All Families Natural Health

12 for 12

drcaitlin — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:46:16 +0000

I love preparing for the new year! It is a perfect time to relax, reflect and project your greatness onto the blank canvas that is 2012. To celebrate, I am launching a fantastic new program – 12 for 12. My goal is to work with a community of like-minded folks who support each other in adding one new health-promoting habit per month. I want to work together to spread that optimistic, I-can-do -anything, new-year feeling throughout the whole year. I will send out a monthly video detailing the how and why of the health tip and then offer up support and guidance through my facebook page. Oh yeah, this is a totally FREE program!

Click here to watch the the intro video and get more details!

Looking forward to making 2012 your best year yet!

Dr C

Fever – Friend or Foe?

drcaitlin — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 19:03:45 +0000

Do you have fever phobia? If so, you are not alone. Fevers are one of the top reasons for doctor’s office visits and many a parent has spent an anxious night monitoring their sick child for any spike in temperature. But fear not! A fever is actually a sign that the immune system is functioning well and fighting infection. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics has finally gotten on board and agreed with what naturopathic doctors have been saying for years:

Fever, however, is not the primary illness but is a physiologic mechanism that has beneficial effects in fighting infection. There is no evidence that fever itself worsens the course of an illness or that it causes long-term neurologic complications. Thus, the primary goal of treating the febrile child should be to improve the child’s overall comfort rather than focus on the normalization of body temperature.

A fever stimulates the activity of the immune system, encourages white blood cell activity and can kill off certain bacteria and viruses. What’s not to love?

Confused about what to do with your feverish child? Consider the following guidelines:

1. Treat the child, not the number – A child who is happily playing with a 103 degree fever is probably fine, while the lethargic and miserable child with a 101 degree fever might need some intervention.

2. Consider some home remedies – lukewarm (not cold!) baths or compresses, homeopathic remedies or herbal tea can work wonders to make a child (or adult) comfortable without suppressing the immune system.

3. Use fever-reducing medications sparingly – If the above recommendations are not enough to comfort the child or if the parent or health care professional is uncomfortable with the severity of the fever, consider using a fever-reducing medication. My recommendation is to start with a weight appropriate dose of Ibuprofen. Only if Ibuprofen is not tolerated, should Acetaminophen be used. Acetaminophen use may be linked to an increase risk of asthma and can be damaging to the liver.

Fevers in an infant (under 6 months), lasting longer then 5 days, over 104 degrees or accompanied by concerning symptoms need to be evaluated by a heath care practitioner. Also, trust you gut, if you are worried – seek help. Mama, and papa, know best.

Please join me in my crusade to help end fever phobia!

Dr C

Beans, beans, the magical fruit …

drcaitlin — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:05:59 +0000

When it comes to food, it is hard to find anything more super then beans.Check out the following bean facts:

Some beans are higher in antioxidants then blueberries.

Beans lower blood sugar and decrease abdominal fat – lowering rates of diabetes and heart disease.

Cancer risk decreases with bean consumption.

Beans are also a source of cheap and tasty protein. They are even considered an aphrodisiac in many cultures – so why the bad rep? In a word – gas. Many folks report a distinct increase in gas and bloating when they eat beans. And gas isn’t fun or cool or sexy – so the beans stay on the shelf.

Don’t despair – there is good news! With the proper preparation beans can be a great addition to your diet, without affecting your social life. Follow these tips to embrace the lovely legumes.

Ditch the canned: Fresh made beans are tastier, more easily digested and easy to prepare. However, if you are caught in a time crunch and have to grab a few cans, be sure to rinse the beans well. The gas causing compounds can get concentrated in the bean liquid, so wash them off well.

Soak: When making beans from scratch be sure to soak them first. Covering beans in warm water and soaking them overnight will decrease phytic acid – one of the compounds that decreases bean digestion. Rinse the beans well after soaking and you are well on your way to a tastier, more digestible bean. As a bonus, soaking beans can increase the absorption of minerals up to 100%!

Add Kombu: Kombu is a type of seaweed, look for it in the Asian foods section of the grocery store. Adding a 4-6 inch piece to your beans as they cook will greatly improve digestion. Consider cumin or bay leaf as well.

Chew: Your mama was right – chew your food! Proper digestion, but especially the digestion of beans, starts in the mouth.

Enzymes: It can take the intestinal tract a bit of time to adjust to dietary changes. So while you are waiting for your guts to catch up, lend a hand with some digestive enzymes. You can get bean-specific brands, but a general enzyme will work as well.

So bust out the beans and enjoy some delicious dahl, scrumptious stew or stellar salsa! Enjoy the magic of beans without the toots

Happy, Healthy Halloween!

drcaitlin — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:25:06 +0000

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! Most families feel the same way but fear the inevitable bags of corn-syrup laden confections and subsequent post-candy meltdowns. However, it is possible to enjoy the holiday while minimizing the damage to teeth, tummies and mom’s last nerve.

Trade in the bag of candy for a special treat. After allowing kids to pick out 10-20 pieces of their favorite candy, trade out the candy for a more tangible treat. Sort of like the tooth fairy, the Halloween Candy Fairy (or the Great Pumpkin, or whatever you want to name your new candy-craving creature) comes in the night and trades in the bags of candy for a cool basket of goodies. New books, art supplies, holiday-themed pajamas or gift certificates to movies or a favorite restaurant are all good options.
Host a Halloween feast. There is nothing worse then a bunch of sugar on an empty stomach. Prior to trick or treating, have family and friends come over for a warming, Autumn meal. Serve hearty, protein-rich dishes with fun and spooky themes. Check out blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2011/10/healthy-halloween/ for recipes. A pre-treat meal will cut down on sugar induced highs and lows.
Choose the lesser evil. Look to minimize artificial colors and flavors. Choose real sugar over corn syrup (or heaven forbid atificial sweeteners). Dark chocolate is always a good bet. Homemade snacks made with real ingredients are an even better way to celebrate the holiday season. Check out this fabulous recipe for raw caramel and apples (www.nourishingmeals.com/2010/09/raw-caramel-dip-for-apples.html) or maple carmel corn (http://www.nourishingmeals.com/2010/12/maple-caramel-corn.html)!

Don’t forget to relax and have fun. Most kiddos can handle a few days of junk. Do some damage control, offer healthy options and enjoy. Have a happy, healthy, Halloween!

Dr C

PS For parents and other folks that get to carried away with holiday treats check out my nutritional cleanse program offered in partnership with Root Yoga (www.rootyogacenter.com/nutrition/)!

Why you need to detox now!

drcaitlin — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:57:11 +0000

Actually, I was just getting your attention. You don’t need to detox now. And my Fall Rejuvenation isn’t even really a detox. It is a jumpstart. An introduction into a healthy way of eating that should make up 80% of your diet most days of the week. Pair this new way of approaching food with great info on removing known toxins from the home, fabulous ideas on self-care to support optimal organ function and a supportive, enthusiastic community of like-minded folks to help you out along the way. Why not start now?

We don’t use pills, powders or special potions. We just eat real food. That is what makes this different. I just read an interview with a nutritionist who stated that cleansing 1-2 times a year is like only cleaning your house once or twice a year. I couldn’t agree more. Health is a year round process, we give you year round tools. But you have to start somewhere, so why not start now?

Fall is a great time to take a moment to focus on your health and wellness before the craziness of the holidays begins. It is a great time to jump start your immunity before the flu season hits. And it is a great time to let go of some of those fun summertime indulgences that may have accidentally turned into a part of the daily routine. There is never a perfect time, but you have to start sometime. So why not start now?

Holistic, whole-body detoxification and rejuvenation!

drcaitlin — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:08:08 +0000

Once again, I have partnered up with Root Yoga to provide a program that takes a holistic approach to whole body detoxification and rejuvenation. Check out this link for all the details. You can expect all the great food, supportive community and amazing yoga of past sessions PLUS more information on cleaning the toxins out of your home and more hands-on nutrition workshops. Check out what dance diva extraordinaire April “AXE” Charmaine has to say about her experience!

Upcoming Events

drcaitlin — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:10:29 +0000

I hope everyone had a fabulous 4th of July weekend! I wanted to share some upcoming classes and lectures I have scheduled over the next couple months. I offer two classes at Belly Bliss on a regular basis. A Balanced Approach to Vaccines and Immunizations offers a non-judgmental, agenda-free discussion about these 2 hot topics. The next class is 8/13/11. Natural First Aid for the Whole Family is a great introduction to simple and effective methods to treat the inevitable minor scrapes, bumps and bruises of family life (especially during the summer). As part of the Dollars and Sense series, it is a great deal for $5. Upcoming dates are 7/13/11 and 8/13/11.

Finally , I am very excited about my upcoming speaking engagement with Childbirth and Parenting Association of Colorado - “Before, During and After: Optimal Nutrition for Pregnancy, Childbirth and Postpartum.” I have been reviewing the newest research and can’t wait to share the latest and greatest So come join me from 6:30-8:30 on 7/19/11 at Exempla St. Joesph. Contact hours are available for CAPPA and ICEA childbirth educators.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Dr C

PS – Please contact me if you are interested in hosting a workshop, scheduling a lecture or booking a conference. I enjoy presenting on a number of topics relating to women’s health, pediatrics, fertility, childbirth and more. I am comfortable with the general public, health care professionals and everything in between

Getting Burned by Heartburn?

admin — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 05:20:01 +0000

If you experience heartburn, you are not alone. Over 20% of Americans will experience heartburn every week. But think twice abut how you treat it. Proton-pump inhibitors, such as Nexium, Prilosec, or Prevacid, are common medications used to block the stomachs production of acid. No acid=no acidreflux=no heartburn. Seems pretty simple. And it perfectly illustrates the over-simplified approach that is common in medicine today. For every symptom, there is medication meant to suppress the discomfort without looking to the underlying cause.

And at what cost? When you suppress a symptom, you ignore the message that symptom sends. And, when you use a medication daily, you take on risks. Over the last couple years, the FDA has started to issue warning regarding some concerning side effects associated with long term use of proton pump inhibitors. One of the most serious is an increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture. It makes perfect sense – stomach acid is needed to digest calcium. If you chronically block the production of stomach acid, you won’t be able to absorb the calcium you need. Other concerns are magnesium deficiency and increase rates of infection.

In Naturopathic Medicine we believe in the wisdom of the body. Stomach acid has a purpose. Namely to digest nutrients and keep infections from entering the body. Uncomfortable symptoms, such as heartburn, don’t appear for no reason. They are a signal that the body is out of balance. This is what separates our philosophy from the current mainstream approach to healthcare. And this is why patients seek out our care.

So take a moment to consider your symptoms and ask yourself what messages they might be sending. Before you interrupt the the natural functions of your body, consider the long term implications. And before starting any medication, consider the many safe and non-toxic natural therapies available. And, of course, consider adding a naturopathic doctor to your health care team

Testimonial

drcaitlin — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 02:20:50 +0000

I received a lovely card card from a patient recently and, with her permission, wanted to share her experience. It put a smile on my face that lasted the whole day

Thank you for taking care of my health and for helping me get rid of my gallstones. Your practice has really opened my eyes to alternatives and eating better – it changed me in a positive way. I will always recommend you to others. What you have done for me has enlightened my life – SW, age 45

Help License Naturopathic Doctors in Colorado

admin — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 05:25:12 +0000

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD TODAY IN SUPPORT OF HB1173 FOR LICENSING NDs

Dear supporters of Naturopathic Doctors,

If you have already written to your Representatives, we thank you! If not, please consider taking a few minutes to contact the Representatives below—we need your help today!

Your medically trained Naturopathic Doctor needs your help to be able practice legally and ensure your ongoing access to doctoral level naturopathic medicine by writing your Representatives and Senators in SUPPORT of HB1173. Please copy and paste email addresses from the bottom of this email (to the Health & Environment Committee members) along with the text we’ve provided for you just below. Feel free to add your own experience of doctoral level naturopathic medicine.

HB 1173 has been introduced to require the regulation of Naturopathic Doctors in Colorado. This important legislation would ensure that patients have a right to know that their naturopathic doctor has attended naturopathic medical school, has passed all the ND medical board exams and requirements, and that naturopathic doctors will be held accountable by the state. Colorado is one of the few states in the West that does not require licensing of naturopathic doctors, and HB 1173 would address that problem.

The medically trained ND’s who have attended a federally-accredited 4-year medical school institution are seeking to have a license to practice legally within a defined scope of practice. Right now Colorado is one of the only Western States that does not regulate naturopathic doctors. This means the public cannot distinguish between people with clinical medical training and those without.

HB1173 would provide citizen protection by ensuring that those who call themselves naturopathic doctors have met the professional standards for this title.

A scope of practice very similar to that outlined in the 8 other Western States would make it legal for medically trained ND’s to diagnose and treat using natural modalities such as vitamins, botanical and herbal extracts, homeopathy, diet, nutrition, and exercise. They are NOT seeking the use of drugs or surgery.

Other practitioners’ activities will NOT be curtailed by this bill. Other practitioners, both lay practitioners who are performing an unlicensed activity and other health care professionals who are currently practicing within the scope of their license will not be affected. They may continue to practice herbalism, homeopathy, yoga, Ayurveda, and a whole host of other natural therapies. The bill is strictly seeking title protection for the term “Naturopathic Doctor.” A quick scan of the yellow pages and internet in states that license ND’s will reveal that thousands of people who are not ND’s are practicing a wide array of natural modalities without calling themselves ND’s.

Attached you will find a short fact sheet on this bill that you can forward on with your personal letter. Please urge your representatives to VOTE YES ON HB1173.

This bill is crucial for your ongoing access to Naturopathic Doctors. Your support is greatly appreciated.

The Colorado Association of Naturopathic Doctors

Health & Environment Committee (House of Representative)