Menopause Natural Supplements That Can Help

Menopause is a universal phase of life change that occurs naturally, and involves a woman's reproductive system. Just as at one point in time you celebrated menarche, there will be a time to celebrate the "pause" in ones menstrual cycle. Menopause is defined as the cessation of menses for a one year period, which is caused by the body's decreased production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, generally occurring around 50 years of age. Many women experience menstrual changes or irregularities, mood shifts that can involve irritability and feeling less optimistic, changes in vaginal discharge, a drier vaginal lining, "hot flashes", headaches, fatigue, weight changes, bone density changes and more susceptibility to urinary tract infections. Supplementation with vitamins, herbs and foods can help ease all of these symptoms and make for a much smoother transition.

Vitamins

Bioflavonoids, like rutin, hesperidin and quercetin, when taken with vitamin C can relieve hot flashes related to menopause.

Vitamin B6 supplementation can reduce levels of depression, insomnia and irritability, as it plays a major role in regulating the hormone serotonin and neurotransmitters.

Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) contains gamma linolenic acid, which can relieve the vasomotor changes leading to hot flashes. EPO may also help balance the ratio between estrogen and progesterone, which can reduce breast tenderness.

A vitamin E study done in the "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology" showed that 400 IU of Vitamin E per day relieved menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and vaginal dryness.


Calcium After 50, women need more calcium to maintain bone strength and prevent side effects of osteoporosis. Supplement daily in concert with vitamin D to increase absorption and improve bone health.

Herbs

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), as stated in Dr. Tori Hudson's "Womens Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," provides estrogen-like activity and has been compared to hormone replacement therapy in reducing hot flashes, night sweats, nervousness, headaches, heart palpitations, mood swings, insomnia and decreased vaginal dryness and loss in tone.

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) acts on communication between the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis. It can help keep the ratio of progesterone and estrogen in balance to address infrequent or excessive irregular bleeding.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) has estrogenic affects that can regulate hot flashes and increase uterine contraction to bring on menses. If one is already having heavy and frequent menses, Ding quai is not recommended.

Gingko biloba contains active constituents that increase vascular blood flow to the brain that can act to improve memory loss, depression and cognition. Gingko has also been shown to increase libido.

Licorice root extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a phytoestrogen and can regulate hormone fluctuations as well as act as a powerful antimicrobial to fight recurrent infections.

St. Johns wort can relieve symptoms of depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Over 25 studies cited in Dr.Hudson's book back up this result, and although the studies were not specific to pre/post menopausal women, it is a remarkable botanical medicine to use simultaneously with other supplements.

Foods

Soy and flaxseeds can provide estrogenic and phytoestrogenic effects and can be supplemented into the diet. One of most important factors in the management of menopause is incorporating a diet to prevent osteoporosis. A diet that is high in complex carbohydrates and low in fat, protein, and sugar is generally recommended. High phosphorus-containing beverages like soda should be eliminated as they force the body to pull calcium from the bones to balance electrolyte levels. Dark leafy greens such as kale, collards, spinach, romaine lettuce and Swiss chard will provide a rich source of necessary vitamins and minerals. Calcium-rich foods like beans, sesame seeds, salmon, tofu and organic dairy products, should also be included.

• Christy C. "Vitamin E in Menopause; preliminary report in experimental and clinical study." Am J Obstet Gynec 1945; 50:84-87.
• Hudson, Tori, N.D., Womens Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Keats Publishing, 1999.
• Trickey, Ruth, Women, Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle, Allen & Unwin, 1998.

About this Author

Dr. Hillary Martin is a licensed, primary care naturopathic doctor in Los Angeles. Her goal is to provide informative wellness articles to prevent illness, discover imbalances within the body and rebuild the foundation to create health.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/110490-natural-menopause-supplements/#ixzz1MZ8z56Sf

http://www.livestrong.com/article/110490-natural-menopause-supplements/

Acid Reflux

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DGL Licorice and Acid Reflux

Overview

Acid reflux is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid leaks through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The rise of acid can cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat, and create trouble swallowing. Specific foods can increase acid and decrease the function of the LES. Excess acid irritates esophageal membranes and leads to more serious complications and cell damage. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) decreases occurrence of reflux and can soothe mucus membranes.

Identification

Licorice has been used for centuries as a healing elixir for numerous gastrointestinal problems. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) is a special extract of licorice where the glycyrrhizin component has been removed. According to the book "Medical Herbalism," glycyrrhizin can have hypertensive effects, or act as an antidiuretic or mineralocorticoid. Removing this component yields an effective plant remedy to decrease gastric inflammation and acid, heal esophageal membranes and decrease gastric spasms that are so common in acid reflux.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/110565-dgl-licorice-acid-reflux/#ixzz1LuhpKsOO

About this Author

Dr. Hillary Martin is a licensed, primary care naturopathic doctor in Los Angeles. Her goal is to provide informative wellness articles to prevent illness, discover imbalances within the body and rebuild the foundation to create health.

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The Best Candida Cleanses

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The Best Candida Cleanses

Candida albicans is a yeast that is normally found in the gastrointestinal tract. Due to a myriad of reasons, including prolonged antibiotic use, candida can grow out of control, causing fatigue, allergies, immune suppression, depression and GI upset. Natural cleanses, following a specific diet, nutritional supplements and herbs can help put candida back in balance and alleviate symptoms. Persistent candida infection can be a sign of untreated diabetes, or other serious medical conditions. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek a doctor's help.

Diet

Candida uses sugar as fuel to replicate and grow. Candida diets call for eliminating all sugar, including honey, maple syrup, fruit juice and alcohol. Many milk products contain trace amounts of antibiotics which can contribute to candida growth by suppressing normal bacteria which generally inhibit candida growth. Dairy products should be eliminated at least initially until symptoms resolve and then they can slowly be reintroduced. The exception: Some yogurts contain "good" bacteria that can restore balance in the digestive system. Foods that are fermented or high in mold or yeast content, such as mushrooms, brewer's yeast, beer, cheese; and condiments made with vinegar, such as mustard and ketchup, should be avoided. A low fat, lean protein diet high in vegetables and hypoallergenic grains is recommended. Avoid fresh and dried fruits for the first six weeks only. All other healthy foods can be reintroduced gradually after 12 weeks.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/120021-candida-cleanses/#ixzz1JvlX3a6x

http://www.livestrong.com/article/120021-candida-cleanses/

What Is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic Medicine:  

Naturopathic Medicine is prevention based-patient focused healthcare. It is used to diagnose and treat people in efforts to promote healing at a causal level and not by solely treating external signs and symptoms. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained as primary care physicians. They teach their patients to use diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and natural therapies to enhance their bodies’ innate ability heal and maintain balance. Naturopathic medicine investigates the relationship between physical, mental, and emotional wellness to create health.

The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

The foundation of Naturopathic Medicine has been built on the following principles:

• The Healing Power of Nature. Vis Medicatrix naturae Naturopathic Medicine recognizes that the body has an inherent ordered and intelligent self-healing mechanism. Naturopathic physicians identify and remove obstacles to healing and facilitate this natural self-healing process.
• Identify and Treat the Cause. Tolle causam Naturopathic physicians identify and remove the underlying causes of illness rather than merely eliminating or suppressing symptoms.
• First Do No Harm.  Primum Non Nocere Naturopathic physicians use the least invasive methods with the least force necessary to diagnose and treat illness. They utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize risks and side effects. They avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms and acknowledge, respect and work with the individual’s self-healing process.
• Doctor As Teacher. Docere Naturopathic physicians educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health.  They also recognize the importance and therapeutic potential of a healthy doctor/patient relationship.
• Treat the Whole Person. Tolle Totum Naturopathic physicians treat the individual by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and spiritual factors that contribute to one’s health.
• Prevention. Naturopathic physicians emphasize disease prevention. They assess hereditary and genetic risk factors, susceptibility to disease, and make appropriate interventions to prevent illness.

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SUGAR: The Sweet Sweet Blues

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A SUGARED SOCIETY
Sugar is the new black. Americans “wear” it with everything—with their coffee, desserts, sodas, breads, cereals, sauces … everything. Americans are obsessed with sugar. No matter what form it comes in—sucrose, brown rice syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, etc.—sugar is sugar; and it’s being consumed in voracious amounts....read more...http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2011/03/a-sugared-society.aspx
 

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Energy and Endurance
Due to its role in energy metabolism, vitamin B12 is frequently promoted as an energy enhancer and an athletic performance and endurance booster.  Vitamin B12 is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 functions as a cofactor for formulating the universal methyl donor for almost 100 different substrates, including DNA, RNA, hormones, and essential biochemical reaction in fat and protein metabolism. 

Depression/Anxiety

The reasons for the relationship between vitamin B₁₂ deficiency and depression are not clear but may involve S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). Vitamin B₁₂ and folate are required for the synthesis of SAMe, a methyl group donor essential for the metabolism of neurotransmitters whose bioavailability has been related to depression.

Groups at Risk of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiencies occur when the body is unable to properly use and absorb B12 as in pernicious anemia or due to compromises in the intestinal tract. Malabsorption, food allergies/sensitivities, leaky gut, celiac, colitis, intestinal lesions or surgery, hyper or hypo-acidic gastrointestinal tract, alcoholism and stress can all lead to B12 deficiency. Many prescription drugs and medications can interfere with the absorption of B12 leading to deficiencies. Vegetarian and vegan diets can also lead to deficiencies since B12 essentially comes from animal products. The following groups are among those most likely to be vitamin B12 deficient.

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Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency

Low levels of B12 can cause anemia, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, weakness, and loss of balance. Additional symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include difficulty maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory, mood changes and soreness of the mouth or tongue

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