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Feature Article:
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) can include any symptoms that occur for up to two weeks before the onset of menstrual flow. Mood swings, irritability and even depression are some of the emotional symptoms often associated with PMS. Physical manifestations range from bloating, water retention and breast tenderness to headaches, fatigue, and digestive problems. Fortunately, Naturopathic Medicine is very effective at resolving all of these complaints. The first step, as always, is to identify the root of the problem. In the case of PMS, the root is often estrogen dominance. Estrogen dominance refers to having an excess of estrogen in certain tissues of the body in relation to progesterone. Estrogen can be high, progesterone may be low, or it may be a combination of the two factors. Salivary Hormone Testing (see www.rmalab.com) is the best way to determine which of these situations is the cause of an individuals PMS symptoms. What Causes Estrogen Dominance? Excess estrogen is often due to faulty metabolism and poor excretion of this hormone in the body. The liver plays a very important role in this regard. Liver stress is a major contributor to high tissue estrogen levels. Bowel health is also vital to proper estrogen balance. Imbalances in bacterial flora in the bowel (due to antibiotic use or excess sugar intake) cause inadequate processing of estrogen. Constipation also leads to excess estrogen levels. Low progesterone often occurs when a women reaches pre-menopause, age 40-50. This is a time when PMS symptoms often worsen. Low progesterone can occur in women of any age. Low progesterone is usually due to irregular ovulation. When a women doesn't ovulate her progesterone levels will be much lower in that particular cycle and PMS symptoms will be exaggerated. How can Estrogen Dominance be Corrected? Once the underlying cause has been identified, specific herbal medicines, nutritional supplements and diet changes can be implemented to bring the hormones back into balance. To clear the body of excess estrogen, liver support is very helpful. Certain nutritional products such as Ichol plus and Multi B6 help the body to process estrogen through the liver. Liver cleanses involving herbal medicines including Dandelion and Milk Thistle, or combinations like Thorne's LCH, are also very effective. Regular bowel movements are promoted, if necessary, using fibres, ground flax seeds, diet changes, etc. Intestinal flora may also need to be reestablished using an acidophilus product. Progesterone is increased using herbal medicines such as Chaste tree and organotherapy which promote regular ovulation. Natural Progesterone cream is very effective in even the most severe cases of estrogen dominance. These are just a few examples of the type of products that we may use to bring hormones into balance for a woman suffering from PMS due to estrogen dominance. We always recommend a consultation with Dr. Richmond or Dr. Tocher as the first step to creating a treatment plan to address your specific health concerns. Clinic News: Flu Prevention-Oscillococcinum is an excellent remedy for flu prevention and treatment. It is the #1 over the counter flu medicine in France and is backed by 65 years of use by millions of people in 43 countries. Studies have shown that this homeopathic medicine decreases the duration and intensity of influenza symptoms, including fever, chills, body aches and pains. One dose of oscillococcinum per week is excellent flu prevention. We are pleased to offer Oscillococcinum at a very reasonable price. A 3 month supply for flu prevention costs $22.50. Massage Therapy-We are pleased to welcome Lori Ellaschuk, RMT to our clinic. Lori has several years of experience in both therapeutic and relaxation massage. Dr. Tocher worked closely with Lori for 3 years at her previous clinic and would not hesitate to recommend Lori to any of her patients needing massage therapy. A gift certificate for relaxation massage is also a great holiday gift idea! Detoxification Club-Due to popular demand the detoxification club will be running for a third time in January. This is a great way to get a jump start on your health goals for the New Year. Space is limited so call Danielle to reserve your spot soon! Intravenous Therapy -Dr. Richmond has recently completed additional training in Intravenous (IV) Therapy and is excited to offer this advanced form of Naturopathic Medicine in the New Year. IV therapy allows for rapid and effective treatment of serious health conditions. In the News: Fungus Causes Sinusitis 210 patients with chronic sinusitis were studied and 96% were found to have fungus present. In several trials, administration of an antifungal medication resulted in improvement of symptoms. In one study, 75% of patients improved and 35% became disease free after anti-fungal treatment. Ponikau JU, et al. The diagnosis and incidence of allergic fungal sinusitis. Mayo Clin Proc 1999;74:877-884. Our Comment: Many of our patients with chronic sinusitis have been prescribed multiple antibiotics, before visiting our clinic, without any long term relief. Based on the above research it appears that a major contributer to chronic sinusitis has been over-looked. We have had tremendous success in our practice using Citricidal nasal spray to treat cases of chronic, recurring sinusitis. Grapefruit seed extract in this spray is very effective at killing fungal infections. In our experience, food sensitivities also play a role in many cases of chronic sinusitis. High Blood Pressure Drugs Increase Diabetes Risk Beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol) are very commonly used to treat high blood pressure, but a large study has shown that they increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study was based on more than 12 000 people aged 45-64 who did not have diabetes. It was discovered that just having high blood pressure more than doubles a persons risk of developing type 2 diabetes which usually begins in adulthood. Beta blockers increase the risk by nearly 30%. The New England Journal of Medicine 2000;342:905-912, 969-970. Our Comment: The cardiovascular benefits of the beta-blockers might outweigh the risk of diabetes for some people, but these drugs are clearly not healthy long term options. There are many effective natural alternatives for lowering the blood pressure including lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements. Arthroscopic Surgery for Knee Osteoarthritis No More Effective than Sham Surgery In a study of 180 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, Houston surgeons found that those who received "sham" arthroscopic surgery reported as much pain relief and improved mobility as patients who actually underwent the surgery. After 2 weeks, patients assigned to sham surgery were doing better than the true surgery patients - probably Dr. Moseley said, because they had been spared the trauma of surgery. After 2 years, the groups had made similar gains in walking and stair climbing, and their pain had eased to comparable degrees. Annual Meeting of The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. San Francisco, March 1, 2001. Our Comment: An amazing testament to the power of the mind! The belief of being treated is enough to heal the body. Surgery should be considered as a last resort. There are many other therapies that are highly effective for the treatment of chronic disorders. Vitamin C Reduces Risk of Death Fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C are associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease and stroke. Even small increases in levels of Vitamin C in the blood reduced the risk of heart disease and death in healthy adults. Just one extra serving of fruit or vegetable was associated with a 20% lower risk of death from all causes regardless of age, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and use of dietary supplements, findings show. The risk of death was cut in half for individuals who had the highest levels of Vitamin C in their blood compared with those who had the lowest levels. The study results are based on a single measurement of Vitamin C in the blood of nearly 20,000 individuals aged 45 to 79 in England, and medical data over a 4-year period. The Lancet, March 3, 2001; 357:657-663. Our Comment: Vitamin C is a vitally important antioxidant that moves through the blood mopping up free radicals known to damage DNA. Free radicals are linked with chronic disease and aging. It is important to know that the antioxidant Vitamin C alone is probably not responsible for the lower risk of disease and death observed in the study. The intake of Vitamin C is likely a marker for an overall healthy lifestyle that includes a nutrient rich diet and regular exercise. Pesticides In Produce People often ask us if they must eat 100% organic foods. While this is ideal, there are certain foods which contain more pesticides than others. This will act as a guideline when making healthy choices. Highest in Pesticides-These 12 popular fresh fruits and vegetables are consistently the most contaminated with pesticides-buy these organic. Apples Grapes Potatoes Bell Peppers Nectarines Red Raspberries Celery Peaches Spinach Cherries Pears Strawberries Lowest in Pesticides-These 12 popular fresh fruits and vegetable consistently have the lowest levels of pesticides. Asparagus Cauliflower Onions Avocados Corn Papaya Bananas Kiwi Pineapples Broccoli Mangos Peas Recipe of the Month: Curried Butternut Squash Soup 1 Tbsp butter 2 large onions, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 1 1/2 tsp. curry powder 5 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken flavoured broth 1 1/2 cups organic milk or soy milk 1/2 tsp salt pinch pepper
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