Portland Naturopathic Medicine

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. According the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects about 121 million people. Untreated depression can lead to suicide, and the WHO estimates that 850,000 people worldwide commit suicide every year. Their estimates project that depression will rise to second place in the global burden of disease listing by the year 2020.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV), delineates the different types of mood episodes and mood disorders. The pedantic details are beyond the scope of this article. I will discuss how naturopathic medicine looks at and treats depression. In general, all subtypes are simply referred to as “depression.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 2005-2006 statistics, more than 1 in 20 Americans 12 years of age and older had current depression. Persons 40-59 years of age had higher rates of depression than any other age group. Persons 12-17, 18-39, and 60 years of age and older had similar rates of depression. Depression was more common in females than in males. Non-Hispanic black persons had higher rates of depression than non-Hispanic white persons. These rates are much the same today.

A conservative estimate is that at least 50% of the patients in my practice have some type of mood disorder. It may not even be the main reason they come to see me, but it’s on their “problem list.”
Two of the cardinal rules of naturopathic medicine – 1) treat the whole person, and 2) therapeutic order (viz, least invasive/aggressive to most invasive aggressive treatments)-give naturopaths a distinct advantage over our allopathic brethren. Our strategies look at mental, emotional and physical aspects of the person to address their concerns. Although some individuals do in fact have a “chemical imbalance,” very few have a Prozac or Celexa deficiency. Study after study bears this out
An article titled “Efficacy and Effectiveness of Antidepressants: Current Status of Research” in the journal Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics reviewed four meta-analyses of efficacy trials on antidepressants and the STAR*D (Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression) trial. Their conclusions: antidepressant studies with favorable outcomes were sixteen times more likely to be published as those with unfavorable ones; there no significant drug/placebo differences; and the effects of antidepressants diminish more rapidly than those of placebo.

Research conducted by Dr. Irving Kirsch, who was interviewed on “60 Minutes” a few months ago, also determined that with mild to moderate depression, antidepressants are no more effective than placebo.

So, do people get better on antidepressants? Yes, but not because of the chemicals that the drugs are altering. The leading theory is that it’s nothing more than the placebo effect enabling the power of the mind to treat the depression. On the other hand, the side effects that many individuals experience on these medications often drive them to see a naturopath. Mayo Clinic reports the following as common side effects: nausea, increased appetite, weight gain, sexual side effects, fatigue, drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, agitation, restlessness and anxiety.
Back to the therapeutic order tenet of the naturopathic approach to treatment, least invasive least aggressive first. Number one, look for a cause or causes. Anemias, thyroid disorders, MTHFR polymorphisms, other genetic predispositions, prolonged stress, glucose (blood sugar), adrenal function, zinc, magnesium, B12 and folate status, vitamin D, just to name a few, should all be addressed according to blood work and clinical picture. There are many treatment options, but I only have a space to mention a few.

First, remove the obstacles to cure. Many times depression can be situational. Work, family, area you live, toxic or poor relationships, negative outlook(s), etc. Some of these cannot be changed, some can. The ones that can, behavioral therapy works beautifully. It can give one better coping strategies and the ability to change ones outlook and perception of situations. Furthermore, just like how behavioral therapy and medication management have better outcomes, than either one alone, so do natural therapies. I always strongly encourage my patients with depression to also be in therapy and find someone that they jive with in the first few minutes of meeting them. If you don’t like the person you’re working with, treatment won’t work as well.

Exercise: We know how good it feels to exercise. This releases some of our feel good hormones: dopamine and serotonin (not to mention adrenaline). Furthermore, we will also feel better about how we look, which further bolsters exercises’ antidepressant effects. Even better, if we can get outside and be amongst the great outdoors, get fresh air, further accelerates exercises health benefits. Only four matters in the research literature have been shown to decrease overall mortality (all causes of death), along with vitamin D, exercise is one of them.

Diet: We know that we should be eating more whole foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, less saturated fats, trans fats and processed foods. Now there’s some good research evidence to show that this is true. A study published in the February issue of Canadian Journal of Psychiatry looked at 97 adults diagnosed with mood disorders. Participants kept 3-day food diaries and food frequency questionnaires. Their Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Young Mania Rating Scale showed improved scores from baseline and furthermore, the vitamins and minerals in participant’s diets were what were associated with these improvements. Imagine how you feel when you eat that McDonald’s meal, verses baked salmon with lemon, side of steamed vegetables, brown rice and salad.

Botanical medicine: Many herbs have a long history of traditional use. There are also many that have research trials behind their efficacy. One of the most well-known is Hypericum perforatum or St. John’s Wort. Trials comparing St. John’s Wort to sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and citalopram (Celexa) have not only shown the herb to be superior to placebo, but just as effective as these medications, with far fewer side effects. However, St. John’s Wort should not be used long-term because it can cause photosensitivity and interact with many medications.

Nutrients and amino acids: Zinc plays a role in over 100 enzymatic reactions in the body (that we know of). Enzymes are what enable reactions to take place. If zinc is deficient, then the reactions don’t work optimally. Zinc is essential in maintaining and developing neurological networks and communication. One of the leading theories on the relationship between zinc and depression is that zinc is a necessary cofactor for neurotransmitter production and function.

L-Tryptophan and L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) are amino acids that are precursors to serotonin. These amino acids should only be used under the supervision of a licensed physician. If these amino acids are combined with SSRIs, a condition called serotonin syndrome can result. This can cause irreversible damage in many organ systems or even death.

Omega 3 essential fatty acids: In an eight-week trial of 60 outpatients, 1000mg EPA was found to be similar to fluoxetine in effects on depression (though EPA and fluoxetine in combination outperformed either alone). Omega-3 fats benefited the treatment of childhood depression in a controlled double-blind pilot study. Psychological scores were significantly improved after eight weeks among those who were supplemented with 1050 mg EPA/day plus 150 mg DHA versus the placebo. This information comes from the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, American Journal of Psychiatry and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 

SAM-e: S-adenosylmethionine is a substance naturally produced in the body. It has been shown to be effective even in major depression. It acts as a methyl donor in pathways that form nucleic acids, proteins, phospholipids, and neurotransmitters. SAMe can raise dopamine levels, reduce inflammation, and enhance detoxification reactions in the liver. Two major drawbacks of oral supplementation of this substance are poor oral absorption through the gut and cost. Furthermore, like tryptophan and 5-HTP, it can cause serotonin syndrome.

Biotherapeutic drainage via UNDA numbers: This system of medicine from Germany, Holland, and France has been around since about the 1920’s. UNDA numbers have combinations of herbs and minerals that are system and organ specific; e.g., central nervous system, endocrine (hormones), cardiovascular, etc. The ingredients essentially optimize and correct a particular system’s function. It is easier to correct physiology than pathology. I have used biotherapeutic drainage in my practice and have seen it work wonders.

Homeopathy: From experience, I consider this to be the most corrective and permanent solution to the mood disorders spectrum. I have literally seen it work “miracles.” The aforementioned treatments, besides drainage, are essentially “green allopathy”(using a natural substance in lieu of a medication). Homeopathy uses natural agents in lieu of pharmaceutical medications. The form can be helpful and effective, but often not permanently.
Patients who may already be on pharmaceutical medications might be worried about potential interactions. These are logical and legitimate concerns. This is where homeopathy can play a significant role in healthcare.

Homeopathy is considered an “energetic” medicine which does not interact with other medications, supplements, or herbs. Much like naturopathy, it takes a person’s physical, mental, and emotional picture and puts the pieces together like a jigsaw puzzle to match them to 1 of about 5,000 remedies – a seemingly daunting task. Although the science and art behind homeopathy are very challenging, a good naturopath can usually find the right remedy.

I have used homeopathy to help many patients not only wean off their medications, but also lift the cloud of depression from their life like never before. Here is just one success story: During my residency in Seattle, I had a 28-year-old male patient who presented with fatigue, depression, anxiety, anger issues, and low libido (despite the fact that he was married within the last year, loved his wife and was deeply attracted to her).

He described his depression as sometimes feeling like he was living outside his body; he couldn’t think or concentrate; and he had difficulty being motivated. This was compounded by the fact that he and his wife had just moved to Seattle from a sunny location and were having a difficult time adjusting to the long, cold, dark days that Seattle is infamous for. He was also having trouble making friends and finding a job.

I ran the usual labs looking for iron deficiency anemia, b-vitamin induced anemias, low vitamin D, hypothyroidism and low cholesterol. All were normal except for his vitamin D being slightly low. I encouraged him to see a colleague of mine for counseling. I suggested that he try www.meetup.com for a social outlet instead of staying home all day looking for a job in a difficult market. I repleted his vitamin D and put him on a high-quality fish oil supplement. This went on for about a month with very little improvement.

I decided to give him a homeopathic remedy. Two weeks later, on New Year’s Day, I received an e-mail from him telling me that everything was worse than before! He denied any suicidal or homicidal ideations, but was certainly not doing well. I told him that it was not uncommon to experience what is known in homeopathic theory as a “healing crisis.” (I prefer the term, “healing reaction.”) What it means is that one’s symptoms sometimes get worse before they get better. I asked him to come and see me the next week since I was on vacation.

A few weeks went by with no change. I gave him a different homeopathic remedy. At his follow-up a month later, it was as if a veil had been lifted from his life. He could think and concentrate, and he had regained his passion for photography. He reported that he felt better than he had in many, many years. His relationship with his wife improved. My colleague who was seeing him for counseling said he no longer needed his services. Two more weeks went by and he found a job. Life was good again

Yeast Infection Symptoms
A vaginal yeast infection is due to an overgrowth of candida in the vagina. This leads to symptoms of itchiness, irritation, soreness and discharge. The conventional treatment for yeast infections are antifungal drugs, either an oral medication or topical creams. The concern with this approach is that the oral medication can be very toxic to the liver, and neither approach really gets to the root cause of the yeast infection. The cause of yeast infections is due to an overgrowth of candida in the vagina. Some candida is normally present in the vagina, but only becomes a problem when there is a disruption in the normal flora, specifically the amount of the lactobacillus acidophilus in the vagina. This can result from recent antibiotic use, the use of lubricants and spermicides, hormonal changes, birth control pills, a poor diet or weakened immune system.


Naturopathic Medicine Yeast Infection Diagnosis
So I diagnose a yeast infection by getting a really good history on my patient, doing a physical exam and doing some basic laboratory work. So in the physical exam I’m actually looking at the vagina and the discharge. What’s typical of a yeast infection are the vaginal lips are really red and irritated, and then there’s discharge even on the outside or in the vaginal canal, which typically is white and curdy but can also be very thin to very thick in consistency.
So I take a swap of the discharge and I do a PH because there are a lot of other vaginal infections besides yeast and most of them as associated with a higher PH in the vagina, so I’m looking for a normal PH which tends to be around four or four and a half in the vagina. And then I take a look at that discharge underneath the microscope and I’m actually looking for yeast, and if I spot it then it’s clearly a yeast infection and I’ll go ahead and treat it. If my patient is getting more than four yeast infections in a year, I’m going to do blood work because I want to look at blood sugar levels and their immune system.

Naturopathic Medicine Yeast Infection Treatment
I have a two prong approach to treating yeast infections. The first is to get rid of symptoms and decrease the amount of yeast in the vagina, and the second is to make sure the yeast infection does not come back. I do this by first addressing diet, and a diet should be whole foods and be very limited in the amount of sugar, processed foods and alcohol. The sugar, processed foods, alcohol, they all go into feeding yeast, and what we want to do is get rid of the yeast not feed them and have them populate. I always recommend that during yeast infections, women avoid wearing pantyhose, non-cotton underwear and really tight clothing. I also recommend overall immune support, so supplements such as garlic, vitamin C and zinc can be very helpful. I always recommend a probiotic such as lactobacillus acidophilus, both orally and vaginally. And I might also recommend vaginal suppositories to get really local antifungal, anti-inflammatory treatments. They suppositories might include thuja, Oregon grape, tea tree oil or boric acid.

Naturopathic Medicine Yeast Infection Treatment Success
When patients follow my protocol, my success rate for treating yeast infections is pretty high. Not only are symptoms gone within usually three days, but the yeast infections just don’t come back.

Is Naturopathy Treatment Safe for Health?

The benefits of incorporating Naturopathic Medicine into your lifestyle are many and are far-reaching. When you begin to pay closer attention to what you eat, how you live and how your body reacts to the world around you under the care of a Naturopathic Doctor (ND), you will learn means of alleviating many of the day-to-day issues we all face, such as how to:

• Relieve pain
• Avoid frequent bouts of the cold, flu, and other common ailments
• Discover long-term solutions to chronic ailments
• Slow the degenerative disease process
• Reach and maintain an ideal weight
• Achieve a higher level of fitness overall
• Recover quickly from illness and other challenges
• Increase energy
• Find and maintain balance – both physical and emotional
• Reduce stress and feel better

Health promotion 
The focus of naturopathic medicine is health promotion and the understanding that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. By identifying and removing obstacles to cure, the body is able to heal and move toward optimal health. The goal of naturopathic practice is to treat underlying disorders and to restore normal body function by enhancing the body's own healing abilities.

Disease prevention 
Disease prevention and preventing the progression of disease are principles inherent to naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic doctors work with patients to identify the root causes of disease and to address all the factors that are affecting a patient's health.

Conditions and illnesses treated 
Naturopathic doctors are primary health care practitioners. They are trained to treat virtually all health concerns from acute to chronic, pediatric to geriatric and physical to psychological. Naturopathic doctors work with three main groups of people: 1) patients that are looking for disease prevention and health promotion, 2) patients with a range of health concerns and no clear diagnosis and 3) patients with chronic and severe illnesses.

Individualized treatment 
Naturopathic treatments are highly individualized. Each patient has a unique story, history, genetics, dietary habits, lifestyle and associated health concerns. A naturopathic doctor will work to determine the underlying cause(s) and create an individualized treatment plan to stimulate a person's innate healing ability. Patients are also involved in their health program and learn to make effective, educated, self-care decisions that can prevent future health problems.

Working with conventional medicine 
Naturopathic doctors can and do work with conventional medical doctors. NDs are trained to refer patients to other health care practitioners, where appropriate. Most naturopathic doctors corss-refer extensively to other health care practitioners.

Safe and effective treatment 
The goal of naturopathic practice is to treat underlying disorders and to restore normal body function by enhancing the body's own healing abilities. Therefore, naturopathic doctors must focus their efforts on understanding the unique needs of each patient. Naturopathic doctors assist the body's healing powers by using safe, effective non-pharmaceutical approaches with patients. As a result naturopathic treatments are highly individualized. Patients are involved in their treatment programs and learn to make effective, educated self-care decisions, which can prevent future health problems. Naturopathic diagnosis and therapeutics are supported by scientific research drawn from peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines, including naturopathic medicine, conventional medicine, European complementary medicine, clinical nutrition, phytotherapy, pharmacognosy, homeopathy, psychology and spirituality. Information technology and new concepts in clinical outcomes and assessment are particularly well-suited to evaluating the effectiveness of naturopathic treatment protocols and are being used in research, both at naturopathic medical schools and in the offices of practicing naturopathic doctors. Clinical research into natural therapies has become an increasingly important focus for naturopathic doctors.

Cost-effectiveness 
Naturopathic medicine can contribute to resolving the costly epidemic of chronic disease. The cost-effectiveness of naturopathic medicine is currently being researched in Canada. Research conducted in the United States on the cost-effectiveness of naturopathic medicine has demonstrated the significant savings to be realized by individuals, insurance companies and the health care system in general.

Research 
Many naturopathic therapies developed out of a rich history of use and have been validated by scientific research. For example, many herbs have been used effectively for centuries by various indigenous cultures. Much current research supports the direct link between many health conditions and diet and stress. The research supporting naturopathic medicine continues to grow and incorporate new scientific findings. The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM - www.ccnm.edu) continues to conduct state-of-the-art research that is regularly published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The naturopathic profession supports research into the efficacy of the products and therapies used by NDs with their patients. The CCNM is currently involved in a number of research projects in collaboration with other naturopathic institutions and conventional medical schools around the world. Article

Source: (http://www.peiand.com/html/advantages_of_naturopathic_care.html)
View our older post  - http://portlandnaturopathtreatment.blogspot.com/

I was once obviously chuffed to search out myself as one of the crucial prime 10 wellness professionals on Instagram this weekend. It used to be a quite lovely surprise to look certainly one of my meals within the cyberworld. And a big congratulations to the opposite authorities ;)

i love Instagram, its easy and easy to use and it gets my message across -
well being is convenient and food doesn't must be over the top.
That you may comply with me here.

I am almost always a simple eater, whilst a girl I preferred my 'aussie' nanna's cooking; steamed veg and meat over my mums intricate Italian delights, my received tastes have transformed through the years but healthful food can be fairly convenient and surely stress free.

I love healthful whole food that is excellent for me, flavoursome, smooth and nutritious, just including more greens and a good douse of excellent high-quality bloodless pressed olive oil onto a dish improves its high-quality tenfold.

I like watching within the fridge thinking 'there's nothing to consume' after which whipping up some tasty nutritious meal, there may be invariably something to fill your belly stuffed with vitamins and minerals with the intention to gasoline your physique. What are some easy dishes you throw collectively?

For many suburbanites, social stress relating to these shiny yellow flowers which relentlessly pop up of their yards drives individuals to spend so much of time, effort and sadly resort to dangerous pollution to eradicate them.

Just lately, a salesman from a preferred "garden care" firm knocked on my door and knowledgeable me that there have been some horrible vegetation rising in my yard and that he had the treatment.  Once I requested him to level out which crops he was referring to, he walked me over and pointed, "see this horrible broad leaf plant, we have to do away with these."  "Taraxacum officinale" I requested?  "You imply Dandelions?"

Sure, it looks as if Dandelions are the bane of some folks's help!  And, the remedy in accordance with this salesperson was 2,4D (2, Four-Dichlorophenoxyactic acid) which he did not know a lot about aside from his firm was 28 years outdated and they might not have the ability to promote something that wasn't protected for the general public - together with his younger daughter who he reportedly lets play on the garden after making use of 2,4D. 

Sadly, as with most garden pesticides and herbicides, the observe document for two,4D is just not so clear.  Along with being a serious ingredient in Agent Orange, there are a number of research indicating most cancers threat in addition to ALS (Lou Gehrig's Illness).

The Dandelion could also be higher utilized as a barometer for the inner well being of your garden.  When current, they point out that your soil isn't sick, you aren't polluting the groundwater and it's protected to get pleasure from strolling on and touching the grass.  In any other case, synthetic turf appears to develop into a greater possibility than chemically induced fields of inexperienced.

Or, should you actually detest the Dandelions, how about consuming them?!  In spite of everything, they're a tremendously wholesome vegetable.  The younger leaves within the spring, included in a salad, are a part of a wonderful cleanse that I usually suggest to my sufferers.  Much less wholesome, however extra tasty, how about Dandelion syrup created from the flowers

Here's a Recipe:

Begin by washing 250grams to 280grams (about two heaped double handfuls) of Dandelion flowers and minimize their base to assist detach the yellow petals from the inexperienced leaves.

In a saucepan, cowl the dandelion petals with water 1 Litre of water. Combine properly till all petals are coated. Carry slowly to a boil, take away from warmth, cowl and let infuse within the fridge in a single day.

The subsequent day, filter the combination utilizing a advantageous sieve or cheesecloth right into a pot – you'll want to get as a lot of the liquid as doable.  Add 1kg of uncooked sugar into the liquid and place the pot on the range with no lid to simmer on low warmth.  Simmer till the liquid is barely thinner than maple syrup at roughly 219 levels Fahrenheit (which when cooled would be the similar consistency as maple syrup).  Half a sliced lemon could also be added when the liquid is nearing the specified consistency.

After speak me about it for what looks as if years, I eventually had my first visit to a naturopath this earlier Friday.  I've continuously been curious about ordinary medicine however for some rationale or a different I hesitated when truly discovering one in our discipline.  I ultimately decided to move by means of with it although, after feeling unbalanced and out of wack over the last couple of months. Given that having Henry my commonly clear skin has been horrible- zits on my face, eczema on my forearms, and my scalp has been super dry.  I truly went and visited my average dermatologist after I stopped breastfeeding a few months in the past and he prescribed me zits treatment. I saw a small improvement, and after I went to my comply with up appointment final week he stated I needed to go on antibiotics. Now, i am not hostile to treatment whatsoever- I do feel in "general" medical professionals, we decide on to vaccinate Henry (on a gradual agenda, but we still do it), and although I attempt to prevent taking medication each time feasible, whether it is needed, i'm going to take it. However with that mentioned, I select to go the ordinary route whenever possible. So when my dermatologist prescribed antibiotics I received slightly uncomfortable. My dermis has been so unhealthy as of late that I felt like taking anitbiotics would not get at the real crisis or repair it long term...Most effective mask it. However I took the prescription house, and with my mother and Hank's encouragement made my first appointment on the naturopath's.

On Friday afternoon I headed to my appointment feeling just a little frightened. I had no idea what to anticipate, and although the doctor got here incredibly encouraged by means of fairly a couple of pals, it was nonetheless a bit of horrifying. After I obtained there they'd me fill out the expected paperwork but not like most general practitioner's offices i might been to, this paperwork included plenty of open ended questions and even a timeline to report giant pursuits in my life. Very cool.

I waited for lower than 5 minutes within the room, and as soon as the general practitioner came in I instantly felt comfortable. She was incredible. All caps awesome. We talked for an hour about the whole thing- my historical past, my wellbeing, my problems, what I hoped to obtain from the seek advice from. She particularly, particularly listened. She requested questions and made me believe so cozy.  It was like talking to a buddy, but a friend who knew the whole lot about the whole lot and wanted to help me think better. It was truly the fine experience i've ever had at a physician's place of job.

She prescribed me a few matters- sepia drops (10 drops under my tongue for 7 days), a homeopathic cream referred to as pharMAX heal (it's actually a trans-dermal wound cure cream but it surely's already virtually cleared up my rash in TWO days!) for the eczema, and most in particular, a sugar-removing weight loss program.  My mom is extemely healthful and into naturopathy so because of her I knew there was once a excellent danger the healthcare professional would advise this to me. My mother had in reality instructed me the same factor months prior, but I chose to disregard it due to the fact that it is quite difficult to cut out all sugar and frankly, I didn't need to. It can be no fun, and we're not just speaking about cupcakes and candy- it method all sugars- fruits, carbs like bread and pasta, potatoes, processed meals, and many others. Although i don't consume a number of sweets, the true hindrance was the entire other kinds of sugar I was consuming with out even realizing it. So much fruit, so many carbs that became to sugar in my physique, you name it.  And it can be now not that fruit is dangerous- but my physique has been having a tough time with any sugar, so reducing it out during these 6 weeks can be main.

Total it can be no longer terribly tough to follow this food plan considering the fact that it is definitely pretty just like how I usually devour, simply with a number of changes.  The most important factor I've observed (and overlooked) is fruit, and all of the processed "healthy" treats I find myself consuming every day- Larabars, mini Luna bars,  little 100 calorie packs of cookies from trader Joe's, darkish chocolate...All of the excellent stuff. However the matters i can eat are just right too- plenty of entire meals like produce, lean proteins, and nuts- and of path lots of water. I certainly not, ever drink soda, however i might imagine if any person was once into soda this weight loss plan would be a bit of more complex. However as far as what i have been eating, today I loved lots of distinct varieties of food from an avocado to a sweet potato and broccoli, to Greek yogurt with almonds. And that i comprehend it's most of the time in my head but I already think so significantly better.

I am prompted to stay to it, and i'm curious to look how my skin clears up over the next few weeks. I have a sense that the benefits will extend far beyond just my skin although, and i am excited to only believe even fitter total!

I inspire any of you who have been pondering of checking out a typical health practitioner to do so. I think fairly empowered through taking my health into my possess hands, and i am nonetheless glowing from my fantastic experience. I will keep you all posted on my growth, too! :)