Sustain Community Acupuncture

Wheat Free and Fat Free

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:00:52 +0000

Wheat elimination continues to yield explosive and unexpected health benefits.

Dr. Davis talks about the importance of wheat free dieting and its affect on modern disease and the overall changes that occur when patients move away from wheat as a dietary staple:

I initially asked patients in the office to eliminate wheat because I wanted to help them reduce blood sugar and pre-diabetic tendencies.
A patient would come to the office, for example, with a blood sugar of 118 mg/dl (in the pre-diabetic range) and the other phenomena of pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, high inflammation/c-reactive protein, low HDL, high triglycerides, small LDL), and the characteristic wheat belly. Eliminate wheat and, within three months, they lose 30 lbs, blood sugar drops to normal, blood pressure drops, triglycerides drop by several hundred milligrams, HDL goes up, small LDL plummets, c-reactive protein drops.

People also felt better, with flat tummies and more energy. But they also developed benefits I did not anticipate:

Improved rheumatoid arthritis I have seen this time and time again. Eliminate wheat and the painful thumbs, fingers, and other joints clear up dramatically. Many former rheumatoid sufferers people tell me that one cracker or pretzel will trigger a painful throbbing reminder that lasts a couple of hours.

Improved ulcerative colitis People incapacitated with pain, cramping, and diarrhea of ulcerative colitis (who are negative for the antibodies for celiac disease) can experience marked improvement. I’ve seen people be able to stop all their nasty colitis medications just by eliminating wheat.

Reduction or elimination of irritable bowel syndrome

Reduction or elimination of gastroesophageal reflux

Better mood Eliminating wheat makes you happier and experience more stable moods. Just as wheat is responsible for a subset of schizophrenia and bipolar illness (this is fact), and wheat elimination generates dramatic improvement, when you or I eliminate wheat, we also experience a “smoothing” of mood swings.

Better libido I’m not sure whether this is a consequence of losing a belly the size of a watermelon or improvement in sex hormones (esp. testosterone) or endothelial responses, but more interest in sex typically develops.

Better complexion I’m not entirely sure why, but various rashes will often dissipate, bags under the eyes are reduced, itching in funny places stops.

It’s also peculiar how, after someone eliminates wheat for several months, re-exposure of an errant cracker or sandwich results in cramping and diarrhea in about 30% of people.

Obviously, people with celiac disease, who can even die of exposure to wheat, are even worse. What other common food do you know of that makes us sick so often, even occasionally with fatal outcome?

Find more great heart and health related information here: http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/

Sustain Community Acupuncture offers wellness for all, naturally. Located in San Diego between the Hillcrest and North park Neighborhoods, Sustain Community Acupuncture offers affordable Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy and Medical Massage. For questions about this article or for a consultation please call 619.358.9508 or contact us here.

Over consumption of vegetable oils lead to inflamation

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:00:23 +0000

In Dr. Barry Groves’ Second Opinion blog. He reviews a study which links consumption of linoleic acid to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (such as Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Linoleic acid is an omega-6 (n-6) essential fatty acid. “Essential” in this context means that humans can’t make it internally and need to eat it in the diet. However, we only need a tiny amount – about a teaspoonful per day – and eating too much of it can cause serious problems. Eating too much linoleic acid dramatically increases oxidized LDL cholesterol levels, which as I just explained in the last section significantly elevates our risk of heart disease. Linoleic acid is also pro-inflammatory, and inflammation is a major contributor to modern diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease and, you guessed it, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Tragically, linoleic acid has become one of the primary sources of calories in the American diet. Vegetable oils containing linoleic acid (such as soybean, corn, safflower, sunflower, cottonseed) are found in nearly all packaged and processed foods and all foods cooked in a restaurant. Almost all fried foods are extremely high in linoleic acid.

Is it any wonder, then, that Irritable Bowel Syndrome has reached such epidemic proportions? It is now the #2 leading cause for people missing work, behind only the common cold. It affects millions of people in the U.S. and abroad. There is no known “cure”, and the medications prescribed for it are largely ineffective.

This is yet another example of how toxic and harmful our modern diets are. If you want to avoid these conditions, eat traditional, saturated fats like butter, lard and coconut oil instead of industrially-processed vegetable oils. You’ll feel better, and you’ll enjoy your food a lot more too!

Thanks again to thehealthyskeptic.org fr turning me onto this information.

Too many carbs can increase your Cholesterol score

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:00:20 +0000

In a recent post on Dr. William Davis’s blog, The Heart Scan. Dr. Davis reviews a study demonstrating that consumption of excess carbohydrate can raise cholesterol.

Many know that normal LDL cholesterol isn’t a risk factor for heart disease. However, small, dense LDL cholesterol is a type of cholesterol that signifies a significant risk factor for heart disease: .

Small, dense LDL particles are more likely to become oxidized, and oxidized LDL are one of the strongest risk factors for heart disease we know of.

Dr. Davis clearly explains how eating too many carbs can increase your levels of small, dense LDL and he also explains why so many doctors and researchers don’t make this crucial connection. Check out the full article here.

thanks to thehealthyskeptic.org for turning us onto this useful information.

Jook: A winter soup is good after a day of cold beverages and BBQ.

admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 23:50:18 +0000

Jook, also known as Congee is typically eaten as a breakfast dish or as part of a hearty meal for the cooler days of autumn and winter. Jook is also a great meal for those suffering from food stagnation. Food stagnation is a Chinese term for food sitting on the stomach and often is associated with gas, bloating, and sour or burning regurgitation. When it is hot out and we are playing in the sun or working in the yard we tend to crave ice cold beverages, frozen sweets and like to classic American summertime food of ribs, hot dogs, and cheeseburgers. Not to mention potato salad, watermelon, ice cream, candy, chips and cake. Have this soup in the morning to relieve and sense of bloating or indigestion.

Recipe:
10 Cups Water,
1 Cup rice
Thumb sized piece of ginger sliced

Salt to taste (usually 2 – 3 teaspoons of of sea salt)

Optional: 10 – 15 grams of Chen Pi (dried tangerine peel) and Shan Zha (dried cratigi fructus). These can be purchased at your local herb store or Asian market.

Put water and rinsed rice in a pot then boil. Once the soup boils, lower to a low simmer and cook until the rice starts to fall apart. Add Ginger and other ingredients and cook for 20 more minutes. Serve hot.

Acupuncture and Cholesterol

Sustain Staff — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 22:17:27 +0000

While high cholesterol can be treated by a variety of western medical approaches, such as statin drugs, there are often unwanted side effects and unclear benefits. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a safe, natural alternative form of care than can be used in conjunction with regular checkups to manage your cholesterol levels.

A study published in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture investigated the effects of acupuncture on losing weight and lowering cholesterol levels. Researchers enrolled 50 subjects with simple obesity (accumulation of excess energy (calories) when not used are stored as fat resulting in excess weight). The subjects were all overweight and had higher than normal cholesterol levels – this would include serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipid protein. Results were the acupuncture treatment decreased body weight and cholesterol levels in varying degrees but even after the treatment stopped, there continued to be decreases in all areas. In conclusion, the researchers determined that acupuncture is effective immediately and it also continues to have a stable long-term effect on weight loss and lowering cholesterol.

Liu Y, et al. Acupuncture as the Main Therapeutic Methods to Treat Simple Obesity. Int J of Clin Acupuncture.2007;16(3):187-189.

For further information about this article and treating High Cholesterol with acupuncture, click here.

Sustain Community Acupuncture offers wellness for all, naturally. Located in San Diego between the Hillcrest and North Park Neighborhoods, Sustain Community Acupuncture offers affordable Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy and Medical Massage. For questions about this article or for a consultation please call 619.358.9508 or contact us here.

San Diego Acupuncture: Affordable Health Care For Help With A Variety Of Health Problems

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 20:58:42 +0000

Acupuncture has been practiced in China for over two thousand years. It has a history of relieving a wide variety of disease and pains while providing comfort to the patient. In San Diego Acupuncture is easy to find. There are many clinics and practitioners to help with your problems. In particular, Sustain Community Acupuncture and Wellness offers a highly effective method of acupuncture and a wellness model that is healing for the patient and conscious of their time and resources.

Sustain Community Acupuncture and Wellness offers

Local San Diego Acupuncture
A relaxing healing environment
Private intakes and evaluations
Group treatment lounge where only distal (arms & legs) are treated
Compassionate practitioners
High purity herbal supplements
Affordable health care at 1/3 the cost

Research into the benefits of the treatment has been carried out by the World health
Organization. It found that there are many diseases, conditions and disorders which acupuncture can help. They have produced a list of those health problems to inform the public. The list includes eye ears nose and throat problems, respiratory disorders, depression and other emotional problems, nerve disorders, stomach problems, muscular pain and disorders and much more. If you have a problem with addiction acupuncture can also help with withdrawal and emotional matter associated with substance misuse.

For a complete list of conditions acupuncture will effectively treat as recognized by the W.H.O. Click here.

June 2010 Newsletter

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 22:27:09 +0000

Here is the link to our June newsletter.

Find us on Cityvoter.com

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:27:12 +0000

For those looking for affordable health care at 1/3 the cost, navigate over to Cityvoter.com to find our business profile driving directions and a coupon for first time patients or first time massage clients.

Relaxing in the lounge

Cityvoter.com profile here: Sustain Community Acupuncture‎

Seaweed soup for mothers, students and weight loss:

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:31:52 +0000

Kombu seaweed is rich in protein, calcium, iodine, magnesium, iron and folate. Lower rates of breast cancers have been reported in Japanese women eating a diet high in kelp. Lignans, which help fight cancer are found in high quantity in kelp and may provide protection against certain cancers. In many asian cultures, seaweed soup is considered a must for pregnant and nursing women, as eating seaweed is an effective way of stimulating healthy breast milk production.

Seaweed is also given to students, usually without fail on the night before an important exam, as seaweed is believed to support optimal brain function. Also, because of its high protein, essential nutrients and chinese medicinal qualities it can help support healthy weight loss.
In Korean, this soup is called mi-yuk gook. and can be purchased at most Asian markets and health food stores. Dr. Kim provides a delicious recipe at his website here.

Ingredients:
1 package of dried seaweed (1 ounce is fine for four servings), available in all Korean food markets – ask for the kind used to make seaweed soup, or mi-yuk gook (you don’t want the thin kind used to make sushi rolls.) 6 cups of vegetable broth or organic chicken broth 2 teaspoons of sesame oil Naturally brewed soy sauce or sea salt, to taste 1 teaspoon of minced garlic (optional)

Directions:
Soak seaweed in water for two hours or until soft. Drain and rinse really well, as dried seaweed can come with a lot of dirt, just like spinach does.

Put all ingredients, including seaweed, into a large pot and bring to a boil, then simmer for five minutes to allow all the flavors to come together.

Koreans traditionally enjoy this seaweed soup with a bowl of white or brown rice, sometimes together in the same bowl.

Acupuncture and Weight Loss II

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:30:41 +0000

Acupuncture and Weight Loss:

Weight loss is a lifestyle obsession for many Americans where the focus is fixated on calories, carbs and cardio and the goal is always to cut pounds and get sexy abs. For successful weight loss that lasts a lifetime the focus needs to be on the following 4 key elements.
1. A diet rich in lean proteins, green leafy vegetables, nuts, berries and colorful vegetables.

Why it works: Lean protein is thermogenic and encourages a higher metabolism. Green leafy vegetables and nuts contain healthy fats and lots of fiber that help lower cholesterol and detox the Liver. Excess refined sugars and starchy carbohydrates trigger an exaggerated insulin response, slowing metabolism, and promoting systemic inflammation and fat accumulation.

2. An active lifestyle of many different physical activities including about 60 minutes of walking a day. We like to take a morning and evening walk of 20 – 30 minutes each.

Why it works: Walking oxygenates the blood, lowers stress and aiding in digestion. This gives us more energy, better focus and works out the kinks from sitting at a desk all day.

3. Establish a regular and adequate sleep schedule.

Why it works: Sleep is the essential element missing in a majority of our patients’ lives. Many people who have chronic low energy, fatigue and early signs of adrenal insufficiency need more sleep rather than more energy or stimulants. Sleep allows the body to reset itself, get out of the “flight or fight” mode of our daily lives and replenish its resources. Inadequate sleep promotes an adverse cortisol response leading to increased hunger, especially sugar cravings, and accumulation of belly fat.

4. Relax! A daily practice of stress relief is the fourth essential element of a healthy body weight and a healthy life. Some people meditate, others read or take a few minutes to watch the clouds.

Why it works: Stress elevates cortisol, which signals the brain to overeat and encourages fat storage. Setting aside personal time that is only yours gives you a mental and physical break that lets the body, mind and spirit give a sigh of relief before you head back into your daily duties. Some people find guided meditation is best while others find sitting in the sun and enjoying the day is ideal.

Where Acupuncture is beneficial for weight loss is that it had been shown to have a beneficial effect on the function of the nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, food cravings, and metabolism. All of which can help to energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety. Patients also report sleeping better, feeling more rested and less stressed after each treatment.

Patients also find that while working with a practitioner as a coach to encourage them in their goals that it is easier to stay on track and focused through stressful times when they might be prone to overeating or skipping a daily walk.

Body Image is also a crucial factor when considering weight loss. Many patients don’t like the body they have or feel inadequate when compared to models and actors on T.V. In fact, a Psychology Today survey found that 56% of the women and about 40% of the men who responded to their survey in 1997 were dissatisfied with their overall appearance. We can not all fit into the heroine sheik ideals of fashion magazines or get those bronzed (airbrushed) abs of the fitness magazines but it is possible through simple good habits and daily practice to achieve a lean healthy body that we feel comfortable in and that will be healthy, attractive and functional for a long time.