A Little Each Day…

Dear Friends,

 

Pheww.. these last few years have been a lot to manage. Between trying to stay healthy, supply shortages and just a whole lot of drama, we have all had a lot on our plates!

Here at the Natural Medicine Center we want to encourage our community members and patients to stay positive.

‘A little each day, goes a long way’. Our team encourages you to make one decision each day that supports your health and happiness. Maybe today that means choosing the ‘sweet potato and kale soup’ for lunch instead of fast food. Maybe it means revisiting those supplements you have in your cabinet, that you loved but totally forgot about. Maybe it means dropping everything and going for your favorite walk at Lake Morton.

We are dedicated to helping our community members nourish health needs naturally- both mentally and physically. Our staff has decades of professional experience in healthcare and a unanimous belief that you are entitled to your medical freedom.

Help is here, if you need it. We have affordable services and products to support you no matter where you are in your journey.

The Natural Medicine Center of Lakeland is open between 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday- Friday and 10:00am- 1:00pm on Saturdays. No appointment is needed to stop by and check out our facility and services.

 

From our team,

The Natural Medicine Center of Lakeland

Catherine Onuoha, RPh

Kaleah Simmons, Nurse Practitioner

Nam Jeon, DOM

thermal imaging camera

Thermography after COVID

 

Darla Fleche, has been a clinical thermographer at Natural Medicine Center since 2015. Darla reports that in her practice, she is seeing a lot of patients who have recovered from COVID but now have new health challenges that have emerged after their infections.

 

‘COVID seems to affect everyone a little differently. Some examples of post covid symptoms we have seen a lot of are: hair loss, GERD, cognitive issues, fatigue, respiratory issues or a generally low immune system.’ Says Darla. 

‘With thermography, we can see where in your body, you may be struggling with inflammation after your COVID infection. This is valuable to you! Inflammation is the first stage of disease. We can help you target that region and nip that inflammation in the bud before in progresses into a bigger problem. We can help you inflamm-age gracefully! :)’

 

The Natural Medicine Center also has many powerful *natural wellness* tools to help you rid your body of inflammation after it is detected with thermography!

IV Nutritional Therapy

PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD DEVICES (PEMF) – For Micro circulation

Thermography

Emergency Ready!

Prepare for an EMERGENCY now

 

 

Dr. Catherine is passionate about being ready for any curveballs 2022 might throw our way! Watch the video below for more information!

 

 

 

Dr. Catherine recommends getting a ‘bug out bag’ ready for emergency evacuation…

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https://www.thebugoutbagguide.com/bug-out-bag-list/

 

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News outlets are projecting supply chain issues!

We recommend stocking up on supplements while supplies last!

Remember, the Natural Medicine Center offers free shipping for orders of $110 or more.

 

Vitamins we recommend keeping on hand are:

  • Probiotics

  • Multivitamins

  • Silverbiotic Liquid/ Silverbiotic throat drops

  • Immune Support Supplements

  • Vitamin C Natural Pain Relievers **

 

 

 

Every Friday…

Wellness with Epigenetics

Unlock your Code
Express your Limitless State of Wellness with Epigenetics
 
Have you have tried different strategies to change your state of health, they have worked for other people but not for you?

Are you still looking for answers in regards to your health and wellness?
 
Do you want to take your wellness to the next level?
 
Do you want to optimize the lifestyle practices that are specific for YOU?

EPIGENETICS might be the piece you have been missing.

 

Dr. Catherine explains Epigenetics with Aperion- 

Check out our video in the link below:


 
With over 16,000 peer-reviewed studies published in prestigious scientific journals, we now know that our genes do not determine    all our health outcomes.

We do have control over the expression of our genes!
Through Epigenetics we can surpass our genetic limitations to achieve the state of wellness we desire.
 
As a Certified Apeiron Epigenetics Coach, Dr Catherine can design an individualized lifestyle plan, based on your genetic blueprint, with the appropriate tools to help you achieve optimal wellness.
 
What you get with the Apeiron Epigenetic Evaluation is a
Comprehensive Report on how your genetic blueprint is built on 6 key Genomic evaluations: Nutrition, Supplementation, Sleep, Athletic Performance, Environmental Detox and Hormones.
 
In more detail, your epigenetic report will contain your personalized genetic status in the following areas and how to improve them:

  • About your Nutrition
  • Hunger & Satiety
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Dairy Digestion
  • Gluten
  • Grain Sensitivity
  • Sweets and Snacking
  • Carbohydrates
  • Total Fats
  • Saturated Fats
  • Polyunsaturated Fats
  • Monounsaturated Fats
  • Protein
  • Plant Sterols
  • Metabolism
  • Macronutrient Worksheet
  • About Supplementation
  • Vitamin B12
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin A
  • Selenium
  • Magnesium
  • Choline
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin K
  • Folate
  • Thiamine
  • Copper
  • Zinc
  • Iron
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Sodium
  • Caffeine
  • Circadian Propensity
  • Melatonin
  • Sleep Onset
  • Sleep Duration
  • Sleep Disruption
  • Daytime Drowsiness
  • Sleep Movement
  • Phase 1 Detox
  • Methylation
  • Acetylation
  • Glutathione System
  • Mitochondria
  • Mold Sensitivity
  • Lyme Intensity
  • Envirotoxin and Pollution Sensitivity
  • Histamine Sensitivity
  • Heavy Metal Processing and Impact
  • Mercury and Fish
  • About Athletic Performance Genetics
  • VO2 Max Overall
  • Cardiovascular VO2 Max
  • Metabolic and Muscular VO2 Max
  • Muscle Fatigability
  • Recovery
  • Strength and Hypertrophy
  • Endurance
  • Power/Sprint
  • Power vs Endurance
  • Soft Tissue
  • Thyroid
  • Autoimmune Thyroid
  • Cortisol
  • Estrogen
  • Testosterone
  • Bone Density

Dr. Catherine explains Epigenetics with Aperion- 

Check out our video in the link below:

http://vimeo.com/dianasacoto/review/617570910/89fc39e9cd

4 DIY ways to keep your lymph clean

  1. Drink plenty of water
  2. Clean eating
  3. Dry Brushing
  4. Exercise

1.  Drink Plenty of Water


8 Glasses per day? How much water should we drink per day? Between 7-11 glass per day. 

2. Clean Eating


At The Natural Medicine Center we believe that the right diet is very unique to each person. We recommend different diets to our patients based on health history, age, and lifestyle. One thing we can recommend for everyone, however, is cleaning your produce, etc. Check out this video for tips on how to clean your food:

3. Dry Brushing

We found this article useful in explaining how and why to dry brush. 
Don’t have a brush? Pick one up from The Natural Medicine Center for just $7.00. Our team can also answer any question you have about how to use the brush properly and how to use the brush for specific regions of the body.

https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/dirt-dry-brushing

4. Exercise


Movement and exercise helps to keep the lymph system detoxified. Jumping and swimming are two way that are particularly great for the lymphs but all exercise is helpful.

The video below is an at home yoga video specifically targeting the lymph system.

Thermography for Lymphatic Health

Thermography is a medical technology used to detect inflammation and abnormalities in the body. Using thermography to detect inflammation in your lymph system is useful because inflammation is the first stage of disease. Once we see what areas of the body/ lymph system are inflamed, we can teach you wellness habits and suggest lifestyle changes to lower the inflammation in those areas. 

eg. If inflammation is detected in the the right side and liver, we can target that area of the body with dry brushing and a liver detox. 

eg. If inflammation is detected in the upper clavicular rim. We can determine through head images if this inflammation is present because of dental issues, environmental allergies, fungal infections or more. From there we can make recommendations on how to treat the issue.

http://naturallakeland.flywheelsites.com/thermography/

Schedule an appointment by clicking here:

https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/12pzdqmq/

or call 863-899-9977

 

Avoid Getting Leaky Gut

 

 

 

Gut health and avoiding a leaky gut is not only important for those of us with digestive issues but is important for all of us! The continuity and strength of our gastrointestinal (GI) membrane barrier is vital for immunologic functioning. The layered GI barrier system also permits our gut lumen spaces to hold and nurture essential gut bacteria. The intestinal barrier furthermore has the important job of keeping pathogens or microbes from freely accessing extra-lumenal abdominal organs or crossing into general systemic circulation.


It is instructive to contemplate this question:

What happens when the gut barrier is breached?  [Hint: think about other barriers, such as a water dam barrier]

avoid leaky gut

Just as water floods through a broken dam, particles flood through a broken Gastro-Intestinal Epithelial Barrier:

Damage to the intestinal epithelial barrier equates to an increase in gut permeability, which ushers a flood of undigested food particles and inflammatory mediators into the peritoneal cavity. After leaking to peritoneum, a cytokine storm (net: massive increase in immune system proteins) would then set the occasion for inflammation of pancreas, liver, gall bladder, and colon. Note also that this intestinal barrier breach could bathe this person’s gut tissues with infectious microbes.  After microorganisms and undigested food products flood through the abdominal spaces, the blood and lymph fluids containing this ‘inflammatory mix’ could eventually circulate through the entire body.  This is not a recipe for good health! Please visit the Natural Medicine Center and let our practitioners check your gut function (virtual appointments available too). Leaky gut leads ultimately to chronic inflammation, altered immune responses, allergies, and a low immune system responsivity [1].

                                    

Avoid getting leaky gut

 

  •       Do you have allergies or sensitivities?

Food allergies, but also other forms of food sensitivity, are best tagged as individualistic adverse food reactions.  It is appropriate to call food intolerance symptoms ‘individualistic’ because each food-triggered-illness (e.g., peanut allergy) is likely to affect only a small segment of our population.  Let’s say, in a family of four, Mom tests for a sensitivity to garlic. Dad’s GI tract, in constrast, tests to show lobster sensitivities. Perhaps the family panel of food testing shows that both children are intolerant if fed either egg whites or egg yolks.  Food intolerances are that specific; which means that the plated food we serve in each household should be individualized.  NMC is encouraging prevention and longevity by offering family discounts of $25.00 (2 or more tests)

       To facilitate the readers’ understanding of this concept, let us contemplate the differences between gluten allergies and gluten sensitivities. Fact: only 1 percent of the world’s population has an IgE-mediated `formal` allergy to gluten—celiac patients, per the  CDC and World Health Organization, fit this description. Counter Fact: up to 6 % of the world population suffers from a Nonceliac gluten sensitivity syndrome; the latter syndrome is a non IgE-mediated gluten sensitivity problem [2, 3]. Nonceliac gluten sensitivity is diagnosed in individuals who do not have celiac disease but who have intestinal symptoms, extraintestinal symptoms, or both, related to ingestion of gluten-containing grains, with symptomatic improvement when such grains are withdrawn from their diet.

   

The bullet points below list many common symptoms of a food sensitivity:      

  • Acne
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Constipation
  • Dermatitis
  • Diarrhea
  • Eczema
  • Fatigue
  • GERD <a reflux disorder>
  • Hives
  • IBS
  • Migraines
  • Nausea
  • Sinusitis
  • Stuffy Nose

             

To prevent abdominal organ inflammation, our Doctors recommend abstinence from foods that provoke individualistic reaction patterns.  We can help you discern your food sensitivity patterns; please call us for more details.
                   

  Prebiotics and Probiotics for Gut Health

 

                   Prebiotics are dietary fibers that serve the healthy bacteria in your digestive tract. Prebiotics aid in the digestion of our food and help us absorb more nutrients.

Probiotics help repair leaky gut by balancing the good bacteria in our digestive tract. Supplementing with probiotics has been linked to many health improvements including: mental health conditions, heart health, reducing allergies, reducing digestive disorders and improving overall immunity [4].

*Taking pre and probiotics is particularly important after being exposed to toxins, stress or after taking an antibiotic.

______________________________
Work Cited:

1. Fasano A. “All disease begins in the (leaky) gut: role of zonulin-mediated gut permeability in the pathogenesis of some chronic inflammatory diseases” (2020) doi:10.12688/f1000research.20510.1

2. Leonard M. “Genetics and celiac disease: the importance of Screening” (2015)  Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 9(2):209-15

3. Catassi C. ”The overlapping area of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and Wheat-Sensitive Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Update” (2017) Nutrients 9, 1268

4. Sreeja V.  “Probiotic Formulations: Application and Status as Pharmaceuticals—A Review“ (2013) Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins 5: 81-91

 

Thyroid Function Explained

 

 

Did you know that an estimated 20 million Americans have a thyroid condition?  Moreover, statistics show that 60 percent of people with thyroid conditions don’t know that they have a condition at all (1).

The thyroid gland is a bowtie shaped gland near the center of your neck.  Diseases impacting the thyroid gland can often cause enlargement of this tissue, and /or nodule formation.  The Doctors at Natural Medicine Center (NMC) have functional imaging techniques to confirm tissue changes. 

While it is an oversimplification, the following analogy is instructive: Please think of circulating thyroid hormone particles as “fuel injectors” for boosting your metabolism.  This fuel fosters our metabolic reactions, so fuel creates energy.  It is through thyroid hormones [T3 and T4] that you are able to regulate body temperature.  Moreover, the relative abundance of T3 hormones will dictate fat-burning actions and protein utilization patterns throughout your body. All of our NMC Doctors want readers to be aware of two prevalent thyroid conditions–hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.  Less common thyroid conditions include thyroid cancer, thyroid nodule accumulation disorders and nonspecific goiters.

 

 

Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid condition, and this instigates (i) weight gain, (ii) tiredness, (iii) hair loss, and (iv) cold extremities.  A very common variant of Hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s Disease. As the prefix for hypothyroidism implies, thyroid glandular tissue fails to excrete enough T3 and T4 hormones.  If left untreated more severe problems can occur including heart and nerve problems.

 

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid excretes too much thyroid hormone.  A very common variant of hyperthyroidism is Graves Disease.  This presents with symptoms such as (i) irritability, (ii) weight loss, (iii) heart palpitations, and (iv) diarrhea.  If the hyperthyroid condition is left untreated, the neglected hyperthyroid patients may suffer damages to their heart, bones, muscles and reproductive organs.

 

A recent trend picked up by Doctors at NMC is to observe *mutual* thyroiditis defects–meaning the patient displays both Hashimoto’s and Graves Disease.  When Hashimoto’s co-occurs with Graves, the patient’s thyroid goes through stages of excreting too much thyroid hormone and then skips to secreting too little.  It is important to note that thyroiditis can be triggered by food or environmental allergies.  This is why Doctors at NMC are routinely checking for Hashimoto’s and for Graves diseases. It is very valuable to know which autoimmune thyroiditis is being manifest, because a clinically directed lifestyle change can re-stabilize the thyroid [e.g., patients who test positive for Hashimoto’s should avoid gluten, cut out dairy and eat low glycemic foods.  Patients with Graves disease can promote stable thyroid function by avoiding caffeine and ionized salt.

 

Normally, thyroid blood tests are done annually during a wellness visit with a general practitioner. However, if you have a thyroid condition or have symptoms of a thyroid condition, getting a complete thyroid panel is the best way to understand how and why your thyroid isn’t functioning correctly.

 

At a general practitioners visit, they often only check the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).  At The Natural Medicine Center we like to take it several steps further. The reason is, that dysfunction often occurs even when the TSH is ‘in normal clinical ranges’. We test T3 Total, T3 Free, T4 Total, T4 Free, TSH, Thyroglobulin, Reverse T3 and thyroid peroxidase. With these additional tests, we will know 3 very important things that we wouldn’t know if we only ran a TSH blood test.

 

 

These 3 things include:

  • autoimmune involvement
  • if high stress is corrupting the dissemination of active T hormones to body tissues
  • if liver/ kidney function is preventing the distribution and uptake of T hormones by cells or tissues

 

Once the blood test results are in, our doctors can recommend naturally compounded RX medications, Chinese herb remedies, and lifestyle practices to support thyroid function. 

 

Ways to support thyroid function right away:

  • Avoid Red dye #3
  • Educate yourself on yersinia in pork
  • Avoid gluten and dairy
  • Eat foods naturally rich in iodine

Want more information?  Call us at 863-899-9977 or book an appointment https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/12pzdqmq/

Source:

 

  1. thyroid.org

 

A Note From Dr. Catherine

   

 

Modern citizens exist and operate in a sea of both Natural and Unnatural electromagnetic fields (EMF). For example, the earth has an EMF pulsing at approximately 10 Hz.  I like to encourage conceptualizations!  You could think of the planet Earth’s EMF pulsing like a small engine capable of facilitating electrical impulses while also hastening blood and lymphatic fluid flow rates.  Hold this truth in mind:  the blood is the River of Life.  The full spectrum of cell tissues needs (amino acids, fatty acids, glucose, potassium, magnesium, oxygen, and more)…..are carried in the blood. 


    As we age, the smallest blood vessels in the circulatory tree (our microvessels), can become blocked with atherosclerotic plaque laydown or via calcification.  A clinician’s targeted goal is to move blood past microvascular impedance zones.  The best tool to accomplish that goal is P.E.M.F. (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) Therapy.   P.E.M.F technology emerges as a truly innovative contribution to any Functional Medicine Doctor’s armamentarium. PEMF therapy helps to work a patient’s blood ‘around and across’ blockage zones.  When microvessel blood flows freely  again, the patient’s cells gain access to nourishing vitamins, minerals, and dissolved blood gases.  At the whole body or systems level, patients who embrace PEMF sessions at least daily will experience more energy, better sleep, and sharp decrements in ‘inflammation’ reactions throughout cellular tissues. 

 

Catherine Onuoha, PhD, R.Ph, BCPP, CPh

Decorative Image

Thermography for Breast Health

 

Breast Health Awareness Month

 

      Every year October is a month that we dedicate to ‘Breast Health Awareness’. We invite you to celebrate this with us at The Natural Medicine Center of Lakeland. Thermography is a great place to start with any holistic healthcare agenda because thermography is a discovery tool. It is a radiation free/ noninvasive way to look inside your body. Through this infrared medical technology we can detect unusual heat patterns that suggest healing problems, inflammation or nerve issues.

      Thermography is more popular and researched with breast imaging than any other region of the body. During your 30 minute imaging appointment, thermographic images will detect breast abnormalities, general inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. Because thermography can detect these challenges up to 7 years before symptoms occur, you are serving yourself by using thermography as a risk indicator (before symptoms occur).
      With this annual *risk indicator* visit, you are allowing yourself the time you need to heal and eliminate toxins that may be present before they manifest into a serious healing crisis. If you have symptoms, we urge you to get started with your breast health plan today.
      Younger women will benefit from *risk indicator* visits as well. Fibroglandular and dense breast tissue is unique to each women and can be observed thermally in women from at least 20 years of age. This annual thermography appointment will serve women as young as 20 years old, by informing them of their individual risk, hormonal issues, and toxic load. From there, the Natural Medicine Center will provide expert advice and guidance in creating an effective and supportive care plan.

komen.org

 
      In honor of breast health awareness month, we would like to offer you $20 off breast scans through November 30. This visit still ncludes your imaging, your official report and a follow up visit with our Doctor. At the follow up visit we will review your MD interpreted imaging report and create a wellness plan. The Natural Medicine Center has so much more to offer you after your thermography appointment. We provide an herbal pharmacy, infrared sauna, PEMF therapy, IV therapy, hormone testing, and prescriptive authority to support your breast health.

 

Liposomal NeuroCalm Dietary Supplement Bottle

Featured Product – Liposomal NeuroCalm

 

Liposomal NeuroCalm is a new product which many of our patients have been raving about.  NeuroCalm is a blend of the natural amino acids GABA and L-theanine which helps to calm an anxious or busy mind. 

What is L-Theanine?

L-theanine is an amino acid which can be found naturally in green tea and is one of the primary reasons why green tea is so revered as a soothing drink which also enhances alertness.  L-theanine works by inhibiting the production of glutamate, one of our brains most common excitatory neurotransmitter.  By blocking the uptake of this neurotransmitter a person will quickly feel much of their anxiety and stress fade away.  Unlike most forms of anti-anxiety prescriptions or other drugs for relaxation, L-theanine causes zero drowsiness.  L-theanine even boosts alertness – helping someone to be calm and capable in any situation.  

 What is GABA?

GABA has many similarities to L-Theanine as it is also an amino acid which inhibits excitatory signals and helps the brain to relax while staying alert.  The main difference between GABA and L-Theanine is that while L-Theanine is only found in tea leaves, GABA is a protein which the brain naturally produces.  While the brain does produce GABA, many people (especially those suffering with issues such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression) are often chronically deficient in this amino acid.  Many anti-anxiety medications and other prescriptions target GABA receptors to increase its production, but many of these medications can cause drowsiness and long term issues. 

Research on GABA, L-Theanine, and Stress

Some studies have begun to show that L-theanine and GABA can help prevent the sharp rise in blood pressure that many people experience when confronted with a stressful event.  Frequent spikes in blood pressure can wreak havoc on someone’s cardiovascular system and leave them prone to strokes or other heart complications. Avoiding these spikes with natural stress relief can save someone from a major issue in the future.

Stress is one of the deadliest things we can expose ourselves too.  Not only is stress unpleasant, but chronic stress can severely impair our body’s immune system making us more susceptible to illness and disease.  That is why managing stress through lifestyle changes, natural supplements, and other methods is so important to a long and healthy life. In addition to the immediate benefits of stress relief, L-theanine’s protection from stress has the long term effect of helping to protect the brain. L-theanine protects us from eventual degeneration and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimers.

 

If a daily dose of GABA and L-Theanine sounds like something that could benefit you we highly recommend you try Liposomal NeuroCalm which you can pick up from our clinic or order through our e-store:

https://naturallakeland.ehealthpro.com/products/liposomal-neurocalm

 

References:

Boonstra E, de Kleijn R, Colzato LS, et al. Neurotransmitters as food supplements: the effects of GABA on brain and behavior. Front Psychol. 2015;6:1520.

Kim, S., Jo, K., Hong, K. B., Han, S. H., & Suh, H. J. (2019). GABA and l-theanine mixture decreases sleep latency and improves NREM sleep. Pharmaceutical biology, 57(1), 65–73.

Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, et al. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biol Psychol. 2007;74(1):39-45.

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