All Posts By

Christina Campbell

Immune Defense

Posted on March 31, 2020

A Good Defense Requires A Mindful Offense

Our Current State of Affairs

President Trump released a statement that we are to remain in self-quarantine for another 30 days. The hospitals and urgent cares all over the country are over run and it seems like there’s no end in sight. Millions of misleading videos are circulating. Each one with new misleading “scientific” evidence on how to kill coronavirus. There’s even one that tells you to use your hairdryer to blow hot air into your sinuses to kill the virus! Insanity.

Why all this Misinformation?

Panic and desperation are likely the motives behind these crazy videos as well as the prayer chains being frantically passed around. People are wondering: what can I do? Will I get sick? How sick will I get? What about my elderly parents or my child who already struggles with multiple illnesses? How can I help myself or my loved ones?

This is not the first article I have written with suggestions on what to do. And many of you who know and follow me realize that I believe there are many natural methods for improving your immune system. Those who know me also know I believe whole food is the supreme source for nutrients. However, what I am going to share with you today is different. It is even better than random whole food. What I am sharing is a personalized nutrition and immune program created just for you!

What Do You Mean By Personalized Nutrition?

The Regenr8 program is the only program of its kind. This program uses advanced epigenetic diagnostics to deliver a custom organic superfood aimed at improving your personal epigenetic gene expression and metabolic profile. Thus, quickly improving your overall health and function of your body systems. My article on Personalized Regenerative Epigenetic Nutrition explains this unique program in more detail. Suffice it to say, this program fixes your gene expression by filling the unique gaps and needs of your body. It is specifically designed to improve Your body, Your overall health and every one of Your body system’s function in the process. Additionally, you can add the newly released Immunity Defense Kit, created to address our current special circumstances.

What is the VPack Immunity Defense Kit?

During a time of worldwide crisis, it is ideal to add personalized nutrition aimed at an overall health boost alongside targeted immune support. Immunity Defense Kit is backed by scientific studies in herbal phytomedicine to support stressed immune systems

Hard core scientific research and superb organic herbal formulation is at the base of the creation of this kit. In it, Regenr8 has created a two-fold plant-based offering.

First, the immunitea is a delicious herbal tea which comes in a sachet for cold brewing. Cold brewing protects the health enhancing constituents of the plants from the dangers of overheating. Drink it daily for general immune boosting throughout the viral season.

Second, is the immunidefense, an herbal supplement utilizing herbs that have scientifically demonstrated targeted immune defense and immune supporting qualities. So what is it that makes this herbal blend unique?

What makes this unique?

Potentilla + supporting herbs

Potentilla

An herb called Potentilla arguta makes this product unique to any other and is the foundation of this blend. This is a strong herb and thus, only available with physician support. This is where I come in!

The science shows Potentilla to be highly active in boosting our body’s particular immune pathways that fight viral illness and support healthy respiratory systems. This Canadian study by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology is one of many studies that provides specifics on the science of how this occurs.

In this study, 100 methanolic plant extracts were screened for anti-viral activity against seven viruses, including coronavirus. Potentilla Arguta, a member of the Rocaceae family, was one of the twelve plants that demonstrated strong anti-viral properties within the coronavirus family. Potentilla Arguta also exhibited complete inhibition of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in this study. This is not surprising since RSV and coronavirus are structurally similar. They are both single-stranded RNA viruses which infect mucosal surfaces. It is particularly important to inhibit viral respiratory intrusion of the coronavirus, as that is the principal cause of concern in coronavirus patients. This is why this plant was chosen as the base of this herbal blend.

The powerful Potentilla arguta blended with Elderberry, Astralagus, Acerola, Echinacea, and green tea creates the VPack Immunity Defense kit.

Elderberry

Elderberry, also known as Sambucus, provides a strong immune system boost, and supports heart and respiratory health. It is rich in bioflavonoids, antioxidants and other components clinically known to enhance immunity. It also contains anthocyanins known to be highly anti-inflammatory in their effects.

Elderberry is especially supportive of respiratory system immunity during seasonal periods of acute stress. It has been studied with influenza cases and been found to improve respiratory function and decrease illness time. Influenza virus is responsible for this year’s particularly bad flu season. It is a virus with a known risk of cytokine storm and ARDS much like COVID-19.

Astralagus

Traditional Chinese medicine has used Astralagus for centuries to strengthen and regulate the immune system. Astragalus contains certain polysaccharides known for their immune supporting properties. Additionally, it contains Astragalosides (antioxidants) which support the integrity of the respiratory tract. Astragalus supports deep immune function by promoting normal levels of specific immune cells and aids in their function. Astragalus appears especially effective when immune function is stressed by epigenetic environmental influences.

Acerola

Acerola are one of the richest sources of Vitamin C, containing between 1500-4500mg/100g. This translates to 50-100 times more than that of an orange or lemon. Because of this high Vitamin C concentration, they are excellent immune system boosters.

Acerola also contains a plethora of phytonutrients including arotenoids phenolics, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Additionally, acerola is high in caretenoids, several of which have significant pro-Vitamin A activity. This certainly explains the increased interest in this fruit by the scientific and pharmaceutical industries over the last few years.

Echinacea

Echinacea is well known for strengthening the immune system by stimulating the production of T-cells. It also increases the ability of white blood cells to fend off pathogenic invaders.

Green Tea

Green Tea is rich in antioxidants. Several studies have shown that green tea has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses. Several chemical constituents of green tea give it these powerful activities.

Polyphenols, also called catechins, are one of the most powerful constituents in green tea. They make up about 30% of the dry weight of the tea leaf. Two in particular are noteworthy here: epigallocate chingallate (EGCG) and epicatechingallate (ECG). These two incredible constituents not only have the ability to supress bacterial and viral factors, but they can even reverse resistance to tough pathogens.

How Do I Use The VPack Immunity Defense Kit?

The VPack Immunity Defense Kit includes highly concentrated herbal ingredients of Potentilla and Peppermint tea (10-day course) as well as a 5-day capsule supplement program of potentilla, elderberry, astragalus, rose hips, and echinacea. While they are not medicine, they are high concentration herbal supplements. Therefore, only use this kit if viral symptoms or exposure occur. Think of it as your immunity first aid kit.

Alternatively, use Immunitea 30-Day daily tea daily for immune support throughout the season.

The Race For A Cure

While our traditional pharmaceutical industry is hard at work developing and conducting clinical trials on potential vaccines, I know that you are seeking solutions NOW. I am here to help you find those solutions.

How Can I Best Support My Health Now?

The best way to improve your health is to become part of my 12 week functional medicine program. You can learn more about this by reading this article and scheduling a free consult with me today.

Not ready to jump in yet? That’s ok. The next best option is utilizing the 30 day epigenetic nutritive reset program alongside this VPack Immunity Defense kit. You will experience an overall improved state of health while specifically improving your immune defense with targeted herbals and epigenetically personalized organic superfood.

Lifestyle

Personalized Regenerative Epigenetic Nutrition

Posted on March 31, 2020

“Let your food be your medicine” ~ Otto Carqué in The Key to Rational Dietetics Published 1926

Do You Struggle with Your Health?

Are you struggling with energy or pain? Low energy? Sleep issues? Brain fog? Are you on the run and finding it difficult to get healthy home cooked meals on the table 3 times a day? Do you take $300 + worth of supplements every month that are supposed to make you feel better but do not really seem to do the trick? Are you a “regular” at a drive through of any kind? Do you wish you were the person who jumps out of bed before your alarm excited to start your day full of energy and enthusiasm? If you answered yes to any of these questions then keep reading! This could be your answer.

Many of us struggle with getting the nutrition our bodies need. Believe it or not, this includes star athletes and those who are preparing whole food healthy meals 3 times a day! There are many contributing factors to this truth. Ultimately, it comes down to epigenetics.

What is Epigenetics?

What is epigenetics? And how can it help you? Epigenetics is the science that studies how our genes interact and respond to our environment and lifestyle choices. It is used to analyze a broad range of chronic diseases that are at an all time high–diseases like Type II diabetes, obesity, heart disease, chronic inflammation, neurocognitive disorders autoimmunity, and more. Epigenetics explores how our nutrition, diet, and lifestyle can reverse or change the expression of those genes associated with chronic illness.

More and more science is realizing the critical connection between our lifestyle choices and our health. One of the most important lifestyle choices is nutrition. You would not put mud into the gas tank of a Ferrari because it would not have the type of chemical energy it needs to run as it should. Why do that to your body then? Moreover, why not put a custom created fuel into the engine specifically designed for that car on that day for that terrain! That is the difference with customized nutrition.

Our bodies are no different than that dream car. We now can use this epigenetic biomarker profile testing to pinpoint which of our genes are being effected and by what lifestyle and nutritive deficits. Utilizing this detailed information, our team creates a personalized regenerative nutrition program specifically tailored to your genes and your epigenetic gene expression to maximize how your Ferrari runs! Additionally, the EBP test flags other lifestyle issues that need to be addressed to maximize your unique body’s health. You can use this information to adjust your lifestyle for your own benefits. Uniquely qualified to assist you, I offer consultations to help you navigate these test results. As therapeutic partners, we would create a personalized plan for you to guarantee success. Incredible results for each person!

Dear Dr. Christina

Personalized Regenerative Functional Medicine

Posted on March 31, 2020

What do you struggle with?

Are you struggling with releasing unhealthy pounds and inches? Low energy levels? Sleep? Getting the proper nutrition? Your overall health and well-being? In this age of coronavirus, where those who have multiple health issues appear to be a serious target for this virus, now is the time to act! If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help.

What is a Functional Medicine Physician?

As a functional medicine practitioner, I am a detective, a problem solver, a coach, and a yogi. When you work with me, we take a deep dive into your medical history and together we plot out your personal timeline. We are all humans living in a tough world experiencing many ups and downs. These all effect our mind, body, and spirit, which are intricately connected. Science has proven this! Plotting our your personal timeline helps us both to see how you got here. Furthermore, this timeline points us in the direction of what must be done to regenerate your health.

As your functional medicine practitioner, I am a doctor, a detective, a problem solver, a cheerleader, and a spiritual guide.

Creating a Personalized Plan

As your functional medicine physician, I am a problem solver. Dissecting through the information collected, I find the root driver of your health concerns. Additionally, I am your coach and therapeutic partner. Ultimately, we use this information and together we create a personalized plan for you to address these root causes and reverse these issues. I support you through inspiration, education, and constant feedback and input.

I am also your yogi, teaching you to connect your mind, body, and spirit. By creating a positive mindful state you will find joy, peace, and gratitude. Healing occurs when we feed our soul with positive emotions. I help you find this and bring this into your care plan.

Is it Really Possible to Regenerate Your Health?

Yes! It is possible to regenerate your health. But the trick is to uncover the root cause and address it with a personalized plan. Visiting multiple doctors and taking pills for each symptom is not the path to healing. Regeneration requires lifestyle changes that we will create personally for you. I work with you in a partnership, not a “doctatorship”. Personalized medicine based on your story and your epigenetic and metabolic picture is the wave of the future. Combining this with a supportive program that creates an environment conducive to success and change, makes regenerating your health do-able no matter where you are in this process.

If you are ready to make a change and willing to make a change, schedule a free 15 minute consult with me now. However, if you are not ready to work with me, but would like to start somewhere on your own, I highly recommend starting with a personalized epigenetic nutrition plan. It can be a do-it-yourself 30-day personalized regenerative fast and nutrition reset. Alternatively, you can begin this 30-day reset with my guidance by adding my regenr8 consultation program. And in this time of viral scare and self-quarantine, you can add immune support with our Immunity Defense Vpack. You can learn more about this Immunity Defense in this article. Please make a change for you today!

**Your Health is the One thing that Impacts EVERY Aspect of Your Life. Invest in it!**

Client Reviews

Jill M states, “Dr. Campbell is a wealth of knowledge and compassion. I can’t say enough about her. She is the best of both worlds. She has a foundation in “Western Medicine,” but understands its shortcomings and is not afraid to offer alternatives where they may be appropriate.”
Kathryn T states, “She’s kind, compassionate, funny, and wicked smart! How blessed are we that we have access to this amazing doctor through the miracle of social media. Thank you for being a wealth of information!”
Janalee G states, Dr. Campbell “is passionate about helping us feel better–naturally.”
Mary P raves about her experience with me stating, “This amazing woman offers more education and information to help us all be healthier and happier in our lives without chemicals. She is all natural and NATURAL EDUCATOR! I am so grateful for her! I learn so much every time we talk and have so much fun learning it. Love you Dr. Campbell!”

Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

Gratitude Creates Joy In The Chaos

Posted on March 24, 2020

THESE ARE STRESSFUL TIMES

Life during the COVID-19 pandemic

These are stressful times! The kids are all home and schooling from home in an online format. Most likely one or more parents is home under the quarantine mandate and not working. But the bills keep coming in. We are restricted from leaving our homes unless absolutely necessary. We have elderly parents we cannot visit who are now isolated and on their own and we worry about their welfare.

Financial strain, sudden home-schooling, couped up together in the house with no idea when this might end. Spring travel plans are on hold. And what about summer!? Summer normally spent as lazy days by the pool with the smell of sunscreen and burgers and the sounds of laughing and camaraderie may instead be spent carting kids to school. This decision rests in the hands of the school board and governance but leaves you reeling. Worse yet you may even be wondering if you will have enough toilette paper by the end of the day!

COVID-19 has been a scary and stressful event in our world’s and our nation’s history. It’s all you hear about on the radio and TV. Stress effects our health and in a time when we need to be boosting our immune systems, being stressed out is not ideal! So what can we do!??

Here are my top 5 tips on stress control

UnPlug!

1.) Turn off the TV, Radio, social media–take a break from screens and devices. Taking time to be quiet is important for not only our stress levels but also for our brain. Our brains are not meant to be “on” all day taking in information. They are meant to take long periods of rest and quiet. I am not saying to be ignorant of what is happening, but choose an hour or less a day to use as your time to catch up on news and then shut everything off.

Choose Gratitude!

2.) Gratitude Journal–take time every evening to write in a gratitude journal what you are grateful for that day. On the tougher days, you will have to dig deep, but there is always something to be grateful for. Living in a mindet of gratitude rather than stress and worry will make all the difference in your health and mental wellbeing. It will help you find joy in the chaos.

Get Good Sleep

***Sleep is important for all body systems***

3.) Sleep-Getting high quality sleep is as important as getting enough sleep. You can help your body do this by avoiding screens, devices, and bright lights for 2 hours before bed.

Your last meal should be at least 2-3 hours before bed. Nighttime is your body’s time to detoxifying and recover which cannot occur if the body is too busy digesting and metabolizing food.

Having good sleep hygiene is super important. What does this mean? It means following natural circadian rhythms and creating a regular routine. Accordingly, you should awake and get up with the sunrise and wind down and head to bed an hour or two after sunset. You should have a regular before-bed routine that signals your body it is time to wind down for sleep. For instance, this routine could be washing your face, brushing your teeth, using an essential oil like Lavender or Cedarwood in your face cream, and writing in your gratitude journal in low light before lights out. It doesn’t matter what the routine, it just needs to work for you. Have fun with it and get creative. In the end, doing the same thing nightly will help signal your body to become sleepy.

Get Moving!

4.) Exercise-Moving your body is a natural response to the fight or flight response and is a great way to deal with anxiety. It has the added benefits of improved sleep, improved circulation and cardiovascular health, increased energy, and improved mood through natural endorphin release.

Go Back To Nature

5.) Get outside!-Get out in the fresh air and sunlight. Kick off your shoes and get your feet onto the earth! There are numerous benefits of sunlight, grounding, and fresh air documented in scientific literature. Try it and see how amazing you feel!

***Kick off your shoes and frolic in the daisies***

What Do I Do If These Top 5 Tips Are Not Enough?

Call Me!

It may be time to find out if something else is contributing to your difficult emotions. Let’s address the root cause of your symptoms together. For instance, utilizing natural interventions such as plant-based therapies, breath work, and emotional reset can be very powerful. Additionally, there are many plant based products that can help gently improve your mood and decrease anxiety levels.

At the top of my list of plant-based interventions is CBD from Hemp. Essential oils are another path many choose to try. There are also herbal teas and homeopathy supplements and many other options that can help. However, every person is different and what they respond to is different. This is often related to the root cause of their symptoms. Consequently, if you have tried all of the above methods, and you are still struggling, reach out to schedule a consult with me. I welcome the opportunity to create a personalized plan for you to improve your life!

Dear Dr. Christina Tips and Tricks

Viral Syndrome Natural Prevention and Intervention–COVID-19

Posted on March 13, 2020

Coronavirus–named for the “corona” or crown-like structure as seen on electron microscopy

What Are Your Thoughts On This Coronavirus Outbreak?

So many people are so frightened of the coronavirus! The media frenzy over this is unlike anything I have seen in my entire career as a healthcare professional. The question is: Is the Fear necessary? And are we all going to die!? The simple answer to this is probably not. So please take a deep breath, ground yourself and let’s discuss what can be done to help boost your immunity and prevent illness. And then let’s discuss what you can and should do if you begin to have symptoms. But first, what is coronavirus and what are the symptoms of the big bad COVID-19?

The Truth About Coronavirus & COVID-19

Did you know coronavirus is not a new virus? This group of viruses has been around for centuries. 20% of all cases of the common cold are caused by coronavirus. SERS and MERS, and SARS are also coronaviruses you may have heard of in the past. COVID-19 is a specific subtype of coronavirus that began in China and due to our world economy and ease of travel has now spread to many parts of the world.

Currently there have been > 88,000 cases worldwide with a death rate currently estimated at approximately 1%. Who typically gets sick when exposed to this virus? Those more likely to get sick are those who are generally unhealthy, have multiple other illnesses, chronic pulmonary disease, or have at risk immune systems due to other issues. Additionally, it has been noted by those in the trenches, children and young healthy people are unlikely to get sick with this virus. It is more likely to cause infection in middle aged people approximately 50 years and older. They are more likely to be men, smokers, or those with prior chronic pulmonary disease or other respiratory illness.

According to my inside sources (it pays to have spent 20 years as an ER doctor in these times of crisis), the epidemiologists working closely with this virus state that it is a very weak virus. It does not seem to infect individuals easily unless direct contact with ill persons or their aerosolized sputum occurs. The big issue is the 6 foot radius around an infected person who sneezes or coughs near you. Those droplets are inhaled or inadvertently smack your eyeballs and that is where it can begin.

According to the CDC and the WHO, the COVID-19 symptoms are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea and shortness of breath. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. Most people (> 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Those who are generally healthy and who have healthy immune systems are more likely to have no or very mild symptoms if exposed or infected with this virus. Many healthy individuals will not get sick at all, just like with any other coronavirus that has come through our communities.

There is a lot of fear mongering and misinformation out there on social media and the internet. It is really important that we evaluate what we see and read to be certain it is true before spreading or acting on this information.

Do I need a Flu Vaccine?

If you hop in the CDC website they recommend the flu vaccine. However, it does not make any sense to me given the science. The flu vaccine is not proven to prevent influenza and this is a totally different virus. Consequently, MY answer is a NO you do not need the flu vaccine for this issue.

What Can I Do To Protect Myself from Viral Illness?

The key to protecting yourself is to do all that you can to boost your immune system and avoid exposure. Easy peasy, right? Be aware of what’s going on around you but do not let the media scare frenzy effect your mental health. Avoid large crowds. Why risk it if it is unecessary? However, if you are not sick, do not be afraid to leave your home for heavens sake.

Stay calm…grounded meditation can do wonders for your health

Control your stress and anxiety in whatever way works for you. Feed your Endocannabinoid system with a high quality CBD from hemp oil. This is known to decrease inflammation, boost immune function, and support a peaceful state of mind. Meditation and prayer are also useful mindfulness practices that help focus our energy on peace and healing. Other plant-based therapies like essential oils can boost your immunity and help balance your body, mind, and spirit. Sipping herbal tea while watching the sunrise and sunset can be particularly relaxing and holds many health benefits. Exercise, especially outdoors in the fresh air which also provides healthy light exposure. Do it barefoot too, if you are able. There are many scientifically proven health benefits of grounding. All of these are helpful for managing the stress of this situation.

Healthy eating with organic and pastured meat and poultry products. Cook your meals cleanly at home where you can control what goes into them. Lots of colors on your plate. Low sugar/low carb meals are best.

Healthy Sleep! Eliminate all unneccessary EMF exposure. Avoid blue light/screentime in the 2 hours before you go to sleep. No late night meals and no alcohol before bed. Sleep at least 8 hours every night. Sleep hygiene is key.

Inexpensive, Effective, Health-promoting, and Smells Awesome. — ***Inexpensive, Effective, and Smells Awesome!***

Frequent hand washing (30 seconds-sing happy birthday song twice, or make up lyrics to the tune which is what I have resorted to) with chemical-free soap and water or a chemical-free hand sanitizer (see recipes). Wipe down surfaces frequently touched by others with a chemical-free cleaner. I have included DIY recipes in case your store shelves are empty and you cannot find a chemical free version.

What Are You Doing With Your Family For Prevention?

***Effective, Inexpensive, Health Promoting, and Smells Awesome!***

There are many natural options out there from vitamin supplements, to essential oils, to herbs, to homeopathics, to other natural interventions like hyperbaric oxygen, light therapy, and Austin Air filters for your home. All these support healthly immune systems and respiratory systems.

So what am I doing with my family and myself? We are taking full spectrun high quality CBD, Vitamin D/K2, methylated B vitamins, Vitamin C, Zinc, and a probiotic (my favorite is a homeopathic blend by Energetix). At our house, we are also utilizing the air filters and home soft hyperbaric therapy. However, this is not because of COVID-19 so much as due to the fact that I keep on hand what I believe in during virus season.

Dr.Campbell, Can I See You?

Yes, you can see me virtually. Uniquely qualified as a Board Certified and experienced Emergency Medicine doc practicing integrative and functional medicine, I welcome you.

I am offering mini-consults online and significantly discounted prices on products for my clients. Reach out to me soon while products last and while shipping is still available. And that last bit is for real! I have been literally watching as vitamin supplements, herbal remedies, homeopathic and essential oil products have been going out of stock one by one. If you are concerned based on the information in this article, you should reach out to me and schedule a consult ASAP.

What Do I Do If I Have Symptoms?

My recommendations echo that of many other integrative and functional medicine practitioners out there. I highly recommend at the onset of symptoms (if you are not pregnant, in pregnancy my recommendations will differ), you do these things:

If you are sick, STAY HOME!!! Quarantine yourself. Immediately begin these vitamin protocols:
Take Vitamin A (not Beta Carotene) 100,000 IU once daily with a meal for 4 days.
Take Vitamin C 4,000 mg daily for 4 days. If you have GI discomfort or runny stools from this, back down on the dose or split the doses through the day, whichever works best for your bowels.
Vitamin D3 (with 200mcg K2) 50,000 IU daily with a meal for 4 days. The K2 is essential to accompany the D3 to avoid unwanted calcium deposition or side effects. With the K2 it works to boost the immune system like a charm. Normally I would like to see a baseline Vitamin D blood level but as it is end of winter and you are adding K2, you can get away with this for 4 days without it. But definitely this is a Vitamin level that should be regularly monitored.
Implement other plant based immune boosting methods-homeopathic, plant oils, herbals, and more. As I stated above, I am offering mini-consults to help you find what works for you and to offer you discounted prices on any and all products recommended.
If you have access to home based hyperbaric oxygen therapy, this has been utilized in China and Korea to help those ill with the virus to recover. If you want more information on how to get a hyperbaric oxygen unit or Austin Air purifier for your home, you can contact Natalee Hessell in Clarkston through her contact us page at Connective Resource Healing, LLC . Tell her Dr. Christina sent you for discounted pricing. Please do not just show up at her office. She sees people by appointment only.

What If I Feel I Need To See a Doctor?

Doctor’s office recommendations:

If you are sick but not in a life-threatening state, CALL your doctor for advice but Do NOT show up at your doctor’s office!!!!!! Doctor’s offices are not set up to handle contagious illness of this nature. Alternatively, you can set up an online consult with me from home via my contact page.

Urgent Care recommendations:

If you are worried but do not feel you are sick enough to warrant a 911 call and a trip to the ER, some Urgent Cares are set up to evaluate you and give you advice on next steps. Expect to have a mask placed on you as soon as you arrive and to wear it until you are evaluated. This is to protect the other patient’s and staff at the UC.

Emergency recommendations:

Only in an emergent situation should you go to an ER. Let me repeat that. ONLY IN AN EMERGENT SITUATION SHOULD YOU TRAVEL TO AN ER. Most symptoms can be managed from home. However, if you are struggling to breath, are unable to keep food or liquids down, or have high fever that does not come down, or you otherwise feel you must have intervention, call 911 and be sure to tell the emergency operator you feel you may have coronavirus.

What NOT to DO!

If you have developed symptoms, do not just show up at your doctor’s office. You should not go to school or work. You should take a deep breath, follow the above guidelines I recommended.

If you are not improving, you are becoming more short of breath, or you have life-threatening symptoms, then you should go to the ER. But you SHOULD call 911. DO NOT drive yourself to the ER. Call 911 and TELL the 911 operator EVERYTHING about what is happening to you. Tell them all your symptoms. If you have a a known exposure to COVID-19 you should tell them that too. This way the Emergency Response Team can implement effective protocols to take the BEST care of YOU, keep the ER clean of the virus for other patients, and keep you from exposure to other illnesses that may be present in the ER.

What About Lab Testing for COVID-19?

Currently the test is a nasal pharyngeal swab test. This means a Q-tip in your nose and/or throat. Testing for COVID-19 is being handled by the Health Department in coordination with the CDC. Contrary to what you may think, at this time, the urgent cares and doctor’s offices do not have access to testing.

While hospitals are testing, they must send the swabs to the state. Consequently, turn around time for lab results are long. These tests are helpful for the CDC tracking the disease but less so for the doctors caring for patients.

However, this will change soon. My sources tell me commercial testing and point-of-care direct testing at health systems will be available by next week. These tests will provide quick answers and will improve care. I will keep you updated as I find out more. However, this should not change how you proceed if you have symptoms.

What are supportive measures offered in the hospital or ER?

What are supportive measures? Tylenol and/or Motrin for fever. Oxygen therapies and nebulized medications for acute respiratory distress. IV fluids for dehydration. And pharmaceutical support for any other chronic or acute co-morbid illnesses you may have. That is it. Again, there is not much that standard medicine offers for acute viral illness other than for life-threatening issues.

Summary and Disclaimer

Our bodies are amazing and when kept healthy and in balance they can defeat most illnesses. So this should be your goal, not only now, but in your everyday life. Finding a healthcare provider that you know and trust is also essential. I have offered many natural methods to boosting your immune system here. A I have shared with you some of what has worked for me and been utilized for years in the alternative/integrative/holistic/functional medicine world. Anything I have offered here in this article is for education purposes only. It is not to be used in lieu of seeking your physician’s advice. Your health is your responsibility. I support and encourage you to reach out to a physician you trust, your primary care doc, me, or another physician. Stay calm, but take appropriate measures to keep yourself and our communities safe.

Where Can Accurate Local Updates Be Found?

For those who want to follow local updates in Oakland County Michigan and keep tabs on the current recommendations from Emergency Services and current updates on the spread of the virus. Check out the Oakland County Medical Control Services (OCMCS) podcast on this topic which will be kept up to date as things progress locally.

Lifestyle

The Magic of Hemp

Posted on March 9, 2020

It is interesting to me how I have come 180 degrees on this plant. I recognize that I, like millions of people, was brainwashed into believing that this plant was “the devil’s weed”! It seems laughable to me now with all I have learned about plants and essential oils and how they work in our bodies. I believed hemp and marijuana were the same plant and that they had the potential to ruin lives. This is not the truth.

Are hemp and marijuana the same plant?

Hemp and Marijuana are sister plants, much like yin and yang. Marijuana is short and bushy and grown for it’s THC content that provides the “high” many seek. It’s flowers have a skunk-like smell which permeates the air. It is a plant like any other with its purpose and use for those who need it. It provides pain relief for many who are suffering in despair with debilitating pain and metastatic cancers among other diseases.

On the flipside, there is hemp. It has a short life cycle. Interestingly, hemp flowers look similar to those of marijuana but smell very different. Hemp flowers have a more flowery smell. The phytocannabinoid profile of hemp is much more varied than marijuana with minuscule levels of THC and high levels of CBD, CBG, CBN among hundreds of other phytocannabinoids. With stalks reminiscent of bamboo, hemp grows very tall and just as fibrous. This is where the magic lies.

What are the Applications of Hemp?

Hemp can be used to create fabric, rope, building materials and much much more. Hemp is a bioremediator. What does this mean? It absorbs large amounts of toxins in the soils and air that surround it. It can even clean up radioactive waste and is being used to clean up Chernobyl! Hemp containers are carbon negative and quickly degrade. They could replace plastic! How amazing would it be to throw away these containers knowing that they will heal our soil and clean our air? Easily biodegradable, it would stop the contamination of our oceans. Hemp is used to create a sustainable source of clean bio-fuel. This eliminates the need for fracking and wars with countries who control oil supplies.

HempCrete is an anti-microbial and fire-resistant carbon negative building material

Healthy Not High!-Hemp and Whole Food Nutrition

Eventhough these industrial applications are mind blowing, the whole food nutrition that hemp provides our bodies is incredible. We all must feed our Endocannabinoid systems! Our endo- what!? Our Endocannabinoid system! Only recently discovered by science, The ECS is an entirely new body system. It consists of a system of receptors located on the cells in our body. Activated by cannabinoid chemicals, these receptors on our cells turn on a cascade of chemical changes that bring our bodies into homeostasis. Cannabinoids allow the cells of our bodies to work more effectively.

Why I began using hemp based nutrition everyday

Why did I begin using hemp oil? Migraines are the reason. I began having debilitating headaches with my first pregnancy. I endured crippling headaches for 7-10 days during out of every month for 11 years. Consequently, I suffered for 33 months of my life–33 months of my life wasted in bed in unbelievable pain.

I followed the research on CBD for years. As a physician, I worried about losing my license to practice. Thus, I had to wait until it was legal before trying it. However, as soon as it was made legal, I began buying and trying products.

The Good News and The Bad

Want to know the bad news? The bad news is that I was not the only person poising themselves for utilizing hemp. Many business savvy companies were on standby to launch products onto the market. Consequently, as soon as it was legal to sell, these companies flooded the market with poor quality products. As a result, it is really hard to find a good quality hemp product.

Want to know the good news? Well I will tell you! I did all the research, and bought all the crappy products first so you don’t have to. Try the best product on the market right from my Shoppe.

Finding the Best

I absolutely found the best product! This product is grown in Europe in the organic zone, free of all chemicals. This is important for all plant products you consume but even more true if you remember the story of Chernobyl I mentioned earlier. You do not want to consume a product that has been exposed to toxic chemicals or waste. Not only is this product grown in a safe chemical free environment, it is triple lab tested, hemp authority approved, and it is the only hemp supplement listed in the Physician’s Desk Reference. The PDR is the book physician’s use to make recommendations for pharmaceutical grade products.

My Results

I learned the importance of feeding my Endocannabinoid system. By using this product daily, I have not had a put-me-in-bed-for-days, unable-to-see-eat-or-function migraine. I first used this product in March of 2019. As a result, this same day was the last time I had a debilitating migraine. I still have triggers I must avoid. However, if a migraine gets triggered, I am now able to use this hemp oil and stop it in its tracks. Additionally, by feeding my endocannabinoid system daily my system is getting stronger. Therefore, I have been able to decrease the amount I take daily while still feeling amazing.

Opening My Eyes

You know? It’s funny. I came across a magazine called “High Times” in middle school. Do you remember this publication? I was so young and so nervous about sneaking a peak that I remember the details of that experience like it was just yesterday.

I was at a local Florida public library where I was working on a school project. The magazine sat alone on a nearby table. I was in middle school at the time and was very young. Feeling scared and sheepish, I picked it up and read. Interestingly, the article I read was about industrial applications of hemp, particularly paper, cloth and rope. Like many others, I dismissed it as propaganda for “stoners” to try to legalize this “dangerous” plant. I believed the propaganda that my parent’s believed. Interestingly, it wasn’t even the same plant!!! And what about hemp? Well, you cannot get high from it and it is not psychoactive. Therefore, hemp cannot cause addiction. Awakening to the truths around me, I question and research and pick everything apart now. I hope you will take a minute to really look around too. What will you find?

The Power of Plants and Nature is Profound

Dear Dr. Christina

On the Wellness Journey, Where do I start?

Posted on February 12, 2020

The journey to health can be uncertain and confusing. When you are feeling ill all the time, it can be hard to know where to start. Should I start with exercise? Should I start with my food choices? Should I start with meditation? Should I do a cleanse and if so, which one? Should I start with counseling for past emotional trauma? Should I start by quitting smoking? These are many questions I have heard over the years from patients who knew something needed to change but they were not sure where to start.

Getting through the Confusion

So where should you start? The truth is you should start with the one thing you know you can accomplish. Keep it simple and take the first step. Taking the first step and making it one with which you can succeed is half the battle. Making a commitment to a goal and sticking with it will then give you the confidence to take the next step.

Choices we make impact our future

***Each choice either helps or hinders our wellness***

Let’s face it. Getting to the place of unhealth and sickness takes years of poor choices. Sometimes these are choices we know are bad for us, like smoking or the fast food diet, and other times these are choices we didn’t even know are unhealthy, like the cleaners in our home, lighting choices, or even daily negative emotional choices. Our bodies are actually amazing adapters. It is usually not just one bad choice or exposure that causes illness, although obviously there are those cases. For most people illness begins when the body says “Enough!” and cannot cope with the cumulative damage done to it over time. The human body has many biochemical and physiological buffers that help us to keep going despite our many choices and the choices of others which effect us but are out of our control. Sickness occurs when the body has had too many difficulties to overcome.

***Our path defines where we are***. ***But the good news is we can change our path at any time.***

To put it more simply, we got where we are by the path we took. And often just choosing to change direction starts us down the path to renewed health and wellness. But where to start? What is the fastest path to wellness? What is a do-able path? Realizing that these may or may not be the same in the beginning. This is where I come in.

Collaboration with Expertise

Through a thorough history and an in depth conversation with you, we become collaborators in your wellness path. My knowledge as an experienced physician and a Lifestyle Medicine practitioner is to discuss options and present the issues to you and together we devise a plan best suited to your success. I am not the physician you see once a year for your prescription refills and a physical. I would be your collaborator, your cheerleader, your confidant, and I provide the tools and guidance gained through years of experience and training in both standard and alternative medicine to help you change the direction and path you are on and to move towards health and wellness once again. Reach out to me if you are ready to make a change! I am ready to help.

Wife & Motherhood

Seaweed for breakfast!?

Posted on December 16, 2019

What is in this nutrient-dense delicious dish?

When I am looking to mix up my morning breakfast, I often will incorporate purple Dulse mixed with other seaweeds into a dish with eggs and sauteed veggies and avocado. In this particular breakfast, I sauteed green onions, baby Bella mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers in coconut oil. I used two wild pastured duck eggs-yolk raw and whites scrambled in coconut oil. Organic BonCook spice trio of Rosemary, Basil, and Thyme is a delicious addition along with organic Curry and Turmeric. Finish this all off with 2 drops of Black Pepper Essential Oil.

Why do I add the Black Pepper essential oil? The Black Pepper essential oil contains piperine. Piperine inhibits our liver’s metabolism of the curcumin in tumeric and therefore, increases the overall levels of curcumin in our body and allows these levels to stay higher for longer. Piperine increases the absorption of curcumin by 2000%! And when you add oil to the mix, like the coconut oil I used to saute the veggies, also increases its absorption of curcumin because it is fat soluble. This meal is powerful and packed with nutrients not only because of the spice combination, but also because of the seaweed! Why eat Purple Dulse seaweed?

Gorgeous in color, Dulse is considered a Red seaweed.

Purple Dulse Seaweed Health Benefits

How Dulse makes these minerals available

Aside from the gorgeous color of purple dulse, what makes it a powerhouse food? During their unique growth process, aquatic plants absorb mineral-rich seawater and convert it into bio-available natural, organic minerals. This process is called biological transmutation. These newly created minerals become part of the plant’s cell structure and can now be assimilated and used by your body. Most minerals are extremely difficult, if not impossible to absorb without the help of plants. This is simply because they are rocks and metals. Using your food to consume these minerals is much more effective than in supplement form. No matter how many milligrams are listed on the supplement bottle, eating them in the rock or mineral state will not allow them to absorb into your body. They are 99% non-digestible.

In which minerals is Dulse rich?

Some aquatic plants have a higher efficiency of absorption of minerals as demonstrated by laboratory research. Purple Dulse seaweed has the highest concentration of digestible minerals anywhere. The top minerals in purple dulse include calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, iodine, copper, chromium and zinc. Wow! I know! This is incredible and they are all made bioavailable by this beautiful sea plant.

What do each of these minerals do for our body’s?

The calcium in purple dulse builds and maintains healthy bones and teeth. It helps with blood clotting, heart beat regulation and the release of neurotransmitters.

Potassium and sodium are two more minerals in purple dulse which are part of a complex mineral salt system known as electrolytes. Electrolytes are key to controlling blood pressure as well as the pressure of every other fluid in your body. Purple dulse also contains magnesium, whose most important role is in energy production in your most vital organs such as the heart, kidney, liver and brain. Also present in dulse is phosphorus which combines with calcium in bone to give them their hardness. Phosphorus is also required for proper metabolism, which turns food into energy.

Purple dulse contains more iron than beef. Iron is a necessary building block of hemoglobin which is responsible for transporting oxygen to your cells. Iron also supports red blood cell formation. It is essential to our metabolism and energy creation.

Necessary for thyroid function, Iodine is another nutrient in Purple Dulse. It regulates how proteins, fats and carbohydrates are used as well as how energy is created in our cells.

Manganese is an essential mineral involved in many enzyme systems, which control blood sugar, use of energy and the production of thyroid hormones. It is also found in this amazing seaweed!

Copper is a trace mineral found in seaweed. It is crucial in the formation of the brain and the nervous system and also assists in the creation of nervous system chemical messengers. Chromium increases the power of insulin. This affects how carbohydrates, fats and proteins are metabolized and how blood sugar is controlled.

Lastly, zinc is required for our sense of smell and taste, and is also needed for our body’s immune system to work properly to defend us from viruses and other illnesses. Zinc is yet one more trace mineral found in Purple Dulse.

Rich in Vitamins as well-time to make the decision to try it!

Have you decided Dulse is a powerhouse of nutrients? Are you ready to try it? If you are not yet convinced, let me tell you Dulse is also a wonderful source of Vitamins A, C, E, and B. Dulse is a red seaweed. If you want the maximum nutrient value combine brown, red, and green seaweeds together.

Tips and Tricks Uncategorized

Who Am I?

Posted on August 15, 2019

Grounding against a tree watching a cold early morning sunrise over the woods.

Who am I? I am a wife, mother, daughter, physician, friend, and if you believe my friend Amy, a bit of a bohemian hippy as she likes to call me. I don’t see myself quite like that but it always makes me smile when she says it.

As long as I can remember, my two favorite times of the day have been sunrise and sunset. Why? Sunrise watched while listening to the birds chirp and the wind blow in the leaves is inspiring and peaceful. It energizes me for my day and reminds me that we begin again everyday. And watching the sunset at the end of the day with all it’s spectacular colors-deep reds, orange, purples, like a complete box of crayola crayons, allows for relaxation and introspection at the end of the day. I believe they are reminders from God and the Universe that we belong and that the cycle of each day should be celebrated.

Who am I? I am a healer, passionate about health and wellness through natural and nontoxic therapies. A practicing physician for 20 + years, I have seen what works and what does not. I am endlessly amazed by the incredible beauty of how our human body is intimately connected with the physics and biochemistry provided by nature. We evolved in our natural environment and our bodies learned to be our healthiest there. We become unhealthy when we do not provide ourselves with correct exposure to nature. Food and plants, light and dark, and the magnetic electrical connection with the Earth are our best medicine–they are the key to our bodies lock. My passion, is helping others unlock this healthy potential in themselves to live happier, healthier, and more productive lives.

Who are you? And how can I improve your life?

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