Womens Health IssuesAddressing womens health issues is an area particularly well suited for naturopathic physicians, either as an alternative or complementary option. Naturopathic care, stated differently, may be a good option when conventional therapy is either unwanted or ineffective. Other than just being a substitute, it can also augment the effectiveness of conventional therapies.
There are many womens health issues that can benefit from naturopathic care. PMS and menopausal symptoms may be relieved with dietary changes, nutritional support and botanical remedies. Osteoporosis can be prevented and better managed, possibly even corrected with the right natural treatment.
Successful pregnancies and healthy babies depend on how well you care for yourself before, during, and after the term. An ND can help you plan your pregnancy diet and exercise programs, as well as assist and advise about natural childbirth.
There are also effective natural treatment plans for women suffering from endometriosis and fibroids. In truth, all womens health issues show improvement when the patient is directly involved in her own treatment. Let’s look at a few details.
PMS Pre-menstrual syndrome affects an estimated 75% of all menstruating women, according to the National Institutes of Health. Since the exact cause is unknown and symptoms vary widely, doctors cannot always agree on how to treat the condition. Researchers are still looking at causes and new studies abound. PMS is one of the womens health issues that has been linked to nutritional deficiencies. Supplements containing calcium and the vitamins A, E and B are usually recommended. A regular exercise program is imperative, as women who are physically inactive have an increased risk of severe PMS symptoms. In addition, there are many herbal remedies that may prove beneficial, including black cohosh, dong quai, ginger, red raspberry leaf and primrose oil. Womens Health Issues during Menopause Menopause is one of the womens health issues that every woman will experience eventually. But, not every woman suffers adverse effects or unwanted symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy was a common treatment, until studies exposing the health risks were published. Naturopathic physicians sometimes recommend reiki, herbal medicine, nutritional therapies, hydrotherapy, natural hormone replacement and other assorted treatments. In order to prevent osteoporosis, nutritional support during menopause is particularly important. One of the most popular herbal remedies for hot flashes is black cohosh while evening primrose oil helps to alleviate breast pain. Vitamin B-6 may help with depression, insomnia and irritability. Your ND will likely have other suggestions, as well. Womens Health Issues during Pregnancy When a woman is pregnant, she needs to be an active participant in her own health care. During pregnancy a woman should not smoke or drink alcohol. She should not take over the counter or prescription medications without consulting her doctor. Most of us are aware of the aforementioned, but there are also other things that a woman may not think of as harmful, until the worst happens.
Stressful lifestyle, for example, is believed to be responsible for a number of miscarriages. Using stress management techniques is particularly important during pregnancy. Avoiding caffeine, too, is important. It increases stress levels and levels of the hormones adrenalin and norepinephrine. All of these are passed along to the baby and can reach dangerously high levels.
Diet during pregnancy is extremely important. Not simply to maintain a healthy weight, but also to pass along as many nutrients as possible to the baby, while protecting the immune system of the mother.
Recent studies have covered the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in a pregnant woman’s diet. Early labor and premature birth are womens health issues that no one wants to deal with. As a result of increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids, researchers saw a decreased incidence of premature birth and pre-eclampsia, a primary factory in serious health problems for the Mom. In such studies, researchers also noted an increase in the birth weight of babies, a factor that determines how well an infant will thrive. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis can be experienced by both men and women. However, it is typically considered one of the womens health issues primarily because it is more prevalent in women, in particular post-menopausal women. Prevention, through proper nutrition and a lifelong health and wellness program, is one of the techniques that is taught by naturopathic physicians. But, treatment and possible reversal are not out of the question either.
Most disease states arise as a result of accumulated toxic material in the body. Removing or releasing these toxins from the body can assist in the cure of a disease process. The human body is able to repair and reproduce itself at a cellular level. Good nutrition, restful sleep, a healthy immune system, and a relaxed body are all important for proper cellular repair and reproduction.
When bone density is lost due to osteoporosis, there is some underlying reason; it is not a natural process. If it were, everyone would experience it. It can be caused by exposure to heavy metals, such as lead or mercury. It can be caused by low levels of calcium, but also by any nutritional deficiency. Find the cause and you find the cure.
Endometriosis, Fibroids and Other Womens Health Issues
Animal fat in the diet may be at the root cause of fibroids. Reducing excessive animal fat from the diet has been helpful in controlling or relieving the condition. Obesity and stress may cause fibroid tumors to grow. Weight loss and stress reduction techniques can cause them to shrink.
Acupuncture has been shown effective for pain relief in numerous cases. There are many natural remedies for fibroids including vitex or chasteberry, but it may take several years to see improvement. Many women have found that increased rigorous exercise provides relief in as little as three months. An ND can help you find the right plan.
Endometriosis is one of the womens health issues that is particularly difficult to deal with, because conventional remedies are often ineffective. Most women suffer for years and many become infertile. The naturopathic approach to treating endometriosis typically begins with dietary recommendations, including increased intake of naturally anti-inflammatory foods and herbs.
Things to avoid may include caffeine, alcohol, red meat, pork, dairy products, peanuts and sugar. Acupuncture may again be recommended here. Certain chinese herbs may be used to clear blood stagnation. And, certain nutritional supplements may also assist.
Many other womens health issues can be addressed and resolved by naturopathic medicine. Issues ranging from cancer prevention to primary care and regular check-ups; an ND may be the right choice for a woman’s overall health and well-being.
My name is Dr. Rami El-Hussieny and I am a highly trained ND who practices in East Lansing and Ann Arbor, MI.
Should you wish to contact me about my services, please feel free to fill out the form below and I will get back with you shortly.
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