Natural Medicine, Naturopathic Doctors Doylestown, PA

Lifestyle choices with Heartburn

Heartburn, one of the most commonly reported symptoms in the US, can be helped by looking at one's lifestyle choices.  The relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the reason the majority of people are experiencing reflux.  The job of the LES is to insure that stomach contents do not move up the esophagus.  The underlying cause of LES relaxation is not known.  We do know that many factors contribute, such as:

• Cigarette Smoking
• Increased intake of saturated fat
• Increased intake of alcohol
• Eating large portions at one meal
• Eating late at night
• Hurried eating which creates a lack of complete chewing
• Food that is void of nutrients

Naturopathic medicine does a great job at addressing the underlying behaviors which lead to reflux.  

  

Probiotics and Our Children's Health

Probiotics are one of my favorite things to talk about.  "Why?"  

Probiotics are extremely important for a healthy digestive tract, assimilation and absorption of specific nutrients, keeping infections at bay and maintaining a healthy immune system.  Research into the role of probiotics have shown some interesting results.  The World Health Organization recognizes the importance of probioics in the role of a healthy body as reflected in this statement, "Live microorganisms which, when given in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." 

It is speculated that most of the growing sites for the Lactobacillus species in the human gastrointestinal tract are established in utero and within the first two years of life.  Within those first two years many things can disrupt the proper colonization including formula feeding, maternal diet affecting breast milk, digestive health, food introduction and antibiotic use.  It is estimated that after several courses of antibiotics before the age of two, the normal flora may be severely compromised, resulting in an increased risk for common childhood illnesses. 

One can begin cultivating a healthy digestive tract in children by supplementing either the mother in breast fed babies or in children's formulas or food.  It is always important to choose a good quality probiotic that has in it what it claims on the label.  So be careful to do your homework on the brand and talk to someone knowledgeable about dosage. 

What is the goal? Symptom management or finding the Cause?

In medicine throughout time the goal has been to help patients feel better and to reverse the cause of disease.  Many times in conventional medicine the treatment option involves suppressing the symptoms with chemical medications.  This model is called the Disease Model, because it is based on the idea that a symptom is the problem and the therapy chosen should eliminate the symptom.  This disease model does not allow the patient to return to optimum health because it often does not address the underlying cause.  It never allows the individual to remove accumulated toxicity and so while the patient may for the short-term feel some improvement in their symptoms they are never allowed to fully express their vitality. 

Naturopathic medicine prides itself in the search for the underlying causes of disease.  We do this by asking why and searching for patterns in the way the body is expressing itself.  The goal is not always to cure but to bring the individual back to a state of balance.  This is where the real healing occurs. 

How are you doing with managing symptoms versus finding your vitality and balance in your healing process?

In Health,

Alison

Flax Seed Oil and Their Benefits

Fresh flax seed oil has a pleasing, light, nutty flavor and contains a nutritionally unique composition of essential fatty acids (EFA's).  They are essential because they cannot be synthesized by the human body. 

Flax seed oil contains both linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid, omega 1 and omega 3 oils.  These oils promote a non-inflammatory pathway in the body and are considered the "good" fats.  They help to lower cholesterol and keep blood clots from forming in the arteries, reducing the chance of heart disease.  These oils also reduce joint inflammation and are useful in arthritis.  They improve the immune response, decrease prostaglandin levels aiding in the prevention of breast cancer and menstrual cramps, improves dermatological conditions such as psoriasis and eczema and may even reduce the severity of migraine headaches. 

The best way to use flax seed oil is in cold dishes because too much heat destroys the healthful properties of this oil. 

Essential fatty acids increase metabolic rate, therefore, flax seed oil is less likely than any other oil to result in weight gain.  In fact, studies have shown that many overweight people actually lose weight by adding fresh essential fatty acid-rich oil to their diet. 

Some suggestions for using the oil:

• On cooked or steamed vegetables, instead of butter.
• On baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
• In shakes or smoothies
• In homemade salad dressing

I like Barlean's Flax Seed Oil, but any quality brand will do. You can find it in the health section of a grocery store or a health food store for approximately $10 per 16oz bottle.

Do you have a favorite way of using flax seed oil? Let us know!

Enjoy!

Alison

Five Allergy Minimizing Ideas

Allergy season is here again and from what I am seeing in the office it appears to be a bad time for many.  If you are one of the many who suffers from a stuffy or runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing you can follow some easy at home steps that will reduce the severity of your reaction.

1)  Add more essential fatty acids to your diet

Things such as fish and or fish oil, flax seeds, walnuts, almonds are great sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an oil that will fight inflammation.

2)  Minimize your food sensitivities and mucus-producing foods

It is thought that some foods such as dairy, wheat, and sugar will both increase the inflammatory response and stress an already taxed immune system.

3)  Water, Water, Water

Drinking 1/2 of your body weight  in ounces will help thin mucus and hydrate your tissue.

4)  Change your clothes when you get home

Pollen stays on our hair, skin and clothing, so, it is wise to take a shower and change your clothes immediately upon coming home.

5)  Use a Netti pot 

Most health food stores carry this little pot.  It allows you to wash out the allergens trapped in the nasal passages and encourages mucus release.  The Netti pot comes with directions and may take a little practice to get the hang of it.  

Alison Finger, ND 

Nutritional Influences on Breast Cancer Risk

The following are general guidelines given by the American Cancer Society in reducing your risk of Cancer.

• 5 or more servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables daily
• Choose whole grains over refined grains and sugars
• Limit red meats, especially high fat or processed
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
• 30-45 minutes or more of moderate - vigorous activity, 5 days per week
• Limit your consumption of alcohol

Below, some other Breast Cancer related research:

• 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily were associated with 23% less risk of premenopausal breast cancer as opposed to 2 servings per day
• Increasing dietary whole grains and legumes (beans) may be associated with decrease risk of breast cancer
• Olive oil appears to be protective, and in countries in which olive oil is the predominant fat, there seems to be lower rates of breast cancer
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids, such as the fat in fish, flax, nuts, is deficient in most Western Diets and this deficiency may be associated with a greater risk of breast cancer
• The risk of breast cancer is increased at high levels (greater than 2 drinks per day) of alcohol intake.  Red wine appears to be the safest option
• 3.8 hours of exercise per week has been associated with up to 72% less breast cancer

Alison

The Last Lecture

Many of you may have seen this lecture before or heard of Randy Pausch in the last year.  Randy was diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer in September 2006.  As a professor at Carnegie Melon University it was tradition to ask the professors to give a hypothetical lecture on what matters to them most.  This lecture is called "The Last Lecture" and was given for real by Randy Pausch. 

Randy's lecture has since gained international attention and has been viewed by millions on the Internet.  In the lecture, Randy taught the important lesson of living life daily, fulfilling your dreams and not worrying about the future. 

This ultimately is living in the now, being present and learning how to find joy, happiness, and fulfillment in everyday life.  I often ask my clients, "what is the purpose of life if you are not having any fun?"  What I know is that the purpose is not waiting for something to go wrong, waiting for a surgery, diagnosis or death. 

As Randy Pausch puts it, "I don't know how to not have fun," he said in the lecture. "I'm dying and I'm having fun. And I'm going to keep having fun every day I have left. Because there's no other way to play it."  "We don't beat the reaper by living longer, we beat the reaper by living well and living fully."

Randy Pausch passed today in his home.  If you have not taken the time to watch The Last Lecture, please do.  It will be worth your time.

 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

In Health,

Alison

One Great Way to Eat Quinoa

If you don't already know about this super-grain called Quinoa, pronounced "KEEN, wah," it is time to learn a little about it.  This food is highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high, making it a healthy choice for vegetarians.  Quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it a complete protein.  It is a great source of dietary fiber and is high in magnesium, phosphorus, and iron.  Another great thing is that quinoa is gluten free.  Because of all these characteristics, I consider it a super-food.  Below is one of my favorite summer recipes with quinoa.   

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

 

2 cups quinoa

4 cups hot water

2 cups peas, lightly cooked fresh or frozen         

1 medium red onion, diced

1  red pepper, cored, seeded and diced            

½ cup black olives, sliced   

1 green pepper, cored, seeded and diced           

1 cup golden raisins

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped                            

¼ cup fresh dill, chopped

¼ cup pine nuts, toasted  

½ cup vinaigrette dressing

 

It is best to soak the 2 cups of quinoa in water for 12-24 hours before cooking.  Drain the quinoa before cooking.  In a large saucepan bring 4 cups hot water and 2 cups quinoa to boil.  Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.  Fluff with a fork and cool.  When quinoa and peas are cool, place into a large bowl and add all remaining ingredients except pine nuts.  Toss with ½ cup of vinaigrette dressing.  Garnish with pine nuts which have been toasted in a dry skillet until golden.  Serve warm or cover and chill before serving.  Makes 8 servings.

 

Wine vinaigrette dressing

 

¼ cup apple cider vinegar                            

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard                             

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

½ cup olive oil                                              

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons dry white wine

Salt and Pepper to taste 

 

Whisk together vinegar, honey, mustard, and chopped garlic in a bowl.  Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and wine, whisking until well blended.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

 

Enjoy,

Alison

 

Some of the Many Health Benefits of Yoga

I have been fortunate to find Yoga and recently taken several classes in San Juan, Puerto Rico at It's Yoga Puerto Rico.  Before the first class, I found myself wondering if the class would be in English or Spanish, if I would be able to follow along or be lost in the language.  To my pleasant surprise, this little studio, full of devout students, felt like home.  What I realized is that Yoga is Yoga, it can be practiced anywhere, by yourself or with a teacher, all you need is yourself and a mat. Below are some of the benefits of Yoga: Increased Flexibility Increasing lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons Massaging of all Organs of the Body Complete Detoxification of the Body Toning and Strengthening of the muscles Not to mention the deep relaxation and stress reduction that comes from a regular yoga practice.  I encourage you to find a yoga studio close to you and give yoga a try. Alison

What are you waiting for?

So many times I hear clients say something along the lines of, "When I heal from this surgery, I will be back to normal" or when I finally lose these last 10 pounds, my life will be perfect" or "after I land that new job making $100,000 all of my problems will go away." 

Why are we waiting to be perfect?  To be happy and fullfilled?  Why not allow that feeling to be present now.  Below is a piece that a patient gave to me to support one to feel enough right now.  I believe it is taken from a book called Heart Thoughts.

"I am perfect exactly as I am.  I am neither too much nor too little.  I do not have to prove to anyone or anything who I am.  I have come to know that I am the perfect expression of the Oneness of Life.  In the Infininity of Life I have been many identities, each one a perfect expression for that particular lifetime.  I am content to be who and what I am this time.  I do not yearn to be like someone else for that is not the expression I chose this time.  Next time, I will be different.  I am perfect as I am, right here and right now.  I am sufficient.  I am one with all of Life.  There is no need to struggle to be better.  All I need to do is to love myself more today than yesterday and to treat myself as someone who is deeply loved.  As I am cherished by myself, I will blossom with a joy and beauty that I can barely begin to comprehend.  Love is the nourishment that humans need to fulfill their greatness.  As I learn to love myself more, I learn to love everyone more.  Together we lovingly nourish an ever more beautiful world.  We are all healed and the planet is healed too.  With joy I recognize my perfection and the perfection of Life.  And so it is."

"If we wait until we become perfect before we love ourselves we will waste our lives.  We are already perfect right here and now."

An example of a personal affirmation that one can repeat throughout their day is:

I am perfect, I am sufficient, I am one with life.

Hope this helps you feel that you are what you should be, here and now,

Alison