Author: Dr. Laura Lambert

GMO foods = Genetically Modified Guts?

The other day before entering Whole Foods, I was asked to sign a petition… it was to mandate labeling of GMO on food labels.

So what’s the bid deal? Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) has been a good thing for food production has it not?

The idea of GMO was to produce more virulent crops that were resistant to viruses, herbicides, pesticides, and etcetera. Which also means a farmer can use a lot more toxic spray and the crop will still survive… but will we?

GMO foods have been in use in the US since the 1990’s and of date very little research has been done on their safety in human diet. One study that has looked at the implications of GMO food and our health has found that our gut flora (beneficial bacteria that are supposed to be in our guts to help us digest and assimilate our nutrients) is now carrying genetically modified DNA.

So your gut is now resistant to viruses, pesticides… why is this bad? Again, we need our gut flora to digest and absorb – if our flora is not operating correctly our entire body and health is at risk. Most of our immune system is located in our guts; without proper flora, one’s immunity is low making them more susceptible to illness. As if being sick isn’t scary enough – most of our feel good hormone (neurotransmitter – serotonin) is also produced in the gut, so now you are sick and unhappy. Without your flora, you will not have the nutrients your body needs to function or heal; in short, you would be a hot mess!

Unfortunately, there currently is no labeling mandate to let you know that you are genetically modifying your gut. The biggest crops/foods to look out for are: soy, corn, potatoes, and canola – if available, try to find these products with a “non-GMO” label. And, continue signing those petitions!

Body Cleanse – Detox

Fall Cleaning for the Body

body cleanse or detoxSpring and fall, or the shifts of seasons are great times of year to get in a body cleanse or detox.  Like it or not, with eat passing season our bodies pick up more and more of a toxic burden.  We are exposed to so many chemicals and pollutants in our everyday lives that it isn’t hard to fathom why we just don’t feel as lively or energetic in our adulthood as we did during childhood.

Even when we are trying to be healthy – there are so many hidden things in our foods (PCB’s are latent in non-organic butter, many canned foods and farmed salmon), cosmetics (aluminum in deodorants, SLS in soaps, PCB’s in makeup – check out: www.cosmeticdatabase.org), and even our drive to work can build up toxins in our systems.

To keep our systems clean and healthy, many naturopathic doctors recommend taking steps to detoxify the body.  I typically recommended doing a detox/cleanse twice a year as maintenance, and offer several different cleanse approaches.   Some easy and short others longer and more intense.  Maybe for some, just going gluten-free for 10 days and for others, maybe we are chelating heavy metals.

I chelated my heavy  metals this spring and now I currently am in the midst of a 10 day gentle cleanse.  I will admit, though I recommend spring and fall, there really is no “good” time to do it.  There are always events: dinners, weddings, vacations that you don’t want to happen during a cleanse, and inevitably, if you plan for it, something will definitely come up.  It takes a fair amount of will power to commit to several days of bland dieting and detox proteins when friends and family are starting to enjoy the fall flavors.  But, my naturopathic medicine mind knows that my body will thank me for it – 5 days in and already feeling clearer in the mind!

Dr. Laura Lambert

Teaching the Heart…

Where do you feel anxiety?  Where do you feel love?

Where do you feel anxiety? Where do you feel love?The membrane that lines/protects the heart (pericardium) physically anchors into the muscle that controls your breathing (diaphragm). This means that deep breathing tenses/massages the heart muscle.

Our hearts also produce several peptide hormones for us (most of which help regulate blood pressure); deep breathing can stimulate the secretion of these hormones to directly affect blood pressure. These hormones can also bind to the limbic system of the brain (where emotions come from) and thus influence our mood.

Did you know that over half of our heart cells are neural cells, similar to the cells in the brain? Think about practicing the piano or a sport… the more we practice, the more efficient we get Levitra.  This happens because more connections are made between the neural cells.  Our heart can do this too.

This means if we focus on the deep breathing/massaging breaths and concentrate on feelings of love and joy, the heart will become more efficient at experiencing these positive emotions.  Conversely, if we are constantly stressed and experiencing feelings of anxiety or panic (often associated with shallow breathing) we could actually be helping our heart learn to be more efficient at feeling those emotions.

Several studies have documented a multitude of positive benefits associated with deep breathing.  I have been challenging my patients to commit to a minimum of two minutes a day to focus on positive emotion and deep breathing.  I challenge you to do the same!

Gluten Free?

To Agree or Disagree?

Bad-Mouthing Gluten by Katy Steinmetz
Dr. Laura Lambert’s commentary:

Gluten – a protein comprised from the amino acids gliadin and glutenin, and found in high quantities in our wheat products, is not inherently bad.  I agree with the author, it is high protein and full of nutrients.  However, due to it’s over use in our typical American diets, many of us have developed a food “sensitivity” to gluten.  Our guts are over-exposed to gluten as it is in almost every packaged product on the market along with breads, pastas, crackers, spices, etc.

Often times (strictly) removing gluten from someone’s diet for a period of a week or more results in less pain and five or more pounds of weight loss!

Since many people eat these products several times a day, our guts start to view it as a foreign invader to our immune systems.  This process can trigger our bodies retain more water, bloat, have headaches, joint pains, etc.  Food sensitivities can affect our bodies up to five days after eating the offending food! Often times (strictly) removing gluten from someone’s diet for a period of a week or more results in less pain and five or more pounds of weight loss!

That being said, now that the marketing companies have caught on to this, the “gluten-free” products available have increased.  I agree with the author, that the problem resides in the fact that most of these ‘gluten-free’ products are very refined and produce little or no nutritional benefits.  They are often lower in protein content and higher in sugar/carbohydrates.  The average consumer does not take this into account, and could actually gain weight by eating too many products like this.

What I often recommend is for people to take gluten out of their diets for a trial period of at least 10 days, note how they feel and make a decision based on that. I usually recommend making your own gluten-free foods!  I understand that process isn’t for everyone, so as a disclaimer: Food labels still need to read and adequate nutritional balance obtained.  Additionally, food sensitivity testing can be done to determine more specific offenders in a person’s diet.

BHRT – Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

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As women age, and approach menopause, our body’s natural hormone production from the ovaries dwindles, and thus ensues the dreaded menopausal symptoms.   These symptoms include, but are not limited to:  hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, gastro-intestinal upset, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, weight gain, skin changes and cognitive or memory decline.  Many women unnecessarily struggle with these symptoms for years, which can negatively impact their overall quality of life.

The primary female hormones associated with menopausal symptoms are estrogens and progesterone.

Estrogens

Estrone (E1) is the most common estrogen produced post-menopausaly, though is 12 times weaker than the most commonly prescribed estradiol (E2).  Conventional hormone replacement often prescribes E2 by itself, which may increase one’s risk for adverse effects, namely cancer. Estriol (E3) is our weakest form of estrogen, with specific affinity to the vaginal tissue. Recent studies have demonstrated that E3 given in conjunction with E1 may decrease breast tissue proliferation, thus being cancer preventative.

Estrogens are known to decrease cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, or bone loss.

Progesterone

Progesterone works together with estrogen to alleviate menopausal symptoms.  It is considered a natural mood elevator, or antidepressant and has also been shown to help normalize blood sugar imbalances, thus alleviating cravings and potential weight gain.  More specifically, progesterone protects the uterus from too much proliferation from the estrogen, thus preventing uterine cancer.

Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) uses hormones derived from natural, plant based sources and offers a safer option to synthetic hormones.  Bioidentical hormones are most frequently administered in a topical cream, and are tapered to each patient’s needs, allowing for maximal absorption with the least amount of adverse effects.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy serves not only to alleviate menopausal symptoms, but may also decreases risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.  BHRT has also been shown to increase HDL (the body’s ‘good’ cholesterol), promote overall longevity and can act as a very potent Anti-Aging agent!

Start feeling better. Sleep better. Eliminate hot flashes and mood swings. Increase your libido. Reclaim your body and your vitality! Contact Dr. Lambert to find out if Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is right for you.

Anti Aging Trifecta

We all know the dreaded effects of aging.  There are the typical visible signs: wrinkles, sagging skin, decreased luster; and also changes such as decreased stamina/energy, weight gain (an average of 10 lbs a decade) and increased risk of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases.  Fortunately, we are finding out how to combat these effects naturally!

Anti Aging TrifectaThe Trifecta:

Trans-Resveratrol (found in the skin of grapes, and thus red wine) has been shown to an effective antioxidant, anti-cancer, and pro-hormone balancing agent.  It decreases inflammation, keeps blood thin and is not only protective to heart tissue, but may in fact increase life span (1).

D-Ribose (an important part of our ATP/energy production) has been shown to increase endurance, decrease muscle fatigue and soreness.  It also increases the efficiency of the heart muscle and may prevent heart attacks (2).

Ubiquinol (a major antioxidant for heart tissue and other organs) is shown to decrease with age (3).  Supplementing with this form of Co-Q10 has been shown to increase energy, promote healthy circulation, improve cognition, and even boost immunity (4).

The combination of these three supplements has been shown to help improve our cellular metabolism, reverse and prevent weight gain, decrease risk factors for chronic illness and increase energy and stamina for your life.  Patients have even demonstrated weight loss without altering their current diet and exercise regimens (5).
1.Resveratrol – Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/resveratrol/
2.Metabolic supplementation with enhanced external counterpulsation improves myocardial function in acquired cardiomyopathy: a case report. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20156124
3.Age-related changes in plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations and redox state in apparently healthy children and adults. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15313151
4.The Single Most Crucial Nutrient to Energize Every Cell in Your Body http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/12/coq10-fights-obesity.asp
5.Aging Metabolism http://www.integrativeinc.com/Research-and-Education/Products-by-Health-Concern/Daily-Nutrition-and-Healthy-Aging/Aging-and-Healthy-Metabolism/Aging-Metabolism.aspx

Increasing Energy (ATP) – D-ribose

I find that as we age, our bodies have a tendency to put on weight, have more aches and pains, and our risk factors for heart disease increases.  We may eat the healthiest diets, and we may get adequate exercise… why then are we still plagued with these issues? D-ribose might be one of the key factors in staving off heart disease and those dreaded pounds that keep adding up.Increasing Energy (ATP) - D-ribose

Cellular metabolism decreases with age for a variety of reasons.  We stress our bodies with crazy schedules, we are exposed to toxic elements in our environments, we don’t always make good food choices, etc, etc… inevitably, our cells are going to get tired.  How do we combat this unavoidable cellular fatigue? Most of the answer lies within our mitochondria, the cell’s energy (ATP) producer.

By supplementing the body with D-ribose we can actually increase the energy  (ATP) output from our cells.  Increased Adenine Triphosphate (ATP) supports our bodies in a few ways.  First, it can actually increase our metabolic rate, without having to increase our workouts.  Because of the energy production, D-ribose also promotes our endurance during athletic activity and thus may be very indicated for athletes.  Secondly, since it actually takes slightly more cellular energy for our bodies to relax (or stop a muscle contraction) than it does to make the muscle contract, D-ribose has been documented to decrease muscle fatigue and soreness post workouts.  In this same fashion it has been demonstrated to decrease pain in fibromyalgia patients and promote energy in chronic fatigue patients.

Much research is available on the cardiovascular benefits of D-ribose as well. Our heart, arguably the most important muscle in the body, contains massive quantities of mitochondria in its cells due to the need for a constant energy supply (our hearts don’t get to rest).  When the heart muscle gets fatigued, we are at increased risk for things like heart disease, heart attacks, or congestive heart failure.  D-ribose can work to prevent heart conditions and the help heal past occurrences.

Safer to start estrogen sooner?

Should I start estrogen sooner?Some research is now suggesting that starting estrogen therapy around the age of menopause/perimenopause is safer than waiting until years after. Starting estrogen therapies at onset of menopausal symptoms has been shown to be neuro-protective (preserves nerve and thus cognitive/brain funtion).  This is an important thought in prevention of diseases such as Alzheimer’s Dementia or even depression/anxiety.   Also, due to it’s lipophilic (fat loving) nature, estrogen can concentrate in our fat-rich cell membranes, increasing their fluidity and improving cellular function.  This is part of the reason that estrogen therapy can enhance mood, improve skin elasticity and improve many of the dreaded menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, weight gain, irritability, insomnia, etc).  In addition to the cell regulatory effects, estrogen has been shown to be an inflammation modulator by acting as a COX2 inhibitor (like aspirin) in the brain.

However, research is also showing that starting hormonal therapies years into menopause, comes with significant more risk and does not provide the same neuro-protective functions as starting support earlier.

Phytoestrogens (plant based estrogens) are also demonstrating similiar neuro-protective properties and can safely be used to correct menopause-related imbalances.

Female Body – Gynecology

Female Body - GynecologyOften times patients come in for their annual Well Women’s Exams (WWE) and have no idea what their body is all about. This is particularly true in the adolescent population.  Many times when a patient comes in for their very first PAP smear, they are anxious about the ‘unknown.’ As a Naturopathic Physician, it is my job to educate patients about their body’s. WWE should not be a scary experience, it should be a time when females appreciate their body and learn about it.

I was introduced to this incredible book, Body Drama by Nancy Redd http://www.nancyredd.com/ – which takes time to explain the female body and all that it may entail.  I recommend it for my patients or anyone with questions about their body.

Kiva Loans for the Holidays

This year I want to give thanks to a great friend of mine that introduced me to Kiva giving!  Kiva is a company that operates under the mission “to connect people, through lending, for the sake of alleviating poverty” – and recently made Oprah’s favorite things list.Kiva Loans for the Holidays

I purchased my first Kiva loan a couple months ago, and have given several out for the holidays.  They make excellent gifts, allowing the receiver to choose which loan they’d like to fund.  Please give back this holiday season, I will give $25 off new patient visits with the purchase of a Kiva loan.

Learn more about Kiva loans at: http://www.kiva.org/

Turmeric for Arthritis

In the past few months (maybe due to the snow birds, maybe not) I have seen more and more patients with joint aches and pains.  Though acupuncture and fish oil help immensely (and are usually included in my joint pain treatment protocol), I have found a great amount of success with Turmeric!  Yes, the same spice found in a lot of Indian food, only at a medical grade consistency and potency.Turmeric for Arthritis

Curcumin (Latin name of Turmeric) has been show in multiple studies to decrease joint inflammation (arthritis) in the body.  There is a growing amount of evidence indicating its use for inflammation in general. Interestingly enough, there are also some promising studies in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease and even cancer.

Just last week I had a patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.  After one treatment of acupuncture and starting to take high strength Turmeric and fish oils each day, I was amazed at how much easier her gait was on her visit this week and how she could feel the difference upon taking the Turmeric.

I trust in the herbs, but I also like to experiment on myself.  The last couple weeks I have been increasing my running and for several days I was waking up with sore hips, I began taking Curcumin capsules before bed, and again I’m amazed at the difference!  I love natural medicine!!

Of course, this gets me thinking… can I just cook with turmeric and get the same results?  The answer, YES!! Which I have done, but the amount of turmeric needed in your cooking (and on a daily basis) to get the same results gets a bit excessive… however, I would recommended adding it to meals whenever possible to get some powerful antioxidant effects.  Be warned however, that it will stain almost anything bright yellow!  (I did use it last year in a tiny amount to color frosting for holiday cookies!)

I Want Bio Identical Hormones (BHRT) but do I need them?

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Many patients call in asking for Bio Identical Hormones, seeking relief from the dreaded menopausal symptoms such as: hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue, weight gain, decreased libido and irritability.

“Suzanne Somers did it, that’s what I want.”  This is frequently what I hear, as patients reach out for the latest anti-aging craze.Bio Identical Hormones

Yes, I do use Bio Identical Hormones in my practice and YES they often help alleviate many of the symptoms often associated with menopause.  However, some of us are not candidates for hormone replacement therapies and some of us do not want the risks associated with their use.  Alternatively, many other natural therapies many be utilized with outstanding results.

As our bodies approach menopause, our ovaries naturally decrease their production of two very important sex hormones: estrogen and progesterone.  Lack of these hormones is what brings on many of the menopausal symptoms.  Luckily, our bodies have another gland that helps us pick up some of the hormone slack as we approach and enter menopause.  Our adrenal glands take over some of our sex hormone production as the ovaries fail. Our adrenal glands also produce several other hormones, including those that regulate our stress response, such as cortisol and adrenaline (epinephrine).

Unfortunately, most of us live high stress lives, we work, take care of our families,  eat poor diets, without enough sleep or exercise!  We often rely on stimulants like caffeine to keep us going.  This means we are always taxing our adrenal glands (where adrenaline – needed for our stress response- is produced).  After a while, our adrenals may become ‘fatigued’ and hormone production is decreased, exacerbating our symptoms.  Additionally, the hormone cortisol is produced in our adrenal glands. Cortisol raises under stress conditions and if it remains high, it can inhibit sleep, increase carbohydrate cravings and prevent weight loss.

Naturally, making sure our adrenal glands are healthy is a good first step in treating menopausal symptoms.  Fortunately, many natural products, namely herbs (botanical medicine) and vitamins nourish the tissue of our adrenal glands and often,  patients experience a complete alleviation of symptoms and do not need Bio Identical Hormone therapy.