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.
If you have family or friends that would like to subscribe to this free newsletter, they can add their name by going to our website and clicking on the envelope in the upper right corner. We welcome topic ideas for the newsletter and your feedback. Thank you.
To Your Health!
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Monthly Spotlight on Naturopathic Medicine
Micronutrient Testing
 So many of our patients ask, "Isn't there one blood test that can see if I am deficient in certain vitamins and minerals?" Generally the answer is "No". There is not one particular test with one sample of blood that can cover several different nutrients from vitamins to minerals until now. Traditional blood work through Sonora Quest or Labcorp can be helpful in diagnosing nutrient deficiency, however, they only offer a few specific tests for nutrients such as B12, Folate, and Vitamin D but many other nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium are not available to test in the blood. In addition, these tests reflect levels in the blood not inside the cells. Up until now, nutritional assessment has been based on clinical history and diet analysis but now there is a way to test, not only many nutrients in one test but the intracellular (inside the cell) rather than just in the blood. This patented process of testing the intracellular micronutrients test how nutrients are functioning within your cells, specifically your white blood cells. These tests allow nutritional assessment for a broad variety of clinical conditions including arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular risk, diabetes, various immunological disorders, metabolism disorders and micronutrient deficiencies. Micronutrient testing utilizes metabolically active peripheral lymphocytes and measures DNA synthesis using a patented chemically defined culture medium that is free of serum or protein that could affect test results. This innovative and advanced testing allowed us to identify deficiencies that might limit normal cell and immune response inside the body. Whether you utilize this test due to a health condition or to act preventatively, this test is extremely helpful to evaluate and improve your health status.
The micronutrient panel includes vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrient important in cellular function, immune function and overall health. In also includes a total antioxidant function value to measure your antioxidant capabilities within your cells. Antioxidants are vital to squelch free radicals damage in the cells. The test results allow you to make changes in your diet or counter-balance with supplements to act preventatively against down-regulation and aging of your cells. A list of the nutrients included in the micronutrient test is listed below.
B Vitamins
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin),
- Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenate)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
- Biotin
- Folate
Amino Acids
- Serine
- Glutamine
- Asparagine
Metabolites
Fatty Acids
- Oleic Acid
- Other Vitamins
- Vitamin D (Ergocalciferol)
- Vitamin A (Retinol)
- Vitamin K2
Minerals
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Copper
- Magnesium
Carbohydrate Metabolism
- Glucose-Insulin Interaction
- Fructose Sensitivity
- Chromium
Antioxidants
- Glutathione
- Cysteine
- Coenzyme Q-10
- Selenium
- Vitamin E (A-tocopherol)
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Vitamin C
Total Antioxidant Function
Whether you are looking to test nutritional deficiencies or have a health condition that you are struggling with the micronutrient analysis is a great test to look for needed nutrients you may not be getting to improve your cellular function and overall health.
We are happy to offer Micronutrient testing at Arizona Natural Medicine LLC. If you are interested, ask us about it at your next visit!
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Vitamin A
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is very important in promoting good vision, healthy skin, teeth, bones and mucous membranes. Vitamin A is also known as Retinol because it produces the pigments in the retina of the eye. Vitamin A is found in animal products such as eggs, meat, cheese, liver, cod and halibut fish, milk and other foods that are fortified with Vitamin A.
Carotenoids are pigments found in plant foods that can be converted into Vitamin A. There are hundreds of different carotenoids and one of the most important is beta-carotene, which is what gives the orange and yellow pigment to various fruits and vegetables. Beta carotene is an antioxidant and protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Good food sources of beta-carotene include cantaloupe, pink grapefruit, apricots, carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, squash and also green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and dark green, leafy vegetables.
Vitamin A can be used therapeutically in the following conditions:
1) Acne: Vitamin A can be used orally, short-term, in high doses. It is important to consult with your physician for proper dosage recommendations. It can also be used topically with medications such as Retin-A.
2) Psoriasis: Vitamin A can be used orally or topically as Tazorac.
3) Immune support: Vitamin A helps boost the immune system and is very effective in treating acute colds and flus.
4) Vitamin A deficiency: In the U.S. this is uncommon, however, it can occur in conditions that lead to chronic malabsorption, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease and alcoholism.
Since Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, excesses are harder to eliminate from the body compared to water soluble vitamins such as vitamin C and B vitamins, therefore, toxicity is possible. In general, acute toxicity occurs at doses of 25,000 IU/kg of body weight, with chronic toxicity occurring at 4,000 IU/kg of body weight daily for 6-15 months.
Excessive vitamin A consumption can lead to nausea, irritability, reduced appetite, vomiting, blurry vision, headaches, hair loss, dry skin, muscle weakness, drowsiness and altered mental status. Symptoms begin to resolve when intake is decreased.
Vitamin A at excess levels has been shown to significantly affect the developing fetus, leading to potential birth defects. Therefore, it is very important for pregnant women to limit vitamin A intake to 5000 IU/day.
Before using Vitamin A as a therapy it is important to consult your physician to determine safe, therapeutic doses. |
"Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well." Marcus Valerius Martial
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Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C.
Integrative Medicine for the Body and Mind
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. |
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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.
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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
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Real People
Acupuncture and cupping therapy with Dr. Lane have really improved my overall health and energy levels. I've been a patient for several years and have also seen Traditional Chinese Medical Doctors in China and the care at Arizona Natural Medicine has been the best by far.
A.R. - 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
Naturopathic medicine has always offered me alternatives that I could never find in the traditional medical model. I am so happy that I have options for my health care. I am hopeful that I have the tools to stay healthy.
KL.- 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
I was hestitant to try acupuncture because it was foreign. I did and it has changed my life. Not just becuase 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 affected me mentally. It made me more positive and I think clearer.
C.L.- Chandler, AZ
Dr. Lane, thank you for your tireless energy in helping me re-new my life! You have fueled my life with hope like no other doctor has ever done! Years ago I came to you with severe aches and pain due to fibromyalgia, and after being seen by so many other doctors I had given up hope. I thank my friend each day for having introduced me to you! I still suffer from fibromyalgia but it is much more manageable than ever before! My energy levels are at the highest they have ever been since I was diagnosed with fibro, my spirit is happier and you have been the instrument to that success! Not only have you provided the tools to live healthier, but you have become my most trusted confidant! The team you have formed is a mere reflection of your dedication to your patients! Dr. Khalsa and Rosemary are just as wonderful! Thank you for your constant, unwavering and wonderful relationship you have with your patients! BTB - Phoenix, AZ
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Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine