Dr. AL profile picture

Dr. AL

Functional Medicine: The new paradigm in healthcare!

About Me

Hi there, thanks for stopping by. I am Functional Medicine practitioner (doctor of nutrition and holistic medicine) specializing in Women's Health. If you have a chance check out my site at www.DrAlCostanza.com. Have a health question or just want to chat? Feel free to give me a call (my number is can be found at my site). Yours in Health, Dr. Al PS Don't forget to check out my blog(s). Also, if you are interested in receiving my FREE health newsletter go to www.DrAlCostanza.com to register.
Favorite quote- "Until you make a conscious effort to do something different, your life will never change." Second favorite quote- Mahatma Gandhi once said "Simplify, simplify, simplify!" But should he have not said it once? :-) Third favorite quote- "From birth to 18 a girl needs good parents, from 18 to 35 she needs good looks, from 35 to 55 she needs a good personality and from 55 on she needs cash." LOL

Water crystals by Masaru Emoto
Molecules of Emotions
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My Interests

I have so many interests I don't know where to begin. I have to say first and foremost my friends and family. My closest friends go way back from my late teens. We were actually in a late 60's early 70's rock band and still to this day get together to play's (see photos in my pics). Since my first degree was in music with classical/fingerstyle guitar being my major, I just love playing my guitar.My friends and colleagues are awesome people. They are their for me through thick and thin. Most recently, I'm participating in a meditation group which is held at my office.Next would be work. If I were independently wealthy, I would do it without charge. I receive the greatest reward in improving and changing the lives of others. It doesn't get much better than that. I also, love to dance, esp. ballroom dancing. I've taken lessons off and on over the years. Music has always been a major part of my life (my previous career). As previously indicated my first degree was in music where I studied classical guitar and eventually went on to build them. I love to cook. I've known to make some palatable and healthy entree but not so palatable ones as well. :-) To no surprise, I like to read, attend lectures (I'm lecture junky as you can see in my biography on my website), love musicals, concerts, nature walks, ocean, mountains, travel, cycling, skiing and especially socializing. I also have an interest in psychology(which I hold a BA)and spirituality. I'm sure there are several that I've left out but those are the main ones.

I'd like to meet:

I am always up to meet interesting people for friendship and networking. I met one woman on a dating site who implied, she did not want to date me, but wanted to be my patient. And that's exactly what happened. Eventually, things turned out best for the both of us. Over time she did become interested me but then I met someone else. As they say timing is everything. LOLAlso, I am always open to meet new colleagues for the purpose of networking, friendship or just sharing common interests. If you are a clinician in a similar field, i.e., Physician, nurse practitioner, psychologist, chiropractor, naturopath, massage therapist, etc. I would love to chat with you. Life is about making new friends and building and maintaining quality relationships!

Music:

Classic rock, jazz, blues and classical

Movies:

I love a good movie. My mind draws a blank at the moment but I do enjoy romantic comedies, suspense, comedies. Most movies except don't like lots of violence (though sex is ok:-) or sci-fi. Braveheart comes to mind. I recently saw an awesome documentary called Mad Hot Ballroom. This was an amazing movie about NY inner city children learning to dance in order to win a ballroom dance competition. I also love My Cousin Vinnie. Must of seen it four times now. :-) What the bleep, Mind Walk. If I think of more I'll add them later.

Television:

I don't watch tv as much as I used to. Who's got the time? When I do watch it, I like an occasional good movie, Fox (though I gets my blood boiling:-), CNN. political commentary, I did enjoy Dancing with the Stars or anything to do with ballroom dancing. If you are old enough I was also addicted to Northern Exposure.

Books:

You would be bored with the books I read. Most are on Functional Medicine, stress physiology, nutrition, naturopathy, neurobiology and the brain, inflammation and autoimmune disease, psychology, the mind/body connection such as Molecules of Emotion. Etc., Etc.

Heroes:

My heroes are my parents. My mom has been deceased for 13 years. She was the matriarch that kept the family together. She was a selfless woman that could not do enough for you. Everyone loved and respected her. The moment she passed my oldest sister turned to me and said, "Ma loved you best". A little resentment there. :-) I wrote and read her eulogy. There was not a dry eye in the church.My dad passed 12/13/06. I was quite upset, however his funeral service actually turned into a celebration of his life. My dad lived a full and happy life. He fought for his country in WWII stationed in Italy, in the Alps. He studied voice professionally prior to the war and would sing for the troops. I set up two large displays of photos of him in the war, singing and dancing with my mother. I wrote and read his eulogy, which I wasn't sure I would make it through it without breaking down. I entitled it, "He did it the right way."My parents were married for over 50 years and had the loving relationship every couple aspires to. I really miss them! ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ .....................

My Blog

The Celiac Story

Nausea, heartburn, upset stomach, indigestion, diarrhea.  Does this annoying commercial jingle have you tapping your foot and nodding your head in empathy? Do you also experience bloating, unexpl...
Posted by Dr. AL on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 04:47:00 PST

Sugar Craving and the Monster Within

This article was written by Laura Jones who has recently completed an internship with me. Laura is graduate from the nutrition department of Simmons College here in Boston. Dr. AL The majority of ...
Posted by Dr. AL on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:20:00 PST

Patient Testimonials (Updated)

I recently had a middle age woman start my program and these are quotes of what she had to say  at one  of her follow-up visits. --> --> 1.   Waking up 3 to 4 times a night.&n...
Posted by Dr. AL on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 02:24:00 PST

EAT, DRINK AND BE EDUCATED: OUR LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD

If you're approaching middle age or already there, you've seen numerous diets come and go according the latest research and latest authors.  The average person doesn't know what to believe.  ...
Posted by Dr. AL on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 06:45:00 PST

Diet, weight loss and life-style

Shelly writes:"I have some questions about diets. Ok I'm starting one and also I joined the Beverly Athletic Club in Beverly. I'm sick of myself and depressed from the divorce so I've not had any mot...
Posted by Dr. AL on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 05:49:00 PST

Patient profile: Obesity, Alcoholism and more.......

I would like to share with you a recent case study of an obese woman in her late forties.   To protect her identity I will call her Jane Doe.  Jane came to my office seven weeks ago c...
Posted by Dr. AL on Tue, 08 May 2007 05:23:00 PST

PMS/Dysmenorrhea in a nutshell

One of you wrote me to ask about what she could do about her painful periods, i.e., heavy bleeding and bad cramping.  I wrote back and said:Zelda (Balducci.  A fictitious name to protec...
Posted by Dr. AL on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 08:36:00 PST

STRESS

Subliminal Stress Syndrome Theory Part I by Dr. Al Costanza The HypothesisMany years after a traumatic event occurs one may still experience latent memories that negatively influence one's physiology ...
Posted by Dr. AL on Tue, 05 Dec 2006 05:15:00 PST

Vitamin Supplements ( COLDS AND FLU SEASON!)

COLDS AND FLU SEASON!Well folks we are getting into that time of year again. Viruses especially affect those who are under chronic stress particularly during changes in temperature. It doesn...
Posted by Dr. AL on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 04:49:00 PST

Health Stuff

I have to tell you,  I truly feel blessed to working in the field of holistic medicine.  In private practice you get to meet, help, influence and literally help change individuals health and...
Posted by Dr. AL on Sun, 19 Nov 2006 09:03:00 PST