Essential Fatty Acids - omega-3 and omega-6 (especially GLA and fish oils)

Before purchasing a supplement, however, you should always consult with a natural pharmacist who will evaluate your individual needs.  Some supplements may interact dangerously with your prescription medications, or may aggravate a different chronic health condition. Supplementation, like prescription medication use, should always be considered at an individual level. Call us to set up a Wellness consultation or talk to your Healthcare Provider.

WHAT ABOUT OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS FOR ALLERGIES?

Antihistamines (Benadryl, Claritin) are the most commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for allergies. Unfortunately, most patients tend to overuse anti-histamines. Because antihistamines, by definition, suppress immune function, long-term use may actually cause more harm than good. Furthermore, antihistamines may lead to side-effects such as anxiety, confusion, sedation, blurred vision, reduced mental alertness, urinary retention and constipation - which may mask other more serious illnesses, especially in the elderly population.

Contact your healthcare professional today for more information about using nutritional and herbal   therapies to manage your allergies, rather than self-medicating with OTCs.

HOWARE ALLERGIES RELATED TO ASTHMA?

Chronic allergies throughout a persons lifetime can also lead to asthma, a chronic condition in which the airways tighten, leading to difficulty breathing, coughing, and airway inflammation. Asthma is a serious disease that kills millions of Americans each year. Sadly, asthma rates have also increased dramatically in recent years, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

If asthma affects your family, go to our website to talk one-on-one with your healthcare professional about asthma prevention strategies.

HOW CAN I BEST MANAGE ASTHMA?

Once a patient has developed asthma, management centers around three basic principles: 1) avoiding asthma triggers, 2) drug therapies with inhalers and nebulizers, and 3) continued medical follow-up.  Your medications may even trigger an asthmatic attack. Beta-blocker drugs such as atenolol (Tenormin) or metoprolol (Lopressor), ACE inhibitors such as enalopril (Vasotec), and even aspirin; have been shown to worsen asthma in some cases. 

Patients should also be aware that asthma medications might actually deplete essential vitamins and minerals. Corticosteroids, for example, may increase the risk for osteoporosis. Patients using these drugs may need to supplement with calcium and vitamin D.  Because so many factors play into asthma management, its extremely important that asthma patients communicate freely with both their physicians and Healthcare Providers, about potential triggers and treatments.

Our  Wellness Consultant  will be happy to assess your drug regimen for potential asthma triggers, interactions, depletions, and other safety issues.