Ahhh, finally it seems that we have a reprieve from the Arizona summer sun. Unfortunately, along with the opportunity to actually go outside, autumn is also the time for coughs, colds, and everyone’s favorite- the flu.
Already this year we’ve seen a couple of pretty tenacious colds come through the office.
Allergies also make an appearance in the fall. All those lovely winter lawns planted with annual and perennial rye grass cause
thousands of runny noses and red, itchy eyes each year. Not to mention the fact that many other allergy-causing plants bloom again this time of year too.
These health challenges of fall present great opportunities for naturopathic medicine. Many botanical medicines can be used to help prevent and treat coughs and colds. It’s important to remember that most URI’s (Upper Respiratory Tract Infections) are viral in nature. This means that antibiotics may not offer much help, as antibiotics are for bacteria, not viruses. The botanical medicines that offer good protection are those such as goldenseal, Oregon grape root, garlic, and oregano which all have anti-microbial properties. That means that they can kill viruses, bacteria, and even some molds. There are several good formulas on the market that we routinely recommend. Acute Immune by Mountain Peak, BioVeg by Priority One, and ViraCon from Vital Nutrients are all clinic favorites.
Don’t forget about good old vitamin C. Not only does vitamin C help ward off coughs and colds, but it’s great at stimulating the immune system as well. Taking Vitamin C is a great way to prevent getting sick in the first place. Usual dosages are from 1000-8000-mg per day, depending on the person. People who take too much vitamin C will find themselves with the runs.....
Vitamin C is also good for allergies. Many of the symptoms of allergies are mediated via the action of histamine (think anti-histamine medications). Histamine is released from a type of cell known as a mast cell.
This release occurs when the mast cells become aggravated by an allergic substance. Vitamin C, along with bioflavinoids like quercetin can act as mast-cell stabilizers. They basically keep the mast cells from getting aggravated and releasing histamine, which prevents the symptoms. Cool, eh?
At the clinic, we have found that D-Hist by Orthomolecular is great at reducing allergic symptoms.
Also, don’t forget the simple little things that can make a big difference. Wash your hands frequently, make sure you work to reduce your stress levels, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise, and don’t over do it on the Halloween candy....
Have a great October!
Jake Psenka, NMD
NFC Free Lecture Series
We’re recently scheduled several new free natural health-related talks. We hold these talks at the office on a roughly bi-weekly schedule. Some of the topics on the schedule include:
Women’s Health- Dr. Jesica DiCampli
Men’s Health- Dr. Phranq Tamburri
Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia- Dr. Adam Kerievsky
Naturopathic Pediatrics- Dr. Shahrzad Orona
The NFC Health Challenge- Dr. Jake Psenka
Click here to see the whole schedule of talks.
Chiropractic Insurance Coverage
Good news!!!
Dr Ross Kerievsky, NMD, DC is now a provider for both Blue Cross/ Blue Shield and Lifewise of Arizona Plans. Many people with insurance through these companies have benefits available for chiropractic, physical therapy, AND massage! Dr. Ross is one of our dual-degreed docs- with degrees in both naturopathic and chiropractic medicine; it’s like seeing two docs for the price of one!
Dr. Ross is a graduate of both the Palmer College of Chiropractic and Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, and has been in practice for over 12 years. He treats a variety of conditions including low back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, mid back pain, fibromyalgia, personal injury and car accident complaints as well as many other pain syndromes.
If you have insurance through either BC/BS or Lifewise call our office to find out what your plan has to offer.
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