Integrative Health Blog

Nicholas Buscemi MSOM, LAc

A very common yet under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed problem that we find in patients is parasites.

They can live in the body for many years without causing symptoms and when they do, the symptoms are often subtle or vague.

Parasites  can generally be divided into two groups:

• Helminthes which are multicellular parasites or worms and are most commonly found in the intestines, liver and pancreas and do not reproduce in the body. An adult worm (see photo credit CDC.gov/parasites) can range from 15-35 cm., or almost 14 inches!

• Protozoa which are single celled parasites that can infest the entire body causing serious infections. They rapidly multiply in the body. The most common in the U.S. are giardia and cryptosporidium.

Helminthes are contracted through exposure to feces, water or soil and tend to be more common in children, while protozoa can be found in food, water, insect and animal bites and contact surfaces. 

Parasites are ubiquitous and difficult to diagnose without the right testing as their symptoms are vague or mimic other illnesses.

Parasite Symptoms may include:

Eve Colantoni CHC

If you’ve tried to kick the sugar habit and failed, you could be facing a larger problem than you may have realized; you may be facing an actual addiction.  Sadly, sugar addiction is greatly misunderstood by most people; parents, teachers, even doctors and the medical community at large. In this article, you’ll learn why sugar is so addictive, how to tell if you’ve become addicted, and what steps you can take to break away from the grips of sugar addiction.

“Sugar and spice and everything nice!” The old saying takes us back to happy memories from childhood, but not all that we remember nostalgically is necessarily good for us.  In fact, one of the problems with sugar is that since it’s always been a part of our lives, from birthday parties, to holidays like Valentine’s day or Halloween, we think consuming it is all very normal.  A little in moderation never hurt anyone, right?  Well, when you see the history of sugar, and how it’s become woven into the fabric of our lives, and what it’s actually doing to your body, you may think differently.

Long before you or I were ever born, the first sugar refinery in the United Sates was constructed in 1689.  Many historians have now documented that much of the slave trade was initiated to find free labor to grow and harvest the plants from which sugar is derived; sugar cane or sugar beets.  In my opinion, it makes the scar that slavery left on humanity even deeper knowing that much of the atrocity was committed in the name of producing a drug that would further enslave us--sugar.

Eve Colantoni CHC

Anita Capizzi RN, CHC

Early Spring has begun in the Washington metro area. Temperatures are rising and the threat of a snow fall is diminishing.

Lighten Up with FRESH foods!

The change in season should also bring about a change in the types of food we eat. Winter is a time for warming foods like soups, stews and casseroles. Spring lends itself to lighter fare that helps the body to cleanse and rejuvenate itself ~ vegetables, lean proteins, leaves and fruits.

The body cleanses or goes through a detoxification process via the liver, lungs, kidneys, bowel, lymph system and skin on a daily basis. We can help that process along in several different ways, but most important, in my view,  is by taking out the foods that don’t serve us (processed food) and by including the foods that our bodies respond to in a favorable way (real foods).

Lisa Wilson CHC

Did you know that 70 -80 % of your immune system is in or around the digestive tract?

It’s true. Now consider what would happen to your health if the digestive tract were compromised.

Malnutrition and lowered immunity would become a real health concern.

There are several things that can compromise the bowel including:

• Parasites ( bacteria,  fungi, viruses, multiple cell organisms such  as pinworms)
• Food allergies-inappropriate immune response to foods causing inflammation
• Diverticula - herniations or pouches in the walls of the intestines that can trap foods and bacteria causing inflammation / infection of the bowel wall.
• Antibiotics- while they can clear infections, they also kill good bacteria necessary for the health of the gut
• Constipation- slow transit due to poor peristaltic motion can cause  the  bowel to become toxic due to bacterial overgrowth as well as tears in the walls of the intestines that easily become infected.

How many parties or holiday events are you attending this season?

Do you have a plan for what to do when you are faced with a plethora of sweet treats and drinks?

In the spirit of good health habits, here are some tips on navigating the holidays so you enter the new year without the guilt (and extra weight).

Parties and Events

-  Plan to ask for water first thing - there are so many ways in which we dehydrate ourselves from soda to alcohol, so water is an excellent way to start the evening.

-  Eat a small snack before you go out to a party or event to prevent over indulging (and make sure you have these healthy snacks at home). Avocado, thin slices of turkey or chicken, and nuts are good choices.

Vitamin D is one of those essential substances that we cannot function well without. 

It is common knowledge that the body makes its own Vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight.  It is that form that we use most efficiently.  While Vitamin D supplements are great, “homemade” is better.  That is not a “free gift” to go into the sun at great lengths.  Small amounts are necessary; too much is not good, and you want to avoid that tan look. 

The Purpose of Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a role in many body systems. 

We need it to help with calcium absorption, it is  considered by many to be protective against some cancers, helps regulate blood pressure and glucose metabolism.  Therefore is essential in the management of diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes.  Again, this is not saying that Vitamin D treats any of these issues but it is essential to maintenance and restoration of health.