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It's Allergy season....again!

Achhhhoooo!!!

It's that time of year again!!!    If you live in Austin and other allergen-laden locales, you are certainly familiar with the outward symptoms of airborne allergies.      How are the allergies affecting you?     Are you suffering from itchy eyes, congestion, headaches, or ear aches?  If so, you may be familiar with allergies and what they can do to you. But did you know that depression can actually be a symptom of an allergy at work in your body?So can muscle aches, joint pain, anger and irritability, even an inability to think clearly. The list of allergy symptoms goes on and on.    The exact cause of allergies isn't known. Western science defines an allergic reaction as the body's defense mechanism against an allergen or foreign substance. The body's immune system takes over in an attempt to protect it. Ironically, your body is making you uncomfortable by fighting what are often benign substances.  So why is Pollen or Mold kicking your butt right now and not your neighbor's or your spouse's?  We found the answer is YOUR Immune System strength and your immunity against the allergen!       Allergies to airborne substances - cedar, ragweed, mold, dust, mountain juniper, are often indicative of inflammationsomewhere in the GI tract. They are typically secondary to a food allergy that is creating the inflammation.  So rebuilding the stomach lining, will decrease allergies, even airborne!        Some allergens are actually inherited, but these are few. In fact, allergic reactions to soy, peanuts, dairy products, and wheat appear to be the only genetic allergies. Changing the pH and calming the inflammation of the bowels is the key to reducing or eliminating allergies. While it isn't an overnight process, the results are worth it-living without sinusitis, itchy watery eyes, headaches, pressure, fatigue, drainage, sinus infections, irritable bowels, spastic colon, diarrhea, and constipation.        You may be shocked to discover how many of your seemingly unrelated symptoms are actually allergies.Other symptoms of allergies include migraines, heartburn, fainting, blood-sugar problems, indigestion, and even mood disorders. Often, depression is actually a result of commonly ingested allergens, and many people find they can reduce or eliminate their need for psychotropic medications by modifying their food intake.      In our office we use homeopathic remedies, herbs, acupuncture/acupressure and adjustments to alleviate allergy symptoms and rebuild the stomach to address and fix the cause.  All of these combined together is how you can be allergy free!     Chiropractic By releasing stress on the nervous system, chiropractic permits the immune system to function more effectively-something all allergy sufferers need. A nervous system without stress functions more efficiently. Recent understandings in psychoneuroimmunology reveal that when the nervous system functions better the immune system benefits.     Chiropractors correct a basic cause of body malfunction to improve the function of your immune system  Freed of nervous system stress, your body will work more effectively to neutralize the allergy-causing chemicals in your environment.  As Dr. Kurt Donsback has said: "A healthy body is capable of neutralizing these toxic substances and a body which has malfunctioning defense mechanisms cannot. The emphasis on allergies must be on building a healthy body, not on trying to use evasive tactics by eliminating all the allergens." Acupuncture and Acupressure  Acupuncture and Acupressure can target the areas where the allergies may stem from.  This is a procedure that is designed to open and increase the energy flow (Qi) throughout the body.  Once the body has a thorough energy flow, the body will become balanced both hormonally, physically and mentally.  With allergies, we can treat the root of the problem, as well as where the problem manifests itself within the body.  Probiotics  Again, working on the immune system is the most important defense against allergens.  The good stomach bacteria (probiotics) train your immune system to distinguish between pathogens and non-harmful antigens, and to respond appropriately. This important function prevents your immune system from overreacting to non-harmful antigens, which is the genesis of allergies.   Natural D-Hist and Texas Allergy  Both are fast acting and help reduce allergy symptoms. Both are sold only by Dr.'s and I do carry both in the office as well as a high grade probiotic.  Natural D-Hist combines Quercetin, which is a mast cell stabalizers that inhibits compounds that affect the nasal passageways slowing down nasal discharge, with Bromelain which supports the mucousal lining and slows down the mucus viscosity.  D-Hist does not leave you with that "hang over" feeling that other over the counter medications may leave you with.  Texas Allergy Spray is a homeopathic remedy that slowly introduces Texas Allergens into your system such as Ragweed, Mold and Cedar.  By introducing small amounts before allergy season hits, your body will build immunity to the allergen when it comes into contact with the real thing.    If you or someone you know has tried everything and is still suffering from allergies come on in, let us see if we can help!

Welcome Dr. Rita Castriotta to Infinity Wellness Center

Exciting News!! Help us welcome Dr. Rita Castriotta to Infinity Wellness Center! That's right, we are Expanding!   We are super excited to have her join our practice.

 

Dr. Tenesha is still keeping her same schedule and hours. Together we can't wait to help and serve more people

Help us welcome Dr. Rita back to Austin.  Dr. Rita Castriotta holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with High Honors from The University of Texas at Austin, a Doctor of Chiropractic degree with High Honors from Parker University, and a Massage Therapy License.

 

Dr. Castriotta is originally from Manfredonia, Italy, but has lived in Austin since 1993. She has been a salsa dancer since 1995, is a voracious reader, and enjoys Ashtanga Yoga, weight lifting, hiking the numerous greenbelts and parks in Austin, and playing with her dog Sparky. 

 

She has worn many hats over the years, including working at a Trauma Tech in Breckenridge Hospital's Emergency Room and later as a Math and STEM teacher and curriculum writer at the Ann Richard's School for Young Women Leaders where she was part of the founding group of teachers and administrators who launched the school. 

 

While in Chiropractic school, Dr. Castriotta participated in a 10-week internship at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center of North Texas as well as a Chiropractic Mission trip to the Dominican Republic with Mission Life International.  

 

Dr. Castriotta is certified in Activator Technique but also performs manual adjustments depending on the needs of her patients. She is a certified Neuro Emotional Technique Practitioner, a technique that addresses the stress we store in our bodies that prevents us from healing. 

 

Dr. Castriotta has also been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2005 and incorporates myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and acupressure techniques into her treatments.  She has seen patients ranging in age from 2 weeks to 95 years old and has a passion for bringing a higher quality of life and increased vitality to those under her care.

 

Stop in to say hi and meet Dr. Rita at your next appointment.  To welcome her we are offering a New Patient appointment with her at half price! See coupon below. 

With February being the month for love - what better topic than Heart Health!  

 

I am honored to be a participant of the 7th annual Go Red for Women fundraiser campaign for the American Heart Association, by photographer Korey Howell.   Look for the photo spread in March's Austin Woman Magazine.  

 

I've learned a few shocking facts while participating:

• Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women age 20 and older, killing about one woman per minute.  More women die of heart disease than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. 

• 90% Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.

• 1 in 3 three American women die of heart disease, compared with one in 30 women who die of breast cancer. 

• 80% of cardiac events in women may be prevented if they make the right choices for their hearts, involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking

Are you at risk??

Get a baseline of the following tests - are you currently in range?  If you are not in range, consider supporting your heart naturally! 

• Homocysteine Homocysteine  is a substance your body uses to make protein and to build and maintain tissue. But too much homocysteine may increase your risk of stroke, certain types of heart disease, and disease of the blood vessels of the arms, legs and feet (peripheral artery disease).  A normal homocysteine level is between 4.4 and 10.8 micromoles per liter (µmol/L).

• Lipid Panel - this is the fats (lipids) in your blood. The measurements can indicate your risk of having a cardiac event or other heart disease. 
    
  • Total cholesterol. This is a sum of your blood's cholesterol content. A high level can put you at increased risk of heart disease. Ideally, your total cholesterol should be below 200 
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is sometimes called the "bad" cholesterol. Too much of it in your blood causes the accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow.  Ideally, your LDL cholesterol level should be less than 130 in a pathological range
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This is sometimes called the "good" cholesterol because it helps carry away LDL cholesterol, keeping arteries open and your blood flowing more freely. Ideally, your HDL cholesterol level should be 60 or HIGHER.
  • Triglycerides. Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood. High triglyceride levels usually mean you regularly eat more calories than you burn. High levels may increase your risk of heart disease. Ideally, your triglyceride level should be less than 150 mg.  The American Heart Association recommends that a triglyceride level of 100 mg.  

• C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein your liver produces as part of your body's response to injury or infection (inflammatory response).  A high CRP is a sign of inflammation somewhere in the body. However, CRP tests can't pinpoint where in the body this may be happening. Inflammation plays a central role in the process of atherosclerosis, in which fatty deposits clog your arteries. 
    
  Measuring CRP alone won't tell your doctor your risk of heart disease. But factoring in CRP test results with other blood test results and risk factors for heart disease helps create an overall picture of your heart health.  According to the American Heart Association, your CRP test result can be interpreted as putting your heart disease risk at:
  • Low risk (less than 1.0 milligrams per liter, or mg/L)
  • Average risk (1.0 to 3.0 mg/L)
  • High risk (above 3.0 mg/L)
   
    
  
  
  Heart Support
   
   Diet and exercise play a huge role in Heart Support.  As well as herbal support, nutrients, antioxidants, and enzymes.  Below I cover a few of the most common:

   
  Resveratrol 
  Resveratrol, found in the skin of grapes,  is a member of a group of plant compounds called polyphenols.  These compounds have antioxidant properties, protecting the body against the kind of damage linked to increased risk for conditions such as cancer and heart disease.  
   
  Resveratrol helps reduce inflammation, prevents theoxidation of LDL cholesterol, and makes it more difficult for platelets to stick together and form the clots that can lead to a heart attack.  I most recently started using a very high quality rich concentrated liquid form (that tastes really good!) called Resvero.  I've see great results with overall health and wellness with everyone I have recommended this to.   
    
  Coenzyme Q10 

  CoQ10 is a very common antioxidant most of you have heard of.  It is substance that' s found naturally in the body and helps convert food into energy.  

  As an antioxidant it fights damaging particles in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. 

  
  

  Scientists believe free radicals contribute to the aging process, as well as a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants, such as CoQ10, can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

  Some researchers believe that CoQ10 may help with heart-related conditions, because it can improve energy production in cells, prevent blood clot formation, and act as an antioxidant.

  
  

  **In the clinical research there is conflicting info on how many mg/day of CoQ10 should be taken.  

  Some studies state if it is not needed, too much can cause minor side effects such as dizziness.  Other clinical studies say you can not get too much!  Consult your practitioner before starting this or any new nutrient.  

   

  We can help you decide what support is right for you!  visit our website to learn more 

Cleansing Q and A

Why cleanse??

We live in a toxic world.  As we become infested with toxins our body suffers, and we may begin to experience symptoms such as:

Weight gain	Allergies	Fatigue
Joint pain	Headaches	Skin problems
Hormonal Imbalance	Difficulty sleeping	Digestion issues
Constipation	Diarrhea	Bloating
Food cravings	Mental Fatigue	Brain fog

We eliminate toxins through breathing, urinating, bowel movements, and even sweating. Everyday we eliminate what we do not need from our body, this is a natural detoxing process - and able to be done in ease by a healthy body. But after years of exposure to the toxic world we live in, our bodies lose their ability to do this on it's own and we become ill from the exposure to toxins.

Poor food quality	White refined sugar
Chemicals	Air and water pollution
Dyes	Automobile exhaust
Radiation	Caffeine
Parasites	Preservatives

Why would I need or want to do a cleanse?

Even if you eat the leanest and the greenest we cannot escape life! We live in a toxic world.  Even with ongoing care, your body accumulates more toxins than it eliminates.  A "toxin" can be anything from pesticides, xenoestrogens, plastics, air pollution, water pollution, parasites, and chemicals from foods, medicines, surgery, or dental work to an emotional toxic buildup from stress.  When you consider that we are only the 2nd or 3rd generation of humankind to ever live in a world of clogged air, chemicals, and electromagnetic frequencies, to walk on concrete rather than dirt, and to sit all day indoors, it is amazing that we aren't worse off than we are.

What does it involve? 

You will receive a booklet with details about what to eat and what not to eat. The first week is all fruits and vegetables, preferably raw, with smoothies for protein.  After week one, you can eat lots of organic fruits and raw, steamed or grilled vegetables, fish, and a little antibiotic free, hormone free turkey and chicken.  The idea is to avoid any possible allergens, so wheat, dairy, nuts, seeds, chicken, eggs, caffeine, alcohol, and soy are avoided, as are all processed foods, sugars, and junk food.  Remember, it's only 3 weeks!.   If you're worried about your sweet tooth, you'll have fruit smoothies that are sweet and yummy.  There are even legal recipes for chocolate shakes!

What should I expect?

Most of the time, you will feel great.  You may have a day or two of "detoxing" symptoms, often described as similar to feeling like you are catching the flu.  Muscle aches or headache are the most common symptoms, but they are typically short-lived.  Your energy will improve, and you will discover many food addictions and possible food allergens that you haven't previously been aware of.  Your sinusitis will improve, your digestion will be better, your mood will be lighter, and your head will be clearer.

  

My weight is where I want it. Should I still Cleanse? 

Yes, defiantly.  Even if you don't have excess weight on your body, an annual cleanse of toxins is a superb way to stay slim and healthy. 

  

   

I've already done a cleanse once.  Can I do one again?

Absolutely! If you still feel you have weight to lose or haven't reached the state of health that is your goal for the long term, it would be very beneficial for you to cleanse again.

Will I keep taking my other supplements during the cleanse?

Most of you may stop taking some of your other supplements that are not cleanse products.  You will not be stopping any hormonal replacement (Progesterone creams, sublingual Estrogen, Progesterone or Testosterone replacement),or any prescribed neurotransmitter products.  

Contact for more info on Cleanses !! 

May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month

In honor of May being National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Dr. Weine will be talking at the Texas Lyme Disease Associate Austin Support Group this Saturday at People's Pharmacy on South Lamar. She will share a bit of her own struggles with Lyme as well as prevention tips, early signs of detection, the diagnosing difficulties, and treatments to make life more tolerable living with Lyme.

 Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria which are transmitted in the bite of the black-legged deer tick. The number of deer ticks is expected to be higher than usual this year in Texas due to short and relatively warm winter.

The prevalence of reported cases of Lyme disease has increased more than 43% over the past ten years with many still going misdiagnosed everyday. Case numbers for Lyme are expected to be at a record high in 2012.

 Learn how to protect your family and pets.

 Reasons for underestimated cases reported include:
 -People don't know they have been bitten
 -Lyme disease mimics the symptoms of countless other diseases such as MS, Fibromyalgia, and Lupus to name a few
-False negative antibody-based test results

Lyme Disease Symptoms include:
Sever Fatigue
Unexplained joint, neck and back pain
Neurological Disorders Headaches/Migraines
Weight Gain or Weight loss Muscle twitching
For a complete Symptom check list visit www.txlda.org

Join us to learn more Saturday, May 18th 11:00 am - 1:00 pm People's Pharmacy 3801 South Lamar Boulevard Austin, Texas 78704 (512) 444-8866