• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for optimal immune health. The immune system relies upon vitamin D to synthesize defensins and other immune system proteins that help fight bacteria, viruses and fungi. Testing your vitamin D level and maintaining an optimal blood level of vitamin D is essential to cold & flu prevention. 
• Vitamins A & C: Both vitamins A and C are very potent antioxidants and are supportive of immune regulation. Maintaining a healthy daily dose of vitamins A & C in a multivitamin or as stand alone supplements during cold & flu season is a reasonable suggestion for maintaining a healthy immune system foundation. 
• Medicinal Mushroom Capsules: Mushrooms are high in beta-glucan and other immune boosting properties. Medicinal mushrooms may include combinations of maitake, shiitake, reishi, turkey tail, cordyceps, chaga, agaricus, and more. We recommend our customers and patients take a daily dose, as a preventative aid. Doses can be adjusted during acute illness to help fight an infection more effectively. 
• ​Colostrum: An important immune regulatory protein found in breast milk, colostrum can help boost the immune system and prevent influenza. Research studies have been published over the past 10 years comparing the effectiveness of colostrum supplementation versus the flu vaccine, concluding that colostrum may be more effective than the flu vaccination. See references below. 
• Zinc: White blood cells and the immune system use zinc to work in a healthy capacity of fighting and preventing viral infections. Typical doses of zinc range from 30-50mg for most adults. 
• Herbal Tinctures: Various herbal extracts are available for children and adults and can be formulated for preventative or active infections. Have a general immune blend or children’s immune blend in the medicine cabinet consisting of a combination of any of the following herbs: echinacea, Oregon grape root, astragalus, elder berry, elder flower, andrographis, ginger root or elecampane.
• Herbal & Ginger Teas: Caffeine-free herbal teas encourage a healthy immune response and the excretion of metabolic byproducts during an active cold and flu. Ginger is our ultimate favorite herbal tea (fresh or dried) during cold and flu season, and when it is combined with other immune-loving herbs, that is even better!
• NAC (N-acetylcysteine): An amino acid precursor, NAC can be a useful aid for those with sinus congestion and inflammation or a wet cough. Doses are dependent on the individuals size, symptom presentation and severity. If you are interested, stop by Sonoma Roots or call us for further recommendations. 
• Nasal Rinse or Spray: Rinsing the nasal cavity daily with salt water or using xylitol nasal sprays can help decrease inflammation of the sinuses and keep the sinus cavity free of pathogens. 
• Warming Sock Treatment: An old time home remedy using just two pairs of socks, hot & cold water. This treatment is recommended for any individual or any age during acute infection or at the initial onset. Read our blog post here for treatment details and instructions. 
• Far Infrared Sauna: Far infrared sauna can be a wonderful immune boosting aid for the prevention or initial onset of a cold or flu. If you are in or around Sonoma or have access to a non-fumigated or chemically treated FIR sauna, we recommend you keep this in consideration. 
• Natural Immune Booster Shots: natural immune modulating booster injections are now available at Sonoma Roots. Read our recent blog post to learn more about our Immune Booster. 

​
If you are interested in finding out more information about our top cold & flu season products, call or stop by Sonoma Roots Natural Medicine!

Please remember that these tools are not intended to take the place of medical expertise. If you have not been diagnosed with a cold or flu, or you or a loved one you are caring for have a fever exceeding 102 degrees, consult your doctor. ​If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a medical professional before starting a new supplement or herbal program. 

References:
Prevention of influenza episodes with colostrum compared with vaccination. 
Prevention of flu episodes with colostrum and Bifivir compared with vaccination.

We're happy that you all have made it safely through the tragic wildfires that ripped through our beloved hometown. Please know that you all have the support of your community and neighbors while homes and lives are rebuilt in Sonoma and our surrounding areas. 

We were hoping to have a more detailed blog post prepared giving our checklist and the health benefits of each recommendation, yet have come to realize that our time and energy is needed directly assisting patients and customers in our shop. Please look over the checklist below that was made with the intention of helping the body process toxic wildfire smoke and heal on a mental, physical and emotional level.

Each bolded category are simply recommendations of areas to focus, with specific formulas or suggestions listed below. The list is not intended to be completed in entirety. If you have questions or would like further guidance, please stop by Sonoma Roots during our normal business hours (M-F 10-5:30pm).

Our hearts are with all of those affected by or have lost loved ones and personal property in the fires. Be well, Sonoma.

Call us if you have any questions regarding the food drive! (707) 996-4656

Nutritional Panel Option
This blood test is perfect for those who would like to know if they are getting the nutrients they need through the diet or supplementation. Optimal nutrition is necessary for optimal energy, vitality and prevention of chronic illnesses. No one likes to spend extra money on everyday supplements when they may not be needed. Testing for intracellular nutrients is an excellent way of establishing a healthy and cost-effective daily routine. 

Test components include: 
Vitamins (A, B's, C, D, E, K, Biotin, Folate)
Minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium)
Amino Acids (Asparagine, Glutamine, Serine)
Antioxidants (Alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10, Cysteine, Glutathione)
Carbohydrate Metabolism (Chromium, Fructose sensitivity, Glucose-Insulin)
Metabolites (Choline, Inositol, Carnitine)

Food Allergy/Sensitivity Test Option:
This package was created to offer a cost effective solution for those who suspect that they may be living with food sensitivities/allergies. 96 of the most common foods (gluten, dairy, sugar, grains, vegetables, fruits and more) are tested and reported in this package. This option is available as a blood draw or finger prick test. 

Symptoms of food sensitivities may include:
Bloating, Flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, unexplained weight gain or difficult weight loss, chronic fatigue, frequent infections, acne, skin rashes and more. 

Additional Information About The Fall Health Specials:
The fees associated with each package include the initial visit, laboratory work and the results visit with Dr. Danielle. The initial visit includes a 15 minute consultation for the prep work associated with each package. The results visit with each package includes a 30 minute result review with Dr. Danielle Schwaderer. An additional fee of $18 may be collected for the blood draw associated with the nutritional panel (micronutrient testing). 

Payment Options:
All package fees are due at the time of service. Although insurance is not accepted for the packages listed above, Health Savings or Flex Spending account funds may be utilized for the packages.

Scheduling:
If you are interested in our Fall Health Specials, please schedule your initial visit online or call our office: (707) 996-4656

It's that time again for another round of our seasonal BodyBoost Cleanse! Register today for our free informational class! Learn, explore and get healthy with our 3 or 10 day cleanse options. Our Paleo-friendly whole foods cleanse is a perfect option for almost anybody. The cleanse begins in October.

Spread the news about Sonoma's newest resource for cancer patients! I personally am thrilled about this amazing opportunity, as I am the Naturopathic Doctor involved in the program! Now available as outpatient services offered at the Sonoma Valley Hospital, Cancer Support Sonoma offers many alternative therapies at discounted prices to Sonoma Valley residents and beyond. 

As described on the Cancer Support Sonoma website: "The program offers complementary therapies to help cancer patients reduce the symptoms of treatment such as fatigue, nausea, depression and anxiety. We offer a variety of therapies including acupuncture, oncology massage, nutrition counseling, naturopathic counseling (vitamin/herb/medication review), jin shin jytsu (Japanese acupressure), Feldenkrais, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and sound healing.
Services are provided in a private suite of rooms, located on the third floor of Sonoma Valley Hospital, which has been remodeled to offer a healing environment. Our goal is to help cancer patients get back to more fully living their lives.   

Please review our FAQs for more detailed information about the program.  If you are interested in participating in Cancer Support Sonoma, please fill out our patient intake form and contact us at 707-935-5244, or email to us at infocancersupport@svh.com to schedule an interview. You will need to bring the patient intake form with you to your first appointment, so you do not need to email it to us. "