Inflammaging

Do you experience any of the following?:

* Extreme Fatigue, Muscle Weakness

* Muscle and Joint Pain/Inflammation

* Digestive Problems

* Yeast Infections

* Weight Loss/Gain

* Anxiety/Depression

* Memory Problems

* Pre-Menstrual Syndrome

* Reoccuring Headaches, Low Grade Fever

* Allergies: food, chemical, environmental

If so you are not alone, it's estimated nearly 72 million Americans have an Auto Immune (AI) Disease and only about a third, or 24 million, have been diagnosed. Even more alarming is AI disease is the 3rd leading cause of mortality in the industrialized world behind heart disease and cancer.

You might ask if this is so prevalent, then why are only a third being diagnosed? Unfortunately, our current medical system waits until the signs and symptoms are severe enough with organ failure and irreversible damage before it is identified/diagnosed. We are also to blame, by settling for over the counter "band-aids" to mask or temporarily relieve our symptoms (aspirin, Tylenol, antacids, energy drinks, caffeine, etc...), we fail to realize this is our body's way of telling us something is wrong and needs to be addressed.

Once an individual has been diagnosed, the traditional treatment options for most AI diseases are limited, generally seek to suppress the immune system and have many unwanted side effects.

Fortunately technology is improving, and we can check the immune system for sensitivities and allergies to foods, fungus, chemicals and other environmental stressors. We are also able to detect the buildup of antibodies years in advance of the diagnosis of an AI disease. In addition, we have developed and implemented a personalized protocol of targeted nutriceuticals (including pre/probiotics, Vitamin D, EPA-DHA, Glutamine, Curcumin), and a diet that allows for a reduction of inflammation and an improvement in quality of life.

For more info on testing, proper protocols and testimonials, please contact our office at 562.795.5180. You do not have to live with these symptoms, there is a better quality of life available. If you know anyone else who suffers from these symptoms and would benefit from this information, please forward the link.

Additional articles that identify the importance of personalized nutriceutical and dietary plans aimed at improving underlying causes associated with Inflammation and AI diseases can be found at the following website:

http://www.meta-ehealth.com/site/office/search.jsp?keyword=inflammation

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Wanted to update everyone on a new therapy at the clinic, Testopel.  Testopel is a small pellet (about the size of a grain of rice) that will deliver a steady dose of testosterone, keeping you in normal range for 4-6 months.  The pellets are inserted beneath the skin during a simple and painless procedure that takes about 5-10 minutes.

Common symptoms of testosterone deficiency include:

• Fatigue, low libido
  
• Depression, Insomnia
• Muscle weakness and pain

If you or a loved one are concerned about low testosterone levels, or looking for an alternative to applying a cream everyday, this simple procedure might be right for you.

Testopel is the only FDA approved long-acting testosterone pellet, and is covered by most insurance plans.  In addition, 93% of patients who try Testopel continue with the treatment.

For more info or to schedule an appointment, call the office at 562.795.5180.

Flu Frenzy

  As every news outlet carries 24/7 coverage of the swine flu, you've no doubt become aware of the symptoms associated with it and how quick it can spread.  There are reports that a vaccine is in the works, and speculation is it won't be ready for several months.  To understand the vaccine, you must first understand the flu.  Genetic material within the influenza virus constantly mutates, and by the time a vaccine has been created for a certain strain of the virus, the virus itself has already mutated into a different strain.  Despite this continuous game of catch up, there are several preventative measures we provide our patients to maintain a healthy immune system to resist the flu virus:

1. Vitamin and Mineral IV therapies
   
2. Homeopathic Virus Treatments- remedies to aide our defense system that combat viral   and bacterial infections.
3. Proper diet-  to keep blood sugars stable and incorporate foods that support a healthy     immune function.
4. Exercise-  20-30 minutes a day stimulates the immune system.
   
5. Rest/Sleep- 7-8 hours a day is required for proper rejuvination
   
6. Proper Hygiene-  regularly wash your hands under warm water at least 30 seconds.
   
7. Osteopathic Manipulation and Lymphatic Massage have been researched and published as powerful modalities to boost the immune system.

  If you have questions regarding the flu and preventative treatments available, call us at 562.795.5180.  Ask about our special Flu IV only $50.

  In addition, we hope you can join us at the clinic on Wed., May 20th at 6 pm as our monthly workshop topic will focus on Supporting a Healthy Immune System.  We will have multiple speakers covering several aspects on this topic, see you there.

Heart Health

  According to a study in the European Heart Journal, a blood marker called apolipoprotein B (apo B) may be a better way to predict a fatal heart attack than a cholesterol test. Here's why: while standard cholesterol test measure the number of LDL (bad cholesterol), an Apo B test takes it a bit further and measures the density of LDL. This is important because, small, dense LDL particles, as measured by apo B, are more commonly present in persons with coronary artery disease (CAD) than an increased LDL cholesterol level.
 

  Cholesterol is not quite the villain it's made out to be and turns out to be useful and necessary in the body. When lowered with statins, you increase your risk for a host of other problems: decreased function of liver and kidneys, muscle aches, dizziness, upset stomach, and more. This could result from the following nutrients being depleted while on the medication: CoQ 10, Vitamins A, B12, D, E, K, Beta-Carotene, Folic Acid and Iron.
  

  If you are concerned about your heart health, contact the clinic at 562.795.5180 and request an Apo B test. If you or someone you know are on statins or considering statins, please consider increasing your exercise, and reducing the saturated fat in your diet to lower your cholesterol.  Please call the office with any questions.

Nutritional Counseling- Importance of a Healthy Diet

We are pleased to offer our most powerful, preventative care program, “First Line Therapy”, a therapeutic lifestyle change. This program unlike any other, targets the underlying causes of chronic illnesses by incorporating a sensible eating plan, nutritional supplementation, exercise, and stress management.

Why FLT is important

Currently 7 out of 10 deaths are associated with chronic illness; heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, oesteoporosis and Alzheimer’s. The American Diabetes Association determined that type 2 diabetes can be prevented in at risk patients using lifestyle modifications. Also, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine has demonstrated that lifestyle intervention is an essential component in the treatment of chronic disease that can be as effective as medication but without the risk of unwanted side effects. In addition, the National Institute of Health recommends lifestyle changes as the most important and cost-effective way to lower cholesterol.

How FLT is different from other health and diet programs

1. FLT is a body composition program best used as a first line treatment for common health issues such as; high cholesterol, insulin resistance, low energy and excess body fat.
2. FLT menu plan includes an abundance of food choices that emphasize the importance of a Low-Glycemic Modified Mediterranean eating plan.
3. FLT incorporates individualized nutritional supplementation to enhance program effectiveness and shorten the time it takes for participants to achieve goals.
4. The FLT program and recommended supplements have been proven effective through clinical testing.
5. Progress and current health status are measured with each visit through a quick, non-invasive measurement of the body’s fat, lean muscle mass, caloric requirements and fluid levels.

Listen to our patient's review of the plan:



Before picture:


As you can tell Lorna is very excited about her progress, as are we. In 2 months she has lost 12 lbs on the scale (10 lbs of fat, 2 lbs of excess fluid), and increased her lean muscle mass as a percentage of body composition. Most importantly, Lorna's cholesterol level, lipid profile and sugar levels are improving to the point where her medication will no longer be necessary.





If you are experiencing any of the following conditions, FLT is the program for you

• Fatigue/Low Energy
• Overweight/Obesity
• Excess Body Fat/Belly Fat
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Hormone Imbalance
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Oesteoarthiritis

Excess body fat can greatly increase your health risks. However, a higher ratio of muscle increases your metabolism and is associated with a lower incidence of illness. Improving your muscle-to-fat ratio is perhaps the most powerful tool in controlling the aging process and restoring vitality.

Call us today at 562-795-5180. Our nutritionist will review your current dietary habits, construct a new nutritional plan and implement a therapeutic lifestyle change that will immediately improve the quality of life and last a life time!!!!

Far Infrared Sauna

I would like to introduce the newest treatment in our clinic, Far Infrared Sauna (FIS). In addition to the deep relaxation and stress release you receive during a sauna treatment, FIS provides extra benefits including: Aiding in Weight Loss, Detoxification, Increased Blood Flow and Healthier Skin.

Far Infrared describes the level of which light waves are emitted on the infrared light spectrum. Optimal absorption levels of 9.4-micron frequency provide a heat penetration up to 2” below the skin, which stimulates the response mechanisms and healing processes of the body to:

• Dilute blood vessels and capillaries to provide a flow of rich oxygenated blood to muscles and joints
• Reduce muscle spasms
• Increase flow within the lymphatic system to reduce swelling and inflammation
• Promote healing of injured or sore muscle fibers
• Provide deep muscle therapy

Large water molecules inside the body encapsulate substances like lead and mercury and toxic gases like carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide. These toxins block blood circulation and impair cellular energy, which inhibits our immune system. However, 9.4 microns of far infrared is applied to breakdown the ion bond and release the encapsulated gases and materials, allowing their release from the body.

For more information on the theraputic benenfits of Far Infrared Saunas, or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (562) 795-5180.

Five Environmental Toxins You're Exposed to Daily

With heightened media attention on global warming, individual carbon footprinting, and the amount of polluntants released into the environment, I'm constantly asked how this affects our bodies and what steps can we take to live a healthy lifestyle.

Unfortunately it's true, we are exposed to environmental toxins on a daily basis. Toxins can be found in our homes and work environments, the air we breath, food we eat, and water we drink and bathe in. Here are five examples of heavy metals that are potentially devastating to our health:

1) Cadmium- exposure from dental work, auto exhaust, and seafood. For more info on the hazards of cadmium check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmium_poisoning
2) Arsenic- exposure from smokers, treated playgrounds and decks, pesticides, paints, and porcelain dental crowns
3) Mercury- exposure from pesticides, fungicides, tuna and other fish, dental fillings, and paints
4) Aluminum- exposure from cookware and deodorants
5) Lead- exposure from old lead pigment in paints, leaded joints in some municipal water systems and batteries

The good news is our bodies are natural detoxifiers. Perspiration, urination and bowel movements are all processes the body uses to cleanse itself. In addition, alternative therapies including Intravenous and Oral Chelation Therapy, Infared Saunas, and Foot Spa Detox are used to remove these heavy metals from the body.

Join us for our Grand Opening on Saturday, April 5 at 10 a.m. I will hold a discussion on this topic to go more in depth on the hazards of environmental toxins, the chronic illness that result from this exposure, and provide a few case studies to show how our treatments have benefited individuals with these illnesses.

For more details on the Grand Opening or a personal consultation to test your internal toxin level and determine treatments to remove these metals from your body, you may reach me at (562) 795-5180.

Dr. Mena