Naturopathic medicine seeks to address many facets of patients’ physical and mental well-being. In fact, its practitioners are generally more broadly focused in their approach that traditional allopathic (tradition) medical doctors that often specialize in one small niche of expertise, like an assembly line worker that does nothing but attach seat covers to automobiles. The problem with this approach is that to a hammer, every problem looks like nail. Sometimes a broader view of wellness is beneficial.

Michael Uzick, a naturopath doctor and co-founder of the Genesis Natural Medicine Center, in Tucson, states, “One of my favorite nutrients is

acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC), a mitochondrial nutrient. We need mitochondria to produce energy, and they are found in every cell in our bodies. ALC works to protect cells from damage and toxins enhance their efficiency. The highest concentrations are found in our brains, hearts and muscles.”

While ALC is produced naturally by our own bodies, research has shown that supplementation has great value and safety. There are more than 100 human studies in the medical literature showing benefit of ALC for a wide variety of conditions, especially those related to our nervous system. ALC has been shown to significantly slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in 12 human studies. It’s been shown to significantly improve memory and cognitive function in patients with age related dementia and more than a dozen animal studies suggest that acetyl-l-carnitine is a true anti-aging nutrient for the brain.

DeeAnn Saber is a naturopathic physician at WellnessFIRST! who believes, “Laughing daily releases endorphins, which help us relax and feel better, and think more clearly. And it’s free.” Her allusion to laughter bespeaks the recent boom in popularity of the Laughter Yoga movement. Saber urges individuals to bring more humor and laughter into their life with these tips.

~ Watch a funny movie or TV show.
~ Go to a comedy club.
~ Play with a pet.
~ Roll down a hill.
~ Read the funny pages.
~ Seek out funny people.
~ Share a good joke or a funny story.
~ Host a game night with friends.
~ Go to a “laughter yoga” class.
~ Goof around with children.
~ Check out your bookstore’s humor section.
~ Do something silly.
~ Make time for fun activities (e.g. bowling, miniature golfing, karaoke)

Contact Dr. Uzick at 495-4400 or visit Genesisnmc.com.
Contact Dr. Saber at 520-668-0039 or visit 3861WellnessFirst.com.