New Year, New You

I became a Naturopathic Doctor because I believe in health care that emphasizes prevention, the treatment and promotion of optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and modalities which encourage the self-healing process. Naturopathic medicine includes a full scope of diagnosis and treatments including physical and gynecological exams, allowing me to manage a wide variety of family healthcare challenges as well as complex chronic conditions such as diabetes, weight loss and Cardiovascular disease. One of the tools I use in treating patients is Medical Nutrition Therapy. This is comprised of many substances, supplements and nutrition, commonly used to manage a wide variety of conditions including diabetes, weight control, hypertension, heart disease, eating disorders, food allergies, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Naturopathic Medicine has solutions to some common health concerns that you may be dealing with that have not been helped by traditional medicine.  Using the latest diagnostics and revolutionary therapeutics, herbs, vitamins and diet changes, I can greatly assist you in resolving your health problems.     

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States.  It is estimated that approximately     men and women are currently dealing with some form of heart disease.  It is due to inflammation of vascular endothelium.  The endothelium consists of LDL and VLDL receptors.  Also, the vessel walls are composed of mesoglycans and glycoxaminoglycans.  Stimulation repair of these tissues along with modification of LDL and VLDL receptors play a role in reversing systemic calcification and arteriosclerosis.  Hawthorne both repairs vascular endothelium and by alpha 1 receptor blockade dilates blood vessels, profusing the blood.  Maintenance of normal blood pressure and cholesterol is also important.  

Computer screens in the workplace are a big part of our lives today. Naturopathic medicine works to alleviate eyestrain and tired eyes caretenoids and xanthophylls.  Oligoproanthrocyanidins work on night dark adaptation, increasing the ability to see at night.  In addition to eyestrain, xanthophylls have proved to be beneficial to lower incidence of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a growing concern due to our susceptibility to repetitive motion injuries.  Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the term used to describe a set of symptoms that arise from the compression or damage to the median nerve in the wrist.  CTS is associated with repetitive wrist motion.  High doses of B6 are essential for nerve damage repair, discovered by John Ellis from Houston, TX.   Natural anti-inflammatory such as Boswellia a leukotriene B4 inhibiting agent reduces the pain and swelling. 

The Japanese are very familiar with L-theanine, the amino acid derived from green tea that is well known for it’s natural relaxant effects and lowering stress effects- without causing the patient to be drowsy or impair thoughts.  In fact, studies have revealed that L-theanine has been shown to increase cognitive functions especially the brain’s ability to concentrate, learn, and remember. 

These are just a few examples of how I might approach the treatment of some of our most dangerous and debilitating lifestyle conditions. FirstHealth of Andover has so many practitioners under one roof dedicated to improve your quality of life.  I am excited to be a part of this practice whose providers coordinate their talents in an inspiring way to improve patient care.  Please feel free to call me to inquire about the potential of naturopathic medicine or speak with the front desk about an appointment by calling 978-474-9994. I look forward to being a part of your family’s healthcare should the need arise.

-- Dr. Tara Greaves, ND

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