New Blog address

Please subscribe to our new blog location here for updates and health tips!!
 http://www.austinholisticdr.com/category/infinity-wellness-center-health-blog/

We are moving our blog~~~ !!

Please sign up here to continue to receive health tips!!
http://www.austinholisticdr.com/hoshimotosauto-immune-thyroid/

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

ACHOOOOO!!!!!!!!

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. I believe the fires have stirred up the air and has made some allergies worse this year! Are you suffering form itchy eyes, congestion, headaches, or ear aches, if so you may be familiar with allergies and what they 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 Elm or Ragweed 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 inflammation somewhere 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 my office we use homeopathic remedies, herbs, acupuncture 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. Please note that the chiropractic approach is to remove vertebral subluxations, a common spinal distortion that puts stress on your nervous 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
Acupuncture can target the areas where the allergies may stem from. Acupuncture is a procedure, and therapy where I insert a tiny thin needle into certain acupressure points that are 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, I 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 benedryl or other over the counter medications may.....

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. I like to start my patients on this the month or so before the allergen that bothers them is at it's highest. For example I start my Cedar sensitive patients on Texas Allergy in late September for the November Cedar Season.

Why am I still Tired??

August already?!? One may say I have been on a bit of a sabbatical the past few months. All in all it was a good summer. Infinity Wellness Center turned 5 years old and I couldn't be more thankful to all my Patients for your loyal support and for all that you have taught me. Your brilliant strength and determination of wellness through chiropractic is my inspiration everyday to be a better doctor. I am forever grateful to my parents for their love and belief in me and never questioning as I followed my dreams!

An Anniversary party is long over due and is soon to follow!

I spent most of June working (and relaxing) at Rio Caliente Healing Ranch and Spa in Mexico. Then unexpectedly traveled to Michigan, twice, visiting family, meeting my best friend's precious baby boy and attending an unexpected tragic funeral for my dear cousin Joshua Lizotte.

I do love to travel and love Michigan summers but needless to say I am happy to be settled back home in Austin and focused on my first love - patients and the human body! I feel this newsletter could not be more timely to what I am seeing in practice almost daily these days. Patients coming in with a diagnosis from his or her medical doctor of hypothyroidism, placed on synthetic hormones, and they still feeling awful. I hope to shed a little light on this subject today and with my upcoming lectures.
Why am I still so tired while taking Thyroid Medicine?


We've all heard a family member or friend state they are on a thyroid medication and that person still does not look or feel healthy, they are still over weight, and still fatigued and lethargic. This is common because most doctors treat the thyroid only, and overlook the rest of the endocrine system.

In short, the Endocrine system looks like this - The pituitary gland in the brain releases TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) which tells the thyroid to make thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) which signals the adrenal glands then the ovaries (or testes) telling them to make progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. When the proper amounts have been made, the signal makes it back to the brain and the feedback loop happens over and over again. It's much more detailed than that, but for our purposes this is what a normal endocrine system looks like......until a major stressor hits....and stays.

Our bodies are meant to deal with small bursts of stress - for example running from a lion or a tiger. When you see that tiger, a chemical reaction happens "fight or flight" and cortisol is released from your adrenal glands in short small bursts. This is a healthy normal stress response. Where we fall into trouble is when you stay in high stress states for days, weeks, months or years.

Today our lions and tigers can be our bosses, our jobs, mortgage companies, or even spouses and children. Our body does not know the difference between physical, emotional and finanical stress, it has the same chemical reaction to all stresses. These stresses, when long lasting, cause a prolonged cortisol release. Prolonged high levels of cortisol decrease the TSH and suppress the conversion of T4 to T3. Th is leaves our thyroid gland running sloooowww and our metabolism and energy looowww! This is why people may gain weight under stress. The body thinks you are under attack and puts on weight to protect you.

We then go into the doctor's office exhausted and overweight, he or she orders a TSH only and prescribes synthroid (a synthetic thyroid hormone). Which may or may not help temporarily. As you can see this cycle is much more in depth than a "synthyroid deficiency" in the blood stream. The endocrine system, and really the entire body, must be looked at holistically, meaning as a whole.

Other stressors that cause endocrine imbalances include:
Dehydration
Sugar Imbalances - hypoglycemia, insulin resistance or diabetes
Over training physically
Insomnia
Low level infections in the blood stream, a bacterial, fungal or viral infection
A leaky gut
Food allergies and intolerance
Prolonged physical pain also raises cortisol
Signs and Symptoms you may have an endocrine Imbalance:

Weight Gain (especially belly fat to protect your vital organs under stress)
Can't lose weight no matter how hard you try - your metabolism just is not working!
Fatigue/Lethargy
Insomnia
Puffiness around the face
Cold Hands and Feet
Hair Loss
Loss of outer third of the eye brow
The half moons on your finger nails are no longer visible
Depression/Lack of motivation
Lack of vitality and joy in life
Sugar, Salt and Carbohydrate Cravings
As a holistic practitioner I use numerous tests including saliva testing, functional blood labs, and kinesiology to get a full view of what the endocrine system is and is not doing. Often times we find many fertility cases we see are simply an endocrine imbalance.

Functional testing tells me what type of imbalance is present with the thyroid and why. Is it hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or an autoimmune disorder called Hoshimotos Thryroiditis, where your body views the thyroid as an invader and attacks it (more on that next time).

Hope this explanation of the endocrine process helped. If you or a loved one feels they have more than just a thyroid problem we'd love to take a look and see if we can help.

Time for a vacation?

Stressed Out? Exhausted?
In need of a rejuvenating vacation?

We are excited to announce that Dr. Weine will be working at Rio Caliente Health Spa
June 1st -15th

Rio Caliente is a unique natural healing hot springs spa and retreat located 45 minutes from Guadalajara, Mexico. Nestled on the slopes of an ancient volcanic valley and surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountainous Primavera forest, Rio Caliente is an ideally secluded location for a restful, relaxing, rejuvenating spa vacation. The purpose of the spa is to regain your health, rest and even rebirth spiritually.

The spa offers packages that include room and board consisting of the highest quality food fresh from the on site gardens and local farmer's market. Packages also include the healing hot spring pool, water activities, yoga, body work, massage, facials, bioresonance, and horse back riding in the stunning mountains.



The spa is in a safe location and gated. Read Dr. Weine's blog from her first visit in 2009 to learn more. She would love for you to join her to rejuvenate and restore your vitality.

My thoughts on Radiation

I want to first acknowledge and express my sincere condolences and send prayers, love and light to those in Japan affected by the devastation of this tragedy. My heart aches for them daily.

Next, I want to address why Americans are running out and buying up all the iodine. Due to inquires and concerns from many patients, and with an undergraduate degree in Radiology I feel addressing my opinion and the opinion of my mentors is appropriate here.

So why exactly are People Taking Iodine? Or Potassium Iodide? It prevents radioactive iodine from entering the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a sponge for iodine and cannot tell the difference between stabile iodine and radioactive iodine. Since radioactive iodine is a significant contaminant when nuclear reactors have mishaps, the thyroid suffers the most damage.When a person takes a stabile form of iodine, it fills up the thyroid receptors and then the thyroid cannot absorb the radioactive iodine emitted from the reactor meltdown for up to 24 hours. Which I believe is a quick fix, but a good one! Which may very well be needed for people closer to that area such as the West Coast right now.

So for some people, not all, iodine may be a good defense. If you have an autoimmune disease, a shell fish allergy, are very toxic already you may have a bad reaction to iodine. Also one needs to be aware of what is called the bromine detox. Many people store up bromine in their bodies, from hot tubs, bakery goods, etc., and when they supplement with iodide, the resulting iodine displaces bromine, and you get a "bromine detox". Point being not everyone needs to be on, nor should be taking iodine. It can cause more harm than good if your body can not handle it. Also, long term use can cause issues such as allergies and headaches.

Although iodine does offer temporary protection, it does not protect other vital organs such as the ovaries, liver, heart, and lungs. And it does not protect the body from other radioactive particles such as Cesium 128. Nor does it protect the body from uranium isotopes. So Iodine is a great band aide fix, it really limited in its scope.

For someone exposed or extremely concerned I recommend chlorella. Shortly after World War II, the Japanese discovered a characteristic of the single cell algae, chlorella. After the Nagasaki and Hiroshima atomic bombings in 1948, they used it to rebuild their food and crops. They found that chlorella has the unique ability to absorb nuclear radiation as well as mercury and other chemical toxins and remove them from the body. I use chlorella in my Detoxification Programs often. The concern of cesium 128 that gets absorbed into the body from nuclear radiation is that cesium competes with potassium and thus can damage areas of the body where potassium is rich - the muscles, as well as every cell membrane's respiratory process known as the sodium potassium pump. So taking additional potassium to protect the body from cesium filling the potassium slots is a great defense. Most people that come to me are deficient in potassium and this is often the cause of Charlie horses or muscle cramps, especially in the middle of the night

I personally do Not believe there is reason to panic here in Texas. Knowing from my training how radiation travels and that it has a half-life that splits over distances until it dissipates. While other colleagues of mine believe that here in Texas we could easily get radiation exposure if the radiation starts traveling faster using the winds and clouds........but since we have not seen a tragedy like this in our life time I feel strongly that no one really knows.

What I do know is that by protecting ourselves for radiation exposure to trickle through the environment all the time everyday, and it does, and by detoxing annually or bi-annually and keeping our body in balance the best you can by Chiropractic adjustments to maintain nerve flow and following the nutritional program I have designed for you, your immune system is strong.

For those of you wanting to explore further protection I am happy to sit down with you and look at all the options I listed.

I hope this helps answer some of your questions. And tonight take a minute to tell your loved ones that you love them because we never know what mother natures may have in store for us tomorrow.

Spinach is the best source of omega-3s (plant-based), and folate, both help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis.

Blueberries have more antioxidants than any other North American fruit, blueberries help prevent cancer, diabetes, and age-related memory changes (they are nicknamed "brain berry"). Blueberries are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, they also boost cardiovascular health.

Adrenal Fatigue is when chronic, excessive stress (emotional or physical) can cause the adrenal glands to become exhausted so they can no longer produce adequate cortisol.

Changing the pH of your body to an alkaline state is the key to reducing or eliminating allergies.

Get Vitamin D through your diet by adding foods high in vitamin D such as organic egg yolks, fish and liver.

Simple way detoxify a little each day- Eat plenty of organic fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants to help detoxify.

We need Vitamin D3 for normal Thyroid Function as well as normal bone and cartilage mineralization and to absorb and maintain Calcium levels.

We need Vitamin D, specifically in the D3 form for multiple normal functions of the body such as maintaining energy levels, vitality, and enthusiasm.

Avoid hormone imbalance; only eat meats that have not been injected with fat producing hormones - Organic meats.