Brenda's Personal Story

Take a trip in time with me…
You’re in your early forties and looking at taking some responsible measures for your future. So, you contact an insurance company and request that you be evaluated for a life insurance policy.  Of course, they are happy to accommodate this request and you meet with the clinical evaluator to determine your level of health. 
 You are informed that depending on where you score in this evaluation determines the rate for which you qualify.  Of course, the better your health, the greater rate of return you receive on your policy.  “Rarely does anyone receive an outstanding score,” is what you’re told.  “A good health score is more common and this is what you should expect in this evaluation.”

But your health score is OUTSTANDING.  You hear the excitement in the voice of the sales rep as he tells you this type of health score rarely is seen.  (In your mind you are thinking that you are likely his first client with this score).  You sense his excitement as he begins to write the policy for you.

Nine months later, age 43, you are admitted into the hospital in diabetic ketoacidosis.  You are told that you are a type 1 (juvenile) diabetic.  Due to the suddenness of the onset of symptoms, your doctor also tells you that pancreatic cancer is suspected and they want to rule this out with an immediate CT scan.

What happened?  How can outstanding health turn to a significant diagnosis in such a short time?  

The answer?  The explanation?  Stress.  Overwhelming stress that was not managed in a healthy, positive, empowering fashion.

This is Brenda’s story.  

I was working over 60 hours per week as I was trying to balance one demanding career (perfusion) while growing my thermal imaging business.  To “fill-in” the monetary gaps, on occasion, I was also driving to UCLA on weekends and holidays to pick-up extra 12-hour shifts. 

Although I was devastated to learn that I was a Type 1 diabetic, I was suddenly grateful that I was ONLY a diabetic.  The CT for pancreatic cancer was negative.

The stress I was under and the way I chose to handle the stress certainly played a role in my diagnosis.  Of this I am convinced.  I can only move forward and live with this diagnosis as best I can, staying active, eating healthy and managing stress in a healthy and empowering way.  I feel compelled to share my story with others with the hopes of helping them look for better solutions for dealing with life’s stressors and more importantly, avoiding a diagnosis. 

On Saturday, August 15^th Mo-mentum Fitness will be hosting an interactive clinic where you can learn some practical ways to manage the stressors life throws at us.  Alicia Murphy, owner of Stress Monkee has developed a fun and interactive program that helps you turn stress into a “super power!”  

At this event you will hear Alicia share her story of why she feels compelled to help people manage stress productively.  You will be an active participant in learning positive ways and techniques to manage stress such as:

• How to change your views about stress
• Understand how stress affects your life
• How to physically train your body to handle stress positively

The name of the game is fun, fun, fun (and lots of laughing!!!)
This workshop is fun for all people including teens and adults.  Casual dress or workout attire is appropriate.

Details

Date:	HAPPYness Hour on Saturday, August 15th
Time:	4 – 5 pm
Location:	Mo-mentum Fitness (Bolsa Chica/Heil) 16470 Bolsa Chica Huntington Beach, CA  92649
RSVP:	714.756.1501 (RSVP is appreciated)
Web:	mo-mentumfitness.com
Cost:	Suggested donation of $25 (*to benefit Brenda’s efforts in raising money for a diabetic alert service dog)

As some of you may know, I am working to raise money to purchase a Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD).  I have had some “lows” that I don’t always recognize.  My dog will also alert me if my blood sugar spikes, thereby, allowing me to treat it appropriately and quickly.  To read more about my efforts and reasons for getting a service dog, click here.

The event at Mo-mentum Fitness is in part, a fundraiser to benefit my efforts in purchasing my service dog. 

 

 

Here is how you can participate if you live in CA

Attend the event!  (Of course, this one is obvious!!!)

 

Here is how to benefit if you do not live in the area

Go to:  stressmonkee.com and register for the free video series

 

Donate

Credit card donations

Personal checks made payable to Brenda Witt and mailed to her at:
Brenda Witt
1901 Newport Blvd., STE 350
Costa Mesa, CA  92627

Cash donations can be handed directly to Brenda. 

 Before you donate, understand that this is NOT a tax deductible donation and donations cannot be returned (refunded)
 
I hope you will join us on Saturday, August 15^th in Huntington Beach.  If you cannot attend, consider registering for the free video series.  Learn to turn stress into your super power.  My hope by sharing my story, it inspires you to take positive steps now.  It may save you from a diagnosis in the future.  Trust me.  I know.

With sincere gratitude and appreciation for all of our readers, clients and friends,

Brenda Witt

Exciting Changes for PHS

We had a great time reading the responses we received from some of our readers regarding our last newsletter.  Thank you for sharing your “scores” on our Pop Quiz and for sending in your comments.  We do try our best to educate our clients about the benefits of DITI as well as the limitations of this technology.

The question that received the most comments and seemed to trip up most of our readers was about family history versus estrogen dominance and which played the most significant role as a risk factor for developing breast cancer.

Many believed that family history is more significant as a risk factor for developing disease.  However, the truth is that the greatest risk factor women face today with respects to developing breast cancer is hormonal status; specifically estrogen levels.  A future newsletter will go into more depth with respects to this aspect of illness and disease.  

This month’s newsletter we will dedicate to sharing some exciting changes Proactive Health Solutions is going through including the introduction of two new team members!

Many of you know that Juanita Garcia has been working towards receiving her Level 1 thermographer certification and I am happy to announce she has been successful in her endeavor!!
Juanita has been working for more than one year to learn all she could to prepare for her testing.  She had to learn health history intake, brush up on her anatomy and physiology (she is a licensed massage therapist, so some of this information was just a review), and learn the proper patient protocols, clinic protocols, images and labels and correct and factual information about thermography. . . .all while having to deal with Lynda!!!!

All joking aside, Juanita worked diligently and professionally watching all videos, reading all literature she could get her hands on and going online to find more.  She continues to grow and learn more about thermography, breast and overall health and strives to “practice what she preaches” while reaching out to women and men to help them, too.

Juanita is bilingual and is a HUGE benefit to Lynda as she looks to expand into the market south of Tucson as well as to reach those in Tucson who are mono-lingual Spanish speakers.  Proactive Health Solutions has already benefited from Juanita’s linguistic skills as she works with several women using DITI who speak limited English. 

Welcome Juanita and THANK YOU for your dedication, commitment and service!
Our other new member is our sister, Jacki.  Jacki lives in Peoria, AZ with her husband and two children. . . .our beloved niece and nephew, Kate and Matthew!  Jacki has her BS in physical therapy and a penchant for health and wellness.  She is a seeker of knowledge and digs deep to find out as much information as possible before making health decisions for her and her family.

Jacki is the office manager for Brenda in California and will assume responsibility as the main appointment scheduler for all returning clients in California.  Jacki will be contacting the California clients in the coming months to schedule their annual appointment(s). Jacki is going to be a great asset to Brenda and is sure to be kept busy with the many growing back office responsibilities.

To schedule your CALIFORNIA appointment, please contact:

Jacki:  949-236-6104 (on Google voice)
Email:  Appointment@ProactiveHealthSolutions.org   

---

Brenda and Lynda can still be reached at:

Brenda:  714-600-6285 
Email:     Brenda@ProactiveHealthSolutions.org   

Lynda:    520-235-7036 (cell)
               520-209-1755 (office)
Email:     Lynda@ProactiveHealthSolutions.org

One final exciting update includes a new web site.  Proactive Health Solutions is in the process of updating our current web site.  Naturally, our web address will be the same, but there will be a different look and feel to the site with more graphics showing all the many regions we image and the findings determined for each region.  

We are so very grateful for the expansion of our business in Arizona and California!  We simply love our clients and we appreciate your business!

Yours in health,

Brenda and Lynda

 Pop Quiz

We hope to “spring” on our readers a short, but informative, newsletter QUIZ!!!  We believe our clients are very well educated about thermography and this quiz will prove us RIGHT. . .or wrong.  But either way, you may learn something new and/or confirm something you thought you knew.

So, take just a moment to answer these few questions and then check your answers with ours within the body of the newsletter. . .No peeking!!!    

1. The greatest risk factor for developing breast cancer is

1. still unknown at this time 
2. previous history of mastitis or other breast diseases
3. estrogen dominance
4. a family history of this disease  

2. Which statement best describes thermography?

1. Thermal imaging can show abnormal structure not seen on other tests
2. Thermal imaging is used to determine stable physiology and then watch for changes over time
3. Thermal imaging replaces other imaging technologies
4. Thermal imaging is the best screening for determining if you have cancer anywhere in your body

3. On average, an active breast cancer tumor doubles in cell number every

1. 3 months 
2. 6 months
3. 9 months
4. 12 months 

4. True or false? 
   All women, starting at age 18, have stable breast physiology, can establish a baseline, and then have comparative studies annually

5. Prior to your thermogram appointment, which of the following things should you avoid?

1. Lotion, oil, powder, and deodorants over the areas being scanned
2. Excessive sun exposure to the area of the body being scanned
3. Tobacco use and consumption of caffeine two hours before your thermogram
4. Body work of any type (massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, etc.) or   strenuous workouts
5. All of the above are things to avoid prior to a thermogram 
   
   So, here we go!  We start by answering Question #1 with this most sobering news article about the increase in breast cancer diagnoses.
   
   Sadly, the breast cancer projection is bleak as “the number of U.S. women diagnosed with breast cancer could rise by as much as 50 percent within the next 15 years, according to new government predictions.”  
   
   According to researchers, the rise in breast cancer tumors will be the ER positive type – those whose growth is fueled by estrogen.  Estrogen dominance is the single greatest risk factor for developing breast cancer in the future. 
   
   My sister and I have written newsletters in the past about this exact issue.  However, estrogen that our bodies create may not be the concern nearly as much as the xenoestrogens found in our world today.
   
   Xenoestrogens are “foreign” estrogens that are consumed through environmental means and best defined as “hormone disruptors.”  They act at the same site as natural hormones and exert the same effects of estrogen:  cell growth and increased cell division.
    
   Xenoestrogens can create an estrogen dominant scenario.  Estrogen dominance is also the greatest risk factor for the development of ovarian and endometrial cancers. 
   
   Estrogen Dominance, a term coined by John Lee, MD and is defined as any amount of estrogen NOT off-set by an adequate amount of progesterone. As a woman transitions into menopause, progesterone production declines nearly twice as fast as estrogen.  Xenoestrogens are found in foods treated with pesticides and insecticides as well as any products that are petroleum-based.  This list may include:  lotions, soaps, shampoos, hair spray, cosmetics, room deodorizers, solvents, cleaning products and plastics (water bottles, food storage containers, etc). 
   
   Question #2 deals with common requests my sister and I get. . .all too often.  People will call and ask about using thermography as a replacement for a colonoscopy, mammogram, MRI, CT, etc. and if thermography will let them know if they have cancer anywhere in their body.  
   
   In a word, NO, thermography cannot replace any other test of structure and is used as an adjunctive tool to aide in diagnosing disease and dysfunction, but does not replace other types of imaging. 
   
   We hear your cries. . .we understand your concerns about several of these other tests that involve radiation and / or compression and we feel your pain!  However, DITI, a test of physiology does not replace a test of structure. . .and vice versa!  Here is a great link to watch a very short clip explaining DITI, mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs.
   
   What my sister and I can also offer is this link to help you decide if routine screening with mammography is right for you. This pamphlet explains the harms and benefits and is the most straight-forward accounting of the truth about routine screening for women at average risk.  Please take a moment to read it, download it and share with others.
   
   DITI is not a cancer screening tool, either, as some would believe.  We have also written about this in the past.  Thermography is phenomenal in the following four areas:
   
   • Risk Assessment
   • Detection (but not as a stand – alone technology)
   • Prevention / Early Intervention
   • Monitoring Effects of Treatment 
   
   The best possible use of thermal imaging is first to determine stable physiology and then watch for changes over time that could alert us to early formation of disease or to let us know of high levels of inflammation, hormonal imbalances, dental pathologies, etc.
   
   The answer to Question #3 is best shown with the help of this chart:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As you can see, on average, breast cancer cells double in number every 90 days (3 months).The follow up study that is performed at the 3 month mark helps determine if breast physiology is stable and allows for each woman to establish their unique breast baseline.  All annual studies are then compared to this stable baseline to alert women to changes that may warrant further testing.  This time frame is average, but for younger women, the cell doubling rate can be faster.  
   
   As we learn more about women’s physiology, we have come to understand that breast development is not complete until a woman is in her mid to late 20’s.  So the answer to Question #4: It is not until around age 25+ that a woman can establish a stable breast thermogram.  In 2013, several news outlets (ABC, Fox News, etc) stated that women aged 25-39 was the fastest rising demographic to receive an advanced stage breast cancer diagnosis.   This is most troubling because breast cancer in younger women tends to be faster growing with lower survival rates than older women. 
   
   Thermography only sees heat and watches for changes over time.  Chances of seeing a developing pathology at an early stage through emitted heat can only be seen with DITI.  So there would be value in beginning screening at this early age.  As a tumor begins to develop, heat patterns may be detected that can alert us to a serious pathology at an earlier stage of development.  
   
   However, not all tumors have a heat signature associated with them and if that is the case, we won’t see its development thermographically at any stage of growth.  All women, of any age, have an increased risk of developing breast cancer if she is estrogen dominant.  
   
   We believe that the prudent, protective, and preventative approach would be to begin screening thermographically at this young age BUT to also be evaluated annually for estrogen dominance.  Young women who are found to be estrogen dominant, with naturally high(er) estrogen levels and higher metabolic rates make it likely that tumors in these women will double at a much faster rate than the average.  And if breast cancer develops, it tends to grow rapidly as the estrogen fuels an ER positive tumor.  It is because women of this age are NOT screened (nor are they warned and monitored for estrogen dominance), that if breast cancer is found, it is usually in an advanced stage.
   
   
   Lastly, we come to Question #5 regarding what to avoid prior to your thermogram.  Basically, option E is the correct answer and all items listed as possible answers are what need to be avoided.
   
   So, how did you do?  How many did you get right out of the 5 questions?  Please reply with your score!  We promise NOT to post it in our next newsletter! 
   
   Yours in health,
   Brenda and Lynda
    

Is Your Diet Pro - Inflammatory?

Happy 2015!
A new year offers us an opportunity to examine parts of our life that we wish to be different. For most of us, we look for ways to bring healthy habits into our life while eliminating (or reducing) the “less-than-healthy” choices. We encourage the adoption of vibrant lifestyle choices that bring balance and energy to our lives. We also believe that the best way to do this is to focus carefully on food. 

The following recommendations are made to help reduce inflammation. As we’ve said many times before, inflammation is the root cause of disease. Consistently reducing the inflammation in your body is truly one of the most protective habits you can take on that will help improve overall health.

1. Sugar consumption

Of all the dietary culprits, refined sugars, especially high fructose corn syrup is likely the pinnacle molecule that destroys health. Sugar is pro-inflammatory. The average American eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) consumes approximately 22 teaspoons of sugar each day in the form of added sugar.

Common sources of added sugar include: beverages/soda, grain-based desserts, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, and candy

Do you drink soda? Diet soda? Do you consume fruit juices and fruit smoothies? Multiple studies show that these types of beverages will dramatically increase your risk for developing metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2, and heart disease simply due to the continual exposure of inflammation from these beverages. 

The case report below is a classic example of the inflammatory effects of excessive sugar consumption:

Annual breast thermogram (2004)No thermal changes seen; annual imaging is advised	Annual breast thermogram (Dec 2007)Thermal changes in both breasts; client is At Risk for developing pathology. Clinical correlation is advised and repeat thermogram in three months.	Breast thermogram (March 2008) Thermal patterns were reported again as stable; client is At Low Risk for developing pathology. Annual imaging is advised.

In the case study above, the only reported lifestyle changes she had made was increased sugar consumption during the holiday season (December 2007). After returning to her usual healthy diet, the thermal patterns did resolve.

2. Processed vegetable oils

If you have not yet viewed the outstanding YouTube video, The Oiling of America, we strongly encourage you to carve out time to do this. 

In this two-hour video, Sally Fallon-Morell (president of the Weston A. Price Foundation) uncovers the truth about the damaging effects of using processed vegetable oils in lieu of “real” fats. Truly, you will be outraged at the “cover-up” of the scientific evidence related to processed fats, saturated fats, and health. 

Saturated fats (mainly, animal fats) were once deemed deadly and portrayed as “a heart attack waiting to happen.” Avoiding coconut meat and coconut oil, also a saturated fat, was also recommended as these too, would surely send you to the hospital with the classic symptoms of a heart attack. As it turns out, the consumption of trans fats(created through a chemical process called partial hydrogenation) has shown to be far-more dangerous and unhealthy than consuming saturated fat. In fact, in 2013 the FDA stated that partially hydrogenated oils (which contain trans fats) are not "generally recognized as safe.” This statement is expected to lead to a ban on industrially produced trans fats from the American diet. (Finally! A good idea from the FDA)

These foods likely contain partially hydrogenated oils/trans fats: some nut butters, crackers, cookies and other baked goods, snack items like potato chips, and salad dressings.

Vegetable oil consumption also leads to a lopsided ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Consuming the typical Standard American Diet (SAD) creates a 1:20 or even up to 1:50 omega-3 to omega-6 fat ratio. The ideal ratio of omega 3’s to omega 6’s is anywhere between 1:1 (ideal) and not more than 1:5. Look to add more omega-3’s to your diet through supplementation, such as Moxxor or through eating more wild-caught fish. Although some nuts are high in omega-3 fats, others are a rich source of omega-6 fatty acids. Use your discretion.

Foods rich in Omega 3 fats: Chia seeds, walnuts, ground flax meal, legumes (navy, pinto, kidney beans), and some seafood.

Soybean oil. Soybeans grown in the US are genetically engineered. Be cautious of partially hydrogenated (genetically engineered) soybean oil. Any foods with soybean oils, like all trans fats, needs to be completely eliminated from your pantry and cupboards.

 

3. Wheat and grains

Wheat lectin, also known as wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) is the portion of the wheat plant that is responsible for ill-effects related to inflammation in the GI system. All seeds of the grass-family (rice, spelt, rye, corn, oats, millet, teff, etc) contain these gut-damaging lectins leading to chronic inflammation. As we discussed in our December 2014 newsletter, wheat is exposed to glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup. In essence, Roundup significantly disrupts the functioning of beneficial bacteria in the gut and contributes to permeability of the intestinal wall, leading to chronic disease.

Thermogram prior to strictly adhering to a gluten-free diet (left) and after. Client also has diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and her antibodies were VERY high. After 3 months with no gluten, her blood work showed her antibodies had decreased by 300 points and her abdominal image has greatly improved along with embedded temperatures showing a positive response to her dietary choices.

4. Eggs and nutrient content

Eggs, like saturated fats, were regarded as unhealthy specifically due to their high cholesterol content and potentially leading to heart disease. According to a 2007 comparative study of nutrient content of eggs from caged chickens vs. free-range chickens and published in Mother Earth News, free-range chickens produced eggs that were higher in vitamin A, contained more omega-3 fatty acids, had three times more vitamin E and up to seven times more beta carotene. The egg yolk of free-range chickens that eat greens is usually bright yellow and sometimes orange in color. Cage-fed chickens fed grains will only produce pale-yellow yolks.

You are in control of your health. A diet that promotes health is...

• Low in sugar
• High in healthy fats, rich in Omega 3’s
• Low in grains
• All meat and protein sources (such as eggs) need to come from free-range, grass fed animals not exposed to harmful antibiotics.
• To bring balance to your fatty acid ratio, consider consuming either a rich omega-3 supplement or adding wild-caught fish to your diet.

If you already are aware of these good health practices, consider sending this email to a friend who has made a “resolution” to get healthy. She or he may not be aware of the inflammation they may be adding to their diet by following the typical Standard American Diet. . . and that would be sad!

Reducing inflammation is truly the best way to “get healthy” in 2015 and beyond. 

In health,

Brenda and Lynda
 

Inflammation and Gut Health

Sub clinical.  If a finding is “sub clinical,” what does that mean?  Essentially, sub clinical means that “you’re not complaining about it right now.”  Something was seen either through imaging (x-ray, CT, etc) or through blood work (elevated cholesterol, low thyroid function, etc) but you don’t “feel” like it’s a problem.  It didn’t alert you that you needed to see your physician.  It’s sub clinical. 

Inflammation is ALWAYS the initiating factor to an eventual diagnosis.  Thermal imaging is a way to monitor for areas of inflammation in the body.  Inflammation indicates an unhealthy situation and potentially, a future diagnosis.  

What about autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, or Dermatomyositis, to name a few?  Did inflammation contribute to this type of diagnosis?

We know for certain that an autoimmune diagnosis has one commonality:  increased intestinal permeability also known as leaky gut.  A leaky gut leads to inflammation and plays a role in the diagnosis of an autoimmune disease*.  Optimizing gut health is crucial to optimizing health.  

In this month’s newsletter we elucidate the role thermography plays in identifying “sub clinical” inflammation, specifically in the GI system.  Inflammation seen in the gut would allow the client to take immediate steps towards reducing inflammatory patterns in an attempt to not only avoid a diagnosis, but to optimize overall health.

* Sarah Ballantyne, PhD.  The Paleo Approach:  Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body contains multiple references

Below we enumerate five components for a healthy and happy gut followed by some thermographic before/after images of clients’ GI systems.

Five (5) components for gut health:

1. Remove gluten (wheat) from your diet

The standard wheat harvest protocol in the US is to drench the fields with the herbicide, Roundup.  The active ingredient of Roundup, glyphosate, is added to a wheat field several days before harvest causing desiccation of the wheat stalk. This practice then allows the entire wheat field to be harvested at the same time, thereby, increasing the yields.  This practice is banned in several countries but has been an acceptable practice in the United States for the past 15 years.  

Note: The Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom reports that the use of Roundup as a wheat desiccant “result in Glyphosate residues regularly showing up in bread samples.”

Glyphosate disrupts beneficial gut microbes which are responsible for the synthesis of critical amino acids.  These amino acids help maintain a healthy gut lining.  A disruption of the friendly gut bacteria can lead to increased permeability known as “leaky gut.” 

In essence, Roundup significantly disrupts the functioning of beneficial bacteria in the gut and contributes to permeability of the intestinal wall and consequent expression of autoimmune diseases.  Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the herbicide and is suggested to be the key contributor to:  obesity, autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, infertility, depression, and cancer. 

We encourage you to click this link to read the full, 26-page report of the relationship between the increased use of glyphosate and the increased incidence of certain autoimmune diseases.

September 2013

Thermologist Interpretation: Thermal activity throughout the upper abdomen has intensified compared to 9-19-2011 and is more extensive towards the right. Hepatic dysfunction is a consideration and laboratory assessment is recommended. Hyperthermia involving the lower pelvis R > L has increased and appears to be lymph related. No finding is evident with regards to the pelvic viscera

Diet prior to June 2010 consisted of fast foods and soft drinks; highly processed foods. This client was not restricting wheat/gluten intake. Thermologist interpretation “inspired” this client to make critical dietary changes. Changes were made, but the gut was slow to respond until client began adhering to a more rigid diet removing all gluten and grains from September 2013 – September 2014.

September 2014

Thermologist Interpretation: Upper quadrant thermal activity has decreased compared to 9-27-2013. Residual thermal activity is evident towards the left and may correspond to the spleen or to the splenic flexure region of the large bowel. No current finding is evident with regards to the liver. Pelvic level thermal activity has largely resolved as well. There is no indication as to current visceral dysfunction. Abdominal region thermal activity has likewise decreased and the recent change in diet may have relevance.

Diet since September 2013 - current: Gluten-free and grain-free diet. Client is now following the Auto-Immune Protocol as suggested by Sarah Ballantyne, PhD.

2. Take digestive enzymes

Low stomach acid is a common problem due to increasing age, adrenal fatigue/chronic adrenal stimulation, alcohol consumption, bacterial infection, chronic stress, and certain medications.  Ideally, when food enters the stomach and small intestine, the acidic contents signals the pancreas to release digestive enzymes.  Low stomach acid would cause inadequate release of digestive enzymes resulting in the inadequate breakdown and subsequent malabsorption of micronutrients.  Undigested food in your intestines can then slow the movement of food through your gut leading to inflammation and gut dysbiosis.

3. Add L-Glutamine 

L-Glutamine is an amino acid that's helpful in healing a damaged gut, and is a key component to helping repair a leaky gut.  Glutamine reduces intestinal permeability and aids in healing the mucosal lining.  In her book, The Paleo Approach:  Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body, author Sarah Ballantyne, PhD suggests the use of a non immune-stimulating (non-inflammatory) glutamine supplement called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) in capsule form. 

Caution: Chewable DGL may contain sugar alcohols or other undesirable ingredients. Capsule form may be a better option.

Search the internet for a good source of DGL or eat glutamine-rich foods such as:

• Gelatin, unsweetened
• Grass-fed Bison
• Sardines and Salmon
• Spinach, scallions, coconuts and dates

4. Probiotics, probiotics, probiotics

Critical to gut restoration and bringing balance to your GI system requires adequate intake of high-quality probiotics. 
Adding probiotics to your diet can be achieved through supplementation or by adding lacto-fermented vegetables and lacto-fermented drinks to your diet.  Fermenting vegetables was once how food was preserved before refrigeration was available.  The fermentation process allows the growth of favorable Lactobacilli bacteria to flourish and grow.  The process of lacto-fermentation happens when the starches and sugars within the vegetables are converted to lactic acid by the friendly bacteria lactobacilli.  The lactic acid acts not only as a preservative for foods, but also promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the GI tract.

If you are interested in making your own lacto fermented vegetables or want to learn how to make other probiotic-rich recipes, click this link to learn more and sign-up for free e-books about fermentation.

5. Relax

Stress is damaging to the GI system, and anyone suffering from a poorly functioning GI tract would benefit from learning various stress-management techniques. This will help get the gut back into better balance.  Meditation, yoga, prayer are a few suggestions but relaxation can also include a walk outdoors, talking to a psychotherapist or developing an appropriate hobby (knitting, reading, etc). 

Thermologist Interpretation (March 2011) There are irregular areas of hyperthermia over the ascending, transverse and descending colons, which suggest inflammation and raise the question of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).These findings may relate to the reported intestinal issues. The thermal findings over the abdomen suggest colon dysfunction.

Thermologist Interpretation (June 2011) The previously-noted irregular areas of hyperthermia over the ascending, transverse and descending colons, which suggest inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), have decreased in intensity.

Although the differences in the images above don’t seem significantly different, this represents only a three-month interval of time after making dietary changes.  

It has been said that 80% of your immunity begins in your GI tract.  Being willing to make dietary changes to optimize gut health is critical to achieving and maintaining overall optimal health.  Eliminating gluten is only the first step.  Restoring your GI system with nutrient-dense foods rich in active enzymes, L-glutamine, and healthy probiotics is also required.  And finally, managing life stressors effectively and healthily is certainly a key component to better overall health, too.
 
Thermal imaging is a tool that can visualize current GI health and monitor for improved thermal patterns after dietary modifications.  Unmanaged (or sub clinical) inflammation is a precursor to a problem in the future.

In health,

Brenda and Lynda Witt

10 Tips for Preventing Breast Cancer

We are right in the middle of October, you know, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we thought we would offer our readers tips on how to prevent breast cancer rather than focusing on finding or detecting cancer.

These tips come from the organization called Breast Cancer Fund. This organization works to move the conversation from awareness of breast cancer to the prevention of the disease.  These tips can help shift an individual from a position of awareness to one of personal action and empowerment.

 

1. Lower your exposure to medical radiation

Although X-rays and CT scans can give critical information for diagnosing medical problems, exposure to this kind of radiation is the longest and most firmly established environmental cause of breast cancer. Keep a record of your medical radiation exposure and discuss with your medical care team whether or not the tests are necessary and whether there may be alternative tests that don’t use radiation, such as an MRI or ultrasound.  

 

2. If you eat meat, choose hormone-free

The synthetic growth hormone Zeranol is one of the most widely used chemicals in the U.S. beef industry, even though it’s been banned in the European Union since 1989. It mimics estrogen and studies have shown cancer cells exposed to Zeranol-treated beef show significant increases in cancer growth.

 

3. Choose organic fruits and veggies—avoid pesticides

Pesticides are formulated with the intent of destroying pests—it’s no wonder that they’re harmful to our health as well. Studies have shown that some herbicides and pesticides stimulate growth of breast cancer cells or cause mammary cancer in rats. Therefore, you should go for certified organic produce, which is grown without toxic pesticides and herbicides.

 

4. Choose cleaning products that tell you what’s in them…or make your own

Ever notice that those strong-smelling window cleaners and scouring powders you use don’t list ingredients on their labels? That’s because no law requires manufacturers to do so, even though these products often contain chemicals linked to breast cancer and other serious health problems. Look for products made by companies that voluntarily disclose ingredients, or learn how to make your own. A little bit of baking soda and vinegar will go a long way.

 

5. Ditch your Teflon pots and pans

Although there’s no denying they make our life easier, nonstick pans and stain-resistant materials can contain toxic perfluorinated chemicals. These endocrine disruptors have been associated with delayed menstruation, later breast development and increased incidence of breast cancer. Alternatives include anodized aluminum, stainless steel or cast iron.

 

6. Avoid toxic kids PJs

Even though some flame retardants have been phased out of kids pajamas, these harmful ingredients have been replaced with other dangerous chemicals. Stay away from PJs labeled “flame resistant,” and pick snug-fitting alternatives that provide fire safety without toxic chemicals.

 

7. Don’t be fooled by “natural” claims on beauty products

The beauty industry is virtually unregulated in the U.S., and many toxic chemicals can be found in the most common of makeup, shampoos, lotions and other personal care products. A claim of “organic” or “natural ingredients” still leaves plenty of room for harmful ingredients.

 

8. Avoid canned foods

While the endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) has been banned from baby bottles, sippy cups, and infant formula packaging, it is still widely used to line food cans. More than 300 laboratory and human studies have linked low levels of BPA exposure to a staggering number of health problems, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, infertility, early puberty, and diabetes. Even minuscule amounts have been shown to disrupt normal prenatal development. Avoid canned foods and learn more.

 

9. Find safe ways to fight germs

Triclosan was initially developed as a surgical scrub for medical professionals, but in recent years it has been added to a host of consumer products, from kitchen cutting boards to shoes. Triclosan in cosmetics, antibacterial soaps and body washes may contribute to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Endocrine disruption, allergies, organ system toxicity are among the additional health concerns associated with this prevalent chemical.

 

10. Know your plastics

Plastic is everywhere—it’s used in consumer products and packaging of all kinds, but there are serious risks to human health and the environment from its widespread use. Vinyl Chloride was one of the first chemicals designated a known human carcinogen. Yet it’s still used in food packaging, medical products, appliances, cars and more.  Avoid plastics that contain phthalates, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which often has the recycling code 3. 

Wishing you a happy autumn!

Yours in prevention,
Lynda and Brenda

Dental Health and DITI

Standard dental practices have come under fire recently as more and more research reveals how these practices may have an unhealthy impact on the rest of your body.

Since the inception of dentistry, teeth have been looked at as being separate from your body rather than a living part of your physiology.  As our awareness grows, more people are seeking less invasive dental procedures, as well as improving dental health to help heal other health challenges.

Listed below are 3 of the more common ways that dental procedures could be harming your health.

1.  Root Canals

According to Michael Ziff, DDS, 100 percent of root canals result in residual infections.  This may be due to the deficient seal that allows bacteria to infiltrate.  This causes toxins to build up and leach in to the body because the bacteria undergo changes in this anaerobic (living without air) environment.  

It was the research of the late Weston Price, DDS, MS, FACD, which determined that toxins leaching out of root canals may cause systemic diseases of the heart, kidney, uterus and nervous and endocrine systems. 

Active infection (white area represents the “hottest” region) demonstrating dental pathology. The autonomic pattern over the heart (cool blue region) correlates with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).

Hal A. Huggins, a leading dentist and educator on the dangers of root canals backs this up by stating that when a tooth with a root canal is removed, the periodontal ligament that attaches to the tooth should also be removed, otherwise a pocket of infection may remain. Full removal of the tooth and ligament stimulates the old bone to produce new bone for healing.

New dental practices are now on becoming part of integrative dentistry.   Oxygen/ozone therapy is used to help enhance the outcome in all aspects of dentistry.  For example, periodontal disease is a chronic gum and bone infection.  By utilizing the different application forms of oxygen/ozone such as ozonated water, ozonated oils and placing oxygen/ozone directly into the infected gum pockets, periodontal disease can be arrested without the use of pharmaceutical drugs and associated side effects.  Oxygen/ozone treatments can also help with root canals as this substance sterilizes all aspects of the tooth, even into the smallest canals and tubules.  This allows for a truly biologic root canal and thus retention of your natural teeth.

2.  Infections Under the Teeth

Pockets of infection can persist under the teeth and often not seen by X-rays.  This can be particularly true for teeth that have undergone root canals.  It is very difficult to remove all bacteria and toxins from the root during this procedure.  

These infections can remain in your mouth, undetected by you or your dentist, for years while toxins can leak out and depress your immune system.  A depressed immune system can allow for chronic degenerative diseases to develop in other regions of your body.  Often, once these infections are detected and treated, symptoms of other diseases will resolve.  

Low level infection can persist for years never seen by routine dental exams. DITI can help identify these acute infections so that further intervention can take place.

 

3.  Amalgam Fillings

While all metals used in dentistry are toxic, the most harmful are mercury fillings or silver fillings.  Unfortunately, this material contains 50% mercury and only 25% silver.  Mercury has been a known poison since the 1500s, but it has been used in dentistry since the 1820s.  Mercury cannot be put down a sink or thrown in a landfill, yet it has been put in people’s mouths for centuries.

 

Safe Amalgam Removal

Safe removal of this dental material takes the knowledge of a biological dentist.  To find one in your area, click on this link.

Proper and safe removal is not only for the patient, but for the dentist and his/her staff.  This is a lengthy process that should include:  proper procedure (cut and chunk), keeping the amalgam cool with water, suction, dental dam usage, covering of the skin and hair, supplemental air, etc. 
Seek more information at the above website.  The site is for the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.  There you can locate a biological dentist in your area.
Thermography can help correlate dental findings and illuminate problems that may be missed on routine x-rays.  Utilizing both radiographs and DITI can help improve dental health!  

Yours in prevention,

Lynda and Brenda Witt