Diet high in dairy products and high glycemic foods are associated with increased acne.

Acne vulgaris has anecdotally been attributed to diet by individuals affected by this skin condition. In a 2009 systematic literature review of 21 observational studies and 6 clinical trials, the association between acne and diet was evaluated. Observational studies, including 2 large controlled prospective trials, reported that cow’s milk intake increased acne prevalence and severity. Furthermore, prospective studies, including randomized controlled trials, demonstrated a positive association between a high-glycemic-load diet, hormonal mediators, and acne risk. Based on these findings, there exists convincing data supporting the role of dairy products and high-glycemic-index foods in influencing hormonal and inflammatory factors, which can increase acne prevalence and severity. Studies have been inconclusive regarding the association between acne and other foods.

Before trying medication for acne, simply remove all dairy products from your diet.  This may be a simple cure for your acne.  The Doctors at Cypress Natural Medicine can assist you in this dietary change and also evaluate and treat food sensitivities.  Contact our office at (650) 323-7345 for more information.

We know that eating fruits and veggies is good for us but what we don’t realize is that this simple act could save our lives. Research demonstrates a reduced risk of chronic disease with a plentiful intake of produce, so sometimes an alternative is required for the vegetable-resistant or the busy. I eat fruits and veggies every day and still take my Juice Plus+ every day in order to “fill in” any nutrient gaps.

A great option to consider for those of us who understand the importance of a diet high in fruits and vegetables, although they don’t seem to get enough is a powdered encapsulated fruit and vegetable supplement. Juice Plus+ is made first by juicing and then drying vine ripened fruits and veggies at cool temperatures in order to remove water and sugar. This low temperature processing allows for the enzymes to stay active and the nutrients to remain at optimal levels, similar to that of a raw food diet.

The most recent of several research studies published in peer-reviewed journals on Juice Plus+ demonstrates the link between inflammation and many chronic diseases. This study was published in the April 2010 online edition of Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. This double-blind study of 117 healthy men and women measured changes in inflammatory blood markers after subjects consumed either placebo or Juice Plus+ powdered fruit and vegetable capsules. The optimal goal is having low levels of inflammatory markers.  Inflammation is linked increased risk for heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

After 60 days, the subjects receiving the fruit and vegetable supplements had lower levels of inflammatory markers, as well as higher blood levels of antioxidant vitamins, when compared to the group taking a placebo.

For optimal nutrition, food is always key. Juice Plus+ provides extra nutritional intensity, density, and variety to your diet.  Juice Plus+ provides an easy way to eat 35 plant foods every day.

Feel free to assess the peer-reviewed research for yourself at www.FruitVeggieHealth.com

1. A change or variation.
2. The quality of being changeable.

One of the great joys in life is change; a sunrise as it changes the darkness into light, deciduous shrubs shedding their leaves, the lifecycle of amphibians, and ourselves as we grow and change. Allowing ourselves to be open to change can lead us to encounter new experiences and ideas. Most of us are not born vegetarian, so being open to the concept that vegetarianism is both valid and viable may lead us to discover a wonderful wide new world of plant foods.

artwork by L. Dunnett

The first step with any change begins first in the willingness to do so, which is then followed by a transitory stage. The change from fried chicken to teriyaki tofu need not be cold turkey, so to speak. It’s not necessary, or even recommended, for everyone to go full-fledged raw food vegan overnight (although those cheesy raw kale chips give hot cheetos a serious run for their money). A simple change from chicken to vegetable broth can make for an easier initial transition at the dinner table.

There is a wide spectrum of vegetarian subtypes, illustrating the variety of choices one can make during the transition away from meat. We may choose to include eggs and dairy, or omit them completely. It’s up to each of us to choose which variation of the vegetarian bandwagon we want to climb aboard.

• Pesco Vegetarians include fish into their diets.
• Lacto Vegetarians include dairy products into their diet of plant food.
• Lacto-Ovo Vegetarians eat both eggs and dairy products.
• Vegetarians eat only plant food. They do not eat any animal foods, including fish, eggs, or dairy products.
• Vegans also eliminate all animal products from the rest of their life; they do not wear leather, wool, or silk.
• Raw Food Vegans eat only unprocessed vegan foods that have not been heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit, in order to preserve the enzymes inherent in raw food.

Which brings us to the point of this column. Visissitude includes change and variety. A varied diet, regardless of if it’s vegetarian, is a key component of optimal heath and wellness. Variability provides the broadest array of trace minerals, vitamins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins, all of which are essential for our function. Therefore, during the transitory stage, The Resident Veggie advocates the two key tenets to success: ease (i.e. no cold turkey) and variety. We’re going to get bored, deficient, and damp pretty quickly if we equate vegetarian food with tofu, more tofu, and then more tofu. Thanks to the vegetarian industrial powers that be, the following products are recommended for an easy transition onto your veggie sampler plate.

Tempeh Bacon
Tempeh is a fermented protein made from a combination of rices, millet, soy, and/or barley. The fermentation process increases digestibility and utilizes a koji starter of Aspergillus oryzae spores, which are also used to make miso and sake. The amino acid makeup of tempeh is very similar to meat.

Gardein Chick’n Scallopini and 7 Grain Crispy Tenders
Gardein stands for garden protein, and is used extensively by Oprah’s vegan chef Tal Ronnen. It’s a new generation of “meat” that uses a slow cooking method of blended quinoa, millet, kamut, amaranth, soy, and wheat to produce a hearty vegetarian protein. Gardein does contain gluten, so make sure to pop a gluten digestive enzyme as necessary.

Dr-cow tree nut cheeses and Daiya vegan cheese
For years the dairy-free cheese market was an embarrassment to the vegan world due to the uninspired, plasticized, rubbery, tasteless, and un-meltable “cheeses” that populated the supermarket aisles. Then, a few companies realized that cheese is cheese not really because of the milk, but because of the enzymes and bacteria. Brilliant! Subsequently, 2 spectacular vegan cheeses were born. Dr- Cow’s cheeses are made from organic nuts and seeds and aged with acidophilus. Daiya cheese is made with cassava, palm, and enzymes, and melts into strings that actually taste good.

Happy sampling.

Next up: “Where do you get your … ?”, everything you need to know regarding the nutritional biochemistry of a vegetarian diet.

(excerpted from the American Academy of Osteopathy’s pamphlet “Osteopathic Medicine: A Distinctive Branch of Mainstream Medical Care”)

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed and recognized physicians and surgeons who stress the unity of all body systems.  They bring a hands-on approach to medicine and view palpation and manipulation as aids to the diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses.

Osteopathic medicine was founded on the Missouri frontier in 1874.  Dr. Andrew Taylor Still was an individualistic and strong-willed MD who was dissatisfied with the ineffectiveness of nineteenth-century medicine.  He decried the rudimentary drugs and surgery of the day and saw many people, including his own three children, die from serious diseases.  Concepts such as anesthesia, sterile surgery, antiseptics, antibiotics, and x-rays were not imagined in the 1870s.

In response, Dr. Still founded a philosophy of medicine that harkened back to Hippocrates, with its central focus on the body unity.  He identified the musculoskeletal system as a key element of health.  He recognized the body’s capability to heal.  He stressed preventative medicine, eating properly, and keeping fit.

He identified palpation and the human touch as vital to gaining patient confidence and providing effective medical care.  And he stressed manipulation as a less-intrusive form of diagnosis and treatment.

The Human Body is a Unified Organism

Osteopathic physicians emphasize that all body systems, including the musculoskeletal system, operate in unison- and disturbances in one system can alter functions of other systems.  By recognizing the close relationship between body structure and organic functioning, the DO has a broader base for treating the whole patient.

Osteopathic physicians not only recognize the interdependence of all parts of that complex machine- the human body- but also consider the patient’s mental and emotional status.  In addition, the DO pays attention to the relationship of the patient to his or her home environment, job, and other factors that affect health.

The Body’s Musculoskeletal System is Central to the Patient’s Well Being

This system includes the bones, muscles, tendons, tissues, nerves, and spinal column- about 60% of the body mass.  The musculoskeletal framework is far more than an anatomical rack on which other organs are hung.  It works in concert with all other organs.  It may respond- properly or improperly- when a breath is drawn or body movement occurs.  Besides being prone to mechanical disorders, the musculoskeletal system reflects many internal illnesses and may aggravate or accelerate the process of disease in the circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, or other body systems.

The body has a natural tendency toward health, as well s the capacity to resist disease and to heal itself

The body’s own healing power, vis medicatrix naturae, is a main principle of osteopathic medicine and a basic condition of all diagnosis and treatment.  Therefore, osteopathic practice is designed to support, stimulate and, in some instances, initiate the body’s trend toward health.

Tuesday, May 25th from 6:30-7:30 pm, Kelly Grant, RD will give a lecture and cooking class on Living Dairy and Gluten Free. She will share how undiagnosed gluten and dairy sensitivity is the root cause of many diseases. Join us and taste for yourself the delicious and healthful gluten and dairy free snacks that will be provided. Learn new tips and recipes to help you transition into healthier eating patterns! Cost is $40 with a 50% off special for current Cypress Natural Medicine patients!

June 22- 29th 2010 – One Week Group Cleanse – $350 per person

Increase your energy and vitality and give your body a break from the toxic burden our modern world puts on us.  Eliminate food cravings, skin blemishes, lose excess weight, balance hormones, discover food sensitivities and more!

Includes:

• Includes organic cleansing meals delivered to your home. (Meals include organic, seasonal produce, detoxifying herbs and spices, anti-inflammatory nuts and seeds, organic protein choice and herb dressings.)
• Learn and receive healing recipes including smoothies, soups, healing tea, herb dressings and more.
• Include cleansing Herbs and Probiotics regime
• Includes Ultra Clear shakes by Metagenics
• Pre and post cleanse group meetings with doctor and registered dietitian
• Learn healing foods that detox you every day

Call us today to register for the above classes at 650-323-7345. We hope to see you there!

There are many reasons for adopting a plant-based diet: health reasons, ethical issues, and increasingly, concern about the environmental impact of factory farming and raising livestock. We’ve all driven up and down the I-5 and felt bad for the cows in the feedlots. And then have promptly pulled up to In N Out and ordered cheeseburgers. The key point to remember is that vegetarianism is a conscious choice and can be practiced as much as or as little as you like. The best thing about choosing veggie is that it will make a positive impact on both your health and the environment each time you decide to exercise the option.

First up is a little bit of introductory reading homework. The initial step in developing a conscious eating plan is well covered by Michael Pollan, in The Omnivore’s Dilemma, which explores the methods and madness involved in bringing food to our tables. The China Study, by T. Colin Campbell, presents convincing scientific evidence suggesting the link between plant-based nutrition and wellness. The Conscious Cook, by Tal Ronnen, is a great starting point for the refined modern vegetarian palate.

The point of this series will be to demonstrate that vegetarianism is easier than you may think. Contrary to popular belief, there is still quite a plethora of foods left to eat with meat out of the picture. Discovering delicious new foods and learning how to pronounce things with weird names (tempeh is pronounced “tem-PAY”, quinoa is pronounced “keen-WAH”) is part of the fun as well. Future topics to be covered include best animal free meat and cheese substitutes, vegetarian restaurant recommendations and reviews, recipes and cookbooks, supplementing a vegetarian diet for optimum wellness, and a veggie protein specific column. Email drjen@cnmhealth.com if you’d like to see a certain topic covered. Questions, comments, and suggestions are welcomed. Go veg!

PCBs, also known as polychlorinated biphenyl compounds, are synthetic chemicals now found in the environment due to the contamination of air, soil, and water by leakage from older appliances, older fluorescent lighting, and hazardous waste sites. Like other chemicals and toxins, exposure to PCBs increases the overall burden on the body’s natural detoxification processes, which in turn creates an extra strain in our ability to maintain optimal health.

The best way to avoid PCBs is to drink clean filtered water and eat organic foods whenever possible. Since many of us take fish oil supplements, it is extremely important to source your fish oils from a reputable and trusted manufacturer. Toxins tend to accumulate specifically in fatty tissues, and therefore a concentrated fish oil should be molecularly distilled in order to properly remove the toxic contaminants that may be present, including PCBs, mercury, and dioxins. The resulting fish oil should be of high quality, containing negligible levels of toxins evaluated by third party testing.

The good news is that there are safe and PCB free fish oil supplements out there! The Cypress pharmacy stocks several professional grade varieties that have all been molecularly distilled and tested for purity. Nordic Naturals is a good consumer based manufacturer, and their products are available at your natural grocery store. Fish oil has dozens of therapeutic benefits, and choosing the right one can be helpful, instead of harmful, to your health.

The Mercury News article:

www.mercurynews.com/ci_14501591

For more information on PCBs:

http:/www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts17.html

Every year we are delighted to give back and support our community.  This year we decided to ”adopt”  Unity Care Group, a local community-based, non-profit youth development agency.  Unity Care Group was founded with the goal of developing education and social programs to enrich lives of at risk-youth in the foster care system.  Their mission is to provide quality youth programs for the purpose of creating healthier communities through life-long partnerships. Currently, Unity Care has numerous programs serving current and former foster youth that are in extreme need due to budget cuts and lack of social program funding.  As many youths in the program are seperated from their families, they are left with feelings of sadness and abandonment during the Holiday Season. Cypress Natural Medicine, along with Unity Care, aims to brighten their Holiday Season through a donation drive.  We are asking you to help us in bringing a little warmth and happiness to a foster youths’ life!

There are many ways to donate, and all donations are tax deductable.  Following is the “Wish List” to help make this season bright!

• Gift Cards to retailers such as Target, Macy’s, Best Buy, Footlocker, Century Theatres, Old Navy, Barnes & Noble (These will be given as gifts to the foster youth).
• Monetary donations in any amount.  You can make an online gift donation at www.unitycare.org or bring it by Cypress Natural Medicine.  We will be sure you get a tax deductable receipt.
• Holiday decorations and household items such as new furniture, bedding, towels and kitchen appliances.

Please bring your donations to Cypress Natural Medicine by December 21, 2009 and we will deliver to Unity Care Group for you!   We are looking forward to making this a wonderful Season for the youth’s in our area and thank you for your partnership, generosity and compassion!

All of us here at Cypress Natural Medicine wish you and yours a wonderful Holiday Season and a New Year filled with health and prosperity!

In Health,

Dr. Bryan, Dr. Destia, Dr. Jen, Dr. Cindy, Sarah, Arlene and Denise

As with any robust virus, it is survival of the fittest.  We are beginning to see our first signs of mutations occurring in the H1N1 virus.  Even though the H1N1 vaccine has shown quite dismal results (Effectiveness = 76% of 10 -- 17 year olds; 36% of 3 -- 9 year olds; 25% of babies aged 6 months -- 35 months) against the virus it was intended (the July 2009 California H1N1 strain), the newest strain will most likely lead to complete ineffectiveness of the vaccine.  Patients who have been diagnosed with this mutated strain are hence called “low reactors” to the current H1N1 vaccine.

What are we learning from this information?  The H1N1 vaccine is not the magic bullet?

The initial vaccine was far from being any magic bullet as seen above in the HIH report.  On top of that information, it also contains squalene, aluminum, and mercury, which have been correlated with everything from autoimmune conditions to autism to paralysis.

What other choices do we have?  Is there another magic bullet?

No, there is no magic bullet when it comes to building and maintaining a healthy immune system.  This is a perfect example of naturopathic principles at work.  Eat well, get enough sleep, manage stress levels, and add a little supplementation for good measure.  I am really a minimalist when it comes to supplementation, so I strongly recommend Juice Plus+ as the foundation for prevention of the flu and other infectious agents.  I have taken Juice Plus+ for 13 years now and have recommended it to my patients as a great foundational product for 6 years.  I view it as an insurance policy for the days in which I am not able to eat as I should.  It is really the only supplement I take consistently because the third party research is so persuasive.  Both the University of Florida and University of Arizona have done studies on Juice Plus+ in relation to immune function.  Both studies showed significant immune enhancement when supplementing with Juice Plus+.  These results equate to more resistance against common infections.

The following steps will typically be all you need to stay healthy, even in the midst of a pandemic.  Your immune system is your best asset!

1. Test your vitamin D levels during the fall and winter.
   This is probably the single most important and least expensive action you can take. I would STRONGLY urge you to have your vitamin D level monitored to confirm your levels are therapeutic at 50-70 ng/ml.  If you are coming down with flu-like symptoms and have not been on vitamin D, you can take doses of 50,000 units a day for three days to treat the acute infection. Please talk with us at Cypress Natural Medicine if you would like to have this tested.
2. Avoid sugar, high simple carbohydrate and processed foods
   Sugar decreases the function of your immune system almost immediately and the immune suppression lasts for 7 hours after the sugar intake.   A strong immune system is the biggest factor in protecting your body from viruses and other illness, even cancer.  If your body is overly fatigued it will be harder for it to fight the flu. So get plenty of good quality sleep
3. Use Effective Tools to Address Stress Levels.
   We all face some stress every day, but if stress becomes overwhelming then your body will be less able to fight off the flu and other illness.
   a. Deep breathing exercises help to relieve stress: Spend 10 min twice a day deep breathing.  You should see your abdomen move when you breathe in this manner.  Focus on bringing the breath into your belly instead of filling your chest.
   b. Exercise at least 5 days a week for 30 min. When you exercise, you increase your circulation and your blood flow throughout your body. The components of your immune system are also better circulated, which means your immune system has a better chance of finding an illness before it spreads.
4. Take a high quality probiotic  or eat fermented foods. Eighty percent of your immune system is located in your digestive system, so enhancing your gut health with probiotics is a very effective method to ward off cold and flu viruses.
5. Eat 9-12 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Whole food nutrition is very immune balancing.  I take a supplement called Juice Plus to increase my nutrient density and support my immune system.  You can see the research on Juice Plus and the immune system at www.FruitVeggieHealth.com.   The doctors at Cypress Natural Medicine use Juice plus as our immune balancing first line of defense and you can even double dose at the first signs of the flu.
6. Herbs and Homeopathy can help with good immune balance.   Avoid taking herbs such as Echinacea and elderberry for long periods of time.  I recommend taking an herbal formula only one week monthly as prevention.  We have some great immune formulas at Cypress Natural Medicine.   Please talk with your practitioner to see which one they would recommend for you.

If you do experience flu symptoms, do not panic, call us at Cypress Natural Medicine and we can give you specific treatments to lessen and support your body through the illness.

My daughter and I have had excellent results with NAET. We were both eliminating about 30 food while she was nursing and before out treatment to avoid constant rashes, hives and behavior problems. We did many, many treatments with Jen and we can now eat everything!
V.B., Mountain View

Both of my sons have been receiving NAET treatments for allergies and I have noticed a substantial change in their general health and behavior. I have observed that they are more focused and illness linked to allergies is virtually gone! I highly recommend this non-invasive treatment to anyone suffering from allergies or behavioral issues.
S.R.C., Mountain View

I was suffering from severe migraines which would last 24 hours about 3 times a week. I could not move my head without intense pain and nausea. I had to quit working and was afraid to socialize or travel fearing an attack, so basically my life was consumed by the migraines and I was a total wreck. I tried numerous medications and went to numerous doctors, but did not find help and eventually gave up on western medicine. I started receiving craniosacral therapy on a regular basis. I am really happy I stuck with it because after about 4-5 months, the migraines started to taper off and then disappeared altogether! Thank you!!
A.R., San Francisco

My 1 year old son suffered from extreme gastrointestinal discomfort that left western medical doctors stumped. Subsequently, my son had many behavioral issues and difficulty sleeping. I was referred to Jen and we began a series of NAET treatments that definitely helped relieve the severity of some of his symptoms, but did not eliminate the problem completely. We then saw Dr. Bryan for homeopathy and Dr. Destia for craniosacral therapy. After just a few appointments, I saw a tremendous shift and now have a happy and healthy boy!
D.D., San Jose

I used to spend 2 days a month in agony with migraine headaches. I took medication that did not always work and had adverse side effects. Cypress Natural Medicine helped me and I am migraine free, have more energy and am feeling in balance. Thank you!
K.D., Redwood City

My son has suffered severe digestive problems for the past 5 years. After having 3 invasive diagnostic procedures that left him with adverse reactions and a recommendation of lifetime medication and life-altering surgery, we sought a natural approach. After coming to Dr. Bryan, we began to see signs of steady improvement where his symptoms began disappearing altogether. Now my son is off to summer camp and living the life of a normal boy after being so ill he missed 3 months of school. Dr. Bryan has restored my son’s quality of life and I am eternally grateful for that.
R.P., Mountain View