Many of you have been in contact with us after watching the Dr Oz show last Friday; thanks for your kind comments.  Since it’s TV, there were time constraints that limited some of our answers…..I’d like to elaborate a bit more now.

First, the smoothie recipe.  Please understand that I made the recipe a bit more simple for the show.  What we made on air would NOT be adequate for breakfast, as there isn’t enough protein; it’s just a nice snack.  Also, the “recipe” section of Dr Oz’s website labels this smoothie as “fat-blasting”.  That’s a misconception and I hope I didn’t leave folks with the impression that it’s some kind of magic potion!  It has nutrients that will help balance hormones, which will allow the fat to come off.  Here’s what Brad and I actually drink each day:  (remember, this is for two people)

2-3 tbl flax seeds

2-3 tbl hemp seeds

2-3 Brazil nuts

1-2 tbl pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

~2 tsp herbal extract that includes ashwaganda and other adaptogens

big chunk of sweet red bell pepper (for antioxidants)

fruit, ~1 cup.  This is usually a combo of orange, apple, maybe berries or pineapple.

Several handsful of raw greens, like chard, spinach, kale, collards, even parsley.

Cooled, brewed green or white tea—amount varies depending on consistency you like.

Throw all this in a good blender (we use a vitamix).  I have it for a midmorning snack at the office; Brad uses his for breakfast.  (I’ve usually had a small breakfast at home with protein, like good sardines or eggs).

Now, the issue of adrenal dysfunction.  Yes, it’s essential to get this under control in order to manage menopause symptoms.  But it’s not just about taking ashwaganda!  That and other herbal adaptogens definitely help, but as I always say, if you’re supporting your adrenals with herbs on the one hand but still living your life like a tiger’s chasing you, that’s like driving with the gas and brake pedals both on at the same time.  Please remember that how you live your life is what is important here.  Movement and quiet time and emotional management are first line therapy; the herbs are merely supportive.  That’s why I have Brad available to teach folks the techniques designed by the HeartMath Institute, since they have been shown to help balance out cortisol and dhea, two important adrenal hormones.  That’s also why I recommend yoga and tai chi, and have those classes available at the office.

Integrative Holistic Medicine, Functional Medicine.  I just want to make sure that everyone understands some terminology here.  The Dr Oz show was specifically referring to Functional Medicine, which is essentially a way of thinking about health and disease which treats the root cause of illness and not just the symptoms.  Integrative Holistic Medicine is slightly different; although this form of healing also addresses root causes, it tends to include more traditional healing systems such as acupuncture, botanical medicine, ayurveda, energy medicine, etc.  Many practitioners actually fall into both “camps”—they may have functional medicine training but refer to themselves simply as a holistic physician.

There are actually many integrative holistic physicians in the country; there are also a number of functional medicine practitioners, although not all of these are physicians.
For integrative holistic physicians, please go to www.abihm.org.  There is a searchable database of all physicians who are board certified in holistic medicine in the country.
If you are looking specifically for a Functional Medicine practitioner, then please go to www.functionalmedicine.org.  There is a searchable database here as well.

More publicity for our message about changing the medicine we ALL do:  If you are excited about the ideas that my colleagues and I presented on the show, please let Dr Oz and his staff know!  If you’re on Facebook or Twitter, please go to this link:  http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/functional-medicine-approach-menopause  and join in the conversation at the bottom of the page.  If you aren’t doing either of those, please go to the home page (www.doctoroz.com) and scroll to the very bottom–you’ll see a “contact us” link where you can leave comments.  Sometime later today or tomorrow, there should be video clips on the Dr Oz website—share them with friends and have them contact the show as well.  If the show hears from enough people, they will likely be willing to have us back to further the conversation!

More Info:  If you’d like to see some more video and written answers to questions like our discussion on the Oz show, go to www.sharecare.com.  This is a website started by Mehmet Oz, MD and staff and is a fine source of health information.  My colleagues and I are all authors of answers you might want to read; just go to “search” on this page and put in our names in order to reach each of our individual pages.

Thanks again for all your support; we’re really excited for the opportunity to spread the word about the kind of medicine we practice!