Metabolic Syndrome: The New Name For Pre-Diabetes

by Andrea Purcell, N.D. | June/July 2005

Excessive abdominal fat is the most common sign of Metabolic Syndrome. Patients will also have two or more related conditions, including high blood pressure, low levels of good cholesterol, high levels of blood fats called triglycerides, and high blood sugar. Metabolic syndrome is unique in that it does not target an age group; in fact it is a rising epidemic in children, adolescents, and young adults.

The Dangers of Soda

Studies show that the average American drinks an estimated 56 gallons of soft drinks each year. More than 15 billion gallons were sold in 2000. Soda accounts for more than one-quarter of all drinks consumed in the United States. In the past 10 years, soft drink consumption among children has almost doubled in the United States. Studies have linked soda to osteoporosis, obesity, tooth decay and heart disease. One can of soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar, 150 calories, 30 to 55 mg of caffeine, artificial coloring and phosphoric acid.

Women and Hormone Balance

January/February 2005 | by Andrea Purcell, N.D.

Kimberly, a 46-year-old mother of five, complained that something just wasn’t right. She was weepy, quick-tempered, having irregular menses and no longer enjoying the company of her friends and family. Kimberly came to my office questioning whether her symptoms were really hormonal or “just in her head”. She explained that conventional lab tests had proven inconclusive, and that she did not want to resign herself to taking antidepressant medication.