As a naturopathic doctor and nutritionist by trade, I am, at the core, always striving to get patients to realize how important lifestyle choices are in their long term health.  The wealth of information available to the consumer is overwhelming to say the least, and nothing is more at the forefront than the arena of weight loss/management.  With an obesity rate of over 20% in 49 states (Colorado - from where I write this very entry-is slightly under), its seems education is continueing to fail the average population from improving their health.

It's obvious that our fast food, stressed out, sleep deprived, and addicted population can not sustain this for long without serious consequences.  Diabetes is fastly taking over the number one cause of death in the United States and it is in every case (some exeptions) completely avoidable by what we put in our mouth and what we do with our bodies.

Health is about a lifetime plan, and one that will not only influence your genetics, but the genetics of your generations to come. (Read more about this- Epigenetics of Nutrition).  Fortunately in my profession I tend to meet people that have made the shift to a healthier way of thinking and they want help in making the next step.  It's all about coaching and creating a plan that is a lifestyle, not a diet, a fad, or a quick fix.  Motivation and endurance are required for making significant changes, and I believe this, on top of not having the correct coaching, is the reason many people are not able to finish- there are no quick fixes in weight loss and lifestyle improvement- it's a paced run, not a sprint. 

Recently in my practice I have been implementing a program ( Evolve ) that I was introduced to by my trainer, Nathan Detracy from Bellevue, WA.  My story ( ) began with realizing I myself needed a coach to transform my health after years of stress, fatigue, and sleep deprivation.  Nathan's program completely motivated me in a such a way that I hadn't had before, because I saw AND felt results, and it brought together everything I already knew while adding in aspects of body composition training that are vital to long term success.  The 24 Day Challenge is the beginning of the Evolve program, and it's where the metabolic shift starts.

When I realized that I could implement this with weight loss in my patients,  I had no idea how it was going to absolutely transform their lives.  Below is a testimonial from Ali, who even with diet and exercise, struggled with weight loss. She wrote this for me to share with you, so that others who are stuggling can see that if there is a will there is a way.  The story is amazing, but a picture is worth a thousand words.  She has forever changed her future, and I hope she may inspire you to change yours. Say yes to yourself and get ready to see what is possible!

My 24 Day Challenge Story

Before the 24 Day Challenge I had given up hope trying to lose the extra weight I have been carrying around for years.   I've been playing roller derby for 5 years and consider myself very active but the weight just wouldn't come off and my performance on the track had been a constant struggle with fatigue, lack of endurance and my energy level just wouldn't last.  I tried everything I could to break through that wall by changing my diet and exercise routine and nothing worked.  Naturally, being "older" I had it in my head that I will forever be stuck this way.  Needless to say I had given up!

Then I was introduced to the 24 Day Challenge.  I was a bit skeptical but thought why not give it a shot, it's only 24 days out of my entire existence, nothing to lose right?

I was shocked and filled with excitement with my results after the 24 Day Challenge.  I dropped 12 lbs, 4" around my waist, 2" off each arm, 1.5" off each leg and I am down 4 pant sizes!  In addition, I have increased energy, stamina and endurance.

 Ever since I was a wee one, "Carbohydrate Addict" was my middle name.  Now I have zero cravings for potatoes and pasta, never would have imagined that could be possible.  The 24 Day Challenge has taught me how to successfully fuel my body with proper nutrition.  I feel stronger, more energetic, a lot healthier and much happier than I have felt in a long time.  As cheesy as it sounds, losing weight, and keeping it off, doesn't happen by going on a "diet".  It's about changing your lifestyle, changing the way you eat, and staying committed.

 The 24 Day Challenge has literally changed my life for the better, forever!!!

 The New and Improved, 

Ali V., Oak Harbor, WA

“What you eat today, walks and talks tomorrow.”

-Babe the Pig 

This is from the movie "Babe" my daughters favorite movie at the current time, and even though you could interpret it a number of different ways, there is no doubt that what you eat controls each and every cell in your body. Since eating is something we all do, it seems like a good idea to put the conversation forward: Are your genetics influenced by the foods you eat, and even more importantly, do you have the power to control how your genes are turned on or off through nutrition?

 The answer is: YES.  The new future of medicine is known as Epigenetics- looking at how the genetic code is affected by environmental influences, and how we have the real ability to turn wellness or illness genes on or off through the foods we chose to put in our bodies. If you were to hear someone say, "it's all in my genes" it's true, but what you don't hear people say is, "but I have the power to control them."  Now I'm not talking about hair color, eye color, skin color etc, these things are in the genetic code and make up your physical appearance.  But lets say someone is meant to be 6 foot 5, but they were fed a horrible diet as a child- malnourished and under exercised.  It's likely they wouldn't make it to that height due to the genetic code being altered by deficiency states.

It's the same with many of today's epidemic diseases in the modern world like heart disease, diabetes, cancers, and obesity.  In a family where both parents have diabetes type 2, some will argue there is a genetic link for their child to get diabetes type 2 when they are older.  In truth, if the child was fed a healthy diet devoid of simple carbohydrates and bad fats, and full of vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins (with adequate exercise) it is very unlikely that this grown adult will get diabetes, for if the gene existed, it wouldn't be turned on.  However in today's world we see children getting type 2 diabetes, a sure sign that if we continue to eat (and stay sedentary) the way we do, gene destruction will happen at an alarming rate.  

The bright side to all this is that you have the power over what you put in your body and even though you don't know every "bad" gene in your body, you do have the say in what your genes can do.  Many will disagree with me here, but I have seen all to many times that when people improve their nutritional status, their bodies become efficient, leaner, and free of disease, while their minds are calmed and bright.  Even those who are what we considered "diseased, can benefit from a clean whole foods diet, sometimes even reversing their conditions and/or optimizing their current states. Take this month to educate yourself and others about the importance of healthy food, and remember you aren't helpless to your genes.

 Just in time for National Nutrition Month, a landmark study published in the Lancet, found that 64% of ADHD diagnosed and medicated children benefited MORE from removing food allergies and sensitivities than taking drugs.  Simply put, diet is more effective than medicating children with ADHD.  Dr Lidy Pelsser of the ADHD Research Centre in the Netherlands found that many of the children who are diagnosed with ADHD actually have food hypersensitivities that are influencing their behaviors, and when a stricter, and healthier diet is imposed, these children become "normal".  With around 10% of US children being diagnosed with ADHD (which is an enormous percentage- anyone else shaking their head?), and over 3 million of those children on drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall, and other stimulant medications, there is no doubt ADHD diagnosis is big business. 

If your child is exhibiting symptoms such as hyperactivity, poor focus, temper tantrums, separation anxiety, or is one of the three million medicated children, this study proves that diet should be your first line of treatment.  Also, a majority of the ADHD/Autism spectrum children that I run biochemical tests on, have food allergies plus significant nutrient deficiencies such as low Vit D, B vitamins, Vit C, and minerals- all of which are essential for optimal cell function.

Nutritional biochemistry is the cornerstone of Naturopathic care, so if you are looking to improve your child's health and reduce their dependence on stimulant medications, I highly encourage you to seek out Naturopathic care and nutritional counseling.  Overall care is inexpensive and could not just transform your child, but your entire family.  Refer to my past blog to find out other ways to help your ADHD child without drugs.  The key is education, take control of your health, and you will transform the lives of generations that come after you!

Photo Gallery

Hello 2011, goodbye 2010! Now that I'm a mom, I gauge how fast my life is going by how fast my daughter is growing. This last weekend we celebrated her 2nd birthday, and I'm not quite sure where those two years went!

It's an exciting time for me and my naturopathic practice, so I wanted to share some of the new events that are shaping my life and business for 2011! As you can see, we have a new website! It's beautiful and relevant, and I'm excited about using this as a stage to promote what our clinic has to offer. Don't miss the Facebook page for our clinic, and yes, it seems that I will be tweeting, so follow me on Twitter and I'll do my best to share the newest health related topics! Notice my new column in each newsletter "DeStress is Best", as I share common, and not so common ways, to relieve stress and boost your brainpower and energy.

As always, my first love is NeuroCranial Restructuring. I can't spread the word enough about this amazing treatment that you may have experienced yourself! My favorite medium for sharing NCR is through presentations; sometimes the smallest of venues is the best. Recently, I did a presentation at Evolution Fitness in Redmond, WA, and I am scheduled to present March 2 at Beyond Medicine in Olympia, WA. If you want to share this with your friends and family, and would enjoy a presentation in your area, I'd be more than happy to set up a day and time!

My newest business promotion stems from my own story of the last year. After two years of being a new mom and running a practice in two states, my own health took a hit. In September my daughter brought home a cold from day care, which turned into walking pneumonia for me. I suppose after years of being run down (medical school, practice, mommy hood), this is what it took for me to stop making excuses and start making healthier decisions.

My close personal friend Nathan Detracy is the owner of Evolution Fitness (evolutionbellevue.com) in Bellevue, WA and he is a professional bodybuilder who has trained some of the biggest names in the local sport. He is not only an amazing "all natural" athlete; he's a successful entrepreneur with a heart of gold! He challenged me to do his program, and  I have transformed my health to say the least.

The overall program is called EVOLVE and consists of an exercise, diet, and supplemental program. EVOLVE isn't just about losing weight, or gaining muscle. It's about transforming your body into a metabolic powerhouse and ramping up your immune system, no matter your age, gender, or circumstance! I realized this is what I wanted to offer to patients, a way to really change their physical body, biochemistry, and mental outlook! NCR addresses so many areas, but with EVOLVE it's like adding the pieces of the puzzle that were missing!

Starting with an office, phone, or Skype (new!) visit, we can get you on your way to feeling amazing just like I have. It's taken accountability, focus, and determination on my side, but the results have been short of incredible, and I no longer use the excuses to stop my health recovery! If this sounds like something you could benefit from, visit my Naturopathic services page to see how we can help you EVOLVE! Stay tuned for future success stories in our new testimonials section.

My business stays alive by the generous referrals that many of you have sent me over the years, and I am grateful for your continued support! Please remember, for every new NCR patient you refer, I will give you $50 towards your next NCR session or Naturopathic appointment! Referring them to our website will also help your odds of getting that $50, as I know they will enjoy the wealth of information!

I leave you with a picture of me with Dr Mehmet Oz MD - a very strong proponent of alternative therapies, diet, exercise, and Naturopathic medicine. I had the great fortune to meet him this last summer where he was awarded an honorary Naturopathic degree along with his wife Lisa, from my alma mater Bastyr University. He's as kind and personable in "real" life as on TV, and it was amazing to meet such an inspiration in my field!

I look forward to helping you with your goals in 2011!

Health is Wealth -
Dr Hillary

Each day in my practice I am confronted with the frustration that many parents feel is their lack of options for their child with ADHD/ADD. Shuttled around from doctor to doctor, many children are given nothing but diagnoses, medications, counseling, physciatric evaluations, and in many cases no help at all. Parents who find themselves exhausted, worried, fearful, and in many cases battling with ADHD themselves, lose hope that their child will ever be "normal". As a Naturopathic Physician who specializes in Neurological conditions, I strive to give power back to who so rightly deserves it, the parents AND the child.

During my clinical training at Bastyr University I was lucky to be chosen to see patients on the ADHD Research Shift (it is a hard shift to get on). There I saw and treated children and adults along the entire Attention Deficit /Autistic spectrum with homeopathy, dietary changes, detoxification, and structural work, and even though it was one of my most emotional and heartbreaking shifts, it was one of my most rewarding.
If you are an adult with ADHD or a parent of a child with this condition please take into consideration the following "alternative" options that could give you back your POWER!

1. Many people self-diagnose and are afraid of seeing a medical professional for this condition because they do not want conventional medications pushed on them. Naturopathic doctors cannot prescribe the amphetamine medications commonly prescribed and thus work on more holistic levels. Getting help is the first step to recodvery. Medications are not evil, but the wrong medication can cause more problems. Addictions tend to be high in this population due to self medicating. Read more about this below related to BRAIN SPECT.
2. If your child is medicated and it IS working, then supplementing with other lifestyle factors is a must. Many of the stimulating effects of the medications cause side effects that could over the long run be hard on other organs and create adrenal fatigue. Nutritional and herbal support can help to counteract these side effects.
3. Tests that should be run but AREN'T by many conventional doctors:
   • Organic acids- these show how well the energy pathways of the body are working.
   • Neurotransmitter levels- these are chemicals that create communication between the brain and the rest of body, and deficiencies or excess in one or many can have great effect on brain chemistry. Done alone or with brain SPECT, results can be amazing!
   • Food allergies and Toxins- almost every child with ADHD I have tested has a food allergy that is significant. The gut is essential for proper nutrient assimilation and must be addressed. These individuals also show a moderate to severe toxic exposure from chemicals, heavy metals, flame retardents, and plastics.
   • Brain SPECT- imaging of the brain can show what the brain is really doing, its an amazing way to look at the prefrontal cortex, the part of brain that differentiates of us from animals. Many ADHD children are conflict driven, meaning they need conflict, they like the excitement, and this is because their prefrontal cortex is not working properly. Improving brain health makes these children more predictable and less likely to become a teenager or adult with dangerous behavior. This can also help to determine which type of medication would be the best instead of doing trial and error.
4. Improve your nutritional status and your child's. Hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, and all the food additives in them create hyper, over active brains. Read "What Are We Feeding Our Children?" If you do one thing, do this, and GET HELP, nutrition is hard but well worth it!
5. Homeopathy can do wonders, especially for children! Case in point - I treated a 21 year old woman who had cyclic anger ADHD x 10 years with nutrition and homeopathy- within 4 weeks she felt that we had saved her life and she was able to wean off her Clonazepam within 3 months. 
6. Do a detoxification. Body burden of chemicals is highest in children, and these can be endocrine and nervous system disruptors- these levels can be checked in blood (heavy metals, plastics, styrene, household allergens) or urine.
7. Improve structural health. I specialize in NCR, a therapy that can help decrease some of the signs of ADHD by improving cerebral blood flow, cerebral spinal fluid flow, and decrease pain. Also, birth trauma and/or head injury has been shown to be a common predecessor in childhood diagnosis of ADHD, read my blog for the current study done in Britain on head injury and ADHD. If you do anything make sure your child wears a helmet doing dangerous sporting activities and discourage activities that head injury is a possibility.
8. Exercise!!! Research shows that the best thing you can do for your brain is exercise regularly- children need exercise to burn off stress, calories, and hyperactive brain activity- and so do adults! 
9. Sound and Light Therapy. In our office I am using a device that uses pulsed electromagnetic fields along with Sound and Light Therapy to calm down overstimulation of the brain. The light and sound patterns that ADHD patients see and hear would be too stimulating for most people, but just like the stimulant meds used to treat this condition, this stimulation calms them down! Its safe, fast, effective, and the research is extensive!
10. Ask for help if you need it, and don't give in that there isn't hope, because I know there is. It may be hard work, but what I've learned from these patients- their not scared of hard work, and regaining health has been the reward!