In this issue:

The words "New Years resolutions" sound meaningless to me. What I prefer to do is make a list of wishes or aspirations for the year. I then re-read them once a week when I transfer them from one week to the next in my daytimer. That way, if I am serious about making my wishes come true, I am reminded of them. Another technique I have mentioned in previous letters is the 15X exercise. By writing your goals for that month 15 times a day, they are much more apt to come true with that attention placed on them. Keep it to one line, in simple positive wording and watch the miracles start to occur!

The biggest news item this month has been the flu epidemic! I hope you all have a box of dolicoccil in your medicine cabinets for the rest of this flu season. It is a homeopathic remedy and if taken within the first 24-48 hours of getting symptoms of the flu (such as dizziness, achiness, headaches, fever and chills) the symptoms are eradicated or significantly reduced. This greatly lowers the cost to the health care system and to yourself as the drug of choice right now is around $50.00 by subscription only. Dolicoccil is $13.40 for a supply that can last many months depending on how often you have the symptoms. By taking charge of your own health you can prevent the nastiness of having the flu for weeks.

Another reason people get the flu this time of year is they overindulge over the holidays making them more susceptible to catching viruses. I believe getting the flu may be the body's way of cleansing itself of toxins! Wouldn't it be more pleasant to put yourself on a cleansing program before getting the flu rather than suffering with it? As soon as the holidays are over it is wise to schedule a cleanse for one or two weeks. Next year right? Well it isn't too late to do it any time of the year. Many people holiday this time of year, so what better way to prevent getting sick on the plane coming or going than by doing a preventive cleanse. We have a special on right now until February 29th 2000. New patients may book a short consultation to discuss the cleanse. This is intended to get you started on a wellness program early in 2000 to get your year off to a healthy start!

Weight loss seems to be on the top of everyone's agenda this time of year. Here are some simple tips. If you are not a type O blood type, a simple vitamin tonic for breakfast may be just the ticket. To 10 ounces of soy or rice milk add 1 tablespoon of Green Alive, 1 tablespoon of Flora flaxoil, and add any other powdered or liquid vitamins that you are taking with the exception of fiber such as psillium or flax. (These should be taken alone one hour before or two hours after eating). Blend together with a half a cup of fresh of frozen fruit (choose fruit that is best for your blood type). This drink will keep you going for up to four hours and decreases your calorie load for the day. Another tip to remember is that you can change fat into muscle by regular weight training. This way your muscles’ metabolism works for you long after you have finished your workout facilitating continued weight loss. For best results this should be done every day! If you are unsure of a program and want to avoid injury, see your physiotherapist or fitness trainer. This will not only be good for your bone density but also for your mental and emotional health.

Triglycerides (TG) are a blood fat that is a significant indicator of cardiovascular disease. When it is elevated it not only increases your risk of heart attack but of diabetes as well. High TG is frequently accompanied by low HDL (good cholesterol) and high LDL (bad cholesterol), obesity, high fat diet, excessive alcohol or carbohydrate consumption, underactive thyroid, kidney disorders and certain medications. A fasting blood test is taken and if elevated in spite of a good diet I will order fasting insulin levels to rule out insulin resistance. The best level for TG is less that 1.69 mmole/L. If insulin levels are high you may be at an increased risk for diabetes.

The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which transports glucose into the cell. If you have insulin resistance your pancreas will produce more and more insulin but it is less effective. Some believe this is the reason for the increase in obesity we now see in our culture. Even as little as 15 extra pounds can inhibit the blood sugar lowering effect of insulin, leading to insulin resistance which in turn causes more fat accumulation.

I have a specific program that will help to reverse or slow this process. I recommend avoiding prescription drugs to lower blood fats including TG, due to the many side effects (liver damage, muscle breakdown, muscle pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache and skin rash). Instead I suggest nutritional medicines such as niacin, garlic, lipotrophic factors (these assist the liver in breaking down fats), omega 3 essential fats such as pure fish oil and flaxoils and a low carbohydrate diet. Your blood fats are monitored every three months to make sure the program is working. Sometimes the process is slow, but nutrition does work.

The good news here at the office is that our lab fees have been reduced due to the lab opening an office in Canada for Naturopathic Physicians. This brings the comprehensive blood test cost down to $150.00 from $200.00! This will make it easier for you to repeat blood tests to make sure that your treatment program is working. I mainly like to do this with cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides.

We offer a wide variety of individual tests in addition to the complete panel. Call Hayley for prices.

Another reason for doing the comprehensive blood test is the very comprehensive naturopathic evaluation attached to each patient copy. The normal values have been adjusted to reflect optimal health rather than the traditional normals. Normals are evaluated from the average person walking the street and we know that most people are not that healthy!

Recommended Reading: Strong Women Stay Young by Dr. Nelson
The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet: The Lifelong Solution to Yo-Yo Dieting by Heller and Heller
Cleansing Special: Until Feb. 29th save on consultation fees to get started on your cleanse.
Dolicoccil: $13.40 for six months supply. Come to the office and ask Hayley about the secret of taking it!
If you would like to know your blood type and you are not a patient of ours no problem! Call Hayley and we can do this simple test in the office.
Watch for Dr. Pincott's articles in the Weekender every first and third Saturday. If you would like free back issues call Hayley.

NATUROPATHIC WISDOM NOTES is compiled by Dr. Ingrid Pincott, N.D. for the sole purpose of providing education and reference. It is not intended as a substitute for consultation and treatment by a qualified naturopathic or medical doctor.