 Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer deaths among women and those assigned female at birth. Generally, 1 out of 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States, with risks increasing as you grow older.1 With these alarming statistics, it is important to remember that the most powerful tool to fight against breast cancer is prevention. Taking action following a holistic approach that involves making conscious decisions about your lifestyle and nutrition, coupled with regular screening, reduces your risks and fosters your long-term health! Understanding Breast CancerCancers, like that of the breast, begin with the mutation of a single cell leading to uncontrolled and unregulated growth and proliferation. This mutation allows the cell to avoid regulated destruction, divide without limits, create its own blood supply to keep itself nurtured, and travel to other areas in the body to cause more harm.2 The development of breast cancer typically extends over years, involving discrete and subtle changes that can lead to imbalances in your body, eventually showing up through a variety of signs and symptoms. Breast cancer mutations typically arise from breast ducts or milk-producing glands.  Risk FactorsMultiple factors play a role in the development of breast cancer. Some cannot be avoided, but most can be alleviated and reduced. Growing older means increasing your risk of breast cancer. While most breast cancer cases affect women, men are not exempted from having a breast cancer diagnosis!1 Your susceptibility increases when you have BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. In theory, having first-degree relatives (parents and siblings) diagnosed with breast cancer increases your risk of developing the disease 2 to 3 times!1 Getting exposed to high levels of estrogen additionally increases your risks of developing breast cancer, especially when you are taking birth control pills during your reproductive years or as a way of maintaining hormone levels too soon or for too long after menopause.1 Other factors which can aggravate your risks include exposure to toxic levels of radiation, excessive alcohol intake, and environmental triggers. Signs and SymptomsBreast cancer, during its early stages, may present without symptoms. However, with progression, a lump that increases in size may be palpated (felt by examination). Advanced disease may involve nearby organs or bones and present with a combination of symptoms that will inevitably affect your optimal well-being. Treatment OptionsBreast cancer is a disease that affects both the patient and their loved ones. Just like any other health problem, cure is the ultimate goal. However, it is important to understand that not all allopathic and natural treatments for breast cancer are safe, and careful considerations should be made to find the best options for the patient. The naturopathic integrative approach for breast cancer treatment is made with naturopathic oncologists (FABNO), expert naturopathic doctors in the field of cancer care, along with the allopathic oncology team. A combination of conventional and naturopathic therapies can help boost the treatment efficacy, manage or prevent cancer treatment side effects, recover from cancer treatment, and prevent recurrence.  The Power of PreventionThe most important step in preventing breast cancer is by seeking regular medical care and listening to your body. Undergoing regular screening when you are at increased risk of developing breast cancer will not only increase your chances of diagnosing the disease during its early stages, but also allow you to explore effective and holistic options that will lessen its burden altogether. Aside from physical examination, mammography or ultrasound are performed to screen and diagnose by identifying tumors, distortions, or calcium deposits in the breast.1 However, mammography may not be useful in people who are younger or cannot tolerate the procedure. Talking with your integrative care team in exploring the best preventive strategies for your case and preference will help guide you in making conscious and proactive decisions for your health. Another diagnostic imaging method to consider is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is proven to be the most sensitive among all other modalities.1 This procedure may be beneficial for when you have increased risk of developing breast cancer due to genetic predisposition.1 We understand that you may have concerns with the possibility of exposing yourself to high amounts of radiation that can potentially increase your risk of breast cancer, doing more harm than good. Not to worry! The radiation dose used for imaging studies are minimal and highly regulated to prevent detrimental health effects. And, MRIs and ultrasounds do not use ionizing radiation at all. All of these studies are developed to be your allies, promoting the recognition of disease conditions, and paving the way for discovering the best options for your health. The Naturopathic ApproachRather than conquering the disease during its progression, preventing its actual development is the single best gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones. Cancer prevention begins with your decision to take care of your health. This can be as simple as wisely and intuitively choosing the best foods for your optimal health, exercising regularly, avoiding stressors, getting quality sleep every night, drinking less alcohol, stopping smoking, and maintaining your body’s natural balance. Simply put, nutrition and lifestyle changes coupled with regular screening are simple acts you can do to maintain the optimal health of your future self. Discover the naturopathic approach to nurturing your optimal health today! AuthorKate 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:
1. Menon G, Alkabban FM, Ferguson T. Breast Cancer. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; February 25, 2024. 2. Łukasiewicz S, Czeczelewski M, Forma A, Baj J, Sitarz R, Stanisławek A. Breast Cancer-Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Classification, Prognostic Markers, and Current Treatment Strategies-An Updated Review. Cancers (Basel). 2021;13(17):4287. Published 2021 Aug 25. doi:10.3390/cancers13174287 
Your body is exposed to potentially toxic and harmful ingredients from the food you eat every day, which is why the passageways of food in your body are made with specialized cells, microorganisms, and enzymes to protect it. These protective agents maintain balance and ensure that beneficial substances are absorbed and nourish the body, while harmful materials are prevented from causing damage. Constant exposure to stress, unhealthy eating habits, medications, and alcohol can disrupt this balance, eventually causing damage to your intestinal lining and allowing entry of toxic elements and harmful agents into the bloodstream. Since the absorbing function of the intestinal lining is affected by different conditions, it is important to explore excellent strategies to maintain its balance and avoid absorption of toxic elements.
The Importance of Your Intestinal Lining
The microbiota present in your gastrointestinal tract is diverse and varies between individuals; it is mostly made up of bacteria and other viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea.1 These are highly regulated and balanced to nurture bodily processes. More than 100 trillion microbiota in your gut assist with your body’s immune response, degrade dietary fibers to facilitate its removal from the body, and regulate the function and motility of your GI tract to absorb nutrients and prevent pathogens from doing harm to the body. The microorganisms present in your gut basically defends your body from toxins and pathogens from the food you eat! Additionally, your gut helps regulate blood pressure and prevents inflammation due to hydrogen sulfide, which is produced when proteins are broken down by the bacteria in your intestines.1 To help maintain a healthy gut, it is important to learn more about how the enzymes, organisms, and specialized cells found in the intestinal lining work together to protect the body
Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome
The collection of microorganisms found in your gastrointestinal system is called the “gut microbiota”.3 It plays an important role on the overall health of the gastrointestinal system and an imbalance, known as dysbiosis, greatly contributes to weight and metabolic disorders.2 Problems in your gut microbiota can cause intestinal hyperpermeability (a.k.a. leaky gut), leading to dysregulation on what should be absorbed into the bloodstream and what should be prevented from entering your body. This may increase your risks of developing food allergies, infection, and may cause swelling of different organs, including the liver and fatty tissues.
how Diet can affect your Gut Microbiota
The food you eat everyday interacts with your gut microbiota and frequent irritation from inflammatory foods can lead to the development of leaky gut syndrome. Since genetics and food choices vary between individuals, the interaction between a person’s diet and his gut bacteria is becoming more specific and personal, emphasizing the importance of designing a carefully tailored nutrition plan that will better suit your unique needs. Your naturopathic physicians are committed to helping you carefully and consciously select the best food choices for your health.
High-Fat Diet
Fats are essential nutrients that your body needs to store energy and absorb nutrients that keep your cells healthy. However, strictly following a diet that is high in fat without the guidance of an expert may cause damage to your gut barrier. When not properly regulated, a high-fat diet changes the composition of intestinal mucus, promoting the growth of harmful microorganisms that disrupt the integrity of your intestinal barrier.2 When damaged, harmful bacteria and pathogens can be easily absorbed into the blood. Fat quality is key! Rather than limiting your options to a high-fat diet, it is vital to listen to what your body needs through engaging in intuitive eating practices with the guidance of your naturopathic doctor. Making conscious decisions about what you eat everyday not only nurtures your optimal health, but also allows you to actually enjoy every meal without uncomfortable side effects!
High-Carbohydrate Diet
Carbohydrates are one of the primary sources of energy for humans. However, eating food or drinking beverages that contain too much refined carbohydrates and added sugar can disturb the balance of the intestinal microbiota, leading to gut dysbiosis.2 This imbalance can actually lead to worsening of sugar cravings, creating a vicious cycle. Knowing your limits and following intuitive eating practices will help you satisfy your sugar cravings while consciously nurturing your gut health!
Health Issues Associated With Leaky Gut
A leaky gut is a common sign of intestinal inflammation. When your gut barrier is damaged, toxins can easily enter into the bloodstream.2 These toxins can cause inflammatory responses that do more harm than good and can trigger other disease conditions that will greatly affect your overall health. Leaky gut can lead to the development, or be the result, of a disease.
Diabetes
Diabetes, a major health concern experienced by many people across the world, is commonly associated with gut problems. It can diminish your intestinal motility and reduce bowel movements, cause nutritional problems, and disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria. This inevitably weakens your intestinal barrier, allowing bacteria which should normally be present at the intestinal lining to translocate into the bloodstream, where they can trigger inflammation and disease.2
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
The vein that carries blood from the gut to the liver is connected to the intestine, linking all three structures together. When damaged, bacteria and other microbial by-products may easily enter and invade the liver. A gut-liver axis that does not function properly causes gut imbalance, bacterial overgrowth, and increased permeability, leading to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).2 The food you eat affects the health of your liver! Consuming a Western-style diet that is high in processed foods can trigger inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress, all of which increases your chances of developing a fatty liver.
Brain Dysfunction
Maintaining a healthy gut is important for a healthy neuroendocrine system (the relationship between your brain and hormones). Inflammation in the gut negatively affects the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which typically keeps harmful substances out of the brain. However, stress and inflammation weakens the BBB, potentially allowing harmful substances to invade the brain.
The 4R Protocol
In reducing inflammation and maintaining a healthy intestinal barrier, it is important to target the root cause of the problem and reestablish balance. Not to worry! With four easy and conscious steps, you are able to nurture your gastrointestinal health:
The Naturopathic Approach for Optimal Gut Health
Intuitive Eating
Learning to be consciously aware of what your body needs and wants helps nurture your gut health. Intuitive eating practices helps you learn to honor your body’s hunger and fullness cues, rather than eating based on emotional or environmental triggers, helping to regulate your daily intake according to your unique needs.3 Additionally, intuitive eating highlights the connection between your gut and brain, reducing potential stressors that may trigger unwanted inflammation and disease.
Botanical Medicine
Herbal remedies contain phytochemicals that promote healing by helping to regulate the intestinal microbiota and improve the function of the gut barrier. Rather than trying out herbal remedies by yourself, it is best to explore the best natural options for your optimal health with the guidance of your naturopathic medicine advisors.
At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to assisting you in making informed and conscious decisions about your health. We do this through the healing power of nature, allowing you to improve your nutrition and lifestyle choices based on your body’s responses, leading to optimal gut health. Through a balanced, personalized, and mindful approach, we work hand-in-hand in recognizing and addressing your body’s needs. Discover the naturopathic approach to improving your gut health today! AuthorKate 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:
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. 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
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.
AuthorKate 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:
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.
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):
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
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. 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:
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.
AuthorKate 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!
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? Physiological Response to Stress
The body’s response to stress, also called general adaptation syndrome, includes 3 stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.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
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.
AuthorDaelyn 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.
References
Stress is a common phenomenon that all of us experience daily. Although beneficial in stimulating bodily processes and activities that will improve how we cope with everyday situations, long-term stress is detrimental for our health and may subject us to greater risk for disease. To prevent these long-term health risks, it is crucial to not only consider changes in your everyday activities, but also explore natural options that will assist your body in maintaining homeostasis despite the high number of stressors you are subjected to every day. Ashwagandha has long been used to promote “youthful vigor” because of its ability to improve muscle strength, endurance, and overall health.1 With its rich history of alleviating stress, ashwagandha may be the herbal remedy you are looking for to achieve stress-free days!
Understanding Stress
Stress is considered a normal psychological or physical response from internal or environmental triggers that test your capacity to adjust or adapt to different situations.2 Common stressors may include past experiences, pressure from work, heightened expectations, and other environmental factors. Aside from poor decision-making skills, stress may negatively affect your mental capacity, memory, sleep quality, and overall psychological well-being. All these negative effects of stress lead to the development of health problems that will inevitably affect your overall well-being. Physiologically, the unhealthy effects of stress to the human body begins as a quick reaction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis which alerts a part of the brain called the adrenal cortex to produce more of a hormone called cortisol. In response to stress, cortisol triggers several changes in the body to make up for the additional demands, most of which may be detrimental when not regulated.
HPA Axis and Sleep
The HPA axis greatly affects the quality and duration of your sleep. The activation of your HPA axis results to disturbed and lighter sleep, while not getting enough sleep increases the activity of your HPA axis.2 This means that subtle changes in the activity of your HPA axis and environment influence the quality of your sleep and consequently affect your ability to think and become productive every day. Discover the importance of a good snooze for your health today!
Historical Background of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) is a small plant from the Solanaceae family that is commonly grown in South Asia, Central Asia, and Africa.1 A historical system of medicine in India, Ayurveda has been incorporating the use of ashwagandha to improve memory and mental cognition for millenia. With root and leaf extracts containing adaptogens as therapeutic ingredients, ashwagandha is also known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng.1 The term “ashwagandha” is derived from the word “ashwa”, which translates to “horse”, while the component used as an herbal remedy is its roots. It is thought that eating the root could give you horse-like powers! Interestingly, the word "gandha," refers to fragrance and talks about the smell of the herb's root. This is why at Natural Path to Wellness, we recommend it in capsule form rather than tea or tinctures. Aside from improving memory and mental cognition, ashwagandha also helps in managing stress levels, regulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, rejuvenating body cells, relieving arthritis, and preventing growth of tumors.2
Effects of Ashwagandha in Relieving Stress
With over 50 chemical compounds found in the different components of the ashwagandha plant that could contribute to your overall health and wellness, this herb could do wonders to assist in maintaining balance within your body. The major chemical ingredients found in ashwagandha that could explain its therapeutic effects include steroidal alkaloids and lactones, all together known as withanolides.1 The powerful effects of withanolides enable ashwagandha to regulate the activities of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In response to a stressor, your HPA axis increases cortisol levels to help your body cope up with stress. However, high levels of cortisol for prolonged periods may cause detrimental effects on your immune system: suppressing its function and increasing your risk of developing health problems. Ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels through regulating the balance of your HPA axis, making it less reactive to stressors. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, ashwagandha is an effective form of alternative medicine that could be of great benefit to your body as it handles everyday stressors.
Mechanism of action of Withanolides
Withanolides help in preventing tumor growths, destroying damaged cells, reducing inflammation, regulating the immune response, preventing bacterial overgrowth, reducing stress levels, and preventing degeneration of neurons. WIthanolides are also beneficial for long-term health problems due to their unique ability to balance multiple signaling pathways in your nervous system, promoting the regulation of your body’s inflammatory and immune responses.4 As an adaptogenic herb, withanolides regulate the HPA axis or stress response of the body, potentially modulating its physiologic reaction to stressors.
Safety and Considerations
The rich historical roots of the use of ashwagandha as a form of health remedy is the best evidence of its effectiveness and benefits to the human body. However, it is vital to apply safety measures and consider other therapies you may be receiving, since the use of ashwagandha may not be recommended for everyone. Ashwagandha root contains methanolic extract, an ingredient that has reported effects on the dopaminergic neurons in the brain which plays an important role in the body’s movement, cognition, executive functions, reward, motivation, and the central nervous system in general.5 Hence, extreme caution should be exercised when using ashwagandha simultaneously with other drugs, especially medications from the benzodiazepine and barbiturate groups, to avoid over-enhancing their effects!
Ashwagandha root may interact with anti-anxiety, sleep-promoting, muscle relaxant, and sedative medications, intensifying their individual effects and consequently cause problems with muscle coordination, weakness, tremors, headaches, and drowsiness.5 Knowledge and understanding on the proper use of ashwagandha is vital to ensure you are able to receive its full benefits, without putting yourself at greater risk for unwanted effects due to overdose and dysregulation of stress levels, which can occur when intake is not regulated and monitored. A licensed naturopathic physician with expertise in managing stress levels using natural options and botanical medicine will help you in exploring the benefits of ashwagandha and other medicinal herbs and monitoring therapeutic levels of the herbal remedies you take every day, ultimately guiding you in making conscious decisions for your health. Regulating Your Stress Levels
Talking with your naturopathic medicine advisors is a vital step in helping you understand how stress affects your body, consider nutrition and lifestyle changes that will assist you in avoiding triggers, and explore natural options that will help you regain and maintain balance despite exposure to unavoidable stressors every day. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to assist you regain vitality through a comprehensive and personal approach that considers your unique needs and preferences. Discover how to maximize the beneficial effects of the naturopathic approach in reducing your stress levels today!
AuthorKate 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:
1. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(37):e17186. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000017186 2. Gopukumar K, Thanawala S, Somepalli V, Rao TSS, Thamatam VB, Chauhan S. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognitive Functions in Healthy, Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:8254344. Published 2021 Nov 30. doi:10.1155/2021/8254344 3. Smith SJ, Lopresti AL, Fairchild TJ. Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2023;37(11):1091-1104. doi:10.1177/02698811231200023 4. Mikulska P, Malinowska M, Ignacyk M, et al. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)-Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceutics. 2023;15(4):1057. Published 2023 Mar 24. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15041057 5. White PT, Subramanian C, Motiwala HF, Cohen MS. Natural Withanolides in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016;928:329-373. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-41334-1_14 
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 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:
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. Supplements to Support Thyroid Health
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. 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. AuthorKate 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!
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THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESSAuthorSNatural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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