A few last words on Travel Tips. July 1, 2009

I’d like to round out the Travel series with a few last tips.  Below you’ll find naturopathic remedies for travel-related conditions.
Jet Lag:
1.    Melatonin: 1-3mg 2 hours before you would like to go to bed.*
2.    Exercise: 30 minutes each day, even while on vacation to regulate stress and help with sleep
3.    Lavendar essential oil drops applied to the pillow or rubbed into the temples to help with sleep.

I also found this: the anti-jetlag diet.  If you have time on your hands, there are some folks out there who swear by it.

Nausea/Motion-sickness:
1.    Ginger: 6 capsules taken 1 hour before travel to soothe stomach
2.    Candied/crystallized ginger: to chew/suck on during travel
3.    Sea-bands: worn on the wrists, applies pressure to acupuncture points known to relieve nausea

Bacterial and fungal skin infections:
1.    Fungal infections:  topical application of Black Walnut (juglans nigra) 5-6 times/day plus vinegar wash 3 x’s /day—1/2 cup apple cider vinegar with 10 drops lavendar essential oil and 10 drops tea tree oil.  Keep the area clean and dry.
2.    Bacterial skin infections:
External:
•    Make a strong tea of calendula officinalis flowers and apply as a compress to skin (after it’s cooled a bit)
•    topical application of Black Walnut tincture (Juglans nigra) 5-6 times/day
Internal: Echinacea tincture  30 drops 5-6x’s day
*caution: do not take black walnut internally during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Urinary tract infection:
1.    Parsley tea: simmer ½ cup of fresh parsley in 2 quarts of hot water for 5 minutes and drink over the course of 3 hours to flush the bladder.  Caution during pregnancy—high dosages may stimulate uterus.  Please talk to your Dr. or midwife before taking.
2.    Unsweetened Cranberry juice: up to 3L/day with acute onset
3.    Uva ursi (Bearberry) tincture: 90 drops 4x’s/day

*Always check with your health care practitioner before starting this or any other supplement.

Natural remedies for Traveling with Kids June 24, 2009

Whether you’re camping, heading to the beach, or staying close to home this summer, you’ll want to know about these natural remedies for kids (and adults too!).

Sunburn:

1. Mix 1 drop of lavendar essential oil per tablespoon of aloe vera gel and apply to burned areas.

2. For a full-body burn, combine 2 cups of baking soda with 10 drops of lavendar essential oil in a tepid/cool bath and soak for 20 minutes. Apply a soothing hypoallergenic body lotion to skin afterwards to seal in moisture.

Bug Bites:
1.    Prevent bug bites with a homemade bug spritzer:
•    2 drops each: Essential Oils of Wintergreen, Citronella, Cedarwood, Peppermint, and Lemongrass.
•    Mix with ½ cup distilled water and ¼ cup almond oil (or other yummy oil) and put in a spritzer bottle.
2.    If stung, remove stinger with credit card or fingernail and apply ice quickly to prevent swelling and spread of toxins.  If wheezing or dramatic swelling occurs, call 911 immediately.
3.    Apply lavendar essential oil topically (undiluted, 1 drop)
4.    If itching occurs, combine ¼ cup of witch hazel extract with 20 drops of peppermint essential oil and 20 drops of lavendar essential oil and apply as needed with a cotton ball.

Cuts/Bruises:
1.    If the injured area is bruised, apply arnica gel or cream there 2-3 x’s day until the bruised sensation is getting better.  Can also do homeopathic arnica acutely.
2.    If the injured area is bleeding/open, clean the area thoroughly with soap and water.  Apply calendula salve 2x’s/day until a scab forms, then you can apply comfrey salve and arnica gel to continue the healing process.  Never apply arnica or comfrey to an open wound.

Naturopathic care for Postpartum Mood Issues June 3, 2009

Naturopathic doctors are trained to look for the root problem causing someone’s symptoms, rather than just making the symptoms go away.  If we address the underlying cause, we can allow the symptoms to recede for good.  This is no different for postpartum women, and there are a number of reasons WHY women develop postpartum mood disorders.  Naturopathic doctors, especially those trained in the art of midwifery or who have had special training in pregnancy and birth, are very well-equipped to figure out how to best help each woman on an individual basis.

Dr. Adriana Azacarate-Ferbel is a Portland area Naturopath who has studied Postpartum depression extensively.  I met with her last fall when I began researching this topic more myself.   She outlined the most common underlying reasons for development of Postpartum depression:

• Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidsim
• Immune system dysregulation
• Pain
• Low Cholesterol levels
• Hormone imbalance
• Neurotransmitter
• Insulin resistance

Sometimes, it may be a combination of one or more of these that can cause postpartum mood disorders to develop.  Because this is true for many women, the Naturopathic approach is multifactorial as well.  The earlier we can recognize the symptoms and determine what’s actually going on, the better.  In my office, a primary work-up to determine the underlying cause may include:

• Thyroid testing, followed by nutritional supplementation and/or medicine to balance the thyroid gland (if needed)
• Combination Hormone and Adrenal Saliva testing, followed by treatment with herbs and nutrients known to balance female hormones, DHEA, and/or cortisol (and are safe for breastfeeding).
• Lipid panel, to look at cholesterol levels, followed by nutritional counseling to ensure adequate levels.
• Comp. metabolic screen, Iron panel, and Complete blood count, to assess for blood sugar issues, anemia, and immune system problems
• Musculoskeletal assessment to determine sources of pain that may be adding to increased stress and fatigue, followed by massage, acupuncture, or other forms of physiotherapy
• In some cases, neurotransmitter testing will be done first.  This is especially true if someone has a marked history of depression, anxiety, or psychosis.

I could write pages and pages on this topic.  This is just a jumping-off point.  There is still a lot to learn about this realm of women’s health, but we have a very good grasp on how to make the transition to motherhood a happy and healthy time.

Be strong.  Live healthy!

Baby blues May 27, 2009

Did you know that about 80% of all new moms experience some form of postpartum mood flux?  There is a normal drop in mood, increase in anxiety and tearfulness that occurs in most women right after they have a baby.  In most of these women, it is hormonal.  The pregnant body is pumped full of estrogen, progesterone, relaxin, prolactin, and oxytocin.  When the baby is born, all these amounts shift—mostly dropping off like the cliffs of the Grand Canyon.

Having a baby opens women up in so many ways: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  It is a very wonderful and overwhelming time in all regards.  It is also a very vulnerable time because the body is going through so many changes AND there is a tiny little being that must be tended to 24 hours a day.  “Baby blues” affect up to 80% of new moms within the first few days postpartum.   I’ve seen that days 4-6 postpartum tend to be the most difficult for women mood-wise.

About 10% of new moms will go on to develop postpartum depression.  The onset of postpartum depression actually tends to be anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months after the birth.  The symptoms are similar to depression: low mood, sleep issues, appetite changes, panic, anxiety, disinterest–plus constant concerns about ability to care for the new baby, and possible fears of actually harming the baby.  If a mom has had issues with depression prior to pregnancy, she is at a higher risk for developing postpartum depression.  Sometimes, it can be due to underlying physiological issues like hypothyroidism (which can also develop in the postpartum period).  So it’s good to rule out root problems to best help with treating the symptoms.

Roughly 2% of new moms will suffer from postpartum psychosis.  This is a very serious condition that must be addressed immediately and is thought to also be due to the drop-off of hormones that occurs after the birth.  Symptoms of postpartum psychosis are seen within the first 2-3 weeks following the birth and include:

• insomnia (other than not being able to sleep because the baby is awake)
• mania
• flight of ideas
• self-harming
• constant thoughts of harming the new baby
• disinterest in the new baby
• complete shift of mental status (that friends and family easily notice)

Often, these women need in-patient help with stabilizing mood, but there is a lot that can be done naturopathically to support a woman in this situation.  With the right support, these women go on to embrace being a mother.

There is a whole slew of new research coming out on postpartum and antepartum mood disorders.  More prenatal care providers are broaching the subject with their patients as well.  One of the best tools we have is to educate the patient and her family about the signs and symptoms so early intervention can occur.

Next week, I’ll be writing about some of ways naturopathic doctors help women who may be at greater risk for developing postpartum depression, anxiety, or pychosis.  Until then, enjoy the days as we begin to welcome Summer this year!

Swine Flu update May 6, 2009

Good Morning!

Well, it seems that we know a bit more about the Swine flu this week compared to last week.  It does not seem to be quite as contagious or deadly as originally suspected.  That being said, there are new cases every single day, and it’s important that we keep ourselves healthy! Are you keeping your stress level down?  Well, you should be.  Stress can down-regulate your immune system.  Yoga, anyone?  Deep breathing?  How about a nice long walk (in the rain, for those of us here in the Pacific NW)?

Influenza can be contagious from one day before symptoms appear to 7 days after the onset of symptoms.  There are several other known strains of the flu going around right now in addition to the Swine flu.  Believe me, I’ve seen a LOT of people this week with the crud.  It’s a bit late in the “flu season” for all this to be going around, but alas–it is.  It also happens to be high allergy season, and unfortunately this makes people more susceptible to things like the flu.  Here are some reminders from the CDC regarding contamination and cleaning to help decrease your chances of getting sick.

Contamination & Cleaning

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.

What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.

Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

Staying healthy on a budget. March 4, 2009

For some time now, I’ve been wanting to address how Naturopathic medicine is the way to go in these times of economic hardship.  The type of medicine I practice relies on the healing power of nature and the wisdom of the  body’s innate ability to heal itself.

We have to get back to the basics of eating simply, living simply, enjoying time outside, and loving what we do.  This, my friends, is how we improve quality of life even when times are tough.  This is naturopathic medicine.

I came across an article today in the NY times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/health/03brod.html?_r=1&ref=health

It gives a number a solid recommendations on how to alter your grocery shopping list to save money, but eat healthy.  It’s so important that we don’t let this economy prevent us from achieving our health goals.  Otherwise, we end up paying the price later as a result of having made the unhealthy choices.

I challenge each of you to make one change this week in the following areas:

1. save money at the grocery store by choosing a healthy meal

2. save money by finding something fun to do IN NATURE (it’s free!) rather than spending money on going out

3. Get back in touch with someone you want to spend time with, or find time to do something you love to do.

I’ll post what I did this week to rise to the challenge, and I welcome you to comment here as well.  Let yourself be an inspiration to others!