Optimizing Hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced in the body by endocrine glands. They act as signaling molecules that regulate physiology and convey information between different organ systems. Hormones impact growth and development, metabolism and blood sugar, reproduction, and immunity by modulating inflammation.

Hormones can be affected by how well they are transported, genetics, nutrient status (enzymes and cofactors), how well they are used, how fast they break down, and metabolism. We have hormones that impact digestion, appetite, sleep, and thyroid, but when most people think of hormones, they think of sex hormones.

Testosterone has many different receptor sites in the body, meaning it has many functions, notably, testosterone supports stronger bones and muscles, it improves energy and mood, and has cardioprotective effects. Testosterone declines after the age of forty. Like testosterone, estrogen protects bones, helps regulate cholesterol, supports cardiovascular health, and cognitive health. Estrogen is made in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells. Progesterone is a calming hormone that effects fertility. Progesterone has protective effects, it can reduce anxiety, improve sex drive, improve memory, and support a healthy metabolism.

It’s important that all of our hormones are in balance. High amounts of testosterone lead to masculinizing physical characteristics including irregular or absent menstrual periods, facial hair growth, acne, and male pattern balding. Low testosterone is associated with low libido, weight gain, loss of muscle, and decreased sense of well-being. High estrogen, called estrogen dominance, can cause many female reproductive concerns and feminizing physical characteristics. Progesterone when it’s low can lead to menstrual cycle irregularities, infertility, headaches, mood change, and sleep disturbance. 

Often times, hormone metabolism can be negatively impacted from environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as: insecticides, pesticides, and phthalates. These can cause many issues with natural production and regulation of hormones.

There are several methods and treatments for balancing hormones. Lifestyle factors play a big role. It’s important to be aware of environmental impact and how to reduce your exposure to endocrine disruptors and xenoestrogens. Good sleep and stress regulation have a large impact on hormone regulation. Good nutrition is also essential to assist in detoxification and hormone regulation. There are also many micronutrients that impact hormone metabolism and should be assessed, for example: magnesium, zinc, b vitamins, choline, and methionine. Bio-identical hormone replacement is a safe and effective treatment method to relieve symptoms and promote wellness when medically appropriate.

Another therapeutic option is the use of herbal medicine.  

-Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus)- acts on the pituitary gland to increase luteinizing hormone which increases progesterone and is commonly used for many different female menstrual irregularities.

-Black Cohosh (Actea racemosa)- acts on the pituitary gland to decrease luteinizing hormone which decreases progesterone and increases estrogen (treats depression, hot flashes, and mood changes)

-Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)- active compound diosgenin is used as the starting material for pregnenolone, progesterone, and corticosterone in bio-identical hormone therapy.

-Maca (Lepidium meyenii)- aphrodisiac, hormone balancing, antidepressant, treats hot flashes, and mood change.

Hormones can be complicated and affect us in so many ways. Understanding your body and how to optimize your hormones starts with a medical intake and lab work. If you are curious about how your hormones are impacting your health, and would like to get started, schedule an appointment with Amber Walz, ND.

Down to Earth

Global temperature is rising, oceans are warming, ice sheets are shrinking, there’s glacial retreat, decreased snow cover, sea level rise, declining arctic sea, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification. The scientific evidence of global warming driven by emissions of greenhouse gases and resulting climate change is abundant. According to NASA Global Climate Change, evidence found from coral reef, sediments, and tree rings reveals that current warming is occurring ten times faster than the average warming that occurs during ice-age-recovery, and carbon dioxide from human activity is increasing more than 250 times faster than it did from natural sources after the last Ice Age.

Fortunately, there are strategies to combat these effects and care for our planet, such as: renewable, clean energy, soil regeneration, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly living practices.

Eco-friendly living requires a commitment to reducing waste, using non-toxic products, reusing and recycling, and reducing the carbon footprint.

·      Support organic, sustainable farming and ranching practices. Soil restoration, crop rotations, and organic agriculture practices can be difficult to implement on a large scale. Organic, pasture-raised and free-range purchases can be a little more expensive, so savvy shopping is key. Choosing to buy mostly along the edges of the grocery store for fresh produce and decreasing consumption of animal proteins will not only save money, it’s important for your health.

·      Reuse and recycle. Make the switch to reusable and compostable grocery and produce bags and bring them to the store with you every time. This lowers the need for recycling demands and decreases waste. Also, consider the use of recycled paper products, silicone reusable bags instead of plastic bags, beeswax paper instead of plastic wrap, and natural sponges. Decrease consumption of packaged foods and shop for bulk items using reusable bags as a money saving, eco-friendly alternative.

·      Grow plants and compost using organic gardening practices. The desertification of once fertile land that becomes degraded and depleted from agricultural practices, drought, and deforestation is one contributing factor to climate change, but there are regenerative agricultural practices that can rebuild the soil and pull carbon from the atmosphere. This is one example of how plants and healthy dirt play a major role. Consider green architecture. For example, build a plant wall or rooftop garden to get creative with the space you’re in and the space around you. Relying on a small amount of produce from your own garden can save you money and is better for the planet by decreasing agricultural demands and impact of transport. If you have a yard, a compost bin or pile is an easy solution to food waste and helps feed your garden.

·      Switch to clean products. There are clean cleaning products that can be purchased that reduce the amount of chemicals introduced to our waterways and our bodies. Staples for making your own cleaning products include vinegar and baking soda. There are natural soaps, face, hair, and body care products that can be found at natural grocers or even home-made. The base of most body products are oils, like coconut, avocado, or olive oil, and different essential oils and herbs can be infused into them depending on the desired effect. As a caution, essential oils require a lot of plant material and should be used conservatively. If bought in a product, make sure the company is eco-conscious and sustainable sourcing.

·      Reduce your carbon footprint. Consider purchasing a clean energy vehicle, reduce your travel, carpool, walk, take the bus, or bike. There are now energy efficient bulbs that can be used in your home emitting less than 10 watts. Another great way to reduce electricity use is to unplug your devices when fully charged. You can ask your utility provider to switch to renewable power sources from solar and wind.

There are approximately 7.9 billion people on this planet, which is pretty amazing if you think about that staggering statistic. Most of the damage that has been done to our planet by human activity is due to ignorance and has become apparent from emergent science. But now that you know some simple things you can do, what are you going to do to help our planet? Every little bit counts toward a brighter tomorrow.

References:

·      https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/

·      https://www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/how-growing-your-own-food-can-benefit-the-planet/

·      https://www.ewg.org/

·      Bordessa, K. (2020). Simple Sustainability, A Modern Take on Self-Reliant Living. National Geographic. ISSN 2160-7141

Nutrition in a Nutshell

What makes nutrition so important and powerful when it comes to your health? The role of nutrient interaction in the body is vast and complex. The quantity of nutrients we can absorb is relative to the quality of the food, as well as, overcoming health obstacles.

Macronutrients are the nutritional components of a diet that provide energy. Protein provides the body with structural building blocks for muscle, the immune system, hormones and neurotransmitters, and enzymatic and cell membrane activity. Fats provide the starting material for hormone production, protection for organs, reduce inflammation, and are vital for the health of the brain, hair and skin. Carbohydrates provide regulation of blood glucose, spare the breakdown of protein, maintain digestive health, and can stimulate growth of good gut bacteria.

Micronutrients consist of vitamins and minerals that act as cofactors involved in prevention of disease, metabolism, growth, and normal function. They have so many roles and are in constant demand. Water soluble vitamins (B, C) are easily absorbed and not readily-stored and thus deficiency can develop rapidly. Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) require fats and bile for absorption and are stored in the liver. Minerals are required to convert food into energy, supports fluid balance, as well as, heart, skeletal muscle, and nervous system function.

Together in the prevention of disease, metabolism, growth and normal function. They are always in demand because of the many roles they play and with some deficiency can develop quickly.

Here is an abbreviated list of notable functions of some key micronutrients:

·       Vitamin A (retinol)- maintains the health of epithelial cells, supports skin, eye health, night vision, functions as an antioxidant, and regulates immune function. Deficiency of vitamin A has been linked to night blindness.

·       Vitamin B1 (thiamine)- is a cofactor for several enzymes, plays a role in energy, brain health, cardiovascular health, and red blood cell function. Thiamine deficiency causes a serious condition called beriberi, which can lead to Wernicke- Korsakoff syndrome. Deficiency is also linked to increased beta-amyloid production and plaque formation in the brain. Long term use of phenytoin, oral contraceptives, and diuretics can deplete thiamine.

·       Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)- is involved in the synthesis of ATP for energy, involved in redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions to reduce oxidative stress, is needed for iron assimilation, and is important for muscle tone, the nervous system, and eye health. Certain drugs can decrease proper use of riboflavin including: antipsychotics, tricyclics, antimalarials, and chemotherapy drugs. Oral contraceptives, alcohol, and phenobarbital can deplete it.

·       Vitamin B3 (niacin)- plays a role in the synthesis of ATP for energy, promotes cellular health and protects our DNA from damage, supports skin health and is essential for brain health, and improves lipid profiles. Niacin deficiency can lead to a serious condition called Pellagra. Certain drugs can deplete niacin, such as: anticonvulsants, Isoniazide, Azathioprine, 6-Mercatoprine, 5-Fluorouracil, and Carvidopa.

·       Vitamin B5 (pantothenic Acid)- assists in the production and storage of energy in the body, is the primary component of Coenzyme A, and is involved is several enzymatic pathways involved in the production of antibodies, hemoglobin, and hormones.

·       Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)- is converted to the active form PLP (pyridoxal 5’ -phosphate) and is a cofactor for more than 100 different enzymes, it is critical for brain function, the nervous and immune systems, supports arterial integrity, production of hemoglobin and neurotransmitters, and plays a role in the production of fuel and energy. Oral contraceptives, anticonvulsants, Amitriptyline, Isoniazid, and Penicillamine are associated with low B6 levels.

·       Vitamin B7 (biotin)- supports skin and nail health, protects myelin that surrounds nerves, plays a role in the synthesis of fatty acids, and it’s involved in glucose utilization. Biotin plays a role in DNA replication, transcription and cellular proliferation. Long term use of anticonvulsants is associated with reduced serum biotin.

·       Vitamin B9 (folate)-plays a key role in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, it’s involved in homocysteine and B12 metabolism, supports the central nervous system and brain health, and supports immune function. Folate can prevent neural tube birth defect. Several drugs can lower folate levels, including, H2 blockers, PPI’s, NSAID’s, Sulfasalazine, Nitrofurantoin, and oral contraceptives.

·       Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)- plays a role in DNA synthesis, red and white blood cell function, neurotransmitter production, homocysteine metabolism, and is involved in the nervous system and immune health. Deficiency leads to macrocytic anemia. Multiple drugs, including H2 Blockers, PPI’s, Metformin, and Zidovudine can deplete B12 levels.

·       Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)- functions as an antioxidant, plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune response, is essential for collagen, carnitine, and neurotransmitter synthesis, and detoxification of xenobiotic chemicals. Deficiency may lead to scurvy. Oral contraceptives, and PPI’s can deplete it.

·       Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)- functions as a steroid hormone precursor, synthesized by the skin after exposure to sunlight, it enhances the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, promotes bone mineralization and remodeling, plays a role in neuromuscular and immune function, influences cellular growth and differentiation, and appears to additionally enhances secretion and action of insulin. Deficiency can cause a condition called Rickets, and can contribute to osteomalacia (bone softening). Anticonvulsants, Isoniazid, and Hydroxychloroquine can deplete it.

·       Vitamin E (tocopherol)- it maintains the function of the reproductive, vascular, and nervous systems, functions as an antioxidant reducing oxidative DNA, stabilizes cell membranes, inhibits platelet aggregation, alters immune function, and is important for healthy skin, hair, and nails.

·       Vitamin K- it supports cardiovascular and bone health, and it is anti-hemorrhagic ensuring our blood clots when needed. Vitamin K has three different forms and K2 has several subtypes. K-dependent proteins can be both procoagulant and anticoagulant.

·       Calcium- plays a vital role in the strength of bone, teeth, and cartilage, it is involved in nerve and muscle functioning and contraction, hormone formation, and it is involved in many biological processes including regulating constriction and relaxation of blood vessels. Corticosteroid medications reduce absorption of calcium, thiazide diuretics can raise calcium levels, and loop diuretics can decrease calcium levels.

·       Iron- it is a component of hemoglobin essential for the delivery of oxygen to the tissues, involved in mitochondrial energy production, is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormone, required for the neurotransmitter conversion to dopamine, and it plays a role in immune function and DNA synthesis. Deficiency leads to microcytic anemia. Risperidone may cause depletion.

·       Magnesium- it is a cofactor for more than 300 different enzymes, essential for the synthesis of ATP for energy, involved in neuronal activity, cardiac excitability, and electric properties of cell membranes, it inhibits platelet aggregation, promotes dilation of blood vessels, and has antispasmodic effect on skeletal and smooth muscle. It also plays a role in lipid metabolism and synthesis of the glutathione antioxidant. Diuretics, PPI’s, Cisplatin, Cyclosporine, beta-2 agonists, antipsychotics, oral contraceptives, thyroid and aldosterone hormones, and caffeine increase magnesium excretion.

·       Potassium- plays a role in fluid and electrolyte balance, blood pressure regulation, membrane polarization, neuronal transmission, and muscle contraction. Potassium levels can be altered (decreased or increased) by several common medications.

·       Zinc- it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, involved in many different biochemical pathways including DNA and protein synthesis, essential for growth, plays a role in visual function, hearing, and taste, involved in spermatogenesis, sexual development, immune function, wound healing, helps stabilize cell membranes, and is involved in neurotransmitter production. ACE inhibitors, aspirin, oral contraceptives, and glucocorticoids can deplete it.

There can be challenges with absorption and depletion of certain micronutrients with underlying conditions, chronic stress, pesticides, food allergens, and inflammatory foods. Micronutrients are an integral part of immune function and necessary for proper immune response. Individuals recovering from surgery, fighting cancer or infections, or conditions associated with specific deficiencies require increased need for micronutrients to heal and repair tissues.

Nutritional therapy is complex involving supporting the function of biochemical mechanisms that direct a specific outcome, provide symptom relief, or replenishment of micronutrients that are depleted. Micronutrients can treat and prevent many different health conditions, however, must be monitored for interactions, contraindications, and tolerance. The best medicine is a diverse whole foods diet customized to your needs. Having a naturopathic doctor or nutritionist to individualize your care is optimal to prevent interactions with other micronutrients or medications, and identify specific deficiencies and optimal dosing. Multiple flawed studies and subsequent review articles have poorly analyzed the efficacy of micronutrients in medicine to the potential detriment of patients that could benefit. It's important to critically analyze literature for bias and quality. Always question, and advocate for true scientific integrity. Optimize your health through nutritional therapy. To find out how you can benefit, schedule an appointment for a full medical evaluation.

Resources:

·       Gaby, Alan R. (2017) Nutritional Medicine. 2nd Ed. Fritz Perlberg Publishing, Concord, NH.

·       Low Dog, Tieraona (2016) Fortify Your Life: your guide to vitamins, minerals, and more. National Geographic Partners, LLC, Washington, DC.

·       Gombart, A. F., Pierre, A., & Maggini, S. (2020). A review of micronutrients and the immune system–working in harmony to reduce the risk of infection. Nutrients, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010236

·       Vasquez, A., & Pizzorno, J. (2019). Concerns about the integrity of the scientific research process—focus on recent negative publications regarding nutrition, multivitamins, fish oil and cardiovascular disease. Integrative Medicine (Boulder), 18(1), 8–15.

The Art of Movement

We are meant to move. Unfortunately, we live increasingly more sedentary lives due to social and technological advancements. For most of us, this has created a need for us to schedule and prioritize movement. Exercise has been studied for a number of health benefits, including cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, mental health, and neurological benefits. According to a recent article, “Lifelong aerobic exercise protects against inflammaging and cancer,” aerobic exercise can promote healthy aging and extend life expectancy by 3-10%, and lifelong running decreases inflammatory markers associated with cancer.

After having spent over a decade as a personal fitness trainer, I’ve learned to encourage others to seek out forms of exercise that spark joy. According to the review article, “Evidence for prescribing exercise as therapy in chronic disease,” what exercise is best suited for you can depend on your specific goal or condition. Each of us has to find activities and exercise intensity that match our current level of health. Building up your fitness prowess and stamina from a solid foundation allows slow adjustment to intensity that is crucial when suffering from a chronic disease or after a long period of inactivity. Many patients have a number of obstacles that discourage them from exercise, such as lack of time, energy, and enthusiasm. I thought I would share a little of my own personal story as example of how to overcome this.

            I was not what you call athletic growing up. Fun was never a word I would’ve associated with gym class. At the age of seventeen, I became determined to become physically fit. After high school swim team, track, and boot camp in the military, I felt strong both physically and mentally. Seeing how much fitness had changed my life, I wanted to help others reap the same benefits. While in the fitness industry I did a lot of endurance sports in addition to strength training. In my late 20’s I started to notice health symptoms: frequent illness, chronic cough, migraines, and extreme fatigue. I kept pushing through it, and by some miracle pushed myself all the way through a medical doctorate. I felt so much frustration that I couldn’t workout the way I had been for so many years, but every time I would try I would spend a week or two after just recovering. I started to listen to what felt right for me. I would spend 15 minutes a day doing various exercises at home. By doing just a tiny bit every day, I slowly built up stamina to increase the intensity and duration of exercises. My need for nature brought me outside for light jogs, walks and hikes with friends, and I found solace in a yoga practice.

The advice I now give patients is to start with baby steps. The more often you move, the better your body will adapt and you will build a strong foundation to be able to power through activities that bring you joy. Just a small amount every day can have a big impact on health long-term. For individual programming and medical evaluation, please schedule a consultation.

Ways to increase your physical activity

·      Explore different workout videos. There are so many options to choose from depending on level of desired intensity. Consider a 7-minute workout, chair workout, gentle yoga with spine mobility, Tai Chi, Jane Fonda, Richard Simmons, dance videos- the choices are endless.

·      Schedule the same time every day to walk outside. This can be both beneficial for creating a break in your day, getting fresh air and vitamin D, and resetting your mood.

·      Join a meet-up group. Finding a group to enjoy an activity with can be a good way to meet new people and socialize.

·      Get a workout buddy. Having another person to hold you accountable benefits both parties, and makes exercise more enjoyable.

·      Consider adopting a puppy to go on walks with (I would promote adoption of any animal if you can get creative with walking them). The caveat to this recommendation is that you need to have the time and resources to provide a good loving home for the animal. Caring for an animal fosters health and promotes emotional well-being.

Resources:

·      Id MIN, Bourgeois JM, Nederveen JP, et al. Lifelong aerobic exercise protects against inflammaging and cancer. 2019:1-25.

·      Pedersen BK, Saltin B. Evidence for prescribing exercise as therapy in chronic disease. 2006; 16:3-63.

·      Cornelissen VA, Smart NA, Survey NE. Exercise Training for Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta- analysis. 2012:1-9. doi:10.1161/JAHA.112.004473.

·      Penedo, F, Dahn, JR. Exercise and well-being: a review of mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity. 2005; 18:189-193.

Medicinal Plants

The use of medicinal plants is well-documented from India, China, and Egypt with written account approximately five thousand years ago. Medicinal plants buried in graves suggests knowledge and oral tradition of their use as far back as sixty thousand years. This article highlights the history, use, and current challenges with the modern day use of medicinal plants.

Brief Historical Reference:

·      The oldest written evidence of ethnobotanical use is on Sumerians clay tablets with cuneiform lists of more than 250 herbs that were written approximately 5000 years ago.

·      The Chinese medicine text, Pen T’sao, listed 365 herbs used in ancient China written approximately 2500 BC.

·      Ancient Egyptians listed over 800 herbs in the Ebers papyrus written approximately 1500 BC.

·      The ancient Ayurvedic Sanskrit text, Rigveda, documents ancient remedies written in 1500 BC.

·      Hippocrates (460-377 BC) advocated for plant medicine and his works contain 300 medicinal plants.

·      Pedanios Dioscorides, the father of pharmacognosy, created, De Materia Medica, in 77 AD.

The use of plant medicine has fallen in and out of favor throughout time. The North American Shaker religious communities grew, gathered, processed, and packaged medicinal herbs for sale exclusively to physicians and pharmacists during a time when questionable herbal cures were being marketed in early America mid-nineteenth century. With the discovery of penicillin, derived from Penicillium fungi, there was rekindled interest in natural medicine. The study of organic chemistry led to the discovery of active compounds present in medicinal plants that have physiological, therapeutic effects as medicinal agents, and could be synthesized in a laboratory. Today’s modern pharmacopoeia is estimated to contain approximately fifty percent plant-derived medicines. By 1936 the federal government no longer recognized plant-derived compounds as effective medicines due to being replaced by synthetic compounds. Yet, advocates for use of whole-plant material argue medicinal value due to the multitude of diverse properties in the plant having synergistic action.

Notable Active Plant Compounds:

·      Alkaloids- bitter, nitrogen-containing compounds with high medicinal value.

·      Glycosides- the most common plant constituents composed of a sugar bound with a non-sugar molecule that has many medicinal actions.

·      Tannins- astringent, bitter compounds that bind and tone tissues regulating permeability and reducing excess discharges.

·      Flavonoids- a class of phenolic compounds that can give the plant a yellow or orange pigment, and provide health benefits through connective tissue support, immune-modulation, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

·      Saponins- soaps, emulsifiers that bind to both oil and water, that are immune-modulating, can act as building blocks for hormones, and stimulate expectoration.

·      Terpenoids- various compounds that are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.

Widespread modern medical use of plants is limited by variations in the potency of active compounds due to the lack of measurable uniformity with growing conditions and soil nutrient content. Medicinal botany still has vast potential since so few plants have been studied for medicinal use. Anthropocentric views keep us from recognizing the diverse actions of nature as medicine. Healers, shamans, and medicine women practicing folk medicine have been historically misrepresented as undeveloped, yet ethnobotanists seek apprenticeship to acquire knowledge in traditional and historical use of plants.

There are current challenges with the modern day use of medicinal plants. Conservation efforts are imperative due to risk of endangerment of certain plants harvested for medicinal and pharmaceutical purposes, and due to the presenting challenge of the loss in biodiversity as a result of climate change. Without conservation efforts, there can be detrimental consequences to the delicate balance of ecosystems. Two additional rising issues, include: the exploitation by for-profit institutions and corporations that seek to patent plants for monetary gain, and biopiracy, the collection of plant material and local ethnobotanical knowledge without compensation or acknowledgement of intellectual property. Many believe local biodiversity constitutes genetic property and thus should be subject to royalties.

The use of plant medicine is an effective and safe way to treat illness and an excellent tool for prevention. Ultimately, more focus, additional research, and understanding of the use of plant medicine, can spawn a movement of more cohesive integrative care for the betterment of the patient. Please schedule a consultation to address individual medical concerns and discuss professional recommendations regarding the use of medicinal plants.

Resources:

·      Petrovska BB. Historical review of medicinal plants' usage. Pharmacogn Rev. 2012; 6(11): 1-5.

·      Sumner, Judith. (2000) The Natural History of Medicinal Plants. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press.

·      Jamshidhi-Kia F, Lorigoonini Z, Amini-Khoei H. Medicinal plants: Past history and future perspective. Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology. 2018; 7(1): 1-7.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is the use of water to enhance circulation and blood flow through organs of elimination and detoxification. Due to water’s high specific heat, ease of application, and ability to conduct heat, it can be a powerful treatment method for many ailments.

Background & History

Documented use of water for a therapeutic benefit dates back to 1800’s with Vincent Priessnitz, a farmer with no formal medical training who started treating his neighbors and grew in reputation. Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897) wrote, “My Water Cure,” several decades later followed by John Harvey Kellogg (1852-1943) who wrote, “Rational Hydrotherapy.” Both clinical texts are still referenced today. Another influential figure, Otis G. Carroll (1879-1962), later developed the popular method of constitutional hydrotherapy.

Common methods of application

Water can be applied in many different ways depending on the goal and nature of the condition being treated.

Hot or cold applications: Both hot and cold applications are used to enhance the capacity of the body to heal. Hot application directly over the area needing treatment dilates peripheral vessels and draws blood and nutrients to the area while also increasing immune response to aid in healing. Cold application over an area will cause blood to move out of the area removing waste through contraction of peripheral vessels decreasing swelling and discomfort. The ideal hot temperature is between 98-104 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ideal cold temperature between 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Alternating hot and cold applications: By applying hot application for less than 5 minutes and cold for less than one minute you stimulate circulation in both directions. The use of this technique in conjunction with therapeutic sine wave electrical stimulation is called constitutional hydrotherapy. Constitutional hydrotherapy is arguably the most important hydrotherapy method in use due to its ability to systemically enhance immune response, improve cellular nutrition, promote detoxification, and balance the nervous system through improved circulation and thermoregulation.

Derivation with compresses: This method is the application of hot or cold indirectly applied to cause a response in the targeted area. The purpose of this method is the drawing of blood or lymph from one part of the body by increasing the amount of blood or lymph to another part. This method is particularly helpful if there are contraindications to direct application.

Additional methods: Mineral hot springs and immersion baths act as a vehicle for therapeutic substances that can be absorbed through the skin to address specific concerns. Another form of immersion is sitz baths used for direct application of herbal treatments to affect the organs of the lower abdomen and pelvis. Other common methods recommended include: steam, sauna, and enemas used to improve detoxification.

Hydrotherapy is a safe and effective way to address various conditions. Benefits occur due to improved blood flow and venous return assisting in tissue regeneration, inflammation modulation, thermoregulation, increased oxygen delivery, removal of waste, immune stimulation, and nutrient regulation.

Contact me with questions on whether hydrotherapy can benefit you.

References & Resources:

·      Mooventhan A, Nivethitha L. Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body. N Am J Med Sci. 2014;6(5):199-209. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.132935.

·      Geytenbeek J. Evidence for Effective Hydrotherapy. Physiotherapy. 2002;88(9):514-529. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9406(05)60134-4.

Treating the Underlying Cause

Throughout my time in naturopathic medical school, the process highlighted how many ways there is to learn and grow in medicine. For the lover of knowledge, medicine is a field of study that presents the challenge that you will never stop learning. It's a humbling experience to take on a challenging career in healthcare where your practice is shaped by the fundamentals of modern medicine, out-of-the-box curiosity, and investigative diligence. Naturopathic medicine requires knowledge of all basic medical sciences, physical exam, diagnosis, knowledge of pharmacology, and conventional standard of care. Additionally, we learn more about current, research-based, historical, and cultural forms of alternative medicine. A naturopathic doctor always looks beyond every treatment option to find the avenue that promotes the greatest health and longevity with least risk of side effect. This requires a fundamental understanding of biochemistry and physiology. While many of the mechanisms of action are addressed from a conventional approach in medicine, this is often from the perspective that an organ system functions independently, yet the basics of biochemistry show us that is not true at all. In fact, all organ systems impact each other and anything introduced to the body effects all organ systems whether directly or indirectly.

This coupled with the multiple facets of individual health and history is the philosophical approach of treating the whole person and there isn't an instruction manual in medicine. The ability to see the patient as an individual, make choices on interventions based on therapeutic approach while simultaneously considering availability, access, and patient compliance is the art and heart of naturopathic medicine. This is only limited by the doctor's level of dedication to researching what's best for the individual. The reason for doing this work is to be in service to others, but true healing is an inside job that occurs when the patient presents with their own motivations to get better and do the treatments given.

Additional Resources:

• https://www.naturopathic.org/

• https://aanmc.org/national-associations/

• https://www.calnd.org/