A-Z treatment options Articles

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in North America. While there are conventional treatments for this health concern, heart supporting supplements can help prevent heart disease by keeping your heart healthy. 

What is Heart Disease?

Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis occur when deposits build up on the inside of the arteries. This leads to a decrease in the flexibility and elasticity of the walls. Deposits can be made of calcium (arteriosclerosis) or fatty substances like cholesterol (atherosclerosis).

Pieces of these deposits cause problems in several ways. They narrow the paths that blood takes around your heart and surrounding vessels, causing the body to exert more effort to maintain circulation and adequate blood flow to tissues. This common and dangerous condition is called high blood pressure. If pieces break off, they will disrupt blood flow, potentially leading to clots or lodge into smaller blood vessels, blocking them entirely and causing a heart attack or stroke. Clots are also culprits of heart attacks and strokes.

How To Prevent Heart Disease: Conventional Treatments, Diet & Supplements

Lifestyle Factors

The most important factor in keeping your vascular system healthy is a healthy lifestyle. It plays a bigger role in heart health than family history, which is encouraging. Reduce heart disease risk through a proper diet, fighting obesity, quitting smoking and incorporating exercise into your life.

Conventional Treatments

Conventional treatment of high cholesterol with lipid-lowering drugs makes only small improvements to your chance of developing heart disease. Plus, these drugs have many side effects. The most troublesome is the increased risk of depression and suicide amongst medicated individuals.

The drugs also deplete vital nutrients for heart health, such as coenzyme Q10. Aspirin or other blood-thinning medication may also be prescribed to decrease the risk of developing blood clots.

Stomach ulcers and abnormal bleeding are side effects of some of these medications. These medications can interact with many natural products. Consult a health professional before starting any new therapy.

Diet & Supplements To Prevent Heart Disease

Dietary changes for heart health include maintaining adequate fibre intake and lowering the fat and cholesterol content of your foods. Drink lots of clear fluids and eat raw fruits, 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. Foods to avoid are any 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.

Use diet, exercise, and supplements to maintain a healthy weight. Stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing, yoga or biofeedback will help to maintain a healthy stress level.

Cold and flu season can take a toll on your energy, immune system, and overall well-being. With increased exposure to viruses and environmental stressors, many people look for ways to strengthen their defences and recover more quickly. Alongside proper rest, hydration, and nutrition, cold and flu supplements have become a popular way to manage symptoms. 

Let's explore typical cold and flu symptoms, conventional treatments, and natural ways to support your body and immune system during illness.

What Are Cold & Flu Symptoms?

Cold symptoms include congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, swollen glands, and often low-grade fever. As the cold progresses, discharge may increase and become green or yellow in colour. The duration of a cold is usually 7 –10 days. Flus usually have the same symptoms as a cold, but are more severe. High fever, chills and body aches also occur. Flus can also attack the gastrointestinal system and cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The duration of the flu is usually one week, but full recovery can take longer.

How Can I Treat Cold & Flu?

Conventional Treatment Options

The only conventional treatment for colds and flu is to take antibiotics, but ONLY if there is a bacterial infection present! Antibiotics being used to treat non-bacterial illnesses, such as cold and flu viruses, have created significant problems, including the emergence of strains of antibiotic-resistant organisms. By only using antibiotics when a bacterial infection is present and by making sure the entire course of antibiotics are followed, you can help to lessen the amount of resistance.

Cold & Flu Supplements & Herbs

Oregano Oil

Oregano is a VERY effective anti-bacterial. Use it at the first sign of a sore throat, and if it’s bacterial in nature, it’ll be GONE! Chronic use of oregano oil is powerful enough that it will eventually affect healthy gut flora. It's best to use oregano oil for 5-7 days at the first sign of a cold, not as a long-term immune support.

Vitamin D

It's no coincidence that cold and flu outbreaks increase during the winter months, when North Americans are no longer able to get the sunshine vitamin from SUN. We now know the crucial role that vitamin D plays in balancing and optimizing immune system function. Up your intake temporarily if you feel a cold or flu coming on. As a fat-soluble vitamin, D3 should always be taken with food.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is effective at preventing cold and flu symptoms in those under heavy physical stress, and arguably, stress in general. Regular supplementation with vitamin C has also been shown to reduce the average duration of a cold.

Echinacea

Echinacea has several immune-specific actions in the body, including antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, and antiparasitic effects. It’s also a decongestant, lymphatic, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulant. How’s that for cold and flu treatment? Echinacea is most effective when used at the first sign of a cold and/or flu.

Elderberry

It’s ANTIVIRAL!!! To all of those “let it run its course’’ proponents, who say there’s nothing you can do for cold and flu… think again. Elderberry is an effective anti-viral, and as such can help decrease the duration and severity of a cold and flu.

Probiotics

The gut is the HEART of the immune system, with more immune cells than any other area of the body. As such, we need to ensure that our healthy gut bacteria outweigh the pathogenic bacteria (also normally present) in the gut.

Astragalus

In Asian medicine, Astragulus is one of the most widely used herbs. It has the potential to increase the activity of immune cells, enhancing the immune response. Astragalus also has anti-viral properties.

Andrographis

Native to India, Andrographis may not be as well known as some of these cold and flu busters, but it soon will be! Studies show that it can significantly shorten the duration of cold and flu, as well as being effective for prevention.

Digestive health plays a key role in how you feel day to day, influencing everything from nutrient absorption to overall comfort. When imbalances occur, they can disrupt this delicate system and impact your well-being. Heliobacter Pylori has become an important focus in digestive health, as more people look for ways to better support their gut and maintain balance.

In this article, we'll explore how to support your digestive system and promote optimal gut health.

What is Heliobacter Pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that is estimated to already infect over 50% of the world’s population. Most commonly (in over 80% of cases), there are no symptoms of infection. This bacterium is stable in the strongly acidic environment of the stomach because H. pylori is able to raise the pH in a mini-environment around itself.

At the same time, H. pylori reduces plasma levels of certain hormones that affect appetite and trigger the release of inflammatory molecules into the circulation. These effects combine to cause the digestive symptoms commonly associated with H. pylori, and can trigger other inflammatory processes in the body like arteriosclerosis.

Sources of Infection

Researchers have not yet identified how H. pylori spreads. Scientists suspect contaminated food or water may transmit it. Current research remains inconclusive. Some infected people carry H. pylori in their saliva. The bacteria may also spread through saliva contact or shared utensils.

Signs and Symptoms of Heliobacter Pylori Infection

Most people with H. pylori infection remain asymptomatic carriers. However, some individuals develop symptoms commonly associated with the infection. Some possible signs and symptoms are:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Nausea
• Frequent burping
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite
• Bloating
• Weight loss

Illnesses Associated with H. pylori Infection

H. pylori infection has been linked to an increased risk of several diseases. Gastric cancer remains the most serious concern. This is likely due to the association of infection with initiating conditions such as gastritis and peptic ulcers. Both of these conditions increase cell turnover, and it is this increased replication of cells that causes a higher risk of DNA errors and thus cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization has classified H. pylori as a group A carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). Interestingly, recent research has also found a correlation between infection with certain H. pylori strains and an increased risk of a serious thyroid condition known as Graves’ disease. Other inflammatory conditions have also been associated with the immune response triggered by H. pylori infection. The most common of these is arteriosclerosis.

The Role of Stomach Acid

Stomach acid in the body is responsible for activating digestive enzymes in the stomach for proper digestion. It also protects the digestive tract against invading pathogens like bacteria and parasites. During infection with H. pylori, the levels of bacteria grow larger until the basic environment that they create can actually negate the stomach acid present and prevent proper digestion and defense.

Nutritional Deficiencies Associated With Heliobacter Pylori

There is an association between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia, as well as reduced absorption of vitamin B12, vitamin A, C, E, and folic acid. These are all due to the hypochlorhydria (reduced stomach acid) or achlorhydria (absent stomach acid) caused by infection. This reduced stomach acid also allows for other bacterial infections to invade the digestive tract, which can lead to further complications such as diarrhea and leaky gut syndrome.

How Is H. Pylori Diagnosed?

There are various methods of testing available to find out if you are infected with H. pylori. There are tests that check your bodily fluids, like tests for stool samples that look for a bacterium called Hp antigens and blood tests that look for the presence of H. pylori antibodies. Endoscopy with biopsy is the most invasive diagnostic method. Doctors pass a small camera through the throat and collect tissue samples. They then check for inflammation and infection. An easier, less invasive test called a urea breath test is available as well. During this test, patients swallow a radio labeled urea solution or capsule. Clinicians test the breath 15 to 30 minutes later. If H. pylori is present, it breaks down urea into carbon dioxide and releases it through the breath. Without H. pylori, the body absorbs the urea completely and excretes it in urine. Thus, the presence of the radiolabel in the breath represents a positive H. pylori breath test.

What Are Treatment Options for Heliobacter Pylori?

Conventional Treatment

When doctors diagnose H. pylori infection, they often prescribe triple therapy. This treatment combines two antibiotics with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Common antibiotics include amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline, and levofloxacin. In recent years, antibiotic therapy success rates have been dropping, and current research indicates a success rate well below 80% because of the development of increasing antibiotic resistance.

Natural Supplements For Heliobacter Pylori

Probiotics – L. rhamnosus
Probiotics have been clinically shown to help reduce the inflammatory effects of H. pylori infection. Thus, supplementation with beneficial bacteria may help to reduce some of the side effects associated with infection. One particularly beneficial strain against H. pylori is Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus). It is particularly able to withstand the acid environment of the stomach, which allows it to directly compete with H. pylori there. A good multi-strain probiotic, high in L. rhamnosus, will help to reduce the symptoms of a current H. Helicobacter pylori infection can also protect against reinfection after treatment.

Sulforaphane
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and kale all contain a substance called sulforaphane (SGS). Research shows that SGS may help destroy H. pylori. SGS may also protect against gastric irritation linked to ulcers and stomach cancer. In addition to food sources, SGS is available as a supplement.

Mastic Gum
Studies show that two weeks of mastic gum supplementation can significantly reduce peptic ulcer symptoms. Longer use may help reduce H. pylori levels in the digetive tract. However, researchers continue to debate its effectiveness as a complete treatment for H. pylori infection.

Other Treatments – Stomach pH
Many proposed treatments for H. pylori are available. However, research does not support all of these treatment options. Some of these are manuka honey, apple cider vinegar, and some other antibacterial or acid-promoting supplements. Raising the acid content in the stomach can make it harder for H. pylori to survive, but unfortunately, it can also further damage the stomach lining. This is especially risky in those already suffering from gastritis or ulceration of the stomach. Altering your stomach pH in these cases should only be done under the supervision of your healthcare provider.

Protecting the Stomach
Because H. pylori bacteria damage the stomach lining, it is important to combine antibacterial treatments with supplements that can soothe and protect the digestive lining. Herbs that perform this function are called demulcents. Some great demulcents are: slippery elm, marshmallow, and licorice.

Several organs control urination, including the kdineys, bladder, urethra, ureters, and sphincter muscles. Dysfunction in any structure can impair urination. Urinary incontinence is a symptom of an underlying disorder, but it is not always easy to isolate which organ/area is at play. It can be a temporary or permanent process, depending on the cause. Let's explore how incontinence affects individuals and the support options available.

Some Causes of Incontinence

Stress can cause urinary incontinence in adults and children. Urinary tract infections and sleep apnea can also contribute. Diabetes may cause incontinence through nerve damage. Alcohol, caffeine, dehydration, and over hydration can worsen symptoms. Certain medications and chronic constipation may also trigger urinary incontinence.

How Incontinence Affects Individuals

Children

All children will experience a form of urinary incontinence or bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis. For the most part, this is because nerves controlling the bladder take years to develop, for some children, longer than others. This means that the little ones are simply unable to recognize when their bladders are full. Additionally, their young bladders are still developing and are not able to hold the urine produced during sleep, as more fully developed bladders can.

Pregnancy

Urinary incontinence is also extremely common during and following pregnancy. Hormonal changes can cause sphincters to relax during pregnancy, as well as weight gain, and the mounting pressure of the uterus on the bladder. Childbirth itself can cause the sphincters to stretch or even damage or injure them, along with the pelvic nerves. Stress incontinence is common in this group, meaning coughing, laughing or sneezing (any sudden bearing down) can cause some incontinence. For the most part, these symptoms are reversible with time and healing.

Over 60

As we age, our bladder muscles simply become weaker, as most muscles do. Again, hormonal changes as we age, like a decrease in estrogen in women during menopause, can affect the health of the lining of the bladder and urethra. Incontinence can be an incapacitating condition that affects approximately 3 million elderly people in the United States alone. It is not uncommon for this group to withdraw from their community and social activities and may become depressed. Uninhibited bladder (also termed unstable bladder or detrusor hyperreflexia or uninhibited neurogenic bladder) is a common cause of incontinence in both men and women in this group. It involves the involuntary contraction of the bladder at low urine volumes. It can be caused by a number of underlying genitourinary or neurological issues and is commonly responsible for the complaints of both urinary urgency and frequency from this population.

Incontinence Support & Treatment Options

Conventional Incontinence Support

Anti-cholinergic drugs, used very commonly to treat urinary incontinence, work by preventing these involuntary contractions. Women over the age of 50, postmenopausal or multi-parous (those multiple pregnancies) often suffer from a combination of this and stress incontinence, while men in this group can often have a correlated prostate enlargement or other issues, exacerbating their uninhibited bladder incontinence symptoms. Prostate issues, specifically, should be addressed thoroughly as part of any male incontinence or frequency concern.

Natural Remedies

There are some natural, plant-based products that are meant to support a healthy genitourinary system and help to prevent and even alleviate urinary incontinence based on cause. One of these plant-based medicines is Horsetail, or equisetum arvensa. Horsetail has been shown to benefit various bladder and kidney issues, including incontinence. It does have mild diuretic effects, as well as being high in minerals, particularly silica. Horsetail is available in tincture and capsule forms. Manufacturers often add it to joint and bone formulas. Horsetail may also support healthy hair, nails, and skin. Practitioners recommend skullcap for incontinence. Skullcap may help when inflammation contributes to symptoms.

Do Your Kegels
Weak pelvic floor muscles often cause stress incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises can help treat and prevent symptoms. Doctors often recommend Kegels during and after pregnancy. These exercises strengthen and restore pelvic muscles. Both men and women can perform Kegel exercises. Essentially, a kegel consists of tightening the muscles of the pelvic floor. Practice Kegels by imagining that you are stopping urine flow. Avoid performing Kegels during urination. Interrupting urination can weaken pelvic floor muscles over time. Work your way up to holding the contraction for 10 seconds and relaxing for ten seconds between contractions. Do 5-10 reps, 3 times throughout the day to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

Supporting brain and nerve health is essential for maintaining mobility, cognitive function, energy, and overall quality of life. When the nervous system is under stress, it can affect many aspects of daily functioning and long-term wellness. Alongside medical care, many individuals are exploring natural approaches and targeted nutrients to promote balance and resilience within the nervous system. As awareness grows, neurological support has become an important focus in holistic health, with strategies aimed at supporting brain function, nerve communication, and overall well-being. 

How Does The Nervous System Work?

The central nervous system contains the brain and spinal cord. It receives and obtains information via nerve impulses from all areas of the body. The somatic nervous system receives information about pain, temperature and input from the five senses. It sends the information to the brain and, if necessary, the brain responds by sending a signal to muscles via peripheral nerves.

The body then performs an appropriate action. Most of these actions, except for reflexes, are under our control. The autonomic nervous system is beyond our conscious control. It is involved in regulating internal organs and maintaining a stable inner environment.

The primary component of brain tissue is fat. Picture your brain as a firm jelly, bathed in fluid and protected by a membranous coating. The coating provides a barrier that allows only certain substances access to the central nervous system. The nerves are like very thin wires that are sheathed in fat to insulate them. The nerves run through the spinal column, entering and exiting at different levels, depending on the area they innervate.

Types of Neurological Degeneration & How To Support The Brain

There are many degenerative conditions that affect the brain. Three of the more common conditions are described below:

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive loss of mental function that interferes with one’s ability to function. A decrease in cognitive ability is quite common as we age; however, Alzheimer’s disease involves actual degeneration of nerve cells in the brain.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis causes a breakdown of the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves of the brain and spinal cord. Without a sheath, the nerve cannot effectively conduct information around the body.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain disease that results in the death of cells responsible for the production of dopamine and acetylcholine. These chemicals transmit nerve signals, and when they are lacking, one loses involuntary muscle control.

Neurological Toxicity Support

The brain and nervous system resist many external threats. However, this protection can allow toxins and harmful substances to accumulate. Because it contains a significant amount of fat, fat-soluble toxins like heavy metals and environmental chemicals, like DDT, can concentrate in the brain.

The symptoms of brain toxicity vary depending on the area of the brain that is affected and the agent involved.

Poor diet hampers the functioning of the central nervous system because it is an extremely vital area that has high metabolic requirements. The brain uses only the sugar, glucose for energy. Unlike other body cells, it cannot use protein or fat if sugar is unavailable. Everyone has felt the foggy feeling in their head when their brain is lacking sugar. And then, after consuming a sugary snack or drink, you feel a temporary increase in alertness you feel.

Fluctuating blood sugar is not conducive to optimal brain functioning and can become a more serious medical concern in the conditions of hypoglycemia and diabetes.

Fats, amino acids and vitamins must also be in abundant supply for nervous system functioning. Fats form the brain and protective nerve sheaths. Many people do not consume enough of these fats. This deficiency may impair nerve signaling and brain cell communication. Dietary protien provides amino acids The body uses amino acids to produce neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are nervous system hormones that coordinate brain cell functions. Several vitamins, especially B vitamins, are important for the production of neurotransmitters and the efficiency of nerve transmissions.

Stress and emotional upset impact on brain functioning in several ways. Firstly, it depletes neurotransmitters. Stress also keeps the body in a sympathetic state; the body is on alert. The body heightens all senses during this state. At the same time, it reduces digestive efficiency and nutrient absorption. Finally, stress leads to a buildup of damaging agents called free radicals. Free radicals may contribute to nervous system degeneration.

The brain develops rapidly during fetal life and childhood. Neural pathways form and mature throughout these stages. As we age, declines in brain function are normal, but there are many preventative and natural therapies one can use to maximize brainpower and memory.

• As they say, “if you don’t use it, you will lose it.” Keeping mentally busy and learning new things has been found to sustain brain functioning.
• Regular exercise and deep breathing increase circulation to the brain.
• Make time in your schedule for enjoyable activities and sufficient rest.
• Undergo regular detoxification to rid the body of toxins.
• Drink 2L of filtered water daily to help to flush toxins from the system.
• Essential fatty acids stabilize the nerve sheath. Flax, pumpkin and sunflower seed oils should be a daily addition to the diet. Fish provide essential fatty acids. However, some fish may contain heavy metals and other contaminants.
• Animal fats, margarine, and shortening can interfere with essential fatty acid utilization. Limit or avoid these fats whenever possible.
• Consume foods that are high in lecithin and B vitamins, including green, leafy vegetables, nutritional yeast and soy products.
• Eat more fibre and protein, as it helps to stabilize blood sugar.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, and it affects almost all of us as we age. OA usually has a gradual onset and tends to begin after the age of forty. The knees, hips, fingers and spine are the most susceptible joints. This type of arthritis usually affects one or a few joints at a time. It typically does not affect both sides of the body equally. However, it can sometimes affect both sides. This is a degenerative condition that tends to worsen over time, especially with increased use of the affected joints.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Joint injuries commonly trigger osteoarthritis. The body may faily to fully repair the resulting damage. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis results from impaired bone and cartilage repair. Nutrient deficiencies may contribute to poor repair. Faulty sensory and repair mechanisms may also play a role.

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis 

Motion often triggers joint pain in people with osteoarthritis. Stiffness usually worsens after periouds of inactivity. Many people notice stiffness after resting or waking. Early osteoarthritis may not cause inflammation. As damage progresses, the joint may swell. The joint may also change shape over time. Surrounding muscles may spasm, and many people report a grinding feeling in the joint upon moving. Eventually, the affected joint will emanate constant pain even when it is immobile. Most occurrences of osteoarthritis are not symmetrical and only affect one side, for example, the left hand and not the right. One small joint in a finger can be affected without causing pain in the other joints. When the arthritis is more widespread and symmetrical, it is more likely an inflammatory condition called: Rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis Support Options

Conventional Osteoarthritis Support

Medical doctors will often prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help manage the pain associated with OA. Side effects of some of these drugs include: gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers, heart attacks and liver problems. Some of these medications, especially the NSAID group, can actually accelerate the degradation of joint tissue and worsen arthritis over time. More potent drugs called corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed for arthritis. These will be medications like cortisone and prednisone. While they are effective at relieving discomfort in the short-term, these drugs can cause loss of bone mass in the long-term. To help reduce this effect, many doctors will inject cortisone directly into the joint space to localize the therapy. Another injection injects viscous fluid directly into the joint capsule. This fluid helps cushion the joint. Synovial fluid normally separates the bones within a joint. The injection temporarily reduces friction. The body eventually reabsorbs the fluid.

Diet

The standard North American diet often lacks minerals needed for joint repair. This deficiency may contribute to osteparthritis. Fruite and vegetables provide nutrients that support joint health. Adequate hydration helps maintain healthy joint fluid levels. Joint fluid helps prevent bone-on-bone contact. In today’s society, most people’s diets also cause their tissues to be acidic. In order to buffer the acid in the tissues, essential minerals are stripped from the body, including those in the joints. An Alkaline Diet will help to prevent worsening of symptoms and maintain a proper mineral balance in the joints.

Topical Support for Osteoarthritis 

Topically, juniper or St. John’s Wort oil can be rubbed into the joints to help reduce pain and relieve stiffness. Topical application of MSM has also been shown to help relieve arthritis pain. Joint creams and tablets with homeopathic remedies like Rhus-t, Arnica, and Sulphur may also be helpful. Hydrotherapy with hot compresses or baths can also provide symptomatic relief. Alternating hot and cold treatments can help to bring down swelling and clear away some of the toxic build-ups. Applying ice to the affected joints after strenuous activity can also help to prevent further joint damage by reducing inflammation.

Osteoarthritis Supplement Support

There are a number of supplements that can help to reduce inflammation in the joint and provide nutrients to allow the body to repair the previous damage. Fish Oil helps to reduce inflammation and provides the essential fatty acids required to keep the joint tissues flexible and strong. Herbs such as Curcumin, Bromelain, and Boswellia can all help to reduce the underlying inflammation caused by joint degradation. Devil’s Claw is an herb that is particularly successful at reducing inflammation in degenerative conditions as well.

Supplements for Improving Joint Function

Glucosamine and Chondroitin work well together to help provide the body with the building blocks required for joint repair. Vitamin C and Collagen can also provide essential building blocks for the body to repair tissues. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can also provide elasticity and flexibility to the joint cartilage, further helping to reduce joint degradation.

There are a number of combination products that provide several of the above recommendations in a single product to help make supplementing easy.

Chronic, recurrent, and often difficult to manage with conventional treatment, psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks the skin, causing an increase in the production of skin layers. Triggers for someone predisposed to psoriasis include hormonal changes, emotional stress, recurrent skin irritations, surgery, cuts, medications, poor diet, poor digestive function, other autoimmune disorders, and alcohol consumption.

What is Psoriasis?

Toxicity in the body, especially the liver, can play a significant role in aggravating a flare-up.

Psoriasis is characterized by patches of thick, silvery scales surrounded by a red border. Often these patches can be raised up like a thick scab. Scratching the scales produces pinpoint bleeding. It is not itchy and does not cause scarring. Typical locations are on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, although any area can be affected. Psoriasis near the nails causes ridges and pitting.

What Are Psoriasis Treatment & Support Options?

Conventional Methods

Conventional treatment of psoriasis involves using creams and ointments to remove the scales. Corticosteroid creams decrease the multiplication of skin cells but cause skin thinning, immune suppression, and decreased bone density. In severe cases, strong medications like methotrexate, acitretin and etretinate are used. Some of these medications have lots of side effects. None of these treatments will prevent psoriasis recurrence.

Natural Methods For Psoriasis Relief

Treating psoriasis nutritionally can involve three different approaches; a combination of all four usually works best: 

• Reducing the autoimmune reaction
• Improving the overall health of the skin
• Detoxification

Reduce The Autoimmune Reaction

Reducing the autoimmune response involved in psoriasis can be challenging. However, certain supplements may support immune balance. Research shows plant sterols and sterolins help regulate immune activity and support overactive immune cells. Moducare is a well-known option, with other sterol and sterolin products also available. Evening primrose oil may also support immune function. Some people combine these supplements as part of a psoriasis support plan.

Strengthen Skin Health

Skin health depends on many factors, especially essential fatty acids. These fats support skin moisture and repair. Combine borage or evening primrose oil with flax and fish oil for omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 balance. People with psoriasis may use more essential fats than usual. Silica, vitamin A, and vitamin D may also support healthy skin function.

Detoxification

Detoxifying the blood and liver may help reduce psoriasis flare severity and duration. Toxin buildup increases immune stress in autoimmune conditions like psoriasis. Some people use red clover, burdock, and dandelion to support blood cleansing. Milk thistle may support liver function and has been studied in psoriasis cases. Glutamine supports intestinal lining health and may help maintain gut barrier integrity.

Dietary Tips For Psoriasis Support

Dietary changes can support psoriasis management. High-fiber foods and water support detoxification when elimination systems become overburdened. Avoid foods that trigger sensitivities, including sugar, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, fried foods, and processed foods. Some people also avoid strawberries, peanuts, nuts, citrus products, and red meat due to potential inflammatory responses. Choose plant proteins like tofu, beans, potatoes, and nuts. Include flaxseed, fish oil, and fatty deep-sea fish for essential fatty acids. Eat raw fruits and vegetables, especially yellow root vegetables. Liquid whey may support skin balance if you tolerate dairy.

Topical Applications For Psoriasis Treatment & Relief

To fight psoriasis topically, avoid chlorinated tap water for drinking and bathing, perfumes, and colourings in laundry and personal hygiene products. Instead, opt for natural soaps containing tar to wash your body, face and hair. If psoriasis is on the scalp, always blow-dry your hair. Moderate sunbathing often decreases psoriasis outbreaks, as does applying a seawater compress, liquid whey, comfrey, lavender or stinging nettle to affected areas. Salicylic Acid is also known to soften and removes psoriasis scales. Lastly, avoid stress and ensure regular sleep patterns.

Similar to the symptoms of arthritis, TMJ has become a relatively common diagnosis primarily due to increased awareness of the disorder. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is where the jaw articulates with the skull. Signs of jaw problems typical of TMJ include: 

• Clicking or grating noises
• Stiffness
• Localized pain
• Headache
• Pain extending to the neck, ear or teeth
• Jaw movement may be limited or irregular.
• The face may look asymmetric.

What Is TMJ?

Just as in other joints, the TMJ joint contains a cartilage disk that can wear out or become displaced. Factors that encourage TMJ disorder are muscle tension, jaw misalignment, improper dental fixtures, improper tooth development, scleroderma and arthritis. The most common cause is stress because it leads to teeth clenching and grinding and often subsequent degradation of the important cartilage in the joint.

What Are Some TMJ Disorder Treatment Options?

Conventional Treatments

Conventional treatment involves bite plates that keep the jaw in proper alignment and minimize grinding. Physical therapy, including tongue exercises, ultrasound and manipulation, are also used.

Natural Support

The natural treatment of TMJ focuses on three aspects of the disorder: optimizing the health of the cartilage in the joint, reducing inflammation, and reducing pain.

CARTILAGE in the TM joint is often degrading due to the misalignment of the jaw. Taking a supplement like glucosamine sulphate with chondroitin sulphate will usually improve mobility and reduce pain. You might also consider other supplements that support cartilage health such as collagen or shark cartilage.

MSM has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect that works well in most inflammatory conditions, including TMJ. It also enhances the absorption of other nutrients taken with it. You can also use herbs such as devil’s claw, curcumin, and boswelia - they all have a clinically proven inflammation reducing affect.

PAIN for TMJ can be reduced with a number of different nutritional supplements. The homeopathic remedies arnica and Hypericum help to reduce pain. Hypericum in particular is beneficial for reducing nerve pain. They are available in both oral and topical preparations.

Lifestyle Support Options

Other ways to help TMJ syndrome include a hot or cold pack over the jaw area. Sleep on your back and maintain proper posture while you are awake. Avoid chewing on tough food or large pieces of food. Do not chew gum. Some people find it helpful to maintain a diet of soft foods and liquids until the muscles and joint heal.

Dietary therapies are aimed at helping the body deal with stress and rebuild the joint. Eat foods rich in calcium, magnesium and B vitamins, including whole grains, brown rice, fermented dairy products, fish, fruit and vegetables.

Eat asparagus, eggs, garlic and onions, which contain sulphur, for rebuilding connective tissue. After the jaw is healed, chew on apples and carrots to strengthen the joint. Avoid foods that decrease the body’s ability to deal with stress, like sugar, white flour, candy, junk food, alcohol and caffeine.