Well, Naturally
By Ashley Breeding | February 06, 2012 11:05 AM
Illustration by Rob Draw, Photos courtesy of Health in Balance
‘Tis the season of stuffy noses, sore throats and stiff joints—to learn how we could start off the new year on a healthy foot, Laguna Beach Magazine consulted some of the town’s best doctors, from traditional M.D.’s to osteopathic doctors to naturopaths, for advice on how to treat or prevent some of the most common health ailments.
Given that the pharmaceutical industry is the most profitable in the U.S., we were surprised to discover that most health practitioners we spoke with actually prescribe natural medicine first—for their patients as well as themselves and their families.
“I believe in making lifestyle changes and trying natural medicine first because in many cases they work,” says Dr. Gregg DeNicola, M.D., of Caduceus Medical Group. “And if they don’t—or in the case of more severe illnesses—then we have pharmaceutical drugs that can help.”
Dr. Gary Arthur, a chiropractic kinesiologist and the founder of Health in Balance, echoes Dr. DeNicola’s approach: “There is a place for Western medicine—in a life or death situation, for instance—but there is now so much hard scientific research that shows how effective natural medicine can be.”
The Common Cold
Dr. Arthur: It is important to build a strong immune system in order to resist infection, which begins with a healthy nervous system. Since the spine protects the nervous system, I recommend, firstly, an adjustment to the mid-back and neck, which will improve the energy flow to the thymus gland (immune system organ). Secondly, a series of natural supplements and herbal remedies (Goldenseal, Echinacea) should be tested to see which ones effectively strengthen your immune system. Additionally, it is helpful to create an environment where bugs can’t thrive (infection)—stay hydrated, avoid mucus-forming foods like dairy, sugar and wheat, take vitamins C and D3, and get adequate sleep.
Dr. DeNicola: There’s no antibiotic cure for the common cold, which is a virus that typically lasts two to three days. To ease symptoms, follow the old-fashioned advice: Drink hot fluids—all teas are great—to help flush out the body; gargle with salt water or an over-the-counter oral anesthetic like Cepacol to comfort a sore throat; sitting in humidity from a hot shower for 10 to 15 minutes helps with congestion; and take Advil or Tylenol for a fever.
Insomnia
Dr. DeNicola: I suggest that patients try a more homeopathic approach first—regular exercise; lifestyle changes that reduce stress; a warm beverage before bed; and mild, natural sleep aids like L-tryptophan. If this doesn’t work after about six to eight weeks, then I’ll prescribe Ambien or Lunesta, which are both extremely safe and helpful.
Dr. Ed Smith, D.O., of Personal Healthcare Clinic: Exercise! Yoga is great. Also, lay off the caffeine and other stimulants; drink plenty of water to stay hydrated; and try winding down at night with meditation and chamomile tea. I also recommend a mild sleep aid (L-tryptophan) before I prescribe a pharmaceutical drug like Ambien. It’s important to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
Lethargy
Dr. DeNicola: Depression is the cause of chronic fatigue in about 60 percent of patients we see. If your doctor determines the cause of fatigue is physical and not psychological, it’s likely due to irregular sleep patterns, and you should follow the same treatment advice for insomnia.
Dr. Cynthia Costa, DC, Health in Balance: Loading up on carb-heavy meals can affect your blood sugar and can create great highs and lows in energy, which, in turn, can create fatigue during the day. “Grazing” throughout the day on smaller meals that balance healthy proteins, carbs and fats helps sustain energy levels.
Inflammation
Dr. Tom Bent, M.D., of Laguna Beach Community Clinic: Inflammation is part of the normal healing process and is important in fighting infection. However, there are many conditions—such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis—where inflammation is excessive and harmful. Try non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like naproxen or ibuprofen. Acetaminophen can also be helpful for pain, but has no anti-inflammatory properties.
Dr. Arthur: Inflammation is the immune system’s complex reaction to harmful stimuli that enters the body and can settle in many parts of the body, including the joints, organs, lungs and gastrointestinal system. Postural distortions can chronically decrease energy, metabolism and immune function, and weaken the nervous system; therefore, working on posture can keep the nervous and immune systems strong so that inflammation is less likely to occur.
Avoiding inflammatory foods (refined sugars, dairy, red meat) to alkalinize the ph of the blood and integrating antioxidant rich foods (whole fruits, vegetables, omega 3-rich fish) is also essential in preventing inflammation. Refined sugar is the dirtiest culprit—I advise everyone to get off sugar!
Winter Blues/Mild Depression
Dr. DeNicola: Mild depression (not to be confused with clinical depression) is common during the winter season, when the days are shorter and colder. Regulating a healthy diet and getting exercise daily is essential; sharing your feelings with close friends or family when you’re feeling down is also important.
Dr. Smith: Again, exercise and diet! Also, taking vacation or enough time out of your “daily life” to do things that make you happy is also very important. Too often, we get so caught up in our busy lives and don’t take enough time to ourselves. That can lead to stress and both mental and physical health problems.
Headaches
Dr. Bent: The most common type of headache is a tension headache, which tends to get worse throughout the day, peak in the afternoon, and then subside in the evening. They can be triggered by allergies; eye strain (caused by our technology-driven world); or stress, which must be addressed to eliminate the onset. For temporary relief, Tylenol or Advil works well, as does massage therapy or applying a hot compress to the painful areas.
Vincent Bennett, LMT, HHP, of Personal Healthcare Clinic: Most headaches are stress-related and can be prevented/treated with healthy lifestyle changes, like nutrition, 30 to 40 minutes of exercise three to four days a week, and adequate downtime (vacations are mandatory for optimum health!). I also believe that massage therapy, which relaxes the muscles, can work wonders. Massage gets you out of your head and back into your body.
Influenza
Dr. DeNicola: I highly recommend the flu shot for anyone over 6 months old. The new shot combines both the H1N1 and regular flu shots, and can be a lifesaver for anyone with a compromised immune system.
Dr. Arthur: There are known risks associated with and without getting a flu shot. I recommend that everyone be fully informed about what is in the vaccines that are being injected into their bloodstreams (for a list of ingredients, visit cdc.gov) and make the decision to have one or not. Most people—unless they are severely immune compromised—don’t die from the flu.
The question each person needs to ask him or herself is, “Is the risk of getting the flu greater than the possible side effects of the flu shot?” Based on my own knowledge, I do not get one, nor do I have my kids vaccinated. At the first sign of flu-like symptoms, I recommend taking Oscillococcinum, a natural medicine that can be found at Whole Foods.
Back Pain
Dr. DeNicola: Hands-on treatment, like massage and chiropractic work, helps a lot. I also recommend swimming and aerobic exercises that stretch the back muscles. For pain relief, I might also prescribe muscle relaxers or anti-inflammatory medications.
Vincent Bennett: In addition to regular yoga practice and stretching these muscles, I recommend massage once a week. Chiropractic work and acupuncture can also be very helpful in alleviating back pain.
Dr. Costa: First, it is important to assess what is causing the pain to determine if adjustments are necessary. Staying hydrated, relaxing muscles with weekly Epsom salt baths and decompressing the neck and lower back by integrating stretching rituals (almost daily) is effective in alleviating back pain.
Five Essential Components to Optimum Health
Vincent Bennett: Exercise, diet, meditation (even if just five minutes a day), nutritional supplements (multi-vitamin, fish or flax oil), and hobbies that “take you out of your world.”
Dr. Arthur: A strong immune system (nerve flow, posture, flexibility); balanced biochemisty (hydration, pH, healthy diet, rest, et cetera); emotional health (positive outlook, forgiveness); energetic health (exercise, avoiding electromagnetic fields like microwaves, computers, cell phones); and spiritual health (connection with “your maker”).
Although it may be tempting to pop a pill or swig an elixir to temporarily relieve uncomfortable symptoms, most doctors we spoke with agree that correcting rather than masking “the root of the problem” is better for long-term health. And while Western medicine can save lives and we should be thankful we have it, in many cases pharmaceutical drugs aren’t necessary, Dr. Arthur concludes.
“Thomas Edison had it right when he said ‘The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his or her patient in the care of the human frame, in proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
