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Your July Issue of Natural Alternatives June 30, 2023 |
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“The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.” ~Hippocrates
IN THIS ISSUE:
1) WHAT DOES A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR DO? 2) NATURAL HAIR LOSS REMEDY DISCOVERED WITH MANY “SIDE BENEFITS” 3) 5 NATURAL WOUND CARE SOLUTIONS
Overview of Naturopathic Medicine & Benefits Naturopathic medicine is a form of healthcare that utilizes natural treatments and therapies to promote wellness. This holistic approach to medicine takes into account not only the physical symptoms of an illness, but also the psychological and emotional factors that may be contributing to a patient’s overall health. Naturopathy emphasizes the use of non-invasive techniques, such as acupuncture and herbal remedies, to support the body’s natural healing process. The benefits of naturopathic medicine include a reduction in the need for prescription drugs, increased energy, improved digestion, and better sleep. Furthermore, this approach to medicine often results in increased patient empowerment and a greater understanding of one’s health, enabling individuals to take charge of their own well-being. What Does a Naturopathic Doctor Do for Patients Naturopathic doctors are holistic healthcare practitioners who work with patients to achieve optimal health and wellness through a natural, drug-free approach. They focus on the root cause of a patient’s illness or ailment, rather than just treating the symptoms. A Naturopathic Medical Doctor may use a variety of treatments such as herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle changes to help patients heal. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the importance of prevention and education, so naturopathic doctors work with patients to develop a personalized healthcare plan that includes diet, exercise, stress management, and other natural therapies. By taking a whole person approach and addressing the underlying causes of illness, naturopathic doctors can help patients achieve lasting health and wellbeing. How Naturopathic Doctors Diagnose and Treat Illnesses Naturopathic doctors take a holistic approach to diagnosing and treating illnesses, focusing on the whole person rather than just the symptoms. They use a variety of tools to gather information about a patient’s health, such as a comprehensive medical history, physical exams, and laboratory testing. Once the diagnosis is made, naturopathic doctors use a range of natural, non-invasive therapies to treat the underlying causes of the illness and promote healing. These may include dietary and lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, botanical medicine, and hydrotherapy. By addressing the root cause of the illness rather than just the symptoms, naturopathic doctors aim to support the body’s natural healing abilities and help patients achieve long-term health and wellness. Commonly Used Natural Therapies In recent years, natural therapies have become increasingly popular as people seek to address their health concerns in a more holistic way. There are many different types of natural therapies, ranging from herbal medicine and acupuncture, to massage and mindfulness. While these practices can be used to complement traditional medical treatments, many people also turn to natural therapies as an alternative to conventional medicine. The benefits of natural therapies are numerous, including minimal side effects, cost-effectiveness, and a focus on not just treating symptoms, but addressing the root cause of health issues. As these practices continue to gain popularity, it’s important to do your research and consult with a qualified practitioner who can help guide you towards the best natural therapy approach for your individual needs. The Role of Diet in Naturopathy Naturopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Diet plays a critical role in this approach, as it provides the nutrients and fuel necessary for optimal health and well-being. Naturopathic doctors work with their patients to develop personalized dietary plans that are tailored to their unique needs and goals. These plans may incorporate a variety of whole, nutrient-dense foods, while eliminating processed and inflammatory foods. By focusing on wholesome, nourishing foods, naturopathic doctors help their patients achieve and maintain optimal health through dietary changes that support the body’s natural healing processes. Naturopathic medicine has been a popular holistic healing modality for centuries, offering natural and non-invasive treatments to help people maintain optimal health and well-being. Although more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of naturopathy, it has been proven that patients who include naturopathy into their primary care routine can benefit greatly. Naturopathic doctors provide comprehensive diagnoses and tailored treatments lasting from just a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. These treatments often include herbal remedies, dietary modifications, stress management techniques, lifestyle recommendations, vitamin supplements, hydrotherapy, homeopathy and more. Ultimately, naturopathic care is a great way for those seeking alternatives to traditional medicine to address their physical ailments in an empowering and all-encompassing way.
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2) NATURAL HAIR LOSS REMEDY DISCOVERED WITH MAN “SIDE BENEFITS”
About 23% of women between the ages of 40 and 49 experience mild hair loss. This percentage increases with age, as menopause leads to a number of hormonal changes that affect hair growth rate and diameter. Thinning hair is especially common among postmenopausal women, with an estimated 21 million U.S. women affected. It's possible to maintain thick, healthy hair at any age, however, and pine bark extract from the French maritime pine tree may help. Rich in procyanidins, bioflavonoids and phenolic acids, pine bark has been researched for at least 165 diseases. You can read about them in detail at GreenMedInfo.com's pine bark research database. Pine Bark Improves Hair Density A study in postmenopausal women looked into the effects of Pycnogenol, brand name for a proprietary pine bark extract, on hair density, scalp microcirculation and other physiological parameters of the skin. Digital photographs were used to assess hair density. Women were assigned to groups taking either Pycnogenol -- 50 milligrams (mg) three times a day -- or a placebo for six months. Those taking Pycnogenol experienced significantly increased hair density, including a 30% increase -- from 225.8 hairs/cm2 to 293.6 hairs/cm2 -- after two months of pine bark supplementation and a 23% boost after six months. The effect was associated with a decrease in resting flux -- a measure of blood volume variations -- of the scalp skin, which suggests it may have improved microcirculation. "A significant transient decrease of transepidermal water loss," a measure of skin barrier function, was also observed in scalp skin among women taking Pycnogenol. The study concluded that intake of pine bark extract could potentially reduce hair loss in postmenopausal women. Study author Dr. Fred Pescatore explained in a news release: "Scalp hair density often decreases with age, leading to a heightened perception of hair thinning. Poor hair quality can have a significant psychological impact and may even lead to increased anxiety and depression. For women seeking hair health support and those frustrated by hair loss during menopause or a continued pattern of hair thinning, this study reveals a new application for an ingredient that has proven antioxidant and circulatory benefits, in addition to its already established benefits in menopause and skin care." An animal study previously found that pine bark extract reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in hair follicles, while leading to a significant increase in hair growth. The researchers suggested the extract may be useful for both hair loss prevention and promotion of hair growth. Pine Bark Is Revered for Circulatory Benefits Part of pine bark's benefits to hair density may be due to increases in microcirculation. As such, support for chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins is another area where pine bark shines. In a study of 142 people with chronic venous insufficiency, Pycnogenol at a dose of 150 mg a day for eight weeks significantly improved microcirculation and variations in capillary filtration associated with swelling. Pycnogenol was also effective in improving varicose veins in postpartum women. After six months of taking Pycnogenol at a dose of 100 mg a day, there was a significant improvement in varicose veins and a decreased need for sclerotherapy, surgery or other treatments. Even spider veins decreased. In addition to improving signs and symptoms of postpartum varicose veins, the researchers noted, it appears "venous function and shape seem to return faster to prepartum, physiological pattern" with use of Pycnogenol. Pine Bark for Your Heart, S.exual Health, Skin and More While pine bark intake is well-known for its benefits to circulation, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, it may also benefit heart health. Among people with coronary artery disease, for instance, Pycnogenol intake improved endothelial function, leading to an increase in flow mediated dilation after eight weeks. It's also useful for supporting cardiometabolic health, leading to reductions in fasting blood glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index and cholesterol, while increasing beneficial HDL cholesterol. Further, pine bark deserves special mention for its potential to help: Aging skin -- Pine bark extract helps reduce the damage ultraviolet radiation causes to the skin. It also led to clinically significant improvements in photodamaged skin when used for 12 weeks. Ere.ctile dysfunction -- Pine bark extract improved ere.ctile dysfunction by 45% among men with ere.ctile dysfunction and diabetes. When used in combination with saw palmetto and saffron, pine bark extract also led to significantly improved se.xual function and urinary symptoms in people aged 40 to 60. Brain health -- Pycnogenol has positive effects in people with mild cognitive impairment, likely due to its benefits to oxidative stress levels. It improves cognitive function in adults between the ages of 55 and 70, while, even among students, pine bark extract may improve cognitive function, attention and mental performance.
More Natural Strategies for Hair Loss If you're looking for natural ways to slow hair loss or improve hair density, pine bark is a solid option that may offer additional systemic health benefits. However, the underlying causes can be complex and are best targeted in partnership with a holistic health care practitioner.
3) 5 NATURAL WOUND CARE SOLUTIONS
Many people look for natural products with “clean” ingredients, especially in the food, beverage, skin care and beauty categories. In fact, the market for clean label ingredients is projected to reach $64.1 billion by 2026, according to Allied Market Research. For many common ailments or minor injuries, there’s a natural treatment that can be used in place of hard-to-pronounce ingredients and preservatives. “This same kind of clean ingredient demand is migrating to the first aid space with many of these natural alternatives being used to treat anything from scrapes and bug bites to wound odor and pulled or sore muscles,” said Dr. Billy Goldberg, a New York Times best- selling author and emergency room physician. “In fact, some companies are beginning to incorporate these kinds of natural and efficacious ingredients right into their products.” Goldberg and the first-aid experts at CURAD, which have made adhesive bandages since 1951, offer these suggestions for natural ingredients you can use at home to treat common ailments: Epsom Salt Named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England, Epsom salt is not actually salt but a naturally occurring mineral compound of magnesium sulfate. Long known as a natural remedy for several ailments, Epsom salt can be used to relax muscles and relieve pain in the shoulders, neck and back. It can also be applied to sunburns or dissolved in the bath to help relieve sore muscles or detox. Aloe Vera Few things soothe sunburn like aloe vera. With analgesic, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that ease the healing process, aloe vera gel contains phytochemicals that help reduce pain and inflammation. Also helpful in the healing process of cuts and scrapes, the CURAD Naturals line of adhesive bandages are infused with aloe vera in the wound pad and surface of the bandage, which is enriched with the antioxidant vitamin E to help soothe and moisturize skin. Hydrogen Peroxide A mild antiseptic that can be used to prevent infection of minor cuts, scrapes and burns, hydrogen peroxide is often used for the initial cleaning of wounds. Simply apply a small amount on the affected area – alternating with water to avoid killing good bacteria – to help release oxygen, which causes foaming that aids in cleaning and the removal of dead skin. Baking Soda Bicarbonate of soda, commonly known as baking soda, can be used for more than baking. From removing stains to cleaning teeth and more, it can also be used to help treat a variety of wounds. In addition to being an odor absorber, it can be applied to insect stings and bites, such as those from bees or mosquitoes. Whether making a paste using baking soda and water then applying to the bite or using an option like CURAD Naturals adhesive bandages featuring baking soda, the chemical compound can help soothe the skin. In addition to absorbing wound odor, the bandages provide skin-friendly comfort and stretch with a four-sided seal to keep dirt and germs out. Manuka Honey A honey native to New Zealand, manuka honey contains methylglyoxal as an active ingredient and has unique antibacterial properties that speed healing and help prevent and fight infections when applied as a topical wound treatment. It may also help soothe coughs and sore throats, prevent tooth decay and improve digestive issues.
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********************************************** This newsletter is for educational purposes only. It is your right to educate yourself in health and medical knowledge, to seek helpful information and make use of it for your own benefit, and for that of your family. You are the one responsible for your health. You must educate yourself in order to make decisions in all health matters. My views and advises are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medicine, but simply a help you to make educated changes in order to help your body heal itself. If you have a medical condition or concern you should consult your physician.
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