Search Results

Did you know that Vitamin D a Super Hero of Vitamins? Actually, it is not a vitamin at all, but rather, a hormone and fat-soluble nutrient that is critical for life. Here are a few of Vitamin D’s super powers: Increased cognition Bone health Immune health Reduced blood pressure Decreases cardiovascular risk Reduces chance of colorectal cancer Reduces bone fractures Supports fat mass loss Reduces asthma flare ups in children Reduces flu risk Improves insulin sensitivity and secretion Increases lean muscle mass Decreases inflammation from auto-immune conditions Aids absorption of calcium Decreases symptoms of tuberculosis Boosts testosterone Reduces breast cancer risk Reduces risk of Multiple Sclerosis Reduces risk of pancreatic cancer Test…don’t guess. If you have not had your vitamin D levels tested, it can be completed through a simple blood test. Call the office today to learn more: (928) 776-1600. The information contained in this article is for information and education purposes only and is not medical advice. Do not use this information as an alternative to obtaining medical advice from your physician or other professional healthcare provider. Always consult with your physician or other professional healthcare provider about any medical conditions you are experiencing. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services for help.

At Innate Wellness & Medical Center, we use bio-oxidative therapies as potent supportive therapies to help augment other natural healing modalities. Activated oxygen, as found in peroxide (H2O2) and ozone (O3), is a power “oxidant.” You may know that your cells get their energy from a process called “cellular respiration.” This process is dependent on the presence of oxygen to produce the energy we need called ATP. Cancer cells get their oxygen from a process called fermentation. Fermentation requires no oxygen. When cancerous cells are surrounded by a richly oxygenated environment, they are less able to survive. Viruses cannot function well in a high oxygen environment, either. Activated oxygen in the bloodstream also causes something called, “lipid peroxidation,” which seems to help in the reduction of serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides; thus, helpful for cardiovascular disease as well. Activated oxygen also stimulates cell receptor sites in white blood cells, and plays a key role in stimulating the immune system. It works by stimulating lymphokines and cytokines from white blood cells called lymphocytes and monocytes. It also increases Tumor Necrosis Factor, Interferon and Interleukin production, all of which are the body’s natural defense agents against infectious microbes and carcinogens. Conditions That Benefit from Bio-Oxidative Therapies: Cardiovascular Disease: irregular heartbeats, angina, stroke, memory loss, Raynaud’s and other circulatory imbalances, vascular and tension headaches/migraines Infectious Disease: acute and chronic viral, fungal and bacterial infections. (Lyme Disease, Epstein Barr Virus, Herpes Simplex Virus, Zoster/shingles, hepatitis, HIV, candida and parasites). Pulmonary Disease: COPD, bronchitis, mycoplasma, pneumonia, emphysema Immune Issues/Auto-immunity: diabetes, hypersensitivity reactions, arthritis, MS Other Conditions: Cancers, chronic pain, colitis, Bell’s Palsy, chronic wounds and peripheral nerve regeneration. Bio-Oxidative Therapy Options offered at Innate Wellness & Medical Center: Major Auto Hemotherapy (MAH) IV Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) High Dose Vitamin C IVs UVB/UBI Blood Irradiation Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) The information contained in this article is for information and education purposes only and is not medical advice. Do not use this information as an alternative to obtaining medical advice from your physician or other professional healthcare provider. Always consult with your physician or other professional healthcare provider about any medical conditions you are experiencing. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services for help.

Spring has finally arrived. It is my most favorite season of them all, but I realize it can be a very miserable time of year for those with allergies. For some, it is no surprise that the greater Prescott area ranks high among those regions in the Southwest known for prevalent allergic pollens, trees, and grasses. In the last few weeks, our office has been flooded by those seeking relief from allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny noses, coughs, headaches, and general misery. There are several ways to address seasonal allergies, but almost all over the counter options provide only temporary relief from the symptoms (and the treatments themselves may invoke unwanted side effects). Alternative therapies are often sought because the intent is to address the reason the allergies exist to begin with, and these options often help the body’s immune system respond more appropriately with fewer troublesome symptoms. At Innate Wellness & Medical Center, we offer several options to address food, environmental and seasonal allergies, from Advanced Allergy Therapy (AAT) to homeopathy, nutritional programs, and supplemental support. Dr. Gemie will help you find relief so you can get back to enjoying the beautiful community we live in. Lifestyle Recommendations to Help Reduce the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies: Acquire a good air purifier to cleanse the air of allergens in the home and office; when cleaning, use a vacuum with Hepa filtration system Flush nasal passages with a neti pot. Nano silver and/or xylitol can be used as an effective nasal wash, as well. Detox your body to rid internal circulating allergens that keep triggering histamine release Shower again at the end of the day and either change clothes or thoroughly wash clothes that may have collected pollens and other allergens throughout the day – at a minimum, rinse your hair Delegate outdoor jobs like lawn work or animal care to others or wear a dust mask during outdoor activities Drink plenty of water throughout the day – if desired, add slices of cucumber, lemon, and blueberries Dietary Tips: Avoid sugar, dairy, and wheat products Consider taking 1 tsp daily of local, authentic raw honey for allergy prevention and histamine reactions **not for children under 1 year of age Eat foods rich in vitamin C and the bioflavonoid, quercetin, such as berries, tomatoes, peppers, citrus fruit, apples, broccoli, onion, and dandelion greens – avoid any if intolerant Eat foods with the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fats such as wild, cold-water fish like salmon, anchovies, and halibut; walnuts; flaxseed meal; and chia seeds Use the spice turmeric to flavor foods like soups, vegetables, and fish The information contained in this article is for information and education purposes only and is not medical advice. Do not use this information as an alternative to obtaining medical advice from your physician or other professional healthcare provider. Always consult with your physician or other professional healthcare provider about any medical conditions you are experiencing. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services for help.

In this article, we discuss the use of Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, also known as PRP Knee Injections. Some research is now moving away from trying to prove or not prove Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is effective for knee osteoarthritis. Now research is more trying to explain how PRP works and move forward with treatment guidelines from there. A new study acknowledges that Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains high concentrations of autologous (from you) growth factors that can repair the knee. Further they found that PRP may also provide the lubrication needed to protect the cartilage. The study researchers summarized that intra-articular injections of PRP have the potential to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee and that there is an influence on superficial zone protein (SZP) which is a boundary lubricant in articular cartilage and plays an important role in reducing friction and wear and therefore is critical in cartilage regeneration. Further, bovine cartilage explants (injection) were found to be influenced by PRP’s ability to stimulate natural knee lubricants. They concluded that PRP significantly stimulates cell proliferation and SZP secretion by articular cartilage and synovium of the human knee joint.(1) In other words PRP is acting like hyaluronic acid, except it is healing and regenerating the knee which hyaluronic acid is not designed to do. When treating the knee, our medical team utilizes a Comprehensive Prolotherapy injection technique, which may include a combination of healing factors. PRP is commonly used in conjunction with Dextrose Prolotherapy and Stem Cell Therapy. If stem cells are used, they would be drawn from the patient and then re-injected into the knee to stimulate tissue regrowth, such as in instances of knee osteoarthritis. This is to ensure that a more thorough treatment is given to the weakened area, versus a one-shot PRP approach. PRP and Osteoarthritis of the Knee Dextrose Prolotherapy alone has been shown to improve the quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis, “suggesting that Prolotherapy may have a pain-specific disease-modifying effect.”(2) With the addition of PRP, the results are even more remarkable. The PRP affects repair of the damaged cartilage, and the Dextrose Prolotherapy strengthens the supportive structures such as the weakened ligaments and tendons that most likely led to the cartilage degeneration in the first place. The goal of this type of Comprehensive Prolotherapy treatment is to repair the entire knee. While Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is a very promising regenerative treatment, it must be utilized by physicians who are experienced in its use. Some physicians may use PRP as a single dose treatment rather than as part of a comprehensive treatment program. Used this way PRP may not be as effective. For this reason , some researchers see the components, healing mechanisms, and outcomes of PRP as challenging, and though the treatment has reparative functions in osteoarthritis of the knee even with the single dose usage, they would like to see a standardized protocol.(3) More Than One PRP Injection Needed Testing whether or not Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) provides symptomatic relief in early knee osteoarthritis in athletes, researchers looked at 78 patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. The patients were then divided randomly into three groups. Group A (52 knees) received a single injection of PRP Group B (50 knees) received 2 injections of PRP 3 weeks apart Group C (46 knees) received a single injection of normal saline The three groups were compared with each other and no improvement was noted in group C as compared with groups A and B. The next part is interesting: there was no difference between groups A and B, which means that a single dose of PRP is as effective as two injections to alleviate symptoms in early knee osteoarthritis. The results, however, deteriorate after six months. Both groups treated with PRP had better results than did the group injected with saline only. Other than the fact that the PRP was found effective at alleviating symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee is the subsequent findings. Two PRP injections were no more effective than one and that the results deteriorated after six months.(4) Now these findings are somewhat in agreement with other recent research that suggests a single dose of PRP worked very well for a six-month time period but the results deteriorated.(5) Can PRP Prolotherapy Help the Patient Who Has Already Undergone Knee Surgery? Yes, PRP is effective at decreasing pain and improving symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic knee pain after surgery. Surgery entails cutting and the removal of structures. The knee joint requires these structures for cushion and stability and proper functioning. Without them, knee instability occurs. Knee ligament instability is the main cause of knee pain before and after a total knee replacement. “Instability of the knee is one of the most common causes of failure in knee arthroplasty,” because of “intraoperative injuries or excessive release of important coronal stabilizers such as the medial collateral ligament.”(6) Another researcher reports, “Ligament instability is the primary reason for revision total knee arthroplasty.”(7) PRP Prolotherapy strengthens the weakened ligaments and tendons that are causing instability and stabilizes the knee. PRP Prolotherapy helps the body repair the weakened structures and tissue so the knee can function optimally. References: 1. Sakata R, McNary SM, Miyatake K, Lee CA, Van den Bogaerde JM, Marder RA, Reddi AH. Stimulation of the Superficial Zone Protein and Lubrication in the Articular Cartilage by Human Platelet-Rich Plasma. Am J Sports Med. 2015 Mar 26. pii: 0363546515575023. [Epub ahead of print] 2.Rabago D et al. Association between disease-specific quality of life and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes in a clinical trial of prolotherapy for knee osteoarthritis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2013 Nov;94(11):2075-82. doi: l0.1016/j.apmr.2013.06.025. Epub 2013 Jul 10. 3. Chang KV, Hung CY, Aliwarga F, Wang TG, HanDS, Chen WS. Comparative Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Treating Knee Joint Cartilage Degenerative Pathology: A Svstematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2013 Nov 27. pii: S0003-9993(13)01212-4. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2013.11.006. [Epub ahead of print] 4. Patel S, Dhillon MS, Aggarwal S, Marwaha N, Jain A. Treatment With Platelet-Rich Plasma Is More Effective Than Placebo for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Trial. Am J Sports Med. 2013 Jan 8. [Epub ahead of print] 5. Halpern B, Chaudhury S, Rodeo SA, Hayter C, Bogner E, Potter HG, Nguyen J. Clinical and MRI Outcomes After Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis. Clin J Sport Med. 2012 Dec 12. [Epub ahead of print] 6. Del Gaizo DJ, Della Valle CJ. Instability in primary total knee arthroplasty. Orthopedics. 2011 Sep 9;34(9):e519-21. doi: 10.3928/01477447-20110714-46. 7. Graichen H, et al. Ligament instability in total knee arthroplasty-causal analysis. Orthopade. 2007 Jul;36(7):650, 652-6. The information contained in this article is for information and education purposes only and is not medical advice. Do not use this information as an alternative to obtaining medical advice from your physician or other professional healthcare provider. Always consult with your physician or other professional healthcare provider about any medical conditions you are experiencing. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services for help.

Melatonin Benefits You May Have Not Known In addition to it’s well known indication as a sleep aid, Melatonin, has a very important role in mitochondrial health and anti-aging. Mitochondria are known as the “powerhouse” of the cell and are responsible for the production of energy (ATP) that fuels and powers the human body. When our levels of cellular ATP decline, you feel fatigued, have poor recovery from physical and mentally challenging events and feel the “effects” of aging. Earlier this year, researchers discovered that melatonin plays a very important role in keeping our mitochondria healthy and functioning as designed. Melatonin can help protect our mitochondria by making the mitochondria disease resistant and slowing down the aging process. So how does this work? Well, in the 2017 study, researchers discovered that melatonin boosts production of an enzyme called CNPase. This enzyme’s activity is necessary for optimal mitochondrial function and energy production (ATP production). When we age, the production of this enzyme slows down drastically and cellular dysfunction, energy decline and dis-ease begin. Supplemental delivery of melatonin, along with good sleep hygiene and stress management can go a long way to slow down aging and stave off things like metabolic disturbances like diabetes and obesity. By this same mechanism, melatonin can slow or even halt neurodegenerative changes in the brain; help maintain skeletal muscle integrity; protect the heart during and after a heart attack; reverse the effects of damage from fatty liver and help maintain healthy cellular function of the liver, modulate inflammation and help with cancer treatments.

The warming sock treatment, also known as the “Magic Socks Treatment” by many, has numerous benefits when it comes to boosting the immune system and promoting health. The warming sock treatment is an at-home hydrotherapy treatment best known for its amazing ability to speed recovery from just about anything that ails you! It is great for children and adults alike. The therapeutic action of the treatment helps to calm the nervous system, decongest the head and chest areas, and stimulate white blood cell production and immune function to boost healing and repair. Here’s how the Magic Socks Treatment works. SUPPLIES NEEDED: 1 pair of cotton socks (at least 60% cotton; thin ankle socks are best) 1 pair of wool socks (predominantly synthetic socks will not work) HOW TO: 1. At bedtime: Wet the cotton socks in cold tap water and wring out really well until they are not dripping. Flatten and place in freezer for about 5-10 minutes. 2. After the cotton socks are placed in the freezer, heat up a hot foot bath and soak your feet in hot water for 2-3 minutes or take a hot shower to “warm up” 3. Remove frozen cotton socks from freezer and allow to thaw until you can bend them. Place cold/wet cotton socks on feet. 4. Pull dry wool socks on over cotton socks (as they will help to wick away the moisture during the night). 5. Go to bed and cover up with warm blankets. 6. While you sleep the “magic” socks will dry as your body has to heat up and increase circulation during the night. When you wake both pairs of socks should be completely dry. 7. Repeat for 3 nights or until fever and congestion have cleared. It sounds a little crazy, but it’s actually quite soothing and will help promote a good night’s sleep, too. You will wake up with dry, cozy feet…and feeling a whole lot better!

The combination of these ingredients provides relief from sinus symptoms/concerns, influenza, UTI infections, and colds. It is best taken at first sign of illness throughout the duration (take 3-4 T/day in divided doses). Ideally, it is prepared with fresh, organic ingredients and stored in a glass container in the refrigerator. You can put it on a rice cracker, in salsa or hummus, mix in spaghetti sauce (best raw and not cooked), or eat it straight off the spoon in near proximity of food/drink due to strong flavor. ANTI-PLAGUE FORMULA Tweak the recipe below to your liking. Combine equal parts of the following: White or yellow onion Fresh garlic Fresh horseradish root peeled and diced Fresh ginger Put all of the above into a food processor/blender and add a splash of raw apple cider vinegar to help with blending. If desired, you can add cayenne powder, turmeric powder or root, and Manuka Honey. Process to a smooth paste consistency, consume, and kill whatever critters ail you.