My journey to health started 3 years ago. I first met Glen when I went to a clinic to find out why I was waking up in the middle of the night consistently. Regular exercise, cardio and resistance exercise had been a part of my routine as well as nutritionally eating the recommended 10 raw veggies and 2 fruits with a small amount of protein and fat daily.
I had multiple blood tests run by regular M.D.’s. The results came back perfect and they said I was the picture of health. Right then I knew that if I didn’t look elsewhere, they would say that it was all in my head.
After meeting Glen, he ran a special adrenal test. My results indicated that I had an adrenal insufficiency which resulted from a stressful, workaholic lifestyle, no time for relaxation and a lifetime of suppressed emotions. I also took a quiz based on my eating habits and we discovered that the “perfect diet” was not so perfect for me. The standard recommendation was pretty much for carb types and it turns out that I am a fast metabolizer and I needed much more protein and fat to balance my metabolism.
Along the way, Glen has worked with me to heal my adrenals as well as severe and chronic insomnia, hypertension, an H-pylori infection, malabsorption of my nutrients and minerals as a result of digestive issues, and candida. I learned that much of my body’s physical issues were a result of my emotional suppression. I learned to suppress my emotions as a child, and what may have worked for me as a child, was no longer benefiting me as an adult. Glen is compassionate and especially gifted in helping uncover my suppressed emotions. It took much dedication and persistence on his part as well as mine. The journey involved permanent, lifestyle changes.
I would say the most important work we have done has to do with healing my emotions. I literally lived in an emotional prison, where my emotions were in control of me. I have learned how to live in the present, no longer bothered by issues of the past. I have developed skills under Glen’s tutelage to enable me to live a life of ease and balance. My entire life has been transformed because of the emotional work I have done with Glen, and I am excited to be living a vibrant, healthy life. I will always be grateful for Glen’s patience, dedication, and passion for assisting me in reaching optimal health.
Diane W.
To learn more about Depke Wellness visit this link.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Could You Have Auto-Immune Challenges?
by Glen Depke
First of all, what is auto-immune disease? This includes but is not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile RA, lupus, scleroderma, endometriosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, type I diabetes, Hashimoto’s, MS, and Addison’s disease.
For most that are diagnosed with these challenges there are often many challenging years ahead, so it is best to address this from a preventive matter.
Let’s get wrapped around some important information first. Before you are diagnosed with an auto-immune disease there must first be tissue damage or destruction. Before this happens there will first be an auto-immune reaction, somewhere within your body. This would be comparable to knowing that the tires on your care are bald and your breaks are out and not understanding the problem until you get into a car accident. Instead of waiting for the accident, how about fixing the underlying challenges that lead to the accident itself?
Looking at the function of the immune system, we can understand that there are two sides that work in synergy with each other. These are called TH-1 and TH-2. When either TH-1 or TH-2 is low the other is high and likewise. If the body is not able to maintain this balance, we have a TH-3 which is able to assist in the balancing act. Auto-immune disorders are actually either TH-1 or TH-2 dominant due to an overall poorly functioning immune system. This happens when the TH-1 and TH-2 are not able to self regulate and the TH-3 is unable to perform its job as needed. Often the mechanism for this poor regulation is mental/emotional stress, adrenal imbalances, chronic poor fundamentals and such. This leads to a weakened immune system function and the dysfunction of the TH-1, TH-2 and TH-3 as mentioned above.
Once the dysfunction above is initiated this will lead to the activation of TH-17. This is where we really begin to see some challenges. Once TH-17 is activated this “turns on” free radical activity and tissue destruction begins.
There are two areas to address once this begins. One is addressing the role of glutathione and also the role of nitric oxide in the body. While these two areas are not a cure for auto-immune disease, they can allow for a much more sustainable life and the needed hope for recovery long term. For those that would like to learn more about these protocols to assist in balancing proper immune function, feel free to post your question at the end of this article.
The main goal is to continue to support your immune system function so you do not even begin the auto-immune reaction. To do this you will want to keep your gastro-intestinal tract healthy. Remember from previous posts that about 80% of your immune system actually originates in your GI. Do this by taking a high quality probiotic daily and your Prime Digestive Support with every meal. Be sure to focus on all of your fundamentals of health and to look into these deeper, please visit the series of post on this blog from January of this year that addresses the air you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, your sleep, movement, exposure to the sun and the underlying energetic component to your health. I will also share that your immune system function is substantially affected by your adrenal function and for anyone that follows me regularly; you know how important and often challenged adrenal function is.
Two areas that can often be significant triggers for this auto-immune reaction is, extreme mental/emotional stress and abusing the use of alcohol. This creates a very poor recycling of the glutathione that we spoke of earlier.
I will also add that I have seen many clients in my career with auto-immune challenges and I must say that there are typically multiple imbalances that are needed to be addressed to allow the body to utilize its natural healing abilities.
If you have any questions or comments in regard to the post please do not hesitate to leave them below for me to answer personally.
First of all, what is auto-immune disease? This includes but is not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile RA, lupus, scleroderma, endometriosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, type I diabetes, Hashimoto’s, MS, and Addison’s disease.
For most that are diagnosed with these challenges there are often many challenging years ahead, so it is best to address this from a preventive matter.
Let’s get wrapped around some important information first. Before you are diagnosed with an auto-immune disease there must first be tissue damage or destruction. Before this happens there will first be an auto-immune reaction, somewhere within your body. This would be comparable to knowing that the tires on your care are bald and your breaks are out and not understanding the problem until you get into a car accident. Instead of waiting for the accident, how about fixing the underlying challenges that lead to the accident itself?
Looking at the function of the immune system, we can understand that there are two sides that work in synergy with each other. These are called TH-1 and TH-2. When either TH-1 or TH-2 is low the other is high and likewise. If the body is not able to maintain this balance, we have a TH-3 which is able to assist in the balancing act. Auto-immune disorders are actually either TH-1 or TH-2 dominant due to an overall poorly functioning immune system. This happens when the TH-1 and TH-2 are not able to self regulate and the TH-3 is unable to perform its job as needed. Often the mechanism for this poor regulation is mental/emotional stress, adrenal imbalances, chronic poor fundamentals and such. This leads to a weakened immune system function and the dysfunction of the TH-1, TH-2 and TH-3 as mentioned above.
Once the dysfunction above is initiated this will lead to the activation of TH-17. This is where we really begin to see some challenges. Once TH-17 is activated this “turns on” free radical activity and tissue destruction begins.
There are two areas to address once this begins. One is addressing the role of glutathione and also the role of nitric oxide in the body. While these two areas are not a cure for auto-immune disease, they can allow for a much more sustainable life and the needed hope for recovery long term. For those that would like to learn more about these protocols to assist in balancing proper immune function, feel free to post your question at the end of this article.
The main goal is to continue to support your immune system function so you do not even begin the auto-immune reaction. To do this you will want to keep your gastro-intestinal tract healthy. Remember from previous posts that about 80% of your immune system actually originates in your GI. Do this by taking a high quality probiotic daily and your Prime Digestive Support with every meal. Be sure to focus on all of your fundamentals of health and to look into these deeper, please visit the series of post on this blog from January of this year that addresses the air you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, your sleep, movement, exposure to the sun and the underlying energetic component to your health. I will also share that your immune system function is substantially affected by your adrenal function and for anyone that follows me regularly; you know how important and often challenged adrenal function is.
Two areas that can often be significant triggers for this auto-immune reaction is, extreme mental/emotional stress and abusing the use of alcohol. This creates a very poor recycling of the glutathione that we spoke of earlier.
I will also add that I have seen many clients in my career with auto-immune challenges and I must say that there are typically multiple imbalances that are needed to be addressed to allow the body to utilize its natural healing abilities.
If you have any questions or comments in regard to the post please do not hesitate to leave them below for me to answer personally.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
How do I Afford Alternative Health Care?
by Glen and Dawn Depke
Due to the frustration of many American's with our current system of health care, really disease maintenance; many individuals are looking toward alternative health care to address their issues. This may be with a Traditional Naturopath, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Herbalist and the list goes on. One of the challenges though is that insurance often does not cover these services.
Both Dawn and I are extremely compassionate to this due to the fact that in me healing epilepsy and Dawn healing endometriosis; we both went the alternative health route and are blessed to no longer live with these challenges. But ouch…the financial aspect was overwhelming at times!
Let’s take a look at some alternatives to create some affordability for you.
First of all we can look at the health savings accounts. Many individuals have these plans through their place of employment but don’t really understand the utilization of these accounts.
A Health Savings Account is an alternative to traditional health insurance; it is a savings product that offers a different way for consumers to pay for their health care. HSAs enable you to pay for current health expenses and save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.
You must be covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) to be able to take advantage of HSAs. An HDHP generally costs less than what traditional health care coverage costs, so the money that you save on insurance can therefore be put into the Health Savings Account.
You own and you control the money in your HSA. Decisions on how to spend the money are made by you without relying on a third party or a health insurer. You will also decide what types of investments to make with the money in the account in order to make it grow.
You must have an HDHP if you want to open an HSA. Sometimes referred to as a “catastrophic” health insurance plan, an HDHP is an inexpensive health insurance plan that generally doesn’t pay for the first several thousand dollars of health care expenses (i.e., your “deductible”) but will generally cover you after that. Of course, your HSA is available to help you pay for the expenses your plan does not cover.
Consumers can sign up for HSAs with banks, credit unions, insurance companies and other approved companies. Your employer may also set up a plan for employees as well.
An HSA is not something you purchase; it’s a savings account into which you can deposit money on a tax-preferred basis. The only product you purchase with an HSA is a High Deductible Health Plan, an inexpensive plan that will cover you should your medical expenses exceed the funds you have in your HSA. However, HSA trustees often will charge fees for their services.
Another way to address the cost of alternative health care is to ask if the practitioner you are working with has a sliding scale. Many practitioners will take into consideration your current financial state when looking for payment. Often you may be asked to verify income and your current outflow also; basically your personal profit/loss statement. Often individuals are too embarrassed to ask if a sliding scale is available but hey, it never hurts to ask. You may save yourself thousands of dollars.
It is always a good idea to also ask if there is a payment plan available. Often the practitioner may offer a payment plan or they can provide you with an application for a third party payment plan that is very often interest free for a certain period of time. These types of plans are becoming much more common in alternative health practices. One of these companies is called Care Credit and you can visit Care Credit to find a practitioner in your area that offers this payment option.
Another way to address the cost of alternative health care is to attend workshops and often you can learn so much in this way at a very low cost. Often you can receive thousands of dollars worth of information for only a small fraction of the cost. I must admit that this is one of the reasons I often offer workshops on a regular basis. Individuals have the ability to learn the necessary steps to move forward in their goals of health and wellness while also sharing the stories and results of others in attendance.
I would also recommend that you ask if your practitioner has any day or time of the month that they accept donations for services. Personally, I offer one day per month in my practice as a donation day. I also know of other practitioners that offer either one day per month or some even offer one day per week as a donation. Once again, it does not hurt to ask. The worst that can happen is they say no.
I would also ask if your practitioner offers any packages. This is very common for practitioners that provide a regular protocol of healing that touches multiple modalities. Packages are definitely a way to save some cash while being able to address your health needs.
Another option is to seek assistance from a friend or family member. Often we have a family member that can assist us financially at this time of need. If you are going to seek this help, I would suggest researching the focus and direction of your health plan and already discuss this with your preferred alternative health practitioner. Most alternative health practitioners offer a short complimentary session to explain their services because they want you understand their protocols and direction of care. When you ask your friend or family member, they may be more comfortable covering your finances if they feel you have a viable plan to reach your health goals. I have recognized over the years that my client’s ability to create financial success is often directly tied into their health and wellness. It’s simple; when you feel better your life typically improves on every level.
Last but not least is using unsecured credit. I save this for last because there are so many individuals in trouble financially due to this form of payment. Even though this is less than optimal, it is of utmost importance to put yourself in a positive health state. Since financial stress is such a significant challenge for many in regard to health and wellness, please be sure to be addressing your mental/emotional health along with any health building plan.
You may be asking, “Which of these suggestions do we offer at Depke Wellness?” To assist with any financial difficulties for my clients I regularly offer workshops as a cost effective way to gain the knowledge needed to reach your health and wellness goals. For clients working with me long term, packages are offered that may be a financial output up front, but long term you can save hundreds of dollars. I also offer a donation day typically on the second Saturday of every month for my clients in need. These sessions are all 30 minute sessions and the session type is based on need. Visit Depke Wellness to learn more about our Locations and Services.
Remember that your health and wellness is one of the most important factors in your life and it is of utmost importance to provide the necessary steps to reach your goals on this level. Don’t be afraid to ask your alternative health provider for assistance in addressing your financial challenges.
If you are an alternative health practitioner, you may have found some ways to make life easier for your patients/clients or you may even have other creative ways of assisting that you can share. If you have any comments or questions, I welcome you to share with a post.
Due to the frustration of many American's with our current system of health care, really disease maintenance; many individuals are looking toward alternative health care to address their issues. This may be with a Traditional Naturopath, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Herbalist and the list goes on. One of the challenges though is that insurance often does not cover these services.
Both Dawn and I are extremely compassionate to this due to the fact that in me healing epilepsy and Dawn healing endometriosis; we both went the alternative health route and are blessed to no longer live with these challenges. But ouch…the financial aspect was overwhelming at times!
Let’s take a look at some alternatives to create some affordability for you.
First of all we can look at the health savings accounts. Many individuals have these plans through their place of employment but don’t really understand the utilization of these accounts.
A Health Savings Account is an alternative to traditional health insurance; it is a savings product that offers a different way for consumers to pay for their health care. HSAs enable you to pay for current health expenses and save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.
You must be covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) to be able to take advantage of HSAs. An HDHP generally costs less than what traditional health care coverage costs, so the money that you save on insurance can therefore be put into the Health Savings Account.
You own and you control the money in your HSA. Decisions on how to spend the money are made by you without relying on a third party or a health insurer. You will also decide what types of investments to make with the money in the account in order to make it grow.
You must have an HDHP if you want to open an HSA. Sometimes referred to as a “catastrophic” health insurance plan, an HDHP is an inexpensive health insurance plan that generally doesn’t pay for the first several thousand dollars of health care expenses (i.e., your “deductible”) but will generally cover you after that. Of course, your HSA is available to help you pay for the expenses your plan does not cover.
Consumers can sign up for HSAs with banks, credit unions, insurance companies and other approved companies. Your employer may also set up a plan for employees as well.
An HSA is not something you purchase; it’s a savings account into which you can deposit money on a tax-preferred basis. The only product you purchase with an HSA is a High Deductible Health Plan, an inexpensive plan that will cover you should your medical expenses exceed the funds you have in your HSA. However, HSA trustees often will charge fees for their services.
Another way to address the cost of alternative health care is to ask if the practitioner you are working with has a sliding scale. Many practitioners will take into consideration your current financial state when looking for payment. Often you may be asked to verify income and your current outflow also; basically your personal profit/loss statement. Often individuals are too embarrassed to ask if a sliding scale is available but hey, it never hurts to ask. You may save yourself thousands of dollars.
It is always a good idea to also ask if there is a payment plan available. Often the practitioner may offer a payment plan or they can provide you with an application for a third party payment plan that is very often interest free for a certain period of time. These types of plans are becoming much more common in alternative health practices. One of these companies is called Care Credit and you can visit Care Credit to find a practitioner in your area that offers this payment option.
Another way to address the cost of alternative health care is to attend workshops and often you can learn so much in this way at a very low cost. Often you can receive thousands of dollars worth of information for only a small fraction of the cost. I must admit that this is one of the reasons I often offer workshops on a regular basis. Individuals have the ability to learn the necessary steps to move forward in their goals of health and wellness while also sharing the stories and results of others in attendance.
I would also recommend that you ask if your practitioner has any day or time of the month that they accept donations for services. Personally, I offer one day per month in my practice as a donation day. I also know of other practitioners that offer either one day per month or some even offer one day per week as a donation. Once again, it does not hurt to ask. The worst that can happen is they say no.
I would also ask if your practitioner offers any packages. This is very common for practitioners that provide a regular protocol of healing that touches multiple modalities. Packages are definitely a way to save some cash while being able to address your health needs.
Another option is to seek assistance from a friend or family member. Often we have a family member that can assist us financially at this time of need. If you are going to seek this help, I would suggest researching the focus and direction of your health plan and already discuss this with your preferred alternative health practitioner. Most alternative health practitioners offer a short complimentary session to explain their services because they want you understand their protocols and direction of care. When you ask your friend or family member, they may be more comfortable covering your finances if they feel you have a viable plan to reach your health goals. I have recognized over the years that my client’s ability to create financial success is often directly tied into their health and wellness. It’s simple; when you feel better your life typically improves on every level.
Last but not least is using unsecured credit. I save this for last because there are so many individuals in trouble financially due to this form of payment. Even though this is less than optimal, it is of utmost importance to put yourself in a positive health state. Since financial stress is such a significant challenge for many in regard to health and wellness, please be sure to be addressing your mental/emotional health along with any health building plan.
You may be asking, “Which of these suggestions do we offer at Depke Wellness?” To assist with any financial difficulties for my clients I regularly offer workshops as a cost effective way to gain the knowledge needed to reach your health and wellness goals. For clients working with me long term, packages are offered that may be a financial output up front, but long term you can save hundreds of dollars. I also offer a donation day typically on the second Saturday of every month for my clients in need. These sessions are all 30 minute sessions and the session type is based on need. Visit Depke Wellness to learn more about our Locations and Services.
Remember that your health and wellness is one of the most important factors in your life and it is of utmost importance to provide the necessary steps to reach your goals on this level. Don’t be afraid to ask your alternative health provider for assistance in addressing your financial challenges.
If you are an alternative health practitioner, you may have found some ways to make life easier for your patients/clients or you may even have other creative ways of assisting that you can share. If you have any comments or questions, I welcome you to share with a post.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
What's Up With My Thyroid?
by Glen Depke
I am amazed to see the increasing number of clients diagnosed with thyroid challenges that enter my clinic. Even more amazing to me is the misunderstanding of the underlying causes of these thyroid imbalances and the unwillingness to address the core challenges for many. Thyroid challenges have increased to the point that it is almost looking like a part of the natural aging process but I cannot scream out enough that there is nothing natural about this. So what are some of the underlying challenges?
This will not be a dissertation on thyroid function, but I want you to understand some of the basics.
Let’s first look at what many conventional docs are using to diagnose this. Many are looking at T3 and T4, which are hormones produced in the thyroid as well as TSH, which is produced in the pituitary gland. If these are shown as being “off” there is often a very quick diagnosis of hyper or more often hypo thyroid. Before we jump into this it is important to look at other challenges tied into the T3, T4 and TSH.
First let’s look at these hormones. TSH which is the thyroid stimulating hormone is produced as mentioned above in the pituitary. The TSH communicates the need for production of T3 and T4 in the thyroid. Most do not look at the precursor to the production of the TSH though. Before the pituitary gland can produce the needed TSH, the adrenal glands require optimal function to communicate the need for TSH. Due to this, very often the underlying adrenal challenge is never addressed and we are not getting to the core. I will see this often in what I refer to as a “lazy” pituitary. To address this, it is important to follow a proper protocol for optimal adrenal function.
Another challenge is tied into the body’s need to convert the protein bound T4 produced in the thyroid into a usable or “free” T4. This free T4 can then be utilized by your body as needed. This conversion actually occurs in the liver and often when there is adequate protein bound T4 but the conversion does not happen due to a sluggish liver. When this is the challenge it is obviously very important to support liver function to allow proper balance.
Another challenge for many is hyperthyroidism. I would suggest that it is often the case that this has a direct tie into an autoimmune challenge and addressing the immune system function is a must in these cases. I also recommend that anybody that is challenged with hyperthyroid also work with an Endocrinologist on a consistent basis.
There are other dysfunctional patterns potentially tied into your thyroid challenges but I wanted to cover the more common of these challenges. As always it is important to recognize the importance of addressing your fundamentals of health as the starting point of any health challenge.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post below and I will answer you personally.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Rub a Dub Dub, What's in my Tub?
How many of you know that there are ingredients in our personal care products that are cancer causing?
(All information is provided by Network News and Publishing 2004)
Publishers Note: “Statements of fact made in this publication are based on research and all information has been obtained from previously published, studies, journals, magazines, newspapers and material safety data sheets. Opinions are those of the publisher and the validity of such is up to the reader to decide.”
First I want to share the answer to that question and secondly, I will share with you information that will allow you to make healthier decisions for you and your family from today on.
How many of you know someone who is chronically ill, perhaps with gastrointestinal issues, skin issues or even cancer? Can you imagine a life, a world without these health issues?
Think of a few health challenges you are currently struggling with personally. It may be
• Headaches
• Low back pain
• Fatigue
• Or even cancer
How many of you know that there are ingredients in our personal care products that may be causing your health challenges? Below are listed a few of the products that have been shown to cause serious health issues for humans.
According to the US Dept. of Health & Human Services, “DEA (di-ethanol-amine) when applied to the skin resulted in clear evidence of carcinogenic (cancer or contributing to cancer) activity.” From a 2 year study concluded in 1997.
DEA is found if over 600 personal care products such as
• Soap
• Detergents
• Surfactants
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Bubble bath
• Lotions
• Cosmetics
• Dish soap; laundry detergents
Propylene Glycol: Propylene Glycol is a colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid used in anti-freeze solutions, hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent. It is a substance that helps “retain moisture” and has been implicated in (according to Material Safety Data Sheets)
• Contact dermatitis
• Kidney damage
• Liver abnormalities
• Inhibit skin cell growth
• Damage to cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage.
• Gastro-intestinal disturbances
• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Central Nervous System depression
• May be harmful by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption
Propylene Glycol is found in:
Anti-freeze, brake & hydraulic fluid, de-icer, paint, floor wax, laundry detergents, pet food, tobacco, cosmetics, toothpastes, shampoos, deodorants, lotions, processed foods and many more personal care items.
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate): is found in harsh detergents, and used as a surfactant to break down the surface tension of water. Found in
• Concrete Floor Cleaners
• Engine Degreasers
• Car Wash Detergents
According to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology, Vol. 2, No. 7, 1983 “SLS can be a mutagen. In sufficient amounts it is capable of changing the information in the genetic material found in the cells and has been used in studies to induce mutations in bacteria.”
• Found routinely in clinical studies to irritate skin tissue
• Corrode hair follicles and impairs ability to grow hair
• Carcinogenic nitrates can form when SLS interacts with other nitrogen bearing ingredients
• It enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs and brain form skin contact
• Can damage the immune system, cause separation of skin layers and cause inflammation to the skin.
Found in
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothpaste
• Lotion
• Baby wash
• Body wash
• Bubble bath
• And so many more products
Warning Label on a bottle of Minnie Bubble Bath states that if swallowed contact a POISION CONTROL CENTER immediately, yet we are supposed to bathe our children in it??
Talc: is a very fine substance, so fine it can be used as a “dry” lubricant. Talc is chemically similar to asbestos, a known cancer causing substance. It’s found in many body and baby powders, feminine powders, cosmetics, and used as a dry lubricant on condoms.
According to Nutrition Health Review, Summer 1995 n73, p8(1)
“Talc’s harmful effect on human tissue has been known for quite some time. Long ago, its dry lubricating properties were used as a glove-donning powder for surgical gloves. As early as the 1930’s, Talc was linked to post-operative granulomatous peritionitis and fibrous adhesions.
A possible tie between talcum powder and ovarian cancer was strongly supported last week when a study found a higher risk of the cancer among woman who dusted themselves with talc or used feminine deodorant sprays.
“The study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that woman who used talcum powder in the genital area had an increased ovarian cancer risk of 60% and woman who used feminine deodorant sprays had a 90% increase risk.” In 1994, the FDA conducted a scientific workshop on the issue and did not find enough of a causal link to justify even a consumer warning!
Aluminum: Aluminum-containing antiperspirants are designed to be absorbed, and studies show that regular use of these products can raise the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as three-fold….a municipal water supplies treated with aluminum sulfate…as least 7 studies show that people drinking water high in alum are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.
Parabens: are used to retard the growth of bacteria in personal care products. This is a highly controversial ingredient because parabens are naturally occurring in blueberries. You will see more and more companies are advertising on their labels “No Parabens”, so controversial or not, they are beginning to make the choice to leave them out of our products.
Now that you have read a little bit about these ingredients and some possible damage they can cause, do you see any symptoms you currently have or someone you know that may be linked to personal care products?
It is obvious that supportive research is out there, my question is why hasn’t our governing agencies (FDA, EPA, etc) made us aware of these concerning ingredients or band them from being used? We can’t blame the manufacturers if they aren’t aware of the damage these ingredients are causing; however, who is to blame or who needs to be taking responsibility for our health & well-being. More and more, I feel it is up to us individually to educated one another and demand healthy alternatives!
My suggestion to you is to do your due diligence and educate yourself. Become a conscious consumer and only buy natural healthy products so that you know what’s going ON your body and IN your body. It’s time we take our health into your own hands and educate ourselves to make better, healthier choices.
If any of you are concerned with checking levels of parabens please contact Glen Depke for a Paraben Profile Test Kit. Detox protocol is available through Depke Wellness.
(All information is provided by Network News and Publishing 2004)
Publishers Note: “Statements of fact made in this publication are based on research and all information has been obtained from previously published, studies, journals, magazines, newspapers and material safety data sheets. Opinions are those of the publisher and the validity of such is up to the reader to decide.”
First I want to share the answer to that question and secondly, I will share with you information that will allow you to make healthier decisions for you and your family from today on.
How many of you know someone who is chronically ill, perhaps with gastrointestinal issues, skin issues or even cancer? Can you imagine a life, a world without these health issues?
Think of a few health challenges you are currently struggling with personally. It may be
• Headaches
• Low back pain
• Fatigue
• Or even cancer
How many of you know that there are ingredients in our personal care products that may be causing your health challenges? Below are listed a few of the products that have been shown to cause serious health issues for humans.
According to the US Dept. of Health & Human Services, “DEA (di-ethanol-amine) when applied to the skin resulted in clear evidence of carcinogenic (cancer or contributing to cancer) activity.” From a 2 year study concluded in 1997.
DEA is found if over 600 personal care products such as
• Soap
• Detergents
• Surfactants
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Bubble bath
• Lotions
• Cosmetics
• Dish soap; laundry detergents
Propylene Glycol: Propylene Glycol is a colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid used in anti-freeze solutions, hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent. It is a substance that helps “retain moisture” and has been implicated in (according to Material Safety Data Sheets)
• Contact dermatitis
• Kidney damage
• Liver abnormalities
• Inhibit skin cell growth
• Damage to cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage.
• Gastro-intestinal disturbances
• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Central Nervous System depression
• May be harmful by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption
Propylene Glycol is found in:
Anti-freeze, brake & hydraulic fluid, de-icer, paint, floor wax, laundry detergents, pet food, tobacco, cosmetics, toothpastes, shampoos, deodorants, lotions, processed foods and many more personal care items.
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate): is found in harsh detergents, and used as a surfactant to break down the surface tension of water. Found in
• Concrete Floor Cleaners
• Engine Degreasers
• Car Wash Detergents
According to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology, Vol. 2, No. 7, 1983 “SLS can be a mutagen. In sufficient amounts it is capable of changing the information in the genetic material found in the cells and has been used in studies to induce mutations in bacteria.”
• Found routinely in clinical studies to irritate skin tissue
• Corrode hair follicles and impairs ability to grow hair
• Carcinogenic nitrates can form when SLS interacts with other nitrogen bearing ingredients
• It enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs and brain form skin contact
• Can damage the immune system, cause separation of skin layers and cause inflammation to the skin.
Found in
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothpaste
• Lotion
• Baby wash
• Body wash
• Bubble bath
• And so many more products
Warning Label on a bottle of Minnie Bubble Bath states that if swallowed contact a POISION CONTROL CENTER immediately, yet we are supposed to bathe our children in it??
Talc: is a very fine substance, so fine it can be used as a “dry” lubricant. Talc is chemically similar to asbestos, a known cancer causing substance. It’s found in many body and baby powders, feminine powders, cosmetics, and used as a dry lubricant on condoms.
According to Nutrition Health Review, Summer 1995 n73, p8(1)
“Talc’s harmful effect on human tissue has been known for quite some time. Long ago, its dry lubricating properties were used as a glove-donning powder for surgical gloves. As early as the 1930’s, Talc was linked to post-operative granulomatous peritionitis and fibrous adhesions.
A possible tie between talcum powder and ovarian cancer was strongly supported last week when a study found a higher risk of the cancer among woman who dusted themselves with talc or used feminine deodorant sprays.
“The study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that woman who used talcum powder in the genital area had an increased ovarian cancer risk of 60% and woman who used feminine deodorant sprays had a 90% increase risk.” In 1994, the FDA conducted a scientific workshop on the issue and did not find enough of a causal link to justify even a consumer warning!
Aluminum: Aluminum-containing antiperspirants are designed to be absorbed, and studies show that regular use of these products can raise the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as three-fold….a municipal water supplies treated with aluminum sulfate…as least 7 studies show that people drinking water high in alum are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.
Parabens: are used to retard the growth of bacteria in personal care products. This is a highly controversial ingredient because parabens are naturally occurring in blueberries. You will see more and more companies are advertising on their labels “No Parabens”, so controversial or not, they are beginning to make the choice to leave them out of our products.
Now that you have read a little bit about these ingredients and some possible damage they can cause, do you see any symptoms you currently have or someone you know that may be linked to personal care products?
It is obvious that supportive research is out there, my question is why hasn’t our governing agencies (FDA, EPA, etc) made us aware of these concerning ingredients or band them from being used? We can’t blame the manufacturers if they aren’t aware of the damage these ingredients are causing; however, who is to blame or who needs to be taking responsibility for our health & well-being. More and more, I feel it is up to us individually to educated one another and demand healthy alternatives!
My suggestion to you is to do your due diligence and educate yourself. Become a conscious consumer and only buy natural healthy products so that you know what’s going ON your body and IN your body. It’s time we take our health into your own hands and educate ourselves to make better, healthier choices.
If any of you are concerned with checking levels of parabens please contact Glen Depke for a Paraben Profile Test Kit. Detox protocol is available through Depke Wellness.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Trouble Sleeping?
by Glen Depke
So really, how important is a positive night’s sleep? Your body does most of its maintenance and repair when you are sleeping and I do not know of anyone that does not require a regular dose of this maintenance and repair. While your immune system is always active on some level, it kicks into high gear during your sleep cycle.
First let’s define a good night’s sleep. I would suggest that this is typically 8 hours and generally from the times of approximately 10:00PM and 6:00AM. During the winter months you may require even more sleep to be at your best. Recognize that I also put specific times since it is not OK to simply get eight hours of sleep if you are going to bed at 1:00AM and sleeping to 9:00AM. Yes, this is still eight hours but it is an unhealthy eight hours since it is not in alignment with natural shifts in cortisol and melatonin. If you have a positive focus on your fundamentals of health and good hormonal balance, it should be easy to fall asleep and you should have no challenges staying asleep until morning.
So what helps us create this positive pattern? A big part of this is tied into hormonal balance. If you follow our newsletter regularly, you understand the importance of the adrenal glands and cortisol production. Most do not understand though that cortisol production and melatonin have a direct relation to each other. When cortisol goes up, melatonin goes down and when cortisol goes down, melatonin goes up. When melatonin increases, this sets you up to fall asleep easily, as well as allowing you to have uninterrupted sleep. This raise in melatonin also stimulates your body to initiate an increase immune systems response for your maintenance and repair.
So to address this let’s review what is setting up this positive pattern. Recognize the importance of having balanced adrenals since low cortisol at night is what raises night time melatonin. If this is not balanced, this will throw off your circadian rhythm all day and lead to even further adrenal imbalance. In my opinion too many individuals have been led to believe that the answer lies in supplementing with melatonin. This may provide some immediate relief but long term it may actual create further hormonal imbalances and long term insomnia.
Typically speaking what will lead to improving the circadian rhythms is to improve production of the neurotransmitter serotonin and/or the essential amino acid tryptophan. The flow to produce optimal melatonin is tryptophan, serotonin to melatonin. Often if you supplement with tryptophan and support serotonin production you can normalize your melatonin production and improve your circadian rhythm. This in turn can help balance your adrenal function and make life much easier if you are using a proper protocol per your adrenal imbalance.
Obviously, it will be helpful to reduce stress, get out in the sun daily and “shut down” about an hour before bedtime.
Please “get” that a regular positive night’s sleep is so important. If you are not reaching this goal, please look for direction of a qualified natural health practitioner that understands these processes.
If you have any questions or comments on this post, please leave your comment below and I will personally address this.
So really, how important is a positive night’s sleep? Your body does most of its maintenance and repair when you are sleeping and I do not know of anyone that does not require a regular dose of this maintenance and repair. While your immune system is always active on some level, it kicks into high gear during your sleep cycle.
First let’s define a good night’s sleep. I would suggest that this is typically 8 hours and generally from the times of approximately 10:00PM and 6:00AM. During the winter months you may require even more sleep to be at your best. Recognize that I also put specific times since it is not OK to simply get eight hours of sleep if you are going to bed at 1:00AM and sleeping to 9:00AM. Yes, this is still eight hours but it is an unhealthy eight hours since it is not in alignment with natural shifts in cortisol and melatonin. If you have a positive focus on your fundamentals of health and good hormonal balance, it should be easy to fall asleep and you should have no challenges staying asleep until morning.
So what helps us create this positive pattern? A big part of this is tied into hormonal balance. If you follow our newsletter regularly, you understand the importance of the adrenal glands and cortisol production. Most do not understand though that cortisol production and melatonin have a direct relation to each other. When cortisol goes up, melatonin goes down and when cortisol goes down, melatonin goes up. When melatonin increases, this sets you up to fall asleep easily, as well as allowing you to have uninterrupted sleep. This raise in melatonin also stimulates your body to initiate an increase immune systems response for your maintenance and repair.
So to address this let’s review what is setting up this positive pattern. Recognize the importance of having balanced adrenals since low cortisol at night is what raises night time melatonin. If this is not balanced, this will throw off your circadian rhythm all day and lead to even further adrenal imbalance. In my opinion too many individuals have been led to believe that the answer lies in supplementing with melatonin. This may provide some immediate relief but long term it may actual create further hormonal imbalances and long term insomnia.
Typically speaking what will lead to improving the circadian rhythms is to improve production of the neurotransmitter serotonin and/or the essential amino acid tryptophan. The flow to produce optimal melatonin is tryptophan, serotonin to melatonin. Often if you supplement with tryptophan and support serotonin production you can normalize your melatonin production and improve your circadian rhythm. This in turn can help balance your adrenal function and make life much easier if you are using a proper protocol per your adrenal imbalance.
Obviously, it will be helpful to reduce stress, get out in the sun daily and “shut down” about an hour before bedtime.
Please “get” that a regular positive night’s sleep is so important. If you are not reaching this goal, please look for direction of a qualified natural health practitioner that understands these processes.
If you have any questions or comments on this post, please leave your comment below and I will personally address this.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Back to School is Omega 3 Time
by Glen Depke
While it is important to achieve proper omega 3 balance throughout the year, it is especially prevalent during back to school time. This is due to the fact that maintaining proper levels of these very important essential fatty acids plays a role in mental and emotional function. So the question is, as your children are heading off to school are you putting them in the best mental capacity to be at their best?
Another factor that is assisted in proper omega 3 consumption is tied into proper immune function. As our children are put into the environment where there are large groups of other children in an enclosed area, this leaves them open and susceptible to catching colds, the flu or may other diseases that are common among children. Maintaining proper omega 3s may assist in improving the immune system of your children and I trust that this is a concern of any parent reading this post.
Another factor to understand it that omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to assist in regulating blood sugar. Blood sugar levels out of control with your child could create some challenges with behavior or could lead to a blood sugar “crash”, which is a far from optimal state for learning.
Please understand that this is not only true for our children but for all of us reading this post. The omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, have been shown to aid in all that is listed below:
• Inflammation
• Cardiovascular health
• Blood sugar regulation
• Normalize cholesterol levels
• Liver function
• Regulate hormones
• Improve immune function
• Anti-aging
• Increase joint comfort
• Improve mental/emotional health
• Increase healthy skin
Personally, I choose to take krill oil for my omega 3 supplementation. This is my choice based on the high level of bio-availability of the DHA and EPA in krill plus that fact that krill oil also has an anti-oxidant property as an added bonus.
While most are only suggesting supplementation we would also like to suggest nutritional recommendations. Consuming wild caught salmon is one of the best nutritional sources as well as consuming grass fed meats. The challenge of course is maintaining quality sources so we will provide you with the sources we prefer in our home to achieve our recommended Omega 3 intake.
In our opinion the best quality salmon as well as other seafood can be ordered from a company called Vital Choice, Wild Seafood and Organics. To learn more about Vital Choice or to order the best wild caught salmon feel free to visit the Preferred Health Partner page at www.DepkeWellness.com and click on the Vital Choice link.
Our preferred source of grass fed meats with a significantly higher Omega 3 content than conventionally raised meats is Blackwing Quality Meats. To learn more about Blackwing or to order the grass fed meats we prefer in our household visit the same Preferred Health Partner page listed above.
Now you can enjoy the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids from multiple sources as you further your journey to optimal health and wellness.
If you have any questions or replies to this post, please leave your message to me below and I will personally address this.
While it is important to achieve proper omega 3 balance throughout the year, it is especially prevalent during back to school time. This is due to the fact that maintaining proper levels of these very important essential fatty acids plays a role in mental and emotional function. So the question is, as your children are heading off to school are you putting them in the best mental capacity to be at their best?
Another factor that is assisted in proper omega 3 consumption is tied into proper immune function. As our children are put into the environment where there are large groups of other children in an enclosed area, this leaves them open and susceptible to catching colds, the flu or may other diseases that are common among children. Maintaining proper omega 3s may assist in improving the immune system of your children and I trust that this is a concern of any parent reading this post.
Another factor to understand it that omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to assist in regulating blood sugar. Blood sugar levels out of control with your child could create some challenges with behavior or could lead to a blood sugar “crash”, which is a far from optimal state for learning.
Please understand that this is not only true for our children but for all of us reading this post. The omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, have been shown to aid in all that is listed below:
• Inflammation
• Cardiovascular health
• Blood sugar regulation
• Normalize cholesterol levels
• Liver function
• Regulate hormones
• Improve immune function
• Anti-aging
• Increase joint comfort
• Improve mental/emotional health
• Increase healthy skin
Personally, I choose to take krill oil for my omega 3 supplementation. This is my choice based on the high level of bio-availability of the DHA and EPA in krill plus that fact that krill oil also has an anti-oxidant property as an added bonus.
While most are only suggesting supplementation we would also like to suggest nutritional recommendations. Consuming wild caught salmon is one of the best nutritional sources as well as consuming grass fed meats. The challenge of course is maintaining quality sources so we will provide you with the sources we prefer in our home to achieve our recommended Omega 3 intake.
In our opinion the best quality salmon as well as other seafood can be ordered from a company called Vital Choice, Wild Seafood and Organics. To learn more about Vital Choice or to order the best wild caught salmon feel free to visit the Preferred Health Partner page at www.DepkeWellness.com and click on the Vital Choice link.
Our preferred source of grass fed meats with a significantly higher Omega 3 content than conventionally raised meats is Blackwing Quality Meats. To learn more about Blackwing or to order the grass fed meats we prefer in our household visit the same Preferred Health Partner page listed above.
Now you can enjoy the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids from multiple sources as you further your journey to optimal health and wellness.
If you have any questions or replies to this post, please leave your message to me below and I will personally address this.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Health Coaches, Orange, CA