Tag Archives: Whole Health

More than Skin Deep

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Any teenager can attest to how distressing a face full of acne is.  Clear, unblemished skin is universally the number one and most important feature in attracting others. This basic law of attraction is because our skin is the largest component to our immune system – and healthy skin reflects a healthy body, which is required for reproducing.

In the US, hundreds of millions of dollars are spent yearly on acne and blemish remedies and cover-ups. Our skin’s appearance is tied to our sex appeal and for most people being attractive to others is important. 

In the 30 years I have been practicing Whole Health nutrition, working with young adolescents to clear up their skin problems and facilitate their sense of self-esteem and well-being, is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my practice. Educating teenagers about where and why acne develops provides them with the ability to make choices that can change the course of their outbreaks.

It all starts with androgens, which are reproductive hormones secreted into the blood stream by the productive organs and our stress adaptation system – our adrenal glands.  Androgens are potent “chemicals” that our liver must deal with by reducing their potency.

The liver detoxifies the blood and when dealing with androgens, the liver produces blood plasma proteins which bind up and inactivate the majority of androgens, so that only a small percent of androgens are free to enter our cells.

During adolescence, the body is going through a huge hormonal change and all parts of the body needs time to adjust to and regulate hormone secretions. Because of the complex functions of hormones,  a young body can become physically and even psychologically overwhelmed by the effect of androgens on the body functions and the brain.

How acne develops is when the androgens enter the cells, a specific enzyme converts the presenting androgens and makes them more active. The active androgens enter the nucleus of the cell and interacts with genetic material. This can lead to highly stimulated oil glands, and it is these highly stimulated oil glands that lead to the formation of acne.

Thee are several factors that determine the degree and amount of acne:

a) amount of androgens entering the cells 

b) how well the liver controls the active androgens

c) the person’s nutrition and liver function

d) the amount of waste and/or toxins being re-absorbed into the liver from the bowel environment and – THIS IS THE KEY –

e) the amount of exercise the adolescent is doing that will utilize the androgens to build and create muscle tissue (rather than acne), thus reducing the amount of androgen that might be absorbed into the cells.

Especially in young males, but this applies to females as well, the fastest and easiest way to clear up adolescent acne, is have the person EXERCISE vigorously. Through the use of androgens by the body to build muscle rather than be available to interact with genetic material in the cell, rather quickly the androgens are re-directed to enhance strength and development rather than creating skin problems. The young patients and their parents think its a miracle, but its actually simple biochemistry.

In addition, healthy eating of lots of vegetables and fruits to keep the bowel clean, drinking plenty of water, skin hygiene and proper amounts of sleep, all help the liver, bowel and adrenals to function properly, which supports an overall healthy body with resultant glowing, attractive skin. 

The expression “it’s more than skin deep” clearly applies to acne and skin blemishes. You may want to share this information with someone having acne issues because if they use it – they will see a difference. 

With all good wishes,
G

Copyright 2011 G. Donadio All Rights Reserved

Alternative for Dealing with Seasonal Allergies

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One of the most important aspects of being able to address a health issue you may have is to understand the cause and effect of how and why you are experiencing your symptoms and what they represent.

Seasonal allergies are for many the down side to the beauty of spring and summer. Itchy, runny eyes and nose, sneezing, coughing, and even wheezing can dictate an individual’s activity choices, where they can go and even what they can eat. None of this is desirable and much of it has been shown to be preventable.

To understand how you can take control of your seasonal allergies, let’s explore where they come from. When foreign proteins found in many airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites and rag weed.

When mucous membranes that come in contact with these foreign proteins are not immunologically competent enough to break down these proteins, the membrane secrete mucous, fluids and histamine. This causes the itching, swelling, irritation and watery excretions that make seasonal allergies so challenging.

To improve allergy symptoms, steroid or steroid like medications, are often prescribed. These are anti-inflammatory chemicals that reduce the allergic immune reaction to the foreign proteins. By building up our immune and adrenal system we can enable our bodies to be better able to handle these allergens, which cause the allergy reactions.

Our adrenals are located either on top of or within the kidneys and produce cortico-steroids and other natural anti-inflammatory as part of our “national guard” system. Hans Selye, MD, PhD, who spent over 50 years researching the adrenals and immune system, discovered the important nutrition and lifestyle components to keeping this important body system working well: 

  • a diet or supplementation rich in B, C, E,  and A vitamins; unsaturated fatty acids, such as fish oils, adequate protein intake and minerals to aid in the production of natural allergy fighting anti-inflammatory.
  • adequate sleep and rest
  • elimination of infections
  • reduction of emotional stress
  • moderate exercise – avoid over exertion
  • avoidance of traumas, dental and medical surgery
  • elimination of extreme temperatures indoors and out

Seyle’s research demonstrated that by taking good care of our adrenal and immune system, allergies may be greatly reduced, and in some cases eliminated.

Our Pets and Our Health

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A 2008 survey published by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) shows that one or more pets live in over 57 percent of U.S. households. While it is clear Americans love our pets, is it also a health benefit to care for them? “Pet ownership is good for your health both physically and psychologically,” says Connecticut psychologist Herbert Nieburg, author of “Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children” (HarperCollins).

When asked why people are so attached to their pets they are likely to say its because of the companionship and unconditional love. This may be why research has identified numerous health benefits experienced by pet owners:

  • reduced stress
  • lower blood pressure
  • for heart attack sufferers, pets increase longevity
  • for Alzheimer’s patients pets can increase appetite
  • relax body tension
  • create purpose
  • provide security
  • create opportunity for exercise
  • increase social interaction with other pet owners
  • provides routine and purposeful care of another
  • prevent loneliness

In addition to this long list of benefits from pet ownership, one of the most important psychological benefits is that our animals cause us to focus our attention outside ourselves rather than being overly self-concerned or self-absorbed. By caring for and loving our pets, we become better people, more responsible and caring when we must commit ourselves to their needs and schedules.

Last year pet owners spent 52 billion dollars on dogs and cat alone with billions more spent on horses, birds and farm pets. Our pet can also making up for the sense of alienation many feel living in high population cities and in the intensely competitive culture we have developed over the past 25 years.

If you are thinking about getting pet, read up on the type of pet you are considering, know what their special wants and needs are, and be sure the care commitment is compatible with your lifestyle and schedule. While pets are wonderful to share our lives with, just like with starting a family they require a big commitment both emotionally and financially.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna
Copyright 2011 G. Donadio

A New Year – A New Start

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“Happy New Year” is a greeting that fills us with anticipation, excitement and hope. The anticipation is for the new beginning we feel as the ball drops and we say good-bye to the past and look forward to the future. Our excitement is for the many possibilities that may lay ahead in the coming year and the hope is for a better 12 months than those that came before.

What are some simple, positive and productive actions we can take in this New Year that will support our optimistic January resolutions?

  • Start with a clean slate – cleaning and organizing your home space is one of the most positive ways to start the New Year. It has been shown in numerous studies that a clean, organized environment provides a sense of relaxation and calm and also helps us to be more productive because we are more organized and this results in a more efficient work or study outcome.
  • Commit to spending less and saving what you don’t spend – by setting a goal of saving a realistic amount of money each month and achieving that goal by spending that much less each month is an empowering and satisfying way to take more control over your finances and reinforce that you can transform your savings/spending patterns without much stress and strain.
  • Eat less processed foods and more living foods – this is not only a healthy resolution but also a cost saving one as well. We as Americans enjoy an abundant lifestyle and have the highest obesity rate in the world to prove it. By focusing on life giving plant based foods, we nourish our bodies and save a lot of money by not buying high priced processed and often non-nourishing “foods”.
  • Identify an organization, charity or cause that you can either provide a small but heartfelt donation or voluteer time to. Participating in meaningful assistance to others is rewarding on many levels and is good for our health as well as our sense of contribution.

Each New Year is an opportunity for a new beginning…and life, it is often said, is a series of new beginnings ~

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2011 G. Donadio All Rights Reserved

Holistic and Organic Holiday Gifts

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There are folks today who prefer to receive green, natural and organic gifts over the more commerial, expensive and sometimes electronically complex ones. My family and friends now expect to receive such gifts and are actually disappointed if I don’t deliver.

In case you have a smiliar group of friends and family, here are some nice presents you can give that are not only green, and healthy but are also not expensive.

Natural gifts to consider giving this season:

  • Home baked natural or sprouted flour breads and cookies – the gluten free variety is so popular that baking a tin of delicious non-allergic cookies or cakes will make you someones favorite Santa.
  • Handmade Quilts – talk about one of the best handmade gifts to receive and a quilt is high on the list. Quilts are so popular that they are used for raffles at fundraisers and bring in huge piles of raffle revenue. Most handmade quilts also sell for hundreds if not thousand of dollars.
  • Live herb plants – wonderful for growing on window sills and to use in cooking. Aloe Vera is a great plant to keep on hand for any kinds of burns or skin irritations. Simply break off a leaf and rub the healing liquid from the leaf on the burn or irritation.
  • Teas, Tea Pots and all thing related to this welcomed and health-filled brew – a wide variety of healing, soothing and delicious herb teas, in beautiful gift baskets can be found in health food and general grocery stores in the produce section.
  • Coffee grinders – this is a truly coveted gift for the coffee lover. Add a pound of organic free trade coffee to make it the perfect gift.
  • Herbal Candles – everyone enjoys the glow and aroma of a herbal or aromomatic candle. They are beautiful, healthy and sensual.
  • Natural facial or massage gift certificate – treat that hard working friend or relative to a full body or facila massge. With so many natural herbs and wraps to choose from they will want to make a day of it.
  • Pedometer – this handy device can let the user know just how far they have walked through the course of their day or exercise period to assist them in staying on top of their fitness.
  • Wellness baskets with nuts, dried fruits, tea, honey, dark chocolates, mustard, spices or salsa, fruits, veggies drinks and anything else you can imagine make beautiful and festive gifts as well. 

Giving the gifts of health can be as fulfilling as receiving them, so think outside the box this season and surprise friends and family with these helpful and healthful presents.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna
Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

Narcissism – is it the New Normal?

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The subject of Narcissism and its current epidemic in our self-celebrated society is getting plenty of press and finding it way into numerous books.  Drs. Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell wrote in their book, “The Narcissism Epidemic,”:

“Personality does not exist in isolation.  The increase of narcissism in individuals is, we believe, just an outcome of a massive shift in culture toward a greater focus on self-admiration.  Narcissism has spread through the generations”.

A recent article published in the December 19th Huffing ton Post also deserves reading on the subject, so here it is in its entirety.

Narcissism – the New Normal
The Huffington Post
December 19, 2010
by Judith Acosta, LISW, CHT

The other day a patient sent me an email with a link to a New York Times article that reported that the upcoming revision of the psychiatric diagnostic standards manual, the DSM-V, has removed the narcissistic personality disorder from its roster.

She asked me, “Are they crazy?”

I wrote back, “I think so.” Then, I thought, maybe the lunatics really are running the asylum.

“Removed” in this case appears to mean two things: 1) that the syndrome as they have hitherto described it is not, in their opinions, clear enough to be described as a character pathology; and 2) that it will no longer be an acceptable diagnosis for reimbursement. Insurance companies, hospitals, treatment facilities and protocols will no longer recognize it or use it to direct treatment.

Should that give us hope or terrify us? Does that mean narcissism is slowly going the way of the Dodo, or does it mean that it has become so pervasive that it’s no longer thought of as pathological?

My experience personally and professionally has me leaning in the direction of the latter, that it has become so much a part of our culture, particularly our parenting, that narcissistic traits are considered normal — so much so that if we don’t have a reality show named after us, we use our own phones or video up-links to transmit our private lives to anyone from Alaska to Antarctica who will watch.

Our culture, the media-infused air we breathe, has itself become both a breeding ground and a reflecting pool for narcissists.
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Makes you think about how we all got to be so self-centered, doesn’t it?

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Religious Service Attendance Strengthens Immune System

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 A study at Duke University Medical Center found that older people who attended religious services at least once a week were about half as likely as those who do not attend services weekly to have elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6).

This measure is a protein that indicates the presence of inflammation in the body. Inflammation has been implicated in most major chronic disease states, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. This decreased level of IL-6 translates into a healthier immune system enjoyed by the those with regular attendance at their religious community.

The researchers factored into the study outcomes health conditions experienced by the study subjects. These included depression, chronic illness, and negative life events—all of which the researchers identified as likely to affect immune status.  Even with these conditions, the improvement to the immune system in those who attended services weekly, was evidenced.

These findings identified that religion or participation in a spiritual life community may affect immune function through better coping skills, psychosocial factors, and the mechanisms by which organized religion promotes positive thoughts and behaviors.

There may also be other factors at play as well. Feelings of belonging to a community, shared values, as well as the togetherness of worshiping with others may be at the cause and effect of these findings.

These positive feelings appear to counteract stress and provide a positive effect on the mind/body communication, which has been demonstrated in clinical studies to have a persistent affect on the immune function of individuals with a positive outlook and upbeat attitude as a way of dealing with stressful situations.

This study also raises the inquiry that there may be a factor of loneliness, experienced by older Americans to a larger extend than do younger populations, that may be part of the healing effect of the weekly spiritual community attendance.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

What Your Sleep Position Says About You

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In a BBC report on research linking certain sleeping positions with health risks, British scientists think the sleeping position of an individual provides clues to the true personality of the sleeper as well as revealing health clues.

Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service analysed six common sleeping positions and believes they are each is linked to a specific personality types. “We are all aware of our body language when we are awake but this is the first time we have been able to see what our subconscious posture says about us” says Professor Idzikowski.

The sleep study identified that most people are unlikely to change their sleeping position during the night. Only 5% of the study participants reported to sleep in a different position on different evenings. Another interesting reveal of the study was that only one in ten individuals cover themselves completely with a blanket. Most people expose a leg, arm or both feet.

Professor Idzikowski also examined the effect of various sleeping positions on health. Some positions are believed to help aid digestion, while other positions are believed to promote snoring and restlessness.

Here are the six common positions, studied by Professor Idzikowski, that his study participants expressed. The study’s findings also related the positions to personality traits and health implications.

  • Fetus position – A majority (41%) of the study participants, with 200% more female than male, sleep in this curled-up position. The personality appointed to this sleeping position is that the sleeper has a tough exterior,  but are shy and sensitive and warm up quickly.
  • Log position – This study identified that 15% of people sleep in this position. Sleeping on your side with both arms down, says that you are a social, easy-going person who is trusting and possibly gullible.
  • Yearner position– The third most popular position, utilized by 13% of the participants, is the side-lying position with both arms out in front of the body. This position is considered to be open-minded and yet cynical. They can be suspicious and stubborn. This position is called “the yearner” position.
  • Soldier position – 8% of the sleepers in this study lie on their back with arms down and close to the body. This position is considered to be that of people who are reserved, quiet, not fussy and hold themselves and others to a high standard. This position has a higher rate of snoring due to the back position.
  • Free fall position – Only 7% of the sleepers lie on their bellies with arms under or wrapped around a pillow  and their head turned to the side. Considered brash, outgoing, and uncomfortable with criticism.
  • Starfish position – Those who lie on their backs with arms near their head or pillow make up the smallest  style of sleepers, with only 5% utilizing this position. Considered good listeners, helpful, and  uncomfortable being the center of attention. Sleeping in the starfish position are likely to suffer from a poor night’s sleep due to snoring.

With all good wishes for a great night’s sleep,
Georgianna

An Ironic Upside to Cell Phones

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For many years, there has been much discussion on the dangers of cell phone radiation on brain cancer, tumors and overall brain health. A recent study now suggests that there could be beneficial effects of cell phone radiation.

In the January, 2009, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, a study was published that was conducted by scientists from medical centers and universities around the world. The scientists identified the possibility that cell phone radiation appeared to possibly prevent Alzheimers’ disease, but in addition cell phone radiation might also reverse memory damage.

This international collaboration appears to re-assure the average cell phone user that the radiation from their cell phone could be helpful in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. But, as we know with studies, what one study might prove one year can be challanged very quickly with another study showing the opposite outcomes.

The international study conducted experiments that exposed genetically pre-disposed mice to doses of electromagnetic radiation that is similarly emitted by cell phones. The mice were exposed to one hour of radiation per day for up to nine months.

The results surprised the scientists. The adult mice did not show signs of memory loss. This finding could imply that the radiation provided a form of protection from the disease. Additionally the older mice in the study who were already demonstrating signs of the disease were able to perform similarly with older mice who were not demonstrating signs of Alzheimer’s.

Additionally, mice that were “normal” – without symptoms – that were exposed to the radiation demonstrated above average performance on memory skills.

A Professor from the University of South Florida claimed, “It surprised us to find that cell phone exposure, begun in early adulthood, protects the memory of mice otherwise destined to develop Alzheimer’s symptoms.”

The researchers could only theorize about  how or why the radiation exposure effected the Alzheiner’s outcome, but they were specific about their findings. “The cognitive benefits of long-term electromagnetic exposure are real, because we saw them in both protection- and treatment-based experiments involving Alzheimer’s mice, as well as in normal mice.”

Conclusion: Until more conclusive research on cell phone use and brain function is completed, phone chat at your own risk.

All the best,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G.Donadio

Dealing With Controlling Personalities – Part II

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Some strategies for taking charge of your relationships:

 Start by being honest with yourself about how you feel when these situations happen, when your friends or family act in a controlling and disrespecting manner. Decide how you would like to change the situation and the make a goals list of how you can achieve that outcome.

 An example would be to admit that your boyfriend’s lateness really drives you crazy and is underminding your relationship with him and causing you resentment and stress. Then, imagine a solution you can apply to change the usual outcome. Try discussing this strategy with others and see how explaining it either confirms or alters your strategy.

1. Be Specific: Be very specific about what is important to you in terms of what you are determined to change about your experience. It is important to be committed to your goals no matter how small or large they may be.

2. Express Your Opinions:If you are determined to transform a relationship, and important action step to take is not to allow yourself to stifle your opinions or preferences. Telling others of your goals and preferences anchors them into a deeper commitment. If your friend or boyfriend cannot be on time, then let them know if you are willing to leave without them the next time they are late for an event. 

3. Don’t Back Down – Let Go of Expectations: Be absolutely firm about your commitment to change your toxic friendship or relationship and under no circumstances allow others to make you change your mind about achieving that goal. At the same time, don’t be afraid to let go of expectations in the relationship. Often when we let go of our expectations, things have a way of working out on their own.

It is important to take control over negative or toxic relationships. Only you can empower yourself and take control over your life and your feelings. It takes effort and time, but it’s worth it.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio