conditions

Rivercreek Wellness provides naturopathic wellness consults to people in the United States. If you are outside of the state that Dr. George is licensed in or have not been seen in that state then we can not prescribe medications. We can still offer naturopathic therapies and wellness consultations. Legally, we can only provide medical diagnoses and medical Rx treatment in the state of WA. This does not interfere with the level of care you will be provided if outside of WA state.

Acne
Acne can appear during infancy, puberty and/or adulthood.  There are different types of acne as well as a wide range of treatments such as nutritional and herbal medicine. 

Adrenal Fatigue
If you feel tired during the day, have trouble getting out of bed, need for caffeine pick me ups, crave salty and sweet snacks your adrenals may not be functioning optimally.  Prolonged stress can cause the adrenals to not function properly, hence adrenal fatigue.  Illness, life crisis, and lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol, busy life, etc. can deplete adrenal resources. It is important to do salivary testing to determine the adrenal status. 

Allergies

Seasonal Allergies- Millions of people suffer from seasonal allergies consequently meaning, running nose, congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, watery eyes, dry eyes, headaches, etc. When we suffer from allergies, the mast cells are actually releasing histmine. The allergic response is produced by an allergen to one or more of the proteins in pollen. 

Immediate Food Allergies release IgE (immunoglobulin E antibodies). The symptoms of an immediate food reaction include tightening of the throat, wheezing, difficult breathing, tingling in the extremities and GI symptoms. If you experience these symptoms you should seek emergency care.  We refer to local allergy clinics for IgE allergy testing.

Delayed Food Allergies are often referred to as food sensitivities, which may appear up to 72 hours post ingestion. This type of response is an IgG response (immunoglobulin G antiboides). At Rivercreek Wellness we offer food sensitivity testing which is different from traditional testing along with elimination diets. Food sensitivities can contribute to many chronic health conditions including:

• Arthritis

• Joint Pain

• Inflammation

• Eczema

• Acne

• Psoriasis

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Headaches/Migraines

• Infertility

• Ear aches

• Gas

• Bloating

• Indigestion

• Fatigue

• Mood swings

• Depression

• Restlessness

• Weight problems

• ADD/ADHD

• Autism

• Restless sleep

• Food Cravings

Anti-Aging
At Rivercreek Wellness we offer preventative medicine to slow the aging process.  Aging is the result of free radical damage. The antioxidants we consume or supplement combat free radical damage in the body.  We provide environmental medicine testing and treatment options for prevention.  

Auto-Immune Disorders
An autoimmune disorder is a condition incurred as the body's immune system begins attacking itself.  A person may have multiple autoimmune disorders at a time.  Celiac Disease, Hashimotos Thyroiditis, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis are all examples of autoimmune disorders.

Autism
Autism and autism spectrum disorder are common terms for a group of complex disorders of neurological development. These disorders are differentiated by varying levels of difficulties in social interactions, communication (nonverbal and verbal), and repetitive behaviors. It is difficult to diagnose younger children with autism spectrum disorder. Most of the signs and symptoms of autism develop around the child's 2nd or 3rd year of life. Some children will develop communication skills and then regress in the first two years of life. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 88 American children are on the autism spectrum. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties with attention and motor coordination and physical health symptoms such as gastrointestinal health and sleep patterns. Some people with ASD do extremely well in subjects such as art, math, music skill and visual skills.  Dr. Julie George has attended Defeat Autism Now (DAN) training.  She not only works with the person on the spectrum, but with the entire household. The caretakers of a person with ASD must be invested in the healing process. Testing is used to find out if there is a medical concern within the body that may be contributing to the autistic behaviors.  Testing available include: heavy metal testing, amino acid testing, vitamin testing, methylation cycles, genetic polymorphisms, food allergy/sensitivity, stool analysis, strep test, ferritin, cholesterol panel, gluten, organic acid testing.  People diagnosed with ASD have numerous holistic treatment options available to them. 

Common Cold & Flu
The common cold can be caused by viruses, however the flu is caused only by influenza A or B viruses. Dr. George gives herbal and nutritional support to help the immune system when battling illnesses. We currently do not provide acute care.  Please seek care from your primary care physician.    

Chronic Pain
Chronic pain usually means the pain has lasted for an extended amount of time. The pain can be mild to unbearable, continuous or intermittent. Pain can be burning, aching, shooting, electrical and may radiate to other parts of the body. Some people will feel discomfort, soreness, stiffness or tightness. There are many natural therapies to decrease pain.  We do not provide prescription drugs for pain management. 

Depression
Millions of Americans are depressed and there are multiple types of depression.  Symptoms of depression may include insomnia or excessive sleeping, memory problems, feeling tired, hopelessness, sadness, loss of pleasurable interests, aches and pains, and feeling empty. At Rivercreek Wellness we offer hormone testing, nutritional therapy along with nutritional and botanical therapies to aide in the treatment of depression. 

Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is called juvenile diabetes and is usually diagnosed in childhood. In Type 1 Diabetes, you lose the ability to make your own insulin. Type 2 Diabetes is late onset diabetes and it may be diagnosed as an adult as well as in childhood. Type 2 Diabetes occurs from lifestyle factors.  Both types of diabetes produce severe side effects if not properly treated. One may not think of environmental health when it comes to diabetes, but it is very important to address along with diet and lifestyle. 

Digestive Disorders
Many people suffer from digestive disorders such irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, diarrhea, reflux, celiac, diverticulitis and the list goes on. The digestive system breaks down our food, absorbs nutrients and removes waste. When we suffer from a digestive disorder we may lack vital nutrients that our body needs to function properly. Toxins that are not eliminated can reabsorb and cause a burden to our body. At Rivercreek Wellness we focus on gastrointestinal health.

Eczema
A skin condition that is caused by inflammation in the body that produces itchy, red, and dry skin.  Food sensitivities and environmental health are important factors when considering eczema treatment. 

Fatigue
Fatigue is a lack of energy, feeling tired or exhausted.  Illness may cause fatigue along with poor sleep, mental worry, workaholic, stress and anxiety. If fatigue is chronic then causes may be due to adrenal dysfunction, illness or environmental concerns. It is important to address thyroid and adrenal function along with having a proper health evaluation by Dr. George.

Headaches
There are many types of headaches that may be caused by different triggers. All headaches produce pain yet the type of pain, intensity and location varies. Headaches can include other symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, concentration problems, irritability, muscle aches and fevers. Treatment options vary from person to person. 

Heart Disease
Heart disease or Cardiovascular disease describes conditions that affect your heart. Heart disease includes diagnosis of heart attack, congestive heart failure, congenital heart disease, blood vessels, coronary artery disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. It is important to address lifestyle factors for prevention and treatment. 

Heavy Metal Detoxification
Heavy metal detoxification is the removal of toxic metals from the body. Heavy metal exposure in large amounts can cause significant health problems. People may be slowly exposed to heavy metals as which may create symptoms over time. As heavy metals build up in our bodies it causes a toxic burden. In order to determine heavy metal status the patient must do heavy metal testing. A pre-urine challenge will determine current exposure and a post-urine challenge will determine the amount of metals stored within the body.  In order to perform this test we use a chelator. A chelator binds the heavy metals within the body to excrete them. After determining the levels of heavy metals within the body, Dr. George will formulate a detoxification program to meet the needs of the individual.  There are many risk factors for heavy metal accumulation in the Spokane, WA and the Inland Northwest.  Far Infrared Sauna is recommended for helping remove toxins from the body.  

Hypertension/ High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a chronic condition in which the heart works harder than normal to circulate the blood through the blood vessels. People with high blood pressure are at a greater risk factor for heart attacks, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease. It is important to address lifestyle factors. 

Insomnia
Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep as long as needed. Insomnia may be temporary or may be due to other health issues. If insomnia persists, it is important to have a complete workup performed, lab panels and review of entire health history. 

Kryptopyrolle
Kryptopyrroles, Kryptopyrroluria, Pyroluria, Pyrolle Disorder, Mauve Factor and Hemepyrrole are all different names for the same condition. It is the abnormal synthesis and metabolism of hemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying molecule of the blood.  Kryptopyrolles are the metabolite or waste product produced by the hemoglobin. When high levels of kyrptopyrolles circulate within the body they bind to Vitamin B6 and Zinc causing numerous biological pathways to be affected. Elevated kryptopyrolles cause damage to the nerves within the body, specifically the brain. Low levels of the heme cause more oxidative stress within the body destroying cells. There is specific testing available for elevated kryptopyrolles within the body. It is recommended to test family members. Treatment includes nutritional therapies. 

Conditions Associated with Kryptopyrroles:

• ADD/ADHD

• Alcoholism

• Allergies

• Austism Spectrum Disorder

• Bipolar Disorder

• Criminal Behaviors

• Depression

• Epilepsy

• Learning Difficulties

• Lung Cancer

• Manic Depression

• Neurotic Behaviors

• Postpartum Depression

• Schizophrenia

• Substance Abuse

• Tourette's Syndrome

Signs and Symptoms of Kyptopyrolles:

• Abdominal pain

• Abnormal body fat distribution

• Acne

• Allergies

• Amnesia

• Anger

• Anxiety

• Anxious

• Bad Breath

• Body Odor

• Brain fog

• Cold hand and feet

• Constipation

• Creaking in joints

• Delayed puberty

• Delusional thoughts

• Depression 16

• Delayed growth until after 1

• Difficulty with dream recall digesting some proteins

• Difficulty digesting proteins

• Dramatic personality

• Dyslexia

• Early graying of hair

• Eczema

• Emotionally unstable

• Fatigue

• Fluid retention

• Frequent illness

• Hallucinations

• Hyperactiviy

• Hypersensitivity to noise, odors, light

• Hyperpigmentaion of skin

• Hypoglycemia

• Insomnia

• Irregular menstrual cycles or lack of cycle

• Iron deficiency anemia

• Joint pain

• Lack of hair on head, eyebrows and eyelashes

• Lack of appetite in the morning

• Loss of appetite

• Low libido

• Low tolerance to stress

• Migraines

• Mood swings

• Nausea in morning

• Motion sickness

• Nervous exhaustion

• Nervousness

• Overwhelmed

• Pale skin, poor tanning, burns easy

• Panic attacks

• Paranoia

• Pessimism

• Poor memory

• Prefers spicy and flavored foods

• Prone to stitches when running

• Reading difficulties

• Seizures

• Skin disorders

• Social withdrawal

• Tense

• Tingling in the arms and legs

• Tremors

Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome or Syndrome X is the combination of multiple health issues that increases the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Abdominal fat (apple shape) with two of the following: elevated triglycerides, low HDL, high blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose.  It is important to address lifestyle factors and gain proper treatment. 

Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a variety of symptoms that occur in a monthly pattern associated with one's menstrual cycle. Symptoms may be purely emotional such as mood swings, irritable, depressed or accompanied with physical symptoms like breast tenderness. We offer nutritional, herbal and bioidentical hormone support.

Prevention
Preventative medicine is being proactive towards one's health.  It is completely different from person to person. Some people may be trying to prevent the cold or flu while others are trying to prevent themselves from developing cancer or dementia. Preventative medicine takes into account family history, environmental exposure risk factors, genetics, etc. Once we determine these factors then we are able to determine what laboratory testing, nutritional program, diet, and lifestyle factors may be beneficial for the patient.  Rivercreek Wellness located in Spokane, WA focuses on you living a healthy life.  

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that is caused by the immune system. It causes the skin to become red and irritated. It is common to have flaky patches called scales. It is important to look at environmental and lifestyle factors of the patient. 

Skin Care Issues
Skin care problems are common for all age ranges. The most common treated skin care issues at Rivercreek Wellness are eczema, hives, unexplained rashes and acne. We address the nutritional, environmental and lifestyle factors associated with skin care. 

Thyroid Conditions
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid is not producing adequate hormone levels meaning it is underactive.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

• Loss of energy

• Difficulty losing weight

• Weight gain

• Constipation

• Menstrual irregularities

• Joint pain

• Fluid retention

• cold hands and feed

• Intolerance to cold

• Frequent infections

• Problems concentrating and remembering things

• Dry skin

• Hair loss

• Brittle nails

The normal range for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is an arbitrary number. Often times patients are not diagnosed by other doctors because their level of TSH falls within “normal” lab values. At Rivercreek Wellness we do a complete lab panel for thyroid including TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies. The patient’s ratio of free T3 to reverse T3 is calculated.  We treat hypothyroidism with bioidentical thyroid which is desicatted thyroid hormone that contains both the inactive thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4) and the active form, tri-iodothyroine (T3).  

Hyperthyroidism is a condition when the thyroid gland is overactive producing too much hormone thyroxine. 

Hyperthyroid Symptoms

• weight loss

• rapid or irregular heartbeat

• sweating

• nervousness

• irritability

Toxic Burden
We were exposed to toxins the moment we began life in the womb and every day after that.  There are toxins in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and the buildings we occupy. Our homes are filled with chemicals, for example, the cleaning solutions, cosmetics and toiletries, flea collars, new carpeting and mattresses. Some people have occupations or hobbies that expose them to even more toxins such as artist, gardeners, hair dressers, firefighters, dry cleaners, miners, home builders, housekeepers, teachers, farmers. and pilots. Our body has the ability to clear some of the toxins, however the constant exposure allows for our body to store toxins. We each have a unique tipping point of when our bodies cannot process the chemicals and we become symptomatic. The majority of diseases stem from our environment. A complete environmental intake is recommended. At Rivercreek Wellness we test for Heavy Metals, Volatile Solvents, Chlorinated Pesticides, PCBs, BPA, Phthalates and Parabens, Porphyrins, Organophosphates as well as Genetic Testing. Treatment for toxic burden ranges from mild to intense cleansing protocols, IV therapies and far-infrared sauna. If you are considering becoming pregnant we highly recommend environmental counseling before conception.  Dr. Julie George focuses her continued education in the area of environmental medicine.

Weight Loss
We do not like the word diet, rather lifestyle changes.  When starting a weight loss program it is important to have laboratory testing prior to starting. It is also important that you are losing weight in a healthy amount over the correct period of time so that you are not causing harm by recirculating toxins, etc. We offer nutritional counseling, customized weight loss programs, and B12 fat burner injections.  Our far infrared sauna allows you to burn more calories and helps with fat loss.  

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