Category: General

By Kelly Parcell, ND According to the CDC up to one quarter of the population is deficient in vitamin D. Many people are on the low end of normal as well. Vitamin D is perhaps the single most underrated nutrient in the world. Even in Boulder many patients are low! The reason has a lot to do with sunscreen in the Summer and layes of clothing in the Winter. As we move into Winter in Colorado, it's a good time to have your vitamin D level checked by a simple blood test. A normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood test will register above 30 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Previously it was thought that levels 21 and below needed treatment, though more recently anything below 35 is addressed by many forward thinking practitioners. Using these levels, it is estimated that one billion people are deficient in vitamin D. Optimal levels are thought to be between 50-80 ng/ml. Recent studies reported in the New England Journal of Medicine and by the Vitamin D Council, are indicating a link to depression. Canadian researchers reviewed 14 studies, consisting of 31,424 participants and found a strong correlation between depression and a lack of Vitamin D. The lower...

By Steve Parcell Several theories have been proposed for how this treatment may work. One theory suggests that EDTA chelation might work by directly removing calcium found in fatty plaques that block the arteries, causing the plaque to decrease in volume. EDTA chelation therapy may work by reducing the damaging effects of oxygen ions and reactive transition metals (oxidative stress) on the walls of the blood vessels. Reducing oxidative stress could reduce inflammation in the arteries and improve blood vessel function. This is why EDTA is used to prevent the spoiling of food. It blocks oxidative reactions. Although the vast majority of the published research is on disodium EDTA it has been removed from the market though it is still available through compounding pharmacies. This type chelates metals as well as calcium and if infused too quickly will cause hypocalcemia. Calcium EDTA (Calcium Disodium Versenate) is safer because it does not lower serum calcium. The pharmacologic effects of edetate calcium disodium are due to the formation of chelates with divalent and trivalent metals. A stable chelate will form with any metal that has the ability to displace calcium from the molecule, a feature shared by lead, zinc, cadmium, manganese, iron...

The week has been very busy with many, many blood draws for the free lab testing we are offering. We have partnered with HDL labs and they have agreed to run an amazing panel that has all of the advanced cardiovascular risk factors, and other parameters for free! Just bring in your insurance card and $12 for the blood draw and we will take care of the rest. Please check out the information on Dr Steves blog and the Monthly Specials this month for details. Cheers to your health!

Update on Testosterone Side Effects It has come to my attention that some patients could use a refresher on side effects of testosterone replacement. First let’s remember that Low testosterone is a valid medical condition that should be treated. Now let’s review why it’s important to treat Low T. Hypogonadism (Low T) may result in significant decrease in quality of life and adversely affect the function of multiple organ systems. Population-based studies done in the last 10 years indicate that low testosterone levels are associated with an increase in the risk for developing type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease and even a reduction in longevity. In men, testosterone concentrations are inversely related to mortality due to cardiovascular disease and all causes. Low testosterone may be a predictive marker for those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.  Signs and symptoms of low testosterone (low T) 1.    A decrease in muscle mass and strength 2.    A decrease in bone mass and osteoporosis 3.    An increase in central body fat 4.    Loss of energy and drive   Other symptoms such as a decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, forgetfulness, anemia, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and a decreased sense of well-being are also sometimes present.   ...

By Kelly Parcell, ND We have special access to HDL labs and their advanced cardiovascular panels now. For a limited time, for PPO insured patients only, there will be no cost to the patient regardless of your deductible. This is over $2,000 worth of blood work! It is even more comprehensive than the Berkeley Heart Lab panels we used to run. It includes omega 3/6 ratio, PLA2 and even myloperoxidase plus more. All you need is your insurance card. Fasting for 12 hours is required. Call today. 303.884.7557