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Alternative Medicine
For many of us who enjoy a morning or afternoon stroll and call it exercise may need to make some adjustments to our routines. I see many clients who track their steps or count their minutes walking each day, but according to what I’ve seen clinically AND to two recent articles, a meandering walkabout isn’t enough.
A recent study published in the medical journal JAMA revealed that the amount of melatonin in supplements had been mislabeled. Researchers tested 25 different brands of melatonin gummies and found that 22 had varying amounts of melatonin, with one containing only 74 percent of the advertised amount and another containing 347 percent.
What is the best form of calcium to take for bone health? This is a common question I’m asked in my office. And, many people have been misinformed on this topic.
Here’s a family favorite recipe, that’s only 30 minutes to make! Enjoy!
In my practice, I see how important diet is in influencing our health. Unfortunately in main stream medicine, diet is often overlooked when discussing patient’s treatment plans. What I find even more baffling is when it comes to treating gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (Chron’s disease and Ulcerative colitis), patients are often told that what you eat doesn’t matter. Well, I am here to tell you that it 100% does matter. Let’s look at some research that backs up my statement.
Chemicals used in packaging may play role in 100,000 US deaths a year! A new study published in the journal Environmental Pollution showed that daily exposure to phthalates, also known as plasticizers, may lead to hundreds to thousands of early deaths each year among older adults in the US.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a traditional medicine in Ayurveda, is an evergreen shrub that grows in Asia and Africa. It is also known as Indian ginseng.
Ashwagandha is an herb that helps the body deal with stress. It has a long history of being useful for insomnia, anxiety, and aging. In addition, ashwagandha contains phyto-chemicals that have been shown to calm the mind, lower blood pressure, and modulate immune function. Patients who have immune disorders should seek out a professional advice via a licensed naturopathic physician before using ashwagandha due to its potent immune modulating effects and therefore can interact with any immune suppressing medications.
Even though this herb has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, recently it has gained popularity due to its effects on the thyroid. Clinically, I see many patients present with hypothyroid symptoms (fatigue, unexplained weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and/or constipation) but all their thyroid lab tests return as normal. This is always very frustrating for patients since their conventional medical doctor then dismiss them even though their laundry list of symptoms persist.
Ashwagandha has been shown to be effective in helping with these subclinical hypothyroid symptoms. An article published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2018 showed that patients who took 600 mg of ashwagandha extract daily for 8 weeks showed significant improvements in their subclinical hypothyroid symptoms as well as improving their thyroid lab tests.
One way that ashwagandha may improve thyroid function is by lowering serum cortisol. Chronic stress increases cortisol levels which can suppress thyroid function. A study published in 2012 showed that taking 300mg 2x/day of ashwagandha after only 60 days of use significantly reduced serum cortisol levels.
More studies are needed to fully understand the effect of ashwagandha on thyroid function. In the meantime, ashwagandha may be a solution for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Since 2005, Dr. Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. With her scientific background, Dr. Fey uses science based natural approaches to treating disease.
Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. Dr. Fey is currently offering telemedicine for patients all across the US. To contact the office, call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.
REFERENCES
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28829155/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33338583/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8866726/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23439798/
Have you heard of or ever tried using the supplement acetyl-l-carnitine?
Boron is a trace mineral that plays an important role in numerous biological functions, most significantly in maintaining bone health. Here are three ways boron can be a beneficial for your bones.
Did you know that more than 50% of Americans are magnesium deficient? More than 60% of US adults do not consume the average requirement of magnesium in their diet? Here is a break down the different types of magnesium you can take supplementally and for what conditions.
More and more people are being told by their doctor that they have a fatty liver. What does that mean? What is causing it? How do you fix it?
