Low fat milk consumption linked to PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and/or the development of small cysts on one or both ovaries.

An article published in 2014 in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine showed a link between low fat dairy consumption and PCOS . (1)

In addition, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Obesity and Weight Loss Therapy found that a low starch/low dairy diet resulted in weight loss, improved insulin resistance, and reduced testosterone levels in women with PCOS. (2)

Why?

1. Eating low fat dairy can increase levels of insulin growth factor which has been linked to PCOS.

2. Milk contains growth stimulating hormones which increases androgens (ie. testosterone).

Interestingly, compared to low-fat dairy products, whole milk and fat-rich dairy products have a higher estrogen concentration. Since estrogen can decrease insulin growth factor, consumption of whole milk dairy has not been associated with PCOS.

Bottomline

Skip the milk! PCOS is just another hormonal imbalanced issue linked to milk consumption. Infertility, early puberty, acne, and ovarian cancer are all being linked to milk consumption in the research. The verdict is out on cheese consumption. However, limiting all dairy consumption is a good idea where hormone imbalances are involved.

References

1.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25013687/

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26225266/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Since 2005, Dr Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. With her scientific background, Dr Fey uses science based natural approaches to treating disease.

Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. Dr Fey is currently offering telemedicine for patients all across the US. To contact the office call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.  

Yummy Beet Recipe

BEET SALAD WITH FETA CHEESE

(Servings: 4)

Ingredients:

5 red beets

1 lemon (juice)

1/2 cup feta cheese

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 shallot or small onion minced

4 green onions chopped

Directions:

1. Peel and cut beets into cubes and boil until tender, approximately 30 minutes. Drain and cool.

2. Mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, juice from 1 lemon, and shallots, shake vigorously to mix well. In a bowl, add the dressing to the cooled beets.

3. Top with the feta cheese and green onions. Mix well and serve. (salad is delicious without the feta cheese if you are dairy intolerant, you could also use a dairy free feta cheese replacement)

4. Bon appetit!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Since 2005, Dr Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. With her scientific background, Dr Fey uses science based natural approaches to treating disease.

Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. Dr Fey is currently offering telemedicine for patients all across the US. To contact the office call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.  

The Difference Between a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor and a Naturopathic Doctor

Sounds confusing, right? Well unfortunately due to the lack of regulation for Naturopathic Doctors (ND) in NY State; ANYONE can call themselves a Naturopathic Doctor (scary, right?)

So, let’s first talk about a licensed Naturopathic Doctor’s Education (that’s me :-))

 After receiving my bachelor’s degree in science (pre-med), I then attended a four-year, in-residence doctoral program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). The CNME recognized by the US Dept of Education and is the only accrediting council in North America that qualify graduates for licensure. 

The only Naturopathic Medical Schools in the US accredited by the CNME are as follows:

• Bastyr University-Washington

• Bastyr University-California

• National University of Natural Medicine-Oregon

• National University of Health Sciences-Illinois

• Southwest College of Natural Medicine-Arizona

• University of Bridgeport, College of Natural Medicine-Connecticut

While at Natural University of Natural Medicine in Portland OR, my education included all the same basic sciences as an MD, but also studies in clinical nutrition, pharmacology, homeopathy, botanical medicine, radiology, physical medicine, and lifestyle counseling. 

After graduation to become licensed, I had to pass a two-part national board exam (National Physicians Licensing Exam) which consisted of biomedical sciences and clinical medicine portions.  My current license is in Oregon due to NY lack of regulations. I chose not to do a post-doctoral residence because there weren’t many to chose from back in 2005. Today, there are many more opportunities and many licensed ND students do go to complete post-doctoral residencies all across North America. 

The Education of a non-Licensed Naturopathic Doctor 

• Certificates/Degrees are obtained online.

• Education is NOT accredited by the US Dept. of Education.

• Programs lengths are only a few months or up to a year.

• They are not taught the same medical sciences as MD’s.

• Their faculty are not required to have medical degrees.

In addition, non-licensed Naturopathic Doctors are not required (or even allowed) to take national board exams to obtain licensure. For that reason these ND’s choose to practice in unregulated states like NY where they can call themselves doctors (crazy I know!) and can place letters ND behind their name without even having a true accredited education. 

Practicing in NY State with an education like mine can be a struggle due to its limitations. Especially when other colleagues in the medical field are considering us as quacks! This is likely due to the non regulation of this medicine in NY State. Be aware of other practitioners in NY that call themselves Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine, make sure you see their credentials before committing to their service. 

It’s only a matter of time that NY will become regulated. More and more people are seeking out alternative medicine for complementary support to their health care concerns. It’s very important to have licensed professionals in the field of natural medicine become part of the American medical model. Without regulation, there is a great risk that patients will do harm by taking supplements that interact with their medication or aggravate their current medical condition. Remember, just because it’s a “natural” substance doesn’t mean that it can’t do harm. Don’t be fooled. 

About the author

Since 2005, Dr Fey has helped thousands of women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believe that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms.

Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center For Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. Her personal website is www.doctorfey.com. To contact the office call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.