Summer Colds
Summer Colds Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Most people have had a cold in the summertime at least once during their lifetime. But why do summer colds even happen? And while yes, I know you know the symptoms of a cold I will still do a …
Tag: immune system
Bromelain- The Power of Pineapple
Bromelain- The Power of Pineapple Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Bromelain is an enzyme that has been written about many times in the past. In fact, there are even a few blogs on the Invite website itself! Yet, despite this, people still have a few unanswered …
Sinus Infections or Sinusitis Part 2
Sinus Infections or Sinusitis Part 2
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
In my last blog on sinusitis I started with a description of what the sinuses are, where they are and even what they do. I then talked about what the symptoms of sinusitis are. (1,2,3) In this blog I will be expanding upon how sinusitis is diagnosed, how it is possible to tell the difference between sinusitis and other dental concerns/ having a cold and we will even talk about some natural ways of addressing the symptoms. It’s a lot to talk about so let’s get into it, shall we?
Sinusitis is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and health history. Just a small PSA it is always important to be as accurate as you can when talking to your doctor about the symptoms you have. This ensures a correct diagnosis and allows for proper treatment to begin ASAP. In addition to medical history and symptoms your doctor will also check your ears, nose and throat for any swelling, draining or blockage. There are certain tests that can help your doctor to diagnose sinusitis. These include nasal swabs, nasal endoscopy and even in some cases a CT scan. If you experience chronic sinusitis our doctor may recommend allergy testing to determine the root cause. (1)
Now just what dental concerns most closely resemble sinusitis and how can you tell the difference between the 2 conditions? As I said in my last blog sinusitis can cause a toothache therefore any condition that leads to a toothache can be mistaken for sinusitis or vice versa. These can include gum disease (periodontal disease or gingivitis), cavities and even dental abscesses. If you grind our teeth this can also lead to a toothache. The best way to determine if the pain is coming from the tooth itself or sinusitis is to see a dentist. They can help rule out a dental cause for the toothache. The toothache may also have a dental origin if it seems to last longer than you would expect, if it doesn’t go away even after the sinus infection is gone or lastly it doesn’t improve with treatment for your sinusitis. Simply put if the toothache or facial pain is associated with sinusitis it should clear up with proper sinus infection treatment. If it doesn’t a checkup with your dentist can help. (10) Pleas e see the attached chart for a side by side comparison of the symptoms. (11)
| Sinusitis symptoms | Toothache caused by a dental concern |
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As I said sinusitis can have very similar symptoms to the common cold. If you’re curious about the common cold I’d refer you to my blog on that topic. Anyhow how can you distinguish between a cold and sinusitis? The easiest way is to look at certain symptoms. So I’ve included a hand chart for you to look at. (3) Remember you can always see your doctor for a confirmation on what is causing you symptoms!
What can you do to help with the symptoms of sinusitis?
- To help prevent sinusitis wash your hands frequently as well as any surfaces that are touched often.
- Avoid smoking and use a humidifier if needed.
- Try to avoid any allergens to the best of your ability!
- Eat healthy foods including plenty of fruits and vegetables! For help incorporating fruits and vegetables see Invite’s Organic Greens, Reds Hx, Greens Hx, Purples Hx and Oranges Hx.
- Nasal irrigation and nasal decongestants can also help to relieve your symptoms. (1)
- Olive Leaf has been found to be antibacterial and antibacterial in studies. (4, 5 ) It is also helpful because it has been found to have anti-inflammatory benefits as well as being able to boost our body’s natural ability to fight against pathogens. (5) All of these benefits make this a great choice for sinusitis. Please see Invite’s Olive Leaf extract and Renalaid.
- Green Tea has also been found to be antimicrobial in studies. (5) Please see Invite’s Green Tea Tx and Green Tea Hx! Interestingly Invite’s Organic Greens Plus has 500mg of Green Tea making it a great source of this powerful nutrient!
- Black Seed has been found to be helpful for sinusitis due it its properties as an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and immune boosting nutrient. (6) Please see Invite’s Black Seed with Rosemary as well as Invite’s Men’s Multivitamin!
- According to the CDC using a warm compress can help to relieve the pressure associated with sinusitis. (7)
- Bromelain has been found to help with the symptoms of sinusitis and has been found to be both safe and helpful in children under 11! (8) Please see Invite’s Bromelain formula.
- NAC has been found to help the body to eliminate mucus. (9). Please see Invite’s NAC.
Our product highlight will be Bromelain!
Sources:
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/paranasal-sinuses
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17701-sinusitis
- https://www.advancedentdenver.com/blog/sinus-infection-vs-cold-how-to-tell-the-difference/
- https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/9/9/526#:~:text=4.,aeruginosa%20infections.
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-olive-leaf-extract
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5884000/#:~:text=The%20results%20of%20investigations%20on,modulator%2C%20antimicrobial%20and%20analgesic%20effects.
- https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/about/index.html#:~:text=Put%20a%20warm%20compress%20over,the%2Dcounter%20medicines%20as%20directed.
- https://iv.iiarjournals.org/content/invivo/19/2/417.full.pdf#:~:text=Patients%20of%20the%20Bromelain%2DPOS%C2%AE%20monotherapy%20group%20showed,(p=0.005)%20compared%20to%20the%20other%20treatment%20groups.&text=This%20trial%20documents%20that%20the%20proteolytic%20pineapple,of%20proteolytic%20enzymes%20can%20benefit%20such%20patients.
- https://bmcpulmmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12890-024-03243-y#:~:text=N%2Dacetylcysteine%20(NAC)%20is,on%20nebulized%20NAC%20was%20small.
- https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/sinus-toothache
- https://www.ismileva.com/do-i-have-a-sinus-infection-or-a-toothache/
Sinus Infections or Sinusitis Part 1
Sinus Infections or Sinusitis Part 1 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I wanted to talk about sinus infections for several reasons. Obviously, the location of the sinus cavities plays a role in the decision to talk about them during a review of dental health. In …
Homemade Toothpaste from Invite Health
Homemade Toothpaste from Invite Health Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Toothpaste is an interesting topic because to be frank everyone has their favorite brand. Which brand do I think is best? The one you will use! If you like strong peppermint that is great. But if …
Hepatitis Part 2
Hepatitis Part 2
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
In our last blog on this topic, we began with some background information such as just what is hepatitis? What causes hepatitis? And what are the symptoms you might experience with hepatitis? If you haven’t read the first part of this 2-part blog series on hepatitis I’d suggest reading that part first. So, moving on let’s get into important lab testing.
What lab tests can help to rule out or even diagnosis hepatitis? To start with your doctor will perform a physical exam. This may include pressing against your abdomen to determine if there is any swelling or pain in the liver. The doctor will also check for any signs of jaundice. In addition to a physical exam the doctor will ask important questions about our health, including your alcohol intake. Blood tests can help evaluate liver function and even determine if there is an infection. (1) Blood work can help differentiate between alcohol induced hepatitis and other types of hepatitis because in alcohol induced hepatitis there is usually an elevation of AST and ALT is normal. This is the opposite of other liver disorders. Another blood test for alcohol induced hepatitis is carbohydrate- deficient transferrin. The latest studies have found that CRP is a good marker of alcohol induced hepatitis. (2) An ultrasound can help confirm if the liver is showing signs of inflammation. There are some doctors who will suggest transient elastography which is an advanced imaging test. Other tests the doctor may recommend include an MRI, CT scan and liver biopsy. (1) As a PSA I want to emphasize how important it is to be honest about your alcohol intake. Being honest will help to narrow down what is going on and lead to the correct diagnosis and even treatment faster. At the end of the day your doctor wants to help you. Being honest helps give them the tools they need to do so.
Moving on, what are the risk factors for developing hepatitis? The risk factors for developing hepatitis include exposure to the virus. Alcohol induced hepatitis can be a result of long-term exposure to alcohol or heavy alcohol intake. For more information on how one can become infected with Hep A, B, C please see Allie Might’s blog “Hepatitis – The types, the support and can it be prevented?” General health risks that increase the risk of developing hepatitis include not being vaccinated, having a virus associated with hepatitis (for example EBV), having an autoimmune disorder, or being born to a mother who has contracted viral hepatitis. Remember only viral hepatitis is contagious since it’s actually the virus that then triggers the hepatitis that is spread and not the actual diagnosis of hepatitis or liver inflammation. In addition to viral and alcohol exposure other risk factors can include working around chemicals, drinking or eating unsafe food and even taking certain medications. (3) Risk factors for hepatitis can also include having hyperlipidemia, being overweight or obese and even having high blood sugar. Lastly, having high blood pressure is also a risk. (4)
There can be some dangerous complications, so I’ll review those right now. Hepatitis can lead to portal hypertension which can lead to enlarged veins. These enlarged veins (varices) can eventually rupture and can cause dangerous bleeding. Long term hepatitis can also lead to cirrhosis. Please see my 2-part blog series on this topic for more information! Chronic hepatitis can also lead to liver cancer and even liver failure. (4)
So what can you do to help reduce the risk of hepatitis?
- Always make sure to wash your hands, especially after you use the restroom! Also make sure to wash any fruits or vegetables before you eat them.
- Always practice safe sex and do not share needles or other personal items such as toothbrushes.
- Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
- Make sure to always manage metabolic factors such as cholesterol and blood sugar. Please see my blogs on these topics for help on how to manage these concerns.
- Only drink alcohol in moderation. (4)
- One of the most well studied supplements is NAC. Studies have found that NAC can help to limit Hep B viral replication. (5) Studies have also found that NAC is the only proven therapy for ischemia hepatitis. (6) Lastly NAC has also been found to help alcohol induced hepatitis. (7) Please see Invite’s NAC. Detox Hx, and Daily Detox powder!
- Milk Thistle has been shown in studies to help lower liver enzymes in those with hepatitis. (8) Milk Thistle has also been shown to help those with Hep C who did not respond to conventional medication. (9) Please see Invite’s Milk Thistle, Hepatox, and Daily Detox powder.
- Glutathione has been found to improve liver function in those with hepatitis. (10) Please see Invite’s Glutathione lozenges and Gluta Hx.
- For more information on Hepatox and Daily Detox please check out my blogs on these important nutrients!
- Olive Leaf has been found to have antiviral benefits against the hep virus. (11) Please see Invite’s Olive Leaf extract.
Our product highlight will be Colon Hx!
Sources:
- https://nyulangone.org/conditions/hepatitis/diagnosis
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470217/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/hepatitis-causes-and-risk-factors-4689127
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/hepatitis
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0166354295009779
- https://academic.oup.com/milmed/article/184/9-10/565/5366281
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1101214
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11896/
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/milk-thistle#:~:text=Milk%20thistle%20is%20widely%20used,after%2014%20days%20of%20therapy
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5470607/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874109004073