Have you ever wanted to do a detox or cleanse but weren’t sure which one you should do? Consider our science-based, physician-supervised detox program: DETOX WITH YOUR DOCTOR, a comprehensive detoxification system that addresses both phase I and phase II detoxification.  Dr. Nate Champion, ND and Dr. Nita Champion, ND are offering this group detox event in order to provide patients with additional support, including daily encouragement emails, and a kick-off presentation on April 16th, 6:30pm-7:30pm.  Space is limited.  Sign up soon to reserve your spot!  Please click on the picture below for more details!

• Change is inevitable, but overcoming depression requires learning how to notice it and how to utilize the opportunities for positive change when they arise
• Symptoms often represent people’s best attempted solutions based on the absence of acceptable and available alternatives, but symptoms can resolve when better alternatives are discovered
• Clients almost always possess the internal and personal resources for positive change but need help developing them in carefully built up and gradual steps
• People’s most important resources often exist outside of our their immediate awareness: effective therapy involves helping people gain access to the resources they don’t know they already have
• People learn best when they encounter new experiences that naturally challenge them to expand their range of skills and put new problem-solving tools in their personal life skills “toolkits”
• The primary job of an effective therapist is to know how to access and utilize the naturally occurring  personal resources within each client and guide him or her on the path toward positive change

Applying our Therapeutic Approach with our Clients:

Sam’s* decision to seek therapy, he said, was primarily because of his physical pain caused by the car accident in which he was involved several years earlier.  He saw the pain as the basis for a slew of problems he now faced.  He was not able to participate in his life the way he did before the accident.  His marriage relationship was strained and he was more irritable and less patient with his children.  The intimacy that he and his wife used to enjoy was just a distant memory.  He had no energy or interest for those activities in which he used to find pleasure.  He had been demoted at work, which put additional financial pressures on him and on the family.  His weight had increased by more than 35 lbs, negatively impacting his self-image and lowering his already  injured self-esteem.  Sleep was erratic and non-refreshing.  Most worrisome to him was the expectation that his future held little chance of offering anything   except “more of the same.”   

Partners in Healing’s Whole-Person Approach to the Treatment of Depression

Treating Sam involved four therapeutic components that highlight the individually tailored approach that Partners in Healing (PIH) uses in the treatment of depression.  Of course, we recognize that other approaches to treatment can and do play an important role in the overall plan of care of patients.  That is why PIH clinicians strive to partner with health care professionals from other disciplines (e.g., physician colleagues) whenever possible.  We seek to provide effective, collaborative and integrative treatment experiences for our clients. 

• Psychotherapies: Treating depression typically requires identifying and learning to change the negatively biased thinking and emotional “habits” of  depression that serve to maintain a person’s limited self-view and reduces their chances of making  positive change.  By helping Sam to change the thought patterns supporting his negative self-fulfilling prophecy, he was able to open the door to positive change in his life. It also opened the door to pain management.
• Natural medicine therapies: Many people believe that treating depression requires altering brain chemistry.  This is one reason people seek prescribed medication in depression treatment.  We agree that at some level, every mood, thought and action involves a chemical aspect.  It is widely recognized that over-reliance on prescribed medication is not the most effective method of treating depression.  Moreover, there are many ways to impact the body’s chemistry without over-relying on prescription medications.  Sam met with our Naturopathic physicians and learned about natural therapies that supported healthier digestive and metabolic functioning of the body.  This nutritional and natural medicine support gave his body the nutrients it needed to support healthy brain functioning. With a brain that was metabolically healthier, he was able to put into practice some of the suggestions and skills he learned in his psychotherapy work.
• Self-regulation therapies: The ability to regulate one’s thoughts, emotions and behaviors is essential to healthy mental and emotional functioning.  Without self-regulation skills, we are at the mercy of our environment, reacting to whatever happens in our lives rather than actively shaping our life paths.  Learning to utilize self-regulation skills (e.g., hypnosis, biofeedback and meditation) was an important part of Sam’s overall depression treatment plan.  It also helped impact the psychological and physiological aspects of his pain disorder.
• Behavioral activation: We live in the world and not in our heads.  Therefore, an essential part of the Partners in Healing approach to depression treatment involves learning to weave the skills learned in therapy into the fabric of one’s life.  That was a critical part of Sam’s treatment process.  All three components of his therapy (i.e., psycho-therapy, self-regulation training and natural medicines) led to changes in how he conducted his life. The fourth element, the behavioral application of his skills, finally helped Sam to make a positive impact on his sleep cycle, his response to pain sensations, and his capacity to interact with his spouse and children in more satisfying ways. 

For more information on how Partners in Healing can help you with mood related conditions, please contact us at  763-546-5797.

By David Alter, PhD

*”Sam” represents a composite of several clients written so as to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the individual people the character “Sam” represents.

It is not surprising that many women and some men suffer from depression and anxiety when faced with fertility challenges.  The ups and downs of infertility and its treatment drain the spirit right out of people.   I hear daily the intensity of the experience, “This is personal.  I feel invisible in the world.  This is physical.  I hate my body.  I am demoralized and afraid.  This is expensive.  I have no control and I feel out of control.  This has taken over my life.  I’m so worried about my relationship.” 

Some women have mood consequences from using birth  control pills and ovarian stimulation medication, on top of the fear of not having a child.  For many of the people I see, the following “formula” captures their experience: 

Uncertain Outcome of Procedures + Uncertain Length of Time + Internal/External Pressure + Medications + Fear = DEPRESSION and ANXIETY. 

It is important to distinguish between depression and grief when dealing with fertility challenges.  Grief hurts but it does not lead the thinking process toward self-hatred and negative thinking.  Depression is a heaviness all its own. 

Help is Available at Partners in Healing

Our integrated fertility team at Partner in Healing can help.  We provide:

1. Specialized counseling for individuals and couples who are suffering from fertility challenges, that includes hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing); 
2. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine;
3. Naturopathic medicine and nutritional counseling; and
4. Medical massage aimed at reclaiming your body from the rigors of treatment.  We collaborate with national and local leaders specializing in fertility treatment. Let us help you regain your sense of wholeness and rebuild hope as you build your family. 
   

By Deborah Simmons, PhD, LMFT

There are many nutrients that can help to improve overall mood and depressive symptoms. A recent study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition looked at vitamin D intake from foods and supplements in 81,189 postmenopausal women from the Women’s Health Initiative. It found that women with higher amounts of vitamin D in their diet may lower their risk of having depressive symptoms by as much as 20%.   Vitamin D is thought to affect the function of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters involved in depression. They conclude that “improvement of vitamin D status holds promise for the prevention of depression, the treatment of depression, or both.”

Taking a deeper look at vitamin D, we know that it is a fat-soluble vitamin known as the “sunshine vitamin.”  Our bodies can produce vitamin D when our skin is exposed to ultraviolet sunlight. Vitamin D can also be obtained from our foods and is primarily found in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines and other animal sources such as liver, beef, veal, and eggs. Other food options for vitamin D sources include foods that have been fortified with vitamin D such as cereals, yogurt, milk, and orange juice.

Dietary intake of vitamin D may not be enough to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D in the body and therefore regular   supplementation may be needed to support adequate levels. In addition, it is important to have your serum vitamin D levels monitored as vitamin D can accumulate in the liver and fat cells. Groups of people that are more at risk for vitamin D deficiency include breastfed infants, older adults, people with limited sun exposure (such as Minnesotans in the winter), people with dark skin, obese people, gastric bypass patients, and people with medical conditions that cause fat malabsorption, such as those with liver disease, Crohn’s disease, and cystic fibrosis.

There are a variety of effective natural therapies for the treatment of depression and vitamin D may play an essential role. Call Partners in Healing at 763-546-5797 and make an appointment with your Naturopathic Doctor (Dr. Nate or Dr. Nita   Champion) to have your vitamin D levels checked to ensure healthy levels for disease prevention and to optimize the health of your mind, body, and overall mood!

By Nate Champion, ND & Nita Champion, ND

By Dr. Nate Champion, ND

With Fall’s cooler weather, we often resume our “normal” schedules, such as children heading back to school. This is also a common time where the body’s immune system is “weakened” from all the junk food and toxins we’ve consumed all summer. The end result is often becoming acutely ill and this is one of the more frequent times throughout the year where folks “catch a cold”. This acute illness is actually an innate cleansing process where the body is trying to eliminate toxins, purging them from our body!

The good news is there is much that can be done to help support and strengthen your immune system and in turn, your overall health! Some simple ways this can be achieved is through reducing stress in our lives and staying physically active. This can include a simple walk around the block or participating in a local yoga class. The goal is to just get moving! Getting adequate sleep is also imperative. Sleep deprivation suppresses immune system function and has been linked to many mental and physical health problems.

Another way to help enhance immune function is eliminating harmful, unhealthy, and high sugar foods. These include refined, processed foods (white carbohydrates, pastries, desserts, junk food, fast food, sugary drinks, etc.) that are often stripped of their nutrients and high in both calories and sugar. Sugar suppresses the immune system, promotes insulin resistance, inflammation, and leads to weight gain. Focus on eating whole foods and a more plant-based diet. Whole foods are simply foods that are closest to their natural state and have not been processed and refined. Focus more on 100% whole grains such as quinoa, millet, oats, etc. and limiting your wheat intake, along with eating brightly colored and green leafy vegetables that are high in antioxidants. Try some healthy snacks like blueberries, goji berries, chia seeds, raw nuts and seeds (walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, etc.), and baked kale chips.

So as the seasons change, stay healthy by getting adequate sleep, becoming more physically active, and choosing foods that support and enhance health! There are many other effective ways and strategies to enhance our immune function & improve health.  To learn more about putting these ideas to work for you, call our office today @ 763-546-5797 to schedule a consultation with Dr.’s Nate or Nita Champion, our Naturopathic  Doctors. 

Naturopathic Medicine focuses on whole-patient wellness, where   medicines are tailored to each person’s specific needs and where attention is paid to finding underlying causes, rather than chasing symptoms.  They focus on all aspects of family health, from prenatal care through geriatric care.  Their practice emphasizes prevention and effective self-care strategies. Naturopathic doctors cooperate with all branches of medical science, making referrals as indicated and when appropriate. 

 By Dr. Nate Champion, ND

Why should I take a multi-vitamin/multi-mineral supplement anyway?

Today’s diets are depleted of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients due to the decreasing quality of our food supply and busy lifestyles

Can a multi-vitamin really keep you younger, longer?

Research has shown that taking a multi-vitamin may indeed keep you younger, longer!! A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that people who take a daily multivitamin had younger DNA. This study found those who took a multivitamin had 5.1% longer telomeres (by modulating oxidative stress and chronic inflammation) than non-users. Telomeres are part of your DNA that protect your chromosomes, and are thought to be a marker of biological aging. The shorter your telomeres, the more your at risk for serious diseases. (Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Jun;89(6):1857-63)

Benefits of a complete hypo-allergenic, nutrient rich, highly bioavailable multi-vitamin, multi-mineral, & trace element supplement:

·I    Increased energy and mental clarity

Antioxidants important for cardiovascular, immune, and cellular health

Support various physiological functions, including nervous system health, bone health,   nutrient and hormone metabolism, and glucose utilization

Chelated minerals for optimal absorption

Optimal health and longevity

Improved academic performance 

A recent study in the journal Pediatrics revealed teenagers who consumer higher amounts of the B-vitamin Folate, have higher academic scores compared to teens with lower levels. (Pediatrics. 2011 Aug;128(2):e358-65)

For the month of September, we are running a special (15% discount) on all of our professional lines of high quality multi-vitamins, including children’s, adult, and prenatal.

Call Partners in Healing today at 763-546-5797 or contact us at info@pih-mpls.com!

 (Brought to you by Deborah Simmons, PhD, LMFT)

I have long wondered how nutrition affects our fertility.  This study from The Journal of Reproductive Medicine lends credence to the notion that our high-carbohydrate diet may well explain why some women suffer from unexplained infertility.  My colleagues at Partners in Healing, Dr. Nate Champion and Dr. Nita Champion, specialize in naturopathic medicine and nutrition.  Contact us at 763-546-5797 or info@pih-mpls.com for a holistic team approach to fertility treatment.

Increased Celiac Disease Prevalence in Women With Unexplained Infertility

ScienceDaily (Aug. 18, 2011) — A recent study demonstrated increased rates of celiac disease in women who present with unexplained infertility.

Published in the May-June 2011 issue of The Journal of Reproductive Medicine, the study evaluated 191 female patients presenting with infertility. Each participant underwent serologic screening for celiac disease as well as routine infertility testing. The 4 patients who had positive serum test results were advised to seek evaluation with a gastroenterologist. All 4 patients were confirmed to have celiac disease. They then underwent nutritional counseling to change over to a gluten-free diet.

Among the 188 patients who completed testing, the prevalence of undiagnosed celiac disease was 2.1%. While this rate was not significantly higher than the expected 1.3%, the diagnosis of celiac disease in women with unexplained infertility was found to be significantly higher at 5.9% (3 of 51 women). Interestingly, all 4 patients found to have celiac disease conceived within a year of diagnosis.

Though the study numbers are small, the findings suggest that, at least for some women with infertility, dietary measures may help bolster fertility. "Diagnosing celiac disease in an infertile woman would be particularly beneficial if the low-cost (and low-risk) therapy of pursuing a gluten-free diet could improve chances for conception," says lead author Janet Choi, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Center for Women's Reproductive Care at Columbia University. Co-author Dr. Peter Green, director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center, said that these results should be added to the increasing body of knowledge concerning the impact of undiagnosed celiac disease on women's reproductive health.

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Nita Champion, N.D., a licensed Naturopathic Doctor, to Partners in Healing.  Dr. Champion received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona, one of the finest leaders in educating Naturopathic Physicians in the United States.  Dr. Champion treats patients of all ages with a variety of health concerns.   Her areas of specialization include Family Medicine, Women’s Health (fertility concerns and menopause), Endocrine and Metabolic disorders.  She uses several naturopathic modalities when treating patients with a focus in homeopathy, clinical nutrition, and botanical medicine.   She believes in treating the source of the illness and not merely treating symptoms of that illness.  In doing so, she will develop a treatment plan that is individualized for each unique patient.    

Dr. Nita Champion joins her husband, Dr. Nate Champion, who also practices naturopathic medicine at Partners in Healing.  To schedule and to learn more about naturopathic medicine, call Partners in Healing at 763-546-5797 or email us at info@pih-mpls.com.  Use your Health Savings Account (HSA), to ensure your best possible health.  We look forward to partnering with you!

Watch this video by Dr. Nate Champion, our naturopathic doctor at PIH, offering advice on natural remedies to prevent flu this winter, instead of or in addition to the flu vaccine.   This video plays best on high quality.   To schedule with Dr. Champion, call 763-546-5797.[video: 560x340]

Q:  What is a homeopathic remedy and is it safe?
A:  Homeopathic medicines are made from natural substances and prepared in such a way that leaves them entirely non-toxic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the manufacture and sale of homeopathic medicines in the United States. Due to the process in which homeopathic remedies are diluted, they are safe and free from the side effects that are commonly associated with the use of pharmaceuticals. Conventional pharmaceuticals change the body chemically whereas homeopathic remedies provoke a healing response in the body that restores the body to health. Besides being very dilute medicines, homeopathic remedies are also given in minute doses so it is extremely safe for everyone including infants, children, pregnant and nursing women and elderly. In fact, homeopathy is an ideal therapy for these populations.

Want homeopathic remedies?  Call Dr. Nate Champion at Partners in Healing of Minneapolis at 763-546-5797.