In response to the number of phone calls we received about radiation exposure concerns here in CA, we sent out an email to address questions about radiation exposure and iodine use.  Below are some points we would like to reiterate and other ideas for protection, other than iodine.  

• We do not recommend anyone begin taking iodine supplements here in California 
• Since Potassium iodide would only protect only the thyroid from radioactive iodine, it is not a solution to exposure.
• There’s a huge amount of research showing that antioxidants protect healthy cells from all kinds of ionizing radiation. Flooding the body with our most powerful antioxidants would be the best way to go in our opinion.
• Supplements: Powerful antioxidants like R-lipoic acid and acetyl-l-carnitine would be ideal choices–if needed– as they penetrate fatty tissue like the brain and nervous system.
• Supplements: other common vitamins and nutrients studied and shown to be protective include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and NAC. Take a look in your cabinet and use what you have.
• Dosage:  peak levels of nutrients and herbs tend to last a couple of hours so divided doses throughout the day would be much more protective. 
• You can increase you intake of miso and seaweed– 20 grams of kelp daily– for further dietary support and protection during this uncertain time. 

Fish quality is so variable.  We know the testing for fish oils, but there is no testing requirements for contaminants in fish from the market.  We know that smaller fish are safer, but it’s not a guarantee.  Usually we don’t know the source of the oil itself—what ocean did the fish come from?  What part of the fish did the oil get extracted from?  For example, Cod is such a flaky fish because the oils come from the liver.  Cod itself is not a good source of Omega 3s, but Cod liver is an excellent source.

But I already take a fish oil supplement?  Why spend more?

Quality.  When you take a concentrated medicine, it is very important that it does not contain contaminants.  Otherwise, you get concentrated contaminants.  Just because it is “GMP approved” does not mean it is good quality.  There are various qualities of fish oil out there, even from the same vendor.  A reputable company will test each batch for pesticides, heavy metals, PCBs and dioxin.  Does your company go that extra step for safety?   Do you have validated sources of the fish oil you take—Norwegian, Atlantic, Pacific, what type of fish?    

I take flax seed oil, why do I need fish oil?

While flaxseed is healthy, it is precursor oil.  It must go through several conversions in the body to raise active EPA and DHA levels.  Our body does not convert this very well.  We have to consume huge quantities of flax oil to get any increase in EPA and DHA in blood.  Flax does have benefits, but for the active form of EPA and DHA, the best source of Omega 3 fatty acids is fish.

Is Krill Oil better?

There is very little information about the bioavailability and absorption of the EPA and DHA in Krill Oil.  The bulk of the information from the past 40 to 50 years about the benefits of Omega 3s is found in fish, not krill oil.  Krill may be an excellent source of EPA and DHA but it does not appear to be absorbed better than fish.  Therefore, due to lack of scientific validation about Krill Oil, we do not recommend its substitution.

The media has started again.  The next H1N1 flu pandemic is almost here.  While it is not clear if the H1N1 strain will actually be around this flu season, the CDC is gearing up for another big flu season and big pharma is close behind.

What Can We Do to Prepare?

The Flu Shot?

Flu viruses are constantly changing (called “drift”) – they can change from one season to the next AND they can even change within the course of one flu season. Experts must pick which viruses to include in the vaccine many months in advance in order for vaccine to be produced and delivered on time.  Because of these factors, there is always the possibility of a less than optimal match between circulating viruses and the viruses in the vaccine.

Health Habits Matter:
Good health habits such as minimizing sugar, staying away from smoking and smokers, and keeping your hands clean during flu season helps stop the spread.

Sour flavored foods such as sourdough, sauerkraut, olives, pickles, lemons, limes, aduki beans, rose hip tea, apples, plums, and grapes are all very good for you during this season change.

For example, The American Academy of Pediatrics published a study demonstrating that certain probiotics– specifically ones with Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM– reduce incidence and duration of flus, colds and symptoms.  Other probiotics without Lactobacillus NCFM or CUL strains do not guarantee this .  In studies done on children with viral diarrhea,  a few strains of certain species of lactobacillus may be capable of shortening the duration of diarrhea, whereas most others are not.  Remember this when purchasing for your family. See coupon below

Vitamin D3–An important regulator in immune response, vitamin D is a key factor in maintaining strong immunity. The properties of vitamin D activate the body’s natural defense against pathogens and viruses, triggering the proper response when the body is exposed to a harmful microorganism.  Natural food sources for vitamin D include egg yolk, Atlantic herring, Cod and other types of seafood. Otherwise, a high-quality vitamin D3 supplement is the next best choice.  Getting tested is the best way to know your proper dose and prevent overdosing.

Astragalus Root–  has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine.  Astragalus root strengthens the immune system, energy levels and overall vitality.  Add it to tea, soups, beans, or stews and reap the benefits all season long.

1. With only 500 calories a day, anyone would lose weight.
2. Although good research is lacking on this diet, in 1990 the South African Medical Journal did a double blind placebo controlled study and found no difference between the groups getting HCG shots and those getting shots of salt water when on the 500 kcal diet.
3. Nutritional concerns arise with a 500 kcal diet. 

If you are interested in weight control or loss, please consider the health risks involved when approaching this diet.  Numerous nutritional deficiencies can arrise when someone is on a 500 calorie a day diet.  If you feel you need guidance, Sonoma Naturopathic Medicine can help you to modify your diet and excercise routine to address weight concerns.  Please call us with any questions you may have.  707-996-9355

Fevers can be uncomfortable for the child, and definitely for the parent. Below is a list of facts to help ease your mind, yet keep you aware.

Facts About Fever

~Fever is part of the body’s normal response to infection.  Fever is a symptom not a disease.

~Routine fevers are not usually dangerous.  The underlying cause of the fever or dehydration from inadequate fluid consumption is the source of most potential problems.

~You cannot judge the severity of the condition by the height of the fever.  Above all else, how your child looks and acts determines the likelihood of a serious problem.  A child with a temperature of 101 who is abnormally quiet with a vacant stare is much sicker than a child with a fever of 104 who is playing and fully engaged in his environment.

~Fevers generated in the course of an illness are not in and of themselves dangerous.  The underlying cause of the fever and how sick your child looks are more important than the height of the fever.

~Fevers due to infection do not rise above 106 degrees and cannot harm your child.

~Fevers of 107° and 108° degrees can cause serious effect and usually result from heat stroke or accidental poisoning.  Common infections do not produce fevers of this degree.

~It is normal for one out of twenty healthy children under the age of five to have a febrile seizure.  These febrile seizures usually last only a few minutes and produce no lasting or harmful effects. High body temperatures are not more likely to result in febrile seizures compared to lower temperatures.

~Fevers can result from overdressing.  Dress your child in as many layers as they find comfortable.

~Infants and young children under 7 are generally able to tolerate higher fevers (104-105°F) than older children and adults.

When to Call Your Doctor

~A child with a temperature of 104°F or 105°F for more than 24 hours

~A child  who is abnormally quiet, listless, vacant stare, uncharacteristic behaviors, trouble breathing, severe head or neck ache, and or too painful to move.

~Never hesitate to call your doctor if you are uncertain, and always trust your instincts; the most important guideline in fever management is how your child is acting.

1)      Nutrition: Malnutrition impairs immune function.  Diets high in fruits, vegetables and nuts promote immune health, adequate protein intake is also important.  Medicinal mushrooms like shiitake, maitake and reishi contain complex carbohydrates that enhance immune activity against infections and cancer and can reduce allergies.  A major substance to avoid is sugar, both foods and juices containing sugar impair immune function. 

2)      Stress Less: When stressed, your adrenal glands churn out epinephrine (adrenalin) and cortisol.  While acute stress pumps up the immune system, long-term duress taxes it.  Psychological stress raises the risk for the common cold and other viruses.  Less often, chronic stress can promote a hyper-reactive immune system and aggravate conditions such as allergies, asthma and autoimmune disease.  Stress reducing activities such as meditation and Qigong produce positive changes in the immune system.

3)      Move your body: Moderate exercise discharges tension and stress and enhances immune function. 

4)      Sleep soundly: Sleep is a time when growth-promoting and reparative hormones work most effectively.  Sleep deprivation activates the stress response, depresses immune function and elevates inflammation.  Chronic sleep deprivation raises the risk of the common cold.

5)      Socialize more: People with richer social lives enjoy better health and longevity than people who live in solitude. 

6)      Avoid tobacco smoke: Children and adults exposed to tobacco smoke are more at risk for respiratory infections, including colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis and middle ear infections.

7)      Consume friendly bacteria: Beneficial microorganisms colonize our intestinal, lower urinary and upper respiratory tracts.  They outcompete bad ‘bugs’ and enhance immune function.  You can consume such bacteria in lower amounts in the form of live-cultured products such as yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi.  Probiotic supplements may reduce the risk of antibiotic-induced diarrhea, viral diarrhea, vaginitis and respiratory infections.

8)      Get more sunshine: Vitamin D plays a number of roles in promoting normal immune function.  Vitamin D deficiency correlates with asthma, cancer, several auto-immune diseases and susceptibility to infection.  Because few foods contain much vitamin D, supplementation is beneficial in addition to the amounts you get from spending short periods of time in the sun, without sunscreen.

9)      Familiarize yourself with immune enhancing herbs: Some medicinal plants that contain chemicals that enhance immune system activity include echinacea, ginseng, astragalus, garlic and shiitake, reishi and maitake mushrooms.  For an immune boosting soup when someone gets the sniffles; sauté onions, shiitake mushrooms and chicken, adding just enough water to keep the chicken from drying out.  Remove the chicken when it’s cooked and set aside.  Add fresh vegetables such as carrots and celery.  Cover with plenty of water.  Toss in three or four astragalus roots (the pressed root).  Toward the end of cooking, add Italian seasonings (thyme, rosemary, oregano), which are tasty and antimicrobial, and the chopped cooked chicken.  Before serving, add fresh, pressed garlic, one or two cloves per person, and remove the astragalus roots.  Enjoy!

Start with a healthy sleep schedule, school age children need approximately 10 hours of sleep each night to maintain a healthy system.  Sleep allows the body time to restore and heal itself, allowing your children to stay up later only makes their body more susceptible to illness the following days.

Diet is extremely important, plenty of protein, (approximately 8-12 grams per meal) fruits, vegetables and fiber are all necessary in maintaining healthy immune function.  Avoiding refined sugar is key, (including juice, breads, cookies, cakes, candies) it is a potent depressor of white blood cell production.  More sugar in the diet reduces the bodies ability to fight off illness.  If your child experiences food sensitivities, avoid those trigger foods, they will also reduce the bodies ability to fight off illness.  Foods that increase immunity would be sweet potatoes, carrots, winter squash, kale, broccoli, oranges, cantaloupe and dark skinned berries.

Supplementation can help strengthen immune function, giving your body the extra boost that it needs to ward off infection.

• Vitamin C is probably the most familiar, it is a potent antioxidant that supports white blood cell production and fights off bacteria and viruses.  You can get vit c from food sources or supplementation.
• Zinc can also be added as a strong antiviral, you can get some zinc from nuts and seeds but supplementation is the best way to get the higher doses, this comes in the form of a lozenge or a nasal gel.
• Essential fatty acids are necessary for the proper function of cellular membranes and modulating the activity of the immune system.  Supplementation is the best source for the doses of EFA’s, coming from either fish oil, flax seeds or evening primrose oil.
• Probiotics are beneficial to the digestive tract, keeping the digestive tract healthy helps to  keep immunity up.  A large study showed supplementation of probiotics alone decreased absences and upper respiratory infections.
• Herbs that are beneficial include Echinacea, Astragalus, Larch arabinogalactan, and Elderberry and flower.

*Dosage of supplements and herbs can vary depending on the size of the person using them, if you are not sure of the proper dose, or if you are on medication, please consult your Naturopathic Doctor.

Hand washing is key to prevention.  Teach your children early on to wash several times a day, especially before meals, and after using the rest room.  This is one of the best ways to stop the spread of diseases.

When your body is struck by illness, rest cannot be over stated, the more you rest, the more you allow your body to focus its energy to fighting the infection.  Eat lightly, broths and water are most beneficial, by keeping the bowels moving without the burden of digesting heavy meals you help promote healthy bacteria and reduce your overall toxin load.  Promoting fever is against our nature in western medicine, but a fever between 101-102 is healthy for the body, it helps the body to fight off the infection and regain health quicker.

If you do get sick and have a hard time getting better, consult your Naturopathic Doctor to help formulate a treatment plan to get you back to your healthy self.

Hajime Kimata, an allergist in Uji-City Japan, studied 26 patients with atopic dermatitis, who were all allergic to dust mites; most were also allergic to cedar pollen and cat dander.  After going 72 hours without medication, the participants underwent skin prick tests before and after viewing ‘Modern Times’ (Charlie Chaplin, 1936).  The wheal responses to dust mites, cedar pollen, and cat dander were significantly reduced after watching Chaplin and the effect lasted for hours.  In another study he compared watching a humorous or non-humorous film on patients with bronchial asthma and their reaction to known triggers.  Watching the funny movie reduced the asthmatic reactions, while the non-funny movie had no effect.  Kimata demonstrated that laughter decreases production of IgE antibodies specific to allergens.

Humor has even been found to benefit breastfeeding infants.  Kimata’s team found that Chaplin’s films increased Melatonin in breast milk and reduced allergy responses in infants.

One study of elderly men found that watching Mr. Bean shows elevated testosterone levels and improved skin hydration.

The incidence of atopic dermatitis in the U.S. has increased more and more over the past decade.  “These studies raise the question of whether cultural changes are affecting susceptible individuals who are prone to atopic dermatitis”, says Jacob Shor, ND in his above named article.

Has the move away from T.V. sitcoms like Alf and The Muppet Show to more action and drama such as Lost or CSI, and video games such as Grand Theft Auto that have replaced Super Mario Brothers and Sonic Hedgehog contributed to the rising incidence of atopic dermatitis and eczema?  These are interesting questions to ponder.  One thing is for sure, I’m not giving up my 30 Rock or The Office episodes anytime soon!