Pacific Naturopathic is pleased to welcome Dr. Agatha and Dr. Dhurga, two Naturopathic Doctors from Seattle Washington, who practice primary care naturopathic medicine.  Dr. Agatha specializes in Naturopathic Pediatrics.  She helps families create a strong and healthy foundation for their children, and helps restore the health of your little ones by gentling stimulating their systems towards health.  Dr. Dhurga specializes in cardiovascular disease and women's health.  She gives her patients alternative options to help reduce their risk of heart disease.  She also helps patients balance their hormones so that they have healthy cycles and smooth transitions through puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.  Dr. Dhurga also offers individualized yoga therapy appointments at our clinic, please visit her website for more information. 
     Our new associates would like to emphasize the importance of preventive health, and are therefore offering well woman physical exams for a special rate.  You may call the front desk to schedule an appointment with either of them to have your annual gyn and breast exam at a special low rate.  Dr. Agatha and Dr. Reddy are also offering a special introductory rate for regular Naturopathic Medicine visits this fall.  Please visit our website for these rates, and call our front desk at 650-857-0226 to schedule an appointment.

 

 

News media are flooded these days with frightening predictions of catastrophic epidemics and escalating deaths from flu viruses, the H1N1 virus in particular. Our Pacific Naturopathic office, consequently, is fielding calls from concerned patients as to what they can do to prevent the flu. 

Putting things in naturopathic perspective, we remember that, in prevention of infection, there are always two factors to consider. One is the virulence of the microbe (in this case a virus), and the other is the receptivity of the host. The H1N1 virus has not shown itself to be particularly virulent, as compared to other flu viruses. It is the concern that the virus might become a super virus that has borders closing, schools shutting their doors, and hospitals denying non patient visits to children under 16.

It does make sense to stay out of the way of the virus. In many cultures, gauze face masks are worn out of courtesy when a person suspects they are contagious and need to be out and about. Others wear the masks in crowded contained spaces such as subways or airplanes. Given that we don't tend to do that, we can still protect ourselves to some degree. Not sharing telephones, pens, silverware and personal items with others is one good idea. And frequent hand washing and not touching hands to face is an effective way to avoid contact. 

The H1N1 virus enters the body through the nose, mouth, and throat. Gargling with salt water twice a day, and using your neti pot or saline nasal spray to rinse your nasal cavities can prevent the virus from settling in and proliferating in your body. Drinking plenty of water or herbal tea has a synergistic effect, rinsing the virus away into the stomach, where it cannot survive.

You can do a number of things to ensure that any virus that makes it past the avoidance and initial defenses does not thrive in your body. Optimal levels of vitamin D are protective against the flu. Ideally, as part of your wellness plan, you will have had your 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels checked, and will be taking an appropriate dose of vitamin D3. If not, you can safely take 2000 IU vitamin D3 daily as a kind of insurance policy.

Blood sugar control is essential to immune protection as sugar acidifies the body, promotes the growth of unfriendly organisms, and incapacitates white blood cells, Children get sick at Halloween, not because they're out in the cold with other children, but because their immune systems are suppressed by the Halloween candy. So stay away from those sugar treats!

Exercise oxygenates the blood and supports the immune system. Exercise in fresh air gives the added benefit of stabilizing your body's electromagnetic field through contact with the earth, and vitalizing you through the healing rays of the sun. Exercise with intentional breathwork directs healing energy through the energy meridians in your body.

Beyond these lifestyle techniques, there are combination homeopathics which are used for flu prevention and flu treatment; botanical remedies which strengthen the immune system; and nutrtitional and glandular support to optimize all body systems.  If you are low in B12, folic acid, or iron, you will be more prone to infection, and will stay sick longer. If your thyroid function is not optimal, the same will be true. If you are uncertain about your nutritional status or your immune functioning in general, it is wise to consult a trusted health practitioner to formulate an individualized plan to support yourself through the flu season and beyond.





 

 The winter months, when cold and flu viruses flow through our communities, provide an opportune time to make sure that children have the natural tools to help keep them well. Disease prevention and optimizing health begins with the basics: making sure children are getting plenty of sleep, water, exercise, and nutritious foods. A recent poll by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that only 14% of adults and 9.5% of high school students are eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables! Diets rich in fruits and vegetables help boost your child's immune system, while excess sugar and fatty foods can temporarily hamper the immune system. A high quality multivitamin and vitamin C can also be helpful. Stress is known to decrease immune function, so helping your child keep up with homework and talking through issues can help keep them healthy. Review the importance of frequent and thorough hand washing, and make sure kids cover their coughs and sneezes with their elbows (not just their hands). Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a great way to cut back on germs, but be sure your child knows how to properly use them.
 
If your child does catch a cold, encourage them to drink them plenty of water to maintain energy, help to thin secretions and make breathing easier. Avoiding dairy and citrus can decrease mucous production. Naturally anti-viral fruits such as elderberry and blueberry can decrease the duration of a cold or flu. Although it should be avoided in babies younger than 12 months, honey has been shown to help reduce cold symptoms. This is useful because cold medications are not recommended in children younger than two.

 

 

Ginger, garlic, and onion are wonderful immune boosters, and are anti-viral, as well. Turmeric is anti inflammatory and anti cancer. Cayenne helps liquefy mucus.  

Ingredients:
10 cups water or broth
2 tablespoons chopped ginger root
10 chopped scallions
3 cups bean sprouts
3 tablespoons tamari
1/2 teaspoon red pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 bulb (not 1 clove) garlic, minced
Juice of one lemon

Saute scallions, garlic, and ginger root in extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil. Add water or broth. Bring to a boil, and add seasonings.
Add bean sprouts, greens (collards, kale, beet greens) or other veggies (daikon root, cabbage, broccoli) as desired, for a light soup.
For a heartier soup, add a protein source such as miso, saut�ed tempeh, or free range poultry. Or whisk eggs, and drop in soup while stirring.