Dr. Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D.
More Articles… -- Hypothyroidism & Nutritional Supplements
Hypothyroidism & Nutritional Supplements Questions: I have hypothyroidism and my naturopathic doctor has prescribed Armour thyroid hormone 30 mg. daily. Is this enough? Patricia, Rhode Island Typically patients will require 30 to 120 mg daily, depending on follow-up lab tests and your symptoms. Patients should never change doses unless recommended to do so by the prescribing physician. I often recommend supplementing additional nutrients that support thyroid function such as vitamins E, C, B-12, the amino acid L-tyrosine, the minerals potassium, iodine, zinc, selenium and copper. There is also some research showing that the herb ashwagandha may help improve thyroid function.
Many patients experiencing age related cognitive decline have a vitamin B-12 deficiency. It is quite common as we get older for our B-12 levels to drop, and this can cause forgetfulness. There is a solid body of published research as well as my own clinical experience supporting B-12 injections. I will often treat cognitive decline using some other well known brain boosters such as Ginkgo biloba, acetyl-l-carnitine, vinpocetine, phosphatidylserine isolate, bacopa leaf , and fish oil. I will also want to rule out other causes of cognitive decline, such as hypothyroidism which is also a common cause of memory loss. Even subclinical thyroid imbalances can decrease cognitive function. I check blood sugar, iron levels and electrolytes and do a comprehensive history and physical for any neurological abnormalities or chronic conditions (such as diabetes or anemia) that may be contributing to memory loss.
Senior Moments & Hypothyroidism Question: Is there a connection between my hypothyroidism and my memory problems? One of my doctors says yes, and the other says no. Denise, Vermont Memory loss may be a symptom of hypothyroidism, and in fact sometimes this one symptom may be the only indication of thyroid imbalance. Treatment with thyroid hormones can correct thyroid imbalance, but not always the memory loss caused by hypothyroidism. In instances with continued memory impairment even after thyroid replacement therapy, naturopathic therapies such as Ginkgo biloba, phosphatidlycholine and cognitive exercises may be effective.
Question: What can a 60 year old woman do for varicose veins? Edna G., New York This is a very common question at my office. I will often prescribe herbs that will enhance the integrity and function of the venous system, including Gota kola, Horse chestnut, Witch hazel and Butchers broom. I will also prescribe proanthocyanidins (super antioxidants from grape seed extract), proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain from pineapple and bioflavonoids with vitamin C. Eating a whole foods diet that includes plenty of fiber, along with exercise will also help with varicose veins.
I'm taking flax oil, but have heard that using the seeds is better. There are very few clinical studies on flax oil, none offering any definitive benefits to supplementation. Theoretically, flax oil may help with fibrocystic breast conditions and heart disease prevention but I recommend more specific essential fats for those conditions such as Evening primrose oil and fish oil respectively. Unfortunately, there is conflicting evidence about the safety of flax oil. A few studies suggest that flax oil may decrease cancer risk, while other studies suggest increased cancer risk. Until more definitive studies are done, let's err on the side of caution and not use flax seed oil. Now, ground flax seeds are another story. They are a good source of fiber and may help lower cholesterol. Ground flax seeds may help lower cancer risk and are useful in cancer treatment. I recommend that almost all my patients dealing with cancer take 2 tablespoons daily of ground flax seeds. You can grind the seeds in a home coffee grinder or food processor, and then add to breads, muffins, cereals and soups. Keep the seeds in the freezer for freshness.
My wife swears by her homeopathic pills for her arthritis. Does homeopathy really work, or is it a placebo effect? Allan T., New York About 200 controlled trials of homeopathy have been conducted. A scientific analysis was completed that examined 89 of these homeopathic studies and found that homeopathy was more than twice as effective as placebo. I have also seen amazing results in clinical practice.
I have been a vegetarian for five years and recently read that I can become deficient in iodine. Is this true? Should I take iodine supplements? Jeremy, Vermont This concern mostly applies to a vegan diet that contains no animal products. If you are eating eggs or dairy then you don't have to worry about iodine intake. If you don't eat eggs or dairy, then be sure to eat seaweeds, especially hijiki and kombu, and you can take a multi-vitamin/mineral formula containing iodine. Vegetables and grains contain iodine, but the amount depends on the soil they are grown in. Iodized salt is an easy way to get iodine also.
Becoming a Naturopathic Doctor Why did you become a naturopathic doctor? I've completed my pre-med, but can't decide if I want to be an M.D. or an N.D. In my early twenties while I was in college, I became constantly ill with respiratory problems and was diagnosed with bronchial asthma. I was given all kinds of cough syrups, narcotics and other prescription drugs and of course, inhalers. Like many people seeking alternatives to these types of treatments, I reached a point at which I knew there must be a better way. At that time I was working in a health food store and I read everything I could about herbs and nutrition that might be helpful. After three months of self-designed natural therapies I returned to my medical doctor almost completely healed. I no longer required the drugs, and I became interested in learning more about herbal, homeopathic and nutritional medicine. When I began my pre-med studies years later I knew naturopathic medicine with its intent on removing the causes of disease and treating the whole person with safe and natural medicine was indeed "the better way."
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
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.
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