Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune condition that affects any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth to the end part of the large intestine.1 It occurs from chronic, severe inflammation of the walls of the digestive system. Signs and symptoms of the disease, especially severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, have taken a toll on the lives of those affected, not only disrupting productivity, but also causing severe fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.
Understanding Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease results from immune-mediated inflammation that affects the entire thickness of your intestinal lining. It is considered a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with ulcerative colitis as its counterpart. The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown. However, it may develop due to an impaired immune response against environmental and internal irritants. The condition can also develop due to genetic mutations that run across families. Normally, the lining of the small intestines is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food you eat. However, lesions from Crohn’s disease dig into this entire section and are replaced with scar tissue, impairing its ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs to stay healthy.
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The Naturopathic Approach
The goals of naturopathic care for Crohn’s disease focus on healing and nurturing the intestinal lining by targeting the root cause of inflammation. This is done through a combination of nutrition, herbal medication, and lifestyle practices that are all aimed at achieving remission and whole-body health.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Supporting the health of your intestine by eliminating grains that are sources of gluten in the diet can help break the vicious cycle of inflammation that triggers and exacerbates Crohn’s disease. Gluten has the ability to drive inflammation and loosen the tight junctions that protect your intestinal lining, eventually causing disease flare-ups. Eating food that is rich in omega-3 and polyphenols can help reduce inflammation.
Botanical Medicine
- Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum). This natural remedy supports the immune system and regulates metabolism. Its wonders in managing Crohn’s disease comes from its ability to suppress TNF-alpha, which is an inflammatory marker that rises in the condition.4
- Curcumin (Curcuma longa). This kitchen staple is made up of 70% curcuminoids, which are active ingredients that help block and reduce inflammation. Its wonders in Crohn’s disease comes from its ability to reduce oxidative stress in the intestine, regulate the body’s inflammatory process, and support healing of the intestinal lining.2
And many more!
Nurturing Your Gastrointestinal Health
Since your gastrointestinal tract is an important gateway to critical processes that keep your body healthy, nurturing its abilities to digest food, absorb nutrients, and protect your body from harm is your utmost responsibility. Although the exact cause of Crohn’s disease has not yet been fully discovered, you can prevent the disease from affecting your overall well-being by simply targeting the cycle of inflammation that triggers and exacerbates the problem. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to helping you end this cycle. Talk to us to learn more!
Before using herbal medicine for your health problems, it is important to talk to your primary care providers and naturopathic doctors to make sure it is right for your case and preference. Additionally, most herbs are not allowed during pregnancy and lactation, so seeking professional help prior to using natural formulas helps to ensure that you and your baby are protected from unwanted side effects and potential harm.
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:
- Ranasinghe IR, Tian C, Hsu R. Crohn Disease. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; February 24, 2024.
- Lin Y, Liu H, Bu L, Chen C, Ye X. Review of the Effects and Mechanism of Curcumin in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:908077. Published 2022 Jun 20. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.908077
- Lewis JD, Daniel SG, Li H, et al. Surgery for crohn’s disease is associated with a dysbiotic microbiome and metabolome: Results from two prospective cohorts. Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2024;18(3):101357. doi:10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.05.005
- Liu C, Dunkin D, Lai J, et al. Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ganoderma lucidum Triterpenoid in Human Crohn's Disease Associated with Downregulation of NF-κB Signaling. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2015;21(8):1918-1925. doi:10.1097/MIB.0000000000000439
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 Disease
Autoimmune 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 Symptoms
The 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 Options
Since 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 Disease
The 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 Eating
Damage 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 Medicine
Herbs 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!
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
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 Health
Regaining 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:
- Munir S, Quintanilla Rodriguez BS, Waseem M. Addison Disease. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; January 30, 2024.
- Sabbadin C, Bordin L, Donà G, Manso J, Avruscio G, Armanini D. Licorice: From Pseudohyperaldosteronism to Therapeutic Uses. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019;10:484. Published 2019 Jul 18. doi:10.3389/fendo.2019.00484
- Methlie P, Husebye EE, Hustad S, Lien EA, Løvås K. Grapefruit juice and licorice increase cortisol availability in patients with Addison's disease. Eur J Endocrinol. 2011;165(5):761-769. doi:10.1530/EJE-11-0518
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
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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.
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
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 Hyperthyroidism
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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.
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:
- Intolerance to heat or warm environments
- Sweating
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Palpitations (rapid or pronounced heartbeat)
- Increased frequency of bowel movements
- Palpable lump in the neck (goiter)
- Warm and moist skin
- Hair loss
- Neck fullness
- Bulging eyes (exophthalmos)
- Vision changes
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
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.
- Magnesium. Patients with autoimmune hyperthyroidism often have decreased levels of magnesium in the blood and supplementation may be needed to prevent nutritional deficiency which can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, palpitations, and insomnia.
- Potassium. Reduced levels of potassium can be present in patients with autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Since adequate levels of potassium in the blood are important to protect your heart from arrhythmias causing harm and damage, potassium supplementation may be required. However, since too much or too little potassium can cause a dangerous, or even fatal, arrhythmia, it is vital to speak to your healthcare providers before supplementing.
- L-Carnitine. L-Carnitine prevents entry of thyroid hormones into the nuclei of the cell, thereby opposing the effects of high thyroid hormone levels.
- Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is also beneficial in reducing the adverse effects of your antithyroid medications, such as growth depression.
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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:
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
- Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
- Black Radish (Raphanus sativa var. niger)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
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!
Author
Kate 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!
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:
- Pokhrel B, Bhusal K. Graves Disease. [Updated 2023 Jun 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448195/
- Shahid MA, Ashraf MA, Sharma S. Physiology, Thyroid Hormone. [Updated 2023 Jun 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500006/
- Gaby A. Nutritional Medicine. Fritz Perlberg Publishing; 2017.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition triggered by inflammation that people all over the world can relate to, especially those diagnosed with other atopic (allergy-related) disorders, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, or food allergies. The presence of inflammatory lesions on the skin is the most obvious clue that there is something wrong within your body, greatly emphasizing the importance of holistic health. In managing eczema, it is vital to not only consider how to relieve acute lesions on the skin, but, most importantly, to focus on the cause of your skin’s barrier dysfunction and avoid triggers that may cause flare-ups.
Understanding Eczema
A wide variety of microorganisms normally live on the surface of your skin. These co-exist to provide protection and nutrition, ultimately maintaining epidermal homeostasis (healthy, balanced skin). When such balance is disrupted, the microorganisms that protect you from your environment can potentially harm your body! When exposed to personal triggers, your body’s impaired immune response may reduce the healthy diversity of your skin’s microbiome, allowing Staphylococcus and other potentially dangerous microorganisms to predominate and cause lesions on your skin. A weak skin barrier in individuals with eczema makes their body more vulnerable to triggers that could potentiate an immune response, since this allows easier entry of allergens, irritants, and pathogens into the skin. Another concerning problem with eczema is its chronic and superficial presentation, causing profound effects on your emotional well-being and affecting your quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms
Eczema is characterized by lesions that make you want to intensely scratch or rub them, producing rash and further skin breakdown in the long run. Its hallmark is dry and itchy skin that is prone to having infections.1 The rash may present with red papules (bulging spots on the skin) and excoriations (lesions from repeated scratching of the skin). Affected areas may include your wrists, ankles, toes, crook of the elbows, and the back of the knees. The urge to persistently scratch affected areas may additionally cause you to stay awake at night, while the lesions themselves may affect your self-confidence, relationship with friends and families, and productivity at work or school.
Allopathic Management
Eczema can be allopathically managed with topical medications, such as steroids, applied on the skin. These additionally include products that promote hydration and reduce inflammation during flare-ups.1 Although effective at suppressing symptoms, the effects of steroids are temporary and can cause your body to experience withdrawal symptoms in the long term. More importantly, the daily use of topical steroids is not recommended, as this may lead to the thinning of your skin and increased risk of serious infection, visible stretch marks, superficial dilated blood vessels on your skin surface, development of acne, and risk of rebound rosacea or dermatitis.1 Itching, on the other hand, is typically managed with antihistamines, which minimizes your body’s reaction to the triggers. However, this medication may lead to drowsiness and unproductivity when taken during the daytime, and certain antihistamines are under investigation for their role in the development of dementia.
The Naturopathic Approach to Reduce Flare-Ups
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Effectively reducing flare-ups employs a wide array of strategies that focus on targeting the root cause of your health problem and improving your holistic health. Rather than using medications that only work temporarily for your symptoms, the naturopathic approach to reducing flare-ups considers your nutrition and lifestyle practices while incorporating the most gentle treatments and solutions according to your unique case and preference.
Avoiding Triggers
The first consideration to effectively manage eczema is understanding that its development can occur with exposure to triggers. Hence, avoiding your personal triggers is important. Avoiding products that can disrupt your skin barrier, such as chemical irritants from detergents, products containing fragrance, preservatives, and alcohol is important to protect your skin. These chemicals may also affect your body’s hormonal control and immunity against the atopic process, hence avoiding exposure can promote optimal well-being. Changing your skin care products into gentle and eczema-safe formulas should also be considered. Even the conscious act of choosing fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and petrochemical-free detergents can cause significant improvements to your skin.
Maintaining Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Health
Eczema has a strong connection to your gastrointestinal and lung health. Gut dysbiosis can contribute to the permeability of your skin and the strength of your skin barrier as it produces systemic effects, triggering your immune response and releasing inflammatory enzymes with effects eventually manifesting on your skin. Hence, identifying foods that may cause gut dysbiosis is important. These may include nuts, wheat, and gluten-containing ingredients. Eating meals that are rich in protein and zinc may be beneficial in helping your body correct the disturbances happening within. Supplementing your meals with fish oil may also have added benefits in reducing your sensitivity to food allergens, reducing your inflammatory response against triggers, and providing the healthy fats needed to support skin cell health.
Another beneficial strategy to improve both your intestinal and skin health is prebiotic supplementation. Prebiotics are ingredients which promote the growth of healthy bacteria, maintaining balance in your gut.2 A healthy gut promotes healthy skin! Kefir, a fermented yogurt drink,is another ingredient which exerts beneficial effects on your intestinal microbiota owing to its ability to produce a variety of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.3 Nurturing your gut health begins with intuitively choosing what you eat and introduce to your body. If you want to learn more about how to heal your intestinal lining, we’ve written the perfect blog post for you!
Aside from the gut, your lungs are another set of organs that are constantly being exposed to your outside environment, as almost everything you inhale will eventually reach the lungs if your body’s defense mechanisms do not perceive them as harmful or huge in size. Performing breathing exercises promotes gas exchange and improves blood flow to the lungs, strengthening your body’s ability to fight off irritants or pathogens.
Another beneficial strategy to improve both your intestinal and skin health is prebiotic supplementation. Prebiotics are ingredients which promote the growth of healthy bacteria, maintaining balance in your gut.2 A healthy gut promotes healthy skin! Kefir, a fermented yogurt drink,is another ingredient which exerts beneficial effects on your intestinal microbiota owing to its ability to produce a variety of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.3 Nurturing your gut health begins with intuitively choosing what you eat and introduce to your body. If you want to learn more about how to heal your intestinal lining, we’ve written the perfect blog post for you!
Aside from the gut, your lungs are another set of organs that are constantly being exposed to your outside environment, as almost everything you inhale will eventually reach the lungs if your body’s defense mechanisms do not perceive them as harmful or huge in size. Performing breathing exercises promotes gas exchange and improves blood flow to the lungs, strengthening your body’s ability to fight off irritants or pathogens.
Use of Slow and Gentle Treatments
Topical Botanical Medicine
Herbal treatments, when applied topically, can be safe and effective alternatives to manage inflammation and promote hydration. When mixed with vitamins and other skin-nourishing ingredients into a natural cream or emollient, these create a lipid barrier that locks in moisture, preventing dryness and scaling of the skin. All of us may have heard of the wonders of shea butter at least once in our lives. Even with the increasing variety of ingredients that are thought to be beneficial to the skin and hair, shea butter remains a staple ingredient of haircare and skincare products found in the market. Known for its excellent emollient properties, shea butter is an effective ingredient that can help synergize the effects of your topical herbal treatments. The use of topical treatments, however, should be upon the advice of your health care provider. Exploring natural herbal options with the guidance of your naturopathic physician helps taper down your options and ensures that the products you use are best for your health problem and preference.
Naturopathic Constitutional Hydrotherapy
Constitutional hydrotherapy is a naturopathic treatment option that is wonderful for a wide array of disease conditions as it helps increase blood flow to the organs that facilitate digestion, promote balance between the systems in your body that respond to stress or relaxation, strengthen your immune system by boosting the production of your white blood cells, and electrically stimulate the nerves of your GI tract to better process and eliminate food! This is a traditional naturopathic practice performed by using alternating hot and warm compresses to specific areas of your body! You may already be familiar with this method of alternating hot and cold, as it is commonly performed at home to promote blood flow when you have injuries. However, constitutional hydrotherapy is unique in the timing and location of the compresses while keeping in mind the patient’s level of constitution and vitality. When properly performed, this promotes blood flow to your vital organs. The beneficial effects of the treatment are increased by incorporating safe-level, low-voltage currents to stimulate target nerves and promote the movement of blood and lymph, leaving your body feeling relaxed and calm. Since it promotes relaxation, constitutional hydrotherapy can be administered late in the day for when you have trouble falling asleep!
Contrast Showers
A simple and easy routine that can be done at home is a contrast shower, which includes a full-body hot rinse followed by a cold rinse. When performing this shower, it is important to remember that the hot application should be 3-4 times as long as the cold. To effectively perform this procedure, you should:
- Alternate 3 minutes of hot water to your chest and back with 1 minute of cold water.
- Repeat the process 3 times.
- End the shower on cold.
- Towel dry yourself afterwards!
Improving Your Skin Health
Since eczema is a chronic and relapsing disease, managing acute flares with short-term treatment regimens only minimize symptoms and do not target the root cause of your problem. Understanding the underlying cause of your impaired skin barrier, avoiding personal triggers, applying gentle products to your skin, managing the root cause of your inflammation, and nurturing your overall health remain the most important tools. Discover the beneficial effects of naturopathy for your skin health today!
Author
Kate Nemenzo studied in nursing school as an academic scholar. Her 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!
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:
- Nemeth V, Syed HA, Evans J. Eczema. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; March 1, 2024.
- Schlichte MJ, Vandersall A, Katta R. Diet and eczema: a review of dietary supplements for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2016;6(3):23-29. Published 2016 Jul 31. doi:10.5826/dpc.0603a06
- Weber I, Woolhiser E, Keime N, et al. Clinical Efficacy of Nutritional Supplements in Atopic Dermatitis: Systematic Review. JMIR Dermatol. 2023;6:e40857. Published 2023 Nov 29. doi:10.2196/40857
Black seed is an herbal remedy with rich historical roots that naturally regulates your thyroid hormones and improves your quality of life by minimizing symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid gland. As a source of antioxidants, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects, black seed, or Nigella sativa L. helps in reducing inflammation and damage to the thyroid gland caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. With thymoquinone as its most active ingredient, black seed prevents the overactivation of your immune response, thus supporting your body as it achieves and maintains balance (homeostasis).
Understanding Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition and one of the leading causes of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).3 People with Hashimoto’s experience symptoms like weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, low energy, and difficulty regulating body temperatures. The most common allopathic (standard Western medicine) treatment is to manage symptoms by supplementing with synthetic thyroid hormone using Levothyroxine. However, this does not address the underlying cause, stop the damage to the thyroid gland, or prevent the development of additional autoimmune conditions.
Naturopathic physicians utilize treatments found in nature to support tissue health and establish new lifestyle habits to promote wellness and prevent chronic disease. The goal of naturopathic treatment of Hashimoto’s is to reestablish the body’s ability to heal itself so that the autoimmune condition goes into remission and we prevent the development of new autoimmune conditions.
Read our post about Hashimoto’s for more information.
Naturopathic physicians utilize treatments found in nature to support tissue health and establish new lifestyle habits to promote wellness and prevent chronic disease. The goal of naturopathic treatment of Hashimoto’s is to reestablish the body’s ability to heal itself so that the autoimmune condition goes into remission and we prevent the development of new autoimmune conditions.
Read our post about Hashimoto’s for more information.
Historical Background of Black Seed
The seeds of Nigella sativa L., commonly known as black cumin or black caraway, have been used by humans for more than 3000 years as a food ingredient. Although native in Eastern Europe and a few countries in the Near East, black seed has been cultivated throughout the world for its medicinal properties. Because of its wide array of health benefits to support metabolic functions, liver, cardiovascular, kidney, reproductive, neurological, and lung health, black seed has been a staple in herbal medicine for centuries. Traditionally, black seed oil has been used to treat cough, diarrhea, fever, and other abdominal disorders.1
Historically, Nigella sativa L. was considered a valuable drug in Indian medicine and referred to as melanthion (little black seed) in ancient Greek medicine. Avicenna (c. 980-1037 A.D.), an Islamic philosopher-scientist, thought that black seed helps in stimulating the body’s energy, allowing it to recover from feelings of dispiritedness and fatigue.2 Nigella sativa seeds contain carbohydrates, proteins, essential oils, and alkaloids.6 With such powerful ingredients, black seed regulates cell survival and energy metabolism, enhancing your immunity and protecting your body from damage. Much of the therapeutic properties of black seed comes from the presence of thymoquinone, a powerful antioxidant found in its essential oil.
Mechanism of Action: Thymoquinone
As black seed oil’s main active ingredient, thymoquinone produces antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which are helpful in patients diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Thymoquinone acts to regulate your immune system due to its ability to induce apoptosis, also referred to as programmed cell death. This allows the body to eliminate a cell that has been too badly damaged, which is essential for the body to protect and nurture itself against imbalances. Because of its low toxicity and potent therapeutic activity, thymoquinone has been studied in the management of cancer, diabetes mellitus, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Thymoquinone, with its simple molecular structure, is also able to cross the blood-brain barrier, modulating your brain’s activity and reducing oxidative stress that may cause damage to your brain and nerve cells.5
Effects of Black Seed in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, your body’s impaired immune response frequently triggers the activation of T lymphocytes (white blood cells that help fight infection), causing inflammation and higher production of antibodies attacking your thyroid gland. This leads to damage and impaired thyroid function. To counteract this problem, black seed essential oil acts by lessening the production of T lymphocytes, reducing inflammation and relieving your symptoms.4 Additionally, black seed helps in increasing the concentration of your thyroid hormones, regulating your thyroid hormone levels. Black seed also improves your energy expenditure, helping you lose the weight you have previously gained due to problems in your metabolic function.
Safety and Considerations
As an herbal medicine, black seed has a promising safety profile. However, even natural products have the potential for side effects, so the use of black seed to manage Hashimoto’s thyroiditis should be guided by a qualified healthcare provider trained in herbal medicine. The amount and frequency of product taken are dependent on the unique features of your case. Side effects of black seed use may include nausea, bloating, and a burning sensation with topical application. Black seed may also cause allergic reactions. Talking to your provider at Natural Path to Wellness will help you understand the implications of your condition and explore the best natural options for your holistic health.
Can black seed be used as a daily health supplement?
Yes, the highly nutritious ingredients in black seed make it a great source of energy. Since your body’s decreased energy levels may lessen its ability to fight external toxins and heighten your chances of developing disease, black seed may be taken daily to assist your body in maintaining its optimal health and homeostasis.
Can black seed be used with other medicines?
Because black seed lowers blood glucose levels and blood pressure, thins blood, and acts on the immune system, it can interact with medications that have similar roles. Black seed may be taken in combination with other forms of natural or conventional medicines under the guidance of your licensed healthcare provider.6
How is black seed administered?
Black seed may be given in the form of paste, extract, essential oil, or powder, depending on your goals.7 Talking with your naturopathic physician is essential to further understand which form and dosage is most appropriate and effective for your case.
Improving Your Thyroid Health
Organic Black Seed Oil |
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Aside from botanical medicine, the naturopathic approach to improving your thyroid health utilizes holistic options, targeting your dietary and lifestyle practices, supplements, sleep quality, stress management, and mind-body care. Comprehensively managing and monitoring your thyroid health increases the likelihood that you can achieve remission and achieve optimal wellness as you grow older. At Natural Path to Wellness, we focus on empowering you to make conscious and holistic decisions for your health. Embracing the healing power of nature, we are committed to use the gentlest, most effective options to restore health, not just to mask symptoms. Click here to learn more about the natural path to improving your thyroid health.
Author
Kate Nemenzo studied in nursing school as an academic scholar. Her 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!
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:
- H, Mawazi SM, Al-Mahmood SMA, Zaiter A, Doolaanea AA. Thymoquinone content in marketed black seed oil in Malaysia. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2020;12(3):284-288. doi:10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_208_20
- Burdock GA. Assessment of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) as a food ingredient and putative therapeutic agent. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2022;128:105088. doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.105088
- Klubo-Gwiezdzinska J, Wartofsky L. Hashimoto thyroiditis: an evidence-based guide to etiology, diagnosis and treatment. Pol Arch Intern Med. 2022;132(3):16222. doi:10.20452/pamw.16222
- Ciesielska-Figlon K, Wojciechowicz K, Daca A, et al. The Impact of Nigella sativa Essential Oil on T Cells in Women with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023;12(6):1246. Published 2023 Jun 9. doi:10.3390/antiox12061246
- Elmaci I, Altinoz MA. Thymoquinone: An edible redox-active quinone for the pharmacotherapy of neurodegenerative conditions and glial brain tumors. A short review. Biomed Pharmacother. 2016;83:635-640. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2016.07.018
- Ferizi R, Ramadan MF, Maxhuni Q. Black Seeds (Nigella sativa) Medical Application and Pharmaceutical Perspectives. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2023;15(2):63-67. doi:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_364_22
- Hannan MA, Rahman MA, Sohag AAM, et al. Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety. Nutrients. 2021;13(6):1784. Published 2021 May 24. doi:10.3390/nu13061784
Although there is a misconception that having inflammation is bad for the body, it is actually a normal, biological response that protects you and helps with your survival! Experiencing acute inflammation means that your immune system is performing its normal function which is to remove harmful stimuli and begin the body’s healing process from previous injury.1 Hence, inflammation is a defense mechanism that plays an important role in our health. Inflammation serves as a signal to the rest of the body that something is wrong, and without it, infection will remain unchecked, wounds would never heal, and tissues that have been damaged may remain as sores for life!
The Healing Role of Inflammation
Your inflammatory response follows a series of steps which is triggered by the presence of a foreign invader. It begins when cells in the injured tissues recognize that the foreign invader is actually different and can cause harm to your body! Signals then release substances to change the permeability of blood vessel wall cells, making gaps between endothelial cells and allowing entry of your protective white blood cells to attack the pathogen. Your blood vessels then allow the entry of special proteins to the location of the infection or the injured tissue. Once activated, your white blood cells and proteins destroy the foreign invader. This is precisely why your white blood cell count increases to high levels in blood and urine tests whenever you get bacterial infections! After destroying the foreign invader, substances to control the inflammation are then released, preventing your body from doing harm to itself. Ultimately, signals for repair are activated, ensuring traces of tissue damage are reduced and eliminated!
Causes of Inflammation
There are a variety of internal and external stimuli that can trigger the activation of your inflammatory response. Internal stimuli are those problems with the regulation of body processes caused by infections, growth of bad bacteria, immune reactions, or the death of tissue cells. On the other hand, external stimuli are those found in the environment, including harmful pathogens entering the body and exposure to toxic materials.
Unwanted Consequences of Inflammation
While the inflammatory response is protective and acts as the body’s defense, it can also cause inevitable damage to the tissue. Fortunately, these harmful consequences are limited, normally heals once the inflammation dies down, and leaves zero to minimal permanent damage. The white blood cells eventually stop detecting inflammatory signals and stop going to the injured tissue. To prevent an acute inflammation from progressing into a chronic one, the inflammatory response must be regulated to prevent further tissue damage.
When the inflammatory response is misdirected against other body tissues, the inflammation may attack your own healthy cells instead of protecting them, causing autoimmune disease. Allopathic treatments may help regulate the inflammation but also impair or disturb your immune system’s capacity to defend itself and remove foreign stimuli, which is why your body produces inflammation in the first place. Natural options, such as foods, herbs, and supplements, that manage inflammation have properties that help manage the harmful effects of inflammation while preserving its healthy, protective function.
When the inflammatory response is misdirected against other body tissues, the inflammation may attack your own healthy cells instead of protecting them, causing autoimmune disease. Allopathic treatments may help regulate the inflammation but also impair or disturb your immune system’s capacity to defend itself and remove foreign stimuli, which is why your body produces inflammation in the first place. Natural options, such as foods, herbs, and supplements, that manage inflammation have properties that help manage the harmful effects of inflammation while preserving its healthy, protective function.
Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation
Acute inflammation is the first defense of the body against infections and tissue damage. It commonly starts within minutes or hours from the detection of harmful stimuli. Once the harmful substance is eliminated, the inflammation dies down within several hours or a few days. On the other hand, chronic inflammation develops when the acute inflammation fails to get rid of the stimulus. Once the inflammation eradicates the harmful agents, it begins the process of tissue repair. Healing happens when the injured tissue is replaced through the regeneration of surviving cells and connective tissue, forming a scar.
Chronic inflammation is persistent inflammation, usually lasting for long periods of months to years and may cause further complications.2 It may be caused by infectious organisms remaining in the body for long periods which develop resistance from the protective attack of your white blood cells, long-term exposure to harmful irritants and chemicals secondary to your work or home environment, autoimmune disorders causing your body to mistakenly identify healthy tissues as foreign and harmful, and defects in the cells responsible for regulating the inflammatory response of the body itself.2 Additionally, frequent bouts of acute inflammation may also lead to chronic inflammation, which is why you should help your body fight against the root cause of your health problems through making conscious and empowered decisions for your health.
Chronic inflammation is persistent inflammation, usually lasting for long periods of months to years and may cause further complications.2 It may be caused by infectious organisms remaining in the body for long periods which develop resistance from the protective attack of your white blood cells, long-term exposure to harmful irritants and chemicals secondary to your work or home environment, autoimmune disorders causing your body to mistakenly identify healthy tissues as foreign and harmful, and defects in the cells responsible for regulating the inflammatory response of the body itself.2 Additionally, frequent bouts of acute inflammation may also lead to chronic inflammation, which is why you should help your body fight against the root cause of your health problems through making conscious and empowered decisions for your health.
Complications of Chronic Inflammation
Although chronic inflammation is not always noticed, it is the main cause of most chronic diseases that affect the health of people. Inflammation is known to contribute to the development of the following diseases2:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cancer
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD
- Allergic Asthma
- Alzheimer's disease
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Reducing Chronic Inflammation
To minimize risks of having recurrent inflammation, changes in your food and lifestyle choices are important and may include:
- Eating meals low in simple, processed carbohydrates
- Eating fiber and adding fruit and vegetables into every meal
- Reducing intake of unhealthy fats
- Eating healthy nuts, such as almonds which have anti-inflammatory properties
- Drinking green and black tea
- Exploring the anti-inflammatory benefits of curcumin, ginger, and other healing herbs
- Incorporating fish oil, vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc into your diet, when appropriate
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Seeking Naturopathic Help
Naturopathic medicine offers a wide array of strategies for various uncontrolled inflammatory problems. By targeting the root cause of your health problems, rather than just masking your symptoms, naturopathic care takes care of your optimal and long-term health. Holistic options targeting your nutrition, lifestyle practices, exposure to triggers, and therapeutic regimens are employed, ensuring that you are able to help your body as it recovers and maintains balance. Discover naturopathic options for your health today!
Author
Kate Nemenzo studied in nursing school as an academic scholar. Her 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!
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. Baranwal N, Yu PK, Siegel NS. Sleep physiology, pathophysiology, and sleep hygiene.Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2023;77:59-69. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2023.02.005
2. Garbarino S, Lanteri P, Bragazzi NL, Magnavita N, Scoditti E. Role of sleep deprivation in immune-related disease risk and outcomes. Commun Biol. 2021;4(1):1304. Published 2021 Nov 18. doi:10.1038/s42003-021-02825-4Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.
Sleep is essential in nurturing our overall health and wellbeing. In fact, good sleep helps improve mental health, learning, immunity, memory, cardiovascular health, hormone balance, and reproductive health.1 However, many people sleep less than the recommended hours or suffer from sleeping problems that affect the amount and quality of rest they get from sleeping. More than 1/3 of people living in the United States sleep less than the recommended time, with 50-70 million adults diagnosed with sleep problems.1 This is a pressing concern because sleeping problems due to lifestyle and work habits, environmental conditions, or health issues can cause disease or exacerbate your already present disease conditions. Improving your sleep hygiene through behavior and lifestyle changes throughout the day helps improve the quality and duration of your sleep, protecting and nurturing your long-term health.
Sleep & Relaxation Support |
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The Different Stages of Sleep
The stages of the sleep cycle have vital roles in nurturing cognition and healing after a whole day of work! It is important to note that you do not necessarily have to experience all sleep stages every time you lie in bed. However, the amount of sleep stages and sleep cycles determine the quality of your sleep, precisely why you may feel well-rested after a good night’s sleep, while feeling groggy when someone randomly wakes you up! The four stages of sleep are classified into non-rapid eye movement (NREM) or rapid eye movement (REM):
- Stage 1 NREM sleep (light sleep) begins from the moment you close your eyes until you fall asleep. Stage 1 is the entry to sleep and typically covers 5% of a full night's rest!
- Stage 2 NREM sleep (slightly deeper sleep) occurs when there is lack of eye movement, slowed heart rate, and decrease in body temperature. Stage 2 covers 50% of a full night’s rest!
- Stage 3 NREM sleep (deep sleep) occurs during the early half of the night and covers 20-25% of your night’s rest. During stage 3, your body works wonders in conducting repairs and strengthening your immune function for another day of activities. The number of deep sleeps you experience actually lessens as you grow older.
- Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep follows deep sleep and consists of rapid eye movements with an absent tone of your skeletal muscle, preventing you from moving too much while you sleep. This is the stage of sleep where you experience dreams and memory consolidation! During this stage, you will have a faster heart rate and irregular breathing. REM sleep covers 20% of a good night’s rest.
What is a Healthy Sleep?
A good night’s rest is achieved through repeated and rhythmic cycles between the four stages of sleep. Typically, your sleep is considered good when you experience 4-5 cycles of sleep stages. Each sleep cycle typically lasts for 90 minutes, with an episode of REM sleep in between light and deep sleep.1
What is the recommended duration of my sleep?
The amount of sleep you should get everyday depends on your age and underlying health problems. Sleeping for 8-10 hours is recommended for healthy teenagers, while healthy adults should rest for 7-9 hours each day. Healthy older adults, on the other hand, should sleep for 7-8 hours per day.
THE Benefits of a Healthy Sleep Hygiene
- Heart Health: While sleeping, your body experiences a relaxed state where your blood pressure lowers, heart rate slows, and your systems focus on rest and recovery. This much needed rest improves your heart health, while added stress from not getting a good night’s sleep increases your risks of developing heart disease.
- Brain Activity: Long hours of work and activities during the day produce waste products in the brain, causing us to feel tired and out of focus when we lack rest. To remove such waste and feelings of tiredness, the glymphatic system works wonders during sleep.1 Hence, lack of sleep and disruptions while resting minimizes the ability of the glymphatic system to remove waste products, making you feel extra tired the day after!
- Immune Function: Health sleep is vital to maintain the integrity of your immune system, nurturing your immune defenses against pathogens or inflammation.2 Depriving yourself of a good night’s rest could lead to the dysregulation of your immune response and inflammatory control, increasing your chances of having infection or worsening your current condition.
- Memory: Your memories become filtered and stabilized for long-term use while you sleep. During stage 3 of NREM sleep, your memories are gradually transformed and integrated into multiple areas of your brain, ensuring this information is kept and linked with the way you think, talk, move, and perceive, while your brain's activity during REM sleep assists in nurturing these events.
- Mental Health: A good night’s rest improves mood and concentration, while poor sleep can lead you to feel easily irritated and fatigued. In reality, sleep and mental health has a complicated two-way relationship. Mental health disorders and some medications can cause insomnia and disruptions between the stages of sleep, while insomnia and sleep problems may also trigger mental health disorders, such as depression. Additionally, poor sleep hygiene is associated with anxiety, addiction, and poor mental well-being. To learn more on how to achieve a good night’s rest, sign up for our Free Homeopathy for Insomnia Mini-Course.
Common Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders are significant predisposing factors that increase your risks of disease, along with poor work performance, problems in managing daily activities, unfortunate road accidents, and increased sensitivity to pain.1 Common sleep problems include:
Intake of certain over-the-counter medications and psychiatric drugs, as well as existing medical conditions can also lead to poor sleep quality. Talking with your naturopathic medicine advisors in exploring natural options to achieve good quality sleep is an empowered step you can take to nurture your long-term health.
- Insomnia: associated with difficulties falling asleep, remaining asleep, or both. Insomnia severely affects daytime activities and typically results from stress, noise, temperature, heavy light, travel, and work schedule. Symptoms of insomnia include daytime sleepiness, exhaustion, irritability, and problems with recall or concentration.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): associated with blockage or compression of your airway with each breathing episode while you sleep, disrupting your sleep cycle and causing you to persistently get woken up in the middle of the night. The narrowing of your airway due to this condition may decrease your body's oxygen levels and could contribute to increased blood pressure, strokes, and heart attacks in the long run.
- Circadian rhythm disorders: occurs when your internal clock is not effectively synced with the light-dark pattern of your environment, which are typically experienced by people who work during night shifts. You may have difficulties trying to get quality sleep after working all night or feel like you have not rested at all! Symptoms of circadian rhythm disorders include insomnia, excessive sleep, emotional problems, and digestive issues.
Intake of certain over-the-counter medications and psychiatric drugs, as well as existing medical conditions can also lead to poor sleep quality. Talking with your naturopathic medicine advisors in exploring natural options to achieve good quality sleep is an empowered step you can take to nurture your long-term health.
Improving Your Sleep
Medication and alcohol intake have been an all too common practice to induce sleep and finally get a good night’s rest. Although effective temporarily, these impose long-term health risks as chronic use causes emotional and physical dependence, daytime sleepiness, increased risk for falls, and higher deaths.1 Nutrition and lifestyle changes that focus on following healthy sleep-promoting practices should be the leading options to consider to achieve quality sleep. You should:
- Aim to sleep at least 7-9 hours every night. Sleeping less than 7 hours each night can severely impact your health, impair immune function, cause problems in your daily activities, increase the tendency to commit errors in work and school, and increase your risks of getting into accidents. In a similar way, sleeping more than 9 hours can impose several health risks in healthy individuals.
- Set a consistent time within the night for sleep. Sleeping and waking up during the same time each day, even during the weekends or when you are going on trips, is a good start to improve your sleep hygiene! Following a regular sleep schedule helps regulate your body's biological clock, improves daytime energy, and makes it less difficult for you to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning. Additionally, synchronizing your body' internal circadian rhythm with the environment improves your mental health and bodily functions.
- Limit alcohol intake. Despite being a sedative which can help make you fall asleep faster; alcohol actually disrupts the quality of your sleep and can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night. Alcohol affects your overall sleep quality and duration by causing longer stage 3 NREM sleep, while delaying and decreasing REM sleep.1
- Avoid eating bulky meals and unhealthy foods close to your bedtime. If possible, you should avoid intake of food 2 hours before sleeping at night! Eating late eventually leads to sleeping late, shortened sleep, and weight gain. Additionally, eating shortly before falling asleep may cause acid reflux, since gravity becomes less effective in keeping your stomach acid in place while you lie down, increasing the possibility of backflow of this acid into the esophagus.
- Avoid naps during the late afternoon or evening hours. Naps help you relax, improve your mood, and help you become more alert. However, these naps should only be taken for 20-30 minutes during the early afternoon. Longer naps can cause you to become disoriented or groggy after waking up, especially when you enter deep sleep. If you experience insomnia, it may be best to avoid nap time as these may make it more difficult for you to sleep during your desired bedtime!
- Engage in regular physical activity and exercise. Exercising moderately not only improves your physical and emotional well-being, but also helps you relax and sleep at night. The National Sleep Foundation recommends doing exercise anytime each day as long as it does not compromise your sleep schedule!
- Avoid exposure to light or screens before bedtime. Unfortunately, it is best not to use your phone before sleeping! Melatonin levels typically rise during evening hours to prepare your body for sleep. However, exposure to heavy light reduces melatonin secretion, signaling your brain to stay awake. When you lack sleep, your alertness the next day becomes impaired. During evening hours, reducing your exposure to heavy light, and avoiding using your electronic devices as much as possible helps you sleep early and improves the quality of your sleep. Other practices to help minimize light exposure during the late hours include sleeping in a cool, dark room, wearing blue-light blocking glasses, or using your favorite sleeping mask to cover your eyes.
- Avoid drinking coffee or beverages that contain caffeine in the afternoon or evening. Oh no! Caffeine from your favorite drinks actually delays sleep, reduces the span of hours you stay asleep, and impairs the overall quality of your sleep. Caffeine does this by blocking the adenosine receptors in your brain, which are meant to produce sedative effects and make you fall asleep. As the half-life of caffeine is 6-7 hours, minimizing its intake during the late afternoon or evening can help you get a good night’s rest.
- Practice mindfulness techniques. Mindfulness, healthy breathing patterns, and meditation activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping your body with sleep initiation, rest, and digestion.1 Mindfulness techniques also help minimize your anxious and stressful thoughts, helping you get restful sleep!
- Create an optimal bedroom environment for sleep. Making your room dark, cool, and quiet during bedtime and using ear plugs or tools that block out noise promotes deep sleep. Refraining from studying, working, or watching television on your bed can also prevent yourself from getting distracted before sleeping. Mattresses, beddings, pillows, and comfortable sleeping positions help promote quality sleep. However, you may have to avoid several sleeping positions when you are diagnosed with sleeping disorders or musculoskeletal problems.
The Naturopathic Approach to Healthy Sleep
Achieving a good night’s rest is important in helping the body recharge for its daily activities. Optimizing your lifestyle and environment, exploring botanical options, and following healthy sleep patterns are essential practices to consider to finally achieve and maintain quality sleep. Discover more about the naturopathic approach to achieving healthy sleep.
Author
Kate Nemenzo studied in nursing school as an academic scholar. Her 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!
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. Baranwal N, Yu PK, Siegel NS. Sleep physiology, pathophysiology, and sleep hygiene. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2023;77:59-69. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2023.02.005
2. Garbarino S, Lanteri P, Bragazzi NL, Magnavita N, Scoditti E. Role of sleep deprivation in immune-related disease risk and outcomes. Commun Biol. 2021;4(1):1304. Published 2021 Nov 18. doi:10.1038/s42003-021-02825-4
Nearly everyone experiences daily stress to some degree. In fact, our bodies are equipped to counteract acute stress, but what happens as our bodies respond to continual stress over long periods of time?
And how do we cope?
And how do we cope?
Physiological Response to Stress
The body’s response to stress, also called general adaptation syndrome, includes 3 stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.1
- Alarm: The alarm phase incorporates the fight, flight, or freeze response through release of hormones, such as epinephrine and cortisol. This can cause symptoms such as fear, rapid heart beat, and anxiety.
- Resistance: If the body cannot recover due to the continued presence of the stressor, the resistance phase increases hormone production to maintain high stress levels. This puts physical stress on the body and, over time, can exhaust its ability to be able to respond to stress appropriately. This phase may include feelings of frustration and limited concentration.
- Exhaustion: The exhaustion stage occurs when the stressor continues to alarm the body systems leading to chronic stress which weakens the body’s ability to fight off illness. In the exhaustion stage, one may experience depression, fatigue, anxiety, or burnout. Disease states related to chronic stress include stroke, coronary artery disease, stomach ulcers, type 2 diabetes, and Cushing syndrome.1
Chronic stress can alter the way our genes are expressed and suppress the immune system. Many of the hormones released in the stress response limit the capacity of the immune system by reducing the function of white blood cells whose job is to fight off infections in the body. Inflammation is further accumulated in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract due to stress. Researchers have discovered a strong connection between chronic stress and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), for instance. In the cardiovascular system, stress increases heart rate and blood pressure, as well as the risk of clotting leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.1 Over time, stress can also decrease sexual libido and sperm maturation, as well as irregularities in the female menstrual cycle.1
Managing Stress
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We mentioned one of the major responses to stressors is to ‘freeze,’ which is not a weakness. It’s just another way that our bodies are wired to protect us. Notice when your body needs a break and take some time to recharge in order to prevent the build up of chronic stress. Learning to manage your stress response takes practice, but it’s important to integrate what works for you into your daily rhythms. Non-pharmacological therapies for stress reduction include regular exercise, healthy diet, and changes in lifestyle.2 Think about how some of the following ideas for stress management might fit into your lifestyle.
- You don’t have to be a competitive athlete to reap the benefits of physical activity for stress relief. Any type of physical activity serves to release endorphins (the “feel-good” hormones). Examples of exercise include walking, biking, taking the stairs, or practicing yoga.
- Meditation and breathing exercises are beneficial in regaining a sense of calm. These practices can be done as you sit at your desk or while waiting in line. Several apps provide guided meditation or breathing!
- Taking time for positive social connection promotes stress relief. Volunteering in your community or getting coffee with friends can offer opportunities for support and encouragement.
- In the midst of a stressful schedule, sleep is often left on the backburner, but it is critical in managing the body’s stress response. Typically, an adult requires 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly. If you’re tossing and turning thinking about your to-do list, creating a bedtime routine can help signal your body to prepare for sleep. Create a quiet, dark atmosphere and avoid using technology in the hour or two prior to sleep. Instead, pick up some light reading or listen to calming music.
- Creativity is an excellent outlet for stress, even if you don’t consider yourself to be a very creative person. Try making something with your hands! Cook a new recipe, read an interesting novel, or doodle in a notebook.
- Ever heard that laughter is the best medicine? It really does help to alleviate the body’s response to stress. Watching a funny go-to show or spending time with friends who always get you laughing could truly benefit your health. Check out this video for laughter yoga, too!
- Working with a therapist could be a great idea if you feel overwhelmed by stress despite trying different coping measures. A professional could help you identify the source of your stress clearly and provide alternative measures to manage it in daily life.
- Working with a naturopathic physician is beneficial for balancing hormones, including those involved in the stress response. A naturopathic doctor can also recommend supplementation and ways to support mood and nourish the adrenal glands so your body is better equipped to handle stress.
Author
Daelyn Quinn is a graduate of the University of South Florida, Class of 2024. She studied Cell and Molecular Biology, as well as Spanish, and has been accepted into a nationally accredited Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. Outside of academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys exploring cities with friends and family, running outdoors, and reading next to one of Florida’s many bodies of water.
Edited by Kate Nemenzo.
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
- Chu B, Marwaha K, Sanvictores T, et al. Physiology, Stress Reaction. StatPearls [Internet]. Updated 2022 Sept 12. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541120/
- Yaribeygi H, Panahi Y, Sahraei H, et al. The impact of stress on body function: A review. EXCLI J. 2017; 16: 1057-1072. Published 2017 Jul 21. doi.org/10.17179/exceli2017-480
Considered a common autoimmune disorder, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the leading causes of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) in developed countries, affecting women 7-10x more than men.1 Hashimoto’s thyroiditis occurs when your immune system attacks your thyroid. The thyroid gland eventually becomes inflamed and damaged, leading to its impaired function. The mainstay allopathic treatment option for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is lifetime thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which is not without risks. Exploring alternative options to manage the underlying cause of your problem and improve thyroid function are vital steps to consider in taking charge of your long-term health.
Understanding Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Normally, the thyroid gland works together with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to regulate thyroid hormone levels in the body. When thyroid hormone levels in the body are low, your hypothalamus detects this problem and releases thyrotropin-releasing hormones. These hormones signal your pituitary gland to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which travels to your thyroid gland and causes it to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), eventually regulating levels for optimal body function!
In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, antibodies released by your immune system against your thyroid disturbs this regulatory mechanism, causing low levels of thyroid hormones and symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid gland. Environmental elements and lifestyle factors may trigger the development of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis when you have genetic susceptibility to the disease. These factors include stress, sleep disturbances, infections, exposure to chemicals, cigarette smoking, and excessive intake of iodine due to supplementation or dietary intake.1
In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, antibodies released by your immune system against your thyroid disturbs this regulatory mechanism, causing low levels of thyroid hormones and symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid gland. Environmental elements and lifestyle factors may trigger the development of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis when you have genetic susceptibility to the disease. These factors include stress, sleep disturbances, infections, exposure to chemicals, cigarette smoking, and excessive intake of iodine due to supplementation or dietary intake.1
What are the signs and symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
The clinical presentations of patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis typically vary depending on the severity of the disease. These signs and symptoms may not only affect your physical health, but also your holistic well-being. You may have:
- scaly and dry skin
- dry and brittle hair with slowed growth
- swelling of the face, tongue, hands, or feet
- memory loss
- intolerance to cold
- muscle cramps
- goiter (enlarged thyroid)
- decreased sweating and difficulty regulating body temperature
- heavy menstrual bleeding
Allopathic Treatment Options
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis has no known cure based on current scientific evidence. In the clinical setting, the condition is primarily treated through lifetime hormone replacement therapy with Levothyroxine sodium to replace depleted thyroid hormones and manage symptoms. Use of Levothyroxine is highly regulated as excessive intake may put you at risk for potentially fatal arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) and osteoporosis.2 Surgical intervention may be considered if you experience increasing discomfort or breathing problems caused by a goiter. Immunosuppressants are sometimes used to suppress the immune system and prevent further damage to the thyroid. This causes increased risk of infection and illness. While necessary in some cases, conventional treatment options do carry risk and may cause detrimental side effects that may greatly affect your quality of life.
The Naturopathic Approach
Rather than masking your symptoms or preventing the immune system doing its job of protecting your body from foreign invaders, the naturopathic approach for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis focuses on targeting the root cause of the problem, reducing inflammation, avoiding triggers, and supporting the optimal function of your thyroid gland.
Nutrition and Lifestyle
Dietary management and lifestyle interventions are popular approaches to naturally manage Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and increase the likelihood of achieving remission. Since multiple trace elements are vital in maintaining normal thyroid function, dietary intake or, when necessary, appropriate supplementation of iodine, selenium, and zinc can promote the production of thyroid hormones and reduce damage (oxidative stress) to thyroid cells.3 However, too much or incorrect supplementation can have detrimental effects on thyroid and overall health, so this should be carefully guided by your naturopathic physician.
Dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free diets are known to reduce irritation and prevent migration of bacteria and food particles across your gut, since a leaky gut has been associated with autoimmune thyroid problems, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.3 Managing autoimmune conditions through dietary changes is complex and should be individualized. Your naturopathic physician can help you determine which dietary changes are best for you, how to heal the intestinal lining to prevent future inflammation, and how to reestablish a healthy intestinal microbiome.
Dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free diets are known to reduce irritation and prevent migration of bacteria and food particles across your gut, since a leaky gut has been associated with autoimmune thyroid problems, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.3 Managing autoimmune conditions through dietary changes is complex and should be individualized. Your naturopathic physician can help you determine which dietary changes are best for you, how to heal the intestinal lining to prevent future inflammation, and how to reestablish a healthy intestinal microbiome.
Supplements to Support Thyroid Health
healthy thyroid function & Reduced Inflammation |
optimal thyroid function with Ayurvedic Herbs |
Healthy Balance of Inflammatory factors |
Quality Sleep
As an essential factor for human health, getting restful sleep each day is important to regulate your bodily functions and processes. Particularly, sleep contributes to the production of almost all hormones in the body. Not getting enough quality sleep for a long time suppresses the secretion of your thyroid hormones, eventually affecting thyroid hormone levels and causing you to experience symptoms of hypothyroidism.4 On the other hand, symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid gland may affect the overall quality of your sleep and exacerbate your already present sleeping difficulties. In general, sleep and hypothyroidism share a bidirectional relationship. Following good sleep practices and exploring natural options to help with your sleeping problems are vital in assisting your body to maintain adequate thyroid hormone levels and relieve symptoms associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. To learn more about how to gently support quality sleep, sign up for our Homeopathy for Insomnia Mini-course.
Stress Management
Aside from physical symptoms, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis has severe effects on the mental health and quality of life of individuals diagnosed with the condition, owing to long-term weakness, irritability, problems with memory, and feelings of anxiety or depression. These multiple health and wellness concerns increase your chances of experiencing great stress, leading to more harm. Stress increases cortisol levels in the blood, eventually signaling your thyroid gland to reduce its hormone production and triggering hypothyroidism.5 Stress can also lead to inflammation, which can cause a relapse of your autoimmune symptoms or the acquisition of additional autoimmune diseases! Exploring relaxation techniques, managing stressors, and considering botanical remedies and supplements that will help alleviate your stress are vital options to consider for not only relieving symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, but also for helping your body maintain homeostasis despite changes in your environment.
Effectively utilizing alternative and integrative health options to manage your disease condition requires the guidance and support of an experienced provider whose expertise promotes the holistic approach. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to fostering good health through the healing power of nature. Utilizing the gentlest effective approaches, we guide you in choosing the right choices for your holistic health.
Effectively utilizing alternative and integrative health options to manage your disease condition requires the guidance and support of an experienced provider whose expertise promotes the holistic approach. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to fostering good health through the healing power of nature. Utilizing the gentlest effective approaches, we guide you in choosing the right choices for your holistic health.
Improving Your Thyroid Health
Since it is responsible for many of your body’s metabolic processes, impaired thyroid health may have detrimental effects on your quality of life. Although advancements in conventional medicine target the regulation of your thyroid hormones, the standard therapeutic regimen is lifelong and without guarantee that your symptoms are effectively resolved. In addition to targeted treatments, dietary and lifestyle modifications for achieving optimal health are vital aspects of medical management for many disease conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.3 Following a comprehensive treatment plan and regular monitoring of your thyroid function are crucial factors in managing your thyroid health and increasing the likelihood that you can achieve remission.
Improving your thyroid health requires a holistic approach that not only manages your disease condition, but also promotes your well-being. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to nurturing your holistic health through empowering your choices. Embracing the healing power of nature, we prioritize using the gentlest, most effective options to restore health, not just to mask symptoms.
Take charge of your health today! Click here to learn more about the natural path to managing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Improving your thyroid health requires a holistic approach that not only manages your disease condition, but also promotes your well-being. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to nurturing your holistic health through empowering your choices. Embracing the healing power of nature, we prioritize using the gentlest, most effective options to restore health, not just to mask symptoms.
Take charge of your health today! Click here to learn more about the natural path to managing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Author
Kate Nemenzo studied in nursing school as an academic scholar. Her 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!
REFERENCES:
- Klubo-Gwiezdzinska J, Wartofsky L. Hashimoto thyroiditis: an evidence-based guide to etiology, diagnosis and treatment. Pol Arch Intern Med. 2022;132(3):16222. doi:10.20452/pamw.16222
- Mincer DL, Jialal I. Hashimoto Thyroiditis. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; July 29, 2023.
- Larsen D, Singh S, Brito M. Thyroid, Diet, and Alternative Approaches. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2022;107(11):2973-2981. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgac473
- Wang M, Lu X, Zheng X, Xu C, Liu J. The relationship between sleep duration and thyroid function in the adult US population: NHANES 2007-2012. PLoS One. 2023;18(9):e0291799. Published 2023 Sep 21. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0291799
THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESS
AuthorS
Natural 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.
Medical Reviewer:
Marney Johnson, ND, MSCI-TS is a Naturopathic Doctor and Naturopathic Medicine Advisor with a background in allopathic (standard American medicine) medical research, Dr. Johnson, is uniquely qualified to evaluate current scientific research and offer insight to help you make sense of how you can integrate natural medicine into your health plan. She is passionate about the roles of Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Nature in health and constantly seeks new ways to make these accessible through food as medicine, encouraging new, healthy habits, and promoting interaction with Nature in its many forms.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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