Posted by: drthyr on: May 14, 2009
It’s still windy here in Petaluma. I keep thinking it is going to ease up. I know that many people are still really suffering from allergies. I want to give you a couple more ideas of how to help.
Vitamin C – good ol’ vitamin C helps allergies because it is a mast cell stabilizer. Mast cells are the ones that release the histamines that are causing all of the symptoms…watery eyes, stuffed up sinuses, difficulty breathing, etc. Vitamin C is safe for most people. Get 500 mg 3-6 times/day. Just watch out for loose stools – that’s how you’ll know you’ve gotten too much.
Quercetin is another great mast cell stabilizer. It is a bioflavonoid, found in fruits and vegetables. In higher concentrations, like you will find in supplement form, can help decrease symtpoms. 250 mg three to four times/day should be good. Obviously, eating more fruits and vegetables will help as well.
The neti pot – nasal saline rinse – is also fantastic for decreasing congestion. I have seen the little sprays too – and if that helps you then great. I like the neti pot because it will get the saline deeper into your sinuses.
If you have chronic allergies, you may want to come in for a constitutional homeopathic remedy, or figure out if there is anything else underlying that is kicking up your immune system.
Posted by: drthyr on: April 23, 2009
It seems so simple, but it’s true. Good ol’ vitamin C, which most of us have in our medicine cabinets, helps relieve allergy symptoms.
Vitamin C is an excellent mast cell stabilizer. The mast cells are the ones who release the histamines when in the presence of allergens. So when those cells are a little less reactive, as they are with vitamin C, one experiences fewer allergy symptoms.
I like the little effervescent packages called “EmergenC” (available at most health food stores) because they have some b vitamins in them as well, and since you mix it in water, it helps increase your fluid consumption at the same time – never a bad thing.
I also keep a bottle of esterified C on my desk at work – this is a little less acidic and less likely to cause bowel problems.
Which brings me to dosage. Taking 2-4 grams of C daily is no problem for most people. Ideally, you want to spread that out in divided doses, like 500-1000 mg at a time. The most common side effect of excess vitamin C is lose stools. So find the balance between symptomatic relief and digestive disturbance. And keep in mind that the low acid or esterified C’s are less likely to cause a problem, if you happen to be sensitive. Too much vitamin C also causes mouth sores (canker sores) in some individuals.
Using local, unpasturized honey along with the vitamin C may give you even better relief. They would not have negative interactions.
Posted by: drthyr on: April 10, 2009
I have often had this vision of myself as a columnist for some fabulous journal or newspaper. Readers would write in their questions and I’d give my perspective and experience as a naturopathic doctor to help answer their questions.
Now, nothing beats and one-to-one appointment with a practitioner to help take care of your health concerns. But this might be an avenue to at least help people care for themselves in simple ways.
I decided this morning, that since I have this blog, I will begin here. I will answer both questions from you, my readers, as well as add some questions that I am frequently asked both in practice and in other settings.
Some things are too complicated. Or too individual. I will tell you when that is the case.
For now my agenda is allergies. I will give as much advice as I can for those suffering this time of year.
Posted by: drthyr on: April 3, 2009
I met with my trainer, Michael Finn, on Monday. I love the workouts he designs for me. He makes me feel good about the little progress I have made. He creates adjustments to make the program more difficult (arghhh!). But when all is said and done, nothing will change if I don’t work on my own. Therein lies the rub.
I always encourage my patients to just do the best that they can. I understand that they need support. When women want to start an exercise program, I encourage them to enlist a friend or spouse to make it more fun. For me, I had to ask Michael to babysit me a little bit. At least hold me more accountable on a more regular basis. Now I have weekly check-ins, by telephone – that old fashioned device that actually makes you speak in person to someone. Talk about accountability. I made it particularly difficult on myself because, like most children, I need firm boundaries. Michael is willing to be holder of the boundary.
We all need that from time to time. I firmly believe that we all need to take better care of ourselves. Sometimes that means enlisting some help along the way. Consider asking someone to be your life-line this spring to keep your self care in place. Once you have made it a good habit, then you probably don’t need that as much. But if you are beginning a new program, having support will help to make it stick.
Posted by: drthyr on: March 24, 2009
Ahhhh! The first days of spring. Feel the warmth, the movement of new plants, the freshness. We all feel a bit more motivated when the sun shines hotter and the days are longer.
Take advantage of the longer light to tend to yourself this spring. Sit outside and listen to the birds for 15 minutes at the end of the day. Breathe deeply. Drop your shoulders away from your ears. Tune out the news and demands of the day.
Find your local CSA or farmer’s market and get some good fresh greens and make a salad or some other fresh food for dinner.
Consider doing a detox or cleanse. Clean behind the sink. Smile when you are drying your hair.
Enjoy the spring!!!
Posted by: drthyr on: March 20, 2009
I have to say, I have been much better on the detox than I have been about the blog. I mostly just didn’t want to whine. It is difficult to continue this so diligently as well as being the cheerleader.
I feel great. Am soooo happy that I participated with the group. I’m ever so grateful that I have the support of my husband in the food prep. He doesn’t always follow the detox perfectly himself. But does support me and bring and make lots of cleanse-friendly food.
I am excited to be done, and not have to be so so perfect. I will continue to avoid sugar. That has not been difficult. Perhaps some dark chocolate during that one special week of the month.
I also don’t miss caffeine. I may have occasional green tea. But never back to the Peet’s habit that we’d fallen into. We also have an espresso machine at home, which can get dangerous. But honestly it is pain in the butt, and I don’t feel that good when I drink coffee.
As for the alcohol, I feel that most of us can get away with having a social cocktail or wine here and there. But more than that is just a waste of liver function, brain cells and calories.
We will start reintroducing the foods we’ve avoided tomorrow. I am a big fan of introducing certain things back in one at a time. I feel that we get the most information that way.
I am really glad I did the detox with the group. Happy as I am to be done, it always feels good to have successful completion.
If you have comments about doing a liver cleanse, I’d love to hear them. If you are interested in doing a detox, I’d be happy to work with you.
Posted by: drthyr on: March 14, 2009
This is the main week. It’s the week that we are really perfect in our food choices, elimination of caffeine, etc, and taking more of the detox supplement.
I came out of my fog of last week in good form. We’ll see if things get tough as I increase the powder to twice/day. But for now I am quite happy that we are doing this.
It is one of the things that usually changes for people when doing the detox. Better food choices seem a little more simple. Not so daunting. And that is what I hope will continue after we stop. Giving up all caffeine and alcohol is great too. There are some little habits in our lives that don’t really serve us. And when you decide to give them up for just a short time, it makes living without them more seem not only possible, but really quite a good idea!
I have been doing more research about the health effects of the toxins in our environment. Everything from BPS and phthalates in plastics, to non-stick cookware and upholstery fabrics, to the pesticides that our food is laden with, contribute to our ill health. Diabetes, heart disease, and infertility all have well-documented links. I imagine there are more that we have not uncovered yet.
Even if you don’t have time or inclination to do a cleanse, begin looking at some of the changes that you can make to eliminate the dangerous toxicity exposure in your life.
Posted by: drthyr on: March 13, 2009
Last night was rough. I was teaching anatomy. Couldn’t get out a complete sentence and my brain was a mess.
Today I have done the detox powder and all the food just so. Eliminated the last few little leaves of green tea from my morning brown rice/tea blend. I have been in a fog and head-achy all day. It was at it’s apex this afternoon arou 2:30. After I came home for lunch, thinking that a nice healthy meal of organic grilled chicken, brown rice, and grilled veggies would set my blood sugar straight again. No such luck. I got back to the office and felt worse than ever. Jeff Colaizzi (amazing chiropracter in my office) gave me an adjustment. That took the edge off. Geoffrey (hubby) brought me some green tea. I had a few sips – usually if it’s caffeine only a little will make it go away. It lessened slightly. But now (5:30 pm) just before detox class – I am still pretty much a foggy and achy mess.
Oooooo – isn’t this fun? Must meditate tonight. And remember why this is all so good for me!
Posted by: drthyr on: March 11, 2009
The weekend was a little rough. We had friends visiting. We went out to Nick’s Cove (www.nickscove.com) and while it is possible to stay on the detox while there, we just didn’t. I figured we were still on the taper week, so just had fun and let it go. I love that you do pay for that though. I didn’t feel that great on Sunday.
Monday was back to being good. I really appreciate the structure of the detox. The smoothies are great, filling, healthy. Then we have something real, local and green for lunch. Dark leafies when we can find them. Monday night Geoffrey (hubby) roasted an organic chicken with sweet potatoes and carrots. Delish! Tuesday we made organic broth with the carcas. We utilized some of the broth for a chicken, rice and veggie soup. He threw in some white beans and some veggies we’d grilled that were languishing in the fridge. So tasty. I wish you could taste it.
Today I canned the broth, made my smoothie, working on some cran-splashed water. The food is the biggest thing. It totally takes over your life. I enjoy the change. That focus is what I need at times. And yes, it’s a pain in the butt. But makes me realize that I actually CAN do it. Just like letting go of caffeine or sugar or whatever your little vice is. It feels good to realize that anything is possible.
This afternoon I have to work. Geoffrey will make the Quinoa Salad from Eating Clean. I will make the fruit/nut spread. Then we’ll be stocked up for a bit.
Posted by: drthyr on: March 11, 2009
I woke this morning feeling happy and energetic. I slept forever too. I think that rest during a detox is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
Last night was a little rough. It was Friday night. We were playing Scrabble. I’d had a very long and exhausting day. (And, as is usual for early detox days, I hadn’t planned for enough food for as long as I was going to be at the office.) But i knew things were bad when i teared up when I couldn’t play my really good word on the board. Time for bed!
Today is a fresh day. I am working on eliminating all of the clutter and junk around. Then friends arrive and we’ll go out to the coast.
