Category: Naturopathic Blog

Naturopathic Blog

Seed Cycling for Hormone Support

Seed Cycling/Rotations for healthy hormone balance

Back to the principle of “you are what you eat”… the diet so readily affects the body, including the hormones.  Certain foods are known to have a direct effect on the body’s endocrine system, more specifically – seeds!  We already knew they were full of healthy fats and proteins, but certain seeds can help push hormone pathways helping to establish normal hormone balance in the body.  It is a much gentler approach that

A little about the seeds…

Flax seeds (linum)  Flax is one of the best plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid, which converts in the body to the same heart-protective omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, sardines, and mackerel.  Flax contains both soluble and insoluble fiber (approximately 3 grams total fiber per tablespoon), which promotes intestinal health.  In addition, flax seed is one of the richest dietary sources of lignans and phytoestrogens that are thought to protect against cancer of the breast, prostate and colon in addition to balancing reproductive hormones.

Flax is safe for almost everyone (including women who are pregnant or breastfeeding), although its mild laxative effect may bother people with inflammatory bowel disease. You must grind these tiny, hard-shelled seeds or they will pass through the body undigested.

Flax meal has a sweet, nutty flavor and tastes delicious when added to cereals, soups, salads, grains and smoothies.  You can also bake flax meal into muffins or bread, but keep in mind that when flax is heated it is more susceptible to spoiling and reduces the omega-3 content.

Chia seeds (salvia)  No, you will not grow green hair like the chia pets!  In addition to a surplus of omega-3 fatty acids (more than what is in flax) chia also is very rich in antioxidants which keep the healthy oils from spoiling.  Chia provides a great source of fiber and protein as well as a plethora of minerals. No need to grind, but does grind well with flax.

A great recipe for [tapioca-like] chia pudding: soak overnight 1/3c chia seeds, 1 pinch salt,  1/4 tsp vanilla and 1 cup milk alternative (almond, coconut, rice, etc) – may add 1tsp of maple syrup to sweeten to taste and/or add fresh fruit if desired.

Pumpkin seeds (seronoa)  Pumpkin is also a great source of healthy oils, antioxidants, protein, and minerals.  In addition to this is also contains large amounts of phytosterols which help lower bad cholesterol levels.  It contains an enzyme called alpha-5 reductase which helps modulate androgen levels, making it helpful for male health and females with higher androgen conditions such as PCOS. Pumpkin also contains phytoestrogens and also has a strong anti-inflammatory properties in the reproductive tracts, especially the prostate.

Pumpkin is more stable than flax, but best in raw form – ground or whole, makes a great snack or topper for a salad!

Sunflower seeds (helianthus)  Sunflower seeds also have healthy oils, phytosterols, fiber, proteins and minerals as the other seeds above, but tend to push the progesterone pathway in females, and thus are recommended during the second half of the cycle.

Sunflower seed butter is a great alternative to peanut butter, but I’ve also used sunflower seeds in pesto recipes!

Sesame seeds (sesamum)  Sesame seeds also are a rich source of lignans and antioxidants, healthy oils, phytosterols, and minerals as the other seeds above, but tend to push the progesterone pathway in females, and thus are recommended during the second half of the cycle.

Hummus is my favorite go-to for getting in sesame seeds – tahini (sesame seed butter) is used in the base along with garbanzo beans.

Organic bulk seeds are sold inexpensively at natural food stores and now many ‘regular’ grocery stores as well.  The whole seeds (especially flax) should be stored in the refrigerator.  Grind them as you go, or grind up to a ¼ cup at a time in a blender or a coffee grinder dedicated to seed grinding.  The ground seeds should be refrigerated in an airtight, opaque container, where they will keep for up to 30 days.  

Some seed cycling protocols*…

Females of childbearing ages  The female reproductive cycle traditionally follows a lunar (28 day cycle), with the first 2 weeks focused on estrogen building a lining to the uterus and then causing ovulation and the second 2 weeks focused on progesterone and sustaining the uttering lining.  Supporting the female cycle bi-phasically (in 2 phases) is important to maintain reproductive balance and regularity.

Flax/Chia – equal parts (or choose one) fresh ground 2 T a day for the first 2 weeks of the cycle (new moon to full moon).

Sunflower/Sesame – equal parts (or choose one) fresh ground 2 T a day for second 2 weeks of the cycle (full moon to new moon).

 

Females postmenopausal  After menopause, female ovaries essentially stop producing estrogen, this is a natural occurrence.  During this time in life, we focus on supporting the body with phyto-estrogens (plant based estrogens) to mitigate the body’s decreased supply**.

Flax/Chia – equal parts (or choose one) fresh ground 2 T a day

Females in post menopause may also use other seeds (sunflower, sesame) but emphasis should be placed on flax and chia.

 

Males Though male hormones may not “cycle” to the extent of the female hormones, that is no reason to not support the male hormones and reproductive tracts with seeds that are known to combat things like benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and other male health related issues.

Pumpkin/Chia– fresh ground 2 T a day

Males may also use a rotation of the other herbs listed, but emphasis should be placed on pumpkin seeds.

*not an all-inclusive list; many hormone-related health conditions may require more specific protocols or additional therapies.

**adrenal support may also be warranted due to the adrenal gland assisting in sex hormone synthesis, which is an especially important function post menopausally.

Natural support for increased success of IVF and egg harvesting.

IVF and egg harvesting:
Considering these options? Want a better chance at success? Consider taking steps to improve both egg and sperm quality and increase your chances of a successful harvest/transfer.

The Why
Egg harvesting has become quite the craze in the US over the past decade. There are many theories as to why this might be, a few of the common ones include:

More females focusing on “career first”. Interestingly enough, Facebook, Citibank and several other big companies are now offering to pay for their female employees to harvest their eggs, presumably with the idea that they will focus more on their careers. (1)
Higher infertility rates – the CDC estimates (as of 2013) that the percentage of females ages 15-44 with impaired fertility is 10.9% (2) and the National Center for Health Statistics shows an overall decline in fertility rates since 1990 (3). Though these are correlations and not causative studies, I believe that the amount of exogenous hormones and toxin exposures leading to more endocrine imbalances and thus more impaired fertility for US females and males.
Not finding the “one” and wanting to preserve the chance of having biological children.
Financial gain for egg donations

This is by no means an all inclusive list of reasons, but merely a synopsis of what I see most frequently in my office.

The How
Thinking of harvesting your eggs? Considering IVF? Here are a few more things to consider before jumping into the process.

Egg harvesting typically takes place in two phases, phase one: ovarian hyperstimulation and phase two: retrieval. During phase one, a female usually takes daily injections of hormones both to suppress some of the pituitary hormones and to stimulate the ovaries to produce more immature eggs. Phase two then involves multiple ultrasounds and blood tests, along with a final hormone injection to stimulate ovulation before the eggs are harvested via transvaginal ultrasound. (6)

Eggs may then be stored in temperature control climates indefinitely OR be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF). With IVF the eggs are then inseminated by either adding sperm and letting fertilization happen or injecting sperm directly into the eggs. They then wait for embryos to form and develop properly, before transferring them into a woman’s uterus via catheter. Progesterone shots are typically recommended for the next several weeks to help maintain the uterus during early phases of conception. (5)

Side effects of IVF can include the myriad of menopausal-like symptoms of: hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, abdominal swelling. More severe side effects, though rare, can include kidney damage, blood clots, structural abnormalities and even death. Frequently, cycles may be irregular after the hormone therapies. For many patients, these side effects are short-lived; however, for others they can cause a greater impact and require more care to abate. (6)

The costs
Estimated cost of egg harvesting is somewhere in the realms of $10,000 plus a $500/year storage fee. This pricing doesn’t account for the fertilization fee and transfer which can easily run another $5000. (4) Estimated average cost of IVF procedure in the US is around $12,000 plus an additional $3-5000 of medications. (5)

Success?
Success rates with both IVF and egg harvesting vary depending on several factors, some that can be manipulated (ex: diet and lifestyle) and some that cannot (ex: age).
“According to the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (SART), the approximate chance of giving birth to a live baby after IVF is as follows:
41 – 43% for women under age 35
33 – 36% for women age 35 – 37
23 – 27% for women ages 38 – 40
13 – 18% for women age 41 and over” (7)
Males, you aren’t off the hook here… male infertility rates also seem to be on the rise, with the CDC reporting, “Of men who sought [fertility] help, 18% were diagnosed with a male-related infertility problem, including sperm or semen problems (14%) and varicocele (6%).” Amongst other medical conditions, the CDC further states that the major causes of male infertility also include unhealthy habits (ex: smoking or drinking too much alcohol) and environmental toxins(8), both which we can combat with proper nutritional support and lifestyle choices.

What more can be done?
IVF success obviously depends on the quality of the embryo being implanted, which leads us back to the quality of sperm and egg from the get-go. Here is where naturopathic medicine comes in. There now are numerous studies demonstrating improvements with fertility rates when proper nutrition is in place; this is also why OB’s instruct you to take a prenatal vitamin if you are trying to get pregnant. Males may also be instructed to take vital nutrients to promote sperm health. However, there is so much more than a prenatal vitamin that your body needs to produce the most vital, healthy and viable eggs, sperm and embryos possible.

Several studies are recommending the use of key nutrients such as CoQ10 and other antioxidants to both preserve stores of egg and sperm and prevent oxidative damage to the cells. One study even suggested a 6.5% increase rate of pregnancy in the CoQ10 group. (9) Supplementing DHEA, a precursor hormone in the body, has also shown promising results in optimizing hormones, increasing pregnancy rates, and decreasing the chance of miscarriage. (10) There are several other important nutrients that have been shown to increase success rates of pregnancy, sperm maturation/motility, egg harvesting and IVF; testing for someone’s micronutrient status may also be a helpful tool in the process. Consider consulting with your Naturopathic Physician for more complete recommendations or with help restoring normal function to the body post fertility hormone treatment.

Packages:

Full IVF package includes:
Full naturopathic fertility intake of both partners
Treatment plans for both partners
Food sensitivity and Micronutrient* testing for both partners
Recommended supplementation for 3 months
1 follow up visit for both partners
Acupuncture PRE and POST implantation**

Partial IVF package (female only) includes:
Full naturopathic fertility intake & treatment plan
Recommended supplementation for 3 months
Acupuncture PRE and POST implantation**
optional Food sensitivity and Micronutrient testing

Full Egg Harvesting package includes:
Full naturopathic intake and treatment plan
Food sensitivity and Micronutrient* testing
Recommended supplementation for 3-4 months***
1 follow up visit

*pricing for the micronutrient test is reflected of co-pay price with insurance; cash pay pricing is an additional $100.
**includes up to 3 implantation sessions
***fourth month includes recommended detox regimen to help aid the body in rebalancing after the fertility hormones should the eggs at that time.

1. Company Paid Egg Freezing Will Be the Equalizer. Time. http://time.com/3509930/company-paid-egg-freezing-will-be-the-great-equalizer/
2. CDC http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/infertility.htm
3. Population Reference Beaurea http://www.prb.org/publications/datasheets/2012/world-population-data-sheet/fact-sheet-us-population.aspx
4. NPR http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/10/16/356727823/freezing-a-womans-eggs-can-be-emotionally-and-financially-costly
5. Resolve. National Inferitly Association http://www.resolve.org/family-building-options/making-treatment-affordable/the-costs-of-infertility-treatment.html
6. Egg Donor Information Project https://web.stanford.edu/class/siw198q/websites/eggdonor/home.html
7. Medline http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007279.htm
8. CDC – Infertility: http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/infertility/
9.Coenzyme Q10 Supplementatyion and Oocyte aneuploidy in Women Undergoing IVF-ICSI Treatment. Pub Med: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24987272
10. Center for Human Reproduction: https://www.centerforhumanreprod.com/services/infertility-treatments/dhea/sideeffects/

Mouthful of Mercury?

I have seen patients with various complaints from: infertility, anxiety, depression, chronic sinusitis, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, and many autoimmune disorders, test very high for heavy metals, including Mercury. Though mercury exposure can come from several sources (fish, thimerosal vaccine preservative, coal fumes, etc) – dental amalgams may prove to be a source of chronic exposure if they are in your mouth!

Dental fillings, aka amalgams, are typically made from liquid (elemental) mercury combined with a powder of several other metals. Mercury is a heavy metal and also a known neurotoxin, or brain and nervous system disruptor. Acute exposure to this type of mercury is known to cause: vomiting, difficulty breathing, cough and bleeding gums. However, according to the National Institute for Health (NIH), long-term exposure, can lead to “…permanent lung damage or death. You may also have some long-term brain damage from inhaled elemental mercury.”(1) This long-term exposure could be due to the daily exposure of having amalgams in the mouth. The longer they have been there, the longer the exposure.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “When amalgam fillings are placed in or removed from teeth, they can release a small amount of mercury vapor. Amalgam can also release small amounts of mercury vapor during chewing, and people can absorb these vapors by inhaling or ingesting them. High levels of mercury vapor exposure are associated with adverse effects in the brain and the kidneys.”(2)

In addition to this, it is noteworthy to consider the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), concept of energy meridians running through the mouth. TCM, which dates back over 5000 years, studies the occurrence of energy lines (meridians) that run through the body. When these meridians become blocked, stagnant, or the current is not flowing optimally, one’s health is affected. Since these meridians also run through the teeth, and mercury is a positively charged ion, the change in current around the amalgams could theoretically affect the overall health status of the body.

It should also be mentioned, that if pregnancy is on the horizon, a fetus will concentrate the toxic load (including the accumulation of heavy metals) of a mother. With Austism, ADD, ADHD and various other neurological disorders in children on the rise, why not keep our exposures to a minimum?

1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002476.htm
2. http://www.epa.gov/hg/dentalamalgam.html

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.