Submit your question using the contact form. Questions will be answered on a periodic basis. If your question is chosen, the answer will be located here. Please state that you are submitting your question for "Ask Dr. Mechelle."
Q: How can I boost my immune system?
A: The immune system is a complex system with two parts: innate and adaptive. The innate system creates is made up of organs, cells which forms barriers to keep invaders out of your body. The adaptive immune system is made up of B and T cells that work in synastry to fight off viruses, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that create disease in the body. Other factors can come into play that will determine how your immune system functions. There are no special one or two ingredients that will "boost" your immune system. Reflecting on your lifestyle habits can help you to understand if you are compromising your immune functioning. Excessive drinking, smoking and an unhealthy diet can compromise the immune system. If you can take anything out of this answer, remember this: Immunity is developed over a prolonged period of time. There are no quick fixes. You can't take a supplement or wellness product for one or two days and think "ahhh..I've boosted my immune system." That's not how things work. Actions to aide immunity should be incorporated into your lifestyle. Please look out for another post in the Green News Guide with more information about immune system "boosting."
The following question was from a lady that I met during my travels.
Q: I have experienced hair loss due to radiation from cancer treatment. What can I use to grow my hair back?
A: If you are experiencing hair loss due to radiation treatment, there is hope for you. The main issue with radiation is that benign, healthy cells are destroyed along with cancerous cells. Temporary hair loss from radiation and chemotherapy is temporary with lowered doses of radiation. The key to hair growth is in having and maintaining a healthy hair and scalp regimen even while you assume treatment. The most important step to take is to stay away from heat of any kind as using heat will cause further hair loss. 1/4 tsp of castor oil can be applied to the scalp with quick finger tip massages on a daily basis to help stimulate follicles. I utilize an ayurveydic approach to hair care. There are many natural ayurveydic ingredients and other important steps that I would recommend you take in this case. Please purchase my Hair Health Analysis for further info.
Q: Dear Dr. Mechelle, how can I get rid of dry scalp and dandruff?
A: Hello there! Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that affects millions of people. Once again, hair routine and regimen is a very important step in ridding dandruff from the scalp with could be the result of over active yeast production, product buildup or dry skin. There are quite a few natural treatments that I'd recommend to a person suffering from dandruff. One tip that I suggest you follow is to ensure that the shampoo you are using is sulfate free. Sulfates are carcinogenic and they strip the scalp of its natural oils. Every individual is different as well. You could be washing your hair too much or too little. You may not be moisturizing your hair and scalp enough or properly. There are a number steps that should be taken to counteract dandruff and dry scalp. A hair health analysis consultation would benefit you well as I will be able to learn more about your hair health history and tailor my analysis and recommendations specific to your case.
Q: Hi Dr. Mechelle! I've heard about homeopathy but I would like to know more about it.
A: Okay, this will be the only answer that may be a few paragraphs as there is so much that I can say. Samuel Hahnemann was a German physician who created homeopathy. To get a better understanding of homeopathy, it helps to know what the root words actually mean. Homeo, in Greek "homoios" means "similar" while "pathos" means suffering. Homeopathy is essentially, the law of similars. Behind this law is the notion that 'like alleviates like.' This law as it applies to "pathos," essentially means that conditions or ailments which display certain symptoms can be alleviated by substances that would result in the same symptoms if given to an individual who is free of the ailment. Homeopathic remedies are made from plants, minerals and natural substances and are non toxic. They stimulate the body to heal itself in a very holistic and balanced manner.
Some of the most well known individuals in our society have been huge proponents of homeopathy. Louise May Alcott, William Butler Yeats, Ghandi, Mother Theresa and past Popes were advocates of homeopathy. John D. Rockefeller once referred to homeopathy as "a progressive and aggressive step in medicine." William Cullen Bryant, poet and journalist was a passionate zealot of homeopathy and served as President of the New York Homeopathic Society.
The British Royal Family have been endorsers of homeopathy since the 1830s. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II is a royal patron of the Royal London Homeopathic hospital. Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mother was a Royal Patron of the British Homeopathic Association. Prince Charles is a super vocal proponent of homeopathy and as heir apparent, he will make alternative and complementary medicine a primary initiative when he assumes the throne. He firmly believes that the general approach towards healthcare should be balanced and integrative of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine). In a speech to the Royal Society of Medicine conference when referencing allergies he stated, ".. greater access to integrated healthcare would help to tackle this rise in allergies, not because complementary medicine can miraculously cure allergies, but because complementary practitioners emphasize preventative care and encourage individuals to adopt different lifestyles and undertake a greater degree of self-management." Here at NaturalDocNow, we believe that the holistic approach provides the best route for helping individuals obtain true healing. It is also a time tested and evidenced route for self-management and empowerment as it concerns an individuals' health.
Q: What is Holistic Medicine?
A: Holistic Medicine is an alternative medicine modality that takes into account the whole person--body, mind, spirit and emotions-- in the pursuit for health and wellness. Besides the physical and nutritional, holistic medicine philosophy also encompasses the environmental, social, spiritual and lifestyle values of the person. There is a primary focus and emphasis on education as an empowerment tool to achieve optimal health. Along with that is the goal of increasing the client's efforts in taking a proactive stance concerning their health.
Q: Can hair dye cause cancer?
A: The short answer is yes. There are prominent studies that have determined links between carcinogenic hair dyes and the onset of cancer. You'll want to stay away from hair dyes with ingredients such as ammonia, coal tar, P Phenylenediamine, hydrogen peroxide, etc. See this article in the Green News Guide for more info: When Hair is Literally to Dye For
Q: Is it safe to use aluminum cookware?
A: Researchers have determined links between Alzheimer's disease and the use of aluminum. Aluminum metal can leak from pots, pans or utensils when heated to certain temperatures. Aluminum is present in every day items such as deodorant, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cans and etc. Numerous studies have also linked aluminum to cancer, weakening of kidneys and weakened bones. Anonodized, ceramic pots and pans are safe. Stay away from non stick pans that have PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy alkane), PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid), PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) and cadmium in their nonstick coating.
Q: Will I get enough protein if I eat a vegetarian diet?
A: This is a question that I receive quite frequently in both professional and personal life. People are worried about protein and may be hesitant to embark on a vegetarian diet. Vegetarian diets have no shortage of protein as a proper vegetarian diet substitutes animal based protein for plant based protein. There will only be an issue if a person is unknowledgeable about what they can substitute for the animal proteins that they used to eat. Many plant based protein substitutes have just as much protein as animal based protein. For instance, an egg has 6 gram of protein. Just Egg's liquid egg substitute has 5g in a serving. The person who embarks on a vegetarian diet will need to learn how to create meals that have adequate amounts of protein and be educated on various types of plant based protein. Purchase my elimination diet consultation if you are embarking on a vegetarian or vegan diet.