To me the holistic model of health is about truly understanding an individual within their own personal model of social, cultural, emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual realms. Any health recovery program must recognize and discuss the mind body relationship. As much as 75% of all disease is preventable. In order to truly prevent disease we must understand all of the contributing factors and provide an environment to support the body naturally rebalancing and restoring health. I truly try to embrace all of these aspects of my client-practitioner relationship. And believe in rebalancing and supporting the aspect of imbalance, restoration is possible. My work as a naturopath and yoga therapist is helping each client find their own path of healing. I truly believe in offering the body the most natural way’s to rebalance.
Building Immunity
The naturopathic model of health recognizes the immune system as a system which can be naturally supported to restore health. For example the common cold or respitory infection when apprehended in an acute state with common cold medications, and antibiotics very often can turn into a chronic condition such as chronic mucus, stuffy nose and ears. Naturopathy views frequent respiratory infections, viruses, allergies, and auto-immune conditions as a breakdown in immunity. Naturopathy believes that is important to allow a cold or virus to run it’s course and use natural support such as healing foods, nutrients and herbs. Although I personally do believe there is a time for medications but feel we just need to use these mindfully.
My immune building protocol involves lifestyle, nutrients such as antioxidants, enzymes, periods of digestive rest, addressing inflammation, and herbal anti-pathogenic. Examples of natural immune support might include; nutrient dense soups, green, ginger or licorice tea, garlic, ginger, oregano, vitamin c, antioxidants (vitamins A ,C E, Zinc, Selenium), proteolyctic enzymes, echinecea, goldenseal, licorice as some of the more common known remedies. Enzymes naturally occur in fresh fruit and vegetables, and help the body keep the inflammatory process under control. Eating a more cleansing diet such as soups and liquids helps assist the body rest digestion so it can focus on getting the bad guys. Keeping the mucus moving with assistance of nasal irrigation or a neti-pot can also help. To view a technique of how to use a neti-pot follow the link;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9i6x6uGm2k
Additional techniques of hydrotherapy include hot baths, creating a steam over snick with a towel over your head, and humidifiers. I personally have used all of these hydrotherapy techniques and found them all beneficial.
And finally rest. This is the hardest technique to master in our society.
Always notify your doctor of an illness, as well as any changes you make to your diet or of vitamins you are taking.
The Sweetener Wars
For many years I have received questions about which sweeteners are safe and best to use. First, it is essential to practice moderation with both sugar and sugar substitutes. I generally suggest limiting sugars in food to below 10 grams per serving, with 8 grams being optimal. For example, a grande vanilla late has 35 grams of sugar and a skinny late has between 17 and 22 grams. A vanilla yogurt can contain up to 24 grams of sugar. Regarding artificial sweeteners, you should know that the newer sweeteners such as equal(aspartame) have been cited to be toxins which act as stimulants to the brain or “excito-toxins” according to brain surgeon, Russell Baylock, MD. Most sugarless gums today are aspartame based. Splenda, another popular choice of sweetener, has been found to contain chlorine. The most recent “natural” sweetener to be FDA approved is stevia. Recent readings suggest these too can confuse our adrenal system to thinking we are receiving sugar, when we are not, and can over stimulate our adrenals which can be in issue for those with fatigue or compromised immune systems. My short answer is that raw sugar or honey are acceptable in serving sizes of a teaspoon!
Spring Allergies
There are many nutrients which can help the body reduce inflammation at allergy season. Some of my favorite nutrients and herbs include; bioflavanoids, bromelain, quercitin, nettles, eyebright, and vitamin C. My favorite products include Hista-eeze, and hay-fever sinus complex. I have already started my daughter on her preventive allergy plan which includes nettles, and quercitin. These are especially soothing to the sinuses and eyes. Herbalist, David Winston believes strongly that a healthy diet, including the removal of dairy, is key to improving allergies. Natural Standard, integrative database rates many of these nutrients according to studies, and gives them high ratings of evidence for improving allergies and sinus conditions. My belief is these naturopathic methods can be used preemptively in order to avoid infections during allergy season. Finding a supportive allergist to integrate approaches is essential. With allergies and asthma the key is prevention and building a healthy immune system.
Mind-Body Practice: Sleep
22% of all Americans have sleep disorders. Many clients come, especially during mid-life or later, that struggle with sleep issues. Naturopathic approach addresses stress, as well as natural support. There are many herbs, and nutrients which will support sleep, especially if the person has high oxidative stress, often caused by illness, over exercise, or exposure to toxins,and hormonal imbalances. Many studies, according to natural standard database, recognize metatonin as a safe method to restore sleep cycles, with few side effects. Other safe therapies include calming minerals, herbs, and teas and even light therapy.. Utilizing these therapies in conjunction with a mind body practice customized to each individual can offer health approaches to sleep issues. I believe learning a practice meditation and yoga to help us sleep can offer exceptional tools as well. I have had many clients who have sleep issues and I often get them to fall asleep learning specific breathing and restorative postures during the first session.
Avoiding Toxic Overload
Naturopaths believe when the body is free of toxins we will be less likely to get ill. This makes sense when we think about it physiologically; when our blood is clean and our liver is healthy we have the foundation to health. I believe there is a tipping point, and when we reach overload the body begins to breakdown its ability to function. I believe that many allergies and skin issue are the result of overload and over stimulation to the immune system. I believe food sensitivities impact our our brains too. Daniel Amen states, “Food has a powerful effect on cognition, feelings and behaviors”, in his book Healing Anxiety and Depression. Many environmental and food toxins are dangerous to children and adults. We are exposed to many environmental toxins, and there are many in our homes in the form of cleaning supplies, cosmetics, food additives, and even chemicals in our rugs, furniture and homes from building supplies.
Among the list of food additives we can be joined by the metals in our cosmetics. Metals such as aluminum, arsenic, lead, nickel, copper, chromium, mercury are now found to be carcinogenic. More specifically are found to be “estrogenic”, mimicking estrogen in the body, as well as found in breast tissue of women with breast cancer. These are commonly shampoos, shaving creams, and deodorant. We also must begin thinking about our environment, as whatever we put on our bodies, enters our water supply and eventually our food supply.
We need to be aware of how our environment can impact our physical, emotional and psychological health.
The Truth About Vitamins
Much has been written about the pros and cons of taking supplements. The founding principle of naturopathy believes that providing the body with the right support, it will re-balance. My focus is on providing you with education, to make informed choices about your health. Many of my teachers have stressed we cannot possibly get all the nutrients we need from food due to depleted soil, food quality, and food additives. Most people are not eating 10 servings of vegetables and fruit a day Dr. Mark Hyman, in his book, Ultra-Prevention examines the myth that you can get all your vitamins from food. He suggests that due to our modern diets, we all do need vitamins due to many deficiencies as well as overeating. In fact many Americans are deficient in many common vitamins like vitamin C, E, and omega 3 fatty acids. Additionally, Dr. Elson Haas recognizes different nutrient needs at different stages of life or according to health conditions such as immune, cardiovascular health, menopause, and many others.
Patrick Holford, in the Optimal Nutrition Bible, suggests we may need 10 times the RDA’s to reach optimal levels of nutrition. I always ask clients, “how do you feel?”, I believe supplements when used wisely can help us achieve our health goals. I suggest that if you are going to take supplements be sure to take supplements that comply with good manufacturing practice and are GMP certified, have third party testing and compliance and have additional certifications in organic ingredients. Today we also have nutrient testing to verify deficiencies which when used in combination with naturopathic protocols can truly lead to optimal health.
Understanding Digestion
Naturopaths believe that the most important system in the body is the digestive system, and that good health begins with strong digestion.The digestive process begins in the mouth where enzymes help to break down the food. Additionally the right balance of stomach acid provides the right environment to continue break down food. Some people to not have enough stomach acid. Others have too much which can be the cause of eating too much acidic foods such as coffee, alcohol, chocolate tomatoes, cheese, tomatoes and orange juice. As we age enzymes throughout the digestive system also decline. Hormones also affect digestion, and if under stress hormones are released which slow digestion. We know know serotonin levels can also affect digestion. Some people have low levels. The good news is that we also know there are many ways to impact healthy digestion. And that both changes to diet and natural support can be helpful along with mind body techniques such as belly breathing, twisting and bending gentle yoga and deep relaxation. It is a founding principle in my practice that restoring health involves a practice of mind and body. What we eat, our thoughts, how we breath and move.
Aloe Vera
Aloe has been used for centuries and is currently used all over the world as a wound and burn healer as well as an antiseptic, as well as for acne. It has a ph of 4.3 making it great for skin and hair. It acts as a natural sunscreen. It is also used as a natural aid to digestion. One needs to used the fresh juice for internal use, and is not recommended for serious skin conditions such as staph or when pregnant or nursing (Rosemary Gladstar). It is used homeopathically for bloating and abdominal pain (William Boericke).
An Integrative Approach to Chronic Fatigue
Understanding the source of your fatigue is important. The cause may be hormonal such as low thyroid or adrenals, or due to a virus , or allergies, but most often has to do with immunity. Naturopathy seeks to restore and support immunity. In his book, “Viral Immunity”, Dr. J.E Williams recognizes stages of immune system breakdown, and viruses are the second stage. The foods which nourish immunity include foods which are high in antioxidants such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Especially leafy dark greens, berries, red peppers, mangos, carrots, and other rainbow colored vegetables. Eating live food is best to revitalize energy. Also we know probiotics help modulate the immune system. Studies show those with Chronic Fatigue have lower levels of amino acids, antioxidants, zinc and magnesium levels. Additionally the antioxidants CoQ10 and Alpha lipoic acid help nourish mitochondria energy. It is important to achieve restorative sleep when recovering from chronic fatigue. I also teach my clients restorative yoga and relaxation techniques to aid in healthier sleep patterns. Specifically I teach clients breathing techniques to improve oxygen flow.