on Jan 23, 2017 in General Wellness, Wellness Blog
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE FOR HEART-BURN/GASTRIC REFLUX Suffer from gastric reflux? There are some alternative therapies that may help you avoid dependence on medication. Our Integrative physicians, Dr. Heidi Meyer and Dr. Raymond Lane list a few suggestions to try. Aloe Juice or Ginger Root for Inflammation: Aloe and ginger are powerful anti-inflammatories. Drink 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice or ginger tea before meals. To make ginger tea add two or three slices of fresh ginger root to two cups of hot water. Let steep for about half an hour. Drink about 20 minutes or so before your meal. Chamomile Tea: One to two hours before bed, try a cup of chamomile tea, it soothes stomach inflammation and will help you sleep. Vitamin D: You need Vitamin D to help fight infections. If your vitamin D is low take an oral vitamin D3 supplement with vitamin K2. Astaxanthin: This exceptionally potent herb reduces symptoms of acid reflux, particularly in those that have a helicobacter pylori infection. Best results are obtained at a daily dose of 40 mg. Slippery Elm: Slippery elm coats and soothes the skin throughout your digestive tract and it stimulates the nerves in your GI tract which results in a thicker mucus secretion; protecting your GI tract against excess acidity. Pour two cups boiling water over two tablespoons of powdered bark, steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Drink 3 times per day; or take capsules, 400-500 mg 3 to 4 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks. Avoid taking slippery elm within two-hours of any other prescribed medication as it will interfere with absorption. Glutamine: Helps correct damage caused by H. pylori. Found in many foods, including beef, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, and some fruits and vegetables. L-glutamine is also widely available as a supplement. Folate and other B Vitamins: High folic acid intake reduces risk of acid reflux by 40% and vitamin B2 and B6 levels are also important for recovery. Eat vitamin-B rich foods, such as dark leafy greens, asparagus, spinach, okra, and beans. Eat Foods that Promote Gut Health: Lots of fiber and fermented foods help feed healthy bacteria in your gut. Cabbage and cabbage juice in particular help promote healthy stomach acid....
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on Feb 15, 2016 in General Wellness, Weight Loss, Wellness Blog
Positive Choice Integrative Wellness Center Weight Loss Programs Healthy Balance- Full Food Program This 14-week program helps you lose weight eating mostly fresh, organic, whole foods. Each group session is 1½ hours and includes healthy lifestyle education, flexibility/strength training exercise, mindful eating and relaxation strategies. Programs are offered at the La Mesa, Otay Mesa, Clairemont Mesa, and San Marcos medical facilities. The price is $140 plus a one-time materials fee of $50. Call anytime to enroll. Full or Partial Fasting Weight Management Programs The Full or Partial Fasting Weight Management Programs help you lose weight with the aid of liquid meal replacements. On a full fast you consume five liquid meal replacements each day. On a partial fast you consume four liquid meal replacements each day and then have one sensible meal. The rate of weight loss is typically between two to five pounds a week. The length of the program is determined by individual need. The weekly group meetings are two hours and include information and discussion on coping strategies, stress management, communication, and interpersonal relationship skills. The maintenance phase is for 12 months after you have lost your weight and focuses on developing a healthy lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise. The weekly cost for the weight loss phase, which includes medical supervision, group meetings, and your meal replacements is $125. Programs are available at the Bostonia, Clairemont Mesa, Otay Mesa, and San Marcos medical facilities. Medical appointments are required to begin these programs. Call to schedule a free information session where you can get program details, have your questions answered, and enroll. (You may also download program details online at positivechoice.org.) No matter which weight management program you participate in, you can expect to achieve positive health outcomes. In particular, here are some of the benefits typically experienced by those in the fasting program: Blood Pressure: 40% of participants with high blood pressure are able to discontinue medications and an additional 30% greatly reduce the amount of their needed blood pressure medication. Type 2 Diabetes: 74% of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are able to completely discontinue medications within the first few weeks on a full fast, recover normal blood sugar levels by the end of the...
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on Feb 8, 2016 in General Wellness, Inspiration, Wellness Blog
Nothing is worth losing your inner peace. Take action as circumstances require, but never surrender your inner peace. Stop. Breathe deeply. Close your eyes and breathe deeply again. Then and only then, take action from a peaceful...
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on Jan 12, 2016 in Fitness, Wellness Blog
Exercises to Fix Your Posture These days most of us spend too much time hunched over computers and looking down at handheld devices. The results …rounded shoulders, tight chest muscles, and rounded backs. Try these exercises to straighten up and fly right! Prone Breast Stroke Start in a face down/prone position on a mat, elbows bent, and your forehead resting on hands. Stabilize your core by drawing your belly button toward your spine. Extend your spine and lift your chest off the mat while reaching your arms forward. Maintain a neutral neck position, keeping your ears between your biceps, and your shoulder blades retracted and away from your ears. Breast stroke by circling your arms to your hips while lifting your chest slightly higher; return to the start position. Perform 2–3 sets or 8–12 repetitions. Wall Sit with Snow Angel Arms Sit cross legged with your back up against a wall. Pull up from pelvic floor, lifting your ribs away from hips to grow taller; lift your chest and roll your shoulders back and down. Aim to have three points of the spine in contact with the wall (head, shoulders, and tail bone). Reach your arms out overhead, with your palms touching. Draw your elbows back to touch the wall. Close your eyes and allow your breath to be your guide. Perform snow-angel arms 4-8...
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on Dec 9, 2015 in General Wellness, Inspiration, Wellness Blog
Have a Joyful Season!
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on Dec 8, 2015 in Nutrition, Wellness Blog
Remember growing Chia Pets? Chia seeds are not only fun to grow, they are a super healthy food to eat. Chia seeds are one of nature’s little packages bursting full of health benefits. Chia seeds provide a bounty of high quality nutrients: Healthy omega 3’s, High quality proteins, Soluble fiber, B-Vitamins, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Antioxidants … and the list goes on. Chia seeds have powerful anti-inflammatory properties similar to super-foods like blueberries and pomegranate. Research indicates promising abilities of Chia to reduce blood pressure and change lipid profiles for the better. Chia is so simple to add into your daily routine. The seeds make a fun crunchy topping on top of yogurt, fruits, or cereal. You can add a Tablespoon in to a smoothie or sprinkle on top of baked muffins, bread, or oatmeal. You can find Chia seeds in any health food store or Trader Joe’s. Sprouted Chia is also good for you, so dig out your old Chia pet and grow some to eat and for...
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