This Newsletter includes:

 – Back To Balance article
– Introduction to Office Assistant: Ashley!
– Hair Loss causes and treatment
– Skin Case Study before and after treatment photos!
– Tips to Beat Stress
– Causes of Constipation
– Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Back To Balance: Post-pandemic

We are definitely on the other side of the chaos the pandemic brought, but where has it left us? The effects of the stress of isolation, increased screen time, decreased travel and vacations, the limitations in our typical healthy lifestyle habits, all of which have caused repercussions in our central nervous system and overall health. Our diet, lifestyle, sleep, exercise and community have all been disrupted somewhat.

Now is the time to get back to the lives we want, break down the belief system that the limitations still exist and regain a sense of well-being. Personally, I have felt the negative effects of the last few years. Even with consistent diet and exercise, the stress of a more isolated lifestyle, increased work load, decreased travel, all have had their impact on my optimal wellness. And I’m ready to change all of that!

In the best of times, it isn’t easy to balance family/friends, work, socializing, healthy diet, exercise and sleep. More so than ever it is time to take inventory of what we have continued to neglect in our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being!

What are the circumstances in your life that need to be brought back to balance?
Are you working too much? Are you stressed, having insomnia, worry and rumination?
Are you getting the needed play, laughter and community?
Are you spending time outdoors in nature?
Do you have something stuck that is not responding to anything you have tried?

It’s time to return to a trust in our body and it’s ability to recover from anything when given the needed information and tools. It’s time to trust our immune systems and know that we are going to be able to get through whatever we are exposed to. It’s time to remove the fear and stress that has been compounded through the last few years and get back to the love and laughter that is here for us to enjoy!

Reach out for a check-up/check-in!
If there is any way that I can help you get unstuck, reach out and give us a call! Let’s get back to our lives and our wellness! Now is the time!
Wishing you health and abundance in this new year of 2023!
Blessings and love,
Dr. Dorine Karlin

Long overdue intro to WellBeing Team member: Ashley!

Hi everyone! If we haven’t met yet, I would love to introduce myself. My name is Ashley Ishibashi and I am Dr. Karlin’s new assistant. I have always been passionate about holistic wellness and educating people about how nutrition and lifestyle can impact your health.

My primary focus is on holistic medicine and nutrition. I am currently certified as a holistic nutritionist, culinary nutritionist, and sports nutritionist. I also am a yoga instructor teaching around the West Los Angeles area! Currently, I am working on my advanced degree in Traditional Chinese medicine from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In my free time I enjoy hiking, skating, yoga, and anything by the ocean!  I look forward to connecting with you, helping you with your needs at Well Being Medical Center and getting to know you better!

Hair Loss has been on the rise!

Causes You Might be Overlooking

  1. Stress – Our bodies perceive mental stress the same as physical stress and any stress on the body can cause hair growth to hinder. Did you know… hair can still shed 3 months after a stressful event!?

  2. Lack of Protein – too little protein in your diet could lead to hair loss. Try incorporating more sources of protein into your diet!

  3. Thyroid Conditions– Hyper and Hypothyroidism can cause thinning hair, soft hair with lots of shedding, and thinning eyebrows. 

  4. PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome– Similarly to thyroid conditions, PCOS causes hormone imbalances. An excess of the hormone androgen can lead to changes in menstrual cycle, and hair thinning. 

  5. Medications– Certain medications are known to promote hair loss. This is especially common with blood thinners and blood pressure drugs such as beta-blockers.

    After much research, Dr. Karlin was most impressed with a product that treated stress and  adrenal function, hormonal support: thyroid and ovarian balance, and nutrient deficiency. The all in one supplement: Nutrafol!

    Dr. Karlin has Partnered with Nutrafol to provide this all-in-one formula at a discount!

Shop Nutrafol, take the Quiz. Find out the best product for you!

Patient Highlight: Skin

Good skin is a sign that everything else is doing well. Healing occurs from the inside out and skin is the last stop. Addressing the underlying issues in the body, the cause is treated and symptoms are alleviated. Skin is a reflection of health.
Through treating and modifying lifestyle habits, sleep, digestion, and hormonal balance; we get to see these kind of beautiful results! It is remarkable what the body can do to heal when given what it needs.

So happy to see my patients glowing when they dedicate themselves to habits that support their health! The results speak for themselves!

Tips to Beat Stress

1. Get Exercise and Physical Activity
30 minutes of movement, 5 days/week can mitigate the harmful effects of stress and increase quality of life. 
Benefits include: reducing anxiety, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, maintain bone health and weight. It also will decrease the risk of dementia, depression, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cancer.

2. Healthy whole foods diet free of sensitivities and allergies.
This seems like a no-brainer, but we have all gotten a little off our regular routines with being in a pandemic and now coming out of it. Here is a little reminder that it’s time to get back to basics and return to a clean diet! 
Benefits include: increase your energy, reduce your risk of chronic disease, improve mental health and reduce stress levels. 

3. Minimize Screen Time
 Another outcome of isolation during the pandemic – much more time on our screens! This is a direct correlation to mental health issues, including depression, stress and anxiety. This is not a way to connect. Go outside and make real connections with friends, family, community and nature.
Benefits include: encourages better sleep, decreases risk of mental health issues and creates deeper relaxation.

4. Practice Self Care
Putting your care as a priority over life’s hectic ToDo list is rare these days. Schedule time off from life’s continued demands as part of the way you plan your day, week and month. Block off sections on your calendar for YOU! Know what brings you joy and make time for it. Whether it is reading a book, watching a movie, getting a massage or getting a drink with friends! Life is too short to spend running yourself ragged. You actually get more done when you slow down!
Benefits include: Enjoying life and feeling more present in the moments. Every part of your health will improve on the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical levels.

5. Reduce Caffeine Intake 
Caffeine agitates stress and anxiety. It increases restlessness, insomnia, night time urination, irritability and impatience, digestion disorders and can create irregular heartbeats.
Benefits include: improved sleep, calm attitude, peaceful body and more patience.

6. Have a Regular Sleep Schedule
Sleep is the number one factor that can increase risk of early onset dementia. Having good sleep hygiene creates improved sleep. These include: going to sleep at the same time, creating a dark and quiet atmosphere, removing electronics, and avoiding large meals or alcohol before sleep.
Benefits include:  Mental health and decreasing risk of dementia.

7.Learn to Create Boundaries
This is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and everyone around us. Having boundaries will help establish who you are, what you want, and your personal values and beliefs. This will bring focus to yourself and your well-being.
Benefits include: Less stress and resentment towards others, increasing your own mental health, by knowing the boundaries you’re comfortable with. 

Causes of Constipation

Diet
The most important cause of constipation is an inadequate diet. We need 25-30 grams of fiber per day along with 60-80 oz of fluids throughout the day. Good sources of fiber are whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. This moves along the digestive tract, and unclogs the system from refined sugars, animal fats, and dairy products.

Changes in Routine
Your body runs most efficiently on a proper schedule and routine. Changes in your daily routine can lead to constipation. Changes in routine can include changes in diet, exercise, long periods of sitting, and dehydration. Our bodies are creatures of habit, and any stray away from our daily routine can shift changes in our bowel movements.

IBS
15% of all americans have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation and/or diarrhea. This can be managed with lifestyle changes and diet.

Medications
Certain over the counter medicines, prescription drugs, and supplements are common causes of constipation. Iron supplements, antacids, certain medications for pain, depression, and  high  can  reduce the motility of your GI tracts.

Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for cauliflower
1 large head cauliflower, broken into florets
2 cups celery, small dice
2 cups yellow onion, small dice
2 cups mushrooms — cremini or oyster — small dice
1/2 cup garlic, fresh, minced
1 cup tomato, puree or paste
16 oz jar fire-roasted red pepper, drained
1/2 cup white wine
1 tablespoon black pepper, ground
2 teaspoons cumin, ground
2 teaspoons coriander seed, ground
2 teaspoons thyme, fresh
2 teaspoons oregano, fresh
2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (optional)
3 bay leaves
1 quart diced tomato, canned, drained
1 quart fresh vegetable stock
Salt, season to taste, roughly one tablespoon
*Baking Soda (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Rub cauliflower in olive oil. Roast at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until tender and edges start to brown.
  2. In stock pot, saute celery, onion, and mushroom on medium heat until tender.
  3. In blender, puree tomato paste, roasted red peppers, wine, all herbs and spices EXCEPT for the bay leaves.
  4. Add sauce from blender to stock pot. Simmer on medium low for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.
  5. Add cauliflower, diced tomatoes, vegetable stock, and bay leaves.
  6. Bring to simmer. Season with salt.
  7. *Note: If soup tastes too acidic (sour), trying stirring in baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until reaching desired acidity level.

What are you waiting for?

Make healthy choices that provide the life that you deserve TODAY!

Our life is precious.
Let’s make the most of it!

Get in touch if I can help you on your journey! I would love to be a part of all your life goals.
Phone: 310-395-0077
Email: [email protected]

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I hope you have enjoyed this newsletter content. I will be sending out updates on an irregular basis. 😉

Be Well and Blessings!
Dr. Dorine Karlin, ND, LAc