panel (wrong!) The accurate test for allergies to foods including spices is an IgG panel. Call our office at 623-LP CHIRO  if your medical doctor won’t order this. Insurance usually doesnt pay for this test, however the value of paying out of pocket for this test can save you from years of more misery! Last year a medical doctor (allergist) ordered a big IgE panel for me to try to determine what was causing my itchy dry skin patches. Results completely contradicted my symptom reactions to certain foods. For example, I have immediate adverse symptoms when eating gluten yet the test revealed NO sensitivity to gluten. It was a total waste of my insurance company’s money!

If you live in a dry environment, consider using a cold mist humidifier.

2. Natural Skin Care: I avoid contact with all things containing harmful synthetics: all parabens, disodium EDTA, Yellow No 5, Reds etc etc. As I always say, “Let nature be your medicine cabinet.” That includes skin care, hair products and cosmetics. I mix organic coconut oil or sesame oil with Devita Shea Butter lotion daily after showering. Most allergic reactions are due to sensitivities to detergents. The only two lines of products I trust are Devita Natural Skin Care and DaGrosa Natural Products- both locally made here in Arizona but ship anywhere. Being able to know the source of every ingredient of these products is ressuring to my family’s health and the health of my patients. Both lines are available in our office on pre-order basis. Devita has recently launched their mineral makeup line and I absolutely love the products I have tried so far! Itchy patches of skin? Apply calendula (available in lotion, gels etc in health food stores). It’s very effective for spot treatments. I blend a small amount in a jar with my shea butter lotion.

3. Skin Nutrition. Are you getting enough healthy fats in your diet? Most of us are deficient in essential fatty acids. You need to know your trusted source of fish oils BEFORE buying them. Since the market is unregulated, there are many products out there which are rancid and/or contain contaminants, so BE CAREFUL! Check with your licensed natural practitioner for recommended safe supplementation. Besides fish oil, Black Currant Seed Oil not only can help with dry skin but protect from breast cancer. Ladies, my female patients report no more breast tenderness based on 1-2 gel caps per day! Check for nutrient deficiencies: A Micronutrient Test would be a good idea to identify any specific needs before going out and raiding a health food store! This test can be ordered through our office. Learn more about this test see Spectracell’s website by clicking this link:  http://www.spectracell.com/mnt/.

4. FINALLY… Get your nervous system tested for insufficient communication pathways between the brain, spinal cord and rest of your body. How well you adapt to stressors determines your state of health and your future health. Your skin reactions may be partly (or completely) due to subluxations in your spine. Call our office or your own chiropractor today for a checkup. (623) LP CHIRO

Determing the source of your problem is the key to finding the right solution. Avoid a wild good chase by buying everything you read about or everything your friends tell you. If you are not in the Phoenix area, call our office and we would be happy to refer you to a practitioner in your area who can be your guide and help you save money and undue stress!

Dr D.

Doctors are people too…

Contrary to the common public perception….

We have a life outside our work.. at least we should.

We maintain a professional demeanor in front of patients. But deep down, we hurt when you hurt. We feel your pain.

Life happens to us too. Personal circumstances can sometimes get in the way of professional obligations or promises we make to others.

We need to stay healthy in order to continue to serve in our practice. Some of us walk our talk and therefore need time to ourselves to become the change we want to see in our patients.

When we’re not seeing patients, it doesn’t necessarily mean we’re not working. In today’s world of medicine, chiropractic or any regulated health profession, the demand of paperwork including documentation has surpassed most of our expectations when we took that oath upon graduation.

Some of us put in extra time to  research some  cases so we can provide the best guidance, care plan or referral.

Doctors don’t usually sit by a computer all day monitoring emails. If we don’t respond to your request right away, well.. this is why. We’re tending to patients. So we try to respond that evening or the next day we have that administrative time scheduled.

Just like everyone else, we have good days and not so good days. We forget things at the worst times but we do what we can to rectify our shortcomings.

Yet, the joys of seeing our patients through their journey to health outweigh any frustrating challenges we encounter in practice.

It comes down to this.. We mean well. Our intention is to help. If a patient doesn’t follow through with our recommendations, that’s his or her decision. We don’t take it personally. However, we do need to fulfill our obligation to patients by evaluating and making those recommendations. That’s all we can do. Doctor means teacher.

It’s just that simple. We’re people too.

My strategy for fighting infections…

This winter season has been a tough one for many of us afflicted with flu bugs and viruses…especially those of us under enormous amounts of stress.  I always coach my patients on strategies to prevent infections (proper diet, exercise, mind-body techniques, supplementation, wash hands frequently etc)…but there’s no guarantee.

So what do you do when you feel that nagging dry throat and stuffiness in your head? Here’s my own strategy to shorten the suffering and decrease your time away from work and your life:

1. Immediately stop the perpetrating foods: sugar, caffeine, refined foods and start drinking warm to room temperature water…don’t measure, just keep drinking. While still watching the sugar intake I carefully integrate more oranges and kiwis in between meals.

2. Clean your home and work surfaces with a natural spray/cleanser (phones, keyboards) . I use a combination of Trader Joe’s Natural spray cleaner and a vinegar water solution, then finish off with a Eucalyptus Spearmint spray from  Da Grosa Natural Products.

3. Fire up the humidifier if you haven’t already. Arizona winters are brutal for the dry weather and you need the moisture to move fluids and release congestion from your body.

4. Make a homemade chicken soup. My favorite recipe is a homemade Ginger Chicken Soup- I saute onions, garlic, chiles and add water. I simmer the bones and some meat of a rotisserie or whole chicken, throw in kale, spinach, big slices of ginger of course, carrots, potatoes and fresh herbs from my garden: sage, thyme, fennel and green onion. This should be consumed at least twice per day.

5. I supplement on a regular basis but when I’m afflicted with a cold (or when under high amounts of stress) I bring out the big guns: high dose whole food vitamin C, Echinacea Purpurea, Increase my dose of Vit D3 to up to 30-40,000IU’s per day for first 4 days, Whole food Calcium. If the cold has moved down to my chest and a cough is imminent: my favorite is a high quality liquid herb from Australia containing licorice root, Echinacea, pleurisy, white horehound,  thyme and ginger. THIS one has NEVER failed me. We have trouble keeping it in stock during the cold and flu season. I pair this liquid with another herbal pill for the active sick days: which is a combo of andrographis paniculata herb and holy basil/echinacea augustifolia.

6. Drink plenty of tea! Herbal tea that is along with some occasional green tea is fabulous! I grew up in Canada raised by Indian parents so thankfully tea drinking is in our blood. Sadly I need to skip over the Red Rose when I’m under the weather and only drink my Organic India Tulsi Tea. Tulsi is Indian Holy Basil- used for thousands of years for many conditions and to promote good health. My grandparents, great grandparents and so on, grew the tree and lived on its leaves to ripe old ages!

7. REST. Your body is speaking to you when you are sick. It’s demanding your attention which you probably haven’t provided recently, causing you to run down. So time to stop and restore your health.  One day off (maybe two) of focusing on the steps above and getting some sleep is better than suffering through daily activities and work feeling awful.  Your would probably irritate your co-workers who wished you stayed home and not spread your germs around the office. Taking that time off will rejuvenate your body and boost your immune functions.

8. Lastly, as soon as you feel symptoms, call your Chiropractor and get in for a series of adjustments. Chiropractic adjustments do more than ease pain. They facilitate all levels of function of the nervous system, including regulate your immune fighting capability. In addition to all the steps above, chiropractic is safe, natural, cost-effective and has benefits beyond the immune boosting effect.  Once you’re past your active symptom phase, I also recommend you schedule a massage with a therapist who is trained and experienced in working with  lymphatic drainage techniques as well as muscular conditions. Getting the lymph and circulatory system moving is a big factor in restoring your health.

All recommendations above are not to be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your health care practitioner before implementing any steps above.  Potential pregnancy and pregancy is a contraindication to taking the andrographis herb. Please call our office if you have any questions or would like a nutritional or immune support consultation. Most products are available at Lake Pleasant Chiropractic. (623) LP CHIRO (572-4476)

Crying “recession” but still spending?

I read in this week’s issue of Bloomberg Businessweek an interesting article by Devin Leonard. “The New Abnormal”. It spoke volumes to me as a wellness doctor observing and hearing about  people cutting back on the health care, yet still spending on regular mani-pedi’s and four-dollar caffeine concoctions.

He mentions companies whose sales jumped this last quarter despite the economic chaos and increasing unemployment rate:

Apple’s net income rose 94% in its last quarter.

Starbucks: 61% increase in operating income last quarter.

Mercedes-Benz: sales rose 25% in first half of 2010.

The jobless rate jumped to 9.7% this month.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

Stress related disorders including depression are on the rise. Diabetes and autoimmune thyroid diseases are now both epidemics (at least I am seeing more cases in my practice lately).

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE??

Where would you be without your health?

Without your health there would be no vacations, no fun with all the toys you’ve purchased. Think about how poor health would impact your enjoyment of life? your independence? your finances?

Did you know there is a vicious cycle between chronic stress and gut health? Did you know chronic stress damages part of the brain (hippocampus) that controls your circadian rhythm and your ability to concern short-term memory to long-term? I see many people in our practice with “brain aging”. Poor lifestyle habits such as fast food, daily lattes and smoking, for example,  disintegrate the ability of the body to heal itself. I’m not saying don’t have fun. I just believe making health a top priority among the others would be a better payoff.

Let’s focus a little more on our health..this is your life insurance. Investing in the proper solutions that restore your health will help you stick around longer with a better quality of life.

Dr. D

A brief welcome.

I wasn’t planning my inaugural blog post this way but due to recent happenings in the news, I left compelled to write now. If you know me, personally, you know I have admired Michael Jackson tremendously for most of my life. It greatly upsets me when people capitalize this tragic event by making money selling their memorial service tickets and souvenir t-shirts. I understand commemorating such a wonderful being but not at the expense of his family, friends and his true fans. You can imagine as a wellness doctor how I feel (and share Dr. Deepak Chopra’s sentiments) about the role the medical doctors played in his demise. This medical malpractice needs to stop! It took away a gifted, most generous human being from the world. I feel confused, upset, angry and sad all at once and my heart goes out to his family. I dwell on my memory now of my backstage invitation by Michael to meet him in 1984 in Toronto. It holds a special place in my heart and memory and because of that experience I feel I lost a friend, not so much an idol. I just returned from Los Angeles where I paid respects at the family home. The atmosphere was solemn and bittersweet. I am hoping the broadcasting of the memorial service this morning is a fair representation of his life and contributions, not a slanderous media blitz. That congressman in New York has no class to make such a lewd comment about anyone who just lost his or her life, let alone Michael Jackson. Please have some respect for the dear departed. Rest in peace, Michael. You will be forever remembered, forever missed and forever loved.

This blog I created will represent “my” opinions, comments and “my” voice, not those of my practice or colleagues. This is the platform where I will share my own feelings, speak out and generate healthy and challenging discussions. I welcome you to follow, be inspired and motivated on a path to a healthier paradigm of wellness.

Dr. Melanie Dias-Zair

Do you like it sweetened?

Although my Ayurvedic dosha type dictates that I should focus on bitter foods, I just have to have certain things sweetened..just a little! Once in a while I treat myself to a cup of organic coffee and I just can’t drink that without a little sweetener added. When we bake, which is rare, we’ll use either organic applesauce, organic pure maple syrup or stevia (organic of course).

Many of my patients have a sweet tooth, some have been addicted to the commercial (and toxic) sweetener packets like Sweet’n Low, Splenda etc.

If you have to sweeten something, my recommendation is STEVIA… extracted naturally from plant grown in South America. I’ve tried many on the commercial market including the first one released: Sweet Leaf Stevia (good, blends okay in hot drinks but has an after-taste I’n not crazy about). I recently bought a small box of Wholesome, organic Stevia (not as sweet, and another after-taste).

So my first choice is Stevia from a functional medicine supplement company called Xymogen. It’s sold through licensed health professionals. Unfortunately it does not come in easy to carry packets so I dispense a little into a small jar if neccessary. This stevia is the only one the world grown organically. It’s derived from the Morita plant in South America, has NO after-taste (at least not to me) and completely preservative free and Non-GMO, gluten free, corn-free, yeast-free and soy- free. It’s great for baking and my patients have had no complaints. (FYI: it is very sweet so a little goes a long way)  It’s sold in a 160g container and depending how often you like it sweetened, it could last you well over a month.

Xymogen’s Stevia is available at our wellness center. After trying several brands of stevia, I realized myself it’s worth the investment in a sweetener that is completely natural and palatable.

Of course the bottom line is: Try not to add sweetener period. But if you must, then the natural, preservative free stevia is best.

A Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, Hair…and Joints?

You bet! I want to share with you my latest testimonial for something wonderful I finally tried. I actually have been selling this in my practice for a few years but it wasn’t until recently, a stubborn dry skin condition pushed me to buy a bottle for myself. To my surprise not only is my skin better, but a painful inflamed shoulder I’ve had for 2 years improved dramatically! I have better range of motion, can do some exercises I avoided before and feel stronger when I adjust patients! My hips and knees (other vulnerable areas from years of dancing and fitness) improved in flexibility and resistance strength. I’m back to running and can enjoy ballroom dancing without fear of my partner crippling me with a sudden arm movement.

All these great results make sense since it is choline stabilized orthosilicic acid-  which naturally nourishes the body’s proteins. The choline stabilization technology prevents polymers from forming (which are highly unstable). This allows for better absorption. Many of my patients report shinier hair, fuller hair, stronger nails and their skin becomes more taut- It supports the regeneration of connective tissue, make sense?

Now keep in mind, I don’t depend solely on this supplement. I continue to get adjusted, eat a healthy diet, use organic coconut oil and other natural products on my body and hair and stay hydrated.

You only need two capsules of this supplement per day. If you have any questions or wondering how this product can help you even on one level, please contact our office at 623-LP CHIRO (572-4476).

Oh yes, be the way, I’m hanging on to more of my hair- losing a lot less in the shower.

Dr D

Waiting for a devastating diagnosis…

I’ve heard of it and seen it many times before. Loved ones and many others decide to make a complete shift in their lifestyle and thinking after they learned they have a disease which may likely take their lives.

My mother for example, at age 53 was diagnosed with secondary lung cancer (primary unknown). Until that point she allowed her “to do” list dominate her life. She was an “on the go” woman, who like many mothers put everyone else first. She rarely took a moment to herself. Growing up I can’t say I recall many memories of her exercising. I do have memories of her drinking coffee (about 6 cups per day) when I was a child.  Did these bad habits cause her cancer? I can’t say they were the only causes. But how we live our lives now determines our future well being, even if we don’t outwardly experience the positive effects.

Mom stopped the coffee, ate healthier, started Qi-Gong and walking daily, prayed like she never prayed before and in addition to conventional treatments, she sought help from a Chinese Medicine Doctor and took natural supplements. I remember the stinking brew of Chinese herbs penetrating the house, but I didn’t mind. I believed in it as did she. I was a Chiropractic intern at the time. So my level of knowledge in this area was very limited.  But had I known then what I know now (12 years later).. who knows. I try not to think about it.  But I dedicate my work to helping as many as possible prevent such disaster. Perhaps this blog entry will help many of my patients understand why I am so passionate when I make lifestyle recommendations or coach during wellness or nutrition sessions. I refuse to see someone I know suffer needlessly, especially when it can be prevented.

My mother outlived the oncologist’s prognosis by at least one year.  She passed away 2 years and 3 months after her diagnosis. The doctors were baffled over her strong fight (she was a fighter). They would say to us “Whatever she is doing, have her keep doing it.”  without admitting that the herbs and supplements had anything to do with it.

Prevention is everything. We live our lives through our nervous system. Whatever you think, feed yourself and do affects this master control system in your body. So think hard before you pick up that Krispy Kreme donut or drive though McDonald’s. Especially if you have a family to live for, take a second look at your lifestyle and call a qualified wellness chiropractor for help. My baby sister was only 15 years old when our mother left us. Mom wasn’t around to see her graduate from university or dance at my wedding.  Don’t let this happen in your family.

Dr. Melanie

Health won’t come to you if you wait for it.

We’re all feeling the pinch right now. The bleak economy has made a profound impact on many people’s spending decisions. Does it really make sense to continue to frequent your favorite coffee shop every morning when your budget has tightened significantly? How about brewing organic coffee at home instead? Limit your coffee shop splurge to a weekly meeting or an evening out. The money you save on brewing at home outweighs the per lb increase in cost for the organic beans. (The coffee bean is heavily saturated with toxins- pesticides and herbicides, so we highly recommend that if you drink coffee, drink the organic type.)

Now let’s talk about prevention. Does it cost more to stay well or to get well?

Think about it. What does it cost you for a trip to the emergency or urgent care, not just financially, but mentally. What about the loss of work time? Emotional stress from the emergency itself? Besides an accident or trauma, most reasons for emergency visits could be prevented. People who live with healthy habits, take care of their bodies and their minds and seek regular check ups with their chiropractor are far more successful at avoiding unnecessary medical intervention. They are not on a laundry list of prescription drugs and of course, don’t suffer side effects. Chiropractic is the only form of treatment that directly restores balance to the nervous system (without drugs or surgery), – the system that controls every function in the body! So wouldn’t it make sense to make sure that the nervous system is in top form, especially during stressful times?

Make an appointment with yourchiropractor today and discuss what you need to do to achieve optimal health and a better quality of life. It is especially during these stressful times when we need to invest in our health and focus on prevention. Without a healthy nervous system, one can fold under stress.