Greetings!
At
the core of Naturopathic Medicine is education; educating our patients,
our patients' families and our community. On this premise, we welcome
you to our free Monthly Health Newsletter, rich in information on
integrative medicine and tips for healthy living.
We
hope this information adds an additional tool for knowledge,
empowerment, and creating optimal health and well-being in your life.
To Your Health!
|
|
Monthly Spotlight on Naturopathic Medicine
 LPP test: An Advanced Evaluation of Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Cholesterol has historically been used as the standard indicator for cardiovascular disease, being classified as good (HDL) or bad (LDL). However, research has found that it is the lipoprotein particles that carry the cholesterol throughout the body, not the cholesterol within them, that are responsible for key steps in plaque formation in the arteries and the resulting development of cardiovascular disease. There are different sizes of LDL and HDL particles and some are much more dangerous than others. Smaller and more numerous LDL particles have a greater risk of causing cardiovascular disease. The National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute reports that approximately 50 percent of people that have a heart attack have "normal" cholesterol levels. This is why it is important to evaluate the lipoprotein particles that carry the cholesterol to get an accurate picture of overall risk. The LPP (Lipoprotein Particle Profile) test evaluates these cholesterol carrying particles to evaluate your risk for developing cardiovascular disease. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), recommends this more advanced, comprehensive profile to make a true assessment of risk for developing heart disease. In addition to measuring basic levels of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides, it also evaluates four additional risk markers, including: - Small, dense LDL: atherogenic particles that easily penetrate the arterial endothelium, causing plaque.
- RLP (Remnant Lipoprotein): very atherogenic lipoproteins that don't need to be oxidized to form plaque.
- Lp(a): prothrombotic small, dense LDL.
- HDL2b: positively correlates with heart health because it is an indicator of how well excess lipids are removed.
The LPP Plus panel also includes additional cardiovascular risk markers, such as, C-Reactive Protein (cardiac) and Homocysteine. The LPP test allows your doctor to evaluate the most appropriate and effective treatments based on your specific profile. This includes both medications (Statins, Fibrates) and natural treatments (Niacin, Estrogen, Omega-3 fatty acids, lifestyle changes). This test is recommended for people that have known high cholesterol to further evaluate their risk and optimize treatment protocols. It is also a valuable test for those that have normal cholesterol that want to evaluate their risk for developing cardiovascular disease based on their Lipoprotein Particle Profile. You can have normal cholesterol levels and still have a negative Lipoprotein Particle Profile, increasing your risk for heart disease. At Arizona Natural Medicine, we offer this cutting-edge, comprehensive test to evaluate your risk for cardiovascular disease. If you are interested in this test, please ask us about it at your next visit. |
Nutrition Corner
Red Rice Yeast
Red yeast rice is derived from Monascus purpureus, an organism grown on rice. It contains natural cholesterol reducing molecules called monacolins, substances known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. The use of red yeast rice in China was first documented in the Tang Dynasty in 800 A.D. A detailed description of its manufacture is found in the ancient Chinese pharmacopoeia, Ben Cao Gang Mu-Dan Shi Bu Yi, published during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). After centuries of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it was discovered that red yeast rice is a potent inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. Red yeast rice contains natural statin molecules. Traditional Western medications, known as 'statins', are strong HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and are used to reduce cholesterol which you may recognize by the names, such as, Zocor or Lipitor. Statins are associated with common side effects, such as, muscle pain, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, insomnia and flushing. Another side effect is myositis. Myositis is an inflammation of the muscles, which can cause muscle injury and muscle pain and cramping. The risk of muscle injury increases when certain other medications are coupled with statin use, such as fibrates. Statins may cause muscle and liver damage. Statin drugs are also associated with more serious side effects. A condition called rhabdomyolysis can lead to kidney damage and possibly kidney failure (renal failure). The side effects of statins are associated with high concentration of statin molecules. This is why when using statin medication, it is recommended to regularly check liver enzymes to make sure liver function is normal.
Since red yeast rice has naturally occurring statins but in trace amounts, it may be better tolerated and used without the same serious side effects. However, not all red yeast rice is the same so it is important to talk with your doctor about the dosing and the source of red yeast rice that you use. Some people have noticed muscle pain with red yeast rice use and it is still wise to monitor liver enzymes. Generally red yeast rice is well tolerated and effective at lowering cholesterol with a significantly lower risk profile than concentrated statin-containing prescription medications.
If you are interested in knowing more about red yeast rice, talk to our physicians to determine if it could be an effective treatment for your high cholesterol.
|
|
Mind Body Center
 Remember to breathe!
Long, deep breathing is one of the simplest, most effective tools to manage stress and calm the mind. It's easy, it's free and it only requires 3 to 5 minutes per day. The key is to make sure you are breathing properly.
Proper long, deep breathing technique:
1) Sit or lay down in a quiet place (if possible)
2) Close your eyes
3) As you inhale, relax your abdomen and let it expand outward as your chest expands and your lungs fill up with air
4) As you exhale, pull your abdomen back in toward your spine, pushing the air out of your lungs
5) Allow the breath to be smooth and continuous
6) To end, inhale deeply, hold the breath for as long as you are able and then exhale and relax the breath
Moving your abdomen when you breathe allows you to move the diaphragm up and down, creating room for your lungs to expand in your chest cavity. Long, deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, putting you into a state of relaxation.
Try it for yourself and experience the profound calming and healing effects of long, deep breathing!
|
|
Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C.
Integrative Medicine for the Body and Mind
2480 W. Ray Road, Suite 1
Chandler, Arizona 85224-3558
Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C.
http://www.aznaturalmedicine.com
480-722-2811
For an appointment at Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C., please contact our office.We look forward to hearing from you. |
|
|
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive and effective
heath care, integrating the best of Western, Eastern, and Natural
medicine in a safe and caring atmosphere. We provide individualized
care that addresses the whole person, focuses on prevention, and
assists you in achieving an optimal level of health.
|
|
Naturopathic
Philosophy
1. Healing Power of Nature
2. First Do No Harm
3. Identify and Treat the Cause
4. Doctor as Teacher
5. Treat the Whole Person
6. Preventive Medicine
|
 |
|
Real People
I was hesitant to try acupuncture because it was foreign. I did and it has changed my life. Not just because acupuncture can help my health but now I am open-minded to other things. It has changed my perspective on health care. I feel more vibrant, energetic, and I love that it has positively affected me mentally. It made me more positive and I think clearer.
C.L.- Chandler, AZ
My acupuncture experience with Dr Khalsa at AZ Natural Medicine has been very positive. At a time when nothing else would provide relief, weekly acupuncture treatments have made a measurable difference in my low back pain and in my life. Increased energy is an added bonus. I am 3 weeks post partum and have every right to be exhausted. However, as my pain becomes more manageable I have a substantial increase in energy. Thank you Dr Khalsa and AZ Natural Medicine for helping me to feel better! I forward this health and energy on to my new baby. -CS. Chandler, AZ
I have been suffering from lack of sleep and hot flashes for years. Since I have been seeing Dr. Lane, she has prescribed bio-identical hormones and I have noticed an improved quality in my sleep and my hot flashes are few and far between. I am very happy with the results. I would highly recommend her office to anyone. R.W.Q. - Chandler, AZ
| |
Acupuncture & Chinese
Medicine