Blog

  1. Homepage
  2. Blog
psoriasis
By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
Naturopathic Approach For Caring For Your Skin: Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects many people and in many different ways. Similar to eczema, psoriasis presents itself as a dry, flaky, red, and inflamed skin condition, but also typically has a characteristic scaly plaque present on the skin. Psoriasis can appear in many locations including the scalp, knees, elbows, arms, legs, and neck. A common underlying cause for psoriasis is the immune system, and oftentimes, factors that affect the immune system will also lead to psoriasis flare-ups. We will review some basic ways from a naturopathic approach to help stabilize the immune system, improve the appearance of psoriasis, and prevent future flares.

Immune-modulation

When looking into a condition that is commonly linked to an immune response, it is important to control the immune system as much as possible, most basically through diet and lifestyle. Gut health commonly has an impact on immunity and healing your gut needs to be addressed in order to modulate your immune system. Avoiding reactive foods can also help to reduce inflammation. This elimination and healing with the help of specific supplements such as probiotics, adaptogens, plant sterols, and zinc can help reduce psoriasis flares and concomitant psoriatic symptoms.

Topical support

Psoriatic skin appears as a scaly rash due to its overproliferation of epithelial tissue. This leads to the skin producing excessive new skin cells without having sloughed off the most superficial layer of skin. This epithelialization occurs more with a stressed and overly active immune system and while addressing issues internally is a great start, there are some topical things that can be included in your skincare to help improve the appearance of flares. Some topical product actions you may want to consider are anti-plaque, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary and hydrating.

Anti-plaque herbs such as Oregon grape root can often be found in topical salves, lotions, shampoos, and soaps that can be used to reduce the proliferation of skin cells.

Anti-inflammatory topicals are commonly found as oils such as fish oil and vitamin E. Topicals that are oil-based can also be hydrating to the skin, particularly on a lipid level, but some such as vitamin E can also have the added benefit of being vulnerary or skin healing.

Prevention

Managing and preventing stressors is an important way to decrease experiencing psoriasis flare-ups. Maintaining a specific and clean diet is helpful and important, but we often forget what else can be truly stressful to our bodies. The word stress applies to more than just having a difficult or overextending schedule, it applies to anything that you actively or passively experience that can push your body into an overly active state. Over-indulging in things such as alcohol, smoking and tobacco products, and exposure to harsh chemicals can push your body into a state of immune overactivity. Not having a healthy relationship with yourself or those around you can cause stress and that is where practices such as journaling, art, meditation, or even exercise can help you to cope with those stressors.

Ultimately, management of psoriasis flares consists of a unique and comprehensive diet plan, lifestyle changes, skincare, and stress management implementation. While these tasks can seem difficult to implement, a naturopathic doctor can help guide you along your journey. For help with psoriasis or other skin conditions, book an appointment with Dr. Vanessa Ferreira, ND.

Dr. Vanessa Ferreira is a Naturopathic Doctor at Richmond Natural Medicine Vanessa Ferreira, ND is a naturopathic doctor with a specialization in skincare, anti-aging, lifestyle and stress management, dermatology, women’s health, mean’s health, homeopathy, and hormone optimization.

Dr. Ferreira received her B.S. degree in Exercise Physiology, with a double minor in Biology and Disability Studies, from the University of Delaware. She then received her naturopathic medical doctorate degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. In 2016, she completed a residency in general medicine at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medical Center.

767 Views0
By Lindsay Kluge
Articles RNM Blog
The Impact of Blue Light on Sleep

We’re all spending a lot more time on our screens this year. Many of us have transitioned our jobs into our home office, and our computer screen time (i.e blue light exposure) has likely skyrocketed as the line between work time and home time has become less distinct. Our screens have also become the lifeline we have with our friends, community and family, not to mention how many people “relax” and also stay up to date on the world.

In short, many people are spending upwards of 8 hours or more a day on a screen.

This dramatic increase in screen time has some lasting effects on our entire body. WIth this constant exposure to blue light for such an extended time, we should be mindful of the effects that blue light has on our overall health and wellbeing.

What is “Blue Light”?

Blue light is one of the colors of light we all experience during our waking hours. Evolutionarily, we are adapt to respond to blue light with alertness and are accustomed to receiving this light while the sun is shining. However, with the advent of artificial lighting in our homes and the electronics we are all addicted to, we are viewing blue wavelengths well past the hours of normal sunlight exposure, which is very unnatural for our body’s natural circadian rhythm.

Read more: Harvard Health on the Effects of Blue Light 

Blue Light Disrupts Sleep Rhythms

The exposure of light at night has been shown to suppress the secretion of melatonin – the hormone necessary for us to fall and stay asleep. This includes blue light from our phones, TV’s and computers. In a time when the world seems to never sleep, it can feel impossible to naturally dim our lights and stay away from screens after sunset, and many people are certainly paying the price for it. Difficulty falling and staying asleep can be due to the disrupted circadian hormonal cycle when the body is not receiving predictable environmental signals to secrete melatonin and decrease cortisol. These environmental cues are essential for our long term sleep patterns and rest quality.

Read More: Circadian Rhythm Triggers and Good Sleep

How to Decrease Blue Light Exposure

Wearing blue light blocking glasses while on your phone or computer may be helpful in protecting your eyes from too much blue light exposure, especially at later or darker hours of the day and night. Also, limiting your screen time each day is very important. For the next week, really pay attention (even set a timer!) to how much time you’re on a screen. This includes every time you check your phone, write an email, or concentrate on your tasks for work. You may be shocked at how many hours you find yourself staring at the screen – particularly after the sun has set. Take screen breaks during your day. For 10 minutes each hour, step away from the screen and gaze outdoors, if possible.

If possible, remove all screens from your bedroom (and your children’s bedrooms). For many, this is a way we “zone out” or relax before bed, but the long term effects of blue light exposure on sleep should change your mind. This is a night time habit that was likely formed long ago. We can all make new habits – even when they’re tricky to implement for the first few weeks.

Read more: Sticking to a Habit: The Definitive Guide

If you or a family member are having trouble with maintaining a healthy work / life balance, or need support with achieving quality sleep, consider making an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors at Richmond Natural Medicine. Click Here to schedule an appointment.

 

799 Views0
Winter Health
By Lindsay Kluge
Articles
Winter Fluctuations: Weight, Emotions and Sleep Support

As we enter into another winter season, we want to remind everyone that with every season comes fluctuations and change, both externally and internally. Just like the changing seasons, our bodies go through seasonal rhythms and adjustments in order to stay in alignment with our environment. This includes changes in our weight, our sleep patterns, our diet, and perhaps even our emotional health.

Be gentle with how you hold yourself this season. Winter is a time of rest, inward reflection, and intentional transformation. 

Winter Fluctuations: How Your Body May be Responding

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a common imbalance that many people experience due to shorter days, lack of sunlight and lower vitamin D levels. This year especially, when many people are experiencing unprecedented loneliness and lack of physical connection, our emotional health may be taking a toll. Check in with your emotional needs each day – what does your body and mind need to feel more balanced today? Are you feeling like you need extra support to tend to these needs? The doctors at Richmond Natural Medicine can help you to navigate the best outlets for your emotional health – whether through improved diet, support with sleep, a referral to a trusted local counselor, or personalized herbal or homeopathic recommendations to suit your needs.

Read more: How Words & Thoughts Contribute to Emotional Inflammation 

Changes in your weight. Each of us have different ways that we present with weight. At the beginning of every year, we all hear things like “Resolve to lose that holiday weight!”, and this year in particular fretting about or being hyper sensitive about your weight may cause extra stress and despair that is not necessary. So many things contribute to how we hold on to weight. Stress thyroid function, sleep quality, food choices, movement and exercise, blood sugar balance, inflammation, and even our emotional health play a role. You needn’t feel pressured to rapidly lose weight after not only a very stressful previous year, but also lack of outlets to do so.

The doctors and nutritional experts at Richmond Natural medicine can help you to navigate this in a healthy positive way, finding solutions to suit your needs and current state of health.

Read More: Optimizing Weight Through Holistic Nutrition

Sleep Imbalance. Winter provides us the longest nights with the shortest days. This adjustment to earlier darkness along with a change in our daily schedule may be throwing off our sleep patterns. If you find yourself having trouble staying asleep or experiencing daytime sleepiness, this may be due to the seasonal shift (among other things). Good quality and quantity sleep is so important for the winter months, as our immune system is impacted by the amount of rest we experience. There are several solutions to achieving a good night’s sleep including adjustments to diet, exercise, nervous system and stress support, and sleep environment enhancements.

Read More: Winter Solstice: Are you Sleeping?

Being patient and gentle with self talk

Remember that this year – and the previous year – may look very different than what you are normally used to. You are your biggest ally in how you approach each day, and that includes how you approach yourself. Make an intention this year to speak kindly to yourself, and be patient with how your body is responding to the situations that arise.

The practitioners at Richmond Natural Medicine are here to support you and your health through these changing seasons, and create a care plan for you that can guide you confidently through whatever may be changing or challenging for you. To schedule an appointment with one of our practitioners click here.

915 Views0
By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
5 Herbal Teas For An Afternoon Pick Me Up

Do you experience an afternoon energy slump just after lunchtime? Many of us do, and instead of reaching for a sugary snack or a caffeine boost, try an invigorating herbal tea!

Many of our patients mention that around 2:00-3:00pm they have a dramatic drop in energy and focus.  As a result, they often reach for a soda, coffee or or a sugar snack to push through. This may work short term but relying on hefty doses of caffeine at that time of day puts unnecessary stress on your adrenal glands and disrupts your circadian rhythm over time, likely negatively impacting your sleep patterns over time as well.

Herbal teas are an excellent alternative. Not only do they have no (or minimal) caffeine, but they can also support the adrenal glands, boost energy levels, support blood sugar balance, and provide mental clarity and alertness for a more holistic and sustainable pick-me-up in the afternoon.

Energizing Herbal Tea Blends:

Holy Basil (Tulsi) Tea

Holy Basil is naturally uplifting and adrenal supportive, encouraging sustained daily energy and blood sugar balance, while also being spiritually and mentally up-lifting. It has a delicious earthy/minty flavor and tastes delicious all on it’s own.

Try: Tulsi + Rose Tea

Peppermint + Rosemary Tea

Peppermint is a delicious, aromatic and invigorating tea and somewhat stimulating to lethargic conditions. Rosemary has an affinity for the cerebral space, enhancing blood flow to the brain and supporting mental clarity and focus. These two herbs combined make a perfect herbal pick-me-up when the brain space feels foggy, slow and sleepy.

Try: Organic Mint Tea

Herbal Chai

a good herbal chai will combine aspects of ginger, cinnamon, fennel, cardamom, ginger and maybe a bit of allspice. All of these flavorful herbs enhance circulation throughout the body, stimulating the periphery and brain space to be more alert, warmed and active. Perfect for those working in a colder office environment under florescent lighting.

Try: Vanilla Chai herbal tea

Spicy Hibiscus + Green Tea

If you’re looking for an herbal tea alternative to an afternoon coffee, green tea is an excellent option which contains a fraction of the caffeine, but comes with a high amount of antioxidants. Combine with invigorating hibiscus and warming cinnamon, this is a delicious combination for an afternoon treat.

Try: Spicy Hibiscus Positive Energy herbal tea

If sustainable energy is an area where you may need support, consider making an appointment with one of our practitioners by contacting us at (804) 977-2634.

 

2,688 Views0
By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
Naturopathic Approach to Flu

Are you seeking the naturopathic approach to the flu so that you may enjoy Fall and Winter as healthily as possible?

Fall and winter are the prime flu seasons. With a little extra caution and preventative support, you can stay on top of feeling as well and possible, however if you present with flu symptoms, the naturopathic approach to flu care may offer some support.

Prevention

The best way to avoid getting a cold or the flu this season is to keep your body in tip-top infection fighting shape so it can defend itself against the microbes that may come its way.

Proper nutrition (eating whole foods and veggies and avoiding sugar, fast food and alcohol), cooking with extra garlic, onion and spices such as turmeric, cloves and cinnamon, stress management, hand washing and an adequate amount of sleep and water intake all help to build up your body’s defenses and should be kept in mind year round.

For extra support during the cold and flu season, daily Vitamin C, Zinc and Probiotics can assist your immune system with the boost it needs to work overtime.

Read More: COVID-19 and other Viruses: Preventative Measures For Virus & Flu Season

Infection

Sometimes bacteria or viruses can sneak past your initial defenses, despite your best efforts. Keep in mind it is completely normal, and healthy to get an occasional cold or flu. These are opportunities for your body to reset and heal itself, and with proper self-care the duration and intensity of these illnesses can be significantly reduced.

One of the most important, yet probably hardest things to do is to allow the body to rest and relax. Even taking one day completely off to rest and properly nourish your body can significantly reduce the duration of the illness.

At the first signs of illness, try increasing the intake of supplements such as Zinc and Vitamin A and herbs like Elderberry and Echinacea, to assist your immune system in fighting off the illness quicker.

Other herbs, supplements or homeopathic remedies may also be helpful to your individual presentation, so reaching out to your local naturopathic doctor as soon as you feel yourself getting ill is very important.

Can’t I just get the flu shot?

The flu shot is always an option, but it’s important to educate yourself on the risks and benefits of the vaccine and then decide what would be the best decision for you and your family.

Statistics on how effective the flu shot is at preventing someone from getting ill in a given year vary greatly. The CDC alone has issued data over the years suggesting the vaccine is anywhere between 19-89% effective. In addition to common symptoms experienced after receiving the flu vaccine such as fever, cough, and body aches, some studies have shown that getting the flu vaccine actually increases the risk of getting a non-flu related virus (#1) or in some cases the very virus you’re being vaccinated against (#2).

In addition to effectiveness, it’s important to keep in mind what is in the flu vaccine. Ingredients can vary from vaccine to vaccine, but the most common ones used in the development of the influenza vaccines include: Chicken embryo and egg protein, Aluminum Salts, Formaldehyde, Thimerosal, Neomycin and Gelatin (#3). The majority of these ingredients are a common allergen, neurotoxin or carcinogen.

Naturopathic Approach – Put yourself first!

Make your health a priority, do your own research, reach out to your local health care provider and find out what works best and feels right for you so you can enjoy these upcoming months in optimal health.

 References:

  1. Increased risk of noninfluenza respiratory virus infections associated with receipt of inactivated influenza vaccine
  1. Association between the 2008-09 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine and Pandemic H1N1 Illness during Spring-Summer 2009: Four Observational Studies from Canada
  1. CDC – Vaccine Ingredients

If you or your family are seeking Naturopathic support during flu season, contact our office at (804) 977-2634 to schedule an appointment with one of our practitioners.

1,771 Views0
By Lindsay Kluge
Articles RNM Blog
Signs You May Need To Assess Your Hormones 

Hormones flow through our body constantly and are kept in healthy homeostasis through a series of checks and balances primarily controlled by our thyroid gland, adrenal glands, liver, and gut health. It is normal for our hormone levels to change throughout our lives as we age. Hormone levels are also influenced by environmental factors, diet, and our levels of stress.

When kept in check, we can go years with no noticeable hormonal changes. However, when hormonal imbalances arise, it can be difficult to determine the root cause as hormonal imbalance symptoms can mimic the symptoms of so many other imbalances. Signs you may need to assess your hormones can be subtle, and your naturopathic doctor can help you to gain more insight.

Signs you may need to assess your hormones:

  • Your sleep cycles are off or feel inconsistent. This includes difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep. You may find you get a surge of energy when you should be winding down, or you wake in the night and can’t fall back to sleep for several hours. This could indicate that your melatonin levels or cortisol rhythm is skewed, and not in alignment with a normal circadian rhythm. Read more: Sleep Cycle & Women’s Health
  • You experience severe acne or skin conditions that are cyclical with your monthly cycle.
  • Thinning of your hair, or changes in hair texture and consistency.
  • Decreased libido in both men and women.
  • You experience frequent mood swings that are unexpected and exaggerated.
  • You have unexplained weight gain or weight loss.
  • Prolonged infertility

Some of the primary hormones that can be assessed include estrogens, progesterone, DHEA, testosterone, cortisol, and melatonin. These are some of the major hormones that influence the above symptoms in both men and women. Hormone levels are one clue in a series of potential contributing factors that contribute to your health. Working with a trained Naturopathic Doctor can be a tremendous help in gathering the appropriate clues to get to the root cause of your health concerns.

Read More: Beyond Balancing Hormones: What Factors Play into Dysregulation?

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, or suspect that you need holistic support with hormone health, schedule an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors at Richmond Natural Medicine today.

876 Views0
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.

1,233 Views0
By Lindsay Kluge
Articles RNM Blog
Homeopathy in Practice

If you have ever been to see a naturopathic doctor, you may already have some experience with how successfully homeopathy is used in practice. However for many people, homeopathy may seem mysterious, especially if they have not consulted a trained naturopath. Homeopathic remedies have a long history of use to maintain health and wellness, and can be found all over the world.

Classical homeopathic remedies are sourced from the natural world. A small piece of a mineral or plant, such as chamomile 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. Homeopathic remedies are derived from natural sources including plants, minerals, and animals, and can be prepared as dissolvable white pellets or liquids that energetically cleanse the body. An individual assessment of the individual is usually needed before prescribing the appropriate remedy.

Read More: Homeopathy & Family Practice

How is Homeopathy Used?

Homeopathy can be used for a variety of things, including specific symptoms like pain or skin rashes, and emotional or behavioral presentations as well. Long-standing issues are where homeopathy shines, but homeopathy can work to refocus any imbalance in the human body. It is gentle and deep acting, allowing a person back into the driver’s seat of their own health. A trained naturopathic doctor is skilled in the art and science of matching the appropriate homeopathic remedy with the person depending on their symptoms and how each person presents individually.

Read More: Homeopathy for Pain

Dr. Vanessa Ferreira describes working with homeopathy in her practice:

“Naturopathic medicine is so special when it comes to managing body-wide imbalances because it can be used to target different layers of dysfunction. Homeopathy works on one of those layers and is intended to improve the body’s response to stressors when it is in a state of disease or imbalance. I use homeopathy most often in cases presenting with peculiar symptoms, acute illnesses, stress management, or cases with underlying mental/emotional factors. Homeopathy is a wonderful tool to promote the body’s innate ability to self-heal.”

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.

Read More: Homeopathy is Investigative Work

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 physician, the use of homeopathy is a powerfully influential tool for achieving positive health outcomes.

692 Views0
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. 

 

 

 

843 Views0
By Lindsay Kluge
Articles RNM Blog
Optimizing Weight Through Holistic Nutrition

Optimizing Weight Through Holistic Nutrition

The ease of gaining or losing weight can look different for each person. Many people have a difficult time losing weight as they age, or gaining weight after an illness or times of stress. It is natural for our weight to fluctuate with what life throws at us. Stress, injury, hormonal fluctuations, and our exercise routines all contribute to maintaining and optimizing a healthy weight over time. Educating ourselves on the foods that we eat, and taking a holistic nutrition approach can be a huge support in optimizing our weight as our lifestyles change.

What Contributes To Weight Gain & Weight Loss?

There is so much more to maintaining a healthy weight than just calories. This is where so many diet plans fall short, and this minimal line of thinking contributes to considerable misinformation among diet culture today. Our weight is a reflection of many things including:

Our weight will naturally fluctuate as we age, and is affected by the health of our organ systems, especially our thyroid and endocrine system. Our diet of course plays a huge role in maintaining a healthy weight, but it is not the entire picture. The quality of the foods that we eat is just as (if not more) important than the quantity of foods we consume.

How Can We Maintain a Healthy Weight All Year Long?

If you want to maintain a healthy weight for 365 days a year, then you need a nutrition plan that lasts for 365 days. Following a 30 day diet, or a 10-day “jump-start” is not sustainable to maintain a healthy weight for the long term. Rather, approaching nutrition and lifestyle practices that are sustainable and realistic for you is the best way to achieve a healthy weight all year long.

There may be underlying, less obvious contributors to your weight (gain or loss) that you may need extra support identifying, such as underlying health conditions, hormonal imbalance, or digestive dysregulation. This is where a naturopathic doctor and/or holistic nutritionist can be especially helpful.

Holistic Nutrition Tips To optimize Your Weight

  • Focus on whole, real foods. Fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and quality (un-processed) protein sources are ideal.
  • Eat at consistent times every day. The more sporadic our meals (or skipping meals), the more unstable our blood sugar becomes.
  • Minimize processed sugar intake to less than 25 grams per day. Pay attention to your ingredient labels (especially in drinks!), and add this up each day. It gets to 25g quickly!
  • Ensure you’re eating enough fiber, ideally 25-35 grams per day. This comes from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds especially.
  • Learn how to mindfully and intuitively feed yourself. Check-in with your hunger levels before each meal, and while you’re eating. You may not always need to clean your plate if your body is telling you that you’re full for now. Intuitive Eating Resources here.
  • Meal prep once a week if you’re scrambling for healthy meals during busy weeks. This is the easiest and best way to ensure you have at least one healthy meal per day, already prepped, when your schedule becomes too full to make a healthy meal. Meal prep tips here.
  • Eliminate late night / after-dinner snacking. Our cells and metabolism are not conditioned to metabolize optimally after dark, and especially not while we’re sleeping.
  • Drink plenty of water. Half of your body weight in ounces is a good rule of thumb. Proper hydration supports every body system and cellular function, detoxification pathways, and optimal blood flow.

If you would like support creating a custom nutrition plan that fits your lifestyle, health needs, and weight goals, consider making an appointment with Dr Beliy  – Naturopathic Doctor and Nutritionist here at Richmond Natural Medicine.

765 Views0

Phone 804-977-2634

Fax - 804-980-7876

Office Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM-5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM-5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM-5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM-5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM-5:30 PM

Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our Newsletter for latest news.

Subscribe to our Newsletter right now to be updated. We promice not to spam!

© 2024 RICHMOND NATURAL MEDICINE LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.