Category: Women's Health

2/2/2025

A Controversial Take on Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Pain Relief with Added Health Risks

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The wonders of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief cannot be understated. In just a few minutes after taking the medication, you can get back on track and forget about your headache for the rest of the day. Although the discovery of the power of NSAIDs for pain relief is groundbreaking in allopathic medicine, their unregulated and frequent use can cause dire health consequences, especially to your gastrointestinal tract.

What are NSAIDs?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a class of medications that help reduce inflammation and pain relief, making them useful in managing muscle pain, fever, migraines, arthritis, and even period cramps. The wonders of NSAIDs come from their ability to block the action of cyclooxygenase, a special enzyme that exerts protective and regulatory effects to body processes and at the same time drives your body’s inflammatory response. Cyclooxygenases are divided into two subgroups: cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-1 is regularly expressed in the body, as it plays a big role in nurturing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, promoting platelet aggregation to stop bleeding and assist in wound healing, and regulating kidney function. COX-2, on the other hand, is not regularly expressed and is only present during inflammation.

The wide variety of NSAIDs available in the market allows people to choose their preferred type and brand. A very important consideration to remember when choosing the type of NSAIDs for your health problem is that not all medications are made equal. In fact, NSAIDs are classified into two types: nonselective COX inhibitors which block the effects of COX-1 and COX-2, and COX-2 selective inhibitors which only suppress COX-2. This means that although their actions in suppressing inflammation are the same, their side effects may be different from the other.

The Consequences of NSAID Use

NSAIDs affect all major organ systems in the body. From the very first day of taking the medication, your risks of having stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding (GI bleeding), heart problems, and stroke, are higher than those who have not taken the medication.2 Since non-selective COX inhibitors affect both COX-1, that helps protect your gastric mucosa, and COX-2, which is necessary during inflammation, you may experience pain relief but at the same time put yourself at risk of stomach irritation and ulcers with long-term and unregulated use. Opting for a COX-2 selective NSAIDs may mitigate these risks since it does not hamper the protective effects of COX-1.

However, the use of COX-2 selective NSAIDs is not entirely beneficial since these medications do not help regulate platelet aggregation, putting you at risk of developing blood clots with prolonged use.2 The risk of side effects with NSAID use is higher in the elderly population, since these people are likely to take medications that may modify the effects of NSAIDs and because it can reduce the effects of aspirin therapy.2

Safety and Considerations

NSAIDs may cause hypersensitivity reactions to people who are allergic to the medication. Additionally, the use of NSAIDs are contraindicated in people who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and mothers during the second half of pregnancy.1 When ultimately necessary, the benefits of its use for your health should outweigh possible health risks.

The improper use of NSAIDs may lead to toxicity, damaging your kidneys and liver, inducing high blood pressure levels, and causing gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.1 As previously mentioned, the use of non-selective NSAIDs may also cause gastrointestinal damage, since it blocks the protective effects of cyclooxygenase to your stomach and intestinal lining. Once prolonged, this damage can lead to decreased nutrient absorption, putting you at risk of developing anemias and malnutrition.

Naturopathic Solutions for Pain and Inflammation

Rather than dealing with unwanted consequences of long-term NSAID use, naturopathic medicine offers alternative holistic remedies that will not only help relieve pain and inflammation, but also target the root cause of your health problems.

Botanical Medicine

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa). Curcumin is a powerful herb that blocks the drivers of inflammation and COX-2, but spares COX-1, helping to reduce inflammation and relieve pain but without putting yourself at risk of gastrointestinal irritation, which is associated with non-selective NSAIDs.5
Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Ginger contains active ingredients that exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by controlling the expression of TNF-alpha, which is the key regulator of the inflammatory process.6 The smell of ginger also activates receptors expressed in neurons responsible for recognizing pain, ultimately decreasing pain perceived with inflammation.6
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus). Eucalyptus helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation by preventing blood vessels from becoming leaky, thereby preventing swelling, as well as the progression of the inflammatory response.7

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used by traditional medicine to manage pain and reduce inflammation by inserting needles through the skin at specific surface points to recover the natural energy flow within. Its wonders in pain control comes from its ability to nurture your body’s natural energy flow.3 Acupuncture has been observed to provide pain relief within 30 minutes of the procedure, which can last for months or even a whole year after therapy.3

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy focuses on applying essential oils on the skin or inhaling them to relieve pain and provide relaxation.4 These essential oils are made from plants that contain healing and relaxing properties. Additionally, the pleasant smell of essential oils can help you enjoy each aromatherapy session.4

Aromatherapy can be an invaluable treatment option, but this realm is also full of false claims, greedy companies, and pseudoscience. Burns, kidney failure, worsening of chronic disease and cancer, and even infant deaths have occurred because of inappropriate use of aromatherapy. Always talk to a trusted and knowledgeable healthcare professional before utilizing essential oils.

The Naturopathic Approach

The naturopathic approach aims to support the body’s natural ability to heal itself. This is done through exploring holistic solutions that incorporate lifestyle, nutrition, supplementation, and natural remedies that are all aimed to nurture. Explore the wonders of naturopathic medicine for pain relief and inflammation today.

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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:

Ghlichloo I, Gerriets V. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; May 1, 2023.
Davis A, Robson J. The dangers of NSAIDs: look both ways. Br J Gen Pract. 2016;66(645):172-173. doi:10.3399/bjgp16X684433
Niruthisard S, Ma Q, Napadow V. Recent advances in acupuncture for pain relief. Pain Rep. 2024;9(5):e1188. Published 2024 Sep 13. doi:10.1097/PR9.0000000000001188
Lakhan SE, Sheafer H, Tepper D. The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Reducing Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Res Treat. 2016;2016:8158693. doi:10.1155/2016/8158693
Eke-Okoro UJ, Raffa RB, Pergolizzi JV Jr, Breve F, Taylor R Jr; NEMA Research Group. Curcumin in turmeric: Basic and clinical evidence for a potential role in analgesia. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2018;43(4):460-466. doi:10.1111/jcpt.12703
Rondanelli M, Fossari F, Vecchio V, et al. Clinical trials on pain lowering effect of ginger: A narrative review. Phytother Res. 2020;34(11):2843-2856. doi:10.1002/ptr.6730
Arooj B, Asghar S, Saleem M, et al. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of eucalyptol rich Eucalyptus globulus essential oil alone and in combination with flurbiprofen. Inflammopharmacology. 2023;31(4):1849-1862. doi:10.1007/s10787-023-01237-6

1/20/2025

Naturopathic Care for Alopecia Areata: Special Herbs to Revitalize Your Hair Naturally

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Hair is inevitably a vital part of most people’s appearance, reflecting self-esteem and personality.

We can all agree that our hair is our crowning glory and having problems with it can undeniably affect our self-confidence. For people with alopecia areata, episodic hair loss has become a challenging battle. Not to worry, we are here to help you unravel the wonders of naturopathic care in revitalizing and nurturing your best accessory!

Understanding Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that can cause destruction to the hair follicles and nails by disrupting their normal cycle, leading to hair loss. The condition specifically disrupts the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, making the damage it causes temporary but life-changing. Typically, special sites in the body have the ability to endure exposure to irritants and foreign invaders without triggering an immune response, including the eyes, brain, testes, and hair. These are also known as “immune-privileged” sites and their unique ability protects them from getting destroyed from the collateral damage that normally follows an immune response.1 Loss of this privilege accompanied by problems with immune regulation eventually leads to alopecia areata. The condition may be triggered by viral infections, stress, recent vaccinations, and use of certain medications.1 Episodes of alopecia areata may also be driven by emotional or physiological stress, such as during puberty, illnesses, family problems, and major life changes.

Signs and Symptoms

Alopecia areata is characterized by patterns of hair loss lasting for weeks, hence the name alopecia (baldness) areata (patches). These patterns vary and may only either affect the back of your head, or all over your scalp except for the back of the head! Hair loss can also be observed on the eyebrows, beard, eyelashes, arms, or legs. In some cases, people with alopecia areata may experience total hair loss across the entire scalp or body.

Allopathic Options

People with alopecia areata are usually able to regrow their lost hair within a year without having to undergo any special intervention. However, corticosteroids may be given to begin regrowing hair in a few weeks. These medications act by inhibiting your immune response, thereby reducing the inflammation that causes hair loss and facilitating regrowth of hair in bald areas. However, corticosteroids do not prevent hair loss from happening again! Although temporarily effective in suppressing symptoms, these may also compromise your immunity in the long run and cause your body to become vulnerable against infections, in addition to the unwanted side effects caused by corticosteroid use such as pain, dilated skin veins, and loss of skin pigment.1 Additionally, you may have to get these injections repeatedly every few weeks!

Before we delve into the wonders of herbal medicine in preventing hair loss and nourishing your hair strands, it is important to remember that alopecia areata is an autoimmune problem. Hence, you should target and solve the root cause of inflammation to prevent losing too much hair in the first place!

Botanical Medicine for Healthy Hair

Although there are currently a wide variety of chemicals present in the market to promote hair regrowth, the safety and effectiveness of these synthetic products may be questionable in the long run, and their abilities to affect your overall well-being is unclear. Rather than the synthetic route, exploring natural options for your hair is a safe and effective alternative that not only targets the root cause of your health problems, but also nurtures the natural ability of your hair to grow beautifully. Botanical options for hair health include:

Red clover (Trifolium pratense). With formononetin as one of its major components, red clover prevents hair loss by inhibiting cell death through up-regulating the enzymes that protect the cell from self-destruction.2 This facilitates regrowth of strong hair strands!
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens). This special plant not only promotes hair regrowth, but also helps modulate your body’s inflammatory response by activating the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway, which is essential in regulating a variety of cellular processes that maintain homeostasis in the body.3
Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo). This familiar Halloween essential is actually rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that strengthen your hair follicles, prevent hair loss, and improve texture.

And many more!

Before using these wonderful herbs for your healthy hair, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider and naturopathic doctors to ensure these do not cause irritation or unwanted effects to your body. Additionally, most herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is important to talk to your doctor about the best natural solutions for your health concerns without causing harm to your baby.

The Naturopathic Approach

The health of your hair undeniably plays a huge role in your self-esteem and taking care of it is a vital step to achieve bouncy and strong strands, even when you have alopecia areata.

Talking to your naturopathic doctors will help you in exploring the best natural options for your hair, taking into consideration the root cause behind your patchy hair loss. Begin your journey towards the natural path to wellness today. Our team will help you in every step of the way!

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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:

Lepe K, Syed HA, Zito PM. Alopecia Areata. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; February 8, 2024.
Kim MH, Choi YY, Lee JE, Kim K, Yang WM. Topical Treatment of Hair Loss with Formononetin by Modulating Apoptosis. Planta Med. 2016;82(1-2):65-69. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1557897
Zhu HL, Gao YH, Yang JQ, Li JB, Gao J. Serenoa repens extracts promote hair regeneration and repair of hair loss mouse models by activating TGF-β and mitochondrial signaling pathway. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2018;22(12):4000-4008. doi:10.26355/eurrev_201806_15285

1/10/2025

Naturopathic Care for Crohn’s Disease: Natural ways to support gut health

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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.

Signs and Symptoms

People with Crohn’s disease typically experience recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, or vomiting for weeks to months, with periods of no symptoms in between.1 When not properly managed, these may lead to weight loss and even malnutrition, eventually resulting in severe complications. Since the condition is primarily driven by inflammation, people with Crohn’s disease may experience fever and weakness during the early stages of the disease.1 Once inflammation has successfully caused damage to the intestinal lining, diarrhea and abdominal pain occur. Since your intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients such as iron and Vitamin B12, insufficient levels due to impaired absorption can lead to anemia and malnutrition.

Allopathic Options

The conventional management of Crohn’s disease depends on the severity of the condition and the patient’s health risks. Generally, corticosteroids are given to manage flare-ups and promote remission.1 These medications are life-saving, due to their wonderful abilities to block inflammation. However, the use of corticosteroids alone should be monitored by your healthcare provider since these can cause more harm than good when not properly regulated, owing to their abilities to induce brittle bones (osteoporosis), bone death (osteonecrosis), thin the skin, suppress the immune system and its ability to fight infection, and problems in the adrenal glands. Immunomodulators are used for maintenance therapy, but not during active disease due to their slow effectiveness. Surgery may also be recommended to prevent and manage disease complications, such as bowel obstruction.1 Although necessary during emergencies, surgical removal of damaged tissues can worsen problems with absorption since it eliminates segments of the body responsible to assimilate nutrients from the food we eat. Additionally, surgical resection may cause dysbiosis, since it reduces the diversity of the gastrointestinal microbiota.3 Naturopathic medicine offers an alternative holistic approach that focuses on nurturing the body’s abilities to heal itself, preventing the need for surgery and its severe consequences.

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!

BECOME A CLIENT

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

1/3/2025

The Ultimate Guide to Hibiscus Tea for Blood Pressure Regulation

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Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a wonderful plant packed with medicinal and aromatic ingredients that has been famous all over the world as flavorful tea. Its wonderful effects in lowering blood pressure are similar to allopathic medications, but without putting your body at risk of developing adverse effects that can affect your overall quality of life. Hibiscus tea is the perfect drink to savor the relaxing effects of tea, while enjoying the benefits of hibiscus in regulating blood pressure and protecting your cardiovascular health!

Understanding Hypertension

Hypertension is a very strong predictor of heart and blood vessel problems, putting those with uncontrolled levels at risk of having blood clots, heart rhythm abnormalities, and even stroke. It is actually considered the most common long-term medical condition characterized by unregulated rise in blood pressure levels. Guidelines to determine hypertensive status change regularly and may depend on the country you live in, but these have reached a consensus that people with persistently elevated blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg should be subjected to blood pressure management.3 Aside from genetic predisposition to hypertension, nutrition and lifestyle practices greatly affect your chances of developing the condition.

Historical Background

Hibiscus, also known as sour tea or roselle, belongs to the Malvaceae family. The aromatic medicinal plant that originated from Asia is currently grown all over the world. Hibiscus is not only used for the purpose of healing, since its fibers and flowers are also used to produce a variety of food and beverages! Aside from its wonderful benefits, hibiscus is also used as a natural food colorant, making it a safer alternative to artificially-made pigments for food production.1

Effects in Blood Pressure regulation

Although allopathic medications for blood pressure regulation are effective, these may produce unwanted effects that can negatively affect your quality of life. You may have dizziness, imbalances in your body’s electrolyte levels, and even feel fatigued all the time.2 Rather than having to experience these effects, the naturopathic approach offers a well-rounded course of management that targets nutrition, lifestyle, supplementation, and natural remedies to help regulate blood pressure levels. Interestingly, these natural remedies can also be taken in forms you can actually enjoy! By simply enjoying relaxing hibiscus tea sessions with your family and friends or even pairing this healthy drink with your favorite meals, you are also able to take care of your health as you grow older.

Mechanism of action

The antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory benefits of hibiscus come from its bioactive ingredients, namely, polyphenols, ascorbic acid, tannins, and carotenoids, all of which work together to widen blood vessels and regulate blood flow, ultimately reducing your risks of developing complications from lack of blood pressure control.2 Hibiscus can also help regulate blood pressure by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is responsible to convert angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent hormone that increases blood pressure. Interestingly, the blood pressure effects of hibiscus are stronger in people who have higher blood pressure levels.2 Aside from its wonderful effects in regulating blood pressure, the hydroethanol component of hibiscus also exerts antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, helping to kill or inhibit microorganisms that may cause potential harm to the body.1

Safety and Considerations

Hibiscus tea is generally safe to drink daily and has not been observed to produce side effects, aside from lowered blood pressure and mild gastrointestinal discomfort that may be factored by the way the tea was prepared.2 However, most herbal remedies should not be used during pregnancy and lactation and it is best to talk with your healthcare providers and naturopathic doctors to help you discover the best strategies for your unique case.

Additionally, the use of hibiscus in combination with other antihypertensive agents should be further evaluated with your healthcare providers, as this may synergize the effects of your maintenance medications and cause more harm than good. At Natural Path to Wellness, your team will help you discover the wonderful benefits of hibiscus tea for your optimal health and well-being, making sure that this herb is right for you and its therapeutic levels in the body are kept in-check!

Regulating Your Blood Pressure Levels

Optimal blood pressure regulation requires a holistic approach that targets nutrition, lifestyle, and supplementation, in combination with natural herbal remedies that nurture your cardiovascular health. This means that although hibiscus tea is greatly beneficial in controlling hypertension, nutrition and lifestyle modifications are equally (or even more!) important. At Natural Path to Wellness, our team is committed to guiding you in your journey to health and wellness, helping you discover the best natural and holistic options for your unique case and preference. To learn more about the naturopathic approach for regulating blood pressure levels, talk to us today!

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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:

Jabeur I, Pereira E, Barros L, et al. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. as a source of nutrients, bioactive compounds and colouring agents. Food Res Int. 2017;100(Pt 1):717-723. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2017.07.073
Ellis LR, Zulfiqar S, Holmes M, Marshall L, Dye L, Boesch C. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure and cardiometabolic markers. Nutr Rev. 2022;80(6):1723-1737. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuab104
Iqbal AM, Jamal SF. Essential Hypertension. [Updated 2023 Jul 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539859/

10/4/2024

All About Skin: Naturopathic Care to Calm and Heal Rosacea

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Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that typically causes swelling and redness (flushing) on the central portion of your face. This is different from the blush you get whenever you see your ultimate crush! Although mild cases of rosacea are harmless and remain undiagnosed, those with severe disease may experience lack of confidence and insecurity due to persistent skin discoloration and flare-ups. Not to worry! The primary management for rosacea is fairly simple: avoid your personal triggers! Through minimizing exposure to irritants that may precipitate flare-ups and exploring natural options to help regulate inflammation, you can recover your previously plump skin.

Understanding Rosacea

The word “rosacea” actually means “rose-like,” which describes the main symptoms you will experience with the disease. These may include erythema that may be temporary or persistent. Although the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, your risk of having the condition may be associated with your family history of the disease, problems with your immune response, infections with microorganisms, dysregulation in your neurovascular pathways, or factors from your environment.1 Generally, the manifestations of rosacea are classified into four different subtypes:1

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea – associated with constant redness with temporary flushing of the cheeks and nose. Red spots from dilated superficial blood vessels (telangiectasia) may also be present.
Papulopustular Rosacea – associated with small, raised lesions (papules) and small vesicles containing white blood cells (pustules) on the face. The lesions in papulopustular rosacea are similar to adult acne and may be mistaken for the latter.
Phymatous Rosacea – associated with scarring and enlarged sebaceous glands, especially on the nose, chin, and cheeks.
Ocular Rosacea – unique from other subtypes, ocular rosacea may cause tearing, eye dryness, feelings of having sand in the eye, itchiness, and swelling of the eyelids.

It is important to note that the manifestations of rosacea are not exclusive to their specific groups. You may experience symptoms from two or more subtypes and the affected area may change over time.

What Can Trigger Rosacea?

Episodes of redness and flushing are often associated with getting exposed to heat or steam, drinking alcohol, and experiencing changes in hormone levels due to menopause. Exposure to noxious cold and use of niacin (vitamin B-3) or topical steroids can also trigger flare-ups. These irritants activate your sensory nerves to release vasoactive and inflammatory substances that cause dilation (widening) of superficial blood vessels on the face and produce redness and swelling.

Signs and Symptoms

Rosacea is characterized by:

Prolonged flushing
Persistent or transient erythema (redness)
Telangiectasia (dilated superficial blood vessels on the skin)
Papules
Pustules
Phymatous changes
Burning, stinging, or migraine-like pain
Eye and eyelid involvement

The presence and severity of your symptoms increase overtime, with greater numbers of flushing episodes after persistent exposure to your personal triggers. Since most symptoms present on the face, rosacea may inevitably affect an individual’s self-esteem, causing emotional and social burden. Erythema is allopathically managed with topical medications that cause local constriction of blood vessels to reduce swelling. Topical medications to reduce the number of opportunistic pathogens present on the skin that could actually cause greater inflammation may also be given. Although beneficial in the short-term, these strategies only act to reduce the severity of your symptoms. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to help you alleviate the root cause of your health problems and not merely mask your symptoms. Through the healing power of nature, your naturopathic medicine advisors will guide you as you make conscious decisions for your optimal health.

The Naturopathic Approach for Rosacea

Roll-On Rosacea Relief

Jade Stone Roller

Manuka Honey

The natural path in managing rosacea begins with making conscious nutrition and lifestyle changes to avoid potential triggers that may cause flare-ups! These include avoiding intake of your favorite spicy food, alcohol, chocolate, and citrus fruits. Cigarette smoking should also be avoided as this irritates and dries out your skin!

Taking care of your skin is another essential step to reduce flare-ups.

Incorporating gentle and natural ingredients into your daily skincare routine prevents irritation from harsh chemicals and rubbing.
Look for products that can be spritzed onto the skin or use gentle application.
Keeping a rose quartz, jade, or stainless steel facial roller in the fridge can provide cooling relief to the skin and help you spread product without irritating friction.
You can pamper yourself and soothe skin by using manuka or kanuka honey as a mask for 30-60 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, gently pat dry, and continue your rosacea skincare routine.
Limiting exposure and protecting your facial skin from the sun through applying non-toxic and chemical-safe sun products are equally important to prevent the worsening of your present symptoms.

Aside from taking care of your skin surface, assisting your body as it heals from within through taking natural supplements with health benefits that help regulate inflammation, reduce irritation, and improve immune regulation is vital. These may include zinc, evening primrose oil, and gamma-linolenic acid. To fully enjoy the health benefits of each supplement, you should always remember to take them as directed by your healthcare provider. The risk of experiencing unwanted effects that may cause more harm than good increases when intake is not regulated and monitored. Talking to your naturopathic physician will help you in exploring the best natural supplements for your unique case.

Improving Your Skin Health

Although rosacea is not a disease that can cause potentially life-threatening risks to those diagnosed with the condition, it can leave emotional and physical scars when left unmanaged. Making conscious decisions for your health is the building block to alleviate rosacea! Avoiding your personal triggers and taking care of your skin are essential to protect yourself from the consequence of flare-ups. Discover naturopathic options for your optimal health today!

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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.

10/1/2024

Breast Cancer Prevention: How to Protect Your Health and Well-being

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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 Cancer

Cancers, 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 Factors

Multiple 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 Symptoms

Breast 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 Options

Breast 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 Prevention

The 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 Approach

Rather 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!

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Author

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

9/26/2024

Honey for the Bones (and a tangential discussion of medical research into traditional remedies)

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When I think of the medicinal properties of honey, my first thoughts are of using it to reduce coughing and soothe sore throats. I think of medical-grade honey to help speed healing and prevent infections in wounds and burns. But, a while back I read this Bible verse and it made me wonder if honey was actually good for the bones.

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
- Proverbs 16:24

In our current medical system, there is an attitude of dismissiveness to traditional medicines as a whole or to specific applications that have yet to be proven by current medical research. However, we have to remember that:

Research takes a great deal of time and money not typically dedicated to things that are not easily patented to ensure profitability.
Sometimes our technology has not yet advanced to a point where certain studies can be performed or where their results can be accurately interpreted.
There is an ongoing issue of a lack of communication between medical researchers and those who are educated and trained in the use of traditional medicines. This can lead to poor-quality research or the application of the wrong substance, dose, or form of the natural medicine being studied. In short, inaccurate results.

Why do researchers investigate traditional remedies? Because they work. If the evidence in support of traditional remedies was not so compelling, the research would not be undertaken. Even when we know that a treatment is effective, modern research helps us understand how it works, and that helps us know how else it can be used to our benefit.

It is easy for us to fall into the trap of thinking that we are at the pinnacle of human advancement and that our ancestors lacked knowledge or understanding. But we are only a point in the line of human advancement. Others will come after us and put rest to things we thought fact and prove things we theorized but were unable to prove.

After all, here we are nearly three millennia later conducting research that supports the wisdom espoused by the Israelites of 700 B.C.

A 2019 literature review (an evaluation of available research) described several potential benefits of honey for bone health:1

“Honey can protect the bone via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties”
It contains polyphenols that help to stop the destruction of bone and its reabsorption into the bloodstream.
- Darker-colored honey tends to have more of the beneficial phenolic compounds.
Several included animal studies showed more rapid fracture healing with the use of various types of honey.
A combination of eating honey and performing jumping exercises (like rebounding!) improved bone density and diameter in animal studies.
Likewise, honey plus aerobic dance helped improve muscle performance and reduce bone loss in women.

Humorously, the researchers referred to honey as a potential “novel dietary supplement to prevent osteoporosis.” Hmm…it is amusing to me how researchers have a tendency to lay claim to having discovered the medicines we have been using for thousands of years...

The long list of honey’s beneficial properties do not stop here. In fact, honey is a staple ingredient in many people’s skincare routines! Famous for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, honey is a wonderful ingredient to make sure your skin remains protected and nurtured.

HEALING HONEY

Quality, medical-grade manuka honey is something I recommend everyone keep in their herbal medicine cabinet. Manuka honey is made in New Zealand by bees that feed off of — and collect medical benefits from – the Leptospermum scoparium flowers. It can be taken for digestion or used topically for burn- and wound-healing. MGO numbers indicate the amount of methylglyoxal (the compound responsible for manuka’s amazing healing properties) with higher numbers indicating more medical benefits. In addition to manuka honey, I recommend keeping raw, local honey as a pantry staple.

How to find healing honey:

Buy local, raw, unfiltered honey when possible.
- Local & unfiltered because it will contain small particles of pollen local to your area which may help reduce your environmental allergy symptoms. Most beekeepers will strain the honey (a.k.a. microfiltration) to remove large particles, but we want to avoid ultra-filtered honey which removes the pollen. Plus, buying local reduces the carbon footprint.
- Raw because honey contains enzymes, vitamins & minerals, proteins & amino acids, and beneficial bacteria that are good for your health but are damaged or destroyed when heated. Buy from someone who doesn’t heat their honey at all or past about 95F, the typical temperature inside a beehive.
Find a reputable beekeeper. Store-bought honey (in addition to usually being heat processed, ultra-filtered, and not local) is often adulterated with corn syrup or sugar syrup. Local farmer’s markets can be a great place to find quality honey. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort to find someone selling 100% pure honey, your tastebuds (and your bones!) will thank you.

Warning: remember, you should never feed honey to a child under the age of one (1) year. Honey can contain botulism toxin at doses small enough not to harm healthy adults and children, but babies under 1 can not fight off this toxin and can die from consuming honey.

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Author

Marney Johnson, ND, MSCI-TS, (she/her) received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Certificate of Natural Childbirth from National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM). Following graduation, she completed a CNME-approved Residency in Naturopathic Medicine with NUNM Health Center, a primary care clinic in Portland, Oregon. There she was trained and practiced in a variety of naturopathic and primary care. She is passionate about supporting the body's ability to heal itself with the support of naturopathic modalities and believes that everyone deserves outstanding care and should feel both safe and heard by those entrusted with their health and wellness.

REFERENCE:

1. Kamaruzzaman MA, Chin KY, Mohd Ramli ES. A Review of Potential Beneficial Effects of Honey on Bone Health. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:8543618. Published 2019 Sep 19. PMID: 31641368

9/17/2024

All About Skin: Naturopathic Care for Eczema

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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

Eczema Cream

Oat Salve for
Dry, Itchy Skin

Topical Herbal & Homeopathic Tincture

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.

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!

The alternating hot and cold water stimulates blood flow by drawing it to the surface of the skin with hot water, then sending it back to the vital organs with cold water. Finishing with cold water ensures the blood returns to the organs before the treatment is complete. Drying yourself with a towel is important as feeling cold after the shower may cause your body to expend energy warming up instead of focusing on healing and strengthening. Feeling cold may indicate that the shower was too intense, and a gentle hot/tepid or warm/tepid water bath should be done instead until you build up enough vitality to increase the contrast between temperatures. A helpful tip to prevent feeling chilled is to do dry skin brushing right before the shower. Overall, this daily habit helps maintain balance in your immune system, circulation, and nervous system.

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!

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Author

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

9/13/2024

The Benefits of Kegel Exercises for Your Pelvic Health

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Kegel exercises are repetitive movements of contracting and relaxing the muscles found in your pelvic floor for strength and endurance. Since they are easy and do not require extensive procedures and treatments to perform, performing Kegel exercises is a cost-efficient and safe way to nurture your vaginal and urinary health. Generally, Kegel exercises help strengthen bladder control (no more peeing in your pants!), increase pleasure during sexual intercourse, and avoid tearing of the birth canal during labor and delivery. You can easily perform Kegel exercises anytime at home, may it be when you’re lying down or standing up. Talk about convenience!

Health Benefits of Kegel Exercises

Your pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) and its surrounding structures provide strength and control to your pelvic organs.3 Ensuring they remain strong and functional is important since they are responsible to support the organs within your pelvis, hold and release your poo and urine, maintain and intensify sexual pleasure, and modulate the connection between your abdomen and spinal cord.

Pregnancy

The beneficial effects of Kegel exercises are most emphasized during the different stages of pregnancy. While still pregnant, Kegel exercises may prevent frequent urination typically experienced as the fetus grows in size since there is increased control of the pelvic muscles. Kegel exercises are also beneficial during labor because it makes the perineal muscle flexible, allowing for optimal expansion and preventing risks of tearing during childbirth. This will help your body recover easily from the stress of childbirth. Most importantly, performing exercises that help strengthen your pelvic muscles are vital after giving birth to minimize pain and discomfort, promote perineal healing, regain any lost control over urine and feces, and help restore sexual comfort and pleasure.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a worldwide health problem causing discomfort and decrease in confidence. Involuntary urination, although not an alarming condition, significantly affects the quality of life and everyday routine of women.2 Despite the wide array of allopathic treatments to manage urinary incontinence, pelvic floor exercises remain the best non-invasive solution.1 It is recommended that you perform Kegel exercises on a regular basis to maintain the strength and flexibility of your pelvic floor.1

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is a condition where pelvic muscles become weak or loose, resulting in pelvic organs lowering to the vaginal canal.1 Since your pelvic floor muscles are vital for many functions that maintain the optimal health of your body, performing Kegel exercises when you have pelvic organ prolapse not only strengthens your pelvic floor muscles, but also promotes relief from pain and discomfort you may be experiencing.

How To Perform Kegel Exercises

Since everybody is different, pelvic floor exercises should be personalized in order to cater to the unique needs of every woman. The number of contractions you will need to perform, length of time needed for every contraction, and set intervals vary from one woman to another. Proper Kegel exercises may be done in different ways, but fundamental rules include identifying the correct muscles, contracting them in a proper manner, and repeating the cycle for a given amount of time.1

Squeeze the muscles around your vagina as if you are voluntarily stopping your urine flow and remain in this position for a few seconds. Relax then repeat the sequence according to the number of intervals set by your licensed health provider.
Contract and relax the muscles around your vagina as rapidly as possible according to your personalized set time and intervals.
Imagine you are sitting in a tub full of water, then squeeze muscles as if sucking water into your vagina. Hold this position for several seconds, relax, then repeat the sequence according to your personalized plan.

Tightening and relaxing your pelvic muscles as fast as you can during fast contractions is important. This part of the exercise trains the muscles in your pelvic floor to adapt to high intra-abdominal pressure typically occurring while you do your daily activities.1 On the other hand, maintaining a contraction of your muscles throughout the set time before finally relaxing it facilitates the process of strengthening.1 However, it is important to take note that you have to be conscious of when you are performing the exercise, as starting and stopping the flow of urine during actual urination can cause you to incompletely empty your bladder, which may lead to urinary problems!

Safety and Considerations

After childbirth, Kegel exercises may be immediately performed by mothers to help with healing and improve abdominal tone, but only with the guidance and approval of her health provider. When using devices to help with your Kegel exercises, you must make sure that it is body-safe, in best quality, and manufactured in countries with strict regulations in producing medical-grade silicone. Check out the Kegel exerciser made by Intimina! The device vibrates to tell you when to contract and relax your pelvic muscles. When buying all of your intimate care products, it is vital to complete your very own safety and preference checklist, such as buying only from reputable manufacturers you trust.

Are Kegel eggs safe for use?

Yoni or Kegel eggs are devices placed in the vagina to guide you in properly performing Kegel exercises. However, you should be extra cautious when using these products because they may be made up of materials that are difficult to clean, encouraging build-up of harmful substances that can put your health at great risk. Ensuring that the Kegel eggs you are using are body-safe and made from natural stones without chemicals or spaces that can harbor bacteria is an essential step to bear in mind before actively using such products.

Remember, not all crystals are body-safe! Some contain dangerous heavy metals like mercury or lead. Others dissolve when wet; this could leave residue inside you or create sharp or uneven edges that damage the delicate vaginal tissue and increase the risk of infection. Still more have chemical coatings, dyes, or other processing treatments that could endanger your health. Most importantly, your Kegel exercise routine should be thoroughly discussed with your licensed naturopathic physician, or other pelvic floor therapy-trained licensed healthcare provider, to guide you in discovering the most efficient and effective techniques for your optimal health.

Improving Your Pelvic Health

Support Pelvic Muscles

Quality Collagen

Herbal Pelvic Health

Take note: Consulting with your health care provider before using these products is imperative when you are pregnant or breastfeeding to prevent risks or harm to your baby. As your body undergoes major changes during pregnancy, we understand your excitement to take extra steps to care for yourself and your little one. However, it is vital to keep in mind that not all products and services are safe to use during pregnancy. Taking extra precaution helps ensure that the benefits of each product outweighs the risks that come with its use, keeping you and your baby healthy and safe.

The first step to improving your pelvic health is through making conscious decisions for your health by developing a personalized health plan with your health care providers. Kegel exercises have a wide array of potential benefits for your optimal well-being, but these can only be fully experienced when your routines are done correctly. Discover the naturopathic approach for your health concerns today!

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Author

REFERENCES:

Huang YC, Chang KV. Kegel Exercises. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555898/
Abu Raddaha AH, Nasr EH. Kegel Exercise Training Program among Women with Urinary Incontinence. Healthcare (Basel). 2022;10(12):2359. Published 2022 Nov 24. doi:10.3390/healthcare10122359
Padoa A, McLean L, Morin M, Vandyken C. "The Overactive Pelvic Floor (OPF) and Sexual Dysfunction" Part 1: Pathophysiology of OPF and Its Impact on the Sexual Response. Sex Med Rev. 2021;9(1):64-75. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2020.02.002

9/10/2024

Naturopathic Care for Moms-to-Be: A Natural Path to Maternal Health

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Pregnancy is a vital aspect of life where your body experiences gradual physiologic changes to prepare itself in nurturing a growing fetus. These changes are necessary to provide oxygen and nutrients for your baby, as well as extra support as your body adapts to the demands of more than one individual for nine months! During pregnancy, your body prepares you for labor, birth, and most importantly, to take on the lifelong responsibility of being called a mother.

Essential Practices to Nurture Maternal Health

The key to a healthy pregnancy is a healthy and empowered mother. Making conscious decisions for your well-being, both before getting pregnant and after giving birth, are essential. Your health and the health of your baby are locked and sealed together. When you eat well and take care of your own health during pregnancy, you provide a healthy environment for your baby to grow and develop!

The Role of Nutrition

Your nutritional state affects your health and the growth and development of your baby. Nutritional problems may put your baby at risk. For instance, having inadequate folic acid levels may lead to fetal growth restriction or neural tube defects, impacting brain development. Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, and fiber is important. Appropriately supplementing your diet with calcium and magnesium are also vital to help protect your bones, stop muscle cramps, and help with pregnancy-related constipation. The best way to maintain your optimal health is through following a personalized plan based on your nutritional demands and needs, empowering you to take charge of your and your baby’s health.

Daily Physical Exercises

During pregnancy, compression of your blood vessels can be inevitable as your body adjusts to the weight, increased blood volume, and demands of the growing fetus. This may cause pooling and stasis of blood in your legs and pelvis, which may lead to varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Incorporating physical activity in your daily routine helps improve blood flow. A gentle, daily 30-minute exercise (like walking or prenatal yoga) will have a long-term benefit for your health and prevent the development of unwanted pregnancy outcomes.3

Breathing Exercises

Practicing breathing exercises is beneficial throughout your pregnancy, and helps reduce risks of having to undergo cesarean section or assisted birth.5 Breathing exercises also promote the connection between your mind and body, allowing you to feel relaxed. Most importantly, controlled breathing will distract you from the pain of labor as it intensifies, helping you to stay alert and responsive while giving birth!

Additionally, lung capacity is reduced during pregnancy as the shifting of organs pushes on them and prevents them from fully expanding. This increases the risk of pneumonia and other maternal lung illnesses. Practicing deep breathing helps clear the lungs and prevent infection.

Perineal Massage

A common complication of vaginal childbirth is tearing of (or the doctor cutting) the perineum to better allow the passage of the baby’s head. To help reduce risks, you can begin practicing perineal massage in the months before childbirth. This helps the tissue slowly become more elastic and supple so that it will more readily stretch during birth. In later pregnancy, when it is harder to practice self-massage, a partner or a device recommended by a trained pelvic floor therapist can help you continue this practice. Massage can also be used during labor to relieve pain and act as a distraction while the intensity of discomfort increases.

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Your pelvic floor is the series of muscles that stretch across your pelvis creating the structural framework that holds up your reproductive, urinary, and gastrointestinal organs. Your pelvic floor is what allows you to hold in and release urine and feces at will! It is also important for stability when you walk and reduces back, hip, and knee pain.

They are also critical for having a great sex life! Strong pelvic floor muscles afford more intense orgasms. If your pelvic floor is too tight, it can cause painful sex and a more difficult labor. If you are already pregnant, you need a provider who is trained in prenatal pelvic floor therapy. Even if you are not currently pregnant, pelvic floor therapy can help you have a better pregnancy experience, better labor recovery, and better physical health overall.

Pelvic floor contractions can be done easily while you perform your daily routine. You can strengthen your pelvic muscles by doing Kegel exercises while sitting at your desk or working around the house. These exercises can also be beneficial to practice after giving birth to your baby as these help reduce pain and promote perineal healing. Expert knowledge can help determine which exercises are needed for your unique body and experiences.

Healthy Sleep

During pregnancy, you will need an increased amount of quality sleep and rest as your body continues to adapt to the needs of the fetus and accommodate your increased metabolic demands. As getting a good snooze is important in regulating a wide array of physiologic processes that help your body function optimally, achieving restful sleep during pregnancy is vital since you are not only nurturing yourself, but also the growth and development of your baby.

Health Issues During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a unique and crucial experience, as health problems may not only put you at risk, but also the growing fetus.

Headache. Around 10% of pregnant women experience a bad headache and migraine during the first trimester.4 Changing your lifestyle, getting enough sleep, maintaining adequate hydration, and eating healthy food help avoid triggering a headache!
Preeclampsia. You may experience dangerously high blood pressure levels while pregnant that can lead to maternal and fetal complications. The key to preventing these complications from developing is early detection, monitoring, and frequent blood pressure level checks.4 Teas like Nettle, dandelion, and hibiscus may help reduce swelling and high blood pressure, but talk to your provider about whether they are right for you.
Gestational Diabetes. This is a type of diabetes unique during pregnancy that causes high blood sugar levels, affecting the health of both the mother and baby. Practicing moderate exercise everyday, eating healthy meals, and monitoring your blood sugar levels help prevent and manage the condition.
Autoimmune Disease. Since autoimmune disease may be already present before conception, a more nurturing and holistic approach must be taken to help support a successful and healthy pregnancy.4 Talking to your primary health care providers and naturopathic medicine advisors is essential to help you understand and discover ways of ensuring that your immune response remains regulated throughout pregnancy.

Are Herbs Safe During Pregnancy?

While pregnant, the use of most herbs is not recommended because they contain active substances that may have possible effects on the development of the baby.1 Pregnant mothers may not be aware of the effects of these substances and may use herbal medicine without consulting their doctor which can lead to maternal and fetal complications.1 This very alarming problem heightens the importance of health education to understand the importance of not taking unprescribed substances that may put you and your baby at risk for health problems and emphasizes the need to talk with a pregnancy-trained naturopathic physician to guide you in exploring natural options for your health during pregnancy.

The Importance of Self-Care

Taking care of yourself during pregnancy is important for both you and the tiny human growing inside your body. You may feel emotional and sensitive due to changes in hormone levels or experience changes in physical appearance. The added stress from your environment can affect your body’s immune response and cause hormonal imbalances.2 These factors may increase your risk of experiencing pregnancy complications that will put both your health and your baby’s well-being at risk. It is important to remember that your health behaviors during pregnancy have a directly proportional connection to your well-being. Hence, maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle increases your vulnerability to having maternal problems.

Bathing

During pregnancy, you may tend to sweat more than usual since your body excretes waste products for both you and your baby. You may also experience an increase in vaginal discharge. Having your very own “me time” through taking tub baths or showers are not only beneficial in helping you stay clean and fresh, but also allow you to do the routines you used to enjoy back when you were not pregnant. However, it is important to avoid hot baths as this can reduce blood flow to the baby and even cause premature labor.

Clothing

Maternity clothing is all about being comfortable. During pregnancy, it is important to avoid wearing uncomfortable materials like tight-fitting garters, extremely firm girdles, and knee-high stockings because these may obstruct the optimal circulation of blood that supplies oxygen and nutrients for you and your baby!

Breast Care

You should take care of your breasts every day, especially during pregnancy. As your breast size increases to accommodate breastmilk, wearing a supportive bra that will help even out the weight of your breast across your shoulders is important to prevent irritation and swelling. You may also need to buy a larger bra size halfway through your pregnancy to make sure you are comfortable while your breasts increase in size. As colostrum (first form of milk) may appear during the second trimester, washing your breasts with clear tap water without soap can be done to remove it and reduce the risk of infection, without causing irritation. After washing, patting your nipples dry is an important step!

Perineal Hygiene

You may experience increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy, which should not be a cause of panic! When dealing with discharges and poop, always remember to wipe front to back to prevent contamination in your vaginal area. Even if the vaginal discharge seems too much, you should not practice douching because the unsterilized water may enter the cervix and cause uterine infection. In addition, douching alters the pH level in your vagina, leading to an increased risk of vaginal bacterial growth.

The Naturopathic Approach for Optimal Maternal Health

Pregnancy can be overwhelming, but with the right people to guide you in making conscious decisions for both you and your baby’s health, maintaining wellness is not impossible to achieve. Since every individual is different, your naturopathic physician can help you explore different personalized options from pre-conception to post-birth. Lactation therapists, clubs, and doulas may help in your breastfeeding journey after giving birth. As each birthing experience is unique, seeking therapy/support groups for birth trauma can be a way to heal your body, not just physically but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Discover the naturopathic approach to achieving optimal health during pregnancy today!

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Author

REFERENCES:

Sarecka-Hujar B, Szulc-Musioł B. Herbal Medicines-Are They Effective and Safe during Pregnancy?. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14(1):171. Published 2022 Jan 12. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics14010171
Nguyen LD, Nguyen LH, Ninh LT, et al. Women's holistic self-care behaviors during pregnancy and associations with psychological well-being: implications for maternal care facilities. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2022;22(1):631. Published 2022 Aug 9. doi:10.1186/s12884-022-04961-z
Mate A, Reyes-Goya C, Santana-Garrido Á, Vázquez CM. Lifestyle, Maternal Nutrition and Healthy Pregnancy. Curr Vasc Pharmacol. 2021;19(2):132-140. doi:10.2174/1570161118666200401112955
Narayan B, Nelson-Piercy C. Medical problems in pregnancy. Clin Med (Lond). 2017;17(3):251-257. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.17-3-251
Karkada SR, Noronha JA, Bhat SK, Bhat P, Nayak BS. Effectiveness of antepartum breathing exercises on the outcome of labour: A randomized controlled trial. F1000Res. 2023;11:159. Published 2023 May 30. doi:10.12688/f1000research.75960.3

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Essential Practices to Nurture Maternal Health

The Role of Nutrition

Daily Physical Exercises

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Pelvic Floor Therapy

Healthy Sleep

Health Issues During Pregnancy

Are Herbs Safe During Pregnancy?

The Importance of Self-Care

Bathing

Clothing

Signs and Symptoms

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Botanical Medicine

Mechanism of action

Safety and Considerations

Eczema Cream

Oat Salve for
Dry, Itchy Skin