Low libido in Women: Understanding New Medications and Alternative Options

Posted by A Woman's Time on May 5, 2024

Low sexual desire in women has been a complex and understudied issue, often overshadowed by its male counterpart. Low sexual desire in women is a multifaceted issue with various contributing factors, including psychological, hormonal, and relational elements. Historically, addressing this concern has been challenging, and the approval of medications specifically targeting female sexual dysfunction has been met with both anticipation and skepticism.

Currently on the market is two FDA approved medications for women to combat low sexual desire.

Bremelanotide, often dubbed the “female Viagra,” and Flibanserin, marketed as a treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), have both received regulatory approval. However, the approval processes for these drugs raise critical questions about the fallacy of regulatory precedent in addressing women’s sexual health.

Bremelanotide, an injectable medication, has faced scrutiny for its potential side effects, including nausea and vomiting. While it has been approved for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), concerns linger about the long-term safety and efficacy of this treatment.

Flibanserin, approved as a daily pill for premenopausal women with HSDD, has been on the market for a few years. However, its approval process was not without controversy, with initial rejections citing marginal efficacy and significant side effects. The ongoing debate questions whether the regulatory approval truly aligns with the needs of women seeking solutions for low sexual desire.

The approval of Bremelanotide and Flibanserin raises broader questions about the regulatory framework for women’s sexual health medications. Critics argue that the bar for approval may be lower than for male counterparts, potentially leading to the availability of drugs with questionable efficacy and safety profiles.

While the approval of Bremelanotide and Flibanserin signifies progress in acknowledging and addressing low sexual desire in women, it also prompts a reevaluation of regulatory standards. As discussions surrounding women’s sexual health gain momentum, it becomes imperative to scrutinize the fallacy of regulatory precedent and ensure that approved medications genuinely meet the diverse needs of women, both in terms of efficacy and safety.

As we navigate this evolving landscape, critical dialogue and continued research will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of treatments for low sexual desire in women.

While these medications may be one solution to improving sexual desire, there are several other options to consider. Topical testosterone therapy is a promising option practitioners can prescribe for both pre and postmenopausal women. There are also numerous herbs backed by research studies such as Maca, Fenugreek, Tribulus, and Ashwagandha that may also provide improvement.

Ultimately, it falls upon the practitioner to provide all available treatment options and collaborate with the patient to determine the most suitable approach to address their specific needs.

Article by Danielle Melvin, N.D.

Source: Mintzes, B., Tiefer, L., & Cosgrove, L. (2021). Bremelanotide and flibanserin for low sexual desire in women: the fallacy of regulatory precedent. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin.

Benefits of N-Acetylcysteine in Managing Endometriosis

Posted by A Woman's Time on May 5, 2024

Endometriosis is defined as a chronic, multi-mechanistic and estrogen-dependent, inflammatory disease, that is often debilitating to many women worldwide. This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, leading to pain, inflammation, and the formation of cysts.

Conventional treatments include surgery, pain medication, and hormonal therapies, however, emerging research suggests that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) might offer additional benefits. NAC, known for its antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects on tissue, has been shown in previous studies to alleviate pelvic pain and reduce the size of endometriomas (cysts on the ovaries due to endometriosis). Emerging research is also theorizing that NAC may also reduce Cancer Antigen 125 (Ca125) production and help improve fertility.

The focus of this study was to confirm the effectiveness of NAC in reducing endometriosis related pain, improve fertility, and reduce Ca125 serum levels. Patients were given 600mg of oral NAC, 3 tablets/day for 3 consecutive days of the week for 3 months.

After 3 months, the intensity of menstrual cramps, pain with vaginal penetration during sex and chronic pelvic pain were evaluated along with evaluation of endometrioma size via transvaginal ultrasound. Serum Ca125 levels were determined as well as fertility outcomes.

120 patients ages between 18 and 45 years old with clinical/ instrumental or surgical/ histological diagnosis of endometriosis were recruited for this study. Exclusion criteria included 1) pre-menarche and menopausal 2) known hypersensitivity to NAC 3) current hormone treatment, cancer diagnosis, or pregnancy.

Results showed significant improvement in the intensity of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain, decrease in serum Ca125 levels, and decrease in the size of endometriomas among the patients. Out of a total of 52 patients with reproductive desires, 39 successfully achieved pregnancy within 6 months of starting NAC treatment.

Overall, NAC is a promising natural therapy to help patients struggling with endometriosis manage their pain, improve quality of life, and enhance fertility outcomes.

NAC is usually used in combination with other natural therapies that target additional mechanisms involved in endometriosis. These include resveratrol, melatonin, pine bark extract, green tea, and curcumin. Individual treatment plans are based on the specific pelvic symptoms, health history and other medical conditions that the patient is experiencing.

Article by Danielle Melvin, N.D.

Source: Anastasi E, Scaramuzzino S, Viscardi MF, Viggiani V, Piccioni MG, Cacciamani L, Merlino L,
Angeloni A, Muzii L, Porpora MG. Efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine on Endometriosis-Related
Pain, Size Reduction of Ovarian Endometriomas, and Fertility Outcomes. Int J Environ Res
Public Health. 2023 Mar 7;20(6):4686. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20064686. PMID: 36981595;
PMCID: PMC10048621.

Class Is In Session: A Breakdown of the Menstrual Cycle

Posted by A Woman's Time on Jul 6, 2023

The Menstrual cycle is divided into two events and two phases:

• Menses (your “period”)
• Follicular phase (phase 1)
• Ovulation
• Luteal phase (phase 2)

MENSES (“PERIOD”)

• This is DAY 1 of your new cycle.
• It is the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) that grew during your previous cycle.
• All hormone levels are low.

FOLLICULAR PHASE

• Begins on day 1 of your new cycle (1st day of your period).
• Defines the first half of the cycle (roughly the first 14 days), from menses to ovulation.
• FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, triggers
  follicles in the ovaries to produce Estrogen.
• This phase is dominated by Estrogen. What does Estrogen do?
  •  causes eggs to mature (so they’re ready for ovulation).
  • builds uterine lining (for implantation of a fertilized egg).
  • makes fertile quality cervical fluid (for sperm to travel through to fertilize the egg).
• Right before ovulation (theoretically day 13 in a 28-day cycle), cervical fluid quality and estrogen levels are at their peak, and the cervix is high and open.
• At the end of the follicular phase, high estrogen levels trigger a surge of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) from the pituitary gland which completes the growth of the follicle (containing the egg) and stimulates ovulation.

OVULATION

• The egg is released from the follicle within the ovary and is transported to the Fallopian tube.
• The egg survives for 24 hours after ovulation.
• Date of ovulation determines your cycle length.
• Ovulation does not always occur on day 14.
• Ovulatory bleeding is normal, which looks like mid-cycle spotting.
• Ovulation is indicated by a subtle increase in basal body temperature (BBT).
• Multiple ovulation (2 eggs released in 24 hours) can occur, this is more common in older women.

LUTEAL PHASE

• Defines the second half of the cycle, between ovulation and menses.
• Length stays fairly consistent each cycle, lasting between 12-16 days (average is 13, 14). Maximum is 16 days.
• This phase must last at least 10 days for embryo implantation into the uterine lining.
• The length of this phase is not affected by external factors (i.e-stress), therefore a late
  period is usually due to delayed ovulation.
• The follicle that housed the released egg turns into the “corpus luteum” and produces progesterone.
• This phase is dominated by Progesterone. What does Progesterone do?
  • keeps the lining of the uterus thick in case an embryo implants.
  • produces body heat (reason for increased Body Basal Temperature post-ovulation).
  • causes changes in cervical fluid and position.
  • prevents release of another egg during the same cycle.

What happens if a sperm fertilizes the egg?

If a sperm fertilizes the egg within 24 hours after ovulation, then 7 days later the “blastocyst” (the stage between fertilized egg and embryo) implants in the uterine wall. The blastocyst produces the hormone “HCG” (Human chorionic gonadotropin), a pregnancy test measures this hormone. HCG causes the corpus luteum to live past 16 days and continue producing progesterone until the placenta takes over to sustain fetal development (around week 10 of pregnancy).

What happens if the egg is not fertilized?

The corpus luteum dies (after 12-16 days) and stops making progesterone. Without progesterone, the uterine lining is no longer being maintained which causes it to shed…. you get your period (menses), and the cycle starts all over again!

Article by Dr. Sara Schwerd

The Health Impact of Plastics and How We Can Reduce Our Exposures

Posted by A Woman's Time on Mar 22, 2023

Take a glance around the room you are in and see how many items are made from plastic. You may be surprised to learn that the clothing you are wearing and the surface you are sitting on likely contains plastic.

We are living in the “Plasticine” a new historical epoch used by scientists to describe the ubiquity of plastics in our environment (and our bodies!).

Microplastics are tiny plastics (some are 100 times smaller in diameter than a human hair), and they have been found in varying concentrations in marine and fresh water, soil, agroecosystems, air/atmosphere, food, drinking water, plants, animals, and even in polar regions! This is truly the definition of ubiquitous.

Microplastics and nanoplastics introduce toxic chemicals into our ecosystems and our bodies, and as of now we don’t fully understand the health impact that this has on our planet and all living creatures, including humans.

In general, there is lack of knowledge and regulation regarding many of substances used in the plastic industry. Many of the substances used to produce plastics are known to be harmful to humans especially the “additives” which give plastics their specific qualities. Types of additives include fillers, plasticizers, UV stabilizers, dyes, and flame-retardants, many of which are toxic and have high potential to contaminate our water, air and soil.

(Examples of fillers include talc and asbestos; examples of plasticizers include cadmium, barium, lead salts, BPAs and phthalates; Dyes are often made from heavy metals.)

One of the most concerning group of chemicals used in plastic production are called Endocrine Disruptor Compounds, or EDCs. EDCs are chemicals that are not naturally produced by the human body but effect human hormones, glands and organs involved in the hormonal system. EDCs can be ingested, inhaled and absorbed through the skin.

Exposure to EDCs is associated with many health conditions, including  hormonal cancers (breast, prostate, testes), reproductive problems (genital malformations, infertility, PCOS), metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity), asthma, and neurodevelopmental conditions (learning disorders, autism spectrum disorders).

Some commonly used plastic additives have gotten a lot of press for being endocrine disruptors, including Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and brominated flame retardants. Many companies have advertised their plastic products as being “BPA free,” but we now know that the replacement chemicals (BPS, BPF, BPAF), are just as dangerous if not worse for human health.

BPAs (and other Bisphenol replacements) are uses as plasticizers in food storage containers, water bottles, lining for cans and jar lids, and sales receipts. Bisphenols leech into foods or liquids when the plastic is exposed to microwaves, heat, cold or just wear-and-tear. Exposure to BPAs is associated with cardiovascular disease, obesity, breast cancer, and reproductive disorders.

Phthalates, are another endocrine disrupting compound used as a plasticizer. Phalates have been shown to be carcinogenic and toxic to reproductive health, as well as prenatal and postnatal development of babies.

Heavy Metals are commonly used as plastic additives, including Antimony, Aluminum, Zinc, Bromine, Cadmium, Copper, Mercury, Arsenic, Tin, Lead, Titanium, Cobalt, Chrome, Barium and Manganese. Some heavy metals mimic estrogen and are associated with breast cancer. Heavy metal exposure is connected to the following health conditions:

• Congenital disabilities, anemia, infertility, miscarriage.
• Disease of the kidney, lung, liver, blood, GI tract, bone and cardiovascular system.
• Brain damage, neurological deficits, and  neurodegenerative disorders.
• Cell toxicity and death, DNA toxicity and damage, carcinogenesis, and formation of radical oxidative species.

So now that we’ve reviewed some really scary facts about plastics, what can we do about it?

While real change must come from the industry level (and we can support policies that call for transparency and regulation of industrial chemicals), there are ways that you can reduce your exposure to plastics every day.

1. Avoid Plastic Food Containers, Cooking Tools, Food Vessels and Utensils

Take your food out of plastic packaging. Use storage containers made of glass, stainless steel or bamboo. Please do not microwave food in plastic! This is obviously challenging for babies and young children, however they are likely the most susceptible to harmful chemicals.

2. Avoid Bottled Water

Water in plastic bottles contains twice as many microplastics compared to tap water. Use a reusable stainless steel or glass water bottle.

3. Avoid Takeaway Hot Cups and Food Containers

Takeaway containers are lined with plastic, another reason to cook your own meals. Use a stainless steel thermos for your hot beverages, some cafes will allow you to bring your own thermos when purchasing coffee or tea.

4. Avoid the Really Harmful Plastics ( #  3, 6, 7)

Those little numbers on the bottom of plastic containers refer to the type of plastic and let us know how safe they are. The most unsafe numbers are 3, 6 and 7, they are known to leech and have defined health effects. Numbers 2 and 4 are considered the safest as they are non-leeching , and number 1 and 5 are somewhere between the other groups, with known leeching.

5. Avoid Purchasing Synthetic Household Items, like rugs and furniture (Buy Second Hand!)

Choose natural materials when possible like wood, metal, glass, stone and wool. Buying second hand makes choosing natural materials more affordable and it keeps useable items out of landfills. Not to mention, used goods have time to “off-gas” lots of nasty chemicals (i.e Volatile Organic Compounds or “VOCs”) that are used in manufacturing.

6. Attach A Water Filter to your Sink

Many companies produce easy to attach water filters for above or below the sink that can filter microplastics and other water contaminants. Make sure the product lists out what it filters, you can even request studies from the company that show the filter does what it claims. I generally recommend against a reverse osmosis filter as this can strip away minerals from the water.

7. Use an Air Purifier At Home

Again, there are many air purifiers that can filter microplastics and other air contaminants. Make sure the products lists out what it filters. Keep your air purifier in the rooms you spend the most time in (usually the bedroom).

8. Avoid Eating excessive Fish and Seafood

Fish and other seafood is a healthy source of protein and fats, but they also contains heavy metals and microplastics from polluted water.  Land animal meat and dairy has also shown to contain microplastics. Its best to eat these foods mindfully and in moderation, and increase plant foods in our diet.

9. Swap out Tea Bags for Loose leaf Tea

Many commercial tea bags contain plastic in the tea bag itself and in the glue used to seal it closed. A recent study show that steeping a plastic tea bag in boiling water released over 11 billion microplastics and 3 billion nanoplastics into the liquid. Use a reusable stainless tea infuser or buy from companies that are plastic free like Traditional Medicinals, Yogi, Pukka, and Choice.

10. Avoid synthetic material clothing (i.e- nylon, polyester, acrylic)

Synthetic materials are made of plastic and 100,000’s of microplastics are released into our water system (and the ocean) per wash when we do laundry. Although this is a less direct exposure of plastics, it increases the plastic load in our environment as a whole.

11. Use a vacuum with a HEPA Filter

Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter sucks up tiny particles, including microplastics, instead of recirculating them throughout the room where they can be inhaled.

For More information about chemical exposures in our every products, please visit the Environmental Working Group’s website: www.EWG.org.

In good health,

Dr. Gili Schwerd

References:

1. Campanale C, Massarelli C, Savino I, Locaputo V, Uricchio VF. A detailed review study on potential effects of microplastics and additives of concern on human health. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020. doi:10.3390/ijerph17041212

2. Thoene M, Dzika E, Gonkowski S, Wojtkiewicz J. Bisphenol S in food causes hormonal and obesogenic effects comparable to or worse than bisphenol a: A literature review. Nutrients. 2020. doi:10.3390/nu12020532

3. Kechagias KS, Semertzidou A, Athanasiou A, Paraskevaidi M, Kyrgiou M. Bisphenol – A and polycystic ovary syndrome: A review of the literature. Rev Environ Health. 2020. doi:10.1515/reveh-2020-0032

4. Hernandez LM, Xu EG, Larsson HCE, Tahara R, Maisuria VB, Tufenkji N. Plastic Teabags Release Billions of Microparticles and Nanoparticles into Tea. Environ Sci Technol. 2019. doi:10.1021/acs.est.9b02540

5. Zimmermann L, Bartosova Z, Braun K, Oehlmann J, Völker C, Wagner M. Plastic Products Leach Chemicals That Induce In Vitro Toxicity under Realistic Use Conditions. Environ Sci Technol. 2021 Sep 7;55(17):11814-11823. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01103. Epub 2021 Aug 17. PMID: 34488348; PMCID: PMC8427741.

Supplements for Preventing Viral Respiratory Infections

Posted by A Woman's Time on Feb 22, 2023

It seems that cold and flu season has become more stressful for us all in recent years as we carry on in the shadow of a lingering pandemic. Contagious illness is difficult to avoid, especially in the colder months when we are spending more time indoors in close quarters with less fresh air and lower levels of vitamin D due to less sun exposure. A dry and cold environment challenges the immune system and helps some viruses to thrive. Also some viruses are seasonal and make their presence known in the winter, specifically Influenza virus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

So what can we do to prevent getting sick? We know that there are general precautions we can take to decrease viral transmission like regular hand-washing, covering your face when coughing or sneezing, staying home when sick and vaccinations. And of course, getting adequate sleep and nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, which is our first-line defense against infectious disease.

There are many botanical medicines, vitamins and minerals that have been used historically for illness prevention. We have decided to take a look at a few supplements that have good evidence to back up their use: Echinacea, Green Tea, Ginseng, Vitamin D, Zinc, and Vitamin C.

Echinacea

A meta-analysis that studied the effect of the herb Echinacea on preventing the common cold, found that different preparations made from the 3 most commonly used species of Echinacea (E. Angustifolia, E. Purpurea, E. Pallida) decreased the odds of contracting the common cold by 58%.¹ Of those people who caught a cold, cold symptoms resolved quicker among those taking echinacea preventively.

A recent study showed that taking 800 mg of Echinacea Purpurea extract three times a day significantly prevented corona-enveloped virus infections.² In fact, this daily dose of echinacea reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 (“COVID-19”) infection by 63% when compared to placebo.²

Green Tea (Camellia sinesis)

Several studies have shown that daily consumption of a standardized green tea extract lowers the risk of viral respiratory infections, and decreases the duration and severity of the illness if a person should become sick.³ Green tea extract contains catechins and L-theanine, two highly researched therapeutic components of green tea.³

Drinking green tea may decrease the risk of influenza in children and may dramatically lower a woman’s risk of dying from influenza.³

Ginsengs: Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) & American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) has shown to decrease the risk of viral respiratory infections by almost half (at a dose of 1 gram three times a day).³ Supplementing with only 100 mg of Panax ginseng daily has shown to provide additional protection and increased antibodies against the flu in those who have received the influenza vaccine.³

Taking 400 mg daily of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) may lower the risk of viral respiratory infection (specifically influenza and RSV) and decrease the amount of infections per season.³

Vitamin D

Vitamin-D plays a significant role in promoting healthy immune function.

Research shows that low vitamin-D levels are associated with an increased risk of respiratory tract infections, including influenza and COVID-19, and that supplementation with vitamin-D may reduce the risk of contracting these illnesses (especially in people who have frequent respiratory infections).^4–6

Major studies have shown that individuals with low vitamin-D levels (<30 mg/mL) may be 80% more likely to contract COVID-19 than those with higher vitamin D levels. Additionally, people with low vitamin-D levels who do become infected with COVID-19 have an increased risk of hospitalization and/or mortality.⁴

Dosage recommendations can range (from 400 IU to 4000 IU daily), depending on current vitamin-D levels, age and other individual factors.⁵ One dosing strategy is to supplement high doses of vitamin-D (i.e 10,000 IU daily) to quickly raise serum concentrations, followed by 5,000 IU daily. The goal should be to raise serum vitamin-D concentrations above 40-60 ng/mL (100-150 nmol/L). It is best to start supplementation in early autumn in order to ensure an adequate vitamin-D level in winter.⁵

Zinc

Many studies have agreed that supplementation of zinc is helpful in reducing the risk of pneumonia, the common cold and the incidence of respiratory tract infections, specifically in the elderly and in children.⁷ Recently some indirect evidence suggests that zinc may potentially reduce the risk, duration and severity of COVID-19 as well.⁸

Taking at least 75 mg of zinc acetate or gluconate may shorten the duration of colds by approximately 33%.⁹ It is important to begin taking zinc within 24 hours of symptom onset to experience the maximum benefit. ⁹ Taking zinc with a meal may reduce the potential side effect of gastrointestinal upset and nausea. Always consult with your physician before adding zinc to your supplement regimen, as long term use can cause a copper deficiency.

Vitamin C

Vitamin-C has important anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, antioxidant, antithrombotic (anti-blood clot) and antiviral properties.¹⁰ It is well understood that a person’s vitamin-C requirement increases if they are critically or acutely ill compared to when they are healthy.

While there is some evidence that supplementing with vitamin-C may decrease your risk of catching a cold or pneumonia, the evidence more strongly supports the benefits of prophylactic vitamin-C on supporting cold symptoms rather than preventing the incidence of a cold. Cold symptoms have been shown to be less severe, resolve more quickly, and occur less frequently with 500 mg BID of oral vitamin-C.¹⁰ Research suggests that prophylactic vitamin-c supplementation prevents respiratory illness during brief periods of severe physical exertion as seen in high-performance athletes.

Vitamin-C supplementation has been shown to shorten hospital stays for pneumonia patients and reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients.¹⁰ Additionally, those with the highest baseline levels of vitamin-C may have a 30% decreased risk of pneumonia.¹⁰

Most of the research demonstrating improvement of COVID-19 outcomes by using vitamin-C has studied intravenous administration of vitamin-C, not oral supplementation. However, there are dozens of ongoing trials currently investigating the impact of vitamin-c on COVID-19.

Most people can tolerate up to 3 grams a day of oral vitamin-C before experiencing side effects like diarrhea. Always consult with your physician before starting high dose vitamin C as it may be harmful to people with certain health conditions (glucose-6-phosphate deficiency (G6PD), haemochromatosis, thalassemia or history of kidney stones/dysfunction).

I invite you to schedule an appointment to help determine your specific needs, doses and prevention strategies.

In good health,

Dr. Gili Schwerd, ND

References:

1. Shah SA, Sander S, White CM, Rinaldi M, Coleman CI. Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold: a meta-analysis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2007. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(07)70160-3

2. Kolev E et al. Echinacea Purpurea For the Long-Term Prevention of Viral Respiratory Tract Infections During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Randomized, Open, Controlled, Exploratory Clinical Study. Front Pharmacol. 2022;(Apr 26;13:856410.). doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.856410

3. Yarnell E. Herbs for Viral Respiratory Infections. Altern Complement Ther. 2018. doi:10.1089/act.2017.29150.eya

4. Teshome A, Adane A, Girma B, Mekonnen ZA. The Impact of Vitamin D Level on COVID-19 Infection: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Public Heal. 2021. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.624559

5. Zhu Z, Zhu X, Gu L, Zhan Y, Chen L, Li X. Association Between Vitamin D and Influenza: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Front Nutr. 2022. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.799709

6. Grant WB, Lahore H, McDonnell SL, et al. Evidence that vitamin d supplementation could reduce risk of influenza and covid-19 infections and deaths. Nutrients. 2020. doi:10.3390/nu12040988

7. Rondanelli M, Miccono A, Lamburghini S, et al. Self-Care for Common Colds: The Pivotal Role of Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Echinacea in Three Main Immune Interactive Clusters (Physical Barriers, Innate and Adaptive Immunity) Involved during an Episode of Common Colds – Practical Advice on Dosages . Evidence-based Complement Altern Med. 2018. doi:10.1155/2018/5813095

8. Arentz S, Hunter J, Yang G, et al. Zinc for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and other acute viral respiratory infections: a rapid review. Adv Integr Med. 2020. doi:10.1016/j.aimed.2020.07.009

9. Hemilä H. Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage. JRSM Open. 2017. doi:10.1177/2054270417694291

10. Holford P, Carr AC, Jovic TH, et al. Vitamin C—An adjunctive therapy for respiratory infection, sepsis and COVID-19. Nutrients. 2020. doi:10.3390/nu12123760

Reduce Reuse Recycle (and Replace with More Sustainable Options)

Posted by Sarah Tindall on Feb 2, 2022

Reduce Reuse Recycle (and Replace with More Sustainable Options)
Dr. Sarah Tindall

The whole concept of reduce, reuse, recycle is something that most people have heard of, but many do not actively engage in. And although it is a good model with a catchy phrase, there’s a fundamental problem: it doesn’t address the issue at its source: if the “stuff” we have like packaging, products, toys, clothes, etc. were made in a more sustainable way of materials that didn’t damage our health and pollute the planet, then it wouldn’t matter so much if it were everywhere.

Although a wide range of materials and finished products represent a threat to human, animal and environmental health, one of the main offenders is plastic. It has been widely established that plastic has detrimental impacts on the environment as well as health. We’ve all seen devastating images of animals who have ingested tons of plastic, but did you know there are human health impacts as well?

Plastics and their additives have been associated with disrupting hormones, fertility issues, hormone related cancers, neurodevelopmental disorders and more.

More ominous yet are when plastics become miniscule and then are referred to as microplastics.
Although it was widely known that the ocean is overflowing with plastics, it has now become abundantly clear that so are other waterways, our air, soil – basically everything. Studies have found that even in areas of the world that appear pristine microplastics are present.

While all of that may seem rather dire (and it is) there is good news. There are so many companies and individuals who are striving to come up with easy ways to swap out plastic items or items with plastic packaging with a sustainable choice. If you desire to make some changes in the sustainability department of your life, here are some ways you can reduce your plastic:

1. Always pack a reusable bag (or several). Consider having some in your car so that you can always bring them to the store with you. There are even some that fold up tiny and can attach to your keychain so that you have one. If you forget a bag, opt for paper instead of plastic.

2. Consider swapping out your shampoo and conditioner for shampoo and conditioner bars. Yes,
you did read that correctly – rather than buying bottles upon bottles of plastic shampoo and
conditioner, you could opt for a plastic-free bar. HiBAR is one option, but there are many more.
Another option might be to explore your local food co-ops or bulk stores – many of them have a
body care section where you can bring your own bottles and fill them up with their bulk
shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, etc.

3. Have a bamboo cutlery (many times these also contain a metal straw) set or other reusable
cutlery in your tote or handbag so that you don’t need single use plastic items for take out.

4. Instead of plastic wrap for leftovers and such, swap out plastic wrap for a reusable cloth coated
in beeswax or a silicone wrap.

5. Buy in bulk when possible and avoid things that are individually packaged.

If you need more tips on how to live a healthier lifestyle, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Sarah Tindall  503-222-2322 

COVID-19 vs Other Upper Respiratory Viruses

Posted by Sarah Tindall on Jan 26, 2022

COVID-19 vs Other Upper Respiratory Viruses
Dr. Sarah Tindall

These days pandemic associated ennui seems to be rampant, which is understandable but unfortunate given the current omicron variant surge. Even though everyone is tired of it, now it is more important than ever to wear an adequate mask (N 95 or KN 95), physically distance, continue good hand hygiene, and take steps to ensure overall health is robust.

I find these days many patients are asking about flu and colds in addition to COVID-19 and feel confused about how to distinguish these since there are many overlapping symptoms. Although not universal, here are some important distinguishing features:

Cold: This is considered to be a mild viral illness. Symptoms like runny nose, congestion, cough,
sneezing, sore throat are common but other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, generalized aches, and loss of taste/smell are rare.

Flu: It can be more difficult to distinguish flu symptoms from COVID-19 since the flu is typically more severe than colds. Common flu symptoms include things like fever, headache, generalized aches, cough, but it is rare to experience loss of smell or taste with the flu. Sometimes severe exhaustion can occur, but not always.

COVID-19: Most of us have become highly acquainted with common COVID-19 symptoms, especially some of the more frightening ones such as difficulty breathing/shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and cough (a dry cough as opposed to a productive one). However, the Omicron variant, which we are dealing with now, has symptoms that can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu.

The current advice, is to suspect COVID-10, get tested and act as if you do have COVID until you know you do not. It is important to know if you are symptomatic the recommendation would be to stay home for 5 days and get a COVID-19 test to make sure symptoms are not due to COVID-19. Wearing a mask and avoiding others can help stop the spread of COVID-19. Please check the CDC website for clarity of actions and guidelines if you are symptomatic and test positive, if you are vaccinated or not, if you are asymptomatic but test positive.

There is scientific evidence showing that certain lifestyle factors and select supplementation can help boost immune function. If you are looking to make health and wellness changes in 2022, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our naturopathic physicians to help ensure optimal health.

We also now have a post covid recovery program for general health restoration and for those suffering from post covid-syndrome/long haul syndrome. Check our website for more information.

For More Information you can call 503-222-2322 or email us at info@awomanstime.com

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) – a pain with simple explanations…sometimes.

Posted by Sarah Tindall on May 11, 2021

I find my practice lately is full of women with recurrent UTIs. Although each woman is different and the
underlying reason for their recurrent infections does vary slightly, there are common threads to always
consider when treating UTIs. Often there are patterns relating to sexual activity, hormonal changes that
(more…)

Supporting yourself during cold and flu season

Posted by Rachel Surprenant on Oct 14, 2020

It’s that time of year again!  Cold and flu season lasts from October to May, although we all know you can get sick with influenza or another flu-like illness pretty much anytime.  Upper respiratory infections are well-named: they lead to symptoms in the upper respiratory tract, the throat, nose, and sinuses. Most of the bugs that cause these upper respiratory infections (URIs) are viruses.   (more…)

Is it the flu, a cold, or COVID-19?

Posted by Rachel Surprenant on Oct 4, 2020

October officially marks the start of influenza season, which lasts until May. During these months, doctors’ offices across the world start to see increasing number of runny noses, coughs, sore throats, and fevers.

This year, your scratchy throat and congested nose might bring up some more confusion than previous years. You might think (more…)