Can Velvet bean (Mucuna-pruriens) Be Used To Treat Parkinson’s Disease And Depression?

Can Velvet bean (Mucuna-pruriens) Be Used To Treat Parkinson’s Disease And Depression?

Velvet Bean as a Natural Treatment for Depression and Parkinson's Disease The Velvet Bean (Mucuna Pruriens), has long been used in natural medicine to treat a variety of medical conditions. This unusual plant has many usages due to its active chemical constituents. The benefits of Velvet bean include aiding in the relief of chronic pain, improved mood enhancement, increased libido, blood sugar stabilization, and increasing testosterone.  Velvet bean has been prescribed both as a powder and in capsule form Velvet Bean is a Natural Source for L Dopa Leva Dopa (L Dopa) is the main active ingredient…

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Magnesium and Your Health

Magnesium and Your Health

Magnesium is an Important Nutrient for Maintaining Our Health Magnesium is one of the most common supplements I prescribe in my naturopathic practice. While found in a variety of foods, it is often deficient in the average American diet.  A recent study indicates that nearly thirty-two percent of Americans do not get adequate amounts of magnesium in their diets. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency can include muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, and an increased risk of osteoporosis, as well as mental disturbances such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression. In fact, recurring anxiety and depression, or a depression that does…

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Ten Simple Rules For Digestive Health From a Naturopathic Doctor

Ten Simple Rules For Digestive Health From a Naturopathic Doctor

Digestive Health Challenges Are a Common Problem Many of my patients have issues concerning digestive health. These problems range from mild digestive upsets and transient stomach viruses to more serious conditions like Crohn’s disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. These problems have often existed for several years before they are adequately diagnosed and treated. There are many natural remedies that can be offered to people who have digestive problems. Sometimes a few dietary changes and mild supplements can be enough to heal a person’s problem. Even in more severe cases, natural medicine supplements can often help to ease…

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A Natural Approach

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A Natural Approach

IBS is a Common Health Challenge As a naturopathic doctor, one of the main complaints people speak to me about is IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In fact, stomach pain and poor digestion seem to be something of an epidemic in the United States. New research conducted on sufferers of IBS, reported on by the BBC, found a dramatic improvement in symptoms of pain, gas, and bloating with the simple addition of water-soluble fiber, such as the psyllium seed. Eliminate Foods Associated With Food Sensitivities Many foods have been associated with digestive upset.  I usually encourage my…

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Acid Blockers and Vitamin B12

Acid Blockers and Vitamin B12

Taking Heartburn Medication Can Inhibit B12 Absorption Acid Blockers are one of the most common types of over-the-counter medications my patients take. Unfortunately, over time, these medications can lead to health challenges which include, difficulty digesting food, malabsorption, and nutritional deficiencies. This is due to the fact that, without adequate stomach acid, it becomes impossible to digest our food properly, and absorb key nutrients. B12 is absorbed in the distal portion of the small intestine, and requires intrinsic factor (a carrier protein), in order to be adequately absorbed. Intrinsic factor is produced and stored by parietal cells…

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Your Brain Health and Your Diet

Your Brain Health and Your Diet

Our Diets And Our Brains Our diets can have an impact on brain health.  And while we know this to be true, we rarely think about it when deciding what to eat. While we've all heard that “you are what you eat,” it's equally true to say that "we think what we eat." The food we consume and the calories we take in fuel the thoughts and ideas we have throughout the day. The brain is an amazing organ—it can take sugar directly from the bloodstream without the need for insulin. Consequently, too much or too little…

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