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| Our Services |
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| Weight Loss Using All-Natural hCG |
| What is hCG and is it safe? Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) acts to stimulate the release of stored fat deposits and works equally well in men and women. Although the protocol calls for the consumption of only 500 calories per day, the hypothalamus additionally stimulates the release of stored fat at the rate of approximately 2,000 additional calories per day. The body is actually mobilizing thousands of calories of fat from the body, accounting for the 1 to 2 pounds of fat lost daily.
If I eat a VLCD (very low calorie diet) without hCG, will I lose the same amount of weight?
No. On a VLCD without hCG, your body goes into “starvation mode” and stores fat which slows the metabolism. Then when the VLCD ends and normal calorie consumption resumes the body will store even more fat, awaiting the next possible period of starvation. hCG curbs hunger and can increase energy levels, both common complaints among those on a low calorie diet alone. Patients do not feel hungry or deprived, very often having a hard time consuming all 500 calories on the hCG protocol, allowing for a comfortable and pleasant experience.
How much weight will I lose on the program?
The average amount of weight loss is between 15 to 20 pounds for the three-week protocol and 30 to 35 pounds for the six-week protocol. This varies from person to person and the closer you are to your body’s ideal weight the slower you may lose. However, as long as your body has excess fat to lose the hCG protocol will work for you. Regardless of the amount of pounds you have in mind as a goal, it is important to understand that patients also lose a tremendous amount of inches, toning and tightening the skin and making the weight loss appear even more dramatic.
Are the results permanent?
Yes, patients that follow the protocol in a disciplined fashion and eat sensibly thereafter have experienced permanent body transformations. Patients are given very specific guidelines as to how to transition from the weight loss phase to the stabilization phase and beyond, eating and living comfortably at their new healthy weight.
Is hCG safe for everyone to use?
Although hCG is extremely safe patients with known gallbladder disease, gout, and those that are currently pregnant or nursing are not good candidates for the protocol. |
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| Abnormal Pap Smear Results |
Abnormal Pap smear
results are classified in a number of ways; numerous
classification systems have been used in the past with the most
standardized being the Bethesda Classification System currently
in use at most laboratories and physician’s offices. It
can be confusing for anyone trying to figure out what their
results do mean. The most useful information is conveyed
by describing the type of cellular changes the cytologist
observes from the samples. Cellular changes or
inflammation caused by infectious agents such as Herpesvirus,
Chlamydia or Trichimonas vaginalis can also be
identified at this time.
There are many naturopathic
protocols that can be utilized for the management of abnormal
pap smear results. More can be done successfully in the
early stages of dysplasia or even with the “atypical” results.
Even those women diagnosed with malignancies can utilize
naturopathic medicine as supportive therapy along with the
traditional protocols of surgery and/or radiation therapy.
Options for treatment can be examined and discussed at length
without compromising on the future health of the client. |
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| Annual Pap Smear Exams |
The Papanicolau test
or “Pap smear” is the best screening tool for detecting
malignancies of the cervix. The test was designed to identify
abnormal cervical cells and to detect precursor lesions in the
cervix. Cervical cancer is one of the more preventable cancers
due to the use of Pap smears, and the frequency of cervical
cancer has been steadily decreasing throughout the decades.
There are approximately 12,400 cases of cervical cancer
diagnosed each year in the United States; it is still the third
most frequent malignancy after endometrial and ovarian
carcinomas. The American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists recommend that women undergo annual Pap smears and
pelvic examinations either at the age of 18 or at the onset of
sexual activity. Annual exams are recommended for most women;
even those who have had a hysterectomy. Less frequent exams can
be done if a woman falls into a “low-risk” category.
Low-risk criteria include:
- Onset of sexual activity at older than 20 years old
- Less than 3 sexual partners (lifetime)
- Non-smoker
- Previously normal pap smear
- No prior history of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) or other STI (Sexually
Transmitted Infections)
- Use of barrier method contraception (i.e. – condoms, diaphragm, cervical
cap, female condom)
For these women, Pap smears can be done every 2-3 years after 3 normal annual exam
results. If a woman does not fall into this category,
screening should be performed annually. In the past 25 years,
Pap smears appear to have decreased the frequency of invasive
cervical cancer by 50%. This speaks to the enormous benefit of
annual exams. Pap smears and pelvic exams are necessary
components of preventative maintenance for all women. |
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| Anti–Aging |
| Growing
older does not have to mean the loss of health, mind and
independence. In fact, research seems to indicate the opposite-
by paying attention to lifestyle many older individuals can live
active, healthy lives. Nutritional investigations are also
uncovering the vital role vitamins and minerals play in age
related illnesses. Our physicians will help you create a healthy
living program to maximize your vitality. |
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| Cervical Dysplasia |
This is most simply defined as
“abnormal tissue growth in the cervix”. The term “cervical
intraepithelial neoplasia or CIN” is synonymous to cervical
dysplasia. Through a woman’s life cycle, the cervical cells
undergo normal transformation known as metaplasia. During
adolescence, the predominant cells found on the cervix are known
as “columnar cells” which are gradually replaced by “squamous
cells” in adulthood. The area where these two cells meet is
known as the “squamocolumnar junction”; and this is the area
most vulnerable to premalignant changes. The Pap smear samples
the cervical cells at this junction to observe any abnormal
tissue transformation in the squamocolumnar junction.
Cervical cancer takes many years to
develop and is a slow-growing process, and the progression
increases with the severity of the dysplasia. Cervical
dysplasia is preventable and treatable at any stage. The
diagnosis of cervical dysplasia at any stage can induce anxiety
and stress. Management of the anxiety is just as important as
dealing with the physical condition. Spontaneous regression of
mild and moderate dysplasia are common without or with minimal
treatment, but must be monitored diligently over time.
Follow-up pap smears every 4-6 months are recommended for those
who want to “wait and see”.
What are the risk factors
for cervical dysplasia? One of the
main contributing factors to cervical dysplasia is the presence
of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Approximately 90% of
dysplasia is linked to current or prior HPV infections. There
are more than 70 types of HPV which have been identified; most
people are familiar with the common plantar warts which is a
strain of HPV. Genital warts, which is caused by HPV, is
considered to be the most common sexually transmitted
infections. It is estimated that 40-80% of the U.S. population
is infected with HPV; it is very common in certain age groups,
such as sexually active women and men under the age of 30.
Besides exposure to HPV, other risk
factors include early age at first intercourse (before age 20),
multiple male sex partners, male partners who have had multiple
sexual partners, not using barrier contraceptives (i.e.
condoms), cigarette smoking, vitamin and nutritional
deficiencies, decreased immune system, and low-socioeconomic
status. Annual Pap smears are the single most important factor
in preventing cervical cancer and detecting early premalignant
changes in the cervix. |
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| Detoxification |
| The concept of regularly cleansing or detoxifying the body is an ancient one. It has become even more important now with our daily exposure to toxins in our air and food. A toxic body cannot effectively absorb nutrients or eliminate waste and when we support the body to function optimally, we greatly enhance our feeling of wellbeing and can improve our overall health status. Common improvements seen by those who complete a detox program are increased energy and mental clarity, strengthened immune function, clearer skin and a decrease in GI discomfort.
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| Endometriosis |
Some 10-15% of women of reproductive
age have endometriosis. It has been called the “chameleon
disease of the pelvis” for the various presentations that it can
have; as well as the fact that there is still no clear cause of
this condition. Fragments of the lining of the uterus called
the endometrium somehow become embedded in other tissue
throughout the body. The misplaced endometrial tissue acts like
the uterine lining by thickening, bleeding and breaking down as
in a normal menstrual cycle. There is no place for the blood
and broken down tissue to leave the body; instead it is
reabsorbed by the surrounding tissues. Endometrial tissue
implants become larger and new implants may arise after
successive menstrual cycles. Scar tissue formation is common
and adhesion of tissues between one organ to another can also
occur. Bleeding and scarring frequently cause chronic pelvic
pain and painful menstruation or dysmenorrhea.
Common symptoms:
The most common triad of symptoms are pain before/during menses,
pain with sexual intercourse and infertility. Other symptoms
include fatigue, painful bowel movements, chronic bearing down
pain, pressure on the lower back and pelvis, vomiting, diarrhea,
and heavy/irregular bleeding from the nose, bladder, and/or
bowels. Symptoms of this condition are frequently misleading,
and the severity of the symptoms is not a good indicator of the
extent of the endometriosis. Women who have advanced
endometriosis may have little or no discomfort, and other women
with minimal disease may endure severe pelvic and menstrual pain
and even sexual dysfunction. The symptoms a woman experiences
depend more on the site of the endometrial cells rather than the
extent or the severity of the disease.
What are the risk factors?
The main risk factor is heredity with first-degree relatives
(i.e. mother or sisters). Women who have menstrual cycles
shorter in time between cycles and longer in length seem to have
a higher risk of endometriosis. Estrogen excess, a high fat
diet, and use of intrauterine devices (IUD’s) in the past or
present have also been found to be risk factors.
Current research focuses on the link
between the environment, the immune system and the endocrine
system (hormone regulation). There is a link between toxic
chemical exposures, such as dioxins which are found in
herbicides and pesticides, to the frequency of endometriosis.
Exposure to exogenous estrogen has also increased throughout the
decade; with them being found in plastics, detergents, household
cleaners, and even food sources – especially beef and chicken
which are “plumped” up with estrogen. This places a tremendous
burden on the liver which is the main organ responsible for
detoxifying and clearing toxins out of the body. Estrogen that
does not get broken down and cleared out of the body get
reabsorbed and recycled with a negative impact.
What are treatment options?
Protocols focus on optimizing liver function, as well as the
other organ systems of elimination (kidney, bowel, skin),
nutritional counseling, nutritional supplementation, and
botanical tinctures. The two primary short-terms goals in
treating endometriosis are the relief of pain and promotion of
fertility. The long-term goal is to prevent progression or
recurrence of the disease process. |
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| Family Care |
| In the state of
Arizona Naturopaths are licensed as primary care physicians and
can treat the whole family. Because naturopaths are trained in
natural medicine and can prescribe pharmaceutical medication
your family will have the best of both worlds. Naturopaths can
diagnose and treat many problems such as common cold, IBS,
eczema, urinary tract infections, gastric ulcers, chronic
fatigue syndrome and allergies. |
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| Guided Imagery |
| Guided imagery and yogic breathing exercises are very effective for various types of stress, as well as for patients who require support in their healing process from disease. Cancer patients, patients with chronic pain and people with other serious conditions can be helped by brining in this holistic component to their treatments.
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Hypothyroidism: An Overlooked Illness |
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Where is the location of the Thyroid gland and what is its function? The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that wraps around the anterior portion of the neck and lies just above the sternum (the breast bone). The chief responsibility of the thyroid gland is to produce hormones that regulate metabolism and convert oxygen and calories into energy. In addition, a balanced level of thyroid hormone production is necessary for optimal mental and emotional health.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Growing Problem and Overlooked Illness
Millions of people suffer from a poor functioning thyroid gland and often remain undiagnosed since many physicians rely on blood studies alone, rather than how the patient feels when considering a hypothyroid condition. A proper assessment of hypothyroidism includes not only the lab studies, but also takes into consideration the associated signs and symptoms of poor thyroid function. In addition, reflex testing and resting metabolic rate are important diagnostic tools that are rarely employed in evaluating thyroid dysfunction. Here at Alternatives In Health, Dr. Timothy Visser utilizes such methods along with a thorough medical evaluation to properly screen for hypothyroid conditions.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
- Constant fatigue and exhaustion
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight despite a good diet and exercise
- Poor memory and difficulty concentrating
- Depression; socially withdrawn and excessive shyness
- Constipation
- Muscle cramps and muscle aches
- Cold intolerance; cold hands and feet
- Dry skin; coarse dry hair; hair loss
- Decreased sex drive
- Menstrual irregularities
- High cholesterol
Causes and Contributing Factors in Hypothyroidism
- Chronic inflammation often associated with an autoimmune
process
- Environmental toxins and radiation exposure
- Chronic stress and illness
- Side-effects from medications
- Nutrient imbalances and deficiencies
- Consequence of treating an overactive thyroid condition
Treatment Options for Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Several treatment options exist to balance and support the pivotal role that the thyroid gland and its associated hormones have in maintaining proper health. The goal of therapy is to restore natural and effective levels of thyroid hormone production. An optimum treatment approach may include the following therapeutics:
- Natural thyroid hormone replacement therapy
- A personalized nutritional, botanical or
homeopathic formulation to meet your specific needs.
Benefits of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
- Improved energy and vitality
- Increased mental clarity and ending the brain fog
- Restoration of metabolism and weight management
- Increased motivation
- Emotional balancing
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| Immune Support |
| Chronic infections
such as bronchitis, pneumonia, recurrent yeast infections,
recurrent urinary tract infections, chronic fatigue syndrome all
point to a depressed and depleted immune system. The immune
system needs to be strengthened and the body brought back into
balance. Infections such as
HPV, HSV I and II, Hepatitis C, can be treated with natural
antiviral agents that also support the immune system instead of
suppressing the symptoms. |
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| Hypnosis |
| Change undesirable behaviors such as smoking, overeating and nail biting with the pleasant experience of hypnosis. Transform anxieties, pain, lack of confidence or specific phobias with hypnosis as well. Hypnosis can also be used for enhancing sports performances, speech making and other types of challenges. Dr. Bowers was trained at Milton Erickson Foundation in Phoenix and has used hypnosis for years as a way to help people attain their goals.
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| Infertility
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Infertility is
defined as the inability to achieve conception after 1 full year
of unprotected intercourse. As more women delay starting a
family until after their careers are established, infertility is
becoming more of an issue. Recent research has shown that
fertility starts to decline earlier than previously thought,
starting to dip around age 27 for women. Naturopathic Medicine
has much to offer for improving the odds of conception including
botanical medicines, homeopathy, acupuncture, and nutritional
supplements.
Working with Infertility is a particular passion for Dr. Williams, having
experienced the heartache of the devastating infertility
diagnosis firsthand. Dr. Williams channeled her passion for
natural medicine and took her health into her own hands. Solely
using Naturopathic therapies, she and her husband were able to
achieve pregnancy after “experts” told them it would never
happen naturally.
*UPDATE: We are pleased to welcome Dr. Williams’ beautiful baby boy,
Rhys, born June 28, 2004. Congratulations to the Williams Family
on their NATUROPATHIC MIRACLE! |
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| Life Coaching |
What Is Life Coaching?
Life coaching, as defined by the International Coaching Federation:
"Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Professional coaches provide an ongoing partnership designed to help clients produce fulfilling results in their personal and professional lives. Coaches help people improve their performances and enhance the quality of their lives. Coaches are trained to listen, to observe and to customize their approach to individual client needs. They seek to elicit solutions and strategies from the client; they believe the client is naturally creative and resourceful. The coach's job is to provide support to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity that the client already has"
By working with a life coach, you can:
- Rediscover your talents and gifts (or discover new ones)
- Find work that you love and are passionate about
- Renew joy and depth in your relationships
- Deepen your sense of self-confidence and determination
- Replace limiting belief systems that keep you from your power
- Bring more fun, energy and balance into your life
THERAPY vs. LIFE COACHING
Therapy focuses on recovery from old wounds.
Life coaching focuses on evolving & moving forward toward joy and happiness.
Therapists are experts in medical sciences and diagnosing conditions.
Life coaches are experts in developing their clients' strengths, talents and potential.
Therapy is geared towards clients in crisis, pain or suffering.
Life coaching is for individuals who have accepted their past, have taken responsibility for their life and are ready to move fully into their future!
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| Lifestyle Enhancement |
| Living a healthy, happy life requires continuous awareness, and perhaps modification, of your exercise routine, your stress level, and your diet. Let our doctors help you achieve your goals through the use of nutrition, hypnotherapy, mind-body therapies and homeopathy to better handle life's stresses.
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| Menopause |
| With so much
conflicting information about how to safely treat menopausal
symptoms, it is wise to consult a Naturopathic Physician. Many
women respond well to botanical medicines and nutritional
supplements, along with diet and exercise, to transition
comfortably into menopause. Naturopathic Physicians can compound
individualized natural hormone prescriptions, or Bio-Identical
Hormones, to manage your symptoms. Dr. Williams will work with
you in a health partnership to determine which approach is most
effective for you based on individual, genetic and lifestyle
factors. |
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| Nutritional Therapies |
| Many of the chronic health problems that plague Americans today are the result of poor diet and lifestyle choices. Illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, and gastrointestinal problems develop as a consequence of the foods we choose. By changing our diets and adopting a healthy lifestyle, we can often change or reverse the course of an illness and restore health. |
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| Surgical Recovery Support |
Surgical procedures put stress on the body, but that stress can be minimized. The speed and effectiveness of the healing process can actually be influenced – by giving your body the proper nutrients you can decrease swelling, trauma and healing time dramatically. Dr. Mercedes Williams has created a protocol to help patients heal more quickly and effectively. Now you can get back to your daily activities and feel your best more quickly that you ever thought possible.
You've made the commitment to have the surgery, now make the commitment to yourself to do all that you can to achieve the best results possible.
The protocol ideally begins prior to surgery to prepare the body and build up the immune system while providing optimal nourishment and hydration for more effective recovery. If you are not recovering from a procedure as quickly as you would like, treatments have been found to be helpful weeks, even months after surgery. A unique protocol can be created for you after surgery to maximize healing.
The first few weeks after surgery are a crucial time for healing. When provided with the proper essential building blocks for healthy new tissue, the body has the tools necessary to rebuild effectively and beautifully.
After surgery it is sometimes necessary to supply nourishment by a route that bypasses the digestive tract, such as intravenously, rather than by mouth. This is especially true to ensure adequate dosing is being received of the key vitamins and nutrients needed to rebuild strong, healthy tissue.
This all-inclusive protocol created by Dr. Williams includes IV therapies, homeopathic remedies and potent natural anti-inflammatories to speed healing. This protocol was designed to:
- Minimize swelling and bruising
- Shorten recovery time
- Provide the body with the key building blocks for the formation of healthy new skin and collagen
- Speed the rate at which nerves regenerate, diminishing the loss of sensation
- Decrease the body's physical response to stress
- Decrease post-operative nausea
- Aid in wound healing
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| Women's Health |
Alternatives in
Health has a special interest in the health of women. Treating
many conditions and health concerns unique to women, we take
strive to stay on the cutting edge of medical advancements.
Offering natural and integrative treatment for:
- Routine annual exams
- Irregular menses
- Infertility
- Menopause
- PMS
- Abnormal pap smears
- Cervical dysplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
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| Conveniently located in beautiful Scottsdale , Arizona our clients come from the entire Phoenix Metro area, Arizona and beyond.
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