Medications are often prescribed to treat the
symptoms of asthma and allergies without
further investigation into the underlying
causes of the condition

• More than 17 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with asthma.
• Asthma is the sixth most common chronic condition in the U.S.
• Asthma affects more than 4.8 million U.S. children, making it the most common serious and chronic disease among children.
• Approximately 40 to 50 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with allergies
• Pollen allergy (hay fever or allergic rhinitis) affects nearly 10 percent of the people in the U.S. (26 million people), not including those with asthma.
• Chronic sinusitis, most often caused by allergies, affects nearly 35 million people in the U.S.
• Urticaria (hives; raised areas of reddened skin that become itchy) and angioedema (swelling of throat tissues) together affect approximately 15 percent of the U.S. population every year.Many theories have been made over the years, but little has changed in the western medical diagnosis and treatment of asthma and allergies. Many patients find themselves dependent on steroid inhalers and allergy medications for the rest of their lives in order to keep symptoms at bay. The problem with this approach is that there is no acknowledgement or treatment of the underlying causes of the condition. Often, in Naturopathic Medicine, asthma and allergies are found to be two sides of the same coin. Clinically, although there can be many influences in the formation of asthma and allergies, we have found that there are two primary factors which seem to be strongly related to the disease process. These factors include:

• Toxicity
• Adrenal Fatigue

Toxicity is a very broad category which includes a multitude of factors, depending on the individual. Environmental toxins can come from the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Our bodies are constantly bombarded with toxins from the environment that we must detoxify and eliminate. In addition to dealing with environmental toxicity, our body is constantly dealing with toxicity produced from normal bodily processes such as digestion and metabolism. Our bodies must be in the position to effectively neutralize and eliminate toxins faster then they accumulate in order to remain free from symptoms of disease.

Natural medicine is effective in
discovering and treating the
underlying causes of asthma
and allergies

Adrenal Fatigue is another common factor involved in the occurrence of asthma and allergies. The adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys and are responsible for the production of the stress hormone called cortisol, among other hormones. Cortisol is very similar to cortisone in that it increases blood sugar, decreases pain, and decreases immune function. Cortisol is produced and released in response to chronic stress or low blood sugar levels. Chronic stress includes physical, mental, and emotional stressors. When stressors accumulate over time, the body has a difficult time coping with the heavy burden that it is under. This can lead to overproduction of cortisol. The body can only cope with a high level of stress for so long before the system starts to decompensate. Decompensation can create a deficiency in cortisol production. When cortisol levels fall, so does immune system regulation. Without normal amounts of cortisol in the body to moderate immune function, immunity becomes erratic and hyperactive which can predispose the individual to an increased likelihood of asthma and allergies. In this state, the immune system can become very hypersensitive and reactive towards normally benign substances.

As you can see, the treatment of asthma and allergies can be very complex. Rarely will the treatment for one patient match the treatment of another. It is important that the underlying causes of dysfunction are properly discovered and treated. Naturopathic Medicine has shown tremendous promise in treating these conditions through the use of diet & lifestyle changes, clinical detoxification, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and nutrient therapy. Utilizing these therapies, we have found that many patients have been able to significantly decrease, if not eliminate their daily medications under the supervision of their prescribing doctor. If you are frustrated with merely treating the symptoms of your asthma and allergies with medications, and are interested in exploring the possible underlying causes of dysfunction, please call our office to schedule an appointment today at (650) 323-7345.

Naturopathic medicine
offers many solutions for
the common symptoms
associated with
chemotherapy and
radiation

1. Treat the individual, not the Cancer: This point is very important. Cancer is a symptom of disease, but not the cause of disease. Disease typically occurs years before pathology can be found at a tissue level. Cancer usually occurs in our inherently weakest tissues. Typically, when Cancer is treated directly, it later recurs in the same tissue or the next weakest tissue. Directly treating cancer is comparable to putting a band-aid on a twelve inch cut, though sometimes required, it is rarely curative. Typically, anytime a specific symptom is treated without addressing the entire person, suppression of disease can occur. Each time suppression of disease occurs, the more difficult and time consuming it becomes to get the person back to an optimal state of health. The point of this section is to emphasize the importance of treating the individual and not the cancer.
From our perspective, the body is profoundly wise and is far more complex than we can yet detect. The body will increase function where and when it is needed. When the body is constantly stimulated because of various factors such as inflammation, many new cells are produced and the chance of mutation can ensue. You have to understand that this is typically occurs after years of over-stimulation from various sources. It is also important to understand that cancer is the body’s way of adapting to chronic over-stimulation.

2. Treatment: Naturopathic medicine approaches treatment from several levels, all of which are focused on the same goal. We do not have a specific protocol that we follow for specific diseases. We utilize the information that your body provides to us in order to create a healing plan that is individually tailored to you. As treatment progresses, information from your body is followed and the treatment plan is appropriately adjusted.

Broccoli contains powerful anti-cancer
nutrients and phytochemicals

a. Removal of obstacles to cure: It is very important to find the causes of over-stimulation in the body. This process involves individualized dietary changes, lifestyle changes, food intolerance avoidance, environmental hazard avoidance, etc. Everything we do affects the body in a specific way. By utilizing this principle we will fine tune your habits to promote health and wellbeing.

b. Tonifying systems: This process involves strengthening organ systems that are under-functioning or malfunctioning. Special focus is always paid to the gastrointestinal system. Weakened systems can be found through pulse diagnosis, iridology, neurolymphatic points, and physical signs and symptoms. Tonification of systems is achieved through utilization of botanical medicines and nutrient therapy.

c. Homeopathy: Homeopathy is used to change specific energetic processes in our thought, emotions, and physical body. This is particularly important in cases where diseases are found to run in families, so-called genetic diseases. Homeopathy is especially indicated in patients with a strong emotional component.

d. Constitutional Hydrotherapy: This will be the crux of treatment. This therapy increases the vitality of the person and promotes the innate self-healing processes. This therapy is also very important in increasing detoxification, energy levels, and proper organ function.

Natural medicine is effective
in treating most common
childhood illnesses

As a parent, you are striving to support your child’s growth in the healthiest manner. Dr. Destia & Dr. Bryan are well trained to guide and educate you through all the changes of infancy, childhood, and adolescence with the safe, effective use of natural medicine. Truly, medicine you can trust.

We hold a strong belief in the body’s inherent ability to heal and are always seeking to identify the underlying cause of illness within each person. Children often have an amazing capacity to heal from conditions with very little interference from medicine. Often when health problems do arise in children, it takes very little effort in order to get them back on track again. We have found that by addressing the overall weaknesses or genetic predispositions at an early age, children have far less illness in their lives. We feel that the earlier health issues are identified and treated, the less illness that your child will experience throughout his or her entire life. This is preventative medicine at its best.

As Naturopathic Doctors, our goal is to actively prevent illness and connect each person with vibrant health. We view the body as a whole and use the most natural, least toxic therapies such as Clinical Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy and Craniosacral Therapy. As Primary Care Doctors, we are experienced in the common occurrences in childhood, such as:

Naturopathic doctors are primary care
doctors focusing on safe, natural, and
gentle treatments for your child

•?Well Child Check-ups
•?Food Introduction
•?Ear Infections
•?Teething problems
•?Colds & Flu’s
•?Allergies
•?Asthma
•?Eczema & other Skin disorders
•?ADD/ADHD
•?Vaccination Education
•?Digestive Disorders
•?Behavior Disorders

What can Craniosacral Therapy do for your child’s health?

Craniosacral Therapy is a hands-on approach that involves
“listening with the fingers” to the body’s subtle rhythms and any patterns of congestion. The emphasis of treatment is to encourage and enhance the body’s own self-healing and self-regulating capabilities, even in the most acute or chronic pathologies.

Common Conditions helped with Craniosacral Therapy

• Colic
• Feeding Problems / Nursing Issues
• Birth Trauma
• Hyperactivity
• Ear Infections
• Teeth Grinding
• Headaches
• Delayed development

(Link to clinic handout Food for your toddler and Food Introduction)

What are the signs that my child has food allergies or intolerance?
Foods given too early may induce food allergies. A baby is usually ready for solid foods when he/she is able to sit up and is able to push food away. Another important sign is that the child is swallowing the food back instead of pushing it out with their tongue. New foods should be introduced one at a time for several days. Allergic reactions should be looked out for and noted. Symptoms include:

Natural medicine builds the foundation
for healthy, happy children

• Fatigue
• Rash around the mouth or anus
• Diarrhea /Constipation
• Mucus found in stools
• Hyperactivity or Lethargy
• Redness of the face and/or cheeks
• Runny nose / Excess mucus
• Abdominal pain / Allergic Shiners (black circles under eyes)
• Hives / Itching
• Dyslexia / Learning difficulties
• Eczema / Cradle cap
• Moodiness
• Anger / Irritability
• Insomnia

Natural medicine offers safe
and effective solutions for
individuals struggling with
chronic headaches or
migraines

Pain is a silent epidemic in the United States. An estimated 50 million Americans live with chronic pain caused by disease, disorder or accident. An additional 25 million people suffer acute pain resulting from surgery or accident. Approximately two thirds of these individuals in pain have been living with this pain for more than five years. The most common types of pain include arthritis, lower back, bone/joint pain, muscle pain and fibromyalgia. The loss of productivity and daily activity due to pain is substantial. In a study done in 2000 it was reported that 36 million Americans missed work in the previous year due to pain and that 83 million indicated that pain affected their participation in various activities. Pain is one of the most common symptoms for which patients seek medical care. When pain becomes chronic it can greatly affect our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Pain can dramatically decrease the quality of life for many individuals.

The practitioners at Cypress Natural Medicine hold a strong belief in the body’s inherent ability to heal and are always seeking to identify the underlying cause of illness within each person. We offer a wide array of tools to help resolve chronic pain. Pain originates from a variety of causes such as joint dysfunction, muscle tension, past trauma, body positioning, toxicity, and adrenal dysfunction to name a few. Our goal as Naturopathic Doctors is to find the underlying cause of your pain and support your body to heal from within. Using therapies such as Craniosacral Therapy, Muscle Energy Stretching, Soft Tissue Manipulation, Hydrotherapy, Massage, Nutritional Therapy, Detoxification, Herbal Medicine and Homeopathy you can begin to heal from within and rid your life of chronic pain.

Treatments for but not limited to:

Freedom from chronic pain allows
individuals to lead limitless lives

• Sciatica
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Headaches / Migraine
• Neuralgia
• Acute Trauma
• Back/Neck pain
• Carpal Tunnel
• TMJ
• Spinal stenosis
• Disk herniation
• Chronic muscle spasm

Natural medicine offers
many safe and effective
treatments for depression
and anxiety

Over 28 million Americans take antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. with 19.1 million (13.3%) of the adult U.S. population (ages 18-54) affected. Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. This includes major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. Pre-schoolers are the fastest-growing market for antidepressants. At least four percent of preschoolers — over a million — are clinically depressed. 80% of depressed people are not currently having any treatment.

Naturopathic and Homeopathic Psychiatry can be very effective in treating a variety of mental/emotional illnesses such as:
• Generalized anxiety
• Depression
• Seasonal affective disorder
• ADD/ADHD
• Autism / Asperger’s syndrome
• PTSD
• Phobias
• Bipolar disorder
• OCD
• Schizophrenia

The primary goal of naturopathic and homeopathic psychiatry is to discover and treat all possible underlying causes which may predispose the individual to a mental/emotional illness. These causes include factors such as:
• Diet/Lifestyle
• Medications
• Nutrient deficiencies/excesses/imbalances
• Food and environmental allergies
• Chemical toxicity/Heavy metal toxicity
• Hormonal imbalances
• Digestive disorders
• Chronic stress / Adrenal exhaustion
• Psychological factors (helplessness, pessimism, behavioral patterning, etc)

What is the problem with standard drug treatment?

Natural medicine strives to treat
the underlying causes of illness
in order for patients to live free
from anxiety and depression

Currently, the goal of modern medical psychiatry is to utilize medications that manipulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain in order to rid the individual of their psychological symptoms. Often these medications are prescribed with no concern about identifying or eliminating the factors that created the imbalances in the first place. In many cases, when the medication is discontinued the symptoms return. Typically, it can take many months before the correct combination of medication and dosage is found – if it ever is found. In many cases, psychiatric medications provide little to no relief in symptoms while greatly increasing side effects such as loss of libido, impotence, weight gain, emotional flatness, and insomnia. Although psychiatric medications can be of utmost importance for acute crises, they should not be mistaken as a long term solution for mental/emotional illnesses.

The key to the effective treatment of mental/emotional illnesses lies in the understanding that each individual can express the same symptoms for entirely different reasons and that it is far too simplistic to believe that a single treatment will be effective for everyone. Each treatment plan that Dr. Bryan Skinner, ND creates is thoroughly researched and tailored to address the individual needs of each patient.

Natural medicine is effective
in reversing insulin
resistance in diabetics

Problems with blood sugar regulation are increasing at an alarming rate in America. Type 2 Diabetes (Insulin Resistant Diabetes) has increased 10 fold in our children. 41 million Americans have been diagnosed with Prediabetes. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that doctors are now seeing patients with both the symptoms of Type 1 and 2 Diabetes layered upon one another, with a possibility of a Type 3 Diabetes soon to be diagnosed. We believe that the alarming rise in this rate is directly related to our personal diet and lifestyle choices. We are a nation that tends to overeat, overstress, and under exercise. We tend to eat foods high in calories, sugar and fat but low in nutrient content. We tend to overload our bodies with stimulants and depressants (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, marijuana) in order to cope with our daily occupational, financial, and family responsibilities. This chronic pattern takes its toll on the body, mind, and spirit.

When your body has trouble processing sugar and carbohydrates you may feel symptoms of:
• Headaches / Migraines
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Shakiness
• Mood Swings (Anxiety / Depression / Irritability / Anger)
• Sweating
• Forgetfulness / Clumsiness
• Sleepiness
• Heart Palpitations / Racing

If you have been diagnosed with hypoglycemia, Diabetes Type I/II, then natural medicine can support you to feel energy again. With a specially designed diet, good nutritional support, and herbal medicine you can feel more balanced.

As Naturopathic Doctors, our goal is to actively prevent and treat illness and connect each person with vibrant health. We view the body as a whole and use the most natural, least toxic therapies such as clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy and physical medicine to promote the body to heal itself.

Here’s a 3-step plan that should help you gain control over your diabetes if you have it, and protect you from getting it if you don’t:
• Recreate your diet so that you eat foods based on your body’s unique needs with (Food Intolerance testing) and (Nutritional Counseling)
• Start an exercise program today!
• Increase your nutrient density by greatly increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables and by supplementing with one of the most researched nutritional products in the world in order to fill in the rest of your nutritional gaps. (Click here for more info).

Simple Steps To Managing Hypoglycemia & Diabetes
1. Eat 5 – 6 small meals/snacks per day instead of one, two or three larger meals. Include in each meal a protein source and a source of good fatty acids (preferably unsaturated and unheated i.e. flax seeds, flax seed oil, cold pressed vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and their butters, deep sea cold water fish and avocados).

2. Add to your diet:
• Fresh raw seeds/nuts and their butters (i.e. flax, sesame, chia, pumpkin,almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts)
• Garlic
• Onions
• Avocados
• Green beans
• Jerusalem artichokes
• Whole complex grains (i.e. millet, brown rice, buckwheat)

3. Avoid consumption of:
• Sugar in all it’s forms i.e. fructose, sucrose, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, molasses, honey, rice syrup, etc.
• Soft drinks, fruit juices and carrot juice
• Excessive salt
• White flour and everything made from it
• Highly refined, processed and canned foods including frozen dinners and highly processed breakfast cereals
• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, cola, aspirin, bromo-seltzer and Excedrin)

Nature provides many solutions for
effectively balancing blood sugar

4. Read the ingredients/labels of your food and know what you are putting into your body.

5. Therapies that may be recommended by your doctor:
• 1-2 tablespoons Brewer’s yeast per day (not nutritional yeast). Good sources are Kal or Twinlab.
• Exercise vigorously on a daily basis.
• If you are overweight talk to your doctor or about a sensible plan for reducing. This plan will very likely include nutritional counseling as food issues are a common source of emotional stress and anxiety.
• Talk to your doctor about providing the proper support and diagnostic testing for the restoration of your adrenal glands and blood sugar response.
• Assessment of possible food allergies / food intolerances.
• If following the above instructions does not sufficiently reduce your symptoms add protein to each of the 5 meals/snacks you are eating daily.
• Other helpful ideas: learn visualizaion/affirmation techniques, practice meditation techniques,
• Consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Bryan Skinner, ND for a constitutional (homeopathic) remedy in order to decrease or eliminate patterns of stress, anxiety, or emotional eating.
• For more detailed diet information read Hypoglycemia: A Better Approach by Paavo Airola, Ph.D. and chapter 2 of The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Murray, N.D. and Pizzorno, N.D.

Proper digestion is the cornerstone
of optimal health

In naturopathic medicine, proper digestion and assimilation are considered to be the cornerstone of a healthy mind and body. This is an area that naturopathic medicine shines. Clinically, we have found that disorders of the digestive system can cause symptoms anywhere within the body. Digestive disorders include conditions such as:

• Indigestion
• Gas / Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Colitis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• GERD / Heartburn
• Halitosis
• Gastritis
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Celiac Disease
• Crohn’s Disease
• Chronic Candidiasis
• Parasitic Infections

Although western medicine is well versed in the diagnosis of various digestive disorders, it has very few treatments to offer the patient. Typically, treatments are medications aimed to control symptoms, which leaves the underlying cause undiscovered and untreated. In many cases, these medications need to be continued indefinitely in order to provide relief from the symptoms. By covering specific symptoms, we are under the assumption that a problem no longer exists.

Symptoms are the body’s way of warning you that something is wrong within the body. Symptoms are produced to warn you that an underlying pathology is occurring. I want to give you an analogy to provide a clear understanding of this concept. When your car is running low on fuel, the warning light comes on to alert you. This warning lets you know that you need to refuel very soon or you will soon run out of gas. Most people will then stop at the gas station and fill the tank. Treating the symptoms of disease without treating the underlying cause is similar to the warning light on your car coming on and instead of refueling you decide to cover the light with duct tape so it can no longer be seen. The light is still on, but it cannot be seen underneath the tape. The car will inevitably run out of gas. Is it all making sense now?

Herbal medicine, homeopathy, and food
intolerance testing play an integral role
in reestablishing proper digestion

I will now give you a very common, digestion-related example of this principle. Heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a very common condition that we commonly find in our patients. Many of these patients have been taking prescription or over-the-counter antacids for long periods of time. Patients repeatedly tell us that when they discontinue these medications, they experience a complete recurrence of symptoms. Clinically, we find that over 80% of patients with the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease actually produce very low levels of stomach acid. Low levels of stomach acid have been associated with brittle hair and nails, fungal infections, indigestion, heartburn, weight loss, mineral deficiencies, increased infections, constipation/diarrhea, and various autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and lupus. Medications aimed at suppressing stomach acid could not only increase the incidence of any of these disorders, but also set the stage for chronic illness. Is this a risk you are willing to take?

It is our goal to support proper digestive function and prevent illness through the use of various natural treatments. We typically find that patients who have been on medications for digestive disorders find that they no longer require them. This makes very happy patients. The moral of the story – Treat the cause, not just the symptoms!

Natural therapies are combined
with the latest in scientific research in
order to identify the causative factors
affecting the development of
neurological disease

For patients diagnosed with neurological disorders, naturopathic medicine should be an integral part of therapy. There is not a magic pill for everybody, but patients can benefit from working with an alternative medical practitioner who will think outside the box. We use age old natural therapies combined with the latest in scientific research in order to identify the causative factors affecting the development of the neurological disease. We are well versed in how the body’s systems function together and thus can ask the question – Why is this process happening? After evaluating all possible underlying causes for the individual, we can begin to understand and treat what may be the most significant factors in the creation of the disease.

Individual Treatment
Each patient is unique and may have a variety of predisposing factors that need to be addressed. Treatment is individualized and is based on both what is discovered in the assessment and what research indicates is effective. The patient is an active participant in this process.

Neurological Conditions That Can Benefit From Naturopathic Medicine:

Each patient is unique
and may have a variety of
predisposing factors that
need to be addressed

• Alzheimer’s Disease/ Dementia
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig Disease)
• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
• Autism
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
• Demyelinating Disorders
• Dizziness/ Vertigo
• Epilepsy/ Seizures
• Encephalitis
• Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• Huntington’s Disease
• Memory Impairment
• Migraines/ Headaches
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Narcolepsy
• Neuromuscular Diseases
• Parkinson’s Disease/ Parkinsonism
• Sleep Disorders
• Stroke
• Tic Disorders
• Teeth Grinding
• Transverse Myelitis

Chronic Stress:
The Naturopathic Approach to Improving your Stress Response in a Chaotic World
Dr. Bryan Skinner, ND

Although stress affects us all in one way or another, it is when it becomes prolonged that it tends to cause the most problems. Stress inherently affects every system in the body from proper digestion and cardiovascular health to the daily functions of the endocrine and immune systems. There are thousands of research articles on the correlation between chronic stress and many diseases, including cancer. The treatment of chronic stress can be very complex depending on the individual’s predisposition and whether the stress is the major underlying cause of disease or if it is a symptom of a more pressing health concern. Naturopathic Doctors are trained to investigate chronic stress from every angle in order to determine the answer to this question. The treatment of chronic stress or stress-related disorders can take several months in order to achieve optimal results depending on the severity and how your body has been able to cope. Natural medicine therapies such as Naturopathic medicine, CranioSacral Therapy, and Homeopathy are effective tools in the treatment of chronic stress and can significantly decrease the time it takes to regain optimal health in order to feel like yourself again.

What Is Stress?
• Stress is defined as any disturbance – heat or cold, chemical toxins, microorganisms, physical trauma, strong emotional reaction, etc. – that can upset your body’s normal homeostasis, which then leads to disease.
• Current estimates show that between 70 – 80% of all visits to physicians are for stress-related disorders.

Typical Symptoms Associated With Stress
Physical Symptoms include:
• Muscle Tension / Headaches / TMJ / Back Pain
• Cold Extremities / Tingling
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Fatigue
• Heart Palpitations / Shortness of Breath
• Increased or Decreased Blood Pressure / Dizziness
• Sugar Cravings / Low Blood Sugar
• Decreased Immunity / Frequent Colds or Illness

Mental / Emotional Symptoms include:
• Anger / Aggression
• Anxiety / Panic Attacks
• Insomnia / Excessive Sleep
• Depression
• Helplessness
• Excessive Worry
• Indifference / Apathy
• Irritability / Moodiness / Involuntary Crying
• Pessimism

Common Stressors That We All Know About
• Poor Interpersonal Relationships – Troubled marriage, Family, Co-workers, etc.
• Finances / Economic Downturn
• Insufficient sleep
• Life Events – Vacation, Holidays, Accidents, etc.
• Time Constraints
• Traffic
• Trauma
• Work

Daily Stressors That You May Not Have Thought About
• High Simple Sugar / High Calorie / Low Protein / Low Fiber / Low Nutrient Diets
• Long Periods Without Eating
• Food Allergies / Intolerances
• Poor Digestion / Liver Function
• Shallow Chest Breathing
• Recreational Drugs (Caffeine, Alcohol, Marijuana, Nicotine)
• Loneliness or few social connections
• Chronic Illness / Infections / Inflammation
• Pain Syndromes
• Negativity / Pessimism
• Excessive Exercise
• Toxic Exposure
• Total Toxic Load

Diseases Strongly Linked To Stress
• Angina
• Asthma
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Common Colds
• Diabetes
• Depression/Anxiety
• Hypertension
• Immune Suppression
• IBS
• Menstrual Irregularities
• Memory loss
• PMS
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Peptic Ulcers
• UC/Crohn’s Disease

How Our Bodies Deal With Stress
• The hypothalamus is the first gland to act when it receives a threatening signal. It then signals the pituitary gland to send signals to the adrenal, thyroid and reproductive glands. This is a very complex and intricate system that involves the entire endocrine system.
• The adrenal glands are tiny glands sitting on top of the kidneys. They influence many other organ systems to allow us to adapt and handle stress. When they become fatigued, all sorts of problems start to occur.

Adrenal Stress Hormones
• Epinephrine/Norepinephrine (catecholamines): Responsible for “fight or flight” response. Primarily involved in acute stress reactions. Causes increased blood pressure, catabolism (muscle breakdown), and insulin resistance.
• Cortisol (glucocorticoids): Primarily involved in the chronic stress response and fasting states. Causes a decrease in inflammation, Catabolism, increased blood pressure, and increased blood glucose.

Chronic Stress
• Subtle prolonged stress has the most devastating effects.
• Under the initial stages of chronic stress, the signal to relax is decreased and the body is held in alert status.
• Once we have come to alert status too many times our stress system becomes constantly triggered.
• This level of readiness can not be maintained for long periods and the body begins to breakdown and decompensate.
• This is the point of system overload and signs of illness begin to surface.

Basics To Reduce Your Daily Stress
1. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing – Take time every day to focus on breathing deep and watching your abdomen rise with each breath. Your chest shouldn’t be the only part moving! Try this while you are stuck in traffic.
• Increases detoxification
• Promotes parasympathetic nervous system activity
2. Exercise at least 3-4 times a week.
3. Get 1 hour of outside light per day. Green light has positive effects on the adrenal glands.
4. Eat in a relaxed space and slow down to eat.
5. Find simple enjoyment in daily living.
6. Let go of control!

Positive Benefits of Exercise
• Just 30 minutes per day can:
• Reduce the negative impact of stress on your body
• Cut your risk of heart disease by 50%
• Reduce hypertension and risk of diabetes
• Can cause you to lose 14lbs this year without any diet changes

• According to the National Health Institute study: 70% of chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis are directly related to poor nutrition and lack of exercise. They proclaim “YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!”

• Many symptoms of aging are actually symptoms of lack of exercise: 50% of functional decline can be prevented through exercise!!!

United Nations Study on Chronic Disease
• Recently released the results of a two-year study on nutrition, diet and chronic diesease. The expert report containing the best scientific evidence currently available and states that: 70% of chronic diseases (cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and dental disease) are directly related to poor nutrition, stress and lack of exercise.
• The U.N. remarked “YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!”
• The U.N. report concludes with dietary guidelines for optimal health: Majority of daily calories should come from:
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Beans
• Lean meats
• Whole Grains

• Only 10% of daily calories from simple sugar and simple carbohydrates!

Stress-Free Diet
• Purified water intake should equal half of your body weight in ounces per day. For a 150 lb person this is 75 ounces per day or ~8 glasses per day.
• Eat small frequent meals with a protein source at each meal. Protein sources include: eggs, nuts, fish, beans, chicken, and turkey.
• Eat 9-11 servings of fresh, fruits and vegetables per day, with many different colors and flavors. Remember: Half your plate should be fruits and vegetables
• Avoid simple carbohydrates and sugar. Examples: bread, candy, cake, pasta, white rice, juices, soda pop, and processed foods. Remember: Only 10% of daily calories
• Read Labels! Many pre-packaged food items contain hidden sugar, chemicals, and hydrogenated (“bad”) fats.
• Instead eat whole grain sources of carbohydrates such as brown rice, quinoa, millet, and wheat berries.

Relieve Stress While You Cook
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has long been a healer of the mind and nerves with stress subduing properties. It can also smooth and soothe an overactive digestive system.
• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) can help relieve high blood pressure, antispasmodic to the digestive tract, and calming nerve tonic.

Nutrients Important For Stress
• Vitamin C: Essential for the structural support of the small arteries and veins in the adrenal glands, especially if the gland is overstimulated and hypertrophied or hyperplastic. Vitamin C is greatly depleted by smoking. Can produce diarrhea if taken in large doses. Also, in times of increased stress, Vitamin C is rapidly eliminated through the urine. Found in abundantly found in a variety of fresh, fruits and vegetables.

• Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B-5): Involved in the production of metabolic energy (ATP) for the adrenals and elsewhere in the body through a series of biochemical reactions called the Kreb’s cycle. B-complex should be taken in conjunction with B-5 to ensure proper synergism (50 mg twice per day). Sources include dark turkey meat, brewer’s yeast, organ meats, and peanuts.

• Magnesium: An important cofactor in many biochemical reactions, particularly those that produce metabolic energy. Also, intimately involved in muscle contraction/relaxation. Urinary excretion of magnesium is increased in hypercortisol states. The most bioavailable forms are fumarate, citrate, glycinate, and malate. Can produce diarrhea if taken in large doses. Found in oatmeal, buckwheat, chocolate, and dark leafy green vegetables.

• Chromium: A trace element essential to the metabolism of lipids, glucose, and insulin regulation. Chromium has been shown to be required for health as part of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF) involved in the regulation of blood glucose. Found in organ meat, brewer’s yeast, whole grains, asparagus, and nuts.

• Zinc: There is increasing evidence that zinc levels decrease following physical stress or injury. Zinc is one of the few minerals that is lost rapidly in the urine following acute or chronic psychological stress. Virtually every enzyme reaction in the brain involves zinc, and its essentiality in the development and function of the central nervous system and brain is uncontested. Known to compete with copper levels. Found in meats, crustaceans, nuts, seeds, and leafy vegetables.

• Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6): Involved in many biochemical processes throughout the body. It is intimately involved in amino acid metabolism and the production of serotonin and other “feel good” neurotransmitters. Pyridoxal 5’ Phosphate is the preferred form of use. Sensory and motor impairment can occur with large doses (>500 mg per day). Sources include bran cereal, pork loin, watermelon, meats, etc.

• Essential Fatty Acids: Protects every cell of your body. Required for the production of healthy hormones and proper nervous system function. Found in many sources, but the highest in omega-3 fatty acids are flax oil and fish oils. Seafood sources include cod, salmon, shrimp, and mackerel.

Herbal Medicine For Stress
Nervines:
A nervine is a substance that has the ability to sedate the central nervous system through a variety of methods. Benefits to a calm central nervous system include: reducing anger and agitation, lowering blood pressure, reversing muscle tension, reducing insomnia, and decreasing anxiety. Some nervines can create fatigue and grogginess. The bottom line is that they can be very effective in cases of acute stress or the initial stages of chronic stress. Be aware that nervines do not take the place of learning new stress coping strategies. These are designed for short-term use.

Herbal Nervines
• Scutellaria laterifolia (Skullcap)
• Passiflora officianalis (Passionflower)
• Valeriana officianalis (Valerian)
• Humulus lupulus (Hops)
• Piper methysticum (Kava Kava)
• Avena Sativa (Oats)

Adaptogens:
An adaptogen must be innocuous and cause minimal disorders in thephysiological functions of the body. They must have a non-specific action (i.e. it should increase resistance to adverse influences by a wide range of physical, chemical, and biochemical factors). They also possess the ability to have a normalizing action on tissues, irrespective of the direction of the pathological state. The bottom line is that they have been found to tonify the adrenal glands making you more likely to handle stressful situations. These are designed for prolonged use.

Herbal Adaptogens
• Panax ginseng (Chinese ginseng)
• Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng)
• Glycerrhiza glabra (Licorice)
• Withania somnifera (Ashwaganda)

Other Avenues for Chronic Stress Reduction
• Individualized diet, lifestyle, nutritional, and botanical support through a licensed Naturopathic Doctor
• Craniosacral Therapy
• Constitutional Homeopathy
• Biofeedback
• Hypnotherapy
• Counseling / Cognitive Therapy

There are many safe and effective alternatives to prescription medications if you or your loved ones are dealing with chronic stress. Naturopathic medicine, Homeopathy, and Craniosacral Therapy can all be integral parts in restoring optimal nervous system function and making you better able to deal with the pressures in your life. If you would like more information or would like to schedule an appointment please call the clinic at (650) 323-7345 or email info@cnmhealth.com.