Birch Tree Naturopathic

03/31/2023

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/01/magazine/menopause-hot-flashes-hormone-therapy.html?searchResultPosition=4
Posting this article again to keep it at the forefront. Menopausal women - there are many treatments available, suffering is not inevitable or necessary!

Hot flashes, sleeplessness, pain during s*x: For some of menopause’s worst symptoms, there’s an established treatment. Why aren’t more women offered it?

11/21/2022

Get out and exercise this fall! With the heat and smoke cleared it’s a perfect time for outdoor activities. Living in the PNW we may need a waterproof layer but with some good gear it’s a beautiful time to get out and walk or hike! Remember that outdoor exercise helps beat back the seasonal blues and helps with anxiety as well!

03/16/2022

Just added to my Fullscript store: lots of self-care items, including natural face lotions, serums, sunscreens, and shampoo/conditioner! Check it out!

03/11/2022

Magnesium! Many of us are chronically low in magnesium, a critical nutrient that is used everywhere in the body.
Magesium deficiency can lead to fatigue, insomnia, headaches, muscle cramps, vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis.
Magnesium is found in nuts and seeds, legumes, avocados, whole grains, leafy greens, and, most importantly, chocolate! Many Americans don’t eat enough of these foods and so supplementation can be important. Taken before bed Magnesium can help enormously with sleep and relaxation. Magnesium in a couple of different forms is available in my Fullscript store!

03/10/2022

This is a great summary of SIBO, and features the perspective of an ND:

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can cause symptoms such as bloating and stomach pain. Many patients see multiple doctors before even learning about the condition

03/05/2022

OK, this article gets pretty deeply into the topic but I found it fascinating and hopefully applicable for lots of people suffering from chronic disease:

Cancer, aging, and severe COVID-19 have all been linked to damage from inflammation. Now scientists are flipping their focus to find new drugs that may revolutionize treatments.

03/04/2022

Endometriosis causes pain that can be excruciating.
No woman should have to go through life with periods that are so painful they are debilitating.
Natural medicine can help with this condition, but ultimately surgical intervention is the best way to manage this.
If you suspect you may have endometriosis I can help you figure this out, and refer you appropriately for treatment as needed. Please don’t wait and suffer!

02/17/2022

Vitamin B12 is a critical nutrient and also is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies.

    •    B12 is crucial for the formation of healthy red blood cells
    •    It is important for good nerve function and brain health
    •    It is used in the formation of DNA and so is vitally important for cellular replication

Deficiencies happen because Vitamin B12 is difficult to absorb, and some people don’t get it in their diets.
    •    Meat and animal proteins are sources of B12,
    •    Vegans are more at risk for B12 so must supplement
    •    Vegetarians also often need to supplement

Some people just can’t absorb B12 properly, and develop a condition called Pernicious Anemia where the red blood cells get too big and become inefficient.

B12 shots can correct deficiencies and also help with overall energy and wellness! Dr. Pratt offers B12 shots in the office. Schedule an appointment at www.kathleenprattnd.com if you think you might benefit from an injection.

01/25/2022

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin!

Lots of attention has been paid to vitamin D lately, and for good reason. It is the “sunshine vitamin” because the best source of vitamin D is sun on the skin. Vitamin D is critical to our health, yet many people are deficient.

• Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium and creates strong bones
• It is critical for immune function.
• May reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease
• Helps with mood and wellbeing

Vitamin D deficiencies are associated with:
• osteoporosis
• susceptibility to COVID
• frequent illnesses/infections
• depression, especially seasonal affective disorder
• impaired wound healing

Since many of us can’t get enough sun in Washington State for most of the year, supplementation is important! See my fullscript store for some excellent options.

01/14/2022

High-quality supplements can be an important adjunct to a healthy lifestyle, along with a varied and healthy diet, regular exercise and restful sleep. I use an online dispensary called Fullscript for my patients and anyone else who needs access to good supplements. I recommend brands that are vetted for label accuracy and don’t fillers, dyes and potential allergens in their products.

I strongly recommend using Fullscript over other major online retailers as there are some unscrupulous sellers out there selling expired and even fake supplements.

I’ve carefully curated a selection of vitamins, minerals and herbal remedies in my store here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/DrKathleenPratt