Transcript Document

Naturopathy and
Endometriosis
Naturopathy and
Endometriosis
Presented by
Justine Evans B.Sc N.Med,
ITEC, M. CThA, M.NNA, PTLLS
Agenda
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What/Who is a Naturopath?
The 5 Principles
Endometriosis – What Is It and Its Underlying Causes?
Conventional Treatment
The Naturopathic Approach to Treating Endometriosis
Questions and Answers
What/Who is a Naturopath?
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• A health practitioner who applies a range of approved
natural therapies and healing practices.
• A Naturopath usually includes Nutritional Therapy,
Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Acupuncture
• Holistic Modalities – such as Reflexology, Massage
• Functional Medicine, Bio-Resonance, Ozone-Therapy
• Colon Hydrotherapy
How Does a Naturopath Work?
• Use a range of alternative methods to assess
predisposition(s) in the body whilst considering the 5
principles.
• Then support the patient with specific therapies and
changes in the patient’s lifestyle to (re)balance health.
The Origins of Naturopathy
• The principles of Naturopathy were first used by the
Hippocratic School of Medicine in about 400B.C. The
Greek philosopher Hippocrates believed in viewing the
whole person in regards to finding a cause of disease,
and using the laws of nature to induce cure. It was from
this original school of thought that Naturopathy takes its
principles.
The Principles
• Nature has the innate ability to heal
• Identify and treat the cause - treating the “whole”
• Do no harm- never use treatments that may create other
conditions
• Empower – educate/teach the patient to take
responsibility for his/her own health through self-care
• Prevention is better than cure - remove toxic substances
and situations from a patient’s lifestyle to prevent the
onset of further disease
Endometriosis
Endometriosis
• A condition where the lining of the womb implants and
grows outside of the womb itself.
• Pelvis, Fallopian tubes, ovaries, bowel, bladder, even the
lung, brain and heart.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis
• Wherever the growth, the tissue will respond to the
hormonal cycle and bleed at menstruation.
• Blood has no outlet to leave, becomes trapped causing
inflammation, cysts and scarring.
Endometriosis
• Very common gynaecological condition
• Can affect up to 15% of female population
• Most commonly, childless women over 30
• Half of all women with endometriosis will have fertility
issues
Endometriosis Symptoms
• Extremely painful periods. Pain may start 5-7 days prior
to a period although some people suffer from “ovulation”
• Also associated with PCOS/ Chocolate cysts
• Painful sex and/or post sex
• Possibly recurrent bladder or bowel disturbances
including IBS symptoms/digestive disorders
• Recurrent pain - similar to appendicitis. Some people
experience painful legs, lower back ache
• Fatigue and depression
• Skin – acne, spotty, “strange cyst like spots”
What’s the Cause?
• ‘Backwards’ menstruation – migration of endometrial
tissue up and out of Fallopian tubes
• Provoked by muscle spasms during a period
So How Come……
• Some women with tied Fallopian tubes (sterilization), still
experience endometriosis?
• Endometrial patches have been found around the body,
even ending up in lungs and noses
• Some men get it!
What’s the cause?
• We now believe that the dis – ease can be initiated
during foetal development
and that
• Young displaced endometrial cells start to grow when
the woman reaches puberty
What’s the cause?
• Genetic link?
• Some 15% of cases are believed to be inherited
What’s the cause?
• Endometrial tissue transported from womb to other
areas of the body via the lymphatic system – through
illness, operations etc or plain bad luck!
What’s the cause?
• An immune imbalance – natural killer cells ineffective in
‘mopping’ up endometrial debris
• Debris migrates to other parts of body provoking
inflammatory responses
(Dmowski et al, 1994)
What’s the cause?
• Metaplasia theory – cells can change into endometrial
cells
• Changes provoked by exposure to hormones, chemicals,
infection.
Endometriosis
• This theory seems to stack up as endometrial patches
have been found in bladders of men on oestrogenic
drugs for cancer treatment
(Oliker & Harries, 1971)
Conventional Treatment
• Shut down menstrual cycle:
– weak male hormones to prevent ovulation and
development of womb lining.
– Synthetic GnRH hormones to prevent pituitary gland
from releasing LH and FSH I.e. provoking temporary
menopause
– contraceptive pill – tricks your body into thinking its
pregnant
Conventional Treatment
• Surgery
– Remove endometrial patches with laser surgery
– Cysts and adhesions
– Hysterectomy – complete removal of womb (and
sometimes ovaries)
Naturopathic Alternatives
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Nutritional Therapy
Herbal Medicine
Acupuncture
Homeopathy
Reflexology
Naturopathic Approach
• Endometriosis grows in the presence of
oestrogen.
• Naturopathic support will focus on regaining hormonal
balance by improving excretion of oestrogen through the
liver and bowels and removing environmental toxins.
Xenoestrogens – What Are They?
• Xenoestrogens means foreign estrogens. Research
concludes that there is a link between dioxins and
development of endometriosis.
• Xenoestrogens are found in Plastics, Spermicide,
Detergent, Cosmetics and Personal Care Products,
Dyes, Solvents, Weed Killers, Paints Farmed Foods
and Drinks (http://www.endo101.com)
Research - Environmental Toxins
• “Chemicals found in food packaging, upholstery and
carpets may be damaging women's fertility according to
US scientists. Per fluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are used
to make products like Teflon, as well as waterproof
clothing, pesticides and upholstery. A new study found
that exposure to high levels of the chemicals, which can
remain in the environment and the body for decades,
could leave women struggling to get pregnant” (Infertility
Network UK, 2009)
Weight – Research
• Bates et al (1982) indicated that nearly three quarters of
women conceived naturally once they stopped dieting
and achieved their optimal weight
• Foreyt etc al (1998) published an article in the
International Journal of Fertility and Women’s Medicine
which suggested that being overweight disturbed
hormonal balance and stopped ovulation. It went on to
state that by losing just 10% of weight it is possible to
stimulate ovulation.
Weight and Endometriosis
• Women with high intakes of trans fats were found to be
significantly more likely to suffer from endometriosis
than women with lower intakes ...
• Food & Nutrition Australia – Research update for AECL
Feb 2010 .
• Ratliff, J., et al Nutrition Research, 2010. 30(2): p. 96-
103.
Exercise
• Exercise raises the levels of endorphins (brain chemicals
which act as natural painkillers), elevates the mood and
promotes a positive outlook
• Encourages the proper excretion of oestrogen and
cholesterol from the body
• Increases metabolic rate thus supports weight loss.
Dietary Protocol
Nutrient
Effect with respect to Female Fertility & Reproduction
Vitamin A
Antimutagenic. Healthy skin and cell membranes. Protects against infections
and cancer, Antioxidant, Immune system,. Essential for night vision, reduces
menstrual cramps. Vital for growth & development of foetus esp. heart, hearing &
visual development.
B vitamins
Synthesis of sex hormones. Create new blood cells for growing baby.Folic acid
key for prevention of spina bifida – needed in first 28 days of pregnancy. Daily
intake of 400ug recommended by the Government.
Vitamin C
Essential for formation of collagen – keeps protective membrane around baby
strong.
Vitamin D
Oxygenates and prevents blood clots, improves breast tenderness, aids sperm, has an anti
inflammatory action. Aids egg implantation and needed for antibody production.
Vitamin K
Manufactured by gut flora but baby is born sterile so must rely on mother’s supply
Vitamin E
Protects vital RNA and DNA reducing risk on congenital defects
Zinc
Probably plays biggest role in reproduction. Deficiency increases miscarriage
rate. Needed for hormone balance, development of egg, successful fertilisation
& enzymes of implantation.
Protective against oxidative damage and risk of congenital defects
Selenium
Iron
As many as 32% of pregnant women show mild anaemia
Needed to carry oxygen to every cell in body and developing foetus
Calcium
For development of babies bones, heart and nervous system
Measures
• “Alkaline Based Blood Sugar Diet” – A low GL diet has
been shown to reduce weight, acne severity and
hormonal imbalance
• High fibre with small portions of lean organic protein.
Include oily fish, sprouting seeds, fresh nuts, sea
vegetables such as wheatgrass, spirulina, chorella, algae
etc, reducing carbohydrates
• Plenty of organic seasonal rainbow coloured vegetables,
this helps enable oestrogen clearance
• 1-2 portions of fruit daily and 1 raw meal daily. Wash
well – you need 40g fibre daily
Stimulants
• Alcohol – Alcohol interferes with nutritional
utilisation, digestion, absorption. It also deplets
zinc and folic acid.Total avoidance is essential to
support nutrient absorption, blood sugar
regulation and hormonal balance.
• Caffeine – Caffeine intake can substantially
lengthen the time it takes to become pregnant”
Stanton et al, 1995. This includes cola, black
tea, most fizzy drinks
Nutrient Requirements
• Sea greens including chorella, spirulina, wheatgrass,
beetroot, watercress, spinach, rocket, peppers, lemons,
parsley - offer high mineral and vitamin nutrient support
• Support detoxification
• Essential Fatty Acids – Omega 3
• Probiotics, digestive enzymes
• Natural anti inflammatories - Turmeric, Procydin, Vitamin
D together with antioxidants - Vitamin A, C, E, Selenium
• Herbal support
Other Naturopathic Support
Acupuncture
• Acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine originating
in China. The earliest records of its use date back five
thousand years.
• According to the ancient Chinese, vital energy (chi)
travels through your body along pathways called
meridians. When you are in good health the flow of chi
is smooth and uninterrupted, but when illness strikes
this flow is disturbed.
• An acupuncturist works by stimulating precise points
along the meridians to restore your flow of chi and
return you to full health.
Acupuncture
• Acupuncture and Endometriosis Research
In a study published in the December 2002 issue of The
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers
selected 67 women diagnosed with dysmenorrhea
(painful periods) due to endometriosis. It was reported
that 81% of these women had less painful periods after
receiving the acupuncture treatments.
Acupuncture
• Acupuncture and Endometriosis Research
Research shows that acupuncture promotes blood
circulation, regulates the endocrine system and suggests
that acupuncture could act as an analgesic by elevating
levels of endorphins in the blood.
Xiang D, Situ Y, Liang X, et al. Journal of Traditional
Chinese Medicine December 2002;22(4):282-285.
Homeopathy
• Homeopathy is a complete system of medicine which is
based on the principle of “The Law of Similars” - the
principle of like curing like
A substance which can cause symptoms in a healthy
individual can also be used to treat those symptoms
• It was developed about 200 years ago by a German
Doctor called Samuel Hahnemann - a medic disillusioned
with the ineffective and often barbaric treatments of the
day.
Homeopathy Continued
• Homeopaths consider that everything is interconnected
as facets of the patient’s suffering.
• Homeopathic preparations are made in a special way
which involves repeatedly diluting and shaking the
medicines until they contain virtually no trace of the
original substance. It is thought that the processes of
preparation somehow imprint a characteristic energy
pattern or blueprint of the substance into the water in
which they are diluted.
Reflexology
• The earliest evidence of Reflexology and its practice
dates back to ancient Egyptian times.
• This therapy treats the whole person by focusing on
areas of the feet (and hands) which correspond to
different organs and systems of the body.
• There are approximately 7,000 nerve endings in the feet
and reflexology uses specific nerve reflexes (pressure
points) to stimulate these nerves and create positive
change in your body.
Reflexology and Endometiosis
• 50 patients aged between 20-51 who were diagnosed
with gynaecological diseases including dysmenorrhea,
hysteromyoma, pelvic inflammation, cyst and mass,
endometriosis, menstrual disorder, infertility and
chocolate cyst, were treated with foot reflexology either
daily or every other day with a minimum of 10 sessions,
up to 2 years.
• 42 (84%) of patients symptoms completely disappeared
• 8 (16%) of patients had symptoms that almost
disappeared. Hui Song, Senior Doctor, Nanjing Obstetrical and Gynecological
Hospital (http://www.universalreflex.com/index.php?topic=AU_Research_Women)
Summary
• This powerpoint has offered an explanation about endometriosis
and the possibility of applying naturopathic measures to restore
“homeostasis”
• It has included Nutritional therapy,acupuncture, homeopathy and
reflexology plus functional tests
• We have considered balancing 21st century stress factors and
considered weight management and regular exercise.
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Disclaimer: This article is meant for general information only and should not be construed as guidance or
recommendation. It does not take into account any medication you may be taking, food sensitivities or
allergies, nor any form of health issue. Naturopathic consultations and assessment are recommended on an
individual basis and it is important to speak with a health professional or your GP before changing your diet.
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