June 27, 2009
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged autism, food allergies, healing, herbs, joan huguenard, natural, naturopath, petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sonoma Naturopathic Medicine, thyroid
This article appeared in our local Sonoma Valley Sun newspaper June 19th, 2009, click here to see the original article.
In an overview of their medical practice with Rebecca Porrino, ND and Marcus Porrino, ND, Dr. Rebecca told me, “The cornerstone of Naturopathic Medicine is encouraging the body’s own ability to heal itself. Rather than treat illness, we like to treat health.”
I asked how they would define health and a healthy body. “As I see it,” Dr. Marcus responded, “health is an individual’s ability to meet an obstacle, negotiate it and return to the original path the individual was on. The obstacle might be bacteria, a virus or emotional trauma. A healthy body will meet it, deal with it and return to balance.”
The doctors helped me understand that when your body is compromised, you’ll get hit with whatever comes along. And when you’re hit with the obstacle, you’re thrown off balance. Trying to get back into balance, your body starts producing symptoms in order to try to heal itself.
So I ask you, dear readers: How do we typically respond to these symptoms? Do we run to the medicine cabinet or to the drug store in a desperate effort to get rid of the symptoms? Naturopathic doctors see it this way; the body says: “Hm-m, here’s a virus invading where it doesn’t belong. I need to get rid of this virus. A few things I might try …
• raise my temperature to chase the virus away
• create some mucous to trap the thing and flush it out
• use diarrhea to get it out of here fast.
“Dang! Here comes the Tylenol again,” the body might shout. “It won’t let me do my thing!”
Dr. Rebecca was quick to add, “Medically trained, we understand fevers can get too high and all of that. We take each situation individually and work to help each body restore balance. Sometimes medications are necessary, but always, always we consider natural medications first.”
Let’s look at the medical training mentioned. “Our training was an amalgam of cutting edge medical science and research, blended with time-tested natural therapies from centuries back and all around the world” was Dr. Rebecca’s summary. After four years of pre-med, Marcus and Rebecca both matriculated to Medical School at the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), the oldest accredited naturopathic medical college in North America. The Porrinos proudly refer to this Portland, Ore. school as the grandmother of all such colleges, as it gave birth to all others that graduate licensed naturopathic doctors.
The two met as study partners in their first year at NCNM. So intense was the work, between 7:30 in the morning and 10 o’clock at night, students were encouraged to form study groups. Even food preparation encountered groups of five so each person took responsibility for just one day a week, Monday to Friday.
Following four years of med school (the first two of which teach pretty much the same science as MD med schools), they spent a year in residency. No question in my mind that they are fully trained doctors, In fact, there’s no question in the minds of authorities in Oregon, Washington, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Arizona and Hawaii, where NDs are defined as physicians and their fees are paid by insurance carriers and Medicare.
In the tradition of going to see for myself so I can tell readers about my experiences, I made an appointment with Dr. Porrino. Aware that since the 1970s, I hadn’t been in a doctor’s office where the physician had a real awareness of my health history, and longing for reliable guidance on my intake of appropriate vitamins and supplements, I filled out the extensive intake form, submitted it ahead of time as requested, and headed to the office on Seventh Street West at Napa Street with excited anticipation.
When was the last time any doctor met with you for an hour and a half to learn about your body and the myriad life experiences that have affected its health? I left that office with a never-before-experienced confidence that I will, with very competent coaching, help my body restore itself to balance and good health.
For a good friend of mine, such restoration will take a lot longer and will require much more determination and effort because her body’s been compromised by the “big three” of cancer treatment: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. When I phoned to check in with her last week, I heard a new vitality in her voice even before she told me she’d also visited Dr. Porrino.
She spoke of the great satisfaction when someone actually listened to her. And how gratifying to see her intake sheets heavily marked with orange highlighter signaling the doctor had already been working with her case before she even walked in the door.
People are often surprised that, as one client put it, “This is a one-stop treatment center!” where the doctors can do blood work and various procedures including IV therapy, body work. These folks are like the old-fashioned family doctor with far more effective tools in their “little black bag.” They even make house calls!
For more information visit www.sonomanatmed.com or call the office at 707-996-9355. Sonoma Naturopathic Medicine, the natural medicine experts
June 27, 2009
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged ADD, allergies, alternative, anxiety, autism, bioidentical hormones, california, depression, digestive disorders, eczema, endometriosis, fertility, hypothyroid, Naturopathic medicine, nutritional deficiency, organic food, Santa Rosa, sonoma county, Sonoma Naturopathic Medicine, thyroid
Did you know that the skin is our largest organ? Furthermore, our skin is our largest absorptive organ therefore choosing good body care products is as important as eating a healthy diet. Be wary though, labels might claim that a product is “g
entle” or “natural,” but those marketing words require no safety testing. Put a company’s feet to the fire, always read product labels – especially the ingredient list – before you buy. Below is a guide to help you choose wisely.
How to read a label
Every personal care product on the market must list the ingredients on the label. Label reading can be confusing – here are some tips to help you wade through the chemical names. You can approach ingredient lists in 3 parts:
- Start at the end where preservatives are listed. Try to avoid:
- Words ending in “paraben”
- DMDM hydantoin
- Imidsazolidinyl urea
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone
- Methylisothiazolinone
- Triclosan
- Triclocarban
- Triethanolamine (or “TEA”)
- Next, check the beginning of the ingredients list. Here you’ll find the soap, surfactant, or lubricant that has been added to make the product work. Try to avoid ingredients that start with “PEG” or have an “-eth” in the middle (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate).
- Finally, read the middle ingredients. Here you’ll look for some common – but not essential – additives that may bring excess hazard: fragrance and dyes. On the label look for “FRAGRANCE,” “FD&C,” or “D&C.”
For the grown-ups in the house
While many parents pay more attention to their kids’ environmental health than their own, your body can be affected by toxic chemicals, too, especially if you’re breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to be pregnant. EWG’s Safer Shopping List has 9 common-sense tips to reduce your own exposures, like buying fragrance-free, skipping the nail polish and using fewer products. You can also download our handy wallet guide, which lists some products and ingredients to avoid.
Use EWG’s Cosmetics Database to choose safer products. In addition to generating a hazard score for your product (on a 1 to 10 scale), it allows you to search by brand and for products without certain ingredients or health effects. You can enter products that aren’t included, and create personal shopping lists – among other tricks.
Just for kids
Extra caution is in order for kids because they receive greater exposures by weight than adults to contaminants in air, water, food, and everyday products. In addition, their immature metabolism and organ systems are typically less capable of fending off chemical assaults. Subtle damage to developing bodies that does not trigger immediate health effects may lead to disease later in life.
Follow EWG’s top 6 tips for kids:
- Use fewer products and use them less often.
- Don’t trust the claims. Check ingredients.
- Buy fragrance-free products.
- Avoid the use of baby powder on newborns and infants.
- Do your homework at EWG’s Cosmetics Database
- Always avoid EWG’s top 7 chemicals of concern for kids:
- 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3 Diol
- BHA
- Boric acid and sodium borate
- Dibutyl phthalate & toluene
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Oxybenzone
- Triclosan
A good rule to live by, “if you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin.”
To read more on this topic, visit the homepage of the Environmental Working Group.
February 5, 2009
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged allergies, alternative, bay area, california, depression, digestive disorders, eczema, food allergies, headaches, healing, herbs, herbs for allergies, holistic, migraines, natural, natural allergy treatment, naturopath, Naturopathic medicine, nutritional deficiency, petaluma, Santa Rosa, sonoma county, Sonoma Naturopathic Medicine
Springtime is nearly here. For many, the start of spring is an anxious time filled with anticipation of the first runny nose, stuffy head, watery, itchy eyes, or asthma attack.
But the change in seasons doesn’t mean that you have to hibernate until the dry summer hits.
The Naturopathic approach to allergies always involves two strategies:
- Minimize exposure to allergens
- Address immune system reactivity.
With some testing and questioning, it is not too difficult figure out which of the common culprits is behind allergies. Symptoms that manifest year-round are most likely caused by irritants in your daily surroundings; such as household dust, cleaning chemicals, molds, or dietary allergens. If the allergies are worse in the spring, you may also have seasonal allergies.
While you may not be able to avoid your triggers completely, there are many ways to help limit your exposure.
- Wash your face and hands often. This will help remove any pollen or mold that is on your clothing, hair and skin.
- Keep your windows closed to prevent pollen and mold from coming in.
- Keep your car windows rolled up and turn your air conditioner to re-circulate.
- Try to stay inside between 5 and 10 a.m. when pollen counts are generally the highest.
- Don’t hang clothes or sheets outside to dry when pollen counts are high.
- Ask someone else to mow the lawn and rake leaves. These activities stir up allergens. If you have to do these things yourself, wear a mask.
- Take your vacation somewhere with less pollen, such as the beach!
- Exercise indoors.
- Use a good quality air filter to remove particulate from the air and decrease exposures to allergens.
Immune system reactivity is often ignored in the treatment of allergies, but is of utmost importance when treating the cause. Allergy is the result of your immune system’s over-reaction to pollens, grasses, airborne fungi and even certain foods and cosmetics. With more than 60,000 chemicals already existing in our environment, and nearly 500 new ones being created annually, we face many biochemical challenges to our immune system.
When an allergen is introduced, certain cells in the immune system fight back by producing an excess of inflammatory chemicals, such as histamine. This chemical, along with a small cast of others, are responsible for the familiar allergic symptoms of runny nose, stuffiness, and watery eyes and sneezing. Antihistamines, the most common medication used to combat allergies, temporarily blocks the function of histamine at receptor sites. In other words, it suppresses the appearance of physical symptoms but does not address the underlying cause of the overactive immune system. In addition to being merely temporary relief, antihistamines can produce undesirable side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness and even depression such as with the medication Singular. The good news is that there is a better, more long-term, way to treat inflammatory disorders such as allergies.
Decrease daily stressors: Stress plays a big role in immune function. Stress signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol which temporarily shuts down immune function. Exercise, Qigong, meditation, baths, funny movies, relaxing music, candlelight… are a few ways to reduce stress.
Address food intolerances/allergies: Foods can be inflammatory and aggravate allergy season for most allergy sufferers. They cause cell membranes to be weaker and easier to break.. Ingesting foods which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like cold water fish, stabilize cell membranes. Probiotics and glutamine are also helpful to help to decrease reactivity to food and strengthen the immune system.
Drink Water: One of the easiest and least expensive ways to reduce histamine concentration is to drink pure filtered water. Go for half the body weight in ounces (ex. a 70 lb child should drink 35 oz. of fluid).
Local Honey contains pollens that, when ingested, can create “oral tolerance” and gives many people a sort of immunization response. 1 TBS a day does the trick for some people. Do not feed a child under the age of 2 or a seriously immune compromised person raw honey, it can be contaminated with botulism.
Neti pot: This easy and inexpensive treatment removes mucus and pollen from the nasal membranes, reducing the chance of an allergic attack and sinus infections. Nasal irrigation uses a Neti pot filled with warm filtered water and a pinch of salt. See your local health food store for Neti pots and preparations.
Homeopathic remedies and Herbal Formulas. The right homeopathic remedy or herbal formula can do wonders for allergy sufferers. They are safe, effective, and have virtually no side effects.
Prepare early and prepare now. To prevent or reduce allergies, one must begin this protocol as soon as possible. It takes time to rebuild cell membranes: give the body proper nutrition and learn nasal irrigation. During this time, nasal irrigation should be underway keeping the nasal passages clear of pollen and other allergens.
Enjoy a trouble-free spring – year after year! Tell your friends about these simple ideas as well. They will thank you.
For more information on allergy treatment and services at our clinic, see our website at www.sonomanatmed.com or call our office to inquire how we may help you.
Drs. Marcus and Rebecca Porrino are both licensed Naturopathic Doctors and graduates of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, OR., the oldest accredited naturoapthic medical school in the country. They maintain a full- time family practice in the town of Sonoma, CA called Sonoma Naturopathic Medicine.
January 27, 2009
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged ADD, ADD/ADHD, ADHD, allergies, alternative, anxiety, bioidentical hormones, digestive disorders, eczema, fertility, food allergies, headaches, healing, healthcare, herbs, holistic, hormones, migraines, natural, naturopath, Naturopathic medicine, nutritional deficiency, petaluma, Santa Rosa, sonoma county, Sonoma Naturopathic Medicine, thyroid
January
Monday Jan. 3rd at 7pm Sonoma Valley Hospital –“Naturopathic Medicine and
Female Fertility”— for couples seeking to expand their families, join us to discuss options for enhancing fertility through improved health. Dr. Rebecca Porrino will address the basic principles of Naturopathic Medicine, including the role nutrition, detoxification, herbs, and lifestyle factors which will boost male and female fertility.
Thursday January 8th- 6-7pm, Pharmaca in Napa. “Cholesterol Update: New research and How you can use it Everyday”
Friday Jan. 23rd 10-11am, Whole Foods in Sonoma. Gluten-free and Wheat Free Diets: Is it good for me? Short lecture followed by store tour.
February
Friday feb. 5th at 10 am. Whole Foods Market in Sonoma Is Dairy Free Good for Me? Short lecture followed by store tour.
Saturday February 7th 10am-12pm at the OFFICE —Vaccinations-- 2 hours Workshop discussing this controversial issue. Review the current research, risks, and benefits of vaccinations in childhood. Goal is to educate parents about the pros and cons of this medical procedure so they may be able to choose what is best for their family. $5 to register
Wednesday February 25th 6-7pm Pharmaca Napa– Qi gong and Cancer Care
March
Mon. March 16th 7-8pm at Sonoma Valley Hospital– Post-partum Care for Mother and Baby—tips and information about caring for mom and baby after childbirth. Discussion will include nutrition, herbs and lifestyle.
Wed. March 25th 5:30-6:30 at Pharmaca, Sonoma. “Intro to Detoxification”- The importance of keeping your body clean in maintaining good health and youthfulness. Day to day tips and suggestions. Q&A to follow.
Spring Detox Workshop – call office for details 707-996-9355
April
Tuesday April 7th, 2009 at 6pm.–Frazzled Nerves Away: Coping With Anxiety Naturally Join Dr. Rebecca Porrino in a casual talk and slide presentation on coping with frazzled nerves and anxiety naturally. Discussion will talk about current research and everyday strategies using diet, herbs, and lifestyle to keep you relaxed and healthy.
Check out our website: www.sonomanatmed.com
January 20, 2009
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged acupuncture, allergies, alternative, anxiety, ART, bioidentical hormones, blood tests, cervical dysplasia, endometriosis, fallopian tube, fertility, fertility clinic, fertility doctor, getting pregnany, GIFT, healing, herbs, holistic, homeopathy, hormones, hypothyroid, infertility, INfertility centers, infertility workup, IVF, low sperm count, migraines, natural, naturoapthic medicine, naturopath, nutition, nutritional deficiency, organic food, pcos, petaluma, Resolve INternational, san francisco, Santa Rosa, SOnoma, sonoma county, Sonoma Naturopathic Medicine, sperm problems, thyroid, vaccines
According to the National Center of Disease and Statistics, about 4.5 million couples 
struggle with fertility every year. Its hard to know though because we suspect only half ever seek treatment or consult a doctor. The biggest problem in modern fertility appears to be the delay in pregnancy, with many more couples starting their families over the age of 35 years old, but there are a number of reasons couples can struggle with getting pregnant.
Despite what we think, fertility is as much a male as it is a female problem. Thirty percent of the cases are due to the female, 30% are due to the male, and the remaining 30% are either due to both or unknown causes. Common causes that can be treated relatively easily are low sperm count, irregular periods, PCOS and hypothyroidism.
A thorough workup for the couple can identify the problem so it can be addressed effectively. There are a number of providers that can do this for you, yet Naturopathic physicians focus on the cause of dysfunction and work to restore balance in the system. We do not recommend going right to IVF or other fertility technologies. Taking the time to improve ones health and address the cause of the problem will have not only a long-term impact on the parents health, but the health of your new baby.
At Sonoma Naturoapathic Medicine, we spend time with our patients. We get to know you very well, and address the individual problems facing the infertile couple. We will do all the necessary labwork and imaging required for a diagnosis, then work from there using natural therapies.
In our practice, we use a four month program for patients based on Natural Fertility Management protocols designed at a very successful naturopathic fertility treatment center near Sydney Australia. We are proud to provide this program to the couples of Northern California. In addition, we are experienced women’s health providers who works with couples to treat infertility naturally, before technological methods are used, or to increase the chances of success when IVF is necessary.
This approach works well on its own, or can be used to prepare for an IVF cycle. Conditons that respond very well to this approach include low sperm counts, PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, hormone imbalance, thyroid imbalance, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, chronic vaginitis, mild fallopian scarring, and others.
Call the office for a free consultation with Dr. Porrino at 707-996-9355
See our website for more information www.sonomanatmed.com
January 16, 2009
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged CSA, Dr. Marcus Porrino, Dr. Rebecca Porrino, farmer's markets, fresh produce, green strings, natural foods markets, naturo, Naturopathic medicine, organic, organic food, pesticides, petaluma, shopping, sonoma county, Whole Foods
Buying or
ganic can be hard for some families on a tight budget. In economic times like these, we have to become more careful where our dollars are spent. This is why Dr. Marcus and Dr. Rebecca Porrino like this list and give it to our patients who express a need to prioritize.
The produce ranked below was developed by analysts at the not-for-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG) based on the results of nearly 43,000 tests for pesticides on produce collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration between 2000 and 2005. A detailed description of the criteria used in developing the rankings is available as well as a full list of fresh fruits and vegetables that have been tested.
EWG’s Dirty Dozen:
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RANK
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FRUIT OR VEGGIE
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SCORE
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1 (worst)
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Peaches
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100 (highest pesticide load)
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2
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Apples
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96
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3
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Sweet Bell Peppers
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86
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4
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Celery
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85
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5
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Nectarines
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84
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6
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Strawberries
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83
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7
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Cherries
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75
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8
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Lettuce
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69
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9
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Grapes – Imported
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68
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10
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Pears
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65
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11
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Spinach
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60
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12
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Potatoes
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58
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January 16, 2009
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged antioxidants, beets, blueberries, cabbage, cervical dysplasia, cinnamon, diabetes, endometriosis, flax, gestational diabetes, healthy food, hormone balance, kale, leeks, men's health, naturopath, Naturopathic medicine, nutrition content, organic food, pcos, pediatric nutrition, plums, pomagranate, pregnancy induced hypertension, pumpkin, sardines, swiss chard, tumeric, vaccines, women's health
This post was originally published on June 30, 2008, and recently appeared on The New York Times’s list of most-viewed stories for 2008.) The doctors at SNM heartily agree with the suggestions by the author.
Nutritionist and author Jonny Bowden has created several lists of healthful foods people should be eating but aren’t. But some of his favorites, like purslane, guava and goji berries, aren’t always available at regular grocery stores. I asked Dr. Bowden, author of “The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth,” to update his list with some favorite foods that are easy to find but don’t always find their way into our shopping carts. Here’s his advice.
- Beets: Think of beets as red spinach, Dr. Bowden said, because they are
a rich source of folate as well as natural red pigments that may be cancer fighters.
How to eat: Fresh, raw and grated to make a salad. Heating decreases the antioxidant power.
- Cabbage: Loaded with nutrients like sulforaphane, a chemical said to boost cancer-fighting enzymes.
How to eat: Asian-style slaw or as a crunchy topping on burgers and sandwiches.
- Swiss chard: A leafy green vegetable packed with carotenoids that protect aging eyes.
How to eat it: Chop and saute in olive oil.
- Cinnamon: May help control blood sugar and cholesterol.
How to eat it: Sprinkle on coffee or oatmeal.
- Pomegranate juice: Appears to lower blood pressure and loaded with antioxidants.
How to eat: Just drink it.
- Dried plums: Okay, so they are really prunes, but they are packed with antioxidants.
How to eat: Wrapped in prosciutto and baked.
- Pumpkin seeds: The most nutritious part of the pumpkin and packed with magnesium; high levels of the mineral are associated with lower risk for early death.
How to eat: Roasted as a snack, or sprinkled on salad.
- Sardines: Dr. Bowden calls them “health food in a can.” They are high in omega-3’s, contain virtually no mercury and are loaded with calcium. They also contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese as well as a full complement of B vitamins.
How to eat: Choose sardines packed in olive or sardine oil. Eat plain, mixed with salad, on toast, or mashed with dijon mustard and onions as a spread.
- Turmeric: The “superstar of spices,” it may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
How to eat: Mix with scrambled eggs or in any vegetable dish.
- Frozen blueberries: Even though freezing can degrade some of the nutrients in fruits and vegetables, frozen blueberries are available year-round and don’t spoil; associated with better memory in animal studies.
How to eat: Blended with yogurt or chocolate soy milk and sprinkled with crushed almonds.
- Canned pumpkin: A low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber and immune-stimulating vitamin A; fills you up on very few calories.
How to eat: Mix with a little butter, cinnamon and nutmeg.
In my own house, I only have two of these items — pumpkin seeds, which I often roast and put on salads, and frozen blueberries, which I mix with milk, yogurt and other fruits for morning smoothies.
How about you? Have any of these foods found their way into your shopping cart?
You can find more information on nutrition at the SNM website www.sonomanatmed.com.
January 16, 2009
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged allergies, antibiotics, cold, flu, flu vaccine, healthy kids, immune system, kids, pediatrician, strong immune system, vaccination, vaccine choice, viruses, weak immune system
Fall marks the beginning of flu season. Kids start school after being away all summer with family and friends in other cities, states, and sometimes countries where they are exposed to different viruses than our immune systems are used to. Here are a few ways to protect your loved ones from those winter colds and flues.
- Wash Those Hands! A good hand-washing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to remain healthy through flu season. Proper hand washing takes 20 seconds (the amount of time it takes to sing your ABCs!)
- Forget the anti-bacterial soap. Studies show anti-bacterial soap offers no particular advantage over soap alone and may contribute to the evolution of resistant strains of bacteria and can be quite irritating and allergenic to the skin as well. The main threat in flu season is viruses, not bacteria.
- Hand sanitizer is a handy alternative when hand washing is not available. Use it before you eat or prepare food, after using public transportation, visiting the bank teller window, using a shopping cart… anywhere people put their hands a lot. Again, this is only if hand washing is not available.
- Sleep, at least 8 hours. Our bodies use the sleeping hours as time to repair, heal, and, yes, grow. Children need good long sleep to grow and develop properly. Allow for naps and sleeping in on the weekends.
- Elimination. Make sure your child is eliminating wastes effectively. Are they active? Do they have regular bowel movements? Drink enough water? 2 teaspoons of ground flax seeds in a smoothie or in oatmeal is a good way to get fiber, essential fatty acids, and immune supporting lignans as well.
- Stress. Videogames, scary movies and TV shows, bullies, taking the bus… these can be stressful on children. Couple this with performance pressures that the student may perceive from teachers, parents, or themselves, there can be significant stress which depresses the immune system. Work on strategies to decrease stress with yoga, qigong, funny movies, games…
- Diet. Many children’s immune systems react to food preservatives, dyes, artificial flavors and sweeteners. Prepare them good, whole foods when possible. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Focus on giving them good protein options such as eggs, sausage (chicken, turkey, nitrate free pork), beans. Breakfast burritos are perfect! A cold breakfast of milk and cereal on a cold rainy morning can make a child more vulnerable to sickness.
- Herbs and Supplements. Echinacea, elderberry, and astragalus are a few of the common immune supporting herbs that can be purchased at any of your local health food stores or pharmacies. Some combinations combine these botanicals with vitamin C and zinc for an added punch. Careful, there are many syrups and powders on the market that have many ingredients and many promises. Make sure to buy a good quality product and avoid those that contain food coloring and excessive sweeteners. Many of these formulas can be taken throughout flu season but please see your health care provider to make sure which formulas are good for your child and at what dosage.
- Scarf and Hat. The head and throat are two very vulnerable places that, when exposed to cold wind, are easily chilled and distressing on the immune system. Homeopathic Aconitum 30c is a good remedy for colds that come on sudden after exposure to cold.
- If you do get sick, stay home! Missing 2 or 3 days of school is much more productive than spending the whole week in school operating at half speed. When viruses are not significantly treated, they can really take a hold, requiring much longer to resolve and, may lead to chronic sinus issues, bronchitis, and even pneumonia. When kids go to school sick they put other kids and the teacher “at risk” of getting sick as well.
Enjoy the wonderful Fall weather and be well!
For any questions or comments please contact Dr. Marcus or Dr. Rebecca Porrino at Sonoma Naturopathic Medicicne at 996-WELL (9355) or view our website at www.sonomanatmed.com
January 16, 2009
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged ADD, ADHD, aluminum, anxiety, aspergers, autism, bioidentical, bioidentical hormones, bipolar, cleanse, colonics, depression, hormone, poison, thimerisol, thyroid, toxins, vaccines
There are many health conditions associated with toxin exposure such as infertility, behavioral problems in children, and alzheimers. Naturopathic physicians have been touting the health advantages to decreasing exposures for many years before science had the technology to measure these threats. The list below is a great guide to going green.
1
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Use cast iron pans instead of nonstick. Read about Teflon health concerns. |
2
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To avoid chemicals leaching into food, go easy on processed, canned or fast foods and never microwave plastic. Read about Bisphenol A, a toxic food-can lining ingredient associated with birth defects. |
3
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Buy organic, or eat vegetables and fruit from the “Cleanest 12″ list. Find out more about the “Dirty Dozen.” |
4
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Pregnant women should use iodized salt to combat chemical interference from the thyroid. Read about rocket fuel’s effect on the thyroid. |
5
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Seal outdoor wooden structures. Order a test kit to find out if your wooden deck, picnic table, or playset is leaching arsenic. |
6
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Leave your shoes at the door. This cuts down on dust-bound pollutants in the home. |
7
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Avoid perfume, cologne and products with added fragrance. Search for personal care products that are fragrance-free, or check the products you’re already using. |
8
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Buy products with natural fibers, like cotton and wool, that are naturally fire resistant. Use our list of products and manufacturers to avoid the chemical flame retardant PBDE. |
9
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Eat low-mercury fish like tilapia & pollock, rather than high-mercury choices like tuna & swordfish. Check our Safe Fish List to see which fish to avoid and what’s safe to eat. |
10
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Filter your water for drinking and cooking. How does your tap water stack up? Search our tap water database to see what you’re drinking. |
11
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Learn your personal body burden. Take a step-by-step tour of your home to learn the toxic truth about how household products contribute to your body burden of industrial chemicals.
Talk with your ND about your options for testing and treatment if you suspect you health has been affected. |
January 16, 2009
· Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged ADD, ADHD, alternative vaccine scheduales, annual pap, autism, behavioral problems, bioidentical hor, bioidentical hormones, cancer care, endometriosis, fertility, herbs, high dose Vitamin C, hormones, Marcus Porrino, Naturopathic medicine, nutiriton, nutritional deficiency, nutritional IV, pcos, pelvic exam, petaluma, prenatal care, Rebecca Porrino, Santa Rosa, school physicals, selective vaccination choice, Sonoma Naturopathic Medicine, thyroid, vaccinations, well child care
Yes, it is true. We do that too. In our primary-care family practice, we perform a variety of services that our patients are surprised we offer. Because an a licensed (make sure your ND has a current license) ND attends medical school and internship, we perform all primary care services such as:
- annual pap and pelvic exam
- vaccinations
- alternative vaccine scheduales
- well child care– especially for families shut out of pediatricians offices for selective vaccination choice
- school physicals
- prenatal care
- cancer care
- nutritional IV
- high dose Vitamin C for cancer care
- referrals to quality physicians who are friendly to natural healthcare beyond our scope
- home visits
Call our office if you have any questions: 707-996-9355
www.sonomanatmed.com
