April 2017

ELUSIVE MAGNESIUM: VERY FEW OF US ARE NOT DEFICIENT

At UC Berkeley my major was in Physiology—a field I have followed ever since.  If you have read much of my previous articles, you know that in both my sleep apnea and TMJ practices I take a very holistic approach to health maintenance. The pharmaceutical approach is like giving a pain killer for a thorn in your foot; you help the symptom, but the damage progresses.

Over seventy years ago, US Health authorities warned our country that, due to not replenishing the minerals in the soil, there would likely become mineral deficiency health problems.  It has happened.  One of the most serious mineral deficiencies is Magnesium (Mg).  Due to the fact that only 1% of Mg is found in the blood, most doctors are not trained to test for it, and in most cases normal supplements don’t make up for this deficiency.

I belong to several physiology research organizations and try to stay up on what’s new.  According to Norman Shealy, MD, PhD, a holistic pain and depression specialist, “Magnesium deficiency contributes to every known disease – from anxiety to depression, cancer, atherosclerosis, fatigue, hypertension, etc.”

Magnesium is responsible in a large part for the support of:

• Blood sugar balance
• Optimal circulation and blood pressure
• Cellular energy production
• Calming nerves and relieving headaches
• Pain relief and muscle relaxation
• Bone density and calcium balance
• Joints and ligament flexibility
• Promoting deep sleep
• Supporting optimal cognition and strengthening memory
• Regulating mood and stress and anxiety
• Assisting in detoxification
• Relieving cramping of muscles, leg cramps in your sleep and menstrual cramps

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

I have been recommending that my patients supplement with chelated or colloidal Mg with mixed results, sometimes great.  There are some foods that contain higher concentrations of Mg which include; sprouted nuts and seeds, avocados, sprouted legumes, pink salt, sea vegetables, wild fish, raw cacao, pumpkin seeds and raw green and leafy veggies and pastured eggs.  Of course all these foods need soil that contains Mg, in the first place.

For arthritis relief, chronic muscle and ligament pain, and menstrual cramps, a transdermal application using a Mg oil spray works best.  For increasing Mg absorption, the most recent research revealed Mg L-Threonate was the best. Amazon carries it. Only buy the best because some of the dishonest companies use contaminated sources.  It is possible to overdose with Mg causing some nasty symptoms, so check with your heath care professional to find the appropriate dosage for your body.

 

 

 

Q. Could you explain the different between Determinate and Indeterminate tomatoes? Each year, I get so confused when I go to buy my tomato plants. In addition when is the ideal time to plant? 

A. Tomatoes are classified by their growth habit and are called determinate and indeterminate varieties. Determinate varieties do better in smaller spaces making them ideal for containers such as an Earth Box, while the Indeterminate tomatoes are rigorous growers; hence they require staking and/or a tomato cage as they get quite large. Determinate plants are short, bushy and grow to only a height of about four feet. They are often called bush tomatoes. The tomatoes form on the terminals ends of the plants: hence, they are self topping and seldom require support. They stop growing when the fruit sets on the terminal or top bud ripen their entire crop, usually over a two week period, and then die. Indeterminate varieties continue to grow indefinitely until killed by a frost. I like to refer to them as the Energizer Bunny of tomatoes. The plant is always producing stems and leaves as the lead or terminal buds does not set fruit. The fruit set on the laterals instead. In addition, the fruit ripens progressively as the vine grows, so there are tomatoes in all stages of development at any one time. Cherry tomatoes varieties along with Early Girl, Brandywine and Big Boy are examples of Indeterminate tomatoes. Gardeners often make the mistake of planting tomatoes too early. The key in growing tomatoes and setting fruit is not the daytime temperatures. Tomatoes are a warm season crop that struggles and/or fails to set fruit with nighttime temperatures below 55 degrees. Once the plants are slowed down, they never recover and fail to meet expectations. Personally, I’d plant tomatoes between April 15 and May 15 after the rainy season has concluded.

Q. This year, I’d like to plant my peppers in containers. How many can I plant and can I mix both hot and sweet peppers together in the same pot?

A. Peppers grow very nicely in containers and yes, you can mix the hot and sweet varieties in the same pot. With chili or hot pepper varieties, you are better off waiting until the end of the month to plant or whenever the rainy season has concluded. The number of plants is determined by the size of the pot. I’d allow each plant about eight to twelve inches of space. If your pot is large enough, you could mix in Alyssum and Marigolds as companion plants to deter insect problems. Because of the nutrient depletion with every watering, I’d fertilize them with a vegetable food every other month or with Osmocote at the time of planting and again in July. Osmocote is a time release fertilizer that releases a little bit of nutrients with every watering. Peppers have shallow roots so you need to be careful when you cultivate and mulching is recommended to conserve moisture.  Water conservation is enhanced by adding the plant polymer, Soil Moist, to the soil mix at planting. Soil Moist is a crystal that hydrates into a gel with water. The roots of plants use the gel as a back up réservoir extending the days between watering.  All the pepper varieties are compatible with each other so there isn’t a problem with whatever varieties you choose.

Q. Is there a way to sterilize soil other than baking it in an oven? When I recycle the old soil from containers, I first sift the soil and then store it in trash cans.  I find that the weed seeds are not killed when stored for a year or so.

A. Storing soil in a dark location isn’t an effective method of killing weed seeds. They can remain dormant for a long period and germinate when exposed to light and moisture. To effectively kill the weed seeds, soil insects and soil pathogens, the soil needs to be heated. For the home gardener, soil solarization is a simple non chemical technique that captures heat from the sun to sterilize soil. Commercial equipment is not cost effective while a household oven isn’t very practical. Soil sterilization is a sensible solution for large or small quantities of soil. You can tarp areas off an area or place small amounts of soil in plastic bags. It should be pre-moistened and then sealed or covered. The weeds seeds are killed as the temperature rises converting the moisture into steam. Depending on the quantity, it needs to bake in the sun for six to ten weeks. June through September is the primary period to sterilize soil using the sun. Once it’s been sterilized and aired out, you can store it in trash cans indefinitely. A back up plan is to control the weed seeds with pre-emergent herbicides. There are organic liquid as well as granular products available. 

Are You

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC

If you are suffering from a herniated disc or pinched nerve, you know how debilitating it is and how the pain slowly leaks the vitality from your life. Since1999 when Align Healing Center opened its doors, we have been specialists in treating pain naturally; whether it’s back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain or any other pain, we have been there to awaken the healing potential in the body and relieve the pain. That being said, we are always in search of miraculous new ways to relieve pain without the use of drugs, invasive procedures and certainly without inducing more pain. If you or someone you care about suffers from a pinched nerve or disc related pain, it is worthwhile to explore the exceptional, non-invasive, natural therapies that are available today.

Can I heal my pain without drugs or surgery? Yes, here’s how:

1. 1. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a state of the art treatment that has been helping thousands of patients with chronic neck or low back pain, sciatica, and herniated, bulging or degenerated discs. This is an entirely different treatment from traditional chiropractic adjustments. Many of the patients who are candidates for this procedure have already tried chiropractic, physical therapy, injections, and/or were told they would need surgery.

This breakthrough treatment works by gently separating the vertebra, which decompresses the disc, thus causing the bulging material to be drawn back into the disc. It does this by reversing the internal disc pressure, thus creating a vacuum effect. According to the Journal of Neurosurgery (vol. 81, 1994), decompression was found to substantially reduce the pressure inside disc, therefore allowing water and nutrients to be absorbed and initiate the healing process within the disc itself. Non-surgical spinal decompression is very effective, has a high success rate, and can be utilized for both neck and low-back disc injuries.

2. Class IV Laser Therapy

Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser Cube Class IV Laser.  Class IV Laser therapy gets to the root of the injury and treats it at the cellular level, providing energy to the cells so they can heal. This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue. During each painless treatment, laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

There is hope!

We have found that a combination of Class IV laser therapy and spinal decompression offers outstanding results in healing stubborn pain due to a pinched nerve, bulging disc or spinal degeneration.

This unique combination of non-invasive therapy offers a chance for realizing a permanent cure for back or neck pain. This eliminates the long-term care commitment forced upon patients by other symptomatic back pain treatments, such as drugs, injections or surgery. With proper care and rehabilitation of your spine you can be back to your healthy self quickly!

For more information about Dr. Niele Maimone, DC or to set up a complimentary consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com

Refresh Your Skin For Spring

• Play It Cool

Use a toner after cleansing to dramatically balance and refresh the skin and to restore protective pH mantle. Using toners are one of the best-kept beauty secrets to smooth and protect the top layer of the skin. Your complexion will enjoy the results of renewed brilliance and the skin will look smoother and more youthful than ever. Sensitive toners are recommended for best results.

• Easy on the Eyes

The eye area is extra delicate, so be sure to use eye cream products specifically formulated for this fragile area. Lighter eye creams with nutrients and anti-puff ingredients are best. Our Premier Firming Eye Cream by Ongrien is one of the finest in anti-aging. It reduces puffiness and dark circles, while preventing premature signs of aging and corrects existing photo damage.

• A Light Idea

With the warmer months comes increased dryness in the air. Switch to a more hydrated version of your favorite moisturizer so skin doesn’t get dry and parched, causing wrinkles and fine lines. We highly recommend our Formula 20 for optimum protective for hydration, repair and anti-aging benefits.

• Screen Test

All skin types are sensitive to sunscreens. We recommend using sunscreens that are light-weight, contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to prevent breakouts and clogged pores. These ingredients will block the harmful UV rays and protect the skin and reduce collagen breakdown.

• Dare To Detox

Apply a good organic clay mask to the skin once or twice a week to draw impurities out of the skin and to deeply cleanse and detox pores. It minimizes large pores and congested skin. Ideal for all skin types. We recommend our Organic Clay Masque for optimum benefits.

         

• Get The Glow

Get into the habit of exfoliating the skin every day, this will promote healthy cell renewal and maximize anti-aging benefits without damaging the surface of the skin. A mild exfoliant will provide the skin with exceptional smoothness and tone, while promoting a youthful, smoother complexion. We recommend our Organic Honey and Almond Scrub for maximum benefits for all skin types.

   

• Here’s The Scoop

Antioxidants help protect skin against free radicals. Free radicals cause fine lines and wrinkles to form along with age spots, and skin cancer. Protect yourself with a topical cream that includes Esther-C, Lipoic Acid, Q-10, and DMAE. Powerful antioxidants will prevent collagen breakdown, your skin will look healthier, younger and smooth. Our Regeneration Serum contains a synergistic antioxidant combination of all four ingredients. Ideal for all skin types.  

    

• Skin Deep and a Youthful Complexion

 Glycolic Acid is one of the most popular alpha hydroxy acids in skin care. It is a valuable addition to many of the super-antioxidants products (such as alpha lipoic acid and DMAE), because it works with other antioxidants, enhancing their antioxidant activity giving you a more youthful appearance. In short, Glycolic Acid aids in smoothing the surface of the skin, reducing wrinkles and decreasing sun-damaged skin.

• Beauty Secrets

The secret to beautiful skin is all in the cleansing. If you use harsh products and do not cleanse the skin properly everyday your skin will suffer. Use cleansers and toners that are gentle yet powerful enough to clean deep within the pores and the surface of the skin. Do not use anything that includes alcohol or chemicals.

• The Bottom Line

At The Rouge our advanced skin care line “Ongrien” starts with science. Our research team helped pioneer the advent of cosmeceuticals and has continued to lead the industry as one of the first companies to provide scientific evidence to support product benefits. Aroma therapy, organic products, and all natural plant based lines cannot provide the skin with anti-aging benefits, because they do not have the nutrients to support anti-aging cellular renewal or repair.                        

                

                        

               

 

 

 

You have to be of a certain age to remember a time before there were television sets in every home in America and not the beloved radio. It is hard for my kids and grandkids to imagine a time when we sat around a floor model radio to listen to (not see) our nightly entertainment shows. Before it is much too late, let’s take a look at a few of the radio shows that provided us with nightly and weekly excitement.

1. Each week, our hero went to his closet to find something, always forgetting how over crammed it’s was with endless junk. When he opened the door, everything fell out with an endless roar of junk hitting the floor. What was this comedy classic?

2. Our hero and his trusty friend entered each week to the stirring music of Ferde Grofe’s “William Tell Overture.” What was this show?

3. He was the “All American Boy” and he attended Hudson High. Who was our college hero?

4. Jack Benny was a great radio star and was one of the rare ones who made a seamless transition to TV. Because of his unbelievable thrift, he drove a vehicle that was at least 50 years old that made a real racket on radio. What was the make of his car?

5. “Amos and Andy” was the most popular radio show of the early 1930s. Because of its popularity,, movie theaters would play it in theaters before the movie was played in an attempt to keep patrons from staying home. What mythical lodge were Amos and Andy members of?

6. “Christmas Story” has become one of the most popular movies shown every year at Yuletide. It captures the draw of old radio on families of that time. In the movie, the little boy desperately wants a BB gun for Christmas that is promoted by his radio hero. Who was that hero?