Reactions to nosodes are considered to be good because it means that the person had a susceptibility or previous exposure to the disease that the corresponding nosode has now corrected. The next time the nosode is given, the person generally will not experience the same reaction.

Between dosing seasons, administering the appropriate nosode remedy immediately following exposure to the corresponding disease will often help to stop the development of the disease. As an example, if your child is exposed to measles or chicken pox, even though they have had the corresponding nosode administration, giving it again will act as a reminder to the immune system.

HOMEOPATHIC NOSODES

The following list of available homeopathic nosodes for use is much larger than what is actually administered to your child. Those recommended are marked with an asterisk (*). Unlike the conventional medicine vaccines, reactions to homeopathic immunizations are rare. Often, if one occurs, it is because of an underlying familial miasm to which the person is reacting. If a reaction does occur, it is generally mild and lasts for a few days. Symptoms can be fever, fatigue, restlessness, irritability and mild skin rash. Occasionally the patient will develop mild flu-like symptoms for a few days. Convulsions, more commonly encountered with conventional vaccinations, are almost never seen. If a reaction does occur, your physician should be notified as additional prescriptions may be needed to complete the healing reaction.

Reactions to nosodes are considered to be good because it means that the person had a susceptibility or previous exposure to the disease that the corresponding nosode has now corrected. The next time the nosode is given, the person generally will not experience the same reaction.

Between dosing seasons, administering the appropriate nosode remedy immediately following exposure to the corresponding disease will often help to stop the development of the disease. As an example, if your child is exposed to measles or chicken pox, even though they have had the corresponding nosode administration, giving it again will act as a reminder to the immune system.

decrease inflammation, pain, and blood pressure
improve immune function (macrophage activity, cell mediated immunity, etc.) and healing
cleanse (anything such as electronics, alcohol, or toxic relationships)
decrease weight and fat %
reset, add clarity, improve confidence, and help change daily patterns

Initial visit:

– 30 minute physician consult
– fat burning IM injection
– cleanse supplement
– comprehensive nutrition plan
– grocery list
– recipes
– resources to help you succeed!

Additional visits:

– hydrotherapy treatments
– physician follow-ups as needed

“As I went through this program last month, I can tell you it was so effective!  I had better sleep, less body pain (especially noticeable when waking in the morning), and I generally felt lighter and clear minded.  I didn’t feel starved and I dropped a little weight immediately, but I was not necessarily using this to lose weight.”

—Dr. Elizabeth Taddiken

Contact our office to schedule your initial consult! (480) 767-7119

February is heart health month and with that comes many wonderful tools to protect this amazing organ. Our heart is not just affected on a physical level and by what we take into our body as far as nutrition, but it is also affected by our energetic encounters with each other. Experiencing a loss of love, be it the death of a family member or the heartbreak of unrequited love, the grief can actually depress the heart muscle and lead to dysfunction. Thus, we must understand this and know how to approach this energetic heartbreak that can lead to physical heartbreak.

As a naturopathic physician, I have many tools to work on both the physical and emotional/energetic bodies of my patients. Botanical medicine has been one of my favorite tools for many years due to its amazing ability to heal on both of those levels. When it comes to heart health I have a few key herbs that are quite effective in concert with a complete treatment plan individualized to each patient.

Hawthorn (Crataegus sp.):

This wonderful cardiac tonic improves overall cardiac function and tone. It also helps open the heart on an energetic level and can aid in the need to forgive or accept forgiveness in order to help the healing process. Hawthorn is specific for the circulatory system and decreases inflammation in the vessels. It is helpful in maintaining healthy arteries, veins and strengthens connective tissue of the heart muscle. It is also a wonderful source of nutrition for the heart. I often find this herb indicated for nervous heart conditions and anything related to emotional heartache. Being that this herb is slow acting, and builds upon itself, I will monitor patients long-term while taking this in a particular blend. I love adding Hawthorn to my heart healthy chocolates. The wonderful flavonoid combination of Hawthorn berries combined with the antioxidant properties of chocolate is a combination that can’t be beaten!

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca):

Motherwort has many actions, however, one in particular is specific to the heart. Motherwort works as a hypotensive and therefore can reduce blood pressure specifically when it is due to stress and nervous tension. I personally like to use motherwort for patients when they are overwhelmed with worry. Particularly people who take on the weight of the world when it comes to concern over not only their own family but everyone else’s as well. When this incessant worry causes hypertension I find motherwort to be quite effective in a botanical combination. On an energetic level, this herb can help the patient to relax, minimize overthinking and worry, and allow heart opening and a feeling of lightness to occur. I love combining motherwort with other relaxing herbs in my heart opening elixirs.

Rose petals (Rosa canina):

Rose medicine has been around for thousands of years. It has been associated with romance and balancing the heart as well as the mind. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is known to balance the Pitta Dosha which can become quite heated and temperamental at times. Rose is cooling and therefore a perfect addition to a heart strengthening botanical combination especially in the warmer months. However, I will use this anytime throughout the year when indicated. Energetically the Rose is the medicine of strength while maintaining openness. It is excellent to use when defining boundaries with others. It is also an aphrodisiac, and often given as a token of romantic love in the form of the red rose.  However, the smell of rose and the addition to syrups and tonics can also assist in the heart opening and aphrodisiac qualities. Rose glycerite is a favorite addition to my heart opening elixir, and I thoroughly enjoy prescribing as well as drinking a delicious cup of rose tea in the evening.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa):

This particular variety of Hibiscus is a well-known hypotensive herb. It is also a diuretic, cardioprotective, and antioxidant herb among many other uses and therefore can be quite a powerful medicinal tea. I love prescribing medicinal teas, and especially this one. Prescribing teas gives the patient a reason to take a moment for themselves in preparing their medicine adding to the meditative health benefits this provides. Due to the effectiveness of this herb, it is very important to be sure to check with your naturopathic physician prior to starting its use if you are already taking a diuretic pharmaceutical. When it comes to using medicinal teas I will usually prescribe a much higher amount of the dried herb then you would find in typical teas at the grocery store. This is one herb that does particularly well in that form, whereas other herbs show better results in a tincture or as a syrup.

As with any herb, there are potential contraindications.  For example, if you are already taking pharmaceutical medication, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or with certain conditions. Always consult with your naturopathic physician prior to starting a new herbal treatment.

Tolle Totum

Why is my urine frothy?

What can I do to help my kidneys from being damaged even further?

What is the cause of protein in my urine?

“John” had asked previous physicians these questions but had received no helpful or hopeful answers. This patient walked into my office on 8 medications, frustrated with his medical team, and scared that death was imminent.

“Is there anything you can do to help my kidneys and reverse my diabetes?” he asked.

“Of course there is!” I said with excitement, knowing the incredible power of the body to repair itself when provided with the proper conditions to do so. I was confident and hopeful for this particular patient because he had already shown a level of commitment by drastically changing his diet. When patients are invested in their health, I have more confidence and trust in the body’s ability to heal.

Background

This patient is one of the more than 30 million people in the United States diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which accounts for 90-95% of all types of diabetes.¹ In 2015, according to the CDC, an estimated 1.5 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed among US adults 18 years and older.¹ The total estimated annual cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States in 2012 was $245 billion, with medical expenditures being approximately 2.3 times higher than expenditures would be in the absence of diabetes.² Diabetes has been listed as the seventh leading cause of death, yet the following statistics show that diabetes is strongly correlated with heart disease, the #1 leading cause of death:

• At least 68% of diabetics age 65 or older die from some form of heart disease³
• Adults with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to die from heart disease than adults without diabetes³
• Diabetes is listed as the only cause of death for 79 535 people, yet more than triple that number of people (252 806) have diabetes listed as an underlying or contributing cause on their death certificates¹

Regardless of these staggering statistics, we know that unregulated blood sugar levels have detrimental consequences for patients’ health and national healthcare costs. Medications can help decrease hyperglycemia, which is essential for overall health, but they tend to come with harmful and comprehensive side-effects. Medications are not curative, are not ideal for health restoration, and tend to instill a dependent, disempowering mentality based on a false sense of security. The road to curing or reversing T2DM requires more than medications alone. Reversal of any disease process requires an investment in personal health and a commitment to lifestyle changes. Foundations of health for people with diabetes include the following:

• Diet: Small changes can have profound effects. Patients may do best with drastic changes to their current routine, yet many patients report feeling overwhelmed at the thought of an overnight diet overhaul. Educating and inspiring patients to make multiple, small changes – versus scaring them that they can never enjoy a dessert again – can have a more beneficial effect long-term. People are often shocked to learn that milk, beans, bread, potatoes, tortillas, and fruit can have a detrimental effect on blood sugar levels. Encouraging consumption of low-carb, nutrient-rich foods with plentiful antioxidants can help heal the entire person. These include green, leafy and cruciferous vegetables; wild fish such as salmon; organic, grass-fed/finished meat; green tea; and turmeric. Eggs, walnuts, almond butter, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cheese may also be beneficial for someone with hyperglycemia.
• Exercise: Daily movement is key! A vigorous walk after dinner, bouncing on a rebounder while watching TV, or strength-training alternating with jumping jacks or dynamic planks for high-intensity interval training, are just a few ideas. Resistance exercise is ideal, as it burns 19 times more glucose compared to aerobic exercise.⁴
• Sleep: Less than 5 hours of sleep per night has been shown to increase a person’s risk of obesity by 235%.⁴ Sleep deprivation leads to a decrease in both insulin sensitivity and fat cells’ sensitivity to insulin.⁴ The body’s natural response is to produce less leptin and more ghrelin, leading to increased hunger, especially for carbohydrates.⁴ Inadequate sleep also contributes to elevated cortisol,⁴ which can increase glucose and contribute to insulin resistance, all of which are counterproductive in patients with diabetes.

Case Study

John, a 62-year-old Caucasian male, presented in my office after being given a diagnosis of T2DM within the previous 12 months. Diagnosed as pre-diabetic in 2010, he likely had uncontrolled hyperglycemia for many months or even years. The typical concurrent diagnoses with T2DM of hyperlipidemia and hypertension were also part of his medical history. Without an ideal comparison of urine microalbumin levels, there wasn’t enough information for confirmation, but according to KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) guidelines, this patient appeared to be in the “high risk” G3bA1 or G3bA2 kidney disease category. Regardless of his specific diagnosis, the sequela of kidney disease the previous summer came as a worrisome shock to him, and he implemented a drastic dietary change immediately upon hearing these findings.

John reported his previous health history to include excess weight since childhood, as well as rosacea, depression, anxiety, right-sided renal calculi, and acid reflux. His current health history included cataracts, bilateral hand tremors, leg cramps, insomnia, and some occasional mild, bilateral neuropathy that he described as “itching” or “like wearing socks” on his feet.

He claimed feeling like he was in good health until 2007, although he had some weight and reflux concerns before then. At his heaviest, he weighed 295 pounds (BMI of 43.6). He noticed his urine could appear foamy, and his bowel pattern tended to be soft or loose. His sleep was better than ever since improving his diet. He was sleeping 8-9 hours a night, and expressed a desire to continue using quetiapine, an antipsychotic, for the off-label use of insomnia.

His previous standard American diet, consisting of fast and fried food, candy, chocolate, soda, and cookies, had recently and drastically changed to exclude these foods, in addition to potatoes and grains. He began eating more salads, cheese, fish, steak, and vegetables, while sticking to his routine of 2 meals a day. He had lost 25 pounds, with little to no exercise in just over 2 months. He was monitoring his fasting blood sugars in the morning and in the evening after dinner. With his recent dietary improvements, his blood sugars were better than previous months, but still high ranging between 101-303 mg/dL in the weeks leading up to our appointment.

Medications prescribed by his MD’s:

1. (H)(D)**50 mg Quetiapine fumarate 50 mg x 7 years for insomnia.  Patient wanted to stay on this medication.
2. (R)*10 mg Lisinopril for hypertension.
3. (R)(D)**Ranitidine 150 mg x 2 at night x 31 years for acid reflux.
4. (G)*Metformin HCL 1000 mg bid for T2DM.
5. (R)*Glipizide XL 10 mg bid for T2DM.
6. (R)*Januvia 50 mg for T2DM.
7. (R)**Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg for hypertension.
8. (R)(D)*NA bicarbonate 650 mg x 2 weeks after low CO2/bicarbonate lab finding.

Key:

(R)*Caution with renal impairment
(D)*Caution with diabetes
(H)*Caution with hyperlipidemia
(G)* Contraindicated in people with eGFR <46

Note:*One week earlier, he had self-prescribed Tylenol for ear pain and within an hour he experienced vertigo, nausea, and gait disturbances.

**Various statins had been prescribed by multiple physicians over the years for hypercholesterolemia.  Patient reported experiencing flank pain as a side effect and discontinued use.

Self-Prescribed Supplements

1. Vitamin B1, B2, B6 (uncertain dosages)
2. B12, 1000 µg
3. Vitamin E, 1000 IU
4. Turmeric, 400 mg
5. Lutein, 20 mg
6. Probiotic

PE Findings

• Blood pressure: 112/84 mm Hg
• O₂ saturation: 98%
• Pulse: 84 bpm
• Weight: 260 lb
• Height: 5’9”
• Body mass index: 38.4

Although labs from various physicians had been ordered, only those done consistently and with comparable units are included in this article for fair comparisons.

Two weeks before our appointment, his labs show clear cause for concern: his kidneys were not properly functioning, resulting in electrolyte imbalance (Table 1, Figure 1).

Treatment

Prioritizing cost-effective supplementation to produce beneficial results is a goal with all patients; however, this patient’s extreme financial concerns were expressed and a modest treatment plan was presented. I commended and encouraged him on his commitment to his recent dietary modifications and provided a dietary handout to further balance blood sugars.

Initial treatment recommendations included:

• 10-20 minutes of exercise each day
• Hot Epsom salt baths 3 times per week and/or sweating during exercise to balance elevated potassium levels. (Epsom salt baths were also indicated for his likely decreased magnesium levels, although we didn’t confirm this via lab testing until days later.)
• 5-10 drops per day of a liquid homeopathic combination product to promote healthy kidney, liver, and digestive function
• 6 caps per day of a proprietary product with kidney extract, to support and restore kidney function
• Supportive acupuncture and a lab draw were done in office

John’s lab results arrived days later showing his blood type (O) and a detrimental progression of his kidney dysfunction during the weeks prior to our appointment. We discussed the fact that hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and ranitidine are not recommended for people with kidney disease or diabetes. HCTZ promotes insulin resistance and diabetes, depletes magnesium, lowers HDL-cholesterol, and raises LDL-C, all of which are antagonizing and create an obstacle-to-cure for this patient.

John was on the verge of stage 4 kidney disease. As a result, the following additional recommendations were made:

• Take 1 teaspoon 3x/day of an herbal combination tincture with nephroprotective/nephrorestorative benefits
• Increase kidney extract product to 9 caps per day
• Eat more wild/organic/free-range meat, fish, and/or eggs, and avoid gluten in accordance with his blood type
• Stop HCTZ (with no previous or current edema, this was possible without weaning); instead begin amlodipine 5 mg

Table 1. Lab Results Over Time; please note the shaded boxes

(BUN=blood urea nitrogen; eGFR=estimated glomerular filtration rate; TC=total cholesterol; HbA1C=hemoglobin A1C)

Figure 1. eGFR & HbA1C Over Time

First Follow-up, 3 Weeks Later

John reported that his leg cramps and loose stool had ceased and that he had lost a few pounds. His daily blood sugars improved, with a range of 86-206 mg/dL. Since starting amlodipine, his hand tremors had worsened. He expressed a desire to get off of his medications and reported that his primary care physicians did not plan to run labs or have an appointment for another 6 months. He was aware that discontinuing medication was not realistic without making lifestyle changes and supporting his body to help balance blood sugars, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure while also helping his kidneys repair with supportive treatments. With a recent loss of his job and health insurance, John was unable to afford cash pricing for sitagliptin or any equivalent. Sitagliptin was his most recent medication prescribed for T2DM, is not recommended for patients with a GFR between 30 and 50 mL/min, and does not clinically lower HbA1c levels as well as other medications.

PE Findings

• Blood pressure: 156/84 mm Hg
• Pulse: 73 bpm
• O₂ saturation: 98%
• Weight: 258 lb

Remarkably, just a few weeks after beginning treatment, his labs showed a 78% increase in GFR, along with balanced electrolytes, BUN, and glucose.

Treatment

• Continue previous treatment, and add 1 scoop of a powder with glutamine and curcumin to encourage digestive healing. Experiment 1 week later with reducing ranitidine to every other day. If tolerated without reflux, take 1 ranitidine every third day the following week.
• Decrease daily amlodipine dose to 2.5 mg
• Begin a supplement that helps normalize blood pressure while supporting the cardiovascular system: 1 cap twice daily
• Monitor for any increase of blood sugars after discontinuing sitagliptin

Second Follow-up, 3 Weeks Later

John’s daily blood sugars ranged from 89-190 mg/dL, even after stopping sitagliptin 2 weeks prior. He had lost 2 more pounds. Mild heartburn was observed by the patient nights 3 and 4 of his wean from ranitidine; otherwise, he had experienced no symptoms of heartburn. Exercise was still minimal. He had never experienced any irregular heart rhythms, and his physical exam was consistent with regular heart sounds and rhythms. Emotionally, he felt more balanced.

PE Findings

• Blood pressure: 140/70 mm Hg
• O₂ saturation: 97%
• Pulse: 54 bpm
• Weight: 256 lb

Treatment

• Continue with previous recommendations. Finish current digestive healing powder; don’t replenish.
• Begin a supplement that helps balance blood sugars: 1 cap twice daily
• If blood pressure readings are within range, discontinue amlodipine 2 days before next appointment

Third Follow-up, 3 Weeks Later

Home-monitored blood sugars ranged from 77-179 mg/dL. The patient reported better readings, except after eating pasta or desserts, which clearly correlated with higher readings. A total of 3.5 more pounds were shed. He stopped amlodipine 3 days prior, and reported no concerns or symptoms. He reported feeling better overall.

PE Findings

• Blood pressure: 145/80 mm Hg
• O₂ saturation: 98%
• Pulse: 57 bpm
• Weight: 252.5 lb

John’s labs continued to improve, including the best TC/HDL ratio and A1c % he had achieved in years.

Treatment

• Continue treatment plan, minus Epsom salt baths
• Discontinue Na-bicarbonate
• Finish, and hold off on buying more self-prescribed supplements
• Increase exercise frequency and/or duration

Summary

Even with minor changes and a budget-conscious treatment plan, this patient’s healing was profoundly rapid. Within weeks of beginning treatment, he decreased his medication use by 50% and was more balanced physically, emotionally, and physiologically. Proper diet, sleep, and exercise patterns create a foundation for health, while eliminating obstacles to cure and supporting the body with restorative treatments potentiates healing.

As Dr Henry Lindlahr stated, “Chronic supposed-to-be-incurable diseases yield to the natural treatments, provided there is enough vitality in the system to respond to treatment and the destruction of vital parts and organs has not too far advanced.” I appreciate this patient’s motivation to heal and commitment to his health before his diseases were too far progressed. I am filled with gratitude to our miraculous body, this patient, and naturopathic medicine for continuing to amaze me with the incredible, innate ability of the body to heal.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2017. Available at: https://cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/data/statistics/national-diabetes-statistics-report.pdf.Accessed January 5, 2018.
2. American Diabetes Association. Economic costs of diabetes in the U.S. in 2012. Diabetes Care. 2013;36(4):1033-1046.
3. American Heart Association. Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes. Last reviewed August 2015. Available at: https://tinyurl.com/yb3f6sk4. Accessed January 5, 2018.
4. Morstein M. Master Your Diabetes: A Comprehensive, Integrated Approach for Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.  White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green Publishing; 2017: 49, 50, 273.

Shawna Eischens, ND, (“Dr. E”) is a 2012 graduate of SCNM who practices at Rockwood Natural Medicine Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ. As a primary-care physician who focuses on mental and digestive health, Dr E is passionate about helping people realize their greatness to achieve physical and emotional health. Outside of the office, she enjoys volunteering with Naturopathic Medicine Institute and Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as exploring nature via foot, bike, car, or boat.

Have you noticed how well kids can share when it comes to sharing the illnesses of the season? One might have the start of a cold, and immediately 10 more kids have it that same week. However, just because one child shares, doesn’t always mean another has to actually “catch” what they are giving. As we move through fall and winter, it’s time to ramp up our protective measures when it comes to keeping little ones healthy and strong through the cold and flu season. Here are five perfect ways to boost kids’ immunity at this time of the year.

Eat Well to Feel Well – When it comes to children, we all know they can be picky eaters at times, but we still have to ensure they are eating for good health. Get the junk out of the house, and there isn’t anything to say no to. This is a wonderful way to not only allow kids to build their independence, and help them to make their own healthy choices, but also to build up those healthy food taste buds!

Yes, yes, it’s the holidays and kids are receiving candy and other indulgences more than ever during these months. However, the ingredients in those typical sweet treats are building up an inflammatory, and mucous filled, environment that will increase the potential for viruses or bacteria to set up shop.

1. Avoid or minimize these top inflammatory foods and additives from the diet of your little ones as much as possible.

• Sugar – in the forms of added sugar and processed/concentrated juice
• Dairy – this is a major culprit when it comes to kids’ ill health. Children take in a major amount of dairy, and it can be hard to notice at times. When kids are healthy, a small amount of cheese may be ok every once in a while. However, when not feeling well, or getting sick often, cut it out altogether.
• Wheat – many kids have an underlying intolerance to wheat, especially what is grown in the US, and will have much better attention and behavior when it is removed, or substantially limited, in their diet. Choose only organic, and sprouted where possible, when it comes to wheat.
• Corn – likewise, corn is not the same as it used to be when most of us were growing up. It has been modified and tweaked with so much that it hardly has any of the nutrition that it once did. If you must include corn once in a while for a recipe, definitely keep it organic.

2. Increase these top healthy foods, go organic as much as possible.

• Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach and chard, or other greens like broccoli and asparagus; add as many colorful veggies as are available at this time of the year (multi-colored carrots are super nutritious and super fun for kids to eat!)
• Rich colored fruits like blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries; or red apples with the skin left on.
• High quality protein and fat. If your family eats meat, then find a source that is organic and ideally pasture raised. Everyone should include good plant sources of protein and fiber, however, if your family is vegetarian or vegan, be sure your child is getting optimal combinations to ensure proper protein consumption (this is a big topic, but if you are unsure that you are combining foods correctly as a vegetarian or vegan, set some time up so we can go over that). Healthy fat sources are olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, nuts and seeds, as well as fatty fish sources. If some dairy is tolerated in moderation, organic ghee or grass-fed butter can also be good.

Play Well to Feel Well – Our immune systems develop as they interact with our environment. That means kids not only need to come in contact with other children and their snotty noses, but they also must come in contact with outdoor microbes as well. As they pick up more and more, their protective immune system is building up a super defense. Another benefit to playing outside as much as possible, is access to that great big, immune boosting, ball of fire in the sky, the sun!

Did you know that our body makes one of the most potent vitamins needed for our immune systems to function optimally? That’s right, our bodies produce Vitamin D, and if we get adequate sunshine throughout the year, then we make that in optimal quantities. Unfortunately, what happens often these days is that parents try to protect their children from the rays of the sun, and they slather those little bodies with sunscreen (often chemically laden sunscreen, unfortunately). There are definitely times when a child may need to be protected from too much sun, but it isn’t every time they go out to play. Follow these guidelines for outdoor play

3. Get Adequate Healthy Outdoor Playtime:
   • 60 minutes/day of outdoor playtime is necessary for children to exercise, get the wiggles out, and soak up healthy sunshine. Try to make much of this unstructured, like getting to the park or playing out in the yard.
   • Depending on where you live, there may be better times to play outside than others. For example, if you live in the hot desert of Arizona, your best times to play outside in the summer are going to be earlier and later in the day. Definitely not at high noon! In the fall and winter, however, most of the day will be no problem to play outside. Make the best decision based on your knowledge of where you live. If you need some guidance, reach out to us for that.
   • If you know that your ground is chemical free, and free of sharp items, let them go barefoot. There is scientific proof around the benefits of grounding and connecting to the earth through bare feet. Obviously, this can be very cold in the winter depending on where you live, and may not always be in the child’s best interest.

Reduce Toxins to Feel Well – Our environment has a bigger toxic burden than ever before, and many of those make their way into our bodies all too easily. Our bodies are designed to remove toxic waste, however, often those residual toxins are taken up and stored in sneaky places like extra body fat. Sometimes those even lead to obesity in adults and children, and often we see early puberty in children because of these chemicals.

Children are coming into the world with a toxic burden already set up. Studies have found at least 200 chemicals in the cord blood of newborns, of which at least 180 are carcinogenic. These chemicals are present in mom and passing through the placenta. Which is why it is very important for mothers and fathers to clean up their own bodies at least 3-6 months before conception. Once the baby arrives, it’s important to minimize and avoid any additional toxins where possible, and continue to work on that throughout their life.

1. Minimize Toxic Burden:
   • Eat clean, organic, and minimally processed food. Stick with whole fruits and vegetables as much as possible, and pasture raised and finished meat or wild caught fish. No Tuna or other fish potentially high in mercury, especially for children.
   • Drink clean, filtered water. This may mean an RO system, or some other kind of filtration system. Remember to add minerals back into your water when you filter.
   • Use glass, stainless steel, or cast iron for cooking and eating or drinking from. Avoid plastic as much as possible, and never microwave in plastic containers.
   • Use air purifiers in bedrooms. We spend at least 8 hours in our bedrooms, that air quality needs to be in tip top shape. Clean rugs often and any dust in the bedroom. Change filters on the HEPA filtered air purifier regularly.
   • This can be tricky, but if you are able to avoid clothing and bedding that has been sprayed with fire retardant, then try to do that. One way that can be very helpful is finding a great consignment shop for kid’s clothes. Clothes that have been washed and worn multiple times will have reduced some of that chemical exposure. Plus saving money on kid’s clothes never hurts!

Sleep Well to Feel Well – Did you know that our most influential time for healing and growth is during sleep? This goes for people of all ages, but is particularly important for children during these crucial growing years. Our entire body waits until we are asleep to get to work on processing everything that took place during the day. That is why children need so much more sleep than adults, and why adults should get at the very least 8 hours of sleep and definitely no less than 7 each night. Immunity is boosted from proper sleep as well. Our immune system and nervous system are very much interconnected, and if you lack sleep both of these systems will not work optimally. If you suspect your child is having difficulty sleeping, including waking throughout the night, let’s talk to find out what is at the root of this concern. Often, we see food intolerances, and lifestyle or environmental obstacles are at the root of the problem.

2. Get Adequate, Deep, Sleep:

• Children ages 1-2: approximately 11-14 hours of sleep recommended
• Children ages 3-5: approximately 10-13 hours of sleep recommended
• Children ages 6-13: approximately 9-11 hours of sleep recommended
• Children ages 14-17: approximately 8-10 hours of sleep recommended

The tips above can be used throughout the year. Each season brings its own set of health burdens. When children have all around healthy immune systems, they can overcome whatever comes their way, and in turn make their system stronger. Remember to come in for homeopathic and botanical cold and flu remedies when needed. Always remember that our bodies are the best healing system and they are designed to heal themselves. Naturopathic medicine is designed to help the body do what it does best.

Additionally, in patients who receive the influenza vaccine, there is an increased risk of developing non-influenza respiratory illnesses, especially among children [4]. Another report shows that patients are 5 times more likely to develop upper respiratory illnesses post flu vaccination [5]. This supports a clinical observation made at our clinic that persons who get the flu shot, subsequently either come down with the flu or some sort of upper respiratory illness post vaccination.

Why does this occur? What immunological mechanisms are affected that cause the body to no longer be able to defend itself against viral illness? In a study released by the National Academy of Science on the shedding of influenza virus following immunization provides some clues. Essentially the study found that immunized patients exhale significant quantities of influenza virus with normal breathing and not just coughing and sneezing. In essence, vaccinated individuals become carriers that spread the virus to the non-vaccinated population. [6] A similar pattern was found with the MMR vaccine [7] and a study conducted on baboons showed that viruses could be harbored for months to years and spread repeatedly.

An argument could be made here that if everyone got the flu vaccine, then it would not matter if they shed the virus. Unfortunately it just does not work that way as viruses mutate as they make their way through the population, which is one of the reasons that vaccines for the flu are rarely effective.

As we have written about before, it is the environment rather than the organism that allows a viral illness to set up housekeeping in our bodies. This is why some people get the flu and others do not when subjected to the same exposure. Repeated exposure to influenza viruses, because of habitual shedding and viral mutations increases ones chances of getting the flu however, simply because the immune system is repeatedly fighting off the insult and stress levels among individuals vary which makes us more vulnerable.

Another series of studies showed that many people have developed long term IgE mediated sensitization to the H3N2 viral proteins due to immunization with a specific vaccine (Flublok) developed to provide immunization against this particular strain. When a person who has received this immunization is exposed to the actual virus, the course of the flu becomes significantly worse because the “cytokine storm” being observed in severe cases is likely to be an over reaction due to the properties of the vaccine that causes the immune system to over react. Therefore a more severe and prolonged “Dengue Fever” like condition ensues. This condition is particularly problematic in asthmatics. [8,9,10]

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have mandated influenza vaccination for hospital employees, presumably to keep the risk of infections down. The reason this has become a contentious issue for hospital facilities is that insurance reimbursement is tied to compliance rates. Therefore the fewer employees vaccinated, the less reimbursement the hospital receives. More and more hospital workers are refusing to receive the influenza vaccine because there is a 5.5X chance that they will come down with the flu compared to placebo and that studies comparing flu vaccinations against non-vaccinated workers do not show a statistically significant benefit. [11,12] Additionally, many recipients end up with autoimmune disease later on due in part to the adjuvants added to the vaccines. These statistics are not unique to the hospital population, but the general population at large.

Lastly, before you consider getting that flu shot, consider that of the vaccine injury cases, patients that have had adverse reactions to the influenza vaccine have over all received the highest number of vaccine damage awards. [11]

So what are your alternatives to avoid getting the flu? We offer a safe, highly effective and natural alternative to the yearly flu shot. It is administered orally, the way nature has intended, in order to provide maximum resistance against the virus, and is taken once a week throughout the flu season. In our experience we have consistently seen less than 1% of our patients that follow this protocol come down with the flu, a much better outcome than those who receive the flu vaccine. For more information, please contact the clinic.

References:

1. Repeated flu shots may blunt effectiveness Terry Murray

CMAJ. 2015 Apr 7; 187(6): E180. doi: [10.1503/cmaj.109-5000]

2. Seasonal Influenza Vaccine and Increased Risk of Pandemic A/H1N1-Related Illness: First Detection of the Association in British Columbia, Canada  Naveed Z. JanjuaDanuta M. Skowronski et al                      Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 51, Issue 9, 1 November 2010, , https://doi.org/10.1086/656586
3. Review of seasonal influenza in Canada: Burden of disease and the cost-effectiveness of quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccines

Edward W. Thommes, et.al    Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2017 Apr; 13(4): 867–876.

4. Increased Risk of Noninfluenza Respiratory Virus Infections Associated With Receipt of Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Benjamin J. Cowling, Vicky J. Fang, et.al Clinical Infectious Diseases 2012;54(12):1n8-83
5. Flu Shot Causes Over 5x Times More Respiratory Infections – … http://www.realfarmacy.com/flu-shot-respiratory/
6. “Infectious Virus Exhaled In Breath Of Symptomatic Seasonal Flu Cases (http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2018/01/17/1716561115),” (Proceedings of the National Academy of Science).
7. http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/vaccinated-spreading-measles- who-merck-cdc.. (http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/vaccinated-spreading-measles- who-merck-cdc-documents-confirms)
8. Long term persistence of IgE anti-influenza virus antibodies in pediatric and adult serum post vaccination with influenza virus vaccine. Smith-Norowitz T a, Wong D, Kusonruksa M, Norowitz KB, Joks R, Durkin HG, et alInt J Med Sci. 2011;8(3):239–44.
2.
9. Influenza specific serum IgE is present in non- allergic subjects. Davidsson A, Eriksson JC, Rudblad S, Brokstad KA. Scand J Immunol. 2005 Dec;62(6):560–1.
10. Seasonal split influenza vaccine induced IgE sensitization against influenza vaccine. Nakayama T, Kumagai T, Nishimura N, Ozaki T, Okafuji T, Suzuki E, et al. Vaccine. 2015
11. Why Are Nurses and Healthcare Workers Across the U.S. Refusing the Flu Vaccine… http://ourfamilymagazine.com/why-are-nurses-and-healthcare-.
12. Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Workers: Critical Analysis of the Evidence for Patient Benefit Underpinning Policies of Enforcement

• Gaston De Serres, Danuta M. Skowronski,  et al

Published: January 27, 2017   https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0163586

Congress, since the last election has not passed a replacement health care bill for Obama Care previously signed into law. Congress has refused to fund Obama Care according to the existing law and because of this many insurers have dropped out from providing coverage, which has resulted in fewer carriers and increased prices and decreased coverage to consumers. Regardless of how you may have felt about Obama Care (we were not all that enthusiastic about it), it provided medical care for many people who could not afford health care while reducing federal and state welfare rolls.

Congress has repeatedly attempted to reduce or eliminate Medicare and Social Security, which would place many, disabled and senior citizens at risk for medical care and being able to make ends meet financially. If this occurs in an ever aging population, the cost of health care will increase not only at the state and federal levels, but individual policies as well because of these patients going on welfare or seeking health care at emergency rooms.

Congress has not yet addressed the Insurance Industries lack of accountability, as they are not subject to anti-trust regulation. Therefore, they can set prices as they choose and spend only slightly less than the pharmaceutical industry on influencing congress. What this has translated to is that insurance premiums cost more and deliver less with high deductibles being standard. Most patients we see with insurance have policies that provide little benefit because of the high deductible. Insurance companies also were not allowed to turn down patients for preexisting conditions under Obama Care, but are now beginning to do so and will continue to do so if Congress does not act.

Since the last election and the failure to enact health care legislation to replace Obama Care we, as well as other physicians, have made the following observations:

Some patients admitted to hospitals following emergency room visits receive suboptimal care in that there is little follow up, medications are not monitored resulting in adverse reactions, and/or they may be discharged prior to having their chief complaint fully addressed. This appears to us to be a function of reimbursement by insurance companies who no longer are part of Obama Care and can dictate what medical care doctors can provide.

Secondly, Medicare patients either receive suboptimal care or excessive care depending upon what Medicare will reimburse. This also occurs with disability patients who are in this system.

Lastly, reports by our patients following emergency room visits varies as to the type and quality of care they receive. In some cases it is very good to excessive, while in others it is minimal and suboptimal resulting in early release and a need to return later because the condition has become worse. This too seems to be a function of insurance reimbursement.

This is why the upcoming elections are important for your future health care. Naturopathic physicians in Arizona are not routinely covered by insurance but we are seeing an increasing number of patients that no longer derive optimal benefit from the present system. Regardless, it will be important to vote for candidates that value quality health care and protect the rights of patients in the medical market place. For all of the reasons we have mentioned, it is important to research your candidates well and vote for those who will look out for your interests rather than the insurance and pharmaceutical industries.

We encourage you to get out and vote and make sure your neighbors and relatives do so as well. It will be particularly important for the younger generation to vote as what happens during the next few election cycles will impact them greatly. Despite what has come out of Washington DC in the past few years, health care is a right guaranteed under the constitution, not a privilege. Please be sure to exercise your right and vote in November!

Reactions to nosodes are considered to be good because it means that the person had a susceptibility or previous exposure to the disease that the corresponding nosode has now corrected. The next time it is given, the person generally will not experience the same reaction.

Between dosing seasons, administering the appropriate nosode remedy immediately following exposure to the corresponding disease will often help to stop the development of the disease. As an example, if your child is exposed to measles or chicken pox, even though they have had the corresponding nosode administration, giving it again will act as a reminder to the immune system.

HOMEOPATHIC IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE

Disease                                                         Immunization

Anthrax                                                           Anthrocyanum

Botulism                                                        Botulinum

Chicken pox *                                               Varicella

Diptheria *                                                     Diptherinum

Haemophilus influenza                              Haemophilus influenza nosode

Hepatitis A                                                    Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B                                                    Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C                                                    Hepatitis C

HPV                                                                Papilloma Virus nosode

Herpes Zoster                                              Herpes Zoster nosode

Influenza                                                        Influenzinum

Measles *                                                      Morbillinum

Meningiococcus                                          Meningiococcinum

Mumps *                                                        Parotidinum

Parainfluenza A&B                                      Parainfluenza A&B nosode

Pertussisn*                                                  Pertussin

Pneumonia                                                   Pneumococcinum

Polio                                                               Polio nosode

Rabies                                                           Lyssin

Rubella *                                                       Rubeola

Small Pox*                                                    Variolinum

Staphylococcus                                           Staphylococcinum

Streptococcus                                              Streptococcinum

Syphilis                                                          Syphilinum

Tetanus                                                         Ledum/Tetanus nosode

Tuberculosis                                                Tuberculinum

Typhus                                                           Typhoidinum

Yellow Fever                                                 Yellow Fever nosode

Protocol:

1. Begin at age 6 months during an illness free period. Try to be consistent by administering the vaccinations at the same time each year, i.e fall or spring etc..
2. Administer the remedy 1X per day for 2 days, then wait an additional 5 days before administering the next nosode. This allows for you to observe for a reaction, and if one is seen, wait an additional week before administering the next medicine.
3. During the administration of the homeopathic vaccinations, supplement with extra Vitamin C and thymus extract if available.
4. Repeat the series each year at the same time until the child is 12 years old.
5. If the child is exposed to one of the diseases, administer a dose of the corresponding nosode to re-stimulate the immune system. Additional homeopathic medicines may also be utilized following exposure.
6. Consider administering tetanus toxoid as an intramuscular injection as well as this covers the toxin exposure while the Ledum covers the puncture wound. Tetanus toxoid should be given as a single agent and not with Diptheria and Pertussis as with a DPT shot.
7. As Polio is obtained by the oral route, PO administration of the vaccine usually does not cause problems except for immuno-compromised patients. If this is not available, then the homeopathic counter part can be given. Polio administered through the skin is not the normal route of entry.

School has begun, and many kids will soon start to pick up little illnesses here and there from their school mates. One of those very common illnesses for the preschool and primary school aged kids is Pink Eye, or Conjunctivitis.

What Is It? Pink Eye presents as a reddening of the conjunctiva, which is the thin layer of membrane that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. Some children may feel like there is something stuck in their eye. There may be itching or burning feelings associated, and the eye will appear irritated. Thick white or yellow discharge can often accompany the infection, and may lead to a heavily crusted over eyelid in the morning. There may be swelling of the eyelid, and sensitivity to light.

What Causes Pink Eye?
Pink Eye can be either allergic, bacterial, viral, or from a chemical irritant. Our typical bacterial and viral offenders are the same that trigger the common cold, flu, ear infections, and sore throats. Bacterial and Viral conjunctivitis is contagious and can be spread through coughing and sneezing, touching the hands of an infected person who has been rubbing their eyes or anything they have been touching, or sharing towels with an infected person. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually brought on by typical environmental triggers like pollens, grasses, and animal dander. Irritant conjunctivitis is triggered by chemical irritants like paint fumes, cleaning products, and pool chemicals.

Diagnosis and Naturopathic Treatment?
Diagnosis of conjunctivitis and the type it is will usually be a quick assessment based on the presentation and patient history. When it comes to treatment, as with all naturopathic treatment, we work from the inside-out. We will use homeopathy, hydrotherapy, botanical, and nutritional medicine to bring a patient into a balanced state so the body can do what it needs to control the infection or irritation. Often a single homeopathic remedy is all it takes to clear the infection. There are wonderful botanical eye washes, and compresses that can soothe and clean the eye. Nutritionally, we will be working to boost the immune system with certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Rarely are antibiotics needed in the case of pink eye, and are often over prescribed for this condition. However, it is important to have a physician assess and monitor the situation if your child’s infection is not clearing up in 2-3 days, and especially if you are noticing increased swelling and redness of the eyes and eyelid along with a fever.

How to Prevent Conjunctivitis?
As with so many infectious conditions, one of the best preventive tips you can give to kids is to wash their hands. Especially, when they see other kids in their class with green-yellow goop somewhere on their face! Ensuring pillow cases and towels of the infected child are washed frequently in very hot water. The most important way to prevent conjunctivitis, or any contagious illness for that matter, is to keep up your good health! Eating whole foods, and a wide array of colors. Drinking plenty of clean water, and getting plenty of exercise to help with waste removal. When you are keeping up your health, if makes it much more difficult for these infectious agents to settle in your body.