Gynecomastia - Men and Hormone Imbalance

This evening as I sat down to hop on my laptop, the television is on and another commercial airs over drug side effects and lawsuits pending against the drug companies.  I don't recall the drug name, but the attorneys running the ad were looking for males who had been treated for Gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts in boys and males. Effects of the drug included serious conditions (which seems to be the norm if you read the fine print on prescription drugs doled out on a daily basis).

My ears always perk up when any condition is an obvious result of hormone imbalance. Enlarged breasts in males screams "too much estrogen" in my mind.  Because I study hormone imbalance constantly - it is obvious to me, but may not be obvious to a doctor, or I should clarify that to say, treating the cause with a natural remedy is often not obvious, when training and education focus on prescription drugs to treat symptoms.

Interestingly, drugs prescribed for Gynecomastia are drugs prescribed for heartburn, high blood pressure and even foot fungus. That bit of information makes me scratch my head a bit...

How about looking at the cause of abnormal breast enlargement in males? Now, to be clear, this condition is not the same as fatty tissue deposits from being overweight.  Gynecomastia that occurs during puberty usually resolves without treatment within six months to two years. The condition sometimes develops between ages 10 and 12 years, and most commonly occurs between ages 13 and 14, and is uncommon for the condition to persist beyond age 17.

If you have been reading this blog for a while, you may know by now that male and females have the same hormones - of which there are a variety. It is the differences in amounts of a certain hormone that make us men or women. Balance is necessary or we can run into problems, for example, women with excess testosterone might experience hair loss on top of her head, and excess hair growth above and below the lips. 

Gynecomastia can happen when the balance shifts, with an increase in estrogen or decrease in androgens. This can occur because of expected hormonal changes during puberty or aging, or because of the use of certain drugs or herbal products.  Skin care containing lotions with estrogenic properties may contribute to breast enlargement in males - herbs to be aware of include tea tree oil, lavendar and soy, per a report in the 2007 New England Journal of Medicine. 

Note that soy in diet of males, and a host of environmental estrogens (coined as xenoestrogen by Dr. John Lee) should be considered when determing the cause. Males should avoid soy milk, soy based protein shakes, infant males should NOT be fed soy based baby formula, which is banned in England because of its tendencies to create hormonal imbalance in boys. Soy producers and promoters will argue on this point, but if several European countries have mandated a law against soy in infant formula I personally believe there is credibility.

On this topic, Body Logic write, "Breast enlargement in men often occurs after the age of 50 and is frequently associated with andropause. Andropause causes testosterone levels to drop, which leaves less of the hormone available to balance out the estrogen. Increased estrogen production and severe hyperthyroidism can also cause the gynecomastia. Enlarged male breasts are more likely to occur in overweight men due to the effects that obesity has on the body. Furthermore, weight gain is also a symptom of andropause, so it is not uncommon for a man to experience both concurrently."

After reviewing environmental causes (lotions, exposure to pesticides, fertilizers, etc) for estrogen influx in the body, removing them; and diet has been addressed in attempts to bring hormones into balance and reduce enlarged breasts in males, bHRT may be considered.

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is the non-drug remedy, and to me, is the common sense approach. The Natural Progesterone Advisory Network provides a list of progesterone creams that the non-biased group has tested to be USP certified, absorbable and provides 20 mgs/dose.  Men over age 50 typically apply 5-10 mg of progesterone per dose. For men,  a USP certified progesterone cream that comes with a pre-metered pump, allows men to quickly apply without having to think too hard about the amount needed.

To your health,
Rita S.

Heartburn Tip - focus on Alkaline Food

DID YOU KNOW?   "It takes 20 times as much alkaline to neutralize 1 part acid. For example, you would need to drink 20 cups water (which is considered alkaline) to neutralize 1 cup of acid-forming milk, coffee, alcohol or cola." from the pH Balance Diet .
Have I mentioned how bad my heartburn used to be? Gave up milk, cut back on gluten - used Arbonne Digestion Plus (formulated with probiotics, prebiotics and ELEVEN digestive enzymes that our bodies cannot manufacture for the breakdown of specific foods) for a month straight to restablish my good gut flora, and haven't had heartburn in nearly two years.
As the daughter of a dairy farmer, it seemed wrong to give up on milk, but the improvement in my health was so great that I would put up with any flak from my family. As it turns out, my dad is reading health news as well and he had read the same thing about dairy and heartburn - so my news was not a shock.
Previously I used to wake up in the middle of the night with that burn and awful taste in the back of my throat. I now sleep really well, even if I enjoy salsa after 8 pm. (which I know I shouldn't do.)
Nor do I  have to worry about developing leaky gut syndrome from the acid-reducing meds, and we save lots of money considering the cost of OTC drugs! I was a Zantac popping fool - and the generic version wasn't cheap either!

Know that if you suspect you already have LGS you can repair your stomach lining. It doesn't require surgery - but does require a commitment to food lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of LGS:
- loose stools, chronic diarhehea
- constipation to the point of constantly requiring laxatives
- cramping every time you eat
- terrible gas

Just to name a few...  There are several good books and resources available on GI issues and disease and how you can help your body heal naturally.  One book is called "Breaking the Viscous Cycle" was written by biochemist and cell biologist Elaine Gottschall, who cured her daughters ulcerative colitis. 

Authors Steve Wright and Jordan Reasoner of the Specfic Carb Diet write, Despite what others might tell you, if you continue using drugs and eating the same foods, it's likely that your digestive disease will continue to get worse. One of the biggest myths of conventional medicine is “diet does not affect your digestion.”  Another HUGE myth is that “no natural ways exist to stop the symptoms of digestive disease” These are MYTHS that can cost your livelihood and leave you stranded on the toilet for hours a day.

These guys have been there, so check out their SCD Lifestyle site if you are struggling with digestive issues that are affecting your quality of life.  

Personally, I had to change only a few things for my nasty heartburn. Life is good. Stay tuned as I share more from the pH Balance Diet cook book.  I love their little "Did you Know" factoids.

To your health,

Rita S.

Thyroid and the Iodine Bully

Thyroid disorders are at an all-time high – and iodine deficiency is the TOP reason. Contrary to what you may believe, iodine, an essential mineral, is not prevalent in our foods – unless you are eating a lot of raw sea weed and algae.

The iodine you do consume is likely being blocked by iodine inhibitors present in your processed food and even your hygiene. Per the Women’s Health Institute of Texas, “Iodine is fairly easily displaced from your body by toxins called toxic halides… fluoride, bromine and chloride.

Fluoride is by far the worst culprit. Found in toothpaste and in your water supply, every time you take a shower, brush your teeth or drink from the tap, your body gets a little exposure to fluoride, leeching out good iodine. And contrary to popular belief, fluoridated water is actually rather poor at preventing tooth decay.
Why is it in our water supply? Poor science combined with corporate greed and political ignorance paved the way. Basically a toxic by-product of aluminum production, fluoridation was sold as a way to prevent cavities because some areas with natural fluoride in the water also had lower instances of tooth decay. Based upon that spurious observation, fluoridation began. ^29 30 
Then there’s bromine, an endocrine disruptor that competes for the same receptors that capture iodine. Essentially, bromine crowds out iodine.
How prevalent is bromine? Consider this, every time you bite into a piece of store bought bread, you’re probably ingesting some bromine. It’s used to make bread dough more elastic and thus easier to handle, but not by very much.”

The article goes on to site products containing bromine…in addition to store bought bread, your citrus flavored drinks (including Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Sun Drop, Squirt, Fresca), hair dyes, medicines (such as Atrovent Inhaler, Atrovent Nasal Spray, Pro-Banthine for ulcers, and anesthesia agents), pesticides, pastas (for the same reason it is used in bread dough I suppose) toothpaste, mouthwash, fire retardant fabrics, swimming pools, hot tubs, and even your car.  (crazy, huh?) Be aware that bromine may be used in the very same spa you go to to detox – now is that counterproductive, or what?! In addition, plastics – such as those used to make computers, contain bromine…ha, guess what I am typing on?!

Bromine is a natural element…which again, reiterates that just because something is natural does not mean it is good for you…mineral oil and glutamate are tops on my mental list.

Dr. Joe Mercola states in an article on the same topic: “methyl bromide is used as a pesticide predominantly on California strawberries; Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) is used in citrus drinks to help suspend the flavoring, and potassium bromate is used as a dough conditioner in bakery goods and pastas.”

Mercola goes on to describe - Bromine as The Bully of the Halide Group. “When you ingest or absorb bromine, it displaces iodine, and this iodine deficiency leads to an increased risk for cancer of the breast, thyroid gland, ovary and prostate -- cancers that we see at alarmingly high rates today. This phenomenon is significant enough to have been given its own name -- the Bromide Dominance Theory. Aside from its effects on your endocrine glands, bromine is toxic in and of itself. Bromide   builds up in your central nervous system and results in many problems. It is a central nervous system depressant and can trigger a number of psychological symptoms such as acute paranoia and other psychotic symptoms.”  

http://www.breastcancerchoices.org/bromidedominancetheory.html

Our body is full of receptors – this is something I have learned over the past two years. Just as an abundance of estrogen creates a hormone imbalance, taking over progesterone receptors, essential minerals do the same thing. Bromine and iodine compete for receptors, and it seems that bromine wins – preventing iodine from being absorbed and used by your very important thyroid gland.

If this is not reason enough to read labels and take heed – bromine and iodine deficiency is also linked to breast cancer and other cancers.

Chlorine is also on the halide list, an endocrine disruptor. As we gear up for summer and swimming pool season – my family will utilize the knowledgeable staff at Patio Pleasures, in Madison for their “green” pool option to chlorinated chemicals.

If you are struggling with weight gain, especially mid-section, in all likelihood there is a hormone imbalance – thyroid is a hormone just as is estrogen and progesterone – and all work together. Progesterone is, in fact, a precursor to the thyroid hormone. If you are deficient on both progesterone and thyroid – yikes, problems may be forthcoming!

Bromine not only decreases iodine receptors, it also INCREASES ESTROGEN reception and DECREASES PROGESTERONE receptors. Goodness, in my mind this makes it all the more dangerous as an ingredient and ranks right up there with petro-chemicals!

I hope today’s post helps you become more aware of environmental factors affecting your health. How to counter the underactive thyroid epidemic? Try to greatly reduce the foods and products mentioned above. My family claimed victory to find a bread that is not made with high fructose corn syrup – and now, it looks like we will have to look for the B ingredient on the label. Personally, I am happy to have written bread primarily out of my life!

 If your hormones are out of balance (you can find plenty of articles in this blog that discuss this in further detail – search for “hormone”), find a doctor, or  health practitioner experienced in BIO-IDENTICAL hormone therapy.

Of course, consume iodine (but remember, avoid the bromine or your body won’t utilize the iodine as needed) – use a Celtic or Himalayan sea salt containing iodine and known for its healing properties (I have found amazon.com to offer these salts reasonably), and look for dietary supplementation containing iodine. Our family, both adults and kids, utilize a daily power pack of vitamins containing iodine with a high rate of bio-availability (10,000 ORAC), and as well – our vegan, pea based protein powder also contains iodine.

Readers of my blog…what do you think after reading this? I don’t know if you find this helpful information, or if it makes you think one can’t enjoy food and life for fear of ingredients.  Let me make it clear – we don’t lose sleep over this. We simply took action – we have found brands that are pure and safe, we have our grocery shopping list fine-tuned with the research behind . We enjoy eating as much as the next family  – and feel great because of our choices.  It may take a bit to get started, but as my husband said this evening after his first bike ride of the season, “it feels great to climb a hill with ease that would have “killed me” a year ago”.  This man has probably not had a "workout" since the last biking season - and he did not lose breath or run out of energy! Purely living is a lifestyle, and it makes life great to live!

To your health,

Rita S.

Toxins in Western Culture

A couple of weeks ago I was introduced to Pintrist, and have been slowly adding many of the links I share in the sidebar of this blog to my Pintrist bulletin boards. Unfortunately, it only accepts those that have an image to link to. Therefore, some important research studies and such in my list of what I feel is important information for people to read, or for me to revisit, cannot be "pintristed".
I came across such a link in my rolling list just now, Dr. Myhill of the United Kingdom, and one section in particular was very interesting. Although the article focuses on WHY we NEED nutritional supplements this day and age, I thought some of the info to be useful for an upcoming presentation on the reason we detox. The entire read on nutritional supplements is HERE, but below is the part I felt important to share right off. I do know it is difficult to lose unwanted weight if your body is deficient on a number of nutrients.

• Increasing toxic stress of Western environments
  Xenobiotic chemicals (pesticides, volatile organic compounds and heavy metals) all need to be detoxified and excreted from the body, but this process is highly demanding of micronutrients. Our increasing xenobiotic load increases micronutrient requirements. Furthermore, xenobiotics are directly anti-nutrient: so, for example, nickel increases our requirement for zinc; fluoride increases our need for iodine; and mercury increases our need for selenium.
  Xenobiotics come from:
  Contamination of our food and water in ways indicated above.
  Contamination by packaging – many products are wrapped, and sometimes cooked, in plastics with phthalates leeching into food.
  Contamination of the environment by persistent organic pollutants from agricultural industry, polluting industry, war, fires, road traffic and waste disposal.
  Cosmetics often contain volatile organic chemicals and/or heavy metals such as nickel and aluminium – this increases the toxic load and thereby the requirements for micronutrients to detoxify them.
  Jewellery and piercings increase exposure to toxic metals.
  Prescription medication – the best example of this would be the malabsorption induced by proton pump inhibitors and other acid blockers, resulting in an increased risk of osteoporosis. Most drug side effects result from micronutrient deficiencies.
  The medication of healthy people, including children, with vaccinations which often contain heavy metals together with live or attenuated viruses. Vaccinations have immune disrupting potential and the potential to switch on novel disease processes.
  Dental work and surgical prostheses – these often involve use of heavy metals such as mercury, palladium, titanium, nickel, gold and silicones, all of which may be toxic either directly or through their potential to disrupt the immune system.

Much of the above is a recap of previous posts I have shared from doctors Blaylock, Mercola and Weil's newsletters, but I always find affirmation in my sources when I see multiple doctors stating the same thing.

If you have a new years resolution to lose weight, be aware that most of us are deficient on more than one nutrient. Also be aware that when it comes to vitamin supplementation you truly get what you pay for. The less it costs the more likely you are gaining little nutritional benefit and instead your money spent is being flushed, if you know what I mean. (LOL)

I encourage you to get the best vitamin supplementation you can afford. Sometimes all one has to do is make the decision to give up soda, or daily Starbucks, and exchange those expenses for an investment in one's health. Often times we do not realize how much our little habits add up, and an exchange for a healthier option is going to be one of the greatest investments you can make in your own health. It is the type of gift that keeps on giving as you begin to feel better and become more healthy. From a personal experience, I can think of no better gift to give my family.

To your health,

Rita S.

My Purpose Driven Life

This morning as I read scripture from 1 Peter I had a realization. Verses from chapter 5:1-3 read: "Be shepherd's of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve."
Servitude ...that is truly what my business comes down to. People say to me, "I could never sell." And I think, "well gosh, neither can I!" I have this horrible fear of rejection deep inside. I am sure you can all relate to the fear of rejection, whether it be rejected love, job search rejection, peer rejection...sometimes rejection can consume us.
But there is another entity that can consume us in a powerful way, and that is PASSION and PURPOSE. For most of my life I felt I was searching for this, indeed - I had felt something was "missing". A little more than a year ago a friend offered me the gift of Arbonne. I had no idea what it truly was, and just thought it a great product to get rid of skin tags. But at the same time, a dear friend was dying of prostrate cancer, and both had a commonality - "hormone imbalance". God opened my eyes so I could make the connection.
Knowledge can be powerful...and I set out to learn. I consumed books about hormone imbalance, health and well-being, toxins, physiology - all this "stuff"! What is surprising is that it sinks in to my head, and what's more - it stays there, which is mind-boggling in that I'm pushing 50, and absorbing all this new material as if I were 20 gain. I was never the biology brain in high school, and am certain God has His hand working on my behalf.
God made each of us through divine creation, with machinery inside that is so intricate and connected that it would blow our minds if we truly understood. The miracle that we are was not designed to run on toxic fuel, but on pure and good things from the earth that our Creator has provided. We are humans - we mess things up! In the name of "progress" we are messed up! We make choices, not that different from the "poisonous apple" in the center of the Garden.
It is amazing how God puts people in my path that tell me of their symptoms, or that of a parent, or grandparent. (My husband finds that amazing as well!) My fear tells me to offer sympathy and understanding, and zip my lip. I have to muster my passion to tell them what I have learned that can actually help them, or their loved one, possibly improve their well-being and feel better.
I strongly feel my Purpose is to educate and suggest products and books that can help people feel take control of their health (check the sidebar on the right for helpful links)...the products do not have to come from my company. I can teach people how to shop, and research ingredient labels to watch for the hidden dangers. Some prefer the convenience that my company has done the research for the past 32 years, and I have double checked their work. (LOL) Others become confident in their own ability to read labels - which means I have educated well!
I can only discern that I have, at last, found my life's purpose - to educate and help and serve so that other's do not have to experience what my dearest friend's family went through with cancer. I am not in the business to convince people and sell them on product, but to inform and let them make their own decisions. What it comes down to is that it is not about me, but about them.
Everyone has a RIGHT to go through life feeling great... without prescription drugs and having their insides yanked out. I feel God has taken me on a journey. One that has allowed me to completey turn the clock back and regain my health, and in turn I can teach, help others prevent from going where I was headed, and live life fully as God intended.

To your health, your own journey, and your purpose - God speed!
Rita S.

Having Trouble Losing Weight? Could be the drugs...

While reading Dr. Michael Platt's book I found the list of medications that prevent weight loss, and cause weight gain, quite interesting. Fortunately, my family is not on any of these drugs, but I recognize quite a few of them as ones being used by family members and/or friends.
If you are having trouble losing weight take a look at this list from Platt's book, "The Miracle of Bio-Identical Hormones" to see if your Rx is on there, and possibly causing your body to love its fat.
Anti-depressants cause weight gain, and also increase estrogen levels (SSRI – selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
• Zoloft
• Paxil
• Effexor
• Celexa
• Lexapro
• Prozac
Per Dr. Platt, the only anti-depressant that does not cause weight gain is Wellbutrin.
Beta-blockers – a prescription given for thyroid that guarantees weight gain.
Estrogen,  which is the largest selling drug in the world. Progestin, like estrogen, is also lipogenic, which produces fat and cellulite, and increases the risk of breast cancer. (Progestin is the synthetic form of progesterone made by drug companies, and must not be confused with natural, bio-identical progesterone which has the opposite effects/counters estrogen.)
Depo-Provera shots for birth control are practically guaranteed a 20 lb weight gain.
Diuretics – prescribed for high blood pressure and can elevate blood sugar, which then increases insulin. Insulin is a fat producing hormone.
Anti-Inflammatory drugs cause an almost immediate weight gain due to fluid retention.
Statin drugs commonly prescribed for high cholesterol (Lipitor, Zocor, Provachol, Mevacor, Lescol, Crestor, etc.) can cause weight gain because they lower CoQ-10, which prevents the conversion of thyroid hormone T-4 into metabolic thyroid hormone T-3. (By the way, anyone utilizing statin drugs should be taking a daily dose of Co-enzyme Q-10 to protect the brain from damaging statin drugs).
Platt states, “Obviously – all of the above are pretty familiar drugs, names many of us have heard of or use. We know family members and friends who are on these drugs. Obesity is a problem in this country – might these drugs contribute. I think so.”
Prescription drugs are known to be the 2nd leading cause of death. In reading this information, wouldn’t you want to avoid Rx at all costs, change your eating habits and use natural compounds, such as BHRT (bio-identical hormone therapy), if necessary, to heal your body? I have read the statistic on the relation of Rx to death causes from a number of books and newsletters now, authored by medical doctors now using a holistic approach. The statistic comes from a published study, not one these doctors have made up. Google the topic and you will find much, click here for one article. Think about how you want to live your life – do you want it full of life and vigor, or go through each day struggling to move, bend over, walk up a hill, or maybe even walk to the mailbox? Do you refuse rides at the amusement park with your child because you can't squish your body into the seat?  (that was me a year ago).

Platt’s book reaffirms what I have learned from Dr. John Lee’s books, as well as Dr. Jamie Fettig’s book.
Ailments that have plagued people for years can be alleviated with knowledge and use of the natural elements God has provided us. God didn’t create drugs and chemicals – it’s no wonder that their true cost (not that from the pocketbook) often results in more symptoms and additional illness.
When I finish Platt's book and another on thyroid by Dr. Brownstein, I plan to delve into my new book on alternatives to prescription medicines. My family is wanting to forgo the band-aid approach of Rx and look for real cures.

To your health!
Rita S.

Maintaining Weight Loss

Last week I was having lunch at one of my favorite restaurants, COSI, visiting with a friend who suffers from thyroid issues as do several of her children. We began talking hormone balance, and a women next to us overheard and asked if I was a nutritionist. I told her I was not, but had read a book by Dr. John Lee that had changed my life, and was a catalyst to my losing over 80 lbs.
It turns out she had done Weight Watchers and was successful in losing 45 lbs., but had gained it back. Several diets in past years all ended in the same result, loss and regain. This did not surprise me, and is a typical scenario for many women and men. I don’t believe in counting points and eating low-fat foods. I explained to her that low-fat foods are often filled with chemicals that trigger your brain to want to eat more, not to mention loaded with sugar, which messes up hormone balance, necessary for weight loss to be successful.
On my family’s trip to the Black Hills this past week, I began reading a book by Dr. Michael Platt called “The Miracle of Bio-Identical Hormones”. My weight loss has been successful, without exercise, and I have maintained my loss for over 5 months now. Dr. Platt’s book explains so well why I am my own success story – to put it simply, I have changed my body’s production of INSULIN output.
“We have a nationwide epidemic of obesity and type II diabetes. Both of these conditions are strictly hormonal problems.” – Dr. Michael Platt

How many people realize that insulin is indeed a hormone? I did not know this until I started reading Dr. Lee’s books. As Dr. Platt explained how he treats his patients, who come to him for obesity, depression, cancer and more… I realize that the plan I put myself on is very much in line with how he has transformed lives for many, and weaned them off a myriad of Rx drugs that actually increase insulin production.
If a person loses weight, but does not change the underlying problem, weight gain is inevitable.
Not only did I change my way of life to incorporate whole foods, but I also balanced my hormones. Originally I started using progesterone cream to combat my underlying fear of possible growing cancer cells, but I also knew that progesterone could help convert fat cells to energy – and therefore, be an aid in my goal to lose weight. I also had read that it helps prevent hair loss on top of my head – well, what woman does not want that? Those were my three big reasons for incorporating Prolief bio-identical progesterone cream into my routine. At the time I did not realize how important progesterone was in helping me not only lose weight, but maintain my new, smaller self.
Per Dr. Platt 90% of all people produce too much insulin. Sugar produces insulin, and as Dr. Lee had explained to me, white processed flour products are treated just like table sugar in your body – which is why I cut the white carbs, aka pasta, white bread, bagels, muffins, cakes, cookies – not 100%, but the more I cut back the less I craved, and now I even find the taste of some of these products distasteful. (However, I do indulge now and then - but my newly programmed body can deal with it.)
If you are on track for type 2 diabetes, fear cancer, or want to feel better - which is where I was a year ago,  you have to be willing to change your life. A statement by Dr. Platt sums it up well:
“For most people, insulin is the enemy. Insulin creates fat by taking any sugar the muscles have no need for and placing it into fat cells, where sugar is immediately converted to fat. Then insulin sits there preventing release of fat from the fat cells – it is a fat-storing hormone.”
As I gather from Platt’s book, and as I surmised by studying Dr. Lee’s works – hormones are critical as well. If your body is already programmed to generate insulin (remember, this is a hormone) from poor diet, simply changing the diet will not rebalance the hormones. Natural progesterone cream helps restore balance – and is key to maintaining a successful weight loss program. When your body has excess of various hormones (estrogen, insulin, cortisol, etc.) it is often accompanied by deficiency in progesterone.
Dr. Platt has over 30 years of clinical practice in California, helping people enjoy quality of life again. He has had patients who had weighed over 400 lbs. become fit – and exercise is not brought into his program until after the weight loss.
It is good to move, for sure, but I want you to know that you CAN lose weight by eating hormonally balanced foods and incorporating natural hormone supplementation in to your life – it may be progesterone, it could by thyroid (low thyroid function and weight gain go hand in hand)…every person is an individual. In seeking counsel of a professional, it is important to find one that truly understands hormone balance, and in all likelihood, it will not be found at your traditional family clinic. I would elaborate, but instead, encourage you to read “The Miracle of Bio-Identical Hormones” by Michael E. Platt, MD.
If you can relate to any of these words: obesity, thyroid, cancer (breast, prostrate, colon and more), fatigue, depression, diabetes, stress, ADD, ADHD, migraines, Alzheimers, auto-immune disorders, and a whole lot more – please do your own diligence for your well-being and get this book. Dr. Platt explains the traditional medical profession and how his formal training failed his patients. It is not the fault of medical doctors by any means, but the education system that trains our trusted doctors. Platt’s book would, indeed, be a great gift for any doctor who truly wants to heal patients, starting with the underlying cause, versus giving a drug that masks symptoms for temporary relief. As my husband says, and I thought this was a brilliant statement, “Time to get off the band-aid and on to the cure.”
I have so many notes on this book… I look forward to sharing more with friends and family at my “Essentials Health abd Well-Being” classes – and more here as time allows.

To Your Health,
Rita S.