Q: I have read that Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) should not be taken by people who have had organ transplants. Does this include an artificial aortic heart valve? Also, does it affect INR levels and should Warfarin dosage need to be readjusted?
Low-dose naltrexone is a specially compounded capsule of 1.5 to 4.5 mg of naltrexone and is used in treating chronic medical conditions. It acts by reducing inflammation of the central nervous system. Lisa Lilienfield, M.D.: The short answer is that Low-Dose Naltrexone should not be taken by someone on immunosuppressant drugs because it boosts the immune system by stimulating the body’s own endorphins. There are no known interactions with Coumadin but it is always a good idea to check the INR more often when starting a new medication. Therefore if someone has a valve replacement, yet is not on an immunosuppressants, LDN should be safe.
– Dr. Lilienfield
“Provider Spotlight” is a series that highlights the wonderful team of healthcare providers and specialists here at the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine.
Jeanne Scheele has practiced physical therapy in Northern Virginia for 40 years and serves as the Kaplan Center’s Physical Therapy Director. Over the last several years, Jeanne has focused her continuing-education efforts on pain management, and in particular, on the use of physical therapy to decrease women’s pelvic pain and to manage incontinence.
Why did you choose your specialty?
I have been focused on women’s health and pelvic floor problems for about 16 years. I became interested long ago because I had patients who had orthopedic problems and confided in me that they were also “leaking.” At the time, I did not have an answer so I investigated. I am still learning.
What is the biggest challenge in your practice and how do you overcome it?
The biggest challenge in my practice, because each woman is unique with special needs, is how to do an evaluation and produce a plan of care for that individual. It cannot be a cookie cutter approach.
What’s the one piece of advice that you give to all of your patients?
One piece of advice? Think positive. Find a way to be quiet within yourself and de-stress.
What are some of your interests and/or pastimes outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to travel with my husband, experiment with gourmet meals, read historical novels, make greeting cards, exercise and meditate, see my children and grandchildren.
If you could choose another career, what would it be?
I honestly do not know of another career. I chose physical therapy at the age of 16 and never looked back!
Q. Dr. Kaplan, you have recommended using turmeric regularly to reduce inflammation and improve health. What puzzles me is this: regardless of their continued, lifelong consumption of turmeric, the number of people in India suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia continues to spiral upwards. Can you comment on this?
Gary Kaplan, D.O.: The issue with inflammation in the body as a whole, and the brain, in particular, is a complex issue. Before you can successfully address the inflammation that is involved in the disease processes of many chronic illnesses, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, you have to remove all of the factors that are causing the inflammation in the first place.
So, for example, if you are living in a highly stressful environment that is polluted and toxic, with poor sleep habits and/or poor nutrition or other health issues, thinking that turmeric is going to fix you is whistling through the graveyard.
Turmeric is useful as an antioxidant and for reducing the inflammatory activity of the microglia, the innate immune cells of the central nervous system. However, addressing the issues of inflammation requires a comprehensive approach that begins with good nutrition, sleep, and exercise habits as well as regular meditation. After that, we have to work with individuals to help each person find their pathway to health.
– Dr. Kaplan
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2
Is Low-Dose Naltrexone Safe for Artificial Heart Valve Recipients?
/in Treatments/by Lisa Lilienfield, MDQ: I have read that Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) should not be taken by people who have had organ transplants. Does this include an artificial aortic heart valve? Also, does it affect INR levels and should Warfarin dosage need to be readjusted?
Low-dose naltrexone is a specially compounded capsule of 1.5 to 4.5 mg of naltrexone and is used in treating chronic medical conditions. It acts by reducing inflammation of the central nervous system.
Lisa Lilienfield, M.D.: The short answer is that Low-Dose Naltrexone should not be taken by someone on immunosuppressant drugs because it boosts the immune system by stimulating the body’s own endorphins. There are no known interactions with Coumadin but it is always a good idea to check the INR more often when starting a new medication. Therefore if someone has a valve replacement, yet is not on an immunosuppressants, LDN should be safe.
– Dr. Lilienfield
Provider Spotlight: Jeanne Scheele, PT
/in Wellness/by Jeanne Scheele, PT“Provider Spotlight” is a series that highlights the wonderful team of healthcare providers and specialists here at the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine.
Why did you choose your specialty?
I have been focused on women’s health and pelvic floor problems for about 16 years. I became interested long ago because I had patients who had orthopedic problems and confided in me that they were also “leaking.” At the time, I did not have an answer so I investigated. I am still learning.
What is the biggest challenge in your practice and how do you overcome it?
The biggest challenge in my practice, because each woman is unique with special needs, is how to do an evaluation and produce a plan of care for that individual. It cannot be a cookie cutter approach.
What’s the one piece of advice that you give to all of your patients?
One piece of advice? Think positive. Find a way to be quiet within yourself and de-stress.
What are some of your interests and/or pastimes outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to travel with my husband, experiment with gourmet meals, read historical novels, make greeting cards, exercise and meditate, see my children and grandchildren.
If you could choose another career, what would it be?
I honestly do not know of another career. I chose physical therapy at the age of 16 and never looked back!
Turmeric – Miracle Spice or a Bunch of Hype?
/in Inflammation/by Gary Kaplan, DOQ. Dr. Kaplan, you have recommended using turmeric regularly to reduce inflammation and improve health. What puzzles me is this: regardless of their continued, lifelong consumption of turmeric, the number of people in India suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia continues to spiral upwards. Can you comment on this?
Gary Kaplan, D.O.: The issue with inflammation in the body as a whole, and the brain, in particular, is a complex issue. Before you can successfully address the inflammation that is involved in the disease processes of many chronic illnesses, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, you have to remove all of the factors that are causing the inflammation in the first place.
So, for example, if you are living in a highly stressful environment that is polluted and toxic, with poor sleep habits and/or poor nutrition or other health issues, thinking that turmeric is going to fix you is whistling through the graveyard.
Turmeric is useful as an antioxidant and for reducing the inflammatory activity of the microglia, the innate immune cells of the central nervous system. However, addressing the issues of inflammation requires a comprehensive approach that begins with good nutrition, sleep, and exercise habits as well as regular meditation. After that, we have to work with individuals to help each person find their pathway to health.
– Dr. Kaplan
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2