Probiotics are live microorganisms found in your gut and fermented treats, such as yogurts or kimchi, as well as supplements, that can deliver a wider array of benefits to your health when taken in adequate amounts. You may be thinking about the irony of ingesting bacteria to promote health when most bacteria you have been acquainted with are known to cause disease. However, it is important to know that not all bacteria are pathogenic. This means that good bacteria exist, and these wonderful microorganisms help strengthen your body’s natural abilities to protect itself.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are microorganisms, such as yeast or bacteria, that are harmless and able to survive in the body to help prevent and manage diseases caused by pathogenic foreign invaders and immune dysfunction. These microorganisms help nurture the growth of your body’s natural flora and inhibits the growth of bad microbes in the body, thereby promoting optimal balance within.1 Additionally, probiotics strengthen your body’s abilities to synthesize antimicrobial factors that prevent pathogens from binding to cells and causing disease!
Did you know?
Probiotics are actually found in many areas of the body! These essential microorganisms do not only inhabit your stomach and intestines.
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Botanical Medicine
And many more!
It is important to remember that many herbs are contraindicated when you have certain health risks. In discovering the best herbal remedies for your case and preferences, talking to your naturopathic doctors is essential.
Nutrient Supplementation
Estrogen decline during menopause will affect the integrity of your vaginal lining, making it thin and dry. This may not only cause painful sexual intercourse, but also increase your risks of developing infections in your vagina. To prevent this from affecting your sexual and immune health, supplementing your diet with vitamin D may be beneficial. Vitamin D and calcium supplements is also helpful in preventing osteoporosis (brittle bones) caused by reduced estrogen levels; your naturopathic doctor can help determine if you should supplement.
- Black cohosh (Actea racemosa). Black cohosh is a phytoestrogen (a plant compound that mimics sex hormones produced in the body) that helps relieve symptoms of menopause.3 It helps alleviate hot flushes, especially those intense types, and improves your overall mood!
- Ginseng (Angelica sinensis). Ginseng, in combination with Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), is effective in reducing hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause.4 This wonderful combination also helps improve the quality of your sleep.
- Hops (Humulus lupulus). Hops helps reduce inflammation and acts as a phytoestrogen, thereby relieving menopausal symptoms and protecting your body against the long-term effects of estrogen loss.5 It also has antimicrobial properties that helps protect you against infections!
And many more!
It is important to remember that many herbs are contraindicated when you have certain health risks. In discovering the best herbal remedies for your case and preferences, talking to your naturopathic doctors is essential.
Nutrient Supplementation
Estrogen decline during menopause will affect the integrity of your vaginal lining, making it thin and dry. This may not only cause painful sexual intercourse, but also increase your risks of developing infections in your vagina. To prevent this from affecting your sexual and immune health, supplementing your diet with vitamin D may be beneficial. Vitamin D and calcium supplements is also helpful in preventing osteoporosis (brittle bones) caused by reduced estrogen levels; your naturopathic doctor can help determine if you should supplement.
The Key to Graceful Aging
Menopause is a natural phase in life that affects the overall well-being of people who menstruate. Although menopause can affect your physical and emotional well-being, it should not be considered a disease or medical disorder. The key to surviving and thriving in menopause is supporting your body as it goes through extreme changes in its effort to age gracefully. At Natural Path to Wellness, we will help you discover the best holistic strategies to help you in your journey through menopause and transition to another wonderful life phase. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Peacock K, Carlson K, Ketvertis KM. Menopause. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; December 21, 2023.
- Delgado BJ, Lopez-Ojeda W. Estrogen. [Updated 2023 Jun 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538260/
- Castelo-Branco C, Navarro C, Beltrán E, Losa F, Camacho M; on the behalf of the Natural Products Study Group of the Spanish Menopause Society. Black cohosh efficacy and safety for menopausal symptoms. The Spanish Menopause Society statement. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2022;38(5):379-384. doi:10.1080/09513590.2022.2056591
- Johnson A, Roberts L, Elkins G. Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Menopause. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2019;24:2515690X19829380. doi:10.1177/2515690X19829380
- Vahedpoorfard Z, Ferdosi S, Rahimi H, Motedayyen H. Effect of Humulus lupulus L. (Hop) on Postmenopausal Sexual Dysfunction: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pract. 2023;2023:9528335. Published 2023 Apr 17. doi:10.1155/2023/9528335
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition that affects your central nervous system (a.k.a., the entirety of your brain), causing problems associated with vision, movement, thinking, and other regulatory processes that allow your body to function effectively everyday! The main problem that triggers the development of this debilitating disease is inflammation that attacks your central nervous system in what appears to be a form of autoimmune dysfunction. Multiple sclerosis is tricky in that its clinical course is extremely variable. It may initially cause mild, un-alarming symptoms that rapidly progress into an incapacitating disease that requires an extensive, holistic health plan targeting your lifestyle choices, maintenance supplements and medications, and whole body routines that nurture your brain and the functions it is responsible for everyday.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
The exact cause behind multiple sclerosis is yet to be discovered. However, its progression is severely affected by inflammation that causes demyelination of nerves (damage to the protective layer of myelin wrapped around the nerve to help deliver signals fast and accurately to organs and cells within the body) and neurodegeneration (a.k.a., destruction of the very cells that make up your nervous system). This inflammation begins when your T-helper cells, a specific type of white blood cell, become activated, causing them to attach to the lining of your central nervous system, cross the blood-brain barrier which filters out toxins from the blood and supplies the brain with nutrients, and attack the very cells they were supposed to protect, eventually causing damage and destruction.1 Different factors can affect the progression of multiple sclerosis, including environmental elements, genetic predisposition, infection, chemical or environmental toxin exposure, and immune dysfunction.
Signs and Symptoms
Multiple sclerosis may occur abruptly or insidiously. This means that people with multiple sclerosis may experience sudden bouts of severe symptoms, while others may have very mild symptoms to the point that they may not think of these as needing appropriate medical attention! Since your brain is responsible for regulating a wide variety of processes everyday, symptoms of multiple sclerosis generally depend on the location and severity of lesions within the brain. These may include vision problems or loss, vertigo, dizziness, impaired swallowing, difficulty speaking, weakness, tremors, tingling sensations, problems with urinating or having a bowel movement, and difficulty concentrating or recalling snippets of your past memories.1 These symptoms can be transient, waxing and waning over a period of days to months. Often, this is followed by a period with no symptoms at all, which can last months to years.
Allopathic Treatments
Multiple sclerosis is conventionally managed with disease modifying therapies (DMT) consisting of medications that can help decrease lesions and damage within the brain.1 Additionally, supportive management is also used to manage your unique symptoms. This includes the use of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and discomfort. However, people with severe disease or those having neurodegenerative cases may not fully benefit from this therapeutic regimen.
The Naturopathic Approach
Naturopathic care for multiple sclerosis aims to nurture optimal well-being through incorporating different strategies that target multiple aspects of your health.
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Mitochondrial
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Supports Healthy Nerves
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Helps Reduce Inflammation
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Nutrient Supplementation
- Essential fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have immunomodulatory properties that will help regulate your immune response and reduce inflammation that can promote the progression of multiple sclerosis through stabilizing cytokine levels in the blood.2
- Lipoic acid. This wonderful supplement has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties that can help taper down the progression of multiple sclerosis and reduce chances of relapse.2 Additionally, lipoic acid has wonderful antioxidant properties that can help regenerate vitamin E, glutathione, and vitamin C, which are other forms of antioxidants that can help repair damaged tissues.2
- Vitamin D. Low vitamin D levels in the body can increase your risk of experiencing severe symptoms when you have multiple sclerosis. In fact, majority (84%) of people previously diagnosed with multiple sclerosis also have deficiencies in vitamin D.2 The benefits of vitamin D supplementation in people with multiple sclerosis is rooted in its abilities to disrupt the abilities of inflammatory cells to enter your brain.2 Since vitamin D can be over-supplemented leading to toxicity, you should have your levels checked prior to, and during, supplementation.
Lifestyle Changes
Did you know? Healthcare providers in the past used to ban people with multiple sclerosis from exercising because they previously believed that higher body temperature and use of nerve fibers from exercise can worsen disease symptoms and affect the course of illness!2 This belief has been debunked as medicine learns more about the nature of multiple sclerosis. Presently, regular physical activity and exercise are known to be beneficial in improving cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis.2
Regular exercise is also critical for helping to maintain function and mobility as you manage your condition. Your exercise routine may need to be optimized to help you maintain or improve your strength and activity levels while preventing increasing inflammation or over-fatiguing your muscles, but there is no need to give up enjoyable physical activities. Additionally, regular exercise can improve your heart health, metabolic functions, bone strength, mood, and blood sugar levels, thereby nurturing other aspects of your health!
Stress Reduction Techniques
Stress can worsen multiple sclerosis symptoms and increase your risks of having disease exacerbations, as this phenomenon creates more lesions in the brain.2 Hence, managing your stress levels through nurturing the connection between your mind and body can help prevent these consequences. Mind-body practices such as yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Take note: Talking to your healthcare provider before exploring different options for your health and changing your treatment regimen is essential. This is to ensure that the regimen you are taking is best for your optimal health. Additionally, this step helps prevent unwanted effects that may cause more harm than good to your body.
Nurturing Your Brain Health
Multiple sclerosis can affect different processes within the body, causing unique sets of symptoms that can inevitably affect your day-to-day lives. This is why following a personalized and holistic approach that targets nutrition, supplementation, lifestyle changes, and medications (whether conventional or botanical) is important to achieve remission and nurture optimal well-being. At Natural Path to Wellness, we will help you in every step of this road to wellness. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Tafti D, Ehsan M, Xixis KL. Multiple Sclerosis. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; March 20, 2024.
- Pizzorno JE, Murray MT. Textbook of Natural Medicine. Elsevier; 2021.
The benefits of collagen for your body are a controversial topic in the medical industry, especially since the opinions of medical practitioners towards its efficacy has been divided for years. In understanding whether or not collagen is truly effective, we should first understand the different preparations of collagen, as well as how it is being absorbed and utilized by the cells in the body. For menopausal women who inevitably suffer from decreased skin elasticity and bone density, collagen can actually help prevent the rapid progression of these losses, making sure that you are able to age gracefully.
Understanding Collagen
Being one of the most important proteins in the body, collagen is formed from different types of amino acids, namely glycine, hydroxyproline, and proline, which are coiled into each other to create a very stable structure that helps form your body tissues together.1 Collagen can be found almost anywhere in the body, including your skin, bones, teeth, muscles, organs, and blood vessels. In fact, collagen can also be found in animals! This means that the wonders of collagen in maintaining structural integrity is not only limited to humans. In cases of collagen supplementation, we can get this essential protein from many sources!
The wonders of collagen in maintaining your body’s healthy state cannot be understated. Collagen not only helps in the development of your organs, but also repairs wounds and damaged tissues.1 Additionally, collagen plays a vital part in bone development and remodeling, which is a process that normally declines as you age. Did you know? Your body actually begins to lose collagen from 18-29 years old and eventually will lose around 1% per year after you reach 40 years old.1 By the time you reach 80 years old, your body’s collagen production decreases to up to 75% (of its own original production) compared to your younger peers!
The wonders of collagen in maintaining your body’s healthy state cannot be understated. Collagen not only helps in the development of your organs, but also repairs wounds and damaged tissues.1 Additionally, collagen plays a vital part in bone development and remodeling, which is a process that normally declines as you age. Did you know? Your body actually begins to lose collagen from 18-29 years old and eventually will lose around 1% per year after you reach 40 years old.1 By the time you reach 80 years old, your body’s collagen production decreases to up to 75% (of its own original production) compared to your younger peers!
The Benefits of Collagen Supplementation
- Bone health. Taking collagen supplements can help nurture bone mineral density, which measures the amount of calcium and minerals present in the bone that make it strong and less likely to get broken.2
- Skin integrity. Collagen supplementation can help increase the activity of fibroblasts (cells that help form tissues) in the skin and hair. This strengthens the structure and functions of your skin, especially its role in protecting your body from harm due to pathogens in the environment. Collagen hydrolysate, in particular, can help prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which accounts for water loss from the surface of the skin and shows the integrity of your skin barrier. It can also help reduce wrinkles and nurture the skin’s elasticity.
- Hair & Nail health. Collagen helps regulate blood flow to your hair follicles, thereby nurturing keratin formation that strengthens and protects your hair from damage. Interestingly, keratin also makes up your nails! Hence, the increase in blood flow due to collagen can help keep your nails strong and healthy, especially as you age.
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The Naturopathic Approach
With the controversies associated with collagen supplements and their massive available variations in the market, it is important that you should first talk to your naturopathic doctors to discover the right supplements for your health. Additionally, the wonders of collagen for your health can only be fully experienced through nurturing your holistic well-being.
Curious to learn more? Talk to us today!
Curious to learn more? Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- León-López A, Morales-Peñaloza A, Martínez-Juárez VM, Vargas-Torres A, Zeugolis DI, Aguirre-Álvarez G. Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications. Molecules. 2019;24(22):4031. Published 2019 Nov 7. doi:10.3390/molecules24224031
- Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, König D. Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides in Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: Long-Term Observation in Postmenopausal Women. J Bone Metab. 2021;28(3):207-213. doi:10.11005/jbm.2021.28.3.207
Your stomach is a vital organ that is very susceptible to inflammation from infection, injury, and irritation, especially since it receives food from the mouth (which may contain foreign pathogens) and breaks them down into particles for your intestines to absorb essential nutrients that your body needs to remain healthy. In people with peptic ulcer disease (PUD), the protective function of their stomach is impaired, leading to ulcerations that can severely affect quality of life and overall well-being.
Understanding Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) occurs due to an imbalance in the protective and damaging forces present in the gastrointestinal tract. Although the condition may occur in any part of the GI tract, it most commonly affects the last part of the stomach and the first portion of the small intestine.4 Years ago, most people with PUD were infected with Helicobacter pylori. However, with improvements on sanitation and the growing use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and fever, the trends eventually shifted. Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that thrives in the stomach of some people which can cause inflammation that can damage the stomach lining. The microorganism does this by decreasing the protective mucus that is present in the stomach, allowing gastric acid to destroy healthy cells. Currently, the rising rates of PUD have been associated with the use of NSAIDs, which can cause damage to the protective layer of your stomach. Ibuprofen or aspirin blocks COX-1, which is an enzyme that helps protect the stomach lining. Once blocked, the production of mucus in the stomach decreases and its protective properties diminish. Curious to learn more about the effects of NSAIDs to your stomach lining? We have the perfect blog post for you!
Signs and Symptoms
People with peptic ulcer disease experience episodes of burning or aching epigastric pain (pain located on the upper middle part of your abdomen). This gruesome pain typically happens 1-3 hours after eating and can be worse at night. The tricky part is that pain in PUD can be relieved by food or non-acidic drinks. Aside from abdominal pain, you may also experience bloating, nausea, and vomiting, all of which can affect your daily activities. In severe cases, PUDs can put you at risk of having GI bleeding, malnutrition, or cancer, since damage to your stomach lining can affect the integrity of blood vessels that supplies its cells the energy to function, impair the absorption of essential nutrients, and cause chronic irritation that can lead to the development of malignant cells. The good news is that peptic ulcers can actually spontaneously heal without having to go to treatment or therapy. However, the risks of developing additional ulcers should prompt you to take charge of your health and explore natural options that target and eradicate the cause of persistent erosions.
Allopathic Options
Conventional treatment strategies for peptic ulcer disease focus on eliminating H. pylori through antibiotics and reducing stomach acid through H-2 receptor antagonists, such as ranitidine, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI), such as omeprazole. Additional supplementation may be needed when using PPIs, since their prolonged use can lead to malnutrition and may increase your risks of getting bone fractures.4 Bismuth may also be taken in addition to antibiotics and PPIs when these two become ineffective in managing PUD. These medications can help treat the symptoms of peptic ulcer, but they do not treat the underlying cause or aid in nourishing the body.
Naturopathic Options
The naturopathic approach in managing peptic ulcer disease focuses on nurturing whole body health through lifestyle and food modifications, supplementation, herbal remedies, and stress reduction, which are all aimed at targeting the root cause of inflammation and breaking the cycle of ulceration. Simply put, naturopathic care aims to correct the cause of dysfunction, eliminate pathogens like H. pylori, healing the stomach and intestinal lining, and replace any lost nutrients. Additionally, people with long-term NSAID use are more likely to suffer from conditions that need immediate and frequent pain relief. Targeting the root cause of their health problem may ultimately prevent them from using NSAIDs in the first place!
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Stress Reduction
Exposure to stressful events and environments can affect acid secretion in the stomach and cause unwanted irritation to the lining that eventually results in ulceration. Hence, your stress levels severely affect regulatory processes within the body! Identifying and reducing stressors with your naturopathic doctors not only help nurture balance within the body, but also challenges yourself to become more proactive and conscious in maintaining optimal health.
Botanical Medicine
- Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis). Marshmallow root contains healing properties that help coat the lining of your esophagus and stomach, thereby forming a barrier that protects your gastric wall from acid and damage.1
- Licorice (Radix glycyrrhizae). Licorice can be a safer and effective alternative to bismuth, which is the drug of choice that helps protect your stomach from destructive acid and pepsin secretions by acting as a barrier while enhancing mucus secretion at the same time.1 Licorice root can increase your blood pressure so, as always, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.
- Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra). Aside from its wonders in healing sore throat, slippery elm helps nurture the protective barrier of the stomach by stimulating mucus production, thereby coating irritated or ulcered lining.2 This wonderful plant can also help improve your bowel habits and reduce problems with constipation.1
L-glutamine Supplementation
As the most abundant amino acid that helps maintain regulatory processes in the body, L-glutamine supports the optimal functioning of your gastrointestinal tract. Glutamine helps regulate the production of inflammatory markers and proliferation of white blood cells, thereby nurturing your defenses against infection and irritation.3 Supplementing your diet with L-glutamine also helps meet the metabolic demands of the body during metabolic stress, such as peptic ulcer disease.3
Nurturing Your Gastric Health
The role that your stomach plays is not only limited to breaking down food particles for absorption. It also helps secrete enzymes that help regulate the processes within your gastrointestinal tract. With food particles that may contain toxins and pathogens entering the stomach everyday, keeping your stomach strong and healthy is important to nurture innate protective factors that safeguard it from infections and ulcerations.
Do you want to learn how? Take the Natural Path to Wellness today!
Do you want to learn how? Take the Natural Path to Wellness today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Mohiuddin AK. Alternative Treatments for Minor GI Ailments [retracted in: Innov Pharm. 2020 Feb 25;11(1). doi: 10.24926/iip.v11i1.3940]. Innov Pharm. 2019;10(3):10.24926/iip.v10i3.1659. Published 2019 Jul 5. doi:10.24926/iip.v10i3.1659
- Slippery Elm. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; January 5, 2024.
- Perna S, Alalwan TA, Alaali Z, et al. The Role of Glutamine in the Complex Interaction between Gut Microbiota and Health: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(20):5232. Published 2019 Oct 22. doi:10.3390/ijms20205232
- Malik TF, Gnanapandithan K, Singh K. Peptic Ulcer Disease. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; June 5, 2023.
Migraine attacks are widespread and long-term causes of headaches that can lead to disability and loss of productivity. According to the American Migraine Foundation, 1 in 4 Americans experiences migraine headaches, with over 90% of individuals reporting its terrible effects on their social, academic, and professional activities. The total indirect cost of migraines is estimated to be $19.3 billion in the United States, with 81% of this amount due to loss of productivity from being absent during migraine attacks. Despite being the second most common neurological problem all over the world, people with migraines are often undiagnosed and self-medicate.1 Hence, its impacts on daily activities and healthcare costs remain unrecognized and underestimated. While numerous allopathic treatments are available to alleviate migraine symptoms, these are commonly associated with serious side effects that may affect your overall health and well-being in the long run. Understanding the importance of avoiding triggers and incorporating natural approaches to assist your body as it maintains its inherent balance should take precedence to promote healing without having to compromise other valuable aspects of your health.
Understanding Migraines
Migraine is associated with episodes of mild-to-severe throbbing or pulsating headaches. About 1/3 of individuals with migraine experience a brief neurological disturbance called a migraine aura.1 The reason as to why migraines develop are not fully understood, but is currently believed to be associated with the release of powerful peptides that can cause blood vessels in the brain to expand, resulting in inflammation and activation of your pain receptors, eventually causing headache and pain. Risks of having migraine headaches are predominantly influenced by genetic predisposition to the condition, with environmental triggers, such as stress, hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, inadequate intake of food, lack of sleep, excessive sleep, certain odors, light exposure, alcohol use, and smoking, increasing your chances of experiencing migraine attacks.1
Migraine attacks typically present in phases:
Migraine attacks typically present in phases:
- Prodrome: early warning symptoms due to the activation of your hypothalamus. Changes in mood, weakness, light or sound sensitivity, vision problems, food cravings, sweating, hyperactivity, chills, and neck discomfort are common symptoms during this phase.
- Aura: fully reversible symptoms which may happen before or during the headache. During this phase, you may experience tingling sensations on one side of your face, arms, or legs, see bright shapes, hear ringing noises, or have reduced or loss of senses. Symptoms are gradual and occur in a span of less than 60 minutes.
- Headache: pulsatile or throbbing discomfort that commonly occurs on one side of the head which may last for hours or days. During this phase, you may experience stomach problems, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, runny nose, watery eyes, and sensitivity to touch or smell.
- Postdrome: discomfort that worsens with movement occurring on the same side as the headache. During this phase, you may feel exhausted, dizzy, or have problems concentrating.
Food Triggers
Several foods may trigger migraine attacks within an hour of intake, while other people may experience headache up to 12 hours after intake.2
It is important to note that food triggers for migraine attacks are associated with many factors and may be different for each person. Foods that may cause you to experience headaches may not cause migraine attacks to other people! Learning more about your personal food triggers and how these can precipitate migraine attacks are essential in reducing the duration, severity, or frequency of migraine attacks. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to helping you make food and lifestyle decisions that will assist your body as it naturally heals itself to prevent future migraines. Through exploring the benefits of intuitive eating practices, we assist you in becoming more conscious in selecting foods that help your body thrive and eliminating ingredients that increase the severity and frequency of your migraine attacks.
- Alcohol (wine and beer)
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Processed meats
- Nuts
- Dairy products (milk and cheese)
- Food containing monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Artificial sweeteners (aspartame)
It is important to note that food triggers for migraine attacks are associated with many factors and may be different for each person. Foods that may cause you to experience headaches may not cause migraine attacks to other people! Learning more about your personal food triggers and how these can precipitate migraine attacks are essential in reducing the duration, severity, or frequency of migraine attacks. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to helping you make food and lifestyle decisions that will assist your body as it naturally heals itself to prevent future migraines. Through exploring the benefits of intuitive eating practices, we assist you in becoming more conscious in selecting foods that help your body thrive and eliminating ingredients that increase the severity and frequency of your migraine attacks.
The Role of Stress
Stress is a natural phenomenon where your body responds physiologically and psychosocially to perceived dangers, challenges, or obstacles from your interaction with your environment. Did you know? Stress is the most common self-reported trigger for migraine headaches! Stress and migraines generally have a complex and collateral relationship, since frequent migraine attacks may also increase your stress levels.3 Identifying stressors which can trigger your migraine attacks and learning to avoid them through lifestyle adjustments and mind-body techniques with the guidance of your naturopathic medicine advisors not only prevents you from having migraine headaches, but also promotes positive mental outlook and well-being.
Screen Time and Migraines
Most of us have become accustomed to starting and ending our day by checking our smartphones and laptops for work, school, or entertainment. Especially with the growing number of people who use social media, it has become an undeniable reality that screens have become integral to our daily lives. However, spending so much time looking at your screen may impose several negative health consequences, especially towards your mental health, metabolic health, and sleep. Looking at digital displays for long periods of time can cause digital eye strain and eye fatigue, which may precipitate a headache.4 Additionally, flickering lights emitted by screens can trigger migraine headaches because of how your eyes need to constantly adjust to changes in emitting light.4 Generally, the amount of time spent in front of your computer, tablet, or smartphone screens increases your frequency of experiencing migraine headaches! Taking charge of your health and controlling the amount of time spent on your screens in a given period of time are few practices that minimize your risk of experiencing migraine attacks.
Allopathic Options for Migraine
Migraine attacks are conventionally treated based on the severity of your symptoms, with over-the-counter pain relievers (analgesics), such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin (Excedrin), diclofenac potassium (Cataflam), and ibuprofen (Advil) used for mild headaches.1 Severe headaches, on the other hand, are usually managed with prescription triptans. Using the allopathic approach, simple analgesics are initially taken with the possibility of shifting to stronger medications if symptoms are still present during the same migraine episode. Despite its effectiveness in relieving discomfort, analgesics only act to rewire how your brain perceives pain signals, tricking your body into believing there is no actual pain.
Take note: allopathic medications are used to temporarily alleviate migraine symptoms; these do not address the underlying triggers or causes of your migraine attacks. To avoid a cycle of recurrent headaches, it is important to identify and manage your personal triggers, rather than using medications to mask symptoms.
Allopathic approaches are not without safety risks. Chronic medication use has long-term effects that can cause liver or kidney damage, as these medications are extensively metabolized by the liver before reaching the bloodstream and filtered by the kidneys after use. Anti-seizure medications used to prevent chronic migraine in some patients may cause memory deficits and problems in cognitive function.6 Prescription triptans, in particular, may lead to temporary or permanent blindness or loss of vision. Some may have other health conditions that can be worsened by taking medications to manage migraine attacks, doing more harm than good. Additionally, you may have relapse of migraine attacks within 48 hours of experiencing relief after taking medications, which may increase the risk of overuse and overdose.
Take note: allopathic medications are used to temporarily alleviate migraine symptoms; these do not address the underlying triggers or causes of your migraine attacks. To avoid a cycle of recurrent headaches, it is important to identify and manage your personal triggers, rather than using medications to mask symptoms.
Allopathic approaches are not without safety risks. Chronic medication use has long-term effects that can cause liver or kidney damage, as these medications are extensively metabolized by the liver before reaching the bloodstream and filtered by the kidneys after use. Anti-seizure medications used to prevent chronic migraine in some patients may cause memory deficits and problems in cognitive function.6 Prescription triptans, in particular, may lead to temporary or permanent blindness or loss of vision. Some may have other health conditions that can be worsened by taking medications to manage migraine attacks, doing more harm than good. Additionally, you may have relapse of migraine attacks within 48 hours of experiencing relief after taking medications, which may increase the risk of overuse and overdose.
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The Naturopathic Approach
Rather than masking symptoms of migraine attacks, the naturopathic approach to migraine headaches focuses on identifying solutions to the problem. Through targeting the root cause of your problem, we work towards lasting change, deep and personal healing, and non-drug preventative strategies that will assist your body’s healing journey without having to deal with the unwanted effects from medication use. Your personalized therapeutic plan is designed to help you achieve your health goals and make changes essential to assist your body as it heals itself. Through this strategy, we aim to improve your quality of life and achieve lasting health. Exploring herbal medicine options and adopting lifestyle changes may seem like a daunting process, but time passes by swiftly regardless, and we are here to help make every moment in your health journey count! In this naturopathic care journey, we make sure to help you in every meaningful progress towards achieving your health goals.
The naturopathic approach focuses on:
Talking to your naturopathic medicine advisors about your personal experience with migraine attacks will help guide you as you make conscious and informed choices for your health. With a wide variety of allopathic and naturopathic options to help in managing your condition, understanding what approach is best for your overall health is essential in making sure that your migraine attacks are alleviated without compromising other essential aspects of your health and well-being. To learn how to work with us to prevent and manage your migraines, talk to us today!
The naturopathic approach focuses on:
- Nutrition and Nutrient Supplementation: Planning and eating meals that encourage you to be conscious of which foods feel right for your body and avoid ingredients which can trigger migraine headaches, as well as maintaining adequate magnesium levels in the body through intake of magnesium supplements and magnesium-rich food help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
- Lifestyle Changes: Following an active and healthy lifestyle, in addition to avoiding triggers, reduces risks of experiencing migraine attacks since exercising regularly helps modulate your body’s response to stress and inflammation.
- Botanical Medicine: Butterbur (Petasites hybridus), Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), and ginger (Zingiber officinale) are herbs with anti-inflammatory properties that help minimize the frequency of migraine attacks.
- Hydrotherapy: having a hot foot soak while applying cold compresses on the back of the neck causes local constriction of blood vessels followed by their reflexive dilation, facilitating blood flow and relieving migraine attacks caused by inflammation and blood vessel constriction.5
Talking to your naturopathic medicine advisors about your personal experience with migraine attacks will help guide you as you make conscious and informed choices for your health. With a wide variety of allopathic and naturopathic options to help in managing your condition, understanding what approach is best for your overall health is essential in making sure that your migraine attacks are alleviated without compromising other essential aspects of your health and well-being. To learn how to work with us to prevent and manage your migraines, talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
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:
- Eigenbrodt AK, Ashina H, Khan S, et al. Diagnosis and management of migraine in ten steps. Nat Rev Neurol. 2021;17(8):501-514. doi:10.1038/s41582-021-00509-5
- Zaeem Z, Zhou L, Dilli E. Headaches: a Review of the Role of Dietary Factors. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2016;16(11):101. doi:10.1007/s11910-016-0702-1
- Stubberud A, Buse DC, Kristoffersen ES, Linde M, Tronvik E. Is there a causal relationship between stress and migraine? Current evidence and implications for management. J Headache Pain. 2021;22(1):155. Published 2021 Dec 20. doi:10.1186/s10194-021-01369-6
Endometriosis is a painful condition that has affected the lives of women who menstruate. It occurs when endometrial tissue grows in other areas aside from the wall of the uterus, which is where it is originally found. Unfortunately, endometriosis is a predominant cause of infertility, causing a variety of psychological and physical stresses to those who want to build a family.
Understanding Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial glands and stroma develop outside the uterus, commonly involving the uterus but with high tendency to affect different pelvic structures.1 The causes of endometriosis vary and may be due to immune dysfunction, hormonal imbalance primarily driven by excess estrogen levels, retrograde menstruation, or a combination of these factors. Retrograde menstruation is a phenomenon that occurs when there is backflow of blood back into the peritoneum (a lining that protects most organs in your abdomen) from the Fallopian tubes (structures that connect your ovaries to your uterus) during your period.1 This can cause oxidative stress, which damages to cells and tissues in high amounts.3 Estrogen, as previously mentioned, plays a huge part in endometriosis since it is the primary hormone that is responsible for the development and expansion of your endometrium. Genetic factors may also play a role in its development. However, not one cause has been known to fully explain the signs and symptoms associated with the disease.
There are different clinical subtypes of endometriosis, each of which may severely affect your overall health and well-being. Although signs and symptoms of each subtype may be unique and mimic other medical conditions, these may overlap with each other when not properly diagnosed. Talking to your healthcare provider is essential in diagnosing your unique case and exploring the best options for your optimal health and wellness.
There are different clinical subtypes of endometriosis, each of which may severely affect your overall health and well-being. Although signs and symptoms of each subtype may be unique and mimic other medical conditions, these may overlap with each other when not properly diagnosed. Talking to your healthcare provider is essential in diagnosing your unique case and exploring the best options for your optimal health and wellness.
Signs and Symptoms
People with endometriosis typically have pelvic pain and problems with fertility, but the signs and symptoms of the condition and their duration may be unique to each case. However, chances of endometriosis may be high if you experience pain during sex, defecation, urination, or menstruation.1 This pain may be chronic and progress over time. Interestingly, some individuals with severe endometriosis have allodynia, which causes them to feel excruciating pain even when a non-painful object or stimulus is applied! This occurs secondary to nerve damage from invasion of abnormal endometrial cells, disrupting your brain’s ability to sense and respond to pain.
Allopathic Options
Allopathic treatment options for endometriosis focus on improving fertility and reducing disease symptoms. This can be achieved through hormonal contraception that predominantly contains progesterone, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists), or aromatase inhibitors, all of which aim to reduce excessive estrogen levels by blocking its formation. Although beneficial, the use of contraceptive hormones may put you at risk of vitamin B and folate deficiencies, aside from the high possibility of having mood swings, abnormal bleeding, and headaches, which are common side effects associated with contraceptive pills. Surgical removal of abnormal tissue can also be done in severe cases.
The Naturopathic Approach
Since endometriosis is primarily driven by inflammation or hormonal imbalance, the goal of naturopathic medicine for people with endometriosis is to reduce inflammation and regulate estrogen levels, thereby relieving and preventing flare-ups.
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture helps relieve dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) from endometriosis by nurturing the movement of blood and preventing its stagnation, thereby promoting balance within.5
Supplementation
High levels of estrogen have been associated with dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability. Dysbiosis happens when there is an imbalance in the natural variation of your normal gut’s normal microbiota. Increased intestinal permeability, on the other hand, occurs from the disruption of your gut’s naturally strong barrier, allowing unwanted microorganisms and substances to easily pass through it and enter the body. These two processes promote inflammation. Increasing fiber intake, eating foods rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients such as garlic and ginger, and supplementing your diet with probiotics and fish oils, are simple yet impactful practices that can help avoid this problem and nurture your intestinal health at the same time. Additionally, if needed, supplementation with zinc, vitamin D, and selenium can help support your body’s natural ability to prevent the build-up of abnormal tissue by promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Botanical Medicine
Several herbs work wonders in managing endometriosis by exerting multiple effects that help prevent the growth of abnormal tissue and build-up of unwanted structures. These include:
- Crampbark (Viburnum opulus). Commonly found in Europe, this herb is traditionally used to manage cough, inflammation, pain, colds, and gastrointestinal problems due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Its wonder in managing endometriosis comes from its abundant levels of chlorogenic acid, which helps decrease the size of abnormal endometrial tissue and their adhesion to improper sites in the body.2
- Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata). Native in India, this herb has been used for centuries to manage inflammatory conditions. Its ability to reduce oxidative stress effectively decreases the size of abnormal endometrial glands and tissues, in addition to nurturing oxidative balance within the body.3
- Curcumin (Curcuma longa). This universal kitchen staple exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, preventing the abnormal proliferation and spread of endometrial glands outside the uterus. Interestingly, curcumin also inhibits the development of new blood vessels that support abnormal tissues, preventing them from thriving outside their intended location in the body.4
And many more!
Talk to us to discover the best options for your health.
It is important to remember that the use of herbs may be contraindicated in some cases, especially during pregnancy or lactation. Additionally, medications you are currently taking may cause unwanted side effects when combined with specific herbs. Talking to your healthcare provider and naturopathic doctor will help you discover the best natural options for your well-being without putting your health and your baby’s well-being at risk.
Nurturing Your Uterine Health
The health of your reproductive organs can affect both your physical and mental well-being. Despite being a chronic condition, endometriosis flare-ups can be prevented with the right natural solutions for your unique case. The naturopathic approach for endometriosis aims to help your body restore and nurture its ability to protect itself from internal and external factors that can cause dysregulation and unwanted growth. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are here to guide you throughout this journey. Take the natural path with us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
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:
- Tsamantioti ES, Mahdy H. Endometriosis. [Updated 2023 Jan 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567777/
- Kajszczak D, Zakłos-Szyda M, Podsędek A. Viburnum opulus L.-A Review of Phytochemistry and Biological Effects. Nutrients. 2020;12(11):3398. Published 2020 Nov 5. doi:10.3390/nu12113398
- D'Amico R, Impellizzeri D, Cordaro M, et al. Regulation of Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress by Oral Boswellia Serrata Gum Resin Extract in a Rat Model of Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(23):15348. Published 2022 Dec 5. doi:10.3390/ijms232315348
- Arablou T, Kolahdouz-Mohammadi R. Curcumin and endometriosis: Review on potential roles and molecular mechanisms. Biomed Pharmacother. 2018;97:91-97. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2017.10.119
- Yu WY, Ma LX, Zhang Z, et al. Acupuncture for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Potential Mechanism from an Anti-Inflammatory Perspective. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:1907009. Published 2021 Dec 3. doi:10.1155/2021/1907009
If we can only choose three herbs among hundreds of wonderful plants that effectively relieve stress and induce relaxation, we cannot help but give our vote to lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang. Aside from their wonderful effects on stress relief, these three herbs smell wonderful (making you want to spend more time dozing off in the bedroom). Additionally, these essential oils are highly likely to be available in your local health food stores, so you can have stress-free nights and not worry about running out of your relaxing staples.
What is Stress?
Stress is a normal phenomenon that we experience every single day, even from the moment we wake up in the morning! It is a form of response that occurs from the interaction between your body and the outside environment. Healthy levels of stress are actually beneficial for our bodies as these trigger regulatory and adaptive processes that keep our body working and alive! The problem occurs when we experience so much stress that our bodies are having a hard time compensating for daily demands. In situations that can trigger high levels of stress, your body’s ability to cope can go haywire and cause you to experience headache, fatigue, and an overwhelming set of emotions, thereby affecting your mood and productivity all day!
Herbs for Stress Relief
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As we are primarily responsible for the optimal health of our bodies, we should explore the best options that will keep it alive and healthy!
1. Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is an effective herbal remedy to manage stress from the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) plant family, which has a rich history of medicinal use due to its antimicrobial effects.1 Lavender, particularly, is famously used in the beauty, food, and perfume industries due to its ability in adding delectable flavors and color to food, as well as unforgettable scents. The powerful effects of lavender for relaxation and stress relief comes from its most abundant active component, linalool, which can cause sedation through interacting with inhibitory transmitters in the brain. Lavender essential oil creates a sense of relaxation through activating various sensory receptors in the brain to produce endorphins (a hormone in the body that is activated to relieve pain and stimulate feelings of euphoria) and serotonin (a hormone that helps regulate your mood, digestion, memory, and circadian rhythm). The effects of lavender essential oil is comparable to benzodiazepines, which are drugs that increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter used to help regulate brain activities and relieve over-excitation that may trigger seizures and anxiety.1
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is an effective herbal remedy to manage stress from the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) plant family, which has a rich history of medicinal use due to its antimicrobial effects.1 Lavender, particularly, is famously used in the beauty, food, and perfume industries due to its ability in adding delectable flavors and color to food, as well as unforgettable scents. The powerful effects of lavender for relaxation and stress relief comes from its most abundant active component, linalool, which can cause sedation through interacting with inhibitory transmitters in the brain. Lavender essential oil creates a sense of relaxation through activating various sensory receptors in the brain to produce endorphins (a hormone in the body that is activated to relieve pain and stimulate feelings of euphoria) and serotonin (a hormone that helps regulate your mood, digestion, memory, and circadian rhythm). The effects of lavender essential oil is comparable to benzodiazepines, which are drugs that increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter used to help regulate brain activities and relieve over-excitation that may trigger seizures and anxiety.1
2. Chamomile
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) belongs to the Asteraceae plant family, which originates from Europe and Asia. This wonderful herb has been used for centuries in relieving flatulence and bloating, exerting antimicrobial effects that help prevent and heal infections, and reducing stress and anxiety.2 Its wonders in relieving stress comes from its flavonoid component, apigenin, which helps modulate gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, helping you to relax after a hectic day. Chamomile essential oil also helps improve sleep quality, especially when you have problems with falling asleep and staying asleep at night.3 The plant’s antioxidant properties also help address oxidative stress, which can disrupt key processes in the body, such as the circadian rhythm.4
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) belongs to the Asteraceae plant family, which originates from Europe and Asia. This wonderful herb has been used for centuries in relieving flatulence and bloating, exerting antimicrobial effects that help prevent and heal infections, and reducing stress and anxiety.2 Its wonders in relieving stress comes from its flavonoid component, apigenin, which helps modulate gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, helping you to relax after a hectic day. Chamomile essential oil also helps improve sleep quality, especially when you have problems with falling asleep and staying asleep at night.3 The plant’s antioxidant properties also help address oxidative stress, which can disrupt key processes in the body, such as the circadian rhythm.4
3. Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) belongs to the Annonaceae family, which is native in Asian countries. Ylang-ylang essential oil is extracted from the flower. It contains antioxidant, antibacterial, and sedative properties that are effective in relieving external and internal stress.3 Its wonders in promoting sleep and relaxation is due to the plant’s active components, namely, linalool, geranyl acetate, and geraniol, which help reduce inflammation by regulating the production of inflammatory signals in the body, aside from linalool’s abilities in modulating GABA.
Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) belongs to the Annonaceae family, which is native in Asian countries. Ylang-ylang essential oil is extracted from the flower. It contains antioxidant, antibacterial, and sedative properties that are effective in relieving external and internal stress.3 Its wonders in promoting sleep and relaxation is due to the plant’s active components, namely, linalool, geranyl acetate, and geraniol, which help reduce inflammation by regulating the production of inflammatory signals in the body, aside from linalool’s abilities in modulating GABA.
Safety and Considerations
Whether as teas, tinctures, capsules, or essential oils, it is important to remember that the use of herbs for your health concerns should be first explored by your primary care providers and naturopathic doctors to ensure safety and effectiveness. Since most herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, recognizing which herbs are right for your case with your naturopathic doctor protects you and your baby from harm. Additionally, essential oils may cause skin or eye irritation, so it is vital for you to know proper use and handling of these concentrated wonders.
The Naturopathic Approach
The naturopathic approach to relieve stress and achieve relaxation follows a holistic process that combines the wonders of herbal medicine, aromatherapy, and lifestyle and nutritional modifications, which are all aimed at regulating the balance within. To learn more about the natural path in achieving relaxation and stress relief, talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Ghavami T, Kazeminia M, Rajati F. The effect of lavender on stress in individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2022;68:102832. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102832
- Sah A, Naseef PP, Kuruniyan MS, Jain GK, Zakir F, Aggarwal G. A Comprehensive Study of Therapeutic Applications of Chamomile. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(10):1284. Published 2022 Oct 19. doi:10.3390/ph15101284
- Borgonetti V, López V, Galeotti N. Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thomson) essential oil reduced neuropathic-pain and associated anxiety symptoms in mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022;294:115362. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2022.115362
- Kazemi A, Shojaei-Zarghani S, Eskandarzadeh P, Hashempur MH. Effects of chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla L.) on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2024;84:103071. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103071
2/2/2025
A Controversial Take on Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Pain Relief with Added Health Risks
Read Now
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.
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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
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.
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
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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
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.
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.
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
THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESS
AuthorS
Natural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more.
Medical Reviewer:
Marney Johnson, ND, MSCI-TS is a Naturopathic Doctor and Naturopathic Medicine Advisor with a background in allopathic (standard American medicine) medical research, Dr. Johnson, is uniquely qualified to evaluate current scientific research and offer insight to help you make sense of how you can integrate natural medicine into your health plan. She is passionate about the roles of Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Nature in health and constantly seeks new ways to make these accessible through food as medicine, encouraging new, healthy habits, and promoting interaction with Nature in its many forms.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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