Here’s why the holidays are a good time to start the program. As you begin the diet, your body must adjust to the HCG hormone and the first two days are “loading” days when you are allowed to eat fatty foods. Thanksgiving and the day after (all those leftovers!) are perfect days for loading to start the diet.

During the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas you’ll not only be losing pounds and inches, you’ll also be learning from me and your program guide book about how to successfully keep off the weight as you enter the “stabilization” phase after the three week “fat burning” phase. You are also retraining your body about how to maintain your weight. It’s okay to indulge a bit at Christmas time, because you’ll know how to get right back into proper maintenance after the holiday.

I’ve been using the HCG diet in my practice for about two years now and I’ve seen many of my patients–both women and men–helped by it. I’ve also used it successfully myself. In fact, I used Thanksgiving and the day after as my loading days for my first round two years ago. To learn more about this quick-loss diet plan, visit HCG Diet Central at DrMarcantel.com. You can read my personal story, watch video testimonials from several of my patients, learn about pricing and how our program works, see how our program differs from others you may have read about, and find background information about the HCG diet.

There’s never a better time than TODAY  to start getting healthier. Read up on our program, then call our office to make your appointment and get started!

Dr. Tina Marcantel Curriculum Vitae

Join us for our annual Open House/Patient Appreciation Day for fun, relaxation, and education!

When: Saturday, October 29, 2011

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where: Our offices at 201 W. Guadalupe Rd, Ste 202, in Gilbert, AZ (Gilbert Professional Plaza just west of the crossroads of Gilbert and Guadalupe Roads)

What:

*Food and refreshments

*Information and samples provided by representatives from nutraceutical companies and The Apothecary Shops

*5-minute chair massages from a licensed massage therapist

*Get discount coupons for products from our medicinary and online store

*Register to win one of 3 GREAT spa baskets with items hand-picked by Dr. Marcantel (must be present to register for the door prize)

All compliments of Dr. Tina Marcantel and staff to say “Thank You” to our community for your continuing interest in naturopathic care!

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by October 26th by calling our office at (480) 892-0211 or email us at tina.marcantel@yahoo.com. Hope to see you there!

Getting a flu shot can be helpful for some, but there are alternatives that may prove more effective at preventing sickness during the flu season. Dr. Tina Marcantel is a naturopathic doctor in Gilbert, Arizona, who also serves the East Valley cities of Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Apache Junction, and Queen Creek, and the greater Phoenix area.

Cold and flu season is fast approaching and it’s time to address a question I’m often asked by my patients: “Should I get a flu shot?” While it would be nice to give a quick “yes” or “no” answer, the truth is that there are several factors to consider before deciding whether a flu vaccination is appropriate for you. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of getting the immunization and talk about some basic alternative measures you can take to help avoid the flu. Even if you choose to get the immunization there are good ways to boost your immune system to avoid getting sick this winter.

CDC Recommendations

This year the U.S. government’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website is recommending that all people over the age of 6 months receive the vaccination.

On the list of those the CDC says should not get the flu shot are people who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, those who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past, people who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine, children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and people who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

Tests have shown that receiving the vaccine is effective in preventing flu in many people. Most also have either no or only mild side effects that may include low grade fever, aches, and soreness where the shot was received. In rare cases the flu vaccination can result in major side effects such as severe allergic reactions. For more detailed information you can visit the CDC website page listing key facts about the flu vaccine.

The REAL Down Side of the Flu Vaccine

As a naturopathic doctor, I’m not necessarily opposed to anyone receiving a flu shot. My usual response when asked about it by my patients is that if they’ve had the vaccination in the past and haven’t had a negative reaction, then it’s probably fine for them to get it again. BUT it is important for people to understand what the influenza vaccination will not do for them.

To illustrate what I mean, let’s return to the CDC’s website for more information on how the vaccination works: “While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common. The 2011-2012 vaccine will protect against an influenza A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that emerged in 2009 to cause a pandemic.“

In other words, receiving the vaccine will not prevent you from getting sick this winter; it may protect you from catching the particular strains of virus contained in the vaccination formula you received.

An Alternative–Strengthen Your Immune System

The best way to prevent sickness–whether it’s influenza, colds, or other sicknesses–is to have a strong immune system. There are many ways to bolster our immune systems, starting with eating a healthy diet, but let’s look at a few specific things you may want to consider as an alternative to–or in addition to–receiving a flu vaccination.

Wash your hands–often–with soap. This seems so basic, but there are many studies illustrating a) that many people don’t use good hand hygiene and b) that washing with soap is very effective in limiting the spread of communicable diseases. Read this eye-opening article from the NY Times to learn more.

Take vitamin C with bioflavinoids. Taking two 500 mg tablets twice daily can help boost the body’s immune system. During times of stress the body’s immunities can be decreased. The adrenal glands release hormones that help us handle stress, and taking vitamin C can support the adrenal glands. The gland itself contains a large amount of vitamin C that is necessary for its function.

There are also pharmaceutical grade natural dietary supplements that can prevent the replication of influenza and other viruses in the system and I recommend these to my patients on a case-by-case basis depending on their individual needs. Along with these supplements, I may also recommend certain IV therapies that include specific homeopathic remedies that help the body build its immune system.

The great thing about using supplements and IV therapy to boost the immune system is that there are virtually no side effects and that it helps protect the patient against a much wider range of cold and flu viruses than flu shots or nasal spray vaccines.

It’s Your Choice

Flu vaccinations have been very beneficial to many people. At the same time, I’m glad to be able to offer my patients alternatives that may be more in keeping with their own health goals. I always encourage everyone to consider all the options and then make an informed decision that they feel is right for them.

The Integrated Approach to Healthcare

What to Expect On Your First Visit With Dr. Marcantel

When was the last time you actually enjoyed a visit to a doctor’s office? Choosing a new doctor can be stressful for many people. Our goal is to make this a pleasant and relaxing experience for you. Arrive a bit early so you can enjoy the soothing atmosphere of our patient reception room (if you’d like a sneak peak, take a look at some photos of our offices). We know your time is valuable, so you won’t be waiting long–you’ll be seen on time for your appointment.

If your appointment with Dr. Marcantel is your first visit to a naturopathic physician, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. The object is NOT to get you in and out of the office as quickly as possible. After covering your admission forms and medical history, Dr. Marcantel will do a physical exam. She then will want to actually get to know you as a patient, and that involves taking time to talk through the specific complaint you have and then discussing pertinent areas of your life that may be relevant to your complaint. This includes what sort of diet or exercise routine you may be on, sources of stress that could be affecting your health, and numerous other possible areas.

The first visit typically lasts one hour.

After your initial intake visit, Dr. Marcantel will develop a protocol specifically designed for your needs. This may include a personalized diet plan, recommended dietary supplements, specific lifestyle changes, lab tests, changes in medication (coordinated with your primary care physician, if necessary), stress management counseling, and continuing education on your disease process.

Need more information on exactly what holistic, integrated care is? Consider trying our FREE 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Marcantel.

Programs Offered:

We offer a number of programs that are designed to help you get and stay on track toward your health goals. After your initial visit, you may want to consider one of the following options:

Dr. Marcantel has had great success working with patients who need help balancing hormones to deal with perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. She also works with patients exhibiting thyroid imbalances, food sensitivities, and fibromyalgia symptoms. See our Women’s Health Central section of the website for more details.

For type 2 diabetics, Dr. Marcantel offers a program to help educate them about the disease and get their blood sugars under control. See a complete description of the program in our Diabetes Central section.

Dr. Marcantel also offers a program for those suffering from sciatica, neuropathy, muscle strains, low back pain, arthritis, and other chronic and acute pain. Please see our Natural Pain Management program for details about the treatment plan.

If you’re tired of fad diets, calorie counting, expensive special product lines, pyramids, and complicated formulas and you’re serious about weight loss and long-term weight management, you’ll love Dr. Marcantel’s weight loss programs.

IV therapy is an effective treatment for boosting the immune system and providing your body with much-needed vitamins and nutrients.

Cost of Services:

Your initial visit with Dr. Marcantel will last approximately one hour and costs $185.00.

A typical follow-up visit lasts from 15 minutes to an hour ($55-$130). Phone consultations are generally from 15 to 30 minutes in length and range from $55.00–$90.00. Please see our “Fees for Services” page for a more detailed explanation.

Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Friday.

Dr. Marcantel will also do one free 15-minute phone consultation with prospective patients to explain her services and answer your questions about naturopathic care. This free consultation is informational only; no specific diagnosis or treatment plan will be discussed at this time. Please call our office to schedule your appointment.

Financial Policy:

Payment for services is due at the time services are rendered, including payment for products and labs ordered by Dr. Marcantel. We accept cash, personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards.

Dr. Marcantel is considered an out-of-network physician and is not contracted with any insurance companies. Medicare does not cover most naturopathic services at this time.

As a service to our patients, Dr. Marcantel’s staff will submit billing claims for reimbursement to most insurance companies. Please see our “Insurance Information” page for details.

Naturopathic physicians may be covered by some PPO plans, and we encourage you to check with your insurance company to determine if naturopathic care is a benefit. Many plans will reimburse subscribers for seeing out-of-network providers who are licensed physicians.

If you would like to submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement a superbill providing a summary of the services rendered, with diagnoses and charges applied, will be provided to you.

Ready to schedule your appointment? Click on contact us for contact information and directions to our office. We look forward to seeing you soon!

As an added convenience, you may download the new patient registration forms here in pdf format so you can fill them out before coming to the office.

(You will need Adobe Reader to open and print the forms.)

Adrenal fatigue can result from chronic stress; it’s important to take a break now and then throughout each day to allow your body to relax. Dr. Tina Marcantel is a naturopathic physician in Gilbert, AZ, who also serves the East Valley cities of Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and the greater Phoenix area.

I treat quite a number of patients who come to my office with signs of hormonal imbalances: adrenal fatigue, estrogen dominance, and hypothyroidism. All of these can exhibit the common symptoms of fatigue, irritability, insomnia, foggy thinking, mood swings, and several other related complaints. Adrenal fatigue is the result of the adrenal glands having to release cortisol over an extended period of time in response to chronic stressors in a person’s life. I’ve observed that in patients with Hashimoto’s disease (an autoimmune condition of the thyroid gland) that the condition often is exacerbated by stress. And women with low levels of progesterone, a natural sedative, produce more cortisol to compensate when they are in a state of estrogen dominance.

People with these conditions have often fallen into an endless stress cycle—chronic stress in their lives causes hormonal and chemical imbalances, which in turn lead to a reduced ability to handle the stress, which leads to more chemical imbalances. So how can you break the cycle and start the healing process?

Part of my job as a doctor is to identify what those imbalances are through listening to your symptoms and through proper laboratory testing. That way, we can begin a treatment protocol of supplements and bioidentical hormones to try to bring those imbalances under control. But until the patient takes an active role in reducing stress levels in her or his life, it will be difficult to reach the healing she desires. That’s why I often ask, “Where are the ‘commas’ in your day?”

Just as commas break up long sentences and allow us to take a breath and process what we’re reading, we need pauses in our day to allow our bodies to rest and come into balance. Diverting to a calming act for your body decreases stress, causing the adrenal glands to decrease their production of cortisol, resulting in less of an excitatory response and bringing more of a feeling of tranquility and peace. By choosing to pace yourself better by finding increments of time in your day to slow your body down and quiet your mind, you will decrease the burden of stress on your body and allow it to heal.

A day in my clinic can be pretty hectic for me. It’s usually nine to ten hours of seeing patients, reviewing charts, answering e-mails, researching cases, and taking phone calls. Here are a few examples of “commas” I use to break up the stress of the day:

*Snack time—eating a juicy, crunchy apple and consciously enjoying it

*Reading a few pages in a favorite magazine or book (maybe something inspirational)

*Taking a few slow, conscious, deep breaths (we take shallow breaths when we are in stress mode, providing less oxygen to the body for wakefulness)

*Pausing to give thanks for some of the specific blessings in my life (especially important when things aren’t going so well that day!)

*Stepping outdoors for a few moments of sunshine—the bright light helps awaken me and focus during afternoon sluggishness

*When I’m at home I like to break the day’s chores with a few minutes sitting in my back yard and listening to the symphony of the birds and enjoying my flower garden

So how do you pace yourself throughout your day to keep from burning out? The pauses don’t have to be lengthy—just enough to break the cycle of stress in your day. The calmness and peace of mind of the comma you allow yourself will benefit your body and prevent the buildup of stressors that can lead to sickness.

Many women turn to the birth control pill to help regulate their monthly cycles and for help with symptoms of PMS. The problem with this method is that the large doses of estrogen contained in birth control pills can cause hormonal imbalances with their own sets of side effects.

An alternative method for helping to regulate periods is the use of bioidentical hormones. PLEASE NOTE: Bioidentical hormones are NOT a form of birth control; they are not designed to suppress the natural function of the ovaries.

In this video, Brianna shares her story of why she decided to switch from birth control pills to bioidentical hormones for help with her monthly cycles.

Transcript:

Hi, everybody, I’m Brianna. I work for Dr. Marcantel as her receptionist and today I’m talking about my experience of being on the birth control pill.

When I was 16 years old I was having some menstrual issues like cramping and irregularity and PMS symptoms like moodiness–things that I’m sure a lot of women can relate to. So I talked with my GYN and she put me on the birth control pill. At the time, I don’t recall having a discussion with her about what the side effects were or anything like that; it just seemed like it was this “magic pill” that was going to fix my problems. I got on it mainly to regulate my cycles and to decrease cramping because those were my two main problems.

I was on the pill for two years and those two things were better, or so I thought, but I didn’t realize I was actually having a whole bunch of other symptoms during the time I was on the pill.

I started working for Dr. Marcantel when I was 18 and I started discussing some of the symptoms I was having with her. She had me do testing and I spoke with her after to go over the results and it showed that I had some pretty severe hormone imbalances.

When I talked to Dr. Marcantel about it, she not only explained the results to me but she actually took the time to explain what the correlation was specifically for being on the pill. I talked to Dr. Marcantel and I decided that what was best for me was to get off of the pill.

I’m regulated, so that’s great, and menstrual cramping is pretty much nonexistent, so those are the two main reasons I got on the pill. But also, being on bioidentical hormones and not on the pill has totally fixed my moods; my moods are much better, and a lot of other symptoms that I had have just improved greatly.

Hopefully this helps some girls who are my age to prevent some side effects or anything they may have later on or maybe to just give a different perspective to some women who are already on birth control.

Jeanne Pavy Sellers (1937)

by Peter Marcantel

Christmas means family gatherings and good times, but it can also be a melancholy time as we remember loved ones who are no longer there to share the holiday with us. Sometimes the ache of missing someone can be lessened by knowing that as long as that person lives in our heart they are never really gone. And sometimes, it seems, they’ll reach out to us in some way to remind us of that fact.

My mother-in-law, Jeanne Pavy Sellers, did just that one Christmas a few years ago by showing up on our doorstep in Mesa, Arizona, as a Hurricane Katrina survivor–even though she died three years before the storm destroyed New Orleans.

Jeanne was not only my wife’s mother, but also her closest friend. We moved away from our home in south Louisiana almost twenty-five years ago, but Tina spoke with her at least once a week on the phone up until the time of Jeanne’s death from leukemia in 2002. Before her death Jeanne met with all nine of her children to ask what keepsakes they would like as part of their inheritance. Tina asked for a portrait of Jeanne that had hung in the family home since her childhood. A family friend did the oil painting in 1937 when Jeanne was ten years old. Tina had always loved the picture and could think of nothing better than owning it as a wonderful remembrance of her mother.

It was only after Tina’s father sold the family home in 2005 that the promised heirlooms were divided among the children. Tina and I were visiting Louisiana that summer and brought the portrait to my father’s house to prepare it for shipping to Arizona.

Although the picture looked beautiful through sentimental eyes, it had certainly lost much of its original luster. Years of dirt and grime had dulled the colors and the wooden frame was on the verge of falling apart. My brother, Greg, who is on the board of a Louisiana museum, offered to send the painting to an art restoration specialist in New Orleans and we quickly agreed. That was July of 2005.

On August 29^th my wife and I watched with the rest of the nation as Hurricane Katrina roared ashore and the terrible devastation of New Orleans unfolded. We were horrified to witness the suffering of so many thousands of people as floodwaters inundated the city. Even as our hearts ached for the victims, we could not help but wonder if we, also, had lost something precious to the storm.

The enormity of the tragedy affected all of Louisiana, and it was several months before we felt it was appropriate to contact my brother to ask what became of the portrait. Greg confirmed our fears: the art restorer’s studio was in the heart of New Orleans in an area that had been hard-hit by flooding. Greg had tried phoning the man, but had never been able to reach him. He assured me that he would write to him at the New Orleans address, but he had no idea where the artist may have gone because most of the city’s residents had become virtual refugees.

Tina clung to the hope that somehow the painting had survived, but the facts did not look promising. All we could do was wait.

Greg called me in August of 2006, one year after Katrina. He had been contacted by the restoration specialist; somehow the letter he sent to New Orleans had finally made its way to where the artist was now living in Mississippi. The man had the painting, and could Tina please contact him?

With a mixture of joy and trepidation, Tina made the call. What kind of shape would the painting be in? Had it been submerged in filthy floodwaters for weeks? Was there anything left to salvage?

The artist told her the amazing story. The three-story studio was, indeed, in the downtown area that had flooded; there had been six feet of water in the first floor of the building. In addition, the winds had torn the roof off the building and the top floor was destroyed. Jeanne’s portrait, though, was in the middle floor of the studio and had been virtually untouched. He had lost most of his paperwork and did not know how to contact us. “Once we removed the grime, the colors just lit up,” he told Tina. “She has on the most beautiful blue sweater, and her face really came to life.”

Tina cried as she listened to the story. After thanking the man profusely for his care of the painting, she exchanged contact information with him. There was still work left to be done to restore the picture and the frame, but he promised that we should have it back within a few months. In mid-December we received a call to let us know that the restoration was finished and that the painting was on its way and should arrive by Christmas.

And so it was that on Christmas Eve of 2006, Jeanne Pavy Sellers arrived at our doorstep with her characteristic promptness. The beautifully restored painting hangs in our home as a constant reminder that love and memory can survive time and the most challenging circumstances.

We share our story with the hope that each of you reading this will connect with your own joyful thoughts of those who are not physically present to share the holiday with you. May love and comfort fill your heart.

Peter and Tina Marcantel

A plaque hanging in my kitchen says, “There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.” A dear friend gave me the sign several years ago and it is prominently displayed in my home to remind me every day to reflect on the many blessings I have in my life. Frankly, I need that prompt sometimes because there is often so much negativity surrounding us that it’s easy to lose sight of the good. I also know that it is an “attitude of gratitude” that will give birth to the positive changes I’d like to see in my life.

Too often we think, “I’ll be thankful and at peace when such-and-such changes.” Ironically, the negative thoughts we’re harboring—fear, ingratitude, bitterness, feelings of unworthiness—may actually cause us to resist the positive changes we want. Rather than seeing thanksgiving as something to be put off until we get something in the future, try thinking of gratitude as the starting point for change.

According to the Serenity Prayer, it is acceptance that is the key to peace: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” But it is only when we can learn to be truly thankful in the midst of our circumstances that we are able to accept them and find peace. Acceptance doesn’t mean we don’t desire change; it simply means that we adjust our attitude and we allow good things to happen.

Gratitude for all the good things we have right now in our lives helps us to accept our current circumstances. Acceptance leads to peace of mind. Peace allows hope and faith to grow—an expectation of good things to come. And it is at this point of mental calm and faithful expectation that divine, creative ideas come to us that provide the means for positive change.

So how do we get started? One thing I did was to go on a diet—a news diet. I realized that it had become my habit to plop down with my supper in front of the evening news when I got home from the office. I like to be informed, but how often do we have to be bombarded with the same negative news stories? I now eat my meal in glorious silence, celebrating each crunch of the fresh lettuce and cucumbers in my salad and the sweetness of the pear and apple slices.

Other ideas might include taking an evening stroll to marvel at the beauty of the full moon, enjoying a funny movie with a loved one and appreciating the gift of laughter, or making a list of everything that is right with your life. Each person is in unique circumstances, but everyone has something to be thankful for. Most importantly, we must remember to spend more time being thankful than we do dwelling on negative thoughts and statements. Make every day of the year Thanksgiving Day and watch how your blessings multiply!