FamilyNaturopath.ca
305 Carrville Rd L4C 6E4 Richmond Hill, ON, Canada

Inflammation is not just about your joints or injuries, it also correlates to mood & sleep issues, diet/sugar and hormone imbalances. Are you living with inflammation without knowing it? There's a test for that! In fact, Naturopathic Doctors have a whole list of tests we can run to check how inflamed your body is - here are a few examples: CRP (C-reactive protein) The liver produces this protein as a response to several inflammatory conditions, acute and chronic. Your pract...itioner may use CRP in conjunction with your symptoms to get an overall picture of what is going on Serum Ferritin Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the blood. There are a number of issues that can raise your ferritin levels, making a simple ferritin test a handy way to check for inflammation, autoimmune disorders, infections and liver disease. RDW (Red Blood Cell Width) The width of your red blood cells is an indicative factor in checking for oxidative stress and inflammation. ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Erythrocyte is another term for a red blood cell, and the speed at which your red blood cells settle to the bottom of the test tube can indicate systemic inflammation. Chronic systemic inflammation is rampant, and is at the root of a number of disease states. We can help you to find out the status of your inflammatory markers (and symptoms) and work together to bring them down in a targeted way that is tailored for you. Give us a call on 905-597-7201 or email us to arrange a virtual consult and testing requisition.

Today's spotlight is going to the fabulous enoki mushroom. Also known as the golden needle mushroom or winter mushroom, enoki are popular in Japanese cuisine and have traditionally been used throughout Asia as culinary medicine. With a mild, delicate flavour and slight crunch, enoki can be eaten both cooked and raw, and are especially high in B vitamins and a wide range of minerals. The healthy amino acids they contain give them their reputation as a remedy for high blood pressure, stomach ailments, high cholesterol and liver disease - in fact, research has shown that enoki possess various pharmacological properties including anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.

When your body starts showing signs of imbalance like headaches, fatigue, low energy... it's time to look deeper into what's really causing all of this. There are always a variety of things that could be going on, but when you work with a Naturopathic doctor we don't look at each symptom separately we look at their relationship and dive deeper to see what's really at the root of it all so we can help you heal, feel rejuvenated and healthy.

This latest microgreen fad is one you don't want to miss - basil sprouts are packed with 4-5 times the nutrients of mature basil, making them exceptionally rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory compounds. To keep these intact, they should always be eaten raw but well rinsed. Try adding a handful of basil microgreens to your salad, sprinkle them on your avocado toast or even use them on your healthy Friday night pizza to add a delightfully fresh basil taste. Also...is it pronounced bay-sil or bah-sil?

Are you a fan of fad diets? If you are one of the great many who have followed every latest diet to the letter, only to end up regaining all the weight (plus a few more pounds), you’re not alone. Keto is a great example - it may be an easy and very successful diet for your friend to follow, but be way too hard on your body. Following the wrong diet might not only mean you don't lose weight it can be dangerous if it doesn’t suit you as an individual. This month it's all about healthy, sustainable weight maintenance. Check out our blog to learn why your weight loss efforts may not be working, and what you really need to do if you want to drop those extra pounds. https://familynaturopath.ca/tips-resources/articles/11311-2/

Who's ready for a fresh new year? Happy New Year!

Diet quality affects longevity...makes sense. Here's a study conducted in Italian adults that breaks it down. What is ultra-processed food? The ultra-processed food (UPF) group comprises products (e.g. snacks, drinks, and ready meals, created mostly or entirely from substances extracted from foods or derived from food constituents with little, if any intact food, which often contain flavours, colours, and other additives that imitate or intensify the sensory qualities of foods or culinary preparations made from foods. It's basically inexpensive, convenient and tasty (= 'addictive').

Relax & enjoy the Winter Break! Stay safe.

Finally, some hard evidence of the value of high dose vitamin C - for a range of conditions, including treating those with COVID-19...congratulations to the study authors...I'm looking forward to the other 50 studies on vitamin C that are in-process. If you care about your immune system, read and share this research article - https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/12/3760/htm

Do you have benefits you haven't used? Do you have health issues you want to discuss? Or do you just want to make sure everything is on track? We have space in our schedule and time in our hearts for you. If you are ready to make some changes and need a guiding hand to help you understand the best use of your time and efforts, as well as what your body actually needs, give our office a call 905-597-7201. Finding someone to help you with your health issues is NOT easy! Feel...ing vulnerable and repeating your health story as it falls on deaf ears is extremely frustrating. The difference with working with me is I pride myself on listening to your story (all of it, because it matters) and then working with you to eliminate the problems, restore balance and maintain your health - all while looking at the whole body, the whole person. If you are tired of feeling ignored, unheard, tired of wasting time going at it alone or with things that aren't working... we are happy you found us! Call and book in to start telling your story to the right person! See more

You are what you eat.. or are you what your body can absorb? Let’s say you eat all the right things: vegetables, fruit, healthy proteins, fats and carbs. If you’re not properly absorbing the nutrients in your meals, those efforts may well go to waste. Would it surprise you to hear that this scenario is actually very common? Digestive enzyme deficiency can have serious health impacts. We need sugars for energy, and fats and amino acids for muscles, nerves and virtually every ...bodily function, and we need the body to make the most out of every vitamin and mineral in our food. In fact, poor absorption may be a reason for cravings as the body calls out for the nutrients you thought you had provided. That's why digestive enzymes are one of the most commonly recommended supplements, especially at the start of a new health regimen. Each major food type has its own enzyme that breaks it down into forms that the body can use: 'Amylase' turns carbs and starches into sugars. 'Protease' turns proteins into amino acids. 'Lipase' turns fats into glycerol and fatty acids. How can you keep your own digestive enzymes in top shape? - Choose enzyme-rich foods such as tropical fruit and fermented foods. - Chew your food well - We make digestive enzymes in our saliva, stomach, small intestine, and pancreas, and proper chewing is the trigger that tells each of those enzymes they are needed. - Reduce Stress, especially around mealtimes as stress slows down the digestive process. - And finally, check with your health practitioner to see if you may benefit from adding a multi-enzyme digestive supplement to help replenish your body and get your absorption back on track.

I am not this hair, I am not this skin, I am the soul that lives within - Rumi

Do you consider yourself a kind person? A related question is: are you also kind to yourself? It can be easy to forgive others. Yet we can be incredibly hard on ourselves. Over the next few days, try to tune in to your internal self-talk. Are you constantly beating yourself up for something you did wrong, or feeling like you’re not good enough, or not clever enough? Remember that you’re only human. At some point in our lives, we have all had to forgive someone else. And we have all been forgiven. Forgive yourself: take a deep breath and exhale it out, let it go; if that doesn't feel right then write about it, talk to your close friends; get professional help...your relationship with yourself, and others, will greatly benefit.

Bitter foods are sweet for your health. When we taste something bitter, it stimulates the body to produce digestive juices and enzymes that give rise to a cascade of benefits throughout the digestive system. It speeds up digestion, reduces post-meal bloating, gas and heartburn. It also helps suppress the appetite to help you avoid that over-full feeling after a meal. This is why many cultures traditionally include bitter foods in meals, for example a traditional bitter aperit...if before dinner such as Vermouth, or a salad with bitter greens such as arugula or radicchio. Bitter is not a flavour we value as much these days, but its health benefits are clear. If you feel your digestion could use a boost, try taking a "digestive bitters" supplement. A few drops of one of these pungent extracts before meals may provide that little extra oomph that makes the difference. See our Digestive Wellness Program for comprehensive help - https://familynaturopath.ca//i/digestive-wellness-program/ See more

Sunflowers follow the sun But did you know when it is cloudy and gray, they face each other and share their energy? Imagine if people would do this too.

Do you consider yourself a kind person? A related question is: are you also kind to yourself? It can be easy to forgive others. Yet we can be incredibly hard on ourselves. Over the next few days, try to tune in to your internal self-talk. Are you constantly beating yourself up for something you did wrong, or feeling like you’re not good enough, or not clever enough? Remember that you’re only human. At some point in our lives, we have all had to forgive someone else. And we have all been forgiven. Forgive yourself: take a deep breath and exhale it out, let it go; if that doesn't feel right then write about it, talk to your close friends; get professional help...your relationship with yourself, and others, will greatly benefit.

The month of September is dedicated to raising awareness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Also known as the perfect hormonal storm, PCOS is one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders in women and involves irregular functioning of the ovaries. If you or someone you love is dealing with PCOS, there are many supportive approaches available in Naturopathic medicine - we're here to help - 905-597-7201. Read our article on PCOS: https://familynaturopath.ca//pcos-polycystic-ovarian-synd/

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body. This multi-tasker ensures proper function of your blood vessels, muscles, heart rhythm, bones and teeth, nerves and hormones. Your bones are like a calcium bank - an astonishing 99% of calcium is stored in your bones and teeth! So what happens when you’re not getting enough calcium from your diet? Your body makes a withdrawal from the bone bank. Too little calcium in your account and issues like osteoporosis, high blood pressure, fractures or muscle tension may result. If you're at risk of low calcium, added Vitamin D & Vitamin K2 helps to both improve the absorption of calcium, and deposit calcium back into the bone bank. Talk to your healthcare practitioner about whether a supplement is right for you.

Ever wonder if the way you feel now is the way you will always feel? Overwhelmed just thinking about how to go about getting better? Information itself is overwhelming and with so much access to it, it's no wonder the more we learn the less action we take on things. Having a professional guide you in your journey by assessing your symptoms and history and creating a customized plan to heal and maintain good health is priceless. You don’t have to tackle this alone.

Ever wonder if the way you feel now is the way you will always feel? Overwhelmed just thinking about how to go about getting better? Information itself is overwhelming and with so much access to it, it's no wonder the more we learn the less action we take on things. Having a professional guide you in your journey by assessing your symptoms and history and creating a customized plan to heal and maintain good health is priceless. You don’t have to tackle this alone.

A study released by the Canadian Men's Health Foundation finds that even though families have faced unprecedented stress during the pandemic, Canadian dads report feeling closer to their children as the result of the lock-down measures. Over half of the 1,019 men studied reported feeling closer to their children and giving fatherly advice to their kids more often since March, and more than half plan to continue providing more companionship to their children after the lockdowns have ended. https://menshealthfoundation.ca//CMHF-News-Release-BC-2020

Honey has long been celebrated for its beneficial effects, in particular when it comes to cardiovascular health. A recent study of Tualang Honey, a Malaysian jungle honey that is higher in flavonoids than even Manuka honey, has taken it further by showing a positive effect on lowering diastolic blood pressure and fasting blood sugar in post-menopausal women. With cardiovascular disease emerging as one of the most problematic long term effects of this stage in life, this benefit takes on special importance. https://www.sciencedirect.com//arti/pii/S0965229918303200

Do you have bumps on the backs of your upper arms? This is commonly referred to as 'chicken skin' or Keratosis Pilaris and can be related to a lack of vitamin A and Omega 3 fatty acids. It's more common in those with asthma and eczema and may be a sign of intestinal malabsorption. Naturopathic medicine does some of its best work in the wellness and prevention sphere: identifying seemingly insignificant symptoms that everything is not running optimally, and correcting the course before these symptoms accumulate and start to lead towards illness. Give us a call if your goal is to optimize your wellness, balance your immune, hormonal and digestive systems, and get your energy back! 905-597-7201

Arugula is a salad green that's bursting with peppery flavour and health benefits! Here are 4 reasons you may want to add a Roquette salad to your menu this summer: 1. It is a cancer-fighting dark leafy green. The "dark leafy green" or "brassica" family of vegetables is rich in glucosinolates, which studies show may reduce the risk of developing lung, prostate, breast and pancreatic cancer when eaten daily. Dark leafy greens include Arugula, spinach, bok choi, kale, broccoli,... rapini, cauliflower and cabbage. These vegetables are high in fiber and antioxidants, and also rich in glucosinolates. 2. It helps reduce inflammation. Arugula contains Indole-3-carbinol and isothiocyanates, compounds that have been shown to suppress the production of inflammation in the body. 3. It protects the aging brain. Arugula is high in most B vitamins but particularly high in folate, a vitamin that has been linked to slowing down the natural cognitive decline that comes with getting older. 4. It is a natural detoxifier. Research has shown us that the trace minerals and antioxidants in dark, leafy greens help block the uptake of environmental contaminants from our food, which added to their digestion-promoting fiber and water content, helps to rid the body of toxins.

Stop eating C.R.A.P! -Carbonated drinks -Refined sugars -Artificial flavours -Processed foods... If you don't have any food left after this, then contact my office, we need to have a consultation - 905-597-7201 - http://familynaturopath.ca/contact-us/ See more

Did you know that laughing is good for the heart and can increase blood flow by 20 percent? This helps you to maintain healthy oxygen flow throughout the body, allowing your lungs, heart and muscles to function properly and efficiently. Researchers at University of Maryland Medical Center found that laughter works in a similar way to aerobic exercise and even cholesterol-lowering statins. It causes the release of beta-endorphins in the hypothalamus, leading to the release of nitric oxide, which dilates the inner lining of blood vessels. Nitric oxide also protects the heart by reducing inflammation and preventing the formation of cholesterol plaque. So don't hold back, this is only one reason why laughter really is the best medicine!

The most common 'complication' of childbearing is post-partum depression, affecting about 20% of new mothers (and about 10% of new fathers/partners) - that's more than gestational diabetes and more than even pre-term birth! Yet, there's inadequate mental health support for new parents. Read the article to learn more and how to connect with your local member of parliament (letter link is provided).

Can herbs help you sleep? There are several to consider, here's one: Since ancient Greek and Roman times, Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been the go-to herb to promote deep sleep. But it's not not just herbal lore. Modern clinical studies show that Valerian makes it easier to fall asleep, stay asleep, and feel refreshed in the morning. Sleep is a complex state, and there is no one cause for sleep loss. Luckily Valerian covers all the sleep basics by reducing anxiety, l...owering blood pressure, easing muscle cramps and soothing the nervous system. Valerian in tincture form is quickly absorbed, but you can also find it in convenient capsules. As a tea, Valerian can be hard to swallow for some because of its pungent taste. Valerian is very safe, with no addictive properties. In fact, it is often used to help wean patients off sleeping pills. Make sure to talk to your health care practitioner before giving Valerian a try if you are currently taking sleep medications. See more

Do you have took much belly fat? Consider the role of excess insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body to manage blood glucose levels. It binds to glucose and delivers it to your cells so they can have energy. However, when insulin levels are too high (as in after regular sugary snacking, or too much late-night eating and inadequate exercise), the cells reject the glucose and it's stored as fat throughout your body. Over time, excess insulin can cause insulin resist...ance, which can cause fat to accumulate around your mid-section and eventually lead to diabetes. Keep your insulin levels in check by: 1. Reduce your intake of refined sugars and carbs, make vegetables the stars of every meal, and when you eat starchy foods choose those that release glucose more slowly, such as sweet potato, oats, or quinoa. 2. Add resistance training using weights to your workout regime. This helps increase muscle mass, decrease insulin resistance and up your body's energy burn. 3. Drink ginger tea to help lower blood-sugar levels. Aim for 2-3 cups of ginger tea a day, add a 1/2 teaspoon to your smoothie or look for a supplement. 4. Try a chromium supplement. Chromium is an essential trace mineral that can improve insulin sensitivity and enhance protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism to help regulate your blood glucose levels and support healthy weight management. Get the help of a naturopathic doctor to assist you and assess/ monitor your progress. https://www.sciencedirect.com///abs/pii/S0965229914000028

When you’re barbecuing, remember to keep it cool! Exposing meat to high-temperature cooking such as grilling causes several unhealthy chemicals to form. Two of them heterocyclic amines, or HCAs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs are known to cause cancer in animals, and are suspected to increase the risk in humans, as well. But there's no need to cancel your barbecue plans just yet, there are several things you can do to reduce the carcinogens in barbecued mea...ts: Marinate meats for 20 minutes prior to grilling to reduce the formation of heterocyclic amines. Trim off any excess fat prior to grilling (in order to decrease the amount of PAHs formed.) Consume vegetables from the cabbage/broccoli family of vegetables as they help your body process these chemicals Use a gas grill if possible: If you prefer using a charcoal grill, avoid using lighter fluid. Experts recommend that foods be cooked at lower temperatures, even though this means cooking them for a longer period of time. Make sure the flames die down before putting meat on the grill. Raise the grill rack, using your BBQ as an oven. To keep your meat in the safe temperature range. Keep your steak medium-rare, and avoid overcooking any meat by using a thermometer to gauge the moment it’s done. See more

Where you live has a significant impact on the likelihood that you will reach centenarian age. New research suggests that people who live in highly walkable, mixed-age communities may be more likely to live to their 100th birthday. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas/2020//200617145256.htm

If food is medicine, how is your diet holding up? We are all aware that great health can have a strong foundation in a diet rich in nutritious vegetables, good protein sources and healthy fats. The extent to which you accept this truth can define how you think and act around food. If you want to be healthy, you can stop eating foods that create, not fight, disease and you can start looking at your body as a high-end machine that needs high quality fuel. And here's the thing... it's a big task, one that most people do not succeed at and in turn that failure mindset sinks in. You must change the way you think if you want to change your life. Sometimes you need a little help from an expert.

When you think of berries, what comes to mind? A bowl of sweet strawberries with lashings of whipped cream? Blueberries crowded together in a slice of pie? Handfuls of blackberries eaten straight off the bush? Did you know that there’s a dark history to some of the most nutritious European berries that used to grow in gardens throughout North America? In fact, gooseberries were once banned altogether, but lately they’re making a comeback. Gooseberries are a low maintenance, ...easy to grow crop that is related to currants and varies in flavour and colour. They contain lots of healthy fiber alongside very high levels of vitamin C (1 cup provides almost 50% of your recommended daily requirement), as well as being high in copper, manganese and B vitamins. So why the bad rap in North America? In 1911, gooseberries and currants were banned throughout the US and Western Canada due to their devastating effect on the logging industry. It turns out that a significant disease affecting pine trees needed to spend time in a gooseberry or currant bush as a vital part of its lifecycle! The regulation had a big impact on these berries, as it meant that they were not grown at all in this area for over half a century. The ban on gooseberries was officially lifted in 1966 with the development of new, disease resistant varieties. This berry is a hardy and delicious perennial whose popularity is on the rise with organic farmers, urban homesteaders and nutritionists alike.

Is your digestion feeling a bit sluggish these days? Here are our top 5 tips to improve it: 1 - Chew your food properly - chewing doesn’t only break your food into smaller pieces, it’s also a crucial part in initiating the cascade of digestive enzymes that are triggered at different points in your food’s journey through your body. 2 - Take a few deep breaths as you sit down for your meal. This helps to calm your body down and move from fight or flight mode to rest and di...gest mode. 3 - Stay hydrated, this is important for your muscles and digestive juices to work well - but drink the bulk of your water away from meals to prevent diluting your enzymes. 4 - Take a shot of apple cider vinegar before meals if your stomach tends to feel heavy and slow after a meal, it helps with stomach digestion and the absorption of nutrients from your food. 5 - Take a stroll in nature after meals if you can. The gentle action of your muscles and gravity help your digestive system to do its job, and the peaceful (and screen-free) activity keeps your body in it’s digestive state. As the digestive health pioneer Dr Bernard Jensen said: After your meal, sit a while, then walk a mile.

This goes against the standard recommendation to do only low-impact exercise into our 60s and beyond. With bursts of higher impact exercise, bone density and overall strength can increase...this may be significant for preventing severe injury from falls.

We’re cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out. - Ray Bradbury

Selenium plays an important antioxidant role in the body, impacting several major chronic disease processes. Research shows that it may play a role in the prevention of some types of cancer, due to its far-reaching actions on improving DNA repair, reducing cell death, and supporting the healthy function of the endocrine and immune systems. It may also help to slow age-related cognitive decline. Did you know that the thyroid gland contains the highest levels of selenium of an...y organ in the body? Studies show that a selenium supplement can have a strong impact on thyroid conditions, particularly postpartum thyroid issues. Brazil nuts are by far the best food sources of selenium, with only 6-8 nuts containing a whopping 544 mcgs. The next best food sources are fish, seafood, liver and mushrooms. Meat, cereals, grains and organic vegetables also contain selenium, but in lower amounts. Selenium supplements are widely available, with the Selenomethionine form being the most easily absorbed. Make sure to speak with your health care practitioner before supplementing with selenium to find the best form and dosage for you as it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Early signs of too much selenium include garlic breath and tasting metal in your mouth.

The idea that the gut and brain are connected is not new. There are hard-wired nerves that connect the two and send signals bath and forth. Yes, we've all had 'gut feelings' and research is starting to see potential value of probiotics in those with anxiety and depression and other mood and other mental health disorders. For example, a review study published online July 6 in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health shows significant benefit in those with such disorders... https://nutrition.bmj.com//e/2020/06/09/bmjnph-2019-000053