HaChoooo! Natural and Preventive Strategies against Swine Flu (H1N1), Seasonal Flu and Cold

Much hype has been made in the media in the past few months of the influenza outbreak (swine flu/H1N1 virus). CDC has determined that this new H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human..

Is it really a “swine” virus?
The virus is referred as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. Based on CDC, the genetic make up of this virus include genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia, avian genes, and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.

Symptoms of the swine flu
Symptoms of this new influenza virus in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. The only way to confirm and differentiate the “swine flu” from Seasonal flu is by laboratory tests.

How does this new H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of this H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching contaminated surfaces.

Can I get infected with this new H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
No. According to CDC, H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get this new HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
Currently, CDC believes that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of the virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms listed above, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

When you are sick, take the measures below to get well and to stop spread of the virus to others:

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
4. Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

Other important actions that you can take are:

1. Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
2. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

The Flu Vaccine
There are two kinds of 2009 H1N1 vaccines being produced:

1. A 2009 H1N1 "flu shot" — an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm.
2. The 2009 H1N1 nasal spray flu vaccine — a vaccine made with live, weakened viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for "live attenuated influenza vaccine").

According to CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP),vaccine should be administered first to people in the following five categories:

1. pregnant women,
2. people who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months (e.g., parents, siblings, and day care providers),
3. health care and emergency medical services personnel,
4. people 6 months through 24 years of age (especially those with higher risk for influenza-related complications like children younger than 5 years and those who have high risk medical conditions), and,
5. people 25 years through 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

If you are considering HIN1 Flu Vaccine and not sure if it is right for you. Call our office at 760-944-9300 to schedule an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors.

Stay informed by checking the CDC website for the latest information and updates at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.

What natural and preventive remedies I can take to boost my immune system?
As is true of all health concerns, prevention is the smartest strategy. By boosting your immunity, you’ll have a better chance of keeping colds from developing in the first place.

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

1. Wash your hands- at least 20 seconds each time with soap and water.
2. Keep your hands out of your mouth and nose
3. Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.
4. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

A person’s nutritional status greatly impacts the health of their immune system. The key to maintaining an optimal immune system is following the basic healthy lifestyle guidelines discussed below:

Diet:

1. Whole food diet: fresh fruits and vegetables balanced with whole grains are rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for carrying out our daily functions. Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
2. Reduce or eliminate consumption of the following foods:
   

• Simple sugars, even in the form of fruit juice, is deleterious to the host’s immune status.
• Refined carbohydrates (white flour, white rice, processed foods
• Dairy (mucus producing)
• Alcohol

3. Protein: Protein is the building block for every cell in our body from our skin to our immune cells, so it’s important to get an adequate amount so your body can fight infection, build and repair tissues such as hair, skin and nails and make enzymes, hormones and other body chemicals.

• Daily Protein Requirement: 0.8g protein/kg body weight *note: 2.2lbs = 1 kg
• 150 lb person needs 54 g/day of protein

Studies have shown that oral administration of 100g portions of carbohydrate as glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey, and orange juice 
all significantly reduce neutrophil phagocytosis (immune cell function), while starch has no effect. Effects start within less than 30 minutes, last for over 5 hours, and typically show a 50% reduction in phagocytic activity at the peak of inhibition (usually 2 hours after ingestion). Since PMNs constitute 60-70% of the total WBC and are a major portion of the defense mechanism, impairment of phagocytic activity leads to an immune-compromised state.

Water: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Almost 2/3rds of our body weight is composed of water. Water is lost daily from our bodies through sweat, urine, breathing and digestion. To replace depleted water stores you should drink at least 1/2 of your body weight in fluid ounces per day with the addition of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium).

• Did you know: a 5% reduction in hydration results in a 25% reduction in energy
• In addition to your daily required water intake, you should drink 2 cups of water for every cup of alcohol or caffeinated beverage consumed and for every hour of exercise.

Exercise: Exercise at a minimum 3-4 days a week for a minimum of 30 minutes or longer.

Sleep: sleep is important for growth, development and restoration and repair
A good night’s sleep = falling asleep within 20 min of lying down and sleeping uninterrupted for 7-8 hrs.

Reducing stress: Stress causes increases in hormones that suppress the immune system. Therefore it is important to address our emotions, attitudes and reaction to stressful stimuli, because it is our perception of that stimulus that determines whether our body processes it as a stressful event. By changing how we perceive various stimuli in our lives we can control our biochemical response. One strategy for reducing stress is visualization and breathing exercises.

Supplements:

• Multivitamin: provides the essential vitamins and minerals that are lacking in the vast majority of our diets
• Omega-3 fatty acids: an essential fatty acid that is vital for proper cellular function, reduces inflammation and promotes healthy skin and hair
• Probiotics: 70% of our immune system is in our gut, so it’s important to have an adequate population of “good” bacteria in your colon to create a healthy gastrointestinal environment.

Vitamins and Natural Treatments specific for immune enhancement:
In addition to following healthy lifestyle factors, immune function can be enhanced with essential nutrients, antioxidants, carotenes, and flavonoids.

1. Vit A: increases natural killer cell activity (your 1st line of defense), enhances antibody response; strong anti-viral effects. These effects are not simply due to reversal of vit A deficiency, but rather very high doses of vit A actually further enhance these effects. Dietary sources: Dark orange, yellow, red fruits and vegetables are rich sources of beta-carotene and other carotenoids. Since these pigments are also found in chlorophyll-rich plants which mask the orange color, dark green leafy vegetables are also rich sources of carotenoids. Milk fortified with vitamin A and liver
2. Vitamin C: reduces the frequency, duration, and severity of the common cold. Dietary sources: citrus fruits, like oranges, cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, kiwi fruit, sweet red peppers
3. Zinc: Zinc is involved in virtually every aspect of immunity. Zinc has antiviral activity, including activity against several viruses that cause the common cold. A clinical study found that using zinc lozenges reduced cold symptoms from an average of seven days to four days. Supplementation with zinc stimulates the production of white blood cells and generally supports the activities of other immune system activities such as, neutrophils, T lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells. Dietary Sources: Oysters, Beef, Crab (Dungenes), Turkey (Dark Meet), Chicken (Dark Meet), and Beans.
4. Selenium: supplementation above the normal dietary intake produces significant immune enhancing effects; in one study, supplementation of selenium in individuals with normal selenium levels resulted in a 118% increase in the ability of immune cells (lymphocytes) to kill tumor cells, and an 82.3% increase in natural killer cell activity (1st line of defense). Dietary sources: cereals (eg. corn, wheat, and rice), nuts (Brazil nuts and walnuts), legumes (soybeans), animal products (beef, chicken, egg, cheese), seafood (tuna). Other selenium rich foods are oats, cods and turkey. Brazil nuts are among the very rich sources of selenium. In fact, it is advised to exercise caution with consumption of Brazil nuts, as the selenium intake may reach to toxic level.
5. Medicinal Mushrooms: Hot water extracts of shiitake, maitake, codyceps, reishi and coriolus have been shown to have immune-modulating activities. Beta-glucan, a complex polysaccharides found inside cell walls of these mushrooms, binds to receptors on immune cells such as macrophages, natural killer cells and neutrophils thereby stimulating their immune boosting activities.

Natural Treatments At the Onset of Cold and Flu

1. Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia or purpurea): Is a broad immune-stimulating herb by activating and increasing the numbers of the immune cells, circulating immune cells and enhances their activity activating as it a. Roots of this plant is which is most commonly used for stimulating the immune response in viral illnesses. antiviral, antibacterial; activates. Numerous clinical studies have shown Echinacea to be effective for general infectious conditions like colds, flu and upper respiratory tract infections. Echinacea has been shown clinically to reduce the severity and length of cold sign and symptoms as well as decrease the frequency of cold and flu.
2. Astragalus membranaceus: Immune-enhancing properties of astragalus have been studied at the National Institutes of Health and found to have increased the level of of alpha- and gamma-interferon, the body's own antiviral compounds.
3. Elder flower and berry (Sambucus nigra): It helps to clear congestion, relieves inflammation in the sinuses and throats and decreases fever.
4. Stimulate a fever to fight infection by taking a hot bath that you can only stand for 10-15 min while sipping hot ginger tea—do this when you first feel the cold or flu coming on; then put on some sweats and get into bed
5. Cold with Cough: Pour hot water over 2 tsp of organic lemon rinds, 1 tsp of sage, ½ tsp thyme (dried or fresh herbs can be used). Cover and let steep 15 min. Strain the tea, then add the juice of ½ lemon and 1 tbsp honey. Drink 2-3 cups daily for cough relief.
6. Cold with Sore Throat: Salt water gargle—add ½ tsp of salt to warm water and gargle

Comments:

Personally, I don’t get the seasonal cold and flu that goes around each year even when I come in contact with those who are sick. I have never been vaccinated for seasonal flu. If you want to find out how I stay healthy, call me at 760-944-9300 or email me at info@opintegrativecenter.com. Dr. Abida Wali, N.D.

Our Health Program is a great place to start

At Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center, we celebrate every person’s uniqueness by providing personalized Health Plans. Our individualized Health plans includes: comprehensive review of your overall state of health, physical exam, labs and therapeutic lifestyle programs to help you achieve optimal health and wellness.

* Start your journey to a stronger immunity against common cold and flue this season by scheduling a complimentary consult with one of our naturopathic doctors.

If you have questions, don't hesitate to us at 760-944-9300 or visit us at http://opintegrativecenter.com. We're here to help support you on your path to wellness.

Click here for information about making an appointment.

Bioidentical Hormones -- Are They A Safer Alternative?

After the results of the Women’s Health Initiative study came out showing the negative effects of conjugated equine estrogen and medroxy progesterone acetate, women have been seeking safer alternatives to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In recent years, bioidentical hormones have been promoted as a natural and safer form of HRT for the treatment of menopause symptoms without the risks of their conventional counterparts.

Many women assume that bioidentical hormones don’t have the same risks as conventional hormone therapy and come to us requesting “natural hormone therapy” without a full understanding of the difference between conventional and bioidentical hormones and the risks and benefits associated with each type of hormone therapy.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy vs. Synthetic Hormone Therapy
When it comes to classifying hormones, some confusion exists as to how what makes a hormone ‘natural’ or ‘synthetic.’ The classification of hormones is based on its chemical structure rather than how it is made or what sources it is derived from.

Bioidentical hormones share the exact same molecular structure as the hormones naturally produced in our body and are considered natural hormones for this reason. Synthetic hormones have a slightly different molecular structure than the hormones in our body and are used in conventional hormone therapy.

Both natural and synthetic hormones are manufactured in a lab. Natural hormones are derived from soy or wild yam plants and modified in the lab to mimic the hormones in our body. Synthetic hormones come from plant or animal sources and are synthesized in a lab to be similar to but not exactly the same as our own hormones. Synthetic hormones are intentionally made to be different in order for drug companies to make them patentable and therefore profitable.

Although synthetic hormones are used most often in conventional hormone therapy, they are associated with negative side effects because they are metabolized differently. The elevated risks from synthetic hormone use received widespread attention from the Women’s Health Initiative, which led to an increased demand for safer alternatives to synthetic hormone therapy.

Although the results of the WHI study cannot be extrapolated to other forms of hormone therapy, we also cannot assume that bioidentical hormone therapy (bio-HRT) is completely safe. Since bioidentical hormones are not as profitable as their conventional counterparts, there have been few large, well-designed studies to evaluate the risks and benefits of bio-HRT. More studies like the Women’s Health Initiative are needed to evaluate the safety and possible risks of bio-HRT. Although the exact risks for every woman using bioidentical hormones are not known, the results of studies that have looked at bio-HRT thus far does not appear to show the same side effect profile as conventional HRT — particularly transdermal forms.

So far, what we do know about bioidentical hormones based on the current scientific research is that medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), also known as Provera, when combined with estrogen, appears to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, whereas estrogen and bioidentical progesterone have the opposite effect. The combination of natural estrogen and progesterone have been shown to decrease the risks associated with synthetic hormones and actually protect against certain cancers.

Comments:
HRT either conventional or bioidentical is not for everyone. Women should discuss their individual risks for breast cancer, heart disease and stroke with their health care provider before starting HRT.

-Dr. Kelly Cohn

Our Health Program is a great place to start

At Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center, we celebrate every person’s uniqueness by providing personalized Health Plans. Our individualized Health plans includes: comprehensive review of your overall state of health, physical exam, labs and therapeutic lifestyle programs to help you achieve optimal health and wellness.

* To learn more about the Program, go to Hormone Therapy.
* To select the Health Package, go to Health Plans and choose the one that works for you and your budget.
* Not sure which plans is right for you, schedule a complimentary consult with one of our naturopathic doctors.

If you have questions, don't hesitate to us at 760-944-9300 or visit us at http://opintegrativecenter.com. We're here to help support you on your path to wellness.

Click here for information about making an appointment.

Decrease your risk for hypertension by adopting healthy lifestyle

Modifiable lifestyle factors (e.g., maintaining normal weight, exercising regularly) are associated with lower risk for many diseases, including heart disease and hypertension. While several modifiable risk factors have been identified, their combined risk and distribution in the population have not been assessed. Now, the latest research studies groups have explored these relations in detail.
Researchers followed 84,000 female nurses (mean age at entry, 36; mean follow-up, 14 years) biennially to evaluate the effects of six lifestyle factors (body-mass index, exercise, adherence to an antihypertensive diet, alcohol intake, use of non-narcotic analgesics, and supplemental intake of folic acid) on risk for new-onset hypertension. Overall, 12,000 participants (15%) developed hypertension. All 6 modifiable risk factors were independently associated with the risk of developing hypertension during follow-up after adjusting for age, race, family history of hypertension, smoking status, and use of oral contraceptives. The relation between each risk factor and likelihood of developing hypertension was statistically significant with obesity (BMI greater than 25) risk for hypertension was almost 5-fold higher in obese women than in women with normal BMI (less than 25).

Comment:
The study shows that new onset of hypertension in women can be prevented by adopting low-risk dietary and lifestyle factors. How much evidence do we need to shift the medical communities focus from treatment to prevention?
-Dr. Abida Wali, N.D.

Forman JP et al. Diet and lifestyle risk factors associated with incident hypertension in women. JAMA 2009 Jul 22/29; 302:401.
Medline abstract (Free)

Our Health Program is a great place to start
At Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center, we celebrate every person’s uniqueness by providing personalized Health Plans. Our individualized Health plans includes: comprehensive review of your overall state of health, physical exam, labs and our therapeutic lifestyle program called FirstLine Therapy (FLT).

FLT is not just a program, it is a lifestyle for reversing and preventing chronic disease. With FirstLine Therapy, you'll learn simple things you can do every day to take control of your health—such as diet, exercise, stress management, and appropriate nutritional supplementation.

• To learn more about the Program, go toFLT.
• Call us at 760-944-9300 for our special package rate and we can help you choose a Health Plan that is most appropriate for you.
• To find out about other risk factors for heart disease, go to Heart Health.
• Not sure which plans is right for you, schedule a complimentary consult with one of our naturopathic doctors.

If you have questions, don't hesitate to us at 760-944-9300 or visit us at http://opintegrativecenter.com. We're here to help support you on your path to wellness.

Click here for information about making an appointment.

DARE TO BARE: Sun Safety Tips for Healthier Skin

Summer is in full swing and with the warm weather luring us outdoors we often forget how much time we're spending in the sun and for us Californians, that's most of the year.

The summer season is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and build up your levels of Vitamin D but before you head out the door to soak up the sun, make sure you're following the right steps to keep your skin healthy all summer long.

Whether you're biking, swimming, running, gardening or even driving your car, you are putting yourself at risk for the most common type of cancer in the United States. Over 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma) are diagnosed each year. UV radiation is the most important factor in the development of skin cancer with more than 90% of skin lesions (non-melanoma type) occurring in sun-exposed areas.

The amount of sun exposure a person receives is dependent not only on how much time they spend in the sun but also on the time of day, geographical location, and weather conditions.
UV radiation that reaches the earth's surface is most intense at the equator due to the angle of the sun's rays. It is not surprising then that the incidence of skin cancer is higher near the equator. How close you are in proximity to the equator determines how strong of an exposure you have to UV radiation. Therefore, Southern California residents have greater overall exposure to UV radiation.

Be Sun Smart - follow the guidelines below to protect your skin from sunburn, wrinkles and skin cancer:

Slather on the sunscreen
Sunscreen is a great first line of defense against the sun's damaging effects on your skin. But how do you know how much protection you are getting from your sunscreen and what does SPF mean anyway?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and measures a sunscreen's protection against Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Keep in mind that both UVA and UVB rays cause skin damage so you want to choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both types of UV radiation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of 15 or higher. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from sunburn caused by UVB rays. A higher SPF does not mean you can stay in the sun longer. For instance, an SPF of 15 filters out about 93% of the UVB rays and an SPF of 30 filters out 97% of the UVB rays. After several hours the protective effects of sunscreen begin to wear off so it should be reapplied about every 2 hours especially if you are sweating, engaged in water activities, in a humid climate, and drying or rubbing your skin with a towel.

Since no sunscreen can completely block UV rays, it is important to follow other methods of sun protection:

• Avoid the sun during peak hours (10am-4pm) when UV rays are strongest and therefore most damaging.
• Cover up your skin with a long-sleeved shirt, pants, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses

Know Your ABCDEs
How to tell if that suspicious looking skin lesion is worth making a trip to the dermatologist:
4 square pic
A = Asymmetry: cancerous lesions are typically irregular in shape
B = Border irregularity: cancerous lesions tend to have uneven borders rather than smooth and round
C = Color: cancerous lesions usually have multiple shades of brown or black
D = Diameter equal to or greater than 1/4 inch or 6mm: benign moles are usually less than 6mm in diameter
E = Elevated: cancerous lesions often grow in size or change in height rapidly

For more information on skin cancer prevention, visit http://www.emilysfoundation.org.a/skincancer_abcde.php

To find out about the health plans offered at Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center, please call our office at 760-944-9300 or visit our website at http://opintegrativecenter.com.

Managing Menopause Naturally

Without warning, a sensation of intense warmth spreads from your head to your neck and chest. Beads of sweat begin to form on your face and you feel a little dizzy. This brief episode is over in minutes and leaves you flushed (reddened), perspiring, hot and craving a cold glass of water. Like many women, you are experiencing a hot flash and would like some symptom relief.

In your search for managing your symptoms you may have come across Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), but not sure if it is right for you. You have read the testimonial of many women through different media resources who have successfully managed their menopausal symptoms using bioidentical hormones and would like to find out more about the treatment and its risks. You have also heard about nonhormonal ways of dealing with menopause. Whatever your questions, finding the right treatment can be just as overwhelming as the menopause transition itself.

A short history on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
For many years Premarin or Prempro were the prescription of choice for millions of women in America entering menopause. Premarin, a mixture of estrogens derived from the urine of a pregnant horse, and Prempro, a combination of horse estrogens and synthetic progesterone, serve to replace the hormones that the body is no longer producing in sufficient quantities in the perimenopausal and menopausal stages of a women’s life. These synthetic hormones are prescribed not only to alleviate menopausal symptoms, but also to protect women against heart disease, reduce fracture risk, and as an anti-aging regimen.

In 1991, the effects of hormone replacement therapy were tested in a large clinical trial called the Women’s Health Initiative. More than 16,000 healthy post-menopausal women participated in the study. They were given a placebo or a combination of conjugated equine estrogen and synthetic progesterone in 1 tablet daily for an average of 5.2 years. An important objective of the trial was to examine the effect of estrogen plus progestin on the prevention of heart disease and hip fractures, and any associated change in risk for breast and colon cancer. The study did not address the short-term risks and benefits of hormones for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

In 2002 the study was stopped short because the health risks (increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer, stroke and pulmonary embolism) to participants outweighed the possible benefits.

While the study found that HRT does reduce the risk for fractures and colorectal cancer, the researchers concluded that the balance of harm versus benefit does not justify any woman beginning or continuing to take estrogen plus progestin exclusively for this purpose. Therefore, non-hormonal therapies and strategies for treatment of osteoporosis and prevention of colorectal cancer should be considered, respectively.

Recently, the 2008 reanalysis of the study concluded that hormone therapy is associated with increased risk of stroke regardless of age at which HRT started.

Although the associated risks were only reported for conjugated equine estrogens and synthetic progestin, many practitioners refrained from prescribing bio-identical and natural forms of the hormones as well.

Bio-identical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones share the exact same molecular structure as the hormones in our body. Since bioidentical hormones are not as profitable as their synthetic counterparts, there have been few large, well-designed studies to evaluate the risks and benefits of bio-HRT. More studies like the Women’s Health Initiative are needed to evaluate the safety and possible risks of bio-HRT. Although the exact risks for every woman using natural hormones are not known, the results of studies that have looked at bio-HRT thus far does not appear to show the same side effect profile as conventional HRT — particularly transdermal forms. HRT either conventional or bioidentical is not for everyone. Women who are interested in hormone therapy should discuss their individual risks for breast cancer, heart disease and stroke with their health care provider.

Natural Alternatives
The goals of treating menopause with an alternative approach are to provide symptomatic relief from common menopausal complaints and to prevent conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis that increase in prevalence as a woman ages. A natural approach to treatment involves the following:

• Dietary recommendations: to help the body adequately metabolize estrogen.
• Exercise regimen (Aerobic and Resistance-Training): The risk of coronary artery disease rises dramatically in postmenopausal women.
• Aerobic exercise provides cardiovascular benefits and reduces menopausal symptoms.
• Resistance-Training protects against osteoporosis and fractures by increasing muscle strength and building bone.
• Stress Management: To help balance the hormone regulating system of the body (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis).
• Nutritional supplementation: To provide the body with adequate nutrition for prevention of developing heart disease, osteoporosis and cofactors needed for better mental function.
• Botanical therapies: Herbal preparations to help alleviate menopausal symptoms and provide active components for improved hormonal regulation.

Bio-identical hormone therapy should be the last step in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. When diet and lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements and botanical medicine are not enough to significantly effect menopausal symptoms, natural hormone therapy can be utilized. The dose and form of hormones should be determined based on the risk factors and unique needs of each menopausal woman.

It is important to recognize that each individual woman has a unique set of risk factors based on her family history, diet and lifestyle, past medical history, gynecological history, and other current medical conditions for which she is undergoing treatment. The most optimal treatment and prevention plan should be based on a comprehensive health history, physical examination, laboratory testing and assessment of risk factors, as well as a discussion with your healthcare provider about all the options (conventional and alternative) available and which ones are most likely to provide you the most benefit.

To find out about the health plans offered at Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center, please call our office at 760-944-9300 or visit our website at http://opintegrativecenter.com.

Reference (detailed information available upon request)
NIH; JAMA (Risks and Benefits of Estrogen Plus Progestin in Healthy Postmenopausal Women); JAMA ( Health Risks and Benefits 3 Years After Stopping Randomized Treatment With Estrogen and Progestin) ; Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. (Tori Hudson).

Heart disease is more than high cholesterol

Heart disease is more than high Cholesterol

A new national study published in the January issue of American Heart Journal has shown that nearly 50 percent of patients hospitalized for a heart attack had “normal” cholesterol levels. Evaluating your risk for heart disease measured by routine cholesterol test may not be enough.

You may be at risk for heart disease if you have:

o Triglycerides greater than 150
o HDL lower than 40
o LDL greater than 130
o Total Cholesterol greater than 200
o A family history of heart disease or cardiac events
o Diabetes or family history of diabetes
o High blood pressure
o Thyroid problems
o Abdominal obesity

The routine cholesterol test only reports 4 lipid components. However, a more comprehensive test called the VAP® (Vertical Auto Profile) panel that more accurately measures LDL (Bad Cholesterol) and provides measurements for 15 lipid components should be used. VAP® Tests also help identify early detection of the metabolic syndrome which leads to diabetes and heart disease.

Comparison of the VAP test and Routine cholesterol test is summarized below:

Cholesterol Measurements VAP Test Routine Test
LDL Direct Measurement Calculated
HDL included included
Triglycerides included included
Total Cholesterol included included
VLDL included
Non-HDL included
apB100 included
Lp(a) included
IDL included
LDL-R included
LDL-R Subclass Pattern included
Remnant Lipoproteins included
Metabolic Syndrome included
HDL2 included
HDL1 included

The VAP test breaks down cholesterol beyond HDL (high-density lipoprotein, the "good" cholesterol), LDL (low-density lipoprotein, the "bad" cholesterol), and triglycerides and provides new information that can help better assess and treat your heart disease risk. Risks of both Heart Disease and Diabetes can be reduced with the right preventative treatments, which is why more accurate diagnosis is critical.

In addition to The VAP® Test, other diagnostic tests that aid in the early identification and treatment of heart disease include:

• hsCRP: High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) is a general marker of inflammation and has been recognized for its ability to predict future coronary events in apparently healthy individuals.

• Homocysteine: Homocysteine is an amino acid needed for normal health. However, at high levels homocysteine is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Once your risk factor(s) has been identified based on your VAP results and other risk factors according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treament Panel- III Report (ATP-III), natural and/or pharmaceutical treatments can be used to lower your risk factors. Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) that includes diet, weight management, and increased physical activity is the first therapeutic modality list in the ATP-III guideline for the proper management of cholesterol and cholesterol components. TLC and other natural treatments to reduce cholesterol and other risk factors associated for developing hear disease are summarized below:

• Lifestyle changes that focus on stress reduction, smoking cessation and weight management.
• Exercise: At a minimum 45-50 minutes of Cardio with Target Heart rate of 60% to 80% of maximum heart rate.
• Diet:
• Adopt a Mediterranean Style diet
• Decrease consumption of saturated and trans-fats to <7% style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://opintegrativecenter.com/">http://opintegrativecenter.com.

Links of Interest:
1- www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/index.htm
2- www.atherotech.com
3- www.thevaptest.com