How to Treat the Symptoms of Eczema With a Drug-Free Approach | Skin Care Treatment in Lafayette, CA

If you're one of the 30 million Americans who suffer from eczema, you know how frustrating and embarrassing this condition can be. Before coming to me, many of my patients turned to prescription drugs and treatments but suffered harsh side effects without visible results. I’m here to tell you there’s a better option to target the root cause of the issues instead of just treating symptoms!. I’m Vera Singleton, a naturopathic doctor in Lafayette, CA, with many years of experience in treating skin from the inside out. Keep reading to learn more about my Healthy Skin program to get to the bottom of your persistent skin issues.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, cracked, and scaly or blistered skin. It can be extremely itchy and uncomfortable and can make everyday activities difficult. This condition presents as a red, scaly rash on the face, hands, or feet but can occur anywhere on the body.

It can appear at any age and range from mild to severe. External or internal irritants or allergens trigger the immune system, causing inflammation (also called flare-up). While there isn't an exact known cause for this condition, it may result from an imbalance between immune support, nutritional support, optimal digestion, and support for the skin flora. 

Eczema Symptoms

Symptoms will vary from person to person, as an individual's skin care routine can affect its state. With this in mind, the most common signs of this condition include:

• Dry and sensitive skin

• Discolored or inflamed skin

• Blisters

• Scaly, rough skin patches

• Swollen skin

• Itchiness

The Traditional Approach

The traditional approach to eczema treatment is to prescribe topical steroids or immunosuppressants. These drugs can be effective in the short term but also have many harmful side effects. Long-term prescription of topical steroids can thin the skin and make it more susceptible to infection. Immunosuppressants put patients at risk for developing severe conditions.

My Naturopathic Approach

I created a targeted approach to help my patients reduce their symptoms quickly and heal their skin in 6 to 9 months by working on the following four pillars:

• Reducing inflammation at the core

• Restoring nutrient levels the skin needs

• Balancing hormonal triggers and inflammation pathways

• Building back skin-specific flora on the skin and gut

Maybe you are thinking, "but I have been to dermatologists, tried antibiotics and topical steroids, and nothing has worked." I am here to tell you that it is possible to get your skin condition under control. My goal is to find the underlying cause of eczema and help the skin heal from the inside out by restoring commensal bacteria and intestinal permeability (leaky gut). 

How Does My Healthy Skin Program Work?

1. Case history: I will ask you about your medical history, medications, and supplement use. I will also want to know about your diet and stress levels.

2. Discovery: I will use traditional and specialty lab testing to look for nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, and digestive imbalances.

3. Take off: I will create a plan to eliminate triggers, support your digestive system, and rebalance your microbiome.

4. Monthly support: I will see you monthly to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your plan.

Additionally, you will get individualized nutrition optimization sessions, free webinars on creating healthy habits, email support between visits, and access to high-quality supplements at a discount. This program will improve your skin to be worry-free of sudden, constant outbreaks. You will also have a precise understanding of how to detox and clear your skin if you have any flare-ups in the future.

Send a Clear Message to Your Body and See Results! | Skin Care Treatment in Lafayette, CA

Skin conditions like eczema can significantly affect our self-esteem and overall health. However, there are options that will help you love your skin again! When you have optimal health, your mind is sharper and more focused, you are creative, and you have the energy to accomplish the goals that you set out. I'm Dr. Vera Singleton, and I help people find the underlying cause of their health troubles using natural medicine. You'll understand the big impact quickly of why your body is out of balance and how to correct it on your first visit. Book an appointment today or call me at (510) 230-2282 today to get started!

How to Naturally Rebalance Leaky Gut and SIBO to Boost Your Digestive System | Digestive System Treatment in Walnut Creek, CA

You wake up in the morning feeling discomfort in your belly. You go to work, and the first thing you do is drink a few cups of coffee to wake up fully, only to feel nausea and  burning in your stomach. You've been dealing with this for weeks, maybe even months, and you're just about fed up. Most digestion discomfort come from inflammation in the gut, caused by either wrong foods or harmful bacteria. Maybe even a combination of both! A big part of your immune system is located in your gut, which can explain why keeping it healthy considerably impacts your overall health. Do you need a second opinion on fixing your nutrition in Walnut Creek, CA? Look no further. I am Dr. Vera Singleton, and I will walk you through a way to naturally rebalance and boost your digestive system.

How Does the State of the Gut Affect My Overall Health?

Let's begin by diving into the importance of the digestive system. This essential body process helps break down food, extract nutrients, and eliminate waste. When functioning correctly, we feel great and have lots of energy. But when something goes wrong, we can experience digestive problems like acid reflux, nausea, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and more.

These can be symptoms of the leaky gut syndrome, which occurs when the lining of the digestive tract becomes damaged, allowing bacteria and toxins to "leak" into the bloodstream. When larger food proteins leak from the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system may perceive them as external toxins. This may produce an immune response that leads to allergies, food sensitivities, or autoimmunity. SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is another common digestive disorder that occurs when there is an unusual growth of bacteria in the area. This bacterial excess may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, malnutrition, persistent bloating, and unintentional weight loss. When these conditions go untreated, they can lead to autoimmune disease.

While the symptoms may present in the gastrointestinal system, keeping it healthy depends on numerous factors involving the whole body. To ensure optimal function, we need to consider nutrient absorption, the balance of the body's natural microorganisms, elimination of waste, and tissue health. A whole-body approach is the best way to find the underlying root cause of the problem!

But I’ve Tried Other Programs Without Results!

Okay, so you have tried many diets, visited many doctors, and your health hasn't improved. You may be wondering: can Dr. Vera fix my digestion issues? The answer is YES! My Digestion and Gut program isn't limited to just an acid reflux treatment. My customizable approach works even on tough cases by aggressively working to lower key inflammation markers, treat slow digestion, and lessen the impact of food allergies.

Digestive System Treatment in Walnut Creek, CA

My approach consists of the following steps:

• Case history: I want to know everything about your digestive problems, medical history, family history, and current lifestyle.

• Discovery: I will assess your digestive function with a comprehensive questionnaire and order the appropriate lab tests to determine the root cause of your digestive problems.

• Program: I will design a customized program that will rebalance your digestive system and help you find relief from your digestive problems.

• Support: I will give you the support and resources you need to heal and get your life back.

How Will I Benefit?

My approach isn't based on theory alone. You will leave your first session with action steps and everything you need to get started on the digestion program. Forget about the lengthy try-and-guess process and the elimination diets that take forever to produce useful information. I will help you find the right foods for your body right now, based on your test results. You will feel balanced, have a regular digestive function, less pain, more energy, and better overall health. Plus, you will enjoy all your favorite foods without digestive discomfort and fear of relapses.

Functional Medicine in Walnut Creek, CA | Dr. Vera Singleton

Keeping our digestive system healthy and functioning greatly impacts our overall health, which is why keeping it in check is necessary. If you are fatigued, suffer from hormone imbalance, or need help with your digestive system, I am here to help. Even if you've seen other doctors with no results, there is still more you can do! Naturopathy changed my life and made me question why other doctors could not help me. This ignited my desire to pursue helping others achieve optimal health, become more creative, and have the energy to accomplish their goals. Schedule an appointment online, or call (510) 230-2282 today!

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