An Ayurvedic Approach to the Change in Season: Spring

As we transition from winter to spring, the seasonal changes can be unpredictable and erratic. Abrupt shifts in temperature, pollen, and seasonal allergies are common, making it difficult for the body to adjust. The sudden weather changes can lead to an increase in colds, cases of flu, and other illnesses, particularly when transitioning from heavier winter foods to lighter spring produce. However, an Ayurvedic approach to the seasonal change can benefit the body. With an Ayurvedic approach, we can help our bodies adjust to the changes in weather and diet. We can help maintain balance and harmony throughout the transition from winter to spring by paying attention to our body’s subtle changes.

Seasonal Shifts in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, the transition from winter to spring is perhaps the most difficult.  But this is also where balancing your diet can be so helpful to support the entire body, especially our digestion, through these abrupt seasonal changes. As the weather is changing, gradually begin adding in early spring foods into your batch cooking staples and consume these throughout the week. As a general rule, choose at least 2 new spring veggies, one whole grain, and fresh herbs and spices as they become available. Adding these to your meals daily helps your digestion to gently transition and maintain a gradual balance of seasonal attunement. 

 Read More: Ayurvedic Medicine Principles and Naturopathic Care

Recipe Inspiration

Early Spring Barley

Ingredients:

  • 4 1/2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 2 cups pearled barley, rinsed and soaked overnight
  • 1 tsp Celtic sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 cup spring onions, chopped
  • 1 tsp ghee or coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup hemp seeds or roasted sunflower seeds

Directions:
Bring broth to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Wash the barley and add to boiling water. Add salt, turmeric, coriander, spring onions, and ghee. Stir, cover, and simmer on medium-low heat for 45 minutes until the barley is very soft. Garnish with hemp seeds or roasted sunflower seeds and serve warm in addition to your meals.

Lifestyle Approaches

Practice conscious lifestyle practices that follow Prajnaparadha – the Ayurvedic concept of imbalance. Prajnaparadha means that you innately know what is right but knowingly do the opposite. This is obviously a major contributor to disease and imbalance in the body. Examples include knowing you need to exercise but not doing it. Knowing you need to eat more vegetables you keep eating “junk foods”. Knowing you need to decrease your stress and remove stressful things in your life, but you keep working yourself into the ground. The body innately knows what is right, so we often choose to do the opposite. Practicing prajnaparadha helps to keep us aware that we can make these changes and produce positive shifts in our health.

 

Bring it to Life: Make a list of 4-5 things that you know you would like to improve upon within your lifestyle or daily routine. These can be as small as drinking more water daily or flossing regularly, to bigger shifts like committing to a 30+ minute walk every day or removing evening screen time before bed. Practice incorporating one of these every week before adding on another. This is a great way to sustainably implement new habits. 

 

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Staying Nourished During Outdoor Activities

With longer days and warmer weather, more and more people are spending the day outdoors, and it’s important to be mindful that the summer season requires extra awareness in terms of replenishing our body.

Mid summer is the most physically active time for many, and there’s hardly a more exciting time for outdoor activities. What the body can more easily tolerate in the fall and winter is very different than in the summer, and it’s easy to forget (or not pay attention to) our body’s signals for nourishment when we are depleted from a long day in the sun.

Stay Hydrated – It’s very easy to become dehydrated in the warmer summer months, especially if we spend a lot of time outdoors being active and sweating. Aim to consume about half of your body weight in ounces of water each day, not to exceed 100 ounces for women and 120 ounces for men. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, that’s 80 ounces of water. Consume this throughout the day to maintain hydration, and invest in a large water bottle to keep with you if you’re out and about during the day.

More Tips on Staying Hydrated

Avoid prolonged sun exposure – Too much intense sun exposure can be draining and cause fatigue, skin irritations or cause you to become overheated. If you are spending much of the day out in the sun, bring some shade with you and do your best to avoid prolonged, direct sunlight between the hours of 12-4pm. You can also protect your skin by wearing spf clothing and high quality sunscreens.

Even if you don’t think you’ll need it – always pack and apply a clean sunscreen consistently during the day. The sun is a harsh reminder of how sensitive our skin is, and even a minor sunburn can be damaging to our overall skin health. When looking at sunscreens, look for zinc oxide as the main ingredient, and you can also check ewg.org to cross-reference your ingredients for safety.

More Summer Skin Care Tips

Snack on water rich, fresh foods – Plan ahead for your days outdoors by packing snacks that will not only nourish you, but provide some hydration relief and electrolyte support. Fresh fruits are ideal snacks for outdoor adventures as they are water rich, contain antioxidants and are refreshing to eat! Strawberries, blueberries, apples, peaches, raspberries and oranges make wonderful snacks on warmer days (and are a sneaky way to get more water in!).

Bring cooling supplies – Bringing along ice packs or ice water to soak a cloth in to place on your neck or face can be a welcome relief if you’re starting to feel overheated outside. This can quickly help to lower our body temperature – especially in our face and head – if we’ve overdone it in the heat.

Replenish – Consuming extra water, electrolytes, taking Epsom salt baths, eating plant-based nutrients, practicing skin / lymphatic massage and taking rest are all essential to allow your organ systems and muscles to recover from a day outdoors. Although you may have done simple outdoor things like floating down a river or playing lawn games, when the weather is so warm the body often overworks to account for the extreme weather and replenishment after those activities. Keep in mind that alcohol is dehydrating to the body, and if this was part of your day outdoors, you should be drinking twice as much water for every ounce of alcohol you’ve consumed. For example, for every 8-ounce beer, you need to follow that up with at least 16 ounces of water. Sounds like a lot (and it is!), so keep track of this and make sure you’re replenishing properly before, during and after your day.

 

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Summer Skin Care Tips

Summer is predominantly a hot, dry, and humid season, and depending on your personal makeup and location, it can be a challenging month to acclimate to especially if you have sensitive skin. It is a season where we need to take extra precautions to protect our skin from long hours in the sun or excessive heat. Here are some RNM summer skin care tips to get you through the season:

  • Wear sunscreen or SPF clothing. This is your first line of defense against long exposure to UV rays. Always opt for a mineral based sunscreen. Keep in mind that sunscreens are used in large quantities, all over the body and reapplied regularly. Thus, the (usually chemical) ingredients in sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and can be measured in the blood. When using a mineral sunscreen such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, these particles are larger and do not absorb into the skin (hence the white coating on the skin look). This ensures that mineral-based sunscreens are acting as a literal barrier between your skin and the sun, and not directly absorbed into your skin, or your blood. Here are some of the best sunscreens available recommended by the Environmental Working Group, and you can check your sunscreen ingredients within their database for safety.
  • Apply skin soothing herbs to sun-irritated skin. Aloe vera gel, chamomile or calendula compresses are great options to calm inflamed skin.
  • Avoid intense sun exposure during peak hours. Depending on where you’re located, this is usually between 11am-4pm. If you plan to be out in the sun, plan to do so earlier in the morning, or in later afternoon.
  • Hydrate! Maintaining internal hydration is so important to keeping your summer skin healthy and balanced. As a general rule, consume about half of your body weight in ounces of water, not to exceed 100 ounces for women and 120 ounces for men. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, that’s 80 ounces of water per day!
  • Nutrition: Focus on consuming colorful, seasonal berries (cherries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and grapes); nutrient-rich greens (rainbow chard, kale, collards, beet greens); healthy fats (avocados, coconut oil, olive oils, organic dairy products, high quality fatty fish and seafood, walnuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds); plant-based/organic proteins (lentils, kidney beans, nutritional yeast, black beans, mushrooms, and even collagen powders).

A Natural Approach to Dermatological Health

Depending on your skin color, your age, your location, and your skin sensitivity, all of these recommendations can be customized for you so that your skin health is optimally supported long term. If you have concerns about summer skin health, or how to protect yourself this season, consider making an appointment with a naturopathic doctor at Richmond Natural Medicine to go over some strategies specific to your needs. Check out our naturopathic doctors specializing in dermatological concerns:

 

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Demystifying Cholesterol with Dr. Paskar & Dr. Gerep

Have you ever received lab work or a cholesterol panel that you didn’t know how to interpret, or understand what your results meant for your overall health?

Join RNM on Wednesday, July 14th at 6:00 pm for “Demystifying Cholesterol: A Naturopathic Perspective”, a virtual class with Dr. Paskar and Dr. Gerep. Together they will be discussing the different types of cholesterol, their connection to blood sugar, the importance of healthy fats for basic hormone function, and work with participants to complete a personalized, educational handout and diagram for continued learning. Richmond Natural Medicine always encourages the education and empowerment of their clients to learn more about their own health, and this virtual class is an excellent start for those seeking holistic support and understanding of their cholesterol.

What are the main topics you will be covering in this class?

We will be discussing how to read lipid panel results by understanding the meaning of the different sections on a lipid panel and how diet and lifestyle factors contribute to higher or lower cholesterol levels. 

Why is client education important?

Client education such as classes and panels are important because we believe in empowering our patients with the information and tools they need to improve their health. Getting high values on a lipid panel can be frustrating and confusing, yet so many of us are impacted by elevated lipids. Understanding which diet and lifestyle factors contribute to high values can help you be more active in your wellness journey and better prepared to make informed choices. Our hope is for participants to learn more about the function of cholesterol in the body and to feel more empowered in discussing their results with their doctors or other healthcare providers. 

Who should attend?

Our class is geared towards the general public and for anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of cholesterol and how cholesterol levels can be used as a health-monitoring tool. In addition, class participants who are new to RNM will receive a $20 off coupon towards their initial Naturopathic visit.

When: Wednesday, July 14th at 6:00 pm

Where: Virtual – from the comfort of your own home or office

With: Dr. Shruti Paskar & Dr. Naomi Gerep

Cost: $25.00

Purchase Your Ticket Here

 

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Craniosacral Therapy

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger, following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.

CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

How does CranioSacral Therapy Work?

The central nervous system (CNS), made up of the brain and spinal cord, have significant influence over much of the body’s ability to function normally.  The CNS is majorly influenced by the craniosacral system.

Your body endures stresses and strains daily that it must work to compensate and adjust for. Unfortunately, these changes often cause body tissues to tighten and distort the craniosacral system. These distortions can then cause tension to form around the brain and spinal cord resulting in restrictions. This can create a barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous system, and potentially every other system it interacts with.

Fortunately, such restrictions can be detected and corrected using simple methods of touch. With a light touch, the CST practitioner uses his or her hands to evaluate the craniosacral system by gently feeling various locations of the body to test for the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord. Soft-touch techniques are then used to release restrictions in any tissues influencing the craniosacral system.

By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body’s ability to self-correct, CranioSacral Therapy is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to fatigue and neurological troubles.

Read More: Three Special Ways to Support the Nervous System

By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, CranioSacral Therapy is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to support resistance to disease and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.

What can I expect?

Craniosacral therapy is extremely gentle and relaxing. It is common for people to fall asleep during treatments. Your doctor or craniosacral therapist will be using a very light touch on various parts of your extremities, spine, head, and face while you lay on a table. Treatment times can vary from 30 minutes to an hour.

What conditions is CST useful for?

By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to support resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

  •            Migraine Headaches
  •            Chronic Neck and Back Pain
  •            Motor-Coordination Impairments
  •            Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
  •            Chronic Fatigue
  •            Emotional/Mood Difficulties
  •            Stress and Tension-Related Problems
  •            Sleep issues/ Insomnia
  •            Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
  •            Neurovascular, Endocrine, or Immune Disorders

How often should I be getting treatments?

This is completely individualized depending on your presentation and should be determined by your doctor. Some people may only need 3 consecutive treatments, while others may need dozens. Often CST is done once weekly for a period of time and then tune-ups once a month or every couple months as needed.

Who is it safe for?

CST can be performed on people of all ages.

** Information obtained from The Upledger Institute at www.upledger.com. Refer to this website for additional information.

 

 

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Naturopathic Approach to Candida

With a naturopathic perspective, we look at the symptom picture as a whole, and look for other contributing factors that may lead to the root cause of a candida overgrowth. The presentation of candida symptoms is often different for each person, therefore the treatment plans will vary depending on the individual.

What is candida?

Candida, also known as Candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by yeast overgrowth that usualy reside in the intestines and can also be spread to the skin, mouth and throat.

There are several reasons why candida may present in the body, and some people may be more susceptible than others for this to occur.

Some of the main causes of yeast overgrowth include underlying blood sugar dysregulation, antibiotic and steroid use, infections, heavy metal toxicity, imbalanced immune function, inflammation in the gut or gut dysbiosis as a result of antibiotic use, and underlying food intolerances. Diet plays a huge role in both the manifestation of candida and also in its successful eradication, and paying close attention to foods is a major area of focus for naturopathic practitioners and nutritionists when addressing a candida issue. Not surprisingly, candida is a complicated and intricate thing to treat, and often requires an in depth look into lifestyle, past medical history, nutrition inputs and blood sugar balance to create a therapeutic and sustainable plan. That’s where working with a naturopathic doctor and nutritionist can be extremely beneficial.

Read more: Naturopathic Approach to Dermatology & Skin Conditions

Symptoms of candida may include:

  • fatigue
  • headaches
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain
  • gas
  • bloating
  • rectal itching
  • bad breate
  • White coating on the tongue (called “thrush”)
  • frequent vaginal yeast infections or symptoms of vaginal itching, burning or discharge
  • cystiti
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • sinus issues
  • skin itching or rashes
  • cravings for sugars and carbohydrates.

All of these symptoms are not specific to candida alone, and also present as a result of a number of other imbalances, and with a naturopathic perspective, we look at the symptom picture as a whole, and look for other contributing factors that may lead to the root cause of a candida overgrowth.

At Richmond Natural Medicine, our practitioners take a holistic and thorough approach in dealing with the presentation of candida.

Candida is almost always a symptom of another underlying imbalance, and addressing those underlying imbalances is where our practitioners will target their therapies. Their treatment plans usually consist of determining underlying food intolerances, optimizing digestive function, improving gut, skin and vaginal flora (probiotics), using appropriate topical treatments when necessary, formulating custom compounded herbal formulas, biotherapeutic drainage, and incorporating in homeopathic remedies. 

Is this an area where you may need some support?  Please contact our office at (804) 977-2634 to schedule an appointment with one of our practitioners.

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Addressing The Multiple Causes Of Acne

Acne affects nearly 15% of the US population in both adolescents and adults, and the cause is often different for each person.

Understandably, addressing the multiple causes of acne can seem extremely daunting, especially for young adults and teens. It is most common that people presenting with acne, regardless of the actual cause, are often given conventional topical treatments that work temporarily but do not solve the underlying issue long term. Many people who try topical treatments report that they work for a little while, then stop working or they need to try several different topicals over the course of months or years. From a holistic medicine perspective, getting to the root cause of acne is the most important factor before a treatment strategy can be addressed, and this often takes some investigative work.

The development of acne is caused by a blockage of sebaceous follicles with sebum and represents unregulated tissue growth, especially at the endothelial cells that surround the follicle. Often, androgens (or hormones) cause this increase in sebum production, however other factors including digestive inflammation and liver stagnation can cause this downstream effect as well. When the follicle is blocked, this causes inflammation in that localized area, leading to redness, pain, and scarring. The cause of the androgen imbalance specifically is often the most difficult thing to pinpoint, however this is only one of the many potential causes of acne.

Other causes of acne include:

  • Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency
  • Hormonal insufficiency or hormonal dysregulation
  • Liver detoxification issues
  • Food intolerances
  • Environmental allergens or toxins
  • Blood sugar imbalance
  • Topical products
  • Genetics

Read more: Skincare 101 with Dr. Ferreira

More than half these potential causes are an internal issue – not a topical issue. Therefore treatment of acne with topical remedies alone usually fail to solve the problem if we do not address the underlying cause. Usually the first thing people with acne do is try to address it with an onslaught of facial or body care products, often exacerbating the symptoms and making them worse. For example, it is common for acne specific products on the market to contain alcohol which is extremely drying to the skin. These products dry out the oily blemishes, but in response the skin works double time to produce even more sebum to replenish, making the skin extremely unbalanced and the blemishes worse over time due to the excessive drying inputs trying to counterbalance the overproduction of oil. Many people use dozens of topical treatments before seeking help and getting to the root cause. This may take more time, but is a more long term, individualized solution.

When working with a naturopathic doctor, they will often inquire deeply into your lifestyle, your diet, your environment, your previous health history and your current body care items. They will also likely do some allergy or food intolerance assessments to see how each of these factors comes in to play with your specific symptoms. Appropriate supplementation may be recommended as well as lab work to look into hormones and androgen production. With these helpful clues, it’s is far more likely to create a long term solution to dealing with acne than with topical treatments alone.

Topical skin conditions, including acne, are one of the most common health issues that our practitioners at Richmond Natural Medicine work with. If you struggle with acne at any age, consider making an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors to get to the root cause of your symptoms, and address them individually and holistically.

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psoriasis
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.

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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.

 

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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.

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