Clinical Nutrition is the branch of healthcare that focuses upon the connection between food, vitamin and other natural supplements, lifestyle, environment and health. Several decades ago, our approach to nutrition was very naïve. It was generally accepted that if one consumed a proper amount of calories, enough protein, and adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals to prevent deficiency diseases, there was nothing more to consider. How times have changed! We now know that nutrition is one of the most powerful influences on how our genes are expressed. In other words, a person can have a genetic make-up that predisposes to a certain disease but by altering the way the genes function through diet and other lifestyle modification, disease can be averted. Custom-tailored diet and natural supplements can both prevent and aid recovery from illness. Determination of individual need makes all the difference. If your diet and nutrient intake are less than optimal, your health will be also.

The newest and rapidly growing field of healthcare is the specialty of Anti-Aging. This exciting field is in its infancy but is developing at an explosive rate. The underlying mechanisms of aging are being defined, leading to ways to slow the aging process. Custom-tailored programs, based upon individual assessment, can stop premature aging and help avert the diseases of aging, such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and osteoporosis. Anti-Aging healthcare can likely extend your lifespan and can certainly extend your healthspan.

This test is the state-of-the-art in body composition analysis. It provides a wealth of information regarding the make-up of the body’s tissues. A simple five minute test, utilizing sophisticated computer software, gives a breakdown of how much of the body is lean tissue, intracellular lean tissue, extracellular lean tissue, fat, total water, intracellular water, and extracellular water. This information is invaluable for bodybuilders, for those on weight loss programs or metabolic detoxification programs, and to track the aging process and general health status.

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The Computerized Health Assessment is an evaluation technique that provides a wealth of information. The assessment goes like this: You fill out an extensive, scientifically validated questionnaire, which is then scanned into a computer. The computer analyzes your form and produces a detailed report and graph, focusing on the status of thirty different body organs, functions, and conditions. The computer also makes therapeutic recommendations based on the results of the analysis. These include diet, nutritional supplements, exercise, stress reduction techniques, and more. Dr. Debé likes to run this assessment on all new patients to get a clearer picture of which areas need the most attention and further evaluation.

It is now well understood that the choices one makes, day in and day out, have a significant impact on the quality of one’s health and on the body’s ability to heal. Dr. Debé has an exceptional commitment to share the most important, up-to-date health information with his clients. In addition to his own published magazine articles (which number about fifty), Dr. Debé utilizes other articles, audio interviews and videos, which he puts onto a D.V.D. for patients to take home. These D.V.D.s are tailored to the health status and needs of the patient and include their lab test results in addition to educational material.

One of the oldest therapies in healthcare is detoxification. Modern science has enabled us to improve upon the results of total fasting and juice fasting. By using a diet of specific foods in conjunction with a medically engineered detoxification supplement, we are able to reduce the body’s toxic burden and help cleanse every cell in the body. All kinds of chronic symptoms "melt away" with a professionally designed detoxification program.

The value of taking nutritional supplements was finally acknowledged by the Journal of the American Medical Association, in a 1998 editorial entitled "Eat Right and Take a Multivitamin". O.K…. But which multivitamin? Which nutrients do you need? How much should you take? When should you take them? With breakfast? At bedtime? Does it matter? Dr. Debé can provide you the answers to these questions.

Medications and nutrients interact in several ways:

1. Many medications interfere with various aspects of nutrient metabolism, including digestion, absorption, transport, utilization, storage, and excretion. The bottom line is that many drugs increase the need for specific nutrients. For example, statin drugs (such as Lovastatin), which are used to lower cholesterol levels can also lower levels of Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is an extremely important antioxidant involved in energy production within every cell in the body.

2. Nutrients (and herbs) can interfere with the safety and/or effectiveness of medications. For example, iron can impair the absorption of Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone medication). Kava Kava may potentiate the activity of benzodiazepines.

3. Nutrients (and herbs) can increase the effectiveness and reduce the side effects of medications. For example, the absorption and effectiveness of Amoxicillin in treating respiratory infections is enhanced by bromelain. Beta 1, 3-D Glucan increases the efficacy and reduces the toxicity of anti-cancer therapies. Gastrointestinal damage from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication can be minimized by licorice and by evening primrose oil.

Dr. Debé reviews each patient’s medication schedule in order to assure the safest and most effective nutritional program and diet.

Dr. Debé utilizes individual assessment to determine the best approach to losing body fat for each client. Although there are many principles that apply to all, there is also much that requires customization. A sluggish metabolism due to an undiagnosed underactive thyroid, elevated levels of stress hormones, or abnormal secretion of the "night-time" hormone melatonin, are common causes of difficulty with weight loss. Imbalances of the brain’s neurotransmitters and poor functioning of the blood sugar-regulating hormone insulin are other barriers to weight loss. Some people appear to carry too much body fat because their body’s cells are not burning energy as efficiently as they should. Toxicity and nutrient deficiency are the two common causes of this situation. A thorough work-up can lead to an approach to weight loss most suited to the individual.

Correction of nutrient insufficiencies often results in alleviation of tension and allows the body to better cope with stress. One example is from a study that found subjects who were supplemented with gamma linolenic acid had less exaggerated blood pressure response to performing a challenging mental task.

Many herbs (such as Valerian and Oats) have relaxing qualities without the strong or addictive side effects of medication. Several herbs are also adaptogens-they enable the body to more efficiently adapt to stress. Siberian Ginseng and Schisandra are examples of adaptogens.

Plants have been used to assist healing and relieve suffering for thousands of years. Modern science is proving the efficacy of herbal therapies and uncovering the ways in which they affect the body. A number of herbs have been shown to be more effective than their drug counterparts. Cutting-edge research on specific herbs is allowing for their use in new powerful ways. Dr. Debé utilizes only the finest quality herbal supplements.

Diet and nutritional supplements can enhance sports performance and contribute to improved body composition. Dr. Debé utilizes a personalized approach to help each individual achieve their potential in these areas. Dr. Debé’s favorite ergogenic aide (performance-enhancing supplement) is creatine monohydrate. After all, Dr. Debé wrote the book on creatine!

Proper exercise is essential to stay healthy and prevent disease, as well as slow aging and recover from illness. Dr. Debé brings a broad background to this area, being a certified chiropractic sports practitioner and former competitive weight lifter. An exercise program should address strengthening, cardio-respiratory endurance, and flexibility. In some cases, balance training is also important. Dr. Debé uses specific exercise prescription as a therapy to aid in the recovery from stress, hormonal imbalance, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, weakened and altered immune conditions, accelerated aging, toxicity and more.

Scientific findings are elucidating the long-term health impact of nutritional status and toxin exposure during fetal development. The link between folic acid deficiency and neural tube defects is recognized by conventional medicine. Other correlations, however, have not yet filtered down to the mainstream practitioner. For example, there appears to be a connection between adequacy of certain dietary fats and proper neurological development. This may translate into greater intelligence and reduced risk to neurological diseases in adulthood. There is still much to learn about the link between dietary factors and fetal development but there is enough information available now for us to be making better choices to assure that our developing progeny are given every possible advantage.

Dr. Debé offers his patients a variety of new stress reduction techniques, as well as some more traditional methods. One of these, Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES), is an FDA approved treatment for anxiety, depression and insomnia. It involves the application of a very weak electrical current (similar to the body’s own) and helps to restore normal electrical activity to the body. It produces a relaxed yet alert state. Freeze Frame and Cut-Thru are scientifically validated techniques to reduce stress and truly balance the mind–body connection. They are simple yet powerful. The practice of these techniques involves listening to designer music, which has in itself been shown to reduce feelings of stress and boost the immune system! Individuals can learn Freeze Frame and see its effect on their physiology while connected to a computer by a finger sensor!

The mind is arguably the most powerful influence on an individual’s state of health. Guided imagery is one technique that harnesses the power of the mind to enhance healing. Guided imagery is usually performed while listening to an audiotape of an instructor describing a peaceful environment or biological process to be imagined. Relaxing music, soft lights and a relaxed posture (preferably lying on your back with pillows under the neck and knees) facilitate the process. The specific guided imagery to use depends on the desired goal. Studies have shown guided imagery to enhance immune function, reduce muscular tension, and even speed weight loss!

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) utilizes the same weak electrical current as MET but is applied to the body by clips attached to the ear lobes. CES is a safe and effective treatment for anxiety, depression and insomnia. CES has been shown to normalize aberrant electrical activity in the body. Studies have found CES to improve other conditions, including headaches, fibromyalgia, attention deficit disorder, and phobias. It also improves recovery from addiction to various substances.

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