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March 2009
Creating the health and life you desire
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Nourishing Balanced Energy
with Christine Gonzalez, Pharm D
Integrative Pharmacist and Health Coach
www.christinegonzalez.com · email me
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Interested in reading some thought-provoking holistic commentary? Then check out the Holistic Option blog, written by yours truly.
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"As we cultivate peace and happiness in ourselves, we also nourish peace and happiness in those we love."
- Thich Nhat Hanh
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Greetings!
Wow,
I can't believe this is officially my first anniversary issue! I
genuinely appreciate all the support through this past year of
exploration and expansion into the holistic world. You all
inspire me to continue developing my work and for this I thank
you. I have spent the past three months redefining my vision in
these changing times, in order to stay true to my intentions.
Most importantly, I have taken a little time off to make sure I am
maintaining nourishing, balanced energy in my own life.
I have
shifted back towards my practice as an integrative pharmacist and still
welcome the opportunity to work with individual and group clients. Like
many of us, I am not sure what is ahead in 2009 but I do know that I
will embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm and a smile. I continue
to offer free initial health history consultations for my "Nourishing
Balanced Energy" program. Email me to schedule an appointment or check out my website for more info.
Wishing you health and happiness always,
Christine
www.christinegonzalez.com
christine@christinegonzalez.com
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WORD! Adrenal Fatigue
 Raise
your hand if you are feeling stressed? I used to think stress was a
necessary evil of success until my body said no more! The negative
effects of too many restless nights and overcommitments, plus a
new-found Starbucks habit (I'll admit it, I was hooked) had all taken
their toll right before my eyes. I had developed adrenal fatigue,
a health disorder largely unrecognized by the conventional medical
community, which results from over-stressed adrenal glands. To learn
more, click here to read a recent article I wrote on the subject.
You'll
be happy to hear that I now get my eight hours of sleep and have
switched back to herbal teas. My favorite is Yogi Tea Classic Indian
Spice!
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ASK CHRISTINE
 Natural Relief for GERD and Heartburn
Q:
I read in your last edition that peppermint is not recommended for
those with GERD or heartburn. Do you have a suggestion to help
soothe an upset stomach if you have one of these conditions?
- Reflux without mint in San Diego
A:
As mentioned in my December newsletter, certain foods can trigger
heartburn, including peppermint. Some alternatives to try include
ginger tea to calm nausea or chamomile tea to soothe esophageal irritation. Aloe vera juice is very healing to the digestive tract. A form of licorice
known as DGL (licorice flavored candy does not work) is also helpful
for those with heartburn or ulcers. An old favorite remedy is
drinking a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar diluted with water during a meal. And last but not least, papaya or pineapple are helpful, because they contain enzymes to aid digestion.
Vitamin E Supplements
Q: Could you tell me a little more about vitamin E? I'm interested in adding it to my supplement regimen.
- Yog-E in Santa Monica, CA
A:
True vitamin E deficiency is rare; but many people choose to supplement
to prevent oxidative damage that may contribute to heart disease and
cancer, among many other things. Vitamin E is also important for
muscle cells, formation of red blood cells, and keeping up stores of
vitamins A and K, iron, and selenium. It is a fat-soluble vitamin,
meaning it is best absorbed when taken with a fat-containing meal or
snack. When looking for a good supplement, ideally you want one that
has mixed tocopherols and mixed tocotrienols (read the supplement facts on the label). If you can't find a product containing that, look for something with the d-alpha-tocopherol form,
because this is the natural form your body can use best. Avoid
the synthetic form, which is listed as dl-alpha-tocopherol (watch out
for that "l"). Use caution with high doses, because it may
interfere with your body's ability to clot.
Spirulina and Psoriasis
Q: I have been researching spirulina for the treatment of psoriasis. What is your opinion on this?
-Troubled skin in Lancaster, PA
A: Spirulina, a blue-green
algae, is gaining notoriety in the super foods category. It is a
complete source of protein with all the amino acids in proper
balance. But keep in mind that you'd have to eat a lot of it to
get a significant amount of protein. It contains chlorophyll,
essential fatty acids, carotenoids, which are the precursors to vitamin
A, plus many other vitamins and minerals. It is also one of the
few vegetarian sources of B-12. While I could not find an exact
mechanism for its use in psoriasis, I do know that chlorophyll acts as
a blood purifier to help clear toxins that may cause skin
eruptions. I think it is definitely worth adding into your diet and
observing how your body reacts. Spirulina is available in
capsules and powder form. I have also seen it in energy/protein
bars and various "healthy" power snacks.
Have a pressing question? Ask
Christine. Email me your questions. I answer 2-3 questions in my newsletter each month.
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SONJA SAYS Try an Easy Beauty Detox
by Sonja Shin Hodgkins
 This
year, resolve to regularly exfoliate from head to toe. It's an
incredibly easy way to detox from the outside in. Scrubbing away those
dead skin cells does more than make your skin glow, it also improves
overall health.
As
we slough off dry, damaged, flaky skin cells, we help the skin rid
itself of toxins absorbed from the environment, as well as pollutants
that clog pores. As we help the skin function better and breathe, the
entire body is better able to eliminate the gunk that builds up. It
also helps moisturizers penetrate better; reveals brighter, healthier
skin; encourages the regeneration of new skin cells, which slows down
as we age; and helps smooth away discoloration and fine lines from sun
damage.
So get
yourself a loofah, natural bristle brush, salt or sugar scrub, or some
of the many different products that exfoliate and buff away the old and
usher in the new. Be sure to use something more gentle for the face
though, because facial skin is more delicate and more easily irritated.
To learn more and get tips and product recommendations, check out my article on The Coveted.
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HERBOLOGY AND SUPPLEMENTS 101
 Supplement for Weight Loss
We
all know that the tried-and-tested strategy for shedding those extra
pounds is making mindful food choices and increasing physical activity.
But what about getting a little kick start with some of those weight
loss supplements on the market? One I've been reading up on and that
looks promising is hydroxycitric acid, also known by the trade name
Citrimax or by the herbal name, Garcinia cambogia.
It doesn't give you a license to eat all you want; but it may help you
transition to eating healthier. Studies found no evidence that obese
patients who took this lost weight; but there is evidence that it may
help you eat less while feeling satisfied.
Hydroxycitric acid
is derived from the rind of a Southeast Asian citrus fruit and has a
long history of use as a condiment. It blocks an enzyme that normally
changes carbs into fats. Take it about 30-60 minutes before eating a
carb-rich meal. There is no decrease in the effect over time; and it
does not speed you up like some other "diet" products on the market.
Studies show that hydroxycitric acid is safe to take at recommended
dosages for 12 weeks or less.
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DISCLAIMER
Any
advice in this newsletter is not intended to be the substitute for
diagnosis and treatment by a qualified, licensed professional.
Please consult your regular healthcare practitioner before
discontinuing any medications or starting any herbal or supplement
products.
Copyright Christine Gonzalez 2008. All rights reserved.
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