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May 1, 2009
Fibromyalgia, Allergies & IBS
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Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue:
It may be all in the head, but not in the way you thought!
 Fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are conditions in which people experience physical pain, fatigue, insomnia, and often depression or anxiety. In FMS, the physical pain is worst at a few particular areas of the body, called trigger points, shown in this picture. Until recently, fibromyalgia was dismissed by conventional medicine as a psychosomatic condition and people who suffered from this debilitating condition had a very difficult time finding help and being taken seriously. However, we now know there are very real changes in the way the brain and the body communicate. The doctors at ICM have been helping people with FMS and CFS for over 15 years. In this month’s newsletter, we’d like to announce an opportunity for you, your friends or family to participate in a research study testing a new dietary supplement that may help people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. For more information on FMS and CFS, click here.
Seeking Volunteers with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Symptoms for Clinical Research Study
We are pleased to announce that ICM is partnering with Integrative Therapeutics Inc to conduct a clinical trial of d-ribose for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue symptoms. The study involves taking a supplement, d-ribose, for one month and filling out some questionnaires at ICM at the beginning and end of the study. The experimental supplement is provided at no cost.
We are enrolling participants through May 31, so if you, or someone you know, are interested, schedule an appointment with your ICM physician right away! |
Spring is Here and So Are Our Allergies!
 For many of us, the cherry blossoms and the beautiful green of spring represent the beginning of hay fever season. Allergy season is even more difficult for those for whom antihistamines are ineffective, cause side-effects or for those who are hesitant to take medication. Fortunately, naturopathic medicine offers a variety of natural, safe and effective treatments that provide relief from allergy symptoms.
Dietary modification, vitamins and minerals, botanical medicines and other treatments designed to balance the immune system are ways your naturopath can minimize your response to allergens. These treatments may include simple blood tests to identify and correct nutrient deficiencies and may be individualized to meet your specific needs. For example, appropriately treating a vitamin D deficiency identified through a blood test can help your immune system function properly leading to a decrease in allergy symptoms. Similarly, stabilizing mast cells to prevent their release of histamine with bioflavonoids and vitamin C can improve allergies. Finally, you can discuss strategies with your ND to help manage daily symptoms as well as how to minimize symptoms during situations (such as long spring walks) when you know your exposure to allergens will be higher than normal.
The key to enjoying a beautiful northwest spring is to plan your treatment before your symptoms begin. Early spring is the ideal time to visit a naturopathic physician to explore your treatment options.
Happy Spring!
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Do You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
If you frequently experience any of the following symptoms you may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Gas and bloating
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Diarrhea or constipation or both
- Loose or more frequent bowel movements
IBS is a very common functional disorder of the large intestine. As many as one in five people suffer from it. It is unknown exactly what causes IBS but common triggers include certain foods, stress and illnesses.
At ICM we have practical solutions for your IBS symptoms! We have successfully been treating IBS for years. Many of the treatments include identifying food sensitivities, intolerances and allergies, nutritional counseling, supplement therapy, lifestyle changes and stress management.
There are more serious illnesses that can mimic IBS so it is important to make an appointment with an ICM naturopathic physician so that we can make the correct diagnosis and put you back on the road to health!
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Broccoli Sprouts May Help Stave Off Stomach Cancer (HealthNews)
Broccoli has long had a reputation for being one of a child’s most dreaded vegetables, but parents haven’t done their kids a disservice by making them eat it. This hearty vegetable is jam-packed with nutrients; more calcium than an entire glass of milk, more vitamin C than many citrus fruits, and a richer source of fiber than whole wheat bread. But the good news doesn’t end there. Broccoli also contains compounds that trigger the body’s production of a substance called sulforaphane that, in turn, manufactures powerful cancer fighting enzymes. Animal studies have shown sulforaphane to be a potent antibiotic against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium that causes gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer—a principle recently tested in humans with encouraging results.
Walnuts May Prevent Breast Cancer (Science Daily)
Walnut consumption may provide the body with essential omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols that reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to a study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research 100th Annual Meeting 2009.
All Sugars Aren't The Same: Glucose Is Better (TIME)
Think that all sugars are the same? They may all taste sweet to the tongue, but it turns out your body can tell the difference between glucose, fructose and sucrose, and that one of these sugars is worse for your health than the others.
8 Ways To Protect Your Health -- And The Planet (CNN)
Doing the environmentally correct thing can be a challenge. After all, there aren't many of us who actually have the time or enterprise to compost or the spare cash to replace the washer, dryer, or other appliances with the latest energy-efficient models. Protect our planet by planning that vegetable garden, unplugging appliances when not in use, or being diligent with recycling.
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May's Coupon
Print this coupon (click to open in new window) for a discount.
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