Magic Mineral Broth

Magic Mineral Broth: full of nutrition with anti-cancer benefits. Recipe by Rebecca Katz

This is my Rosetta stone of soup, a broth that can be transformed to meet a myriad nutritional needs, serving as everything from a delicious sipping tea to the powerful base for more hearty soups and stews. So no matter what a person's appetite, it can provide a tremendous nutritional boost. This rejuvenating liquid, chock-full of magnesium, potassium, and sodium, allows the body to refresh and restore itself. I think of it as a tonic, designed to keep you in tip-top shape.

Ingredients include kombu (a type of seaweed), carrots, onions, leek, celery, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yam, garlic, parsley, kombu, peppercorns, allspice berries, and bay leaves. The stock only takes 10 minutes to prepare then 2-4 hours to cook. It can be frozen for up to 4 months. View the full recipe on Rebecca Katz's website onebiteatatime.com.

From Alternatives Newsletter Fall 2011

New Technology for Accurate Blood Pressure Measurement

New Technology for Accurate

Blood Pressure Measurement 

by Patricia Ryan MD, CCN

From Alternatives Newsletter Summer 2011

Our heart is an amazing muscle - always working. When it beats it generates a pressure in the arteries to pump blood through the body - around 2000 gallons of blood each day! When blood pressure is too high there is an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Nearly everything we know about high blood pressure and its treatment is based on the measurement of the brachial artery blood pressure, which is the blood pressure in the arm.

According to a 2003 study by the European society of hypertension, a more accurate measurement is the central aortic blood pressure, which represents the true pressure the heart, brain, and other major organs actually see. In fact, studies show that the pressure measured at the arm is only 50% accurate in reflecting the pressure which is exerted at the aorta. The traditional way to monitor the CASP (central aortic systolic pressure) is through cardiac catheterization. It is an invasive procedure involving a catheter threaded in the femoral artery, dye, and radiation. At Alternatives, we can now determine your CASP with a new device that is completely non invasive and takes only a few minutes longer than a traditional blood pressure test, and is 99.17% accurate when benchmarked against cardiac catheterizations.

The CASPro device combines a traditional arm cuff to take brachial pressure, a wrist sensor that measures the radial pulse, and a computer which combines the readings using mathematical modeling to filter out the amplified portion of the pulse wave to arrive at the central aortic pressure. With each heartbeat a pulse wave radiates down the lining of the arteries to your fingers and toes and back to the heart. By examining the shape of the pulse wave we get more information about how well the heart is working. There are specific interventions that we can do to improve the health of your cardiovascular system. What I particularly like about this device is that its inexpensive, simple to do, and it will accurately show improvement when we do nutritional interventions. After giving you supplements we can check your central aortic pressure again and see improvement - it is nice immediate feedback that you are getting better and that your cardiovascular system is actually reversing some of its dysfunction.

Resources:
Save1Heart.com: Introductory video by Dr. Ting, explaining CASP device and pulsewave diagnosis

BBC.com: Device 'could revolutionise blood pressure monitoring'

Health Canal.com: Ground-breaking technology will revolutionize blood pressure measurement for first time for over a century

We can email the following research as .pdfs at your request, contact alternativesomaha@gmail.com

Hypertension - Journal of the American Heart Association, "Central Pressure More Strongly Relates to Vascular Disease and Outcome Than Does Brachial Pressure: The Strong Heart Study", May 7, 2007

Hypertension - Journal of the American Heart Association, "Central Blood Pressure Measurements and Antihypertensive Therapy: A Consensus Document", June 11, 2007

Bryan Williams MD FRCP FAHA, "Measurement of Ambulatory Central Aortic Pressure in Clinical Trials using BPro device", August 2008

Balancing Candida Yeast -bringing positive change to your immune system and overall health

Balancing Candida Yeast -bringing positive change to your immune system and overall health

From Alternatives Newsletter Spring 2011

Candida yeast is one species of the many microbial colonies that normally exist in the intestinal tract. With yeast overgrowth toxins are excreted. Toxic symptoms include inflammation in the gut, gas, bloating, heartburn, bad breath, constipation, diarrhea, skin rash, and eventually headaches, joint pain, and even irritability. These toxic metabolites are one more thing your liver, kidneys, and immune system have to deal with. The toxic load makes people more susceptible to viruses. Yeast overgrowth can be an underlying cause in depression, ADD, autism, and many other disease processes.  At Alternatives we are looking for candida overgrowth in many of our clients because it is a piece of why they don't feel good. 

Candida can grow in the gut, sinuses, lungs, vagina, ears - anywhere where it is warm, moist, and has food. It causes inflammation wherever it is growing, increased mucus in stools, and sinus drainage.  Yeast is similar to mold in that they are both fungi and thrive in similar conditions. Continuous exposure to environmental mold can cause further allergic reactions like chronic sinusitis making it more difficult to eliminate mold and candida from the body until the daily environment is clean. In addition to clearing household mold, this can include eliminating fungal foods and foods fermented by molds (mushrooms, cheese, beer, wine, etc.).  Allergies to gluten may also in part be related to candida overgrowth. The gluten molecule looks very similar to the candida antigen (the part of the candida organism that the immune system recognizes as a foreign invader). This may be part of the reason people are becoming so sensitive to gluten: their immune systems have become sensitized to candida. If the levels of candida are normalized these people may be able to eat gluten again.

A poor diet and prolonged or frequent antibiotic use can predispose people to a yeast overgrowth. Many people eat sugar, bread, chips, simple carbs, and processed foods regularly - the preferred diet of the candida organism. Sugar cravings especially are an indication of yeast overgrowth, and typically diminish after treatment. Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria; and without probiotics (the good bacteria that normally compete with the yeast for food and territory) the candida can quickly overgrow. Other factors that enable candida overgrowth are a weakened immune system, exposure to chemicals, high doses of steroids, and high stress levels.

The bacteria in our bodies comprise an ecosystem that needs balance as well. It is important to treat candida appropriately. Many women are given one pill of diflucan to clear up vaginal yeast. However, this is not a sufficient dose to address intestinal yeast overgrowth. Therefore yeast can become diflucan resistant. Herbal treatments given over a longer period of time are more effective. These supplements can also address mold in the body as well.  Probiotic supplementation will help offset the disruption caused by antibiotics. There is a probiotic nutritional yeast people can take called saccharomyces boulardii (similar to brewer's yeast saccharomyces cerevisiae) which acts on candida through antitoxin effects, antimicrobial effects, anti-inflammatory effects, increased levels of disaccharides, and increased immune response.

In addition to herbal and nutritional supplementation, dietary changes are necessary. Candida yeast feeds primarily on high carbohydrate foods.  Sweets, alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, fruits, and refined processed grains should be minimized.  Organic meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish; and low carbohydrate vegetables such as spinach, kale, celery, asparagus, cauliflower, and broccoli are best.  Read on for some recipes that support a candida reducing diet, from Alternatives nutritionist Kathi Bratberg.  Many of our recommended supplements and dietary changes can address multiple imbalances; so make an appointment at Alternatives for recommendations specific to your current health and lifestyle. 

Resources:

Patricia Ryan MD, CCN and the clinical staff of Alternatives

The Candida Yeast Syndrome by Ray Wunderlich Jr., MD

Saccharomyces Boulardii on Wikipedia and WebMD

Gluten-free Dairy-free Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup Almond Flour (Bob's Red Mill)
• 3/4 cup Organic Canned Pumpkin
• 3 large Free Range, Organic Eggs
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1/8 tsp Salt
• 1/4 cup Agave Nectar
• 1/3 scoop Vanilla Whey Protein (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Grease 6 muffin tins with coconut oil.  Mix all ingredients.   Pour mix into the 6 tins.  Place on middle oven rack and bake at 350 F for 25 minutes.  Garnish with whole almonds.

Pina Colada Smoothie

Pina Colada Smoothie

from Alternatives Newsletter Summer 2012

Check out this non-alcoholic and healthy version of a popular refreshing summer drink for you and you family and guests this summer.

1 2/3 cup fresh pineapple juice (organic)

1/3 cup plain yogurt or kefir
½ cup pineapple chunks
1/3 cup coconut milk
2 tsp. or less stevia powder
Ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender and whip on high speed for 30 seconds.  Serve immediately.

Yields: Two 8-ounce servings

HCG Prescription Diet Shows Promising Results

Diet Shows Promising Results

From Alternatives Newsletter Spring 2010

Registered Nurse Michelle McCaslin was looking for a healthy and effective way to lose weight after a change in her schedule as well as hormonal and thyroid issues had prompted a weight gain.  That’s why McCaslin, a nurse at Alternatives, was intrigued when she heard about the hCG prescription diet.  She has since lost 12 pounds.  The hCG diet is a decades-old plan that is finding a new following.

Neurofeedback Helps Omaha Woman Graduate College

Omaha Woman Earns Diploma with the Help of Neurofeedback

From Alternatives Newsletter Spring 2010

Omaha mom-to-be and recent college graduate Abby Mazzuca had come close to graduating before, but one obstacle kept getting in the way: algebra.  “I could never finish because I couldn’t pass math, even with a tutor.  I had such terrible anxiety and nervousness.  I would get so upset and worked up, and couldn’t calm down.”   Today she has her diploma and an A in math, thanks to Alternatives’ NeuroIntegration System and the professionals at the clinic.

Vitamin D Could Make Your Kids Eyeglass Free

Vitamin D Could Make Your Kids Eyeglass Free

From Alternatives Newsletter Spring 2010

It’s not uncommon to see young children wearing eyeglasses and it’s not what professionals would consider a serious medical condition.  It’s certainly no fun, though, for kids who value their freedom.  Nearsightedness, which is mostly due to myopia, is to blame for this.  But what if you could prevent myopia by adding vitamin D to a child’s health plan?

Vitamin D Could Make Your Kids Eyeglass Free

It’s not uncommon to see young children wearing eyeglasses and it’s not what professionals would consider a serious medical condition.  It’s certainly no fun, though, for kids who value their freedom.  Nearsightedness, which is mostly due to myopia, is to blame for this.  But what if you could prevent myopia by adding vitamin D to a child’s health plan?

Those with myopia see near objects clearly, but objects in the distance appear blurred.  When myopia occurs, the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too steep, so images are focused in the vitreous inside the eye rather than on the retina at the back of the eye. 

Mainstream eye care professionals most commonly correct myopia through the use of corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses.  The condition may also be corrected by refractive surgery, but that does come with risks and side effects.

As far back as the 1930s and 40s, Dr. Arthur Alexander Knapp demonstrated that a lack of calcium and vitamin D caused that same type of eye condition.  His pioneering research also revealed that nutrients would stabilize and even reverse myopia in adults.  (His research, however, did not determine how these results would affect young children.)

“Since then, nutritional experts have surmised that vitamin D could have these same healing effects on children’s eyes,” said Dr. Patricia Ryan, Alternatives’ founder.  “Some nutritionists even go so far as to say that calcium and magnesium, along with vitamin D, taken during pregnancy could actually prevent myopia in children.  There are also theories that this same trio of vitamins and minerals could even halt and reverse that eye damage,” she noted.

Sunlight has always been one important source of vitamin D.  “But I have found that vitamin D levels in my patients are low even in the summer,” Dr. Ryan said.  “The problem is not one of lack of sunshine, but the fact that the liver cannot convert vitamin D to an active state that can provide these patients with the nutrients they need to keep their eyes as well as their bodies healthy.”

Vitamin D supplementation already has shown positive results preventing other diseases, according to Dr. Ryan.  “Research among 12,000 new mothers in Scandinavia revealed that newborns given 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily for their first year of life had 80 percent less incidence of Type I diabetes 18 years later.*  That’s why the value of this vitamin shouldn’t be underestimated not only to maintain healthy eyesight but for overall health and well-being,” Dr. Ryan said.

To learn more about the effects of vitamin D, contact Alternatives at 827-9450. 

*Hypponen E., Laara E, et. al. “Intake of vitamin D and risk of type 1 diabetes: A birth-cohort study.” Lancet 2001; 358: 1,500-1,503

Spring-Summer Neurofeedback Regimen Will Help Kids Manage ADHD All School Year Long

A Spring-Summer Program with Lasting Results

 From Alternatives Newsletter Spring 2010

About 5 percent of all children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (they might act without thinking about what the result will be), and in some cases, are overly active.

Many Omaha parents are well-acquainted with this troubling disorder.  They are living with the kind of turmoil that makes home and school life challenging for their kids.  While several drugs have been developed for ADHD, they come with side effects ranging from nervousness to insomnia to stomach problems.  That’s what makes Neurofeedback a program worth investigating.  For months now, Alternatives’ Neurofeedback program has been generating impressive results for children with ADHD and other behavioral disorders.  The spring-summer season is a great time to sign up your kids for this innovative technology to better prepare them for the next school year.

Spring-Summer Neurofeedback Regimen Will Help Kids Manage ADHD All School Year Long

About 5 percent of all children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/news/20080723/cdc-about-5-percent-of-kids-have-adhd.

Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (they might act without thinking about what the result will be), and in some cases, are overly active http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html.

Many Omaha parents are well-acquainted with this troubling disorder.  They are living with the kind of turmoil that makes home and school life challenging for their kids.  While several drugs have been developed for ADHD, they come with side effects ranging from nervousness to insomnia to stomach problems http://www.adhdnews.com/adhd-drug-side-effects.htm.

That’s what makes Alternatives’ NeuroIntegration System worth investigating.  For months now, this program has been generating impressive results for children with ADHD and other behavioral disorders.   The regimen has improved both classroom grades and behavior for several dozen patients since the technology became available at Alternatives last year. 

Here’s how: the NeuroIntegration System strives to normalize and manage the complex and varied waves in an individual’s brain.  A brain produces four distinct types of brain waves.  People usually have a mixture of frequencies at any given time, but the dominant frequency varies depending on the state of consciousness and on individual differences, according to the Clear Mind Center www.clearmindcenter.com. 

Someone with brain irregularities may have too much frontal theta or delta waves being produced when their beta waves are supposed to keep them awake, alert and focused.  By re-training these abnormal patterns in the affected areas, symptoms and disorders are often improved or eliminated.

The process is simple:  first, sensors are placed on the head of a patient and connected to a computer system, which recreates that individual’s brain patterns for a technician to monitor and read.

The patient then wears glasses that display different colors of lights in various patterns.  These “photic” cues, which are transmitted through the glasses, can guide the brain to the frequency it needs to learn.  Patients watch a video or listen to music and the brain will learn what it needs to do to keep the video going.  The system works by incorporating photic stimulation and music to help normalize brain activity.   The theory is that praising and rewarding a child when he steps up production of beta waves by concentrating on the game or movie should therefore teach him how to focus at will in other settings, such as doing homework assignments or cleaning his room

  

“Like any successful program, results don’t occur overnight,” said Dr. Patricia Ryan, Alternatives’ founder.  “Ten to 20 45-minute sessions may be needed to achieve optimal results.  That’s what makes spring and summer the perfect times to enroll your child in Alternatives’ Neurofeedback program.  By the time the new school year rolls around, they could have made significant headway into the issues that could be inhibiting their learning.”

Youthful patients at the clinic have seen a decrease in ADHD medication, a lessening of anxiety, improvement in insomnia and even better grades, according to Jamie Moore, RN, Alternatives’ trained Neurofeedback professional.  At least 60 different programs address various conditions from overeating to insomnia to ADHD.   

Scientific research has confirmed these promising results as well.  A German study published last year found that Neurofeedback improved attention and reduced impulsivity and hyperactivity http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19712709.  By research standards, the study was fairly large (94 children ages 8 to 12) and included a control group.  Fifty-nine of the children received 36 sessions of Neurofeedback over three to four weeks, while the other 35 children were trained in a different technique designed to improve attention.   Observations by the children's parents and teachers indicated that most kinds of ADHD-related behavior improved much more in the Neurofeedback group than in the control group.

“Neurofeedback is a process worth considering for a number of conditions, but ADHD response has a proven track record of success,” Dr. Ryan said.

For more information about the NeuroIntegration System, contact Alternatives at 827-9450.

Natural Products and Procedures A Fountain of Youth for Omaha Mother

Natural Products and Procedures

A Fountain of Youth for Omaha Mother

From Alternatives Newsletter January 2010

 

Even with no make-up, Betsy Belmont’s shiny, wrinkle-free skin belies her age.  With its glowing and smooth texture, you’d never know that this mother of two adult sons is 46 years old. 

Belmont discovered the Alternatives’ skin program after growing weary of locating a successful skin regimen.  “I was tired of breaking out in rashes and reactions to chemicals,” Belmont said.  “I started with Dr. Patricia Ryan (Alternatives Founder) and Donette Smith (Alternatives Aesthetician) and discovered the natural products and procedures used here.  I’ve also built a great rapport.”

Belmont has had facials, chemical peels and microderm abrasion, but a procedure new to Omaha – Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) – has shown particularly impressive results, according to Belmont and Smith.  Alternatives is the first clinic in Omaha to offer CIT, a simple procedure to stimulate the body's own production of collagen.  This is accomplished by causing minute injury to the dermis, which results in the rejuvenation of collagen.  

“I feel wonderful and my crow’s feet are gone,” Belmont noted.  “I also got elasticity back in my skin without Botox.” 

In a 2008 study, German researchers found that patients who had undergone CIT reported a 60 to 80 percent improvement in their skin.  Furthermore, the procedure was found to be safe as well as effective.  “Percutaneous collagen induction was started in 1997 and has proved to be a simple and fast method for safely treating wrinkles and scars. As opposed to ablative laser treatments, the epidermis remains intact and is not damaged. For this reason, the procedure can be repeated safely and is also suited to regions where laser treatments and deep peels cannot be performed,” according to the 2008 report Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy.¹

 

Additional German research also showed 80 percent improvement after CIT for those with burn scars.  In addition, the same technique has proven to be very effective in minimizing acne scars, sun damage, enlarged pores and bags around the eyes by breaking up scar tissue and replacing it with new collagen. 

There are no side effects to CIT, although the skin can be red for 12 to 24 hours, Smith said.

Here’s how the procedure works:  The skin is prepared with a topical anesthetic so there is very little or no pain involved.  The area is then treated with a sterile roller comprised of a series of fine needles, which penetrate directly into the dermis.   Each of these “micro injuries” stimulates the surrounding tissue to produce new collagen and elastin with minimal harm to the skin's protective barrier. 

Results can take three to nine months to fully appear as the body takes time to generate new collagen, Smith said. “The patient, however, sees continual improvement,” she added.  Experience has shown that Collagen Induction Therapy works optimally when combined with a scientific skin-care program to restore a youthful appearance.  

The procedure also is more cost effective than Botox.  Three to five treatments of CIT cost about the same as Botox injections, but the results of CIT last for five to 10 years rather than a few months.

“People tend to believe that lasers are better,” Smith said.  “But there are more risks involved such as potential scarring, hyper and hypopigmentation, and thinning of the skin.”

For more information about CIT and a personalized skin care program for you, contact Alternatives: A Center for Conscious Health at 827-9450. 

1. Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy: An Alternative Treatment for Scars, Wrinkles, and Skin Laxity; online at http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=20223419

The CIT Skin Remedy

The CIT Skin Remedy

From Alternatives Newsletter Fall 2009

If you’re like most women looking for a way to improve your skin and appearance, the new non-surgical and affordable procedures on the market today are welcome options.  Alternatives: A Center for Conscious Health, is the first clinic in Omaha to offer Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT).  CIT is a simple procedure to stimulate the body's own production of collagen.  This is accomplished by causing minute injury to the dermis, which results in the rejuvenation of collagen.  Learn more about this innovative procedure . . . .

Collagen Induction Therapy an Affordable and Safe Alternative

           
If you’re like most women looking for a way to improve your skin and appearance, the new non-surgical and affordable procedures on the market today are welcome options.  Alternatives: A Center for Conscious Health, is the first clinic in Omaha to offer Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT).  CIT is a simple procedure to stimulate the body's own production of collagen.  This is accomplished by causing minute injury to the dermis, which results in the rejuvenation of collagen. 

Here’s how it works:  The skin is prepared with a topical anesthetic so there is very little or no pain involved.  The area is then treated with a sterile roller comprised of a series of fine needles, which penetrate directly into the dermis.   Each of these “micro injuries” stimulates the surrounding tissue to produce new collagen and elastin with minimal harm to the skin's protective barrier.

This procedure offers a way with which to rejuvenate and improve skin appearance and quality without the pain, downtime, risks and costs of ablative laser treatments.  It is suitable for almost all patients and has been successfully used to treat:

• Peri-oral lip wrinkles
• Stretch marks
• Abdominal laxity
• Facial and acne scarring
• Sun damage for face and chest
• Cellulite
• Hyperpigmention and Melasma
• Thin skin
• Stimulation of hair growth (premature hair loss) 

This treatment can also be used to place powerful antioxidants and other topicals directly into the cells that utilize them.  As the body is producing its own natural collagen, there is no rejection.  “The best news yet is that results last as long as the body's own collagen – five to 10 years or more,” said Donnette Smith, L.M.T., Alternatives Aesthetician.

Results can take three to nine months to fully appear as the body takes time to generate new collagen, Smith said.  “The patient, however, sees continual improvement,” she added.  Experience has shown that Collagen Induction Therapy works optimally when combined with a scientific skin-care program to restore a youthful appearance.  In addition, the same technique has proven to be very effective in minimizing acne scars and other scars by breaking up scar tissue and replacing it with new collagen.

In a 2008 German study, 480 patients in Germany and South Africa who underwent at least one CIT treatment rated their improvement of such issues as fine wrinkles, lax skin, scarring and stretch marks between 60 and 80 percent better than before the treatment.

For more information, contact Alternatives: A Center for Conscious Health at 827-9450.

Alternatives Successfully Treating Patient Suspected of Advanced Lung Cancer

World War II Survivor Fighting the Odds

At Alternatives

From Alternatives Newsletter Fall 2009

Eighty-seven-year-old World War II survivor Maria Dresleris had surmounted difficult obstacles before, but when doctors said they suspected she was suffering from lung cancer, she had all but given up hope.  Today, Maria is much-improved after a twice-weekly regimen of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.  Read her remarkable story . . . .

The Anti-GM Recipe: Red Lentil Stew

The Anti-GM Recipe: Red Lentil Stew

Red lentil stew made from healthy ingredients is a recipe sure to please the hungry eaters in your house.  A good source of protein, this dish will be a warming and nutritious introduction to cooking with Lentils.
 
Here’s a tasty fall and winter recipe made from products that are generally safe from genetic modification, according to Kathi Bratberg, RN, B.S. Holistic Nutrition at Alternatives. 

Ingredients:
4 Tablespoons coconut oil
5 cloves fresh garlic
¾ teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
2 ½ cups water
1 cup red lentils
1 large or two small fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped 

Directions:
Heat oil in heavy skillet. Sauté garlic and then tomatoes. Stir and cook 5 minutes until tomatoes are paste. Put in (washed and drained) lentils - add 2 1/2 cups water. Boil - then simmer 30 min. Add lemons and salt. Serve warm with Basmati Rice.

The Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods

GM Foods: What Mother Nature Never Intended

From Alternatives Newsletter Fall 2009

Many health groups are beginning to investigate the dangers of Genetically Modified (GM) foods, which are created from a special set of technologies that alter the genetic makeup of organisms such as animals, plants or bacteria.  According to the World Health Organization, this technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology.”  It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between non-related species.  Such methods are used to create GM plants – which are then used to grow GM food crops.  Some health professionals believe that these foods could be contributing to diseases such as autism.  Learn more about the potential dangers of genetically modified foods . . . .

Targeting Pre-cancerous Skin Conditions and more with Epionce

Targeting Pre-cancerous Skin Conditions and more with Epionce

From Alternatives Skincare Newsletter Fall 2009

Skin cancer is the number one cancer afflicting Nebraskans.  Because so many Nebraskans work outdoors in the farm industry, sun exposure is often excessive.  It is so important for all Nebraskans to understand that optimizing the health of their skin is the best way to help prevent skin cancer.  Dr. Patrician Ryan is proud to announce that Alternatives of Omaha is exclusively introducing a product line with this in mind.

Invented by Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, a practicing dermatologist with over 25 years of skin research experience, Epionce is the only evidence-based skin wellness line on the market:

• Fourteen clinical trials on the complete formulation prove that it works on skin ailments such as pre-cancers, acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis
• The unique delivery system allows the patent-pending blend of active botanical ingredients to deeply penetrate into the skin.
• This Physician dispensed line restores the skin's natural protective barrier to its optimum health.

"No other line I have looked at has strong clinical data on the actual finished product, and I wanted a line that was made with natural ingredients", said Dr. Ryan.  "Epionce is the only line with botanical ingredients that provides great results for my clients"

For more information visit Epionce.com or call Alternatives at 402-827-9450.

Fighting the Flu: Strong Immune System is Best Defense

Flu Fears

From Alternatives Newsletter Fall 2009

With the flu taking center stage this fall and winter, what do you need to know to protect yourself?  According to Dr. Patricia Ryan, a strong immune system is the best defense against the potentially deadly viruses that are anticipated this season.  “To minimize your chance of getting the swine flu, take measures to keep your immune system strong,” Dr. Ryan explained.  “The media talks about hand-washing, but caring for your immune system is even more important.”  For more . . . .

Are Your Children at Risk of Over-Vaccination?

Vaccines:  Too Much for Our Kids?

From Alternatives Newsletter Fall 2009

Since 1983, the number of vaccines the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends for children has increased 260 percent – from 10 to 36.  “Although the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics disputes this, more and more experts have linked this practice to the prevalence of such neurological disorders as autism and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder),” said Kathi Bratberg, RN, MS Holistic Nutrition at Alternatives.  Learn more . . . .

Why Is Sunscreen So Important? A review of SPF products

Why Is Sunscreen So Important? A review of SPF products

From Alternatives Skincare Newsletter Summer 2009 Welcome to our summer issue of Alternatives Aesthetics newsletter.  This summer it is time to focus on protection from and repair of sun damage.  We have the newest, highest quality skincare products to ensure a safe season for your skin. So what does the "Sun Protection Factor", or "SPF", in sunblock mean?  The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was developed to describe the amount of protection that a sun protector provides.  SPF numbers tell a person how much longer he/she can stay in the sun without burning while wearing sunscreen/block as opposed to not wearing any sun protection.  For example, someone who would burn after 10 minutes in the sun would expect to burn after 320 minutes if protected by SPF 32. Make sure to use products with a SPF of 15 or more, if you are active during the day, try to reapply every 2 hours. Look for products that are water resistant and "broad spectrum" for the best protection, also organic products will of course be healthier for your skin.

Yeast, Be Gone!

Yeast, Be Gone!

From Alternatives Newsletter Summer 2009

Both Candida (yeast) and allergies can wreak havoc in people of any age, according to Kathi Bratberg, RN, B.S. Holistic Nutrition at Alternatives.  Antibiotics, including those that are added to meats, in addition to stress often make problems worse, she said.  These issues upset the delicate balance of good versus bad bacteria in the system.

“We should have about 20 percent of bacteria in our systems designed to break down foods,” Bratberg said.  “But because of our diet and stressful lifestyle, that balance is interrupted.  That’s when 20 percent of the bad guys can turn into 80 percent.  They overtake the good guys and the jobs they’re doing,” she added.  “That may lead to widespread problems such as yeast overgrowth and allergies.”

Discovering whether you have a yeast infection or an allergy is now a simple process thanks to the Asyra AT3 – one of the clinic’s newest diagnostic tools that helps to identify functional disturbances in the body.

It’s non-invasive, simple and painless.  Participants hold on to two electrodes that are hooked to a computer.  From meridian points on the thumbs and fingers, the body’s energy pathways are recorded by the computer.  The results are then interpreted by trained professionals.

Identifying the problem is just the start.  Keeping yeast at bay can be achieved through a regimen of supplements as well as an anti-candida (yeast) diet.  The diet calls for avoiding grains, sugars and alcohol, and focusing on a diet of organic meats, fresh Pacific Northwest fish and plenty of fresh organic fruits and at least five servings of vegetables per day.

For more details about the Asyra AT3 and the anti-yeast diet, contact Alternatives at 827-9450.