Health

Naturopathic Support for Seasonal Allergies

By Dr. Jenna Dye, Naturopathic Physician

The best time of year in Arizona is here—spring! The weather is amazing with trees and flowers blooming and pollen circulating through the air. For some of us though, this change of weather brings on the sneezes, sniffles, coughing, itching and wheezing. These symptoms make it difficult to enjoy the season. But you don’t have to be miserable. There are some simple, natural ways to reduce your exposure and conquer spring.

BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

If you suffer from allergies, you may be more prone to illnesses such as sinus infections and other respiratory conditions. Make sure your immune system is in tip-top shape before the allergy season begins. Daily vitamin C can boost immunity and can act as mild antihistamine. Local raw honey can be used daily to help prime the system for the upcoming allergy season. A simple nasal irrigation with saline, such as a netipot, can help decrease and prevent that stubborn stuffy nose.

REDUCE YOUR IN-HOME ALLERGENS

We are exposed to many allergens in our home. I recommend purchasing a good quality HEPA air purifier and running it 24/7 during allergy season (I run mine year-round). Allergen exposure is especially high when we are sleeping, so having it in the bedroom is beneficial. Just make sure to change and clean the filters regularly.

If you have carpet in your home, vacuum at least twice per week to help decrease your exposure. If allergies are severe and you have pets, you may want to consider an alternative flooring. Don’t forget to clean your windowsills, blinds, and ceiling fans. They love to collect dust and we often forget about them. You can also eliminate dust mites by placing your pillows, comforters and blankets in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes just once per week.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY LIFESTYLE

Allergy symptoms originate from underlying inflammation and an overreaction in the body. Any additional factors that cause inflammation in the body may worsen symptoms. This can include foods, chemicals, and stress. By reducing your toxic load, your body can better handle the allergens.

Choose foods that are nutrient dense such as green leafy vegetables and antioxidant rich fruits. Avoid dairy products, as they can add to inflammation, produce more mucus, and aggravate current allergy symptoms. Reduce processed and high sugar foods and drink ample water. If you have food sensitivities, avoiding these during an allergy flare-up can be helpful.

Work on stress management. Stress negatively effects the immune system, which results in increased inflammation and a decreased ability for the body to handle allergen exposure. Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and cultivate healthy relationships in your life.

SEASONAL ALLERGIES

SEE YOUR NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN

A naturopathic physician can offer an individualized approach for you and your specific allergy symptoms. This is achieved by treating any underlying illnesses, supporting your foundational health, and decreasing inflammation. This support along with modifying your diet, reducing your exposure, and boosting your immune system can allow you to start enjoying this gorgeous time of year.

Dr. Jenna Dye is a licensed naturopathic physician. Her role is to support the body’s foundation to restore and maintain optimal health. Together with her patients, this is achieved by identifying and removing barriers that may be impacting health while creating a healing environment. For more information, visit drjennadye.com.

The Top Five Reasons to Schedule a Colonoscopy

By Kendra Arrieta

Did you know colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. and the second-leading cause of all cancer-related deaths? Early detection is key. The earlier you get screened, the better your chances are for a favorable outcome if anything abnormal is found.

Initial screening colonoscopies are now recommended starting at age 45 and every 10 years after that until age 75. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor to see if you should be screened sooner or more frequently. Alexander Lee, MD, a gastroenterologist at HonorHealth, identifies the top five reasons why you’ll want to add a colonoscopy to your to-do list now:

1. THE PREP HAS IMPROVED.

Most people find the prep these days to be tolerable. You start with a clear diet, followed by the infamous jug of prep fluid – but it can now be split into two portions, instead of having to drink it all at once. This makes it more comfortable, and some brands even have flavors available for the prep.

2. IT WILL BE OVER BEFORE YOU KNOW IT.

You will be at the hospital or surgery center for about two hours, and only 20-30 minutes of that will be procedure time. You’ll be comfortably sedated, much like you’re taking a nap. Most patients won’t need another colonoscopy for 10 years.

3. IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS, A COLONOSCOPY IS THE FASTEST WAY TO A DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT.

Any symptoms like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss should be taken seriously, regardless of your age. These symptoms could indicate a significant gastrointestinal problem, including colon cancer. If that’s the case, it’s best to find and treat it right away. A colonoscopy is the only way to take a complete look at your colon and remove any polyps to be tested to see if they are normal or abnormal (potentially pre-cancerous) tissue growths.

4. HIGH-RISK INDIVIDUALS SHOULD BE ESPECIALLY DILIGENT ABOUT SCREENING FOR COLON CANCER.

If you have a family history of colon cancer, previously had polyps removed, or have a personal history of colon cancer or chronic inflammatory bowel disease, screenings are critical.

5. YOU CAN SCHEDULE A COLONOSCOPY WITHOUT AN OFFICE VISIT – SAVING YOU TIME AND CO-PAYS.

If you’re healthy and don’t have any major medical conditions, you just need to fill out a form to schedule an Open Access Colonoscopy, so you can skip that extra appointment.

Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. While it’s true there are other options, a colonoscopy is considered the gold standard since it can treat and diagnose at the same time. “During the past five years, more screenings have resulted in a decreased death rate from colon cancer,” Dr. Lee says. “When the cancer is detected early, people live longer. The best test is the one that gets done, so I encourage anyone 45 or older to book that colonoscopy today.”