October Newsletter
Breast health
Influenza Vaccine, Influenzinum Homeopathic
Monoclonal antibody for those at risk for severe COVID19
Pfizer boosters for certain individuals
Moderna boosters
Apothecary spotlight items
Breast Health
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Even though cancer treatment has gotten significantly better and survival rates continue to improve, there is still not enough information out there on what can be done to prevent this common and devastating condition.
Approximately 67-80% of breast cancers in women are estrogen receptor (ER) positive. Also, about 90% of breast cancers in men are ER-positive. So perhaps we should start there. Excess estrogen exposure can come from endogenous (what we synthesize in the body) and exogenous (environmental exposure) sources. Improving estrogen metabolism can be of benefit in reducing the risk of breast cancer.
This brings us to the liver where the metabolism of estrogen takes place. It is complex but very important in that these metabolites vary greatly in biological activity. Helios provides Estrogen metabolite tests that can personalize what your body needs to beneficially modulate estrogen metabolism. Another test that can give us insight into risks is a comprehensive stool analysis. It can identify a certain enzyme that can be modified as well as make sure you are digesting nutrients that are important in affecting gene expression in the biological effects of estrogen.
Here are 7 things you can do right now to reduce breast cancer risk:
Get a screening test. Talk to your provider about a breast mammogram, ultrasound or possibly a thermogram (a risk assessment tool). As I tell women...it's important to just do something!
Consider time-restricted eating. Studies show that fasting daily for 14 hours can reduce breast cancer risk by 40%. Fasting also decreases the incidence of Type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic liver disease, and esophageal reflux. Limit or avoid alcohol.
Eat plenty of fiber, especially lignin (found in flaxseeds, bran, beans, and seeds). It binds to free estrogen in circulation in the digestive tract which then gets excreted in the feces.
Take the supplement Bioresponse DIM. A naturally occurring compound derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cabbage that is protective to estrogen-sensitive tissues.
Reduce Environmental Estrogen (Xenoestrogen) Load. This includes avoiding foods and products with pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, as well as non-organic cosmetics and soaps (which contain petrochemicals). Do not use plastic containers, especially when heating food in a microwave. For more information, check out Xenoestrogens Xenoestrogens
Minimize stress: I know that is hard to do with the current state of the world. But find ways of calming the mind, such as meditation, yoga, therapy, exercising, reading books that inspire you, and STOP listening/watching the news! Chronic stress raises Cortisol and depletes Progesterone leading to estrogen dominance and excess inflammation.
Get good sleep. At least 7 hours/night is needed to clear toxic residue, repair damage from the brain, and reduce cancer risk.
The percentage of inherited genetic mutations that cause breast cancer is less than 25%, whereas 65% -75% of breast cancers are traced to modifiable lifestyle factors. Talk to your practitioner about individual testing to identify what your risks might be in preventing breast cancer.
For more information go to Wellcast.org
INFLUENZA
It looks like the flu is going to make a run this year. There are already influenza cases in the United States. It is likely to show up in Colorado in December. This is very unlike 2020 when the flu season never showed up. This was in large part due to the widespread masking and social distancing we were observing in 2020. This season be prepared with the flu shot. As usual, we are supplied with the high dose for those over 65 years and the regular dose PRESERVATIVE FREE flu vaccine. Let us know when you’d like to come in and get your shot. Remember that the influenza shot not only protects from the flu but it serves to boost our immune response to other viruses. This “bounce” is very helpful as we are seeing a multitude of viral respiratory infections this fall in kids and adults.
HOMEOPATHIC INFLUENZINUM
For those who are not getting the flu shot, we recommend that you do the homeopathic flu preventative, influenzium, 6C. This homeopathic remedy is cleverly fashioned using the same emerging flu strains on which the flu shot is made each year. That is to say, it is specific to each year’s flu strains. We are receiving the 2021-2022 influenzinum at the Apothecary soon. It is a dose taken weekly over 6 weeks, so be sure to get started on it soon. If you’d like us to contact you when it arrives, leave your contact information with the Apothecary.
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES
You may have heard about this treatment for COVID19. It is an antibody that targets the coronavirus. It has been approved by the FDA as an early treatment for those who come down with COVID19 and are at elevated risk for severe COVID19. There are several manufacturers of monoclonal antibodies. They can be given in combination as a “cocktail” for hospitalized patients. Importantly they can be given in the out-patient setting as an intravenous infusion or as an injection into a muscle. They have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization if given no later than 10 days since the onset of symptoms of COVID19. The sooner they are given the better. The medication is free. There are, however, few hospitals offering it. National Jewish hospital and Mckee Medical Center in Loveland are the closest facilities to Boulder. We have looked into how people get into these monoclonal antibody clinics. The fastest way to get into these clinics is to have a positive COVID19 PCR test and to have a referral from us. We have the referral forms for these facilities.
If you have one of these risk factors and you are not vaccinated we strongly encourage you to have a home COVID19 test kit to quickly identify COVID19.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU TEST WHENEVER YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS THAT COULD BE COVID19 AND CONTACT US SO AS TO REFER YOU FOR MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY TREATMENT.
We do not recommend ivermectin as a preventative as monoclonal treatment has been used widely and is well studied even with the delta variant,
You may be eligible if you have any of the following risk conditions:
65 years of age or older
Obesity or being overweight (adults with BMI of 25 or higher)
Pregnancy
Chronic Kidney Disease
Diabetes
Immunosuprrive disease/ receiving immunosuppressive treatment
Cardiovascular disease or hypertension
Chronic respiratory disease
Neurodevelopmental disorders
Any other medical condition or factor (including race or ethnicity- associated with increased risk)
Pfizer COVID-19 Boosters
Only if you are over 65, had a Pfizer vaccination 6 months ago or longer then you are eligible for a booster shot (3rd shot). If you are 18 years or older, had the Pfizer shots, and have a health risk you are to get a booster also. You do not need a booster if you have had the Moderna vaccinations. Moderna put 3 ½ times the messenger mRNA in their vaccine compared to Pfizer's. This has made it a more effective vaccine than Pfizer's. If you received Johnson and Johnson’s then you are likely to need a booster, J&J applied for the booster approval and it seems they will get it.
Apothecary Spotlight Products
As we head into cold and flu season, the Apothecary is featuring a few immune support supplements that may be new to you! Read on for more information on the featured products, these products will be 10% off in the Apothecary now through the end of January.
ProBoost® uses Thymic Protein A to enhance proper immune system function, which makes it a good supplement for those with immunity-compromising conditions or diseases that involve the immune system, or whose immune systems are compromised or suppressed.
Mushroom Synergy's® advanced formulation promotes healthy immune and cellular response while encouraging the healthy function of the hepatic, cardiovascular, neurological, and kidney systems. It features a proprietary blend of premier quality medicinal mushrooms whose benefits have been enhanced with select herbal extracts. Mushroom Synergy® is well-indicated for all phases of health as a protective, modulatory, and restorative tonic.
D-Lenolate® is an all-natural olive leaf extract supplement that helps protect the body against invading microorganisms that weaken the immune system. Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) has been shown in numerous clinical studies to be a natural antiviral1, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal, as well as potentially beneficial effects on overall human health, due to its active chemical compounds including oleuropein.