Desert Health News - May-June 2024

Too often we hear the words, "I’ve been diagnosed with cancer." We increasingly hear about new research, new clinical trials and different types of chemotherapy or radiation. These words are heard more and more today than just 30 years ago. Some statistics show that in the 1960s, cancer rates were one in 80. Today, those numbers have increased dramatically. Oncologists will tell you statistics are likely two in three men and one in three women. I cannot express how important it is to get screened. Even if you think you are healthy, young and vibrant, your body's cells can tell a much different story. We live in a world of toxins – from our environment to poisonous chemicals added to our food supply, EMFs (electromagnetic frequencies) and heavy metals in our water and air. Excess sugar, trans fats, alcohol, soda pops and fast food are the standard American diet (aptly referred to as SAD) and are pushed to accommodate our rushed lifestyles. We always notice folks taking great care of their possessions, ensuring everything is clean and in top condition, for example, our "muscle cars" or Harley-Davidson motorcycles. When you see some of these on the road, we know the owner put a lot of time, money and care into them — often for a show. It has to sound good and perform even better. Compare these machines to the super complex human vessel in which your spirit temporarily rideswhile on this planet. Arewe less important than the car ormotorcycle? Without the health of our bodies and minds, the car wouldn't make it to the show. When we have aches and pains, we often pass them off as, "I'm getting old" or "It's just my arthritis." We may ignore digestive issues, thinking it will "pass." Yet, these issues often persist and worsen over time, leading us to reach for a pill to fix it, and another pill to fix the damage from the first pill, and so on. We end up with a platter of medications. So often this scenario can be avoided with functional lab testing. Many tests are available – some tests use blood and others use urine, saliva or stool to help you and your practitioner pinpoint the root cause of aches, pains, digestion, hormonal imbalance, brain fog, nutritional deficiencies and more. The reasoning behind this article’s title, “Cancer: the Sneaky Disease," is because most patients say they didn't feel the cancer. We don't always know that a tumor is present. We can be strong, feeling healthy and vibrant, assuming it will never happen to us. Unfortunately, no one is exempt, highlighting the importance of regular screenings and awareness of the foods we are ingesting. When we "listen" to our bodies, we can better see the signs it gives us. Prevention is the key to living a life free of this sneaky disease. Bryan Paul Blackwell, co-owner of Barefoot Balance Holistic Health, is a certified health coach specializing in integrative nutrition, digestive and hormone health, and also a cancer thriver. He can be reached at (760) 895.8233 or through www.barefootbalance.com www.DesertHealthNews.com May/June 2024 Natural Options The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 12 www.barefootbalance.com 760-401-1568 barefootbalance. om Bryan Paul & Stacey Michele Blackwell Certified Health Coaches We practice a holistic and balanced approach to health and wellness considering how all areas of your life are connected. Personal ized Integrat ive Heal th Coaching Stay balanced Gut health and hormone health for men and women Personalized nutrition planning Targeted meal plans Complimentary 30-minute virtual consultation www.livewellclinic.org 760.771.5970 78900 Ave. 47, Suite 102 • La Quinta info@livewellclinic.org • www.livewellclinic.org Live Happy, Live Well @LiveWellClinicLaQuinta @LiveWellClinic Offering Telemedicine Naturopathic Primary Care ProLon FMD (Intermittent Fasting Diet) Photodynamic Therapy Sound Baths Last Wednesday of each month • $30/person Delaney Quick, ND Naturopathic Resident Annissa Ceja, ND Naturopathic Resident Sonja Fung, ND Naturopathic Doctor Medical Director Cancer: The Sneaky Disease By Bryan Paul Blackwell, CHC Cancer screenings save lives while functional lab tests can help individualize treatment plans. The liver may just be our most under-appreciated organ. It is commonly known as the star of detoxification, but what about its role in metabolism, digestion, nutrient storage, protein synthesis, immune function, hormone regulation and blood filtration? Protecting, supporting and regenerating your liver can positively impact your health in holistic ways as it works behind the scenes to achieve homeostasis in your body. Because the liver has such an integral and widespread role in our bodies, it is also vulnerable to damage from a wide variety of sources. The most well-known toxin causing damage to the liver is alcohol, however, all medications, environmental toxins and household chemicals must also pass through the liver for processing and can cause damage in the process. Additionally, the liver is responsible for proper fat metabolism – the synthesis, breakdown and transport of fat. “Fatty liver” is the result of an imbalance between fat uptake and metabolism. This imbalance is actually more often due to an excess of refined carbohydrates and/or sugars in the diet, which your liver converts into fat for storage. The best way to monitor liver function is by testing your liver enzymes through routine blood work, which can alert you and your doctor to injury even before specific symptoms arise. Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), upper right abdominal pain, swelling and fluid retention, dark urine, pale stools and itchy skin can be signs of more severe damage and should be communicated to your doctor right away. The good news is that the liver has the remarkable capability to regenerate damaged tissue. The first step is to identify and remove offending substances. We will never be able to completely avoid exposure to toxins, but we can always be more mindful and limit damage to this vital organ. Using the Environmental Working Group’s databases (www.ewg.org) and apps can help you to identify your top toxic exposures. Diet plays a crucial role as well; limiting refined carbohydrates and sugar puts less strain on your liver and all of your other organs. Beneficial foods include organic leafy greens and cruciferous veggies like broccoli and berries. Detoxification is a complicated process involving multiple biochemical reactions which all need to be powered by cofactors from micronutrients in our foods – think B-vitamins and minerals like magnesium. It may also be necessary to supplement vitamins, minerals or herbs to assist a particularly burdened liver. Antioxidants such as glutathione, NAC, vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium have been studied for their ability to support liver function and protect against damage. The herb milk thistle and its active compound silymarin also possess powerful protective qualities. Since the liver processes medications as well, if you are taking supplements, make sure you share the list with your doctor to avoid potential drug/herb interactions. An essential portion of any liver promoting protocol is ensuring the “pathways of elimination” are clear so that waste products can leave the body rather than getting recycled and continuing to burden the liver. These include daily bowel movements, adequate hydration and urination and moving lymph through exercise, deep breathing and sweating. Everyone can benefit from giving their liver a little extra love! Dr. Delaney Quick is a primary care naturopathic doctor at Live Well Clinic in La Quinta. The clinic offers B vitamin injections, IV nutrients (in house and mobile services), and functional lab testing for a personalized health plan. For more information, call (760) 771.5970 or visit www.livewellclinic.org. Liver Health 101 By Delaney Quick, ND