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By Blair Doucette
RNM Blog Uncategorized
June’s Herb of the Month: Calendula

June’s Herb of the Month is calendula! Also known as Mary’s Gold and Summer’s Bride, it feels especially appropriate to focus on calendula this month as we approach the summer solstice later in June. As calendula blooms, it unfurls its petals in a celebration of summer. With golden-orange and sticky flowerheads, calendula is the perfect companion flower to attract many of our favorite pollinators.  As if it’s in a constant state of celebration of summer, calendula will flower for months, as long as you maintain it by deadheading it. 

 

Common name: Calendula, Pot Marigold, Mary’s Gold, Summer’s Bride

Latin name: Calendula officinalis

Parts Used: flower (whole head, not just petals)

Benefits: Alterative (works to alter the body’s processes towards health), Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, Antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms), Calmative (has a soothing effect), Diaphoretic (promotes sweating), Emmenagogue (stimulates menstrual flow)

Taste:  bitter, pungent

Energetics: cooling and drying

History:

The name calendula comes from the Latin word Kalendae, which was used to indicate the first day of every month. It was believed that calendula bloomed on the first of every month and thus was used as a botanical calendar. It was this mixture of botanical and astronomical importance that cemented calendula’s magical (cultural) importance. It’s because of its photonastic ( meaning it opens in the sunlight and closes in the dark) movement that calendula also got its nickname “Bride of the Sun” or “Summer’s Bride.”

 

Before the name calendula, this flower was first named Caltha by the Ancient Greeks. In Greek Mythology, Caltha was a young woman who was so in love with the sun god Apollo that she waited every morning to see his bright rays. She had such an unending admiration for his rays that she was transformed into the flower, and thus it became known as caltha. Because of this expression of grief and loss of a passionate love, calendula flowers (as marigolds) were even referenced in Shakespearean plays to indicate the loss of love. 

 

Besides a few brief mentions, calendula doesn’t appear in herbal medicine accounts until about the early 14th century where it was used for the treatment of amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle), stomachaches, and inflamed eyes. 

Benefits:

Skin: Calendula has a long history of being used for a variety of skin ailments, from cuts to burns and larger scars. It promotes tissue repair and regeneration, and is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial – goodbye acne! It’s been used for centuries to boost skin health and fight off external damage. It firms, plumps, and hydrates skin – and may even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! Its sticky resin makes this the perfect herb for wound care, mouth sores, sinus infections, and bug bites.

 

Alterative: An “alterative” is an herb that typically helps open up channels of elimination (liver, bowels, skin, etc.) to promote detoxification. Calendula helps stimulate natural detoxification pathways by moving congestion through the lymphatic system. It has also been beneficial in stimulating the elimination of toxins through the GI system and skin (remember, it helps promote sweating). 

 

Bitter: Calendula’s bitter properties stimulate the liver for detoxification and increase bile production and secretion from the gallbladder. This helps your body metabolize and digest difficult fats and helps support digestive insufficiency. Through these mechanisms, calendula helps drain excess fluids (as we’ve seen through the lymphatic system, as well as) through the liver, gallbladder, and GI systems. 

Emmenagogue (promotes menses): Calendula is still used prolifically in European herbal medicine to help stimulate a stagnant menstrual cycle, as well as to relieve menstrual discomfort. It’s believed that this is due to its bitter taste/actions, where there is a downward mechanism of action to drain excess fluids from the body. 

Emotional Aspects of Calendula:

Emotionally, calendula is employed to help cultivate receptivity and compassion. It helps spur on active listening and promotes communication for healing and empowerment. It comforts us in times of change and reassures us with warmth, openness, and resiliency. 

Recipes

 

Calendula & Lavender Healing Balm by The Kitchen Apothecary

 

A versatile healing balm for minor skin wounds and inflammation.

 

Ingredients

  • 250 mL calendula-infused extra virgin olive oil
  • 50g natural beeswax, grated
  • 25g medicinal honey
  • 30 drops of lavender essential oil

Instructions

  • Assemble clean, sterile glass jars and lids to hold approximately 300 mL of balm.
  • Heat the beeswax and oil in a double boiler (see note) over medium heat. The beeswax will slowly dissolve into the oil. Stir with a whisk to combine.
  • When the beeswax is almost dissolved, remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes, but not so long as for the balm to harden. Add the honey and essential oil, then stir again to combine.
  • Pour into a small jug with a fine spout or load up a large syringe.
  • Fill the jars. You will need to work quickly as the balm will harden. If you are using a jug, stir the balm between pours to ensure the honey does not settle in the bottom.
  • Allow the jars to cool (I place a piece of kitchen paper on top). When cool, cap tightly and store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Notes

  • If you do not have a double boiler, simply pop a stainless steel or heatproof glass mixing bowl over a saucepan. Fill to a quarter with water and bring to a simmer. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.

 

Calendula Bread By Taste Of Yummy

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups of Dried Calendula Flowers
  • 1 Teaspoon of Pink Salt
  • 4 Teaspoons Baking Powder (Non-Aluminum)
  • 4 Cups of Sifted Spelt flour
  • 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 4 Tablespoons of softened Earth Balance Butter
  • 2⅔ Cups of Almond Milk
  • 2 Tablespoons of Flaxseed Meal
  • 1/3 Cup of Spring Water
  • ½ Cup of Grape Seed Oil
  • 2 Teaspoons of Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Cup of Honey

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 Degrees.
  • In a large bowl, sift together dry ingredients to include: the spelt flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Whisk together, then set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix softened Earth Balance Butter, almond milk, flaxseed meal mixture, oil, vanilla extract, and honey. Whisk together. Set aside.
  • Next, add the dried calendula flowers to the dry ingredients.
  • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients with the mix on low. Scrape down the sides as needed to get all the dry mixed ingredients.
  • Pour batter into a lightly oiled 9 x 5 loaf pan.
  • Bake for 45 minutes to an hour until a toothpick comes out clean. If not, bake until done.

Notes:

How To Prepare Flaxseed Meal (Egg Replacer)

  • In a small bowl mix 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal with ⅓ cup of spring water.
  • Let sit for 10 minutes before adding to wet ingredients.

 

  • Feel free to try as muffins! (Yields 12 )

 

Grapefruit and Calendula Tea Hot Mulled Cider Recipe by Ginger With Spice

Ingredients

  • ½ cup dried calendula flowers* (6 grams)
  • ½ cup honey (170 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (optional)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 star anise
  • 2 blood oranges (or regular oranges)
  • 1 large grapefruit
  • 4 cups water (divided, 1 liter)

Instructions

  • In a saucepan, add the dried flowers, honey, mint, cinnamon stick, star anise, zest from the oranges and grapefruit and 1 cup (250 milliliters) water. Let this come to a boil and reduce to simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  • Strain into a large, heat-proof pitcher and add 1 cup (250 milliliters) citrus juice (about 2 blood oranges and 1 large grapefruit).
  • Add in as much boiling water as you want, I think 3 cups (750 milliliters) are perfect.
  • Delicious to garnish with extra star anise or cinnamon sticks.

 

Loving the Herbs of the month? Come along on our herb walk with us and read our other blogs!

 

May: Cleavers

April: Lemonbalm

March: Violet

February: Hawthorne

January: Fennel

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By Blair Doucette
RNM Blog Uncategorized
Detergents and Your Endocrine System

What is the Endocrine System?:

The endocrine system is a network of glands, organs, and pathways that produce hormones and send them along to carry messages to certain cells and organs. This process influences many of your daily bodily functions and regulates big systems like your metabolism, reproductive systems, stress responses, and many others! Organs involved in the endocrine system include the pituitary gland, the thyroid, the adrenal glands, the parathyroid, and the pancreas. 

What is an Endocrine Disruptor?:

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) can naturally occur in our environment or be human-made. These chemicals mimic, interfere with, and block the body’s naturally occurring hormones. Even small levels of these chemicals can have a big impact, as hormones act in very small amounts.

Not to be an alarmist, but many of our everyday items contain EDCs. Many cosmetics, toys, food packaging, and detergents contain varying amounts of EDCs. We come into contact with them in our air, food, and water. Though they can’t be eliminated entirely from our lives, we can make small choices to decrease our interactions with them. 

If you want to learn more about endocrine disruptors, check out this article by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Endocrine Disruptors.

Everyday Items That Contain EDCs:

  • Laundry Detergents: Many detergents in the US contain chemicals known as Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). The EU and Canada have since banned NPEs. Unfortunately, the US still uses them in a wide array of products. Studies are showing that they have the potential to impact hormone function, which can lead to infertility and even affect fetal development. 
  • Cosmetics: Among many other things, cosmetics typically contain 1,4-dioxane, a chemical compound that is known to be “likely carcinogenic to humans” and a possible hormone disruptor. 1,4-dioxane is rarely listed on ingredient labels, but it’s found in soaps, detergents, and shampoos. 
  • Fragrance products: Many of our household products contain synthetic fragrances: detergents, cosmetics, feminine hygiene products, baby products, shampoos, powders, dish soaps, etc. Common fragrance ingredients to look out for include: 
    • Beta-myrcene, a carcinogen and fragrance ingredient found in 3 out of 7 cleaning products and 19 out of 25 personal care products
    • Diethyl phthalate (DEP), a common EDC found in cleaning and personal care products
    • DEHP (Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), even though this phthalate was banned in the EU over 20 years ago, we still have it in many of our personal care items, notably Summer’s Eve Feminine Products
    • Propylene glycol, this EDC is known to impact reproductive health and is found in cosmetics, fragrances, topical medications, soaps and cleansers, hair care products, deodorants, as well as E-cigarettes and vapes

How to Avoid EDCs in Laundry Detergents:

Opt for an eco-friendly, Environmental Working Group-approved product:

  • AspenClean Laundry Pods
  • Blueland
  • Seventh Generation

Make your own!:

At-Home Powder Laundry Detergent (stays good indefinitely)

Ingredients:

  • 1 bar of castile soap, chopped or grated (on the smallest grater setting you have)
  • 1 cup of coarse salt
  • 1 cup of washing soda
  • 1 cup of baking soda

Instructions:

  • Chop or grate your castile soap into small pieces
  • Then, add all of your ingredients to a food processor and blend until your powder is incorporated. 
  • I will typically triple this recipe, which lasts me a few months. 

If you prefer a liquid detergent, check out this blog post by Live Simply

If you’re looking for recommendations on choosing safe Cookware, Tupperware, or Toys, check out our blog: Holiday Toy and Gift Safety – A Naturopathic Perspective!

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By Kristen Alexander
Uncategorized
May 4th-10th is Naturopathic Medicine Week!

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a health profession that focuses on the health and well-being of the whole person, with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. 

Naturopathic doctors are uniquely trained in both conventional therapies and natural therapies, allowing us to effectively support acute and chronic ailments, making us the perfect choice to work alongside your primary care physician and the rest of your medical team.

 

Naturopathic Medicine Week

Naturopathic Medicine Week was launched in 2013 to help bring awareness to the field of naturopathic medicine and highlight the contributions that naturopathic doctors can provide to patients and the community. Naturopathic medicine isn’t federally regulated, but it is fully licensed in 26 states. This licensure allows naturopathic doctors to provide expanded primary care services to their patients. The AANMC provides information on state-by-state licensure and can provide you with more information on your specific state! 

 

Caring for the Whole You

This year’s Naturopathic Medicine Week theme is ‘Caring for the Whole You’. One of the six core principles of Naturopathic Medicine is ‘tolle totum’, which translates to ‘treat the whole person’. As naturopathic doctors, we pride ourselves on seeing the big picture and being able to ‘care for the whole you’ instead of just briefly focusing on one specific part of you (like your high blood pressure and your heart, for example). Instead of just focusing on the fact that your blood pressure is high, we take the time to investigate further to see if we can find any triggers or factors that are affecting you and resulting in your high blood pressure readings.

Triggers like dietary factors, stressors, lack of resources, or other physical conditions are often overlooked but contribute to symptoms. This is why it is essential to ‘care for the whole you’; you are one interconnected being. Everything you interact with in the world can impact the physiological responses your body is experiencing. 

 

Why Work with a Naturopathic Doctor?

  • Time: We spend anywhere from 1 to 2 hours with patients, allowing us to ask questions that may not have been asked in a traditional visit. We dive deep into personal, medical, and social history to learn about each individual patient’s intricacies so that we can provide the best support possible. 
  • Individualization: Because we are trained to ‘care for the whole you’ and take the time to learn about each individual, this allows us to come up with a creative and unique plan specific to you as an individual person. We do not focus on protocols, but rather work towards fine-tuning your supportive recommendations based on your individual needs and goals.
  • Empowerment: Because we want to see you thrive and be the healthiest version of you possible, we will provide you with tools, referrals, and the guidance necessary to feel empowered to make sustainable lifestyle changes. We often see patients frustrated with their health and lack of results, so they are discouraged by the time they are in our office. Our goal is for you to walk out of our office feeling a sense of empowerment and to possess the tools that you need to work towards success.

 

If you are just learning about naturopathic medicine for the first time or have been waiting to make your first appointment, we encourage you to call our office today to learn more about what support we offer and how we can help empower you on your journey towards better health! 

 

References

  1. https://aanmc.org/naturopathic-medicine/
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Man getting frustrated looking his medical symptoms up online
By Kristen Alexander
RNM Blog Uncategorized
The Dangers of Googling or Using ChatGPT For Your Medical Symptoms
Googling Symptoms

How many times have you Googled your symptoms and been provided with frightening information about potential health ailments? The internet is a powerful tool that has made our lives easier in a lot of ways. However, it can easily complicate matters by providing broad information that doesn’t pertain to each individual. 

For the sake of this article, I asked Google ‘Why do I have a headache?”. I was provided with multiple answers, including dehydration, allergies, hormone imbalances, and underlying medical conditions like a stroke or meningitis. 

 

Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket 

The internet can be a helpful tool in assisting you in learning more about different health conditions. But it should only be considered one of the tools you rely on, not the only one you rely on. Solely relying on information from one article or from ChatGPT (or any other AI software) can be dangerous, as there is a significant amount of misinformation floating around online. The rise in artificial intelligence is making it much more difficult to differentiate good information from bad information. 

If you find information online that you are interested in incorporating into your daily life to support your overall health, consider having a conversation with your healthcare provider (or naturopathic doctor) to learn more about the information that you found, and to see if the recommendations from Google or ChatGPT truly are good ideas for you to incorporate. It is important to remember that these artificial interfaces do not have all the answers and can make errors, just like humans. Although these artificial interfaces may be intelligent, they did not spend years in school studying the human body, and they lack the ability to make personal recommendations based on your individual being. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket by blindly trusting the internet. Seek additional guidance for well-rounded support. 

 

Naturopathic Medicine and Artificial Intelligence 

As a naturopathic doctor, it is my job to take all of the information available (labs, medical history, personal preferences, individual symptoms, etc) into consideration when providing support to each individual. A computer-generated model cannot make these same individualized recommendations, because it does not know you as an individual- it only knows you by the data input into its system. ChatGPT cannot pick up on your emotions, and it cannot gauge appropriately how much stress you are under or how sleep-deprived you are.

Important Considerations

Google cannot replace a medical education or a degree in any healthcare field. ChatGPT cannot replace years of hands-on training, clinical experience, and anecdotal evidence that is seen on a daily basis. While there is no doubt that AI will infiltrate the healthcare community and there will inevitably be ways that artificial intelligence improves the medical community, we must use caution with our health and wellness when it comes to artificial intelligence. 

 

Getting overwhelmed by all of the “medical advice” swirling around social media? You’re not alone. Read more here!

References:
  1. Tan S, Xin X, Wu D. ChatGPT in medicine: prospects and challenges: a review article. Int J Surg. 2024;110(6):3701-3706. Published 2024 Jun 1. doi:10.1097/JS9.0000000000001312
  2. Homolak J. Opportunities and risks of ChatGPT in medicine, science, and academic publishing: a modern Promethean dilemma. Croat Med J. 2023;64(1):1-3. doi:10.3325/cmj.2023.64.1
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By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
COVID-19 & Other Viruses: Preventative Measures for Virus & Flu Season

A Note From Richmond Natural Medicine:

The preventative measures shared in this article are not meant to replace the medical care and recommendations provided by your PCP, pediatrician, health department, or any other healthcare provider. As the COVID-19 Coronavirus situation is rapidly changing, we are continuing to monitor the guidelines and updates provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health. RNM will share new information with its patients and the public as it becomes available.

Richmond Natural Medicine is committed to providing the best care possible to each patient. At this time our office remains open during regular hours, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. We are taking extensive steps to sanitize our office several times per day in addition to the daily cleaning services provided by the building management.

If you have a fever, are coughing, or suspect you have a serious illness, please call our office to reschedule or adjust any upcoming appointments as we will be unable to see you in person. This decision has been made to support the health of our entire community and those that are at greatest risk. Remember, phone consultations are always an option for existing RNM patients who cannot be physically present for appointments. Our goal is to make sure you have the best support and care while also promoting the health and well-being of others.

Cold, Flu & Virus Season

We are currently at the tail end of Winter and during this seasonal time we may find ourselves needing extra immune support as colds, flu, and viral bugs continue to spread. With recent events, our collective diligence in preventing viral spread is important.

Not everyone has the same risk of catching a virus, and our ability to mount an appropriate immune reaction varies on several circumstances including our past medical history, family history, and general lifestyle. The variability of weather, increased stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise all contribute to our immune function as well as our ability to respond when exposed to a virus or bacteria.

The most basic actions you can take to reduce your risk of exposure are:

  • Wash your hands frequently using soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds
  • Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, or use a tissue and dispose of it in a wastebasket immediately
  • Stay home from work or school if you are sick. Individuals over 60 or those with compromised immune systems should limit their exposure to large groups during times of viral outbreak.

There are additional lifestyle and daily hygiene tips that make a difference. Incorporating simple daily practices can have a big impact on our seasonal and lifelong immune function, and most can be easily incorporated into our daily routines.

Immune Health is a Daily Practice

Our immune system is always working. It is affected by the same internal and external factors that every other body system responds to, including weather, stress, diet, exercise, sleep, travel, environmental toxins, and even antibiotic use. Each day, we make decisions that can either enhance or deplete our immune function. In order to enhance our immune function, we need to practice daily habits that encourage internal homeostasis (balance) and give all of our organ systems—including the immune system—the best chance to support us.

Here are a few of these daily practices to follow:

  • Good sleep hygiene: Getting at least 7+ hours of restful sleep each night so the body can repair and rejuvenate. Avoid screens prior to bed and be intentional about sleep hygiene.
  • Practice stress management: When stress is present in our lives it impacts every body system and puts a strain on both our gut health and immune function. Studies have found that stress impacts the immune system by lowering its responsiveness to the environments around us. A daily habit and tool that supports stress reduction is practicing mindfulness.
  • Get daily exercise and movement: It has been consistently shown that moderate, daily exercise enhances immune function and may even delay the degeneration of the immune system. Even as little as 20-30 minutes of movement a day is beneficial! Being in nature and breathing fresh air is extremely therapeutic and has been shown to increase the function of natural killer (NK) cells against viruses.
  • Eat a healthy, balanced, and whole foods-based diet that limits sugar consumption, including alcohol (more on this below).
  • It is important to stay informed during times of stress, viral outbreak, and illness. Too much worrying, however, can have a negative effect on our immune system. Be mindful of over-triggering your fear response, which can cause additional stress for your vagus nerve. Remember, the vagus nerve plays a huge role in your mood, immune system, stress response, cardiovascular function, and digestion.
  • Hydrotherapy can be therapeutic during times of stress or illness. The easiest form of hydrotherapy is to end your showers in cool or cold water for 20 seconds. Similarly, warming socks treatment can be beneficial if you have a cold, sinus or lung congestion or fever.
  • Keep your mucus membranes moist by using a humidifier in the house, rinsing your sinuses daily with a saline rinse such as a neti pot, or gargling with saltwater. Consider gargling salt water or rinsing your nasal passages. Saline rinsing or gargling is an effective practice that keeps the nasal passages moisturized and clear, as well as decreases the risk of transmission to other viruses.

Read More: What is the Immune System?

Herbal Virus and Flu Prevention

  • Elderberry is one of the most popular herbal antivirals on the market today. This herb has been used for hundreds of years to support the immune system and is still used today for seasonal immune support and prevention. Due to its high flavonoid and antioxidant content, elderberry is a great seasonal choice to supplement with during winter months. Elderberry has the ability to reduce adherence of viruses to the mucous membranes and inhibits the enzyme found in viruses, called sialidase. For people traveling, elderberry has been found to successfully reduce the duration of viral illness when compared to placebo therapy. It has also been useful against influenza A and B infections. You can take elderberry as a tea, syrup, and through some over-the-counter products that are pleasant in taste and relatively easy to administer.

 

  • Goldenseal is an herb that contains many different constituents including one in particular known as berberine. As an herb, goldenseal (or berberine) has been used in medical practice for a variety of illnesses including infections ranging from upper respiratory to bladder infections. More specifically, goldenseal and the constituent of berberine is known to decrease viral growth in influenza A. Goldenseal is best taken as a liquid extract but can also be successful as a powder or capsule. When taking it as a liquid extract, be prepared for its bitter taste. Taste aside, the medical properties of goldenseal are known to decrease viral growth or replication, not just for influenza A but also for other viruses such as CMV (cytomegalovirus), hepatitis C, and even Zika virus.

 

  • Licorice has been used for centuries in various ways against viruses. It has a number of anti-viral constituents including glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhizin, and glycyrrhetinic acid. These constituents are known as triterpenoids which have shown effects against herpes, HIV, hepatitis virus, SARS coronavirus, and influenza viruses. Within licorice, the specific component known as glycyrrhizic acid has been shown to inhibit the influenza virus growth and replication. Licorice is a relatively popular herb that comes in many different forms including teas, syrups and combination products.

 

  • Reishi is a popular medicinal mushroom that comes in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules, tinctures, and teas. This special mushroom also has anti-viral properties that have been used to decrease the viral replication or load in a number of viruses including HPV, Hand foot & mouth disease, and other skin manifestations of herpes viruses. Reishi is also helpful for the reduction of pain associated with shingles.

 

  • Lemon Balm is a classic antiviral that may be effective in supporting some infections such as influenza when taken at appropriate doses and times. Some research has shown that lemon balm is useful for resistant herpes infections where typical antiviral drug therapy is no longer useful. Lemon balm can be found as a liquid extract, tea, and often in other combination products. It also has a pleasant smell and taste and can easily grow in a home garden.

 

  • Vitamin D has been found to impact our innate (born with) and our adaptive (maturing) immune system to engage in an appropriate response when we are sick. It is recommended that you regularly assess Vitamin D levels through lab testing to ensure proper function of the immune system. For example, a 2019 study found that children with low Vitamin D levels were at greater risk for certain viral infections leading to hospitalization. The researchers noted that having normal levels of Vitamin D “appears to have some beneficial influence on the incidence and severity of some, but not all, types of these infections”. Additionally, Vitamin D has been found to support the immune response of children who received a flu vaccine. In elderly patients, Vitamin D was also found to have a positive response to the immune system after receiving the flu vaccine. Before supplementing with Vitamin D, it is ideal to know where your internal levels stand. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that, under rare circumstances, can build up in the body. Staying current with your labs helps your medical team discern the best dosage if needed. In dietary form, Vitamin D can be consumed freely in foods including mushrooms, fish, liver, cheese, eggs, and butter.

 

  • Vitamin C has been shown to be helpful when the immune system is compromised, such as when we are actively sick or in recovery. There is some research that supports the practice of taking Vitamin C as a preventative or for immune upregulation. The results of three controlled trials found that Vitamin C was successful in preventing pneumonia, and an additional two controlled studies found Vitamin C to be a helpful treatment for subjects who currently had pneumonia. The dosages within these studies varied between 3-8g. Vitamin C is readily found in various foods including citrus, fruit juice, and green vegetables such as broccoli and kale.

Read More: Our Approach to Autoimmune Disease

Nutrition-Focused Virus & Flu Prevention

  • Aim to eat five different colors of whole foods each day. The more color you consume, the more vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients your body can utilize to support body systems as a whole. Colorful fruits and vegetables also strongly support liver detoxification, which plays a big role in maintaining a healthy immune system.
  • Drink plenty of water. A good baseline for water consumption is half of your body weight in ounces (not to exceed 100 oz). For example, if you weigh 140 lb aim for 70 oz of water per day. Staying hydrated supports cellular health, elimination pathways, bowel function, liver detoxification, kidney function, and blood health.
  • Avoid processed sugars and artificial sweeteners. These sugar are some of the most pro-inflammatory foods we can consume. Pay attention to food labels and avoid ingredients like aspartame, sucralose, Splenda, Equal, high fructose corn syrup, and white sugar. Instead, sweeten foods with honey, maple syrup, dates, coconut sugar or natural fruits if necessary. People also tend to forget that high sugar content is found in certain alcoholic drinks, such as wine. Alcohol is one of the first things that should be avoided when the immune system is lowered or at risk.
  • Consume probiotic-rich foods daily. Probiotics are an essential part of a healthy immune system. Trillions of probiotics make up a large part of our immune system in the gut. Consuming foods rich in natural probiotics helps to repopulate and support our natural defense system. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kefir, miso, and pickles are all great choices.

Read More: Beneficial Effects of Probiotics on the Immune System

If you are seeking preventative immune system support during cold, flu, and virus season consider scheduling an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors. If you are actively sick or suspect you have a serious illness, please seek immediate support from your PCP. Have questions? Call our office, (804) 977-2634.

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By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
A Naturopathic Perspective on Lyme Disease

Every year, some 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported by state health departments to the CDC, and this number has only increased steadily in the past 20 years.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease (most commonly from Borrelia burgdorferi, miyamotoi, hermsii and turicatae) are complex organisms that are transmitted to humans (and animals) via a tick bite. It has only recently, within the past 25 years, been under extensive study and clinical examination, as the number of those diagnosed with this disease increases every year. But the actual numbers of cases remain underreported meaning that there are more individuals who have Lyme disease without knowing it. This is because Lyme disease can disguise as other illnesses. According to the CDC, Lyme disease is the fastest-growing vector-borne disease in the United States and with more accurate research and projections is believed to be closer to 300,000 new cases diagnosed annually. The most concentrated population of those diagnosed with Lyme disease are in the Northeastern region of the US, however, every state has reported cases of Lyme disease. All along the East Coast, we find thousands of chronic cases of Lyme disease. With extremely complicated pathophysiology and varied presentations of symptoms, Lyme disease is one of the most challenging health issues facing us today.

The Borrelia species, as a whole, are extremely intelligent organisms known as spirochetes. These bacteria have a spiral shape which allows them to burrow or transport themselves more easily than other bacteria. There are over 100 strains of Borrelia in the US and 300 worldwide. Lyme disease is most commonly spread from the bite of an infected tick, specifically deer ticks in the Northeastern US, or the black-legged tick on the West Coast. Once the tick has bitten any area of the body, most officials believe it must be attached for 36-48 hours for the bacterium to infect the human body. However, in some cases research has shown transmission to occur within as little as 6-8 hours. This is why it is extremely important to check yourself for ticks every day, especially if you have been outdoors in woods, grasslands, fields or even your backyard, as a preventative measure.

Reasons for the Spread of Lyme Disease

  • Increase in tick populations
  • Decrease in natural habitats of tick-carrying animals (deer in particular)
  • Climate changes (potentially)
  • Epigenetics

Some medical treatments for Lyme disease have been built upon our understanding and treatment of another spirochete called Treponema pallidum, which is known to cause the disease we know as syphilis. This is because their replication and systemic involvement can be similar. But Borrelia can hide and have more nebulous or convoluted symptoms. The Borrelia organism is pleomorphic and evasive. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and “hide” in the central nervous system and in other tissues for weeks, months, or even years before activating a symptomatic reaction. Thus, the symptoms can show up slowly for some individuals whereas for others it can occur suddenly.

Some people are at higher risk of Lyme disease based upon their epigenetics. And in fact, spirochetes like Borrelia can upregulate nearly 350 genes within 24 hours. There are a number of immune enzymes or proteins that we inherit from our ancestors that serve as checkpoints to infectious diseases that enter our bodies such as syphilis or Borrelia. Some inherited immune proteins that can assist in watching over Borrelia include IL-10, TLR1, TLR2, CD40, MMP9, and TRAF1. This is important because based upon our environment, stressors, inheritance or what we call epigenetics we may be more or less likely to manifest Lyme disease. If these immune proteins decide to take a nap or they are less active due to inheritance or stressors, we may see that we are unable to fight bacteria like Borrelia. Thus, we could be more susceptible to Lyme disease.

Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease

The clinical presentation of Lyme disease is varied, and many people can experience some symptoms with the absence of others. Lyme disease can affect multiple body systems from the neurological system where we could see hearing changes or mental confusion to impacting the musculoskeletal system where we may see aches and pains.

Initial/Acute Infection

Upon infection, there can be an immediate response where there can be changes in the immune system. For some people, they may present with a fever or chills while the immune system and the inflammatory response initially respond to the pathogen. Others may see a red, inflamed area on the tick bite, surrounded by what some term a “bulls-eye” rash that may spread. The timing of the rash can vary where most show up within 2-30 days. But in other cases, this visual reaction on the skin may be completely absent. In this situation, a person may not even know they were exposed to a tick bite. Hence why Lyme disease can be elusive. In some of these cases, if the immune proteins do not engage appropriately there could be a suppression of the immune system, allowing for the infection to hide out where it can slowly take over the system or at some point could occur with a quick onset at a later time.

Systemic Inflammation

When the body experiences a foreign invader (viral, bacterial, etc), it stimulates a cascade of pro-inflammatory cytokines to address the invader, and this immune response also activates inflammatory pathways. In the case of the Borrelia organism, there is an increased response in inflammatory markers. The complexity of the infecting organism actually tweaks the immune system upregulating or heightening the symptoms of the body. It’s an unfortunate feed-forward cycle that mimics the presentation of many auto-immune diseases. The point is that if active it upregulates and makes symptoms worse and heightens the damage done with time.

Lyme can affect the nervous system causing severe headaches, joint and neck pain (arthritic presentation) with intermittent pain in tendons, joints, muscles and bones, result in loss of muscle tone in facial muscles (facial palsy), cause heart arrhythmias and rapid heartbeat (known as Lyme carditis), and in severe cases cause inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.

Connective Tissue Degradation

Borrelia travels through the body via collagen-based connective tissue, and can eventually cause connective tissue remodeling. This can affect the synovium and the myelin sheath of our nerves. Symptoms of this degradation include decreased muscle capacity, muscle weakness, hearing loss, facial palsy, and problems with memory.

Cardiovascular Symptoms

People with chronic Lyme seem to have poor blood circulation resulting in poor blood flow to the extremities (cold hands and feet). There may also be symptoms of heart arrhythmias and rapid heartbeat (known as Lyme carditis).

Secondary Symptoms of Lyme Disease

  • Liver detoxification issues
  • HPA Axis dysregulation & endocrine disorders which can impact sleep and hormones
  • Thyroid irregularities
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Weight gain or loss (most commonly weight gain)
  • Increase food sensitivities/allergies
  • Autoimmune issues

Our Approach to Lyme Disease

Lyme is a great mimicker. It can be misdiagnosed as other diseases that are very similar to rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, mold or toxic exposures, or multiple sclerosis. And in some cases, there can be what is known as “co-infection” which is where you may get more than one tick-borne illnesses from one tick bite. In many cases, whether it is Borrelia alone or a co-infection (such as Babesia or Bartonella), people live with undiagnosed tick-borne illness for years until their doctor finally lands on the right diagnosis. In any such case, our approach is always going to begin by listening to your story and learning about your symptoms – with or without a present diagnosis. We want to know when the first symptoms began and also learn more about how your body has responded to illnesses in the past.

The symptoms experienced from a case of Lyme disease can vary from person to person. There is no standard clinical presentation, therefore the response to medical therapies such as antibiotics and other treatments even including herbal medicine for Lyme is also variable. This makes an individualized approach essential in helping those with Lyme disease. Some people are responsive to antibiotics and others are not. Some do best with a combined Lyme regimen of pharmaceuticals and botanical medicine (pharmacognosy). Again, each person is different. Sometimes preparing and stabilizing a person with Lyme is first required before any specific Lyme protocols are initiated. This is because some people can get far worse if their body is in a depleted state. Many people struggle with proper detoxification such as phase I and phase II detoxification and this must be improved first. Thus, identifying what is best for you is imperative.

At this time there is no perfect test for Lyme disease. However, research has found the best option to be the Western Blot. This is because it has the lowest rate of false-negative test results. Even if you have been prescribed antibiotics by your PCP or specialist or if for some reason you have failed antibiotics it is important to know there are additional options to help those with Lyme disease. In fact, there are additional therapies including supplements and pharmacognosy that can support the central nervous system, connective tissue, immune system, gut and digestion, cardiovascular, inflammation pathways, and pain management.

Often, the symptoms of Lyme disease shift and change, and your naturopathic doctor may want to see you routinely, perhaps twice a month, to continually check on your health. Weather, stress and other illnesses can also impact Lyme disease. Secondary areas of support that can be addressed can include weight management support, nutritional recommendations, energy and stamina support, liver detoxification, and supporting any side effects caused by current medications or treatments. We also work with your other health care providers to have a collaborative and supportive plan. When you have an active or chronic diagnosis of Lyme disease, the bacteria can be so variable where you may need different support at different times. In fact, there can be seasonal and hormonal shifts that can improve or exacerbate one’s Lyme disease. Thus, we will work with you if you have seen such seasonal or endocrine trends like this in the past. The goal of naturopathic medicine in these cases is to work collaboratively as a team to enhance your quality of life, address your unique symptoms and to find the strengths and weaknesses of your body that can allow the immune system to engage differently.

If you or a family member suspect the presence of Lyme disease, or have an active or even chronic diagnosis of Lyme disease, and are looking for comprehensive, holistic support, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors at Richmond Natural Medicine by calling our office at 804-977-2634 or filling out an Appointment Request Form here.

Our Naturopaths That Work With Lyme

Dr. Leah Hollon, MPH, ND, CEO, Owner

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Educational Materials on Lyme Disease

Harvard Health: Lyme Disease Presentation, Prevention, and Diagnosis

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3232652/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2827415/

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Autoimmune disease
By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
Supporting Autoimmune Conditions Through Naturopathic Care

Functions of the Immune System

The human immune system is a highly complex and intelligent system that is constantly protecting us from pathogens, viruses, and diseases. It has the ability to recall past pathogens and vigilantly protect us again and again, as well as fight off multiple new external attacks at once. The immune system serves several functions, including:

  1. Protecting against antigens (small proteins that can lead to an immune response, like pollen)
  2. Fighting off viruses and parasites
  3. Flushing the body of damaged or dead cells
  4. Detecting cancerous or precancerous cells

Recognizing the Internal vs. External

For the immune system to function properly, it must be able to identify between a cell that belongs to the body and external foreign pathogens. Cells inside the body include our own organs, tissues, lymphatic system, blood, bacteria, and microbiome. The immune system works in harmony with our body to protect and maintain the balance of everything within us.

The body typically recognizes foreign pathogens as anything outside of us, including viruses, antigens, parasites, infections, and allergens. When the immune system recognizes these invaders, it works quickly to flag and attack them. During minor attacks, we hardly notice this is happening. But when our immune system is working hard to fight off an invasion, we may experience flu-like symptoms or redness and inflammation at the site of an injury. We may also notice an increase in body temperature and symptoms of intense fatigue that require bed rest. Ideally, the immune system should respond to foreign attacks only when dealing with an acute issue, not on a regular basis. Thus, when the immune response becomes uncontrolled within the body, it can easily trigger an autoimmune condition.

A Triggered Immune Response

Autoimmune conditions develop when the immune system is unable to distinguish between the internal and the external. It begins to attack our own healthy cells and then becomes an uncontrolled response. Although the specific cause of autoimmune conditions is not fully clear, we know that they can develop in any part of the body. Some of the most common culprits of autoimmune disease include our genes, viruses, bacteria, toxic chemicals, certain pharmaceutical drugs, childhood trauma, poor mental health, chronic stress, and even elevated levels of histamines or estrogen. More often, the development of any autoimmune disease is caused by multiple factors. Because we do not yet understand the single causes of autoimmune disease, it is important to first identify the triggers that contribute to a patient’s heightened autoimmune response and work to decrease the burden on the body.

Naturopathic Approach to Autoimmune Conditions

Here at Richmond Natural Medicine, we believe that your history and experience with an autoimmune condition is unique and worthy of a personalized approach. First, your naturopathic doctor will assess both your family and complete health history, all the way back to your first illnesses. Your early health history can provide insight into your past immune system function. Your naturopath will take great care to hear about your symptoms and develop a timeline of their presentation. They will also inquire about your lifestyle, stress levels, allergies, sleep cycles, and current dietary intake.

Our diet plays a huge role in impacting the function of the immune system and therefore is a significant part of re-balancing any autoimmune disease in the body. Consuming foods that are unsuitable with your ancestry or are highly inflammatory could be worsening the presence or impact of any symptoms you are experiencing. Your naturopath may make suggestions for lowering or removing the inflammatory habits in your diet and lifestyle, as well as implementing supplemental, herbal, or homeopathic supports along the way.

True Healing Takes Time

Following a holistic approach to any autoimmune condition often requires balancing multiple body systems at once for long periods of time. There is rarely a quick fix for any autoimmune condition because rewiring the immune system to stop attacking the body takes time. Through a naturopathic approach, we gently teach the immune system how to properly engage with the body again. Your naturopathic doctor is here to empower you in your health, and to be part of your care team for a truly comprehensive, safe and personalized approach. Some examples of the autoimmune conditions supported at Richmond Natural Medicine include:

  • Lupus
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriasis
  • Celiac Disease
  • Endometriosis
  • PANDA’s
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Type-1 diabetes
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • POTS

If you are struggling with an autoimmune condition and would like to layer in a comprehensive, personalized, and holistic approach to balancing your immune system, call our office at (804) 977-2634 or visit our website here to schedule an appointment with one of our Naturopathic Doctors specializing in this area.

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