Call (905) 237-8521 to book your appointment!
Gum, toffee, lollipops, chips, candies and chocolate can be every parents worst nightmare at Halloween, not to mention the artificial ingredients that they contain! Many parents struggle with how to limit what their children will eat. Depriving your kids of sugary treats will not protect them with the risks associated with poor diet. Rest assured there are strategies that many professionals advocate! By teaching them about healthy eating, moderation, budgeting and giving back to charity you will be able to limit the amount of junk consumed!
Have a wonderful holiday season and a healthy Halloween!
Drop by to learn more about the naturopathic medicine and to receive a 15 minutes complimentary consultation to see how naturopathic medicine can address your health concerns. Don’t hesitate to bring with you any natural health products you are taking for a quick assessment of their therapeutic benefit. Book an appointment for an in-depth analysis and to address more specific questions.
We’ll have a pot of freshly brewed lemon and ginger root tea and light snacks for you to enjoy.
No registration required. We are looking forward to see you at RHNC!
When:
Tuesday, May 7 – 12.00 pm – 8.00 pm
Thursday, May 9 – 12.00 pm – 8.00 pm
Address:
Richmond Hill Naturopathic Clinic
Unit 102, 10168 Yonge Street,
Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 1T6
Tel: (905) 237-8521
Fax: (905) 237-8531
Polyphenols, flavonoids, isoflavones – these terms became quite familiar to a regular consumer, as there is growing evidence of the benefits of these compounds for maintaining good health and disease prevention. Antioxidant properties of the polyphenols are the most researched. There is growing evidence of their role in cancer treatment and prevention, as well as prevention of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases (2) through reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation (3). However, there is a new preliminary research coming up on the role of polyphenols in cancer treatment and prevention through an entirely different mechanism. It is thought that certain polyphenol compounds cause natural death of cancer cells after they bind to an enzyme (CYP1B1) present in high quantities in cancer cells only (4). This reaction causes apoptosis = natural death of a cell. Thus, certain polyphenolic compounds target specifically cancer cells, while healthy cells are not affected. Resveratrol was one of the first compounds identified to exert this action. Although this research is preliminary and lacks sufficient published data, it undoubtedly opens a new chapter in cancer research and the role of polyphenol compounds in cancer prevention and treatment.
What are polyphenols?
Plants produce polyphenol compounds to ward off bacteria, fungi and parasites and also for protection against UV radiation (2). Polyphenols is an umbrella term for numerous compounds molecular structure of which includes aromatic rings with attached several hydroxyl groups (2). The distribution of the polyphenols differs in different parts of a plant. It is usually highest in the outer organs (e.g. green outer leaves and skin of fruits) that are in contact with the external environment. When we peel a fruit, we remove a valuable source of polyphenols. In addition, the ratio of different polyphenol compounds changes at different stages of fruit ripening (2). Most of the polyphenols decrease with ripening, while anthocyanins increase.
Let’s have a close look at the main types of polyphenols and their corresponding food sources (2):
Polyphenols – types and food sources
Since polyphenol compounds are produced by plants in response to stress caused by diseases or climate conditions (1), this exposure results in considerable variation in the flavonoid content of the same plants. What happens to the plants which are cultivated in controlled environment and sprayed with chemicals to fight off the diseases – these plants do not need to protect themselves anymore since they receive protection from us!
As a result, the plant down-regulates/reduces the production of compounds that it does not need, as everything in nature. So the end product lacks an adequate amount of valuable polyphenols and, in addition, is coated with harmful pesticides. Buying organic produce will certainly deliver a better health return on investment, since the polyphenol content of plants produced by organic or sustainable agriculture is higher (2).
Here is a link to Linus Pauling Institute (Micronutrient Research Centre at Oregon State University). It contains data on the range of flavonoids per 100 g or 100 ml of different plant foods:
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/flavonoids/flavtab2.html
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/flavonoids/flavtab3.html
The table shows the flavonoid content (in mg) per 100 g of food – less than a cup (1 cup = 148 g). Based on this data, for example, 100 g of raw blackberries will provide from 89 to 211 mg of anthocyanins; 100 ml of green tea will provide from 24 to 216 mg of flavanols etc. The difference in polyphenol content as mentioned above is largely due to environmental factors (e. g. soil type, rainfall) and agricultural practices (culture in greenhouses versus fields, use of pesticides). Overall, the polyphenol content decreases if a plant is grown without stress (2). Oxidation and heat exposure will further reduce the polyphenol content of foods. For example, onions and tomatoes lose 75-80% of quercetin after boiling for 15 minutes and 30% after frying (2).
When organically grown produce, being the best source of polyphenols, is not a viable option, supplementation could be the next best alternative. In this case, the quality and purity of ingredients is quite important. Supplements should be derived from a natural source and deliver a therapeutic dose of polyphenols. Talk to a qualified practitioner to determine the source and the dosage and to rule out potential interactions with medications.
In my practice I tend to use more of whole foods and ‘whole’ supplements. In other words, most of the time I would prefer a whole fruit supplement to an isolated compound, whether it is in a form of tea, tincture, solid extract or powder. There is growing evidence that quite often the action of a polyphenol compound is potentiated by other plant constituents and vice versa. Plant is a living organism and we should appreciate its complexity and the limitation of our research tools and knowledge (5).
References:
Acne vulgaris represents both a challenge to the treating practitioner and a major concern for the patient. Conventional treatments have proved inconsistent with often unacceptable side effects and high rates of recurrence. Non-thermal, non-laser, phototherapy for acne has recently attracted attention as a safe and efficacious treatment.
I receive quite a few questions about the efficacy of the LED (light-emitting diode) therapy for the treatment of acne. Without a doubt, the LED treatment proved to be quite reliable and efficacious treatment of acne vulgaris in our clinic setting. In addition, I was looking for the research data to prove our empirical observations. So, here is the data from the recent clinical trial performed at the Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York.
In this study 24 patients with mild to severe acne vulgaris were treated over eight sessions, two per week 3 days apart, alternating between blue light (20 minutes/session) and red light (20 minutes/session) from a LED-based therapy system. Acne was assessed at baseline (before the treatment) and at weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12. The authors noted that improvement has been seen already after the 2nd treatment. At the 4-week follow-up, the mean lesion count reduction was significant at 46%. At the 12-week follow-up (long after the treatment was over), the mean lesion count reduction was also significant at 81%. Patient and dermatologist assessments were similar. Severe acne showed a marginally better response than mild acne. Comedones (blackheads) did not respond as well as inflammatory lesions.
At our clinic we usually recommend 6-8 treatments depending on the severity of the condition. It is important however to address it both externally (through LED therapy) and internally (through improving digestion / elimination function and addressing hormonal health). With acne, relapses are quite common, however combination therapy usually brings better and longer-lasting results. You can learn more about the services we offer and pricing here.
Yours in health,
Yana Rodye, MA (Ed.), ND
We always encourage regular detoxification – especially in spring when it is already a time of cleansing and renewal. This April, we are pleased to introduce a fantastic new program where you will be guided and supported by your ND through a comprehensive spring detox.
This individualized program, lasting 3-4 weeks, includes three 30 minute consultations with your ND (initial, week one and week three) with Bio-Impedance Analysis at each visit to assess progress; nutritional guidelines; two 100ml botanical tinctures; three 50g herbal teas; four 30-60 minute infra-red sauna treatments including freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juice before each session to support detox and electrolyte balance and one full-sized probiotic supplement.
For the month of April only, our Introductory Price is $325.00 (Value is $450.00)
**New Patients need to extend initial visit from 30 minutes to regular 90 minute consultation to complete a proper history for individualized treatment (additional $150.00).
WHAT IS DETOXIFICATION?
Detoxification is the process of neutralizaing and clearing toxins from the body. Detoxification occurs naturally in our bodies – but due to the increasing number of toxins and chemicals in our food, water and air, these toxins may build up over time leading to an increase in toxicity in the body. This toxicity can be further compounded through poor digestion, colon sluggishness and dysfunction, reduced liver function, and poor elimination through the kidneys, respiratory tract, and skin. A Naturopathic detoxification program (also called a “Cleanse”) decreases toxicity in the body through dietary and lifestyle changes that reduce the intake of toxins while improving elimination.
WHAT ARE TOXINS?
Toxins can be either external or internal. External toxins include those found in our food, water, air and environment, such as food additives, alcohol, pesticides, tobacco, heavy metals, medications, etc. Internally, the body through its normal metabolism forms by-products which are toxic if not neutralized or excreted, for example, hormones such as estrogen.
COMPONENTS OF DETOXIFICATION
A detoxification can last from 1 week to 2 months depending on your health goals and recommendations of your healthcare practitioner. There are four major components to detoxification:
1. Dietary modifications
– A whole foods, hypo-allergenic diet – to avoid any common, suspected and known food allergens.
– An adequate amount of water daily.
– Liver cleansing foods – such as – cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, legumes, turmeric, green tea, raspberries, blueberries and ‘detox superstar’ – cilantro, also known as Chinese parsley. Cilantro has been shown to help the body eliminate heavy metals, particularly mercury. It’s also exceptionally rich in phytonutrients and trace minerals like iron, magnesium, and manganese – all important for the detoxification process.
2. Supplements
– There are a number of herbs which will facilitate the removal of toxins by addressing liver, kidney, colon, respiratory tract and skin – all the major eliminatory channels of the body. These herbs can be taken as a herbal tincture or tea.
3. Lifestyle
– Exercise – very important to support the cleansing process. Any non-stressful activity that you enjoy will help you rest, recuperate and encourage your body’s detoxification.
– Plenty of fresh air.
– Rest – an important component of allowing body to detoxify and heal. Ensure at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Take naps if you can… listen to your body.
– Hydrotherapy treatments – using specific applications of water to move blood and lymphatic fluid to get toxins circulating for neutralizating and removal from the body. Some hydrotherapy techniques can be done at home, while others (such as the infra-red sauna) can be done at the Naturopathic Clinic.
4. Mental, Emotional & Spiritual
– Healthy mental digestion and ability (or sincere effort) to metabolize our thoughts, feelings and emotions will produce a mental/emotional cleanse.
– Meditation and relaxation – are all important aspects of cleansing which help clear stresses and bring us into contact with ourselves.
HEALING REACTIONS AND OUTCOME
Although cleansing is not an easy process to stick with (some common ‘healing reactions’ include fatigue, nausea, headaches, constipation or diarrhea, irritability, insomnia, inability to concentrate), most people feel better as their cleanse progresses-more vital, lighter, less blocked, more flexible, clearer, and more spiritually attuned. There are many benefits to cleansing your body and mind.
WHEN TO DO THE DETOX?
Traditionally, spring has been recognized as the most important time of year to cleanse. It is part of our natural yearly cycle. We recommend some kind of spring detox as a very important part of a healthy lifestyle. However detoxification protocol could be repeated in autumn as well. Try to start your cleansing process when you have a day or two off from work since the healing reaction may occur in the first day or two. It is recommended not to plan any major projects or activities during the time of cleanse, to allow your body to rest and do its work.
IS DETOXIFICATION SAFE FOR EVERYONE?
A detox is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, or young children. In addition, seniors, and anyone with an inflammatory bowel condition, bowel obstruction, or diabetes, heart condition, or cancer should consult with a qualified practitioner before attempting a detoxification program.
As is true for all naturopathic protocols, an individualized approach is recommended.
I am contemplating on a notion of naturopathy and what it means to me now – 4 years of rigorous studying behind, with 4,500 hours of classroom training and 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience. The knowledge seems vast, but I know it is just a tip of an iceberg. The school only gives us a direction, a way to go. The true learning journey starts now. I am excited to open my textbooks again – NOW – when there are no deadlines and pressure of the exams. I am hungry for more knowledge. I am afraid that I won’t have enough lifetime to learn. I am realistic and understand that practice and experience are an integral part of learning. No more graduation from the process of learning…
I decided on the book I am going to revisit first – ‘Nature Doctors. Pioneers in naturopathic medicine’ by Friedhelm Kirchfeld and Wade Boyle, N.D. Dr. Boyle dedicated his book to ‘nature doctors everywhere past, present and future’. He believed that ‘to understand the naturopathic medicine of the present, one must understand its origins’. I feel that returning to the roots of the profession will set me for a very meaningful journey ahead.
Nature cure – a system of treating diseases with natural agents such as water, air, herbs, diet and sunshine – originated in Europe in the 19th century. Naturopathic medicine developed in early 20th century in America and it combined nature cure with homeopathy, spinal manipulation and other natural therapies. The first nature doctors – Kneipp, Lindlahr, Lust and others – shaped the profession as we recognise it today. The basic tenet of the naturopathic medicine of past, present and future remains that any treatment should not obscure the body’s own healing power. However, the tools available to naturopathic doctors today are quite diverse and include far more than water cure, air baths, herbs and sunshine. How to combine latest research findings, advanced diagnostic tools and wisdom of the pioneers of the nature cure? I believe, this would define the art and practice of naturopathic medicine – at least how I see it now.
I am back to my quiet contemplation, trying to focus on my inner sensations – what does it feel like to experience becoming a naturopathic doctor… a student again …