Naturopathic Physicians: Natural Medicine. Real Solutions.

THIS WEEK ( Oct 7th-13th, 2013 ) 

Check out our featured event on

American Association of Naturopathic Physician (AANP) 's page!

http://www.naturopathic.org//calendar_day.asp?event=888&date=10/7/2013

Help Improve Your Skin Health: Acne

Acne is caused by a bacterial infection of the skin. It is most common in teenagers, but can affect people of any age. Acne can be a sign of overall decreased immunity and hormonal imbalances.

What can make acne worse?

- Certain cosmetics, especially ones with many chemicals.

- Harsh facial products, especially those that dry out skin.

- Hygiene. Dirt and oil block pores and lead to acne.

- Dry skin. When skin is dry it produces more oil, leading to acne.

- Hormone cycle. Acne will often get worse during certain times of the hormone cycle.

- Food allergies. Certain foods, especially dairy products, can worsen acne.

What can make acne better?

Diet

- A healthy diet of fruits and vegetables. Overall health leads to skin health.

- Low saturated fat foods. Saturated fats can thicken oil secretions.
- Olive oil. Healthy oil improves skin's resilience.
- Fish 3x a week. Omega 3 oils from fish or flax seed improve the health of your skin

Hydration
- Drinking 8 glasses of water a day improves the fluidity of your skin.
- Add an extra glass for any coffee, soda, or alcohol consumed.
- Add at least one extra glass for every 30 mins of exercise.

Exfoliation
- Exfoliation treatments, using natural organic products, can prevent acne.
- Avoid harsh chemical exfoliates that can cause sensitivity.

Supplements for acne

A consultation with a naturopathic physician will help determine which supplements and herbs are right for you.

- Zinc

- Vitamin A, B, E, & C

- Omega 3 oils (Fish or Flax seed oil)

- Probiotics

Natural topical treatments for acne

- Tea tree oil

- Niacinamide

- Natural light moisturizers

Riverwalk Acne Program

To determine the underlying cause of acne including contributing factors such as hormone levels, immunity levels, and digestion efficiency can be checked leading to customized supplements, herbal formulas, and topical treatments such as the use of natural makeup, skin products, & facials for optimal results.

Riverwalk Natural Health Clinic and Natural Pharmacy

280 Main St, Suite C-105. Edwards CO 81632

(970) 926-7606

Detoxification : Why Cleanse?

Feeling low on energy? Having aches and pains, digestive or skin problems? Having trouble kicking off weight loss? 

It may be time to cleanse your body through a detoxification program

Detoxification means many different things to many people. Generally speaking it is a relatively modern term, related to modern lifestyles. One hundred plus years ago the human race didn't have to worry about ingesting pesticides, breathing carbon monoxide, or cooking with plastics. In those times people tended to grow their own food from a garden or raise their own animals, they worked and sweated doing physical labor, and there weren't any vehicles's exhaust fumes to pollute the are. They were naturally de-toxing all the time. In contrast, our modern civilization bodies can have a hard time getting rid of chemicals in our systems as we continuously bombard or overload it.

So Why Cleanse?

Detoxification promotes cleansing by minimizing exposure to new toxicants, by keeping the pathways of elimination free as possible, and by making abundant detoxifying nutrients available. It is designed to reduce inflammatory processes within the body. Detoxification is essential in maintaining health and should be done periodically throughout the year. Its purpose is to give the body a break from chemicals and toxins that is has to process and cleanse on a daily basis.

We live in an extremely toxic world that makes it impossible to completely avoid eating, drinking, breathing, and physically coming in contact with toxins. An extension of toxic sources may include electromagnetic radiation and skin care products.

Who Needs Detoxification?

Most everyone does at sometime, well unless you are living as a Tibetan monk on the top of a hill, eating organic foods, and living off the land. Detoxification can assist the body in many disease processes- so a person that has allergies, fatigue, chronic pain, neurological problems, heart disease, arthritis, or would like to reach optimal health, may benefit from a detox program. 

Below are a list of additional common symptoms of toxicity:

- Fatigue, anxiety, depression

- Allergies, frequent infections

- Weight gain, trouble losing weight

- Joint pain, muscle weakness

- Brain fog, memory loss, inability to focus

- Indigestion, constipation, dirrhea, gas

- Skin rashes, skin eruptions/acne

- Recurrent yeast/ fungal infections

What Will a Clinical Detox Program Include?

- Cleansing diet and/or short-term fasting

- Herbal medicine & supplement protocol

- Physical therapeutics

- Relaxation routines

- Mental/emotional/spiritual exploration

May additionally include

-Heavy metal testing

-Food allergy testing

-B-12 injections

-Naturopathic care with appropriate physical exam and additional lab testing

How Can I Expect to Feel After?

- Improved overall health

- Toxin elimination and future avoidance of toxins

- Increased energy

- Sound sleep

- Easier weight management/possible weight loss

Consult a Naturopathic Physician for optimal result and safety through program monitoring.

How to Stave off Colds, Flus, and Infections

Steps You can Take to Boost Your Immunity

When you first feel yourself becoming sick, there are things you can do to avoid becoming ill or to shorten the duration of illness. These suggestions are especially helpful if you do them as early as possible. They will help you fend off flus, colds, or minor infections. 90% of common colds are due to viral infections. Please note that antibiotics are not effective against viruses. The reason they are prescribed is when a secondary bacterial infection is likely or is dangerous to a particular patient. Call a physician if your symptoms become severe. 

Eat Very Lightly or Not at All 

With most illnesses, the appetite is diminished. This is a natural response of the body. Energy is needed to fight off the "bug" and the body doesn't have energy to process food. Give your digestive tract a rest!

Get Rest as Soon as Possible

Many people ignore the early warning signs of illness and keep working until they "drop". you will take longer to heal if you allow the illness to get a foothold. If you feel a sore throat, headache, congestion, etc., coming on, take it easy. If possible, take a day off from work. This may prevent you from having to take three days off later on.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

This standard advice is good advice. You can clear the toxins from a "bug" out of your system with large amounts of filtered water and herb teas. Fruit juices are not good choices as they have a high concentration of sugars in them. If you do choose to drink juices, dilute them by using half (filtered) water and half juice.

Take Immunity-Boosting Supplements & Homeopathics

- Vitamin C: Take 500 mg every 3-4 hours with a small amount of food. Cut back on dosage if stools become loose or if you experience gas and cramping.

- Vitamin A: Take 10,000 IU 3 times daily. Women who are pregnant should not take high doses of vitamin A as the fetus can be affected. Consult your physician for recommended dosages and signs of toxicity.

- Zinc: Take 30-50mg once daily with small amount of food. This can be continued for 1-2 weeks without depleting copper stores.

- Bioflavanois: Take 1 gram per day.

- Oscillococcinum: Homeopathic remedy. Take 6 pellets every 6 hours at the first onset of flu or cold symptoms. take away from food.

*These are adult dosages. Consult your physician regarding dosages for infants and children or if you have other conditions affecting your health.

Take Immunity-Enhancing Herbs

Dosages depend on the form in which they are taken (tincture, raw plant, solid extract, etc.). For teas (3-5 sups/day), tinctures (30 drops 4x/day), or in freeze-dried capsules (2 capsules 4x/day). 

- Astragalus

- Echinacea purperea ( purple cone flower )

- Glycyrrhiza glabra ( Licorice )

- Hydrastis canadensis ( Goldenseal ) *also considered to have anti-microbial properties which can affect against bacterial infections

- Commiphora Myrrh ( Myrrh )

- Trifolium praetens ( Red Clover )

- Ligusticum ( Osha )

Home Hydrotherapy Treatment

Hot Foot Bath: Soak feet in hot water while wrapped in a warm wool blanket. Put a cold sloth on your head and relax while you sit in a comfortable position for 10-15 minutes. Take care to avoid getting chilled after this treatment.

Throat or Chest Compress

Warm the throat or chest with a warm washcloth or hot shower. Dry skin thoroughly and apply a thin cotton wrap (to throat) or thin cotton t-shirt (to chest) that has been soaked in cold water and wrung out. Cover with wool scarf or sweater and go to bed this way. By morning, coverings with be dry- this treatment increases circulation and increases while blood cell activity.

Prevention

Contamination studies have demonstrated that viral infections are spread much more readily by direct contact than through air. Cleanliness tips to help avoid contamination or virus include not sharing utensils, frequent hand washing and laundering of clothing or bedding (especially for children sharing rooms).

Colds and Flu information for Adults & Children

Reducing your susceptibility

Frequent hand washing is very important as hand contact is a primary route of virus spreading. Avoid shaking hands with people. Also, keep your hands away from your nose, mouth, and eyes as much as possible. Sneeze or cough into your sleeve- not your hand.

Keep your stress levels as low as possible. Carefully consider the commitments you make to keep your schedule manageable. Get a sufficient amount of sleep at night and a regular to-bed and wake-up schedule.

Reduce/avoid smoking, alcohol  and unhealthy diet. Reduce/avoid sugar, white flour and other refined carbohydrates as much as possible. These lower your immune system function. If possible, limit the amount of time spent around sick people. Also, If sick- stay home so you don't infect others.

Do's & Don'ts if you get cold or flu symptoms

In general, don't use antibiotics for viral illnesses.

Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. Overuse creates bacterial resistance. 

Do see a doctor if a fever is over 102, or if the following is present- ear pain, significant sinus pain, green nasal discharge, highly swollen lymph glands, persistent neck stiffness, shortness of breath or persistent uncomfortable cough, or if you are coughing up yellow or green mucus.

80%-90% of respiratory illnesses in otherwise healthy adults during the flu season are not due to influenza (flu) viruses.

Cold or Flu Treatment                     

A slight or mild fever is useful. It is a way for your body to fight off a viral infection. In general, don't suppress it with Tylenol (acetaminophen), Aspirin, or Ibuprofen (Advil), unless you need these products to manage other symptoms,  or if the fever becomes high. High fevers- especially if rapidly rising, require medical advice. Drink plenty of water if fever symptoms are present.

Note: Don't use aspirin to treat children's fevers anytime as there is an infrequent but serious syndrome that can occur- only use Tylenol if required.        

Naturopathic Physicians

Naturopathic Physicians have many support options for cold and flu symptoms. these include products which boost your immune system function. If these are taken at the earliest onset of symptoms, the episode may be completely avoided. 

Otherwise, these products can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. There are also alternatives to drug store items- most of which just suppress (block) symptoms for a short term. 

Naturopathic products can provide symptom relief AND help the body heal. young Children in particular should avoid drug store symptoms control products.

Determine Your Ayurvedic Constitution

Questionnaire to 

Determine Your

Ayurvedic Constitution

This questionnaire is provided to help you determine your Ayurvedic constitution.  Select one answer for each question.  If more than one answer is applicable, choose the one that applies the most.  Some answers will be obvious (such as hair color, height, dry skin, etc.).  Others will be more subjective and variable.  If in doubt, answer according to how you have been for most of your life, especially for the past few years.  At the end of the questionnaire, add the number of A’s,    B’s, and C’s to determine your body-mind constitution. 

  Body Frame

        A.£ Taller or shorter than average, thin and slender, with prominent joints and thin muscles.    
        B.£ Medium build, with good muscle development.                                                         
        C.£ Large, round, solid body frame, with a heavy bone structure.

Weight

A.£ Low; difficulty gaining weight.                                                                                          
B.£ Moderate; it’s easy to gain weight or lose weight if I put my mind to it.                  
C.£ Heavy; I gain weight easily and have difficulty losing it.

Hair – two or more of the following options:

A.£ Dry, coarse, kinky, curly, brown, black.                                                                       
B.£ Fine, soft, red, light brown, blonde, prematurely graying or balding.                              
C.£ Abundant, thick, oily, wavy, brown, black.

Eyes

A.£ Small, dry, brown, active.                                                                                                  
B.£ Sharp, penetrating, green, blue, gray, with reddish or yellowish sclera.                 
C.£ Large, attractive, brown or deep blue, with white sclera.

Teeth

A.£ Crooked, uneven or with large spaces, sensitive to hot or cold, need for braces.           
B.£ Medium-sized, yellowish, gums bleed easily.                                                                    
C.£ Large, straight, white.

Skin

A.£ Dry, rough, thin, darker (relative to family), tans easily.                                             
B.£ Fair skin, sunburns easily, warm, reddish in color, prone to irritation.                 
C.£ Moist, thick, smooth.

Temperature

A.£ Cold hands and feet, dislikes cold weather, prefers warm environments.                     
B.£ Usually warm regardless of season, sweats easily, prefers cooler environments.        
C.£ Cool (not cold) and clammy, adaptable to most temperatures but dislikes cool, wet weather.

Appetite

A.£ Unpredictable and variable; sometimes not hungry at mealtimes and hungry between meals.                                                                                                                                              
B.£ Strong; acutely aware of mealtimes, irritable when delaying or missing a meal, can digest large quantities of food.                                                                                                    
C.£ Moderate; can comfortably miss a meal, feels best with smaller quantities of food.

Bowel Movements

   A.£ Irregular, tends toward constipation, hard and dry stool, accompanied by gas.             
   B.£ Regular, two or more bowel movements per day, loose/soft stools, occasional burning.                            C.£ Regular pattern, usually one large, full bowel movement per day.

Sleep

A.£ Light or interrupted, insomnia, 5-7 hours per night.                                                         
B.£ Sound, 6-8 hours per night.                                                                                                   
C.£ Deep, uninterrupted, love to sleep, slow to waken

Dreams

A.£ Flying, running, fear, searching, traveling.                                                                          
B.£ Fire, conflict, anger, vivid colors, passion, jealousy.                                                                      
C.£ Water, romance, sadness, ocean, clouds, short dreams.

Time Orientation

A.£ Selfless, often volunteers to help out.                                                                               
B.£ Works intensely, especially to achieve personal goals.                                                                   
C.£ Procrastinates, sometimes lazy, takes time to complete projects.

Activity Pattern

A.£ Performs activities very quickly, energy levels fluctuate and come in bursts, often multi-tasks, easily distracted and may not complete projects.                                            
B.£ Performs activities intensely and efficiently, perfectionist mindset, likely to become aggravated if interrupted or encounter difficulties.                                                           
C.£ Performs activities slowly, calmly, and deliberately, steady energy level with good endurance and stamina.

Learning Pattern

A.£ Very quick learner, but forgets things easily.                                                               
B.£ Moderately quick learner, clear on details, average memory.                                       
C.£ Slow learner, but never forgets information once it is learned.  

Disease Pattern

A.£ Joint aches, low back pain, indigestion, intestinal gas, constipation, insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, weakness, dryness.                                                                                                      
B.£ Skin conditions (rashes, acne), ulcers, inflammations, fevers.                                   
C.£ Respiratory conditions, cough with mucus, sinus/nose/throat congestion, benign growths, obesity, diabetes, fluid retention.

Temperament

A.£ Lively, easily excitable, changeable moods, enthusiastic.                                                       
B.£ Perfectionist, driven, intense, opinionated.                                                             

C.£ Easy-going, calm, satisfied, accepting.

Reaction to Stress

A.£ Fearful, anxious and/or worried.                                                                                   
B.£ Anger, irritability, and/or aggressive.                                                                                        
C.£ Withdrawn and/or reclusive.

Sensitive to:

A.£ Noise.                                                                                                                                  
B.£ Bright lights.                                                                                                             
C.£ Strong odors.

My family and friends might prefer me to be:

A.£ Settled.                                                                                                                                
B.£ Tolerant.                                                                                                                    
C.£ Enthusiastic.

This questionnaire made me feel:

A.£ Indecisive.                                                                                                                           
B.£ Annoyed.                                                                                                                  
C.£ Sleepy.

Final Score:        A._____          B._____          C._____ 

                                   œ                      œ                      œ             

                               Vata                   Pitta              Kapha                         

The letter A corresponds to Vata.  B corresponds to Pitta.  C corresponds to Kapha.   Your predominant dosha(s) determine your Ayurvedic constitution.  Some individuals have one predominant dosha ( either vata, pitta, or kapha ).  Some individuals have two equally predominant doshas ( for example, pitta-vata or kapha-pitta ).  Rarely, a few individuals will have equal proportions of all three doshas.  While not an exact tool, this questionnaire should give you a good idea of your unique Ayurvedic constitution.  A better and more exact determination of your constitution requires the insight and skill-set ( including face, tongue, and pulse diagnosis ) of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner.  

  

Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Cancer

October is Cancer Awareness Month. Below is a list of ways you can prevent cancer and/or prevent a reoccurrence of cancer.  Twelve million cancer survivors are at risk of developing a reoccurrence or secondary cancers.  

Looking at the research I listed some of the lifestyle changes that are the most effective in preventing cancer.   

1).  Do Not Smoke.  Two thirds of the individuals diagnosed with cancer still smoke.  Smoking increases one’s risk for secondary cancers, stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis, emphysema and COPD.

2). Stay away from second hand smoke.  Second hand smoke can be worse than smoking.  Even being around smokers outside increases one’s risk for cancer.  Lung cancer has increased over the years with non smokers.

3).  Exercise one hour five times a week.  Exercise will increase your energy, physical strength, lift your mood and lower your stress levels.  Exercise will also prevent, breast, colon, prostate cancers.

4). Avoid weight gain. Excess weight increases one’s risk for breast, colon and prostate cancers,  diabetes and heart disease.

5).  Eat a healthy diet. Organic is preferred.  One should eat five to twelve servings of vegetables a day and two to three fruits. Vegetable and fruits are where we get our vitamins and minerals. Protein with each meal is our energy source.

6).  Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.  As little as one drink a day can increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer by thirty percent. Moderation means drinking two or three days a week, one to two glasses of alcohol.

7).  Stay connected to family, friends and other cancer survivors if you have had cancer. Having a good social support can improve one’s quality of life and reduce stress, depression and fatigue.

8). Limit your intake of grilled, broiled and fried foods. These methods of cooking increase your risk for breast, colon and prostate cancers.

9). Get screening tests and go to regular checkups.  This means:

• Doing a regular monthly breast exam.
• Getting a yearly or biyearly mammogram if always normal.
• Getting a colonoscopy after the age of fifty.
• Getting a prostate exam at the age of fifty.

It is always best to prevent cancer rather than to treat. We all need to take charge of our own health. 

Dr. Deborah Wiancek, a naturopathic physician works at the Riverwalk Natural Health Clinic & Natural Pharmacy.  Any questions please e-mail Wiancek@healthref.com or call 970-926-7606.  For more info check out her website at www.healthref.com or blog http://riverwalknaturalhealth.blogspot.com or twitter https://twitter.com/riverwalkhealth.