Category Archives: Uncategorized

Posted on

4 Essential Supplements to Strengthen Your Immune System

geralt / Pixabay

Now more than ever it is important to keep our immune system primed and ready to neutralize the variety of viruses and microbes we come into contact with on a daily basis.  Many people are asking how can I strengthen my immune system? Along with receiving regular acupuncture in Mesa AZ for immune system support, research has proven that specific vitamins and nutrients boost immunity and keep our immune system working at optimum levels.  Listed below are supplements that research has shown maintain a healthy immune system.  When choosing supplements it is important to purchase from high quality reputable sources.  Also important is to select supplements made from whole foods whenever possible.  I have included reputable brands that I recommend and are easy to find.  This list is by no means a substitute for medical advice and you should always consult with your medical provider before taking any supplement.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient and anti-oxidant that protects our vital cells from damage as well as supporting immune function.  Vitamin C supports our immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells and immune cells that mobilize, engulf and destroy pathogenic organisms.  Vitamin C also protects our immune cells from damage and promotes the production of interferon which attacks viruses.

Most people can tolerate 2,000 mg per day without gastro intestinal discomfort.  The goal is to maintain a high blood level, but since excess Vitamin C is excreted in the urine it is best to take 500 mg 4 times a day.   Reputable brands include MegaFood, Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin C and Pure Encapsulations Ascorbic Acid.

People who have hemochromatosis, take iron chelators or who have abnormally high iron levels should consult with their physician before taking Vitamin C supplements.

Zinc and Quercetin

Zinc is a trace element that improves immune function and inhibits viral replication.  Quercetin is a compound found in plants like broccoli, leafy greens, red onions, apples, green tea and red grapes.  Quercetin is necessary to transport zinc into cells where it can stop viral replication. 

The picolinate form of zinc is the most absorbable.  A recent study by Tufts University showed that 30 mg per day improved immune function in people aged 65 and older by 45 % and by 29% in younger persons.  Dosage of quercetin is between 250-500 mg.  Reputable brands for both include MegaFood, Pure Encapsulations, Life Extension and Thorne Research.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a hormone that although found in small amounts in food is mostly produced by our bodies after exposure to sun light.  Most people living in the United States do not have sufficient levels of Vitamin D.

Data from 25 randomized controlled trials from around the world showed that daily or weekly supplementation of Vitamin D reduced the risk of acute respiratory infections by more than 50% in people with low levels of Vitamin D.

It is important to get a baseline blood test for Vitamin D because the body can store it and levels can get too high causing an excess of calcium in the blood which can lead to nausea, vomiting, weakness, kidney stones and bone pain.  Experts from the Endocrine Society recommend monitoring your Vitamin D levels and taking enough to stay in the 40-60 ng/ml range.

Reputable brands include MegaFood D3, Thorne Research D-1000 and Life Extension D3.

In addition to supplements it is important to eat a diet rich in vegetables and avoid sugar.  You can’t add enough supplements to overcome a poor diet.  In my next post I will discuss foods that increase immunity and include a few delicious recipes.

And of course, since I provide acupuncture in Mesa AZ, I would be remiss if I did not mention that regular acupuncture keeps our immune system functioning at optimal levels and provides immune system support. Acupuncture has a 3,000 year old history as a preventative medicine. As a matter of fact the ancient acupuncture physicians were only paid if their patients stayed healthy. Many of my regular patients often comment on how happy they are to stay healthy during cold and flu season. If you would like to keep your immune system healthy during these chaotic times call 480-832-0966 to schedule an appointment.

Stay well,

Dr. D

Posted on

We Are Open!

I am very happy to be back in the office and doing what I enjoy most- helping people to become healthier and thrive in our modern chaotic world.  I provide acupuncture in Mesa, AZ and have made many changes in the clinic over the last several weeks to create a safe and comfortable treatment environment.

Along with myself, you will be the only other person in the clinic.  I have new powerful HEPA air filters with UVC sanitizer lights to filter and clean the air in each treatment room.  When the rooms are empty the HEPA filters are turned on high to provide the highest level of air purification and when patients are in the room they are turned down to a lower and quieter setting.  I am also alternating treatment rooms so there is a minimum of 30 minutes of time between patients in each treatment room.  This allows the air to be ultra filtered between each patient.

 I will be wearing a mask and am asking all my patients to wear a mask to their appointment and to wash or sanitize their hands before heading into the treatment room.  After each patient leaves the office all surfaces that were touched are wiped down with a medical grade sanitizer. 

Since re-opening last week the process has been very smooth.  Friends, family and patients have asked me if I am scared to be back in the clinic and my answer is NO!  Something most people don’t know about me is that before I began practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine I worked as a research associate in the field of infectious disease and immunology and developed diagnostic tests for various bacterial and viral diseases.  I have called upon my scientific background and experience to provide a safe and healthy clinic environment for myself and my patients.

I am so happy to be back helping you achieve your optimum state of health.  If you would like to schedule an appointment please call 480-832-0966.  I look forward to seeing you.

Stay Well,

Dr. D

Posted on

Support Your Immune System-Deliciously

Supporting your healthy immune system is extremely important right now. Quercetin is a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables that may improve mental/physical performance and reduce infection risk . Flavonoids are plant pigments that give fruits and vegetables their bright colors and protect plants from harm. Studies have shown that quercetin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables improves mental & physical performance and may reduce infection risk . Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and immune system enhancing benefits. It is found in many foods including broccoli, red onion, apples, green tea, black tea and red wine. Here is a recipe for a delicious broccoli dish that is easy to make and supports your immune system. I often make a large batch and eat it with lunch and dinner throughout the week.

4 heads of fresh broccoli cut into pieces

3-4 cloves of garlic chopped finely

2-3 tablespoons of olive oil

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

Sea salt to taste

Steam broccoli for 5-7 minutes. It should be slightly aldente. I usually steam it until I just begin to smell that distinctive cooked broccoli smell. Immediately put broccoli in a glass or stainless steel bowl. Toss in olive oil then garlic. Add salt to taste. Allow to cool 5-10 minutes and then add red onion.

Serve along with green or black tea as a beverage and an apple for desert and you will have a powerful anti-inflammatory and immune stimulating meal. 

Posted on

COVID 19 in Arizona

Many people in Arizona seem to be very complacent about the COVID 19 pandemic. Arizona appears to have many fewer cases than the rest of the nation. Unfortunately, Arizona lags far behind other states in testing for the Corona virus. Tests are in short supply. Testing gives us data as to how serious and widespread this disease really is. As an example, today March 14, 2020 326 cases have been reported with 5 deaths. Only 1 week ago Arizona had 20 cases and 0 deaths. This is a stunning exponential increase in only one week.

Even though our governor is not ordering shelter in place because “Arizona is not there yet. We’re not at the same stage as other states.” We have have no idea of where we really are because we have so little data. Hopefully, this will change soon since 6 drive through testing sites have opened this week.

Arizona political and public health leaders are not responding with a united front and sense of urgency to mitigate this pandemic. The number one infectious disease specialist in Maricopa county told the Phoenix City Council yesterday that she believed it was too early to close public spaces even those that the governor has closed like schools, gyms, bars and restaurants. Her recommendations go completely against the guidelines established by the CDC. This lack of clear coordinated leadership creates anxiety and uncertainty for all of us.

Covid 19 is here in Arizona. The number of cases increases exponentially daily. Don’t be complacent. Take precautions. Follow the recommendations of our country’s leading infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci and practice social distancing.

Posted on

Recipe of the Month: Chipolte Roasted Almonds

Finding healthy, crunchy, salty snacks can be a real challenge.  Even seemingly healthy snacks like packaged roasted nuts are not as healthy as they appear to be.  They are often processed with sunflower oil, cotton seed oil, safflower oil, soy or vegetable oil, which are highly inflammatory.  In addition, the seasonings and flavorings often contain additives and preservatives that mess with our digestive and hormonal systems as well as our mood.

Roasting nuts at home is easy and makes for a delicious satisfying healthy snack.  This recipe is very easy to make and takes very little time.  It satisfies those cravings for a healthy, salty, crunchy snack.

Chipotle Roasted Almonds

These healthy roasted almonds are packed with savory smoky flavor and just the right amount of spice that everyone will love.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Course: Snack

Servings: 20 servings

https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/roasted-almonds-3-189x189.jpg

Ingredients

  • 3 cups raw almonds
  • 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder 1/4 if you prefer less spice
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp fine grain sea salt divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. In a large bowl, toss the raw almonds with the oil, spices, and half of the salt. Spread out the almonds in a single layer on the parchment lined baking sheet.
  3. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring twice throughout to allow the almonds to evenly brown.
  4. After removing from oven, sprinkle with the remaining salt (or enough to suit your taste), allow to cool on the baking sheet, then serve. Almonds are more crunchy if allowed to fully cool before eating. Store leftovers in a covered glass container in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

This recipe is from www.paleorunningmomma.com, which is an excellent site for healthy recipes.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Dr. D

Posted on

The Benefits of Ear Acupuncture

The Perfect Antidote to Stress

Patients often ask why I place needles in their ears when they receive acupuncture in my clinic in Mesa, AZ.    The answer is that there are over 200 points on the ear that effect the function of our entire body.  Points on the ear regulate our organs, as well as all our body systems including the nervous system and endocrine system.  Selecting points on the ear can treat the entire body.

At the beginning of each acupuncture treatment I often choose five powerful points on each ear.  These points deeply relax the body, calm the mind and re-energize our being; bringing us back into physical and emotional balance.

The points are:

Spirit Gate: calms the mind, relaxes the body and alleviates pain.

Sympathetic: balances the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system- takes us out of fight or flight mode, alleviates pain.

Kidney: benefits the brain, improves memory and mental clarity, reduces mental and physical fatigue and calms fear.

Liver: reduces irritability, eases feelings of stress and melts muscle tension.

Lung:  improves circulation, eases feelings of sadness and grief.

I will be hosting an event Tuesday November 13, 2018 at 6pm, that will combine these special points with breathing and awareness techniques. This unique combination will bring participants in to a deep state of relaxation and well being.  This event will be held at Bloomm Studios, 6804 S. Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118.  The cost is $20.00. Seating is limited.

Please call (480) 832-0966 to prepay and reserve your seat.  I look forward to seeing you at this event.

Wishing you continued good health,

Dr. Denise Jenderzak

Posted on

Cortisone Shots (Injections) for Tendon Injuries

What Every Patient Should Know

Here at my clinic that provides acupuncture in Mesa, AZ people often ask are cortisone injections bad for you?  And then the next question people ask is does acupuncture help tendonitis?   Many of my patients seek acupuncture  for tendonitis of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and knee.  Many have received cortisone injections but few understand the long term side effects of these injections.

Cortisone injections are a treatment option in biomedicine practices for pain due to tendon issues.  They can provide relief when rest, ice and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NASAIDS) are ineffective.  They have become very popular because they can provide rapid pain relief that can last for several months.  However, this quick fix comes at a cost.

A review of approximately 48 trials published in the October 2010 medical journal The Lancet showed that patients who received cortisone injections for tennis elbow pain experienced a much lower rate of full recovery and had a higher chance of re-injury after 6-12 months.  Patients who received an average of 4 injections had an even worse outcome than patients who only received one injection.

Most tendon issues are not caused by inflammation but by a weakening and fraying of the tendon fibers due to over use, aging or diabetes. Cortisone works by interrupting neural pain receptors near the tendon so that pain is not felt.  Cortisone injections do not repair damaged tendons and at high amounts they actually prevent the production of new tendon fibers. This is why injections are not given to the same area more frequently than every 3-4 weeks and why it is recommended that patients receive a maximum of 3 injections per year into the same area. It is also not recommended that patients participate in sports that stress the area for 2 weeks after receiving a cortisone injection.

People often ask if acupuncture is effective for tendonitis.  Acupuncture not only alleviates the pain of tendon injuries but also plays an important role in healing tendons. Acupuncture increases blood and oxygen circulation to promote tendon healing.  This increased circulation also prevents age related tendon thinning and fraying. A study published in the 2015 Journal of Biological Chemistry showed that electro acupuncture actually increases collagen production and realigns the tendon fibers which leads to stronger tendons that are less vulnerable to re-injury.

Cortisone injections should be considered thoughtfully. For those of you who are struggling with tendonitis or pain due to other tendon injuries a course of acupuncture treatments can provide pain relief and strengthen the tendons to prevent re-injury.

In order to get the best results from your acupuncture treatments and insure a complete healing of your tendon injury it is important to follow all of the recommendations given to you by your practitioner and to complete your treatment plan.

Wishing you continued good health,

Dr. Denise Jenderzak

480-832-0966

References

Coombes, B. K., Bisset, L., & Vicenzino, B. (2010). Efficacy and safety of corticosteroid injections and other injections for management of tendinopathy: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. The Lancet, 376(9754), 1751–1767. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(10)61160-9

Panwar, P., Lamour, G., Mackenzie, N. C., Yang, H., Ko, F., Li, H., & Brömme, D. (2015). Changes in Structural-Mechanical Properties and Degradability of Collagen during Aging-associated Modifications. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 290(38), 23291-23306. doi:10.1074/jbc.m115.644310

Posted on

What is the True Value of an Acupuncture Session?

The Answer Will Surprise You

As doctors and practitioners of Chinese Medicine we often refer to ourselves as acupuncturists.  Acupuncture, however is only one of many therapies we use to help restore health and well being.  Most people are surprised to learn that Chinese Medicine is comprised of five branches: acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy, nutritional and lifestyle counseling as well as therapeutic exercise.

We begin by asking questions about your condition, examining your tongue, feeling your pulses and palpating the injured area.  This examination process allows us to make a diagnosis based on the principles of Chinese medicine.  This diagnosis is unique to each patient and guides the entire treatment process.  The selection of acupuncture points, herbal prescriptions, manual therapy as well as dietary recommendations are based on your individual diagnosis.  These treatments are designed to address not only the symptoms but the root cause so that the condition is less likely to return.

In a typical session a patient may receive several therapies in one treatment.  If you were to receive these therapies separately the cost total cost would be several hundreds of dollars.  It is important to remember that during a treatment not only is your pain alleviated and range of motion restored but that your organ function is improved, sleep is more restful and your mind is more clear and relaxed. The holistic approach of Chinese Medicine provides excellent value in treating the source of your health issues.

Wishing you continued good health,

Dr. Denise Jenderzak, DACM, L.Ac.

480-832-0966