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Tag Archives: holistic family practice virginia beach va

Difference between naturopath and homeopath – Homeoprophylaxis

Over the years, aspects of public health measures have been used in the reduction of preventable conditions such as hygiene, antibiotics (natural or otherwise), and arguably vaccines. There has been a difference between naturopath and homeopath philosophies when it comes to vaccines. Traditional vaccines are a form of artificial immunity where the body comes in contact with a live virus, and the body produces antibodies within the system, so if it comes in contact with that disease, it already has the memory to fight it. Vaccines have been touted to have ended the fight against many diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, etc. However, over the years, the number of vaccines has increased, and the body’s reaction to many additives within vaccines has also come under question. Although there has not been any definitive proof that has withstood public scrutiny, it is hard to ignore many mothers’ concerns over developmental delays after the use of vaccines. I think the greatest difference between naturopath and homeopath is the observation of the subtle actions form the patient. Homeopaths are often more in tune with the subtle changes in their patients whereas naturopath are trying more in the hard sciences. As both a homeopathic doctor as well as a naturopathic doctor I do not view it as homeopathic vs naturopathic but rather a blend of the two worlds, hard science with subtle energetic medicine.

Homeprophylaxis

Reviewing genetic data, we are beginning to have a greater understanding as to why some have a reaction while others do not. Genetic variants such as SOD, DHFR, and even MTHFR may provide us some clues as to why the body may not be capable of handling many of the additives found in vaccines. Mothers are experiencing even more complications within pregnancy as well as birth as a result of the ever-growing environmental toxins. In a landmark study performed by EWG, the umbilical cord of unborn babies was tested in 10 Americans and proved to have over 400 plus toxic agents supplying blood to not only the babies’ fetal tissue but also crossing the unprotected blood-brain barrier. Although this is speculative, it may be interesting to note why so many neurohormonal conditions such as autism, OCD, anxiety, etc. are popping up as a response to many of these toxic agents found within our systems. 

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann was a homeopath back in the 1800s who developed the concept of homeopathic nosodes. Nosodes are biological preparations used by homeopaths in the practice of disease prevention. Nosodes are derived from diseased tissues, and through a process of succession, serial dilutions no longer contain the original substance but the bioenergetic frequency behind that substance, whether it be a virus, bacteria, parasite, etc. Naturopaths may or may not use or believe in the principles of homeopathic treatments as they cannot be proven through traditional western medical means. This is another difference between naturopath and homeopath. Homeopaths deal in energetic frequencies and subtle energies. In the debate of homeopathic vs naturopathic there is now some convergence as energetic medicine is becoming more able to test and observe. Within the past few years, we have finally been able to view and see the bodies electromagnetic frequencies and quantum fields to understand their existence. This is still a relatively unexplored area of healthcare and has often been dismissed as quackery and disregarding in the medical community even as homeopathic doctor vs naturopathic doctor may or may not agree with many benefits of subtle energies.

Asian baby boy takes medicine syrup from a spoon. Sick child.

However, we know that everything in life generates a unique pattern and a unique frequency. Every organ, gland, meridian, emotion, and in this case, a pathogen has its own unique frequency. As Albert Einstein once said, everything is energy, and that’s all there is to it. This is not philosophy. This is physics. Bioenergetic screening tools such as Zyto and other quantum psychics devices are available to be able to read the bioenergetic frequencies of a human being with their subsequent imbalances. These imbalances often come before it even shows itself in the lab work or biochemistry of the individual. Homeopathic vs naturopathic can come together linking the bioenergetic form of healthcare with the scientific evidence based healthcare of naturopathic medicine. Much validity and ground have been gained in understanding bioenergetic healthcare, and as time goes on, new frontiers will be emerging in the understanding of these aspects of life. 

As of yet, homeopathic nosodes have not been traditionally studied within our standard western medical model of cohort studies; however, the effectiveness is beginning to gain ground which blends the difference between naturopath and homeopath. Organizations such as freeandhealthychildren.org lead by homeopath Kate Birch have developed more of an organized structure of researchers as well as homeopaths, such as myself, who are certified and trained in the use of homeopathic nosodes to educate the immune system. I am fascinated by this because I can see clearly the difference between naturopath and homeopath as I am both, which allows me to combine the tow worlds for the patients care. HP has been used on millions of people worldwide, especially those whose traditional vaccinations may not be indicated. Neurodevelopmental challenges, neurotransmitter imbalances, etc. may be the most vulnerable to the traditional vaccinations. Only organic acid testing, as well as full genetic testing, can determine the risk factors for sure. HP has been proven to be 96% effective based on many clinical studies, as shown here: https://www.homeopathycenter.org/news/homeoprophylaxis-human-records-studies-and-trials. Although, many critics of the more natural and holistic practice often attack and discredit many plausible studies citing that they are not strong enough to conclude findings. 

Even still, there is a growing political as well as public health concern about the safety of vaccines as well as the effectiveness of many natural immune system practices. Homeopathic doctor vs naturopathic may or may not have a definitive consensus accepting HP as of right now, however from personal experience I can say, my daughter, who is 15, is unvaccinated. She has never been on antibiotics and solely has been given homeopathy as a child. Even though she was born from C-Section, her immune system has been strong and resilient through her youth. She has never suffered from ear infections, colic, or skin conditions, etc. She is a healthy and vibrant young girl. I remember in undergraduate writing papers and one in particular on this topic I found interesting from my research. I found that 100% of vaccinated societies still suffered from outbreaks of measles, mumps, and rubella. In fact, the World Health Organization reports and agrees that the majority of people who get the disease have been vaccinated. No vaccine is 100% effective; most routine childhood vaccines are 85% – 95% effective, however, because every person is bio energetically, biochemically, and genetically individually, it is difficult to judge the effectiveness of each particular vaccine over another. 

Parents looking to offer their children away to educate their immune system without the use of vaccines do have the option of homeoprophylaxis, through the use of homeopathic nosodes. And can seek a provider such as myself who does not separate out homeopathic vs naturopathic but uses both of the beauties of the practice together. There is a distinct difference between naturopath and homeopath but when combined together makes for a comprehensive healthcare approach in holistic practice. Parents can not only educate their children’s immune systems naturally but can also work on supporting their immune system naturally through the use of diet, supplementation, and stress relief strategies. Even writing this, I know the emotional reaction, politically controversy, and the implications of these statements; however, I stand by my commitment to be objective. I have families that choose to vaccinate, and I have families that don’t. I have families that choose to use homeoprophylaxis, and I have families that don’t. I am neutral and objective and can only go off of data, facts, and conscious. If I am not 100% clear medically, scientifically, definitively through objective third party laboratory data assessing the individual seeking treatment, I am unable to provide a healthcare opinion. Statistically, data does not have much bearing on individual cases. Meaning because 100 people before the last person I saw did fine; that does not mean the 101 cases will do fine. I think that any healthcare decision is a deeply personal one and one that should be left up to the parent and their trusted healthcare provider. If we simply spent more time learning how the immune system worked and working to heal and support our immune systems, the incidence of fear from the various outside intruders would fade. My job as a healthcare provider is not to push an agenda but rather interpret the data as I see that pertains to the family and their unique bioenergetic, biochemical, and genetic findings. I like to think that I have found a balance between being homeopathic doctor vs naturopathic blending the two philosophies, ideas, and worlds as they fit so nicely together. They both fundamentally believe the body can heal itself and understand that there is a need for verifiable scientific data to provide or disprove results. I am neutral on the vaccine debate issue and see it from both perspectives. My family history had lots of neurological imbalances, and mental health challenges within it, and I wanted to raise my daughter as holistic as possible, which is why I chose what I chose for her, yet every family and every child is different. I think it is healthy to weigh out all of the options and make a smart, informed decision that meets your needs. 

Healthy school lunch ideas for your kids

Mother and daughter cooking in the kitchen
Mother and daughter cooking at the kitchen

I’ll admit it. Not my favorite activity from my daughter growing up, figuring out healthy school lunch ideas, especially when she would chuck it and charge school lunch instead. Who even knew they would give elementary school kids credit. Sigh! You are not alone if you feel the burden and the struggle of trying to instill healthy eating habits for your children. Here are some tips and options to hopefully make it easier to get food down them. No guarantees they won’t trade it for something else, throw it away, or leave it at home calling you in a panic to bring it to them when you are already late in back to back meetings all day… Haha! Isn’t parenting great.

Family cooking time
Family cooking time : Happy family help cooking meal together in kitchen at home.

First, let’s get some tips:

You will never win as a dictator lunch preparer, having a healthy school lunch means you will need to involve your children in the lunch decisions. Start off by showing them the elements of a healthy lunch to include fruit, veggies, and healthy protein. From here teach them how to navigate the kitchen and perhaps if they are old enough help you prepare the items. Cooking in bulk and making extra of their fav dinner meals really can save you time in the school lunch department big time, but only if they like what’s on the menu. I tend to recommend grabbing food that is convenient such as a cup of fruit, things like packable cherries, grape tomatoes, apple slices, carrots, and hummus, etc. These are quick grab items that are easily packable and stackable with other food items. Also considers that they really do not have a lot of time to eat during lunch as they are busy socializing and meeting with their friends that things that are convenient finger food make it easy for them to grab a bite in the time allowed.

Packing a healthy school lunch should be a no brainer, but just in case, I often have used non-toxic, durable, and dishwasher safe items that are mostly leak proof. I also always had a spare in case I found something growing in one, or just needed to throw one away and start over. Hello Monday! My daughter would often lose her lunch box, regularly, so I always had to have a spare that was sot, durable, and that would not break easily. Now if they offered GPS on the thing, we would be all set.

I would also include a water bottle in her healthy school lunch with filtered water and a small organic juice for her just for variety. I was often appalled that the school never seemed to have filtered water and my daughter easily turns her nose up at non heavily filtered water (even as a teenager) Yay! Parents – 1.

Some combos like Veggies with hummus, protein muffins, Caesar salad, homemade pasta and marina sauce wee common favorites of hers growing up.

I would also include things like crackers, berries, nuts, granola, lots of fresh fruits, and some grain free sandwiches. She always loved peanut butter and jelly, which was s safe option that I could always go to.

If I happen to get adventurous with her healthy school lunch, I will do quinoa salad, lettuce wraps, plantain chips with dip, homemade nachos with salsa and black beans with many tortilla roll-up options.

I found that really quick and safe finger foods were the best and anything too elaborate was often overlooked, disposed of, or returned back home for my mid-afternoon snack (why waste food).

Healthy Food Items fo School Lunches

Lastly, be mindful of these last parting words:

  • Be prepared for trial and errors
  • Be prepared to throw out food
  • Be prepared for loves today, hates tomorrow (I am still waiting for her to like avocado again)
  • Don’t take it personally
  • Throw in some non-health snacks too (I know, cringe)
  • Let them make their own choices (Again, cue the cringe)

I went on a long ride with my daughter in trying to force her to eat healthy to no success. Even still, there is a moment that she makes my heart been as she orders salads and other various healthy foods after a binge of McDonald’s, Burger King, and Five Guys. At this point, she has opted to purchase her own food with her own money that she makes. It is truly impressive; this kid is only 15 years old. For me, the more persistent I was about eating healthy, the more she was insistent upon rebellion. I can truly speak candidate that great stress was relieved when I let go, but it took quite some time. I was extremely careful with her pregnancy, breastfeed, raised her vegetarian, no television, and lots of love up until 5 years old and then once Kindergarten hit GAME ON!. Haha. So try and relax, do your best and forget the rest. Remember you are not alone, and Kale may be just a seed planted today, but eventually, she/he will catch the clue.

Supporting the bodies energy levels all day

Adrenal fatigue and sleeping well
Young woman sitting in bedroom

In our fast-paced, unrelenting society, many of us find ourselves in some stage of adrenal fatigue. Burnt out, exhausted, and feeling worn down. This pattern starts when we first wake up in the morning and continues after the coffee wears off and the mid-afternoon crash. I would say that is the number one complaint that I hear in my practice is in regards to energy loss. And once it is gone, many people are desperate to get it back downing energy drinks, caffeine, drinking too much coffee, etc. to keep up with the daily demands. However, these tend to be fly by night approaches that do more damage than good tot eh system. Here are some tips to get your energy levels back on track, naturally.

Get enough quality sleep – this may be a no brainer, but often times people program themselves to get to bed around 12 PM- 1 AM, which leads to adrenal fatigue, and the adrenal glands do not like this process. They reset themselves between 10 PM – 2 AM, so it is important to be in bed during those times to regenerate them. Otherwise, you are borrowing from them to power through your day, which they can handle but eventually can throw off other systems such as your digestive system, immune system, etc.

Clear any infections in the body – Sniffles, nasal congestion, etc. are all signs of underlying immunological challenges, which can create adrenal fatigue. If the immune system is activated, it can put stress on the bodies energy restores because all none essential personnel go to trying to fight and stabilize the infection which can leave to understaffing of your bodies energy reserves. That is why if you get sick, it is SO important for you to get lots of sleep to regenerate your energy quickly.

Eat breakfast – energy in and energy out. Even if you are not hungry because you have trained your metabolism not to take in food, it is important to start the blood sugar on the right foot. That way, throughout the day, your blood sugar stays stable and supported. Blood sugar destabilization and adrenal fatigue have a symbiotic relationship. I find if I skip breakfast or have a breakfast that is not blood sugar supportive, my blood sugar and energy levels suffer all day.

Eating breakfast
Sporty smiling attractive woman having vegetarian lunch at the kitchen, enjoying healthy food, getting energy for sport and study, wearing white sportswear top, indoor home interior background

Eat snacks – As a continuation of eating breakfast, I find my energy levels stay the most stable when I eat every couple of hours. That way, my blood sugar stays stable, and as I burn energy, I am refueling. As mentioned before the energy in and energy out.

Digesting well – If a person is not digesting well, they are not going to have the energy necessary to carry throughout the day. Therefore, if you notice that you are most fatigued after meals, or are gassy, bloating, etc. after meals, those are sure fire signs you are not digesting your food. Taking a digestive enzyme can be helpful but may not be the ultimate cause, reviewing lab work from a functional perspective can be extremely helpful in discovering how to repair the digestive process. Digesting well decreases the risk of adrenal fatigue.

There are many reasons that person energy may not be where it needs to be, and with everything we have going on not only, it is important to maintain energy but also conserve energy. Therefore maintaining relationships that take excessive energy, maintaining unhealthy habits long term, a lack of movement, and consistent stress responses all can have large impacts on the overall health of the body. Holistic healthcare is a way to get to the root cause from a comprehensive approach to the health of the body. Systemically, over a consistent period of time, we get to the root cause of why a persons’ every level may not be where they need to and restore energy levels once and for all. For more information about your adrenal glands read this blog post: http://www.staging6.staging6.holisticfamilypracticeva.com/blog/adrenal-glands/

Getting back into a healthy family routine

Getting back into a routine

Its that time again, Summer fun is winding down, and more of a structured routine is coming before us. This year let’s support you in creating a healthy family. Thank goodness! If you felt like everything had gone out of the window, you are not alone. The summer is such a busy time with losing schedules, travel, family gatherings, and challenges on a healthy lifestyle. There is some calm and peace to having a schedule, and September is the time to get it in gear. Here are some tips to get back into a healthy family routine.

Getting back into a healthy family routine
  1. Start early. Instead of rushing into the school year with a new schedule, begin implementing that schedule early by starting in August. Especially as sleep schedules for children and parents tend to be slightly different, it is important to get acquainted with earlier nights and earlier mornings sooner rather than later. Cue the groans from the kiddos. Healthy family planning explains the importance of a regular sleep schedule (as if they have not heard it all before) and let them know that during school, there is one schedule compared to summer fun times.
  2. Create routine schedules. As much as children hate to admit it, they love the structure of a schedule. Healthy family schedules help us feel safe, secure, and in control. Let’s face it, who does not like to feel in control of things. Having a schedule that you can depend on helps everyone involved feel as though they know what’s coming and hey can know what to expect, which cultivates relaxation and internal peace.
  3. Eating dinner together and way the same time. Remember that old tradition of sitting around the family table eating dinner. Yes, me too. Perhaps it is time to bring that one back. The health family eats dinner together around the table can rove to be a bonding experience for the family. It opens up conversations and communications regarding school, friends, and various work projects. Be mindful of turning it into a staff meeting of sorts and resist the urge of handing out a dinner time agenda (that is more for me that you…haha) Just enjoy being in the moment with your family and sharing good times with each other.
  4. Teach everyone to clean up after themselves. This was extremely important for me to teach my daughter was cleaning up after herself. Naturally, she was not cleaning every once of the house like we were growing up, but she does carry the responsibility of keeping her room clean too which she consistently does without being told now because she finds great joy in keeping her room nice and tidy.
  5. Plan ahead. A healthy family plan starts deciding plans for holidays ahead of time. Are you staying in town or leaving out of town. Need to start creating a budget for holiday spending or perhaps needing to figure out how to accommodate house guests. Starting early and involving the entire family in the plan can help to ease any stress that the holidays may create, and less holiday stress is always on everyone’s wish list.
Getting back to routine
Mom and daughter eat together in the kitchen. They are both mulattoes. Mom helps a little girl. There are many dishes on the table.

Routines are necessary for a smooth family organization and creating a healthy family. Without routines, you have controlled the chaos. Just ask single mothers with multiple children. Without routines, it is difficult to get things done. This modeling of habits and behaviors also spill over into children’s lives as they mature and helps them to continue the trend of organizing their schedule with their own families.

Good routines are often well planned, consistent, and predictable that way, everyone can create effective routines. Daily routines vary based on family size, age, and health factors, so care must be taken when developing a healthy family routine that works for you.

How to help support picky eaters

Little girl refuse to having breakfast with her mother,picky eater concept.

As a holistic health doctor, I see it all the time. These days kids turn their nose up at just about anything green, healthy, and nutrient dense in search for cardboard, sugar-laden, fat packed, good tasting food options. Couple that with challenges of pregnancy, gut health, mineral deficiencies, and many children almost come out of the womb as picky eaters. Many parents come to the practice concerned about their children’s growth, development, and nutrition. I would like to ease you from the frustration and acknowledge that you are doing the best you can raise a free thinking human being. You are not able to force them to do something, even if we think we can, want to, or otherwise. I have had to learn that myself as a mother and a holistic health doctor. Children, even young ones now are coming into this world full of opinions, communications, and wisdom well beyond their years. As a parent, you can either burn yourself out trying to force your children to do something they do not want to do for whatever reason or learn to educate and stand back and let them make their own decisions. This can be a tough ask, especially as you fill your head with various nutrition dangers, being stressed by healthcare providers (some who are not holistic healthcare providers), school officials, etc. There has not been any greater time than now that we as parents are more stressed and guilted about the ills of parenting, the ills of improper nutrition, and the ills of poor self-care. Beating yourself up surely is not going to produce the results you are looking for as you work to help support the picky eater in your house. Here are a few ideas to help the process along:

A mother in a blue shirt and apron is preparing a fresh vegetable salad at home in the kitchen, along with her little cute daughter
A mother in a blue shirt and apron is preparing a fresh vegetable salad at home in the kitchen, along with her little cute daughter
  1. Offer lots of colorful options – Holistic healthcare doctors work to engage your child’s senses and we encourage you to do the same with eating color is one of those through the eye site. Try to have a plate that has multiple colors on it from green to red to orange and allow them to choose which items that seem most appealing to them. This new generation of children are very sensitive, and those with the more visual appeal will enjoy the bright, refreshing eye site palate choices they can choose from. Perhaps even brushing up on your food presentation could be helpful as well to include squiggles on the plate of smiley faces, cartoon characters, and more. Get creative it may be just as fun making it as it is for your child to explore it.
  2. Multiple textures – As a holistic healthcare doctor, I can hear some of you groaning now as many children have texture challenges, however, do not fear to offer various textures for your child to explore. Ultimately, they must find what works for them and what doesn’t and try to let go of the need to sway, control, or otherwise coerce out of fear of a lack of nutrition. We want to develop healthy habits with food and a healthy association with food that works for them.
  3. No shaming, no blaming, no coercion – This is an easy one to slip up on. Even if you have made the most nutrient dense, yummiest tasting food option, they may not want to eat it. This does not mean you are a failure as a parent. This is not a personal attack. Yes, there are starving children everywhere and no your child will not eat the food if you push harder or convince more. I have often worked with adults deprogramming their childhood angst associated with food. From not leaving the table all night, to being forced to eat every bite on their plate, to being forced only to eat certain things and shamed not to eat others how we teach our children about food stays with them, so keep it light, enjoyable, and fun.
  4. Monkey see monkey do – You cannot exactly boast about all of the healthy food items when they see you eating junk. As a holistic health care doctor, I am not saying you now need to be a perfect eater, just consider that kids watch and pick up everything. Even things that you do not think they see, so be mindful of your own eating process. Do you eat when you are stressed? Do you eat when you are bored? These unconscious habits are being spunged up, even when we do not know they exist.
  5. Think Independence – Picky eaters also want their thoughts and choices respected so involve them in the meal planning and allow them to choose the dishes. Make some suggestions and offering but begin early by teaching them the importance of meal planning. M daughter loved cooking with my Dad and often speaks about making quesadillas and various food items. Even those these are not the healthiest options she can always doctor them up with healthy items later on as their palate changes over time.
Holistic health doctor explains how to support picky eaters

Lastly, it is important to be patient with your children and yourself. I tend to offer this patience as a holistic health doctor teaching people that developing healthy eating habits takes time and should not be a stressful and difficult experience. Here are some other tips for helping picky eaters here: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Picky-Eaters.aspx. There are plenty of times that even myself does not want to eat 100 percent healthy, and in those moments, I do provide myself those options. I have been super restrictive at times and more loose and relaxed at other times. Stress has been a  big factor for me in my eating as well as convenience. I often have seen how these habits have developed in my daughter, mostly the, not the stress eating part. I have had to be patient with myself and her by allowing her to make healthy choices that best suit her. In some moments, when I think all is lost, she orders a salad and explains that she has been eating unhealthy lately and needs to clean it up. Hooray! I celebrate the small success and you should too as you develop impressionable palates. 

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