Dr. Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D.
Treating Arthritis Question: What can I take that's natural for my arthritis? Benjamin, Vermont There is a solid body of research showing natural medicines to be very effective in alleviating osteoarthritis progression and pain. A recent clinical trial of 592 patients with mild to moderate arthritis of the knee compared the once-popular (but now infamous) Cox-2 inhibitor drugs to Zeel, a safe homeopathic medicine. Half the patients received only the cox-2 drugs, and the other half received only the homeopathic medicine. After two months the patients taking the homeopathic medicine reported equally effective results as the drug participants. Approximately 80% of the patients in both groups experienced "good" or "very good" results. The most well-known natural treatment for arthritis is glucosamine sulfate - 1500 mg daily. At least ten clinical trials have concluded that glucosamine sulfate is a safe and effective supplement for relieving arthritis pain and slowing the degenerative process of arthritis. Condroitin sulfate is another supplement that has been extensively studied with good results on arthritis pain. There is evidence that condroitin sulfate may actually reverse the degeneration of cartilage and joint space narrowing in patients with knee arthritis. I now prescribe both glucosamine sulfate and condroitin sulfate, as well as manganese, as this combination may interact synergistically and provide added benefits. Rarely will this combination fail to provide relief for mild to moderate arthritis. In those patients who do not experience sufficient relief and for patients who initially come to me with more advanced arthritis I prescribe additional natural medicines such as niacinamide, a type of B-vitamin which demonstrated in a double-blind placebo controlled study of 72 patients improved joint flexibility and reduced inflammation. I also prescribe methylsulfonylmethane, commonly known as MSM, which has been shown in two studies to reduce arthritis pain; and SAMe which has been thoroughly studied showing good results in alleviating pain and swelling. The herb boswellia has demonstrated a significant reduction in pain and swelling in another double-blind clinical trial. Normalization of weight, alternating hot and cold packs, physical strengthening of ligaments, tendons and muscles and gentle exercise are also recommended.
Arthritis & Diabetes Question: My doctor told me not to take glucosamine sulfate for my arthritis because I have diabetes. She said it would affect my blood sugar. Do you agree? Betty, New Hampshire Absolutely not. There is no evidence to support this. In fact this issue was raised many years ago and two studies confirmed that there are no adverse affects on blood sugar using glucosamine sulfate for those with diabetes.
About Dr. Kowalsky Dr. Susan B. Kowalsky is a naturopathic physician specializing in cancer and chronic medical conditions. She offers expert solutions integrating the best of alternative and complementary medical care. As a naturopathic doctor she is trained in both conventional medicine and natural therapies, providing her patients with the most holistic, integrative and effective medical care available.
Therapies Include: *Vitamin Therapies
Services Include: *Comprehensive physical exams
The Highest Standard of Care "I provide strong guidance and caring medicine that foster hope and optimal health. My practice is based on a holistic, patient-centered philosophy that emphasizes finding the underlying cause of a patient's medical condition and strengthening overall health as well as providing relief from symptoms. I recommend treatments that work with the inherent healing systems of the body rather than merely suppressing symptoms. I prescribe treatments based on the best scientific evidence available, while also developing a healing and supportive relationship with each patient. I adjust treatments to address the individual needs of each person based on mental, emotional and social factors as well as their physical health and symptoms. Only by really listening can a doctor understand the pieces of the puzzle that make up a patient's health concerns. I believe the highest standard of care can only happen when the doctor is totally dedicated and committed to your health and wellbeing." -- Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D.
COMPREHENSIVE DIAGNOSIS Dr. Kowalsky has built a reputation as a successful “medical detective,” diagnosing persistent, challenging and complex medical cases. With her experience and dedication to uncovering the many factors contributing to health and disease, she has achieved high rates of success helping her patients. MENOPAUSE & WOMEN’S HEALTH Dr. Kowalsky provides comfortable gynecological exams and pap smears. She believes it's important to support a woman with menopausal or other gynecological concerns using safe and natural bio-identical hormones, homeopathy, herbal medicine and nutritional therapies. Her success in treating hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, memory problems and osteoporosis makes menopause a lot easier for many women. With natural therapies and Dr. Kowalsky's gentle guidance you can make this important time a stepping stone to a meaningful and healthy future!
NATUROPATHIC ONCOLOGY Dr. Kowalsky provides a responsible, rational and integrative approach to the treatment of cancer. Naturopathic medicines can help increase longevity, heighten quality of life and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation while enhancing their effectiveness.
CREDENTIALS Dr. Kowalsky received her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin and earned her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from The National College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Kowalsky completed her clinical internship at the Portland Naturopathic Clinic. She completed the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations through the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Examiners and is a naturopathic physician licensed by the state of Vermont. She is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
WHAT IS A NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN? Naturopathic physicians (N.D.s) are general practitioners trained as specialists in natural medicine. They are the only physicians with comprehensive medical training that includes a wide variety of natural therapeutics, such as herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, homeopathy, natural hormones, intravenous supplementation and physical medicine. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other specialists for diagnosis or treatment when necessary. Health and disease come from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, and environmental, lifestyle and other factors. Naturopathic physicians treat the whole person, taking all these factors into account. Naturopathic physicians prefer non-invasive treatments which minimize the risks of harmful side-effects. Treatments are tailored to the needs of the individual patient based on a cogent philosophy that acknowledges the patient as participant. Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year postgraduate schools with admission requirements like those of conventional medical schools. Because the coursework in naturopathic theory and natural medicine is added to a standard medical curriculum, naturopathic doctors receive significantly more hours of classroom education than the graduates of leading medical schools, including Yale, Stanford, John Hopkins and Mayo medical schools. Patients are demanding evidence that medical practice be safe and effective. Natural medicine has been demonstrated to be both safe and effective through clinical studies and scientific evaluation. There are over 90,000 medical studies on complementary and alternative medicine, mostly from conventional medicine database resources. In fact, one textbook on naturopathic therapeutics references over 10,000 citations to peer-reviewed scientific literature documenting the efficacy of natural treatments.
To schedule an appointment or to request more information call: (802) 649-1064 16 Beaver Meadow Road Conveniently located near I-91 & I-89
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in the document and website is provided FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY AND MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED, CONSIDERED OR USED IN PLACE OF MEDICAL ADVICE OR INSTRUCTION. No action should be taken based only on this newsletter. Readers should consult a licensed naturopathic physician or medical doctor. The information and editorials in this newsletter are believed to be accurate, but readers who fail to consult with a physician assume the risk of injuries. (C) Copyright 2002 - 2007 Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D. All rights reserved. |