Don’t Waste Time, Lose the Waist with HCG

 

By Karen Rasmussen, ND

 

Federal Way Naturopathy is promoting the HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) diet weight loss program based on European physician Dr. Simeons’ manuscript “Pounds and Inches: A New Approach to Obesity.” Since the introduction of HCG to the clinic in 2008, over 200 men and women have successfully completed the program. The theory behind the mechanism of HCG is that it stimulates the hypothalamus in the brain to release abnormal fat stores in problem areas at an accelerated rate by resetting the individual’s metabolism. By affecting the rate of metabolism, the individual can maintain the weight loss and continue to lose weight post HCG without concern for hunger or abnormal fat deposition. The majority of patients, who go through the program feel great, sleep great, have a decrease in appetite, and no hunger or cravings.

 

The program is medically supervised and individualized based on the patient’s own unique health and weight loss goals. The weight loss phase requires a minimum of 23 days up to 45 days depending on how much weight needs to be lost. The diet is 500-600 calories of fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein. The HCG is delivered into the body either through daily intra-muscular injections, or oral sublingual drops/pellets. The expected weight loss is 10-15lbs in three weeks or 20-30lbs in a six-week period. For patients who have more weight to lose the HCG phase can be repeated after a six-week break. Once the weight loss phase has been completed support and resources are provided for the patient to ensure continued success. Oftentimes the patient will be put through a detoxification diet program prior to starting the HCG to prepare the body and mind for the very structured and low calorie HCG program.

 

Since this is a medically supervised program, once you are established on the program your doctor will follow you on a weekly basis to ensure success and help maximize weight loss.

 

The weight loss program is not covered by insurance but can be reimbursed through flex spending plans. Please contact our office at 253-942-3301 to get information about expenses. To learn more about HCG it is highly recommended that you read Dr. Simeons’ manuscript online. The website is: http://www.hcgdietinfo.com/Dr-ATW-Simeons-Pounds-and-Inches.htm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wiley Hormone Replacement Therapy Available at FWN

By Karen Rasmussen, ND

 

We are excited to offer the Wiley protocol created by T.S. Wiley as an option for hormone replacement therapy in women and men. The Wiley protocol   is a standardized bio-identical hormone replacement therapy delivery system based on the belief that women must continue to cycle their hormones and have a monthly menstrual bleed as their own body’s ability to produce hormones gradually declines.

 FDA approved topical estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone are dosed in a rhythmic manner to mimic a normal healthy cycle of a 20 year old, just as hormones naturally fluctuate throughout a 28-day cycle. There are key differences between Wiley and static dosing of bio-identical hormones. Static dosing is typically low dose hormones delivered at the same dose on a daily basis for symptom relief. On Wiley, hormone dosages increase and drop according to the rhythm of the cycle. Therefore, at certain days of the cycle much higher levels of hormones are applied to mimic ovulation and preparation for menses. Women who don’t have a uterus or ovaries are also candidates for the regimen. Wiley is also available for men as testosterone therapy.

The benefits of this type of dosing are alleviation of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness, low libido, fatigue, hair thinning/loss, incontinence, headaches, brain fog, joint and muscle pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and weight gain. Promising research is showing that the Wiley method may be protective against Alzheimer’s, Cardiovascular disease, Osteoporosis, and Cancer.

To learn more about the Wiley protocol it is recommended that you read Sex, Lies & Menopause by T.S. Wiley and visit the website www.wileyprotocol.com

 

Dr. Karen Rasmussen is a Wiley certified Naturopathic Physician and works with a Wiley registered pharmacy in Washington State.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food Allergy Testing in the Pediatric Population

By Karen P. Rasmussen, ND

 

Within the last decade we have seen an increase in the incidence of food and environmental allergies. Lifestyle choices and dietary habits may lead to the development of food allergies. Symptoms in any part of the body can be triggered by a food. There is evidence that supports a genetic predisposition to development of certain food allergies based on occurrence of allergic reactions in other family members. Studies show that 69 percent of children presenting with allergy symptoms have a significant family history of food allergies. Another study showed that 67 percent of children with parents who both have allergies and 33 percent of those with one allergic parent are likely to develop food allergies. Research shows that food allergies can pass from a mother’s breast milk to her infant and can be expressed as early as two weeks in the newborn as acid reflux. In a recent study it was demonstrated that obese children had higher levels of IgG antibodies then normal weight children. The antibodies are associated with systemic inflammation and have been linked to type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis

Food reactions can be non-immune or immune mediated. Non-immune allergy-like reactions are called “sensitivities” and we are still unsure about the mechanism behind the response. In an immune-mediated allergic reaction there is an exaggerated immune inflammatory response. The two most common antibodies associated with food allergies are called IgE and IgG. IgE responses are immediate and normally present with symptoms such as difficulty breathing or hives. IgG are delayed reaction responses that can take hours to days to present. The IgG antibody binds to certain proteins from food and can cause a multitude of diverse reactions. Food reactions can vary from minor irritation to severe behavioral disturbances.

Common IgG allergic symptoms in the pediatric population include nasal and sinus congestion, constipation or diarrhea, acid reflux, hyperactivity, inattention, and rashes. Diseases commonly associated with food allergies are chronic sinusitis and rhinitis, asthma, ADHD, irritable bowel, and atopic dermatitis. Foods that are eaten frequently can trigger an immune inflammatory response over time. In many cases particular foods are hidden in the ingredient list of processed packaged foods unbeknownst to the patient/family.

The most common allergens in the pediatric population are dairy, gluten (wheat, spelt, rye, barley, kamut), chicken eggs, citrus, and peanuts.

The most reliable way to identify food allergies is to eliminate all potential food allergens from the child’s diet a minimum of two weeks. In many cases a longer period of elimination might be needed if symptoms have not resolved.  After symptoms have cleared then foods are challenged one by one back into the diet every two to three days. The child is observed for any allergic reaction. The drawback with this method is the difficulty to consistently remove the foods from the diet in the home, with other caregivers, and in school. Furthermore, delayed food reactions can take a few days before they present which can extend the reintroduction phase for weeks.

The traditional method of skin testing is more reliable for immediate anaphylactic IgE reactions to foods. The alternative to determine delayed IgG food reactions is blood testing. A test is now available for the pediatric population that just involves a needle prick for a small sample of blood. Results are received and interpreted by the physician within two weeks of sampling. Based on the level of the reaction, the child will need to at minimum rotate certain foods in the diet up to complete avoidance of the problematic foods for six months to a year.  Once the allergies are eliminated, good gut health can be restored and future reintroduction can occur. Food allergy testing is available at Federal Way Naturopathy.