Denver Acupuncture 720-239-2756 » Denver Acupuncture

Are Vitamins Dangerous?

Debra — Sun, 06 May 2012 16:59:29 +0000

Are Vitamins Dangerous? A leading authority Andre Saul, Ph.D states, “If nutritional supplements are allegedly so dangerous as the FDA and news media so often claim, then where are the dead bodies?” We have to ask ourselves are vitamins dangerous? Our Littleton acupuncture office often recommends nutritional supplements to patients to increase wellness. It’s a valid question. I haven’t seen any bodies yet and I suspect that people don’t fall down dead after taking their vitamins like is possible with a prescription drug. I know this happens because my dad took a diuretic and had an allergic reaction and died just 20 minutes later. That was twenty nine years ago and I still remember it like yesterday. You can take handfuls of vitamins, minerals and herbs and the worst that might happen is that you’ll get a stomach ache some health providers say. It’s just not that easy. My mother had a stroke and was on Ginkgo at the time. Strokes, and blood thinners have a bad history together. You see she was also on the blood thinner Coumadin. The mixture of Ginkgo and Coumadin is dangerous and possibly played a part in her in the stroke because she had a history of blood clots. The extra blood thinning properties of the herb plus the drug likely moved a clot into a vessel that caused the stroke. What happened to my mother simply means one has to be careful when mixing nutritional medicine and western synthetic drugs. According to Andrew Saul not a single person died from dietary supplements in 2009, based on the latest information released by the U.S.National Poison Data System. This new 200-page annual report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers published in the journal Clinical Toxicology, shows zero deaths from multiple vitamins, zero deaths from any of the B vitamins; zero deaths from vitamin A, C, D, or E and zero deaths from any other vitamins, says Saul. He also adds there were no deaths whatsoever from any amino acid, herb, or dietary mineral supplement. Our view at Accent On Health is that one must still be cautious. Some vitamins interact with wester drugs or foods and we all are responsible for our own health in the end. While no one dies from taking herbs or supplements but they can lead to other problems that can be avoided. Creating a wellness plan including solid nutritional supplements and acupuncture can help you feel vibrant, look younger, and live healthy longer. Technorati Tags: Accent On Health, are vitamins dangerous, are vitamins safe, Denver Acupuncture

The How To Wealth Guide And How It Relates To Your Health

Debra — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 05:08:29 +0000

What do think about? If you are like most people you worry a lot, feel concerned about past events, and stay stuck in your pain or emotions. Debra Arko Novotny recently won acclaim with her approach to The How To Wealth Guide For Women Entrepreneurs. Here she talks more about how health and wealth are tied together. You can pick up your own copy of this very inexpensive Kindle book on Amazon The How To Wealth Guide For Women Entrepreneurs.

Could Your Neck Pain Be TMJ? Acupuncture for TMJ Does More Than Jaw Pain (Part Two)

Debra — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:30:39 +0000

Could Your Neck Pain Be TMJ? Acupuncture for TMJ Does More Than Jaw Pain (Part Two) Humans or people are funny. We need motivation in many cases to take care of ourselves. Motivation comes in two forms they say, pain or pleasure. I sure know I am motivated by the pleasure I get out of eating a piece of chocolate – how about you? This past week Susie called in another emergency. When she arrived she told me it began about 5 weeks after our last visit and she had seen her medical doctor, and a host of specialists in GI, ENT, and other areas for the problem she was having. It was a feeling of a lump in her throat and some tightness. They found nothing suggesting it was related to her stomach issues. Susie had gotten my newsletter in her mail box and that reminded her that acupuncture had helped with this her problems eight months ago! The treatment helped once again. TMJ and neck pain is very treatable with acupuncture. Often with anything stress related you’ll need preventative care once every 3-6 weeks along with relaxation exercise. To me this is a pleasure motivator because it keeps you out of pain! Where in your life could you use more pleasure? Would you like your back pain, migraines, or digestive complaints to be gone or reduced? Would you like to lose weight, live longer while living healthier? I know I would and believe everyone would. Planning your preventative care is important. Keys To Doing This Successfully 1. Don’t try to do everything at once. Slowly introduce wellness into your life. Start where you like with your preventive health care, exercise, or diet. 2. Choose what is most important. If you are currently in pain getting out of pain may the starting place. If you need to improve the amount of water you drink, do that! 3. What matters to you more your health when you are old or health now? If you are like me, both do so I exercise daily (walking counts), eat organic or natural foods without preservatives, and no boxed or canned foods. And I get massage and acupuncture both monthly, they reduce stress, help me avoid illness, and keep my health issues at bay. Then once you have your goals, plan out your preventative care. Remember care means how you eat, exercise, and get health care. This is about your care of yourself to prevent illness or pain. Only you can determine your plan and how you want to live your future. More Questions? Give us a call we are happy to give you a phone consult at no charge! 720-239-2756 Technorati Tags: acupuncture for neck pain, acupuncture for TMJ, Denver Acupuncture, Denver Acupuncture Back Pain, Denver Acupuncture Health, neck pain, TMJ

Could Your Neck Pain Be TMJ? Acupuncture for TMJ Does More Than Jaw Pain (Part One)

Debra — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:30:14 +0000

Could Your Neck Pain Be TMJ? Acupuncture for TMJ Does More Than Jaw Pain (Part One) ‘Susie’ became a patient last summer in an emergency visit, she called crying in so much pain and her medical doctor and dentist both told her they couldn’t find anything wrong with her yet she was in horrible pain on the right side of her neck and in her ear. Both western medical practitioners suggested that it could be neck muscle pain and it didn’t appear that she needed acupuncture for TMJ. Her ear was plugged up and her neck hurt. I treated her for this and TMJ. Her pain in her ear and neck stopped immediately. I saw ‘Susie’ for about a month working on various stress issues that were creating this problem which indeed did include TMJ though the pain from it was in her ear and neck. Then she disappeared in the middle of treatment saying she was doing fine. We all do this once we feel a little better. We stop doing what made us feel better, lose the weight, or get more things done. I am talking about eating better, exercising, and yes seeing our acupuncturist for preventative care. The other day I had a patient share with me they only go to the dentist if something hurts and they don’t have time for cleanings. What happens when our pain returns? Find out how it can affect you and what happened with Susie in part two of this article. Plus 3 tips on how to formulate a way to stay out of TMJ or other pain. (To Find out more about TMJ and acupuncture call our office today! 720-239-2756 TMJ is often covered by health insurance) Technorati Tags: acupunctur, acupuncture, acupuncture for, acupuncture for neck pain, acupuncture for TMJ, Denver Acupuncture, Denver Acupuncture Healing, stress

You Don’t Have To Live With Repetitive Stress Injuries Simple Home Tips

Debra — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:49:11 +0000

Repetitive Stress Injuries are getting more common as we add computer gaming to our lives and office work that keeps us in our seats most the day. February is Repetitive Stress Injuries month here at Denver Acupuncture by Accent On Health. Our Signature Acupuncture treatments are geared toward sports medicine or injury care. This month we will talk about how you can prevent such injury. Who is most likely to get such an injury and here stories of actual clients who have found success through the education in this series. Learn more about 5 preventive tips you can start doing now whether you have RSI (Repetitive Stress Injuries) or not. Signature acupuncture is available only at Accent On Health and is a trade marked secret formula incorporating a special style of medical massage, Vedic painless style acupuncture and moving hot stones. Repetitive Stress Injuries respond well to acupuncture and we have had success with both chronic and acute Repetitive Stress Injuries and Bursitis a common side-effect. Technorati Tags: acupuncture and injuries, Bursitis and acupuncture, debra arko novotny, Denver Acupuncture, Repetitive Stress Injuries, sport injury and acupuncture

Poor sleep habits raise the risk of dementia

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:19:02 +0000

An imbalanced sleep/wake cycle, or circadian rhythm, increases your risk of dementia later in life.

Gluten could be causing your heartburn

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:42:23 +0000

Call it acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD, but having stomach acid splash back up into your esophagus is painful and distressing. Although researchers cite various causes, one that many doctors overlook is gluten, the protein found in wheat, spelt, rye, barley, and other wheat-like grains. Studies link gluten with acid reflux Research shows acid reflux symptoms more commonly affect those with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease triggered by gluten. One study found 30 percent of celiac disease patients had GERD compared to less than 5 percent of those not diagnosed with the disease. Another study found almost 40 percent of children with celiac disease suffer from esophagitis, inflammation of the esophagus and heartburn. Gluten-free diet found to relieve heartburn Fortunately, researchers also found a gluten-free diet relieved symptoms of GERD rapidly and persistently. Some people have found they also need to give up grains, processed foods, or other foods to which they are intolerant (such as dairy) to completely relieve acid reflux. GERD could be autoimmune Some research shows that stomach acid is not acidic enough to immediately damage the esophagus. Instead, it triggers an inflammatory reaction within the tissue of the esophagus, causing damage. What does gluten have to do with this? Gluten has been shown to be very pro-inflammatory in many people, and has been linked with 55 autoimmune diseases. It’s possible acid reflux could be yet another inflammatory disorder triggered by gluten. Antacids increase health risks Most people relieve acid reflux by taking an antacid to neutralize stomach acid, with sales of the drug topping $10 billion annually. Not only does this fail to stop stomach acid from washing back up into the esophagus (one study showed protein-pump inhibitors actually induce acid reflux), it also impairs nutrient absorption. Antacids may increase food poisoning risk Stomach acid is vital to the absorption of minerals and vitamins, and protects the stomach from bacteria, fungus, and infection. Chronic use of antacids has been linked to increased risk for bacterial infections, candida (yeast) overgrowth, and food poisoning. Antacids may increase osteoporosis risk Chronic antacid use also impairs absorption of minerals, including calcium, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Proper testing for gluten intolerance vital With one in five people now believed to be suffering from gluten sensitivity, it’s important to know whether you are too, and whether undiagnosed gluten intolerance is contributing to heartburn. The conventional tests to screen gluten intolerance are notoriously inaccurate. For cutting-edge testing, please contact my office. Technorati Tags: acid reflux, autoimmune disease, GERD, gluten, heartburn

Overtraining: Too much of a good thing

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:15:08 +0000

Mary was a mother of two who began a vigorous exercise program of weight lifting and running, one to two hours a day, six days a week. Not only did she fail to lose weight, she actually gained weight, and found herself battling fatigue, irritability, and constant colds and flus. As it turns out, Mary was exercising too much. Overtraining weakens the body While regular exercise is vital to good health, studies show overtraining can actually deplete hormones, depress immunity, lead to bone loss, increase the risk of injuries, slow healing, increase inflammation, and cause a general feeling of burn-out. Sufficient recovery between exercise sessions and exercising at an appropriate intensity will get you fitter faster without compromising health. Overtraining and high cortisol Overtraining causes your body to pump out extra cortisol, a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that helps us cope with stress. High cortisol can cause bone loss, and muscle breakdown, create belly fat, increase sugar cravings, and lead to insulin resistance, a pre-diabetic condition that causes high blood sugar. Overtraining and low cortisol Some people who overtrain suffer from low cortisol, which can lead to weight gain, fatigue, low blood sugar (with dizziness, light-headedness, and irritability), muscle weakness, difficulty recovering from workouts, and poor immune strength. American life is already stressful Clearly, neither high nor low cortisol produces the desired effects of an exercise regime, and both cause a chronic inflammatory state that ages you quickly. Throw in other factors of modern American life—stressful lifestyles, too little sleep, poor diets, too many sweets and caffeine—and overtraining can be the tipping point into cortisol-driven disorders. Symptoms of overtraining How much exercise is too much? This varies from person to person. Overtraining for one person can be another person’s warm up. An adrenal salivary panel will show you your cortisol levels, but it’s especially important to pay attention to signals from your body, which is harder than it sounds for the driven athlete accustomed to pushing the envelope. Symptoms of overtraining include persistent tiredness, worsening strength and stamina, sleep disturbances, slow recovery, aching joints or limbs, injuries, and frequent illness, to name a few. Exercise should boost energy, not drain it Appropriate exercise boosts your energy and your sense of well-being. And while some muscle soreness is normal, you should experience energy, mental focus, and a good mood during recovery periods between workouts. Ask us about an adrenal cortisol panel to help you establish and appropriate intensity level for your workouts. Technorati Tags: adrenal cortisol, overtraining

Statins increase risk of diabetes 50%

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:48:39 +0000

Many people don’t realize that inflammation, not a statin deficiency, underlie high cholesterol, and that the condition can usually be managed naturally.

Detox Diet Plan for the New Year

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:47:51 +0000

Now that the food comas, sugar hangovers, and holiday binges are over, it’s a good time to “clean house” with a detox diet. A detox diet calms inflammation, stimulates repair and recovery, and boosts energy. A detox diet should never involve frequent hunger or lack of nutrients, factors that only stress the body further. Finding food intolerances Many people don’t realize they have food intolerances. These foods trigger an immune reaction and cause such symptoms as low energy, rashes, joint pain, digestive issues, headaches, anxiety, depression, and more. They also prevent weight loss. The foods people most commonly react to are gluten, grains, dairy, eggs, and nuts. Other inflammation triggers Other common immune triggers include nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, etc.), legumes, coffee, and, of course, foods high in sugar. Don’t forget, sugary foods include sweet fruits and natural sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, and agave. The hunger-free diet plan At this point you might be saying, “There is nothing left to eat!” On the contrary, the detox diet resembles what our ancestors ate prior to the industrialization of food, and there is plenty to eat. In fact, it is important not to get too hungry as the low blood sugar caused by chronic hunger causes inflammation. Eat frequently enough to sustain energy and avoid crashing. Healthy diet plan foods Grass-fed and organic meats, wild fish, plenty of vegetables, healthy fats, and fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, make up the detox diet, along with plenty of water and non-caffeinated herbal teas. Good fats are key to success An appropriate amount of good fats ward off hunger and sustain energy. Include healthy fats such as coconut oil, avocado, olive oil, ghee (butter oil), and salmon. Avoid processed vegetable oils and strictly avoid hydrogenated oils, or trans fats. Rewards outweigh difficulties Yes, the diet is difficult at first. It requires planning and preparation. Initially you may experience sugar and carb cravings, low energy as your body adapts to burning fat instead of sugar for fuel, and such detox symptoms as headaches, rashes, or joint pain. Please call our office for guidance if so. However people who stick with the diet inevitably feel such a boost in energy and well being that they come to enjoy the diet. A great weight-loss diet plan Many find the detox diet is the best weight loss diet yet. Cutting out sweets and high-carb foods naturally promotes weight loss. More importantly, however, the detox diet becomes a weight loss diet plan by reducing inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar, and restoring balance to the adrenals, our stress-managing glands. Reintroducing foods After 30 to 90 days of the detox diet, you may wish to add in some of the foods you eliminated, one at a time every 72 hours to see whether you react in any way to them. This will help you build a healthier lifelong diet. However many find a gluten-free and even grain-free diet builds lasting health. Support with detox supplements I can help you enhance the effects...

Holiday sugar hangover cure?

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:29:26 +0000

Did the holidays leave you with a sugar hangover, including lethargy, upset stomach, brain fog, mood swings, or joint pain? While alcohol hangover cures are a folklore staple, you can recover from your sugar hangover with some solid steps:

Can stress cause your baby’s allergies?

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:22:56 +0000

A calm, healthy pregnancy and postpartum period could reduce the risk of allergies in your baby, according to a new Swedish study. Researchers found infants with lower levels of cortisol, an adrenal hormone released in response to stress, developed fewer allergies than other infants. Stress hormone cortisol triggers allergies The researchers believe environmental and lifestyle factors during pregnancy and early infancy raise adrenal cortisol levels, which increases the risk of allergies. Studies show high cortisol in a pregnant mother raises levels of the hormone in the fetus. In functional medicine, we see many women enter into pregnancy with high cortisol. Common symptoms include excess belly fat, insomnia, insulin resistance (high blood sugar), hair loss, and an irregular menstrual cycle. Stress isn’t just about too much to do on too little sleep (although that is certainly a factor). Factors that cause high adrenal cortisol Common factors that elevate cortisol are: Sugary, starchy diets that consistently spike blood sugar (which causes excess belly fat). Excess caffeine. Undiagnosed food intolerances. Gluten intolerance and celiac disease are particularly common. Poor gut health. Gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive symptoms are signs of a poorly functioning gut. Improperly managed autoimmune disease. Do you have Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism or another autoimmune disease? Rate of childhood allergies rising The rate of allergies has risen sharply in the United States. About 54 percent of Americans are allergic to at least one thing, an up to five-fold increase the late 1970s. The number of children with food allergies has risen 18 percent since the late 90s; witness the prevalence of peanut-free classrooms. Manage health before pregnancy The best thing a mother can do to reduce the risk of allergies in her child is to address her own health and nutrition before conception. An adrenal saliva test is a good way to measure whether cortisol levels are normal. A mother’s health before conception and during pregnancy greatly influences the health of her baby. Stress is a fact of life for us all. How have you managed to lower stress levels during pregnancy? Technorati Tags: allergies, cortisol, pregnancy, stress

Vitamin D outshines vitamin C at preventing flu virus

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:06:47 +0000

Compelling evidence links low levels of vitamin D with an increased risk for the flu virus and colds. Most people are deficient. Are you getting enough D?

Can pregnancy cause hypothyroidism?

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:09:00 +0000

Question Why did pregnancy trigger my hypothyroidism? Answer Natural immune shifts during pregnancy, together with a genetic tendency and other predisposing factors, can trigger hypothyroidism in some women. Hypothyroidism is an immune disease for most For 90 percent of Americans, hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. The immune system has two major arms of function, one that reacts immediately to an invader, and one that reacts later to produce antibodies. When one of these arms of becomes overly dominant it can trigger an autoimmune disease. Going into pregnancy predisposed Pregnancy and the postpartum periods naturally polarize the immune system. In the third trimester the delayed immune response is dominant. Postpartum the immediate immune reaction is stronger. If a genetically predisposed woman goes into pregnancy with an existing immune imbalance, these natural immune shifts could be the tipping point for Hashimoto’s. When pregnancy is one stressor too many Pregnancy can also cause hypothyroid symptoms secondary to chronic stress. Stressors such as gut infections, food intolerances, blood sugar imbalances, and hormonal imbalances can depress the pituitary gland, which controls hormone function in the body. As a result the pituitary fails to signal thyroid activity. For many women this manifests not only as low thyroid function, but also postpartum depression. Because so many women enter pregnancy dealing with multiple chronic stressors, the increased demands of pregnancy overwhelm the pituitary gland and depress thyroid function. Balancing health pre-conception lowers risk for mother and baby A woman should address health and immune imbalances before conceiving to reduce her risk of developing hypothyroidism. Doing so also may lower the risk of her infant developing eczema, asthma, food allergies, and even autism, which has been found to be caused by an autoimmune disease in many. When the mother’s immune system is healthy and balanced, there’s a stronger possibility her baby’s will be too. allergies, autism, autoimmune disease, chronic stress, Depression, digestion, functional medicine, Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, postpartum, pregnancy, sensitivities, stress Technorati Tags: acupuncture in Littleton, hypothyroidism, pregnancy

Blue Cross Blue Sheild Insurance Now Covers Acupuncture Injection Therapy!

Debra — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:48:26 +0000

Acupuncture is often covered by insurance but acupuncture injection therapy hasn’t been covered in the past but we are making strides finally. Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Now Covers Denver Acupuncture Injection Therapy! This is great news if you have severe pain. Injection therapy is only available in 4 states at this time. How Does It Work? The goal for me at least is to first try Signature Acupuncture treatments. If this doesn’t work then you may be a candidate for acupuncture injection therapy. A tiny needle is used at the muscle meridians and pain areas to deliver small doses of homeopathic pain relieving remedies. Over a course of 8-10 visits your body tissues heal and relax. The outcome is reduced or eliminated pain. Softer not swollen, inflamed muscles and finally better range of motion without pain. One patient who tried it has this to say about the treatment. She was treated for arthritis of the back and hips. Also her range of motion was so limited that she had lots of pain just tying her shoes or making the bed. Denver acupuncture treatments gave her some relief and the acupuncture injections really helped her get back to enjoying life again; including riding her bike and walking her dog. If you want to learn more about Denver Acupuncture at Littleton Acupuncture Center Accent On Health and if Acupuncture Injection therapy is right for you please contact our office. Remember Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Now Covers Acupuncture Injection Therapy if you have acupuncture coverage! Technorati Tags: Acupuncture Injection Therapy, bluecrossbluesheildhealthinsurance, Denver Acupuncture, health insurance

Fractures common today: Build stronger bones

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:42:50 +0000

Question Is it my imagination or are broken bones more common than ever today? Answer Boys are 32 percent and girls 56 percent more likely to break a bone than children 40 years ago. Fractures are also common in older adults. Soda has replaced milk Dairy provides 70 percent of calcium in the American diet. However 40 years ago children drank four times more milk than soda; in 2001 they drank two and a half more times soda than milk. Today males ages 12-29 average half a gallon a day of soda. Not only is soda replacing more healthful, bone-building options, but it also contributes to obesity, blood sugar imbalances, inflammation, and other metabolic disorders that lead to poor bone quality. Chronic inflammation weakens bones For instance, just the chronic, low-grade inflammation caused by regular soda consumption can lead to weaker bones; inflammation accelerates the breakdown of bone so that it outpaces bone building. Soda consumption is also linked to a rise in obesity, another barrier to good bone health. Studies show obese people have weaker bones as their bone marrow produces more fat cells than bone cells. When dairy is a poor option Many people today find dairy is not a viable option for them due to an intolerance to lactose, the sugar in milk, or casein, the milk protein. Consuming dairy when you are dairy intolerant will actually trigger inflammation and work against your bone-strengthening efforts. Many other foods are good sources of calcium, including canned salmon and sardines with the bones, ample homemade bone broth, greens, certain nuts and seeds, nettle and raspberry leaves, and more. Not all calcium supplements are the same Calcium supplements are another option, however not all calcium supplements are the same. Some forms are easier to absorb than others. Also, it’s important to take a calcium supplement with the necessary cofactors for appropriate assimilation. These include other minerals, vitamins D3 and K2, and omega-3 fatty acids. Talk with your practitioner to learn the best way to get enough calcium and ensure good bone quality. functional medicine, Uncategorized Technorati Tags: broken bones and acupuncture, build stronger bones, fracture and acupuncture

Your brain is what you eat: Hydrogenated fats

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:48:56 +0000

Question What is all the fuss about hydrogenated oils, or trans fats? Aren’t they OK to eat in moderation? Answer The hydrogenated fat you eat becomes part of your brain and nervous tissue. Because of its unnatural structure, cells and neurons composed partly of hydrogenated fat do not function properly. The brain is made up of the fat you eat If someone calls you a fat head they are not off the mark. The brain is made up mostly of fat, including the fat you eat. While hydrogenated fats are best known for contributing to cardiovascular disease, lesser known is their impact on brain health. Hydrogenated oils have been molecularly restructured for a long shelf life and are found in many processed foods. Cell membranes communicate with other cells and determine what is allowed to enter and exit the cell. These membranes incorporate hydrogenated oils into their structure, making them more rigid and less able to function properly. The nerve sheaths that insulate and protect neurons also incorporate trans fats. Trans fats disrupt brain function When trans fats become part of the cells and the nerve sheaths they replace vital brain fats, such as DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid. As a result cellular communication suffers, the cells degenerate, and the person can experience a wide range of consequences, including diminished mental performance, mood disorders, memory loss, or health problems. Trans fats slow brain circulation Trans fats are best known for their contribution to cardiovascular disease by thickening the blood, slowing circulation, and clogging arteries. The brain, too, has a vascular system that delivers nutrients and oxygen and removes toxins throughout the brain. When this vascular system becomes clogged with trans fats, this also impacts brain health and function. One food that is not ok in moderation Although conventional wisdom says all things are OK in moderation, hydrogenated fats are a man-made substance closer to plastic than food. When eaten they become a part of your cells and your brain for some time. Therefore it is best to avoid them completely. functional medicine, toxins, Uncategorized Technorati Tags: acupuncture, brain foods, denver, hydrogenated fats and Asian medicine, liitleton

Why does eating make me sleepy?

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:10:00 +0000

Question I practically fall asleep in my plate after every meal. Why does eating make me so sleepy? Answer Feeling sleepy after meals is a common symptom of insulin resistance, a risk factor for diabetes. Starchy foods and too much insulin Insulin resistance is common today and is a stepping-stone to diabetes. Overeating and eating a diet high in sugar and starchy foods causes insulin resistance. These foods include breads, rice, pasta, pastries, chips, potatoes, soda, sweet coffee drinks, and more. Converting glucose to fat demands energy Insulin escorts glucose into the cells to make energy. Starchy foods bombard the bloodstream with too much glucose, forcing the release of insulin to lower it. When a person eats a starchy diet on a regular basis, the body overproduces insulin to lower chronically high blood sugar. Eventually these constant surges of insulin exhaust the body’s cells and they refuse entry to the insulin, which is called insulin resistance. As a result insulin can’t escort glucose into the cells to make energy and the person feels sleepy. Also, because glucose can’t get into cells, blood sugar climbs too high. The body lowers it to safer levels by converting excess glucose into fat for storage. This is a demanding process that robs one of energy. Insulin surges overproduce calming brain chemical A fluctuation in brain chemistry is another factor that causes tiredness. Carbohydrates provide precursors for serotonin, the “joy and well-being” brain chemical that can ward off depression and also be calming. However, the insulin surge that follows a high-carb meal overproduces serotonin in the brain, contributing to that need for a post-meal nap. After serotonin levels drop, people then may feel depressed, which spurs cravings for more high-carb foods and sweets to get that pleasurable “high” and start the cycle over again. Restoring insulin sensitivity If you feel sleepy even after a very low-carb meal, it could be because you overate or because your glucose metabolism has become too disordered to function properly. While adapting a lower-carb diet is vital, you may need the guidance of a practitioner in using nutritional and botanical compounds that can help restore insulin sensitivity. functional medicine, insulin resistance, weight loss Technorati Tags: acupuncture for insomnia, foods and insomnia, sleepy

Food allergies can prevent weight loss

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:02:00 +0000

Question I learned I have intolerances and allergies to certain foods, and that I need to avoid those foods if I want to lose weight. Isn’t it just a matter of eating fewer calories? Answer Some people find they can’t lose weight through calorie restriction alone. When that happens several issues need to be investigated. One of the most important is food intolerances. Eating foods to which you are allergic or intolerant will prevent weight loss. Food intolerances cause inflammation Food intolerances and allergies create inflammation, and inflammation prevents weight loss. Every time you eat gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, corn, or some other food that may be a problem for you, you create inflammation in your body. Leaky gut is a primary culprit For many people today, a variety of foods trigger inflammation. This is due largely to intestinal permeability, or “leaky gut,” which allows undigested food particles to slip into the bloodstream through damaged and inflamed intestinal walls. Leaky gut is very common today due to poor diets, excessive sweets, chronic stress, and other maladies of modern life. Gluten intolerance and celiac disease are also common and cause leaky gut. As these food particles circulate throughout the body the immune system responds by attacking and destroying them for removal, just as it would respond to a viral or bacterial infection. Unfortunately, if the food is eaten regularly, this keeps the immune system constantly at work, hence creating chronic inflammation. Symptoms can be obvious in the way of joint pain, skin issues, abdominal pain, or even brain fog, memory loss, or moodiness. Sometimes the inflammation is not obvious, yet a person finds she or he can’t lose weight. Inflammation halts weight loss Studies show the immune compounds that cause inflammation also make insulin receptors less sensitive, creating insulin resistance. As a result glucose can’t get into cells and blood sugar becomes too high. The body lowers blood sugar by converting it to fat for storage. Insulin resistance also hinders fat burning. Inflammation also has been shown to cause leptin resistance, which stimulates hunger and promotes fat storage. Furthermore, excess body fat secretes immune messenger cells that trigger inflammation, promoting a vicious cycle that prevents weight loss. Although moderating caloric intake and exercising are recommended for weight loss, effective and lasting weight loss depends in part on tackling chronic inflammation and food sensitivities. Uncategorized, Depression, allergies, leaky gut, sensitivities, digestion, chronic stress, functional medicine, stress, weight loss, insulin resistance, leptin resistance, gluten Technorati Tags: Denver Acupuncture, food allergies, littleton acupuncture, weight loss

Why do little girls reach puberty so early?

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:21:00 +0000

Question It seems girls go through puberty much earlier these days. Why? Answer It’s true many girls reach puberty earlier today. Although the exact cause is not known, researchers suspect estrogen-promoting chemicals in the environment, obesity, and dietary factors to be the culprits. Earlier than ever Today it’s common for girls to begin developing breasts at age eight—once considered abnormally young—and to begin menstruation at age 12. Earlier puberty not only may cause emotional pressures, but also may raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancer due to longer exposure to estrogen. Estrogen-promoting chemicals Common chemicals in our environment today boost estrogen activity, which can trigger puberty early. These include pesticides, flame retardants, BPA (in tin cans, baby bottles, toys, and other food packaging), phthalates (in cosmetic products, PVC, plastics, food packaging, and numerous products), and parabens (in shampoos and cosmetic products). Phthalates have also been linked with abnormal hormone development in boys, and prenatal exposure to these chemicals has also been identified as a risk factor. Obesity Studies also link obesity with early puberty. An ample diet signals to the brain that conditions are safe for reproduction, and body fat produces estrogen. Overweight and obese children often have higher insulin levels—insulin stimulates the production of sex hormones. For this reason, a diet high in starchy carbohydrates (breads, pasta, sweets, sodas, etc.) could raise the risk of early puberty through chronic insulin surges. Researchers also believe that high levels of leptin, a satiety hormone produced by body fat and promoted by a high-carbohydrate diet and excess insulin, may contribute to early breast development. Soy One study found that infants fed soy formula had estrogen levels 13,000 to 22,000 times higher than normal, suggesting that it may play a role in early puberty. Beef and dairy The conventional beef industry administers sex hormones to cattle to promote production, greatly raising the levels of hormones in the meat. Milk naturally contains ample estrogen, particularly if the cow is pregnant, and some conventional farms treat dairy cows with hormones to stimulate production. Although the link between meat, milk, and early puberty is controversial and not established, going with products from organic, grass-fed animals is ideal. Uncategorized, functional, medicine Technorati Tags: health, hormones, littleton acupuncture, puberty

Depression linked with bad digestion

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:25:00 +0000

Question I went to see my natural medicine practitioner for depression and she wants to work on my digestive health. I don’t get the connection. Answer Many people would be surprised to learn how greatly gut health affects brain health. A poor diet, inflamed gut, and intestinal permeability definitely can promote depression. Depression a not-so-obvious symptom of poor digestion Sometimes digestion issues are obvious; they cause gas, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain. For others the main symptom is not so obvious—depression. An unhealthy diet and compromised gut health can promote depression in several ways. Poor nutrition When one eats a junk food diet laden with processed foods, trans fats, sugars, and artificial chemicals, the brain suffers. The brain needs healthy fats, high-quality protein, abundant vitamins and minerals, and a diet low in starchy foods and sugars. Gluten Gluten is directly linked to depression in some. It causes gut inflammation, which can lead to inflammation in areas of the brain that regulate mood. Some people digest gluten into gluteomorphin, an opioid similar to heroin or morphine that can cause depression (not to mention constipation). Gluten can also cause autoimmune attacks in the brain with symptoms of depression. Dairy or other foods may also cause depression, depending on sensitivity. Leaky gut Leaky gut happens when the lining of the intestines becomes overly permeable. This allows undigested foods, bacteria, and other pathogens into the bloodstream, creating inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation in the brain may cause depression. Inflammation in the gut also inhibits absorption of nutrients necessary for good brain function. An example of such a nutrient is tryptophan, an amino acid found in proteins. The brain synthesizes tryptophan into serotonin, a brain chemical that promotes feelings of well-being and joy. Always consider gut health Depression is a complex, multi-faceted condition that can have its roots in various causes. However the role of diet and digestive health should always be included in a functional approach to depression. autoimmune disease, Uncategorized, gluteomorphin, Depression, leaky gut, leaky brain, sensitivities, functional medicine, heartburn, pain, gluten, digestion Technorati Tags: acid reflux, acupuncture in Littleton, autoimmune, bad digestion and acupuncture, depression and acupuncture

Why do antibiotics give me health woes?

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:27:00 +0000

Question It seems ever since I took antibiotics I haven’t been the same. I’m sick more frequently, my digestion is messed up, and I have chronic yeast infections. Why? Answer Antibiotics are one of modern medicine’s life-saving miracles. However if preventive care isn’t taken, their use, and especially their abuse, can lead to chronic health problems. Good bacteria serve us The digestive tract contains an estimated 2–4 pounds of beneficial bacteria that are an integral part of our immune system. They resist bad bacteria, and they aid in the digestion of food, the absorption of nutrients, and the synthesis of B vitamins and vitamin K. These beneficial bacteria coat the lining of the intestines, providing a protective barrier against toxins. They also nourish the gut lining and ensure appropriate production of immune cells, helping to maintain balance in the immune system and prevent autoimmune disease. Antibiotics wipe out good bacteria While antibiotics eradicate disease-causing bacteria, unfortunately they wipe out the good bacteria too. This leaves the digestive tract defenseless, and it compromises both nutrient status and immune balance. Antibiotic use makes it easy for bad bacteria, yeast, and fungi to over multiply, wreaking havoc on digestive and immune health. The overgrowth of yeast, or Candida, is especially common. This can produce a wide range of troubling symptoms, including yeast infections, sugar cravings, skin rashes, brain fog, and more. Overgrowth of bad bacteria produces toxins and antibiotic-resistant strains Also, pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and fungi produce toxic substances that make their way into the bloodstream and the rest of the body. These toxins have been linked to allergies, and health ailments in the digestive, respiratory, immune, and nervous systems. Research also shows that antibiotic use develops long-lasting strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Restoring beneficial bacteria vital This explains why antibiotics can contribute to myriad health problems, even though they may have successfully treated a condition. Unnecessary antibiotic use should be avoided. If they are necessary, one should work with a practitioner to learn the best way to restore the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Uncategorized, leaky gut, functional medicine, digestion Technorati Tags: acupuncture, antibiotics and alternative medicine, denver, littleton colorado

Why do so many people have autoimmune diseases?

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:48:00 +0000

Question My practitioner diagnosed me with Hashimoto’s and celiac disease, two autoimmune diseases. It seems many of my friends have an autoimmune disease too, including eczema, arthritis, Type I diabetes, and even multiple sclerosis. Why is it so common now? Answer Incidences of autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue, have skyrocketed and continue to climb, affecting as many as one in nine Americans. Hygiene hypothesis incomplete The media darling for an explanation is the hygiene hypothesis—that lack of early childhood exposure to sufficient filth improperly prepares the immune system for later battles. While likely valid, it too neatly dismisses more significant factors linked with triggering autoimmune disease: Environmental pollutants We live in a sea of more than 80,000 chemicals. The few that have been studied have been shown to play a role in triggering autoimmune reactions. People who work with toxic compounds, such as pesticides or solvents, are significantly more likely to die from autoimmune disease. One study also showed that infant fetal-cord blood contains 287 pollutants. GM foods Although the impact of genetically modified (GM) foods on humans has not been studied, multiple animal studies link them with immune dysregulation, inflammation, and an increase in allergies—factors that trigger autoimmune disease. Poor diets Many people today eat a diet that sets the stage for autoimmune disease. This includes foods full of artificial chemicals, sugar and starchy carbohydrates, and trans fats. Gluten in particular has been linked to autoimmune disease. Leaky gut In leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, the lining of the intestines becomes too porous, allowing undigested food and pathogens to slip into the bloodstream. This triggers inflammation and leads to immune dysregulation. Chronic stress Chronic stress from diet, poor health, lack of sleep, and excess sugar and caffeine also leads to inflammation and immune dysregulation, setting the stage for autoimmune disease. What can you do? The best medicine is prevention. To help your body cope with the burdens of modern life, eat an anti-inflammatory diet and work with a practitioner to address the health imbalances that make you more vulnerable to autoimmune disease. heavy metals, Uncategorized, toxins, leaky gut, functional medicine, gluten Technorati Tags: autoimmune diseases, littleton acupuncture

Anemia is a barrier to better health

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:04:00 +0000

Question I’m tired frequently and I have some chronic health issues I can’t seem to resolve. Answer Although multiple factors can cause both tiredness and chronic health issues, anemia should always be investigated. Unresolved anemia will thwart your journey to better health. Anemia prevents normal function Blood delivers oxygen to cells in the body and brain so they can function normally. Anemia starves the blood of oxygen. As a consequence function, maintenance, regeneration, and healing in the body is impaired. Iron-deficiency anemia More than 400 types of anemia exist, however the most common form is iron-deficient anemia. This often is due to inadequate diet or poor absorption of nutrients caused by compromised intestinal health (leaky gut)—often seen in those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. Other causes are uterine fibroids, internal bleeding, chronic disease, liver disease, or genetic disorders. B-12 anemia Another common form of anemia is B-12 anemia due to inadequate diet or compromised intestinal health causing poor absorption of B-12. Pernicious anemia Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks intrinsic factor in the stomach, a substance necessary for the absorption of B-12. Pernicious anemia is often found in those with other autoimmune diseases, particularly the autoimmune thyroid disease Hashimoto’s. Symptoms of anemia Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, pale skin, a fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, cognitive problems, cold hands and feet, and headaches. Symptoms of B-12 anemia can include a pins-and-needles sensation in the hands or feet, a loss of sense of touch, clumsiness, and a wobbly gait. Some people with iron-deficiency anemia also develop pica, a craving for ice, dirt, paper, chalk, or other non-foods. Uncategorized, Untitled, leaky gut, functional medicine, gluten, digestion Technorati Tags: Anemia and acupuncture, better health, debra arko novotny, Denver Acupuncture, holistic health

Could I have a food intolerance?

Debra Arko Novotny LAc — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:18:53 +0000

Question I’m told food intolerance’s can affect my health. How can this be true when I don’t have any digestive symptoms? Answer Sometimes it’s difficult to connect a food we eat every day with such health complaints as joint pain, brain fog, mood imbalances, congestion, skin rashes, or chronic inflammation. It’s not obvious a particular food is at fault until after you quit eating it for a period of time. The elimination/provocation diet A variety of lab panels can diagnose food allergies and intolerance’s, however sometimes the most reliable test is to go cold turkey on a group of common foods for several weeks. Some of the best foods to eliminate are gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, soy, yeast, and nuts. It’s important to strictly eliminate these foods for two to three weeks for the test to be accurate. You may want to consider going grain-free for best results. Symptoms pop up after reintroducing the food Reintroducing these foods one at a time every 72 hours after a temporary abstinence can suddenly elicit a powerful and negative response. Symptoms vary but include digestive upset (bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, etc.), abdominal pain, headaches, joint pain, respiratory congestion, skin rashes, brain fog, mood changes, or flare-ups of an autoimmune condition. A restored immune system produces reactions Why would a food you have been eating your whole life suddenly make you feel terrible after a three-week break? Because eliminating it from your diet has allowed your immune system to rest and recover. While eating the food regularly your immune system had to work constantly to buffer the damage, draining it of strength. The elimination diet allows the immune system to become more robust. It is then able to sound the alarms to a food intolerance with uncomfortable symptoms. This lets you know eating that food negatively impacts your health. Say goodbye to problem foods and hello to better health Permanently eliminating foods to which you are intolerant allows your digestive system to repair, your immune system to strengthen, and other systems in your body to come into better balance. Many people find chronic health conditions improve or disappear after the elimination, or find they feel more alert and energetic. If you react to everything If, however, it turns out you react to practically everything you consume, you may need qualified guidance for advanced gut repair. Technorati Tags: acid reflux, acupuncture for allergies, food intolerance

MICK JAGGER HAS BECOME AN ACUPUNCTURIST !!!

Debra — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:43:49 +0000

MICK JAGGER HAS BECOME AN ACUPUNCTURIST !!! OK folks, I wasn’t sure if this post was a testimonial or perhaps should be under Denver Acupuncture Facials but who knew Mick had a side job throwing pins as it’s called when you are an acupuncturist – a real acupuncturist not one of those weekend courses so many people take and then say they are doing dry needling – back to Mick and his new gang. We ‘ve all known in the world of Energy Medicine for years that Mick is a Qigong Grand Master (who else can get a stadium full of 60,000 people screaming by flicking his wrist?) but now he also does Acupuncture Facials and with good affect. Mick has got together with Dave Stewart (of The Eurythmics), Joss Stone, Bob Marley’s son Damian, and A.R. Rahman (SlumDog Millionaire soundtrack) to create a group called SUPERHEAVY. Quite a sound mix and the results are nothing short of stellar. They just released the first track and video called Miracle Worker, in which Mr. Jagger twiddles the pins. Let’s consider this one a testimonial as you listen to the lyrics “You are a Miracle Worker a surgeon of love…” Technorati Tags: acupuncture, acupuncturefacials, acupuncturist, denver, miracleworker, superheavy

How Allergy Elimination With Acupuncture Can Help You Get Back To Life

Debra — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 21:12:56 +0000

How Allergy Elimination With Acupuncture Can Help You Get Back To Life Raging allergies? You’re not alone. Thousands of people every day miss work or important events due to allergies. You can be having problems just part of the year or year around either way getting a handle on the cause can be difficult. Today we are talking about How Allergy Elimination With Acupuncture Can Help You Get Back To Life. Finding The Source Allergies come in a variety of flavors. Are they indoor, outdoor, a little of both? Do the happen during a certain season or time of the year? How about only when you are stressed or if a woman having your period? This is the first step we take documenting the when, how, and why if you know. Next we talk about what symptoms you have. Allergy can be headache, body aches, runny eyes or nose, swelling, even a rash just to name a few of the more known symptoms. How severe also varies from person to person. As we move through your treatment we will follow a step by step program to help detoxify your body, reduce swelling and inflammation, and eliminate other symptoms. Now we’re not saying you’ll be able to eat peanuts again if you are allergic but problems with cosmetics, foods, plants, molds and more can be eliminated or reduced with Allergy elimination with acupuncture. Still not a believer? Listen to this testimonial Are you ready to let Allergy Elimination With Acupuncture Help You Get Back To Life Call now to set up your first appointment! 303-834-7508 Technorati Tags: acupuncture Littleton, Denver Acupuncture, Denver Acupuncture Allergy Elimination

Why Do Men Get Acupuncture?

Debra — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:24:28 +0000

Why Do Men Get Acupuncture? When I speak with guys at events they always ask me, Why Do Men Get Acupuncture? It’s not unusual for a woman to tell me her husband, dad, or brother could really use some acupuncture but they won’t come. It’s another thing when guys talk to other guys about it! Today more and more men are adding acupuncture of their preventive care so they can take life and outdoor activity to the extreme. Hear a testimonial from a guy who really is involved in sports and finds acupuncture keeps him living pain and injury free. So if you know someone who is asking, Why Do Men Get Acupuncture? We hope you tell them about this post! Call to set up your preventive care visit now! 720-239-2756 Technorati Tags: acupuncture for men, littleton acupuncture, men and acupuncture, preventitive care acupuncture

Stress Induced Acid Reflux Can Acupuncture Help?

Debra — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 18:25:00 +0000

Stress Induced Acid Reflux Can Acupuncture Help? A week doesn’t go by that someone calls and says they have stress and often acid reflux along with it. They can’t take the western drugs or perhaps they don’t want to. They want to get to the core of their problem so they can live a long and healthy life. The first sentence they say is I have stress induced acid reflux can acupuncture help? Let’s hear from a patient what her experience was While you may be suffering from insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, even shortness of breath without digestion problems acupuncture if very effective in helping you gain focus, feel grounded and reduce the stress that daily life can cause. If you experience digestion issues like silent reflux, acid reflux, gerd or other problems Asian medicine including acupuncture can be one of the best natural approaches to solve this and let you get back to enjoying life. Contact us to get scheduled today! 303-834-7508 Technorati Tags: acid reflux, Denver Acupuncture, insomnia, silent reflux, stress

Cancer Acupuncture Treatments Stop Chemotherapy Side-Effects

Debra — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 05:54:56 +0000

Cancer Acupuncture Treatment You received a diagnosis and it wasn’t that great; it’s cancer. Acupuncture is something they may have mentioned as you tried to digest the information your doctor gave you. No one wants to hear those words but today medicine is making great strides in helping women and men move past their illness and on to a happy, healthy life. Cancer Acupuncture treatment in common and may be something that helps you too. It’s not the end of the world. There are people who care about you and ways to help you get through this successfully. Where to start? Really it’s up to you. Many patients at first are overwhelmed and doing acupuncture at this time seems to one too many appointments to juggle. On the other hand a large number of people just like you say they couldn’t have made it through the early days without their treatments. So why do people use cancer acupuncture treatment? That is a personal choice. If you have insomnia, anxiety, and feel stress and emotional then this treatment will help you. It brings a calming effect and helps you focus and have clarity. It doesn’t interfere with your western oncology care though it does support it. Once you begin chemotherapy or radiation therapy your medical doctor may insist you see an acupuncturist before and after each visit to help with the fatigue, nausea and vomit ting and other side-effects of these chemical therapies. How often should I come? This is again your choice. During the first stages of your program you may find that weekly or bi-weekly works best. Then once in chemical therapies you’ll want to schedule as talked about above. Finally once you move beyond this stage, cancer acupuncture treatments may not be needed; it’s really up to you. We are here to support you during this difficult time and help you move forward into a brighter day. Call us to find out more! 303-834-7508 Technorati Tags: 5 Element Acupuncture, acupuncture, cancer acupuncture, Denver Acupuncture, Denver Acupuncture Health