SACRAMENTO NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR CONTINUES WALK ACROSS USA FOR HEALTH EQUITY

Bringing attention to Health Equity issues in America

Sacramento, Calif.- Dr. Dennis Godby, a practicing Naturopathic Doctor of 18 years, who runs his own practice in Sacramento, California, is at it again. He will be setting out on the second segment of his solo walking journey across the United States, for Walk USA for Health Equity (WUHE)

In August. Beginning in 2022 with segment one, Dr. Godby walked from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to Knoxville, Tennessee (605 miles), 29 days later. Segment 2 will begin August 29, 2023 in Knoxville and end in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 660 miles later. He will complete the walk in 5 years, finishing in 2026.

Last year, 2022, was the inaugural launch of WUHE. There were a lot of unknowns. Could he average 22 miles a day in all weather and all terrain? And while Dr. Godby is a lifelong athlete, this would be a challenge for anyone (and Dr. Godby is 66 years young)! Would he be safe along regular roads, and advocating for health equity? With no support vehicle, would he be able to carry the weight of his gear for the entire journey? I’m pleased to say that the answer was a resounding YES! Segment 1 exceeded all expectations in every category. And, if all goes as planned, segment 2 will build upon the success and momentum of segment 1, as we have exciting social justice and health equity events planned.

WALKING FOR HEALTH AND LONGEVITY

Walking is a perfect exercise for health and longevity. A recent Harvard study(1) with 16,000 participants found that even those who were only able to get 4,400 steps a day greatly reduced their risk of dying prematurely compared to those less active. Walking is equally accessible to most everyone regardless of social class. It does not require gym memberships, expensive equipment, or financial investment, and can be accomplished in practically any weather, and can even be done in one’s own house. This is why Dr. Godby chose a monumental solo walk across the continent to bring attention to Health Equity issues in the regions as he passes through.

Most of us are pretty thrilled if we get our 10,000 steps a day. In comparison Dr. Godby will be averaging around 24 miles a day on leg 2, which is a colossal 50,000-60,000 steps each day for a month! He will be using these steps through 5 states to advance local and regional health equity issues. There are many health equity issues prominent in the regions of segment two, which include Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin including rural poverty, general inaccessibility of health care services, and racial inequities. He will be partnering with local health equity organizations to highlight the walk and raise awareness to local issues.

Dr. Godby plans on using the 8-10 hours a day walking to talk with people in the local communities to raise awareness and inspire change. Anyone along the route is invited to join him as he walks for conversation and for their health. Keep your eyes and ears open on Facebook and other social media platforms as we show highlights of Walk USA for Health Equity – 2023!

Please email him directly, DrGodby@TheRun.org for more information and for ideas how you can help.

Article from: https://www.rosevilletoday.com/news/sacramento/sacramento-naturopathic-doctor-walk-across-usa/

Estrogen Metabolism and Breast Health: Treatment Approaches for Functional Medicine Providers

By Ruth Hobson, ND (Staff Physician at Doctor’s Data)

Achieving optimal hormone balance is the goal of many treatment protocols. Evaluating hormones via testing plays an important role in this process. Different testing modalities can serve different roles toward the goal of hormone balance. Measuring tissue levels in saliva is essential for understanding physiology and how it plays into a patient’s symptom picture. For a deeper understanding of hormone metabolism and how it impacts breast health, the metabolism and excretion of hormones measured in urine should also be considered.

Elevated endogenous levels of estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2) have been implicated as risk factors in breast cancer. It is well established that the metabolites of E1 and E2 can exert proliferative effects in breast tissue. This is due to the way in which these hormones are metabolized as well as the activity of the metabolite intermediates. The liver is responsible for most of this metabolism first through phase I. During phase I metabolism, E1 and E2 are metabolized to the intermediary hydroxy estrogens, 2-OH, 4-OH, and 16-OH, via CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and CYP3A4 respectively. Each of these metabolites carries known risk as they relate to breast health; 2-OH is generally considered the safer metabolite, while 4-OH is considered to be the most carcinogenic, followed by 16-OH E1, which has also been shown to have a negative impact on breast tissue health.

It is well established that having a relative increase of 2-OH metabolites compared to 4-OH metabolites is favorable. For this reason, increasing 2-OH metabolism via CYP1A1 is a favorable treatment strategy. Research has found these natural products can boost CYP1A1.

·       DIM (diindolylmethane) – phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables

·       I3C (requires stomach acid to convert to DIM)

·       Coffee

·       Resveratrol

·       Andrographolide, from the Andrographis paniculata plant

·       Astaxanthin (antioxidant found in shrimp and some algae)

·       Fish oil and garlic oil

·       Green and black tea

·       Hops

Phase I metabolism in and of itself can generate free radicals. Because of this, the following antioxidants are a consideration to help further reduce additional harm to the tissues:

·       Vitamins A, C, E

·       Carotenoids

·       Selenium

·       Copper

·       Zinc

·       Manganese

·       CoQ10

·       Alpha lipoic acid

·       Thiols (garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables)

·       Bioflavonoids

·       Silymarin

·       Oligomeric proanthocyanins

·       Glutathione

·       Melatonin

Phase II metabolism involves methylation of phase I metabolites into more water-soluble versions that can be excreted and for the most part rendered inactive, via the COMT enzyme. This is an extremely important step. If 4-OH metabolites are not inactivated, they have the potential to form quinones and or semiquinones, which are highly carcinogenic and genotoxic, capable of inducing and potentiating breast cancer.  Quinones and semiquinones can also increase the risk of hormone responsive breast cancer. To decrease this risk, it is critical to optimize the function of COMT. The following have been shown to increase COMT:

·       Nutrient cofactors: cruciferous vegetables, soy foods, resveratrol, citrus food, teas (rooibos, dandelion), and spices (rosemary, curcumin)

·       Methyl donors: methionine, methylcobalamin, pyridoxyl-5-phosphate, betaine, folate, and magnesium

For those who have lower COMT activity and thus greater potential for quinone activity, two supplements may offer some additional protection:

Resveratrol

·       Can reduce catechol estrogen semiquinones back to catechol estrogens

·       Can induce the estrogen-protective enzyme quinone reductase

·       Modulates CYP1B1, thereby reducing its activity and minimizing the potential for the formation of 4-OH metabolites

NAC

·       Can reduce estrogen semiquinones back to catechol estrogens

·       Primary effect is to react with quinones to form conjugates preventing the formation of estrogen-DNA adducts.

Doctor’s Data now offers the Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMAP™) which directly measures metabolite levels, offering providers a tool for a targeted approach for breast health risk reduction.

 References

Cavalieri E, Rogan E. The 3,4-quinones of estrone and estradiol are the initiators of cancer whereas resveratrol and N-acetylcysteine are the preventers. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021;22(15):8238. doi:10.3390/ijms22158238

Chen HW, Tsai CW, Yang JJ, Liu CT, Kuo WW, Lii CK. The combined effects of garlic oil and fish oil on the hepatic antioxidant and drug-metabolizing enzymes of rats. Br J Nutr. 2003;89(2):189-200. doi:10.1079/BJN2002766

Hodges RE, Minich DM. Modulation of Metabolic Detoxification Pathways Using Foods and Food-Derived Components: A Scientific Review with Clinical Application. J Nutr Metab. 2015;2015:760689. doi:10.1155/2015/760689

Horn TL, Reichert MA, Bliss RL, Malejka-Giganti D. Modulations of P450 mRNA in liver and mammary gland and P450 activities and metabolism of estrogen in liver by treatment of rats with indole-3-carbinol. Biochem Pharmacol. 2002;64(3):393-404. doi:10.1016/s0006-2952(02)01190-5

Jaruchotikamol A, Jarukamjorn K, Sirisangtrakul W, Sakuma T, Kawasaki Y, Nemoto N. Strong synergistic induction of CYP1A1 expression by andrographolide plus typical CYP1A inducers in mouse hepatocytes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2007;224(2):156-162. doi:10.1016/j.taap.2007.07.008

Ohno M, Darwish WS, Ikenaka Y, Miki W, Ishizuka M. Astaxanthin can alter CYP1A-dependent activities via two different mechanisms: induction of protein expression and inhibition of NADPH P450 reductase dependent electron transfer. Food Chem Toxicol. 2011;49(6):1285-1291. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2011.03.009

Romilly E. Hodges, Deanna M. Minich, "Modulation of Metabolic Detoxification Pathways Using Foods and Food-Derived Components: A Scientific Review with Clinical Application", Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 2015, Article ID 760689, 23 pages, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/760689

Sisti JS, Hankinson SE, Caporaso NE, et al. Caffeine, coffee, and tea intake and urinary estrogens and estrogen metabolites in premenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2015;24(8):1174-1183. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-15-02

Thomson CA, Ho E, Strom MB. Chemopreventive properties of 3,3'-diindolylmethane in breast cancer: evidence from experimental and human studies. Nutr Rev. 2016;74(7):432-443. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuw010

Yager JD. Mechanisms of estrogen carcinogenesis: The role of E2/E1–quinone metabolites suggests new approaches to preventive intervention – A Review. Steroids. 2015;99:56-60. doi:10.1016/j.steroids.2014.08.006

Yao HT, Hsu YR, Lii CK, Lin AH, Chang KH, Yang HT. Effect of commercially available green and black tea beverages on drug-metabolizing enzymes and oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2014;70:120-127. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2014.04.043

WPR Article Regarding ND WI Licensure

Wisconsin’s naturopathic doctors prepare for expanded duties

State regulators move to establish license system after lawmakers OK Wisconsin becoming 23rd state to permit alternative providers

By Mackenzie Krumme

Published: Saturday, August 6, 2022, 6:35am

Wisconsin is in the early stages of integrating naturopathic medicine into its health care safety net.

Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill earlier this year allowing naturopathic doctors to get licensed, joining 22 other U.S. states. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes preventive and natural techniques including therapies involving herbs, massage, acupuncture and more.

In July, Evers established a Naturopathic Medicine Examining Board to regulate the practice. The board’s members include Dr. David Kiefer, medical director of UW Health’s Integrative Health Consult Clinic, who said he looks forward to the day medical and naturopathic doctors have integrated practices.

"The more health care providers that we have working on prevention and helping people to stay well rather than let diseases progress, the better," Kiefer said in a February interview with Wisconsin Public Radio’s "The Morning Show." "The more of us that are working in this together in a collaborative way, I think it will help the people of Wisconsin."

Some naturopathic doctors urge herbal remedies, exercise or mind-body nutrition. In other states, naturopathic doctors attend accredited naturopathic medical schools and specialize in clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine and counseling.

Creating regulations over naturopathic medicine will take at least two years, said Jill Crista, a Naturopathic Medicine Examining Board member and past president of the Wisconsin Naturopathic Doctors Association. The timeline includes establishing rules, creating a licensing exam and continuing education requirements.

Naturopathic doctors licensed in other states may practice in Wisconsin but with limitations. The new law allows them to diagnose and treat patients, perform minor procedures and order lab tests and imaging studies. They can’t prescribe medications.

At least 16 naturopathic clinics exist around the state, according to the Wisconsin Naturopathic Doctors Association.

Katarina Meister is a naturopathic doctor who works at Lakeside Natural Medicine in Milwaukee's Shorewood neighborhood. She's licensed in Washington and moved to Wisconsin in October to start practicing.

"With the license, I’ll be able to function fully as a primary provider," Meister told WPR's "The Morning Show." "(Patients will) be able to see a provider that has medical training, and has a holistic background and expertise in naturopathic medicine."

Lakeside Natural Medicine opened in 2011 and has multiple naturopathic doctors. Meister said she can provide nutrition and lifestyle advice to patients now but looks forward to expanding her duties further. She is encouraged by the state creating standards and regulations around naturopathic medicine.

"For that license, people will need to take a national licensing exam, they will have to apply for licensure and will have to continue education," she said. "It will be safer for patients to seek out naturopathic care."

Governor Evers signs ND licensing bill into law!

February 4, 2022

With unanimous bipartisan support and powerful public support, the Governor signed the ND licensing bill into law. Act 130 moves Naturopathic Medicine forward for Wisconsin!

Allison Becker ND, from the Wisconsin Naturopathic Doctor’s Association legislative team says, “This marks a very exciting day in history for Wisconsin and for the naturopathic profession as a whole. . . Licensure ensures Wisconsin is a state where NDs can practice with confidence as primary care providers and their patients can be assured their ND is medically trained and safe.”

WNDA Wins 2021 AANP State Advocacy Grant

Thank you to our donors for helping us change lives, one health success at a time.

Naturopathic medicine guides and empowers people to discover and experience improved health, optimal wellness, and effective management of disease through the principles and practices of naturopathic medicine.

Our donors’ generous gifts will fuel our pursuit of licensure, delivering safe and effective natural medicine options to Wisconsinites.

We tip our hats to you

• NCMIC Insurance

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With Little Known About Long-Term Effects Of COVID-19, Some Patients Face A Long Haul

Ashland resident Wendy Kloiber is treating lingering symptoms with a variety of medicines and tools. Kloiber first began to suspect COVID-19 in late March. Photo courtesy of Wendy Kloiber

Some Patients’ Symptoms Have Lingered For Weeks Or Months

By Bridgit Bowden

Published:

• WPR > Coronavirus In Wisconsin

• Tuesday, August 25, 2020, 6:15am

Read more HERE

Dr. Becker Awarded the Prestigious "ND of the Year" Award

Dr. Allison Becker, Naturopathic Doctor and Licensed Acupuncturist

For her dedication and commitment to the mission of the WNDA, Dr. Becker was honored with the prestigious “ND of the Year” Award.

Year after year with steadfast devotion, Dr. Becker has served the WNDA in various roles, from President of the association, and now currently leading the charge to license NDs in Wisconsin.

She was given the honor by WNDA Legislative representative, Dr. Aaron Henkel.

We thank you Dr. Becker!

An ND's Approach to COVID-19

In the Midst of COVID-19, Naturopathic Doctors Teach Empowerment Aaron Henkel, ND

Amidst this pandemic, people are seeking more options. Although experts have rightly focused on hand washing and physical distancing, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) believe that there is MUCH MORE that can be done to create a healthy, adaptive body that will be resilient against the potential side-effects of many of these viruses:

Exercise - EVERYONE should be exercising to lower the release of stress hormones that can disrupt our immune system and resistance. Exercise also increases our mood, thyroid function (think energy), protects our brain, and provides a host of other benefits that can help us through this difficult time. Whether you go for a jog, jump on a trampoline, or can only do seated chair exercises, do something to get your heart rate going!

Diet- Eat lots of nutrient dense fruits and vegetables. Powerful foods include garlic, onions, ginger, citrus fruits, and mushrooms. In the Philippines, researchers are currently studying the anti-viral properties of virgin coconut oil for COVID-19. Stay away from the immune-suppressing effects of sugar.

Get plenty of sleep - The sleep hormone melatonin is particularly important for immune function. This quarantine has increased our use of computers, TV’s and cellphones which results in more blue light exposure that lowers melatonin. You can get screens for your computer and glasses to block this light. Try to avoid these electronics 1-2 hours before bed.

Manage your stress - Whether emotional or physical, stress can lower your immunity. Now is a great time to increase your stress reduction activities like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and prayer. Avoid the physical stress on your lungs that comes from smoking or vaping.

Supplements - Although there has been little research yet on COVID-19 specifically, many supplements, that holistic practitioners have been using for decades, could have a powerful impact. Here are just a few:

• -  Vitamin C - shown to decrease the severity of different viruses, research is currently being done in China and the US on the use of Intravenous vitamin C with COVID19.

• -  Melatonin - this sleep hormone has been shown in studies to help prevent some of the damaging effects that this type of virus could have on our lungs.

• -  Zinc - This often-deficient nutrient has been shown to have antiviral and immune enhancing properties.

• -  Colostrum - One epidemiological study in San Valentino (2007) showed that colostrum was at least 3 times more effective than vaccination to prevent flu in healthy and high-risk cardiovascular patients.

• -  Probiotics - These “friendly flora” make up a majority of our immune system. Having a healthy family of bacteria in our gut can improve immune function.

  Consider scheduling a safe, virtual appointment with a medically trained Naturopathic Doctor, who understands nutritional supplements. If you are on certain medications, are immunocompromised, or have other diseases, certain supplements might not be indicated for you.

  This period of uncertainty can be quite scary for all of us, but when we make good choices that can help our bodies be resilient, this fear can be overcome by a sense of empowerment and peace. What better time than today!

  Aaron Henkel, ND is a member of the Wisconsin Naturopathic Doctors Association (WNDA), an organization that advances natural medicine in Wisconsin.

WNDA Annual Conference 2020

Now happening online!

WNDA Annual Conference2020
Cardiometabolic Health and Weight Management

May 9th, 2020

CLICK HERE for the speaker lineup.
Don’t miss the new BONUS Covid-19 Roundtable and training!

Featured Speaker

Other Speakers:

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