I am not yet 40 years old, but I have already started to notice some creaking in my joints, particularly in a shoulder I injured years ago. So I was not surprised to read that by age forty, 90% of people are already showing signs of osteoarthritic joint changes on x-rays even if they areContinue reading "Help for Arthritis Pain"
Probiotics
Because it is such an important foundation of our wellbeing, I emphasize digestive health in my practice. A key component of digestive health is having the correct balance of bacteria living in our gut. There are trillions of bacteria in the human gut with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria bifidum being the most important species forContinue reading "Probiotics"
New approach to osteoporosis prevention
New research in the area of osteoporosis shows that bone loss increases with the level of inflammation in the body. This gives us new clues on how to help prevent osteoporosis. In addition to standard support like calcium and vitamin D, we can work to address excess inflammation in the body. Though short-term inflammation associatedContinue reading "New approach to osteoporosis prevention"
Carnitine: For more than just weight loss
Weight loss supplements are always popular, but we want to make sure they meet two criteria. They need to be effective and safe. Though most supplements are safe, a few of them in past have been taken in excess and have caused health problems. This is why I am always recommending carnitine to patients whoContinue reading "Carnitine: For more than just weight loss"
Environmental Concerns in Herbal Medicine
When we utilize herbal medicine, we need to keep in mind the potential impact we might be having on the environment. This is similar to paying attention to the environmental impact of other things we consume like the toll that heavy meat intake has on the land. Herbs can be either harvested from the wildContinue reading "Environmental Concerns in Herbal Medicine"
Anxiety Calming Kava Kava
I first learned about Kava Kava during my undergraduate education. My anthropology instructor had lived on a Pacific island and participated in the kava rituals of the community. She told us about how kava was used to calm tensions and unify the people of the island. They always held kava rituals when strangers came toContinue reading "Anxiety Calming Kava Kava"
Flaxseeds for Women’s Health
I work with a lot of women’s health issues, and it seems like the most common words out of my mouth are “ground flaxseeds.” It is commonly known that flax is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha linolenic acid (ALA). These healthy fats offer benefits to both men and women because they helpContinue reading "Flaxseeds for Women’s Health"
Nature Deficit
I spend so much time picking okra on our farm that one of my friends gave me the nickname “Okra Winfrey.” It is hard work because the okra plants are very prickly and I have to wear long sleeves and gloves in this August weather. But it has its reward. If I am harvesting inContinue reading "Nature Deficit"
Magnesium
As a naturopathic doctor, my medical practice is based on the principles of naturopathic medicine. These are the guiding principles that keep me focused on helping people heal themselves in a safe, effective way. Though there are six naturopathic principles, the one that is the most important to my practice is my belief in theContinue reading "Magnesium"
Cancer Fighting Anthocyanins
Last night as I was picking my red okra, I was thinking of anthocyanins. I am sure that is what all okra pickers think about (okay, maybe only the really nerdy ones like me). The pigments that give okra and purple carrots their unique hues are called anthocyanins. These are natural sunscreen agents the plantsContinue reading "Cancer Fighting Anthocyanins"
Dr. Laurell Matthews, ND 