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By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
Classical Homeopathy as a Naturopathic Treatment

What is classical homeopathy and how we utilize this with individual patients at RNM?

Classical homeopathy and their homeopathic remedies are sourced from the natural world. A small piece of a plant or mineral or a bit of venom from a snake or bee, for example, is collected and diluted. The more dilute a preparation is, the more potent the medicine. For example, a ‘200C’ homeopathic remedy is more dilute and therefore stronger than a ‘30c’ homeopathic remedy. Ultimately, the homeopathic remedy is taken orally, as drops in liquid form or as tiny, white pellets.

When someone has a symptom, the homeopathic remedy selected to help them is based on the idea that the same remedy, given to a healthy person, would cause the symptom. For example, if you have a swollen, hot, and red bee sting, a likely homeopathic remedy for you would be Apis. When given to an individual without a bee sting or similar condition, we would expect Apis to cause a transient expression of the symptom. In homeopathy, this is called a proving and it is how we have come to know about how each remedy acts. The mechanism of action of homeopathy is not yet known; however, clinical evidence of its effectiveness dates to the early 1800s. There are no detectable molecules of the original substances used to make homeopathic remedies left on the actual medicine given to patients— it is suspected that an energetic imprint of the original substances remains in the diluted preparation and elicits healing.

Read More: Homeopathy is Investigative Work

How does using homeopathy differ from using other forms of botanical medicines (herbal teas or tinctures) or pharmaceutical drugs?

Herbal teas and tinctures are derived from plants, like some homeopathic remedies. However, the medicine extracted from a plant for an herbal tea or tincture has not diluted the way a homeopathic remedy is.

Additionally, the indications for using one plant in a tea or tincture may be radically different from using that same plant homeopathically. For example, St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perfortaum) is commonly used to support mild depression in an herbal preparation, yet is often used for nerve pain homeopathically.

In what type of situation or person would homeopathy would be an ideal tool to use?

Every person can benefit from having their constitutional homeopathic remedy on board as part of their treatment plan. As it raises one’s overall level of health— acting deeply and steadily— constitutional homeopathic remedies improve sleep and energy levels and help people get more benefit out of healthy lifestyle choices they’re already making. Homeopathy can enhance a natural medicine protocol someone is already following. This is key because often people are working hard to eat well, stay hydrated, sleep enough, manage stress, and follow their supplement and/or herbal medicine regimen— and yet they continue to have some bothersome symptoms. Incorporating an energetic tool like homeopathy can be the missing component to someone achieving profound and lasting positive changes in their health.

What kinds of things can shift when using homeopathy with people?

With the correct constitutional homeopathic remedy, we can initially expect someone to generally feel more like themselves with positive changes in mood, sleep, and energy. Following, we can expect to see their presenting symptoms shift and improve.

By symptoms shifting, we mean that someone may go from having a more serious symptom to a less serious symptom — for example, a lung condition like asthma may improve, but the person may develop allergies or a skin rash. This would be a sign that the body is moving in an overall direction of improved health. We can wait and let the homeopathic remedy continue to act, expecting the less serious symptoms to clear up over time as well. When we have a history of illness suppression, the body may need to go through layers or stages of healing to truly resolve it.

Alternatively, with homeopathy, we can expect to see a patient’s symptoms improve in terms of severity or frequency. For example, if someone always gets a migraine headache prior to a major meeting a work, a couple of times a month, we can look for their constitutional homeopathic remedy to make their migraine symptoms less intense and less frequent. The time in which it takes to fully clear a symptom varies between individuals. It is important to remember that the remedy is being selected based on the whole person with the symptom and not just the symptom itself.

Another change that someone may experience with the constitutional homeopathic treatment is needing less of some pharmaceutical medications. For example, if someone is taking pain medication on an ‘as needed’ basis, they may find that they are able to take fewer doses or less frequent doses, as the remedy begins to work.

Read More: Homeopathy for Pain

It is also important for people to know that homeopathy is safe and gentle. It can be used at any stage of life and is safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. It can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine and other types of natural medicine.

There are many effective ways one can practice natural medicine and holistic care, and homeopathy is one of the most skilled, precise, and effective tools we can utilize to influence our own health. In the hands of an experienced naturopathic doctor, the use of homeopathy is a powerfully influential tool for achieving positive health outcomes.

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By Richmond Natural Medicine
Articles RNM Blog
Homeopathy Is Investigative Work

Homeopathy works to treat all of a person, not just the physical symptoms.

Like a detective uncovering the many elements of a case in order to recreate the story behind a problem, naturopathic doctors work to unveil the story behind an ailment. Naturopathic doctors take the time to address all concerns and learn about a person’s history in order to understand their predisposition. Only then can they “solve the case” and find the remedy that will address everything the individual needs. The key is understanding someone’s constitution. Homeopathy is investigative work!

These investigative stories include not only physical concerns but those that are mental and emotional as well. If someone continually falls ill, there is likely more than simply a faulty immune system. There is an energetic level beneath the physical that requires a different set of tools in order to treat the health concern in its entirety.

Long-standing issues are where homeopathy shines.  But homeopathy can work to refocus any imbalance in the human body. It is a gentle and deep acting, allowing a person back into the driver’s seat of their own health.

Read More: What is Homeopathy

Imagine your body is a spacious room. In one corner, you may have boxes blocking some of the space. In another area, something might be obstructing an exit. All in all, you may not have the tidiest room. Let’s say the corner with boxes are certain emotions you may avoid, or struggle to express. And the obstructed exit is where those feelings need to escape. Homeopathy is the act of unblocking the spaces in your room so that you can better navigate and experience the landscape of your body.

Homeopathic remedies are the solution to reestablishing that landscape.

These remedies are derived natural sources including plants, minerals, and animals, and can be prepared as dissolvable white pellets or liquids that energetically cleanse the body. After discovering the story a person’s body is telling, a naturopathic doctor can then determine the appropriate remedy. These remedies can also be combined with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. The doctor will establish the right balance for the person and manage this over time. This includes determining the correct potency and dosage of a homeopathic remedy based on the individual and any prescription medications they may be on. Homeopathic remedies and prescription medication can work harmoniously in re-balancing the human body.

In the end, it is up to the individual to listen to what their body is saying.

If you feel your story isn’t being heard, consider taking a homeopathic approach to your health, and investigate what Richmond Natural Medicine has to offer. Click here to learn more about homeopathy. 

 

 

 

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health tips
By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
10 Naturopathic Health Tips for 2020

We are halfway through 2020, and it has already been quite a full year. There has been an unusual amount of happenings in the world affecting all of us collectively. Many of our lives and routines were unexpectedly turned upside down, and new stressors arise every month. In 2020, we all need to take a little extra time to tend to our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Remember, even taking just one step, or working on one practice to support your health is a positive practice. Don’t feel like you need to accomplish all of these health tips. Each serves a unique purpose, and each can support you no matter what.

10 Naturopathic Health Tips for 2020
  1. Tend to your mental health. This can look like taking 5-minute breaks every hour to breathe deeply, sit quietly, and calm your nervous system. Taking a walk in the woods a few times a week. Seeking a counselor or therapist to help you process new stress. Calling a friend or loved one to check in on each other. This can look different for everyone, and it’s OK to seek external or professional help if you need extra support.
  2. Devote time and intention into your sleeping space (and aim for 7+ hours per night). Is there something within your control that is impacting your quality and quantity of sleep? If so, take the necessary and available steps to enhance your sleeping space to support optimal sleep.
  3. Eat well, and seasonally. When possible, consume 5 different colors of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables every day to make sure you’re getting in the vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants your body needs. As Michael Pollan says, “Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly plants”. Summer is an especially good time to incorporate more colorful produce into your meals! If you need help with this, consider seeking support from our nutrition expert.
  4. Foster human relationships in your life. As much as possible, maintain those friendships and kindred relationships with those around you and at a distance. Maintaining our social connections is so positive for our mental health and for feeling supported ourselves.
  5. Practice gratitude and compassion. The attitude of gratitude really does enhance our health. When we can shift our internal focus to the things we are grateful for, our narrative shifts to a positive and uplifting inner dialogue. Think of the power of your own words on yourself and how you can make yourself feel when we are in a foul mood, or angry. We have such effects on our own health by just the emotions we carry, and much of this is within our control to change.
  6. Write down your stories. We have a lot to process this year, and many of us are experiencing things and learning things we never have before. Writing down a bit of your daily story each night can help you process what’s coming up for you, and chronicle what you’ve been learning.
  7. Grow something in your own home. Whether it’s a large scale backyard garden or a single potted plant on your porch, this is a grounding practice of connecting with the environment immediately around you. So much of our sensory intake is expansive into screens, the worldwide news, and worry about things far away. A small plant ally you can tend to is a remarkable centering companion and a tender place to focus your energy.
  8. Do something that brings you joy every day. Stop and ask yourself – what brings me joy on a daily basis? If nothing comes up for you, really sit with that, and consider what you could reasonably incorporate into your day that is a joyful activity or moment. Perhaps waking up 10 minutes earlier to enjoy that morning cup of tea or coffee. Taking your lunch outside. Reading a new book before bed instead of scrolling through social media. Writing and receiving letters from friends. Making crafts. It doesn’t have to take a long time, but it should be something that makes your heart and soul happy, each day.
  9. Drink plenty of water. Aim for about half of your body weight (in ounces) daily, not to exceed 100oz. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, that’s approximately 70 ounces of water per day. Herbal tea counts towards this too! Consider making chilled holy basil or turmeric teas, mint teas, or nettle!
  10. Continue supporting your health with naturopathic care. Every few weeks during this year, it may be helpful to have a check-in with your naturopathic doctor to assess any changes, support you in areas you’re struggling, and to recommend additional lifestyle habits to get you through stressful times. Beyond these health tips, our ND’s are here to support you through any life stage and answer your questions. Request your appointment here.
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counseling
By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
Meet Our Neighbors: Counseling Services At RNM

Richmond Natural Medicine is pleased to begin sharing its office space this year with two wonderful counselors: Deidra Sledge, MSW, and Sarah Mines, LPC of Whole Journey Services. The counselors from Whole Journey provide individual mental health therapy services to the Richmond area, offering a thorough whole-body approach where mental, emotional, and spiritual health is tended to as a holistic system.

Licensed Professional Counselor, Sarah Mines, shares a bit about her counseling services and what you can expect from working together:

“I believe in the power of human connection. We are so often tied to our ideas about who we should be that we accidentally disconnect from ourselves. Therapy offers a unique opportunity to explore who you are without judgment. The path to change exists in our ability to balance vulnerability with critical thought, in having the compassion to understand how we got where we are and how we can move forward through taking responsibility for ourselves. I like to think of my work with clients as being similar to gardening: similar to plants, we have basic needs like water, food, shelter, and love to survive. But once we start to learn more, we understand we need more individual attention to thrive. Different plant species need different levels of sunlight, different altitudes, different soils. As an experienced gardner has knowledge about how to care for different plants, I can use my experience and knowledge to help you figure out what you need to be your best self.”

Can you describe the counseling services that you offer and any areas of specialty?

As a practice, Whole Journey focuses on an individual’s whole health. In Richmond, we currently provide individual mental health therapy to people looking to learn how to deal with the challenges life throws at us. As we work toward building this branch of the company, we plan to offer additional services such as group therapy as well as walk and talk therapy. As a company, we want to provide support for anyone who seeks it and we are especially dedicated to helping those who often receive the least care, including women, caregivers/helpers, persons of color, and LGBQIA+ individuals. We believe an integrated approach to wellness is incredibly beneficial in the long-term; that change happens when we understand how the mental, emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual pieces of ourselves interact with one another. As a clinician, my areas of specialty include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, LGBTQIA+ issues, and existential concerns. I also work with clients struggling with cultural and/or identity difficulties, trauma, and impulse control. My personal goal is to help each client identify how to be their most authentic and fulfilled self.

What can someone expect from the first counseling session with you? And what do some people experience from the continued support of working with you?

Our priority for the first session is to allow our clients to be heard and seen for who they are. We will talk about our mutual expectations for the therapy process, discuss what has led you to this new journey, and gather information so your clinician can begin to form a plan for treatment. Our clients experience a range of benefits from our work together including personal empowerment, decreased stress and tension, improvement in mood and ability to cope, greater balance in life, and hope.

How can our patients schedule counseling sessions with you? Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept most insurances including Optima, Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, and Virginia Health Network. You can set up an initial appointment by calling 757-296-0800 or emailing admin@wholejourneywellness.com. Let us know you are being seen at Richmond Natural Medicine and we will ensure you are prioritized in getting started with services. You can also find more information and request an appointment by visiting our website at wholejourneywellness.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

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general wellness
By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
Explore Our New General Wellness Visits with Dr. Ferreira

“Why should I go to a doctor when I’m not sick?”

Now more than ever, people are being proactive about their health needs, choosing to invest in their wellness, and learning how to support their needs with a little help from naturopathic medicine. You don’t always need to be sick to go to the doctor. Your naturopathic doctor can provide great insight to achieving a more enhanced state of wellness & vitality.

Ideally, our bodies keep themselves in a balanced state, but we live in a world full of stress, toxins, negativity, and unknowns. Sometimes we just need some guidance to stay on track when our paths are forced to take detours. Whether it is cleansing energies, detoxifying the body, or simply being prepared to handle those unknowns, there are always steps we can take toward sustaining a sense of wellness.

Sometimes ‘just a pinch’ is all you need.

Often, people think that taking more supplements or applying more products to our skin makes us better patients and better beings. But we can’t forget that our bodies are meant to fight back illness and manage unforeseen changes in our bodies. This innate ability to manage & fight is necessary for our lifelong wellness.

Sometimes all you need is a minor tweak; like one supplement to help replenish levels or detox systems, or a slight change in dietary habits to decrease inflammation or adding in scheduled self-care to bring you back into balance. The more external help your body needs, the further away you are from true health. The goal is to manage stressors with as little external help as possible. Now, that doesn’t mean when the world comes crashing down around you that you need to figure it out all on your own, but even learning ways to adapt and help yourself manage imbalance can get you 85% of the way there, and that other 15% will come from supporting what your needs are in that moment – that is where naturopathic medicine shines.

What’s for me, might not be for you.

The internet allows us to have constant information at the tips of our fingers, but with that ease comes the availability of an excessive amount of information; some helpful, but also sometimes confusing. You don’t need to learn to navigate the world of health and wellness on your own. What is discussed and explored on the internet or even by your family and friends, might not be what is right for you and your needs.

The most efficient and targeted way to address health is to explore your questions and concerns with your doctor. It is a part of our job, as doctors, to utilize our scientific and medical experiences to weed through the misinformation and get you the most updated and researched information. As Naturopathic doctors, we are able to listen to your story and help provide guidance that is pertinent to you specifically, and what is right for someone else just might not be what you need at that moment. We can provide you with support and options for what is right to keep you feeling, looking, and living your best.

Let us help you maintain your good health by booking a 1-hour New Patient General Wellness visit with Dr. Vanessa Ferreira at Richmond Natural Medicine. Request your appointment online or by calling our office at (804) 977-2634.

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summer
By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
Naturopathic Tips for Summer 2020

We are entering into an unusual summer season, with unexpected factors to keep in mind. The otherwise vibrant, vacation filled summer months are now likely to be a little more low key and closer to home while we tend to ourselves, our families, and keep our communities in mind. This summer, our health needs may be a little different, but the essentials are always the same: Drink plenty of water, get your daily exercise, and eat seasonally from fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables. As we collectively navigate a pandemic summer season, here are a few more summer health tips to keep in mind:

  • Nurture connection with the subtle things around you. Although we are not physically able to connect with friends and loved ones in the same way, as humans we are still deeply reliant on that connection for our mental and spiritual health. This summer, notice all of the other subtle things around you that merit attention. The tree in your yard; the flowers you bring home from the market; the bird that visits your porch every morning; the spider that weaves a web in your garden bush each night. There are so many things we don’t notice when we’re busy not noticing. And most of those unnoticed things are so beautiful. We are connected to each other through nature, and there is nothing better than to be in nature. Nature helps us remember who we are and our true connection to something greater than ourselves.
Read More: Reconnect to Nature by Getting Grounded
  • Enjoy the color of food. Every day, do your best to consume 5 different colors of fresh fruits and vegetables. Summer is the time of culinary abundance, and these colors are packed full of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants. Support your local farmers market, or indulge in your own garden this year!
Read More: How Colorful Foods Support Detoxification Pathways
  • Disconnect from the Wi-Fi. You have been information-overloaded this year. We all have, and it’s exhausting. There is a necessity to stay informed, and there is equal necessity to spend time away from the unending stream of news. Turn off or get away from the internet for one day a week, and spend time at home making crafts/arts, spending time in nature, reading an indulgent book, gardening, or just resting. Internet connection is addicting, and our psyche is full of distressing news this year. We are responsible for our mental health and having appropriate boundaries for our psyche; no one else. We have a purpose and one that is not about causing more inflammation to ourselves and our community. When we can disconnect, our nervous system has a chance to unwind, and our mind has a chance to pause and center.
Read More: 6 Tips for Maintaining Health in an Artificial World
  • Focus on your mental health. Be gentle with yourself this season (and this year). It’s easy to become overwhelmed, distressed, anxious, and even guilty with yourself for not staying on top of everything in your life. Allow yourself the compassion and tenderness you deserve to take this season a little more slowly and give yourself permission to seek counseling if you need more support. We cannot be useful instruments without rest and support.
Read More: The Naturopathic Approach to Mental Health 
  • Stay cool with herbs and foods to balance excess heat. Making an iced tea with peppermint, spearmint, lemon balm or mountain mint (and a bit of honey) is a delicious way to easily and inexpensively stay hydrated and cooled down when the weather is especially hot and humid. You can also add a bit of fresh cilantro or coconut flakes to foods that are too spicy or warming for this season (like curries or even barbeque). Cilantro and coconut are both cooling foods, that help balance the excess heat of hot spices so that we don’t over-tax our digestive system.
Read More: Tips for Creating Wellness Habits with Children

How are you feeling as we enter into the summer? Are there areas in your health and well being that could use some additional support? We’re here to help. Request an appointment with one of our Naturopathic Doctors, or call our office at (804) 977-2634. Remember, you don’t always need to have something “wrong” to get support for your life. Wellbeing visits are essential for your health, and our team would love to support you.

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nervous system
By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
Three Special Ways To Support the Nervous System
What is the Nervous System?

Actually, we have several. The three parts of our nervous system worth noting include:

  1. The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord and is responsible for coordinating all of the information from the entire body and sending appropriate signals for motor skills, thoughts, and emotions.
  2. The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) consists of all the nerves that reside outside of our brain and spinal cord and is responsible for connecting our CNS to our limbs and organs, acting as a major communication pathway throughout our body. It can further be broken down into our somatic nervous system, and our autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is especially important for our conscious and unconscious response to stress (including our “fight or flight” response).
  3. The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) is primarily located within our gut and gastrointestinal tract and is responsible for motility and secretion (including even our bowel movements). Technically the ENS is a division of the peripheral nervous system, it’s function is extremely important especially as it relates to our stress response and our ability to digest and absorb nutrients.

Although there are three “different” systems in charge of various body functions, they are by no means separate from each other. Each affects the other by way of our emotional state, our diet and gut health, our mental health, and the environmental stressors that we encounter every day.

Read More: 5 Herbs to Support Your Stress Response and Nervous Systems
Why do we need to support the nervous system?

Because our stress response, and stress load, hugely impact the health of our nervous system, and in turn affect our gut health, emotional health, and our ability to self regulate our internal homeostasis (health harmony). When we are highly stressed, we feel the tightness everywhere and become reactive rather than responsive. When we experience a healthy response to stress (when our nervous systems are healthy and supported), we respond much better to stressful situations, therefore lessening systemic inflammation in the body, and supporting all of our organ systems in the process.

So how can we support such complicated systems?

Much of our nervous system supportive therapies are very easy. They require some quiet space, some intentional moments, and sometimes some external supports like bodywork or sound. Here are three simple practices that you can try at home:

  1. Sound Therapy: Experiencing deep, enchanting, or rhythmic sounds has a stabilizing effect on us and can be used to help calm and regulate a sensitive or hyperactive stressed state. Sounds like Gregorian chanting, orchestra music, and even just playing your own instrument can have a relaxing effect on the whole body. One of the reasons sound therapy is beneficial is because the ear contains the vestibulocochlear nerve, which connects to the vagus nerve. Sound has a way of immediately getting to our nervous system to calm us. Even in surgery, studies have shown that music assists the nervous system where it is able to keep our heart rate more stable. Music has also been found to improve pain and even assist within NICU for infants where it enhanced their parasympathetic nervous system.
  2. Breathwork: Countless studies have all shown that the practice of deep breathing directly calms our central nervous system within a matter of seconds (see here and here). Do you notice that when you’re stressed, or even while you’re just going about your day, you’re not breathing? You can really notice this if you stop right now, exhale, close your eyes, and take a long, deep, slow breath in, hold it for 2-3 seconds, and release it fully. Notice what that just did to your body, and how much you needed it.
  3. Vagus Nerve Support: The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve that carries sensory information and efferent signals to many muscles, glands, and internal organs, including the heart and GI tract. It extends from the brain stem, through the neck and thorax, and down into the abdomen. It is the main contributor to the parasympathetic nervous system and a primary communication pathway between the brain and the body. Because of this relationship, the vagus nerve plays a large role in our mood, immune system, stress response, cardiovascular function, and digestion.

Vagus nerve therapy is extremely helpful in unwinding and relaxing a heightened or reactive peripheral nervous system. The vagus nerve can be strengthened through mediation, mindfulness practices, and breathwork. This can be achieved through diaphragmatic breathing: Take a long, slow inhale, hold it slightly, and then release the breath completely. Other helpful practices to increase vagal tone include abdominal massage, singing or vocal expression, writing, laughter, acupuncture, massages, earthing/grounding, laughter, craniosacral therapy, and therapeutic exercise such as swimming, yoga, walking, and gentle resistance training.

Read More: The Vagus Nerve: What is it, and how do we heal it?

Nervous system dysregulation can show up in many ways, including stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, emotional and hormonal challenges, and even eczema (to name a few). Although these are all fairly common imbalances that may be approached individually, focusing on our nervous system health and our emotional / stress load is extremely helpful in addressing the root cause of our imbalance.

If you need support balancing stress levels, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors. Request an appointment here or call our office for more information, (804) 977-2634.

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medicinal mushrooms
By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
The Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

How do you support your immune health each day?

Too often, we concern ourselves with our immune health only once there is a problem, rather than taking a preventative approach with our diet and lifestyle each day. What we do each day makes a difference. The western model of medicine is very much an acute model – fixing things immediately when the system is compromised or severe symptoms occur.

Read More: Immune Health Is A Daily Practice

The immune system is a living, breathing, highly complex part of our overall health and wellness. There are so many daily practices that nurture and strengthen our immune health and vitality. Incorporating healthy foods such as adequate protein and nutrient-rich vegetables can be a great start. In particular, vegetables that photosynthesize such as kale, broccoli, and cabbage contain unique nutrients. There are nutrient-rich foods, however, that do not undergo photosynthesis, such as mushrooms (fungi). There is a tremendous benefit to adding medicinal mushrooms to our diets regularly. Here’s why.

Mushrooms and the Immune System

There are approximately 400 species of fungi that have been identified with medicinal properties, and many have antiviral, antimicrobial, or anti-inflammatory qualities. Medicinal mushrooms like reishi, chaga, maitake, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms, all have incredible benefits for our immune function long term and are ideal to take for preventive health. These mushrooms have a long history of medicinal use and have been widely studied for their immune-modulating, cancer-fighting, and anti-inflammatory effects. Some mushrooms also have naturally occurring vitamin D- an essential vitamin for immune function. Most people are deficient in vitamin D due to lack of sunlight/time spent outdoors and do not consume foods rich in vitamin D. Thus, low levels of vitamin D have been found to contribute to a weakened immune system, osteoporosis and negative effects for those with high blood pressure and diabetes.

Read More: How Does Vitamin D Affect Immune Health?

Medicinal mushrooms are an excellent addition to a long term, holistic approach to our immune system. Mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and shiitake are considered immune-modulating, meaning they support the immune system without either stimulating or depleting it. In contrast, herbs like echinacea are immune enhancing – stimulating the immune system for acute situations. It’s important to understand the difference between immune-modulating and immune-enhancing foods because we don’t want to be constantly stimulating the immune system, as this could lead to autoimmune issues and immune imbalance. Rather, we want to balance. We want to modulate and support immune health long term and to match our current health. And this is where medicinal mushrooms can provide support in conjunction with a robust healthy diet and lifestyle practices.

What is the best way to take medicinal mushrooms?

A classic way to enjoy medicinal mushrooms is in a delicious soup or broth. You can use fresh or dried mushrooms such as reishi slices, shiitake, oyster mushrooms, and maitake in your broths and bases for soups and stews. It’s best to let them simmer in filtered water for at least an hour. Add your favorite culinary herbs for flavorings such as rosemary, thyme, sage, fennel, or oregano for a truly delicious mushroom broth that you can either drink like tea or use as a base for vegetable soups. You can also supplement with medicinal mushrooms daily. For specific product or mushroom formula recommendations, consult with your naturopathic doctor or clinical herbalist for the best choices for your specific needs.

Read More: The Naturopathic Approach to Autoimmune Disease

Want to find more ways to support your immune system through diet & lifestyle adjustments? Request an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors. Submit a request online or call our office, (804) 977-2634.

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chronic infection
By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
Naturopathic Care & Chronic Infections

Those dealing with chronic infections, and even individuals with chronically weakened immune function, often face a challenging and frustrating health obstacle to overcome. Chronic or persistent infections are ones in which the virus (or instigating pathogen) is not clearing, and remains in specific cells, sometimes reactivating and causing symptoms. There are many reasons why a chronic infection may not be clear, and some of these infections are not always responsive to antiviral or antibiotic drug treatments. Each chronic infection may have a different presentation from person to person, making treatments even more difficult.

Some viruses, for example, can remain latent for months or even years before they are activated again. Examples of this may be HPV, shingles, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Some of the biggest triggers of reactivating a chronic infection can be the presence of another virus weakened immune function or stress. Chronic infections may also present with cyclical or seasonal patterns, therefore taking a proactive approach could be very helpful. Having a “big picture” perspective while understanding the nuances of chronic infections or viral patterns is a big help to approach your care holistically, effectively, and individually. That’s where naturopathic medicine can help.

Read More: Integrating Naturopathic Care and Western Medicine
The Naturopathic Approach to Chronic Infections

When supporting a person with a persistent chronic infection, the naturopathic doctor will always assess your entire health picture, not just your acute symptoms. Family history, epigenetics, sleep, diet, stress, and your own health history are important factors that can influence the presentation and healing of chronic infections. Dr. Leah Hollon, ND, MPH takes both a big picture and a fine-point view of dealing with an infection, looking for the specific triggers and symptom presentation:

“The chronic viruses can heighten and worsen with stress. For example, The TRAF1 enzyme (also known as Epstein Barr Virus-induced enzyme 6) is part of serving as a checkpoint or protector against many viruses. And it is epigenetic (of the family line) and thus based on this you can see EBV, shingles or any herpes family virus to be more likely to get set off. TRAF1 also governs SIBO and Lyme. If stress does occur, then being proactive is important so that recurrence or worse symptoms do not set up. Part of this is epigenetic and also related to stress. If a person knows that they are sensitive to stress, then they will need to be very proactive now and be conscious of this throughout their life.”

Dr. Hollon also recommends that through the approaching Fall and Winter months, it is important to have your vitamin D levels checked and within good range:

“Often those reactivating with viruses have their Vit D below 20 but often around 12 or less”.

If you find that your vitamin D levels are deficient, you can consult with your primary care or naturopathic doctor for appropriate supplementation to bring your levels back into the optimal range.

Read More: How does Vitamin D Affect Immune Health?

The naturopathic approach to healing chronic infection will almost always utilize multiple approaches, including diet, lifestyle (including your relationship with stress), and botanical, homeopathic, and supplements when needed.

Nutrition Support for Chronic Infections

Everything we put into our body affects its daily function, either strengthening our body or depleting it. Every day in every season, it is important to maintain a whole food, a seasonal and colorful diet rich in phytonutrients (vegetables!), antioxidants (fruits!), adequate fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes) and probiotic-rich foods (fermented foods like yogurt, miso, kimchi, and sauerkraut) can help to maintain our natural vitality. Avoiding pro-inflammatory foods is just as important, especially empty calories, processed sugars, alcohol, and processed carbs.

Read More: Nutrition Support for Balances Probiotics and Gut Health

If you need support managing a chronic infection, a weakened immune system, or building better dietary habits to support these conditions, request an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors trained both in nutrition and other natural modalities.

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energy
By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
Balance Energy & Cortisol Levels With These Tips

Almost everyone experiences some fluctuations in their energy levels throughout their lives.

From day to day, so many factors influence how our body responds to the demands of our routine lives. Maintaining healthy energy levels is something that from a naturopathic perspective is extremely successful, and can offer a wide range of benefits that extends far beyond just your energy levels. Improved sleep, healthy blood sugar balance, and stress reduction are some of the most common influencers of energy levels throughout our lives, and there are several holistic supports, including herbs, that can be successfully used to support healthy energy levels.

What Contributes to Low Energy?

We all experience our days differently, however biologically we go through the same processes. Healthy energy levels are dependent on, but not limited to, three main things:

  1. The quality and quantity of healthy sleep practices
  2. Blood sugar balance (highly influenced by your diet)
  3. Hormonal control (cortisol) and adrenal health (highly influenced by stress)

Check into all three of these areas if you are frequently experiencing low or inconsistent energy levels: How are you sleeping? What is the quality of your diet? How much stress do you carry every day? These are three main questions your naturopathic doctor will ask you when trying to support healthy energy levels.

How Healthy Cortisol Levels Support Sustained Energy

Cortisol is the body’s energy hormone and is also one of the main hormones that deal with both acute and chronic stress. A healthy, daily cortisol rhythm should look like a nice gentle wave – slowly increasing around sunrise, peaking at midday, and then slowly decreasing to a gentle trough around sunset when melatonin (your sleep hormone) begins to rise. With this gradual increase and decrease throughout the day, our energy levels are supported and sustained. However, cortisol spikes and drops are highly influenced by acute and chronic stress triggers.

Similar to epinephrine and norepinephrine, cortisol is secreted in response to an acute stressor, but it is also produced and excreted in response to low-level and/or chronic stress (after the adrenaline is used up or wears off). Like most things in the body, we need some cortisol but not too much. In the right amounts, cortisol has the following actions in the body:

  • Wakes us up in the morning (a major player in our circadian rhythm)
  • Raises blood sugar when it dips
  • Maintains blood pressure (especially when standing)
  • Reduces pain and inflammation
  • Provides resistance to acute or chronic stressors (like infection, extreme temperatures, trauma, etc.)
  • However, over time, too much cortisol can lead to issues like:
  • Weak connective tissues and difficulty healing
  • Weak bones
  • Growth inhibition
  • High blood pressure
  • Mood, cognitive and memory issues
  • Blood sugar dysregulation
  • Low libido
  • Low sex hormone levels – including infertility and menstrual disorders
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Abdominal adiposity
  • Skin thinning
  • Immune suppression

If you’re extremely tired with no energy in the morning, or your energy plummets mid-afternoon, this is a clear sign that your cortisol rhythm is off, and the focus should be on incorporating lifestyle, environmental, and nutritional therapies to support your endocrine system and adrenal glands.

Read More: The Key to Vibrant Health: The Adrenal Glands

Unique Herbs That Support Stable Energy

Most herbs used to support healthy energy levels fall into the category of “Adaptogens” and “Nervines”. Adaptogens generally support the endocrine system and adrenal glands, while nervines support the central and enteric nervous system. When used together, these two classes of herbs work holistically to address multiple organ systems that may be influencing our overall state of energy. It is extremely important to remember that herbs, including adaptogens and nervines, do not work immediately and should not be used indiscriminately. Give them time to work and adjust to your body. And don’t over-do it. Start with one or maybe two to see how each affects your body. Better still. Consult with your herbalist or Naturopathic Doctor to see which herb is the best fit for you and your specific needs.

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

A treasured and highly spiritual plant in Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil is a multi-faceted herbal ally for a wide range of health issues. As an adaptogen and stress support, it is truly unmatched. It offers protection against several kinds of stress, including physical stress related to over-exertion and exercise, toxic load stress from environmental and industrial pollutants, metabolic stress stemming from blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipid level dysregulation, and psycho-emotional stress associated with anxiety, depression, and poor cognitive function. Being in the mint family, holy basil is traditionally consumed as a delicious daily tea.

Licorice

The sweet, earthy root of licorice is one of the most widely used, and beneficial adaptogens for adrenal support, and gentle energy enhancement. Licorice root has a direct effect on cortisol patterns, and when used long term can have a very therapeutic effect on long term stress. The Glycyrrhetinic Acid (GA) constituent in licorice inhibits an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of cortisol into cortisone, resulting in a delayed excretion and prolonged activity of cortisol. In short, licorice can support the healthy release of cortisol from the adrenal glands, when in some cases of acute or chronic stress cortisol can be released much too quickly.

Read More: Sustained Energy & Stress Management Through Herbal Support

To request an appointment with one of our Naturopathic Doctors, click here.

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