The Avante TimesVolume 8, Issue 2 Summer 2012

Avante’s Values

* Integrity* Innovation* Team Approach* Community* Honesty* Compassion* Respect* Progressive* Personalized Care* Value

Inside this Issue

Guts...More Than Just a Tube 2

A Simple Diet for Cancer 3

Seasonal Detox w/ Whole Foods 4

Microcurrent 5

Ergonomics 6

Who’s Who at Avante 8

Avante Medical Center, LLC

www.avantemedical.com continued on page 7

Jason J. Harmon, ND, FABNO

We are deeply grateful for the privilege of providing Alas kans medical care for the last ten years. Without you, we would not be here today, so we thank you for your continued support. To better serve you, evening hours have been added on Mon days and Wednesdays and we have ex-tended our Saturday hours. We are currently taking steps to substan-tially increase patient access to our providers over the next few months. We are working hard to make Avante the best medical center in Alaska. Again, thank you and have a wonderful summer!

Avante’s 10-year anniversary!

Kimberly Kubick, CNM, FNP

“We age because our hormones decline, our hormones don’t decline because we age.” -Ron Rothberg, MD A primary goal of preventative/integrative medicine is to balance one’s hormones. Achieving hormone balance often leads to a decrease in chronic inflammation in the body, which can, in most cases, be seen as the cause and the effect of aging and chronic disease. Hormone deficiencies take many forms, varying from adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, low testosterone, progesterone or estrogen. Treating mild hormone deficiencies can dramatically improve one’s quality of life. Balancing these hormones can slow the effects of premature aging and prevent onset of many chronic illnesses. Exercise, stress reduction, and antioxidant-rich nutrition are foun-dational parts of the anti-aging process, but bio-identical hormones are often necessary to produce profound effects on a person’s well-being and long-term health. Andropause, or low male hormones, especially testosterone, is a deficiency condition. Half of healthy men between the ages of 50-70 years old will have a bio-available testosterone level below the lowest level seen in healthy men between 20-40 years of age. Low testosterone can be a predictor of cardiovascular disease and also can effect insulin regulation, bone density, and cognitive abilities. (Korenman, SG Morley JE, Mooradian AD, et al. 1990). Stabilized testosterone levels improve mood, energy, strength, cognition, and are also as-sociated with Alzheimer’s prevention. It improves body composition by encouraging more lean muscle and re-

ducing fat. It improves libido (desire) and erectile dysfunction (per-formance). Testosterone can assist in reversing insulin resistance, and we see less inflammation, pain, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis when testosterone levels are stabilized. Every woman has a unique balance of hormones. Bio-identical hormone replacement in women balances estrogens, progesterone and testosterone which can relieve peri-menopausal symptoms, prevent memory loss, provide libido support, promote heart health,

Optimizing Your Hormones: The Unified Theory of Wellness

10th Anniversary Special Edition

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Bring your whole family to Avante!

Abby Laing, ND

Ever wonder where the term “gut feeling” comes from and why it seems to be eerily accurate at times? Have you ever had a sinking feeling just before something bad happens? Sometimes we have an instinct about someone that later proves to be accurate. There may be a connection between what goes on in the gut and what happens in the head.

A neurotransmitter (a tiny chemical messenger), called serotonin, acts in the brain to make us feel happy; you’ve probably heard it referenced in pharmaceutical ads targeting depression. Interestingly though, only 10-20% of the body’s total serotonin is produced in the brain while the other 80-90% is being pumped out in the gut! When the guts are upset, the brain/mood often follows suit.

As it turns out, the gastrointestinal tract, referred to here as the “G.I.” or “guts”, is more than just a tube with an entry and an exit. It provides a more vital role in health than simply making food more flushable when we’re done with it. Yes, the guts are one of the most fundamental aspects of your health!

The primary function of the GI is to take food and water, mix them up, break them down, pull out the necessary nu-trients, and excrete unwanted toxins; we call this process “digestion.” This process starts with a mixture of enzymes that are released to help break down food bits. Also in this milieu of food bits, water and enzymes are our friendly local bacteria, called “probiotics.” These probiotics are also mingling with food while it is being broken down, assist-ing in the process, sorting good from bad, and acting as both infantry and messenger for the immune system. These guys function as the primary immune defense system and, based on numbers alone, it’s good to have them on our side. We have more bacteria in our gut than we do cells in our body!

Unfortunately, sometimes things go awry…When the bacterial ecosystem of our guts gets out of balance we can get things like “Candida overgrowth,” caus-ing constipation, bloating, fatigue, and mental fogginess, just to name a few symptoms. ”Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth” can cause diarrhea or constipation, cramping, gas, weight loss or gain, and bloating often made worse with good things like fiber and probiotics. We can become less efficient at breaking food down because of a lack of enzymatic production or slowed gut motility. Or indigestion can occur as a response to a food allergy, a symptom of a hiatal hernia, high or low acid states, or improper muscle tone. And unfortunately, the list goes on.

So what can we do about it?As with any good solution, it depends on the cause and presenting problem. If you’re rushing around, eating standing over the sink while simultaneously feeding the dog, dressing the kids, and paying your credit card bill, chances are that you’re not producing those helpful enzymes. And until you get this all sorted out and learn to sit and eat, smell-ing your food as its cooking, letting your body go in to a “rest and digest state” of parasympathetic bliss, perhaps you should consider some supplemental digestive enzymes.

Sometimes we commit accidental genocide of the probiotics, as a result of antibiotic use, poor food choices, and ir-ritation or inflammation of the gut. In such cases of total destruction, it’s a good idea to take a supplemental probiotics (yes, more than we can get by eating yogurt alone) for a time to “re-colonize” your devastated gut ecosystem.

A lot of what ails us is a product of what is happening in the gut. Consequently, by understanding what’s happening ‘down there’, we can better understand what’s happening ‘up here’ in the head and elsewhere. All of this is to say, take care of your gut and understand that there is more going on than meets the eye. We must feed it good food, allow it the building blocks needed for success, and keep the inflammation down while keeping our bacterial popula-tions thriving. That intestinal milieu of chemicals, bugs, and signals just might know what’s best for you, so listen closely and remember to “go with your gut feeling.”

Guts...more than just a tube

Markian Babij, ND, FABNO

Cancer - the word itself has become something to be feared! The extreme variability of cancer has led to a highly evolved system of medi-cine that we know as oncology. Oncologists utilize a complex system of medicine to treat cancers. In naturopathic oncology, we strive to improve immunity, reduce side effects associated with treatment and incorporate dietary and lifestyle changes.

If there is one aspect in cancer treatment that remains simple, it is our diet. With the advent of industry has come the industrialization of our food. A single glucose molecule is much easier to come by these days and our biology is relatively static compared to the social environment in which we live. Does it make sense that poor food choices are often cheaper, easier, and more accessible? Revenue has become more important than providing well-rounded nourishment for consumers. Human evolution and adapta-tion processes are not likely following this rule. As a result, chronic diseases that are associated with cancer development have increased.

Stress, poor diet, and chemical exposures are just a few “carcinogens” that can promote potential cancer growth. Total control of all environ-mental exposures is difficult; however, intelligent dietary intake is within our reach. Keep it simple - if it has chemicals and it’s not beneficial nutritionally then don’t eat it for the majority of the time. Start by reading the labels! With so many “food products” available, we must start learning more about what is actually in our food and how it can affect our health.

The difficulty lies within making the right choices at the grocery store. The best food choices are simple: vegetables at least 4-6 servings daily (one serving is ½ cup), fruits 1-2 servings daily, whole grains, legumes, and plenty of water. Consider a reduction of animal fats and include varied food choices that resemble a rainbow.

Why is animal protein a poor choice? This type of protein often contributes to inflammation, and potential cancer growth. Remember the old saying, “there’s always a bigger fish?” Well there is, and it’s likely had more time to accumulate toxins. Plant based diets are less likely to have as many chemicals that negatively impact our cell division due to the mere fact that they are lower on the food chain. Nuts and seeds simply develop faster than a cow or a chicken and, therefore, have less contaminant exposure.

People are different, shouldn’t their diets be? Specific to cancer prevention, most will benefit by reducing meat, dairy, processed/refined foods and utilizing these foods in a rotational dietary style. Individualizing your diet is best accomplished with diagnostic inquiry. Allergy testing can be a great tool in monitoring specific foods that place additional burden on the immune system. Cancer prevention is about building an immune system that seeks to destroy foreign invaders, and keep cancer development in check rather than spare any additional energy reacting to allergic foods. Consider checking into potential allergenic foods prior to making large dietary changes. Metabolic typing and routine cholesterol checks can also help in understanding how specific foods affect your metabolism and longevity.

Not long ago we humans ate what we could find, and, today, we tend to eat what we like. Implementing a cancer fighting diet is largely about filtering through the various food choices offered. Here are some helpful tips:

Try adding a healthy new food each week and eliminate an unhealthy food. * Rid your house of all poor food choices; this alone will reduce the frequency that you’ll eat these foods. * Announce to everyone that you are making these changes as this will hold you accountable and improve compliance. * Try to avoid eating while bored or for emotional fulfillment. * Be mindful of what you are eating! * Increase fiber intake in the form of seeds that are high in fatty acids such as chia and salba. * Eat frequently throughout your day and this will decrease your need to “catch up” and graze until bedtime. Sleep is a time for recovery, and immune efforts are optimized when less attention is required elsewhere, such as in the case of digestion processes. * Eat proteins before and after exercise! * Increase the variety of food. This is a great way to discover how new foods impact your specific physiology. Add spices such as peppermint, clove, and cinnamon as these are high in naturally occurring antioxidants. * Watch documentary films such as “Food Matters”, “Food Inc”, and “Forks over Knives” to inspire a change in how you view your current diet. * See a health care provider who will address individual aspects of diet and lifestyle in creating your long-term strategy.

Finally, give your self a break! Understand that poor dietary habits often take years to change. Begin with the realization that change is necessary.

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A simple diet for Cancer

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You will find health at Avante!

Jana Nalbandian, ND

Detoxification, cleanses and fasting have been used throughout the centuries for various reasons, such as religious/spiritual, medical purposes, and seasonal cleanses to detoxify the liver and cleanse the colon. Detoxification is a tra-ditional healing modality used by naturopathic physicians to assist patients in optimizing their health. In my practice, I often use the classic detox diet to start the process of resetting the digestive tract for repair and rebuilding along with using the diet as a springboard to identify underlying food hyper-sensitivities.

The change of seasons is the perfect time to do a whole foods detoxification to help support liver function. We are exposed to many toxins in our daily lives due to high fat and highly refined carbohydrate diets, riddled with alco-hol, caffeine, and sugar. We also come in contact with environmental toxins through exposure to pesticides and chemicals. The constant onslaught of toxins our liver has to process can lead to a “sluggish” liver and imbalances throughout our physical body and mind. Symptoms of a sluggish liver include a weakened immune system, low energy, mood swings, difficulty concentrating and poor memory, not to mention a direct effect on digestive function. The detox diet will increase your energy, help create a clearer mind, decrease the number of colds you develop, and increase your sense of physical well-being. The systems of detoxification in the body include the miraculous liver, the major organ of detoxification, along with the colon, kidneys and skin. The colon, kidneys and skin are the major routes of elimination after the liver detoxifies a substance. Whole foods and adequate fluids, especially water, provide just what the body needs to accomplish detoxification and elimination. The liver has two important phases that detoxify all foods and chemicals including medication, alcohol and caffeine. All substances processed by the liver are either fat-soluble (requiring bile with adequate fiber to be excreted out of the colon) or converted to a water-soluble substance that exits the body through the kidneys. Some of these substances become highly toxic intermediates that must quickly be metabolized by the second phase of liver detoxification. If the liver is sluggish, the highly toxic intermediates back up and can have a negative effect on the whole system. Alcohol and Tylenol are good examples of common substances that the inter-mediate metabolite is more toxic than the original substance. Without adequate nutrients needed in the detoxifica-tion phase, the bodies toxic burden increases, leading to many chronic diseases and imbalances in the body.

A whole foods diet with its focus on foods that provide nutrients that are critical in daily liver detoxification provide the simplest and least invasive approach to a liver cleanse.

What does a whole foods detox diet look like? Foods that create a burden on the system are removed from the diet including all alcohol, caffeine products (except green tea), animal fats (including all dairy), refined carbohydrates (including white flour, white rice and sugar), and foods with dyes, chemicals and preservatives. The focus of the diet is on whole grains including quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat products (unless you are gluten intolerant), legumes and fresh fruits and vegetables. The diet does include wild caught fish, organic chicken and game meat in moderate amounts for those who prefer some animal protein in diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables should comprise 60% of the diet due to the phytochemicals (phyto = plant) that are considered “liver foods.” Good examples of vegetables that provide nutrients for detoxification include garlic

and onions and the cruciferous vegetables, which include: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and all greens such as kale, spinach, chard, collards, etc. During the detox diet, you should eat 3-4 servings a day of cruciferous vegetables. Onions and garlic should also be eaten liberally. Catechins found in green tea along with curcumen (turmeric) are potent antioxidants that can prevent free radical formation during liver detox. Bioflavinoids including the aforementioned foods along with citrus, berries and red peppers assist the first phase of detoxification.

Seasonal Detoxification Using Whole Foods

continued on page 7

Kelly Whitworth, LE

The latest facial toning machines use microcurrent technology, which is one of the hottest topics in the anti-aging industry. When it was featured on “Oprah” and “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”, there was no doubt that the procedure had made it to the top shelf of consumer demand. With a medically-based origin to back it up and its proven, seemingly unlimited esthetic benefits, it is not surprising that microcurrent has taken center stage. From acne healing to muscle toning, microcurrent has proven itself to be an industry staple. Touted by celebrities and everyday people as the “treatment of youth,” microcurrent has earned a respected name for itself among professionals and end-consumers alike.

Facial machines that non-invasively tone and rejuvenate the skin may seem like a mystery or unlikely when it comes to delivering results. Personally, I’m quite skeptical regarding technology that promises to undo, relatively quickly, what the passage of time has left in its wake. Thus, when I was asked how electric facial toning worked, I set out to find the answer – the real answer. The technology is not new; it carries more than 50 years of historical data and clinical trials to back up its benefits. It brings about peace-of-mind that not only is it effective, but that it is also safe without harmful side effects. What is new are the types of electric currents combined and the sequencing of impulses to provide the best results. Also new is that this technology can be applied as a preventative therapy. Why not prevent the signs of aging rather than just respond to them? Microcurrent provides results that are so dramatic that they are often referred to as “non-surgical face lifts”. With many patients not willing to turn to surgical methods, microcurrent is a wonderful alternative to combat those nasty wrinkles waiting in eager formation.

HOW DOES IT WORK? To understand the “how”, we first need to understand what causes our skin to lose its youthful appearance. As we age, our muscles become accustomed to certain expressions and we produce less collagen and elastin. For example, lines develop between the eyebrows, across the forehead, and the “parenthesis” lines around the mouth. Muscle atrophy and reduced circulation contribute to sagging and less luminosity. Microcurrent emits an electrical frequency that mirrors the body’s natural current and increases cellular energy (ATP) activity. It emits pain-less, safe impulses that relax overly tightened muscles and work under utilized ones to re-educate facial muscles while stimulating circulation and cellular activity. The visible results are impressive. Your face is sculpted, lifted, and toned to a much more youthful appearance.

After being impressed by the clinical data and amazed by the non-invasive results, we’ve chosen to offer our patients this anti-aging treat-ment option. All microcurrent toning systems are not created equal. At Avante, we’ve chosen Bio-Therapeutic of Seattle, Washington. Company owner, David Suzuki, has continued his father’s research in the area of current type and impulse sequencing which has resulted in patented technology that sets his company apart from others. Bio-Therapeutic’s systems utilizes iontophoresis to deliver high performance serums deep into the skin for optimal results and maximize absorption.

BENEFITS OF MICROCURRENT INCLUDE:~ Diminished lines, wrinkles and visible lift ~

~ Enhanced collagen and elastin production ~~ Hydrated, revitalized, and luminous skin ~

~ Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage ~

This method of facial toning is so popular because of the nearly instant gratification; people see visible results after only a few treatments, which is rarely observed with other treatments. However, there are other applications for this technology. Microcurrent can improve and augment the results of injectables such as Botox and Juvederm, as well as treat mature acne. Medically, it is best known for its enormous ability to increase the healing potential of damaged and traumatized tissue. Adult acne fits this bill, and as such, microcurrent can be imple-mented into any acne treatment.

We are excited to offer this completely non-invasive therapy for our patients and invite you to schedule a consultation to learn how this treat-ment can help you improve your skin and overall well-being.

Volume 8, Issue 2 Page 5

Non-Invasive Face Life-Microcurrent, Fact or Fiction?

Page 6 The Avante Times

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Take some healing home!

ErgonomicsGrant Gibbs, CMnTPT

Ergonomics is a buzzword in today’s business world. The term has actually been in use since 1857 when Polish scientist B.W. Jasterzebowski coined the term to apply to his studies of work. The modern definition is “the applied science of equipment to make work easier, safer, and more productive.” It can include cognitive (intellectual) and emotional components. We often equate it to mean expensive upgrades to desks, chairs, computers etc.; however, there are often simple, low cost solutions to the mechanical problems of our work.

First off, how do you know you have a problem? Perhaps you experience some discomfort or fatigue that seems related to activities you perform. Maybe you just wonder if it could be improved from an already workable situation. Prevention is preferable to fixing something after it becomes an acute, then chronic, problem. It’s best when people develop their own powers of observation. Get someone to take pictures of you from several angles while doing your daily tasks. You can spot a problem from the pho-tograph, or an area you can improve. Once you see it, you can resolve it.

This isn’t just for the office. Get pictures of you reading, watching TV, sewing, texting, in sleeping positions, etc.; whatever it is you do regularly. Ask yourself, “Would I want to stand with the posture I see in the picture? Would that be the shape I would want?” If the answer is no, then change it.

Cost-effective, simple solutions are available. There are manually operated sit/stand desks, which are far less ex-pensive than the electric. If your chair is less than optimal, Mackenzie has a full line of supports for your chair for a fraction of the cost of a high-end replacement. Track ball and touch pad computer mice use far fewer shoulder and neck muscles than a regular mouse. Try several options; switch them out regularly.

Several easy ergonomic adjustments you can try right now are:

Sitting. Get two pillows on your lap. Let your elbows, forearms, and wrists rest upon the pillows. Feel the relaxation in your neck and shoulders. Nice, right? Also, use this technique when computing, texting, watching TV, etc.Sleeping or Lying down. Roll up a small fleece blanket or a soft towel into a three to four inch tube. Slip it into your pillowcase with your regular pillow. Comfy? This is a homemade version of the Mackenzie Cervical Roll, available at alimed.comStanding. Have a block of wood, one to four inches high, to rest a foot on, relieving low back strain. Switch feet occasionally.Projects. Make sure your worktable is not against a wall so you can walk all the way around it; diminishing the distance you have to reach.

Ergonomics is a hot topic for a good reason. Many of us find ourselves doing repetitive, stationary tasks for most of our workday. There are experts you can consult with and online resources available; however, with a picture or two as idea resources, you can help yourself simply and cost effectively.

One purpose of Avante’s Myofascial Department is to help patients identify ergonomic im-provements that can be made, as well as other perpetuating factors of physical dysfunction related to myofascial trigger points.

Painting by Katie

Sevigny

Volume 8, Issue 2 Page 7

Mission StatementHealing begins when you enter Avante!

Avante Medical Center, LLC offers a beautiful and healing environment, which contains world-class medical providers, excellent staff, and extensive integrative and conventional medical services for the whole family. We provide care to our clients living with acute and chronic health challenges, combining the best of science and nature, tailored and personal-ized to your individual medical needs. We focus on the value of our clients’ experience, pro-viding adequate time with our providers, resulting in thorough and comprehensive medical care. Our goal is to educate, empower, and enrich your health through a caring, professional

and unique medical experience.

The final requirements are water and fiber. During the diet, eat at least 25 grams of fiber in the form of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. These are needed to assist regular bowel movements to eliminate the toxins from our body. Decreased bowel movements prevent elimina-tion and increase the potential for re-absorption of toxins back into the system. The fat-soluble toxins bind to bile along with cholesterol and are picked up by fiber to be removed from the system. Adding fiber during a detox is a good idea including psyllium products, oat bran, and ground flax. Increasing water (with lemon) intake to at least 64 fluid ounces a day assists in flushing the toxins from the body. A 10-day detox diet is the perfect solution for a sluggish liver to offset the daily onslaught of toxins in our environment, to bolster our immune system, and up our energy during the transition from one season to another. Make sure when you come off the diet to incorporate the great whole foods in your diet for continual liver support and to decrease those foods that your body truly does not need.

Seasonal Detox (continued from page 4)

induce bone production, and accelerate growth and repair of healthy tissue throughout the body. In the hands of the right healthcare pro-vider, bio-identical hormones are extremely effective tools for providing that balance. Thyroid optimization is another important concept in the unified theory of wellness. The hormone produced by the thyroid is called T4; the body converts it to its usable form, T3, after which it is accepted by the T3 receptors in the body. Dieting, stress, zinc, selenium deficiency and drugs such as Dilantin and beta-blockers decrease T4 to T3 conversion, thus negatively affecting the thyroid gland. Low thyroid output manifests as stress on the body’s many systems; an increased cortisol and adrenal fatigue are the results. The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism include cold intolerance, fatigue, dry skin, constipation, difficulty losing weight, lowered body temperature, fluid retention, depression, memory loss, anxiety, and muscle aches. Pamela Smith, MD, MPH explains that, “Hormone responses are as unique to each person as their own fingertips and that hormone replace-ment should not be considered without a thorough understanding of how all of the body’s hormones interact with each other.” It is crucial to work with health care providers who understand hormone balancing and the importance of using bio-identical therapies to create a long term plan of health and prevention of chronic illness and premature aging.

Make sure you are investigating your hormones and take steps to prevent and treat imbalances. Your body will thank you!

Hormones (continued from page 1)

915 W. Northern Lights, Anchorage, AK 99503Phone: 907.770.6700 www.avantemedical.com

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Who’s Who at Avante Medical Center

Clinic photos © Ken Graham Photography.com | Headshots © D&M Photography | Stock Photos © istockphoto.com

Markian Babij, ND, FABNONaturopathic Oncology, Internal Medicine

Grant Gibbs, CMnTPTMyofascial Trigger Point Therapy

Tina Jess, L.Ac.Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine

Judy Hartford, CMTPTMyofascial Trigger Point Therapy

Christine Kallander, ANPAdult and adolescent care

Lee Anne Hellesto, ANPFamily Practice

Christine Sagan, ANPFamily Practice

Sandra Schaeffer, CMTPTMyofascial Trigger Point Therapy

Torrey Smith, NDFamily practice

Natalie Wiggins, NDFamily Practice & Pediatrics

Bethany Buchanan, DNP, FNPFamily Practice

Ina Cloud, MA, ATAllergy Treatment

Gary Ferguson, NDMen’s Health

Abby Laing, NDFamily Practice

Stephanie Friess, ANPFamily Practice & Internal Medicine

Jana Nalbandian, NDFamily Practice & Women’s HealthMedical Director

Brendan Van Valkenburgh, CMTPT, NCLMTMyofascial Trigger Point Therapy & Massage

Deborah Kiley, DNP, ANPFamily Practice

Jason Harmon, ND, FABNODirector of Operations

Kimberly Kubick, ANPFamily Practice

Kelly Whitworth, LELicensed Esthetician