Alternative to NAC

The world has gone into a frenzy this week with N-Acetyl Cysteine being unavailable on Fullscript and Amazon. Some “groups” shared on their platforms about the scarcity which sent people into hoarding the natural supplement. I have received so many calls with people in panic. It is very upsetting to know that it is hard to get at the moment. There is government involvement because they have been trying to limit natural supplements for some time now. As of now supplement companies can still produce NAC until otherwise told. When the product comes back available I’m sure there will be another mass purchasing for fear that it is going to be taken away.

Why so much love for NAC?

NAC is relatively an inexpensive supplement for all of its health benefits. NAC works as a mucolytic for respiratory conditions. It has been shown to help with blood sugar regulation. The amino acids Cysteine, Glutamate, and Glycine all help form GLUTATHIONE. Glutathione is the top antioxidant for the body. Antioxidants help with protecting your body from oxidation. This combination is also a huge factor in the detox pathways. Some people have SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that interfere with making an efficient amount of Glutathione. People with this genetic marker need to take Glutathione. This is why it is so important for us to discuss your genetics to make sure you are taking the correct nutrients. NAC has so many other benefits as well.

So what now?

I would recommend going straight to Glutathione since that is the ultimate end goal of why someone would be taking NAC. Glutathione has its own problems. It is not very shelf stable. It must be kept refrigerated. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you only use trusted brands by your physician that studies this. If you buy a brand on the shelf you most likely will be wasting your money. Glutathione needs to be Liposomal in delivery and taken on an empty stomach. For people with genetic SNPs on the CBS pathway or have a hard time processing excess sulfur then molybdenum needs to be taken with it.

Glutathione is better than NAC

Castor Oil Pack

Castor Oil has been used for years as a natural home remedy. At Rivercreek Wellness we use it as a therapy for detoxification as well as a way to reduce inflammation and pain. It can be used for many situations.

Reasons to Use a Castor Oil Pack

• General Detoxification

  • Liver and/or Lymphatic Congestion

  • Poor Elimination

• Pelvic

  • Uterine Fibroids

  • Non-Malignant Ovarian Cysts

  • Prostate Issues

• Gastrointestinal

  • Colitis

  • Constipation

  • Diarrhea

  • Gallbladder Inflammation and Stones

• Joints & Muscles

  • Inflammation,

  • Pain and/or Infection,

  • Think Arthritis

  • Think Strains

• Breast Tissue

  • Breast Pain from PMS

  • Lymphatic Stagnation

  • Fibrocystic Breast Conditions

When To Do a Castor Oil Pack

A castor pack is relaxing to the nervous and lymphatic systems, and therefore is indicated before sleep. Optimize your health by making castor oils packs a part of your monthly self care schedule. If you are experiencing inflammation then administer it at that time. It is best to do a castor oil pack daily for four-six weeks. If daily is too much, then try to do it at least four days per week. Afterwards it can be done on a maintenance schedule. Use with caution in pregnancy or during menstruation as it may create additional bleeding. 

How To Do a Castor Oil Pack

1. Fold flannel cloth to fit the treatment area.

2. Pour castor oil on cloth until it is moist (Add oil on next use if needed).

3. Place castor oil pack (cloth) over treatment area.

4. Place a towel or protective fabric over the cloth to prevent soiling heating pad, etc.

5. Place a heating pad on top of the cloths and protective fabric.

6. Relax for 30-45 minutes while the castor oil Pack is working.

7. Rub off the oil from skin with the wipes included in this kit. May add baking soda to rub off oil.

8. The cloth may be kept in a ziplock bag or other air tight container in the fridge until it discolors- wash once per month.

Caution: The oil is thick and can stain, therefore, protect your sheets on your bed or the fabric beneath you while doing the treatment. Wipe off excess oil before entering a shower to avoid slipping.

Recommend This Castor Oil Kit

You will need to have a heating pad for this treatment sold separately. The kit has everything you will need to get started. Just need the oils, Fullscript offers a variety of sizes. The wipes make life a little simpler. The holder is for the person that really wants to maximize keeping the castor oil pack in place.

Natural Medicine in Texas

There is something about Texas pride that you can not shake. When my husband met me, he was super annoyed by how much I talked about Texas. He bet me that I couldn’t say the word for a whole day. It was an epic fail for me. Those first few years (a long time ago) when I went to medical school were difficult. I longed for the food, the culture and the friendliness of my fellow Texans. Fast forward… When COVID lock downs came, I was furious I had to cancel my trip back to Houston. I rounded up my family and we drove the 32 hour drive to spend time with my Texas family. During that trip, I heard the fears from long lost friends and family about their health. Friends were reaching out to me about their failing health and the failing medical system. I even had an emergency and had to go to a leading hospital system and was severely disappointed in my own care. It got me thinking…. How can I provide care to a state that is so big and diverse? Why is Texas one of the best places to call home, yet natural healthcare is not a licensed profession? How can I educate and bring to light environmental medicine for so many people that are exposed daily? So much was churning in my brain.

I absolutely have zero tolerance for how people are lost in the medical system these days. I have zero patience for the sick care system and the prescribing of one pill and then another to mask the side effects. Traditional medicine has been failing those with chronic symptoms. The system works great for emergency care and some symptom management. So this brings me back to why I want to offer naturopathic medical care in Texas. Since Texas does not license Naturopathic Doctors, few doctors have relocated or returned to the state limiting the awareness of this form of medicine. I believe that you should have access to natural healthcare like you have access to a haircut. There are people in the state using the title Naturopathic Doctor, Naturopathic Physician, and Naturopathic Medical Doctor some have been through an accredited medical schools while others have not. I always recommend that you do your homework and make sure that the doctor you choose went to medical school and carries a license in another state.

Mold in Homes & Buildings

The humid Gulf Coast is known to have a mold problem. On top of that the epic floods that have been occurring have flooded a lot of businesses and homes. Mold testing is very rarely done properly nor is mold remediation. Think about all of those homes in Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Brazoria County. With that being said people are having a lot of symptoms from water damaged buildings, yet being diagnosed with other conditions. I want to help people properly test for Mycotoxins and eliminate the problem.

Tick Bites

Ticks are a problem in Texas and are infected with Lyme disease and co-infections. People often are unaware of the health problems unless they lived in specific regions of the country. Often times doctors are not treating the bites, not doing proper testing, nor doing proper treatments unless they are Lyme Literate. Even if the standard antibiotic was given for a tick bite, the antibiotics may not be beneficial, therefore calling for Natural Medicine Interventions.

Chemical and Toxin Exposures

There are so many people working in toxic careers in Texas. I won’t list the names of companies for the sake of my safety, however, people are getting sick in these careers. People that live near industries that are emitting waste into the air and water are sick as well. I want to help them restore their health.

Autoimmune Disease, Fibromyalgia and Autism

Autoimmune diseases, Fibromyalgia, Autism and more need environmental medicine to help alleviate and reverse the progression of the disease. My biggest desire in life is to offer health prevention and wellness tips, however, the reality is most people are not concerned until something is wrong with them or a loved one. There is so much more than conventional medicine when it comes to these diagnoses.

Natural Medicine in Texas

I plan to become active in the community and start doing public speaking engagements. This allows you to become informed about the topic, meet me, and ask questions. The more I can educate and empower you to live a healthier life the better. We will be doing TeleHealth visits for people across the state. We plan on traveling to several communities, but have to start somewhere. We usually list our upcoming events here or on our newsletter. Typically, I do a presentation on a specific condition or a brief discussion with Q&A.

I look forward to seeing you in these communities soon!

• Boerne

• Bulverde

• New Braunfels

• San Antonio

• San Marcos

Schedule a Naturopathic Wellness Consult

Autism Requires Environmental Medicine

Parents Of ASD Child

I know you moms and dads are exhausted and doing the best you can to get through each day. I want to give you an applause for everything you are doing. Being a parent is a DIFFICULT JOB! I also know that financially it can be a struggle. Insurance is for SICK CARE and does not usually cover testing or treatments that promote wellness. Plus the Pediatric side of medicine often does not tell you that there is anything else. So when you are tired at the end of the day, the last thing you want to do is research. I know when you are in your shoes it feels like you are alone in the world trying to navigate the system. Just know that if you look hard enough there are services that actually help give grants to get you care…. Just don’t give up, that is your baby.

Not Sure What Autism Is

Autism also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a labeled condition that is on the rise. One in Fifty-four kids in the US have been labeled with Autism. Autism can be a wide range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. It is usually diagnosed in the toddler years. Other symptoms often are involved with autism like sleep issues, seizures, gastrointestinal problems, allergies and so on.

What We Know

Autism occurs due to genetic and environmental factors. We know that with the study of epigenetics our genes can be influenced by our environment. Therefore, we should be putting a lot more attention on an environmental work up.

Why Are Parents Not Seeking Help

I get really frustrated when all I hear parents doing for their child is working with Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. There is so much available to date to help kids with ASD. I’m not knocking those services they are great, but it should not be the only therapy. As a mama bear I want to protect my kids and give them the best health possible. I have done everything in my powers even when money was tight to get better healthcare for my child. I would sell my house and give up my creature comforts if it meant finding care for my child. I’m not just saying this…. I actually have done this for my daughter. I have often wondered if it was lack of finances that causes people to not seek care. But I know people that could afford other treatments. So when I see my mama friends drinking Lattes, wining and dinning at nice restaurants and making lavish vacation plans, it makes me wonder WHY. Why are they not seeking care for their kiddos? Why are they not moving heaven and earth to find treatments? Why are they stuck with the occupational and speech therapies as the be all end all for their babies? Or could it be lack of knowledge that other treatments exists. There is so much available today with podcast, books, blogs, articles, even social media posts to not know that there is at least the simplest thing makes me shake my head. I have learned the hard way and it is really hard not to talk about medicine with my friends. I just love them the way they are….   If this is you, I’m not judging…. I’m trying to just figure out why…. And I’m glad you are reading to explore your options. So just as as a mom, I am wanting to figure this out.

Okay rant over….

So Why Environmental Medicine

There are internal environmental toxins and external environmental toxins. Babies are born into this world already being exposed to hundreds of chemicals in the womb. Then they are bombarded will all of the chemicals thereafter.

Internal Environmental Toxins:

• Cellular Waste

• Bacterial Imbalances

• Hormone Break Down

• Food Sensitivities

• Medication

• Parasites

• Viruses

• And More

External Environmental Toxins:

• Disposable Diapers Standard

• Mattresses

• Flooring

• Flame Retardants inPajamas and Furniture

• Soaps, Lotions and Powders

• Toys

• Breast Milk or Formula

• Food -Chemical Additives, Pesticides and Herbicides

• Laundry Detergents

• Fragrances

• Air Pollution (worse in your home)

• Vaccine Ingredients

• Heavy Metals

• Contaminated Water Supply

• And LOTS MORE

The list goes on and on of the things they are exposed to. There are over 85,000 chemicals in this world. The majority of them have not been tested for human safety. No wonder their little systems are overwhelmed with all of this. Some of these toxins store in the body and other are excreted quickly. These toxins can interfere with gene function, neurological development, the immune system and more.

Testing ASD Children

There are so many things to consider when a child has ASD, like was the child born via C-section or Vaginal. Why? Because of the Microbiota of the Gut. The gut bacteria will be different between a vaginal birth and c-section a breast-fed and non breast fed. The gut bacteria is important for so many reasons like absorbing nutrients, immune health and neurotransmitter health. Then there is the question was the child vaccinated. Has he or she been exposed to any viruses and/or had any illnesses? These things all matter. Where was the child born on city water or well water? Do you have new or old furniture? Carpet, Vinyl, Laminate, Wood or Tile? So many things matter when trying to decide the relevance of each test.

The starting point, in my professional opinion for all ASD children need to be a Great Plains Laboratory Organic Acids Test. This is not to be confused with your basic lab tests. This will address fungal and yeast markers, bacterial markers, neurotransmitter metabolites, amino acids, mitochondria, detox pathways and more.

Afterwards would depend on which environmental exposures are the highest on the Questionnaire.

Testing Options

• Organic Acid Testing

• Non Metal Toxins

• Mycotoxins

• Lyme & Co-Infections

• Gluten Testing with Cyrex

• Food Sensitivity Panels

• Nutrient Profiles

• Genetic Testing for SNPs

• Stool Testing Parasites

• Pyrolle Testing

• Heavy Metal Testing

Treatments For ASD

Emptying as much of the toxic burden as possible. Far Infrared Sauna therapy. Supplying nutrient therapies for lacking deficiencies and for supporting genetic methylation. Ridding the body of pathogens when called for either by botanical or pharmaceutical intervention. Medications, Herbal and Nutrient Supplements. Energetic therapies have also been shown to be beneficial. As a naturopathic doctor I have a larger tool box to be able to find the right therapies for your child.

If your child has Autism or you expect it then I strongly encourage you to seek care with either us or another environmental medicine expert. Start putting the pieces of the puzzle together.

Disclaimer: This article is not to give medical advice or treatment on a specific health condition or symptom. Please seek care at our office or with your primary care if you have specific questions.

Is Airborne Mold Dangerous?

Please read an article by EnviroKlenz.

Inside of a home, there can be a combination of things that are floating within the air of this enclosed environment. Whether it be cooking odors from your dinner last night, cleaning agents that you used to clean your home, pet smell from your wet dog, or even a musty odor that is running rapid in your home from an unknown source. A musty odor is an easily detectable smell that can develop in your home, however, identifying the actual source of this musty odor is not as easy. The aroma of must can come from a variety of things such as from water intrusions, a vacant home, or even from lack of maintenance inside the home (like cleaning and upkeep). All of these sources can also further develop inside a home into something far more ominous and hazardous to the environment, the growth of potentially dangerous mold. Mold is a fungus that can develop and grow quickly inside of a home. Often times it will be hard to immediately detect the growth of mold indoors, as most people don’t typically monitor walls and air quality conditions throughout their home. Also, the limited information that many homeowners have on mold can contribute to this unawareness of signs of mold growth within your personal indoor environment. In this article, we are going to discuss more on mold and the potential dangers that mold presents when it becomes airborne in the form of mold spores – as well as provide information on the best methods on how to get rid of airborne mold in your home.

What is Mold

Did you know that there are hundreds of different types of species of mold that can be found in both indoor and outdoor environments? What is Mold – it is not a plant or an animal but is classified as a fungus that can provide both benefits and downfalls to human health upon exposure. Some forms of mold are utilized in medicines like Penicillium, which is a life-saving antibiotic, while other molds like Stachybotrys Chartarum (black mold) will have potentially harmful effects to human health when exposed to it in an environment. Mold grows in damp conditions, where little light is present, and humidity is high. The ideal locations for mold to form inside your home will include basements, attics, crawl spaces, and even bathrooms where moisture is available for mold to thrive. Moisture is one of the most important conditions for mold growth, so any type of water intrusion inside a home like a leak, flood, or water buildup from poor ventilation can attract and promote the growth of mold in this environment.

How Dangerous is Mold

When it comes to mold growth within an indoor environment like a home it can be smelly and unappealing due to the potential damage it can cause onto the surfaces, but even more concerning is the dangerous effects it presents to human health upon exposure. Mold has been associated with both allergies and infections in those who are exposed to this fungus and react to it in their air. Depending on the individuals, some have a mold sensitivity to this type of allergen in their environment and it can lead to symptoms that can be constant when in the presence of this mold inside a home or other indoor space. Mold allergies, in particular, are caused by the allergens that are produced from the mold into the air that can enter into the human body from inhalation and ingestion. When this exposure occurs, signs of mold allergy will occur and it will elicit a bout of symptoms – the type that is commonly identified as allergy symptoms. If you begin to experience these symptoms in your home, this could be a good identifier of mold growth in the environment and even potential mold spores that could be traveling throughout your home’s air.

Health Risks of Mold Spores in the Air

Can mold make you sick? Among the potential health risks that are associated with mold, is the high level of danger that is produced from the tiny, microscopic spores that are reproduced from mold and travel in the air. Mold spores are lightweight particles that can easily travel throughout the air with the pursuit to settle onto surfaces inside the environment to begin the reproduction of mold onto other areas of the home. As mold spores float throughout the air there is a high potential for inhalation of these spores to occur in the human body – and this can lead to an array of health risks. Due to the minuscule size of mold spores, they are easily inhaled into the human body and can enter into the deepest recesses of the lungs and even potentially make its way into the bloodstream causing a mold spore allergy and mold spore allergy symptoms. The first initial contact of mold spore inhalation will promote symptoms similar to allergies and overtime progress into more serious health issues.

What Do Mold Spores Look Like

As we discussed, mold spores are very small pollutants that can be found in the air from mold that is growing inside the environment. These spores can range in size from 40 microns to as small as 1 micron in size, which is simply undetectable to the human eye, especially when floating in the air. You may be thinking, 40 microns – is it really that small? And the answer is yes, it is. For comparison, a strand of human hair is about 40 microns in size, and if a mold spore is even smaller than this than the chances of detection of these spores is highly unlikely.

Dangerous Types of Mold

There is a large number of mold species that are produced each and every day into the environment, and some of these can be more dangerous than others and will make identifying mold types important. The level of danger that mold produces into an environment will depend on several factors – the species of mold, the amount that is present in the environment, and the length of exposure to this growing hazardous mold. In a home or other indoor environment, there are certain dangerous molds that are likely to grow within these areas, the types of mold are as follows:

Cladosporium Mold

A commonly identified mold inside of indoor environments, Cladosporium is a mold that will appear inside of a home in clusters of black, yellow, or green spots on the surfaces. This specific type of mold is very versatile which allows it to grow in both warm and cold climates and will ultimately feed on fabrics in a home such as furniture, upholstery, and carpeting. Cladosporium will affect human health in different ways, such as through allergic reactions (nose, throat, and eye irritation), skin rashes, and even asthma and lung issues. If your home contains Cladosporium mold, it is in the best interest of your health to not handle this mold directly, and instead have a mold remediation specialist come in to properly contain and remove this mold.

Aspergillus Mold

The production of long spores shaped like a flask is an indicator of Aspergillus mold growing inside your personal indoor environment. These spores will collect and further form on the surfaces in your home like a wall and creates a chain of mold growth on this surface. There are a large number of Aspergillus mold species that can form indoors – with more than 185 different species that will each have a unique appearance in the environment. Aspergillus is a mold that will spark allergies in those who are sensitive, and this mold also has the potential to become more toxic depending on the type of environment and the species present. Generally, Aspergillus will strike up asthmatic attacks, lung infections, and even respiratory irritation and inflammation. An even more dangerous element to Aspergillus is its potential to produce a carcinogen from some of the species of this mold called aflatoxins – which can be deadly.

Penicillium Mold

Penicillium mold that grows inside of indoor spaces can be potentially dangerous as it can turn into an allergenic form that is easily recognized by the allergy symptoms and blue/green discoloration that it leaves on surfaces. This type of mold is often found in environments where water-damage occurred and a build-up of water accumulated, this will lead to mold growth on carpets, wallpapers, and ducting. The spores that are produced from this type of mold can actually be very hazardous to human health. Penicillium exposure for humans can result in respiratory inflammation and asthma and even lead to chronic sinusitis.

Black Mold (Stachybotrys Chartarum)

Is black mold dangerous? The highly dangerous and well-known black mold is among the top of the list when it comes to hazardous mold species. Stachybotrys is a toxigenic mold that can cause an array of health issues upon exposure. This type of mold is identified not only by its potentially dangerous symptoms but also by its dark greenish/black appearance on the surfaces. Stachybotrys is classified as a dangerous mold because of its production of mycotoxins in the air that can cause significant health problems including difficulty breathing, fatigue, sinusitis, and even depression. After prolonged exposure to this mold even worse symptoms can develop in the body including tightening of the chest, persistent cough, nose bleeds, fever, and neurological problems.

How to Get Rid of Airborne Mold

When mold is found in your home growing and thriving in this environment, it will be necessary to act quickly and effectively to stop the mold growth and rid your indoor air of potential airborne mold that has been released up into the air. Upon the first detection of mold, it will be best to contact a mold remediation specialist that will be able to come into the home, locate the source of the mold, and properly remediate the mold from the surface -safely ridding the home of this potentially hazardous fungus. Although a mold remediation specialist will do a thorough job of eliminating the mold from the surface of the home, sometimes the mold will collect within the air resulting in airborne mold that can impact human health. Airborne mold is difficult to completely remove from the air, especially when mold spores are floating in the air – as these small particulates can be difficult to remove. An air purifier may be the best option for the removal of airborne mold – even those pesky mold spores that can form in the indoor air.

Mold Spore Air Purifier

Mold air purifiers are designed specifically for the removal of airborne mold pollutants that form in the air, but the real trick is to find an air purifier that is effectively able to capture and destroy mold spores from the air. When you are looking for an air purifier that can accomplish this mold spore removal you will want to find an air purifier with a HEPA filter and even better one that contains UV-C lights that can effectively kill the spores. The EnviroKlenz UV Air Purifier is a well-rounded air purifier that is able to effectively capture mold spore and other microorganisms inside the system through the use of a hospital-grade HEPA filter and as these spores are collected the two UV-C lights above the HEPA filter will effectively shine on the mold spores and kill them upon contact. In addition, EnviroKlenz also utilizes their own proprietary earth mineral technology as the first stage filtration in their purifiers to protect against toxic chemicals and noxious odors that can be produced into the air from the potential mold in the environment. Airborne mold can be dangerous but there are solutions that you can implement to eradicate this potential hazardous pollutant in your personal indoor air. Having the tools to handle these toxic pollutants produced from mold that form in the air will leave you ready and armed to shield your indoor air and health from potentially hazardous substances and rapidly.

Beauty and Anti-Aging in Spokane

At Rivercreek Wellness we believe that beauty is truly within all of us. However, our culture is obsessed with eliminating wrinkles and looking good. We all want to feel good and have lasting confidence so we reach for modern day miracles to erase the time. The problem with doing so is we are usually reaching for cosmetics and personal care products that have numerous chemicals. The chemicals in these products often have not been evaluated for your safety, thus contributing to hormone imbalances and cancers to name a few.

Dr. Julie George was introduced to BeautyCounter and feels comfortable referring her friends and family to it. The company has taken an initiative to eliminate over 1,500 chemicals from their products. Dr. George is excited to say that she has been impressed with the results she has achieved with their products. She wishes she would have only taken before and afters to show off the dramatic results!

COUNTERTIME is the line you are looking for if you are wanting anti-aging. Dr. George uses this line with great satisfaction. She cleanses with the First step and then washes with Charcoal Soap in between step 1 and step 2 to help remove makeup from her pores.

Plumping Face Oil is another great product to apply after washing your face in the morning and night. It can serve as an added oil or as a moisturizer. Dr. George loves, loves, loves the BeautyCounter Oils.

Overnight Resurfacing Peel holy moly, this one achieved some immediate results. This product along with the Cleansing Balm are the two originals that sold Dr. George on the entire BeautyCounter Line. These are what she calls her miracle treatments.

She will tell you about her love for the makeups in a following post. If you are interested in trying these fabulous safe cosmetics, you may order them here.

If you haven’t switched to clean, safe cosmetics then you may want to schedule an appointment for testing of these dangerous chemicals such as Paragons, Phthalates, Lead, BPA, VOC, and more. Dr. George has written articles online and published in Natural Awakenings on the dangers in your personal care products. There are multiple areas we address at Rivercreek Wellness when it comes to Anti-Aging, check out our services. Please check the safety of all of your skincare products here.

OAT Testing And Why You Need It

What is the OAT Test?

OAT Testing is also known as Organic Acid Testing. We have multiple laboratories that offer OAT panels, however, Great Plains Laboratories offers the most comprehensive test that we have seen. It is an accurate assessment of what is going on in your body. It evaluates over 70 urinary metabolites that can be useful in finding the cause of your chronic health symptoms.

If you have any health concerns then we recommend starting with an Organic Acids Test.

• Attention Problems

• Autism

• Autoimmune Disorder

• Chronic Pain

• Depression

• Digestive Problems

• Fibromyalgia

• Low Energy

• Lyme Disease

• Neurological Disorders

• Poor Sleep

Sections of the Organic Acid Test

There are multiple sections within the Great Plains Organic Acid Test that can give us a lot of information. The Yeast and Fungal Markers will let us know if you are exposed to candida or certain molds in your environment. The Bacterial Markers look for dysbiosis within your GI tract. Clostridia Bacterial Markers help us evaluate for these toxins within your system that can be responsible for neurological and mental health symptoms. Oxalate Metabolites are often elevated in people with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and vulvadenia. Glycolytic and Mitochondria Markers are useful in seeing how your mitochondria (energy production part of cell) are functioning. Ketones and Fatty Acids can also contribute to mitochondria dysfunction. Nutritional Markers are evaluated to see if you may have a deficiency in a nutrient. Glutathione status is evaluated which helps us learn about your detoxification system. Amino Acids Metabolites are also included to help us know if you may have a metabolic imbalance or inborn error in metabolism. Neurotransmitter health can be evaluated through the Phenylalanie and Tyrosine Metabolites, and/or Tryptophan Metabolites. Folate imbalance can also be evaluated through the Pyrimidine Metabolites. There are so many useful sections to this test that gives us a lot of information.

This test can point us in which steps to take next. For example if you have fungal and yeast markers elevated then we may need to perform a mycotoxin test next. If you are nutrient deficient then we may need to easily correct it with a professional grade supplement. If you have impaired detoxification status then we may want to look at your methylation cycle, toxic metals and/or nontoxic metal exposures. This test allows for us to find out what is going on without going on assumptions.

How Do I Get an OAT Test?

New Patient

If you are not a patient at Rivercreek Wellness in Spokane Valley, then we ask for you to call our office 509-919-1385 or Schedule Online. Once you have scheduled an appointment we will send you an invite to our PHR system and include your health questionnaire along with 4 consents. The first appointment will consist of taking a complete health history. At the end of the first appointment we will give you the test kit or we will have it mailed to you. We will do a second appointment about 3 weeks later to determine a health and/or treatment plan.

Existing Patient

We can discuss an Organic Acid Test on your next appointment or you may send us and email through your portal or call our office requesting a test kit. Follow Ups will be 3 weeks later to determine a treatment plan.

How Do I Prepare for an OAT Test?

OAT Testing is simple. We ask that if you are a woman and are having your cycle you wait to collect after menses. There are a few foods and juices we ask for you to avoid for 48 hours including apples, grapes, pears and cranberries. We also ask that you avoid arabinogalactan, echinacea, reishi, mushrooms, and ribose supplements for 48 hours prior to collection. The urine sample is collected on your first morning urine. The urine must be concentrated so we ask that you discontinue drinking water at 6pm the evening before. Once you have collected your urine and labeled the urine container, completed the requisition form, you will ship it through FedEx back to the laboratory.

What is the Cost of an OAT?

At Rivercreek Wellness we have you pay the testing company directly. If you have insurance then you will add your insurance information to the requisition and will be billed a LOWER price. If you do not have insurance then you will be charged the RETAIL price of the test. Testing prices may change from time to time, therefore we discuss all options with patients on their first visit or follow up visits.

Do I Need to Repeat an OAT?

Repeating an OAT is often individualized to each patients needs. It is often recommended to do a follow up OAT to recheck markers in the future. Each person’s testing will be individualized to their own health concerns. I recommend thinking about OAT testing as a yearly preventative test as well.

Protect Yourself From Lyme Disease

You may not be aware of Lyme Disease when you live in the Inland Northwest, but I guarantee you some people in the Spokane area have Lyme Disease.  Diagnoses of Lyme is happening all over the world.  Yet, there is still a problem with conventional medicine acknowledging Lyme Disease and/or Chronic Lyme.  The CDC states there are 300,000 new cases each year in the United States.  We have seen estimates that are 10x higher in some literature. Physicians were trained to look for a bulls-eye rash on patients presenting to the office with tick bites.  The problem with this observation is fewer than 50% of patients have a bulls-eye rash after a bite.  A lot of patients do not even remember being bit by a tick.  Physicians have also been trained that only certain areas of the country like the Northeast have ticks infected with Borrelia.  In today's world with people traveling and moving by planes, trains, and automobiles with their beloved belongings and furry best friends this seems outdated.  The conventional thought on Lyme is once you have been bitten and presented with a bulls-eye rash, or tested positive a round of antibiotics is the cure.  This is just not true for people with Chronic Lyme Disease.  Approximately 40% of Lyme patients end up with long-term health problems.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

• Bulls-Eye Rash

• Solid Rash

• Severe Fatigue

• Fever

• Migratory Joint Pain

• Muscle Pain

• Headaches

• Impaired Memory

• Psychiatric Problems

• Nerve Pain

• Numbness & Tingling

• Vision & Hearing Changes

Chronic Lyme Disease

A lot of people suffering from Chronic Lyme Disease do not even know they have it.  Two huge factors play in here.  The accuracy of testing is poor.  Laboratories often produce a lot of false negatives.  People go on with their lives trusting the lab was correct.  The spirochete that causes Lyme Disease can cause harm to any part of your body. Lyme Disease mimics a lot of other diseases which means they do not ever get the correct diagnosis. Yes, people that have been diagnosed with Alzheimers, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Mental Health Disorder may in fact have Lyme Disease.  

Prevention of Lyme Disease

When walking in the woods or tall grass wear long pants. It is best to wear high socks and tuck your pant legs into the sock. We recommend that you use a tick repellant spray while in areas with tick problems. The chemical based insecticides like DEET have been popular, however much safer essential oil based products are available. We recommend adults using Keys OmniShield which is actually a nontoxic product made for dogs. They have a product called ForceX for humans as well. There are other companies on the market making essential oil/NEEM/Karanja Oil as well. It is important to do a tick check of your entire body including your head after being outside. We recommend taking a shower following your tick check.

Should I be worried if I was bit by a tick?

We recommend contacting Rivercreek Wellness or your primary care doctor immediately. Doxycycline is an antibiotic that may be given for prophylaxis treatment in children over 8 years old and adults for 20 days or more. Children under 8 years old will need a different type of antibiotic. If you choose to not take antibiotics then you need to be knowledgeable of all of the possible symptoms. We are seeing a lot of patients that were denied antibiotics because the physician stated Lyme does not exist in the area of where they were bit. This simply is not true, an infected black-legged deer tick can be any where. We recommend saving the tick that was on your body and sending to IgeneX Laboratory for testing.

If you are experiencing chronic health complaints with multiple symptoms then ruling out a tick-borne illness may be of benefit. On an initial visit, Dr. Julie George will ask you a lot of questions. We can also give you a Lyme Survey to see how at risk you may be of having Lyme. When needed will recommend the highest quality testing available. Lyme physicians often diagnose through clinical assessment when testing is indeterminate.

Testing for Lyme Disease

There are many testing options available for testing for Lyme Disease and it's co-infectors. I recommend using the company IgeneX for testing. IgeneX is a lab that is dedicated to diagnosing Lyme disease. Patients can also run a ImmunoBlot, Western Blot or PCR through a standard lab, however it may not be as sensitive. Patients can get false negatives before they receive a positive test. The CDC requires 5 bands to be positive, and has not updated testing requirements. IgeneX requires 2 or more bands to be determined a positive test. If you are symptomatic and testing IgeneX positive then it may be worth seeking treatment.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes. This article is not intended to diagnose or treat your health conditions.

Are You Reacting To The Foods You Eat?

Do you have a Food Sensitivity?

Isn’t it time you take the guesswork out of what you should and shouldn’t be eating? Food allergy and sensitivity testing can help you eliminate the foods that could be harming your body. Even healthy foods can be contributing to unhealthy reactions within the body.  People often confuse food allergies and food sensitivities. Food allergies are often severe and can be life threatening. A true IgE food allergy creates an immediate immune reaction. Food sensitivities are usually less severe, however, they still create numerous health problems.  A food sensitivity is often defined as a delayed IgG reaction. Some people report having symptoms up to 72 hours after they eat a specific food. Since reactions can be delayed for several days it makes it hard to differentiate which foods are aggravating you.

Common Food Sensitivity Symptoms

• Weight gain or Loss that is unexplainable

• Constipation or Diarrhea

• Bloating

• Headaches or Migraines

• Fatigue

• Brain Fog

• Poor Concentration

• Joint Pain

• Skin Rashes

• Eczema

• Acne

• Heartburn

• Chronic Pain

• Autoimmune Disease Flares

Testing Options

Food Sensitivity

We are highly selective on which food allergy and sensitivity test we offer to you.  For the most part food sensitivity testing is not covered by your health insurance. You may be special and have an awesome health insurance, unfortunately it isn’t the norm.  We have various testing kits for our patients.

Alletess Is the most affordable testing option.  Alletess offers 96 IgG and 184 IgG food sensitivities.  It is a finger prick test that the patient is able to do at home.   

Cyrex Laboratory is highly regarded for their immune screens.  They offer a Wheat/Gluten Array and Gluten Cross Reactivity Array.  Cyrex offers Food Immune Reactivity Screens. If you have an autoimmune disease or want to determine your reactions to gluten, then this is the lab for you.  Cyrex Testing can be expensive and requires testing gluten first, then gluten cross reactivity, and finally food reactions. They have 90 or 180 different foods/spices/food additives to test.  

Dunwoody Labs has set themselves apart from other labs by offering Complete Dietary Antigen testing.  They take 88 Foods and compare IgE, IgG, IgG4, C3d for all foods. This gives more comprehensive information for your immune health.  

Food Allergy

We blood test for the most common food allergies with True Health Diagnostics. Dunwoody does test for IgE responses to 88 foods as well.  Again, this will test only for immediate IgE reactions. It may be necessary for us to refer you to an allergist for further testing. If you have an IgE food allergy then it is necessary to always carry Benadryl and an Epipen.  

Common Food Allergies

• Egg

• Milk

• Wheat

• Sesame

• Peanut

• Soybean

• Hazelnut

• Almond

• Shrimp

• Tuna

• Salmon

• Cashew

• Walnut

• Scallops  

What to Do When You Have A Food Sensitivity or Food Allergy?

Food Sensitivity Testing confirms that gastrointestinal work is needed.  Food Sensitivity Testing may not be 100% accurate when you have leaky gut. It is important to eliminate the bothersome foods while you are working on your GI health.  Enzyme Science Intolerance Complex can help you while you are figuring out which foods to eliminate. Taking one capsule with meals may help if there is a possibility of cross contamination.  Caution- this is not to be taken if there is a known diagnosis of an immediate allergy or celiacs disease. If needed there are more specialized testing for leaky gut, LPS, and Gluten Cross Reactivity. Often times you are able to add food sensitivities back into the diet if you were diligent with the treatment plan.  

True food allergies must be avoided from your diet.  Children can sometimes outgrow their allergies. It is important to be careful in not cross contaminating your food.  Always carry an epipen and antihistamine medications. Always work with your doctor.

If you are in the greater Spokane area and want to know if foods are bothering you, then schedule your appointment now.  Dr. Julie George enjoys helping patients restore their gut health. This is for your information and is not a substitute for medical advise from your doctor. If you have questions or comments concerning your own health please schedule an appointment with our office or with your physician.

Are my dry eyes and dry mouth normal?

Guest Post by Michelle Darnell, OD

It is well-documented that as a person ages, the mucous membranes of the body, including the eyes and mouth, become drier. In fact, in my practice, the most common concern for women over the age of fifty is eyes that itch, burn, or water constantly. Many of those patients have discussed their symptoms with friends or family members, and as such, believe this discomfort is something they have to live with.

But what if it is not normal? Sjogren’s (SHOW-grins) Syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the tissues that produce fluid, most noticeably the tear and saliva glands. Sjogren’s is, in fact, primarily identified by its two most common symptoms: dry eyes, and dry mouth. Damage is not just limited to the eyes and mouth, however. In addition, it can attack our joints, thyroid gland, kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, nerves, and other mucous membranes, such as the vagina.

Sjogren’s is the third most common autoimmune condition, behind Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Approximately 50% of all Sjogren’s cases are “primary,” or existing without a co-occurring autoimmune condition, while the other 50% of Sjogren’s cases occur as a complication from an original auto-immune condition.

There are several risk factors for Sjogren’s. As mentioned above, a pre-existing autoimmune condition, specifically in the Rheumatic category (RA or SLE), puts a person at an increased risk for developing Sjogren’s. Being female also carries a higher risk, with 9/10 of all Sjogren’s patients being female. Collecting birthdays is the final major risk factor, with most cases not being diagnosed until the patient is over the age of 40. That being said, the worst case of Sjogren’s-related dry eye that I have ever seen personally was in a 17 year old girl. 

How do you know if your dry eyes and mouth are due to aging, or due to Sjogren’s? Diagnosis can be difficult, because the symptoms of Sjogren’s, especially in mild or moderate cases, can mirror many other common conditions, and are often considered a normal part of aging by patients. Other medications, such as antihistamines (anti-allergy medications), can cause the mucous membranes of the body to dry out, as well. The good news is that there are many blood tests available to look for markers indicative of Sjogren’s Syndrome. Your eye care provider may be able to perform a Sjo test, which involves a finger prick for blood, akin to the finger prick to check blood glucose, which is sent to an outside lab for evaluation. Your provider can also order a panel of bloodwork to look for anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies, and rheumatoid factor.

If you are diagnosed with Sjogren’s, it is recommended that you discuss treatment options with your provider, or with a rheumatologist. You may be placed on metformin, Plaquenil (Concordia Pharmaceuticals), or a DMARD-class medication to help control your body’s immune response. Discussing your diet and lifestyle with a provider who is specially trained in autoimmune conditions will be very helpful in mediating inflammation, as well. 

In addition, your eye doctor can initiate a dry eye regimen tailored specifically to you, and to your symptoms. Artificial tears are often the first step, though it is important to know that artificial tears are not intended to provide long-term relief, merely to help temporarily reduce acute symptoms. For those patients who use artificial tears more than four times per day, please invest in preservative-free artificial tears, as the preservatives in standard artificial tears, when constantly applied to the eye, can cause more harm than good over the long term. 

For those for whom the artificial tears do not “cut it,” other alternatives are available. Ointment that has the consistency of Vaseline can be used, usually at night, to prevent the eyes from becoming dry and “chapped” overnight, or during a bad attack of dryness. Specially-designed contact lenses that are large enough to cover the entire surface of the eye, called scleral lenses, are routinely used in severe cases of dry eye, as these lenses hold moisture against the eye all day long. Medications, such as Restasis or Xiidra, can also reduce inflammation on the surface of the eye and promote healthy tear production. In patients who have severe “attacks” of dry eye, we can even use contact lenses that are made out of amniotic membranes, which include stem cells and other natural healing properties that help repair the front of the eye. I have a patient who comes in every six months like clockwork, to get amniotic membrane contacts placed on her eyes to repair the chapping caused by her dry eye, which vastly improves her ocular comfort, as well as the clarity of her vision.

It is important to note that, even if you do not have Sjogren’s, if your eyes are uncomfortable, or you find yourself noticing watery, itchy, or burning eyes, have your eyes evaluated by your eye care provider. Your eye doctor can develop a treatment plan that will make your eyes more comfortable.

Michelle Darnell, OD is an optometrist who owns Lilac Family Eye Care in Liberty Lake. She actively treats dry eye, and routinely co-manages medical conditions, such as Sjogren’s Syndrome and other auto-immune diseases, by coordinating treatments with a patient’s complete healthcare team.