Yellowstone Naturopathic Health Tips

GERD. FATIGUE. ACNE. CONSTIPATION. HYPERTENSION. INSOMNIA. Are you currently struggling to address one or more of these health issues? These are all conditions that a naturopathic doctor can help you resolve. A naturopathic doctor is a healthcare provider that combines traditional healing methods with modern science in the self-healing of the patient. Naturopathic doctors emphasize prevention, addressing the root cause in supporting their patient’s journey towards optimal health.

In an initial visit, you will spend approximately 90 min discussing your chief complaint, past medical history, diet, and lifestyle in order to piece together the root cause(s) of your symptoms. Treatment plans are individualized to the patient’s needs which would include the following:

-Nutritional and lifestyle counseling
-Botanical Medicine
-Supplement and medication management
-Ordering of diagnostic lab work
-Physical medicine
-Minor surgery
-Intravenous Therapy
-Referrals to appropriate providers

Naturopathic doctors undergo four years of medical school education and training, and are required to sit for two basic science and clinical board examinations before they are able to practice as a licensed physician. Naturopathic doctors are eligible for licensure in 20 states within the United States, the District of Columbia, the US territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and five provinces in Canada. Within licensed states, a naturopathic doctor can work with you as your primary care provider or as an adjunctive provider within an integrative healthcare team.

The Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic, located in downtown Billings, Montana, has been providing healthcare services to residents of southeastern Montana, northern Wyoming, and the western Dakotas since 1992. Check out our website www.yncnaturally.com. For additional information on naturopathic medicine visit the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians’ website www.naturopathic.org. Vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature), as the naturopathic doctors say!

Arm Yourself Against Allergies

By Dr. Kaley Burns 

Spring is almost here and the gorgeous weather beckons. Unfortunately, an all too-common flare of seasonal allergies can hamper participation in outside activities. Trees, grasses, and pollen have bombarded the air with irritants, making it difficult to see, breathe, and enjoy the outdoors.

Allergic rhinitis refers to inflammation of the nasal passages, which can cause any number of annoying symptoms, including sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, and postnasal drip. Allergic rhinitis is caused by an immune-mediated response to tiny airborne substances called allergens. Essentially, what is normally considered a benign substance is treated as a foreign invader by the body. The allergic reaction progression is prompted by the activation of inflammatory cells including mast cells, basophils and eosinophils. These cells produce substances, such as histamine and interleukins, which cause fluid to build up in the nares, instigating the itching, sneezing, and runny nose that allergy sufferers know so well. Over several hours, these substances activate other inflammatory cells that can cause more persistent symptoms. These complex series of chemical messages and reactions can cause an out-of-control situation every time someone is exposed to the allergen.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, allergic rhinitis affects approximately 20 percent of the population.2 However, this is on the rise, affecting approximately 30% of adults and 40% of children in the United States.3 The risk of developing allergic rhinitis has been found to be higher in those who experience asthma or eczema and in individuals who have a significant family history of asthma.

When treating allergies and rhinitis, it is important to identify the causative agents or any additional triggers and address these specifically. For example, individuals who have a reaction to dust or dust mites can use dust mite covers on their bedding to reduce dust mite exposure while they are sleeping and a HEPA filter in their bedroom to help reduce circulating dust from the air.

Herbal Therapies: Many people reach for over-the-counter allergy medications, which can be effective in relieving symptoms but may often result in adverse effects. However, there are treatments beyond pharmaceuticals that can profoundly relieve symptoms and help to decrease frequency of allergic episodes. Herbal remedies offer a supportive solution while helping to eliminate symptoms, yield fewer adverse effects, and improve overall functioning of the body’s immune mechanism.

Botanical therapies can enhance the quality of life for those experiencing seasonal allergies or hay fever. It is often recommended to begin herbal treatment for seasonal allergies six weeks before the season begins and continuing treatment throughout the season. The best way to address individual needs is to consult a naturopathic or integrative medical professional who has knowledge of the therapies presented in this article.

Euphrasia officinalis, or eyebright, is often used in acute mucous-related ailments of the eyes, nose, and ears because it is great at reducing congestion and secretions. 4 Euphrasia is often used as an anti-inflammatory agent for hay fever, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Curcuma longa, popularly referred to as turmeric, is widely known for its anti-inflammatory abilities. A recent study found that turmeric, as an anti-allergic agent, showed immune regulatory effects through balancing the immune system,5 making it useful to ameliorate immune-mediated allergic disorders such as food allergy, atopic dermatitis, and asthma.6 Achillea millefolium, also known as yarrow, is a valuable decongestant and expectorant.

Achillea exhibits a drying effect and can improve cough symptoms and sinus infections by clearing sputum formation. Achillea is especially helpful with allergies where nasal secretions and watery eyes are caused by molds, dust, pollen and dander because of the anti-allergic capacity of its 82 active constituents.7

Urtica diocia, or stinging nettle, can sound daunting by name but carries powerful antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects. The bioactive components identified in urtica diocia alleviate symptoms by acting to inhibit the pro-inflammatory pathways activated in allergic rhinitis.8,9 Furthermore, it has been found that urtica has the ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen.

Nutrient Supplementation: In addition to botanical therapies, proper nutrient supplementation can further benefit the pathways and organ systems involved in the allergic response. Bioflavonoids, such as quercetin and hesperidin, are natural antihistamines and tremendously anti-allergenic.10, Quercitin is a particularly potent anti-oxidant that inhibits histamine, inflammatory cytokine and tryptase release from human mast cells.11 Bromelain and vitamin C can enhance the action of bioflavonoids and serve to stabilize the histamine response. 10 These substances can be found in combination capsules or as nasal sprays to support healthy mucous membranes to prevent further discharge.

Other Methods: Steam inhalation, which involves combining steam and essential oils, such as eucalyptus, creates a potent treatment for the upper respiratory tract, nose and sinus conditions.

Hydrotherapy, or the use of water in various forms and in various temperatures can produce different effects on different systems of the body and is widely used to improve immunity and circulation.

Proper hydration is essential to any level of health. Dehydration has many adverse effects on the body. During allergy season, not being properly hydrated may lead to more frequent and more intense allergy symptoms.

Tolle causam (treat the cause) – considering the role of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract In naturopathic medicine, we often discuss intestinal permeability in relation to the immune system and allergies. While there is still need for more clinical research to confirm this, we do know that food sensitivities and intolerances can result in inflammation along the gut mucosa, decreasing the integrity of the intestinal lining. Substances can, therefore, pass from the gut into the bloodstream, where the immune system will create a reaction to these agents. The use of mucilaginous herbs can help soothe digestive inflammation. The balancing of gut flora could be the topic of an entire article because it is so vast and complex. However, simply working to restore the human microflora Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum is an easy place to begin restoring balance.

Conclusion: Naturopathic medicine has many tools to help with symptoms of seasonal and everyday allergies. Most importantly, naturopathic physicians look deeper to the cause and evaluate the whole person to deliver individualized care. Whenever possible, it is best to avoid an offending allergen. When avoidance is not possible, it is recommended to institute some level of supportive influence, and often the key is to remember the power of healing the GI tract.

References: 

1. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Allergies. http://www.aafa.org/page/allergies.aspx. September 2015.

2. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (EPR-3 2007). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

3. American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery. Clinical Indicators Compendium. Alexandria, Virginia: American Academy of Otolaryngology; 1999:23.

4. Felter HW. The Eclectic Materia Medica: Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications; 1994.

5. Shin HS, See HJ, Jung SY, Choi DW, Kwon DA, Bae MJ, Sung KS, Shon DH. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) attenuates food allergy symptoms by regulating type 1/type 2 helper T cells (Th1/Th2) balance in a mouse model of food allergy. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Dec 4;175:21-9.

6. Ammon HP, Safayhi H, Mack T, Sabieraj J. Mechanism of antiinflammatory actions of curcumine and boswellic acids. J Ethnopharmacol. 1993;38(2-3):113-119.

7. Ehrlich, Steven D. "Yarrow." University of Maryland Medical Center. 26 June 2014. Web. 25 Mar. 2017.

8. Roschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael M, Alberte RS. Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res. 2009 Jul 23(7):920-6.

9. Roschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael M, Alberte RS. Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res. 2009; 23(7): 920-926.

10. Yazdani Shaik BD, Conti P. Relationship between Vitamin C, Mast Cells and Inflammation. J Nutr Sci. 2016; 6:456.

11. Park HH, Lee S, Son HY, et al. Flavonoids inhibit histamine release and expression of proinflammatory cytokines in mast cells. Arch Pharm Res. 2008; 31(10):1303-1311.