A Naturopathic Approach to Fertility Support

PART 2 OPTIMIZE WELLNESS & FERTILITY: A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT

(To read the first section of this series: PART 1 OPTIMIZE WELLNESS & FERTILITY: THE BASICS….Click Here)


NOW WHAT? I am healthy, clean and lean, have completed detoxification methods and started preconception care. Lets take a comprehensive look at specific steps we can take to get you and keep you pregnant!

OVULATION: Start tracking your ovulation for at least three months. You would be surprised at how many women assume they ovulate mid-cycle but end up ovulating much earlier or later. If you have a longer cycle make sure you are not dealing with anovulation or Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS). If you have a shorter cycle less than 26 days, and or ovulate later then day 16 then start therapeutics to lengthen the luteal phase of your cycle.

• URINE STICKS & TEST STRIPS: Expensive but work well, get a one month supply and see how it works for you and then you can track it for a few more months until you get consistency.
• CERVICAL MUCUS: Assess your cervical mucus through your cycle to note changes aiming towards ovulation. All women have cervical mucus through out their cycle and 24-48 hours before and at ovulation your will have a surge in hormones that increase mucus signaling heightened fertility and best time for intercourse. Once you can predict this fertile time you can aim to have sex just before ovulation and within 24-72 hour time frames for best results in pregnancy.
• BBT: Basal Body Temperature. Start taking your temperature every day first thing in the morning BEFORE you get out of bed and move around. Try to do this about the same time each day for 3 cycles. Chart it on calendar or APP and look for an obvious spike in temperature of one degree or more at the same time each month signaling ovulation.
• All three of these markers should match in times of the month. For more information and details on tracking ovulation I highly recommend Toni Weschlers book Take Charge of Your Fertility.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF STRESS:

• CORTISOL & ADRENALS

Does Cortisol affect Fertility?
When your adrenals are shot, all your hormones are thrown off. The body digests cholesterol from the diet to make hormones. It will run them down the hormone pathways to make cortisol, DHEA, estrogen progesterone testosterone etc…yet in chronic states of stress, cortisol creation dominates the pathways and the other hormones get out of balance or depleted.  High cortisol will suppress the pituitary’s ability to release luteinizing hormone (LH). An LH surge is essential for ovulation generally at about day 14 of the menstrual cycle to release an egg. Abnormal cortisol levels can suppress ovulation creating a state of infertility. Estrogen, progesterone and the sex hormone ratios will also be imbalanced making it hard to promote fertility. In men, high levels of cortisol will lower testosterone levels which can make it difficult to get and or maintain erections. READ MORE….
 

• HORMONES: Get tested. Get your hormones tested to look at levels and specifically ratios of estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen dominance is very prevalent in our work driven society. The more the fight or flight part of the nervous system is activated and the longer it has been activated the more likely you are in need of hormone balancing with grounding adaptogens, plants, foods and exercises. I don’t rely on labs 100% but it can give us a lot of information to create a baseline and rule things in or out if pregnancy is not coming to you as easily as expected. Best tests to run are full hormone panels including sex hormones, thyroid, and cortisol, and may include AMH, Blood Sugar Values, Cholesterol, MTHFR, Clotting factors, Homocysteine, and Micronutrients.
• THYROID: The thyroid is known as the regulator of metabolism. But it also has far reaching effects to mood balance (implicating depression and anxiety), menstrual cycle regulation, sex hormone balance, lipid metabolism, growth, development, carbohydrate metabolism, release of stomach acid for digestion, and gastrointestinal motility among others. Many people show normal thyroid function on laboratory work, but still are clinically hypothyroid. READ MORE….

AGE: Age does play into fertility since as women we are born with all of the eggs we will ever have. As we age we have less eggs in the ovaries and some of them are of lesser quality so can lead to miscarriage if they are not viable. That being said 25 or 45 you can have imbalances in hormones affecting fertility as well as successful pregnancies and births. Coming from a woman who had her first child at almost 39 the bottom line I work with is, if you are ovulating you can get pregnant, so we start there!

 

 

IMPROVING EGG HEALTH, QUALITY, QUANTITY(Excerpt from the Center for Human Reproduction)

It is possible to improve a woman’s egg quality. The most important factor in treating a woman with diminished ovarian reserve, the cause of poor egg quality, is a timely diagnosis. Ovarian Reserve (OR) will continue to decline with time, so the sooner diminished ovarian reserve is diagnosed, the sooner effective treatment can begin, and we will have a better chance of improving the quality (and quantity) of the patient’s eggs, ultimately resulting in better pregnancy chances.

• DHEA Supplementation: In 2004, CHR’s Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David H Barad introduced dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation as a form of innovative fertility treatment for women with diminished ovarian reserve that, since then, has demonstrated some remarkable results. In the last few years, DHEA supplementation has been accepted worldwide. DHEA (a mild male hormone that is converted to testosterone and estradiol in the body) has been shown to increase the quality and quantity of eggs by improving the ovarian environment where the eggs mature.
  • "DHEA, whose use was pioneered by CHR, has been shown to increase both egg quality and quantity."
  • Diminished ovarian reserve, which is characterized by abnormally low levels of androgens in the ovaries, typically result in poor quality eggs. Supplementation with DHEA raises the androgen levels in the ovaries, and this “restoration” of androgen levels in the ovaries appears to affect egg quality positively. The improvement in egg quality then leads to an improvement in embryo quality, increased IVF success rates, decreased miscarriage rates, and decreased chances for chromosomal abnormalities in embryos.

• CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) Supplementation
  • Recently, we have started using CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) supplementation in women with diminished ovarian reserve, in addition to DHEA, in order to improve egg quality. While DHEA works on growing eggs by providing an androgen-rich environment to mature in, CoQ10 is an important nutrient for the mitochondria, a small organelle that provides energy to cells--including eggs--in human body. CoQ10 levels, as well as the number of healthy mitochondria, decline as women age, and top researchers in this area, like CHR’s Dr. Vitaly A Kushnir, believe that the age-related decline in CoQ10 levels contribute to the age-related loss in egg quality.
  • There are many women who have been advised by other fertility centers that, because of their poor quality eggs, their only chance of conception was with egg donation. But by combining DHEA/CoQ10 supplementation with a customized IVF treatment plan, we’ve helped countless women improve their egg quality and successfully conceive without the use of donor eggs. In fact, about one third of women who did not have enough good-quality eggs to attempt pregnancies with their own eggs at other fertility centers have successfully conceived and delivered, using their own eggs, after treatment at CHR!

 

SPERM: HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVES:
“Male Factor is at least partly responsible in about 50% of infertile couples.”
~Dr. Stephen Shaban
 

• GENERAL HEALTH: Commit to a full 90-minute medical assessment. Thorough intake to evaluate medial history, goals and ongoing issues. Labs to assess cardiac function, thyroid, hormones and nutrient deficiencies all associated with energy and libido changes. Physical exam. Deal with stress and lower Stress levels ASAP. Quit smoking and no more than one alcoholic drink a day. Exercise! Get the blood pumping and lose the extra weight. Cardiovascular(CV) Health and low Thyroid function play a huge role in how your body uses oxygen to make ATP(energy) and funnel energy for libido. If you have family history of CV disease or signs and symptoms get checked out. Stress and Diet are two main components to lower energy levels that are overlooked when discussing physical as well as mental/emotional states related to sex drive and motivation. Nutrient deficiencies like anemia, methylation problems and poor carb/fat/protein ratios will take the pep right out of your step. Check it out!
• SUPPLEMENTS can help along with a healthy diet, plant based with raw foods daily, organic NON-GMO products as often as you are able. Don’t forget about water(and not water in coffee). Eight glasses of water a day, every day to hydrate the cells, increase oxygen carrying capacity and circulation. If you have deficiencies add these to your diet through foods or in a supplement: iron, B vitamins specifically B6, B12 and folate, trace minerals and essential fatty acids. Maca is great for calming the adrenals and providing and energy boost in a grounded way by enhancing communication between the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Arginine, Carnitine and Ginseng can all help stimulate blood flow for erectile dysfunction and boost metabolism.
• SEMEN ANALYSIS:  It is important to look at the volume of sperm, motility, morphology  and total count. Analysis should be done 2-3 times for proper assessment.
• TESTING: Get your general annual exam first! Next is hormone testing including FSH, LH, Testosterone, E2, Prolactin, TSH, and can include blood and semen antibodies as well as bacteria associated with semen. Heavy metals accumulations and toxins, Mumps antibodies igg/igm, rubella antibodies igg/igm, and semen dna fragmentation.
• ANDROPAUSE & LOW TESTOSTERONE LEVELS: As men age, they begin to experience symptoms that fall in line with hormonal imbalance, particularly low testosterone¹ Many men never seek treatment and go about their daily lives experiencing significant decline in testosterone production, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, low libido, decreased strength, decreased mental capacity, anxiety, depression, decreased lean body mass, fatigue, and decrease in bone mineral density, among others. READ MORE….

 

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET: Pregnancy is an enormously inflammatory process so the goal is to do everything you can to keep inflammation and inflammatory processes in the body at an all time low. This will lighten the load on your body when implantation happens to prevent possible miscarriage. The top 5 anti-inflammatory diet changes you can make to aid in fertility(and preconception which = 90 days) are to avoid WHEAT, DAIRY, COFFEE, ALCOHOL and SUGAR. Get food allergy testing done. This can pin point other possible foods causing a immune reaction in the body promoting inflammation. The testing also can encourage you to stick to a difficult diet regime when you see it in ink that certain foods are reeking havoc in your body.
• GRAIN BRAIN GRAIN BODY: A worthwhile book to read to support your diet choices for fertility and anti-aging.  GRAIN BRAIN by Dr. Perlmutter

 

POSITIVE THINKING: Seek Balance.
We are all seeking a fine balance in our lives as a cornerstone of health, happiness and wellness. In our fast paced lives this is often easier said than done and the deep impacts of stress and im-balance in our lives are largely overlooked. In any system, ecosystem or human system, physiologically we are programmed for homeostasis. We are innately born to stay in balance and create harmony in the body. We are very good at it and the younger we are the more we take advantage of this ability. As we age our nervous systems can start to get overloaded, the stress in our lives magnifies with jobs, financial woes, love and life and death.  Our digestion changes with stress and over time we need different things to support this pull towards center. Our ability to remove toxins can get sluggish, hormones start to get pulled in the wrong direction, blood sugar is dysregulated by pumping more cortisol into the system, our metabolic processes slow down, get distracted...and slowly but surely, over time, possibly over decades, we are off balance and cant seem to find our central axis again.

This process can be slow and easy, or fast and furious depending on who you are, what type of environment you were raised in, access to clean food and water or not, genetic and family history influences. The variables are endless. We all have the ability to cope with stress but after multiple heavy hits our system will start to struggle with this mechanism. The cause and the outcome will be different for us all.

What You Can Do: Sit up Straight  ~ Move your body every day ~ Sleep 8 hours every night, Take a nap! ~ Eat good clean and lean food, lots of veggies! ~ Look people in the eye and Communicate directly ~ Drink water every day, more than you think ~ Laugh, it boosts immunity
 

• DO YOGA: KUNDALINI YOGA is amazing way to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Promotes fertile processes.
• MEDITATE: Start now, one minute at a time. You can take a class, use an APP, walk or chant but multitudes of studies show that meditation holds a very important key to balance and happiness to enrich our lives. Try it and see what happens.
• SELF CARE: What do YOU need to do to take care of yourself. Ask for help? Create, sing, dance? Set boundaries? Find out what it is and stick to it. You deserve it!
• PATIENCE: At the end of the day studies show that within a year women and couples will become pregnant regardless of the intervention. Try to practice happiness in your life, eat well, laugh a lot, add preconception care if you have the opportunity and a big dose of self love and…..patience.

Have Questions? Lets talk!
Schedule a free 15 minute consult with Dr.Martin

Naturopathic Womens Wellness
1295 Yellow Pine Ave. Boulder CO 80304
P: 303-545-2021  |  F: 303-545-2003 
E: DrMartin@nawellness.com
 |  Dr. Hillary Martin  |  

A Naturopathic Approach to Fertility Support

PART 1 OPTIMIZE WELLNESS & FERTILITY


Start with the Basics:
What is the Architecture of Your Health?
Build a rock solid foundation from the bottom up, educate yourself and ask questions, use the best pieces and parts you can access, and treat your WHOLE self: MIND & BODY. Find a doctor you trust and who will guide you through this process.


INFLAMMATION AND DETOXIFICATION
If you have the time and luck to plan your pregnancy then it is a perfect opportunity to really practice PRE-Conception, tackle your health BEFORE you get pregnant. Start your prenatals NOW, address any health concerns you have and get them under control. Decrease any inflammation in the body especially that associated with conditions like Hashimotos, Diabetes, hormone imbalances like PCOS, stress related anxiety or depression as well as inflammation induced by exogenous sources like caffeine, alcohol, and food allergies. Start a detox with your partner a full month or two before making any attempts at pregnancy. Detoxification can prime the body for conception but the process releases toxins into the bloodstream for excretion, not for baby. This is NOT recommend in pregnancy so it must be guided and done before hand. Have your doctor plan a focused time frame for detox so you don't run the risk of exposing your newly developing baby to toxins in the blood. Pregnancy is an inflammatory process so decreasing all inflammation is a key concept to keep in mind to get pregnant and stay pregnant full term.
Remember: You are only 50% of the equation be sure your honey is having wellness checkups and addressing any health concerns that may be affecting his libido, sperm count or motility.


EXERCISE
Get in shape. Lose those extra pounds. Excess hormones especially estrogen are stored in fat cells so any hormone imbalances that may be effecting you getting and staying pregnant can be better regulated by losing weight and getting fit. Pregnancy is a ten month process. Some months are better than others and every pregnancy is different but in the end you will approach birth and whether you do it at home naturally, in a hospital or birth center with an epidural it is a PROCESS, they dont call it labor for nothing! Get in shape now. Pregnancy is a great time in your life to get in shape and stay in shape so you can be prepared to endure labor and recover more quickly. The best way to get your body back after pregnancy, prevent prolapse, minimize postpartum depression and enjoy your baby is to feel strong mentally and physically. Daddys too…many men gain 10-30# in pregnancy as sympathy weight so start now and you can work as a team to make exercise and eating well a priority. It helps with metabolism as well as making better food choices over the long haul. If you are planning a pregnancy later in your life this is also really helpful to start an exercise routine now and make it a permanent lifestyle choice so you can age gracefully and chase after your little one with ease.


DIET AND SUPPLEMENTAL SUPPORT
Homeopathy is a modality I use along with laying down the fundamentals of health in fertility. It is safe, effective and cheap! I love using it one to four months prior to conception to help prime the body to get pregnant and stay pregnant. Homeopathy can help clear layers of physical imbalances as well as mental & emotional that may be associated with your pregnancy or medical history associated with pregnancies. I use an approach to support the four phases of the menstrual cycle with weekly homeopathics addressing the relationship of the hypothalamus to the ovaries, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase. I also incorporate foods that balance the relationship of the follicular phase(estrogen dominant) to the luteal phase(progesterone dominant). The next level is to clear away old layers that may be getting in the way, actual physical layers like scar tissue, use of birth control/toxins/medications, PCOS, abnormal PAPs/HPV, endometriosis or fibroids as well as emotional scar tissue that may be attached to previous pregnancies, miscarriages, abuse, and grief.

• Other remedies include supporting ovulation, cervical changes and mucus production, healthy vaginal pH, treating candida as well as optimizing sperm count and sperm motility in men.
• Diet and supplements recommendations have huge effects for both men and women in optimizing fertility. For men we want to have good sperm count and movement with proper fluids, foods herbs and homeopathics to support liver detox and arterial flow as well as increases sexual stamina, treat impotence, and poor seminal emissions.
•  Prenatal vitamins and a high quality Mens multi are great starting points but also to consider are B6/B12, Folic Acid (at minimum 800mcg for women), Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Vit D, Omega 3 Fatty Acids and probiotics.
• A Clean and lean diet while addressing any associated food allergies is included in the initial architecture of your health.

TOP TIPS:

• READ THIS BOOK: Take Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler
• Start tracking your cycle, basal body temperature(BBT) and ovulation.
• Eliminate caffeine, drugs, alcohol and smoking
• Schedule a wellness appointment for you and your partner to start down this road and treat any underlying health concerns that may be getting in the way of your fertility.

Ear Infections: Otitis Media

Find the Cause of Your Child’s Ear Infection:
by Dr. Hillary Roland

Is your child suffering from inner ear infections?  You are not alone, acute otitis media is the most common condition for which antibiotics are prescribed in the US.[i]  Between 84 and 93% of children with have at least one episode by the time they are 1 year old and the average toddler will have 2-3 infections per year.

Children are at greater risk for ear infections because their Eustachian tube, which is responsible for draining the fluid from the inner ear, is shorter, narrower and more horizontal.  When inflammation from microbes or allergies causes this tube to swell the inner ear fills with fluid creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

There are well-known risk factors for developing frequent ear infections:
Spending time in daycare with 4 or more children
Exposure to tobacco smoke or pollution
Pacifier use
Teething
Underlying disease such as cleft palate and allergies
Children who are breastfed for less than 3 months

There are several things parents can do at home to help:
Contact Master Home Environmentalist[ii] for a free home evaluation and get tips on how to decrease your child’s exposure to environmental allergens.
Onion ear muffs, gently heat an onion half and hold it over your childs ears.  The volatile oils are anti-microbial and decrease inflammation while the warmth is soothing to irritated ears.
Conscious food introduction can identify food allergies that increase inflammation.
Discontinue pacifier use or only allow your child to use a pacifier that has been thoroughly disinfected.

A naturopathic doctor can help.  We can use herbs and physical medicine techniques such as cranial sacral therapy to help decrease inflammation and drain the fluid.  We can also use nutrients such as zinc, bioflavonoids and omega 3 fatty acids to improve immunity and decrease allergies or coach your family through an elimination diet to isolate problematic foods.

Peak incidence of acute otitis media is during the winter months, so this is a great time to make an appointment.  Remember that children less than 3 years old, with 3 months or longer of continuous otitis media should be evaluated for hearing loss to prevent developmental delays.
_____________________________________
[i] Coker TR, et al.  Diagnosis, Microbial Epidemiology, and Antibiotic Treatment of Acute Otits Media in Children: A Systematic Review.  JAMA. 2010 Nov 17:304(19):2161-69.
[ii] www.alaw.org/air_quality/master_home_envirnmentalist

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Top Tips For 2016 ~ Salud!

 

1. DIVE IN… to love. What makes your heart sing? Where is your Velveteen Rabbit? Find that love, that love you share with someone or something that can make it come alive, that feeds it effortlessly. Love that radiates into existence which was not previously present or preserved. Kisses from your honey, finger paintings from your little one, giving or receiving a gift of kindness or generosity, a new yoga pose, a cold beer, a new red dress… Love is a powerful experience which nourishes your soul. Dive in…dare to love someone, something, yourself and dare to be loved. You deserve it.
2. YOU BE THE JUDGE….Laughter. Isn’t it more fun to be around laughter and light minds on a regular basis especially as we deal with the bumps in the road? Well, laughter really does feel good, it releases endorphins, the happy hormones, in your brain. A good belly laugh not only burns calories and strengthens abdominals but it has been clinically proven to strengthen your immune system for up to 72 hours. I recommend reading Anatomy of an Illness by Norman Cousins for inspiration and the healing power of laughter.
3. SURROUND SOUND… Live your life. Acknowledge and accept that you have the power to make choices in how you live your life, how you act and react to situations; you have the ability to change your mind, and do it differently from time to time. If you keep repeating the same thing over and over, why would you expect a different outcome? Surround yourself with people that support who you are. This year make an effort to accept it, allow it, change it or drop it. When I say drop it, I mean DROP IT…Drop it like you mean it!
4. GET NODDY…ZZZ. So many people today are fatigued and dragging. Are you getting enough sleep? Eight hours a night may not be realistic in your lifestyle, but naps are a great way to restore and rejuvenate the day. Sleep increases energy, maintains focus, accelerates weight loss, rejuvenates adrenals; it is one of our most fundamental tools in the spectrum of health. Get as many hours of sleep before midnight as possible for optimal Zzz’s. Sleep issues often point towards some aspect in your life that needs to be addressed. So, wake up about sleep!
5. FEED THE BUDDHA….yum. Don’t wait until you get sick to treat your body as a temple. Food is our first line of defense as medicine. In the wise words of Michael Pollan, “Eat food, mostly plants, not too much.” This is a good notion to live by to best support your body with the fuel it needs for energy, health, proper weight and planetary support.  I strongly believe, you are what you eat, so make good choices, healthy choices, and enjoy the wonderful deliciousness of food. I like the 80/20 rule…80% of the time eat well to support your health and 20% of the time eat what you like.
6. TAKE IT WITH A GRAIN OF SALT….slurp. Every cell in your body, cellular existence, meaning your existence, relies heavily on water.  Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Aim for clear colored urine. Match one for one by adding an additional glass of water for each vice (coffee, sweets, alcohol) of the day. If you feel thirsty and dehydrated regardless of water intake, add a pinch of sea salt and squeeze of lemon or lime to your water each day to increase absorption. If you are feeling tired, anxious, hungry, are prone to constipation or headaches…drink a glass of water. I think you will be surprised at the results. Where there is water, there is life.
7. MOVE IT or lose it…Well maybe that’s the point. Exercise should be incorporated into your daily life.  Exercise AT LEAST 30 minutes a day five times a week. Go on a walk, join a team, take the stairs. If you are able, be willing. It can impact your life in incredible ways. It will help you make the changes you want in your life. It will unstick stuck. Exercise boosts mood, lowers cholesterol and helps you maintain proper weight.
8. BE WELL…Are you sick of it all? Create Health! Have on hand an immune booster that works for you. You can up the dose during times of stress, holidays, travel and changes in season when it is common for colds and the flu to pop up. Good quality immune support and antimicrobials can include Allicin, Astra8, Elderberry, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Mushrooms, Oil of Oregano, Triphala, and good ole Vitamin C.
9. DON’T GET BURNED…ingest the sunlight. Vitamin D can be a good immune booster if needed and many of us need it. Whether you live in sunny Colorado or soggy Seattle you may need Vitamin D. The angle the sun hits the earth makes it impossible for us to even absorb the amount of Vitamin D we need all year round. Proper daily use of sunscreen and screening clothing also significantly reduces your exposure to this essential vitamin. Get your Vitamin D levels checked in the New Year and start supplementing as needed.
10. STOP THE MADDNESS…lessen inflammation. Allergies and Intolerances are extremely common these days. A minor food sensitivity or a full blown allergic reaction strongly impacts your immune status and commonly manifests with: skin reaction, fatigue, asthma, mood imbalance, attention deficit and foggy headedness. Address allergies and intolerances with food elimination or blood allergy testing. Make 2016 clear and bright on the inside and out.
11. BELIEVE! ….and let it be. Number eleven is good luck in the New Year. Believe in something positive; it may be an organized religion or the mystical magic in a good game of basketball.  A transcendent belief keeps you connected and supported to a “larger” aspect of life. You don’t necessarily have to define it or even know what it is, but believe.  Like a shimmering jewel hold it in your minds eye, see it and feel it *

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & NEW YEAR 2016!! See you in the Spring!
~ Dr.M

Cold and Flu Season : Cough or Croup?

How To Tell If Your Child Has Croup & What You Can Do About It

   Is your child experiencing wheezing, fever, or a high-pitched, seal-like bark that often induces vomiting? There's a possibility that your little one has CROUP, a common virus floating around this cold and flu season. 

What is it?
   Croup is on the rise. Many of the common viruses floating around can attack the immune system and induce a horrible cough, namely Croup, causing discomfort in your child and in you as a concerned parent. Croup is an acute respiratory tract infection common in children 6 months to 3 years with a characteristic high-pitched wheeze, bark-like cough, and low grade fever. Your child may wake up gasping for a breath in a panic as this cough makes it difficult to pull air into the lungs. 

How to help:
    First things first - bring your child outside into the cool night air or into a warm, steamy shower to open the airways. You may want to drive around at night with the windows cracked or have your child sit in a steam bath for 20 minutes. This will help their breathing return to a more calm, steady rhythm. Improvements should occur within just a few minutes. If you notice your child is not improving and is drooling, has thick, gluey type mucus, has an excessive cough with inability to lie down, or has blue or dark lips, take your child to the emergency room immediately. 

Homeopathic Remedies for Croup:

Aconite:
   Aconite is the best remedy to use immediately during the onset of a Croup-like cough. When you notice your child waking up at night gasping for air, restless, and/or anxious, use Aconite right away. The cough often sounds dry and has a barking, intense sound that may be brought on by cold, dry, air or winds. 

Spongia:
   Use Spongia when the child continues to experience the dry, Croup-like cough into the next day. If their breathing sounds like a cutting saw, if they have continued difficulty pulling enough air into the lungs or chest, or if their cough makes their chest so tight it feels like they're suffocating, Spongia should do the trick. You may use it after the first night of experiencing a Croup cough even if you have already used Aconite. 

Hepar Sulphur
   Hepar Sulphur is used for a Croup-type cough that also contains mucus build up. For example, if your child begins with a dry cough and it moves to a wet, choking-type cough, use Hepar Sulphur. You can also use this in addition to Aconite and Spongia. 

Other Natural Treatments for Croup:
   Immune boosting is key to helping your child overcome Croup. Use immune-boosting herbs and supplements such as Elderberry, Briar Rose Gemmotherapy, Vitamin C, and Zinc. Be sure to use a supplement form of Vitamin C as orange juice may actually increase mucus production. Also, make sure your child is staying hydrated and having a normal amount of wet diapers to assess hydration. If heat and steam work better for your child (versus the cool night air), it may be wise to set up a humidifier in their room. Adding essential oils like eucalyptus and tea tree oil can also help clear the infection. Before bed, try rubbing your child's chest with vaporub, sesame oil, or a few drops of eucalyptus, lavender, or tea tree oil to relax the muscles that spasm during coughing fits. Avoiding foods like dairy, sweets, and citrus may also help decrease inflammation and mucus build up in the throat. Just be sure to keep a close eye on your little one and if symptoms worsen or persist, further evaluation may be needed. 


  If you try these tips and your child is still feeling under the weather, something more chronic may be happening internally. Contact Dr. Martin help discover the root of the issue. 

Educate and Optimize Your Health Today to Prevent Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

Educate and Optimize Your Health Today to Prevent Breast Cancer

     Breast cancer is at the top of the list for women's health risks. Over 95% of breast cancers are preventable with proper screening and education. Women with a family history of breast cancer and a genetic predisposition including BRCA1/BRCA 2 genes need breast health screening more often and sooner than the suggested annual mammogram at age 40. Although mammography is a useful screening tool, most breast cancers are found by the woman herself during monthly self-breast exams. Familiarizing yourself with the density and quality of your breast tissue is an invaluable way to personally screen breast tissue and breast health on a regular basis. In the United States today breast cancer is on the rise. Specific nutrient deficiencies and lifestyle practices have been linked to breast cancer and can be PREVENTED!

      Iodine and Vitamin D deficiency have been specifically researched in clinical studies in relation to the hormone component of breast cancers. Iodine is no longer commonly included in dietary salts. Additionally, the soil is depleted of minerals. These facts along with reduced salt intake for cardiovascular health, women are unable to absorb the proper amounts of Iodine necessary for regulating proper hormone health, particularly regarding estrogen, progesterone and thyroid hormones. If breast cancer runs in your family and you suspect that you have a thyroid or metabolic disorder, have your Iodine levels checked today to rule in or out a serious contributor to breast and overall wellness. Vitamin D, also a hormone, is an eclectic molecule that strongly participates in hormone regulation as well as immune modulation. Sunscreen use and the inappropriate latitude (creating the angle of the sun to the earth) in most regions of the U.S., including Southern California, make it difficult for us to absorb the necessary amounts of Vitamin D we need. Vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Get Screened Today!

• Iodine Deficiency and Breast Cancer Excerpt from Life Extension October 2011: Human breast tissue and breast milk contain higher concentrations of iodine than the thyroid gland itself, which contains just 30% of the body’s iodine stores. Breast tissue is rich in the same iodine-transporting proteins used by the thyroid gland to take up iodine from the blood. The evolutionary reasons for this are clear…Read More.

• Early signs of breast cancer may include skin irritation, dimpling, swelling, a breast lump, tenderness, nipple changes or pain or a mammogram abnormality. Women should contact their health care provider if any of these symptoms appear and should follow guidelines for yearly breast health screenings.Vitamin D Deficiency and Breast Cancer Risk: Clinical study shows Vitamin D is safe and effective in lowering breast cancer risk and as prevention.  Supplementation with Vitamin D in 6500 women with breast cancer and those without reduced the risk of breast cancer by 25%. …Read More

When breast cancer is found early, your chances of survival are 96%!  This means that 96 out of 100 women survive for 5 or more years!  There are many options for treatment when breast cancer is found early.

Find out if you're eligible!

Eligible Colorado women may receive free clinical breast exams, mammograms, pelvic exams and Pap tests. Even if you have insurance but can’t afford diagnostic tests, you may qualify for Women's Wellness Connection.

Click Here for detailed information on how to perform a SELF-BREAST EXAM.

Pink Ribbon: One Click to Give A FREE Mammogram

            Contact Dr.Martin for your annual Breast Exam, PAP and how to best prevent disease and optimize your female health. Address hormone changes/symptoms and nutrient deficiencies associated with breast cancer, cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death on women and prevent osteoporosis.

Gas, Bloating, Chronic GI Upset: SIBO ~ What It Is and What You Can Do About it.

Do you suffer from GAS and BLOATING after meals?

DIARRHEA or frequent loose stools?

Mysterious GI upset that diets don't improve?

SIBO:

What It Is and What You Can Do About it.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth(SIBO) is a condition with an excess of varying types of non-pathogenic bacteria within the small intestine. These types of bacteria may be beneficial in the saliva, stomach or large intestine but overgrow and cause dysbiosis in the small intestine. Common symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating, distention, diarrhea, flatulence, restless leg syndrome and weakness. Other conditions to consider along with SIBO are IBS/IBD, Lactose and Fructose Intolerance as well as Celiac Disease. The microbial imbalance can lead to fat malabsorption, a reduction of bile secretions that are antimicrobial and fermentation excess leading to gas. Fat soluble vitamins(A, D, E, K) will be low as well as B's, iron, zinc, selenium and amino acids. Long term the overgrowth will affect intestinal permeability and nutritional status and leading to systemic dysbiosis and infection.

Patients are at risk who have had or experience: 

•  Long term use of PPIs or Antibiotics depleting acids, enzymes and protein absorption along with many nutrients; Antibiotics stripping the body of good bacteria.
• Hypochlorhydria, no to low stomach acid needed to act as an antimicrobial agent as well as to bind, absorb and digest nutrients.
• Gastric Surgeries altering stomach acid levels and enzymes as well as peristalsis.
• Gall Bladder Removal eliminating bile acids secretions needed to digest fats and act as antimicrobial agents.
•  Crohn's Disease associated autoimmunity and inflammation severely affect nutrient, mineral and protein absorption, intestinal permeability and can lead to overall dysbiosis and infection.
• Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity not improved with gluten free diets can be due to SIBO. Inflammation in the gut lead to immune or autoimmune triggers.
• Hypothyroidism can lead to constipation, a motor dysfunction, and slower small intestine metabolic transit time allowing bacteria to build up and recirculate through the body.
• Diabetes affects clearance time of excretion, the lack of motility due to neurological changes in the periphery contribute to the build up of small intestinal bacteria. Sugar imbalance also feeds yeast in the body that releases toxins into the bloodstream creating gas and distention.
• Tetany and Restless Leg Syndrome(RLS) can be due to hypocalcemia and low mineral absorption. RLS associated inflammation and autoimmune changes attack the peripheral nerves.
• Night blindness can be exacerbated by malabsorption of fat soluble vitamins specifically Vitamin A.
• Dermatitis. Rosacea and Skin Changes are affected by low selenium, low amino acids, proteins and collagen as well as the related immune trigger response due to inflammation.

TESTING can be done using a hydrogen breath test with glucose or lactulose and upper gut respirate as the gold standard. Stool testing is not diagnostic and can be of little value. Observation of symptoms can be enough to start treatment and diet changes to look for alleviation of symptoms.

TREATMENT can include Rifaximin broad spectrum antibiotic therapy and botanical antimicrobials like oil of oregano, allicin and berberine. The FODMAPs Diet is the most recognized to change intake and alter microbial composition. The Elemental Diets, Specific Carbohydrate Diet and Paleo Diet may also be therapeutic options. Nutrient deficiencies are a hallmark of SIBO so even if you eradicate the overgrowth you need to monitor repletion and address the underlying cause. Serotonin receptor support and acid restoration should be included. Micronutrient Panel Information as well as Cardiometabolic Panels to assess homocysteine and Glycemic control are valuable tools as part of your treatment plan.

For more information or to get started on assessment and treatment contact Dr.Martin

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CREATE HEALTH NATURALLY!

Dr. Hillary Martin, ND
Licensed Naturopathic Doctor

Naturopathic Womens Wellness      
1295 Yellow Pine Ave 
Boulder CO 80304

P: 303 545 2021
F: 303 545 2003

www.naturopathicwomenswellness.com