Archive for the ‘Articles by our Doctors’ Category

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Diabetes – The New Epidemic

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

by Maria Zilka, NT

It would be hard to find a medical expert these days, conventional or otherwise, who wouldn’t agree that our sugar-based diets are killing us. Our daily bread has turned into a non-stop feeding frenzy of refined carbohydrates including many breads, pastries, sweets, over-processed cereals and artificial sweeteners. And despite the warning signs – epidemic rates of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and depression – we continue to indulge ourselves on this poison, sugar.

(more…)

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The Blood Sugar Roller coaster (This is one ride you don’t want your kids to get on)

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

Our brain’s primary fuel source is sugar (glucose). When our blood sugar gets low- the brain cries “FEED ME NOW!” and will stop at nothing to be satiated. This will make a sensible person eat half of a birthday cake at the office before coming up for air and realizing what she has done.

When kids eat a high carbohydrate meal (plain noodles, bread with jelly, pancakes with syrup) or too many sweets (soda, candy), they will get the sugar HIGH and then the sugar CRASH.

First their blood sugar will climb the roller coaster, sending them into hyperactivity. The body wants to keep the sugar level in control so it will pump out insulin to bring it back down. Large amounts of insulin will quickly drop blood sugar and even overcompensate, causing blood sugar to fall below the balanced level. The brain detects this and in an effort to survive starts the process over again with a dramatic call for “MORE FOOD NOW!”

When glucose levels drop too low, we crave more sugar instead of a healthy salad or sandwich. It also makes us feel irritable, unable to concentrate and fatigued. Many kids actually ride this roller coaster all day long! The extra glucose being removed from the blood gets put away in storage for future use, this leads to weight gain if it goes unused. Over time, with high glucose and insulin in the blood, the cells become resistant to insulin – the cause of type 2 diabetes (no longer called “adult onset” because we are seeing it in kids now!). Obesity and diabetes are on the rise in US children and can often be prevented with smarter food choices and exercise. (more…)

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Soaking your grains, nuts and seeds

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

If you’ve been to one of Maria Zilka’s nutrition classes, then you probably know a thing or two about soaking and sprouting. It’s one of the ways Maria likes to show people that it’s not hard to eat well, it just takes a bit of planning.

Maybe right about now you’re thinking, “time? Who has any more of that?”

But we assure you, it won’t hurt that much. Though to help you along, we’ll explain the big benefits of soaking your grains, nuts and seeds.

Those foods contain an element called phytic acid, which fortifies the hulls or shells of raw nuts, seeds, and grains. Phytic acid is nature’s way of providing mildew resistance, allowing the grain to reach maturity and re-germinate instead of rotting due to rain and moisture. Our bodies cannot absorb phytic acid, so our bodies just expel the grains that contain it.

Not only that, but phytic acid can bind to minerals, proteins, and starch — making it difficult for you to absorb these elements.

It is possible to remove the phytic acid, however, by giving your grains a good soak. Maria recommends soaking your rice, whole grains, nuts, and seeds for at least eight hours before using them. For added health benefits, you can also allow your grains to sprout before consuming them.

If you have more questions about phytic acid or how to eat more balanced, healthy meals, contact Maria@naturecuresclinic, or call us at (503) 287-4970 to set up an appointment.

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New Year’s Resolution: Join the Nature Cures Clinic group cleanse!

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Welcome to the Nature Cures Clinic Group Cleanse and Elimination Diet Program – A program designed to address the most common causes of chronic health issues.

We’ve found that the underlying causes of many of our patients’ health problems are due to toxins in the system. Toxins are not just what we take in from our environment through food, cleaning agents, water and air – but can be created internally too from hormone imbalances, food allergies and stress.

To address these issues we’ve designed a program that combines the benefits of a metabolic cleanse with the Elimination Diet – allowing you to get the most from both efforts by 1) detoxing the liver (and thereby “cleaning the slate” for the elimination diet to be most effective) and 2) using a 9-day cleanse the first week of the elimination diet, which cuts down on the amount of time you are on the diet!

It’s easy as 1…2…3! (more…)

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New Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations: Our Take

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

When the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced new recommendations for breast cancer screening, it unleashed a firestorm of controversy. Women across the country joined with many cancer organizations to condemn the new recommendations.

Briefly, the updated recommendations for breast cancer screening include the following:

- Delay mammography until women are 50, rather than beginning at age 40, and perform them every two years except in women with specific risks.

- Stop mammography screening in women 75 years and older.

- Discourage home self breast exams.

- Discourage of use of clinic breast exams.

Obviously, breast cancer screening is a very emotional issue. The opinion of the physicians at Nature Cures Clinic is that we both agree and disagree with aspect of the USPSC recommendations. (more…)

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Winter Health Tips

Monday, December 14th, 2009

It’s been just about a year since a major winter storm hit the Northwest. While we’re crossing our fingers that we won’t be tromping through a foot and a half of snow this holiday season, it’s better to be prepared for the worst. You can stave off a number of weather-related illnesses and conditions with a bit of prevention.

Your overall health is our utmost concern, and as always, we recommend taking steps throughout the season to boost your immunity to colds, flu, and other seasonal disorders. Our articles on the importance of vitamin D and naturopathic prevention of swine flu are a good place to start.

On top of that, there are many things you can do to foster a healthy home environment. (more…)

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‘Tis the Season

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

“Think of giving not as a duty, but as a privilege.” JD Rockefeller Jr.

‘Tis the season for shopping, holiday decorating, celebrations and family traditions. Yet, most importantly, it’s the time of year for giving.

In this spirit, the staff and doctors at Nature Cures Clinic are providing support to the Allen Temple Emergency Aid Center.

The center is a non-profit program that provides food, clothing and personal care items to people from all communities. Their door is open to anyone facing economic hardship, disabilities, unemployment and homelessness. The folks who run the Emergency Aid Center are happy to receive non perishable food items, household products and personal care items for distribution to those needing a little extra help this holiday season.

To honor our patients’ commitment to giving, Nature Cures will match all donations made to this program. Additionally, all those who bring in a donation throughout the month of December will receive a gift certificate for a half hour consultation with a Nature Cures doctor to give to someone you love!

So, give until your heart’s content because the act of giving lightens the spirit!

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Herbs and Immunity

Monday, November 16th, 2009

There are lots of ways to support a healthy immune system through the winter months. One easy way is through the daily intake of herbs known as tonics. Tonics increase the tone and vitality of skin, organs and body systems. By increasing the vitality of the immune system you are able to defend off bacterial and viral invaders at a more efficient rate enabling you to either arrest a cold/flu or shorten its duration drastically.

Below are 2 recipes for you to enjoy: (more…)

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New Breed of MDs: More like NDs

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

An article in the Washington Post this week tells how medical school programs are adapting their curriculum to include a more holistic approach to medicine – focused on the patient as a whole, and not just one particular ailment they might have. At Johns Hopkins University, medical students are now taught to analyze “genetic, environmental and socioeconomic factors” that contribute to the patient’s health.

We say it’s about time. (more…)

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Dr. Nigh on the Radio

Monday, November 9th, 2009

Dr. Nigh served as a guest expert on stress reduction for the “Tom on Leadership” show on BlogTalk radio Friday November 6, 2009. Check out the show on stress reduction for executives here.

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Legumes: Healthy and Hearty

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

The summer clothes are packed in the back of the closet, the days are getting shorter, and colder weather is creeping in day by day. With winter on the way, many people find themselves wanting to cook heartier meals. Here at Nature Cures Clinic, we are committed to helping you eat healthy and stay well this winter. While it’s easy to pack on the pounds with empty calories this time of the year, there are ways to fill up, and look out for your health at the same time.

A great source of fiber–and hearty-ness–comes in the form of the legume. Not only do legumes fill the belly, but they can also play an important part in preventing chronic disease. (more…)

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Get a free nutritional assessment when you donate to your community

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

Nature Cures Clinic is proud to sponsor a quarterly donation program benefiting a local non-profit. And now we’re giving you a little more incentive to help us out!

This fall we are collecting donations for the Allen Temple CME Church Food Pantry/Emergency Aide Center. When you donate five items at our clinic, you’ll receive a FREE nutritional assessment from a Nature Cures clinic practitioner.

Yes, we said FREE, through the end of 2009!

The Allen Temple center provides food, clothing, and personal items to various communities. The center’s doors are open to all clientele, especially those facing economic issues like layoffs, unemployment and homelessness.

The Allen Temple CME Church Food Pantry/Emergency Aide Center is open Tuesdays from 5 to 7 pm, Wednesdays from 11 to 2 pm and Saturdays from 11 to 2 pm.

If you would like to help, you can drop off non-perishable food items, household products, or personal care items at Nature Cures Clinic until January 1. The clinic will bring them to the Center. It’s an easy way to help others, while doing good for your health too.

Thanks for your contribution!

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Naturopathic Prevention of Swine Flu

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

The mainstream media and most conventional physicians would have you believe that the only way to prevent swine flu is by getting a shot. Nonsense! Healthy immune systems have been protecting people from infectious diseases for many thousands of years. Our immune systems didn’t lose this ability in the last few decades, but the key is to have a healthy immune system. (more…)

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Swine Flu Vaccination Information

Friday, October 9th, 2009

There is one prominent fact about the current H1N1 vaccinations being promoted in the media and by virtually all conventional physicians: there is absolutely no evidence that the vaccination will prevent swine flu. Despite all the media and all the hype about this vaccination, there still is not one study that shows this vaccination will prevent even a single case of swine flu.

We believe every physician should inform their patients about this fact and let patients make informed decisions accordingly.

The decision to get – or not to get – a vaccination against the H1N1 virus rests with every individual. The decision should only be made on the basis of information, not on the basis of fear or pressure exerted by a physician. It is the responsibility of physicians to educate patients about health, disease and risks. It is the responsibility of patients to ask question, assess information, and make decisions based on that information. (more…)

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B12 Deficiency and Depression

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

There are many reasons that any given person with depression might be depressed. Like all illness, depression can have many contributing causes, from past traumas and grief, to chronic illness, toxic exposures, and many others. Unfortunately, in the conventional medical world most cases of depression – no matter what the cause – are treated the same way: medication.

A growing amount or research, though, is finding that deficiency of a single nutrient, vitamin B12, can play a major role in causing symptoms of depression and anxiety. (more…)

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