Toronto Naturopathic Doctor and IV Vitamin Therapy Clinic
Higher Health Naturopathic Centre and IV LoungeArticles by: Admin
Mistletoe Therapy

Mistletoe Therapy

Mistletoe therapy has been used in cancer care since 1917 and is now among the most prescribed adjunctive cancer therapy in Europe for patients with cancer.
Mistletoe therapy can improve quality of life by lessening side effects such as fatigue, nausea/vomiting, low appetite, low energy, and pain associated with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and/or radiation while simultaneously protecting healthy cells from damage. It has also been shown to improve overall survival in cancer patients.

How Does It Work?

Mistletoe extract contains lectins and viscotoxins that stimulates key cancer fighting immune cells such as NK cells and cytotoxic T-cells to improve our bodies defense against cancer. Cell studies have showed the ability of mistletoe extracts to directly target cancer cells through apoptosis which helps to supress tumor growth and spread.

Mistletoe extracts also contain flavonoids and triterpenoids which protect healthy cells from damage caused by excess radiation/drugs through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.

Is There Scientific Research To Support Mistletoe Therapy For Cancer?

Studies on the use of mistletoe therapy in cancer are ongoing, such as at Johns Hopkins Medicine in the USA. There are also more than 3000 publications and 150 clinical studies have been done on mistletoe thus far.

A summary of current findings:

  • Improvement in quality of life (reduces fatigue and pain; improves energy, mood, and sleep quality)
  • Improvement in overall survival
  • Safe to use alongside conventional therapies studied
  • Strong immunomodulatory effects (increases immune function, decreases tumor growth)

Breast cancer: In patients with breast cancer undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, mistletoe extract had no adverse interactions alongside chemotherapy and improved overall pain, appetite loss and neutropenia (decreased white blood cell count) as well as perceived quality of life.

As compared to breast cancer patients who received standard of care only, the administration of mistletoe was found to decrease adverse reactions (nausea, diarrhea, depression, fatigue, and mental symptoms) associated with standard of care cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy.

Pancreatic cancer: In patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer who received no further treatment for pancreatic cancer other than supportive care, administration of mistletoe extract was associated with improved pain, fatigue, appetite loss, sleep quality, body weight, and prolonged overall survival. No mistletoe-related adverse events were observed.

Colorectal and stomach cancer: In patients with carcinoma of the colon, rectum and stomach, long term use of mistletoe extract was found to prolong survival time.
Lung cancer: In patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were provided with standard of care conventional treatments, quality of life was significantly improved for patients who were treated with concurrent mistletoe extract treatment.
In addition, the occurrence of adverse events associated with standard of care treatments were less frequent in the mistletoe treatment group.

How Is It Administered?
You can find many different ways to give mistletoe extracts, but it is most often given as an injection. Less common methods include orally or through an IV Therapy drip.
Mistletoe is most often injected under the skin (subcutaneously) on the abdomen or thigh 2-3 times a week, starting from a low dose and working up towards higher doses to continually stimulate immunity and provide quality of life benefits. Mistletoe therapy is a long-term treatment.

After careful screening of patient history and current health status, we will determine the type of mistletoe therapy best suited for you.
We will then familiarize you with the treatment, demonstrate how to self-administer mistletoe, and provide you will all the supplies needed to continue the therapy independently at home.

Is It Safe?
Mistletoe therapy has an excellent safety profile. It can be safely used during chemotherapy and/or radiation to enhance treatment outcomes and increase treatment tolerability.

It can also be used after curative treatment, or in palliative therapy to improve quality of life, stabilize disease, and reduce progression or recurrence. In general, mistletoe therapy is well tolerated in adults and has little side effects or negative interactions with other therapies.
Mistletoe therapy is not recommended for individuals with multiple sclerosis, lupus or uncontrolled hyperthyroidism with tachycardia due to its immune stimulating effects and potential for aggravating symptoms.

Does It Have Any Side Effects?
There are desired local reactions to mistletoe therapy that is caused by infiltration of activated immune cells. This reaction indicates to the practitioner that it is positively stimulating anti-cancer immunity and can help to determine the maximum dose for the patient at a given time. Desired effects:

  • Temporary localized redness < 5 cm in diameter and minor swelling and itching of the skin
  • Temporary elevation in body temperature
  • Improvement in general condition
  • Improved tolerability of chemotherapy and/or radiation
  • Long term: stabilization of disease progression

An anaphylactic allergic reaction to mistletoe extract is rare. It is important to let your health practitioner know of any pre-existing allergies before initiating mistletoe therapy.

How Much Does It Cost?
$20-25 per treatment (2-3 treatments per week) per injection. If you were to use IV Therapy for mistletoe therapy, prices can range from $125 and up.
There are also oral supplements with mistletoe extract on the market. These range in quality and it would be suggested to talk to a professional about the brand before ordering online.

How Do I Start Therapy?

If you want to take full advantage of mistletoe therapy, make sure that it’s part of your overall health plan. This means you could also add IV therapy and would want to look at the foods you are eating.

Before initiating mistletoe therapy, an initial consultation is required for a comprehensive assessment of your health history and current health status. This consultation will also help to determine the type of mistletoe extract and treatment plan best suited for you.

Following the initial visit, a shorter consultation is required to familiarize you with the treatment, demonstrate how to self-administer mistletoe, and provide you will all the supplies needed to continue the therapy independently at home.

Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor tolerance and response to treatment as well as if there are any changes to your conventional treatment which may require modification of mistletoe therapy.

Naturopathic medicine is a great option for those who are looking to supplement their conventional cancer treatment with something that will help them feel better, not just during the process of fighting it but also after surgery or chemotherapy.

If you want to find out more about mistletoe therapy, you can book a free 15 minute call with Dr. Irina Chan, ND by clicking here.

References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25142075/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23890767/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11347286/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30247950/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15015612/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14981970/

Does Facial Acupuncture Really Work Without Side Effects Of Botox, Laser, And Chemical Peels?

There’s a good chance you’ve heard of acupuncture or maybe even tried it in the past. Have you ever thought about facial acupuncture for wrinkles and rejuvenating your skin without the serious side effects of Botox, laser treatment, and chemical peels?

If you haven’t yet, then this article will tell you everything you need to know about how facial acupuncture can help you look and feel younger.

As you age, your body’s ability to produce collagen decreases which contributes to visible signs of aging: wrinkles, dry skin, dull complexion, and sagging skin. All things we would rather live without!

There are many lotions, creams and expensive serums people use to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. While some work better than others, the results are temporary.

Looking for a more long-lasting solution, some people turn to more invasive procedures that come with an elevated risk of side effects. With some being quite serious.

Some of these facial treatments include:

  • Botox – You are literally injecting a toxin into your face
  • Chemical peels – A chemical peel literally uses chemicals to remove layers of skin
  • Laser treatment – You are using a laser beam destroy the outer layer of your skin

All have some serious side effects you really want to avoid.

Naturopathic Doctors are trained in acupuncture, and some get additional training for facial, or cosmetic, acupuncture.

What Exactly Is Facial Acupuncture?

Cosmetic (or facial) Acupuncture & Facial Rejuvenation is the new and improved way to get rid of those unwanted signs of aging!

It works by guiding fine needles into key points on your face, neck or other areas where you want to rejuvenate.

This treatment helps reduce visible skin imperfections such as wrinkles while also promoting radiant looking healthy glowing complexion. There are minimal side effects so there’s no need for risky invasive treatments with a lot of harmful side effects.

You can see 3 sizes of facial acupuncture needles next to a quarter to give you an idea of just how tiny they are.

How Does Facial Acupuncture Work?

Facial acupuncture involves the insertion of ultra-fine, sterile needles into the superficial layer of the skin.

This process accelerates collagen and elastin production to increase volume and smooth out fine lines located on the forehead (frown lines), eyes (crow’s feet), cheeks, around the mouth (smile lines), and neck area.

In addition, facial acupuncture promotes circulation and increased blood flow to the face. By increasing blood flow, additional moisture and nutrients flow to the surface of the skin to promote healing and regeneration of new dermal tissue, which is useful for reducing the appearance of age spots, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Additional acupuncture points can be added to treatment to address other concerns such as sleep, stress, anxiety, pain, and digestion.

Why should you try Facial Acupuncture:

  • Helps to naturally reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production
  • Lightens acne scarring, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and other scars
  • Increases blood flow the surface of the skin to promote skin healing
  • Helps lymphatic drainage of the face to detoxify the skin of dirt, toxins, and other impurities
  • Improves skin tone, texture, and elasticity for younger-looking skin
  • It’s 100% natural. You are not injecting toxins, using chemicals or harmful lasers

How Long Is a Facial Acupuncture Session?

A typical session is 45-60 mins long and includes facial massage, gua sha and jade rolling that can promote lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, and release muscle tension in the face.

Is facial acupuncture safe?

Yes, facial acupuncture is considered safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist or Naturopathic doctor. The needles used are sterile, thin, and disposable.

However; facial acupuncture is not recommended for those who are concurrently getting microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser resurfacing or have had cosmetic surgery less than four months prior.

It is also not recommended for those who have severe migraines or who are currently taking Accutane or oral isotretinoin.

What can I expect during a facial acupuncture treatment?

During a facial acupuncture treatment, very fine needles are inserted into specific points on the face. You may feel a small prick when the needles are inserted. After the needles are inserted, you will likely feel relaxed and may even fall asleep. Most treatments last between 45 minutes to 1 hour.

facial acupuncture
Dr. Tara Campbell receiving a treatment from Dr. Irina Chan

Does facial acupuncture hurt?

No, this treatment should not hurt. The needles used are very fine and most people report feeling relaxed during the treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed will vary from person to person depending on your individual goals and needs. For general anti-aging purposes, most people receive 1-2 treatments per week for 5-7 weeks. For more specific concerns such as acne, a series of 8-10 treatments may be recommended.

Benefits vary from person to person and can last for years following 10-14 sessions. Most people feel improvements in hydration, radiance, and muscle tone after just a few sessions. However, repeated treatments are required to see noticeable improvements in skin texture, elasticity, and discoloration. We recommend monthly sessions for maintenance of benefits.

What are the side effects of facial acupuncture?

The most common side effect of facial acupuncture is minor redness or temporary discomfort at the needle sites. Other possible side effects include bruising, dizziness, headache, and fatigue. These side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own within a few days.

Is facial acupuncture covered by insurance?

Facial acupuncture is not typically covered by insurance. However, some insurance plans may cover facial acupuncture if it is being used for medical purposes such as headaches or pain relief. Please check with your insurance provider to see if facial acupuncture is covered under your plan.

Does facial acupuncture really reduce wrinkles and help skin look younger without all the side effects of Botox, Laser and Chemical Peels?

Yes, facial acupuncture can help to reduce wrinkles and promote radiant skin without the side effects of Botox, laser, and chemical peels. Facial acupuncture is a natural, non-toxic, minimally invasive treatment with little or no side effects or recovery time.

Can facial acupuncture help acne?

In addition to addressing diet, lifestyle and other factors, facial acupuncture helps to reduce the severity and frequency of acne lesions by reducing inflammation (redness and swelling) and preventing the build-up of dead skin cells, oil, and impurities on the face. It can be also very beneficial for acne scarring. Needling into scars induces small skin perforations that stimulate the break down of scar tissue and enhance the regeneration of new skin tissue. The result is a lesser appearance of acne scarring and hyperpigmentation over time. Compared to chemical peels or laser resurfacing, facial acupuncture does not artificially get rid of the superficial layer of the skin that can result in complications such as burning, prolonged redness and swelling, dryness, scabbing or infections.

What to do after a treatment?

  1. Avoid applying makeup for at least 24 hours.
  2. Avoid prolonged direct sun exposure for 72 hours.
  3. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas for at least 72 hours.
  4. Avoid facials, glycolic acid (such as alpha hydroxy acid), salicyclic acid, and retinol treatments for 1 week.
  5. Avoid exfoliants, scrubs, or using powered cleansing brushes (like Clarisonic) for 1 week.
  6. No tanning beds for a least 1 week.
  7. Do use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water to wash your face. Gently pat your face dry.
  8. Do wear sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
  9. Do drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.

Who is facial acupuncture for?

This treatment is beneficial for anyone 21 years and older who is looking for natural treatment to prevent and minimize visible signs of aging, minimize acne and acne scaring, and maintain youthful, radiant skin.

It is not recommended for those who are concurrently getting microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser resurfacing or have had cosmetic surgery less than four months prior.

It is also not recommended for those who have severe migraines or who are currently taking Accutane or oral isotretinoin.

Is this only for women?

NO! This is a great treatment anyone can do.

I hope this article has helped you decide if this type of acupuncture is for you. If you want to find out more about this treatment, you can book a free 15 minute call by clicking here.

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32228036/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24919799/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30246914/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28403263/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28796657/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22256622/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23983778/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/botox/about/pac-20384658
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemical-peel/about/pac-20393473

IV Drip bag

Is IV Therapy Safe?

This is one the questions I get asked most when introducing someone to IV therapy for the first time. Is IV therapy safe?

The short answer, after doing thousands of IV drips on clients over the last 12 years of clinical practice, including doing them myself (even during pregnancy) as part of my health routine, the short is yes.

I’m sure if you’re wondering, “Is IV Therapy Safe?” then you’ll want some more detailed info, which I will share in this article.

First off, all the nutrients in the IV Drip bag are water soluble – meaning your body/your cells will take in what they are able to absorb. Much like increased intake of water overtime, your body learns how to absorb the increased supply of nutrients in your blood stream. Water soluble means you pee out whatever your cells do not take in, where fat soluble nutrients can reach excess.

You cannot overdose on water soluble vitamins contained in the IV Drip, but you can overdose on fat soluble nutrients if not monitored properly. IV nutrients are only water soluble.

Additionally, the IV Therapy doses for wellness are actually quite a low dose (5-20g) within your blood stream when compared to other IV treatments.

When people say you pee out IV vitamins, this is true. You also pee out all food and oral based vitamins as well. In fact, you pee out medication. Our bladders and kidneys are constantly working to clear nutrients after our cells have taken in what they need.

Is IV therapy safe when pregnant and when breast feeding?

Is IV Therapy Safe during pregnancy

IV therapy is safe for pregnant women and for women who are breastfeeding. It’s safe because it’s the nutrients you get naturally from your food. There aren’t any drugs or foreign substances going into your bloodstream. You’re just getting more of what’s biologically available anyway. Because the nutrients we use are all water soluble, your cells decide what to take up and how much to let in. The nutrients don’t build up in your body.

I had my baby at 40 and believe doing regular IVs throughout pregnancy not only helped me have a healthy baby, but helped to speed up my recovery after birth.

Is IV Therapy safe when taking medications?

I’ve given IV treatments from teens, to pregnant women (myself included), to 90+ years of age and on multiple medications.  When someone is on medications, we always look at which medications the person is on and the impact that the nutrients in the IV drip bag may have.

For example, I avoid calcium when patients are on calcium channel blocker medication for hypertension or has an arrhythmia.  We avoid potassium when kidney concerns, and we avoid calcium when a patient is on antibiotics.

Before you receive your first IV drip, we have an initial consultation which covers and current medication you are on.

Is IV therapy safe from getting an infection from the needle?

The chance of infection from the needle stick is extremely minimal. There’s so much precaution leading up to inserting a needle into a vein. We’re very careful to use sterile techniques. It goes without saying that we never reuse needles.

On top of that, we are extremely skilled at putting in the needle. After thousands of IVs, I’d challenge anyone to find a team of more veteran vein-finders than we have on staff.

Every once in a while, inserting the needle can cause a slight bruise. Or there might be some slight irritation from the skin. This can be reduced or avoided by being well-hydrated before starting the treatment to dilute the very slight acidity of the IV fluid.

But typically, the most common side effect people feel is a warming sensation, and that’s the B vitamins, which dilate the blood vessels, so that’s a healthy sensation.

While we work with needles, and many of us have baggage when it comes to needles, our process is entirely safe, sterile, and simple.

Does IV Therapy Hurt?

A question I often get asked before someone starts IV therapy is “Does it hurt?” Well, everybody has their own pain threshold, but basically, there’s very, very little discomfort.

We use a butterfly needle at Higher Health, which is the smallest needle possible, so most people barely feel it when it’s inserted.

Butterfly needle. Is IV Therapy Safe
(Inserting a butterfly needle. It’s tiny!)

In fact, even the most needle-phobic people are surprised at how little they feel it. Sometimes these patients, who can’t bear to watch me put the needle in, ask me when I’m going to do it. I have to tell them it’s already in place!

There’s just that initial tiny pinch, and then there’s no discomfort while you’re on the IV. We also have cream that we can put on that desensitizes the area.

You may also have a hospital or blood drawing story where a nurse couldn’t find your vein, poking your arm 15 times to get it right. I’ve heard plenty of those stories, and I can tell you we are vein whisperers.

Where Do the Vitamins Come From?

We receive our vitamins in vials from a highly regulated licensed compounding pharmacy, which follows standardized compounding procedures to make the vitamins from a synthetic base, producing a sterile pharmaceutical grade end product. We also purchase sterile bags of medical-grade solution. The vitamins are pure and contain no preservatives or additives.

Then at our clinic, in an isolated room designated for sterile compounding, our specially trained technicians, wearing sterile gowns and gloves, compound the vitamins and the solution, creating the vitamin infused bags you see in the IV lounge.

A base IV drip bag contains Vitamin C, Magnesium, calcium, minerals, B vitamins, specific amino acids and antioxidants.  Depending on your health goals, we add additional nutrients.

How long has IV therapy been in use for improving health?

The Origins of IV Vitamin Therapy

Most of us are familiar with the IV therapy commonly used in hospital settings, where an IV bag delivers medicine or nutrients into a patient’s bloodstream.

In this case, it’s referred to as “parenteral nutrition” or TPN. A person may need TPN because of a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder (or other) that severely limits the ability of their digestive tract. A person may not be able to swallow food, move the food through the digestive system, or absorb nutrients from the food, conditions common to those with Crohn’s disease, cancer, short bowel syndrome, or ischemic bowel disease.

However, critically ill patients who cannot receive nutrition orally for more than four days are also candidates for TPN

Naturopathic medicine posits that if total parenteral nutrition is good for someone who can’t eat, it can also ‘s good to optimize your health.  It makes sense to think that with improved nutrition, by any means, you can feel better. for you when you’re not feeling your best.

In the 1960s Dr. John Myers, a physician from Baltimore, Maryland, pioneered a treatment of vitamins and minerals delivered intravenously. He noticed the patients he was giving micro-doses of vitamins to were doing better than his other patients who weren’t taking the IV solution. Later dubbed the “Myer’s Cocktail,” it included magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C.

In the years since Dr. Myers, other micronutrients have been found to be effective in treatments. The IV dip has likewise been used to treat a range of illnesses.

While little was known about IV therapy a few decades ago, today an ever-expanding body of research shows its application in a number of studies.

At Higher Health we use IV Therapy to treat many conditions. You can find more on that by clicking here. 

Research also shows that “high dose intravenous vitamin C appears to be remarkably safe. Physicians should inquire about IV vitamin C use in patients with cancer, chronic, untreatable, or intractable conditions and be observant of unexpected harm, drug interactions, or benefit.”

In recent years, most new patients walk in with the understanding they need way more nutrients than those they get from food. Social media has played a big part in increasing the awareness of IV Therapy and its wellness benefits, as celebrities and health-conscious influencers have helped accelerate the prevalence of IV therapies.

I hope this article has helped you decide is IV Therapy safe for you. If you have any questions about IV Therapy or your health in general, you can book a free introductory consultation by clicking here.

Sincerely, Dr. Tara Campbell, ND

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1757963/pdf/v080p00001.pdf

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1503803/

https://ncim.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Myers-Article.pdf

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0011414

https://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/citation/12410623/Intravenous_nutrient_therapy:_the_%22Myers’_cocktail%22_

Choosing the right diet

Cancer Prevention Diet

What is the easiest Cancer prevention diet and why should we be paying attention to our diet when it comes to cancer?

To start, the World Health Organization states that ‘between 30 and 50% of cancers can currently be prevented by avoiding risk factors and implementing existing evidence-based prevention strategies.’ This includes maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a healthy diet, regular physical activity, reducing alcohol and tobacco use and other environmental exposures.

When it comes to diet, a study found that the highest quality diets as assessed by the Healthy Eating Index is associated with not only a 16% decrease in cancer incidence but also a 22% reduction in cardiovascular disease, 18% reduction in type 2 diabetes, and 15% reduction in neurodegenerative diseases. Among cancer survivors, diets of the highest quality resulted in a 12% reduction in all-cause mortality and 10% reduction in cancer mortality.

As you can see here, eating healthy plays a key role in reducing cancer risk, as well as other risk factors like preventing any heart complications, type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.

To take that one step further, you may want to focus on a cancer prevention diet.

In this article Dr. Irina Chan, ND, discusses the research around the ideal way of eating when it comes to a cancer prevention diet. What foods to eat and more importantly…why.  We will also touch on which ones to avoid, no matter how strong the cravings!

So what is the ideal cancer prevention diet?

There is growing information and research suggesting that a Mediterranean diet can lower cancer risk.

What makes a Mediterranean diet so great when it comes to reducing cancer risk?

For starters, it’s high in antioxidants, which prevents oxidative damage.

Antioxidants fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals can cause harm if their levels become too high, and they’re linked to many illnesses including diabetes, heart disease or cancer among others!

Your own antioxidant defenses keep them under control, but you may want a little help from food like following a Mediterranean diet.

Type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to increased risk of bladder, breast, colorectum, endometrium, kidney, liver, and pancreatic cancer. A Mediterranean diet is high in fiber which helps to maintain a healthy blood sugar balance, thereby preventing the development of type 2 diabetes.

But wait, there’s more!

The high fiber content associated with the Mediterranean diet also helps support a healthy gut microbiome and a healthy immune system, which is our bodies natural defense mechanism against cancer.

So how effective is the Mediterranean diet when it comes to lowering cancer risk?

To answer this question, a systematic review looked at over 117 studies with over 3 million participants. This is quite a large sample size and something we want to look at.

The authors of this study concluded that those who had the highest adherence to a Mediterranean diet had a 13% decreased risk of cancer death, 6% decreased risk of breast cancer, 17% decreased risk of colorectal cancer, 44% decreased risk of head and neck cancers, 16% decreased risk of lung cancer, 13% decreased risk of bladder cancer, 30 % decreased risk of stomach cancer, and 36% reduced risk of liver cancer.

Those are some pretty amazing reductions you can achieve by changing the way that you eat. One of the great things about eating a Mediterranean diet is that it’s easy to prepare, tastes great, and will keep you satisfied long after you’ve eaten.

So what consists of the Mediterranean diet?

You can find on the internet a lot of different resources on the Mediterranean diet including what you should be eating and how many servings you should be having of each food item. But I really like the diagram below (from Intermountain Healthcare) because it shows an easier and more flexible way of adopting a Mediterranean diet.

cancer prevention diet
cancer prevention diet ok to eat
cancer prevention diet
cancer prevention diet, sometimes ok to eat
cancer prevention diet
cancer prevention diet. never ok to eat.

The Mediterranean diet includes ample amounts of fruits and vegetables along with whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds every day. In addition, you can enjoy approximately two to three servings of fish and seafood, poultry and eggs, as well as cheese and yogurt on a weekly basis. Foods to limit include red meat (no more than 1 steak a week), processed meats, alcohol, added sugar, high salt intake (less than 1 tsp a day), and processed foods.

 

Why limit such foods?

Studies looking at the incidence of cancer in those who consumed the highest amount of red meat vs those who consumed the lowest amounts had a 9% increased risk of breast cancer, 10% increased risk of colorectal cancer, 26% increased risk of lung cancer, and 22% increased risk of liver cancer.

Similarly, studies looking at the incidence of cancer in those who consumed the highest amount of processed meat vs those who consumed the lowest amounts had a 6% increased risk of breast cancer, 18% increased risk of colorectal cancer, 12% increased risk of lung cancer, and 24% increased risk of stomach cancer.

Sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and juice is associated with a 12% increased risk of cancer. Moreover, consuming excess sweets that are high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes which has been strongly linked to increased cancer risk.

When it comes to salt intake, higher dietary salt intake is associated with a 25% increased risk of stomach cancer. Not to mention, excess salt intake can increase risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney failure.

What about BBQ and fried foods?

It’s not just what we put into our bodies that matters; it’s also how we prepare it. There are many healthy ways to prepare your meals including lightly sautéing, boiling, and steaming. However, one should limit consumption of fried, smoking, charred, BBQ and grilled meats.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are formed when protein such as fish or meat is smoked or cooked at high temperatures. This includes grilling, BBQ, charring, roasting or frying. Any method of cooking that can char or burn food will produce PAHs. The smoked and burnt bits of meat are laden with PAHs that have been found to be highly toxic and carcinogenic to humans. Cumulative exposure to PAHs has been associated with elevated risk of breast, lung and bladder cancer. Other sources of PAH include cigarette smoke, car exhaust fumes, and smoke from wood or coal burning,

If you wish to enjoy BBQ ribs or grilled steak and want to limit PAH exposure and cancer risk, consider choosing leaner cuts of meat to reduce fat dripping and burning, cooking at lower temperatures for a longer duration of time, and removing the blacken portions from the meat.

How you eat is as important as what you eat. Up until the last few years we were advised by experts to eat a certain way, which as we dive into the data, is clearly not the healthiest way.

How do I get started?

When it comes to how to eat a cancer prevention diet, you can slowly incorporate tasty, plant-based and minimally processed whole foods as part of your daily diet.

The harder part will be removing refined sugars and processed foods from your life. In practice, I don’t usually advise anyone to completely eliminate such foods from your diet. Going cold turkey is not the best way to lead a healthy and sustainable diet. Restrictive diets can result in insufficient caloric consumption, dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food.

We all have cravings. We can celebrate with cake and champagne. We can have pizza nights.

The most important part of maintaining a healthy diet is to develop mindful eating habits, such as listening to hunger cues, not overeating, and noticing how food affects our mood and overall health. When we are more aware of what foods we are putting in our bodies and how they make us feel, it influences healthier food choices.

Remember, every small step towards a healthier you is worth celebrating!

If you have any questions about your health, cancer prevention, or integrative cancer care, you can always book a free consultation with Dr. Irina Chan, ND by clicking here.

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28954418/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32770356/

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30541747/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8959405/

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/ckr-ext/Dcmnt?ncid=527023066

Sad Diet

Why You Must Avoid A SAD Diet

Why is the SAD diet so bad…most of us eat it everyday!

Between work, school, family, and social life our increasingly busy schedules have favored convenient foods that can quickly satisfy our cravings.

In this article Dr. Irina Chan, ND, discusses the research around why you should avoid a SAD type diet. Especially if you are concerned about elevating your risk for cancer.

Maybe we can all relate here. It’s become increasingly difficult to make healthy and nutritious meals all the time. Overtime, we have lost touch with where food comes from and how it’s prepared with the introduction and rise of food processing and widespread distribution, preserved and packaged foods, microwavable meals, drive-thrus, food delivery services, and convenience stores.

It’s important to recognize that it’s not simply a matter of individual choices, but a more complex issue that involves government bodies, societal pressures, businesses, and corporations leading us to eat this way.

We are seeing that over time, fresh and perishable food items have become less accessible and less affordable, meaning that for a lot of people eating healthy every day is not a practical option. Meanwhile, we’re seeing that junk food has become more widely available, more affordable, and very intensely marketed, especially towards lower income communities and children.

 

The SAD diet or the Standard American Diet (I guess we could call this the Standard Canadian Diet too), is a modern-day diet that has been attributed to poor health.

Some of the issues I have with the standard American diet is that it’s highly processed. The more a food is processed, the less nutrients the food will have. Highly processed foods can literally end up with no nutritional value and cause your body more harm than good.

It’s also pro-inflammatory, meaning that it promotes inflammation in our bodies. Chronic inflammation can damage healthy cells, tissues, and organs over time. Chronic inflammation contributes to a wide range of disease including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, obesity, asthma and dementia.

The SAD diet often consists of artificial colorings, which in high amounts can be toxic to the liver as well as other organs. Artificial food dyes may also contain contaminants such as benzidine, 4-amino-bipheny, and p-cresidine that are known cancer-causing substances. Artificial food dyes are associated with hypersensitivity reactions, changes in behavior, mood, concentration, and headaches in humans and tumor formation in rats.

High glycemic foods such as white bread, pasta, sodas, and desserts are low in fiber and high in sugar. This means that when ingested, they are rapidly digested, absorbed through the intestines, and can cause significant spikes in blood sugar. Over time, this can lead to poor blood sugar control and diabetes.

On average, American adults eat 10-15 grams of total fiber a day which is far off from the recommended 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams of fiber per day for men. Lack of fiber in our diets can promote poor blood sugar control, elevated cholesterol levels, and poor digestive health. A diet high in fiber helps to increase the composition and diversity of our gut microbiome, which enhances our immune response to pathogens and cancerous cells.

Pesticides, which are widely used in agriculture, and hormones, which are often added to animal feed, can be toxic to humans. Pesticides are known endocrine-disruptors and is associated with elevated rates of breast cancer. Furthermore, pesticide exposure during pregnancy is associated with increased rates of leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and brain tumor in children.

On average, Americans eat more than 3400 milligrams of sodium per day. However, the recommended daily limit for sodium intake is less than 2300 milligrams or approximately 1 teaspoon of table salt per day. Diets high in salt is associated with elevated risk of developing high blood pressure, which is a major cause of stroke and heart disease.

And lastly, the SAD diet is often high in trans-fat and saturated fats, which can lead to inflammation and obesity. It can also lead to buildup of fatty deposits in our blood vessels and the development of coronary artery disease, putting one at risk for heart attacks and strokes.

The graph shown here depicts the rate of cancer incidence and mortality between 1975 to 2018. Between 1975 to approximately 2000 there has been an increase in cancer incidence and mortality in both men and female. This upward trend has been linked to the increased intake of unhealthy fats, cholesterol, and refined sugar.

You will also notice a decrease in rates after approximately 1995. This is most likely due to increased cancer surveillance, advancements in cancer treatments, and cancer prevention programs focused on nutrition, physical activity, and other modifiable risk factors.

Now let’s get into the research involving the cancer risks with certain foods we are consuming.

Studies looking at the incidence of cancer in those who consumed the highest amount of red meat versus those who consumed the lowest amounts had a 9% increased risk of breast cancer, 10% increased risk of colorectal cancer, 26% increased risk of lung cancer, and 22% increased risk of liver cancer.

Similarly, studies looking at the incidence of cancer in those who consumed the highest amount of processed meat versus those who consumed the lowest amounts had a 6% increased risk of breast cancer, 18% increased risk of colorectal cancer, 12% increased risk of lung cancer, and 24% increased risk of stomach cancer.

There is a 12% increased risk of cancer associated with sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and juice. Moreover, consuming high glycemic foods (foods that are high in sugar and low in fiber) can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes which has been strongly linked to increased risk cancer including cancer of the bladder, breast, colorectum, endometrium, kidney, liver, and pancreas.

In addition, high amounts of dietary salt intake have been shown to increase risk of stomach cancer and esophageal cancer.

Before we end this article, I want to touch on obesity.

Recent work has revealed that overweight or obesity, as measured by weight or body mass index, does not increase cancer risk; rather excess visceral adiposity or the fat that covers our organs, as measured by waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, is.

Specifically, abdominal obesity is associated with a 42% increased risk of colorectal cancer, 32% increased risk lung cancer, and 6% increased risk of post-menopausal breast cancer.

Researchers looked at women diagnosed with breast cancer and followed them for 9 years. They found that compared to women who were able to maintain a stable weight, those who gained a median weight of 6 pounds after their breast cancer diagnosis was associated with a 35% increased risk of death from breast cancer. And those who gained more than 17 pounds had a 64% increased risk of death from breast cancer.

Similarly, compared to men who were able to maintain a stable weight, those who gained more than 4 pounds had twice the risk of prostate cancer recurrence.

From such studies we can extrapolate the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight to prevent the development and recurrence of cancer.

There are many health risks associated with the SAD diet, especially when it comes to cancer. While I know how hard it is to change habits, especially when it comes to eating, I think it’s important to try.

There are many healthy ways of eating to choose from. Pick one that suits your lifestyle and start making small changes towards a healthier you!

If you have any questions about your health, cancer prevention, or integrative cancer care, you can always book a free consultation with Dr. Irina Chan, ND by clicking here.

References:

https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21708

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34455534/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33854607/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34957192/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31995192/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29026008/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27983672/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27432212/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21325564/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9102839/

cancer fighting foods

Cancer Fighting Foods

Cancer fighting foods. Which foods, diets, and nutrition help reduce cancer risk.

In this article we’re going to look at:

  • Functional foods for cancer prevention.
  • Foods to avoid, and foods you thought you needed to avoid, but should not!
  • To finish off, a few types of diets and how they can affect your cancer risk as well as help with prevention.

If you want to discuss cancer prevention, or integrative cancer care, you can always book a free consultation with Dr. Irina Chan, ND by clicking here.

What are Cancer fighting foods? Also known as Functional Foods?

Functional foods are foods that have been linked to lowering cancer risks. They work by improving the immune response, reducing inflammation, promoting detoxification, or protecting our DNA from oxidative damage.

In recent years there have been laboratory studies showing that these specific foods have been effective in either indirectly or directly blocking tumor growth.

In fact, you can find these types of food items on almost any grocery store shelf!

Some cancer fighting foods to incorporate into your diet include garlic, and this can also include leeks and onions. Garlic may help to prevent cancer by improving the immune response, reducing inflammation, detoxification, and protecting DNA from oxidative damage. Garlic intake is inversely associated with risk of stomach, colorectal, prostate cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts contain sulforaphanes and isothiocyanates that may help to prevent cancer by improving detoxification and limiting the accumulation of excess hormones that can promote breast cancer or prostate cancer.

Cruciferous vegetable intake is inversely associated with risk of breast, kidney, bladder, lung, colorectal and prostate cancer.

Mushrooms, such as shiitake and maitake and even white button mushrooms are great to include in your diet of cancer fighting foods. Higher mushroom consumption is associated with lower risk of cancer stemming from their potent antioxidant properties. Mushrooms also contain β-glucans which have been implicated as having antitumor and immunomodulation properties. By improving our immunity, we are improving our body’s natural defense against cancer.

And lastly, green tea contains catechins, which are powerful antioxidants that have been shown to inhibit the growth and spread of tumor cells in laboratory studies. Green tea consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of oral, stomach, colorectal, lung, breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.

Oftentimes, I recommend having three to five cups of green tea a day.

Next, I’ll be covering some of the frequently asked questions associated with diet, nutrition and cancer risk.

I’m going to start off with soy. Oftentimes both men and women, are told to avoid soy because of its estrogenic effects. However, when you look into the research, soy consumption is associated with a reduction risk of breast cancer, as well as prostate cancer. Even in those who take it after their breast cancer diagnosis, it was shown to help prevent the recurrence. This is most likely due to soy binding to the estrogen receptors more weakly than estrogen itself. So when soy binds to the estrogen receptor, it actually inhibits estrogen from binding to these receptors. And that’s why we see a benefit here.

What about alcohol intake? Alcohol consumption increases risk for all cancers and the risk increases as you drink more. That means, that there is no safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed. There seems to be one exception. Higher consumption of wine seems to contribute to elevated breast cancer risk; however, lower doses (a third of a cup a day) does seem to have some protective effects, most likely due to the polyphenol and resveratrol content within the wine.

What about coffee? Coffee is good! Black coffee is actually rich in polyphenols which have protective effects against certain cancers like liver, endometrial, prostate, oral, and colorectal cancer. Just be mindful of what you’re adding to your coffee before drinking it (i.e. sugar and cream).

Should you be avoiding dairy? When it comes to cancer prevention, there seems to be inconsistent data on the consumption of dairy products in general. However, there seems to be protective effects associated with the consumption of fermented dairy products such as yogurt and cheese. If you would like to include dairy in your diet, it is best to choose organic products that do not contain residual antibiotics, hormones, and pesticides.

Are carbohydrates really that bad? Another big question is if one should avoid sugar and carbs. When you eat carbohydrates, they are broken down into sugars, which is the primary fuel source our cells use to give us enough energy to sustain our daily activities. But sugar in excess amounts can contribute to diabetes and weight gain, which is associated with the elevated risk of cancer.

Rather than eliminate carbs entirely from our diets, focus on reducing simple carb intake (e.g. white pasta, bread, white sugar, candy, desserts) and incorporate more complex carbs (e.g. fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans) that can stabilize blood sugar levels and have additional cancer-fighting nutrients. If you have a sweet tooth, choose lower glycemic index options (less sugar spiking effect) such as dates, bananas, monk fruit, stevia, xylitol, raw honey, or coconut sugar.

What about eggs? Data is mixed. Some have failed to find an association, but some have found that consuming ≥ 5 eggs/week was significantly associated with an increased risk of breast, ovarian compared with no egg consumption. Men who consumed 2.5 or more eggs per week had an 81% increased risk of lethal prostate cancer compared with men who consumed less than 0.5 eggs per week.

Similarly, those who consumed >3 eggs a week had increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer compared to those who consumed <3 eggs a week. Based on these studies, perhaps it’s best to limit our egg intake to less than three or five a week.  But more research is needed to confirm the cancer risks associated with egg consumption.

Intermittent fasting, is it all that? Intermittent fasting has really become a trend lately. In terms of cancer, preliminary studies have shown that prolonged fasting is safe and potentially capable of decreasing toxicity associated with chemotherapy, as well as having some benefit towards reducing tumor growth. Intermittent fasting may also be considered in adults seeking cancer-prevention benefits through means of weight management. However, intermittent fasting is not suitable for everyone especially if you have diabetes, unintended weight loss, fatigue, a history of disordered eating or mood disorders, or are pregnant or lactating.

Should I be vegetarian? A plant-based diet is best for cancer prevention. However, it is important to eat enough protein to meet your energy needs which may be challenging while on an entirely plant-based diet. Modest amounts of fish or white meats can help you meet your daily protein requirements and provide additional cancer-prevention benefits (such as omega-3).

Lastly, I want to touch on the keto diet. With the keto diet, there is currently no conclusive evidence to support its use for improved survival in cancer patients. There are risk factors associated with being on a keto diet, such as losing weight, headache, brain fog, fatigue, nausea, and constipation. It is also a diet that is challenging to adhere to.

I hope you found this information helpful. If you have any questions about cancer prevention, or integrative cancer care, you can book a free consultation with Dr. Irina Chan, ND, by clicking here. 

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34957192/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31089733/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30374967/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29026008/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21325564/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29111090/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23991965/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32118296/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35241506/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28288025/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26293984/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33813635/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33724299/

PMS

PMS

PMS. Premenstrual Syndrome is a very real phenomenon experienced by a vast majority of women during their menstruating years.  It is estimated that almost 90% of women experience some premenstrual symptoms!

In this article we’re going to cover:

The premenstrual symptoms
What causes PMS
What natural treatments you can use for PMS
The top 5 things you can do today to help PMS

If at any time you wish to discuss how a naturopathic doctor can help with PMS, you can book a free call with Dr. Keara by clicking here.

PMS is defined as recurrent physical, psychological and emotional symptoms that affect quality of life and occur cyclically during the luteal phase of the cycle (the week or two before your period begins).

While the exact causes of PMS are unknown, it is thought to be related to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Whatever the cause, PMS can be a real challenge to deal with.

Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to help ease the symptoms of PMS. If you or someone you know is struggling with PMS, then keep reading as we are going to cover the symptoms of PMS, likely causes of PMS, treatments, and things you can do right away to help PMS.

Many people think that moodiness and irritability during PMS is all there is to it, but in actuality this can be just one symptom of PMS among many others. There are so many more things you need watch out for!

Some of the most common premenstrual symptoms include:

  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Heart palpitations
  • Bloating
  • Water retention
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating

It’s true that PMS can be pretty uncomfortable and inconvenient. As you can see there is a lot more to PMS that needs to be looked at and addressed. The more you know about your symptoms, the better!

The good news is that PMS can be managed once you have identified the symptoms specific to you.

Before we dive into what you can do to help your PMS symptoms, it is important to understand where your PMS is coming from.

So what causes PMS?

You may have heard that PMS is caused by a hormone imbalance.  This isn’t exactly true, as women with PMS have been shown to have the same levels of hormones compared to those without PMS.

Instead, PMS is believed to be caused by a sensitivity to the fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones.  Since these hormones influence neurotransmitters serotonin and GABA, this sensitivity leads to the symptoms of PMS.

How do we test for PMS? Is it in the blood?

Blood work can tell reveal many things that are going on in the body, but unfortunately not in the is case.

The doctors of yesteryear thought that reviewing blood work could show us different levels when symptoms of PMS were present. As more attention was put on PMS we have seen that when it comes to blood tests, hormone levels are usually found in the normal range.  Blood testing is not helpful for diagnosing and treating PMS.

What is the Best Way to Assess PMS?

The best way to assess for whether hormones are at the cause of your symptoms is to track your symptoms across your menstrual cycle for a full 2-3 cycles/months.

The easiest way to do this is to download a period tracking app like Clue, Period Tracker, or Flo.  Of course, you can also use a paper calendar and pen! The first day of your period is considered day 1 of your cycle, and through the whole cycle (likely anywhere from 24 to 34 days), you want to take note of your symptoms (mood swings, irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, energy, etc.).  The hardest part is remembering to keep track, so I recommend doing this at the same time each day, i.e. before bed, to make it a routine.

Once you have gathered all this information, you want to take it to a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on hormonal health.

With this information, you can consult your Naturopathic Doctor who will be able to identify trends and see whether hormones may have a hand in the symptoms that are bothering you.

How do we treat PMS?

As Naturopathic Doctors, we take a holistic and comprehensive approach to treatment. In terms of PMS, a naturopathic doctor uses nutrition, nutraceuticals  as well lifestyle changes such a diet or exercise plans in order support hormone balance throughout your entire cycle so you can feel good all month long.

Before I share some general tips that can help you, I want you to remember that each person is unique, and while these can help, it is important that you get to the root of your unique symptoms.

Here are the top 5 ways you can get started today!

1. Consume more whole grains and complex carbohydrates.

This one might surprise you. What if I told you that the most important macronutrient to minimize PMS symptoms is carbohydrates?  The type of carbs matters too! Research shows that the most important macronutrient to minimize PMS symptoms is carbohydrates, and specifically – complex carbs!

Increasing whole grains reduces both the physical and emotional symptoms of PMS.  A quick way to get started is to incorporate foods like wild or brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, rye bread, sweet potatoes, etc.

2. Don’t Stress!
I know, so much easier said than done.  Higher levels of perceived stress are associated with increased premenstrual symptoms.

The fact is that stress is an inevitable part of our modern-day lifestyle, and trying to remove all stressors is not realistic.  It’s really important to get your stress response under control.

What really matters when it comes to our health outcomes is our perceived stress.  i.e. how well we feel we can manage the stressors in our life.  Here are some things to think about to assess your levels of perceived stress:

-Do you feel confident in your ability to handle issues that come up day to day?

-Do you often feel nervous or stressed out?

-Do you feel like you are on top of things in your life?

-Do you feel easily angered by things that are outside of your control?

A huge first step in managing your stress it to be aware of your stress levels.  It’s important to bring in some practices and strategies to manage the stressors.  That could include exercise, good quality sleep, adrenal support, engaging in hobbies, being in nature, etc.

3. Exercise

Whether you have just started your period or are approaching menopause, exercise is an excellent way to manage PMS symptoms. Not only does it improve mood but can also reduce bloating and the other physical discomfort symptoms associated with your period.

Start by engaging 20-30 minutes of activity 4 days per week so that soon enough these sessions will become part ‘wants’ rather than ‘chores’ because they’re good for us both inside AND out. It can be anything that you enjoy – a brisk walk in nature, a yoga class, sex, weight lifting, etc.

4. Continue tracking your menstrual cycle and know which phase you are in!

 Not only does tracking your symptoms help to diagnose PMS, but continuing to track your menstrual cycle and knowing which phase you are in can help to improve your PMS experience.  When you know that you are in your luteal phase (the week or two before your period) and are more susceptive to symptoms of PMS, this can in and of itself help to make the symptoms feel more manageable.  It is empowering to know what is happening in your body, and is super important and useful and you continue to work on the underlying causes.

5.Consider nutraceuticals like vitamin D, chaste tree, and calcium.  

 A few of the herbs and nutrients that have been shown to be effective for PMS in our tool kit include chaste tree or vitex berry, calcium, and vitamin D. We always recommend working with an ND to determine which supplements and at what dose will be the most effective and safe for you.

Premenstrual syndrome is a group of symptoms that many women experience in the days leading up to their menstrual period. While the exact cause of PMS is still unknown, we do know that it can be caused by a combination of factors including hormone fluctuations, diet, stress, and lifestyle choices.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help manage your symptoms. If you’re looking for some immediate relief, start with the five tips you can start using today.

For more long-term solutions, book a free consultation with Dr. Keara, one of our naturopathic doctors – she will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. We hope this article has been helpful – please share it!

Here’s to feeling like yourself again – all month long!

Dr. Keara Taylor, ND is passionate about helping women to feel at home and guided by the wisdom of their bodies.  She believes that our symptoms are indications that our bodies and lifestyles are out of balance. Dr. Keara combines comprehensive evaluation with in depth lab testing when necessary to determine the root cause of symptoms.  She uses evidence based and traditional forms of medicine to come up with an individualized treatment plan that may include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine and nutrient supplementation, IV Drip therapy, BHRT and acupuncture.

You can book a free consultation with Dr.Keara by clicking here.

References:

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/diets-enriched-with-whole-grains-reduce-premenstrual-syndrome-scores-in-nurses-an-openlabel-parallel-randomised-controlled-trial/36BF36D18C84C90F823EC3966C6BF8A1

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jwh.2009.1717

https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-018-0565-5

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229919306053?via%3Dihub

https://www.ogscience.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.5468/ogs.2017.60.1.100

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07315724.2019.1566036

burnout

Burnout

Burnout, what is it and what you do about it.

Burnout is a very real problem in today’s world. A result of constant long term stress either from work, your personal life or a combination of the two. The burden of responsibilities and tasks becomes overwhelming, and there is not enough time to rest and restore to some sense of balance.

Essentially, you are running on empty.

We know that stress is a part of everyday life, for everyone alive. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you live, or what you do, we will all face stress. Your body has an internal system that helps respond and cope with the everyday stress of life.

But what happens when these systems don’t work the way they should? What happens when they break down?

A lot of the recent research has focused on the burnout rates amongst health care providers, working extremely long hours, and putting themselves and their needs last, essentially draining themselves of their internal coping mechanisms.

Let’s face it however; health care providers are not the only people who are vulnerable to burnout.

Everyone is susceptible to burnout.

It’s not just the high achieving, or people with a stressful or demanding job, or parents of young children. More and more people are trying to balance busy lives and giving so much of themselves to everyone else that they don’t realize they are burning the candle at both ends.

How can you define burnout?

Burnout has three dimensions and is described as

  • Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
  • Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and
  • Reduced efficacy in all parts of life

When you’re in a state of burnout, it can be difficult to fulfill your job’s demands, while also showing up in your personal life. This may lead to feelings of failure, anxiety, depression, low productivity and strained relationships. Burnout affects mental, emotional, and physical health.

What are the symptoms of burnout?

Burnout can look different for everyone but these are some of the symptoms you may experience. It is important to note that there is both a combination of emotional, mental, and physical symptoms with burnout.

Symptoms may include:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Sense of failure and self-doubt
  • Detached, feeling alone in the world
  • Loss of motivation
  • Increasingly cynical and negative outlook
  • Decreased satisfaction and sense of accomplishment
  • Reduced performance
  • Difficulty with memory and concentration
  • Chronic headaches
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Vulnerability to illness such as colds and flus
  • Anxiety/ depression
  • Alcohol or substance misuse
  • High blood pressure and heart issues


These are some questions we would ask you to ask yourself…

  • Do you feel stuck in your current situation, wanting to make a change, but not having the energy to do so? Unsure where to start?
  • Do you wake up tired, unrefreshed, and unmotivated for the day, unsure how you will get through it?
  • Do you have trouble focusing, and overthink everything leading to overwhelm?
  • Are you beginning to question yourself in everything you do?
  • Do you see other people with abundant energy, and feel disappointment in yourself asking ‘why can’t I do this?’
  • Are you gaining unwanted weight because you’re eating differently to try to increase energy – going to the wrong foods for quick energy, leading to shame, guilt, and inadequacy?
  • Do you worry that feeling this way is a sign you’re getting older faster than you should and that your best years are behind you?
  • Are your relationships with your family, friends and colleagues suffering because you aren’t able to engage with them like you used to?

If you’re nodding your head to some or all of the above  then you may be experiencing burnout.

How do you test for burnout?

When considering burnout, it’s important to rule out other conditions that may mimic these symptoms. Your Naturopathic Doctor will do a thorough health history and investigation, along with some blood work and physical exams to rule out other underlying deficiencies or disorders that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Some common testing that is helpful to help rule in/out burnout includes:

Specifically for burnout, your naturopathic doctor may discuss the 4 point cortisol salivary test, or the Dutch Test’s Cortisol Awakening Test.

This test measure cortisol levels at 4 specific times of the day, to assess the diurnal pulsation of your cortisol, as well as your cortisol awakening response.

In clients who are experiencing burnout, we typically see a blunted or negative cortisol awakening response, as well as low cortisol levels throughout the day.


What are the treatment options for burnout?

You may be thinking, doesn’t everyone suffer from this? Isn’t it normal to feel like this, isn’t that just life to feel exhausted?

Although burnout is unfortunately common, it is not normal to experience, suffer, or endure.

Our Naturopathic Doctors can’t take away the responsibilities and stress that comes with life (although they wish they could). What they can help with is your body’s ability to buffer these stressors, the stamina to cope with them, and provide you with the tools and resources to help you recover.

They will have a thorough discussion with you about the things you can control, like nutrition, exposure to nature, physical activity, and daily habits that can allow your body to recover from burnout in a vary strategic manner.

They may also discuss IV drip therapy to provide your cells with the micronutrients needed to replenish ATP and cellular energy systems contributing to depletion, or supplements such as adaptogens and specific vitamins/minerals which support your body’s stress pathways, hormones (like cortisol, thyroid, melatonin and other), and ability to buffer stress.

The symptoms and experience of burnout is specific to the individual, and therefore the treatment plan should be individualized as well.

If you think you may be suffering from burnout, reach out to one of our Naturopathic Doctors today. Although it may be common, it is not normal to feel this way!

You can book a free consultation by clicking here.

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25433974/

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2702871

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12377295/

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2020.00360/full

 

IBS area

IBS

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

You’ve had a camera up and down both ends, you’ve had multiple blood tests, and some stool tests to rule out every other GI condition. It’s been a long, and invasive process, and instead of leaving with some answers you leave a consult that you’ve waited 3 months for feeling further lost and confused.

At this point, you feel as though you are no better off than when you started the process and wonder, will I ever get better?

In this article we’re going to cover:

  • What Causes IBS
  • The Symptoms of IBS
  • Top 5 things you can do to treat IBS

Before you get into this article, if at anytime you want to book a free consultation to speak with a Naturopathic Doctor about IBS, click here.

You can book a free consultation by clicking here.

So you’ve been diagnosed with IBS…Do you want the good news or do you want the good news?

Good news is that Naturopathic Doctors love talking about poop.  The other good news is that we are REALLY good at treating functional gastrointestinal disorders, especially when you’ve been told there really isn’t any other options for treatment.

IBS shouldn’t be a diagnosis of exclusion that takes months to be identified, you deserve to be diagnosed more quickly with an earlier adoption of treatment to help relieve the symptoms that are causing you distress as soon as possible!

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

IBS is an extremely common chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder, which affects about 20% of North Americans. That means for every 1 in 5 people, they will receive the label of irritable bowel syndrome. It affects women almost twice as much as men, and can severely impact one’s quality of life.

A group of gastroenterology experts have actually developed the “Rome Criteria” to classify IBS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders.

In the conventional setting, in order to receive a diagnosis of IBS you must meet the following criteria:

Recurrent abdominal pain on average at least 1 day/ week in the last 3 months, associated with two or more of the following criteria:

  1. Related to defecation
  2. Associated with a change in frequency of stool
  3. Associated with a change in appearance of stool

And then in small print they state that the criteria must be fulfilled for the last 3 months with symptom onset at least 6 months prior to diagnosis.  This means that typically individuals suffering with symptoms have to wait a long time before they begin to get answers.

There are different classifications of IBS including IBS-C: characterized by chronic constipation, IBS-D: characterized by chronic diarrhea, IBS-M: a combination of both diarrhea and constipation, and IBS-U: known as undefined IBS.

People with IBS may experience bloating, intense abdominal pain, stool changes, and extra intestinal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic pelvic pain and chronic fatigue. Symptoms can be so severe and unpredictable, it can prevent us from going out for dinner, attending social events, going on vacation, or even attending school lectures or going in for work.

IBS can be frustrating, embarrassing, and exhausting to deal with. I’m here to tell you that IBS does not have to be controlling your life and there are effective ways to help manage IBS so that you can start living your life!

In naturopathic medicine we always ask but is it really just IBS?  What’s causing the IBS? Is there an underlying factor that could be contributing to these patient’s symptoms?

What Causes IBS?

The short answer is… we don’t know exactly. The long answer is it that it could be due to combination of many things, and that combination is different for every individual.

The pathophysiology of IBS unfortunately is not black and white. What we do know is that some of these factors include impaired gut motility, increased gut permeability, visceral hypersensitivity, altered intestinal flora and gut dysbiosis, small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), altered enteric neurotransmitters, inflammation, diet and food sensitivities, genetics, maladaptive stress response, and more.

Not so simple huh?

A Naturopathic Approach to Treating IBS- Finding the Root Cause

Naturopathic Doctors are like gut health detectives searching for the root cause of your IBS, and investigating how a combination of the above factors may be contributing to your specific gastrointestinal symptoms.

We know that every person is unique, so what aggravates one person’s gut and IBS will not be the same as the next person.

Naturopathic Doctors are trained to look at the whole person, including how different systems communicate with one another, and how the brain communicates to the gut and vice versa.

We may ask questions like how is your mood? How is your stress? Have you had any prior infections? Antibiotic usage? Any past surgeries? What is your diet like? What does your lifestyle look like? Have you noticed any foods that make it better, or make it worse? Aside from altered bowel movements do you have any indigestion? Do you have gas or bloating immediately following a meal? Do you get any acid reflux or heart burn?

The questions help your naturopathic doctor uncover all the relevant information to know the next steps that will help you.  Naturopathic doctors on average spend at least 60-90 minutes per visit with their clients, that means they get into the nitty gritty questions that you’ve probably never even thought about.

Various Treatment Options for IBS

Diet

Based on the totality of symptoms and a careful diet history, several different dietary strategies may be suggested.

Food sensitivity testing may be discussed to help explore whether any food intolerances (note not allergies) may be exacerbating your symptoms, and a tailored elimination diet followed accordingly. This does not mean you have to eliminate such foods for the rest of your life though! Another critical aspect in working with a Naturopathic Doctor to address your IBS includes helping to heal your gut so that you can eventually eat without having to compromise the foods that you enjoy eating.

A low-FODMAP diet, which stands for foods containing fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, may be recommended. High FODMAP foods such as broccoli, peas, garlic, onions, wheat, dairy, beans, added sugars, and even apples can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine leading to digestive complaints. They contain small and osmotically active molecules that can rapidly draw excessive fluid into the intestine (hello diarrhea), and they can be rapidly fermented by bacteria into various gases that can cause excess flatulence, abdominal pain, and bloating.

While the type of foods you eat are important, the time you eat is also as important! For those who are affected by IBS, it is important to eat small and frequent meals rather than large and irregular meals, which can worsen symptoms.

IV Therapy

IV drips have been used for years to help people with digestive disorders. They work by bypassing the stomach and intestines, which means they can be safer than other treatments because there’s no contact time for harmful substances to build up in your system like food allergies or sensitivities do when you eat something new – it just goes straight into circulation!

IV Drip for Digestion has a few key objectives with each treatment: 

·        Anti-inflammatory which reduces inflammation and helps you absorb nutrients

·        Targeted nutrients specific for GI healing

·        Helps reduce GI pain & cramping


Mind-Body Therapies

IBS is strongly linked to anxiety and mood disorders. You may have noticed that at times of stress, your bowels start acting up leading to endless trips to the bathroom. Unfortunately, experiencing such symptoms can make you even more stressed and it can quickly turn into a vicious cycle.

To help calm your digestive symptoms, we want to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is your body’s rest and digest response. This includes practicing mindfulness and meditation, deep belly breathing, and taking time for yourself on a regular basis to relax.

Gentle movement such as walking, yoga, or swimming can not only help reduce stress levels but also help improve bowel function. Those who incorporate more movement into their daily lives have found a reduction in the frequency and severity of their IBS symptoms.

It is also important to note that high-intensity exercises such as jumping, running, or HIIT workouts can aggravate your IBS symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can also produce significant and long-term GI symptom improvement for patients with IBS, influencing the gut-brain axis, mental-emotional health and stress management.

Supplementation

Enteric coated peppermint oil is one of the most widely studied supplements in the management of IBS. It has antispasmodic properties which can help soothe and relax the intestinal wall, as well as normalizing transit time, acting on certain receptors to modify the gut.

L-glutamine is an amino acid that is useful in healing the intestinal lining in those that may have inflammation in their gut. L-glutamine acts as the primary and preferred energy source of intestinal cells helping to promote proper growth and function, maintain the integrity and protective function of the gut lining, suppress pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, and protect cells against oxidative stress.

It has been noted that patients with IBS have altered concentrations of certain microorganisms in their gut compared to those without IBS. Probiotics can have a positive effect to help regulate the microbiota composition within the gut, which can lead to improvement of abdominal pain, distention, and altered bowel movement. Prebiotics are carbohydrates, specifically plant fibers, that serve as a food source for microorganisms in our gut. Current research suggests beneficial alteration of the gut microbiota as well as relief of IBS symptoms through a combination of both probiotics and prebiotics.

Acupuncture

Research looking at acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment option for those suffering from IBS symptoms by regulating the gut-brain axis, helping to re-establish a smooth mind-body connection, and improving visceral hyperactivity.

This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but it provides a general overview of some of the treatment options available.

What’s Next?

As with any treatment, it is imperative to discuss your treatment options with a health care team that has vast experience in gastrointestinal disorders. Our team at Higher Health Naturopathic clinic uses individualized medicine, looking at the totality of symptoms to determine a treatment plan that’s the right fit for you.

Let’s work together to help you feel better, sooner. Book a free consultation with one of our naturopathic doctors today.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5219884/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6337770/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5347643/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7279071/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6579922/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7026694/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5454963/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-a-to-z

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/a-new-diet-to-manage-irritable-bowel-syndrome

Adrenal Gland

Adrenal Gland

Adrenal Gland. Do they Need a Little TLC?

In this article we are going to cover…

  • What is a adrenal gland?
  • What is adrenal gland fatigue?
  • The top symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
  • What you can do to improve your adrenal health.

if at anytime you want to talk to one of our Naturopathic Doctors about your adrenal health, you can book a free consultation by clicking here.

We’ve all heard people say these things before, “I wake up tired, and go to bed tired”, or “I feel exhausted, but as soon as my head hits the pillow my mind starts to buzz”.  Our bodies were built to handle stressful events, for example our ancestors needed their stress activated nervous system to be able to run away from predators.

In these acute situations stress is a good thing, it helps us to survive, to fight. Once these acute situations are over, our body is designed to return to harmony in its normal hormonal balance.

However, when we are exposed to ongoing stress, this response doesn’t get shut off as it should be. Our bodies think it is constantly in danger, and hormones shift to respond to these constant perceived stressors. This is what can burn our adrenal glands out.

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Our adrenal gland are tis a tiny gland that sit on each of our kidneys. They are responsible for producing our stress hormones such as epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol. Cortisol is secreted in a very specific manner, lined up with our circadian rhythm. It spikes in the morning to act as our “get up and go” hormone to help with waking, and slowly decreases throughout the day to eventually prepare for sleep.

It has an inverse relationship with melatonin, our “sleep” hormone. This means that in the morning when we wake up, cortisol should be high and melatonin should be low. The opposite is true of in the evening when we go to sleep, cortisol should be low, and melatonin at its highest. The term adrenal fatigue is often used to describe the pattern we see when there is an imbalance in this cortisol rhythm.

For example, we may see cortisol spiking at night leaving individuals with this “tired but wired” feeling, or we may see it low in the morning making it difficult to get out of bed.

The term adrenal fatigue can be confusing, since the problem isn’t isolated to the adrenal glands. The issue is actually along the communication line with something called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

In our brains, the hypothalamus releases a hormone called corticotropin-releasing hormone, which then signals to the anterior pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone, which then signals to our adrenal glands to release cortisol. Our adrenal glands themselves do not alter the production of cortisol because they become “fatigued”, they alter the production of cortisol due to a dysfunction within this communication pathway.

What are the symptoms?

Some of the most common symptoms of HPA axis dysfunction include:

  • Difficulty getting up in the morning, or waking feeling unrested
  • Cravings for salty or sugary foods
  • An afternoon slump or fatigue
  • A second wind in the evening when you should be preparing for sleep
  • Afternoon headaches
  • Difficulty staying asleep throughout the night
  • Lowered libido
  • Changes to mood
  • Difficulty losing weight
  • Other hormonal imbalances

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? You may be experiencing stress-induced HPA axis dysfunction.

How do you get it?

Often times when we talk about stress, people think solely about mental/emotional stress. However, there are all sorts of stress our bodies are continuously processing, handling, and responding to. This includes perceived stress from our environment, blood sugar dysregulation, inflammatory signaling, sleep disturbances, chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, toxin exposure and feedback inhibition problems along that communication pathway.

When our bodies are constantly exposed to these stressors, it can affect how our brain communicates to our adrenal glands.

What can you do about it?

First and foremost we recommend talking to your naturopathic doctor about diagnostic labs that can assess your cortisol levels, at the appropriate times of the day. This can include either a 4-point salivary test, or through dried urine using the DUTCH test.  In addition to this, your doctor may look at additional lab testing to see if other factors are at play, for example inflammation, chronic infections, or food intolerances. It is essential to pinpoint and identify which stressors may be playing a role in your symptoms, so that a treatment plan can be individualized to you.

Nutrition:

  • A focus on real whole foods should be recommended to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs to function properly, while minimizing processed and refined foods. Encouraging the consumption of healthy fats from sources such as olive oil, salmon and avocados, dark leafy green vegetables that are rich in magnesium and b-vitamins, and quality protein sources like grass fed meats are recommended. Your Naturopathic Doctor can further make individualized dietary recommendations for you.

Supplements:

  • Adaptogenic herbs such as: Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Holy Basil, and Schisandra can help our bodies adapt to stress, regulating our cortisol rhythm. Always discuss supplementation with your Naturopathic Doctor before starting these.
  • Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that often gets used up and depleted while exposed to chronic stress. It is important for helping to calm our brain, relax our muscles, and to promote a restful sleep.
  • B-vitamins: B vitamins often become depleted in times of chronic stress, and as a result can often affect our energy, mood, and sleep. In addition, B-vitamins are important for supporting our methylation pathways which play a role in the melatonin-cortisol rhythm.
  • Vitamin D: Optimizing Vitamin D levels helps to support a healthy immune system, balance hormones, support energy, and regulate mood. Most Canadians are deficient so it’s important to test, then target supplementation accordingly.

IV therapy:

  • IV Drip Therapy has targeted nutrients including but not limited to magnesium, B-vitamins, glutathione, NAC, carnitine, zinc and Vitamin C delivered directly into the blood stream, bypassing digestion so that it can directly impact cells can help replenish depleted nutrients, and regulate cortisol imbalances.

Mind-Body therapies:

  • Breathing exercises that help us become aware of our breath, and shifting our nervous system from a sympathetic “fight or flight” to a parasympathetic “rest and digest” can be very powerful for helping to regulate our stress response. Mindful meditation is also a great tool to help activate our parasympathetic nervous system.

Lifestyle:

  • Prioritizing sleep to allow your body to recuperate and recover overnight. Turning off electronics, including your phone a few hours before bed, sleeping in a dark cool room, and trying to sleep and wake at the same time each day are excellent sleep hygiene practices.
  • Exposing ourselves to natural light in the morning helping to regulate that cortisol/melatonin relationship, and spending more time in nature to help stimulate our parasympathetic nervous system and de-stress.
  • Learning to say “no” to things when our plates are already full, practice healthy boundaries, and doing things that are going to fill your cup and not empty it.

These small but mighty glands are involved in so many body functions, that supporting our adrenals and our HPA axis is critical for higher health.

Do you feel pressure to always be striving?

Achieving and taking on more?

Do you find it difficult to relax during down time?

It may be time to look at alternative ways to change your lifestyle, support your stress pathways, and provide your body with the support and rest it needs. If you need some help with that, you can always book a free consultation and speak to one of our naturopathic doctors.

References:

https://dutchtest.com/2016/07/05/adrenal-fatigue-is-all-in-your-head-sort-of/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21835188/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25462913/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30079756/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31517876/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32393092/