 Addison’s disease is a rare autoimmune condition that may put your life at risk due to the lack of adrenocortical hormones, namely aldosterone, cortisol, and androgens from the destruction of both of your adrenal cortices. The importance of these hormones to your body’s optimal functioning cannot be understated, since these primarily drive the regulation and production of processes that make your organs do their jobs properly! The naturopathic approach for Addison’s disease targets the root causes of inflammation to achieve and maintain remission, thereby nurturing the balance of these hormones and regulating the processes that keep your body strong and healthy. Understanding Addison’s DiseaseAutoimmune adrenalitis, commonly known as Addison’s disease, occurs due to the presence of high levels of 21-hydroxylase antibodies, which attack and destroy the outer layer of your adrenal glands instead of protecting it from harm.1 Damage to the adrenal cortex can disrupt the synthesis and distribution of hormones, including androgens, cortisol, and aldosterone, which can disrupt your sex hormones and stress response. Approximately 50% of individuals diagnosed with Addison’s disease develop a different type of autoimmune condition when hormone levels are not normalized and balanced, significantly affecting quality of life and long-term well-being. Signs and SymptomsThe course of Addison’s disease is unknown, and its symptoms may appear gradually and differently between individuals, causing a higher possibility of misdiagnosis or late recognition. One of the most dangerous situations attributable to this disease is the development of an adrenal crisis, which is an emergency situation that can cause irreparable damage to your organs if not promptly managed! Unfortunately, most people with Addison’s disease are only ever diagnosed after experiencing this medical emergency. When such occurs, you may have very low blood pressure, blood sugar, and sodium levels in the body, but very high potassium count! This is very alarming, and may cause confusion or loss of consciousness, rapid breathing and heart rate, excessive sweating, dehydration, and pain. Allopathic OptionsSince the disease condition primarily affects a special organ that produces three critical types of hormones, life-long hormone replacement is needed in people with Addison’s disease.1 Additionally, close and careful monitoring is needed to prevent fluctuations in hormone levels that can cause diabetes (high blood pressure) and osteoporosis (brittle bones). Naturopathic Care for Addison’s DiseaseThe naturopathic approach for individuals with Addison’s disease focuses on reestablishing and maintaining balance of processes within the body by targeting the root cause of inflammation. This is achieved through a holistic approach that encompasses the right nutritive practices for your unique case, lifestyle changes to support your body’s natural recovery and avoid stress, supplementation with nutrients that can prevent and inhibit inflammation, and the best herbal remedies that are effective in helping your body regulate its hormone levels while exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Intuitive EatingDamage to your adrenal cortex is primarily driven by a chronic inflammatory process, causing the unending production of autoantibodies that attack your cells rather than protecting them. A simple yet effective way to help regulate this inflammatory response is by practicing responsible and intuitive eating practices, where you follow your body’s natural signals of when to eat and when to stop eating and at the same time take into consideration foods that actually help reduce and prevent inflammation. Talking to your naturopathic doctors will help you in incorporating the best nutritive practices for your unique case and preference. Botanical MedicineHerbs that help reduce inflammation and unwanted stress are often safe and effective remedies in managing Addison’s disease. These include: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). With wonderful ingredients that regulate the balance of your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, ashwagandha can help prevent the development of an overactive response against stressors, thereby avoiding unwanted inflammation. To learn more about the wonders of ashwagandha for stress relief, we have the perfect blog post for you!  Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Rich in glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) which forms a shield that protects your red blood cells (RBCs) from destruction, preventing the uncontrolled development of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can cause toxic effects in the body.2 Interestingly, licorice root also help regulate cortisol levels by acting on 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes, increasing the availability of this hormone to different body tissues and processes.3  And many more! It is important to remember that the use of herbs is not for everyone and should be explored with your naturopathic doctor to identify the best remedy for your health and preferences. Licorice root, for instance, can raise your blood pressure. Its intake should be supervised by your healthcare provider. Since risks on blood pressure control are associated with the use of licorice root, you may have to explore another herbal remedy for your health or take a deglycerrhated supplement rather than the whole herb, all of which should be guided by your naturopathic doctors. Additionally, most herbs should not be taken during pregnancy or lactation. Consulting with your healthcare provider and naturopathic doctor is crucial to evaluate the safety and risk profile of these natural concoctions. Nurturing your Adrenal HealthRegaining and nurturing the health of your adrenal glands requires an approach that considers your whole well-being, rather than just depending on life-long medications to replenish hormone deficiency. As a wonderful reminder, your body is incredibly made with the ability to naturally heal itself. With the right support and holistic care, you can help nurture this gift and maintain the balance that controls and protects the body from harm outside and within. Take charge of your health today! This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
Beloved all over the world, chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a powerful herb packed with nourishing ingredients to help you relax after a long, busy day. It is actually a very popular plant to use for herbal tea!Since it can be found all over the world, the chamomile plant has different varieties, each of which may contain different sets of ingredients depending on the environment where it was cultivated (so you can actually explore which variety is best for you!). With two major varieties used for their health and medicinal benefits, chamomile may do wonders in your journey to optimal wellness!
Historical Background
Chamomile, as one of the most-documented plants in the world, can be found across countries with numerous varieties to choose from. Generally, two major species of plant are used to manage disease conditions, namely, Roman or English chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile syn. Anthemis nobilis L.) or German chamomile (M. chamomilla L.), which we will discover through this blog post! The word “chamomile” actually means “ground apple” from the plant’s unique apple-like scent. Did you know? Chamomile seeds actually need vast, open land to survive, so this wonder typically grows as weed near roads or around landfills!1
Mechanism of action
Chamomile is packed with a variety of healthy components, such as coumarins, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, prevent infection, protect the liver, avoid allergic reactions, and regulate blood pressure.1 It is primarily used to treat skin problems, inflammation, or anxiety. Chamomile can also help relax your muscles and make you fall asleep at night! As an herbal remedy, chamomile is beneficial in managing fever, ulcer, wound, depression, and flatulence. However, the chemical components of chamomile may vary due to the type of soil and environment where the plant was grown! Essentially, there is a big difference in the chemical composition between Roman and German varieties of the plant, precisely why essential oils made from German chamomile are deep blue in color, while Roman chamomile has light-blue hues that turn yellow due to oxidation.1
Effects of Chamomile for Relaxation
Most people experience sleep disturbances, especially as we age. Sometimes, we even consider taking sleeping pills just to achieve quality rest. Although beneficial in helping us fall asleep at night, sleeping pills may have detrimental effects to our bodies and even cause our bodies to become dependent on them, eventually causing withdrawal symptoms by the time we decide to stop taking them.
Chamomile tea, on the other hand, has been famous to help relieve stress and manage sleep disorders. It is a safe and effective herbal remedy to help you finally achieve quality sleep without putting yourself at risk of having side effects from sleep medications! One of the plant’s chemical component, apigenin, binds to benzodiazepine receptors in your brain.1 These receptors modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is your brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, ultimately promoting sleep and relaxation. Additionally, the flavonoid component of chamomile helps regulate the activities within the brain, modulating activities of hormones that may cause excessive stress and disorganized thoughts. Safety and Considerations
Chamomile is generally safe to drink as tonic or tea.1 However, this wonderful plant may not be for you. Although beneficial for your health, chamomile may exacerbate your skin conditions and cause severe allergic reactions when your body is sensitive to its ingredients. It is best to consult with your healthcare provider and naturopathic doctors to further evaluate your unique case. Additionally, most herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Asking your healthcare provider and naturopathic doctors about the best products to use during this transformative phase in your life is vital to ensure a safe and healthy baby.
Improving Your Sleep
The benefits of chamomile for your health are vast and worth considering if you want to relax and at the same time nurture your optimal wellbeing. However, its use should be coupled with nutrition and lifestyle practices to help your body maintain balance and regulate your circadian rhythm. Taking your first step to wellness with your naturopathic doctors ensures you are guided through every step of the way. Are you ready to begin your journey?
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES: 1. Sah A, Naseef PP, Kuruniyan MS, Jain GK, Zakir F, Aggarwal G. A Comprehensive Study of Therapeutic Applications of Chamomile. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(10):1284. Published 2022 Oct 19. doi:10.3390/ph15101284 12/13/2024 Naturopathic Care for Grave’s Disease: Effective Natural Strategies for Autoimmune HyperthyroidismRead Now 
Grave’s disease is an autoimmune condition that causes an overactive thyroid gland, eventually causing damage to your heart, eyes, liver, bone, skin, and skeletal muscles.1 Since it primarily affects the thyroid – a special organ responsible for your metabolism, growth, and development – promptly diagnosing and managing the condition are very important in regulating the processes that keep you alive and healthy, as well as preventing complications associated with high levels of thyroid hormones in the body.
Understanding Autoimmune Hyperthyroidism
Generally, the metabolic processes in your body are fueled by your thyroid hormones, as these primarily control how your cells convert nutrients into energy. Since minimal imbalances can greatly affect the regulatory processes that keep you alive and healthy, your mind and body work together to maintain healthy levels of your thyroid hormones! This collaboration is also known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Your hypothalamus first releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) which stimulates the cells in your anterior pituitary gland to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).2 This binds with receptors on your thyroid follicular cells, stimulating the production of thyroid hormones. Your thyroid hormones are then released into the blood to support every organ in the body.
Autoimmune hyperthyroidism, or Grave’s disease, occurs due to the presence of autoantibodies, specifically thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI), which are proteins produced by your immune system that attack your own healthy tissues instead of protecting it from harm. These activate your thyroid-stimulating hormones, thereby stimulating the production of your thyroid hormones and increasing the growth of your thyroid gland.1 High levels of thyroid hormones in the blood can disrupt your cell’s abilities to use and consume energy, causing an imbalance that affects any organ system in the body. Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism may vary depending on the age of the patient and severity of the disease upon diagnosis.1 However, patients with Grave’s disease commonly complain of:
Allopathic Options
Conventional treatment methods for autoimmune hyperthyroidism focus on minimizing the synthesis of your thyroid hormones either by lifetime antithyroid medications, treatment with radioactive iodine to permanently damage the thyroid gland and prevent its activity, or removal of the thyroid gland via surgery (thyroidectomy).1 Although beneficial, these medications may put you at risk of adverse effects, including allergic reactions and liver damage. Radioactive iodine, on the other hand, involves heavy exposures to radiation and should not be performed on pregnant women.1
The Naturopathic Approach
Managing Grave’s disease with naturopathic medicine focuses on decreasing the inflammation that triggered, and is contributing to the progression of, your autoimmunity. This involves fundamental changes to food, lifestyle, and stress management, including supplementing the levels of vitamins and minerals that support the regulatory processes in the body, as well as herbal remedies that target the root cause of your condition.
Botanical Medicine
Herbal remedies are effective treatment options that help regulate your thyroid hormone levels, often with fewer and milder side effects than pharmaceutical medications. Additionally, the healing properties of herbal remedies are not limited to relieving a single symptom, as they help the body regain and nurture its natural balance. Herbal remedies for autoimmune hyperthyroidism may include:
Improving Your Thyroid Health
The effects of autoimmune hyperthyroidism in the body can be prevented with prompt diagnosis and holistic strategies that help your body heal naturally and regulate its thyroid hormone levels. Since people with a family history of Grave’s disease may have higher chances of developing the condition, knowing your risk factors and genetic susceptibility are important in avoiding triggers and exacerbations. Interestingly, autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) and Grave’s disease may occur in the same person! People who are susceptible or have been diagnosed with either disease should be adequately tested and monitored. Your naturopathic doctors are committed to guiding you in exploring the best holistic options and helping you work together with your allopathic healthcare providers to achieve optimal health. Take the first step to wellness today!
AuthorKate Nemenzo's passion for holistic health has led her to become a registered nurse who promotes optimal care throughout her patient’s therapeutic journey. When not writing, she spends her time crocheting, watching Korean dramas, and playing the guitar!
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12/10/2024 Exploring the Wonders of Astragalus: A Powerful Herb for Immune Support and VitalityRead Now 
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is one of the most powerful herbs in Chinese medicine to reduce inflammation and modulate the body’s immune response. The plant is rich in triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids, which help regulate your immune system, control inflammation, protect your body against infection, and nurture the balance that sustains the processes keeping your cells alive and healthy. Although beneficial, caution is indicated when using Astragalus as it may cause unwanted effects to your body. Hence, it is important to explore the wonders of astragalus with your naturopathic doctors, who will guide you throughout your journey of healing and wellness.
Historical Background
Astragalus has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to nourish Qi and protect the immune system, liver, kidneys, heart, and brain.₃ As a background, Qi is a term used in Chinese medicine that simply means air, an element that exists everywhere, connects everything together, and holds great importance to our existence even though we are not able to see or witness it using our senses. Qi represents our innate healing ability or “vital force.” In the context of the body, Qi acts similarly to air: it links the mind and body and plays an important role in maintaining overall balance. Astragalus nurtures this balance, making sure that the processes within the body are regulated and protected. Particularly, its roots are famous to help boost your immune response, keep your body strong and fight fatigue, as well as serve as herbal remedy for different health concerns! In fact, the Astragalus species has been used to manage disease conditions for almost 2000 years!₃ Although the Astragalus species are present all over the world, Astragalus membranaceus is the variety most commonly used as an herbal remedy.
Mechanism of action
The powers of Astragalus lie in its active chemical components, namely, triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids, which exert antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-degenerative effects. ₁₂ Simply put, these active ingredients enhance your body’s natural defenses and keep the processes within it regulated and in balance! Your immune system is a complex network of cells and processes that protect your body from harm and heal it once damage has been made. For it to function effectively, your immune system consists of thousands of cells (white blood cells and antigen-presenting cells) which work together to maintain balance within the body. Once broken, your body can be susceptible to millions of diseases, eventually causing harm and irreversible damage to your cells. Astragalus is a powerful option since it stimulates the functions of your macrophages, a type of white blood cell responsible in not only protecting your body against harmful pathogens, but also healing it from damage.₁ Additionally, Astragalus helps streamline the levels of inflammatory mediators in the blood, ensuring that inflammation should only protect and not cause harm to your body.
Safety and Considerations
Although with beneficial effects for your health, Astragalus has a paradoxical nature in that it may worsen your autoimmune problems by making your immune system extra reactive by increasing the numbers of your white blood cells. Hence, the use of Astragalus for your health problems should be with the expertise of your naturopathic doctor who will guide you in incorporating this herb to your journey to wellness.
Strengthening Your Immune System
The beneficial effects of Astragalus for your immune system can only be fully enjoyed if its use is paired with holistic practices aimed at nurturing your overall well-being. Eating foods that are beneficial for your health, supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals, modifying your lifestyle and environment, exploring natural options to target the root cause of your health problems, and making proactive and conscious decisions about your health every day, are practices that nurture both your mind and body towards your personal health goals. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to help you achieve optimal well-being through helping you discover holistic and natural options for your health throughout every step of your journey. Take charge of your health today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
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THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESSAuthorSNatural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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