The Ultimate Guide to Get Rid of Seasonal Allergies for Good!

Be sure to watch my video "Get Rid of Allergies for Good: Dr Vera's Ultimate Seasonal Allergy Guide" for an in-depth look at how to address the root cause of why you have seasonal allergies!

Here’s a quick 5 step guide to get you started: It’s a good idea to do 3 of the 5 suggestions for best results. Depending on just 1 won’t do the trick!

#1 Re-Consider the Air Quality in your Home:

Don’t overlook the obvious. Improving the air quality at home and even in your car can make a huge difference. You should be changing air filters at least 2x/during allergy season. You can also invest in a air filter for a room you spend lots of time in, such as your office or living area.

Check your home!



#2 Lower your immune threshold:

It takes time, but when you build a solid foundation for your immune system, it will stop over-reacting. You need to start early in the season to send a clear message to your body. I put together a protocol for you of the top herbs and vitamins that will do job!

Here are my top recommendations designed to get rid of seasonal allergies for good!

• Complete support: Vitamin C + Sinus Care + Mixed Berry Extract + Probiotic

• Ultra Basic Support: Vitamin C + Quercetin/Nettles

• Children: Probiotic + Allergy Care + Mixed berry Extract

• Drink plenty of water!

#3 Mushrooms make all the difference.

Seasonal allergies often stem from an imbalance in the immune system. Medicinal Mushrooms have many diverse actions and can address several underlying factors involved in the allergic response. Mushrooms are immune-modulatory, they can support our immune system to function optimally and lessen our heightened response to allergens providing hay fever relief!

Read how reishi can help make a huge difference in your allergy-specific immunity!

#4Clear the particulates from the source of AGGRAVATION

I’m a huge fan of nasal rinses. A neti pot is a container designed to rinse debris or mucus from your nasal cavity. This is a no-brainer especially if symptoms are worse at night.

Neti-Pot Instructions:

Using your Neti Wash™ Neti Pot

1. Prepare the saline solution and fill your Neti Pot.

2. Lean forward and turn your head to the side.

3. Insert the sprout of the Neti Pot gently into the upper nostril to create a comfortable seal.

4. Raise the Neti Pot gradually so the saline solution flows in through the upper nostril and out the lower nostril. Breathe through your mouth.

5. Once the solution has flowed through, exhale through your nose to clear the nasal passages.

6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 with the other nostril.

#5 Soothe your respiratory tract:

Steam inhalation is a technique utilized to open the nasal passages, clear out mucus, and support the lungs. Be careful with children and using steam inhalation!

Steam Inhalation Instructions:

Directions

1. Heat water in a kettle or pot until steaming hot (if it boils, let it cool until it no longer bubbles).

2. Pour water into a heat-safe bowl.

3. Add essential oils to water, drop by drop.

4. Lean over until your face is a few inches above the bowl and drape towel over your head to create a steam tent over the bowl.

5. Hold this position and deeply inhale the steam for 5 to 10 minutes

Anxiety, Mood Swings, and Other Common Peri-menopause Symptoms and How to Treat Them | Oakland Naturopathic Doctor

Many women think our bodies stop changing as soon as we reach adulthood. Hormonal imbalances, mood swings, physical transformations – we tend to associate all that with adolescence. But the truth is, our bodies change all the time, even if we are not entirely aware of it. While menopause is the most well-known stage for adult women entering their 50s, there is actually a previous transition phase that women between the ages of 40 to 54 experience: peri-menopause. Peri-menopause is a transitional period before menopause ultimately settles in and can be quite confusing and unsettling for many. Read on to learn more about peri-menopause, its symptoms, and how to manage them. I can help you take back control during this phase through an organized, step-by-step focused strategy!

What Is Peri-menopause?

Peri-Menopause refers to a period in which the ovaries begin to decline in function and produce less estrogen. However, when your body stops releasing eggs and the menstrual cycle stops altogether for a period of one year, this highlights the start of menopause. Peri-menopause lasts four years on average, though it may last anywhere from ten months for some and up to ten years for others. Peri-menopause begins around your 40s or early 50s and comes with symptoms and signs that might cause worry and anxiety regardless of when it starts. 

Symptoms of Peri-menopause 

Some of the most common symptoms of peri-menopause are:

• Anxiety: 

This is a prevalent symptom for many women. Low levels of key hormones like progesterone or norepinephrine can make it difficult for your body to function normally, causing your anxiety levels to rise seemingly out of nowhere.

• Mood Swings: 

Hormone shifts can make you go from happy to sad in minutes! Even though it's normal to have mood swings during this period, it might be significantly worse for women with a history of severe PMS, fibroids, or endometriosis. 

• Low Sex Drive: 

Your sex drive might plummet due to a combination of stress, low energy, and painful intercourse. An unfortunate side effect of peri-menopause is vaginal dryness. When the vagina loses moisture and elasticity, penetration becomes difficult, making you uninterested in the activity.

• Weight Gain: 

Weight gain around your abdomen and thighs is another unwanted side-effect. You may find yourself stress-eating more often, eating larger portions, and, since energy and motivation are low, your desire to exercise decreases considerably—a perfect combination for weight to pile on. 

• Constant Cycle Changes: 

Menstrual flow irregularities are normal and inevitable during this time. The number of days your cycle might increase or decrease will vary. You may have more days of spotting between cycles, larger heavy clots, or skip several months and not have a menstrual flow at all!

• Sleeplessness: 

Night sweats, hot flashes, and restlessness may make it difficult for you to sleep at night. If you depend too heavily on Ambien, SSRIs, or Melatonin, and they aren't working anymore, it's likely that your sleep-wake hormones are out of balance. Both Estrogen and Progesterone help dictate the quality of your circadian rhythm.

• Hormonal Changes: 

During peri-menopause, the estrogen and progesterone levels drop, affecting other body systems like your nervous system, immunity, cardiovascular, and digestion. It's no wonder we see increased rates of cancer and heart disease rise during this time.

Treatment Methods 

While most symptoms can be managed, women need help to relieve the pain and suffering and reduce the stress associated with peri-menopause. Depending on how severe the symptoms are, I will recommend various treatment options, such as:

• Natural Anti-depressants 

• Hormone Balancing using Herbal Treatments

• Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement

• Change in the type of exercise

• Revised diet for optimizing hormones

• Improving the sleep hormones & establishing a regular sleep pattern 

Naturopathic & Holistic medicine allows you to heal yourself, focus on the root cause of the problem and help you get long-term results to be symptoms free.

Naturopathic Doctor in Oakland | Dr. Vera Singleton

Peri-menopause is a normal part of life, and you don't have to suffer through it alone. This is the time to learn how to connect with your body and support the systems needed for the longer-term journey into menopause. If you are in Oakland and need relief from peri-meno's symptoms, reach out to Dr. Vera Singleton. I can offer you a wide variety of treatment options to help you through peri-menopause. I use a program-based approach to get you the results you want and which fits your unique needs. I'm committed to helping you get to the root of your symptoms and giving you resources to live your fullest, happiest life. Schedule an appointment online or call (510) 230-2282 today for more information!

Top Reasons to Choose Natural Medicine | Naturopathy in Lafayette

​​Top Reasons to Choose Natural Medicine | Naturopathy in Lafayette

The evolution of modern medicine has brought with it the neglect of some of the earliest disease treatment methods. Since the dawn of humanity, these traditional practices have used different, alternative techniques to cure diseases. This article will explain some of the benefits of Naturopathy and why you should choose natural medicine. Naturopathy/ should be capitalized 

What Is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a form of alternative medicine that uses naturally acquired materials, resources, and techniques to treat diseases. It involves helping patients self-heal and cure diseases using herbs, nutritional and lifestyle changes.

Natural Medicine can also be called holistic, functional, unorthodox, or unconventional medicine. Although it is considered unsafe or outdated by some, naturopathy offers solutions to conditions that modern medicine can't treat well such as extreme fatigue, moodiness, restlessness and hormone imbalances.

7 Reasons Why You Should Choose Naturopathy

There are lots of benefits to gain from functional medicine. Its advantages range from stimulating your body to heal on its own to using methods that require no surgical knives and blades.

Other reasons you should choose naturopathy include:

1. Reduced Cost of Treatment 

Compared to conventional medicine, you can get treatment for an affordable fee. The use of natural remedies makes Naturopathy an effective and less expensive alternative.

2. Effectiveness 

You don't have to wait months or years to witness the positive effects of naturopathy. Natural treatments can rapidly stimulate your body to heal independently and eliminate the root causes of some diseases. When combined with conventional medicine, it increases the chances of recovery.

3. Disease Prevention 

You can also be sure to prevent the recurrence of the disease or the appearance of other conditions. A naturopathist will guide you to heal naturally and maintain a lifestyle that will keep you healthy.

4. Safe Treatment Methods 

The methods employed by naturopathy do not involve the use of complex equipment. The treatment you receive is safe and leaves you healthy without any side effects.

5. Treatment of Chronic Diseases 

There are no drugs that can take away anxiety or depression permanently. Naturopathy helps you find the root of your problems and provides solutions for them. Depending on your needs, therapy and counseling sessions can help you heal faster and more effectively.

6. Improved Lifestyle 

Your naturopathic doctor may recommend some changes to your lifestyle. This includes making healthier diet choices, stopping harmful acts like drinking and smoking, regular exercising, and proper rest. If you practice all of these, you tend to live a healthier lifestyle, making it difficult to fall sick. 

7. Closer relationship With Your Doctor 

Natural medicine allows you to relate with your doctor personally. Due to the techniques employed, it's easier to communicate the progress of your treatment, bringing about better results.

Get Better With Natural Medicine | Naturopathy Doctor in Lafayette, CA

Naturopathy offers you the chance to cure your afflictions by going straight to their roots, not just treating symptoms. You have the opportunity to heal by yourself, at your own pace, with the help of natural elements. Dr. Vera Singleton is an award-winning Naturopathic Doctor in Lafayette, CA, voted "Best Doctor" in the East Bay. She is a highly committed professional ready to help you in your journey to becoming a healthier, happier you. You can book an appointment online here or call (510) 230 2282 today for more information.

Updated Vitamin Protocol for new Variants, Vaccines, Boosters and any other Respiratory virus.

By popular request, I’m keeping this update short and sweet today!

Mega dosing vitamins during the acute phase of any respiratory virus or bacterial infection will increase your immune antibody production. The goal here is to increase antibody production and activate immune recognition.

Many of you have asked what can be done with active infections and pre/post vaccination and even in the long covid phase.

Let me be clear upfront, I am pro-immunity. There’s lots of data about the efficacy of the vaccine to reduce severity of symptoms, but you can still get infected even if vaccinated as we have learned with this new variant. There are also adverse reactions with this vaccine that is not heavily reported, just as with every vaccine that’s been produced (even the flu vaccine).

My job is to educate you with protocols & evidence based natural therapies to help protect your body.

 Basic tips to begin:

I recommend to REST if infected or if you test positive and are asymptomatic. Even though you are quarantined, this is NOT the time to exercise or clean your home intensely. Instead, it’s a great time to catch up on your reading list, clean your email box, or any other restorative activity.

Post booster/ vaccination, allow yourself 1-2 days to recover. Wear your mask. Remember, you’ve just been introduced to genetic material that is designed to stimulate your immune response. It’s normal to feel fatigued/lethargic.

Let’s start with what’s urgent:

Acute phase protocol:

At the first sign of illness, begin this protocol and continue for one week or until symptoms subside.  Do not exceed past 10 days.  All should be taken with meals ( not snacks) to avoid nausea.

If you feel like your symptoms are getting worse as the infection progresses, your O2 (oxygen) saturation is dropping,  or lingering past the third day, you should call 911 and/or seek hospital based care.

Food based:

100% Get off sugar and all dairy for the duration of your active infection. Both can dampen the immune response and maintain more mucous production in the upper respiratory sinuses and the chest. This is a bad combo if you have a history of Asthma, Bronchitis, upper respiratory or if you are carrying more weight.

Nutrients:

 Grab & purchase this protocol from fullscript

Vitamin C:

Vitamin D3:

Vitamin A:

Zinc

Copper

Quercetin

NAC

Glutathione

Cryo-Compresses for 3 nights: This is a timeless old-school method to improve microcirculation to the head/ neck and it’s free! Read how to do this…

References:

·       https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/CMR.18.3.446-464.2005

·       https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33069048/

·       https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14787210.2020.1706483

·       https://journal-inflammation.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12950-021-00268-6

Updated Long- Hauler or PASC fatigue syndrome:

Recovering from Post-infection/ Long COVID Fatigue is tricky.

We’re understanding the long-term impact of this every day. The key here if your energy isnt recovered after 1 month, is to jumpstart the body system with lots of deeper cell-level fuel.

I’ve shared tips previously, and now I’ve updated my protocol based on the latest research from 2021.

Food based Support:

Get off coffee & sugar! While it may be tempting to support your energy with sweets and caffeine, you may actually be hurting your long-term recovery. I prefer to use adaptogens like ginseng or ashwagandha. It’s a deeper focus on supporting the nervous system.

Mass Nutrient depletion:

I’m seeing low nutrient levels and even depleted WBCs- immune support cells in bloodwork.  This is akin to my patients who have graves, or autoimmune where the body is working overtime and is now depleted.    You must replenish this back to feel normal again. See my supplement recommendations below.

Long COVID Nutrients:

Grab & purchase nutrients to support your energy pickup after your viral infection has passed. This should not be done until the active infection has passed.  If needed, we can always run a full nutrient panel for you! Existing patients can book a 15min consult at 510-230-2282 to discuss more in-depth.

The symptoms of long-haul are many. I’m seeing pop-up medical clinics offering programs specifically, but in my practice, I focus on COVID-related Hair Loss, digestion and nervous system exhaustion specifically. Take a look at my Healthy hair/ Hormone programs and see if this is a good fit for you to get your body back on track.

More to come, stay healthy in the meantime!

XOXO

Dr. Vera

Cryo-Compress Therapy for Sinuses, Ear infections and sore throats- All Ages

If you’re looking for a treatment that can jumpstart your immune system overnight, you’ve come to the right place. It involves putting on ice-cold socks and… sleeping in them!

This natural method of stimulating the immune system zaps bacterial or viral infections is called the “Cryo-compress treatment.”

Yes, you heard me. Ice cold compress, and it works for all ages!

It may sound strange, but it works because it rallies the body’s defenses at a deep physiologic level.

And the best part about it is that it uses the healing power of nature and doesn’t cost anything.

Who’s this great for:

The treatment stimulates the body to heat the cold, wet socks. The body reacts to the cold socks by increasing blood circulation, which also stimulates the immune system. This treatment acts to reflexively increase circulation and decrease congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head and throat.

The cold sock treatment can be used in conjunction with other immune-stimulating modalities to treat inflammation, ear infections, sore throat, headaches, migraines, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis and sinus infections.

It’s best to start the wet sock treatment on the first day of an illness, ideally repeating it for three nights in a row. This treatment is great for all ages!

Here’s how to do the cyro-compress.

Supplies: 
1 pair of very thin cotton socks- ankle socks work best
1 pair of thick wool socks or thick cotton socks. (Must cover the thin socks fully!)
2 sets of sweats or cotton pajamas (covering the arms/legs)
1 bowl of ice water

Directions: 

1. Take a hot bath for 5-10 minutes. This is essential for the effectiveness of the treatment. In fact, it could be harmful if your feet are not warmed first.

2. Soak the pair of thin socks in the bowl of ice water. Then wring the socks out thoroughly so they do not drip.

3. Dry off your feet.

4. Place ice-cold wet socks on feet. Then cover with thick wool socks. Go directly to bed. The key is for you to be warm and your feet cold. Avoid getting chilled. Add a second comforter if needed.

5. Wear the socks overnight. Avoid the urge to take them off during the night. If you wake up with your whole body wet from sweat, change into another set of dry pajamas, but leave on the socks!

**You will find that the “wet socks” will be dry in the morning, like magic!

 Pro-Tip: Taking any kind of immune support whether tincture, capsule or tea prior to the Cyro-Compress treatment will 10X the effectiveness of the treatment!

Tinctures are my favorite as they are fasting acting and won’t have you urinating in the bathroom all night.

This is my favorite immune blend. It’s got a lesser-known, but powerful lesser herb called Osha (Ligusticum porteri) which has been used by the indigenous cultures for colds and flus for centuries. Absolutely amazing! Purchase it here at Fullscript

XOXO

Dr. Vera

Starting 2022 Powerfully: What you can do in the next 5 mins will make a difference

We made it to 2022!

We showed up.

We conquered some of our life’s challenges in 2021 and the good news is, we get to do it again this year.

The difference?

We’re more powerful. We learned from our mistakes. We got incredible clarity from our uphill battles last year.  

So, as you craft resolutions or set your 2022 vision, remember that you already showed up new, already perfect, and worthy of living your perfect life you dreamed of this year.

Take 5 minutes if you haven’t already to reflect on how you showed up to 2022.

This is so vital for pushing past our stuck programming on what we didn’t do right. Think about:

·        What was your journey like to get here today?

·        What successes did you have along the way?

·        What did you have to overcome?

And most importantly, who did you become to get through the challenges you faced?

Reflecting on my own successes…

Last year was one of the most challenging for me professionally, but I kept hold of my vision of how I wanted to support you. I become, “the doctor who stands and supports her patients when times got tough”

• We served more patients than ever before in the history of our practice

• We gave away immunity support protocols for free and provided unlimited access to high quality supplements

• We stood against the challenges of providing high quality medical services virtually and stayed open during the ongoing pandemic

• We provided pro-bono medical support to those impacted by COVID-19

• We continued to offer in-person skin cancer screenings and treatments

• We moved to a new location despite huge obstacles

• We held the emotional space for you our trusted patients, when you were over-worked, over-zoomed and just over plain over this pandemic!

 What we’re looking forward to in 2022

I’m excited to finally announce, we started a non-profit called Asante Regenerative Care to assist those impacted by long-covid symptoms. It will be a collaboration of the medical thought leaders from around the world providing high quality content and low cost group based medical care to assist those still suffering with long-covid.   We’re in the visioning & resource acquisition phase and will need volunteers soon to help launch this rocket. Much more details to share!

We’re expanding on all of our Health Programs. Our goal is to offer more offline content and coaching to provide you with more support in between visits. We are committed to helping you stay accountable and on track towards your vision.

 We’re expanding on our Healthy Skin Program service offerings to include:

• Holistic treatments for hair loss using PRP & stem cell for both men and women

• Preventative Facial skin rejuvenation & tightening to re-build collagen naturally

• Skin rejuvenation & resurfacing to combat stress related aging and the effects of “tech neck”

• Targeted support for acne for teens, relieving acne scarring

• Scar softening to reduce the impact of scarring from accidents, C-sections, or top-surgery

I’m so excited for what’s to come!!!

Thank you for your unending support of my practice, supporting its growth, sharing my bold vision and entrusting me with your care.  It’s an incredible honor to walk alongside you on your health journey.

Much love and light in 2022!

Dr. Vera

Looking for Non-Alcoholic Herbal Red Wine? Grab your 🍷!

Need a Sober Holiday? Or is your body demanding a 🍷 break!

This Non-Alcoholic Herbal Red Wine is what to drink when you're not drinking.

I created this herbal blend for those who really need to take the edge off + trying to cut back on alcohol intake and reduce the addictive need for alcohol.

Herbs are nourishing and soothing for the nervous system and will actually relax your body without the horrible next day hangover.  

With this Herbal Red Wine you're actually doing something good for your body!

While the possibilities are endless, here's what we're mixing today:

·        Start by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of Mixed Berry Extract in 4 oz of chilled water. Mix well.

·        Next, choose how strong you’d like your Herbal Red Wine by using tinctures.

• Add your base: 2 dropperfuls of L- theanine. Stir. Then drop in your choice of herbal support

• Strong Support for the rough days: 10-20 drops of Kava-Kava or Alcohol Free Kava-Kava

-Or-

• Medium Stress Support: Lemon Balm- Alcohol Free

·        Add a splash of carbonated water if you like, or enjoy still

     (Yes, you can add all three, but get ready for a knock-out!)

Now, sit, relax and wind down your day in your favorite glass!

Here’s where to purchase the Libation: Herbal Red Wine Blend. Each month’s supply will give you 2-3 glasses/day every day of the week for one month!  

The science:

·        Mixed Berry Extract: Huge source of natural anthocyanin antioxidants, which supports cardiovascular disorders, age-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and reduction of IL-6. These anthocyanins are actually why wine is “good for you”.

·        L-Theanine: Has been shown to reduce anxiolytic-like behavior and decreased withdrawal symptoms, and safe for stepping down from opioid, alcohol abuse and treating anxiety-related disorders.

·        Lemon Balm- Used since ancient times to calm the heart and the body, Melissa officinalis,  also has powerful antimicrobial activity (antiparasitic, antibacterial, antiviral, etc), antispasmodic, and insomnia properties.

·        Kava-Kava- Piper Methysticum is a non-addictive medicinal South Pacific plant species belonging to the pepper family. For centuries, Pacific Islanders have used kava as a medicinal plant because of its sedative, anesthetic, euphoriant, and psychotropic properties. (In other words: It can calm you down and make you feel good.)

You can easily enjoy 2 or 3 glasses of this without the guilt or the hangover and your liver will love you for it ! 💞 💞 💞 💞

Grab your Herbal Red Wine Blend for the holiday!

Enjoy!

 XOXO

 Dr. Vera