. www.DesertHealthNews.com July/August 2025 Natural Options The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 9 www.acqpoint.com Get relief from pain and stress now! Acupuncture • Electro Acupuncture Cupping • Chinese Herbs K-Laser • Cold Laser For appointments, book online at AcQpoint.com or call 760.345.2200 77682 Country Club Drive, Ste. G • Palm Desert Diane Sheppard, PhD, LAc ACUPUNCTURE CHINESE HERBS Dr. Sheppard is a California state-licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbologist. She earned her Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine degree from the oldest school of Chinese medicine in the United States – Samra University. She also holds a Ph.D. in Eastern Medicine. www.humineral.com We are made of minerals. Replenishing is good. Minerals and water are necessities. Minerals are responsible for every biological process in the body. Quality Humic/ Fulvic Acid Mineral food supplementation to help repair and replenish. Add me to your water, coffee, juice or smoothie! www.humineral.com 818.400.7657 | info@humineral.com Summer sun and festivities are upon us, so eating lighter foods feels good and makes sense. I am eating salads in plentitude and love adding a healthy variety of crunch with seeds and nuts. My latest favorite is sunflower seeds which I eat out of a bag, or add to avocado toast, summer soups, eggs, dips, or any green garden, potato or pasta salad. Sunflower seeds offer a multitude of health benefits due to their rich nutrient profile. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can boost energy, reduce inflammation and support overall well-being. Take a look at some of the incredible benefits of these little seeds: Healthy antioxidant. Sunflower seeds are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Healthy blood sugar management. Their low glycemic index aides in alleviating blood sugar spikes, while high fiber and healthy fats aid in digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Healthy brain. They are also rich in vitamin B6, which may help improve mood, concentration and memory. Walnut and pumpkin seeds are also great support for brain health. Healthy heart support. Sunflower seeds contain healthy fats, particularly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. They also provide essential minerals like magnesium, which may help regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure. Healthy immune system support. They are a good source of vitamin E, selenium and zinc, all which play crucial roles in supporting a healthy immune system and increasing the ability to fight off viruses. Selenium is a trace mineral; zinc is a major mineral. While we know vitamin E is great for the skin, it is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, while zinc and selenium are essential for the function of immune cells. Food-based vitamin C is the best source to consume. Healthy pH/reduced inflammation. Sunflower seeds contain compounds that help reduce inflammation potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases. Studies suggest conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may have an anti-cancer fatty acid. Sunflower seeds have the highest CLA content compared to most other seeds, including sesame and flax. Healthy skin. Sunflower seeds’ oleic and linoleic acids aid in collagen and elastin production. Wow! Something so tiny, offering a multitude of healthy reasons to incorporate them into our daily diets. So, with the next salad, quiche or side dish you whip up for your summer celebration or BBQ, go wild and throw on some sunflower seeds for good health. Stay healthy friends! Candice Nicole is a health advocate and founder of HUmineral, a producer of plant nutrient mineral supplements. She can be reached at info@HUmineral.com or (818) 400.7657. For more information, visit www.humineral.com. Sources: 1) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8445494/; 2) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-sunflower-seeds-good-for-you Seeds of Wisdom and Health By Candice Nicole Parkinson’s disease (PD) is most commonly known for its effects on movement (tremors, stiffness, slowed mobility), but for those living with it, the effects often extend far beyond affecting mood, sleep, digestion, cognition and overall vitality. A naturopathic approach to managing the disease symptoms involves digging deeper: identifying underlying contributors, addressing nutrient imbalances and promoting a better quality of life. Working in tandem with a patient’s medical team, naturopathic care may include some of the following: Labs. Strategic lab work can often help identify underlying concerns. Organic acid testing often reveals patterns of mitochondrial dysfunction,1 with PD patients showing low vitamin C levels and elevated dopamine metabolites. Detecting these patterns can offer direction for targeted nutrient repletion—particularly vitamin C, which is a cofactor in dopamine metabolism (the heart of PD).2 Measuring oxidative stress markers, particularly F2-Isoprostanes, helps assess cellular strain. Optimal levels are below 0.86 ng/mg and, when elevated, high-dose CoQ10 may be helpful.3 Micronutrient testing frequently reveals deficiencies in B12,4 omega-3 fatty acids,5 vitamin D6,7 and trace minerals.8-10 Hair and urine metal testing also prove useful,11 often uncovering toxic burdens of manganese,9, 12 aluminum13 or iron9, common but overlooked contributors to neurodegeneration. Cholesterol is another important factor. The brain produces its own cholesterol locally, and very low blood cholesterol may impair function. Coconut oil and red palm oil, both plant-based saturated fats, can support the brain’s own cholesterol production. Recent data suggest that patients with higher DHA levels have significantly lower risk for dementia.14 Preliminary non-human studies suggest that levodopa, a medication commonly used to treat Parkinson’s, may lower DHA levels,15,16 thus DHA testing and repletion may be warranted for neurologic balance. Blood sugar regulation also plays a key role in PD progression. Elevated A1c is associated with brain atrophy and cognitive decline,17 so continuous glucose monitoring, along with a fiber-rich, carb-balanced diet would be indicated.18 More key nutrients. There are a few more key supplements that often support neurologic function including glutathione (600 mg daily, ideally intranasal),19 curcumin, resveratrol,20 quercetin,21 melatonin,22 and probiotics.23 For some, GI testing to rule out H. pylori, SIBO or sensitivities is often warranted, especially when symptoms like bloating, constipation or reflux are present.24,25 Protein intake should be managed thoughtfully, as dietary protein can reduce the absorption of levodopa. Lemon juice, interestingly, may enhance availability of levodopa in the gut. Non-motor symptoms to treat/monitor. Many of the most disruptive effects of Parkinson’s are non-motor in nature. Fatigue, apathy, orthostatic hypotension, constipation, urinary dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, hallucinations, loss An integrative approach considers lifestyle and nutrition in managing Parkinson’s disease Integrative Approach to Parkinson’s Focus on nutrition, labs and lifestyle By Cristal Salcido, ND Continued on page 11
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