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!
|
|
Monthly Spotlight on Naturopathic Medicine
Homeopathic Sublingual Immunotherapy:
A Safe Effective Treatement for Allergies
 Seasonal allergies affect more than 22 million Americans, with symptoms occurring anywhere from early spring through late November. Seasonal allergies or "hay fever", is the result of your immune system's over-reaction to substances that you have inhaled, such as pollen. Hay fever is caused by outdoor allergens, usually from grasses, trees and weeds.
When you breathe in an allergen, your immune system gets activated, making antibodies to that substance causing an allergic response. This reaction is characterized by the release of histamine and chemicals known as leukotrienes that result in symptoms of runny nose, congestion, itchiness of the throat, nose, eyes and ears, sinus pressure, red and watery eyes and sneezing. Allergy symptoms vary from one person to the next and can include one or all of these symptoms. These allergic symptoms can be quite severe and uncomfortable, affecting one's ability to perform or enjoy daily activities of life.
The standard Western approach to treat allergies is the use of anti-histamines and steroids.Antihistamines block the action of histamine at receptor sites. They suppress the appearance of physical symptoms, however, they do nothing to redirect the underlying cause. Antihistamines also often produce undesirable side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness and even low mood. Steroids used to reduce inflammation can cause suppression of the immune system and have a myriad of side effects, including mood swings, increased blood pressure, weight gain, and bone loss with prolonged use.
Another common treatment utilized for seasonal allergies are allergy shots. The concept is that a small amount of the antigens (allergenic substances) are injected into the body, which helps desensitize the body without causing allergic symptoms. The downside to the injections is that they can be painful, allergic reactions to the injections can occur, often weekly injections are required for many years and they can be costly if not covered by insurance.
Fortunately, there is another treatment option that is safe, effective, painless, inexpensive and without side effects. The World Health Organization recognizes sublingual immunotherapy as an alternative for airborne allergies. Homeopathic Sublingual Immunotherapy is a great alternative to medications and allergy shots. Homeopathic preparations are made from various grasses, trees and weeds, and different preparations are made for each area of the country, so you can use the one that is specific for where you live. Homeopathic allergy drops administered under the tongue helps to desensitize the body to the environmental trigers. They build immunity by giving micro doses of what a person is allergic to so the body becomes safely conditioned to tolerate those allergens and reduce allergic symptoms. Frequent administration is a key factor for sublingual allergic symptom relief. Symptom relief typically increases with consistent, daily use of the drops over time. In sensitive individuals allergy symptoms may worsen initially when starting treatment, so it's recommended to start slow and build up the dose with time.
If you are suffering with seasonal allergies and are looking for a safe and effective alternative to medications, ask us about homeopathic sublingual immunotherapy at your next visit! |
Nutrition Corner
Should You Be Gluten- Free?
 What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in foods processed from wheat and related species, including barley, rye and oats. It gives elasticity to dough helping it to rise and to keep its shape. It is found in many staple foods in the American diet. Most prepackaged foods contain gluten. Gliadin is the primary protein in gluten that is associated with Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Gluten and Celiac Disease
Although we are uncertain of the exact cause of Celiac disease, we know that Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune condition that is more prevalent in women, Caucasians and persons of European ancestry. Celiac disease is a condition that damages and inflames the lining of the small intestine (specifically the microvilli of the small intestine). The microvilli is where the majority of absorption of food takes place. Damage of the microvilli in the intestines prevents vital nutrients from being absorbed that are important in maintaining health. This damage can lead to malabsorption of nutrients and cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This immune mediated damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten contained in wheat, oats, barley and rye. With ingestion of gluten, the body makes auto-antibodies, called anti-gliadin antibodies, which cause the damage to the intestinal lining and microvilli. There is no cure except avoidance of gluten.
What Foods Contain Gluten?
Gluten is contained in wheat, oats, barley, rye and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). However, many commercially prepared foods, such as pastas, sauces, pastries, rice mix, French fries, soups, flour or anything containing flour, salad dressings, and beer generally contain gluten unless they have a label specifically saying "gluten-free".
Difference between Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance?
Celiac disease in diagnosed with blood and/or stool tests that test the anti-gliadin antibodies as well as other markers to confirm a diagnosis of celiac. Definitive confirmation of celiac is diagnosed with a biopsy. However, many people do not have Celiac disease but still suffer from a gluten-sensitivity. They have some sort of immune mediated reaction to gluten ingestion which could cause a multitude of symptoms. This may result in symptoms such as intestinal inflammation, gas, bloating and loose stools, or other non-intestinal symptoms, such as, headaches, fatigue and joint pain. Since gluten sensitivity has a varied group of symptoms related to it can sometimes be over-looked and mis-diagnosed. However, there are blood tests to determine if you have gluten intolerance in the absence of celiac disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance
There are a variety of symptoms related to gluten sensitivity. There are systems related to the gastrointestinal tract and those related to the rest of the body. Common symptoms related to the gastrointestinal tract include: constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, nausea, abdominal distension, and bloating, gas, and weight gain or weight loss. Those related to the non-gastrointestinal symptoms include but are not limited to: fatigue, headaches, joint pain, poor immunity, skin conditions such as eczema, anxiety, difficulty with concentration and may be a contributing factor associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
Eating gluten free can be quite a dramatic change at first. But once you know what you can and cannot eat it becomes second nature. Some of the grains that can be used in place of gluten containing foods are: amaranth, arrowroot, buckwheat, corn and cornmeal, flax, gluten-free flours (rice, soy, corn, potato, bean, hominy, millet, quinoa, rice, sorghum, soy, tapioca and teff). Of course you have to be cautious about foods that are manufactured with shared equipment of gluten-containing foods. Reading labels is essential. The good news is, many gluten-free products are accessible today: hamburger buns, pizza, bread, muffins, cakes, cookies and even burritos can be found in the gluten-free grocery aisle. Living a gluten-free life is not as hard as you may think and the health outcome could be dramatic. So if you think you have a sensitivity to gluten, ask your doctor to test you to find out if gluten is a problem for you so you can get on the road to change your health and your life.
Gluten-Free Resources
|
|
Mind Body Center
Inhale.
Exhale.
Repeat.
The simple act of breathing is surely the most natural, primal and universal human experience.
Breathing is essential to health and vitality. So remember to breathe deeply, consciously and slowly as often as possible. As we breathe we release the things we don't need and bring in the things we do.
So remember to breathe! |
Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C.
Integrative Medicine for the Body and Mind
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. |
|
|
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.
|
|
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
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.
C.S.- 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
For 15 years, I have been under the care of various naturopaths, but until now, I hadn't experienced anyone who was the "complete package." Dr. Kiera Lane is. She has all of the components necessary to provide the highest level of care a patient could want or need. Dr Lane is a gifted physician. She has a unique combination of compassion, superior intellect and expertise, a kind and gentle personality, as well as an unpretentious demeanor. She is able to precisely diagnose and prescribe the accurate medication for her patients' unique problems. One of the keys to her success is her ability to ask the right questions to ascertain the information needed to diagnose and treat a patient's individual ailments. Another key to success is her capability to understand that each patient is a distinct individual, thus eliminating the possibility of a "one-size-fits-all" remedy for all of her patients.
She also allows patients to work at their own pace. Some patients are more aggressive about their treatment than others, and that is fine with her. She simply wants her patients to feel better and wants to help prevent unnecessary illnesses. You choose the pace, she'll work with you at that pace.
I recently experienced a diversity of ailments that Dr. Lane was able to precisely diagnose and treat with a combination of acupuncture, injections, remedies and homeopathic supplements. I not only recovered quickly, but I've never felt better!
I feel very fortunate to be in the capable hands of such a remarkable doctor.
M.H. - Chandler, AZ
I was hesitant to try acupuncture because it was foreign. I did and it has changed my life. Not just because 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
Dr. Lane is a phenomenal doctor. She is thorough and methodical, leaving no stone unturned in her quest for good health and quality of life. Her diagnosis is based on sound, thorough investigation and she makes sure to study her patient's medical history as well as the causes of the specific issue. While other doctors may give a verdict based on narrow inquiry, Dr. Lane takes a holistic approach, considering causes other doctors often neglect.
In my personal case, Dr. Lane has helped with a situation many doctors had considered hopeless. She suggested a longer but healthier path for recovery that ultimately did the job minus the risks present in prevailing medical procedures.
I am eternally grateful to Dr. Lane for her insight, patience and perseverance in treating me and for the effect her treatment had on my long-lasting quality of life. I recommend Dr. Lane wholeheartedly to any patient.
L.P.- San Diego, CA
I not only trust my patient referrals to Dr. Lane, I see her myself for my own healthcare needs. Her breadth and depth of clinical application and understanding of the human body is unrivaled when it comes to holistic, complementary and alternative forms of healthcare. I would highly recommend Dr. Lane.
Local Doctor - Chandler, AZ
When I started coming to Dr. Khalsa office I was living with migraines twenty out of thirty days a month. I have had them since I was seven. I had learned to deal with them since I was told for many years they were just allergies or tension. I was diagnosed with migraines in the late 90's and tried all the traditional medications. Some helped, but not for very long and they only relieved the pain, never taking them away. When I started menopause the migraines were horrible. I had spent a year trying new drugs that didn't work. I remember going to see my grandson for two weeks and I spent most of it with migraines. I came home determined to try alternative medicine.
I feel so blessed to have found you! We tried several more conservative routes, but now my monthly IV therapy of B's and C's keep my migraines away!! I am so happy! I know I have tried to push it out to two months, but I find the migraines begin to creep back into my life, so monthly it is!
You have also helped me with the pain in my ankle that I shattered almost ten years ago. The acupuncture and heat lamp feel so good and help to relieve the pain. I am so thankful for your help especially since I am allergic to pain medications. Your talent has truly given me a new life. I can spend time with my family and enjoy life again! Thank you for everything you have done for me! You gave me my life back!
D.T.- Chandler, AZ
|
|
Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine