Integrative Medicine and You

Nutritional Supplements

Dr. Pizzino uses many nutritional, herbal, and lifestyle modalities to promote vitality, whether focused on the foundational building blocks of the cells or on upward to the whole being. She recommends specific sources for these supplements after she has evaluated their scientific validity, efficacy, and purity.

Matrix Medicine addresses the genetic expression that determines the molecular substance of the body, as well as the environmental "matrix" we live in. Using basic science and advanced biochemical concepts to improve the fundamental structural components of the body often requires the use of probiotics, enzyme co-factors, detoxifying substances, molecular substrates, and other "medical foods" to prevent disease and achieve optimum wellness.

Patients are encouraged to understand their use of vitamins, supplements, and other over-the-counter products as thoroughly as they do prescription medications, as their effects and side effects can be just as profound.

Many high-quality supplements can be purchased at health food stores (trusted brands: Douglas Labs, Twinlabs, Solgar) or through other health care providers, such as Michael Sharp, MD, at the Plum Spring Clinic (919-945-0300).

When supplements of the most appropriate type and quality are not easily obtained elsewhere, Dr. Pizzino offers some supplements for purchase through her practice for the convenience of patients. One of the highest quality suppliers is Metagenics (Metagenics), who actually conduct clinical research trials on their products. For your convenience, you may visit our web site link to Meta-ehealth (Meta-eHealth.com) to order supplements advised by the physician.

Dr. Pizzino does not have a financial interest in the companies mentioned.

downloadable information

Comprehensive Elimination Diet

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This is both the most accurate and the most inexpensive way to determine if your body reacts adversely to any foods. This 23-page document includes instructions, shopping lists, recipes, and day-by-day menus.

In addition to the common food sensitivities specifically addressed in the instructions, this approach can be used for any foods you suspect.

If you are already aware of food allergies/sensitivities and plan to leave that food out of your usual nutrition, you do not have to test that food.

Please remember to add only one food type (as much as you like) per 48 hours, and use only "pure" forms of the food to test, ie. Do not combine two different food groups, such as wheat + dairy. Also, individual types of nuts, ie. walnuts and pecans, need to be tested separately.

Look for any kind of unusual reaction in your body. If you have a reaction, go back on the diet for 24 hours to reset for the next food challenge.

If you would like to purchase pre-prepared food which adhere to this plan, you may want to check out the special 7-day Elimination Diet offerings by restaurateur Rosie's Plate.

Yeast Elimination Diet

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(also referenced as Candida Elimination Diet)

This diet is used for treatment of yeast/candida/mold related disorders, as per your specific diagnosis. Please follow this as best you can during the entire treatment period for overcoming yeast syndrome, including the week in which you are not taking the anti-fungal medications.

Because it is extremely easy to have the yeast get out of control again, once you have completed the active treatment period, it is advised that you continue to minimize starches and sugars in your diet indefinitely. This is especially important if you have to go on antibiotics at some time in the future. The recommendation is for starches and sugars to be no more than 10-20% by volume of your foods.

Pay special attention to alcohol, refined sugars and refined grains, such as white sugar, white flour, and white rice in food products.

You may also wish to consider monitoring your urine pH (acidity level) with pH strips you can get at your health food store. Books such as The pH Miracle have additional information on this topic.

Dysglycemia Diet

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This diet is for people with conditions such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, and impaired glucose tolerance. It can help with weight loss. It also can help with long-term blood sugar and insulin control, which can reduce inflammatory conditions associated with heart disease, Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, and other conditions of aging.