<![CDATA[DCAM Services "You Are Gold" - DCAM Health News]]>Fri, 03 Jan 2025 21:03:38 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[WELLNESS TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR]]>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 23:31:37 GMThttps://dcamservices.com/dcam-health-news/wellness-tips-for-a-successful-new-year
  1. Plan Balanced Eating
    • Aim for moderation, not restriction, allowing yourself to enjoy a variety of foods without overindulging.
    • Snack on protein-rich foods and food with healthy fats like nuts or eggs to support a balanced appetite.
    • Remember to stay hydrated; thirst is often mistaken for hunger and can lead to unintentional overeating.
  2. Stay Active, Even in Small Ways
    • Look for opportunities to add short workouts, whether it’s a brisk walk, light stretching, or a dance class.
    • Try activities with family and friends, like going for a walk after meals. It’s a great way to stay connected while staying active!
  3. Prioritize Rest and Mental Breaks 
    • Stick to your usual sleep routine to stay energized and maintain a positive outlook.
    • Carve out some "me-time" to unwind, even if it’s just 10 minutes of quiet reflection.
  4. Practice Mindful Eating and Enjoyment 
    • Focus on nutritious foods that do not contain ingredients people struggle to pronounce.
    • Savor each bite by eating slowly, taking moments to pause and fully enjoy the flavors. This can help you feel satisfied sooner.
  5. Set Small Health Goals 
    • Instead of making drastic changes, focus on achievable goals like drinking more water or practicing gratitude.
    • Continue or start wellness habits you enjoy like exercising, walking, hiking, biking, or dancing.  ​
  6. Limit Sugary Drinks and Alcoholic Beverages
    • Opt for low-sugar beverages to stay hydrated and energized without added calories.  Notice it says low-sugar, not diet drinks where the sugars have been replaced by chemical additives. 
    • Limit alcohol consumption.  Basically stated, alcohol is translated in to sugar in the body, and those calories can add up fast.  For instance, the average beer has 220 calories, a glass of wine is around 150, and a single shot of whiskey around 100 calories
  7. Stay Socially Connected for Mental Well-being
    • Take time to connect with loved ones, as social bonds can add joy and positivity to your life.  When possible aim to connect in person.  Face to face conversations are extremely valuable. 
    • Get out of the house and be social.  Even though it is cold outside getting out of the house and being social can make a huge difference. 
]]><![CDATA[FIGHT SAD WITH BETTER ROUTINES AND MINDFULNES]]>Mon, 02 Dec 2024 01:35:30 GMThttps://dcamservices.com/dcam-health-news/fight-sad-with-better-routines-and-mindfulnesFall marks the beginning of the darker season, the season of staying indoors.  The temperature outside drops, and for some people, so do their moods.  It is this time of year that many people experience SAD.  Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a type of depression that a significant number of people suffer from.  The depression generally sets during the fall and doesn't begin to dissipate until spring.  For many people, SAD is a pattern of life, a pattern of depression, that occurs for multiple years or decades in a row.  

There are multiple effective treatments for SAD, nearly all of which do not involve pharmaceutical medications.  Consistent sleep patterns has been shown to have a positive effect on SAD.  Vitamin D therapy, red light therapy, taking a walk outside, engaging with family and friends, finding new hobbies, dawn simulating devices used to assist waking, opening the curtains and working near windows are all effective means of combating SAD.  

Mindfulness is another method of treating SAD that can be used in combination with nearly all of the above-mentioned potential remedies.  Mindfulness, simply stated, is completely engaging your mind in whatever it is you are doing at that moment.  For instance, if you are taking a walk outside, walking with mindfulness would mean you are focusing completely on things like your breathing, the feeling of wind on your face, the warmth of the sun on your cheeks, the sounds of nature, or how it feels from your toes to your head every time you take a step.  Engaging with loved ones in a mindful way would mean eliminating all distractions, focusing on the words being said, the tone by with they are said, and the body language used to convey them.  Mindfulness during a pleasant conversation would involve a thoughtful focus on the positive feelings being experienced during this interaction; it means being truly engaged and focused on the person or persons you are with and nothing else.  

Mindfulness ranges from difficult to impossible to achieve for long periods of time during most of our typical routines of work and home life.  But in those positive moments you have really focusing and being present for the experience has been shown to help alleviate depression, fatigue, anxiety, fear, anger and a host of other things.  It has also been shown to contribute positively toward human performance of tasks of the mind and of the body.

​If you’re interested in using mindfulness for SAD, how much time should you spend on it?  The correct answer is: we don’t really know yet.  More research is needed to determine what exact dose of mindfulness meditation will most effectively reduce SAD.  But don’t worry, we do have access to general guidelines. 10 minutes of mindfulness meditation every day for 8 weeks have proven to be very beneficial for the brain. 

5 steps to practice mindfulness:
  1. Direct your focus to the present moment (for example by noticing sounds, smells, your breathing or the emotions in your body).
  2. Try not to judge what you find. 
  3. Get distracted by thoughts (this is part of the deal and simply how the human mind works).
  4. When you get distracted (because you will), kindly bring back your focus to the present moment.
  5. Repeat step 1-4 over and over again.
]]><![CDATA[DRY EYES - CAUSES AND TREATMENTS]]>Fri, 01 Nov 2024 04:00:00 GMThttps://dcamservices.com/dcam-health-news/dry-eyes-causes-and-treatmentsDry eyes is a condition where tear production in the eye is not sufficient.  This can lead to irritation, redness, decreased vision, decreased visual clarity, and other related issues.  Most people at some point in their lives have experienced some of the symptoms of dry eyes.  Common occasional or temporary causes can include over exposure to sunlight, wind, or computer screens.  While uncomfortable, exposures such as these are temporary, as are the resulting dry eye symptoms.  

Chronic dry eyes, on the other hand, can lead to more serious eye issues and can also be a sign of more serious health problems.  Chronic dry eyes is loosely defined as the body's inability to produce enough tears to properly lubricate the eye leading to persistent eye fatigue, irritation and vision impairment.  Permanent damage to the eye, such as damage to the ocular nerve, can occur without proper treatment.  

Chronic dry eyes is recognized as a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, Vitamin A deficiency, sjorgen's syndrome,  Lupis, uveitis, and other diseases and disorders.  There are several different treatment options for chronic dry eyes.  Vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, and the use of serum tears.  Some medications are also known to cause or contribute toward dry eyes.  Cessation of that medication when possible can also help to alleviate symptoms.    

Briefly stated, serum tears are custom eye drops made from the patients own blood making them rich in growth factors, vitamins, and nutrients resulting in a product that closely mimics the body's natural composition of tears.  This tailored therapy not only help alleviate the discomfort of dry eyes, but it also plays a crucial role in preventing the condition's progression. 

​Through our partner, Health Check Diagnostics, patients at DCAM have access to these custom made serum tears.  From the comfort of the patient's home, or here at DCAM, Health Check Diagnostics draws the patients blood and formulates the completely custom serum tears.  For more information about serum tears, please contact us here at DCAM.  ]]><![CDATA[The extreme PREVALENCE of glyphosate]]>Tue, 01 Oct 2024 18:42:11 GMThttps://dcamservices.com/dcam-health-news/the-extreme-prevalence-of-glyphosateGlyphosate is the most commonly used chemical for weed control in the world.  It is sprayed routinely to control unwanted vegetation nearly everywhere we go in this modern world.  It is used so frequently and in such high amounts that it can now be found in the soil, the water, the air, and our bodies.  It is even found in breastmilk.  

The consequence of the glyphosate being found in our food sources - most often in wheat, soy, and corn - is the growing prevalence of cancer, liver damage, kidney damage, autoimmune disorders, and chronic sickness in humans.  The damage caused by glyphosate in the body starts in two ways.  First it disrupts our microbiome through its antibiotic like properties.  Second, it loosens the tight junctions in our intestines, leading to leaky gut syndrome.  The damage caused by glyphosate is cumulative, meaning the more you are exposed or consume, the more damage is done.  

So what can be done to minimize a person's exposure to and damage from glyphosate?  First, eat organic foods as often as possible.  Second, avoid using the chemical around your own house and garden.  Third, make an effort to repair your microbiome through the consumption of pre and probiotic foods as well as supplements like Ion Gut Health.  

For more information please click the following link. 
intelligenceofnature.com/blogs/ion/glyphosate-exposure?utm_source=High%20Engagement&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DTC%20–%20Glyphosate%20in%20Public%20Spaces%20%28%20Blog%20%29%20-%20%5B%20AUG%2022%20%5D%20-%20DG%20%2801J5TPSVMKEXTCXZPS15BV6XV9%29&cid=01EN0Q9H1HZMC366B0MJS52V5A&_kx=oVI-tvY10y5gQ7HaJXCXxlb9ffccrfff0m922fI1PrM.T5DaPb
​]]><![CDATA[To microwave or not to microwave, that is the question]]>Sun, 01 Sep 2024 04:00:00 GMThttps://dcamservices.com/dcam-health-news/to-microwave-or-not-to-microwave-that-is-the-questionShould you microwave your food?  In an effort to uncover the answer to this question, there were many articles both in support and against microwaving your food.  In the end, DCAM's research lead to a scientific paper where the structure of three macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins) were tested prior to and after heating in the microwave.  The paper goes into great detail explaining the specific structural changes that occurred during microwaving.  To be clear, the structure of all three macronutrients can and often did change during microwaving.  Some of those changes were positive, and some were negative.  An example of a positive change was the digestibility of specific starches changed in such a way that there was less of an impact on blood glucose levels post meal.  Another example was the structure of proteins could change in a way that made those proteins less allergenic.  

There were also negative effects on all three macronutrients.  Two examples of negative effects were a breakdown of proteins into free radicals and the changing of some specific proteins to make them more allergenic.  

Taste can certainly be effect by the microwave.  Certain macronutrients are better suited to be microwaved than others, resulting in retained flavor when compared to traditional cooking methods.  However, some macros, like a raw chicken breast, are just never meant to be cooked in the microwave due to the certain difference in flavor between a pan fried or grilled chicken breast.  

What about nutrient content.  In general, because a microwave heats faster than traditional boiling or cooking, the nutrient content of food is often better preserved.  This is especially true for vitamins A and C.  

So what is the bottom line?  According to the study, microwaving your food is not a bad decision.  There needs, however, to be consideration given to the power of the microwave used, the amount of time the item is cooked for, and the overall composition of the food to begin with.  Few to no studies of this specific nature have been done on foods that contain different ingredients, for example; chicken parm over pasta.  The ingredients in this meal have different ideal cooking times, heats, and power levels.  Warming the ingredients up all at the same time with same power level and cooking time can result in what many might perceive as a decrease in quality over fresh.  This decrease in quality is likely due to the degradation of specific macronutrients and their structures within the foods.   

This study provides an understanding that the microwave has a place in kitchens across the world.  It serves as a great way to quickly warm food, but attention should be paid to not overcooking the food, using too much time or too much power.  The overcooked food could contain dangerous free radicals, abnormal cellular structures and increased allergenic effects.  And, let's not forget to mention you should always microwave your food in glass containers.  While many food storage, preparation and serving products are made from plastic, microwaving them can accelerate the release of harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates.  These harmful chemicals are endocrine disruptors.  They can mimic, block or interfere with the body's hormones--possibly increasing the risk of various conditions including infertility, some cancers, metabolic diseases, neurological conditions and immune system dysfunction.  Research is still continuing in this area.    

We encourage your to read the study for yourself.  Here is the link:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9607893/]]><![CDATA[relationship between low testosterone and kidney stones]]>Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:36:27 GMThttps://dcamservices.com/dcam-health-news/relationship-between-low-testosterone-and-kidney-stones    Scientists have discovered an interesting link between low serum testosterone and increased prevalence of kidney stones.  This relational link has been noticed over time.  As total testosterone levels in men have continued to drop over the last several decades, the incidence of kidney stones has increased at a pace similar to the rate of testosterone decline.  

     To summarize, men in the study over 18 years of age with a testosterone count under 300 ng/dL were considered to have low testosterone.  When compared with men of similar age and testosterone counts over 300 ng/dL, the men with low testosterone had a significantly higher incidence of kidney stones, especially by age 33.  Scientist did not find a direct causal relationship, but did note a strong correlation.   

     To read more about it, please click the following link: www.nature.com/articles/s41443-024-00963-x

]]><![CDATA[Hydration, a key to longevity]]>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:00:00 GMThttps://dcamservices.com/dcam-health-news/hydration-a-key-to-longevityNext to air, water is the most important element for the survival of all living creatures on earth.  But science is showing that water is even more critical to life than we previously realized.  

There are two critical factors that contribute to longevity, the density of microbes, specifically the mitochondria, and the level of hydration deep within our cells.  This statement shows the importance of proper hydration.  However, it is not enough to simply drink water.  As we age and and are exposed to poor diets and toxins, our gut health declines.  This damage to our microbiome often leads to leaky gut syndrome (LGS).  Leaky gut syndrome means the gut’s tight joints have been weakened.  The weakened junctions allow substances to move freely across the colon, causing water to leak back into it, and that results in poor absorption for proper hydration, as well as a wide array of other health issues.  One of the critical effects of LGS is it degrades the body's ability to properly absorb and distribute water throughout the body.  

For more information click the link below. 
intelligenceofnature.com/blogs/ion/how-to-hydrate-your-body?utm_source=High%20Engagement&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DTC%20–%20Hydration%20%28Blog%29%20-%20%5BJUNE%2013%5D%20-%20NS%20%2801J0KJVPPYC0HYT0ZYHFAG34H6%29&cid=01EN0Q9H1HZMC366B0MJS52V5A&_kx=oVI-tvY10y5gQ7HaJXCXxlb9ffccrfff0m922fI1PrM.T5DaPb


]]><![CDATA[ROLE OF VITAMIN D IN ATHLETES AND THEIR PERFORMANCE: CURRENT CONCEPTS AND NEW TRENDS -- AN ACADEMIC REVIEW]]>Tue, 04 Jun 2024 01:32:07 GMThttps://dcamservices.com/dcam-health-news/role-of-vitamin-d-in-athletes-and-their-performance-current-concepts-and-new-trends-an-academic-review7106653Vitamin D deficiency is common around the world.  It is also common in athletes.  Research is showing that proper levels of vitamin D in athletes can have positive effects on strength, performance, muscle and bone density, lung function, and overall health.  Click here and here for more information. ​]]><![CDATA[what is the elimination diet]]>Sat, 04 May 2024 09:54:32 GMThttps://dcamservices.com/dcam-health-news/what-is-the-elimination-diet    Elimination diet is a term used to describe a dietary approach in which a specific food or food group is eliminated from a person’s diet for a period of time.  The elimination diet is typically employed for four to six weeks, but can be employed much longer.  The purpose of the elimination diet is to help identify food intolerances, food allergies and reduce inflammation in the body and gut.  Once an offending food or food group has been identified, the elimination diet may need to be maintained long term in order for a person to see lasting relief from disorders and diseases such as: Celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, urticarial disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, and migraine headaches. 
 
    An elimination diet can include the removal of just one food type, but often includes at least one complete food group and up to six food groups.  The most common groups of food allergens that are addressed and/or eliminated during an elimination diet are: bovine dairy products, eggs, soy, wheat (gluten), nuts (including tree nuts) and fish (including shellfish).  Of these six food groups, the two most commonly eliminated are wheat and bovine dairy.  
 
    Elimination diets are used to help a practitioner identify foods that are causing allergic and/or inflammatory responses in the body.  Most people are familiar with the idea of food allergies causing negative effects in the body like anaphylaxis in the case of someone with a severe allergic response to nuts or shellfish.  Many people, however, do not have such severe and visible reactions to offending foods, but the long-term effects can still be quite damaging to the body.   For many people, the effects include one or more of the following: upset stomach, bloating, acne, skin rashes, hives, mouth sores, joint pain, hair loss, depression, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, weight gain, weight loss, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.   
 
    An elimination diet is implemented following a general course of action.  First, a patient meets with their practitioner to discuss their symptoms along with specifics of their diet.  A food journal is often requested by the practitioner to help identify specific and troublesome foods.  Once the patient’s symptoms are identified the practitioner will specifically discuss which foods or food groups should be temporarily eliminated from the diet.  As mentioned above, the practitioner can recommend one or more food groups to eliminate.  Those foods are eliminated, depending on the severity of the condition or disease, for 30 days or up to 3 months.  After this time, the potentially offending foods are reintroduced to the diet slowly and one at a time.  By reintroducing the foods slowly back into the diet the practitioner and the patient can figure out which food or foods are responsible for their conditions or disease. 
 
    After the elimination diet is complete and the offending food or foods have been identified, it is often the case that those foods need to be completely eliminated long term from the diet, or else the symptoms will ultimately return.  Through the elimination of the offending foods, the patient’s body is able to heal, thus eliminating or greatly reducing the symptoms experienced by the patient.

     At DCAM, the elimination diet is one of our most powerful tools used to diagnose and treat food intolerances and allergies.  Elegantly simple, when done properly the elimination diet can be far superior to most available blood and skin allergy tests.  For more information, or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of food allergies or intolerances, please contact our office.  Our practitioners would be happy to help. ]]><![CDATA[HOW TO REPAIR YOUR MICROBIOME]]>Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:24:26 GMThttps://dcamservices.com/dcam-health-news/how-to-repair-your-microbiomeIn our previous post, we looked at how your gut health impacts your health, mood, brain, and just about everything else physiological in your brain and body.  This week we are going to take a quick look at what can be done to heal your gut, and thereby heal your microbiome.  

The first step is to figure out what the issue is with your gut.  Among the most common is leaky gut syndrome.  Leaky gut syndrome is a repetitive cycle where food particles and toxins escape the intestinal lining due to damage usually caused by a poor diet for multiple years.  The food particles and toxins enter into parts of the body they should not be, thus triggering an immune response.  That immune response is continuous and remains triggered for as long as the intestinal lining is damaged. 

Bacterial imbalance is another potential cause of gut issues.  We all have billions of bacterial cells in our intestines.  Sometimes, the ratio of these bacteria can be thrown off by things like antibiotics or a poor diet.  Where certain types of bacteria make up too large a percentage of the microbiome, dysbiosis occurs.  Like leaky gut, bacterial imbalance is a repudiative cycle that does not end until the gut is healed. 

Two more things to consider, which often occur in concert with leaky gut syndrome, are histamine intolerance and yeast imbalances.  A yeast imbalance is very similar to bacterial imbalance.  We all have yeast in our bodies, but if the balance is thrown off, often by poor diet and/or antibiotic use, the result is again, dysbiosis.  Histamine intolerance involves our body's inability to breakdown certain histamines.  This results in our systems releasing histamine to counteract the incoming histamine, resulting in a histamine overload.  For people with histamine tolerance issues, this exacerbates our gut issues.  

So, now that we know what can go wrong, how doe we fix it?  The first step is often an elimination diet.  Second step is a cleaning up your diet, managing your stress, and eating prebiotic and probiotic containing foods.  There are also products on the market like Ion Gut Support, that help rebuild intestinal linings and put in order bacterial and yeast balances.  

Next month we will dive headlong into the elimination diet.  Until then, if you would like more information about how to fix your gut issues, please click below.

Click Here for more information
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