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Category: Integrative Medicine

health benefits of apple cider vinegar | weight loss los angeles
5Feb

Does drinking apple cider vinegar or taking supplements that contain it help with weight loss? 

Do you know someone who swears by apple cider vinegar (ACV), for suppressing their appetite when they’re on a diet? What about you? Have you ever given it a try? 

If you have tried it as a diet aid, you would certainly not be alone. The popularity of using ACV for weight loss rises and falls but never seems to go away. This is true, whether talking about its traditional liquid form or one of the newer supplements, like the gummies that are currently being advertised on TV. 

What Exactly Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

 

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Apple cider vinegar is apple juice that has been fermented by adding yeast. It then converts the sugar in the fruit into alcohol. Bacteria then interact with the alcohol to form acetic acid. This is where we get the unique sourness and pungent odor associated with vinegar. 

The U.S. does not specify what constitutes ACV, so, depending upon the process and the manufacturer. Thus, it can be difficult to know the exact makeup and amounts of components contained in commercial products. That said, most from reputable sources will contain some amount of pectin, which is fiber from the apples, and may have various vitamins and minerals added.

What Are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

Other than having the power to spice up a salad dressing, what is ACV used for? It would seem that there are quite a few ways that people make use of it and have been for a very long time.

For thousands of years, many different cultures have believed that apple cider vinegar possessed a variety of healing properties. Therefore, it has been used as an antibiotic, detoxifier, strength enhancer and to treat scurvy. The ancient Greeks thought it beneficial for aiding in the treatment of wounds. Lastly, even Hippocrates, known as “the father of modern medicine”, was said to have used it, as well as honey, to treat a wide range of ailments. 

Today, the list of applications for ACV is long. From topical uses for sunburn, mosquito bites, acne and dandruff to serious conditions like osteoarthritis, diabetes and even cancer. There are those who believe that it is an effective treatment. It should be noted, especially with serious issues like diabetes and cancer, almost all evidence is anecdotal: very little science-based research has been done. 

Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss

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The one area where you most hear about apple cider vinegar is weight loss. Once again, the research on this is negligible. That said, from the research that has been done it is believed that there is a possibility that it may help stabilize blood sugar levels. This would be significant because it’s those fluctuations that so often lead to sugary snack cravings. 

There are also those who feel that ACV may cause you to want to eat less. What isn’t understood, however, is whether this is due to any intrinsic appetite suppressing quality. Conversely, is this just because the taste of the vinegar turns you against wanting any sort of food for the rest of the day? The latter would likely not be a viable long-term solution for weight control.

Conclusion

So, what’s the verdict on apple cider vinegar? Lack of research does not mean that it doesn’t have potential, and, for the most part, as long as used properly and in moderation, it is likely to do no harm. As for whether it is some sort of miracle cure or if it will actually help you lose weight, the verdict is still out. 

For now, the best way to take care of your health, including finding a weight loss program that works for you, is to find an experienced healthcare professional that you trust. 

The Southern California Center for Anti-Aging in Torrance, CA focuses on the practice of advanced, preventive and regenerative medicine. Serving all of Los Angeles county, we strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition. Further more, we believe that along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can help with creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life. To learn more about our holistic approach or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form.  

health benefits of apple cider vinegar

Benefits of Vitamin B12 Shots Los Angeles
21Feb

What Are The Benefits of Vitamin B12 Shots?

Do we get enough vitamin B12 in our diet or is it necessary to take supplements? We all know that it is important to take in the right amounts of vitamins and minerals in order to stay healthy, right? And, you would have to live in a cave not to be constantly assaulted with news reports about the lack of nutrients in today’s diet. Genetic modification, pesticides, pollutants in the air and water and who-knows-what added to the food consumed by cows, pigs and chickens make it extremely difficult to have faith that what ends up on our plates is actually good for us. 

What do we do? Most of us periodically prowl the aisles of health food stores or the section with vitamins in our local supermarket. Good intentions soon turn to frustration. There are long shelves lined with displaying the alphabet. Which ones do we need? What is a healthy dose versus one that may cause more harm than good? 

Too often, we end up being overwhelmed and head for the ice cream aisle! Not to knock the benefits of an occasional frozen treat but there is a better way. That Klondike bar may make you feel better for a moment, but consistently supplying your body with the nutrients it needs will do far more. Your choices are to either spend some time educating yourself on the subject of vitamins or consulting with a healthcare professional who can get you on the right track. 

What is The Importance of Vitamin B12?

Benefits of Vitamin B12 Shots Los Angeles

This investment in your health will pay off in every area of your life. There may be no better example than the importance of making sure you maintain the optimum level of vitamin B12. There are a whole series of B vitamins, but B12 is one of the most important. It is essential in producing DNA and red blood cells, as well as for the proper functioning of the nervous system and other processes throughout the body. 

The human body is an amazing biomechanical organism, but it cannot do everything all by itself. It requires B12, but, like most vitamins, the body must get them from an outside source. Because of the above-mentioned issues with our modern diet or through poor eating habits or other issues, many people do not take in the necessary amount of B12. Vegans are particularly vulnerable, as are older people, those with gastrointestinal absorption issues and anyone who has had weight-loss surgery. 

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

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It can be difficult to detect B12 deficiency because the signs and symptoms are all over the map and are often mistaken for something else. Plus, the onset can be gradual, with the level of intensity increasing slowly over time, or they can come on all of a sudden. Some of the symptoms associated with a deficiency of B12 include:

  • fatigue or general tiredness
  • anemia
  • depression, paranoia or even hallucinations
  • weakness
  • numbness in hands and feet
  • tingling or burning sensation in hands and feet
  • coordination and balance issues when walking
  • difficulty focusing or having memory loss
  • sleep issues
  • hair loss
  • constipation
  • loss of appetite
  • swollen tongue

What determines the need for supplements?

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In a perfect world, we would all have an abundant supply of organic, farm-to-table food that is loaded with every possible vitamin and mineral. Since most of us do not currently live in that world, the next best option is supplementation. If your healthcare professional has determined that you need additional B12, you can choose oral supplements or B12 injections. Both are effective, but oral supplements are slower and not all of the nutrient is absorbed by the body. 

If your B12 deficiency is at all significant, your physician may recommend a series of B12 injections to return this important nutrient to its proper levels as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may be at increased risk of a compromised immune system and susceptible to a wide range of diseases and medical issues. 

The Southern California Center for Anti-Aging focuses on the practice of advanced, preventive and regenerative medicine. We strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition, along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can help with creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life. To learn more about our holistic approach or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form. 

Holistic Health Services in Los Angeles With Dr. Judi Goldstone

Integrative Medicine Treating the Person Not the Symptom Los Angeles
19Dec

What makes integrative medicine different from conventional medicine? 
We’ve always been taught that one of the basic laws of nature is “survival of the fittest”. How this often works out is the process of an organism taking everything it has to work with and optimizing its potential for growth and strength. That is exactly what integrative medicine advocates; combining conventional medical treatments with programs focused on wellness, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness and a wide variety of other appropriate healing methods.  
Perhaps the most exciting feature of integrative medicine is its basic premise of seeking to treat the whole person and not simply eliminate symptoms. Unfortunately, this is definitely at odds with our current state of healthcare that has employees of insurance companies making decisions about treatment plans. There is hope that this will change, if for no other reason than the fact that overall patient wellness, which is a natural result of integrative medical practices, will also be healthy for the insurer’s bottom line.  
While there have always been those who turned to alternative methods of healthcare because of their individual values and belief systems, there has been a growing realization that having to choose between options is limiting. The recognition of the wisdom of a “whole person” approach has gained momentum and more and more people are seeking out practitioners who evaluate their patients individually and then make their recommendations based on a wide variety of methods. 

Integrative Medicine Is Not Complementary or Alternative Medicine

Integrative Medicine Treating the Person Not the Symptom Los Angeles

Complementary medicine and alternative medicine, or CAM when talking about both of them, are not the same as integrative medicine. Rather, all of the different practices that make up these broader umbrella terms are components of integrative medicine. Along with the latest state-of-the-art, conventional medical treatments, integrative medical practitioners have a wide variety of healing practices to choose from, some dating back before recorded history. A partial list of these include:

  • acupuncture
  • animal-assisted therapy
  • aromatherapy
  • biofeedback
  • biofield therapies, like reiki, healing touch, qigong, and polarity therapy
  • dietary supplements
  • exercise
  • hypnosis
  • massage 
  • music therapy
  • meditation
  • nutritional counseling
  • visualization or guided imagery
  • yoga

Conventional healthcare professionals have generally operated under the “disease model” of medicine. Most of the time, they would not see their patients until they were already sick or hurt. Integrative medicine practitioners treat illness and injury, also, but their primary focus is on wellness and the prevention of disease and injury. They do this by taking into account, not just physical stressors but also what may be affecting the patient mentally, emotionally and spiritually. 

How to Choose an Integrative Medicine Practitioner

Integrative Medicine Practitioner Los Angeles

Unless you have a recommendation from someone who knows you and whose opinion you trust, it’s never easy choosing a new doctor. Or a new massage therapist or yoga instructor. The best advice is to start where you are with a current physician or practitioner and see if they will recommend someone. 
Next, just do your homework. Ask questions and talk to those you are considering until you get a feel for whether they would be a good fit. If you are interviewing a conventional MD and they are dismissive about the possible benefits of massage or acupuncture, that’s a pretty good clue that “integrative” is not going to be a strong point. The same holds for someone who is an advocate of the healing properties of essential oils and believes that they are all you will ever need, no matter what the issue is. 
Once you have narrowed down potential candidates, ask about their education, experience and credentialing. Anyone with a problem or attitude about providing that information will have just made it easy to cross them off of your list. 
The process of finding the right integrative medicine practitioner may take some time and effort, but we’re talking about your health. Isn’t it worth it? 
The Southern California Center for Anti-Aging focuses on the practice of advanced, preventive and regenerative medicine. We strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition, along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can help with creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life. To learn more about our holistic approach or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form.  

chronic fatigue syndrome | functional medicine doctors LA
12Mar

What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?

A quarter of a century has passed since the last episode of the Golden Girls was filmed, but reruns of the award-winning sitcom can be found playing almost every day. Who would have thought that a series about four older women sharing a home in Florida would be so popular? But, it was. In fact, it won four Golden Globes and 11 EMMYS. A lot of the reason for that was that the writers and talented actors were able to not only make it extremely funny but also incorporate important storylines that deeply affected viewers.

One such memorable episode was actually a two-parter with the title “Sick and Tired” and was about chronic fatigue syndrome. Dorothy, played by Bea Arthur, had been struggling for months with what she believed to be a case of the flu that would not go away. She described how she felt as being too exhausted to get out of bed, lift her arms to wash her hair in the shower and, sometimes, even speak. She went from doctor to doctor, unable to get a diagnosis. Finally, finding someone familiar with chronic fatigue, she was able to understand what was actually going on. Even without there being a cure, simply being accurately diagnosed made a world of difference. One of the best scenes was her confrontation with a specialist who had been dismissive of her symptoms:

“Doctor Budd, I came to you sick, sick and scared and you dismissed me. You didn’t have the answer and instead of saying ‘I’m sorry I don’t know what’s wrong with you’, you made me feel crazy, like I made it all up. You dismissed me, you made me feel like a child, a fool, a neurotic who was wasting your precious time.”

The “Sick and Tired” episode was written nearly 30 years ago by Susan Harris, a television comedy writer and producer, who had been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome herself. Since that time, the disorder has been given a new name, myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), but there is still no known cause, diagnostic test or cure. There are theories that are being investigated and treatment recommendations for the various ME/CFS symptoms.

MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS & CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME CAUSES

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As stated, there is currently no known cause for ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is believed by many that there is a genetic component of some sort and that some people have a predisposition for chronic fatigue. Potential triggers that may be responsible for activating that trigger include:

  • Viral infections – some of those being studied as possible links include Epstein-Barr, herpes virus 6 and certain forms of leukemia viruses.
  • Impaired immune system – not nearly enough evidence to conclusively tie these together but it does seem reasonable that someone with a compromised immune system would be more susceptible.
  • Hormonal imbalances – it is known that those with ME/CFS often show abnormal levels of hormones, particularly those produced in the hypothalamus, as well as the pituitary and adrenal glands. How these are connected is currently unknown, but research is ongoing.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis may be a mouthful, but it may also be helpful to call this potentially disabling condition something that sounds more “real” than chronic fatigue, which people can sometimes dismiss as someone just being tired all of the time. Those struggling with ME/CFS experience severe and unrelenting fatigue, no matter how much rest they get, as well as deep muscle and joint pain, headaches, memory issues, depression and a host of other symptoms. It is important that they be taken seriously and that they receive treatment for their symptoms, even if there is currently no cure for their condition.
At the Southern California Center for Anti-Aging, we believe correcting imbalances and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy can help with symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, while also helping to create the foundation for a healthier and happier life.
To learn more about hormonal imbalance or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form.

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Holistic Health Services in Los Angeles With Dr. Judi Goldstone

Vitamin B12 and Depression Los Angeles
7Feb

How are low levels of Vitamin B12 and depression linked?

While most of us are guilty of making an offhand remark about depression from time to time, like “Yeah, I’m a little depressed today”, true depression is a significant, potentially life-changing condition that affects millions of people. It’s also very complicated; much more so than simply calling it a chemical imbalance.
While having too much or too little of certain chemicals in the brain can be a factor in depression, there are actually many possible causes, such as genetic predisposition, stressful or traumatic experiences, medical problems and reactions to drugs and medications. Inadequate levels of vitamin B, vitamin B12 in particular, may also be linked to depression. Researchers have yet to determine exactly why a lack of B12 leads to mood disorders, increased anxiety levels and depression, but it is believed that there may be a connection to the role it plays in the synthesis of mood-regulating brain chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine.
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the body. Its presence is necessary for the production of red blood cells and functions associated with nerves, DNA and other bodily processes. Despite how necessary B12 is, like most other vitamins, the body cannot make its own and must rely on food or some other form of supplementation. This can often result in a B12 deficiency, especially in older people. Many individuals simply do not consume the necessary amounts and others have gastrointestinal absorption issues and cannot absorb enough, no matter how much they take in. Vegans and those who are strict vegetarians are prime candidates for vitamin B12 deficiency, because it is not found in vegetables or other plants; only in meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products and other foods that come from animals. Anyone having weight-loss surgery is also at risk, because the operation hinders the body’s ability to extract the vitamin from food.

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency Los Angeles

Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest with a wide array of symptoms; sometimes all of a sudden and other times gradually, with intensity levels growing over time. One of the reasons that this condition is often misdiagnosed is that there is such a range of symptoms, making it easy to attribute to something else. Some of the symptoms include:

  • numbness, tingling, burning or other strange sensations in hands, legs or feet
  • staggering, coordination or balance problems when walking
  • constipation
  • appetite and weight loss
  • anemia
  • a swollen, inflamed or smooth tongue
  • jaundice
  • cognitive difficulties or memory loss
  • paranoia
  • hallucinations
  • physical weakness
  • fatigue

Vitamin B12 is crucial for brain function and, besides the other possible physical symptoms, deficiency can result in depression, psychosis, mania and dementia. For those who are unable to maintain an adequate level of vitamin B12, it is important that they consult with a healthcare professional and initiate a corrective plan. Suggestions for accomplishing this may include a change in diet, supplement recommendations or vitamin injections.

At the Southern California Center for Anti-Aging, we know how important nutrition is to health and well-being. Today’s diets are depleted of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and other nutrients due to the decreasing quality of our food supply, poor soil and busy lifestyles.   Vitamins are a crucial factor to feeling energetic, maintaining a strong immune system, and decreasing risk factors for many diseases. Once we have diagnosed your particular case through carefully administered testing, we will make our recommendations for dietary changes or supplementation, such as highly absorbable vitamin injections, based on your individual needs.

To learn more about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form.

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Holistic Health Services in Los Angeles With Dr. Judi Goldstone

Memory Loss & Cognitive function | Functional medicine LA
5Jul

Do mentally stimulating activities protect against memory loss? A recent study by researchers at the Mayo Clinic has determined that engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as, computer use, craft activities, social activities and playing games decreased cognitive impairment by between 22 and 30 percent. More specifically, it was determined that taking part in these types of activities, even late in life, has the potential to delay new-onset mild cognitive impairment.

The Mayo Clinic describes mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as “an intermediate stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal aging and the more-serious decline of dementia. It can involve problems with memory, language, thinking and judgment that are greater than normal age-related changes”.

As we grow older, it’s expected that we will gradually begin to notice that we are not as mentally nimble as we once were. Everyone experiences walking into a room only to forget why we are there and going temporarily blank when trying to remember a name or think of a word. When memory or other behavioral issues go beyond what is generally expected, it may indicate some level of cognitive impairment.

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Some possible warning signs include:

  • Forgetting things more often.
  • Inability to keep track of appointments or social engagements.
  • Losing your train of thought or getting lost in conversations, books or movies.
  • Feeling increasingly overwhelmed when making decisions or trying to make plans.
  • Familiar environments no longer feel familiar.
  • Becoming uncharacteristically impulsive or displaying poor judgment.
  • Any or all of the above becoming noticeable to family and friends.

The news that some or all of these symptoms can be prevented or, at least, slowed, is definitely welcome. By following nearly 2,000 participants for an average four years each, the study determined that computer use decreased new-onset mild cognitive impairment by 30 percent, while craft activities, social interaction and playing games decreased impairment by 28, 23 and 22 percent, respectively.

According to Yonas Geda, M.D., psychiatrist and behavioral neurologist at Mayo Clinic’s Arizona campus and senior author of the study, “Our team found that persons who performed these activities at least one to two times per week had less cognitive decline than those who engaged in the same activities only two to three times per month or less.”

Of course, not all memory loss is age-related. Other causes include:

los angeles lack of sleep

  • lack of sleep
  • stress
  • alcohol and drug abuse
  • chronic inflammation
  • vascular diseases
  • depression
  • boredom
  • insufficient nutrition
  • vitamin and mineral deficiency
  • free radical damage
  • hormone imbalance

While mentally stimulating activities have the potential of keeping the brain more agile and able to function at a higher level, at any age, the issues in the list above may require other means for correction. At the Southern California Center for Anti-Aging, we strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition, vitamin and antioxidant status, along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can offer help with memory issues while creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life.

To learn more about memory loss and what can be done, take advantage of our Free Consultation by calling (424) 247-4962 or click here to use our convenient online form.

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Holistic Health Services in Los Angeles With Dr. Judi Goldstone