Dr Elise Talks Shop

Castor Oil Packs, Wet Sock Treatments, and Saunas...Oh my!

2012-02-29T11:56:00.000-08:00

Naturopathic hydrotherapy and home treatments have been in use for at least 100 years, and probably a lot longer. The purpose of these treatments is to improve circulation of the blood, lymph and nutrients throughout the body, improving healing time, enhancing detoxification and increasing energy.

One of the best things about these treatments is that they are free! You do them at home. Think of it, wouldn’t it be nice if when you or a loved one was home sick suffering with cold, flu, belly aches or injury, you had something you could do to make them feel better and hasten the healing process? Don’t get me wrong, when I’m under the weather, I like to sit on the couch and veg out as much as the next person, however, I also enjoy a speedy recovery. Naturopathic home treatments are key to speeding up the healing process, and in my experience are more helpful than many medications or herbs.

Below are the guidelines for the wet sock treatment used for headaches, sinus congestion, to increase immunity, improve immune function and to increase quality and quantity of sleep. While seeming counter intuitive, this therapy actually work wonders. Many a cold has been stopped in it tracks by three consecutive days of wet sock treatments. Try it out next time you or a loved one starts to feel the tell-tale signs of impending illness. Wet sock treatment is also a useful tool to combat insomnia.

Wet Sock Treatment:

1. Warm up feet in a hot bath or shower

2. Moisten a pair of cotton socks with cold water. Be sure to wring them out - they should not be sopping wet

3. Place the cold, wet socks on warmed feet, cover with a pair of DRY WOOL socks and go directly to bed.

4. Repeat 3 nights in a row

If you are interested in learning more about how to use naturopathic treatments, I’ll be teaching a class next Monday at the Wellspring School in Southeast Portland:

Nature Cure Home Treatments

Monday 3/5/12 6-7:30pm

$15

To Register click HERE

Heart Health Valentine

2012-02-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

Some heart health tips for my favorite patients. It’s valentines day after all!

Eat more healthy fats: raw nuts like walnuts, almonds, cashews all have great hormones building, immune system building fats. Eat many. Why raw? because in the process of roasting, salting and storing them on the shelf at your grocery store, they often go rancid. rancid oils are not heart healthy. Here is a recipe for some fantastic salty nuts that have preserved the quality of the fats:

Crispy Walnuts:

Thanks to Sally Fallon from Nourishing Traditions for the following tried and true recipe for amazing walnuts:

4 cups walnut halves and pieces, preferably fresh shelled
2 teaspoons salt
filtered water

Mix nuts with salt and water and leave in a warm place for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain in a colander and rinse with cool water. Spread on a stainless steel baking pan and place in a warm oven (no more than 150 degrees) for 12 to 24 hours, turning occasionally, until completely dry and crisp. Store in the refrigerator, as the fats in walnuts can go rancid quickly.

Fish oil

Fish is an important part of a heart healthy diet. Seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and other ailments. Omega-3s are especially important for pregnant and nursing women, and young children. Unfortunately, some fish carry toxins that can become harmful when eaten frequently. Here is an abbreviated guide as to which fish are safe to eat.

Fish to eat:

Cod – US line caught

Halibut – pacific wild

Lobster

Mussels

Oysters

Salmon (Alaska wild)

Scallops (farmed)

Pink Shrimp

Striped Bass

Rainbow Trout (farmed)

AVOID:

Caviar

Chilean Seabass

Atantic Flounder, Halibut and Sole

Lobster (Brazil)

Mahi Mahi

Orange Roughy

Imported Shrimp

Red Snapper

Tilapia (imported)

Tuna – all canned

For an exhaustive list, a buying guide, or to download one on your mobile device, check out SEAFOOD WATCH

Reduce stress – stress causes a strain on the cardiovascular system. How? It’s mostly hormonal – the inflammation caused by the increase in stress hormones can worsen the risk of heart disease in predisposed individuals. Find ways to reduce stress in your life; foster fun and healthy relationships, talk to your family more, find a type of exercise that you like to do and do it, or another activity that makes you happy like acting, knitting, dancing, or movies.

4. Deep breathing, a.k.a. the belly breath – something we can all do a little more of. While waiting for your internet connection to load, taking a shower, sitting in your car, lying in your bed, or anytime really – take full deep breaths, filling your lungs from the top to the bottom. When taking a truly deep breath, one should feel her belly expand, and also feel like she is breathing into the space in her back. Make the exhale longer than the inhale in order to fully expand the lungs. A practice of deep breathing has been shown to lower blood pressure throughout the day (not just when you are deep breathing), activates the parasympathetic nervous system, and helps with relaxation.

B Vitamin Injections

2012-01-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

B vitamins are essential nutrients that our bodies use for many processes from head to toe. B 12 in particular is vital in the production of red blood cells, the function of the nervous system and DNA production. B 12 and the other B vitamins are usually absorbed in the digestive tract, however in many cases absorption is hindered by digestive system problems. For this reason B vitamins are often given as injections in order to override the digestive system. Many individuals will feel the positive effects of a B vitamin injection within minutes of receiving it and for up to a week afterwards.

What are the benefits of B vitamin injections:

Energy!
Stress reducer
Mood lifter/anxiety buster
Helps with nerve damage
Improves sleep

B12 absorption via injection is more effective than if taken orally or sublingually- where much of the vitamin is lost in the process of digesting it

Symptoms of low B12:

Fatigue
Weakness
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Depression
Poor memory
Brain Fog
Sore mouth and tongue

What are the causes:

Impaired absorption in the digestive system- due to aging, digestive difficulties or surgeries
Diet low in food sources of B12 ( vegetarian or vegans especially)
Low levels of stomach acid- normal process of aging, or due to stomach acid blocking medication

If you think you may benefit from B vitamin injections or would like to discuss you symptoms with Dr Elise, please call Blossom clinic and schedule a consult at 503 287 0886

New Year's Resolution

2011-12-26T15:50:00.000-08:00

Year after year the most commonly reported new years resolution is weight loss. While losing unwanted pounds is often the main goal, it is worth remembering that weight loss can result in many other added health benefits. We might be resolving to LOSE weight, but we will naturally GAIN health in the process.

Here are a few of the thing you stand to gain by sticking to your resolution in the new year: better sleep, more energy, clear skin, thick shiny hair, better ability to focus, heightened libido, improved digestion, happy and balanced moods - all with the added bonus of dropping a dress size. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Here is what you need:

A manageable plan with a realistic goal
A predetermined time frame or end date for your goal
Support

We here at Blossom are offering just that - at a new years discount of 40% off.

$96 for a personalized nutrition or detox plan.
$51 for acupuncture or Amma treatments to assist your body in detoxification and support the processes of elimination.
Consider a food allergy panel for an added $126 to test 96 foods.

Also included in this program:

Vibrant Vitality class taught by me (Dr Elise) where we will cover the benefits of cleansing and detox, why and how what you eat affects how you feel, how to use steam and sauna to help in elimination, dry skin brushing technique, castor oil packs, how to prepare medicinal teas and more! On Wednesday January 25^th 7PM call or email Blossom Clinic to reserve your spot.

Free online support: in a private facebook group with other participants. A great way to gather tips and support when making changes in your lifestyle or diet.

Call soon, the discount is only good if you call before 2012- that gives you 5 days to schedule your appointments! 503 287 0886

Lighten Up: Safe effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

2011-11-16T17:21:00.000-08:00

SAD Light therapy

Seasonal affective disorder is a recurrent melancholy mood that tends to come on in the fall and winter, and subside in the spring and summer months.

Symptoms include:

· Depressed mood

· Weight gain

· Hypersomnia or insomnia

· Fatigue

· Social withdrawal

· Carbohydrate cravings

· Anxiety or irritability

· Difficulty concentrating

According to the National Mental Health association an estimated 10 million people are affected by SAD each year. Among the causes are less daylight during the fall and winter, increased melatonin, low vitamin D, genetics and age. The most popular and least invasive treatment for SAD is phototherapy. The idea of using light therapeutically for winter blues is credited to a study from 1984 by Norman Rosenthal et al in which the SAD was first defined. Phototherapy requires a light source of 10,000 lux.

For a frame of reference:

· On a bright sunny day, daylight provides about 20,000 lux

· On a cloudy day daylight provides 5,000 lux.

· Office fluorescent lighting provides 300-500 lux

· Typical lighting in a living room 100 lux.

At 10,000 lux the total time of exposure should be around 30 minutes. If your light source is 5,000 lux then you need 60 minutes of exposure. SAD lights do not emit UV rays and are considered safer than tanning beds for this reason. The therapy works best if your eyes are open and you are actually doing something productive, like reading or sewing, or working on a puzzle. Most lights require that the distance you sit from the light is 12-20 inches in order to get the full dose of light exposure.

One might consider using a tanning bed to treat SAD, and in northern climates, tanning is very popular in the winter. Evidently, tanning and UV exposure improves mood and sense of well being. It can make you feel so good in fact, that there is an addictive quality to it. Some scientists postulate that UV light increases endorphin levels. In one study Naltrexone, a drug that blocks the release of endorphins, was administered to frequent tanners and resulted in typical withdrawal like symptoms. This suggests that UV light exposure can cause an increase in endorphins. Since endorphins can be addicting we have a double edged sword here- UV light makes you feel good, but can be addicting! It seems safer when treating SAD to use an SAD light that does not emit UV rays.

Low vitamin D levels are correlated with SAD but whether there is a causal relationship is still being studied. Vitamin D levels have been associated with depression and vitamin D levels are typically lowest in the winter. Thus the connection between the winter blues and low Vitamin D. A pilot study from the journal Applied Nursing Research by Shipowick et al. suggests that supplementing with Vitamin D in the winter months reduces symptoms of depression. While scientific proof is pending, why not make sure levels of vitamin D are within normal range? Vitamin D deficiency is easy to test and treat and has far reaching benefits beyond depression and fatigue.

Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland helps in regulating the circadian rhythm. Its production is decreased by light and increased by darkness. In SAD, melatonin levels are often found to be higher in the winter than in the summer. Blue colored light is primarily what suppresses melatonin and many light boxes made for SAD phototherapy are blue light. Here is a link to one blue light.

Medications are also often used to treat SAD, especially in people for whom light therapy is contraindicated (eg. macular degeneration). Antidepressants like serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most commonly used. Buproprion, which is not an SSRI, is the first drug to receive FDA approval for treating SAD. An interesting study came out of Canada showing similar results in improving SAD with prozac or light therapy. Light therapy has no side effects, prozac and other medications have too many side effects to list here.

If you are feeling the winter blues, remember there are simple and effective ways to help.

Helpful links:

http://www.sada.org.uk/

Lights: http://www.sunbox.com/
http://www.consumer.philips.com/c/light-therapy/11625/cat/us/ formerly Apollo lighting

Dr Elise Shares Holiday Survival Tips at the Wellspring School November 16th

2011-11-07T17:43:00.001-08:00

I'm teaching a class Thursday November 16th at the Wellspring School for the Healing Arts
Come on down and learn ways to increase energy and reduce your stress load!

Holiday Health Survival Guide: Renewing your energy and mood to thrive during the holiday season and beyond!
w/ Dr. Elise Shroeder
When: Wednesday, 11.16, 6 -7:30 $25

The holiday season brings with it the joy of gifts and the beauty of bright lights and decorations. It is also a time when maintaining a high energy level is a must, as we hustle from shopping to organizing family get-togethers. Here in Oregon these dark days of winter can take its toll on your energy level and moods. It's no wonder we're a coffee town! Learn how to increase your energy and vitality without the boost of caffeine for this holiday season and throughout the year!

To sign up click here
For more information about the wellspring school and classes click here

Dr Elise Shares Holiday Survival Tips at the Wellspring School November 16th

2011-11-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

Autumn- a season for cleansing

2011-09-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

I am sad to see the Summer go. It's my favorite season - the time in Portland when the city comes alive with perfect weather and a plethora of amazing outdoor cafes and restaurants. It’s always such a pleasure to brunch at Tasty n sons , or to have an outdoor happy hour IPA at Portland’s own Hopworks brew pub, or treat the in-laws to a delicious savory dinner of local meat and wine at Olympic Provisions. The repercussions from too much of this imbibing, like bloating, weight gain and sluggishness, are less pleasant. This, coupled with the shorter days, the cooler temperatures and the approach of flu season, makes Autumn the perfect time to clean up the diet, improve digestion and reset the immune system.

Every autumn my partner Scott and I embark on some kind of health diet – what Naturopathic doctors call a cleanse. Three years ago it was an elimination diet. Two years ago it was 3 months of the “Anti candida diet”, last year it was my two week detox diet that includes a few days of juice fasting and this year the cleanse we are doing is what i have fondly called the post summer-of-gluttony “paleo” cleanse.

There are so many great reasons that i love this annual ritual. It gives me a natural boost of energy before the daylight wanes, improves my digestion, and hep me shed a few pounds. It also reminds me that planning and preparing food is not that hard! Actually, the benefits of having food that doesn’t make me sluggish or pack on the pounds are way beyond the mild annoyance of having to plan and prepare meals. One of the other reasons I do this to myself, and Scott, is because any of these diets that we try out, are recommendations that i give to my patients. I can’t tell someone else to eat a certain way unless i have already tried it myself! So, here we are mid-way through our paleo-cleanse 2011.

But, what is a cleanse?

A cleanse is a period in which a person might abstain form food or activities, usually with the purpose of increasing vitality, losing weight, reducing pain, detoxification, improving particular health problems and more. It can be strictly food related, or can include abstaining form activities like TV watching, alcohol, internet surfing and more. It also can include adding in healthy activities like gentle exercise, sauna, yoga, epsom salt baths or mediation.

My cleanses always involve a diet modification. Usually eliminating things that you regularly eat or drink that might be making you feel less vital than you could be. Common offenders: alcohol, wheat, gluten, dairy and sugar. Less common but also on the list of common irritants: corn, soy, nightshades, nuts, and chicken.

How about Colon cleansing?

Some think of colon cleansing as a cleanse, and this refers to using colonics or increasing fiber in the diet to produce more frequent and more complete bowel movements. While normalizing bowel function is very important during a cleanse, not all cleanses need to include targeted colon cleansing.

How to choose which cleanse to do?

Every person is unique. We all have individual needs in general and different needs at different times in our lives. It's best if the cleanse you choose to embark on has been tailored to suit your particular needs. For example, a person who is very weak, yet still under the pressure of a demanding lifestyle should not try a juice fast. And a pregnant woman, would not want to be doing a liver detox or a fast.

Not all cleansing means fasting. We've been eating plenty on our cleanse this month.

Here is an example of a day of eating on our paleo-cleanse :

Breakfast: detox smoothie- detox powder, blueberries, flax seeds and coconut milk

Snack: Fritatta muffins

Lunch: beef and vegetable stew ( leftover from dinner)

Snack: celery, red pepper slices, carrot sticks and a handful of home sprouted nuts

Dinner: Roasted brussel sprouts, baked cod, salad

Dessert: Figs and walnuts for me, coconut paleo "ice cream" and berries for Scott

For a personalized cleanse program, make an appointment with me (Dr Elise) at Blossom Clinic 503-287-0886

Vitamin D and Pregnancy

2011-08-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

Before you get pregnant, or upon becoming pregnant, blood tests are done to check for anemia, exposure to certain viruses, blood type and others. Increasingly, doctors are now also testing a woman’s vitamin D level.   Vitamin D has been a hot topic in the medical world for a few years, but why and how is it affecting conception, pregnancy and the health of the newborn? That is the question scientists have been working on for almost a decade now. Let’s start by understanding what vitamin D is.

Vitamin D is a misnomer. This so-called vitamin is actually a hormone. For those of you chemically inclined, the 4 carbon ring backbone of this molecule makes it more of a steroid hormone than a vitamin. It is structurally similar to estrogen, testosterone, progesterone and all the steroid hormones. Technically speaking, a vitamin is a catalyst to a reaction in the body, and a hormone is a chemical messenger that actually sends messages to cells that causes them to change. There is a distinct difference between the two, and vitamin D falls into the hormone category in its structure and function.

Because of its steroid structure and function, vitamin D plays an important role in priming cells for other hormones to do their job properly. This is why having enough vitamin D is so important for conception. It's not just the most well known hormones estrogen or progesterone that need to be balanced and functioning optimally, but the second string players as well: thyroid hormone, cortisol, dheas, testosterone and VITAMIN D too. These need to be well balanced with each other in order for the miracle of ovulation and conception to occur.

Having enough vitamin D circulating through your system can increase your chance of fertility whether you're struggling with poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), lack of ovulation, or general fertility problems. This “hormone” also plays a role in male reproduction. Both sperm motility and production are increased when levels of vitamin D are normal. SO get your men tested too - as we all know it takes two to tango (so to speak).

Once pregnant, the focus shifts to the developing fetus who is dependent on maternal vitamin D levels. The placenta, which provides nutrition and oxygen to the growing fetus, requires vitamin D to function. In this study the authors indicate that vitamin D may play a role in implantation of the pregnancy, normal placental development, and the development and prevention of eclampsia. All imperative to a healthy, full term pregnancy

Some studies have also looked at childhood health as related vitamin D levels in utero. Healthy maternal levels of vitamin D have been shown to decrease the likelihood of wheezing in their children.   It is also implicated in the prevention of respiratory infections, type one diabetes and MS (multiple sclerosis).

With all this information stacking up, it makes sense that vitamin D levels should be monitored pre conception and during the pregnancy. It’s a simple test that your doctor can order or you can get an at-home finger stick test through the vitamin D council or ZRT Lab.

Preconception Health part 2: Optimizing Hormone Balance For Fertility

2011-06-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

There are multiple factors that influence physiology and culminate in ovulation and conception. Not only internal factors, like healthy blood and vitality, but also external factors like the seasons and the amount of light in our bedrooms at night. Reproduction is truly an amazing and complicated process. All contributors being equal though- what ultimately decides whether a woman will produce an egg and conceive is .. drum roll please.......our hormones.

Hormones are the chemical messengers of the body. They literally communicate information to cells. Without hormones, or when our hormones aren’t working optimally, these messages can be missed, leading to all sorts of “miscommunications”. For example, if the hormone insulin isn’t communicating with cells, diabetes is the result. When thyroid hormones don’t communicate there can be fatigue, dry skin, slowing of the metabolism. When sex hormones aren’t communicating the results can be missed periods, lack of libido, or infertility.

Hormones really are in charge

But what affects hormones and their ability to communicate?.... well that is a long list, let's start with just a few:

1. Other hormones - thyroid, insulin, pituitary hormones, testosterone, adrenal hormones like DHEA and cortisol. When one hormone is out of balance (too high or too low) the other hormones have to make up for that, by filling in the gap or overcompensating. Hormones prefer to coexist in harmony. They help each other to do their best jobs. When one fails, the others compensate temporarily, but eventually those hormones get over used as well and the result is a whole lot of miscommunication and disharmony - hormone imbalance.

2. Vitamin or mineral deficiencies - vitamins and minerals (like B vitamins, iron or iodine) act as cofactors in the body in certain metabolic processes and some hormones rely on vitamins and minerals to be produced . As an example, iodine is needed for thyroid hormone production.

3. Toxicity - can affect hormone communication. Actually, it's the body's ability to rid itself of these toxins that affects hormone communication. These chemicals do not have any nutritious or useful qualities, so the body needs to process them out or "detox". With increased exposure, the detox burden can become too big and excess toxins circulating through the system can affect normal physiology. The result - conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, infertility, anovulation , nutritional deficiencies, depression, anxiety, fatigue, body aches, and more. Here is a short list of some toxins that we exposed to regularly: pesticides, hormone like preservatives in bath and body products, chemicals in gasoline and exhaust fumes, chemicals in our carpets, furniture, plastics and paint.

There are other factors that can affect hormone health. Stress, sleep, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D and immune system health, other health condition like PCOS or diabetes, to name a few. The take home message here: For optimal hormone function and fertility, get your body in tip top shape- address your nutritional needs, lifestyle needs and any underlying conditions that might be affecting your vitality.

Pre Conception Health- Prepping Your Body For A Healthy Pregnancy (part 1)

2011-05-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of information out there about what to do with our diet and what vitamins to take once we are pregnant. But what about before pregnancy? Does that time matter?

Some say yes indeed it does. Let’s take a minute to think about that. During pregnancy a woman’s body provides not only nutrition to the growing fetus, it also is the environment in which the fetus lives. As the saying goes, “we are what we eat”. I mean that quite literally, every cell in our body is made up of the building blocks we give it (food). Other things can affect the integrity of a cell as well. Toxins, pollutants, and xenoestrogens (hormone disruptors), to name a few. So we aren’t just what we eat, we are also where we live, what we choose to put on our skin, the air we breathe, and more!

Of interest is that these factors -- food, environment, etc, are not just important today, but for many days. The life-cycle of cells in our bodies are varied -- Blood cells live for about 100 days, a skin cell lives about 20 days, and an ovum (egg) takes about 3 months to go from hibernation to ovulation. Our cells are comprised of what we have eaten, and been exposed to, in the last three months or more. Therefore, we are not just what we EAT, but also what we ATE!

Why not take a few months before trying to conceive to prep the body for this very important time in your baby’s life? Optimize your baby’s environment and building blocks by improving your environment and building blocks. See your naturopathic doctor at least 3 months prior to trying to conceive for a treatment plan that can help you do this. Or, If you are already trying to conceive, see your naturopath now for tips on how to maximize your body’s fertility signals and the pregnancy environment.

The side effects of such treatments and caring for your body -- increased energy, healthier looking skin and nails, improved moods, fewer aches and pains, and feeling great in general, hmmm... doesn’t sound that bad does it?

Tune in next time for Part Two of this blog on preconception -- Optimizing Hormone Balance To Improve Fertility.

To make an appointment with me please call Blossom Clinic at 503-287-0886

Echinacea

2011-05-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help but post this picture. Its echinacea from my garden last year. A truly beautiful plant with amazing health benefits. The root is used in a tea or a tincture to stimulate the immune system. I have found it most beneficial at the first onset of a cold/flu or other infection. It also can be used topically for skin infections like boils or infected cuts, or as a mouthwash for gingivitis or infections in the throat. It's one of my favorites!

About Dr Schroeder and Naturopathic Medicine

2011-05-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Dr. Elise Schroeder is a Naturopathic Physician with a specialty in women’s health issues. Trained as a primary care doctor, Dr. Schroeder treats all types of health concerns from skin rashes and digestive complaints to sore throats and menopause. She has a special interest in women’s health helping women with a variety of issues like irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS, fertility concerns and hormonal imbalance.

Naturopathic Medicine addresses the underlying cause of disease through effective, individualized natural therapies. During a visit with Dr. Schroeder, patients are given the opportunity to discuss their health concerns with a doctor who takes time to listen. After careful consideration of medical history, diagnoses, and lifestyle habits, Dr. Schroeder formulates a unique and individualized treatment plan for each patient. Treatment plans can include nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, personalized diet plans and more; all of which can be complementary to, or in place of pharmaceutical drugs.

For more information about Dr Schroeder and her practice, please see her website at www.dreliseschroeder.com