Naturopathic Approaches

Naturopathic Approaches to Pain

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Autumn Girl enjoying nature on the field. Beauty Girl Outdoors rPain of any type can be very debilitating. Not only does it affect someone’s physical functioning, but it affects one’s relationships, home – life, and overall well-being. With my training in Naturopathic Medicine, I have seen my fair share of patients struggle with pain and the abundant obstacles faced as a result of this struggle. There is hope. This blog will aspire to enlighten you to the different ways that Naturopathic Medicine can help with pain, and what the research says. I should caution you that pain is a very broad topic, and so with this article, I will focus more on arthritis, though this is not the be all and end all when it comes to pain.

What is Arthritis?

The word “arthritis”, when taken from its Greek context, clearly sums up what arthritis entails: “arthro” means “joint”, and “it is” means “inflammation”. Therefore, arthritis indicates really any condition where there is inflammation in the joint. There are various different classifications of arthritis, including, but not limited to Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Septic Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Lupus. Many other conditions may involve arthritis or arthritic changes, but these are the primary stand – alone classifications of arthritis. Based on these different types of arthritis, there may be different causes of origins. For example, osteoarthritis may be caused by excessive use of the joint, where as rheumatoid arthritis can be caused by autoimmune destruction of the joint. As a result, the approach that would be taken for each of these different forms of arthritis would be different based on their mechanism of destruction. That being said, some of the approaches listed below may be effective for some forms of pain and not others. This speaks to the importance of consulting with your Naturopathic Doctor for an individualized treatment plan that specifically fits your symptom picture.

Based on the research, the following treatment options may be helpful for pain and arthritis:

  • Traditional Asian Medicine and Acupuncture
  • Botanical Medicine
  • Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Homeopathy
  • Physical Medicine

Ultimately, the goal of treatment will be to treat the root cause of the pain. As mentioned above, based on the specific type of arthritis you may be suffering with, the root cause may be different for you versus another. As a result, the following list offers examples as to what goals might be developed for a treatment plan for an individual:

  • Correct for deficiencies
  • Reduce pain and manage it effectively
  • Improve mood (often individuals experience depression because of their chronic pain)
  • Decrease inflammation
  • Address and eliminate any triggers to inflammation that may be present in the diet
  • Improve immune functioning
  • Alter lifestyle and diet to decrease pain

How can Traditional Asian Medicine help?

Traditional Asian Medicine views the body differently than western medicine. Its theory suggests that when there is an imbalance in the body system, disease manifests. Each “organ” is associated with an emotion, and individualized functions in the body. For example, the liver and spleen control the functioning of the muscles, joints, and ligaments. In addition, one of the primary functions of the spleen is to Transform and Transport water. This could lead to an excess amount of fluid in various areas of the body including the joints. These organs may play a role in arthritis but this is truly dependent on your individualized presentation. Once a specific diagnosis is made, a treatment plan is created, and may involve using acupuncture, herbal formulas, diet, or lifestyle, all with the purpose of bringing the body back into a state of balance.

Specifically regarding acupuncture, acupuncture has been shown in some studies to be beneficial Rheumatoid Arthritis when combined with electroacupuncture. One particular study found that knee pain was relieved within 24 hours of treatment; and the acupuncture was found to have benefits that last up to 4 months in some. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003788.pub2/abstract;jsessionid=67DB60F605B9F7B238341B5CCA2C903A.f02t03?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false

Another study found that acupuncture was beneficial for osteoarthritis of the knee; specifically for pain an physical functioning.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2810544/

Finally, in a study specific for patients suffering from gouty arthritis, individuals experienced decreased pain and decreased uric acid levels when treated with acupuncture for 1 month.

http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-ZGZE200203002.htm

How can Botanical Medicine help?

Botanical formulas have similar effects to medications, often without the side effects, however this is not true for all herbs and plants. Specific herbs or plants will be selected based on their properties and combined based on the specific individual’s presentation and symptoms associated with their pain. For example, one person may benefit from decreased inflammation, where as another may need help with immune functioning. Some beneficial properties that some useful herbs may have include: anti – inflammatory, rubefacient, immunomodulating, and adaptogenic.

Much research has revolved around the anti-inflammatory effects of various herbs including some lesser thought of herbs such as stinging nettle and black cohosh (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22700248). A commonly discussed herb when pain is mentioned is turmeric. Turmeric has been shown to decrease inflammation, prevent inflammation, and decrease swelling (http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/supplements-herbs/guide/turmeric.php).

How can Nutrition and Diet help?

Many different foods can contribute to inflammation in the body as a whole. The Standard American Diet (SAD) often promotes inflammation in itself, and so, can contribute to increased pain in individuals with arthritis. If an individual is eating relatively healthy, inflammation can still present itself. For some individuals, night shade vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, zucchini and eggplant can contribute to increased inflammation.

Similar to how many foods can promote inflammation, there are many foods that can decrease inflammation. These foods can include those higher in omega 3 fatty acids such as flax seed, hemp seed, and fatty fish such as salmon.

One study has shown how diet and supplementation can both by themselves or in combination help improve outcomes for those suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0049017205000879). A naturopathic doctor can help you to develop a diet that best suits your individual needs, including developing strategies to motivate you to eat a proper diet. In addition, they can correct for any nutritional deficiencies that may be aggravating your stress and overall health.

How can Hydrotherapy help?

Hydrotherapy involves alternating hot and cold water applications to achieve the following goals: promote detoxification and relaxation, increase circulation, improve immune system functioning, promote digestion, and decrease pain. Based on all of the following actions, hydrotherapy could be beneficial for pain based on the different root causes. Hydrotherapy can be performed via a number of methods: constitutional hydrotherapy, sauna, peat bath, Epsom salt baths, or alternating hot and cold showers. In one study looking into hydrotherapy and rheumatoid arthritis, the participants experienced decreased joint tenderness and improved range of motion of the knees with warm water immersion (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/1529-0131(199606)9:3%3C206::AID-ANR1790090309%3E3.0.CO;2-J/abstract).

How can Homeopathy help?

Homeopathy is an energy medicine that involves finite doses of a substance that are diluted in water, which amount to a higher therapeutic dose overall. In this form of medicine, individualized remedies are chosen based on the individual’s specific symptoms and presentation. Each person requires a different remedy based on their unique presentation. Homeopathy does not interact with any medications, making it quite useful especially if you are taking other medications.

Homeopathy is challenging to study in research, but research does exist. In one particular study, the process of conducting a homeopathic interview is where some individuals saw relief from pain for their rheumatoid arthritis (http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2010/11/08/rheumatology.keq234.short).  Other studies have shown that homeopathy can be beneficial for osteoarthritis pain and various other symptoms (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1475491699904496).

How can Physical Medicine help?

Physical medicine involves a number of different potential therapies. These therapies might include ultrasound, laser therapy, electroacupuncture, cupping or Gua Sha. The general effect of these therapies includes relaxation, increased circulation, decreased pain, improved wound healing, and decreased inflammation.

For example, some research has shown that cupping in combination with conventional therapy can help to modulate the immune system for the better in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/17977209).

How can Lifestyle changes help?

Various lifestyle factors can play a role in pain. By improving sleep, exercise, scheduling, and coping mechanisms, it is possible that some individuals may have reduced pain. Naturopathic doctors are trained to help individuals through lifestyle counselling, and can use methods use as motivational interviewing or cognitive behavioral therapy to do so.

Research has demonstrated that poor sleep can be quite common in individuals experiencing pain (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022399904000327). As a result, this can further increase their pain through being unable to rest and relax.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

 

Naturopathic Approaches to Anxiety

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Grunge image of a stressed overworked man studyingAnxiety can be quite debilitating for those who suffer from it. Though it is called a mental health condition, it can impact more than just your mental-emotional state, but your physical state as well. The percent of individuals who suffer from anxiety equates to approximately 12%, and 25% of Canadians will have experienced an anxiety disorder at least once in their life.

Naturopathic Medicine can help. Those who suffer from anxiety do not have to suffer alone. A Naturopathic Doctor can use many different therapies to aid with anxiety including:

  • Traditional Asian Medicine and Acupuncture
  • Botanical Medicine
  • Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Homeopathy
  • Physical Medicine

Ultimately, the goal of treatment will be to treat the root cause of disease. This will be different for each individual based on the cause of anxiety for that specific individual, eg nutrient deficiency vs. work-life balance. As a result, the following list offers examples as to what goals might be developed for a treatment plan for an individual:

  • Correct for deficiencies
  • Reduce stress or Improve stress management
  • Improve coping mechanisms
  • Alter diet to decrease inflammation in the gut and thus inflammation in the brain
  • Alter lifestyle to
  • Improve gut microbiology and digestion

How can Traditional Asian Medicine (TAM) help?

TAM views the body differently than western medicine. TAM theory suggests that when there is an imbalance in the body system, disease manifests. Each “organ” is associated with an emotion: Heart with joy and is the center of one’s personality, liver with anger, spleen with worry, and kidneys with fear. As one can see, all of these organs could play a part in anxiety, and so, individual cases are taken, and the root cause is determined. For some, anxiety can peak from fear of new situations, for others, maybe there is worry for the future, anger at the past, etc. Once a specific diagnosis is made, a treatment plan is created, and may involve using acupuncture, herbal formulas, diet, or lifestyle, all with the purpose of bringing the body back into a state of balance.

Specifically regarding acupuncture, acupuncture has been shown in some studies to be beneficial for anxiety and decreasing anxiousness. After 5 treatments of acupuncture, 87% of participants reported reduced anxiety. The following link offers the study: http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/10758845

How can Botanical Medicine help?

Botanical formulas have similar effects to medications, often without the side effects, however this is not true for all herbs and plants. Specific herbs or plants will be selected based on their properties and combined based on the specific individual’s presentation for anxiety. For example, one person may need help with sleep, where as one may need help with stress, in addition to needing some aid for relaxation and calming. Some beneficial properties that some useful herbs may have include: anxiolytic, nervine, sedative and adaptogenic.

There are several plants that have more research behind them in regards to their use in anxiety, but other plants exist that are effective as well. One of the most widely researched herbs for anxiety is Passion Flower. Passion flower is a plant that helps directly with GABA, which if out of balance, can cause anxiety. By regulating GABA, we can better manage and cope with anxiety and situations that can trigger it. When studied, passion flower was just as effective as some prescription anti – anxiety medications, without the side effects of the medications. The following link outlines this study: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2710.2001.00367.x/abstract;jsessionid=54269DE911C22557B84A56494B3073CE.f04t02?userIsAuthenticated=false&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=

How can Nutrition and Diet help?

Anxiety can be aggravated or caused by various nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, it may be necessary to correct for these deficiencies in order to treat the root cause of the anxiety. In addition, various changes to one’s diet can help to decrease anxiety and decrease inflammation (and thereby decrease inflammation in the body, which may contribute to the anxiety). Based on your specific case, several classes of action may be recommended for you, and thus foods or supplements recommended. These actions might include: anti-oxidant, nervine, calming, carminative, or anti – inflammatory.

Research has shown that not only are certain nutrient deficiencies such as magnesium and b vitamins potentially causative factors for anxiety, but specific dietary patterns can be associated with anxiety. For example, diets higher in processed foods may be more associated with anxiety than those that are not. References for these two research articles are provided below.

http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/152460900318623

http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/appi.ajp.2009.09060881

How can Hydrotherapy help?

Hydrotherapy involves alternating hot and cold water applications to achieve the following goals: promote detoxification and relaxation, increase circulation, improve immune system functioning, promote digestion, and decrease pain. Based on all of the following actions, hydrotherapy could be beneficial for anxiety based on different root causes. For example, if an individual is feeling anxious due to poor health or stress, hydrotherapy can help different organ systems to function optimally and help the individual to relax.

Hydrotherapy can be performed via a number of methods: constitutional hydrotherapy, sauna, peat bath, Epsom salt baths, or alternating hot and cold showers. These therapies may not be available at every naturopathic doctor’s clinic, but some can be performed at home. Very little evidence has surfaced for the efficacy of hydrotherapy to treat anxiety or how it benefits. Much of the research spans into the area of labour and prenatal care. One report suggested that hydrotherapy can be quite useful for anxiety and beneficial, but it was unclear as to how this effect was obtained (http://search.proquest.com/openview/cae635685aabc2e80cdfb049f2d42c5b/1?pq-origsite=gscholar).

How can Homeopathy help?

Homeopathy is an energy medicine that involves finite doses of a substance that are diluted in water, which amount to a higher therapeutic dose overall. In this form of medicine, individualized remedies are chosen based on the individual’s specific symptoms and presentation. Each person requires a different remedy based on their unique presentation. Homeopathy does not interact with any medications, making it quite useful especially if you are taking other medications.

In recent studies, homeopathy was shown to improve anxiety in 50% of the participants. Though homeopathy may have lower response rates according to this study, it may be an effective treatment for some who have run out of options, are on many medications, or respond well to homeopathy (http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/8997804).

How can Physical Medicine help?

Physical medicine involves a number of different potential therapies. These therapies might include  ultrasound, laser therapy, electroacupuncture, or Gua Sha. The general effect of these therapies includes relaxation, increased circulation, decreased pain, and decreased inflammation. Similar to what was mentioned above, anxiety may be reduced through a relaxations effect or stress reduction effect from these therapies.

How can Lifestyle changes help?

Various lifestyle factors can play a role in anxiety. By improving sleep, exercise, scheduling, and stress management, it is possible that some individuals may have reduced anxiety or panic episodes. In some cases of anxiety, it can be created from lack of boundaries or feeling overwhelmed with work-loads and dead-lines. By addressing negative thought patterns, poor sleep patterns, lack of exercise, stress management, and work – life balance, one may experience a reduction in anxiety. Naturopathic doctors are trained to help individuals through lifestyle counselling, and can use methods such as motivational interviewing or cognitive behavioural therapy to do so.

Incorporating more exercise in the forms of strength training, yoga, and aerobic exercise may help to reduce anxiety and help individuals to gain a better management on stress (http://web.b.ebscohost.com/abstract?direct=true&profile=ehost&scope=site&authtype=crawler&jrnl=0002838X&AN=49094436&h=fddfgdKgS39I1V04PDapVEVH%2ft6x2g2YMEHa1y4Rt7n2sA%2f1OptEYVfzj0opf1f83CfxW6abWLcDDx4bbPu6ww%3d%3d&crl=c&resultNs=AdminWebAuth&resultLocal=ErrCrlNotAuth&crlhashurl=login.aspx%3fdirect%3dtrue%26profile%3dehost%26scope%3dsite%26authtype%3dcrawler%26jrnl%3d0002838X%26AN%3d49094436).

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

 

Preventing and Treating Urinary Tract Infections

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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be quite difficult to tolerate and sometimes even to treat. By incorporating various lifestyle changes, one can decrease their chances of getting a urinary tract infection. By incorporating these various changes when you do have a urinary tract infection, one may also be able to better recover from a urinary tract infection. One of the main areas of focus for preventing a urinary tract infection revolves around decreasing exposure to contaminants or possible “infectious agents”. This is not a comprehensive list of how to completely approach a urinary tract infection, and so, if you are experiencing a UTI, please seek medical advice, such as that from a naturopathic doctor.

Lifestyles changes that can help prevent urinary tract infections:

  • Wipe from front to back – wiping from back to front can cause transmission of known UTI causing bacteria from anus to the urethra.
  • Avoid using harsh soaps to clean the urethral and vaginal area.
  • Ensure underwear is only worn for one day before washing.
  • Determine if you have allergies to soaps, clothing detergent, etc.; and avoid the irritating substance.
  • Consider sources of re-infection such as partners, sex toys, and underwear.
  • Make sure to wash sex toys thoroughly after every use.
  • Ensure fully emptying of bladder when urinating.
  • Urinate before and after sexual intercourse.
  • Ensure adequate hydration (i.e. Drink plenty of water).
  • Avoid perfumed toilet paper, soaps, etc.
  • Wear cotton underwear – this can help to better ventilate the urethral area and decrease chances of a UTI.

Diet changes that can help prevent urinary tract infections

  • Eat a diet rich in whole foods with little or no sugar or refined carbohydrates – Sugar and refined carbohydrates can feed certain bacteria and help them to thrive.
  • Avoid known food allergies/sensitivities. If you are curious if you have any, you can contact myself and book an appointment to better determine this.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol – these substances can dehydrate and make an individual more prone to UTIs.

What to avoid in order to prevent urinary tract infections:

  • Wearing thong underwear – similar to wiping from back to front, a thong can act as a “super highway” for bacteria.
  • Wearing underwear to bed.
  • Wearing panty-liners.
  • Holding urine in bladder for extended periods of time.

What to do if you have or suspect a urinary tract infection:

  • In the event of a urinary tract infection, it is important to follow the suggestions mentioned above in addition to the following:
  • Seek medical care – some urinary tract infections in certain individuals may require an antibiotic or further assessment.
  • Drink sugar – free cranberry juice – Cranberry can help to remove the bacteria from the ductal wall and help to eliminate the infection more quickly.
  • Drink plenty of water – drinking water can help to flush out the infection more quickly.
  • Watch for signs of fever or complications – a fever and back pain may be a sign that the urinary tract infection is getting worse. If this happens, do not delay in seeking emergent medical care.
  • Increase your parsley intake – parsley has some anti-bacterial properties that make it effective at fighting off and killing bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.
  • Increase your blueberry intake – similar to cranberries, blueberries have several properties in them that help to remove bacteria from the ductal wall and eliminate them from the body.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

Naturopathic Tips for Travel

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P1010249Travelling abroad can take its toll on the body, and provide many opportunities for exposure to diverse bacteria and environments. As a result, it may be beneficial to prepare your body for the potential shock and harm that it could come into contact with. Some of these areas are important to focus on when planning for a trip. In addition, as always not everything recommended below is beneficial for everyone, so please contact your naturopathic doctor or health care provider to determine a plan that is best for you.

Prime Your Digestive System

With travelling to different countries, many are exposed to a variety of different foods and as I mentioned bacteria. If your digestive system is not prepared, this can leave you experiencing such symptoms as diarrhea or constipation. These symptoms could even be compounded by even worse scenarios including parasitic infections or bacterial infections. In order to prevent these symptoms and prepare for exposure to different items, several steps can be taken to boost your digestive immune system. Probiotics taken for about one month leading up to a trip can help with prevention of traveller’s diarrhea. In addition, such hydrotherapy techniques such as castor oil packs can help prime the digestive system by helping to produce more white blood cells to prevent infection.

Boost Your Immune System

By boosting your immune system prior to a trip, one can potentially prevent infections as well as fight infections more efficiently. Some ways that one can boost their immune system prior to a trip include taking a multi-vitamin, vitamin C, juicing, or even fasting prior to the trip. In addition, the probiotic that was mentioned above may also help to boost one’s immune system.

Ground Yourself

When flying, it can cause a negative impact on our body leaving us feeling a bit unbalanced. By grounding oneself following a flight, it may help individuals to better adjust and adapt to being back on the ground. There are many different ways that one can ground themselves, some of which may be easier to do than others. Grounding techniques can include laying on the ground as soon as possible for about 20 minutes, meditation, or washing your hands in running water. The last technique may seem unusual, but there is research suggesting that because water is connected to the earth, it can be a great way to ground yourself.

Reset Your Internal Clock

Travelling between time zones can take its toll and cause jet lag. For some, the adjustment can take as long as the trip itself, by which point you may have to endure the jetlag again. Ways to combat this include grounding techniques mentioned above, as well as melatonin. Melatonin is a natural component found in the body that regulates our sleep and wake cycles. In other words, melatonin can aid with sleep and thus help with the adjustment to new sleep times.

Preparing at Work and Home Before

Stress can result from the work that piles up at home and work while one is away. By making lists for when you get back, it can help regain focus on what needs to be accomplished after arriving home from a trip. Technology has also made it easier to prepare in such ways as automatic billing. This may cause more distress for some, and so it is important to prepare in a way that will most benefit you and decrease your stress burden.

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!