Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Hemorrhoids and Veins Hx Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Many people call telling me they have hemorrhoids and/or anal polyps. I always ask people to be specific as to exactly what is going on in their digestive tract. While to most people, hemorrhoids might seem to …
Understanding Vitamin C Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In my experience everyone has heard that Vitamin C is good for our health. In fact, it’s everywhere you look these days! But while you may have heard that using vitamin C is “good for the health of …
Dry Mouth
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Most people have had the sensation of a dry mouth in the past. Whether it be because you are thirsty or you have just woken up having that dry feeling in your mouth is not uncommon. However, having a clinical diagnosis of dry mouth is different. There are a number of distinct reasons that people may develop dry mouth. While you may not think so dry mouth can also have complications. Let us get into it, shall we?
When diagnosed with dry mouth, otherwise known as Xerostomia, there is chronic dry mouth that occurs because the salivary glands are unable to make enough saliva to lubricate the mouth. This lack of saliva can be a result of certain medications. These medications can include those that are used for depression, high blood pressure, anxiety, antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxants and even certain pain relievers. It is well known that chemotherapy and radiation treatment can affect saliva production and lead to dry mouth. In addition to proscription medications recreational drugs, alcohol and tobacco products can lead to dry mouth. Certain changes as we age can also lead to dry mouth. For example, in my clinical experience poorly fit dentures can lead to poor nutrition and this in turn can lead to dry mouth. Another aspect of aging that no one wants to talk about is snoring and mouth breathing. In my clinical experience and to be frank, just plain old life experience snoring is more common as we age. As you may expect snoring or mouth breathing both increase the risk of dry mouth. Anything that damages the nerves to the head and neck area can lead to dry mouth. In addition to anything that leads to damage to the nerves, anything that results in damage to the salivary glands themselves can lead to a reduction in saliva production. For example, radiation treatments can temporarily damage the salivary glands and lead to less saliva being produced. Lastly having certain health conditions can lead to dry mouth. For example, having diabetes, thrush, Alzheimer’s disease, or a prior stroke can lead to a dry mouth. Sjogrens syndrome, an autoimmune disease can cause dry mouth. Having HIV/AIDs can also increase the risk of dry mouth.
Now as I said, having a dry mouth can have complications. Well to start with a dry mouth can be uncomfortable. It can also affect how well you are able to eat. This can affect your nutrition and even lead to deficiencies in the long term. Dry mouth can affect the gums as well. This means it can increase the risk of plaque, gum disease and tooth decay. A dry mouth can lead to mouth sores, cracked lips and even sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth. Lastly dry mouth can increase the risk of developing thrush.
What are the symptoms of dry mouth? I bet I know what you are thinking, Dr. Claire, the symptoms of a dry mouth are obvious. It is a dry mouth with a sticky feeling. While it is true saliva is more than just a lubricant. It is an important part of our digestion. When there’s not enough saliva it can make it harder to taste, chew, swallow, speak or even to wear dentures. It can affect the entire digestive process. You may notice bad breath. The saliva you do have may seem thick and stringy. There may be a dry or sore throat, and you may be hoarse. You may even notice a change in how you perceive taste. Lipstick may stick to your teeth. Lastly changes to your tongue may include dryness or grooved tongue. (1)
What can you do?
Our next product highlight will be good old-fashioned Vitamin C!
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PRIMARY FOOD, LIFESTYLE AND OUR HEALTH~SOCIAL LIFE By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT Many people don’t think of having a social life as being part of a healthy lifestyle. I didn’t either for a long time. However, like many of us, my mind was …
The Common Cold!
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Today we will be talking about something everyone knows about and that topic is the common cold! Having a cold is probably one thing that both children and adults understand. But what cause’s a cold? Well when you have a cold you are actually suffering from a virus, in most cases it is a Rhinovirus. When we talk about upper respiratory infections the common cold is an example of what we mean. How do we catch a cold? Well the virus enters our body through the eyes, nose and mouth. Like most viruses it travels on droplets in the air that are released when someone coughs, sneezes or even just talks! When someone who is sick touches an object or even shakes your hand the virus gets on that object. If you touch it and then touch your eyes, mouth or nose BAM the virus can infect you too!
Exposure is probably one of the largest risk factors for getting a cold. It is one of the reasons why people are encouraged to stay home if they are sick. Having a weakened immune system is also a risk factor. Having a history of smoking or being exposed to 2nd hand smoke also increases your risk of getting a cold. Infants and young children are also at a higher risk of catching a cold.
What are the symptoms of a cold? While I know most people can probably list these all by heart I just want to do a quick reminder of what they are. Usually in 1-3 days after exposure to the virus symptoms can start and they can include runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, sore/ scratchy throat, cough, low grade fever, headache and even just plain old “I don’t feel good”. (1) Unfortunately the common cold isn’t the only virus that can cause these symptoms. I’ve included a chart that compares them! (2)
Now while most people recover from a cold within a few days – a week there can be complications that occur. These can include sinus or ear infections. There may also be acute bronchitis. If you have asthma or emphysema or chronic bronchitis the symptoms can get worse. You may develop a cough that lingers after infections. (3)
While most people with a cold don’t need to see a doctor sometimes it’s necessary. For children up to 12 weeks if there is a fever of 100.4 degrees it’s a good idea to see their doctor. In older children if there is a rising fever or fever lasting more than 2 days, if there is any trouble with breathing, wheezing, ear pain, or just intense symptoms as well as unusual fatigue or fuzziness it can also be a good idea to see their doctor. Lastly if there is a change in appetite it’s important to see their doctor. In adults it’s a good ideas to see a doctor if there is a fever over 101.3 degrees that lasts more than 3 days, if the fever returns after being gone or there is shortness of breath, wheezing or the symptoms unusually severe. (1) If there is a high fever in either children or adults it may be a good idea to see your doctor. (3)
When it comes to a cold prevention is key! And that starts with 1 simple word- hygiene! Wash your hands and clean frequently touched surfaces. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneezes or cough. If your sick stay home! Don’t share glasses or eating utensils. If you can stay away from those that are sick. (1) It is also helpful to make sure that your environment is not too dry so that your sinus don’t dry out which would leave you at risk for a cold. (3) It’s always a good ideas to help boost our immunity. In that case what can we do to boost our immunity?
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