This is a perfect time to do a spring cleanse!  The weather is becoming consistently warmer and new spring produce is becoming available.  It’s time to support the body’s detoxification systems to balance hormones, improve seasonal allergies, clear skin, lose excess weight and improve mood and energy.  I offer a 2-3 week cleanse consisting of diet changes to eliminate common food allergens and significantly increase vegetable intake in addition to several dietary supplements or a special protein powder that includes nutrients needed for our detoxification systems to function properly.  Detox support lifestyle recommendations are included as well. 
Let us know if this is something that you are interested in and we can get you started!

Hello Everyone, 
We are right in the midst of spring allergy season and I am seeing many patients with watery, red, itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, sinusitis, asthma, fatigue and brain fog.  For many allergy sufferers, there is a temptation to reach for a an antihistamine medication and just hang on until the season passes.  What I have noticed however, is that for some of you, identifying food sensitivities and eliminating those foods that the immune system is reactive to can reduce the total load on the immune system so that seasonal allergy symptoms are much less.  This seems to be especially important for those who are experiencing more severe or persistent allergy symptoms, sinusitis and asthma.  I have been using a blood test for food sensitivities from a lab called US Biotek for over 18 years and have found their results to be extremely helpful in identifying foods that are causing an immune response.  There can be many other benefits from eliminating food sensitivities including improvement in many digestive conditions, chronic inflammatory conditions and much more. 

Contact us if you have questions about allergies or food sensitivity testing or would like to schedule an appointment!

Hello Everyone, 
I’ll be out of the office from March 27th to the 31st.  Lisa will be at the front desk on the 27th from 9-12, the 28th from 1:30-4 and the 29th and 30th from 9-12 to assist you with scheduling appointments, refilling supplements and anything else you need.  I have extended the Health Fair Lab Special into the first week in April to make sure that everyone can take advantage of this great opportunity.  Give us a call if you would like to schedule an appointment!

Hello Everyone, 
Even though here in Colorado we still have snow on the ground with more coming this week, spring allergy season has begun!  Do you experience congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, nose and throat, runny nose, cough or fatigue at this time of year?  It’s time to get a jump start on preventing allergies from taking over your life.  In early spring, I find two things very helpful: 

1.  Doing a cleanse that eliminates common food allergens and reduces inflammation. 
2.  Liquid homeopathic Southwest Allersode drops desensitize your immune system to common local plant allergens such as sagebrush, juniper, cottonwood, pinion, etc. 

Additionally, I have several products in the office that can be helpful any time during allergy season to provide a natural antihistamine effect, such as Aller Dx from Plantiva, Quercetin and Vitamin C.  I also highly recommend a good probiotic to modulate the immune system via the gut bacteria to reduce over-reactivity to things in your environment.  Please contact me if you would like more help with seasonal allergies or would like us to set aside any of these products for you.
Take Care,
Abigail

Hello Everyone, 
For the month of March and first week of April, I am offering special prices on screening lab tests to check things like Red and White Blood Cells, Blood Sugar, Cholesterol, Thyroid, Iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and more.  Why is this important?  Screening blood tests help us do the following: 

1.  Determine Your Risk Status For Disease and Conditions 
2.  Check Treatment Success 
3.  Early Diagnosis of Some Conditions Before Symptoms or Complications Develop 
4.  Identify Treatment Side Effects 
5.  Monitor Chronic Disease Status and Progression 

If this interests you, give us a call with any questions or to schedule your blood draw.  The early morning time slots are filling up fast!

Hello Everyone, 
For the month of March, I will be offering the Health Fair Lab Special again.  This is a great time to have screening labs done for a reasonable price to check red and white blood cells, blood sugar, kidney and liver function, cholesterol, thyroid, iron and more.  Contact us to get on the schedule as those early morning time slots fill up fast!  
Looking forward to seeing you soon, 
Abigail

Hello Everyone, 
Lisa and I will be out of the office for the week of February 13th.  We will be back in on February 20th at 9am.  Please let us know right away if you would like an appointment this week or need to refill supplements.  As always, you may also schedule appointments and refill supplements via my website.  Keep an eye out for information about heart disease in my next newsletter and then the Health Fair Lab Special in March!
Take Care,
Abigail

Hello Everyone,
I am excited to announce that Lindsey Spivey, owner of Health and Harmony Nutrition, is now seeing clients in my office on Saturdays.  Lindsey is a nutritionist who helps her clients achieve optimal health by developing personalized diets, health promoting behaviors, lifestyle modifications, tools and plans to meet and exceed the goals of her clients.  She provides nutrition education, recipe ideas and meal planning strategies to help you stay on track with healthy eating.  She sees men, women and seniors with a variety of health conditions who would benefit from an individualized nutrition plan.  Check out her website or call 970-389-5924 to schedule a free consultation to see if this is a good fit for you.  

Hello Everyone, 
I wanted to let you know about two fabulous Mindfulness Meditation offerings in the community.  Nichole Moorman, counselor, and certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction teacher is accepting new clients into her Healing and Resilience with Mindfulness program through January 29th.  This 12-week group program can complement work that you are already doing with a therapist or can be done by itself.  Health Savings Accounts can be used to pay for the program, and she bills in network with a variety of insurances for the program as well.  See her website for more details. 

In addition, for those in the Montrose area, Erin Easton, mindfulness coach, is offering an introductory class during January and February at the Montrose Rec Center.  The cost is $45 for 6 weeks. 

I recommend Mindfulness Meditation training to aid with anxiety, depression, stress management, burnout, and chronic pain.  It can also be a great tool for those already on a wellness path to enhance mindfulness and non-judgmental awareness.

Hello Everyone,
If you read my last newsletter, you will remember that stomach acid has a pH of between 1 and 3 (acidic) and is essential to break down proteins and inhibit pathogens.  We also discussed symptoms of low stomach acid and who might be at risk.  Guess what common household substance has the same pH as stomach acid?  Apple Cider Vinegar.  This pantry staple might be the most underrated home remedy of all time.  It can be used in liquid or capsule form to create the necessary acidic environment in the stomach for optimal digestion to occur.  I have been using it before a meal that I expect might cause gas and bloating with very good results.  
What else can it do?  Research on apple cider vinegar shows that it significantly reduces serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels.  In overfed rats it reduced oxidative stress and the likelihood of obesity.  How best to use apple cider vinegar?  2-4 tsp. in a few oz. of water before meals effectively reduces blood sugar levels. 
If you plan to use vinegar ongoing, you may want to use it in capsule form as the acids can erode dental enamel.  If you already have esophagitis, gastritis or stomach ulcers, I don’t recommend using apple cider vinegar as it can be irritating.  If a burning sensation occurs with use, stop using it.  Check with me or your medical provider if you take any medications to make sure that it is safe to use ACV regularly.  

Hello Everyone,
Are you feeling the effects of over indulgence from the past few weeks?  Too much sugar, alcohol and dairy were the hallmarks of my festivities and I’m feeling like it’s time to clean house!  Bloating, weight gain and dull, puffy skin or acne are some signs that a cleanse is in order.  Contact us to get started with a two week program including complete instructions, recipes and Thorne Mediclear, a protein powder containing a complete multivitamin plus liver and GI botanicals to support the body’s detoxification systems.  Let’s start the New Year feeling amazing!

Hello Everyone,
I wanted to share a recipe that I plan to make this holiday week for a healthy and delicious brunch.  It could also be a light dinner.  Shakshuka is a Mediterranean/North African dish traditionally made with tomatoes, but I like the idea of using greens instead. 

Green Shakshuka 
Serves 4
Ingredients 
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 
8 oz. brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced 
Kosher salt 
1/2 large red onion, finely chopped 
3 garlic cloves, minced 
1 large bunch of kale or chard, thick stems removed, chopped 
2 cups baby spinach 
1 tsp. Aleppo pepper or 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper 
1 tsp. ground coriander 
3/4 tsp. cumin 
juice of 1/2 lemon
4 large eggs
1 green onion, trimmed and chopped 
fresh parsley, chopped for garnish 
feta cheese, crumbled for garnish 

Instructions 
1.  In a large pan or skillet with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium high heat until shimmering, then add the sliced brussels sprouts and a dash of salt.  Cook for 5-6 minutes, tossing occasionally. 
2.  Reduce heat to medium.  Add the onions and garlic, tossing occasionally for 3-4 minutes, make sure that garlic does not burn. 
3.  Add the kale and toss for 5 minutes (less for chard).  Add spinach and toss to combine with a pinch of salt. 
4.  Add the spices and toss to combine.  Add 1/2 cup water.  Turn heat to medium-low.  Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until kale is completely wilted.  Stir in lemon juice. 
5.  Using a spoon, make 4 wells in the greens.  Crack an egg into each well and season with a little salt.  Cover the pan and cook for 4 minutes, depending upon how firm you like your eggs. 
6.  Remove from heat.  Add a drizzle of olive oil.  Garnish with green onion, parsley, and feta.  Serve with crusty bread or flatbread.  Enjoy! 

Courtesy of The Mediterranean Dish

Hello Everyone, 
I’ll be out of the office from December 24th to the 31st.  Lisa will be at the front desk from the 26th to the 29th from 9 am to noon to assist you with scheduling appointments, refilling supplements and anything else you need. 
Have a wonderful holiday!
Abigail

Hello Everyone, 
Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient for energy production and nervous system function.  Anyone can develop a Vitamin B12 deficiency at any age, however there is a higher risk for deficiency if you are:
Vegetarian or vegan
Over age 60
Have digestive problems affecting absorption of nutrients
History of gastric bypass surgery
Sjogren’s Disease
Drink alcohol to excess

Additionally, the following medications can cause a Vitamin B12 deficiency: 
Acid blockers such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers
Metformin (used to treat diabetes) 
Oral birth control pills 

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency can include: 
Fatigue/weakness 
Depression/Irritability 
Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea 
Low appetite 
Sore mouth or tongue   
Numbness and tingling in hands and feet 
Vision Problems 
Memory Problems/Confusion 
Problems walking or speaking  

Some people have trouble absorbing Vitamin B12 from food and oral supplements so I often recommend injections to bypass the digestive system.  This can be a very effective way to feel better quickly.  Let us know if you would like to give one a try.  You can buy a single injection or buy 5 injections and get your 6th for free.  They are typically administered once per week to once per month depending upon the situation.  Contact us for more information!