Note:  Due to the ever-increasing number of people with internet access and a sincere desire to reduce our paper consumption, we at YNC have decided to put this newsletter (and future newsletters) on our website instead of sending them to everyone on our mailing list as we've done in the past.  An events calendar will still be mailed to those of you on our list, so you can keep up with the lectures, programs, and classes available at YNC.

We will still be printing a limited number of copies of the newsletter for those who wish to have it in that format.  Please feel free to call or email our office if you would like one sent to yourself or someone you know.  These copies should be ready by the end of August.

Dr. Beeson will resume seeing patients Sept 1.

Your cards, prayers, and well wishes have been much appreciated and, I'm sure, greatly contributed to my return to practice.  I am still working on the complete resolution of the infection in my jaw and sinus from an improperly-filled root canal done many years ago.  Therefore, I will initially be seeing patients on a part time basis. Thank you for your patience and understanding while I've been away.  I look forward to seeing you soon!

Kathy Toney, R.N., BSHA, will be joining Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic as Clinic Administrator on September 2, 2003.

Formerly Director of Women’s Services at Saint Vincent Hospital, Kathy brings over 35 years of healthcare experience to this new position.   Kathy states, “I have a great respect for the quality of healthcare services being provided at Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic and am looking forward to joining this progressive team.”

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The Gut (part 3):  Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Nirala Jacobi, ND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is divided into two main categories: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  This article will provide a general overview of these two disorders and offer some possible treatment options.  It can in no way cover the entire spectrum of treatment options and is intended as an introduction only.

IBD is characterized by inflammation in specific intestinal segments.  In Crohn’s disease, inflammation can involve the entire thickness of the bowel wall and is usually seen in patches anywhere between the small and large intestine.  Symptoms include intermittent bouts of diarrhea, low-grade fever, lower abdominal pain, weight loss, gas, bloating, and fatigue.  In contrast, ulcerative colitis (UC) inflammation is largely limited to the colon and symptoms include bouts of bloody diarrhea, cramping in the lower abdomen, weight loss, low-grade fever, and fatigue.   Both disorders can have symptoms that manifest outside of the digestive tract and multiple potential causes like genetic predisposition, infectious agents, diet, immunological reactions and psychosomatic factors such as stress.  Crohn’s disease and UC do share many common features so their treatments will be discussed together.

Diet:  Because of the inflammatory nature of these diseases, it is important to decrease saturated fats like those found in red meat, chicken and full-fat dairy products because saturated fats are pro-inflammatory. Foods like deep-sea fish (wild salmon, halibut and cod) and flax seed oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which favor the anti-inflammatory pathways in the body.  Quercitin is an anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid found highest in onion skin.  Other bioflavonoids, rutin and hesperidin, which are found in the white pulpy stuff of vegetables like bell peppers are helpful as well.  

Ruling out possible food allergy or food sensitivity may be an important first step.   Some foods thought to promote or exacerbate IBD are the gluten-containing grains: wheat, barley, rye, and oats.   Some IBD patients improve by avoiding grains altogether, as well as simple carbohydrates as outlined by Elaine Gottschall in her book, “Breaking the Vicious Cycle”.

Another dietary factor can be carrageenan, an additive widely used as a stabilizer in dairy products.   Carrageenan, when acted upon by a pathogenic gut organism, Bacteroides, can be very irritating to the gut wall.

Nutrient supplementation:  Because of the degree of malabsorption in IBD, nutrient supplementation is absolutely essential.   A good multivitamin is important but extra supplementation with the several key nutrients can be very beneficial.   Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as water-soluble vitamins, folic acid and B-12, are of particular importance. Zinc and magnesium are minerals often found to be deficient in IBD patients.

Gut organisms:  As mentioned in my two previous articles on the gut (see the last two newsletters), a good supply of beneficial bacteria is essential to a healthy gut.   In IBD, we often see a tremendous amount of dysbiosis, which is an imbalance between pathogenic organisms and beneficial organisms in the intestines.  Using anti-microbial herbs such as goldenseal and garlic alone can be quite effective but may not be enough in which case the addition of an anti-fungal medication may be necessary.

Gut wall protection:  Soothing an irritated gut wall is paramount in treating IBD effectively.  Demulcent herbs like aloe vera, licorice, marshmallow, and slippery elm bark can be helpful in rebuilding a healthy mucous lining that attracts beneficial bacteria.

Improving digestion:  IBD patients often suffer from maldigestion as part of their digestive disorder. A lack of digestive enzymes often contributes to this problem (see “the gut: part 1”for details).  This can be improved with a good digestive enzyme supplement taken with meals (caution should to be used with acute IBD)

Address psychological issues:  As is the case with many illnesses, the psychological component should be considered.  Swallowing our emotions can build up an internal tension that cannot be released by just ignoring its existence. “The issues are in the tissues” is very pertinent to IBD.  Since September 11th, our anxieties have intensified and learning how to turn the tide of negative emotions can be essential in treating any chronic illness.

This concludes the 3 part series on the digestive tract. Naturopathic physicians consider the gut the root of the tree...remember, if the root is not healthy, the rest of the tree will not be healthy either!   If you have questions regarding any part of this series please discuss it with your naturopathic physician at your next office visit.

Payment for this class is due in full at the time of sign up.   24-hour cancellation required.   Sign up today, class will be limited to 30 participants.

Lecture:  "Healthy Pets - Alternative and Complementary Care for Man's Best Friend(s)" - presented by Sonya Whitely, DVM, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.

October 16th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.   Compare and contrast conventional medicine with holistic medicine for animals.    Topics will include diet, acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy and more.  Special focus on vaccinations and alternatives.   Cost is $25, minimum of 5 people required to hold class.   Payment in full is required at sign-up.

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Lecture:  "Intro to Meditation" - presented by Nirala Jacobi, N.D.

October 30th from 6 to 8 p.m.  Meditation is an ancient way to connect to our fundamental being and has proven health benefits.  With your guide, Dr. Nirala Jacobi, you will explore various meditation techniques.  Meditations will be practiced Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. at the YNC annex on November 1st, 8th, and 15th. _______________________________________________________________________

YNC Therapeutic Health Spa

Relax         Rejuvenate         Replenish

Lavender Hydrosol

4oz Bottle $6.50

Hydrosols are another product created when plants are steam distilled to release their essential oil.   They are a true product of distillation and cannot be manufactured synthetically.   The microdrops of essential oil are left intact in the hydrosol..   They are 100% distilled, non-alcoholic waters used 100% pure as they come out of the still.

Skin Care :  gentle, balancing, toner, anti-inflammatory, cools burns, hydrating.   Good for all skin types!    

Mental/Emotional:  relaxing, revitalizing, eases mental stress, reduces mental fatigue, wonderful for jet lag, spritz on pillow for deep & restful sleep.

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Letter from Dr. William Powers and Cindy Woodford, R.D.: 

August 12, 2003

To our patients:

It is with both sadness and excitement that we need to inform you, our patients, that we will be leaving the Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic in September. There are many plans in the future for us. For those of you who do not know, we are getting married in October in Mississippi. Dr. Powers is starting an acupuncture and oriental medicine program in California in October to further his study of alternative medicine and beginning his own naturopathic practice. Cindy will be working as a nutritionist. The move is also important personally because we want to start a family and will be close to family when we move to California.

It has been an incredible pleasure getting to know you all, the patients at Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic. It has been a tremendous learning and growth experience for both of us. We will miss each of you in individual ways.

There is no plan to replace Dr Powers at this time but there is currently a search to replace Cindy. For continuation of your medical and nutritional needs you can see Dr Beeson, Dr. Jacobi, or Dr. Nicolai. We are working with the clinic to make certain that your needs will be meet and we will do our best to match the right patient with the right doctor. If you have a preference which doctor you want to see, please let the clinic know.

The Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic and Billings has provided us with good memories, friendships and most importantly, the opportunity for us to meet. We will never forget the experiences we had here. Good luck to you all in your endeavors. We wish you all good health.

Sincerely,

William Powers N.D. and Cindy Woodford R.D.

Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic
720 N. 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE 406·259·5096/FAX 406·248·5655

ync@180com.net

Dispensary
406·254·9682

dispensary@yncnaturally.com