Tag: inflammation

Flex Hx

Flex Hx

Flex Hx Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND   Recently I was doing a consult with someone regarding a sprained ankle. When I recommended Flex Hx we soon realized that there’s no blog on the benefits of Flex Hx! So here it is! All about the amazing 

From a Naturopathic Point of View Part 4

From a Naturopathic Point of View Part 4

From a Naturopathic Point of View Part 4 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND   The importance of western and holistic medicine working together! One of the key pathways to helping people become healthy is learning how to balance both western and holistic medicine. These 2 ways 

Krill Oil vs Fish Oil

Krill Oil vs Fish Oil

Krill Oil vs Fish Oil

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

 

One of the most confusing topic’s in the vitamin world is the difference between krill oil and fish oil. I get asked pretty much all the time what exactly is the difference between the 2. How does one pick which one they should use? Well these are all important questions that I’ll be reviewing in this blog. So let’s get into it, shall we?

Before I get into this topic too deeply I want to emphasize that I’ll be strictly talking about Invite’s Krill Oil and Fish Oil. For example some krill oil brands may have fish oil added which would alter some of its properties. Other brands of fish oil may contain different types of fish when compared to Invite. This is neither good nor bad but just different. So to start with just what are krill oil and fish oil? Well both krill oil and fish oil are natural sources of EPA and DHA, or omega 3 fatty acids. Krill oil is an oil derived from tiny shell fish called krill. Invite Fish Oil is derived from Anchovy! Now before you go any further if you are allergic to shell fish it’s not advisable to use krill oil since it is extracted from a shell fish.

As I said fish oil and krill oil are both omega 3s. Krill oil omega 3s are attached to a phospholipid whereas fish oil is attached to a Triacylglycerol. This change in attached molecule can affect how well the omega 3s are absorbed. (1) Studies have found that in some cases krill may be easier to absorb. (2) Another difference is that krill oil is a natural source of Astaxanthin, which studies have shown is good for the heart. (3)

Fish oil has the benefit of being more easily assessable. It has also been studied more since it is older than krill oil. This means we have more information on how it works and any potential side effects or drug interactions. Another benefit to using fish oil over krill oil is that it tends to be higher in omega 3s at a lower cost. (4)

So when to use fish and when do you use krill? And then there is perhaps another of the most frequently asked questions, can I use both fish and krill at the same time? The simple answer is you absolutely can! Using either fish or krill oil is something that can involve several questions to help decide. First off are you allergic to shell fish? Well then you shouldn’t use krill but rather should use fish oil. Are you allergic to Anchovy? Well then you should use krill rather than fish. What is your budget like? Depending on our budget you may find it more convenient to choose one over the other or it may not matter. The next question is what are you goals in taking krill oil or fish oil? In my clinical experience as a Naturopathic I have found that krill oil use is associated with reports from customers as being better at improving memory and overall brain health. That is why when it comes to memory and brain health I usually recommend krill. Now when it comes to heart health and inflammation I find that customer feedback favors fish oil as being more helpful. So basically to sum things up in my clinical experience based on customer feedback I use krill oil for memory/ brain health and fish oil for heart/ general inflammation.

Now I know I mentioned allergies however I also want to mention that due to the fact that krill oil is attached to a phospholipid whereas fish oil is attached to a Triacylglycerol  this means that krill is less likely to cause “fish burps” in anyone who is sensitive. Additionally krill oil capsules are smaller than fish oil so if you have trouble swallowing pills you may want to choose krill. Lastly if you do not eat shellfish due to religious reasons you may want to choose fish oil.

Now if you’re still feeling confused feel free to email me at [email protected]!

Next up will be a Naturopathic viewpoint on the importance of Western and Holistic medicine working together to meet your health goas!

 

Sources:

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21854650/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25884846/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18474276/
  4. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/krill-oil-vs-fish-oil

From A Naturopaths Point of View Part 3

From A Naturopaths Point of View Part 3

From A Naturopaths Point of View Part 3 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND   Self-diagnosis? One of the most integral parts of a consult with an Invite nutritionist t is knowing exactly what is going on in your body. In other words it’s important to see 

Mucositis

Mucositis

Mucositis Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND   Cancer treatment can affect our digestion. One common side effect is called mucositis.  What is mucositis you ask? Basically it is inflammation of your mouth and digestive system. (1)  This occurs because cancer therapies are designed to attack any 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy

Neuropathy

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

 

Neuropathy is usually something that most people associate with diabetes. This is an accurate connection because one of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes. But did you know that neuropathy can also occur after cancer treatments? To start off this topic I’ll ask a simple question, what is neuropathy? Well neuropathy, or as some call it peripheral neuropathy is basically a condition where the peripheral nerves or in other words the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord become damaged. This is very common in our hands and feet. (1)

The symptoms you can experience if you have neuropathy can include numbness or tingling in your feet, hands, legs or even arms. You may also feel as if you are wearing gloves or socks when you’re not. You may have sharp, jabbing pain that may even occur during activities that don’t normally cause pain. As the neuropathy progresses’ you may notice an increase in sensitivity to touch. There may also be muscle weakness and a lack of coordination. If your motor nerves are affected you may have an inability to move. You may notice an intolerance to heat. You may experience either excess sweating or an ability to sweat at all. There may also be a drop in blood pressure. You may also have bowel, bladder or digestive problems. (1) Lastly you may notice cramps in your feet. (2)

It’s important to see a doctor if you notice the symptoms of neuropathy starting to develop. When you see the doctor they will do a full medical history and a neurological exam. The doctor may also order certain blood tests, imaging tests and even nerve function tests. The doctor may also perform a nerve and skin biopsy. (3)

Neuropathy can lead to a loss of sensation. This means you may not feel if something is too hot to touch. As a result you may have complications such as burns. As a result of the loss of sensation you may end up with skin injuries or deeper wounds especially on the feet. Because of the lack of feeling in your feet you may not notice any injuries which increases the risk of developing an infection. (1) If an infection is left untreated it can lead to complications such as the need for an amputation. (4)  Lastly neuropathy often leads to a lack of balance which can lead to an increase in your fall risk. (1)

What can you do to help with the symptoms of neuropathy? Well as I said in my blog on chemo brain it is often best to wait till after treatment is complete to start supplements. This is to avoid any potential interactions. However life style changes can be implemented at any time.

  • Drink plenty of water. The typical amount recommended is ½ your body weight in oz. So if you weigh 120 pounds drink 60 oz of water. Additionally it is important to get plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables! (2) Check out Invite’s Greens Hx and Organic Greens. Remember there are no bad vegetables. Whatever kind you like is the best kind. I also want to point out that many stores will have sales on frozen vegetables which are just as nutrient dense as fresh. I know my parents love to stock up on frozen vegetables and even frozen berries especially when they are not in season!
  • Treat any underlying conditions that increase your risk of neuropathy. For example if you have diabetes it is important to maintain control of your blood sugar. (2) Please check out my blog series on this topic.
  • Be careful when using sharp objects such as knives. (2)
  • Monitor your extremities for injuries and wear protective gear as well as use any assistive devices and proper lights. (2)
  • ALA has been found in studies to be helpful in reducing pain associated with neuropathy when used as part of a treatment protocol. (5) Please see Invite’s Alcar+ALA and our Alpha-Lipoic Acid
  • B1 has been found to help with the symptoms of neuropathy especially in the beginning stages. (6) Please see Invite’s Nerve Hx and our B Complex 100.
  • B12 has been found to help with the pain associated with neuropathy. B12 deficiency is also known to make neuropathy worse. (7) Personally I always recommend B12 for anyone who has neuropathy. Please see Invite’s B12 lozenges as well as our Methyl-B
  • Magnesium according to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy can help with the signs of neuropathy that are associated with chemotherapy use.(8) Please see Magnesium Glycinate, Citrate and Bio Avail Magnesium powder!
  • Turmeric has been found to be very helpful in reducing the pain associated with neuropathy. (9) Please see Invite’s Bio-Curcumin & 5- Loxin formula!

 

Our product highlight will be our Methyl-B formula!

 

Sources:

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061
  2. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/pain/peripheral-neuropathy.html
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352067
  4. https://stoppingmedicalmistakes.com/how-an-infection-could-lead-to-amputation-oregon-medical-malpractice-lawyer-explains-sepsis/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9264721/#sec-a.m.ctitle
  6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/benfotiamine
  7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32722436/
  8. https://foxintegratedhealthcare.com/neuropathy/8-great-vitamins-for-neuropathy/#:~:text=4.,nuts%2C%20avocados%2C%20and%20legumes.
  9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8125634/#sec8-ijms-22-04666title