Dr. Lindsey Jesswein
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Survive Seasonal Allergies Naturally

3/8/2016

 
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It is that time of year again- sneezing, watery eyes, headaches, sniffles, and bloodshot eyes.  Yup, allergy season has begun early this year! 

A naturopathic doctor, such as myself, can help guide you though the allergy remedies and what may work for you.  There are treatments to address the symptoms, but it is also important to have a treatment strategy that addresses overall health and balances the immune system.  For example, diet is a big part of this, eating a whole food based diet high in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats and avoiding your food allergens can help your seasonal allergies as well. 
 
So what are some of the treatments that you can try for seasonal allergy relief?

 
Lifestyle changes
Avoiding exposures to pollens when they are at their worse – checking the pollen counts and plan to go for walks or runs when the counts are low, or in the evenings.  Most plants pollinate early to mid morning hours, so its better to head outside later in the day.  Take showers and change your clothes to reduce the pollens you are carrying on your self.  Change pillow cases every few days.
 
Spring cleaning
It’s also important to consider what, exactly, might be triggering symptoms inside your home, and then combat common offenders such as dust mites, pollen and mold:
 
• Use a diluted bleach solution to clean and denature mold in basements and garages and on old patio furniture and the like, making sure to thoroughly dry all objects to prevent further growth.
 
• Consider a good HEPA air filter and change it at least every two to three months to help prevent pollen and dander from being recirculated in your house.
 
•  Launder bed linens at least once a week in 130-degree water (which is what it takes to kill dust mite eggs). And bear in mind that the default “hot” setting on many washing machines doesn’t reach that temperature, so you may have to adjust your hot water heater.
 
Saline Nasal Rinses
Using a daily neti pot or salt-water rinse can really help to clear out the nasal passages and wash out the pollens.  If you make the salt-water solution at home, use filtered or bottled water as tap water can contain bacteria.
 
IV and Injectable Treatments
Injectable and intravenous (IV) treatments can help seasonal allergy symptoms and also help the body to desensitize its reaction to the allergens for a longer term solution.
 
Myers cocktail and immune supportive IV’s containing B vitamins, Vitamin C, selenium, and other nutrients help the immune system better respond to the allergens.
 
Herbs and supplements
There are many herbs and supplements on the market that help to a minimize allergy symptoms.  Most of these do not have negative side effects such as drowsiness and headaches.  But it is best to see a Naturopathic doctor who can recommend which ones you should try. 
 
Vitamin C:  Strengthens the immune system and helps to fight off allergens
 
Quercetin:  It is an antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, it helps to stabilizes mast cells and reduce histamine release- important players the in the allergic response.  
 
Magnesium: an important mineral that most people are low in, it can help wheezing by relaxing the bronchial tubes and is also important for the immune system.
 
Probiotics:  Supporting the gut and making sure there are high levels of good bacteria in the gut is key in sustaining a healthy immune response.
 
Nettles: Stinging nettle plant extract is a common herb used for allergy relief.  It helps to reduce the inflammatory response. 
 
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:  Getting a good, clean source of omega 3 fatty acids daily can help decrease inflammation in the body. 

With so many options, it is important to have a concise treatment plan that you stick to daily, to support the body continuously through the allergy season.

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Tasty Turmeric Ginger Chai

10/27/2015

 
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A warm chai on a cold night sounds like the perfect combo and it is easy to make at home!





Store bought Chai often contains a lot of sugar, artificial colors and chemicals.  This home-made recipe is not only natural and delicious but has many health benefits as well. 

Turmeric, ginger and coconut oil are anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial to help boost your immune system and keep you feeling healthy.  The coconut oil adds an extra boost to your metabolism as well.

Enjoy this chai anytime of day or night and enjoy often! 

Ingredients to make 2 cups of Chai :
- Fresh turmeric root or powder - ½ - 1 tsp
- Fresh ginger root or powder -  ½ - 1 tsp
- Cinnamon powder – ¼ tsp
- Fennel seeds – a pinch of seeds
- Cloves – a few cloves
- Nutmeg & Cardamon - a pinch of each
- Organic Virgin Coconut oil – 1-2 tsp
- Honey – ½ tsp or more to taste

- Almond/coconut/rice milk 1&½  cups

*The cloves/nutmeg/cardamon are for flavor and can be left out if you do not like these.  
*The quantity of the spices used is really up to your taste, adding more will increase the health benefits of the chai. 
*Fresh ginger and turmeric have the most nutrients and taste the best but if this is not easy to find the dry powder can be used.  
*Grate the ginger and turmeric finely so that you can drink it in the chai.

Directions:
- In a small pot, bring 1.5 cups of your choice of non-dairy milk and ½ cup of water to a simmer
- add all the ingredients, allow it to simmer for about 5-10 minutes, cool then enjoy!
- You can strain it if you prefer, I like to leave it all in and drink the ginger and turmeric bits



Dr. Lindsey Jesswein, ND

Boost Your Immune System and Keep the Colds/Flu at Bay!

10/27/2015

 
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When you first feel yourself becoming sick there are things you can do to avoid becoming ill or to shorten the duration of illness.  These suggestions are especially helpful if you do them early on – as early as possible.  They will help you fend off flus, colds, or minor infections.  Call a physician if your symptoms become severe.  These are some steps you can take to boost your immunity.

 Eat Very Lightly or Not at All – With most illnesses, the appetite is diminished, this is a natural response of the body.  Energy is needed to fight off the “bug” and the body doesn’t have the energy to process food.  Give your digestive tract a rest!

 - Focus on simple foods like fruits and steamed or raw vegetables.  Add powerful immune boosters in your diet as much as possible: Garlic, Onions, Lemon, Cayenne pepper, Turmeric, and Ginger.  

Get Rest as Soon as Possible – Many people ignore the early warning signs of illness and keep on working until they “drop.”  You will take longer to heal if you allow the illness to get a foothold.  If you feel a sore throat, headache, congestion, etc., coming on, take it easy.  If possible, take a day off from work.  This may prevent you from having to take three days later on.

Drink Plenty of Fluids – This standard advice is good advice.  You can clear the toxins from a “bug” out of your system with large amounts of filtered water and herbal teas.




Take Immunity-Boosting Supplements and Homeopathics:    
Vitamin C: Take 500 mg every 3-4 hours with a small amount of food.  Cut back on dosage if stools become loose.
Vitamin A: Take 10,000 IU three times daily.  (Women who are pregnant should not take high doses of Vitamin A as it can have adverse affects on the fetus.)      
Zinc: Take 30-50 mg once daily with a small amount of food.  This can be continued for 1-2 weeks without depleting copper stores in the body.      
Oscillococcinum: Take 6 pellets of this homeoplathic remedy every 6 hours at the first onset of flu or cold symptoms.  Take away from food.


 Take Immunity-Enhancing Herbs* – These herbs can be taken as teas (3-5 cups/day), tinctures (30 drops 4 times a day), or in freeze-dried capsules (2 capsules 4 times a day).
Echinacea (Purple Cone Flower) Hydrastis (Goldenseal) Commiphora Myrrha(Myrrh) Trifolium (Red Clover)  Ligusticum (Osha)  *These are adult dosages.  Consult your physician regarding dosages for infants and children. 
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Give Yourself a Home Hydrotherapy Treatment (A Hot Foot Bath) – Soak feet in hot water while wrapped in a warm wool blanket.  Put a cold cloth on your head and relax while you sit in a comfortable position for 10-15 minutes.  Take care to avoid getting chilled after this treatment.  Or…

Throat or Chest Compress – Warm the throat or chest with a warm washcloth or hot shower.  Dry the skin thoroughly and apply a thin cotton wrap (to throat) or a thin cotton T-shirt (to chest) that has been soaked in cold water and wrung out so that it is not dripping wet.  Cover this with a wool scarf (throat) or a wool sweater (chest).  Go to bed this way.  By morning the scarf or T-shirt will be dry.  This treatment increases circulation and increases white blood cell activity.




References:
Boyle, Wade & Saine, Andre, Lectures in Naturopathic Hydrotherapy, (East Palestine, OH: Buckeye Naturopathic Press, 1988).
Murray, Michael & Pizzorno, Joseph, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, (Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1998) pp. 145-161.

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