Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C.
Greetings!

At the core of Naturopathic Medicine is education; educating our patients, our patients' families and our community. On this premise, we welcome you to our free Monthly Health Newsletter, rich in information on integrative medicine and tips for healthy living.

We hope this information adds an additional tool for knowledge, empowerment, and creating optimal health and well-being in your life.
 
If you have family or friends that would like to subscribe to this free newsletter, they can add their name by going to our website and clicking on the envelope in the upper right corner. We welcome topic ideas for the newsletter and your feedback. Thank you.
 
To Your Health!
 
Kiera Lane, N.M.D., MSAc., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., Medical Director
Sarv Varta K. Khalsa, N.M.D.

Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C.
http://www.aznaturalmedicine.com
 
Monthly Spotlight on Naturopathic Medicine 
 
 Osteoarthritis
 

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It affects nearly 27 million people in the United States, accounting for 25% of visits to primary care physicians, and half of all NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) prescriptions. It is the leading cause of chronic disability in the United States.

OA is a degenerative disease resulting in the loss of cartilage on the joint surfaces which normally lubricates and cushions the joint. This loss of cartilage eventually leads to bone on bone contact within the joint, which causes local inflammation and damage to the bone surfaces, causing pain and stiffness. The main symptoms of OA are pain and stiffness, crepitus (crackling noises), locking of the joint and local inflammation. The most common joints affected by OA are the hands, feet, hips, knees and spine.

The main causes of Osteoarthritis are joint injury or stress (typically from over-use), heredity, obesity, inflammatory diseases, congenital malformations and muscle weakness. A number of studies have shown that there is a greater prevalence of the disease between siblings and especially identical twins, indicating a hereditary basis. Up to 60% of OA cases are thought to result from genetic factors.

Conventional treatment of OA primarily includes NSAIDS like Ibuprofen and Naproxen, which help to decrease inflammation and pain. These medications are effective in treating pain but have potential, serious side-effects such as gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding, so long-term use is not recommended. Other medications called COX2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex and Bextra are not commonly used now because studies have shown a link between use of these medications and increased risk for heart disease. Another medication commonly used is Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). These drugs help to decrease mild to moderate pain associated with OA but do not help to decrease inflammation. Ibuprofen can also cause damage to the liver if used in high amounts (greater than 4 g/day), long-term or if used in combination with alcohol or certain medications.

Other measures that are important in treating Osteoarthritis are weight control, adequate rest of joints after use, exercise, physical therapy, mechanical support devices (braces) and applying heat or ice to affected joints as indicated.

Naturopathic medicine offers many effective alternatives to the use of pain medicine without the potential side effects. The main goals in treating OA are to decrease inflammation and re-build cartilage within the joints. Some of the treatment options for decreasing inflammation and pain associated with Ostoeoarthritis and to help re-build cartilage are listed below:

1) Traumeel (homeopathic): This is a natural anti-inflammatory that comes in oral, topical and injectable forms.

2) Zyflamend (herbal supplement): A combination of herbs (in a concentrated gelcap) that have an anti-infammatory effect in the body.

3) Biopuncture: Injections of homeopathic solutions like Traumeel, Zeel or Spascupreel locally at the painful joint site and/or intramuscular.

4) Acupuncture: This treatment is very effective for pain, including pain from OA. A 2006 Cochrane review supported the use of acupuncture for pain management in osteoarthritis.


5) Bromelain: These are protease enzymes extracted from the plant family Bromeliaceae (pineapple), which blocks pro-inflammatory metabolites.

6) Anti-inflammatory diet: Avoiding foods that are pro-inflammatory and adding foods that help to decrease inflammation can be very effective at decreasing joint pain.

7) Glucosamine sulfate: The use of this supplement is aimed at re-building cartilage in the joints. Studies are mixed about the effectiveness in treatment of OA.  Some patients may get benefit with continued use of three or more months.


If you are someone suffering with the daily pain of Osteoarthritis or are suspecting you may have this condition, ask us about it at your next visit! There are safe and effective treatments available to manage your pain and allow you to be more active and have improved quality of life!


Nutrition Corner  
 
 The Anti-inflammatory Diet 
 Prevents Aging
 and Disease
 
 Veggies

The new buzz in medical research is the role inflammation is playing in aging and its link to diseases of aging. Inflammation is a normal metabolic process when the immune system is activated in response to an infection, irritation or an injury.  Think of a bug bite, characterized by an influx of white blood cells that results in redness, heat, swelling, and pain. This is the body's attempt to "clean up" the site of injury or irritation. Much like a slow burning fire, when inflammation persists, the immune system is always activated and creates chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation produces chemical agents, such as cytokines, that contribute to degenerative changes leading to chronic disease and aging of our cells.

 

Recent studies show that hypertension, diabetes, Alzheimer's, heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune diseases all share inflammation as a common denominator.  Ongoing medical information suggests that chronic inflammation is at the root of these diseases associated with aging. In addition, inflammation is an important issue for women in peri-menopause and menopause. During these times of major hormone change it triggers inflammatory chemicals and may be a key reason why women compared to men suffer 75% of all autoimmune diseases. Hormonal changes, lack of sleep and exercise, food allergies, stress, and on-going medical conditions associated with inflammation such as colitis and osteoarthritis are some of the contributors to inflammation.  

Diet is key and determines whether you initiate inflammation or stop it. One culprit of inflammation in the diet is unhealthy fats. Foods such as highly processed food, sugar, fast food, dairy and red meat containing unhealthy fats, especially trans fats and saturated fats. These fats are pro-inflammatory and should be avoided.

Eating a diet that is rich in anti-inflammatory foods can be a vital key to reduce inflammation and its associated risks.  An  anti-inflammatory diet is rich in "colors of the rainbow" vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, good quality proteins, whole grains, and plenty of water.  Follow the tips below for an anti-inflammatory diet.

 

         Avoid  sugar, candy, deep fried and fast food, overly processed package foods, and red meat

         Have the foundation of your diet come from vegetables and fruit. Choice "color of the rainbow" foods, such as green, orange, red, purple and yellow fruits and vegetables

         Eat whole and cracked grains rather than overly processed breads. Cook pasta al dente (slightly firm) as it less likely to increase your blood sugar

         Snack on whole fruits, nuts, seeds, and fresh vegetables throughout the day instead of cookies and candy

         Eat more fish containing healthy fats such as wild salmon, sardines, herring, and black cod

         Add healthy fats by cooking with olive oil and eating walnuts and avocados

         Cook with anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric, curry, ginger and garlic

         Eat good sources of protein such as low fat yogurt, cage-free chicken, and omega-3 enriched eggs

         Drink plenty of water, fresh 100% fruit and vegetable juices, herbal and green tea

 



Mind Body Center
 
Meditation "To insure good health: Eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life."
 -William Londen
 




 
Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C.

Integrative Medicine for the Body and Mind
 
 
2480 W. Ray Road, Suite 1
Chandler, Arizona 85224-3558
Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C.
http://www.aznaturalmedicine.com
480-722-2811

For an appointment at Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C., please contact our office.We look forward to hearing from you.
In This Issue
Article Headline
Nutrition Corner
Mind Body Center
Mission Statement
Services
Naturopathic Philosophy
Real People
Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive and effective heath care, integrating the best of Western, Eastern, and Natural medicine in a safe and caring atmosphere. We provide individualized care that addresses the whole person, focuses on prevention, and assists you in achieving an optimal level of health.



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Services

Acupuncture &  Chinese Medicine

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Botanical Medicine

Clinical Nutrition

Homeopathic Medicine

Intravenous and Vitamin Therapies

Injectables vitamins and homeopathics

Facial Rejuvenation

Prescription Therapy

Stress Management
Naturopathic Philosophy

1. Healing Power of Nature

2. First Do No Harm

3. Identify and Treat the Cause

4. Doctor as Teacher

5. Treat the Whole Person

6. Preventive Medicine
Real People
 
Dr. Lane, thank you for your tireless energy in helping me re-new my life! You have fueled my life with hope like no other doctor has ever done! Years ago I came to you with severe aches and pain due to fibromyalgia, and after being seen by so many other doctors I had given up hope. I thank my friend each day for having introduced me to you! I still suffer from fibromyalgia but it is much more manageable than ever before! My energy levels are at the highest they have ever been since I was diagnosed with fibro, my spirit is happier and you have been the instrument to that success! Not only have you provided the tools to live healthier, but you have become my most trusted confidant! The team you have formed is a mere reflection of your dedication to your patients! Dr. Khalsa and Rosemary are just as wonderful! Thank you for your constant, unwavering and wonderful relationship you have with your patients!   BTB - Phoenix, AZ

Acupuncture and cupping therapy with Dr. Lane have really improved my overall health and energy levels. I've been a patient for several years and have also seen Traditional Chinese Medical Doctors in China and the care at Arizona Natural Medicine has been the best by far.
A.R. - Chandler, AZ
  
My acupuncture experience with Dr Khalsa at AZ Natural Medicine has been very positive. At a time when nothing else would provide relief, weekly acupuncture treatments have made a measurable difference in my low back pain and in my life. Increased energy is an added bonus. I am 3 weeks post partum and have every right to be exhausted. However, as my pain becomes more manageable I have a substantial increase in energy. Thank you Dr  Khalsa and AZ Natural Medicine for helping me to feel better!  I forward this health and energy on to my new baby. -CS. Chandler, AZ   
 
Naturopathic medicine has always offered me alternatives that I could never find in the traditional medical model. I am so happy that I have options for my health care. I am hopeful that I have the tools to stay healthy.
KL.- Chandler, AZ
 

I have been suffering from lack of sleep and hot flashes for years. Since I have been seeing Dr. Lane, she has prescribed bio-identical hormones and I have noticed an improved quality in my sleep and my hot flashes are few and far between. I am very happy with the results. I would highly recommend her office to anyone.
R.W.Q. - Chandler, AZ 
 
 I was hestitant to try acupuncture because it was foreign. I did and it has changed my life. Not just becuase acupuncture can help my health but now I am open-minded to other things. It has changed my perspective on health care. I feel more vibrant, energetic, and I love that it affected me mentally. It made me more positive and I think clearer.
C.L.- Chandler, AZ