ICIM Medics Health Questions
Jean Fitzgerald is ICIM Medic's Naturopath. She has a bi-weekly colum in Ireland's TV Now Magazine. Here is what she has to say:
I am the co-director of the Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine (ICIM) for the last 7 years with my partner Felipe Reitz.
We both have backgrounds in the medical area: I trained originally in Homeopathy in London and had further experience in Naturopathy whilst working with one of Prince Charles Medical Advisors.
My partner Felipe has a background in Biology of medicine and has a passion for uncovering the underlying cause of patients’ complaints. We call him the medical detective.
Whilst our thinking is more drawn towards scientific and evidenced based medicine we created a medical centre which allows patients to access the best of both conventional and natural medicine. We do this by combining conventional diagnostics to uncover the cause of patients’ problems with natural medical solutions where possible or offering patients an integrated approach of the two.
Impotence
Q: I’m suffering from a bout of impotence. It’s never happened to me before but I know that the more I worry about it, the worse it gets! What can I do?
A: Impotence related problems can be divided into physical and psychological causes with psychological causes contributing to 90% of erectile failure. Evolution has made it very clear that the chemical and hormones of stress must outweigh the effects of sex hormones. Fatigue likewise inhibits erections. Anxiety, stress, phobias all produce large amounts of catecholamines, which directly affect the nervous system thereby preventing erections. (Read more…)
S.A.D.
Q: I think I’m suffering from SAD. Is there any way of treating it without having to go on antidepressants?
A: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)is a condition in which the body is not exposed to enough sunlight to maintain normal levels of serotonin. It is associated with winter depression and summer hypomania. Typically, patients tend to feel depressed, slow down, oversleep, overeat and crave carbohydrates in the winter. In the summer they tend to feel elated, active and energetic. (Read more…)
Acne
Q: I suffer from acne and was wondering if there are any alternative ways of treating it?
A: Acne can accompany many conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid imbalances, digestive disorders, blood glucose imbalances, intestinal yeast infections, poor diet, etc. Acne on the chin area is often linked to hormonal and digestive related problems. Other possible influences include drug medication, chemical agents, cosmetics, excessive washing and rubbing. (Read more…)
New Year Clean Living
Q : It’s January and after an eventful Christmas I’m planning on a January full of clean living. Can you recommend something to help my body recover from the excesses of Christmas?
A : Feeling bloated, sluggish, and tired after the last month of indulging in chocolate, wine, and cookies? Kick off the New Year with a resolution for healthy and clean living. Your digestive system and liver take a strain over the festive season and detoxing can help support your body by increasing elimination from the body, cleansing the colon, and enhancing circulation to clear toxic substances. Eliminating unhealthy foods and suspected allergens from the diet further aids detoxification enhancing nutrient absorption and supports and protects the liver which is the main organ involved in a detox.
How do I take care of my Liver over Christmas?
Q : What supplements can I take to help support my liver over the nest few weeks?
A : To help your body get through the season from your first Christmas party to your last New Year’s celebration, keep the following tips in mind!
Drink a third pint of water for every measure of alcohol. Eat something before drinking alcohol, even if it’s only a small amount. Do not mix your alcoholic drinks at any session. (Read more…)
Bad Circulation
Q: I have really bad circulation and last winter I actually got chilblains. I’m terrified of this happening again – any advice?
A: Chilblains are caused by poor peripheral circulation and are brought about by the affected part becoming cold.
The skin is more likely to break down if the area is damp as well. Principally this is a problem with the circulation as a whole and topical intervention may be of benefit, but a deeper look at the tendency of the individual and their predisposition must be addressed.
Heavy Phlegm
Q: I suffer terribly with heavy phlegm in my chest when I get a cold. Can I help this at all?
A: Coughs and colds are usually self-limiting and require little, if any, treatment. Remedies should be considered if a cold persists for longer than three days or if you are feeling unwell.
Dandruff
Q: My husband suffers from dandruff but conventional treatments don’t seem to work. What would you advise?
A: Dandruff is characterised by a flaking of the scalp and is occasionally associated with more aggressive skin conditions, such as psoriasis or dermatitis (eczema). (Read more…)
Poor Concentration
Q: I find my concentration isn’t as good as it used to be - help!
A: Properly identifying the underlying cause in each individual case is vital to your assistance. Possible causes include stress, low blood sugar levels, underactive thyroid, food allergies, lack of sleep, digestive disorders, poor oxygenation etc.
Stress and worry can be better managed by vitamin B complex, Vitamin C and Magnesium, the nutrients necessary for adrenal support. The herbs Licorice, Scutellaria, Avena Sativa, Gotu Cola, German Chamomile may also benefit you.
Winter Blues
Q: I’m dreading the winter blues with the dark and cold mornings. Is there anything I can do?
A: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as winter blues, is a mood disorder in which people experience depressive symptoms in the winter year after year.
Extending light exposure on winter days for thirty minutes a day under a (Read more…)
