Category: Blog

Sugar, Candida, Biofilms – What?

What are Candida Biofilms?

Have you ever taken an antibiotic for a urinary tract infection, acne, bacterial infection or some other reason? Did you know that just by taking one antibiotic in your lifetime, you can disrupt the balance of your gut flora? There is now research that connects the relationship of our gut flora with our mental health. One of the things that happens when you take an antibiotic, even a “natural” one like oil of oregano, is that it you kill not only the bad bacteria that you are trying to eradicate, but the good bacteria or probiotics as well. What tends to come back first after taking an antibiotic is an organism called Candida, which is commonly referred to as an opportunistic organism. Basically, when the terrain of the body is right, Candida sets up shop in you, the host. This is why it is common to get a yeast or Candida infection after you take an antibiotic. Other common health challenges that can result from taking too many antibiotics are constipation or diarrhea, indigestion, nausea and cramping. To see if Candida is playing a role in your health concerns, please complete the Candida questionnaire.

One of the reasons Candida can be difficult to get rid of is because of they create a biofilm. Biofilms are structural microbial complexes formed naturally by many bacteria and fungi. Treatment of conditions such as UTIs, ear infections, and Candida albicans overgrowth becomes difficult once biofilms have formed and attached to a surface. A biofilm matrix acts to protect the structure of a microorganism. Acting like a shield against invaders – it creates problems for us by increasing the durability and resistance of unwanted fungus. Candida albicans causes one of the most common fungal biofilms, and it is extremely difficult to treat once established. With a longstanding Candida overgrowth, there is plenty of time for biofilms to develop in your gut and they may be very resistant and reproductive complexes.

What is an important factor in growing and reproducing biofilms? Sugar! Biofilms are comprised of 32% glucose – stopping sugar intake can help reduce biofilm creation.

 How can Candida biofilms be treated once formed? Using enzymes to attack the biofilm structure – we can get past the security guard (attached matrix) to allow for degradation. Speaking with a naturopathic doctor about enzyme formulas that targets the cell wall. This helps to remove attached biofilms allowing us to release and break down the harboring yeast and micro-organisms. Detachment and removal of harmful Candida biofilm structure is crucial to maintain gut health and establishing a re-population of healthy gut flora. Therapeutic modalities aimed at destroying Candida biofilm structures hold the greatest promise for improving treatment responses in people with recurring candida overgrowth and other fungus-related disease.

Fermentation vs. Pickling

An introduction to pickling and fermentation.

As a child, I remember exploring my grandparent’s basement “cellar” or cold room that had shelves filled with jars of pickled and fermented produce. And even more, I enjoyed eating those jarred contents! What I didn’t know were the processes behind how those fresh veggies (and fruits) could be kept for such a long time without going bad.

Traditionally, and as my grandparents used to do, fermentation and pickling were used to preserve what had been harvested from the garden and then stored over the winter months when fresh produce wasn’t as available. In today’s society, food is readily available throughout all seasons, not to mention there are far fewer numbers of people who garden and then preserve their remaining harvest. Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still pickle or ferment fresh produce for later consumption.

But first, what is the difference between pickled and fermented foods?

Pickling is a general term that refers to different ways of preserving foods in an acidic medium or liquid, often vinegar. A common example is cucumbers that have been prepared in vinegar, which most people simply refer to as ‘pickles’. Preserving fresh produce in vinegar in this quick pickling method by covering the vegetable (or fruit) in hot vinegar, with the addition of spices and seasonings, eventually changes the original taste and texture of the food. Pickling also includes the use of heat to destroy and inhibit the growth of any microorganisms. This offers the advantage of the food not being perishable, but lacks the benefits of fermented foods, where microorganisms are cultivated and nutrients are maintained.

Fermentation is considered a pickling method, but is more of a curing process and thus has some specific features distinguishing fermentation from the quick pickling method described above. Fermentation involves creation of the acidic medium through lactic acid fermentation by bacteria. Lactobacillus, a species of bacteria normally present on fresh food, including vegetables and fruits, proliferates and flourishes during fermentation. These naturally present, beneficial bacteria produce lactic acid as they eat up and convert sugars and starches in the food. This type of lacto-fermentation uses a salt brine to inhibit harmful microbes while the beneficial bacteria multiply and dominate. The lactic acid produced also lowers the pH thus inhibiting harmful microorganisms from surviving. It is also meant to be an anaerobic process, meaning it provides an environment without oxygen where the lactobacilli bacteria can grow and thrive, while preventing any other microorganisms that require oxygen for their growth from growing and thriving. The fermentation process not only gives fermented foods their unique sour smell and flavour, it also provides health benefits.

What are the health benefits of fermented foods?

  • Enhances the vitamin content of food
  • Improves bioavailability (=usability) of nutrients in the body
  • Improves digestibility of food which helps our digestive process
  • Preserves and can enhance the enzyme content of food
  • Produces and provides probiotics (=beneficial bacteria), which have a variety of health benefits

Some examples of fermented foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, yogurt, miso and kombucha.

How to shop for fermented foods

When looking for fermented foods at the grocery store, make sure to read labels carefully. You will often find truly fermented products in the refrigerated section, and many of these fermented products will be labeled as such—look for labels that include “live cultures”, “source of probiotics” or “fermented”. You may also see the words unpasteurizedor raw on the label and the ingredients list should be simple. For example, in the case of sauerkraut, the label could include cabbage, salt, and other vegetables and seasoning ingredients used for flavour, such as garlic, beets or ginger. You might find “starter culture” on the label as some companies use a starter culture to amplify the number of beneficial bacterial present at the start of the fermentation process. Be sure the product does not contain vinegar and does not say “pasteurized” as the pasteurization process eliminates the beneficial bacterial cultures, thus removing the health benefits of a fermented food.

You can also try the quick pickling method and fermenting foods at home. For a tasty quick pickle recipe, try some spicy dill pickled green beans (from That Clean Life) or make your own delicious non-dairy kefir using coconut milk (from Meghan Telpner) (recipes below).

Spicy Dill Pickled Green Beans

Recipe from That Clean Life: https://blog.thatcleanlife.com/dill-pickled-beans/

Yields 1 jar of pickled beans

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups green beans (washed and trimmed)
  • 1/2 cup fresh dill (chopped)
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp sea salt

Directions

  1. Trim the ends from the green beans and cut them into equal lengths that will fit into a 500 mL mason jar.
  2. Place the dill, garlic, red pepper flakes and peppercorns into the bottom of the jar. Turn the jar on its side and tightly pack the beans in. Set jar aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan combine apple cider vinegar with water and sea salt. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for 3 minutes.
  4. Pour the vinegar into the jar with the beans. Cover with a lid and let cool. Transfer to the fridge and let sit for at least 24 hours before eating. Flavour will intensify over time. Enjoy!

Coconut Kefir 

Recipe from Meghan Telpner: http://www.meghantelpner.com/blog/coconut-kefir-ice-cream-pops/

Ingredients

  • 1 can (2 cups) full fat coconut milk
  • 1 probiotic capsule (about 1/4 tsp of probiotic powder). Any live kind will do.
  • 1 clean one-litre mason jar

Directions

  1. Stir together the coconut milk and the probiotic. If the cream and water in the tin are very separated, you may want to toss it in the blender or warm over low heat first, then allowing it to cool (to at least room temperature) before whisking in the probiotic.
  2. Transfer to your jar and fasten the lid on loosely.
  3. Let sit at room temperature for 18-24 hours. You can taste periodically with a clean spoon until desired taste is achieved.
  4. Once ready, place your coconut kefir in the fridge. If desired, reserve 1/2 cup of coconut kefir for your next batch in a new mason jar (see below).
  5. Will keep 3-4 days, or freeze for a couple of weeks.

Making Your Second Batch:

  • Mix together your reserved 1/2 cup of coconut kefir with 2 cups (1 can) organic full fat coconut milk. Repeat steps 2-5 above.

 

 

____________________________________

References

Editors, H. F. (2016, January 21). Pickling Vs. Fermenting-What’s the Difference? Retrieved March 12, 2017, from http://www.hobbyfarms.com/pickling-vs-fermenting-whats-the-difference-4/

Howe, H. (2016, April 12). Fermented Foods ULTIMATE Guide: How to Buy or Make, Ways to Eat & Wonderful Benefits. Retrieved February 19, 2017, from https://www.makesauerkraut.com/fermented-foods-ultimate-guide/

Nourishing Meals. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2017, from http://www.nourishingmeals.com/search?q=fermentation

Publications, I. O. (2015, May 11). Are Pickles Fermented? Pickled Vs. Fermented Foods – Natural Health. Retrieved February 19, 2017, from http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/fermenting/are-pickles-fermented-pickled-vs-fermented-foods-zbcz1505

The Crucial Difference Between Pickled and Fermented. (2017, March 02). Retrieved March 12, 2017, from http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/the-crucial-difference-between-pickled-and-fermented/

What is the Difference Between Pickling and Fermentation? (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2017, from http://www.wildfermentation.com/questions/what-is-the-difference-between-pickling-and-fermentation/

What’s the Difference Between Pickling and Fermenting? – Word of Mouth. (2016, April 04). Retrieved February 18, 2017, from http://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-difference-between-pickling-and-fermenting-229536

Get the dirt with these spring tips!

As the temperatures start to warm up and the snow begins to disappear, and as the hours of daylight extend, that feeling of spring starts to arise. The return of spring often brings a sense of new beginnings, new growth or a fresh start. For many, this also means a time for spring-cleaning: the undertaking of cleaning one’s living space.

Spring cleaning. Did you just cringe? If not, I imagine that you didn’t jump for joy either. Spring cleaning is often not a desired activity, though most can agree that once it’s done, you do feel satisfied.

Here are several tips to help with your spring cleaning.

  1. Simplify
    • Limit or remove some of the pressure in feeling that you need to do it all at once, and take it step by step. Start with one room at a time, or one category at a time (ex. clothes, photos, books, pantry items) or divide up the work over several weekends or throughout the week.
    • Enlist the help of others! If you live with other people, encourage them to help out in some way. Also make it more fun by putting on some music (and maybe even take a few minutes for a dance party!).
    • Do your best to keep up with regular cleaning during the rest of the year so that it is less overwhelming and not just a yearly event.
    • When going through your possessions, it can be helpful to determine what you use on a regular basis and what you don’t, and whether or not those items are serving you or “sparking joy” (as discussed in a helpful resource called The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo). Also keep in mind that there are other categories besides “throw away” when going through your possessions. See if you can reuse or repurpose, recycle or donate items before throwing them in the garbage.

2. Clean up your cleaning products

  • Did you know that our indoor environment is 2-5 times more toxic than our outdoor environment? Even the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly 3% of the global burden of disease is attributed to indoor air pollution. Also, we can spend as much as 90% of our time indoors. There are many possible sources of pollutants found inside the home, including dust (which is a reservoir for chemicals in the home) and even the products we use to clean our homes!
  • Most conventional cleaning products contain chemicals that can affect our health, so before you begin cleaning, start by removing those cleaning products that can increase your overall exposure and body burden of harmful chemicals.
  • What to look for and avoid in your cleaning products:
Chemical: Found in:
Triclosan dish soaps, disinfectants, numerous other household products.Look for triclosan listed as an “active ingredient” in many antibacterial products
Formaldehyde floor polishes, scouring cleansers, disinfectants, liquid cleansers, laundry aids, air fresheners, carpet cleaners(as well as numerous other household items and furniture, personal care products, wrinkle-free clothing)
Quaternary ammonium compounds or “quats” bathroom cleaning products, all-purpose cleaners, fabric softeners, degreasers
Ammonia window cleaners, drain cleaners, toilet cleaners, bathroom cleaners, oven cleaners, car polish, stainless steel cleaners, all-purpose cleaners
2-Butoxyethanol (2-BE, also known as butyl cellosolve) glass cleaners, laundry stain removers, carpet cleaners, automobile cleaners, windshield wiper fluid, degreasers, oven cleaners, rust removers
Parabens various cleaning products (and most cosmetics/personal care products)
Phthalates various fragranced cleaning products, including air fresheners, dish soap, even toilet paper (and most cosmetics/personal care products)
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) dish soap, liquid laundry detergents, cleaning towelettes, toilet bowl cleaners, (also in cosmetics or products that form “suds”)
Fragrance or perfume (catch all terms for masking potentially harmful chemicals) most types of cleaning products
MEA (monoethanolamine), DEA (diethanolamine), TEA (triethanolamine) floor cleaners, car wash products, degreasers, liquid laundry detergents, dish soap, oven cleaners, glass and surface cleaners
Coal tar dyes most types of cleaning products
Phosphates dishwasher detergents, laundry detergents, bathroom cleaners
Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) stain removers, all-purpose cleaners, air fresheners, liquid laundry detergents, degreasers, toilet bowl cleaners, car wash products
Silica powder abrasive cleaning powders
Sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate toilet bowl cleaners, surface cleaners, disinfectants, deodorizers
Sodium hydroxide (known as lye and caustic soda) oven cleaners, bathroom cleaners, drain openers, toilet bowl cleaners, disinfectants
Trisodium nitrilotriacetate bathroom cleaners, some laundry detergents (more common in industrial formulations)

For more information on these chemicals (what they are and how they are harmful), check out the David Suzuki Foundation’s article: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/the-dirt-on-toxic-chemicals-in-household-cleaning-products/

  • You really don’t need that whole collection of cleaning products meant for cleaning various parts of your home like your windows, bathroom, toilet, floors, kitchen counters, and so forth. You can use a few DIY multi-purpose products to get the job done! See below for a simple Citrus Vinegar Cleaner recipe.
  • For more DIY non-toxic home cleaning recipes, check out Meghan Telpner’s article à http://www.meghantelpner.com/blog/10-non-toxic-home-cleaning-recipes/ and David Suzuki Foundation’s resource à http://www.davidsuzuki.org/publications/downloads/2011/QueenOfGreen-Green-cleaning-recipes.pdf
  • For more information on “greener cleaners” that you can purchase, check out Environmental Working Group’s website: http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners

3. Don’t forget your internal environment!

    • Spring cleaning need not apply only to the home or external environment. It can also apply to your internal environment, including your thoughts.
    • Reflect upon the various areas of your life—relationships, work, friendships, personal life—and examine any areas that may be weighing you down. Notice your thoughts about those particular areas and what physical response you have to those thoughts (ex. sadness, anxiety, frustration, etc). Our thoughts create feelings or emotions, which then can lead to actions and behaviours. When we can start to interrupt those unhelpful, negative and self-defeating Thought-Feeling-Action cycles with tools like breathing, we can start to begin to challenge those thoughts and re-direct our thoughts to a more neutral place or to thoughts that feel better and thoughts that reflect more positive truths (such as “I did the best I could”, or “I am enough”).
    • The simple act of breathing is cleansing, where oxygen is brought into the lungs during inhalation, and carbon dioxide is released during exhalation. Throughout your day, pause and take a few deep breaths. To help focus on your breathing, inhale to the count of 5, pause, and exhale to the count of 5; repeat.

DIY Citrus Vinegar Cleaner recipe from In Sonnet’s Kitchen

Use this as a cleaner for windows, glass, counters and mopping floors.

Ingredients and Supplies

  • Citrus peels (ex. lemons, oranges, limes)
  • Glass jar
  • White vinegar
  • Spray bottle

Instructions

  1. Cut the peel off of the citrus fruit, and place in the glass jar.
  2. Cover with vinegar and allow to sit, for up to two weeks.
  3. Remove the peels and dilute vinegar 1:1 with water.
  4. Pour into spray bottle.

Note: 1. You can also mix the vinegar/water mixture with a small amount of castile soap (ex. Dr. Bronner’s soap) or baking soda for more cleaning power. 2. In a time pinch? Skip the citrus peels and two week wait time. Just dilute the vinegar 1:1 with water and you’re ready to go!

Resources

10 Non-Toxic Home Cleaning Recipes. (2017, March 28). Retrieved April 05, 2017, from http://www.meghantelpner.com/blog/10-non-toxic-home-cleaning-recipes/

EWG. (n.d.). Time for Cleaning Products to Come Clean on Ingredients. Retrieved April 07, 2017, from http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2016/05/time-cleaning-products-come-clean-ingredients

EWG. (n.d.). Wellness Chat: The Indoor Environment. Retrieved April 05, 2017, from http://www.ewg.org/cancer/2016/09/wellness-chat-indoor-environment

Green cleaning recipes. (n.d.). Retrieved April 05, 2017, from http://www.davidsuzuki.org/publications/downloads/2011/QueenOfGreen-Green-cleaning-recipes.pdf

Indoor Air Pollution Worse Than Outdoor. (2017, February 01). Retrieved April 05, 2017, from https://draxe.com/indoor-air-pollution-worse-than-outdoor/

(2015, August 10). DIY Citrus Vinegar Cleaner. Retrieved April 05, 2017, from http://www.insonnetskitchen.com/diy-citrus-vinegar-cleaner/

The dirt on toxic chemicals in household cleaning products. (n.d.). Retrieved April 05, 2017, from http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/the-dirt-on-toxic-chemicals-in-household-cleaning-products/

 

Are Cell Phones & Cell Towers Safe?

Is society’s current understanding of the health effects of electromagnetic exposure parallel to society’s understanding in the 1970s of the health impacts of cigarette smoking? Decades ago, the tobacco companies created doubt and controversy about the proposed health risks of smoking; however, with more research and the passing of time, there is now evidence of several health risks associated with smoking. The mercury found in dental fillings has a similar history and continues to be analyzed by the medical community. The author encourages you to ponder whether or not electromagnetic exposure is following a similar path.

A position paper by The American Academy of Environmental Medicine calls into question the safety of cell phones and cell phone towers (known also as mobile phone base stations – MPBS), putting them in the same category as smoking and mercury.1 What is different about exposure to electromagnetic energy is that it has become fully integrated into our environment. If and when it is confirmed there is a health risk associated with electromagnetic exposure, will it be too late and what will be our options? As we become increasingly aware of the health risks posed by electromagnetic radiation, will we find solutions?

The result of the increase in public awareness and research is a growing concern about the safety of living near MPBSs. Several short term studies, ranging from several months to three years have concluded that there is no consistent evidence demonstrating associated risks of living near MPBSs, yet these results have led to an increased concern and the need for further investigation.2,3,10,14,15 For example, a study conducted by Shahbazi-Gahrouei et al. indicated that those individuals living a distance of greater than three hundred meters from an MPBS showed a statistically significant decrease in symptoms, such as nausea, headache, dizziness, irritability, discomfort, nervousness, depression, sleep disturbance, memory loss and lowering of libido compared to individuals that lived closer to MPBS.21 Some argue that distance is not a reliable measure because the power output of each MPBS can be different, leading to different distances at which they may impact health. Analyzing the health impact is further complicated by the fact that exposure at ground-level distance from different base stations may differ by four orders of magnitude because of base station parameters and environmental scattering,6 and there is a growing consensus that children are more susceptible to exposure, hence the emphasis on the placement of MPBSs away from daycares and schools.28

As naturopathic doctors (NDs) our focus is preventative health care and it is in our nature to look at the potential for risk and harm. The author proposes that NDs consider the long-term impacts to health, especially seeing as the current evidence suggesting the lack of long term health effects is primarily based on short-term studies. Limited evidence of harm does not mean that we should turn a blind eye and not proceed with further studies, particularly to our children’s health and the health of future generations.

Consider the growth of the mobile phone industry; in 1987, there were only 100,000 cell phones in Canada and by the end of 2010 there were more than 24 million. The increasing number of cell phones require more MPBSs to accommodate the volume of cell signals. A rise can be seen in MPBSs as well; in 2008 there were about 8,000 MPBSs29 and currently there are over 820,000 MPBSs in Canada.25 Mobile phone transmitter power-levels range from 0.6 to 2.0W, while MPBS transmitter power levels range from a few watts to >100W.6

MPBSs exist as either stand-alone structures (monopoles) or they can be on top of existing structures, such as churches, water tanks and other building types. Property owners have the option to rent out space on top of an existing structure to mobile-phone service providers. The height for coverage ranges from ten to one hundred meters. In many cases, the transmitter may go unnoticed. (see the link at the end of this article to find out if there is a MPBSs in your neighbourhood). As mobile-phones use rises, there is greater demand for coverage (signal availability and strength) and adequate capacity (number of channels)17. Companies may also co-locate on a structure,17 with two or three companies sharing a tower for their antennas.

Twenty-four studies since 1973 have identified adverse effects associated with exposure to non-thermal microwave electromagnetic radiation (EMR) or hypersensitivity (EMH).23 These effects include both neuropsychiatric symptoms16 and other generalized symptoms. Symptoms that are believed to be associated with EMR exposure range from various cancers, headaches, fatigue, decreased learning, ADD, autism spectrum disorder, decreased memory, hormone imbalances,20 infertility, dementia, autoimmune disease, diabetes and heart problems.4,5,8,11,16,23 Other data shows that children, women26 and the elderly27 are more susceptible to physical symptoms such as of tiredness, headaches, sleep disturbances, irritability, depression, loss of memory, dizziness, libido decrease, nausea and visual perturbations. Multiple chemical sensitivity has been associated with EMH.9

While the mechanism of action of low level electromagnetic radiation exposure is still to be determined and more studies are needed, there are a number of proposed mechanisms of action :

Increase in Intracellular Calcium: Martin Pall, Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Basic Medical Sciences at Washington State University, studies the influence on voltage across a cells plasma membrane. His research shows that the activation of the voltage-gate calcium channels7 leads to an increase in intracellular calcium,7,8 causing the release of neurotransmitters and hormones.23 Pall’s research shows that the nervous system is sensitive to MPBS proximity. Research shows that the Increased intracellular calcium also stimulates osteoblasts and bone growth.7 This rise of intracellular calcium was found to be almost instantaneous, occurring in less than five seconds in human fibroblast cultures.12 Additional studies are needed to further explore the impact on voltage-gated calcium channels.13 Prescribing calcium channel blockers to patients has actually been proposed as a way of managing this response.7

Rise in Nitric Oxide levels: The correlation between electromagnetic exposure and increased nitric oxide levels have been known for more than 20 years and has been shown in over 20 studies. A rise in nitric oxide leads to increased oxidative stress.7 This mechanism of action has recently been re-examined by Dr. Martin Pall.

Rise in Cortisol and Salivary u-amylase: Studies have shown that exposure leads to a rise in cortisol and salivary u-amylase in humans,19 which would account for symptoms associated with electromagnetic exposure including irritability, a ‘tired but wired’ or ‘burnt out’ feeling’, weight gain at the waist, loss of muscle mass, bone loss, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, low sex drive, impaired memory and loss of scalp hair.

In 1973, a Russian study on mice, rats and rabbits found that many of the physiological changes affecting the nervous system, heart and testis were reversible if the exposure was stopped within a brief period of time; however, with repeated or longer exposure they found that these changes were not reversible.24 This is a very alarming finding that has not been further tested, proved or disproved.

One concern with conducting studies regarding the health impact of MPBSs is the “nocebo” effect. That is, when subjects have an awareness of the potential negative impact of increased exposure to MPBSs, it may influence the development of symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches and insomnia.22 Another challenge is the increasingly common universal exposure to MPBS, creating difficulty finding controls that have no exposures.23

On a positive note, although manufacturers and developers of EMR and MPBS equipment refuse to acknowledge any harm in these technologies, they are in the developmental stages of creating Li-Fi (a form of wireless internet). This new technology will decrease EMR exposure because it uses light to transmit Internet signals. It could replace Wi-Fi and Bluetooth18 as has the advantages of having less interference issues and higher security, as signals do not go through walls as Wi-Fi does. The goal is to decrease the body’s overall exposure to EMR as certain exposures we cannot realistically avoid. This is a step in the right direction, but there is still the question about the impact of the current technology on human health.

How can we limit our exposure to electromagnetic frequencies? We cannot choose the air we breathe; however, we can choose where we live, whether to use a microwave oven, for example, or whether to hold a mobile device close to our head or body.

Mobile phone technology and towers are here to stay. As a naturopathic doctor, I encourage my colleagues to consider electromagnetic exposure when determining the root cause of a patient’s concerns. If the health impacts of mobile device technology follow the same path a smoking, lead exposure and mercury dental fillings, we are going to be in trouble. The author, therefore, encourages readers to be aware of what is happening in their community and cautious about the placement of MPBSs in residential areas, school and daycare centres.

Resources:

Enter your address and locate how many cell towers are in your area: www.etyu.org/steven_nikkel/cancellsites.html.

Dr. Magda Havas, an associate professor of environmental and resource studies at Ontario, Canada’s Trent University; www.magdahavas.com.

 

References:

1 Elliott P, Toledano M, Bennett J, Beale L, de Hoogh K, Best N, Briggs D, Mobile phone base stations and early childhood cancers: case-control study, BMJ 2010;340:c3077.

2 Mortazavi S, Subjective symptoms related to GSM radiation form mobile phone base stations: a cross-sectional study, J Biomed Phys Eng 2014;4(1)39-40.

3 Coggon D, Health risks from mobile phone base stations, Occup Environ Med 2006;63:298-299.

4 Hutter H, Moshammer H, Wallner P, et al., Subjective symptoms, sleeping problems, and cognitive performance in subjects living near mobile phone base stations, Occup Environ Med 2006;63:307-13.

5 Dolan M, Rowley J, The precautionary principle in the context of mobile phone and base station radiofrequency exposures, Environmental Health Perspectives 2009;117:9:1329-1332.

6 Pall M, Electromagnetic fields act via activation of voltage-gated calcium channels in biology and medicine, J Cell Molec Med 2013;17:8:958-965.

7 Pall M, Electromagnetic field exposures act via activation of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Mechanism of action and diverse impacts on health – Lecture notes, American Academy of Environmental Medicine Conference, 2013 October, Phoenix, Arizona:55-67.

8 Patel K, EMF hypersensitivity & biotoxin-mycotoxin – Lecture notes, American Academy of Environmental Medicine Conference, 2013 October, Phoenix, Arizona:69-88.

9 Nayyeri V, Hashemi S, Borna M, Jalilian H, Soleimani M, Assessment of RF radiation levels in the vicinity of 60 GSM mobile phone base stations in Iran, Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2013;155(2):241-244.

10 http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/drugs-products-medicaments-produits/consumer-consommation/home-maison/cell-eng.php.

11 Gomez-Perretta C, Navarro E, Segura J, Portoles M, Subjective symptoms related to GSM radiation from mobile phone base stations: a cross-sectional study, BMJ Open 2013;3:e003836.

12 Pilla A, Electromagnetic fields instantaneously modulate nitric oxide signalling in challenged biological systems, Biophys Res Commun 2012;426:330-333.

13 Xu J, Wang W, Clark C, et al. Signal transduction in electrically stimulated articular chondrocytes involves translocation of extracellular calcium through voltage-gated channels, Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2009;17:397-405.

14 Moulder J, Foster K, Erdreich L, McNamee J, Mobile phones, mobile phone base stations and cancer: a review, Int J Radiat Biol, 2005;81(3):189-203.

15 Roosli M, Frei P, Mohler E, Hug K, Systematic review on the health effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from mobile phone base stations, Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2010;88:887-896.

16 Abdel-Rassoul G, El-Fateh O, Salem M, Michael A, Farahat F, El-Batanouny M, et al., Neurobehavioral effects among inhabitants around mobile phone base stations, Neurotoxicolgy 2007;28:434-440.

17 IEEE Committee on Man and Radiation, Safety issues associated with base stations used for personal wireless communications, COMAR Technical Information Statement, September 2000.

18 http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/light-bulb-li-fi-wireless-internet/

19 Augner C, Hacker G, Oberfeld G, et al., Effects of exposure to GSM mobile phone base station signals on salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and immunoglobulin A, Biomed Environ Sci 2010;23:199-207.

20 Eskander E, Estefan S, Abd-Rabou A, How does long term exposure to base stations and mobile phones affect human hormone profiles?, Clin Biochem 2012;45:157-161.

21 Shahbazi-Gahrouei D, Karbalae M, Moradi H, et al., Health effects of living near mobile phone base transceiver station (BTS) antennae: a report from Isfahan, Iran, Electromagn Biol Med 2014;33(3):206-210.

22 Danker-Hopfe H, Dorn H, Bornkessel C, et al., Do mobile phone base stations affect sleep or residents? Results from an experimental double-blind sham-controlled field study, Am J Hum Biol 2010;5:613-618.

23 Pall M, Microwave frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produce widespread neuropsychiatric effects including depression, Journal of Chem Neuroanatomy 2015;http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jchemneu.2015.08.001.

24 Tolgskaya M, Gordon Z, Pathological effects of radio waves, Translated from Russian by B Haigh 1973; Consultants Bureau, New York/London, 146 pages.

25 http://opensignal.com/coverage-maps/Canada/.

26 Santini R, Santini P, Danze J, Le Ruz P, Seigne M, Study of the health of people living in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations, Pathol Biol 2002;50:369-373.

27 Santini R, Santini P, Danze J, Le Ruz P, Seigne M, Symptoms experienced by people in vicinity of base stations: II. Incidences of age, duration of exposure, location of subjects in relation to the antennas and other electromagnetic factors, Pathol Biol 2003;51:412-415.

28 Li C, Liu C, Chang Y, Chou L, Ko M, A population-based case-control study of radiofrequency exposure in relation to childhood neoplasm, Sci Total Environ 2012;435-436:472-478.

29 City of Hamilton. Health Risks associated with cell phone towers – 2008; http://www2.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/77F4E067-CD0C-483C-80C5-58AB3693CB7A/0/Jul09BOH08013HealthRiskAssocwithCellPhoneTowers.pdf

30 https://www.aaemonline.org/emf_rf_position.php

The Mystery of Mania

When I studied Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, I was asked to be on a steering committee regarding the direction of the program for future students. In the discussion, the subject of mental health and psychology was discussed and one of the students raised a question about bipolar disorder. My response was “Which type of bipolar disorder are you referring too?” And her response was “How many types are there?” Therein lied the problem for me – here was a student that I highly regarded – and she didn’t know that there are two types of bipolar disorder. At that time, I was stuck in the stigma and shame of my diagnosis, but now  – over a decade later – I am “coming out” about the truth. So, for those of you that don’t know, there are two types of bipolar disorder. Simply put, in type 1, you experience delusional psychotic mania and in type 2, you don’t have psychosis, but are in a “hypo-manic” state. What follows below is an excerpt from my upcoming book “Beyond the Label: Achieving Mental Wellness with Naturopathic Medicine”. I am posting this blog in honour of Mental Health Awareness Week.

BOOK EXCERPT: After feeling so much better when I started Dr. Hoffer’s protocol, I began to wonder if I was “cured.” Maybe the doctors had been wrong and I didn’t have bipolar disorder type 1. After all, I had never had a psychotic episode naturally. I had always been on some form of psychotropic medication when it happened. When I had questioned my psychiatrist about this, he told me that a “normal” person would never experience mania on medication; only those with the genetic tendency for mania would. Since I am adopted, I didn’t have a family history to verify the validity of that statement. This left a suspicion in the back of my mind, or maybe it was a refusal to accept the label. I continued to take my medication, along with the supplements, for fear of getting sick again. It had now been a decade since I had been manic, and I began to question whether it would ever happen again.

Well, it did. And as the next episodes unfolded, what never sat well with me was that I never became manic on my own—I was always under the influence of prescribed pharmaceuticals. While the allure of mania has been described as addictive, for me, it is a state that I have feared and have tried desperately to keep hidden. The irony with that is mania is impossible to hide. It begs to be seen. And while it can be fun to be in a hypomanic state leading up to a full blown psychotic event, it usually comes with an inevitable down swing into depression as the pendulum swings the other way. Mania is the yang to the yin of depression.

Back to school—and another manic episode

The first two months after leaving HSBC were good. Initially, I was excited about my studies. Slowly, though, my insecurities got the best of me. I started to feel overwhelmed about the length of time it was going to take to become an ND. Would I even be accepted into the program? Would I pass once I got there? I began exploring other career options that would guarantee me a paycheque sooner rather than later, such as teaching or becoming an RCMP officer or city police officer. I thought maybe I could use my business skills in a transferable position in the health field. Or maybe my boyfriend would propose and I could get married and become a mom.

Partly because of the struggles my boyfriend and I were having in our relationship, we attended a personal growth course called “The Art of Happiness.” Leading up to the course, I had been sleeping well, but after the first night, I only got a few hours of sleep. During the course, there was some intense emotional work, and I found that I was very triggered by the energy of the other group members.

I escalated into mania on the third day of the course and ended up jumping into the Fraser River. In hindsight, the course organizer should have called an ambulance for me, but instead, she sent me in a cab to St. Paul’s Hospital, where I was left—in a state of psychosis—to check myself into the hospital. This was not going very well for me, as I was losing my mind and I am sure I looked like a street person in the baggy clothes I had been given to wear after changing out of my wet clothes.

I ended up calling my friend, Lisa, who contacted our mutual friend, Janet, who was a resident in emergency medicine at the hospital. We had initially connected when we were exploring the idea of creating an organic baby formula. Lisa had already played an instrumental role in supporting me with my health challenges, and now I believe that Janet also was in my life for the same reason. Ultimately, we all helped each other move our lives in alignment with our spiritual paths as we were all searching for courage to make big changes in our lives but didn’t know how.

Here is an account of the experience, written from her perspective:

The phone rang as I was washing dishes on a cloudy Sunday afternoon. “Janet, Chris just called me from emergency. She said to call you and then hung up. Something’s wrong.” I was at the hospital in minutes, where I found my friend at triage crying. She clung to me, and as she spoke, things became clear. I recognized the pressured speech, the loud voice, and the hyperactive behaviour. As an emergency resident, I had encountered it many times. However, this time it was my friend, and the experience changed forever the way that I view psychiatric patients and the medical system as a whole.

Before I continue, let me say that this is not a criticism of the dedicated staff at this hospital and other emergency rooms across the country. We all do the best we can in the crunch that is acute medicine. However, I hope that my experience may help people step outside of “the box,” if just for a moment. The box is our comfort zone. Inside it we exist in a state of clinical detachment, using characteristic language and attitudes with respect to patients; both are defence mechanisms that enable us to do this challenging work. For example, I was shocked to hear my friend referred to as “the bipolar,” forgetting my own frequent similar references to patients. I honestly can’t remember referring to a patient by their name in the emergency department. Unfortunately, I will probably step back into that familiar box in a matter of days or hours, but wanted to record this experience at a time when I was able to view things from an eye-opening perspective.

Before I arrived, Chris had been told there were no psychiatric beds available, and that there would be none available for days. She possessed enough insight to know that she needed inpatient treatment, but was rather dramatic about it because of her condition. As well, before arriving at the hospital, she had jumped into a river and lost some of her clothes. She came across as an angry street person, perhaps even strung out on coke. Not the vivacious, inspiring young professional who until recently had been a high-level manager in an international corporation.

 I don’t mean to imply that her “status” should entitle her to more respect or better care. However, I’m sure many in the waiting room would have been surprised by the information. Alone, afraid, and paranoid, there was no way she could check herself into triage without some help, and she wasn’t getting it. Luckily I arrived just as she was considering going back out onto the street. The last time she was this sick, she made a serious suicide attempt and ended up in the ICU.

As soon as I had calmed her down, I started to grasp at strings. I knew the on-duty emergency physician, who made some calls and informed me that there were no psych beds in the city, and that I should try to get her admitted. Meanwhile, Chris had been insisting loudly that she needed her psychiatrist’s number, saying that he wanted her to call him at home. Of course, we’d never dream of giving a physician’s home number to any patient, much less a psychotic screaming one. I was skeptical myself, but used my hospital badge to get into the nursing station, where I asked the unit clerk for the psychiatrist’s number. It wasn’t listed, so I picked up a phone, identified myself as a resident to the switchboard, and got it.

I then called the psychiatrist, who confirmed that he had given her his number and said that he would contact the on-call psychiatrist, making her an urgent priority for admission. When I told the triage clerk, he repeated that there were no beds and that she would likely not be admitted, as there were eight people in line ahead of her. He was quite unfriendly, even though he knew that I worked there. He was probably justifiably annoyed that in the midst of a backed emergency department, I was using my connections to push a friend through. However, I persisted, and got her checked in.

When I went to visit her the next day, she was ensconced in her corner of the acute psychiatric unit, surrounded by flowers and friends. All, including Chris, were thankful that she was alive and safe. In addition, I was feeling some disconcerting emotions. Seeing a friend in a psychotic state had been profound. Despite her “crazy” condition, she had still been very much herself. Beneath the bizarre behaviour and delusions, it was actually quite easy to find the person I knew. With a chill of awareness, I had to acknowledge that I had regarded psychotic patients as being somehow not of themselves. I hadn’t considered that the healthy person might be preserved within, aware at some level of what was happening. I don’t mean to be putting forward a theory on psychosis or mania; I am only trying to express what I discovered about myself. I’m sad to say that I had not been seeing or treating these patients as people.

 Furthermore, I had discovered what it was like to be on the outside, desperate to get care for a loved one and running into one brick wall after another. “Sorry, you’ll have to wait” and “there are no beds,” echo in hospitals across our country every day. I’m used to saying these words, not hearing them. I chose to ignore these words because of my position, which I’m sure many would criticize me for. When you’re desperate you’ll try anything. My heart goes out to those who don’t have anything to try.

 Thus ends my story, with a happy ending for my friend and a number of lessons for me. Hopefully I won’t forget them; that was part of my motivation for putting this to paper. If you even gain a fraction of the awareness that I achieved from writing this, it will make this effort worthwhile to me.

The above article was submitted for publication in the CMA journal, but was rejected. I am extremely grateful for how my friend was able to help me, that she was home to answer the phone and the risks she took to get me safely admitted.

This was my third manic episode while on prescription medications. I began to wonder what the point was of taking a mood stabilizing medication if it couldn’t prevent mania. My psychiatrist explained that there isn’t a medication strong enough that you can take on a daily basis to override mania and still function in some capacity. Trying to prevent mania is analogous to trying to stop a volcano from erupting. While the supplement regime had been effective at stabilizing my mood from a depression and anxiety perspective, I questioned the need for pharmaceutical medication that wasn’t doing its job in that area, nor with preventing mania. I began to search for answers on how to prevent mania from ever happening again.

Stay tuned to read the rest!!! If you would like to be notified when the book is ready please contact us!

What does “OO” mean?

The Trouble with Froot Loops

The packaging of a Froot Loops box is brightly coloured and the cartoon animals are all smiling. The marketing is designed for kids to want it, and it’s effective. Since its start in 1963, Kellogg’s Froot Loops has become one of the oldest, and most popular cereal products in North America. But what exactly are we feeding our children when they dive into a bowl of Kellogg’s Froot Loops?

The answer is given away in the title if we convert the letter O to mean the number 0: translation: There is no fruit only and very little nutritional value. Instead, we are feeding our precious children inflammation, mood swings, hyperactivity, obesity, and poor learning. Froot Loops has an ingredient cocktail that is full of things we know to be problematic for us to eat, and this has huge impact on the growing minds and bodies of our children. Let’s take a look at exactly what’s in a bowl of Froot Loops.

Ingredient #1: Sugar: Maybe you’ve heard that breakfast cereals can contain a large portion of a child’s daily allowable sugar intake, and that it should be “part of a balanced breakfast”. But the fact that sugar is the #1 ingredient in this cereal means it has no place as part of any breakfast- it should be a dessert! In one cup of Froot Loops there is 12g of refined sugar. Take note that the average bowl would hold about 1.5 servings, so if your kids eat an average-size bowl of this cereal, they are getting a whopping 18g of refined sugar in the morning. That’s about the amount of sugar in half a can of Coke (19.5g), or 5 ½ Oreo cookies (19g). Sugar intake has direct linkage with obesity rates in children and adults, increasing rates of hyperactivity and ADHD and compromises immunity. If your child is sick all the time, you might want to consider a healthier start to their day like steel cut oats and a hard boiled egg. For more information on sugar, please read “14 Simple tips to quit sugar cravings” and the “Sugar Roller Coaster“.

Ingredient: #2 Whole-grain corn flour, and #3 Wheat flour: While it might sound good that at least the corn is “whole-grain” (ie it contains every part of the seed kernel, not just the starchy tasty part like in white wheat flour), these two ingredients will, without a doubt, be genetically modified (GMO). Although the scientific evidence has yet to show clear long-term harmful effects of eating GMO crops, this is an ingredient the American Academy of Environmental Medicine is urging consumers to avoid, citing animal studies that show organ damage, gastrointestinal and immune system disorders, accelerated aging, and infertility. Not only that, but GMOs are incredibly problematic for the environment and the lives of farmers all over the world.

Ingredient #7 Hydrogenated Coconut and Vegetable Oil: Anywhere there is oil that is hydrogenated, there are trans fats. Hydrogenation is a process that makes fats more stable at room temperature, but unfortunately it also makes them much more dangerous for our bodies. Artificial trans fats like those in hydrogenated oils have been clearly linked with a higher incidence of heart disease and inflammation, and may also increase risk for type II diabetes.

Ingredient #9 “Colour”: When something isn’t explicitly called natural colour, it means it is artificial. It is interesting to note that the laws in the UK and Australia state that the colours used in Froot Loops must all be natural. In North America, however, the colours have been artificial since 1963, although Kellogg has a goal to eliminate artificial colours by 2018 in the United States. What does that mean for your kids? Artificial colours have been shown to increase ADHD symptoms in children, as well as triggering other immune reactivity.

Ingredient #10 “BHT”: BHT stands for butylated hydroxyanisole, and it is a preservative to avoid. The FDA has approved it as being safe for human consumption, though the National Toxicology Program has concluded that BHA “is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen”. The jury may be out, but it is advised by many research boards to limit consumption to very low levels.

After unpacking the ingredients of Froot Loops like this, we can see how eating a bowl of sugary cereal every morning can affect our bodies and those of our children in the long run. Although we are urged to make Froot Loops “part of a balanced breakfast”, it really should not be considered a breakfast food at all. Instead, we recommend avoiding the boxed processed sugary cereals and aim for unprocessed, simple breakfasts with wholesome ingredients. It doesn’t have to be a whole lot more work either. For example, Nature’s Path Heritage O’s cereal has 3g sugar/3/4 c and Cheerios have 1g sugar/cup. You can top these with fresh organic fruit, organic yogurt or a little almond butter to get good fats and probiotics along with their breakfast. Pairing this with along with fibre from fruit and protein from a boiled egg you have a nutritionally rounded breakfast that will keep your kids fuller, happier and healthier. And, this might just make their teacher happier at school if your child is better able to focus during the day!

To give your children the best gift in life – a healthy start – make an appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor today!

 

References

Surviving Suicide: Chris Cornell

This past week another famous person committed suicide – Chris Cornell. Chris Cornell’s wife issued a statementwhich blamed anxiety medicine for his suicide:

“Vicky Cornell, the wife of Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell, speculated whether his suicide was the result of taking too much of his anxiety medication.

An attorney for the Cornell family, Kirk Pasich, reiterated Vicky’s belief that an extra dosage of Ativan, an anxiety medication often employed by recovering addicts, altered Chris Cornell’s mental faculties after the Detroit show. Pasich added that the Cornell family is “disturbed at inferences that Chris knowingly and intentionally took his life.”

This is so sad – my heart goes out to his wife and family. It’s so unfortunate that these drugs are so commonly prescribed. Too many people don’t know about the risks. Here is a good article on benzodiazepines and suicide http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/869869. Benzodiazepines and alcohol can also be deadly and too many people don’t know about this danger.

I’ve read a few articles about it and have been reflecting on the thoughts written by a few bloggers. This came on a long weekend when I was working on a webinar presentation to over 275 Functional Medicine practitioners (MDs, DCs, NDs, DOs, acupuncturists, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians and nutritionists.) I was a guest panellist teaching: Bipolar Basics: 10 steps to treating bipolar disorder.

At the end of the day, mental health issues (addiction, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating issues, etc) are not simply genetic. These are multifactorial conditions that are often co-morbid. While I think it is wonderful to have “Mental Health Awareness” weeks and campaigns like Bell’s “Let’s talk”, I feel that we have to move from awareness and talking about it, do taking action and doing something about it. When I was first diagnosed with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder type 1 in 1987 (after many years of being secretive and in denial about my eating disorder), there was no conversation going on about mental illness in the public domain. None. There was only silence and stigma. While I am delighted to see the emergence of awareness in the last decade, we have to move into the next phase. Mental illness and addiction issues are, in my opinion, a silent epidemic that is a public health crisis. With rising rates of drug (fentanyl) overdoses and suicide rates on the rise, what action can we all take to help?

Is there a phone call to a co-worker you can make? Is there a helping hand to a cousin that you can offer? Is there a donation you can make? Is there a member of parliament you can write who will be open to allowing naturopathic doctors to be a part of the mental health discussion? What I have chosen to do is dedicate my career to helping those with mental health issues. I see many patients for free because they simply can’t afford to pay for my services and while I would like to see everyone for free, I am unable to do so.

Here are some of the action steps I have taken to extend my reach beyond my clinical practice in order to help those suffering with mental dis-ease: Since losing Matt (my friends cousin) to suicide in 1998 and witnessing the crisis that suicide leaves in its wake, I have chosen to be more public about my mental health struggles. Back in 1998, I couldn’t even reach my hand across the dinner table to Matt and offer support. At that time, I was stuck in the stigma and shame of my mental illness. What I didn’t get a chance to share with him is that I get it. I understand. I’ve been there. Really, truly been there as four years prior, I had tried to commit suicide. I wanted him to know that this too shall pass. It feels dark and deep because it is… in this moment. But you can heal. The sun will come out from behind the clouds. The loss of Matt opened my eyes to the impact suicide has on one’s loved ones. While this memory became faint for me in subsequent suicide attempts, I now have a broader spiritual understanding as to why I am still here with you on the planet which I share in my upcoming books: Beyond the Label: Achieving Mental Wellness with Naturopathic Medicine and The Essential Diet; Eating for Mental Well-being.

I have developed a 10 week course  and retreat to train other physicians in the framework I use to effectively and safely guide patients to mental freedom. This course incorporates not only a naturopathic principles and philosophy, but is a culmination of over 30 years of counselling work and training that I have done both personally and professionally. In addition to my ND training, I have training in 5 types of counselling: Compassion Focused Therapy, Gestalt psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Integrative reprogramming technique and Mindfulness based therapy. Proceeds from the books and courses go towards a mental health scholarship at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine

My goal is to save as many souls from suicide. It has been said that by the year 2030, one person will commit suicide every second, globally – which is a startingly statistic that I want to change. Most patients with mental illness are at war with themselves and our role is to stop the battle and guide patients to inner peace. I remind patients that you are with you the longest, so it is vital that you get the relationship right with yourself first before seeking love from another. It is often difficult to have a healthy loving relationship with someone else when we don’t love and accept ourselves first. We need to do more than simply support the physical level with pharmaceuticals or supplements/herbs – we need to address the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of lives. We need to start teaching this in school. By looking at all aspects of our lives, we will find the answers – the missing pieces of the puzzle – that will provide solutions to suicide. Deaths like this just strengthen my resolve to get the mental health nutrition message out (as well as the importance of the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health) so people don’t feel they need these drugs and know there are other options (ie naturopathic medicine)! When Robin Williams committed suicide, I wrote this poem:

Open. See. Feel. Believe. Change.

Open your mind
Open your eyes
Open your heart
To the belief that change can happen

See in your mind
See in your eyes
See in your heart
The change happening

Feel through your mind
Feel through your eyes
Feel through your heart
A change in belief

Open. See. Feel. Believe. Change.

If you know someone that is suffering, please call them today. They may not answer, they may not call you back. Try again. And then try again.

 

Abnormal Pap test results…now what!?

If you’ve received abnormal Pap test results and are wondering what you can do to prevent progression of cervical dysplasia and in some cases to reverse dysplasia, know that there are natural options for managing cervical health that you can begin now.

Why do a Pap test?

Originally developed in the 1940s by Georgios Papanikolaou, the Pap smear or Pap test is a procedure used to screen for cervical cancer. The Pap test involves collecting cells from the cervix (which is the opening of the uterus at the top of the vagina) and examining the cells microscopically for the presence of abnormal cells (ie precancerous or cancerous cells). If the test result is negative for abnormal cells, the regular screening interval is recommended. If the test result is positive (ie abnormal or atypical cells were discovered), there may be further tests, treatment or follow up required depending on the type of abnormality found. One such further test, called a colposcopy, uses a magnifying instrument to examine the tissues of the cervix, vagina and vulva more closely. Often a sample of cervical tissue is taken at that time for diagnosing cervical abnormalities after an abnormal Pap test. The HPV (human papilloma virus) test may sometimes be used along with the Pap test. HPV testing looks for HPV DNA in cells collected from the cervix and can alert to the presence of high-risk HPV types associated with causing precancerous changes in the cervix.

There are over 150 known types of HPV – approximately 75% of these are cutaneous, causing warts on the skin. The other 25% of HPV types are considered mucosal and can affect the mouth, genital and anal areas, preferring the moist surface layers that line these parts of the body. These types may be transmitted through direct contact or sexual intercourse. These HPV types are further divided into low-risk and high-risk types. Low-risk HPVs do not cause cancer, but can cause skin warts around or on the genitals and anus. High-risk HPVs can cause cancer. There are approximately 12 high-risk HPV types identified, with HPV types 16 and 18 thought to be responsible for nearly 70% of cervical cancer cases. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are attributed to infection with high-risk types of HPV. Although HPV infection is a factor in abnormal cervical cell development that can eventually lead to cervical cancer, most high-risk HPV infections occur without any symptoms and typically resolve within 1 to 2 years. Therefore, most women infected with HPV will not develop cervical cancer. Persistent infections with high-risk HPV types can give rise to cell changes that may progress to cancer without proper screening and treatment. Cell changes in the cervix occur very slowly, it can take more than 10 years from the time of an initial HPV infection until cell changes result in cancer.

Most recent cervical cancer screening guidelines in Alberta (May 2016) suggest for screening to begin three years after first sexual activity or at age 25, whichever is later. Subsequent screening is recommended every three years from initiation or from the time of the last normal Pap test result. These are general guidelines for women not displaying any symptoms. There are additional guidelines for when screening can be discontinued and for when observation is to be increased as well as screening in other circumstances.

What are the treatment options?

The conventional approach to cervical health is to screen and respond according to abnormal results with treatments aimed at targeting local cervical tissue abnormality. The methods most commonly used to treat precancerous changes in the cervix include:

  • Cryosurgery: freezing to destroy affected tissue
  • Surgical conization: removal of a cone-shaped piece of tissue using a scalpel, laser or both
  • Laser vaporization conization: destroying affected cervical tissue using a laser
  • Loop electrosurgical excision procedure or LEEP: removal of cervical tissue using a loop of wire through which electric current passes, so the wire loop acts like a scalpel

LEEP is the most common current treatment of moderate to severe cervical dysplasia (abnormal cells). Women are also more likely to convert to HPV-negative status within one to two years following the LEEP, which is sooner than women who do not receive any treatment. Though relatively safe and effective for eliminating cervical dysplasia and preventing progression of cervical cancer, there can be some concerns associated with the potential effects of LEEP on future fertility and pregnancy outcomes. The LEEP can reduce cervical mucus and occasionally can cause narrowing of the opening to the cervix. Large retrospective studies have shown this treatment to be associated with an increased risk for premature rupture of membranes and pre-term delivery as well as for low birth weight babies. There appears to be a dose dependent effect, whereby the larger the area of excision and proportion of the cervix removed, the larger and more consequential the effect may be from the treatment. There have also been several studies indicating the plausible risk of miscarriage in women with a shorter time interval from having a LEEP to becoming pregnant.

Naturopathic solutions for cervical dysplasia

There are naturopathic treatment options for women desiring an alternative to LEEP or other excisional treatments. And even if a LEEP is the best option for you, there are naturopathic treatment options to support healing following a LEEP.

Naturopathic medicine involves a holistic perspective which addresses then health of the entire individual, not just the cervix. After going through a woman’s health history, reviewing test results, we discuss risk factors that may contribute to the development and progression of cervical dysplasia and address those that are changeable, including diet and lifestyle. Treatment options often include supporting the whole body, with particular nutrients and herbs, as well as local or topical treatment for cervical dysplasia. Depending upon the grading of the cervical cell abnormality, local treatment of the cervix could include particular vaginal suppositories or escharotic treatment. Escharotic treatment uses the application of herbs to the cervix that are caustic, causing sloughing of the tissues and production of an eschar (scab), with the intention to eliminate abnormal growth and allow healthy cell growth to occur. We have had much success returning cervical cell health to normal using this protocol.

To determine if a natural treatment protocol is suitable for you, it is important to consult with a naturopathic doctor familiar with cervical dysplasia to assist in making an appropriate decision for you.

To find out more and to discuss your options for managing cervical health, call 587-521-3595 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Candace Haarsma.

References

Canada, G. O. (2015, February 17). Trends in the incidence and mortality of female reproductive system cancers. Retrieved May 26, 2017, from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-624-x/2015001/article/14095-eng.htm

Ciavattini, A., Clemente, N., Delli, G., Gentili, C., Di, J., Barbadoro, P., . . . Liverani, C. A. (2015, April). Loop electrosurgical excision procedure and risk of miscarriage. Retrieved May 27, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25624192

Clinical Practice Guidelines. (n.d.). Retrieved May 17, 2017, from http://www.topalbertadoctors.org/cpgs/919105

Conner, S. N., Cahill, A. G., Tuuli, M. G., Stamilio, D. M., Odibo, A. O., Roehl, K. A., & Macones, G. A. (2013, December). Interval From Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure to Pregnancy and Pregnancy Outcomes. Retrieved May 27, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3908542/

HPV and Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2017, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-fact-sheet

Government of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada. (2009, March 02). Cervical Cancer Facts and Figures. Retrieved May 26, 2017, from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/cancer/cervical_cancer_figures-cancer_du_col_uterus-eng.php

HPV and Cervical Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved May 28, 2017, from http://www.cwhn.ca/en/yourhealth/faqs/HPVandCervicalCancer

HPV and HPV Testing. (n.d.). Retrieved May 28, 2017, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv/hpv-and-hpv-testing.html

Hudson, T. (2008). Womens encyclopedia of natural medicine: alternative therapies and integrative medicine for total health and wellness. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Karjane, N. W. (2016, February 29). Pap Smear. Retrieved May 24, 2017, from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1947979-overview

Kovacs, P. (2013, October 08). Treatment for HPV Lesions May Affect Fertility. Retrieved May 24, 2017, from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/812110_2

Kyrgiou, M., Mitra, A., Arbyn, M., Stasinou, S. M., Martin-Hirsch, P., Bennett, P., & Paraskevaidis, E. (2014, October 28). Fertility and early pregnancy outcomes after treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: systematic review and meta-analysis. Retrieved May 28, 2017, from http://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g6192

Screening for cervical cancer – Canadian Cancer Society. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2017, from http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/cervical/screening/?region=on

Wright, T. C., Massad, L. S., Dunton, C. J., Spitzer, M., Wilkinson, E. J., & Solomon, D. (2007). 2006 consensus guidelines for the management of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or adenocarcinoma in situ. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 197(4), 340-345. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2007.07.050

 

Rising above our Biology

When trying to answer the question, “Why am I the way I am?” it is important to try to identify the root causes of when things began. This is a primary tenet of naturopathic medicine.

For some individuals—and often in the case of adoption—it is important to go back to when you were in utero to understand certain things about yourself. It is at this early time that neurological and emotional wiring begins; therefore, the mental and emotional state of your mother (or the person who carried you to birth, in the case of adoption or surrogacy) contains important biological imprinting. Dr. Gabor Maté discusses this in his book In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts—Close Encounters with Addiction. He writes:

“In the past few decades it has become increasingly clear that the development and later behaviour of an immature organism is not only determined by genetic factors and the postnatal environment, but also by the maternal environment during pregnancy. 

Numerous studies in both animals and human beings have found that maternal stress or anxiety during pregnancy can lead to a broad range of problems in the offspring, from infantile colic to later learning difficulties and the establishment of behavioural and emotional patterns that increase a person’s predilection for addiction. Stress on the mother would result in higher levels of cortisol reaching the baby and elevated cortisol is harmful to important brain structures, especially during periods of rapid brain development.

Any woman who has to give up her baby for adoption is, by definition, a stressed woman. She is stressed not just because she knows she’ll be separated from her baby, but primarily because if she wasn’t stressed in the first place, she would never have had to consider giving up her child: the pregnancy was unwanted, or the mother was poor, single or in a bad relationship, or she was an immature teenager who conceived involuntarily, or was a drug user or was raped or confronted by some other adversity.

Any of these situations would be enough to impose tremendous stress on any person, and so for many months, the developing fetus would be exposed to high cortisol levels through the placenta. A proclivity for addiction is one possible consequence.”

In my case, my biological mother became pregnant with me when she was 16. I don’t know the circumstances surrounding my conception, except that because of her family’s religion—Irish Catholic—abortion was not an option. Her parents moved her to the other side of the country—from Grand Falls, New Brunswick to Vancouver, British Columbia—where she lived with her older sister until it was time to give birth.

Given the research cited above, it is likely that the stress my biological mother was under exposed me to cortisol, the stress hormone, at higher levels than would be experienced in planned pregnancies. As a newborn, I didn’t sleep well from the beginning—something that I would make up for during many depressive episodes later in life when all I did was sleep the days and months away.

Attachment issues The way I found out I was adopted didn’t help me to attach securely to my parents. According to the attachment theory of parenting, we are all creatures of attachment which means that what we all want most is connection, attachment and relationship, whether as a child or as an adult. What a child wants more than anything is a connection to their parent, even when there is no resemblance. Given how I learned that I was adopted, I feel it left me feeling insecure about my place in the family. Essentially, when my mom explained the word “adopted” to me, my young brain interpreted it to mean “temporary.”

As adults, we tend to assume our children understand the meaning of the words we use, but in many cases, they misconstrue it. In my case, we had watched a movie at school showing animals with their offspring, and this got me thinking about where human babies came from. The advice my parents had been given by a social worker in the late 1960s was to tell me the truth about my origins whenever I eventually asked where babies came from. After watching the movie, I went home from school curious about babies and inquisitively asked about how I came to be. My parents took this opportunity to explain that I was adopted. I internalized their explanation by assuming that I was only with them temporarily, and that some day, my “real” mom would be coming to get me.

Consequently, every time the doorbell rang or my mom started talking to someone I didn’t recognize at the store, I would wonder, “Is this the person who is coming to get me?” The years went by and no one came. I think I was 12 years old when I finally asked my mom if anyone was ever coming. Naturally, she was dismayed when she realized what had happened.

For me, learning that I was adopted, from the way I processed it to the negative comments from some family members to my parents—such as “blood is thicker than water”—cast a belief in me that I wasn’t good enough or truly wanted. It fed my insecurities, which played themselves out on the school grounds, as I was a prime target for kids to pick on. And I did get picked on—so much so that my mom had to find a job at the school so that I had more support than the teachers were able to give me. Some girls in my grade four class started an “I hate Christina” club, and this devastated me. (The funny thing is, the same thing happened to my son when he was in grade two. My heart sank when he told me. But his response highlights the difference between poor self-esteem, which I had at his age and self-confidence, which he has, as he said: “It’s okay mom—no one joined!”)

Despite my insecurities around adoption and being picked on in elementary school, there were no other traumas in my childhood. I was fortunate to be adopted into a loving family with caring parents. We moved a few times, which taught me to be resilient and accepting of others. All was well until I became a teenager and developed an eating disorder around the time my parents were getting divorced. It was then that the crack in my emotional foundation deepened.

I think the low self-esteem I had came from in utero based on the research cited by Dr. Gabor Mate. The energetics of adoption are complicated. Given the thoughts my biological mother was processing at the time and the probable trauma, scandal and embarrassment she endured for being pregnant out of wedlock at a time when this was not accepted, would have predisposed me to higher levels of cortisol as compared with a planned pregnancy. The predicament she found herself in affected my neurobiology on a deep primal level. This essentially wired me a certain way – to be insecure, anxious, sensitive, and feel like I wasn’t worthy, wanted or loved. Despite my parent’s best efforts to love me, the deeply profound sense of displacement I felt my whole life was coming from within – it was due to the faulty wiring or programming/messaging I received in utero.

The good news is I have been able to rewire my brain thanks to the concept of neuroplasticity. The bad news is this took approximately 30 years to do. I would test people to see if they would stay. I didn’t know how to communicate or express what I was feeling because most of the time I didn’t understand what I was feeling. Part of me speculates if the manifestation of bipolar disorder type 1 was due to the fact that I couldn’t express my feelings so it presented itself as illness in the emotional realm while the root cause came from this spiritual crisis of adoption. It has been said that “adoption is the only trauma in which the adoptee is expected to be grateful”.

I recently turned fifty. As with every birthday in the past, I wonder if my biological mother thinks about me. When I was 25 years old I met her and she told me that she did think if me every year on June 23. I don’t know the circumstances of her labour and delivery with me, whether I was a vaginal or c-section birth or whether she got to hold me in her arms after I was born. I do know that she kept my birth a secret from my half siblings – all of whom were shocked that their mom had a “skeleton in the closet”.

I decided to meet my biological mother because I wanted to solve the genetic mystery of bipolar disorder type 1. I had a list of questions I wanted answered, but I suddenly lost my confidence when I met her. I felt nervous about asking any questions about the circumstances surrounding my birth. My mom had written a card to Joanne, my biological mother, that read:

“Dear Joanne, Thank you for the greatest gift you could give another. All we have done is love Christina and I consider it a privilege to be her mom ~ Warmest regards, Alice.” 

While I didn’t get the medical answers I was looking for at that time. I did receive a call a few years later from my half brother that Joanne had been hospitalized and diagnosed with schizophrenia. It was shortly after that that I fell into a deep, dark depression and had attempted to commit suicide. As I was in recovery for several months, I lost touch with my biological family (this was pre-internet and texting days). One day I might return to New Brunswick to find my half sister who said she knew who my biological father was. I have often wondered why I was so curious about meeting only 50% of my genetic history and not the other 50%. I think it has to do with the bondage and biological wiring in utero that I discussed at the start of this article. For more about my recovery from bipolar disorder type 1, as well as depression, anxiety and bulimia, I encourage you to order my book: Beyond the Label: Achieving Mental Wellness with Naturopathic Medicine.

9 Tips to Become a Super Senior

Most of us want to live a long life. The key is we want to stay healthy for as long as we can. One aspect of aging that many disregard is how we think about aging itself. Our views on aging can influence how we age. How? Well, our thoughts affect our reality and our physiology. This was proven by scientist Candace Pert in her book “Molecules of Emotion” where she coined the term psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). PNI is a fancy word that when broken down means:

  • psycho = thoughts
  • neuro = brain
  • immunology = immune system/how you feel

The main point is an important component to your health is your subconscious and conscious beliefs. Thoughts create neuropeptides which have a physiological effect on your hormones as they bind to receptors and affect how your body functions and how you feel.

What is the difference between a 60 year old that looks and acts like they are 40 and a 60 year old that looks and acts like they are 80? It could be their views on aging. Ever since I listened to a lecture by Dr. Wayne Dyer and Dr. Christianne Northrup on aging I have changed my attitude about it. Until I listened to that lecture, I have to admit, I had a negative outlook on aging. I viewed it as a state of decline that left one feeling decrepit and I wasn’t looking forward to it. Now that I am turning 50 this year, I am grateful that I have changed my attitude about aging. Dr. Dyer explained that we don’t have to accept the notion that aging must involve deterioration of the body and mind. He writes: 

“I don’t believe in “thinking” old. Although I’ve transitioned through many bodies—a baby, toddler, child, teen, young adult, mid-life and older adult—my spirit is unchanged. I support my body with exercise, my mind with reading and writing. Don’t program yourself to break down as you age with thoughts that “decline is inevitable.” Time may be passing for our bodies, but because they house our ageless souls, we never need to see ourselves as old and infirm….Be a force of love as often as you can and turn away negative thoughts whenever you feel them surface.”1

Last year, I read a book called “What Makes Olga Run”. It was a non-fiction story about Olga Koltelko – a senior superstar from North Vancouver. Olga was a schoolteacher turned super-athlete. She competed in track-and-field events into her mid 90s. From growing up on a Saskatchewan farm, to getting through a difficult marriage, surviving as a single mother, and losing a child, this super senior never stopped moving – and she was rewarded for it. She holds 30 world records, has won 750 gold medals and is labelled as one of Canada’s greatest athletes. When scientists studied Olga and what makes her so special they defined her as a “Super Senior”. A Super Senior is defined as someone who is over the age of 85 and who has never been diagnosed with:

  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular disease or stroke
  • Dementia
  • Major lung disease
  • Type 2 Diabetes

When I read this list, I realized that I would not be a super senior. As a result of my suicide attempt I have permanent damage to my kidneys, which has caused me to have high blood pressure for which I take medication in order to manage. I have also had a cancer (malignant melanoma stage 2). But, that doesn’t deter me from gracefully aging. As I turn 50 this year I am looking forward to moving out of the speedy 45-49 age category into the 50-55 age category for the running races I participate in. I feel that I look and feel younger than many of my counterparts. I have never needed to colour my hair as I have been blessed with no grey hair…yet.

I view aging as a gift and I am excited to be able to compete in the Masters Track events when I qualify. My former track coach, Olympian Thelma Wright is my role model when it comes to aging gracefully. Who knows, maybe she or even I will be the one to break one of Olga’s track records – that is what I am striving and reaching for. I am thankful to the natural treatment options that are available to support my joints and keep me moving – such as prolotherapy and PRP, as well as massage therapy and chiropractic medicine.

What are your goals for when you turn 90? Will you be skiing? Will you be climbing mountains either physically or mentally in your mind? Remember that our brains need to be exercised just as much as our heart and muscles. In the field of neuroplasticity, the key is to keep learning and trying new things to prevent cognitive decline. I think this is why my grandmother was sharp as a tack until she passed away at 86 from lung cancer. A lifelong smoker, she didn’t beat cancer but she had her mind. She exercised her mind by doing daily crossword puzzles.

Actually, one of things that mattered more to me than the material item it was wrapped in was this unfinished crossword puzzle I found of hers. To me it symbolizes so much – what we leave undone when we die, what we were working on but never finish, what our interests are.

So, what can we learn from Olga’s achievements to help us become “super seniors’?

Olga advocated a life of exercise, eating in moderation, and maintaining a positive attitude through hardships. “I choose not to let the dark stuff have a negative effect on me,” she told Bruce Grierson, author of What Makes Olga Run? While some of us may not be able to achieve what Olga did – its not out of the realm of possibility and by maintaining our physical fitness, with a positive attitude – we can benefit our future self immensely! The sad statistic is that only 2% of Canadians will achieve Super Senior status. With such a small amount of Canadians achieving this clean bill of health into their old age, it would be great to see this number increase. One of the ways to do so is to start seeing a Naturopathic Doctor today. One of the differences between medical doctors and naturopathic doctors is the former focuses on disease management and the latter focuses on health promotion and disease prevention.

For the conditions mentioned above, lifestyle plays a greater role than genetics. Remember this quote: “Genes load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger”. Here are some tips taken from Olga’s story:

  • Avoid processed foods & eat the rainbow: Processed foods increase inflammation, a physiological process implicated in almost every condition listed above. Avoiding these foods while eating a variety of coloured foods ensures you are keeping inflammation low while ensuring you are getting health-boosting vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Beta-carotene is a vitamin in orange and red foods, anthocyanidins are antioxidants found in blue-purple foods. Greens have a plethora of important healthy nutrients.
  • Eat a balanced diet with lots of leafy greens
  • Maintain an active lifestyle and keep moving throughout your day: Getting regular exercise not only keeps the vascular system healthy, but maintains bones and muscle mass. It also benefits our mood to help with keeping positive, which is the next important point.
  • Maintain a positive attitude, practicing mindfulness and living in the moment: The mind is an incredibly powerful force in creating our lived experience. If we are resisting or judging the present moment to be different from what we want, we are sure to struggle with it and create dissatisfaction in ourselves. If we simply observe the present moment with non-judgmental curiosity we can create a more positive experience for ourselves. As stated above, the field of psychoneuroimmunology shows us that our thoughts can truly affect our bodies in many ways, so it’s good practice to do everything we can to maintain a positive mindset.
  • Cut out smoking and decrease your alcohol intake: It’s well known that smoking is one of the most damaging things we can do to our bodies, and that it contributes to almost every leading cause of death. Quitting as early as possible can help reduce or even reverse some damage done by previous years of smoking. As for alcohol, it is not recommended to have more than 10 drinks/week for women (with no more than 2 drinks at a time) or 15 drinks/week for men (with no more than 3 drinks at a time). Reducing your alcohol intake below this level is even better and can reduce your risk of some cancers.
  • Keep your mind sharp by practicing word puzzles and Sudoku: This is one of the best ways to maintain cognitive function and delay or prevent some causes of dementia. You are never too old to learn something new, like a new language or skill. It may be some of the best preventive medicine available to you.
  • Eat more fermented foods: Fermented foods are rife with probiotics. We’ve heard a lot about how good they are for your gut, but it is also true that they may have natural antidepressant effects as well. New research is outlining a concept called the “gut-brain axis” that is a two-way communication of nerves and chemicals between our gut and our brains. So not only can our brains give us butterflies or nervous bellies, but our gut bacteria can also change our moods.
  • Get a good night sleep so you can ‘charge your batteries’ well: Getting proper sleep is one of the best ways to take care of your body for the long term because like exercise, sleep plays an important role in your physical health and mental health. For example, sleep is involved in healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. Ongoing sleep deficiency (years without getting the proper 7-9 hours) is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, mental health conditions, and stroke.
  • Forget expensive anti-aging creams and opt to consume more water: Many creams contain harmful and toxic chemicals under the guise that they are “beautifying” or creating “younger-looking skin”. There are thousands of chemicals in cosmetics and beauty products that are not approved by the FDA for safety. Remember that whatever goes on your skin goes in your body. In addition, the beauty industry is not regulated so there is no one checking the safety levels of chemicals in the products. One of the best ways to naturally help your skin and appearance is to drink more water! The guideline to follow is to drink at least half your body weight (lbs) in water (oz). So if you weigh 150 lb drink at least 75 ounces in water. This will flush toxins and hydrate cells in your skin, helping to decrease blemishes and dull-looking or dry skin. Most importantly however, we must remember that beauty is on the inside! Attractiveness and appearance is dramatically improved when a person is confident and comfortable in their own skin, and in their own bodies. Make friends with how you look and you will see and feel the benefit!

For a long time, genetics have been hailed as the most important ingredient in long-term health outcomes, but now we are seeing that the lifestyle choices we make throughout life are incredibly influential as well, perhaps even more so. In fact, lifestyle choices are so important, they can actually have an effect on our DNA itself! Unhealthy habits like drinking, smoking and other inflammatory or degenerative habit patterns have been shown to shorten telomeres, a section at the end of our DNA that protects our genes (the important part of DNA). Telomeres have been likened to the plastic cap at the end of shoelaces – without them, the shoelaces get frayed and have a harder time doing their job. Shorter telomeres has been linked with shorter cell life and faster aging. What does that mean? You will look older and suffer more chronic diseases if the lifestyle you have is hard on your telomeres. We offer testing to determine the health of your telomeres.

These guidelines are essential building blocks toward long-term health for you, your body and your telomeres. Start seeing a naturopathic doctor to help implement changes into your life that will keep you healthy in the long run. You and you family will be grateful you did.

 

Reference:

  1. Wayne Dyer: http://www.drwaynedyer.com/blog/happy-88th-birthday-louise-hay/
  2. Grierson, Bruce. “What Makes Olga Run?”
  3. NIH (2013) National Cancer Institute of NIH https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet
  4. Here to Help (2012) http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/factsheet/drinking-guidelines-supporting-health-and-life

NIH (2012) National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of NIH https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sdd/why