A-Z natural treatments Articles

Breast health is an important part of women's well-being. Breast cysts are fluid filled masses that most commonly occur in women ages 30 to 50. They are benign growths that change in size and tenderness with the monthly cycle and are usually worse right before menstruation. They are not dangerous in themselves, but they make it more difficult to assess breast tissue for any other masses.

What Causes Breast Cysts?

There are several factors that contribute to the formation of breast cysts.

One of the main contributing factors to breast cysts in women is hormone levels. Low progesterone and high estrogen can play a role in increasing both the size and amount of milk-producing glands. Sometimes these will form cysts. Another cause of cysts is the consumption of methylxanthines.

Low iodine levels can lead to cyst development and are common in those who have hypothyroidism. Even wearing bras that may restrict circulation in some way offers a contribution to the formation of cysts.

Whar Are Conventional & Natural Support Options For Fibrocystic Breasts?

There are both conventional and natural therapies for fibrocystic breasts. Conventional therapies use medications that target the thyroid or alter hormone production, and natural therapies aim to balance hormones in order to naturally prevent and treat breast cysts.

Detoxification For Hormone Balance

The liver is the organ that is responsible for processing hormones. The bowels are responsible for excreting processed hormones.

Performing regular liver and bowel cleansing will help to rid the body of excess hormones like estrogen. See the section on detoxification for more information.

Topically, castor oil packs applied to the abdomen every other day help to detoxify the liver. Raw cabbage leaves can be placed in the bra to decrease swelling and tenderness of the cysts. Wear properly fitting bras to promote circulation in the breasts.

Dietary Considerations For Breast Health

When looking to support your breast health naturally, dietary sources of estrogens should be minimized. These foods are red meat, chicken and dairy products. Coffee, black tea, colas and chocolate contain methylxanthines and must be eliminated because they stimulate cyst formation. Vegetarian women excrete more processed estrogens than women who eat meat.

Therefore, a vegetarian diet is recommended to decrease fibrocystic breasts. Foods that should be eaten include soy products. Soy contains plant estrogens that help to balance estrogen levels.

Use essential fatty acids, found in flax, walnut and sunflower seed oil, because they are anti-inflammatory and decrease cyst formation. Eat foods high in vitamin E, such as avocado, nuts, seeds and wheat germ, because vitamin E softens and reduces breast lumps. Increase iodine consumption by eating sea vegetables, like kelp and nori.

It takes approximately 10 years for cervical dysplasia to develop into cancer, still one of the most common cancer deaths in women. A yearly PAP test is the most important prevention strategy a woman has. Cervical dysplasia is treatable if caught early and in its initial non-invasive stage.

What is Cervical Dysplasia?

Not all cervical dysplasia progresses to cervical cancer. However, squamous cell cervical cancer almost always follows dysplasia. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes nearly all cervical cancers and dysplasia cases. HPV does not always cause cancer or dysplasia. Cervical dysplasia results from sexually transmitted HPV infection.

At puberty, the cells lining your cervix change from columnar cells, which line the rest of the uterus, to squamous cells. Metaplasia commonly occurs at the squamocolumnar junction. This area marks where two cell types meet. It is highly vulnerable to dysplasia. The basal layer contains immature squamous cells with large nuclei. The thickness of the basal layer determines the severity of the dysplasia (mild to severe dysplasia). In the case of Carcinoma "in situ", the immature basal cells extend all the way to the very top of the tissue thickness. As the severity of the dysplasia increases, so does the risk for cancer.

What Are Risks Associated With Cervical Dysplasia?

HPV has a number of subtypes that vary in terms of aggressiveness and risk of developing dysplasia. HPV 16 and 18 are considered to be the most aggressive, accounting for the largest percentage of cervical cancer cases. 

Besides HPV, other risks for cervical dysplasia include:

• Prior Chlamydia or HIV infection
• Obesity
• Birth before the age of 22
• Cigarette smoking
• Multiple sexual partners
• Poor nutrition
• Low socioeconomic status
• Family history of cervical cancer
• Use of oral contraceptive medication

A weakened immune system may increase cervical dysplasia risk. A strong immune system can clear dysplasia effectively. Spontaneous regression occurs in many cases when immunity functions well.

Atypia often appears on Pap smear results. Cells appear between normal and abnormal states. Atypia frequently resolves without treatment. It may indicate tissue repair or early abnormal change. Monitoring helps track any progression.

Cervical Dysplasia Treatment & Prevention Protocols

Diet

There are a variety of nutritional habits and supplements that can be used to prevent HPV or treat this condition and prevent the development of cervical cancer. Diets high in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce the persistence of the HPV virus. Tomatoes, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables and papaya are all great sources of these nutrients. As cervical dysplasias can be an estrogen dominant concern, consuming cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts and kale, all high in Indole-3-carbinol, are useful in the prevention of cancer of cervical cancer. This has been shown to help to ensure that estrogen metabolism is being altered in such a way as to reduce the carcinogenic metabolites.

Supplements

Sometimes it can be difficult to ensure adequate fruit and vegetable intake to provide all required nutrients and antioxidants, so a supplement can be beneficial for your health maintenance. Effective supplements for cervical dysplasia include vitamin A, E and C, and mixed carotenoids; look for Indole-3-carbinal as a supplement. Homocysteine is associated with a higher risk of developing cervical cancer and can be produced by vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency. You can supplement these vitamins orally as well as through an intramuscular injection. Additionally, you can take green tea extract as a supplement or topically, which has shown some promise in cervical dysplasia treatment.

Lifestyle

In terms of lifestyle goals to treat and prevent cervical dysplasia, a goal to quit smoking should be at the top of your list. Smokers are 2-3 times more likely to develop dysplasia than non-smokers. Again, stress plays a significant role in disease development and immune function. Use stress-reducing techniques and exercises every day to more effectively deal with stress. Young women should also be counselled about sex and the increased risk that unprotected sex, as well as sex with multiple partners at an early age, can have on the development of HPV. Last but not least, there is evidence suggesting that long-term contraceptive use can predispose women to developing a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma called adenocarcinoma. Women on oral contraceptives should be aware that long-term use (of 12 years or more) may have a negative impact on overall health.

HPV Vaccine

The recently developed HPV vaccine has been shown to effectively decrease the incidence of HPV. One must always keep in mind that HPV does not always lead to cervical dysplasia, and the vaccine is not aimed at preventing cervical dysplasia or cancer, only the precursor of HPV.

Gallbladder discomfort can be frustrating and disruptive, often affecting digestion and overall well-being. Finding gentle, effective ways to support your body and ease symptoms is key to feeling more comfortable day to day. Alongside dietary and lifestyle changes, many people are turning to gallstone supplements to help support bile flow, improve digestion, and promote gallbladder health. 

In this article, we'll explore natural strategies to support gallstone relief and help you feel your best. 

Understanding The Gallbladder's Role

The gallbladder is a reservoir for the digestive juice, called bile, which the liver produces. It holds the bile until it is needed for the digestion of fats. At this time, the gallbladder contracts and pushes bile out into the intestine. Gallbladder attacks occur when stone-like precipitates, which build up in the gallbladder over time, are forced through the outlet ducts into the intestine.

Most of these precipitates are made of cholesterol and form as a result of a lack of fibre, excess cholesterol, decreased liver function, lack of bile and lack of bile movement.

What Are Symptoms of Gallstones?

Symptoms of gallbladder colic include recurrent, intense, cramping pain under the right ribcage or over the right shoulder. Nausea, vomiting, fever and chills may accompany the pain. If the stone remains lodged, and bile flow is blocked, jaundice (itchy yellow skin), infection, and pancreatitis can result. Gallbladder attacks are often precipitated by the consumption of rich, fatty or creamy foods. The bile is also a conduit for processed toxins from the liver. Gallbladder problems can also manifest with symptoms of liver toxicity like headaches, a bitter taste in the mouth, irritability and bloating or pressure under the right ribcage.

What Are Treatment & Gallstone Supporting Supplements Options?

The conventional treatment for gallstones is removal of the stones and something removal of the entire gall bladder. In some cases, high cholesterol medication will be prescribed. Both methods are not without side effects; the most troubling side effect with high cholesterol medication is depression and an increased risk of suicide. In addition to this, high cholesterol medications can drain vital nutrients for the heart, like coenzyme Q10. Similar side effects can be seen with the full removal of the gall bladder. In both cases, fat-soluble (A,D,E,K) vitamin absorption is decreased along with essential fatty acids.

Detoxification helps your gallbladder by flushing out the liver. Most medications are processed in the liver. If you are on prescription medication, consult your health professional before cleansing the liver.

Prevention Tips

To prevent gallstones, maintain a healthy weight and avoid yo-yo dieting. Dietary changes for gallbladder disorders include increasing fibre intake and lowering the fat and cholesterol content of your foods. Drink lots of clear fluids and eat raw fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

Include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, vegetable protein like soybeans and unrefined oils like olive, flax and sunflower in your daily diet.

Eat bitter foods like artichoke, rhubarb and salad greens in order to stimulate bile flow. Drink apple, beet and pear juice to soften gallstones.

Avoid all junk foods, fried foods, processed foods, fast foods, white flour products, white sugar products, red meat, egg yolks, ice cream, salt, coffee, colas and other caffeine sources. Eliminate alcohol, tobacco and highly spiced foods. Dairy products should be avoided because they contain casein, which promotes stone formation. Food allergies can cause a gallbladder attack by inflaming the ducts and decreasing their size. The most common gallbladder-affecting allergens are eggs, pork, onion, chicken, turkey, duck, milk, coffee and citrus fruits.

Naturopathic Medicine is a unique form of primary and complimentary healthcare, which works by stimulating the natural and innate healing abilities of the body and treating the root cause of disease. Treating both acute and chronic conditions, naturopathic medicine looks at disease from an individual perspective.

Naturopathic medicine recognizes that each person experiences illness differently. As a result, treatments vary from person to person. There are a variety of Naturopathic modalities (methods of treatment, or tools, as we commonly refer to them) that a practitioner can use to bring the body to a state of better health.

What Are The Types of Naturopathic Medicine?

Botanical Medicine

Botanical medicine uses a variety of constituents from plants and herbs to help individuals recover from illness and support the normal functions of the body. Naturopathic physicians prescribe botanical medicines in many different forms: teas, tinctures (alcohol extracts), solid extracts, salves (creams), tablets, capsules, and poultices. Botanical medicines can be very effective when used properly; however, they can be toxic when used incorrectly. Naturopathic Doctors have extensive training in both botanical and conventional pharmacology, a solid understanding of herb-drug interactions, dosing, potential side-effects, and compounding formulations. Your ND has the training to use botanical medicines safely and effectively.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is an effective system of healing which assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself. It recognizes that symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person. In 1796, a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, discovered a different approach to the cure of the sick, which he called homeopathy. Hahnemann discovered that diluting and succussing (shaking) remedies, which homeopaths call potentisation, not only produced fewer side effects but also produced better results. Homeopathic remedies are drawn from the natural world, using plant, mineral, and animal substances.

Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture

Tongue and pulse diagnosis, Chinese herbs, nutrition, and acupuncture comprise the ancient practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Using these practices, Naturopathic practitioners pay special attention to the tongue, looking at coat, colour and form, as well as the wrist pulses. These two areas (among others), according to TCM, that provide valuable information regarding the patients’ overall constitution. These findings help practitioners select appropriate treatments, including herbs or customized acupuncture protocols.

Clinical Nutrition

Naturopathic practitioners believe in the powerful relationship between diet and health. Naturopathic practitioners study nutritional science extensively. They understand how the body digest, aborbs, transports, metabilizes, stores, and eliminates nutrients. They also identify factors that impair these processes. This knowledge helps them determine when supplementation may benefit a patient. There are also circumstances in which dietary restrictions are necessary, as in cases of food allergy. Naturopathic doctors are trained in planning and supporting these special diets.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is the use of both the mechanical and thermal effects of water for the treatment of disease. It utilizes the body’s response to hot and cold water; hot water slows down internal processes, and cold water invigorates and stimulates internal processes. Hydrotherapy increases circulation, raises core body temperature, stimulates the immune system, aids in the elimination of toxins and increases metabolism.

Naturopathic Manipulation

Naturopathic manipulation is the subtle adjustment of bones, particularly along the spinal column, to increase mobility and correct alignment. Naturopathic manipulation usually encompasses the use of soft tissue manipulation in combination with bony adjustments. As muscles have memory, it is necessary to relax the muscle so as not to pull the bones out of alignment again. Naturopathic practitioners are trained on both soft tissue massage and manipulations.

What To Expect At A Naturopathic Medicine Appointment

The first appointment with your naturopath usually runs from one hour to an hour and a half in length. The bulk of the appointment will consist of going over, in great detail, the concerns you want to address with your naturopathic practitioner. There are questions that your naturopath may ask, which at times may seem unrelated, such as sleep habits, stress, relationship issues, and workplace and home environment. It is these factors that differentiate one individual with diabetes, for example, from another. And these individual differences will determine the most effective treatment. There are usually little to no treatments prescribed in the initial visit.

Practitioners typically schedule a follow-up visit within one week. During this visit, they review and explain the recommended treatment plan. Feel free at this time to ask questions, and be clear about why you are taking the prescribed treatments. Naturopathic doctors should have a clear rationale for each chosen remedy. It is in your best interest, in terms of adherence to these protocols, to understand the benefit they will have.

Practitioners schedule future appointments based on treatment type, condiotion severity, and scheduling availability. Stay in regular contact with your naturopath during the first few months. They can guide your progress and address new symptoms or concerns.

What Are Homeopathic Remedies?

Practitioners often prescribe homeopathic remedies as single doses or short-term treatments. They typically recommend supplements for several months. Treatment duration often reflects the length of time the condition has existed. For example, if you have been suffering from arthritis for the past 5 years, it is reasonable to expect a minimum 5-month treatment. Botanical medicine, depending on the form, is usually dosed in a similar manner, as are Chinese herbs. Acupuncture usually requires weekly visits, usually a minimum of 5. Some people notice acupuncture benefits after one treatment. Howevder, regular treatments usually produce the best long-term results. Practitioners often recommend hydrotherapy treatments in a series of about five sessions. Each individual naturopath may choose to prescribe these modalities and schedule their follow-ups differently.

Diet & Lifestyle Modification

Naturopaths typically recommend long-term diet and lifestyle changes. These habits may take time to adopt. However, they can provide lasting health benefits. The changes that occur based on these modifications may provide instant relief or may demonstrate a slight but steady decrease in symptomology. Stay patient throughout the healing process. These treatments aim to address underlying causes, not just symptoms. They also help support long-term health and disease prevention.

If you have ever suffered from throat infections, you know how painful they can be. While a cold will often cause a sore throat for a day or two and then move on to symptoms such as a runny nose and cough, strep throat will persist, often causing severe pain and usually requiring antibiotics.

Types of Throat Infections

Strep Throat

Symptoms of strep throat include sudden onset, fever, loss of appetite (due to painful swallowing), red tonsils with white spots (not necessarily enlarged, but often very red or even purple). Strep throat is most common in children ages 5-13, although it does occur in adults. Strep throat is contagious and can be spread via close contact with an infected person.

Contact your healthcare provider if you fear you or your child may have strep throat. It does warrant medical attention, as there can be serious side effects, including rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can damage the heart valves and have potentially serious repercussions. Treatment of strep throat often includes antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin. It is not advised to give persons under the age of 18 Aspirin to ease pain or calm a fever for fear of Reye's syndrome, a disorder that can cause brain damage and even death, in some cases.

Tonsillitis

What is most commonly referred to as 'the tonsils' are actually one set of tonsils called the palantine tonsils, which sit at the back of the throat. Oddly enough, the tonsils are a lymphatic tissue and meant to fight infection, being one of our first lines of defense against ingested or inhaled foreign pathogens. Unfortunately, this does not mean that they cannot become infected themselves.

Tonsillitis can be caused by the same bacteria that cause strep throat, Streptococcus, or by other bacterial or viral infections. Tonsillitis results in the tonsils at the back of the throat becoming enlarged and painful. Although strep throat and tonsillitis can happen simultaneously (with the Streptococcus bacterium), you can also have one without the other.

In the past, a tonsillectomy (a procedure which involved the removal of the tonsils) was a fairly routine procedure for anyone prone to tonsillitis or an inflammation of the tonsils, often not responding to traditional medications.

Although less common, surgeons will still perform tonsillectomy and adenoidectomies in severe chronic cases. This is only in the case of severe pain or in the case of severe sleep apnea due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids. For bacterial tonsilitis, antiobiotics are the treatment protocol. In many cases, the infection is viral and self-limited. Anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, are often the only treatment recommended in these cases.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

• White or yellow spots on the swollen tonsils
• Bad breath
• Voice changes due to swelling.
• Fever
• Painful swallowing
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

What Are Common Treatments For Throat Infections?

In general, whether a sore throat is due to a cold, strep throat or tonsillitis, there are some very simple lifestyle tips that can help to speed up the course of the infection and get you feeling healthier, faster!

As much as it may hurt to swallow, make sure to drink plenty of liquids. Keep in mind that refined sugar depresses the immune system, so try to stick to water and pure fruit juices. Foods such as soups, broths and smoothies can help to provide the nutrition you need, while still soothing the throat. Try to stay away from dairy as much as you can. Dairy is mucous-forming and may only exacerbate the issue. Gargle with saltwater multiple times throughout the day; it will help to dry things out and decrease pain and inflammation. Get plenty of rest.

By the time symptoms appeared, your immune system was likely exhausted from fighting the infection as long as it could. Give your immune system a chance to recuperate and fight back. Make sure to sleep as much as you can while you are recovering. It will boost energy and help to decrease the course of the infection.

Supplements For Throat Infections

There are also a variety of supplements you can take for an acute or chronic infection, each tailored toward either a viral or bacterial infection, although some of these suggestion have both antiviral and antibacterial properties. Elderberry, goldenseal, astragalus, andrographis and garlic are all great choices for antiviral/antibacterial herbal remedies that have been proven to shorten the course of the infection and get you feeling better faster. An herbal throat spray, containing zinc or any combination of the herbs mentioned above, can also help to alleviate sore throat quickly to help ease the pain associated with swallowing. If antibiotics are prescribed, remember to take a probiotic either during or following antibiotic treatment. This ensures that you are protecting and replenishing the 'healthy' gut flora, which in turn means you are helping to support the immune system, along with healthy and happy digestion.