By Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Female Hormone Expert
Hormones raging with PMS or Perimenopause? When women permanently feel agitated, or like they constantly have PMS, they are likely in Perimenopause, which commonly starts in the late 30's or early 40's or about ten years prior to actual menopause.
Perhaps you feel completely fine hormonally but you are a stressed-out public servant like I am, simply worn down by people raging at you? God forbid you are experiencing both, but fear not, I have the perfect herbal medicine for that!
It's time for my Anti-Rage Latte! Simply add ashwagandha to warm almond milk to calm you, cocoa stimulates PEA in your brain to actually make you feel happy, and a bit of little cinnamon and stevia makes it all delicious. Then sip this herbal concoction twice daily to protect you and your fried little adrenal glands from all the stress and hormonal rage constantly swirling around us. Let me know if you come up with a more delicious herbal recipe variation here if you are a culinary artist! The only way we will get through these tough times is together ladies!
ANTI-RAGE LATTE RECIPE
½ tsp Ashwagandha (2 capsules)
½ Tbl cocoa powder
¼ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp Stevia
1 Cup Warm Almond Milk and drink
Today I am prescribing my “ANTI-RAGE LATTE” to the angry screaming masses. If you serve the public I call this "White Noise" right now so as not to tweak out into a PTSD panic attack.
Check out my latest blog on Adrenal Gland Health to determine if you are in Fight, Flight or Fright mode and therefore a candidate for an adrenal adaptogen herb like my favorite "QUEEN OF HERBS" Ashwagandha. For those of you that have been through way too much stress (myself included) please enjoy this simple recipe to treat your brain and adrenal glands to the RIGHT things you need to feel happy right now and not depressed.
While alcohol, Fast Food, and sugary treats are definitely a quick fix for constant stress they all have rebound effects that make you just feel worse, chronically fatigued, and weaker over time. When I feel like I have reached my max with stress and want to binge eat food to medicate my bad mood, then I know it is time for some Ashwagandha!
You can check out my latest blogs on "Ashwagandha," "Herbs for Anxiety" and the Adrenal Glands so that you can get yourself in check and start responding with excessive kindness when you feel like you are in a rage. Many doctors, nurses, health care workers, and public servants are totally FRIED and we simply cannot take any more people raging at us. We need people to drink their Anti-Rage Latte and give us a little bit of grace, extra time, kindness, and patience to get our jobs done that have never been made more difficult, more stressful, more inefficient, and more frustrating.
Please keep that in mind when you are calling my office or calling your doctor, nurse, or hospital. Whatever problems you feel you have endured, multiply that times 10,000 and that is what we have endured as health care workers. So today I am showing you my simple morning ritual so I can go to work and be in my “Ashwagandha Bubble” safe from angry hormonal women raging at me about things beyond my control, and instead of raging back at them, quietly working through each unique individual and oftentimes chaotic issue in the office without getting sucked into the drama, so I can continue to serve women as a Naturopathic Doctor.
I will be perfectly honest, I am NOT loving my job right now which is why so many nurses and doctors are quitting as we go on 2 LONG years working in a severely broken health care system that was not great before this all started. My day includes long wait times with pharmacies, counseling patients whose marriages are deteriorating, grief counseling every single day for at least one patient who has lost a family member, and battling the labs because they have messed up my patient’s hormone testing for the 9000th time! So this is what I rely on to keep me grounded. Before the Pandemic the month of 9/11 was the hardest time I had ever worked. But even back then when everyone was crying , hysterical, and traumatized they were still kind to their doctors and nurses.
The Pandemic Rage going around has simply been too much to bear, and as I continue on into my 20th month of 2020....(LOL) not even knowing or caring what date it is anymore, I am personally relying heavily on a LOT of Ashwagandha. You should definitely check out all of the latest research I just summarized on my favorite restorative herb because it is such an ALL STAR that provides a variety of benefits including Boosting mood, aiding sleep, lowering stress levels, decreasing anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. In addition to Ashwagandha let's not forget to use a lot of everyone's favorite herb cocoa as it helps to stimulate PEA in our brain to help us feel happy. I drink this AM and PM and sometimes mid-day when it is an extra “FUN DAY.”
Are you tired of feeling constantly anxious, stressed, or depressed? Is it time for you to start feeling your absolute best? Then treat yourself to a Naturopathic Hormone consultation with me by popping over to my SCHEDULE page so we can work together as a team to help you feel awesome! If you don't want to come into my clinic or are not in Arizona I am happy to help you by Telemedicine phone consult!
Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Female Hormone Expert
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School at Bastyr University. With over 22 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 27 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!
Dr. Nicole Sundene
Scottsdale Naturopathic Hormones
Feeling a hormonal rage coming on? The best place for you to go after testing hormones is to the Simply Smashing Rage Release Room in Tempe, Arizona!
As a Mom I had a blast with my kid and immediately saw a tremendous therapeutic benefit for my angry hormonal patients, mental health patients, and those heavily challenged by frustrating life circumstances, lost jobs, grief, and loss of loved ones.
The Rage Room is set up as a safe space to express your anger, so you can process it and leave it behind. You can hit bottles with a baseball bat, crush a TV, computer, or printer with a sledgehammer, or make a “Hate Plate” by writing something on a plate that you hate and then SMASHING it to leave that rage behind.
This is a brilliant Nobel Prize winning therapeutic concept that I think everyone should embrace and even better my daughter said it was super fun. So Dr. Mom is happy that her kid is having fun while we are re-purposing waste, processing emotions, and learning more about how our children feel on the inside.
Asking your angry Teen or Tween to make a “Hate Plate” may be a good way to start a conversation about what they are upset about.
Our country has reached an epidemic level of rage. So today I am prescribing The Rage Room to the angry masses. Let’s talk to our kids at an early age and teach them the correct way to express anger and move on. By taking them to the Rage Room you are modeling for them that it is okay to feel upset, and this is a place that we deal with it, release the rage, and move on. Everything you smash at the Rage Room is now in the past and no longer in the present.
Whether your rage is situational or hormonal from PMS, Menopause, Perimenopause, Estrogen Dominance, Postpartum Depression, etc, I promise you will thank me later for my suggestion to take the rage out on objects and not the people you love!
One thing I regularly hear as a hormone doctor treating patients with PMS is the regret, shame, and depression they feel after screaming at their husbands and kids when they were simply hormonal. This is an easy fix. Just keep a period tracker app, and then tell your partner you have PMS and are headed to the Rage Room! They will probably be super grateful and offer to just pay for it 😉
TOP TEN TIPS FOR ANGER
One of my favorite things to do when angry, is to listen to loud party music from the 80’s and 90’s when I had very little stress. These upbeat songs help me shift my angry energy back to the happy party energy I had during more carefree times!
So crank up your favorite happy party music in your car and head over to The Simply Smashing Rage Release Room to smash things, throw things, and leave that hate behind. Use Code: “Doctor” to get a discount on your first therapeutic session. Please whatever you do, just don’t take your anger out on other people! Spreading kindness towards others even when they do not deserve it also boosts mental health. Save that anger, rage, and bad attitude for The Rage Room!
If you need my help testing and treating hormonal anger, or mental health issues, simply visit my SCHEDULE page or give us a call to treat yourself to a Naturopathic Visit. I would be happy to help!
Dr. Nicole Sundene
(480) 837-0900
P.S. No CVS pharmacists were actually harmed in my Instagram video! This video was just a joke, and I greatly appreciate all of the pharmacies, and pharmacists and healthcare workers that have been working working hard during the medication shortages to provide my patients with their hormones and medications. We are ALL frustrated with these supply and medication shortages.
Thank you to every pharmacy and pharmacist for your service!
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease.
She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!
Dr. Nicole Sundene
Holistic Dermatology & Hormones
Dermatology conditions like aging skin, loss of skin turgor, sallow, and blah lifeless skin are a common complaint in my Holistic Women's Health practice.
When women are suffering with Menopause, Perimenopause, Hypothyroidism, Hashimotos and Hormone Imbalance they also complain of dry skin.
Sometimes the hormone imbalance can cause new acne, eczema, psoriasis, hives, rashes, and autoimmune skin issues a woman has never experienced before as the body becomes naturally more inflamed with menopause and hormone imbalance.
While we are working to address "The Root Cause" of the dermatology symptoms this is a generally soothing skin formula that many of my patients report improvement with. As with any herbs, there is risk of Food Allergy or Food Sensitivity.
Although Olive Oil and Rosemary are both anti-aging, a different carrier oil can be used such as coconut, sesame, or avocado oil.
Supersonic Anti-aging Skin Oil
1-5 drops organic Rosemary essential oil
4 oz Olive Oil
4 vitamin e capsules
2 tsp Rosemary Leaf Oil
For my recipe on Instagram I used a premade rosemary leaf oil I had made from rosemary leaves from my garden along with olive oil and then added vitamin e, and 1-2 drops of rosemary essential oil. If omitting the homemade rosemary oil then you may need to add a little more rosemary essential oil.
Combine all ingredients and stir well. Please keep this preservative free formula covered in a dark area. I use this within four weeks of making. I like to mix a couple pumps of the oil with mix my moisturizer this time of year while it is so hot. Dry skin complaints are at their peak right now so I thought I would share this simple remedy for dry skin, anti-aging, and the best part is rosemary is a natural bug repellant.
You may even repel some people as not everyone likes the way this smells so you may want to add a few drops of lavender or mint. Keep mint and rosemary away from the eyes!
This is my best anti-aging tip for the outside of your skin as a holistic dermatologist. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for my latest Naturopathic tips since not every recipe makes it on to my blog.
To treat your skin from the inside eat clean and check out my Dermatology tea blog for anti-aging. I have also been hearing reports from my acne patients that the ginger in the tea is helping clear up their skin and prevent breakouts!
If you need my help with your skin, nutrition, or hormones simply pop over to my SCHEDULE page to treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit.
Dr. Nicole Sundene
(480) 837-0900
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease.
She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy
References:
By Dr. Nicole Sundene
Holistic Hormone Doctor
PTSD Symptoms can be greatly improved by addressing the patient from a holistic hormone Naturopathic approach in addition to proper counseling therapy and EMDR. As someone that specializes in Holistic Psychiatry, I highly recommend hormone testing for all patients suffering with PTSD symptoms.
I never fully understood how SEVERE PTSD symptoms were until I volunteered to help Veterans with PTSD in 2007. An elderly Veteran patient of mine asked me if I would consider helping some of the young vets returning from war with their anxiety and PTSD. At first I was very intimidated and thought, “What could I possibly know as a Naturopathic Doctor that can help this severely scary and traumatic condition?” Many of the veterans experienced such horrific scenarios they did not even want to trouble me with the details. I told them I needed to hear what they experienced and what was haunting them in order to help them.
Once I actually listened to the horrors of what they were battling... their nightmares, the panic attacks, depression, constant feeling of being on edge I realized that our war heroes are still battling a war in their minds even long after they return from war. It was so horrific to listen to that I began to have nightmares myself as I also worked to get the visions of what they described out of my own head.
As we worked on their nutrition and herbal medicine plans I began to realize how truly important Naturopathy was for their healing process. Many were adverse to taking psychiatric medications or had already tried them to no avail. Many appreciated the option to try something natural to help calm them down rather than rely on drugs as drug addiction is a common consequence of PTSD so prescribing anxiolytic medications such as valium is a double edged sword that may be more harmful than helpful. Never before had any doctor at the VA talked to them about their adrenal glands and how to work to reset them from the constant episodes of panic and stress.
Healing the adrenal glands requires herbal medicine and nutrition as there is not much in MD prescription land that helps to heal the adrenal glands. In PTSD, panic, and anxiety disorder the adrenal glands primarily get taxed from constant stress and can play a huge role in the cluster of symptoms related to PTSD causing a vicious PTSD Loop:
PTSD Trigger---> Panic Attack--->Paranoia ---> Hypervigilance --->Agitation-->Rage--->Self Harm or Violent Behavior---Overwhelming Guilt--->Depression---> Anxiety--->Insomnia----> Constantly Feeling on Edge---->Never Feeling Safe--->Hypervigialnce----> REPEAT
PTSD Symptoms Include:
Sadly many of our Veterans never receive proper help, and while many of them were super grateful for the Naturopathic service I provided them I realized it was all actually quite simple and makes sense from a biochemistry standpoint that we MUST address and tonify our Veterans adrenal glands with Naturopathy along with providing them with Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Counseling, EMDR, Yoga, Meditation, and Psychiatry.
Just like my female victims of domestic violence that have experienced rape and physical violence, often they complain that the psychiatric drugs used for treating anxiety symptoms in PTSD cause them to feel out of control which then makes them feel more unsafe when they are not in control. When the patient with PTSD symptoms is not in control of their body or situation that can ironically actually trigger their PTSD symptoms!
This is why Naturopathic Medicine is SO IMPORTANT FOR PTSD! As a Naturopathic Hormone Doctor I have tools in my toolbox to help tonify the adrenal glands that are completely out of whack with PTSD and overtaxed, fried and burnt out. I have B-vitamin shots to help “bathe” the adrenal glands and nervous system in the very cofactors needed to heal and repair these fried systems. And I have gentle “Herbal Sedatives” to offer that can ease anxiety and provide a calming effect while still allowing the patient to remain in control of the situation. Because NOTHING scares my PTSD patient more than being checked out on heavy drugs and not feeling like they are in control. When we fail to offer helpful treatments for PTSD symptoms we risk PTSD patients self medicating with drugs and alcohol. Which is why so many Vets struggle with substance abuse issues and even worse end up committing suicide because nobody can properly help them with their PTSD.
Today I am writing about Naturopathy, Hormones and PTSD to encourage anyone with PTSD to consider Naturopathic Medicine. Our country that has the FINEST health care system in the world has COMPLETELY FAILED its Veterans and every Vet battling PTSD deserves to have a Naturopathic Doctor in their VA Hospital to help them heal from a mind/body/spirit standpoint. If you have any ability to change how PTSD is addressed for our vets or you know someone that can get my information to the proper channels it is critical to the men and women that have bravely served our country that they get proper Naturopathic support!
Regardless of what the initial cause of the PTSD symptoms are, many men and women are left in a chronic vicious loop of PTSD Symptoms---> Trigger---> Panic Attack----> Generalized Anxiety Disorder--> REPEAT.... loop that can be broken with a proper holistic treatment plan to address the PTSD. We must use multiple modalities to heal patients from PTSD and sadly many of our young men and women are sent back to America after going to war with inadequate care because to truly break this pattern of PTSD we need multiple modalities. In 2007 I volunteered and helped many vets with their PTSD and quickly learned the importance of Naturopathic Medicine and the role it can play in helping our country’s heroes heal and repair from the trauma of war. At first I thought, “PTSD symptoms are SO SERIOUS….what can I possibly do as a Naturopathic Doctor to help someone with this severe of symptoms?”
But guess what?
My Vets with PTSD symptoms THRIVED with Naturopathy. They all improved within a few months. Symptoms they struggled with for years began to resolve within a few months of Naturopathic care! I hate to brag but sometimes Naturopathic Medicine even amazes me with its capacity to heal and repair the body. We just need to offer the PTSD patient the correct treatment plan to heal their body from the PTSD symptoms.
Without proper treatment many vets lack the coping skills needed to recover and can fall victim to drugs and alcohol as a suboptimal treatment course for their PTSD. Naturopathy truly excels at treating PTSD because there is not much in regular allopathic prescription medicine that addresses the adrenal glands aside from beta blocker medications commonly used for high blood pressure and anxiety such as propranolol.
While the beta blocker can stop the heart from pounding and block the adrenaline reaction that happens when the PTSD patient is triggered the medication is not nourishing or healing to this pathway as many of our “Adrenal Adaptogen” herbs have the capacity to heal. Ashwaghanda is one of my favorite adapogen herbs because it is mild enough that patients can take it during the day yet it helps stop the vicious adrenaline/PTSD pattern
Optimizing B vitamins is also important for the PTSD patient’s nervous system and adrenal glands. B vitamins are the food for the adrenal glands and are necessary cofactors for making neurotransmitters and thus can easily become depleted with each panic attack.
Anxiety, Depression and PTSD can all be improved generally with Naturopathic Medicine. When I first started volunteering for vets with PTSD in 2007, I learned the powerful importance of adrenal support for PTSD. Every time we have a stress response we tax our adrenal glands that then think we are actually “Running from a bear." Measuring the hormone levels to determine if they are deficient or running in excess or both.
Optimizing hormones and nutrition almost always helps my mental health patients feel stronger physically and emotionally. Its almost shocking to me as a doctor how MUCH Naturopathic Medicine can benefit my mental health patients.
Especially for women with mood swings. There is almost always a hormone imbalance piece I find as an underlying cause with PTSD
Thank you to our heroes for serving our country and working to keep us safe. There is nobody out there that appreciates you more than I do so I hope you enjoyed the information I have put together on PTSD and the adrenals today as my way of showing my appreciation for our vets. I hope this information can be shared and more awareness of the importance of Naturopathy for our vets can become common knowledge so that we can have a solid program to address the mental, physical and spiritual health of our vets when they return from war. We could save lives, prevent suicide, and prevent substance abuse with proper treatment and awareness of the need for adrenal support and mental health nutrition. Someday I hope we have Naturopathic Doctors at every VA to work in concert with counselors and therapists and that it is common knowledge that PTSD survivors need.
Happy Veterans Day to all of the amazing men and women who have served our country! Thank you for what you have done for all of us!
We love you and support you always!!!
If you or someone you know needs help with their PTSD simply pop over to my SCHEDULE page to treat yourself to a Naturopathic Consult. For those not in Arizona I am available via Telemedicine and would be delighted to help you with your PTSD.
Dr. Nicole Sundene
Naturopathic Doctor
(480) 837-0900
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology , Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 22 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones she presents to women the best integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 27 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones and Naturopathy!
Dr. Nicole Sundene
Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the most complicated conditions I treat as a Women’s Health Naturopathic Doctor. As someone with an Autoimmune disease, I understand just how painful and debilitating this condition is for many of my RA patients. So before I answer the most common questions my RA patients have, I want to explain how what I do for autoimmunity is a process and not just a prescription.
Trust me, after eighteen years of living with my autoimmune disease if there was a “Magical Herb from the Rainforest” to make it all just go away, I would be on it and that is what I would be blogging about. Instead, what I do for RA is multifactorial, and is a process that every patient needs to go through because it is not the same for every patient. Some of the things that work for my autoimmune disease do not work for others. This is because we are all similar, yet unique like “Snowflakes.”
I am sure you would not be googling natural solutions to solve the chronic pain, swelling, and disfigurement of Rheumatoid Arthritis unless you were not getting lasting solutions that actually worked as I describe in my story about “Why I Became a Naturopathic Doctor.”
I understand these painful autoimmune frustrations first hand, and exactly what it feels like to deal with callous uncaring doctors that cannot provide me with lasting solutions that actually work.
Many Rheumatoid Arthritis patients have to pay a high amount of money in prescription drugs to maintain their pain. Often health conditions can quickly become expensive such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, ADHD, depression, anxiety, when we do not take the time to listen to the body and understand why the symptoms are present.
I never want anyone to enroll as an autoimmune patient in my practice without first understanding what I will be doing as your “Natural Rheumatologist” that is quite different from taking steroids and immune suppressing drugs that can put Arizona autoimmune patients at higher risk for West Nile Virus and Valley Fever. Recently, I just had a patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis be discharged from the hospital after a bad case of Valley Fever Pneumonia. The ER doctors specifically said “You have to stop taking your immunosuppresants or the next time you end up here with pneumonia, you will die.”
Sadly, I had warned her about this many years ago, yet she did not want to do the nutrition changes that are realistically required to manage RA pain naturally.
Let me take a minute to explain how I help my patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis achieve lasting solutions so that they do not have to rely on prescription drugs, or need the least amount possible.
First off let’s discuss our failed American Medical Model:
TAKE X Rheumatoid Arthritis DRUG FOR X Pain, Swelling, and Disfigurement
What I actually want to do as your “Natural Rheumatologist” To help you learn how to manage the pain naturally with less medication is the following:
#1 Why to you have Rheumatoid Arthritis?
#2 What is the “Root Cause” or underlying causes of your RA? (Hint it is different for every woman)
#3 Are you deficient in any vitamins, minerals, or nutrients needed to reduce inflammation and pain?
#4 How can we better manage weight gain and chronic fatigue common in RA?
#5 How can we improve insomnia and reduce stress so your joints can heal?
#6 Is there an underlying chronic infection triggering your immune system?
#7 Are your female hormones and thyroid in proper balance or is the imbalance actually spiking inflammation and causing more pain? (Common cause I find.)
#8 Teach Rheumatoid Arthritis patients to manage their weight, hormones, pain, and fatigue with my inflammation reducing Naturopathic meal plans and recipes.
#9 Addressing the gut inflammation is often why my patients have RA inflammation and pain in the first place. Testing the microbiome, and ruling out dysbiosis is critical for many of my thyroid patients.
#10 Remove individualized food triggers spiking pain and inflammation.
#11 Screen for other autoimmune disease such a as Hashimoto's thyroiditis I commonly see occurring, often when we see one autoimmune disease, there may be two or three more not yet diagnosed.
Without understanding #1 and #2 on my list, I sadly have seen many RA patients fail to control their pain, swelling, weight gain, insomnia, and chronic fatigue naturally, or with less medication.
Without a proper anti-inflammatory nutritional foundation, perfect hormones, and understanding that darn “Root Cause” (Hint it’s different for everyone) Natural Medicine will often fail.
I want every woman with autoimmune disease in my practice to be a success story, because I live the pain and frustrations myself. I don’t want autoimmune patients that cannot work gradually through the above list to enroll into my practice because I know they will fail, and then I don’t get that “Joy of Fixing You” that I need to be happy as a doctor.
I also know that some days just surviving each pain flare can feel like completing an Ironman Triathlon. Patience runs very thin with women in pain and they desire a quick fix which Naturopathic Medicine sadly is not. Natural medicine takes several months for the average autoimmune patient to improve. And yes, I do recommend staying on full doses of Rheumatology drugs until we begin to notice improvement before we begin to taper them down. There is little sense in allowing your joints to be destroyed while we are working towards a better long term plan.
So please do treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit with me if you want real answers, want the right anti-inflammatory nutrition for your body, want to take herbal medicine, and want me to fix the underlying hormone imbalance that is most often triggering worse swelling and pain in RA. Which is why many women are diagnosed with RA in perimenopause and menopause.
While I love helping women with Rheumatoiod Arthritis, I also have been doing this job for over seventeen years as a Naturopathic Doctor and want every woman in pain to have realistic expectations with the type of medicine I practice. Simply visit my SCHEDULE page to treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit! I would be happy to help.
WHAT IS THE BEST NATURAL HOLISTIC TREATMENT FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that responds very well to naturopathic treatments. Well researched natural treatments such as diet, herbs, vitamins, and other holistic therapies implemented early on can prevent the need for the overuse of harsh medications such as chemotherapeutic agents, corticosteroids, and drugs with a myriad of side effects such as hydroxychlorquine typically needed to aggressively manage symptoms.
Most of my MD colleagues are happy to refer patients with frustrating autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis off to naturopaths, as a thorough diet and lifestyle cleanup typically works wonders for improving the disease course. Although this article is primarily discussing RA, the general treatment concept should be helpful for most cases of autoimmunity.
Please consult with your doctor or naturopathic physician to develop an individualized plan that is right for you, natural medicines may have interactions with your medications or other health conditions that should always be researched thoroughly before implementing.
WHAT ARE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS?
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis results from the autoimmune attack from the body’s own immune system. attacks the joints creating inflammation and the resultant symmetrical poly-arthritis typically affecting the wrists, knees, elbows, shoulders, ankles, and neck.
Swelling, heat, deformity of joints, morning stiffness and pain with passive motions are all hallmark symptoms. Seventy percent of patient’s exhibit radiologic signs of damage within three years of onset, so early aggressive preventative therapies are important to protect joint integrity.
Reversing joint damage is difficult. An “ounce of prevention” is truly “worth a pound of cure” in this case. Systemically patients additionally experience fatigue, depression, general malaise, loss of appetite, enlarged lymph nodes and spleen, and visual impairments.
WHAT ARE THE EARLY SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
What is the Cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Since the etiology of RA is currently unknown, and all we know about RA in our current medical model is that “anti-body-complement complexes result in intra-articular inflammation” it is thus important that we eliminate all potential immune system aggravators, and ALWAYS address causes of health imbalance in the patient where applicable.
In layman’s terms, the immune system is reacting to something in the system, and those immune complexes are depositing in the joints, causing inflammation, the resultant inflammation is systematically destroying the joints. Until the cause of RA is further understood, as a biochemist and physician I think it is imperative that all food additives and other chemicals are removed from the diet and lifestyle. Something in the system is likely triggering the inflammatory autoimmune response, and it is better to error on the side of caution. Whole foods eating is the way to go.
All patients with RA will surely improve from a diet and lifestyle clean up, as from a sensible standpoint; a pure whole foods diet will only improve the total health of the patient while we investigate other potential causes of this frustrating and debilitating painful disease.
I have yet to see someone with an autoimmune disease that did not improve dramatically from healthier eating and living. If changing your diet and lifestyle seems overwhelming from reading this article, please consider your long term health, and make small goals to achieve systematically. Stay positive and don’t get caught by a potentially debilitating case of the “I cants”.
CAN NATURAL MEDICINE HELP RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?
Naturopathic Medicine can help reduce the side effects of medications, reduce symptom severity and frequency, and alleviate the need to take as much prescription medicine.
As with any modality naturopathic medicine also has its own set of limitations. Natural treatments take more time than prescription drugs. Keep in mind the immune system turns over a new supply of white blood cells about every 4 months. Joints are avascular meaning that they lack a blood supply and receive all their nutrients through simple diffusion. The natural treatment of joint problems therefore requires time, discipline, and dedication.
Patient compliance is typically an obstacle to cure when it comes to natural healing techniques for autoimmune disease. Be sure to work with a licensed naturopathic physician for the best holistic management of this complex condition, preferably one with a special interest in autoimmune conditions. Initially, frequent appointments should help you stay more motivated to make these changes.
WHAT IS THE BEST DIET FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
BEST VITAMINS AND MINERALS FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?
BEST HERBS FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?
NATURE CURE FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
When all else fails with chronic disease, naturopathic medicine works wonders when we apply nature cure philosophies such as "Treat the Root Cause," “Remove the obstacles to cure” and “Treat the whole person" from a mind/body/spirit perspective.
Remove the Obstacles to Cure
Obstacles to cure are the things that are getting in the way of bringing your body in to a healthier state of balance. Anything listed above that you struggle to implement is therefore an “obstacle to cure”. Identify your challenges and work on overcoming them systematically. Start with the simplest obstacles to improve self efficacy, or tackle the hardest like quitting smoking to make the most significant impact in your health.
Treat the Whole Person
You are not a symptom. You are not a body. You are not inflammation. You are not pain. You are a complex being that is challenged by a painful case of arthritis. This is not just about your body, it is also about the mind and spirit that have to live in this body. The growing field of “psychoneuroimmunology” investigates how our minds affect our immune system. Nurture the mind and spirit connection to support your body.
Sample Naturopathic Treatment Plan for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
*PLEASE NOTE* Always check with your physician for drug interactions or medical contraindications before implementing any new treatments as this is not individualized care. Included for example only, preferably make an appointment with me for proper help:
Need my help reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation with Rheumatoid Arthritis? This is one of my favorite things to do. I would be happy to help! Simply visit my SCHEDULE page to treat yourself to a Naturopathic Hormone balancing visit!
Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology , Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 22 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones she presents to women the best integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 27 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones and Naturopathy.
By Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Holistic Dermatology & Autoimmunity
"Is there an herbal medicine for Scleroderma? Will Naturopathic Medicine help my autoimmune disease?"
~Cindy P, Scottsdale, AZ
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder that results in progressive fibrosis of the system as collagen connective tissue fibers overgrow and become deposited inappropriately in the blood vessels. Patients often complain of a white skin rash. The white color is caused by excess collagen in the skin.
Symptoms typically begin with Raynauds (lack of blood flow to fingers, pallor, pain and paresthesaias) accompanied by edema of the fingers, and tightening of the skin. Scleroderma can also be associated with a CREST variant which is an acronym for Calcinosis, Raynauds phenomena, Esophageal dysfunction, Sclerodactyly and Telangectasia. Primarily we are concerned with end organ failure as these collagen fibers become deposited in the kidneys, heart, bowel and lungs.
First I will discuss diet and lifestyle factors important for this disease, followed by a highly researched herbal medicine known to modulate the aberrant connective tissue production.
I have a special interest in autoimmune diseases because:
#1 I suffer from Lupus, an Autoimmune condition
#2 I have many referrals from other patients with Autoimmune disease because nobody else can really help them.
#3 I simply find Autoimmune Disorders very fascinating! Plus it responds well to Naturopathy.
MD’s become frustrated with autoimmune disease due to lack of good conventional treatments aside from prednisone, methotrexate and various chemotherapy drugs. The drugs are often more harmful to my poor autoimmune patients than their actual disease state! For mild to moderate autoimmune disease, Naturopathic Medicine is best in my experience.
Mainly because Naturopathic Medicine follow a therapeutic order that initially starts with addressing diet and lifestyle, fondly referred to as “The foundations for health." The more complicated the disease, the more basic the treatment plan. This means the more symptoms my patient has, the more likely there is an issue with their foundations of health, their nutrition, sleep, stress, or emotional state must be addressed.
Now chronic disease really fascinates me and the first thing I like to do is put on my “medical investigator” hat and try to figure out what is really going on. As a Hormone Doctor I often find underlying hormone imbalance impacting the immune system. Low progesterone or low estrogen especially can increase inflammation in the body which is why women experience more inflammatory conditions as they near menopause. Hormononal conditions like perimenopause, menopause and hypothyroidism can mechanically cause the skin to be dryer and therefore more susceptible to autoimmune attacks.
Testosterone stimulates oil production in the skin and when women begin to lose their testosterone around age 35 they notice premature aging of their skin and become more at risk for many dermatology conditions and skin rashes.
In my experience many things such as scleroderma that are labeled “etiology unknown” as in “the medical community cannot agree on what causes this, or there is no definitive evidence available as to what causes this…etc” still have a cause in that particular patient. If you have a chronic disease it is important that you sit down with a Naturopathic Doctor and allow them to diligently comb through your health history. Poor diet, toxic exposures to heavy metals, pesticides, and possibly even vaccinations received when ill are often concomitant.
Aspartame use is always of interest to me when working with someone with autoimmune disease. I am unsure if aspartame is the new “lead pipes” or “asbestos” and we just don’t have definitive evidence to get it off the shelves and out of peoples diets yet, or if particular individuals lack the necessary enzymes to metabolize it appropriately, or if they are allergic to the aspartame, but I find it peculiar that many women are addicted to diet soda and suffer from lupus, Sjogren's, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and even fibromyalgia have all been heavy aspartame users. If you are sick you should just plain and simple NOT use aspartame. I believe that it is better to err on the side of caution with this particular situation.
There is no nutritional need for this chemical in your diet and you can learn how to use stevia as an alternative sweetener. The aspartame has simply got to go. And when it does most patients interestingly enough, get better. In the last 100 years there are many incidences of man-made chemicals that were once declared as safe, eventually being deemed as having deleterious effects and being taken off the market. Initially the FDA didn’t even approve table sugar for household use. Too bad they did, right? Diabetes and obesity now run rampant in our society thanks to refined foods like sucrose and white flour.
Now that the aspartame is out of the diet lets get the rest of the chemicals out too. Splenda is not so splendid and that must also go. The only sugar free sweetener I consider safe to use is Stevia.
A whole foods, natural diet free of processed food is the best place to start if you have an autoimmune condition. The effects may take two weeks or two months, but I have never seen a patient with chronic disease not benefit from cleaning up their diet. Everyone benefits from a clean diet. My PGE-2 Diet has been developed from trial and error with my own patients using foods researched to reduce inflammation.
In addition to whole foods eating, I recommend autoimmune and Dermatology patients follow my "PGE-2 Diet" to learn how to easily temper inflammation through diet. Most of the treatments autoimmune patients are given are done to reduce inflammation in the skin which we can do naturally with diet changes.
A proper eight hours of sleep, stress management, and gentle exercise are the foundations to health for all autoimmune patients. Having any of these factors out of balance will impact the immune system adversely.
Last, but most importantly with any chronic disease, it is important to understand the emotional state of the patient. Recent research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology reveals how interrelated our thoughts are to how our immune system functions. One expert lecturer on the topic of auto-immunity brought up the interesting question “why is someone’s body attacking itself?”
Anger, and other unresolved emotions if present are well worth investigating with a therapist. Although a great deal of research exists to support the theory in autoimmunity that the immune system has gone haywire from attacking a virus it could not clear. Please make sure you are healthy emotionally and making good choices for your body and emotional state. I have seen many women over the years in very unhappy marriages adversely impact their autoimmune disease. Guess what happens when they get a divorce? They get better and need less medications.
With Scleroderma we want a normal acting immune system not one that is acting dysfunctionally and thus influencing the proliferation of fibroblastic activity which results in the excess deposition of collagen. Therapy is an important part of the treatment plan for anyone struggling with chronic disease because regardless of if the mind is contributing to the disease state, anyone that is sick still needs support.
Sometimes the support from friends and family simply is not enough. Especially for those that have trouble asking for help. A private counseling session to address the fears and concerns around having a chronic disease is integral for supporting the “mind, body, spirit” model in holistic care.
Specifically for scleroderma, the herb Centella asiatica commonly known as Gotu kola (shown above) has been used with some success in scleroderma patients as well as those prone to the development of keloids (excess scar production). A few studies working to develop a better delivery mechanism for the drug extract of this herb look promising. In the meantime tinctures and capsules of this plant are effective. Do not use teas as the active components are not water soluble and therefore do not extract well in water and require alcohol.
Before using any herbs everyone should always check with their Naturopathic Doctor for drug-herb interactions. Also, whenever trying any new therapy be sure to have lab markers drawn pre-treatment, and a few months into treatment to see how your immune system is responding. If improvement is not noted in the skin after three to six months, a change in treatment plan may be necessary, or a more aggressive approach.
Remember that most natural remedies take about one month to work for every year that an individual has had a chronic disease. Gotu Kola has been shown to be safe in laboratory animals with the toxic dose being 40-50mg per/kg of body weight.
You can purchase Gotu Kola in capsules at any reputable health food store. I like Nature's Way brand as a trusted inexpensive option available to patients over the counter. If you use the capsules by Nature’s Way, keep in mind that each capsule is 435mg of Gotu Kola and the standard daily dose is 2-4 mg daily. So a typical starting dose would be about 3 capsules twice daily.
It is important patients understand they will need to maintain a high dose for it to really be effective. We are working towards long term improvement, which will require 3-6 months of effort to reverse the damage caused by autoimmunity. There are not quick fixes and we need to think about working to prevent progression, as well as listening to the negative message our body is sending through our skin to understand what it truly needs.
If you need my help with any Dermatology or Autoimmune conditions simply pop over to my SCHEDULE page to book your Naturopathic visit.
~Dr. Nicole Sundene
(480) 837-0900
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!
References:
Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Scottsdale Naturopathic Doctor
Bloating and constipation in women can be hormonally triggered with PMS each month. Or very commonly can be caused by low stomach acid. I will share my stomach acid test today so you can do this and know if you just need to supplement with HCL or hydrochloric acid.
Bloating in women that does not change or go away should be addressed by a doctor as on rare occasions bloating can be a symptom of Ovarian Cancer, and therefore we should not ignore this symptom in women's health. First, run a simple stomach acid test, if your stomach acid is not low and therefore causing bloating, you should see your Naturopathic Doctor to determine the Root Cause.
To test if you are deficient in stomach acid try this:
STOMACH ACID TEST:
1tsp Baking Soda
2-4 oz Water
Mix together and drink.
Results:
If you burp in 2 minutes you have sufficient stomach acid.
If you burp in under 5 minutes you have low stomach acid.
If you don't burp at all or only have a tiny burp, then you are very low in stomach acid and need to supplement as we will discuss today.
I will also review the hormonal causes of bloating and constipation in women.
Bloating can occur with PMS and Perimenopausal Hormone Imbalance.
Constipation is a frustrating Women's Health condition that can be related to hypothyroidism, PMS, hormone imbalance, diet, stress, and anxiety from a Naturopathic perspective. The best Naturopathic Doctor will work to understand the ROOT CAUSE of constipation from a Mind/Body/Spirit perspective.
While many women are simply under too much emotional stress or "Fight, Flight, Fright" or in too much of a hurry to relax and eliminate their bowels the #1 Hormone Imbalance symptom related to constipation is hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis will especially cause constipation when the patient is in a low thyroid state and diarrhea when in an Autoimmune thyroid storm. Chronic constipation and straining can cause hemorrhoids.
Constipation refers to the incomplete (small stools) or infrequent (fecal mass remains in colon longer than the normal 24-72 hours after meal ingestion) passage of stools, as well as difficulty passing stools.
The condition can be acute or chronic.
Small rabbit pellet shaped stool is a hallmark symptom of magnesium deficiency and lack of fiber.
Lack of hydration also commonly causes constipation.
Most people experience constipation from time to time, but usually lifestyle changes and improved dietary habits can help relieve the symptoms and prevent recurrences.
There is no standard for frequency of bowel movements, but most physicians recommend 1-2 bowel movements daily (based upon the frequency that is generally observed among healthy people who eat a high-fiber diet).
In nature, animals defecate every time after they eat, so stress, school and being in a work environment can commonly cause women to help their stool in. While we are working to discover the root cause the simplest treatment is to take magneisum oxide (not citrate which is the good magnesium I discuss in my "Magnesium Deficiency" blog) as this poorly absorbed form actually draws more water in to the colon to work as a natural stool softener.
I also recommend that women struggling with constipation drink strong coffee in the morning and not black tea which is constipating. Avoid cooked carrots and cooked vegetables and instead opt for more fresh raw vegetables and fresh fruit.
There are four categories of constipation
Functional constipation: Caused by insufficient dietary fiber and water, inadequate exercise, etc.
Neurogenic or “spastic” constipation: Increased narrowing of the colon with small, ribbon-like stools caused or exacerbated by obstruction, stress, nervousness or anxiety (as in cases of cold, pain, grief, fear, etc.)
Constipation can also result from a repeated voluntary resistance of the urge to move the bowels, such as children holding their stool at school or women holding it at work. There may be some food allergies, as to milk or wheat, associated with this type of constipation. Drugs, stress, and certain medical conditions can also decrease the natural peristaltic motion of the gut smooth muscle and increase the tendency for constipation. Low back pain, exacerbated by straining, may contribute.
Atonic constipation (“lazy bowel”): This is a muscular weakness in the rectum and sigmoid colon, caused most often by laxative abuse. Other medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's, pregnancy, emphysema, and electrolyte imbalances (in the blood that supplies the muscles of the rectum) may also result in this type of constipation. Calcium carbonate use as I discuss in my "Osteoporosis" blog also can cause constipation.
Mechanical or “obstructive” constipation: Can be caused by fecal impaction, SIBO, candida overgrowth, lesions that obstruct the bowel (tumor, pregnant uterus, fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometirosis), inflammation (irritable bowel disease) or spasm from pain in the colon, rectum or anus.
Constipation can give rise to many different ailments, including appendicitis, halitosis (bad breath), body odor, coated tongue, depression, diverticulitis, chronic fatigue, gas, headaches, hemorrhoids, hernia, indigestion, insomnia, malabsorption, obesity, varicose veins, and the development of intestinal cancer.
Regular bowel movements are important in the body’s detoxification process, as the colon serves as a holding tank for waste matter. Antigens and toxins from an unbalanced gut flora population may play a role in the development of many types of chronic disease.
Note: Your naturopathic treatment for constipation will vary according to the type of constipation you have. The dietary recommendations and guidelines below contain foods to which some individuals may have allergies, intolerances and sensitivities.
In those cases, those foods should be avoided. Dietary choices should be modified to meet your personal dietary needs. Consult your Naturopathic Doctor for further information regarding nutrition and your individual medical condition.
Dietary Recommendations and Considerations
In general, eat a high-fiber whole foods diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. The most efficient colon movers contain a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, forming a gel that coats the intestinal wall. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water, but rather soaks water up like a sponge as it passes through the intestine, helping to prevent constipation.
Foods highest in soluble fiber include adzuki beans, barley, dried beans and peas, beets, cabbage, carrots, oats, okra and some fruits, especially apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, citrus, cranberries, figs, grapes, melons, peaches, pears and prunes. Psyllium, slippery elm (Ulmus Fulva) and marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis) are also high in soluble fiber.
Foods highest in insoluble fiber include cereals and whole grains, seeds (like ground flax, soaked chia seeds, or psyllium seed powder), and the skins or peels of many fruits and vegetables.
Avoid dairy products, soft drinks, meat, refined carbohydrates, sugar and processed foods, salt, alcohol and coffee.
Drink more water. This is particularly more important when adding more fiber to your diet. Drink at least 64 ounces daily. Rule-of-thumb for water consumption: one third of your body weight in ounces plus 8 ounces for each cup of coffee or tea (diuretics), plus 8 ounces for each one half hour of exercise daily.
Many women are always nervous or even scared to tell me about their constipation or IBS: Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Please read my article about "Why I Became a Naturopathic Doctor," so you feel reassured that you can safely discuss these important symptoms that we should not be ignoring.
Think of your Women's Health Doctor as a car mechanic for women. We are here to help you fix your problems and feel optimal! If you need my help with your constipation, or think it is related to Hormone Imbalance, simply pop over to my SCHEDULE page to treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit!
Dr. Nicole Sundene
(480) 837-0900
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!
References:
Balch, Phyllis and James. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing, 3rd edition. 2000. Avery.
Barber, Mary C. and Whiteford, Sara C. Super Smoothies. 2000. Chronicle Books.
Escott-Stump, Sylvia. Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care, 4th edition. 1998. Williams and Wilkins.
McIntyre, Anne. Drink To Your Health: Delicious Juices, Teas, Soups and Smoothies That Help You Look and Feel Great. 2000. Gaia Books Ltd.
Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
PCOS hormone imbalance from insulin resistance can eventually lead to Type 2 Diabetes when not well managed. The good news is that early intervention with diet for PCOS and insulin resistance can work to prevent diabetes!
Over the years I have warned many of my PCOS patients with severe insulin resistance that they will become diabetic within 5 years if they do not get their insulin resistance under control. Many have worked hard with my natural recommendations and diet changes to prevent this often inevitable occurrence.
Not all PCOS patients are at risk for diabetes because there are over five types of PCOS as I discuss on my PCOS blog. My "Skinny PCOS" patients that have the lean type, or adrenal type of PCOS may not feel good on this recipe. As a PCOS specialist, I have seen many variations of PCOS over the years, and the poor patients with an adrenal type of PCOS where the hormone imbalance is coming from the adrenals and not insulin need a completely different treatment plan and are often misdiagnosed when they truly have Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and do not feel good on medications for PCOS such as Metformin.
So this recipe is for women with PCOS that have a high fasting insulin level of >6-20+ and should not be used for those with fasting insulin at <2-4 as it may cause hypoglycemic vomiting. Although other types of PCOS may benefit from this anti-inflammatory recipe, this recipe is specifically for PCOS caused by insulin resistance. Many research studies indicate PCOS is an inflammatory condition, therefore using powerful herbal medicine and functional foods can help reduce inflammation for all types of PCOS. To read about the research behind the herbal medicines used in the recipe visit my Insulin Resistance blog.
Did you know cinnamon is an amazing herb not just for my PCOS and diabetic patients but it also is an antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory herb that also helps with pain and neuropathy?
So cinnamon is an excellent daily medicine to add to your regime so long as it is not giving you hot flashes! Cinnamon is a warming herb which is why I combine it with cooling apples, coconut, and aloe to help balance this functional medicine herbal smoothie recipe out.
As I discuss on my apple blog, apples actually help with weight loss for PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes by helping the pancreas work more effectively and modulate insulin production. If you are allergic to apples I believe you can effectively substitute the apples with pears, peaches, nectarines, or plums. But the most amount of research on fruits for diabetes I have been able to find was conducted on apples. I love that apples are a superfood because they are super inexpensive, delicious, and only have around 20g of carbs per medium sized apple. Because Apples are on the "Dirty Dozen" I buy mine organic.
Since I found this exciting apple weight loss research I have been having many of my female patients replace their bread with 1-2 apples per day.
Guess what? They are losing weight and getting their hormones balanced just with apples! Plus I love an Apple Pie flavored smoothie to break things up from my normal berry or banana chocolate smoothie I normally drink. If you need to gain weight add more nut butters or organic coconut milk.
To make the smoothie extra cold I recommend chopping the apples and freezing them. You can put the apples and ginger together in bags so most of the ingredients are ready to go and you just need to add nut milk, water, and ice. If you freeze aloe vera juice into ice cubes you can throw one or two ice cubes into the bag as well.
I love teaching my patients how to add more “Functional Foods” to their regimes. When I have a great health nut patient that likes recipes such as this, they get well faster and save so much money on herbal medicine when they choose to have food be their medicine.
Personally, I would rather buy organic herbal medicine powders to put in a smoothie than capsules as I know the cost-saving benefit is quite dramatic! The organic herbs I stock at my clinic come from either Mountain Rose Herbs or Starwest Botanicals. You can buy your own organic herbs directly from their websites. I do not trust random herbal powders on Amazon. Always buy organic and stick with trusted suppliers for your medicine.
By using foods and herbs researched to be effective for PCOS, inflammation, diabetes, and insulin resistance in a daily smoothie my patients can reduce their reliance on vitamins, expensive capsules, and medications. When I was putting the herbal medicine research together for my latest blog on insulin resistance, I realized how delicious it would be to make an apple pie flavored smoothie with all the herbs backed by research to effectively work against insulin resistance!
Let food be thy medicine!
Safety Tip: This recipe is designed to lower insulin and should not be used by Type 1 Diabetics. Please work with me or your own Naturopathic Doctor if you are using this smoothie recipe for medicinal purposes. It will work to lower blood sugar and insulin over time and I do not want any diabetics getting dangerous low blood sugar!! Hypoglycemia can occur if not using enough carbs or calories for those that do not have any issues with their blood sugar they may need to add some almond butter, agave syrup, or use more organic coconut milk so they do not lose weight.
Coconut milk contains MCT's or Medium Chained Triglycerides that work to balance blood sugar. Too much coconut fat can become a bad fat as there is a lot of saturated fat in coconut and I do see it occasionally being the reason behind my patient's high cholesterol so keep in mind that too much of any good thing may not be good! But coconut also has antiviral properties along with the cinnamon and ginger. Aloe vera helps heal the digestive tract which is important in hormone imbalance as we are often treating the gut in functional medicine to balance hormones.
PCOS Apple Pie Smoothie Recipe:
½ cup coconut milk or water
½ cup frozen apples
1 tsp cinnamon *Organic real cinnamon from Mountain Rose Herbs or Starwest Botanicals)
1 tsp-1 Tbl fresh ginger
½ tsp curcumin powder *Not turmeric but its more potent extract, get this from Starwest or Mountain Rose, I do not trust any yellow herbs otherwise as they may often have lead contaminants
1-3 packets of stevia to taste (1/4-1/2 tsp)
1 scoop pea protein powder (My favorite brand is by Sunwarrior on Amazon as it is sweetened with stevia and is low carb)
1 Tbl aloe vera juice or gel (When using fresh aloe rinse the yellow latex off the gel or diarrhea will occur. Start with one piece about the size of a cucumber slice) For premade my favorite brand is the "Lily of the Desert Brand" on Amazon, "Inner Fillet."
Blend all ingredients and add more nut milk, water or ice to reach desired consistency. Drink 1-3 shakes daily per your Naturopathic Doctor’s recommendation. You can use powdered ginger but fresh is much more potent, buy a pound of ginger root at your grocery store, peel and cut in dice-sized cubes so they can be frozen and easily popped into your smoothie every day.
All of these herbs combined are POWERFUL anti-inflammatories and blood sugar regulators. Be sure to track your fasting glucose, Hemoglobin A1c, and fasting insulin with your Naturopathic Doctor as these numbers will gradually come down over 3-6 months and I often need to adjust my patient's medications down as their herbal medicines begin to take effect. I have taken patients off their BP meds, diabetes meds, and high cholesterol meds using this recipe or the herbs in capsules but that happens over three to twelve months generally and is thus a long-term goal. Nobody should suddenly stop taking their medications!
Keep in mind that herbs don't work immediately. As someone that is super impatient and wants results NOW, I should forewarn you to stay committed to the healing process. Herbs work gradually over time.
If you would like my help with your PCOS, Insulin Resistance, or Diabetes I would be happy to help! Simply pop over to my SCHEDULE page to treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit.
Dr. Nicole Sundene
(480) 837-0900
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease.
She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!
"When I get stressed out my heart skips a beat or races. Is this from my hormones? Is this because of menopause? Is there an herb for that?"
~Jen H. Scottsdale, Arizona
Motherwort was at least properly named to help point moms in the right direction for their stress. While I am not an MD Cardiologist, I have done quite a bit of both prescription and Naturopathic Cardiology in my twenty five years of experience, treat a lot of women for Integrated Cardiology conditions, and want to take the time to explain the type of female patient that will benefit the most from this #1 fave Cardiology herb.
Leonarus Cardiaca or “Motherwort” is one of my favorite gentle herbs to calm fried and frazzled mothers. There is no coincidence in my mind that “motherwort” rhymes with “worrywart”.
This herb may as well have been hand-designed for worried stressed mothers. For women with High Blood Pressure, Paliptations, and chronic anxiety from little children constantly screaming "MOM!" and burning out their mom's adrenal glands.
Motherwort is typically a “nervine” or anxiety herb that is recommended for those with the kind of anxiety that results in occasional heart palpitations. If you are suffering from disturbed sleep as a result of emotional or physical stress this herb might just be right for you.
Motherwort serves to strengthen the heart, and is also used in Naturopathic Medicine for PMS and menopause. This herbal medicine can additionally be used as a preventative agent for herpes zoster (shingles and chicken pox) as well as herpes simplex (traditional “herpes”).
This herb should NOT be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always talk with your Naturopathic Doctor before starting any new herbal medicines.
Perhaps life does not grant you the relaxation time that you deserve as a mother, but you can still find a bit of calm amidst the storm by using an herbal medicine such as Motherwort to help reduce stress and your reaction to it.
Happy Mother's Day!
If you wish to treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit simple pop over to my SCHEDULE page. I would be happy to help!
Dr. Nicole Sundene
(480) 837-0900
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease.
She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!
By Dr. Nicole Sundene
PMS symptoms can be debilitating to not just women, but also to their husbands. PMS and hormone imbalance can sadly destroy marriages when not properly addressed and treated as it almost happened to my patient Jenny and her husband.
So I am not quite sure if being labeled the "#1 PMS Doctor" is a good thing or a bad thing 😉
However, this family asked me to share their story about how PMS almost destroyed their marriage in the event other families are dealing with debilitating PMS symptoms interfering with the happiness of their relationship. So today we are talking about hormones and how they can impact relationships.
Googling for PMS symptoms, doctors and treatments are what triggered Jenny’s husband to drive her from California to Scottsdale for Hormone Testing. This is when he kindly brought to my attention that “Dr. Sundene is the #1 BEST PMS Doctor in all of California and Arizona” which is why he now calls me the “Best PMS Queen of the Southwest” and thanks me for saving their marriage.
On our initial phone consults his wife was not even present because she was on the floor crying. He booked a phone consult with me and explained he thought she needed me to test her hormones and figure out what was wrong with her after doing many hours of research all night on the internet. He was not sure if I could help and said if I could he would drive her straight there as soon as I had my next opening.
He began to notice a monthly cyclical pattern to their fighting, and after failed marriage counseling for a year, he began to lose hope until he started to research more about PMS symptoms.
While it is hilarious to me to find out I am #1 for PMS on his Google list…. it also makes sense since I am a Women's Health Naturopathic Hormone Doctor. I know very well from my eight years of working in regular Family Medicine how many of the conventional medications for PMS we will discuss today truly fail women. Medications to mask PMS symptoms can only get you so far with hormone imbalance which is why we need to treat hormone imbalance at the root cause. Otherwise many women with PMS end up on antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and birth control pills while still not feeling quite right. Or even worse their doctor tells them that PMS is normal and to just learn to live with it.
Patients with PMS need a solid Naturopathic approach to balance their hormones and prevent PMS which can take at least 3 months or “3 cycles” as the eggs releasing imbalanced hormones that are being made today have not yet undergone treatment with a Naturopathic approach with herbs and nutrition and therefore will continue to release imbalanced hormones until we address the impaired egg quality with nutrition and impaired liver detox pathways from genetic mutations such as COMT and MTHFR causing estrogen dominance. This is why Naturopathic Medicine is by far superior to conventional medicines and also why PMS symptoms tend to worsen with age. I often refer to Perimenopause as “Permanent PMS” to my patients in their 40’s while they nod their heads and agree, which is why intervening sooner than later with PMS can save a woman’s mental health.
As much as I love to joke around about PMS it is truly no laughing matter as it affects around 90% of menstruating women and is the most common condition impacting a woman's menstrual cycle. Studies report that PMS affected around 47.8% of women worldwide. PMS is a set of medical symptoms, including physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms that occur before the beginning of each menstrual cycle in women typically days 21-25 of the menstrual cycle. These symptoms often last for a few days to 2 weeks typically between days 14-28 .
Severity of PMS
Did you know that 20% of women reported severe PMS symptoms that disrupted their daily life activities? 1 in 5 women are experiencing very disruptive symptoms to their physical and mental health. In comparison, the rest of the women showed mild to moderate symptoms. Epidemiological studies reported that the prevalence rate of PMS among university students is 80-90%. [1]
PMS Symptoms
PMS is characterized by the following symptoms that appear during the second half or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The severity of symptoms ranges from mild to moderate, disrupting the daily life activities and relationships with family, partner, coworkers and friends. The consumption of alcohol aggravates or increases the risk of developing PMS symptoms. [1, 2, 3]
It is important to note that when PMS symptoms get severe and cause mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, it is called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Diagnostic criteria for PMS
Diagnosis of PMS involves assessment of symptoms and patient history. The PMS diagnostic criteria are based on the presence of at least one physical (Somatic) and emotional (Affective) signs during the 05 days before a period in each of the three previous menstruations. [3, 7]
PMS Treatment
Different treatment interventions, including both pharmacological agents and non-pharmacological approaches, help the symptoms of PMS. However, hormonal medications are commonly prescribed in the treatment of PMS symptoms. Other medications include painkillers, anti-anxiety agents, antidepressants, and diuretics.
Hormonal contraceptives:
Oral contraceptives such as progestin drospirenone and estrogen can reduce PMS symptoms. Studies reported that these synthetic hormonal medications can decrease PMS symptoms, improve daily life activities, social communication, and help poor mood in women with PMS. Although some women experience worsening of their PMS and mood swings and cannot tolerate hormonal contraceptives. The possible side effects include breast tenderness, increased risk of blood clotting, gastrointestinal symptoms, and breakthrough bleeding. [2, 4]
Plus, hormonal contraceptives are contraindicated in case of pregnancy or women who want to conceive. Always consult with your physician first because there are limited research studies about the best and most effective hormonal contraceptive agents for PMS symptoms. [2, 4]
Antidepressants:
Antidepressants such as Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be useful for treating depression and anxiety associated with PMS. These are the first-line treatment options that increase the serotonin concentration in the brain and help women with psychological and behavioral symptoms. [2, 4]
SSRIs include Sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro).
It is recommended to take SSRIs for at least three months to become effective during the second half of the cycle. Most treatments for PMS will require long term dedication. The side effects of SSRIs include nausea, weight gain, dry mouth, sleep disturbances, and low libido. [2, 4]
NSAIDs:
NSAID medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can provide anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This class of drugs can relieve inflammation and pain associated with PMS. They help with headaches, body aches, muscle aches, backaches, period pain, and other physical symptoms of PMS. The side effects associated with NSAIDs include gastrointestinal distress, ulcers and drowsiness. [2, 4]
Diuretics:
Diuretics can help with edema swelling and swollen breasts during PMS. Diuretics whether natural or prescription work to increase water release from the body and help edema. The side effects associated with diuretic drugs include nausea and headaches. [2, 4]
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists:
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs are rarely prescribed for the management of severe PMS symptoms. They interfere with hormone production in the ovaries. Side effects with GnRH agonists include hot flashes, insomnia, and depressed mood. These agents are not recommended for more than six months and are contraindicated in women who want to become pregnant. It is important to mention that there are minimal studies about their clinical effectiveness. [2, 4]
Progesterone
Progesterone can be beneficial during PMS when used correctly and can help balance the “Estrogen Dominance” occurring when estrogen is too high and progesterone is too low during PMS. Research studies however have shown no significant effect of progesterone on PMS symptoms compared to placebo. Plus, they can impair regular periods when not used cyclically as a withdrawal from hormones . Progesterone gel in Germany is approved to use for premenstrual breast tenderness. [2, 4]
Herbal and Dietary supplements
In addition to the medication, certain herbs and dietary supplements also help PMS symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors use nutrients like magnesium, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), calcium, turmeric, chaste tree extracts, evening primrose oil, St. John's wort, peppermint, angelica root, tangerine leaf, and Ginkgo biloba to ease their patient’s PMS symptoms. However, minimal data currently suggest the use of these herbs and nutrients in the management of PMS symptoms. While natural medicines for PMS do not have significant research their side effects are generally minimal and well tolerated to help women manage their symptoms. [2, 4] Many natural remedies and counseling can also be beneficial for women struggling with PMS. There is no solid research evidence about the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), homeopathic medicines like Pulsatilla or Sepia, acupuncture, and reflexology massages to manage PMS symptoms. [2, 4]
Lifestyle modifications
Research suggests certain lifestyle modifications such as intake of high fluid, regular exercise, and meditation, the addition of nutrients, taking enough sleep, and avoiding high sugar, salts, caffeine, and alcohol may help PMS symptoms. Keeping a period tracker app to plan for expected mood swings and shift in energy can also help women minimize their symptoms and target their natural remedies for PMS to the appropriate time in their menstrual cycle when PMS symptoms will be expected to be at their worst. [1]
If you would like my help with your PMS simply pop over to my SCHEDULE page to treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit! Remember that the medicine I provide to women is in the form of nutritional changes, taking herbs and supplements in capsules, tinctures, or teas. So if that type of thing does not work for you please do not sign up to work with me as I will not be able to help you. Otherwise, if you are open to using Naturopathy and herbal medicine I would be happy to help!
Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology , Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 22 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones she presents to women the best integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 27 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones and Naturopathy!
References
