Description

Heartburn is caused by acid refluxing upwards from the stomach into the esophagus. In most cases it is not caused by having too much acid in the stomach. In normal situations, a gate called the LES closes to prevent the acid from refluxing upwards. In people with heartburn, however, the LES may stay open or relax more easily. Causes of this are multifactorial, but are mostly due to poor eating habits, poor digestion and stress. In fact, many people with reflux actually have depressed stomach acidity. Antacids pills such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Zantac, etc. block the secretion of stomach acid and while this might actually provide some relief, it can make the problem worse for a large number of people. By blocking the ever-important stomach acidity, these medications interfere with your ability to digest and absorb protein, vitamin B-12 and all minerals including calcium and magnesium. These medications could also leave someone prone to gastrointestinal infections by decreasing the protective acid from the stomach. At Coastal Naturopathic Center, we guide our patients toward a diet that promotes proper digestion and absorption of foods, and we do NOT block the normal secretion of stomach acid. For symptom relief we use specific herbs to support and soothe the stomach and esophagus without causing harmful side effects.

Patient Testimonial

I was on Pepcid daily for 2 years to treat severe heartburn and was unknowingly suffering side effects. I had developed leg cramps at night (for which I was then given another medication- Quinine sulfate), and I was then told I had signs of osteoporosis and would need another medication that might cause reflux! If that doesn’t cause someone to seek a new doctor, what will? It has been 2 years since I first saw Dr. Richard Maurer and I have been off all antacids, with no digestive complaints. I have changed my diet and now I “suffer” from more energy, better sleep and my recent DEXA study has shown a complete reversal of the bone loss that was present 3 years ago. I continue to use 2 supplements and one herbal tonic for general digestion, and truly feel wonderful. Thanks Dr. Maurer! -E.P. Lewiston, ME

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Description

Acne is caused by one or a combination of three factors: hormonal imbalance (including stress hormones), essential fatty acid deficiency and/or a high intake of refined carbohydrates. Common topical treatments might mask the problem but will never cure acne; only by treating the skin from the inside will true healing take place. The other common conventional treatment of long-term oral antibiotics is burdened by immense side effects, such as malabsorption, liver disease, and opportunistic yeast infection, not to mention antibiotic resistance for future infections. Long lasting results, however, can be achieved with a diet that does not include rancid fats and limits refined carbohydrates. Supplements include ample essential fatty acids with fat soluble nutrients such as vitamin A, D and E.

Patient Testimonial

While in high school, my parents were concerned about my acne and brought me to a dermatologist who prescribed a topical cleanser and pills of Tetracycline, an antibiotic. I don’t know why but I just didn’t want to take an antibiotic every day. In just 6 weeks after I first saw Dr. Maurer, my face is fine without any topical treatment at all. They even recommended eating more organic butter, which I thought was pretty cool because I really like it. The diet changes have become pretty easy now and my eczema even went away too. Thanks again. – M.F. Brunswick, ME (now 17 y.o.)

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Description

Many kids and adults who have trouble focusing and/or sitting still often have an imbalance in brain neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine and/or serotonin. Stimulant drugs such as Ritalin and Dexatrim have side effects like appetite and growth suppression and behavioral changes, and these drugs certainly do not get at the underlying cause of ADD/ADHD. Dietary factors such as an excess of carbohydrates, a lack of protein and a lack of both saturated and essential fatty acids may be playing a role. Food additives, such as coloring agents, may also be a culprit. Imbalances in blood sugar as a result of skipping meals or having a poorly balanced meal, can also impair one’s ability to focus and/or cause someone to become irritable or agitated. At Coastal Naturopathic Center, we successfully treat ADHD every day by addressing dietary factors and using various vitamins and amino acids to naturally balance brain neurotransmitters.

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Description

We all know that allergies cause sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and hives. But most people who suffer from allergies have more chronic conditions such as asthma, eczema, headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, insomnia and the list can go on. Environmental allergens such as dust mites, cat dander, etc. need to be effectively identified and treated to reduce illness caused by the overwhelming “allergenic load”. Since environmental allergens are often unavoidable (I have patients NOT get rid of their cat, and just try to stop the Euphrasia from blooming in August), food allergies often take the front seat while treating allergic conditions. In our experience, we have found that people can tolerate much higher doses of environmental allergens if they avoid certain foods and use other simple complementary nutritional, botanical and/or homeopathic treatments

Patient Testimonial

"I originally came to Coastal Naturopathic Center in (1995) with extreme allergies. Dr. Maurer identified probable allergies through the use of a painless test called EAV and coached me through an elimination/re-introduction of the identified foods. He also recommended a few supplements including cod liver oil, quercitin and an herbal formula. Not only did my nose clear up throughout treatment, I have not used my asthma medication for the past 3 years now. He also prescribed a homeopathic remedy that seems to have helped me so that I can now occasionally eat many of the foods I was avoiding. I now see Dr. Maurer once a year and remain completely free from allergies. I feel like I was given my life back. JT, Portland, ME

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Description

Early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can be successfully treated with various nutritional supplements. AD is caused by an over-deposit of a substance called amyloid in the brain. Amyloid deposits “aggravate” the brain’s immune system and the immune system retaliates by releasing damaging substances such as cytokines and oxidants. These substances can cause destruction to the neurons in the brain that help with memory, personality, mood, speech and language. Current medications like Tacrine and Aricept do not prevent the damage to these neurons. Antioxidant herbs and nutrients, however, can partially protect the brain and can slow the progression of the Alzheimer’s disease. Numerous studies have recently been performed and more are underway and the findings support the use of nutritional and herbal therapies to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s especially at the early and moderate stages of severity.

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Description

Osteoarthritis is an inflammation in a joint caused by the breakdown of cartilage. Medications like ibuprofen can help the pain, but can also accelerate cartilage breakdown that will require you to need surgery sooner. Cartilage is a complex substance composed of the protein collagen and substances called GAG’s. Successful treatment of osteoarthritis requires a combination of trace minerals, vitamins, hydrolyzed collagen and GAG precursors to build strong cartilage. Dietary changes can often have profound effects at stabilizing and even reversing osteoarthritis. Rebuilding and repairing the cartilage in the joint relieves the pain and can prevent the need for surgery in the future.

Patient Testimonial

10 years ago, I was told I would need a knee replacement in the next 5 years by an orthopedic surgeon. I had been gaining weight over the past 10 years and thought that I’d need to get that under control. I saw Dr. Maurer and after some blood tests he found that I had very high insulin and was on the brink of diabetes. He helped me with dietary changes and recommended some supplements and within 3 months my blood tests had reversed, I had lost weight and felt terrific. I continued some of these changes and had acupuncture from Alexandra Maurer. The acupuncture helped me get my activity up and I have even been running for the past 3 years. Needless to say, the knee replacement never happened and I don’t think it ever will. Going to Coastal Naturopathic Center was the best health decision I’ve made. Thanks. G.S. Phippsburg, ME

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Description

Asthma is an allergic condition in the lungs that can improve dramatically after naturopathic intervention. Foods, in addition to environmental allergens, may aggravate asthma. We can do a simple non-invasive screening test in the office or we can order specialized blood tests to determine which foods may be playing a role. After the removal of these foods from the diet and supportive treatment with nutritional and herbal medicine, virtually all asthmatics improve dramatically.

At Coastal Naturopathic Center, we also evaluate for “leaky membranes” with a test called an intestinal permeability evaluation. Leaky gut or leaky membrane syndrome is the weakening of the protective layer of the digestive tract, lungs, and sinus. If this mucosal layer becomes weak or leaky, food and environmental allergies will develop regardless of age. Interestingly, a diet that is low in fat, or too high in the wrong kind of fats, will actually speed up the breakdown of the healthy absorptive layer of the lungs and sinuses.

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Autoimmune diseases are caused by an imbalance in the immune system. We have found that dietary changes and various nutritional supplements can rebalance the immune system and prevent it from attacking the body. We often order functional tests to assess hormonal balance, treating the endocrine system in this way allows for a positive response to every other treatment, whether it is herbal, nutritional or acupuncture.

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Description

Coastal Naturopathic Center offers complementary and alternative therapies to support the immune system, detoxify the body, reduce the side effects of conventional treatments and, when possible, improve the effectiveness of conventional therapies. Our treatments also include cancer prevention programs, integrating lifestyle and nutritional modifications for those with risk factors or past history of cancer. We specialize in complementary cancer care with a strong emphasis on scientifically supported natural cancer therapies. Patients appreciate the help when wading through the many possible complementary natural therapies to consider during all stages of their cancer treatment. At our Center, we believe that the best outcome is through integrating natural therapies with conventional therapies.

Patient Testimonial

Five years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer, stage 2. My oncologist warned me of all the side effects I would face throughout treatment, and thankfully I called Coastal Naturopathic Center and got in to see Dr. Maurer prior to my first chemotherapy treatment. Dr. Maurer explained all the treatments thoroughly; in fact he even explained the conventional treatment better than my oncologist. He recommended nutritional supplements and Chinese herbal treatments, and I maintained my energy throughout the course of chemotherapy. Dr. Maurer changed his recommendations during radiation with a “twiggy” herbal tea, different supplements and again I fared extremely well throughout treatment. I am in remission 3 years later and believe that the complementary care I received from Dr. Maurer was integral in my recovery. I think less people would suffer from cancer treatment if they all had a naturopathic physician on their team. Gratefully yours P.B. Denmark, ME

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Description

A high level of cholesterol in the blood is not usually caused by a high fat diet, but also a diet high in processed carbohydrates. If something is irritating the blood vessels, the liver will produce more LDL cholesterol to try to repair the problem. At Coastal Naturopathic Center, we see cholesterol as a signal of other problems. We realize that high cholesterol is not a disease in and of itself, it is one of many risk factors for heart disease, therefore we order tests such as Homocysteine and Hemoglobin A1C, among others, to better assess heart disease risk. The nutritional and botanical therapies we offer can be effectively applied to address cholesterol problems as well as overall heart disease risk. The common side effects to natural therapies such as CoQ10, specific vitamin B supplementation, and dietary changes might be improved energy, better sleep, and weight regulation – this means life-long changes are not too difficult to maintain.

Patient Testimonial

In 2001 I came to the Coastal Naturopathic Center when my cholesterol was 280. My primary care physician wanted me to take prescription drugs, which I declined. I subscribe to different health letters and have seen mixed reports on the effectiveness of these medications. After only 3 months on 3 nutritional supplements and a change in diet my cholesterol was 240, but the ratio of good cholesterol to cholesterol showed a 3-fold decrease in risk. The surprising thing was Dr. Maurer’s nutritional recommendation included a substantial amount of fat, even saturated fat (from organic, raw butter and cream). Now, 3 years later, I take only one nutritional supplement, cod liver oil and my cholesterol remains stable while my weight is down, my blood pressure is better and Dr. Maurer had seen a drop in CRP and homocysteine since beginning the supplements. I sure like this treatment more than lifelong drugs! Trevor S. 74 years old, Bath, ME

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Description

It is important to consider all the possible causes of chronic fatigue, which can be a symptom of many conditions including anemia, autoimmune diseases, thyroid imbalances, infections, cancer, etc. Often a proper assessment has not been performed, therefore at Coastal Naturopathic Center we often order comprehensive blood tests to evaluate for other possible causes. If your chronic fatigue is associated with sore throats, swollen glands, low-grade fevers, muscle and joint aches and all of your general blood tests are normal, you may have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFIDS). CFIDS is thought to be caused by a long-term imbalance in the immune system and endocrine system. As a result of the immune system imbalance, viruses which you were exposed to as a kid come “out of hiding” and start producing symptoms. To successfully treat CFIDS, the immune system must be repaired. There is a specialized blood test that measures the levels and activity of all of your immune cells including the T, B and natural killer cells. This test is useful in selecting the proper immune modulating herbs and nutrients. After repairing the immune system and working on diet, digestion, toxicities and hormonal imbalances, long standing CFIDS can resolve.

Patient Testimonial

I had seen so many doctors for my chronic fatigue that I was skeptical when I first saw Dr. Maurer, I had a diagnosis of chronic fatigue and interstitial cystitis for 2 years prior to visiting Coastal Naturopathic Center. Conventional medicine was unable to treat my constant fatigue and could never properly identify the food and environmental allergies that were causing most of my illness. Since I have been to Dr. Maurer, I have experienced a gradual improvement over the past year. I now eat out, travel, and have returned to work and feel like I have been given a 2nd chance. Dr. Maurer identified and treated the source of my problem, and now I lead a much more normal and active life. JM, Saco, ME

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Description

Colitis and Crohn’s Disease fall under the category of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). They are both marked by inflammation in the intestines, which can cause pain, diarrhea and bleeding. Colonoscopy and biopsy might differentiate the 2 conditions through tissue changes and location, but naturopathic treatment is very similar for both conditions. They can both be dramatically helped with dietary changes, probiotics and anti-inflammatory nutrients and herbs. In IBD, the immune system attacks the lining of the intestines and causes damage. Some evidence suggests that certain foods and imbalances in the intestinal bacteria trigger the immune system. After these foods are removed and the proper balance of bacteria is replaced, IBD can go into remission. Common tests we use are a Food Allergy Profile and the Comprehensive Digestive Food Analysis (CDSA), to better assess allergic triggers and the functional disturbance and microbiological imbalance that is causing the inflammation. Specific nutrients such as L-glutamine, plant-based enzymes, and high dose W-3 fatty acids can speed up healing and allow more foods to be tolerated throughout treatment without relapse. Current conventional treatments such as steroids, 6MP and Remicade suppress the immune system, which clearly has adverse effects long term.

Patient Testimonial

I was told I had Ulcerative Colitis, with underlying diverticulitis over a year ago, pain was severe and my doctor had put me on 3 courses of antibiotics and I had finished a course of steroids. After about 4 months I was not fully better and the gastroenterologist recommended surgical removal of a portion of my colon. Finally, that is when I took the advice of a friend to see Dr. Maurer at Coastal Naturopathic Center. He ran 2 tests, one was a stool sample I sent out to a lab in North Carolina, and the other was a food sensitivity test performed in his office. After 3 months of dietary changes, avoiding 4 or 5 foods (although I was told to eat plenty of butter and something called ghee), I was feeling much better. I was taking 4 different supplements, but I was skeptical and wanted to see the results of an upcoming colonoscopy. I find it hard to believe that I was actually told by my gastroenterologist that diet would have no effect on my cure. Clearly I proved that wrong, because it has been 1 year since the first flare-up and my recent colonoscopy showed no sign of any problem and the diverticulitis is in complete remission. Thanks, feeling great. – JB 71 y.o. Yarmouth, ME

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Description

We have seen many people with cases of long term constipation regain normal bowel function relatively quickly after doing dietary counseling and using nutritional supplements which are not stimulating laxatives.

Patient Testimonial

"I've been to Dr. Maurer at the Coastal Naturopathic Center for an ear blockage condition and a gastrointestinal issue. During each office visit Dr. Maurer allotted ample time for listening, diagnosing and administering course of action. His emphasis on healing through nutrition makes sense to me and has proven wonderfully effective. After following his dietary recommendations I experienced side-benefits of less earwax buildup, resolved eczema, and regained healthy bowel movements." –EF, Lewiston, ME

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Description

Type 2 diabetes happens when one becomes resistance to the insulin that his/her pancreas produces. As a result, the body’s natural insulin is not enough to keep blood sugar readings normal. This condition is sometimes referred to as “pancreatic burnout syndrome”. Family history of Type II diabetes is a significant risk factor for developing diabetes later in life. Other risk factors include a history of weight gain and/or heart disease.

It is not uncommon to hear people say that they used to have hypoglycemia. Which they were told is the opposite of diabetes. Hypoglycemia often results from a hyper-production of insulin that can actually be a predecessor of insulin resistant diabetes. We recommend that people with a family history of Type II diabetes have a proper work-up to assess blood sugar metabolism and not just measure blood glucose. Conventional blood tests that use only glucose pick-up diabetes too late for optimal recovery.

At Coastal Naturopathic Center, we utilize specialized blood tests to assess insulin resistance allowing us to catch problems with glucose metabolism before diabetes. The earlier one catches this trend of insulin resistance, the greater the chances of full recovery of the pancreas. We use nutritional supplements, specific botanical medicines, substantial dietary changes and well as exercise programs to successfully break this resistance and achieve normal blood glucose readings.

Patient Testimonial

I am a 46-year-old man with recent history of weight gain and my lipids looked bad a couple years ago at my annual physical. When I followed my former doctors recommendation for a low-fat diet, I proceeded to gain more weight and my blood pressure started to climb. I saw Dr. Maurer when I was told to get on medication for my cholesterol. After he looked at all my past blood tests, He had a different opinion and ordered a test including insulin, glucose among others, which showed us both that I had borderline diabetes and very high insulin. My mother had diabetes and my father died of an early heart attack, so I wanted to take care of myself as I enter what is hopefully my second half of life. In just 6-months, my blood tests all look better with my cholesterol looking great despite many cholesterol-rich foods that Dr. Maurer recommended. I have been taking 3 supplements and exercise 4 times per week. I am on no medication and feel better than ever and continue to lose weight. And I feel ready for the other half of my life. Thanks Dr. Maurer,---and my family loves the new diet!

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Description

Ear infections are one of the common childhood conditions we see at Coastal Naturopathic Center. This condition arises from an overproduction of fluid that does not drain properly from the middle ear. The primary causes are usually a combination of a delayed allergic reaction – usually to a food, and a structural block of the tube that normally drains the middle ear. While some children might grow out of the drainage problem as the tube widens and grows downward with age, the underlying allergy will often remain problematic causing asthma, eczema or some other allergic condition. Ear infections are easily treated and prevented using natural therapies and removing food allergies.

Patient Testimonial

I brought my son (5y.o.) to see Dr Maurer after he had his 5th ear infection in one winter. The other offices just kept prescribing antibiotics and I was getting concerned about the risks of too many antibiotics, and his lack of growth in the 2 years before. I was given several natural treatments to use at the first sign of an infection, instead of resorting to antibiotics. Dr. Maurer also ran a painless test to identify food reactions and we had to eliminate several foods. I thought it would be hard but it was like I finally had my son back. He could hear, breathe and about 3 months later he had a growth spurt that didn’t stop. We still do one supplement for him but he is now 13 years old and has not been on antibiotics in 8 years, “knock on wood”. Thank you all. RH Damariscotta, ME

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Description

Eczema is an inflammatory reaction of the skin. Detergents and other topical agents as well as environmental allergens can cause it. Eczema is often exacerbated by specific foods, either because the food is an allergen or because the food contains a rancid or hydrogenated fat, which interferes with normal skin function. Topical steroids merely suppress the condition, but dietary changes and essential fatty acids can permanently cure it.

Patient Testimonial

I brought my 12- year old son in to see Dr. Maurer. He had severe eczema and was also having trouble sitting still in school. Dr. Maurer offered a blood test that analyzed fat balance in his blood cells. He then prescribed 2 different fatty acid supplements a few nutrients, and prescribed a diet that removed all hydrogenated oils, all cooked vegetable oils except only for olive oil, and he had us add oils from organic dairy products and fish and certain raw nuts and seeds. His skin has been great even through this past winter when it used to get very bad. And he recently told me that he could concentrate better in school. Thanks Dr Maurer for explaining everything so well and making it so easy. Our whole family is better for it! John and Mom, Falmouth, ME

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Fibromyalgia is caused by a lack of recovery phase in the soft tissue throughout the body. There are several possible causes: insomnia, overuse, lack of proper nutritional absorption, and chronic infection among others. All patients have some type of sleep disturbance that needs to be resolved first. Many OTC and prescription sleep medications have a side effect of blocking deep recovery-phase sleep. This defeats their purpose as a treatment for fibromyalgia and can actually make the condition worse. Treatment using a proper balance of all nutrients and additional magnesium with herbs like valerian and lemon balm are an integral part of treatment for FMS at Coastal Naturopathic Center. Physical treatment is one of our core therapies and initially, regular treatment with the Bowen Technique is effective at clearing the discomfort and pain of FMS with less frequent sessions as the condition resolves. Fibromyalgia responds best to an eclectic approach that includes diet changes, supplementation, herbal treatment, manipulation treatments, and therapeutic exercise. And yes, fibromyalgia is curable!

Patient Testimonial

I came to Coastal Naturopathic Center after I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. All my doctor could offer was an anti-depressant, and then I read a book about natural treatment for fibromyalgia and thought I could give it a try. Initially I felt a great deal of relief with the Bowen Technique and continue monthly treatments for now. I experienced no “follow-up” pain like I had with other attempts at bodywork. The supplements have helped my sleep and the diet changes have substantially improved my IBS symptoms. I have been symptom free for the past 6 months and as long as I don’t “stress out” too bad I think it will stay that way. JD Biddeford, ME

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Description

Some migraine sufferers have an abnormality of blood-sugar regulation known as reactive hypoglycemia. Migraines can be triggered by allergies and may be relieved by identifying and avoiding the problem foods. Some migraine sufferers have an impaired capacity to break down tyramine, a substance found in many foods that is known to trigger migraines. Ingestion of the artificial sweetener, aspartame, has also been reported to trigger migraines in some people.

The fact is that headaches of all kinds; tension, migraine, cluster, and sinus, can have several possible causes. At Coastal Naturopathic Center, we offer diagnostic testing for allergies and other common causes of headaches, applying treatments including nutritional, herbal, soft-tissue and spinal manipulation, and acupuncture. The most important part of effective treatment is discovering the underlying cause. Treatment can include herbal, nutritional, acupuncture, exercise, but always includes some component of diet.

Patient Testimonial

My neurologist actually referred me to Dr. Maurer when she suspected a dietary trigger to my headaches. They were occurring daily and were worse at night. I was also getting numbness and tingling in my hands and arms. I was first prescribed an elimination diet and was given a high dose of 2 nutritional supplements. He also recommended an herbal extraction of butterbur. It has been almost a year and I have been enjoying my dietary changes and continue to get acupuncture at least once a month. I feel so much better, and have had 2 headaches in the past 6-months compared to a headache every day like before. Jen, Augusta, ME

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Over many years we have seen a combination of both herbal and nutritional medicines significantly lower the viral load and normalize liver enzymes in people with hepatitis C. Patients do very well with this protocol i.e. repeat liver biopsies remain stable and patients experience no side effects. Several studies have been reported and are underway, showing positive results with natural therapies for hepatitis C.

Patient Testimonial

I heard Dr. Maurer speak at Maine Medical Center about natural treatment for Hepatitis C. I felt like I understood more about my disease after 1 hour than I had learned from support groups and Dr’s visits over the past 2 years. Since visiting Coastal Naturopathic Center, I have made several changes that the doctor recommended after he looked over blood tests and even a stool test. I have seen my liver enzymes come down to the upper normal range and several related problems have gotten better. In general, I have felt better and appreciate all the courtesy, time and care I receive from everyone at Coastal Naturopathic Center. -CG

(see Bastyr Protocol for Hep C)

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Description

We utilize natural hormone replacement therapy only as a last resort. There are many effective therapies to choose from that do not include the use of hormones. We like to treat menopausal symptoms with herbal medicines and nutrition first and then proceed to natural HRT if necessary. We only use natural hormones i.e. hormones that are of the same chemical makeup as the ones in our body, not horse estrogens (Premarin), for example. We try to treat patients with the lowest doses of these hormones as possible and utilize various herbal and nutritional supplements to protect against any long-term side effects of HRT such as an increased cancer risk.

Patient Testimonial

A few years ago, when all the press came out about the harmful effects of HRT, I contacted Dr. Maurer to try to understand my options. I have since been on an herbal regimen and acupuncture. Hot flashes no longer rule my life and I feel normal again. Thanks ST. Freeport, ME

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Description

Interstitial cystitis is a condition in which white blood cells attack the lining of the bladder creating signs and symptoms or a urinary tract infection, although basic urine tests will appear normal. Recent theories about this condition bring up the term “leaky bladder syndrome”. This refers to the weakness of the bladder wall as the primary problem, not just an infectious agent. This condition can improve dramatically with dietary changes and the help of herbs and nutrients, which repair the bladder lining.

Patient Testimonial

I think I saw over 10 different doctors before going to Coastal Naturopathic Center. The advice that Dr. Maurer gave me turned out to be quite simple. However, it changed my life. I am now stronger and healthier than I have been in years. I am over 50% better and look forward to continuing my improvement. FD Portsmouth, NH

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Description

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition that is associated with malabsorption. Bloating, gas, pain and cramping in the gastrointestinal tract are possible symptoms. Allergies, poor dietary habits, and lack of proper digestive secretions can contribute to IBS. Treatment includes identifying and removing possible triggers, and improving digestive function through the use of enzymes, herbal extracts and the Bowen treatment.

Patient Testimonial

After almost 6 months of treatment and diagnostic tests at a gastroenterologist’s office, I was told I have IBS. None of the treatment had been very successful and my primary care dr. gave me the name of Dr. Maurer to consult for the problem. He approached it with care and was interested in all the tests that had been done in the past several years. I feel like Dr. Maurer listened to my problems and has come up with a plan that is simple to follow and effective so far. Thanks, JE Portland ME

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Description

At Coastal Naturopathic Center, we help people through menopause as smoothly as possible by using herbal medicines and dietary counseling as well as addressing sleep issues. As an aide toward treatment we may do some hormone testing. We also thoroughly screen and treat any risk factors that could increase after menopause such as osteoporosis, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Patient Testimonial

I am 51 years old and all of a sudden I had insomnia for the first time in my life. I was suffering from bad hot flashes and was concerned about the side effects of hormonal treatment recommended at my gynecologists. My gynecologist recommended I see a naturopathic doctor to consult about natural treatment for menopause. I am very glad I found out about Dr. Maurer, it seems so simple; I am surprised I didn’t seek out naturopathic care much earlier in my life. Feeling good- Dana – Lovell, ME

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Description

MS usually responds very well to naturopathic medicine. We often recommend a diet that contains specific essential fatty acids while limiting numerous other harmful fats. We prescribe nutritional supplements to rebalance the immune system and to repair the myelin sheath. Patients have experienced fewer attacks and some have seen long-term remission of some of their symptoms.

Patient Testimonial

I had been diagnosed with MS for about 6 years before I saw Dr. Richard Maurer. I was on Aricept but was not tolerating the treatment well and I was using my cane every day just to get around the house. My primary care doctor then recommended the Coastal Naturopathic Center. Dr. Maurer went over all my supplements and diet and recommended several changes. He even recommended B-12 shots on a regular basis for a short period of time. I am now taking 4 supplements and have grown used to the dietary changes, which seem to help a great deal. I have needed my cane only about 2 days in the past 6 months. I feel so much more stable, I feel blessed to have found a treatment that is working. Renee 43yo. Brunswick, ME

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Description

Osteoporosis CAN be reversed! But remember that osteoporosis is a metabolic loss of bone, not merely a Calcium or vitamin D deficiency. Drugs such as Fosamax may alter one component of bone resorption, but these drugs don’t get to the cause of the disease and they can have side effects like stomach and esophageal erosions. At Coastal Naturopathic Center, we rarely prescribe calcium supplements at levels greater than 800 mg per day, and continually see bone density studies improve over time. Nutritionally, along with Calcium, Magnesium and vitamin D, we recommend the proper proteins, essential fats, micronutrients, and trace minerals necessary for normal bone metabolism, and all supplements must be the best-absorbed form possible. With a comprehensive assessment of diet of nutrition, people can benefit from improved bone density studies and a decrease fracture risk.

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Description

There are many possible triggers for PMS. Women who eat more sugary foods have been reported to have an increased risk of PMS. The more caffeine women consumed, the more likely they were to suffer from PMS. The underlying problem is often an imbalance in several different hormones including estrogen and progesterone and maybe thyroid and cortisol. In many women with PMS, estrogen dominance is the culprit. A diet rich in fiber and one that contains friendly bacteria like Lactobacillus found in some yogurts, also help in the removal of harmful estrogens. At Coastal Naturopathic Center we recommend natural progesterone only as a last resort and instead, start with the basics like diet, exercise, vitamins, minerals and herbal medicines to rebalance the hormones. This approach is very successful in relieving all of the symptoms of PMS.

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Description

Psoriasis is an over proliferation of the skin, i.e. the deep layer of the skin grows at a faster rate causing thickened, flaky skin. The cause of psoriasis, like other skin conditions, is more than just skin deep. Psoriasis can respond dramatically to dietary changes and nutritional supplementation. These naturopathic treatments may permanently cure psoriasis and cause no side effects. Conventional treatments, however, such as ultraviolet light therapy and tar applications may increase your future risk of skin cancer and methotrexate and cyclosporin can weaken your immune system and put you at risk for infections.

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Description

Chronic vaginal yeast infections are caused by an imbalance in the normal bacteria of the vagina. Antibiotics, intercourse and/or a poor diet, can cause these imbalances. At Coastal Naturopathic Center, we successfully treat many patients with chronic vaginal yeast infections by re-establishing the normal bacterial balance in the vagina through the use of vaginal suppositories, oral nutritional supplements and dietary changes.

Patient Testimonial

I wish I had seen a naturopath many years ago. I have had recurrent yeast infections for the past 10 years. Initially Dr. Maurer recommended several natural therapies to do instead of prescription Difloucan. To my surprise they worked great. He said it would take a few months on the new diet for effects to work and sure enough, I have had no yeast infection for the past 2 years. Thanks-AK Boothbay Harbor, ME

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