Do You Know Anyone who has Lyme Disease?

According to those who specialize in identifying and treating Lyme's disease and all its components, this is one of the most under-reported conditions to the CDC that there is....estimates run from 5-10 times the amount of people suffering from this condition are not accurately diagnosed.  And those who are diagnosed are offered only antibiotics as the accepted treatment.

Many who have been treated with a course, or multiple courses, of antibiotics will attest to the fact that they are still suffering from such symptoms as systemic muscular pain, exhaustion, joint pain, anxiety/depression, digestive disorders and many other symptoms that can be related to other conditions but are, in fact, directly traceable to that original tick bite (s).  Part of the problem with correctly identifying the cause of such symptoms is the number of false negative lab results when testing for Lyme's.

I have been very fortunate in being able to help people who have been suffering from the results of having been bitten by Deer ticks, causing chronic Lyme Syndrome.  One patient had been suffering for over twenty years with chronic joint pain, sleep deprivation, lethargy and cognition (memory) problems. She no longer has any of these symptoms, after going through her personalized Lyme protocol.  Others who have come to me presenting with Lyme Syndrome symptoms have had similar results.

I have found that no matter how long someone has been dealing with this condition, when given the correct formulations and patient compliance, the body can and does heal....very good news, indeed.

Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com

Cranberry Supplements and UTI's

In a recent study, researchers conducted a clinical trial to evaluate the affects of cranberry capsule supplementation on UTI risk in residents of long-term care facilities. Nine-hundred and twenty-eight long-term care facility residents with an average age of 84 years-old were included. The participants were randomly assigned to receive a cranberry or placebo capsule twice daily for 12 months. The incidence of UTI, defined either clinically or strictly, was used as the main outcome measure.

Of the study participants, 412 of the residents were at low risk for UTI, while 516 were at high risk. The researchers found that the high risk participants receiving cranberry supplements had a significantly lower risk of developing a clinically defined UTI than those receiving placebo. The incidence of clinically defined UTI was 26% lower for high risk participants taking cranberry when compared to placebo. These effects were lacking when applying the strict UTI definition, and for those at low risk of UTI.

It would be a very good idea for more studies to be done across the age spectrum.  No matter what the age of the patient, all of the women who have had UTI symptoms have benefited from drinking plain cranberry juice, although one needs to be careful to use a straw because of the possibility of causing acid erosion of the enamel on the teeth.

For those who fight frequent UTIs, this is an indication of an acid/base imbalance in the blood, resulting in an imbalance in the urological system.  This is a more serious problem that should be addressed, etiologically, not simply symptomatically.



Caljouw MAA, Van den Hout WB, Putter H, et al. Effectiveness of Cranberry Capsules to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections in Vulnerable Older Persons: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial in Long-Term Care Facilities. J Am Geriatr Soc 62:103-110, 2014.

Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com

My Recipe for Savory Biscuits

The one thing that people tell me they miss on a GF diet is bread.  Pamela's makes a very good bread/dinner roll mix, but our favorite is biscuits.  I have developed a number of both sweet and savory recipes, but this one is worth the little extra time and ingredients.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.

Ingredients:

2 cups Pamela's baking mix
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. chipotle powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. pink salt
3 Tablespoons fresh herbs: parsley, cilantro (our favorite), tarragon or other herbs, chopped fine
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
6 Tbsp. cold butter
1/3-1/2 cups of cold coconut milk

Directions:

Mix the first seven ingredients together in a large bowl.  Cut in, with pastry cutter or two knives, the cold butter until the consistency of coarse sand.  Stir in the cheese and then add the cold milk until the mixture just sticks together...neither too wet nor too dry.

I like to drop the mix onto parchment paper that is placed onto a large cookie sheet.  This mix makes 5 large or 7 small biscuits.  Your choice of size.  Bake for 18 minutes, exactly, for the larger biscuits, 16 minutes for the smaller sized ones.  Let cool for a few minutes on a cooling rack.  They are delightful warm, but not hot.

These biscuits retain their optimum taste for only a day, so enjoy with family or friends.

Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com

Thinning Hair/Going Bald: 30 Million Women's Problem

I was surprised to read that above statistic, at first.  Then, I thought about it and it does make sense when you understand the reason behind the number...an aging female population facing an aging endocrine system.

The endocrine system regulates all our hormones....pancreas, thyroid, adrenals and so on.  The most frequent cause of thinning hair in women is an imbalance in their thyroid hormones, despite what the laboratory tests might say and even despite the age of the woman.

Not long ago, a 40+ year old female came to me with the problem of losing hands full of hair every time she washed it.  She had gone to the endocrinologist with no success.  After all, her lab tests for T3, T4 uptake and TSH were all "within normal limits." (Those of you who are regular readers know my opinion about "normal" readings of laboratory panels).  After a nutritional workup, among the problems we found was an imbalance in her thyroid.  Once that was resolved, her hair stopped falling out within ONE hair washing and has looked lovely, ever since.

There are other reasons for thinning hair, but, as the above example illustrates, not all laboratory work can target the answer.  The body, however, knows exactly the reason for its imbalances; one only needs someone who knows how to listen to help.

Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com

If you have IBD, You are at risk for....

....melanoma.   A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology has concluded that there is a direct correlation between those with IBD who are treated with thiopurines and the risk of contracting melanoma.

The analysis included 12 studies, of over 172,000 people conducted from 1940 to 2009.  A 37% increase in the risk of melanoma in those with IBD was noted.  That's a very significant number!  One has to wonder whether the medication used to "treat" this condition was a major culprit or if it is truly the inflammatory mechanism that affects the body's immune system via the gut....or both.

The prescription names of this group of drugs that inhibit the body's immune system are:  Imuran, Purinethol and Lanvis.  These drugs are used to treat IBD, IBS, Crohn's and other inflammatory conditions in the gut.

Those who are taking these medications need to be made aware of the very real possibility of contracting cancer.  There are significant and effective nutritional alternatives that can help support the body in healing the GI tract that do not put a person at risk for life-threatening consequences:

Re-establishing native intestinal microbiota through Dysbiosis Protocol
Food-based 21-Day Purification Protocol
Individualized Formulations for healing and re-balancing the Gut
Dietary modification diet

Dr. Esther
fixdhealthcare.com
drkollars@gmail.com

CBD & Cannabinoids, Another Way of Looking at Chronic Symptom Relief, Part 3

Pain relief is just one of the many benefits that we've discussed about CBD.  We are looking into selling these products, ourselves, because of the data that supports the role that cannabis/cannabinoids play in so many chronic problems but also because of trying to mitigate some of the costs for those in need.

These products come in various media...suspended in hemp oil (a less expensive alternative) and in the much more potent variety that contains up to 1200 mg. of CBD and its accompanying 100+ phyto-compounds per dose.  CBD is now legal in all 50 states and is soon slated to be designated as a dietary supplement. These supplements will contain zero THC.  In speaking with the distributing company, the reps tell me that we doctors will be able to distribute the high-potency CBD within the next few months.

I've been taking the 1 ml. dose CBD for the past few days.  Surprisingly, I've noticed a decrease in my knee pain, already.  I have many, many formulations at my fingertips, and I have to say that, so far, I'm very, very impressed with these products.

For those taking opioids and other addictive medications for pain, may I suggest a conversation with your medical doctor about non-addictive CBD formulations as a possible alternative?  Worth a try, isn't it?

Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com

Hungry Harvest: As seen on Shark Tank

Last night, I heard about a wonderful new business called, "Hungry Harvest."  You can learn more about it here:  www.hungryharvest.com.

It is a company started by a young man who is attempting to solve three needs:

1.  helping get food to the needy/hungry of this nation
2.  decreasing the wasteful practice of throwing high quality, but slightly imperfect fruits and vegetables into landfills
3.  convenient home delivery of said produce, right to your door

The major drawback right now is location....they only deliver to Baltimore and the DC area, but are expanding to Philadelphia, soon.  I'm guessing that since the CEO and Robert, the Shark, have teamed up, that this business will be going nationwide, soon.

Please take a look at the website.    Dr. Esther

CBD/THC, Part 2: The ECS

Of the five years of my chiropractic school study, most of three years were dedicated to studying physiology....cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, digestive and so on.  Since I graduated in 1987, I missed one of the most important medical discoveries of the next decade:  the existance of an endocannabinoid system in our body.

What is unique about the ECS is that it is interconnected with almost EVERY bodily function and acts as a regulator for homeostasis (the single most important physiological state we humans have).  This system is a network of receptors known as CB1 (primarily in the brain) and CB2 (primarily in the immune system, aka "gut," and peripheral tissue) and scattered about many other tissues and organs.  When activated, these receptors serve important and diverse purposes affecting motor function (movement), pain/inflammatory response, memory, immune response, digestion, bone growth, blood pressure and protection of brain cells.

Dysfunction or deficiency of the ECS seems to be involved in the cause of certain lifestyle diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, Crohn's, dementia, IBD and arthritis, but, my guess is that researchers will also find a correlation to most of the auto-immune diseases such as MS, Hashimoto's, Celiac, RA  and even Alzheimer's. Such conditions as seizures, depression/anxiety/PTSD, inflammatory diseases and chronic pain conditions are also being studied.  It's simply a matter of funding for the research.

Part 3, next week.

Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com

CBD/THC: A Tale of Two Cannabinoids

There has been so much misinformation disseminated across the various media and political spectra that I'd like to do a series about the science behind CBD or cannabidiol vs. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol....they are NOT the same.

The cannabis plant (aka hemp) is just that...a plant, not a psychotrophic drug.  Cannabis has been used for thousands of years for a variety of purposes such as: food, fiber and medicinal value...primarily as pain relief. The high THC-content cannabis has been chemically manipulated to induce euphoric, not medicinal, effects and does not represent the phytocannabinoid profile that normally exists in nature.

Today, there are more than 80 identified phytocannabinoids, some having significant therapeutic value in a wide range of clinical conditions--from neuroprotection to treating cancer. And yet, the government makes no distinction between the chemically manipulated high-THC cannabis and the naturally-occurring cannabidiol, designating both as Schedule 1 drugs (placing them in the same category as heroin).  Interestingly enough, the federal government was issued a patent in 2003 for the "Neuro-Protective & Antioxidant Effects of Cannabinoids!!"  (This was under the Bush administration)

We know the following:
1.  Cannabis has a long history of safe use for thousands of years in China, India and other countries;
2.  Cannabis was previously listed in the British and U.S. Pharmacopeia in the late 1800's as one of the most widely prescribed remedies of the time;
3.  We have thousands of valid scientific clinical studies on the therapeutic benefits of the plant and its active cannabinoids;
4.  The FDA has approved medicinal drugs based on cannabinoids.

My next blog topic:  A new discovery--The ECS ( endocannabinoid system).  I'll give you a hint: it's part of our physiological system.

Dr. Esther

Purify Your Body for a New Start in 2016

In today's polluted, stressed world, our bodies often become overwhelmed, over worked and burnt out.  Along with getting the proper amount of sleep and taking the proper supportive nutrients, the body needs a systemic, nutrient-rich cleansing in order for the kidneys, liver and digestive systems to function at optimal capacity.

Purification, also known as detoxification, can help your body remove natural and man-made toxins and also help to maintain a healthy weight.  Pollutants, pesticides, chemicals and naturally-occurring wastes as a result of normal metabolic function can cause our bodies to become overburdened, not to mention the consequences that all the bad foods we've been eating over the holiday season have caused.

Toxins can contribute to the following:

     Stuffy head                            Fatigue/difficulty sleeping
     Indigestion/ GI upset             Food cravings/weight gain
     Decreased mental clarity       Low libido
     Skin problems                       Joint discomfort/pain

A good purification program offers nutritional support to the liver, kidneys, GI system and the adrenals.  It offers you sufficient protein, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients to support intestinal, muscular and immune health. It also offers support for healthy elimination and healthy intestinal environment to help maintain proper intestinal flora.


We offer a complete 21-Day purification program, that includes a balanced start to a smart weight loss program.  Also included is a free 180 page information and recipe book that not only supports the purification program but offers loads of everyday recipes to help you continue eating your way to a healthier lifestyle in 2016.

Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com

STOP! Before You Purchase Italian Olive Oil

For a number of years, we've been seeing patients who appear to be reacting negatively to olive oil.  This has been a source of puzzlement and concern as most of the people insisted that they were purchasing oil that was labeled, "organic, cold pressed."  Last night, the show 60 Minutes may have finally cleared up the mystery.

It appears that, for many years, the Italian Mafia has been earning billions of dollars from tampering with the olive harvests that produce high quality, cold pressed olive oil.  It's called, "Agromafia," and while tampering with the food supply chain has supposedly been happening for four millennia, it 's the interconnection among the world food supply that is causing the problem.

It has been estimated that 75-80% of the olive oil supply to the United States is tainted and would not meet the legal grades of extra virgin olive oil.  What we're getting is inferior quality seed oils that are colored with chlorophyll and, frequently, with pesticides. If the olive oil you are purchasing is inexpensive, it's fake.  Real, high quality extra virgin olive oil is expensive...around $30.00 a bottle (12-16 ounces).  Even that is no assurance that the oil is pure.

Here is what the experts suggest:

"Campanile has some suggestions. For starters, he says, look closely at the label. It may have a pretty Italian landscape, but was the oil actually produced in Italy? If so, where? Campanile says he's encouraged when it's from a city in Sicily or Puglia known for producing olive oil.

American shoppers can also buy online directly from Italian producers like Lucia Iannotta, who runs Iannotta Oil or Nicolo Clemenza, who is organizing his fellow farmers to cut out the Mafia middle men."

Additionally, purchasing olive oil from California or Spain might be our best bet.  Spanish olive oil contains the highest concentration of phytonutrients of any olive oil.  It's expensive; now I understand exactly why and am very happy that I've always purchased my oil from Spain.

Bon appetite!

Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com