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Archive for the ‘Doctor's Corner’ Category

The Importance of B Vitamins and their Ability to Reduce Stress

6 October 2011, admin on the topic of Doctor's Corner, Thrive Portland

There is no denying that stress is a part of our daily lives. We all have different levels of stress and we all deal with it in different ways, some healthier than others. There are many healthy ways to deal with stress including eating right, exercising, meditating, stretching; the list goes on. One method of reducing stress is gaining more popularity and more science backed statistics to support its use, a Vitamin B complex.

As occupational stress in Western societies increases, we are also seeing an increase in the strain on personal, organizational, and community levels. Combine occupational stress with a down economy and the increasing mantra of, “we must do it all,” the pressure and stress can be intense. At Thrive, we focus on natural and holistic solutions and one of those for reducing stress is integrating a Vitamin B complex into your daily routine. This can have a significant positive impact on addressing the stress that can wreak havoc on us both internally and externally. The stress that causes anxiety, depression, and pain can also show up on our faces and body as weight gain, acne, wrinkles, and other physical ailments.

A recent study examined sixty participants during a 3-month randomized, placebo-controlled trial in which personality, work demands, mood, anxiety and strain were assessed. The controlled group that received the vitamin B complex reported significantly lower personal strain and a reduction in confusion and depressed moods after just 12 weeks. If you have been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, perhaps depressed, consider there may be natural methods that are worth trying prior to prescription medications.

We believe your external beauty is a reflection of your internal health and vitality. We always prefer natural treatments that work with your body rather than against it. Please consider the research and then call us at 503-241-3479 to set up your free consultation.

Seeing is Believing: Dr Maddox’s 90 Day Challenge

8 August 2011, daniellelee on the topic of 'Age Beautifully' Tips, Doctor's Corner, Promotions, Thrive Portland

We are announcing an all new 90 Day Challenge and Contest! We are looking for men and women who are willing to put some time, dedication, and investment into this challenge. The winner will get a SkinMedica TNS product and chemical peel treatment package worth $1,150!

During the summers, our exposure to sun damaging rays increases and many of us end the summer with more freckles and sun spots than before the summer began. Investing in this 90 Day Challenge will actually turn back the hands of time, not only on your sun spots, but on wrinkles, sagging, acne scars, skin discoloration and more. Are you ready for a younger, fresher, rejuvenated you?

Here’s How it Works
Entrants will come to our Thrive office for a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Maddox. During this consultation, he will evaluate which products are going to be the best for your skin and take your “Before” photos! All entrants must invest in the comprehensive product and treatment package worth $1150 for the discounted price of $795, a $350 savings!

The SkinMedica TNS Product Package includes enough products for 90 days: the award winning TNS Essential Serum™, Tri-Retinol Complex Cream™, TNS Eye Repair™, Environmental Defense SPF30+™, a Sample Regimen Kit, and special headband.

The Treatment Package includes three chemical peels, the Illuminize™, Vitalize™, and Rejuvenize™. The chemical peels are performed in order from lightest to heaviest; the first is administered during your first appointment when you pick up your products, the second at the 30 day mark, and the third at the 60 day mark.

At the 90 day mark, if you have received your three peels and used your products, you will bring your empty bottles back and get your “After” picture taken. Each person that successfully completes the 90 challenge will be entered into a drawing to receive the same 90 day treatment package; products and peels for FREE!

SkinMedica Product Details
SkinMedica products work as a system to repair and improve different elements of your skin. When the perfect mix of TNS products works together, you will be amazed at the improvement you see. The products you will receive for your 90 day challenge include the following:

The TNS Essential Serum is an all-in-one anti-aging product that works synergistically with peptides to rebuild your cells. It includes seven antioxidants that fight free radical damage and instantly brighten your skin.

The TRI-Retional Complex is an extra-strength wrinkle reducing medication. It delivers three forms of Vitamin A that diminish fine lines and wrinkles, stimulate cell regeneration, and improve skin elasticity and firmness.

The TNS SPF is a state-of-the-art, oil and fragrance free sunscreen provides full-spectrum defense against UVA/UVB rays. It provides skin with antioxidant protection against free radical damage and leaves no filmy residue.

The TNS Eye Repair is a luxurious eye cream with patented growth factor blend TNS peptides, Vitamins C and E, and hyaluronic acid. This is the all-in-one cream that improves fine lines and wrinkles, reduces dark circles, increases firmness and elasticity, and hydrates.

This 90 day challenge will leave all participants with a completely refreshed and rejuvenated look. Between the chemical peels and the products, you will see a remarkable reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, sun spots, and more. You will finish the 90 day challenge looking younger and fresher than ever.

Call 503-241-3579 to set up your first consultation! Entrants must sign-up for the challenge by September 30th so don’t wait to get your challenge started.

Weight Loss Portland: How Your Hormones Affect Weight Loss

28 July 2011, admin on the topic of 'Age Beautifully' Tips, Doctor's Corner, Weight Loss Portland, Weight Loss Program Portland

It seems too good to be true, but Thrive’s weight loss program not only promotes healthy, quick and sustainable weight loss, but also turns back the clock on aging and prevents disease. It sounds magical, but it really boils down to enabling your body chemistry to work with you instead of against you.

The key to the preventive and anti-aging effects of Thrive’s weight loss program is a focus on reducing and controlling the influence of several hormones that our bodies naturally produce. One of the most important is Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas after consuming carbohydrates, which are mostly found in grains, starchy vegetables, fruits, sugars, and legumes. Insulin is needed to ensure we have proper levels of glucose (sugar) in our blood so our body has fuel for crucial functions. However, when insulin levels increase dramatically, it shifts the body into a “storage mode” and promotes the deposition of fat into fat cells. Insulin is quickly being shown in studies to be a major player in all types of diseases.

Think about this… In the early 1900’s, the average American ate a few pounds of sugar a year. Now, the average American eats well over a hundred pounds of sugar a year. This dramatic increase is undoubtedly connected to a surge in the United States of many diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Insulin also has a negative effect on the aging process, increasing the production of free radicals which damages our cells and leads to premature aging and wrinkles.

Insulin also increases cholesterol production, and makes the kidneys retain fluid, causing water retention and potentially contributing to high blood pressure. Insulin turns down the little engines in our cells called mitochondria. These are the energy centers which make our cells metabolically active and produce energy. Insulin also promotes the formation of PRO-inflammatory chemicals… and, simply put, these are chemicals that break down our bodies. Insulin also causes our blood to be sticky and not flow as well as it should, thus decreasing the body’s ability to optimally deliver oxygen to our cells.

Lastly, eating sugar and producing a large surge of insulin often causes a reactive surge in a hormone called Cortisol, which slows your metabolism and breaks down both muscle and bone. Cortisol is our stress hormone and an increased cortisol level accelerates the aging process.

In order to maintain balance in the body, a few other hormones counteract insulin. Promoting higher levels of these can have very beneficial effects. Glucagon is a hormone also produced by the pancreas, and is the yin to the yang of insulin. Glucagon raises low blood sugar and shifts the body’s metabolism into a fat burning mode, converting fat to glucose and stimulating the release of fat from our fat stores to use as fuel. It helps decrease cholesterol levels and shed excess water weight. It promotes anti- inflammatory chemicals, increases cellular metabolism, increases endurance, improves blood flow, preserves muscle mass, decreases pain, and helps regulate the immune system. Another hormone called Growth Hormone increases at night when insulin decreases and plays a large part in maintaining muscle mass and healing the body. Its ability to repair cells can enhance anti-aging properties in the body.

In summary, at Thrive we don’t just put people on a “diet,” we strive to compose a food plan with adequate protein, healthy fats, and minimal carbohydrates in order to reduce insulin, normalize cortisol, and enhance the production of your glucagon and growth hormones. The result: effective weight loss while looking and feeling great!

Call us today at 503-241-3579 to ask us about our weight loss program. We are happy to answer your questions or help schedule your first consultation.

Weight Loss Portland: Could Your Brain Chemistry be the Key to Successful Weight Loss?

16 February 2011, admin on the topic of Doctor's Corner, Medical Weight Loss, Medical Weight Loss Clinic Portland, Medical Weight Loss Portland, Thrive Portland, Weight Loss Portland, Weight Loss Program Portland

We have all heard the mantra: just eat less and exercise more. But, in my experience, people and their bodies are a little more complicated than that. In our weight loss program at Thrive, we are committed to getting to the root causes of excess weight. Hormones, inflammation and other factors contribute to metabolism, appetite regulation, and fat storage. One of these important and often overlooked factors is brain chemistry. Our brains are controlled by chemicals called neurotransmitters. Let’s take a closer look at a few of them.

A neurotransmitter called serotonin is responsible for helping us feel good. When serotonin is up, we feel great! It is our natural anti-depressant. But when it drops we don’t feel as happy and we, naturally, want to feel better. One of the ways we unconsciously boost serotonin is to reach for carbohydrates. The insulin surge created by eating sugar and other carbohydrates elevates serotonin, but the affect is temporary, so we reach for carbs again…and again. It’s like a roller coaster.

Another neurotransmitter called dopamine is an important part of our “pleasure and reward” center. It is a major player in addictions, including food. If eating particular foods lights up the dopamine centers in the brain, we will want those foods more. And, let’s face it, it is usually not celery that does this trick. It is more likely to be sweet, salty or fatty foods.

Anxiety is a trigger for many people who eat when they are not hungry. We consider two other neurotransmitters with this emotion: norepinephrine and GABA. Norepinephrine is our stress (or fight/ flight) hormone. If we burn it out with chronic stress, our body feels anxious. In addition, GABA, which calms us, does not work as well after lots of stress. The result is feeling worried and cranky, and craving sweet or salty foods.

So, one of our goals with patients is to help their “feel good” chemicals attain a steady state. We achieve this balance with nutritional support in the forms of amino acids, vitamins and minerals, as well as Ideal Protein (a low carbohydrate, protein rich meal replacement) and whole foods in order to reduce our insulin surges and curb cravings. When a patient experiences wellness in brain chemistry, eating behaviors reflect it: more control, more moderation, less hunger and less reaching for addictive or unhealthy foods. Sigh of relief!

- Dr. Amy Bader

At Thrive Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center, we are always happy to answer your questions through our blog, Facebook, or Twitter. For more information please visit our website at http://www.thriveportland.com.

Weight Loss Portland: Recovering After the Holidays—3 Steps to Get Back on Track

6 January 2011, admin on the topic of Doctor's Corner, Medical Weight Loss, Medical Weight Loss Clinic Portland, Medical Weight Loss Portland, Weight Loss Portland, Weight Loss Program Portland

We all know it– that post-holiday feeling of over-indulgence. Our clothes are a little tighter, our energy is lower, and we feel a little frustrated with ourselves. Here are some quick pointers for getting yourself back in shape for the New Year.

Cutting Sugar Cravings
One of the fastest ways to reduce sugar cravings is to reduce salty foods in the diet. We have a natural drive to balance the taste of salt with sweet. So, use less salt when cooking and put down the salt shaker before you eat. Supplementing a “B Complex” vitamin can also reduce cravings for sugar. Instead of reaching for that candy, take a small amount of B complex and wait a half an hour. Most of my patients report this takes the edge off the urge to eat sweets. If you are still craving sweets, incorporate more healthy foods that are naturally sweet like fruits into your eating plan for the day. Try berries which taste sweet, but are lower in sugar than you might expect.

Getting your Appetite in Check
Most people don’t realize this, but appetite is regulated by hormones. Over-indulging for a month or two during the holidays can cause these hormones to get off track. One trick to re-regulating our bodies is to add a small amount of fat (for example, a half teaspoon of coconut oil or butter) about 30 minutes prior to eating your meals. This will initiate the release of hormones that turn OFF hunger and start the feedback to your brain to stop eating. You will find you eat less at your meals and still feel full. Also, eat small, frequent meals rich in protein and fiber. This will fill you up and keep your blood sugar level balanced which helps control your urge to eat. One other tip– after the holidays, we often are in the habit of mindlessly snacking. Just but changing the taste or flavor in our mouths we can redirect our brains away from food and move on with our day. SO, brush your teeth often with minty toothpaste!

Start Exercising Again!
Our regular exercise plan can get derailed during the holidays. To try and break the habit of mindless snacking, make sure you begin your exercise routine again. Exercise raises our blood sugar and serotonin levels which curve our urge to eat. When you think you are hungry, try taking a brisk walk, stretching, or walking a flight of stairs and see if this takes away some of the cravings. One last important point, exercise builds self esteem which helps us make better, healthier food choices in general, and can get you back on track!

I hope these tricks help you to quickly get back on track to start off 2011 feeling your best!

Take care of your (whole) self–
Amy Bader, ND

Ask the Doctors Your Questions!

5 January 2011, admin on the topic of Doctor's Corner, Thrive Portland

At Thrive Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center, our team of expert medical professionals is available to offer their insight, answer your questions, and be an informational resource for our current and potential clients. We believe in offering holistic advice to assist people with any questions related to medical spa treatments, hormone replacement, and/or medical weight loss. The decision to receive treatments like Botox, hormone replacement, or undergo medical weight loss treatments are not to be taken lightly and should be researched and planned out carefully.

With a seemingly endless variety of possible treatments and potential solutions to your specific needs, we hope you will come to us for any questions or concerns you may have. We are happy to answer your questions through our blog, Facebook, or Twitter and insist on beginning every relationship with an hour consultation to discuss our treatment options in more depth.

So, ask away and we will be sure to get back to you with our response.

Dr. Maddox Dr. Schoenberg Dr. Bader

Thrive Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center is located in NW Portland, visit our website or call 503-241-3579 to schedule your consultation.

Latisse Treatment Portland: Ask the Doctor

29 December 2010, admin on the topic of Doctor's Corner, Featured Services

We recently sat down with Dr. Maddox to ask him some questions about Latisse, an increasingly popular eyelash growth product.

Dr. Maddox, Latisse has been gaining in popularity recently, supported by endorsements from celebrities like Brooke Shields and Claire Danes. Can you explain what Latisse is, and what it is used for?
Simply stated Latisse is the only FDA-approved treatment clinically proven to grow your own natural eyelashes. Prior to Latisse women had to rely on artificial extensions, which unless applied by an expert make up artist they often look fake and un-natural. Latisse is a major discovery to help stimulate your own natural lashes to grow longer, thicker, fuller, and darker. The best part about it is that they are your lashes. Bye-bye extensions.

How does Latisse actually work?
The active ingredient in Latisse, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%, is believed to affect the growth phase of eyelash hair cycles by increasing the length and number of hairs. Though like many medications the exact mechanism of action is still unknown.

How long does it take to start seeing results?
Results from Latisse can take up to 16 weeks to see full growth benefits. Early results are seen in as little as 4 weeks with daily application. I recommend using the product as directed for best results.

Have you seen an increase in Latisse prescriptions at Thrive?
Botox Cosmetic and Latisse are currently the two most popular cosmetic treatments used by Americans today. Latisse is a major medical discovery that actually works. It is proven and FDA approved therefore many of our patients enjoying the benefits of Latisse.

Is there an ideal candidate that you see for Latisse?
Most anyone seeking fuller looking lashes are good candidates for Latisse. Especially if they have thin or weak lashes Latisse is a great way to grow them healthier. Patients with special precautions are those that are currently taking medications for lowering intraocular pressure, have been diagnosed with eye pressure problems, or have risk factors or currently diagnosed with glaucoma may not be good candidates for Latisse.

How long do the effects last and are there ways to maintain the results?
Results typically last as long as Latisse is being used. Full results are generally seen within 2 months of starting and results quickly fade within 1-2 weeks after application has ceased.

Do people need a prescription for this and if so, why?
A prescription is required for Latisse because it is only prescribed under physician care.

How is Latisse different than over-the-counter products for eyelash growth?
Latisse is the only FDA-approved prescription for hypotrichosis to grow eyelashes. Many over the counter knock offs are generally not effective. Latisse has been researched toughly to pass the FDA standards to receive its seal of approval.

Are there any potential side-affects?
The most frequent reported adverse effects are red eye, eyelid darkening, dry eyes, and eye itching. These events occurred in less than 4% of patients.

Is there anything else people should know about Latisse?
I have had questions about changes in iris pigmentation with the use of Latisse. In clinical studies patients did not report iris pigment changes with the use of Latisse. Although when the same formulation under a different brand name was used there were reports of brown iris color changes.

Generally speaking Latisse is a safe and effective product when used properly and under physician supervision. Like most medication there are always some risk of side effects.

Thrive Portland: Stomaching Stomach Acid

22 December 2010, admin on the topic of Doctor's Corner, Skin Specialist Portland, Thrive Portland

At Thrive Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center we not only care about your external health and beauty, but your internal health as well. In many cases the external look of your skin is a direct reflection of your internal health, so to achieve the ultimate healthy glow, both should be healthy and maintained. Many skin problems like skin dullness, acne, and fine wrinkles can be affected by a poor diet and stomach acid is one of the most common side effects of a poor diet or a possible sensitivity to certain foods.

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, over 95 million Americans experience some kind of digestive problem. Over 10 million people are hospitalized each year for care of gastrointestinal problems and the total health care costs exceed $40 billion annually. While many digestive problems are more common as people get older, they can occur at any age, even in children.

To treat these problems, millions of prescriptions of acid-blocking drugs are written annually, and several of these medications are also available over the counter. Heartburn drugs are among the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, accounting for more than $13 billion in annual sales. According to a recent study, the risk for showing signs of cognitive impairment is 2.5 times greater for patients using these medications1. Another study showed acid-blocking drugs to increase risk of pneumonia2.

As a holistic practice, we are keenly aware of the potential long-term side effects of these acid-blocking drugs. Food allergies, depression, poor calcium absorption, and rosacea, can often be traced to low stomach acid and poor digestion. Although some in the conventional medical field do not acknowledge this, many holistic practitioners feel that we not only need stomach acid, but most of the symptoms normally attributed to too much stomach acid are actually from too little.

Our bodies put a lot of energy into the production of stomach acid. Why do they do this? Actually, acid is part of the process of digesting proteins. It protects us by killing bacteria, viruses and fungi before they can enter the body. It turns the vitamins and minerals in food into forms our bodies can absorb and use. In addition, when we don’t have enough stomach acid, the muscle (lower esophageal sphincter) that keeps stomach contents from bubbling up into the esophagus does not close properly, thus creating acid reflux and the symptoms of heartburn. Other symptoms of low acid are indigestion, bloating, belching, gas, diarrhea and constipation. Antacids temporarily mask symptoms, but in the long run it is exactly the wrong treatment for most people. Lastly, when the stomach is not allowed to produce acid, the rest of the digestive tract is adversely affected. Either it is not stimulated to do its job properly or it is exposed to inadequately digested proteins which aggravate it.

This concept can be difficult to grasp but the reality is that many people suffer from mild to severe problems related to stomach acid that can be treated. Unless you have been told you have an ulcer or a hiatal hernia causing your symptoms, chances are you need to stimulate more acid secretion. One simple trick is taking a half teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar in half a cup of water before meals. For many of my patients, this is all that is needed to stop acid reflux. I also recommend reducing alcohol and inflammatory foods and not eating late at night. In addition, I urge you to read the book Why Stomach Acid is Good For You: Natural Relief From Heartburn, Indigestion, Reflux, & GERD by Jonathan V. Wright, MD, and Lane Lenard, PhD. In conclusion, I cannot emphasize enough just how important proper digestion — including adequate stomach acid — is to the overall health of your body.

Take care of your (whole) self –
Amy Bader, ND

Thrive Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center does not offer nutrition plans but we do believe in the importance of health and beauty from the inside out. Visit our website for more information on our Portland medical spa treatments.

Citations

Boustani, M. The Association Between Cognition and Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonists in African Americans. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, August 2007; Vol 55: pp. 1253.
Seppa, Nathan. Affairs of the Heartburn: Drugs for Stomach Acid May Hike Pneumonia Risk. Science News, 30 October, 2004.

Portland Plastic Surgery: Preparation and Recovery Advice from Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Erik Schoenberg

30 November 2010, admin on the topic of Doctor's Corner, Featured Services

If you are considering a surgical face lift there are a few things every prospective patient should know. Any face or neck lift must address the muscle, fat and skin layers in order to look natural and to achieve longevity. Lifting skin alone will result in an unnatural, tight look and will loosen quickly and result in a stretched scar. This is important to know because many face lifts advertised on broadcast or print media tantalize the consumers into believing that there are magical weekend or short-lifts with two-day recovery time and lasting results. A properly performed face lift will reposition the deeper tissues to where they were before and thus provide a long-lasting result. In a younger patient, a shorter incision is generally used.

My Rapid Recovery techniques for face, neck and eyelid rejuvenation include:

Lifting the deeper structures of the face, where there is less tension on the skin, less bruising, and a more rapid recovery since most bruising is linked to more superficial blood vessels under the skin.
Utilizing tissue glue, so the risk of bleeding is minimized and bruising is reduced. Tissue glue seals small blood vessels that cause bruising.
Recommending that all patients take a special herbal and vitamin pack two weeks before surgery and continued for two weeks after surgery.
Eliminating herbal supplements and medications that increase bruising and bleeding such as fish oil and Vitamin E.
Application of Omnilux near infrared light therapy post surgery supports healing and collagen remodeling.

For procedures to correct excess eyelid skin or baggy eyelids, minimally invasive and scarless approaches are used. If these rapid recovery techniques are followed then most patents should be able to resume normal daily activity after about one week and few patients require more than one or two pain-relief pills after a procedure. Results from Rapid Recovery Eyelid and Facelifts generally last seven to ten years.

For more information on our plastic surgery procedures, visit our website or call us at 503-241-3579.

Portland Skin Specialist and ND, Dr. Bader, Suggests Building a”True Foundation of Health”

16 November 2010, admin on the topic of 'Age Beautifully' Tips, Anti Aging News, Doctor's Corner, Naturopathic Physician Portland, Skin Specialist Portland, Thrive Portland

by Dr. Amy Bader, ND

We all know the golden rule of real estate: location, location, location. In naturopathic medicine, the rule is inflammation, inflammation, inflammation. In its beginning stages, inflammation is the body’s healing response to an injury, irritation or microbial invasion. For instance, if I catch a cold, my body creates inflammation in the form of a runny nose, sore throat, and cough. As annoying as these symptoms are, they are signs of a healthy body healing itself. However, when the inflammation we can’t see—inside our bodies—becomes chronic, it ultimately causes degeneration of our tissues and leads to disease. Simply put, it ages us. Chronic inflammation is thought to be the root of many diseases, including heart disease, obesity, dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, osteoarthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and more.

You can see why naturopathic doctors focus so much of our attention on the treatment and prevention of chronic inflammation. I have made some simple suggestions to help you in the process of reducing inflammation in your body. I won’t bore you with the science behind each of these recommendations, but know that together these suggestions build a true foundation of health. Now, some of you might be thinking, “I’m too old for all of these changes.” Hogwash! You are never too old to improve the quality of your life. Here they are…

1. Eat plenty of healthy, anti-inflammatory foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish (good for omega-3 fatty acids), nuts and legumes. If you want more information, anti-inflammation diet books are available and can be a great resource for grocery shopping and recipes. I recommend The Anti-Inflammation Diet by Jessica Black, ND.

2. Avoid inflammatory foods such as processed foods, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, trans- and hydrogenated fats, alcohol and caffeine.

3. Try an elimination diet to check for food allergies or sensitivities. This is a biggie. Many people have this problem and don’t even know it! Food allergies and sensitivities can lead to many problems in the body. Start by avoiding the following foods for one month: wheat products, dairy products, soy, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, peanuts, peanut butter, citrus fruits, pork and shellfish. What’s left to eat? Plenty! Explore your grocery store. When the month is up, add these foods back into your diet one at a time. Wait three days between foods and see how you feel. If a food is aggravation your body, you should eat it in moderation or avoid it altogether.

4. Enhance the health of your digestive tract by doing two things. First, supplement your diet with probiotics. These are the healthy bacteria which live in our digestive tract. The two most common are L. acidophilus and L. bifidus. You can purchase these at your local health food store. Second, stimulate more effective digestion with this old trick: Mix ½ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in ½ cup of water and drink it 20 minutes before meals. The better you digest your food, the less inflammation you will have. This trick can also be helpful for heartburn and reflux.

5. Eat anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric, garlic and ginger. Did you know these herbs have been used as medicines for thousands of years? It’s hard to believe medicine could taste so good!

6. Ask your doctor to do lab tests to check for chronic inflammation. I recommend C – reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). If these tests determine you have inflammation, the next step is for you and your doctor to figure out why and stop it.

OK, there you have it: your foundation of health and fountain of youth. Making these changes can be challenging, but well worth the effort. The result is feeling healthier, younger, and more vibrant. In future postings I will expand on these recommendations and explore other avenues to wellness and healing. I’m looking forward to it!

Take care of your (whole) self—

Amy Bader, ND

About Amy Bader, ND
Amy Bader, ND completed her Bachelor of Science at the University of California at Berkeley. Dr. Bader then earned her Naturopathic Doctorate, with honors, from the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM) in Portland, Oregon. Upon graduation in June of 2000, she completed a family practice residency in the Portland area through NCNM.

Dr. Bader treats the whole body, not just particular symptoms. Her treatment plans generally include a combination of natural medicines and specific lifestyle changes designed to bring balance to every system of the body. She works with many different health issues and is particularly interested in treating challenging health problems such as hormone problems, autoimmune diseases, digestive problems, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, depression, and other chronic conditions. In addition, Dr. Bader has expertise in the treatment of obesity. She enjoys helping a patient optimize his or her metabolism in order to achieve long-term weight loss and optimal health.

For more information about Amy Bader and the services she offers, please visit our website at www.thriveportland.com. You can also receive exclusive online discounts and updates by following us onFacebook or Twitter.

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