Integrative Health Blog

Brain Health: The Dirty Dozen for the Brain

Posted by on Thu, Jun 20, 2019

The human brain, our beautifully designed master control center, is under attack from many modern environmental issues. 

Alarmingly, we're seeing increased cognitive impairment from young to old - Autism to Alzheimer's, anxiety, depression, neuro-degenerative diseases (Parkinson's, ALS) brain fog, stroke, memory and neurological issues.  Although some of the increase is due to an aging population, we're seeing brain impairment at all age levels and the incidences are getting worse.  Losing one's cognitive function is an ultimate fear and exploring the issue of prevention is the subject of this article.

Unlike our ancestors, we now must contend with the daily assault of Wi-Fi, chemicals and what I like to call the "Dirty Dozen for the Brain."  Modern technology has improved our lives in a myriad of ways, and we can't live in a bubble. But, to start, let's look at what may be affecting us daily and what we can do to avoid or at least minimize the Dirty Dozen- and keep our brains healthy.

The Dirty Dozen for the Brain

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Tags: functional medicine, brain health, Dr. McClure

Chlorella, a Natural Superfood with Amazing Benefits

Posted by on Thu, Dec 13, 2018

Chlorella is the near-perfect food for natural detoxification

Chlorella is a single cell algae, grown in fresh water, and has been around since ancient times. Chlorella is a natural chelator, meaning it has the ability to bind and remove heavy metals from the body.  It is helpful as a food-based green drink for detoxing heavy metals (such as mercury, lead, cadmium), toxic chemicals, mold, Lyme and other toxins from the body. Chlorella also has a high protein content, is rich in vitamins and minerals and is a good source of essential amino acids, which help to promote health.

What Makes Chlorella a Superfood 

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Tags: chlorella, detoxification, heavy metal detoxification, Dr. McClure

Are You Sensitive to Electrosmog? Ways to Minimize Exposure to EMF

Posted by on Thu, Dec 06, 2018

Electrosmog is the electromagnetic radiation and electromagnetic frequencies that are emitted from cell phones, cordless phones, Wi-Fi, wireless devices, wireless baby monitors, electricity, cell towers, high power lines etc. that are ever present and increasing in our technological world.

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) pose possible human health risks and the effects of chronic exposure may not be known for years. Some people are more sensitive to electrosmog than others, and women seem to be more affected than men, although we do not know why. More research and studies need to be done, but the World Health Organization (WHO) reported as far back as 2005 that “For some time a number of individuals have reported a variety of health problems that they relate to exposure to EMF. “ 1

Steps can be taken to minimize exposure to electrosmog in adults and children, while still living within the internet-connected world.  It may be especially important to reduce exposure for children as their brains grow and develop, and for pregnant women, but we should all be aware of the possible risks of long term exposure and do what we can to protect ourselves.

What You Should Know about Electrosmog and EMF

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Tags: EMFs, Dr. McClure

What To Do in a Dental Emergency

Posted by on Mon, Aug 13, 2018

When should I call the dentist? 

At Holistic Family Dentistry at National Integrated Health Associates, we get this question all the time, so we thought it would be a good idea to tell you what constitutes a “dental emergency.”

Emergency Dental Services in Washington, D.C.

Toothache: Call your dentist as soon as possible.

Loose or knocked out tooth: If you have a tooth that is loose or out of alignment, you should call your dentist for an emergency appointment right away. A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires urgent attention.

Broken, chipped or cracked tooth: If a tooth is chipped and doesn’t hurt, this usually does not constitute a dental emergency and you may be able to wait a few days to see a dentist, but call immediately. However, it is important to be careful while chewing so as not to chip it more. A cracked or fractured tooth is a serious issue constituting a dental emergency; call your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment.

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Tags: biological dentistry, holistic dentistry, Dr. McClure

The Importance of Detoxification in Chronic Illness

Posted by on Mon, Jul 09, 2018

"Detoxification is the foundation of all Integrative Medical treatment. Without good detoxification, healing from any chronic illness is impossible.” Dietrich Klinghardt MD, PhD.

The quote by Dr. Klinghardt, one of the world’s most accomplished Holistic Physicians and the teacher of teachers, is critical information for understanding the role of detoxification in not only treating chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, respiratory diseases, brain and nervous system degeneration, autism, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue conditions and pain syndromes – but also the prevention of these chronic health issues and other diseases of aging. Unfortunately, these conditions are becoming more common and are now seen at earlier ages. 

We live in a toxic world, some of which is created by environmental factors, modern living and technological advances, but many people are unaware of the science and trends. Startling statistics in a recent study show that for the past two years the life expectancy of Americans has  decreased, and the average IQ of children has been declining for years.

Could this possibly be due to environmental factors? Is this how modern living is affecting our health? What now?

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Tags: detoxification, Dr. McClure

Safe Removal of Mercury Amalgam Fillings 

Posted by on Tue, Apr 03, 2018

 

Why would anyone want to remove mercury amalgam fillings from their mouth?

The short answer is: your health may depend on it.

Our health is under assault. Measured by any statistic - there is more cancer, diabetes, brain deterioration (Alzheimer’s etc.), autoimmune disease, chronic pain, joint disease, fatigue, Lyme Disease… than ever before. And itseems to be getting worse.

Why? One reason is because we as a population are overwhelmed by so many toxins in our environment that may affect our neuroimmune system. Mercury in amalgam fillings, heavy metals in food, chemicals in water and personal care products and modern computer technology has created an environment for modern living that is not natural. Can the body handle it all?  The long term affects of living in a "toxic soup" are not yet known, but we can take measures to protect ourselves and our children. 

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Tags: mercury removal, holistic dentistry, Dr. McClure

Holistic Dentistry and Heart Disease

Posted by on Fri, Feb 23, 2018

Heart disease is the #1 killer in the United States. Cardiovascular disease, or CVD, accounts for one in three deaths in the United States. It is a multi-factorial disease and there are many risk factors which contribute to heart disease including obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, lack of exercise, genetics, periodontal disease and other dental issues.

Biological dentists are conventionally trained and holistically oriented – and the dentists at NIHA assess the mouth in such a way that considers the condition of the mouth as it relates to the overall health of the body and disease prevention, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Specifically, early signs of gum inflammation may be risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. 

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Tags: heart disease, holistic dentistry, Dr. McClure

NIHA Dentists are Pioneers in Mercury Free Dentistry

Posted by on Tue, Feb 07, 2017

National Integrated Health Associates has been a mercury-free dental practice in the Washington, D.C. area for over twenty years. Our dentists recognized early the potential conflict with placing one of the most toxic substances on earth (mercury) into the mouths of humans. Mercury free means we do not use mercury for fillings or for replacement of old fillings, but do use non-toxic and BPA free dental materials and treatments that are safe and effective, and compatible with the body.

Now, the public is taking notice of the dangers of mercury amalgams (mercury fillings) as a health issue and an environmental pollutant. Mercury is a neurotoxin and silver fillings can contain about 50% mercury. Mercury can be released into the body by common actions such as and tooth brushing, chewing, drinking hot liquids, and unsafe mercury removal.

Did you know?

  • That within our dental team, Dr. Weiner has practiced mercury free dentistry since 1974, Dr. McClure since 1979, and Dr. Janbakhsh since 1995?
  • When mercury fillings are present, every time you eat, chew, drink hot liquids or grind teeth, mercury vapors may be released in your mouth and toxic elemental mercury is absorbed into the linings of the lungs, bowel, lymph and blood vessels. From there, the mercury migrates to the rest of the body, and mercury toxicity may relate to chronic disease and/or degenerative disease such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, brain degeneration (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia), chronic infections (Lyme, parasites, mold/Candida), reproductive issues, and thyroid disorders.
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Tags: mercury free dentist, mercury amalgams, mercury removal, Dr. McClure

Same Day Dental Crowns are an Excellent Option

Posted by on Mon, Nov 14, 2016

Over a year ago, the Biological Dental Group at NIHA embarked on new dimension in dental services: the same day dental crown/onlay.

The technology and advantages to our patients and the quality control has been nothing short of fantastic.

For the first time, dentists can have total control over the quality of the lab work for the restoration process. That means precision in the design of the crown to the under 10 micron level. This level of precision has not been achievable in the past by dental lab transfer or the old way of making crowns and onlays.

More importantly, the whole process is done on site while the patient waits, and the result is a durable, high quality and attractive ceramic crown.

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Tags: mercury free dentist, biological dentistry, holistic dentistry, ceramic crown, Dr. McClure

Healthy Living: How Much Water Should You Drink?

Posted by on Mon, Jun 29, 2015

Water cleans, purifies, enlivens, refreshes, and quenches thirst. It splashes, rains, runs and makes everything grow…water is this unique substance that seems to contain the essence of life itself. Water, like food, is a study into itself.

Water is critical for health because of the many benefits:

•Increases immune function (significant increase in white blood cells)

•Boosts energy metabolism

•Enhances weight loss

•Superior hydration of body and blood

•Cardiovascular health benefits and blood pressure regulation

•Cellular detoxification

•Improves skin elasticity

Detoxifies the bowel and relieves constipation

Water is as much a nutrient as food

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Tags: water, detoxification, Dr. McClure