Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland, at the front of your neck, doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone or when your body fails to use thyroid hormone efficiently. There are several types of hypothyroidism. The most common is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the thyroid gland. The disease affects both sexes and all ages, but is most...
Winter Depression
Question: I tend to be moody and irritable in the winter (Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD), but it lasts a lot longer into the summer in recent years, and I feel more and more depressed. Any suggestions?
Reducing Cholesterol Naturally
Question: I have been told that I have a total cholesterol of 278/HDL of 60. My doctor put me on a statin which was not good for my liver. He then put me on another statin which caused muscle aches, nausea, and lethargy. What can I do that will be more natural but get my cholesterol down?
Reducing Cholesterol Naturally
Question: I have been told that I have a total cholesterol of 278/HDL of 60. My doctor put me on a statin which was not good for my liver. He then put me on another statin which caused muscle aches, nausea, and lethargy. What can I do that will be more natural but get my cholesterol down?
Ankylosis Spondylitis
Ankylosis Spondylitis is defined as a chronic and generally progressive inflammatory arthritic disease affecting the spinal joints and adjacent connective tissues. Also called "Marie Strumpell Disease." This appears to be a disease mainly of young men aged 10-30 years old. It seems to have a genetic component, as it is seen in male relatives and especially in patients with...
Autoimmune Conditions
Examples of autoimmune conditions include the following: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Type 1 diabetes Crohn's Disease Hashimoto's thyroiditis Neurological diseases Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Glomerulanephritis Pernicious Anaemia Goodpasture's syndrome Scleroderma Raynaud's Phenomenon Lupus (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]) Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)...
Fibromyalgia
Adapted from "Nutritional Therapies for Fibromyalgia Syndrome", written by Kristi Hughes, ND Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by generalized musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, chronic aching, fatigue, and multiple areas of local tenderness that can be identified during physical examination. Research studies suggest that fibromyalgia pain may be the result of a...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Celiac Disease
Lupus (Erythematosus)
This is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune (the body is attacking itself) disease that affects connective tissue (tissue that binds and supports various structures of the body and also includes the blood). Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a less serious type, affecting exposed areas of the skin and sometimes the joints. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is more serious,...
Multiple Sclerosis
Nearly 350,000 Americans are affected by one of medicine's most misunderstood diseases, multiple sclerosis. Although there is no known cure, alternative medicine has recognized a number of contributing factors. Often, the early detection and identification of underlying causes combined with strict dietary and life-style guidelines can stabilize or reverse the symptoms.
Neurological Conditions
Neurological Conditions The Interplay of Neurotransmitters & Mental States The body is the theater for emotional and cognitive states. Whether mood or mental issues express themselves through behavior or physical functioning-neurotransmitters are one group of characters at play. Memory and cognitive processes are heavily dependent on acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter...
Parathyroid Conditions
Hypoparathyroidism There are four parathyroid glands, located near each of the two lobes of the thyroid gland. The parathyroids produce parathyroid hormones that regulate blood levels of calcium necessary for strong bones and teeth, nerve function, and blood clotting. Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disorder associated with insufficient production of parathyroid hormone, the inability to make a...
Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis, Periodontitis, and Scorbutic Gums Periodontal disease is a scourge on our society. It accounts for more lost teeth in adulthood than any other dental problem. Gum disease will affect nine out of ten Americans, and one out of every four persons will lose all their teeth to periodontal disease by age 60. Thirty-two million Americans have gum disease right now in such an advanced state...
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
What is polymyalgia rheumatica? Polymyalgia rheumatica (pronounced pah-lee-my-al-jah room-at-i-ca) is a type of arthritis that affects the muscles. It does not affect the bones, or the joints, which are the spots where two bones come together. It causes muscles to become stiff, tender and very sore. This is called inflammation. Even though the muscles are sore they do not become weak.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Natural Approach Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the entire body but especially the synovial membranes of the joints. It is a classic example of an "autoimmune disease," a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the body's own tissue. Although rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, it affects primarily the joints. The...
Skin Conditions
Acne Vulgaris An inflammatory disease most commonly seen in teenagers. It affects areas where sebaceous glands are largest, most numerous, and most active. Mild cases consisting of few residual signs except possibly dilated pores, and the development of the comedo, or blackhead, may progress through more pathological stages of ruptured sebaceous ducts, pustule formation,...
Solar Keratosis - A Common Pre-Cancer Skin Condition
Solar keratosis, also known as actinic keratosis, is a pre-cancerous skin condition, whereby patches of the skin become rough, crusty, or scaly, and ultimately develop into thick dry bumps that may occasionally slough off and re-form, frequently leading to squamous cell carcinoma (a common yet serious skin cancer). These patches may vary greatly in thickness, color, pigment density, and diameter...
