Probiotics

Probiotics are live, beneficial micro-organisms. They are similar to the "good bacteria" that already live in our gut.  These friendly bacteria play an important role in our immune system, partly by guarding us from other substances like viruses, unfriendly bacteria, and allergens that may make us sick.  These helpful organisms also aid in our digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.  With such vital roles, it is important for us to maintain a healthy balance of these beneficial micro-organisms within our digestive tracts.

Some factors can alter this balance of organisms in our gut. For example, antibiotics tend to kill off the "good bacteria" along with the bad they are targeting.  A diarrhea illness can also reduce the amount of beneficial bacteria.  In these cases, trying to increase the amount of helpful micro-organisms in our gut with probiotics makes sense. Doing so can decrease the risk of diarrhea from antibiotics as well as prevent or lessen the severity of an infectious diarrhea illness.  Recent studies have shown that probiotics may also help ward off and decrease the duration of cold and flu-like symptoms.

An easy way to increase the beneficial organisms in your digestive tract is to eat more probiotic foods. Probiotics are naturally found in cultured or fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, soy yogurt, miso, and vegetable pickles like sauerkraut.  There are also many probiotic supplements available in various forms including tablets, powders, and drinks.  The probiotic powders are a great option for kids since they can easily be mixed into a beverage.  If you do choose a supplement, be sure it is not expired as there will be fewer live organisms.

Take note that not all probiotics are equal. There are different groups of probiotics, such as Lactobaccilus and Bifidobacterium, as well as many different species, such as Lactobaccilus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidis, which are further subdivided into specfic strains.  What may hold true for one strain may not be extended to all strains.  As research continues, we will learn more about which strains may be most beneficial for certain illnesses.

Best in health,
Dr. Arlene Dijamco

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a safe and holistic way to evaluate and treat a multitude of ailments, including headaches, colic, reflux, recurrent ear infections, swallowing difficulties, strabismus (lazy eye), neck pain, back pain, sciatica, joint pain, coordination difficulties, low or increased muscle tone, hyperactivity, anxiety, and autism, just to name a few.  Because osteopaths are also physicians, they may safely integrate these treatments with other therapies and recommendations (such as dietary and lifestyle changes) as necessary.
 
One of the main principles of osteopathy is that function is directly related to the "living anatomy" of the body, which includes the flow of fluids, motion of tissues, and mobility of joints and bones. The osteopath is highly trained to assess these subtle rhythms. Restrictions or strains on any part of the body can place pressure on nerves or cause alterations in blood flow or a myriad of problems. By applying a very precise amount of pressure, the osteopath can treat imbalances, gently encouraging the body to return to a healthier state. This type of treatment is called osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).

There are various types of osteopathic manipulation. One of the most in-depth and gentle manipulations, cranial osteopathy, focuses on treating the subtle  rhythms of the head (cranium) and tailbone (sacrum). Disruptions to these rhythms can cause fluid retention (such as in ear infections and sinusitis), or alterations in blood flow (such as in migraine headaches), or irritation on nerves (such as vagal irritation in reflux). Restoring the natural flow of fluids and rhythms in the body can improve symptoms and even restore function completely. It is important to note that cranial osteopathy is not “cranial sacral,” since osteopaths are physicians whose training integrates their professional medical background with fine-tuned palpatory skills and in-depth understanding of anatomy, including the intricacies of the nerves, brain, bones, vasculature, and connective dura and fascia layers.  To find a cranial osteopath, please see http://www.cranialacademy.org/

Best in Health,
Arlene Dijamco, MD FAAP
 

KALE CHIPS

This is an easy and delicious recipe to make crunchy kale chips that may just keep you grabbing for more. Kale is power-packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories and is also a good source of calcium.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Tear or cut off leaves from stems. Break leaves into bite-sized pieces. Make sure leaves are dry, otherwise they do not crisp as well. You may want to spin them dry with a salad spinner. Drizzle with olive oil. Use your fingers to coat both sides of leaves completely. Place on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt or kosher salt (careful, a little goes a long way.) Bake for 15-20+ minutes. Watch carefully, as leaves will brown quickly. Yum!

Energy Medicine & Reiki

We are all energetic beings.  For example, we emit heat (thermal energy), we can move (kinetic energy), and our nerves conduct electrical currents. Based on our energetic properties, scientific advances have led to high-tech medical tools and devices such as EKGs (electrocardiograms), pacemakers, and MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging.)

Somehow, we humans have always been aware of our energetic properties. Humans have known this for thousands of years even without all our modern equipment. We are filled with a basic form of energy which makes us feel alive. Some call it our life force, "chi" or "ki."  When we feel happy, whole, and connected, our life force is flowing freely.  However, the natural flow of our life force may be disrupted by a variety of reasons including acute and chronic stressors, potentially causing illness.  Energy medicine focuses on restoring the balance to our life force.

There are many types of energy medicine. One of the simplest forms is Reiki.  It is a non-invasive, hands-on treatment done fully clothed.  Reiki can be used at any age for a variety of conditions from anxiety and depression to surgical recovery.  Reiki was recently recommended by integrative cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz (see the video clip here). My teacher, Reiki master Pamela Miles, presents a brief introduction to Reiki on her website and video.  Although Reiki treatments given by an experienced Reiki master may be more intensive, anyone can learn Reiki, even children. A regular self-Reiki practice for even a few minutes a day can have a remarkable effect on you and your family. Try it out for a couple weeks and see for yourself.

Best in Health,
Arlene Dijamco, MD FAAP