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Nutrition
Heartburn affects 60 million people at least once a month, and about 15 million people experience it daily. Heartburn is often treated with medications that neutralize or inhibit stomach acid from being produced, but what if the real root cause of heartburn isn’t high levels of stomach acid?
A newly published study in the British Medical Journal showed that chronic use of oral and/or inhaled glucocorticoids affected the white and gray matter of the brain.
Finally! A research article showing what I have been seeing for decades! Patients who have adequate vitamin D3 levels and taking fish oil supplements reduces their risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
What is the best form of calcium to take for bone health? This is a common question I’m asked in my office. And, many people have been misinformed on this topic.
Here’s a family favorite recipe, that’s only 30 minutes to make! Enjoy!
In my practice, I see how important diet is in influencing our health. Unfortunately in main stream medicine, diet is often overlooked when discussing patient’s treatment plans. What I find even more baffling is when it comes to treating gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (Chron’s disease and Ulcerative colitis), patients are often told that what you eat doesn’t matter. Well, I am here to tell you that it 100% does matter. Let’s look at some research that backs up my statement.
Low carb diets are a win for people suffering from conditions like diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and metabolic syndrome; as well as people who are looking to shed a few pounds. Many patients I see already come into my office on a low carb diet. However, I see many people still eating foods that they think are low carb and that really aren’t.
Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root, rose root, or arctic root, is a plant from Siberia that grows well in dry and cold arctic climates. The root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. Its root contains more than 140 active ingredients, the two most potent of which are rosavin and salidroside. Rhodiola is known as being an adaptogen, meaning it helps you adapt to physical and emotional stress when consumed.
This herb is one I would consider as “friendly”. I rarely find side effects in individuals I prescribe it to, and it “plays nicely” with other herbs and medications. I use rhodiola for men, women, and adolescent children for a variety of health reasons. Here are 3 science based health benefits of rhodiola rosea:
RHODIOLA CAN REDUCE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
Research has shown that rhodiola may stimulate serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine activity (1).
In one six-week study on the effectiveness of rhodiola on symptoms of depression, 89 people with mild or moderate depression were randomly assigned to receive either 340 mg or 680 mg of rhodiola extract or a placebo pill daily. Both rhodiola groups experienced significant improvements in overall depression, insomnia and emotional stability, whereas the placebo group showed no improvements (2).
A study published in the journal Phytomedicine in 2015 compared rhodiola extract vs sertraline for mild to moderate depressive disorder. 57 subjects were randomized to 12 weeks of standardized rhodiola extract, sertraline, or placebo. After the 12 weeks, rhodiola produced less antidepressant effects vs sertraline, but it also resulted in significantly less side effects and was overall better tolerated. Concluding that although less effective than sertraline, rhodiola may possess a more favorable risk to benefit ratio for individuals with mild to moderate depression (3).
RHODIOLA CAN REDUCE SYMPTOMS OF FATIGUE
A study published in 2017 showed that taking 400 mg per day for 8 weeks significantly reduced symptoms of fatigue and weakness. After 1 week of usage, patients noticed a reduction in their fatigue symptoms with optimal reduction being observed at 8 weeks (4).
A study published in 2009 showed that taking 576 mg of rhodiola extract per day vs placebo exerted an anti-fatigue effect that increased mental concentration, and a decreased cortisol response to stress in burnout patients with chronic fatigue syndromes (5).
RHODIOLA CAN IMPROVE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL PERFORMANCE
Rhodiola has been looked at extensively for its impact on exercise performance. A study published in 2013 found that giving rhodiola extract 1 hour before a 6-mile bicycle race showed better heart rate response and improved exercise performance vs. its carbohydrate placebo (6).
Interestingly, a study published in 2018 showed that giving rhodiola extract for 4 weeks prior to cognitive testing and physical exertion had significant improvements especially in mental performance (hello student exams!) (7).
When buying supplements be sure to buy from quality assured brands, and be sure to look at the labels of these supplements to ensure they contain a standardized amount of 3% rosavins and 1% salidrosides. In summary, the optimal dose of rhodiola for improving symptoms of stress, fatigue or depression is 400–600 mg per day. If you’re after rhodiola’s performance-enhancing effects, take 200–300 mg an hour or two before exercise. In addition due to rhodiola’s stimulatory effect, I wouldn’t recommend taking it before bed.
REFERENCES
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30659561/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17990195/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25837277/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28219059/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19016404/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23443221/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30450257/
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.
I love experimenting with different recipes during the summer months when our community supported agriculture (CSA) is booming with fresh produce. It keeps me on my toes with learning how to cook different vegetables like kohlrabi or muu radishes. I will post some of my favorite finds this summer. Starting with these two yummy favorites my family loved.
RECIPE #1
THAI SALMON RECIPE
INGREDIENTS:
6 x 6 oz wild salmon fillets, skin on/off
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce, divided (buy at grocery store Asian section)
2 – 3 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
Cooking spray (I use Misto)
DIRECTIONS:
In a large baking dish, add salmon in a single layer.
Each fillet: sprinkle with a pinch of salt and top with 1 tbsp of Thai sweet chili sauce.
Brush or rub with your fingers to coat fish with sauce evenly on top, bottom and sides. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight is the best (up to 24 hours).
Turn on oven’s broiler on High and position top oven rack 5″ – 6″ below the heat source. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper, spray with cooking spray and place salmon fillets skin side down (if any).
Coat with remaining marinade from the dish (if any). Broil for 8 minutes, rotating baking sheet once.
Remove from the oven and brush top of each fillet with 2 tsp of Thai sweet chili sauce.
Return to the oven and broil for another 5 minutes or until salmon has caramelized.Serve hot garnished with green onions, extra sauce (if desired).
RECIPE #2
ASIAN KALE SALAD
INGREDIENTS FOR THE SALAD:
4 cups chopped curly kale, thick stems removed (be sure it's dry)
3 cups prepared shredded red cabbage
2 cups prepared shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, sliced into bite-sized pieces
3/4 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
INGREDIENTS FOR THE DRESSING:
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, from one lime
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sugar
1 large clove garlic, roughly chopped
1-inch square piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sriracha
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Bake the almonds until lightly golden and fragrant, 5-10 minutes. (Keep a close eye on them; nuts burn quickly.) Let cool.
Combine all of the ingredients for the salad in a large mixing bowl.
Combine all of the ingredients for the dressing in a food processor or blender; process until smooth and creamy.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Serve immediately.
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.
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and even though many forms of therapy exist, about one third of patients treated with conventional antidepressants do not experience a response. Diet is a common overlooked area in the treatment of many health conditions in the conventional realm of medicine. In the treatment of mood disorders, it’s an area that needs to be addressed. Here are some examples of how nutrition plays such a vital role in influencing our moods.
PROTEINS INFLUENCE ON NEUROTRANSMITTER PRODUCTION
A study published in 2018 showed that vegetarians were more neurotic and depressed than omnivores. This is likely due to the amino acids content in high protein foods. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which play a critical role in neurotransmitter production. Neurotransmitters (ie. serotonin, dopamine, GABA to name a few) are the chemicals that allow brain cells to communicate to each other. A simplified example of this is if you eat turkey your body breaks down the protein and makes the amino acid L-tryptophan. In the biochemical pathway of synthesizing the neurotransmitter, serotonin, L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid in this process. Your body can’t make L-tryptophan on its own. It is required through your diet; and therefore, if you aren’t getting adequate amounts of protein through poultry, nuts, fish, or dairy you may become deficient in serotonin. Low serotonin levels are associated with a whole host of disorders including depression, anxiety, insomnia, digestive disorders, and headaches.
THE ROLE OF INFLAMMATION ON MOODS
Inflammation and mood disorders are hot topics in the research literature. Addressing the inflammatory process looks like a crucial area missed in the conventional realm of treating severe and mild mood disorders. An article published in 2019 in the journal Frontiers In Psychiatry discusses the role of dietary inflammation and mental illness. This article cites many studies that show diets consisting of high inflammatory foods like simple carbohydrates, processed sugars and saturated fats influence even severe mood disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
In addition, fish oil has been researched for years showing it’s beneficial for treating depression. Why? Fish oil contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which have strong anti-infammatory effects as well as beneficial effects on the cell membranes directly. Researchers point out that cell membranes are made up of omega-3s. Therefore by increasing omega-3 levels through supplementation or diet it allows for neurotransmitters like dopamine, for example, to pass through the cell membrane more easily directly affecting our brain biochemistry.
Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid derived from the spice turmeric, influences several biological mechanisms associated with major depression. In 2017, Journal of Affective Disorders published a study that showed curcumin dosed at 500mg 2x/day after 4 weeks was significantly more effective than placebo in improving several mood-related symptoms. Curcumin’s powerful natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties seem to be the driving forces behind its influence on brain biochemistry. Chronic inflammation can decrease levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine and can lead to degeneration in certain brain areas. It is possible that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin can restore these neurotransmitters and protect the brain, eventually leading to improvements in mood.
THE GUT BRAIN CONNECTION
The gut brain connection is a very complex area of research. Our diets can directly affect our microbiome, the trillions of microorganisms that live in our gut. The gut microbiota can actually produce neurotransmitters themselves. For example, Lactobacillus spp. produces GABA and acetylcholine; Bifidobacterium spp. produces GABA; Escherichia spp. produces noradrenalin and serotonin; to name a few. In addition, we know that 90% of the neurotransmitter serotonin is actually produced in the gut! So, how can what we eat NOT influence the production of our brain neurotransmitters?
The treatment of mood disorders can not be looked at as a one size fits all treatment. This is why many patients seek out alternative practitioners like naturopathic physicians, because their current treatment utilizing pharmaceutical medications and psychotherapy for their mood disorder is not giving them the results they were hoping to achieve.
Naturopathic physicians (ND’s) learn the same basic sciences as conventional medical doctors, but they are are trained in nutrition, psychology, and complementary therapies such as herbal medicine and homeopathy. Be aware not all naturopathic doctors are the same. NY State currently doesn’t license naturopathic physicians, so ND’s trained through accredited graduate level medical schools and are required to pass national board exams before licensure are lumped together with “traditional” naturopaths who don’t attend accredited graduate schools and do not receive licenses. Before choosing a naturopathic practitioner, be aware of their education and training before making your appointment.
REFERENCES
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29595331/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6529779/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31156486/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29254106/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25046624/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6389720/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22968153/
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.
