I find that balancing blood sugar is one of the best first steps to healing most every health issue, including anxiety, fatigue, weight gain, high cholesterol, menstrual irregularities and digestive issues.
Even when standard blood tests show that your blood sugar is normal, I think you will find that efforts to minimize the fluctuations in glucose throughout the day will help you to feel better.
Over the past several years the news has been filled with reports about the potential risk of hormone replacement therapy for women confronting menopause. Concern has most recently been raised following the release of information from the influential Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study demonstrating the increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease and strokes associated with the use of the most commonly prescribed hormone, Prempro. An alternative that has been growing in popularity is Naturopathy.
Naturopathic medicine offers alternatives for women who have been using hormone replacement therapy and are looking for other options to prevent hot flashes, insomnia, mood changes, irregular periods and vaginal dryness as well as many other changes related to early-menopause and menopause. Natural therapies may be the perfect solution because they offer reduction in menopause symptoms without the increased risk of disease.
Black Cohosh is an example of an herbal therapy for the symptoms of menopause . Studies have shown that women who take Black Cohosh have fewer hot flashes, night sweats, headaches and mood swings. They also report a general reduction in insomnia, fatigue, irritability and vaginal dryness. These benefits have been attributed to phytoestrogens substance believed to be present in black cohosh. Phytoestrogens are chemical compounds in all plants. The most well known phytoestrogen is isoflavone, which is found in all soy products.
There are many non-hormonal options available for women with dealing with the symptoms of menopause. Combinations of herbs such as dong quai, motherwort, licorice root, burdock root and wild yam root can reduce hot flashes for some women. (Are you unfamiliar with these herbs? Don't worry, just ask your Naturopath to steer you in the right direction!). Many women find relief from hot flashes by taking vitamin E, vitamin C. Examples of other options include the use of melatonin for insomnia, B vitamins for depressed moods, and glucosamine sulfate for joint pain. Women who have discontinued the use of hormone replacement therapy due to negative results or on the recommendation of their physicians should consider seeking the care of a Naturopathic Physician. A Naturopathic Physician can help women sort through all the natural alternatives and determine the most appropriate choices and effective doses based on their individual concerns.
Naturopathic Physicians are experts in the use of natural therapies. With four years of postgraduate education in the biological sciences, conventional medical diagnosis and the use of Complementary and Alternative Medical (CAM) therapies, Naturopathic Physicians are able to provide current information on safe and effective therapies for menopause.
When you see a Naturopathic Physician you will be impressed with the attentive care you receive. During the first one-hour visit, individual menopause related symptoms are discussed and rated based on severity. Appropriate natural therapies based on scientific evidence are then recommended. Potential therapies include daily nutrition, exercise, vitamins and minerals, herbal extracts and/or formulas and homeopathic remedies. In addition, individual risks for breast cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis are determined and preventive options discussed. The goal is to provide complete care, taking individual concerns into account, and to provide information to promote informed choices while using the least invasive therapies.
Women who are seeking alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy will find that Naturopathic Physicians offer many options for the relief of menopausal symptoms as well as the prevention of heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer. To find a Naturopathic Physician in your area visit the website for the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians at www.nyanp.org or the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at www.naturopathic.org.
Tips to help you sleep better
By Dr. Donielle Wilson, ND
- Maintain a regular bed and wake schedule, including on weekends. A regular waking time in the morning helps to set your body’s circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall to sleep at night.
- Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine. Avoid exposure to bright light or stimulating activities before bed. You may want to try a warm bath with 1 or 2 cups of Epsom salts before getting in bed.
- Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. Remove computers, televisions and you may even need to remove your clock if it distracts you from sleep.
- Do not spend too much time awake in bed. If you are not sleeping, get out of bed and do something else for a while.
- Finish eating at least 2 to 3 hours before your regular bed time, especially if you experience heartburn. You may also need to restrict fluids, though some people find milk or herbal tea soothing and helpful for falling to sleep. If hypoglycemia is an underlying cause of your insomnia, eat a small snack containing protein before going to bed.
- Create a sleep-promoting environment that is quiet, dark, comfortable and cool. Wear an eye mask if the morning light wakes you. Use ear plugs if noises bother you.
- Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows. Make sure your mattress is supportive and that it has not exceeded its life expectancy of about 10 years. Make sure to choose bedding free of allergens and make the bedroom inviting for sleep.
- Try a sleep CD or listen to calming music after lying down.
(www.sound-remedies.com)
- Avoid naps, particularly in the late afternoon or evening.
- Avoid caffeine within 6-8 hours of bedtime. The stimulating affect can change the quality of your sleep. Green tea is a better choice but avoid it later in the day.
- Avoid alcohol and nicotine, especially late in the day. Although some people think alcohol helps with sleep, it actually disrupts sleep and leads to more nighttime awakenings.
- Exercise regularly. It is best to complete your exercise at least three hours before bedtime.
References: National Sleep Foundation
License NDs in NY
Did you know that the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NYANP) is on the path toward obtaining state licensure for Naturopathic Doctors in New York State?
Licensure will allow Naturopathic Doctors to provide you with the services we are trained to provide after completing a 4-year doctorate program at a naturopathic medical school. We are trained as general practitioners who specialize in natural medicine. We are held to federally recognized standards of education and professional accountability.
Naturopathic Doctors are licensed in 14 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and 4 Canadian provinces. In those places, patients are able to choose Naturopathic Doctors as primary care providers who are able to prevent, diagnose and treat disease with an array of supportive, natural medicines. Naturopathic Doctors are experts in drug/nutrient and drug/herb interactions and we are trained to know when to refer for further medical care.
Here is what you can do to help:
- Send an email to your legislators quickly and easily. Go to www.nyanp.org and follow the links to "Take Action by writing your legislator using Capwiz."
- Provide financial support. Your donation is greatly appreciated.
- Inform others about Naturopathic Medicine and the need to support licensure in New York.
- Stay informed by joining the NYANP mailing list.
How will New Yorkers benefit from a license?
- New Yorkers will have access to naturopathic medicine by qualified NDs.
- Naturopathic Doctors will be able to offer more services, the services they are trained to provide: perform exams, order lab tests, diagnose conditions, implement treatment and prevent disease.
- New Yorkers will be able to easily identify Naturopathic Doctors with physician level training.
- Public safety will be ensured by requiring NDs to meet rigorous educational standards and to pass national board exams.
- There is a greater likelihood that insurance coverage will be made available for Naturopathic care.
