George Street Naturopathic Newsletter
Dear Your Name Here
Spring is here and so is the George Street Naturopathic Medicine e-newsletter.
In this issue:
• Spring clean your body
• Omega-3s – the facts
• Allergy season a breeze, not a sneeze
• Upcoming events
Spring clean your body
The spring season is not only an ideal time to clean your home but also your body. A “cleanse” or “detox” is one naturopathic approach to rid your body of toxins which accumulated over the winter. Patients report feeling lighter, less bloated, and more energetic after a cleanse.
A cleanse shouldn’t be expensive or complicated. It can be as simple as a dietary change. One change that stimulates the action of the liver is to drink lemon water every morning. Other liver-fun foods are beets, kale, cabbage, onions, garlic, turmeric and ginger. As Hippocrates said, “Let food be your medicine.”
Cleanses are also enhanced by other simple treatments like ‘home hydrotherapy’. Try this: at the end of your shower, alternate between hot and cold water – 30 seconds hot followed by 10 seconds cold – repeat 3 times. The hot water causes your entire system to dilate and then the cold causes constriction. Alternating between extreme temperatures creates a pumping action that helps your body to eliminate stored toxins.
Speak with a Naturopathic Doctor to develop a safe and suitable spring cleanse. There are an infinite number of ways to do a cleanse but the right one for you depends on your health and lifestyle.
Omega-3s – the facts
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining optimal body function. These essential fats can only be consumed through your diet. The average Canadian is deficient in Omega-3s but consumes in excess other essential fats such as Omega-6s. Research shows that this consumption combination of high Omega-6s with a low Omega-3s is a major risk factor for diseases such as arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurological disease.
The best natural source of Omega-3s is deep-water ocean fish (salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and herring). Since most of my patients’ dietary reality does not include enough of these fish to satisfy the body’s need for Omega-3s, I recommend that people of all ages supplement with a high quality fish oil.
The most important things when considering a fish oil supplement are 1) the content of EPA and DHA (the specific Omega-3 fats found in fish) and 2) the quality control of the company. It is important to choose a fish oil from a reputable company that is third party tested and has rigid guidelines for quality and purification because deep-ocean fish are often loaded with heavy metals.
How much fish oil you take really depends on your health concerns, your age, and your stage in life. Breastfeeding moms have higher requirements compared with other women their age who are not breastfeeding. Someone with arthritis will want to take a higher dose than someone without arthritis. Children need Omega-3s too, and the amount they need depends on other factors related to their health. For the prescription that is right for you and your family, visit a Naturopathic Doctor.
Make allergy season a breeze….not a sneeze!
For allergy sufferers, spring signals the not-so-welcome addition of pollen. Symptoms of seasonal allergies may include stuffy and/or runny nose, sneezing, itchy skin and eyes, and/or red, watery eyes. Here are some tips to make allergy season a breeze:
- Beta-carotene helps heal and soothe irritated mucus membranes. This vitamin is the orange pigment found in fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, pumpkin, papaya, apricots, and cantaloupe.
- Drink lots of water to thin nasal secretions – aim for 1.5 – 2 litres per day.
- Bio-flavonoids have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects which help both prevent allergy symptoms and reduce their severity. Eat lots of flavonoid-rich foods such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and purple grape juice.
- Wash or rinse your hair before bed. Pollen from the air gets easily caught in your hair and then rubbed onto your pillow while you sleep. Ever wondered why your allergy symptoms seem worse first thing in the morning? Regular changing of pillow cases helps too.
- Visit a Naturopathic Doctor to learn about specific herbal and homeopathic remedies which can be very useful for both the prevention and treatment of allergies.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday April 22, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Strengthening Your Immune System – An Ounce of Prevention
Join me to learn about ways to keep you and your family healthy all year round.
Register by calling: 519. 743.0271 ext. 255
Thursday May 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Menopause – how naturopathy can ease this transition
Join me during Naturopathic Medicine Week to learn about safe, effective, natural treatments for the symptoms of menopause.
Register by calling: 519. 575.6016
Cost: $25 per person
Saturday May 24, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday May 25, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
KW Baby and Toddler Show - Bingeman’s Conference Centre
Visit my booth and learn more about the benefits of naturopathic medicine for pregnant moms and babies.
Have a safe and healthy spring. Enjoy the warmer weather and soak up some vitamin D. Allow your body to come out of hibernation by doing something active every single day.
In health,
Dr. Joanna Thiessen, Naturopath and Doula
Director,
t: 519.575.6016
w: www.georgestreetnaturopathic.com
Disclaimer: The information presented herein is not a prescription and does not substitute the consultation of a health care practitioner.
