George Street Naturopathic Newsletter
Start 2009 off right with these healthful hints from the George Street Naturopathic Medicine e-newsletter.
In this issue:
• The ‘other’ food allergies
• Resolution: weight loss
• Winter breakfast recipe
• Clinic news and events
The ‘other’ food allergies
Food allergies often trigger images of Epi-Pens and swollen throats. While this ‘anaphylactic’ reaction is one type of allergic response, it is not the only way in which our body reacts to aggravating foods. Another subset of allergic reactions to foods is called a Delayed Hypersensitivity Response. This type of reaction is controlled by specific IgG antibodies that are released by the immune system in response to specific foods. Symptoms of IgG food allergies are varied and occur over several hours or days. These can include:
• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Mood disorders – hyperactivity, depression, anxiety, inability to concentrate
• Asthma and recurring respiratory infections
• Eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions
• Joint pain
• Chronic runny nose
• Puffiness around the eyes
IgG food allergies can be tested at my clinic through a simple finger poke blood test. The blood sample is sent to a lab where it is exposed to 96 different foods and then analyzed for the presence of antibodies against each food. I have conducted hundreds of these tests, and many patients found improvement of their symptoms once we identified and eliminated the offending foods from their diet. If you are interested in learning more about this type of allergy testing, or if you think your symptoms might be due to food allergies, let me know at our next appointment and we can investigate it together.
Resolution: weight loss
Is weight loss one of your New Year resolutions? Here are seven naturopathic tips to help with your weight loss goals:
1. Eliminate alcohol for now. Many people don’t realize the caloric content of alcoholic drinks, but it can be quite significant. Even a few weeks of abstinence impacts your weight.
2. Eat a protein-rich breakfast. Morning protein is more important than dinner protein because it wakes up your metabolism, and steadies your energy production for the next few hours. Skipping protein in the morning means a slower metabolism for the rest of the day.
3. Stay hydrated. Drink a minimum of 48 oz of water daily, more if you exercise. Drinking plenty of water as soon as you wake up and before breakfast is the optimal time to start. It primes your body for digestion and fat burning, as water is required to burn fat. Avoid coffee and regular tea, pop and fruit juices.
4. Don’t skip meals. Eat three meals a day, including one to two snacks, and make sure to include protein with each meal.
5. Stop eating 2-3 hours before bed. Set a time in the evening when nothing else will pass your lips after that time except for water.
6. Shop the outer aisles. When grocery shopping do your best to stick to the periphery of the grocery store. That is where all the whole foods are located. The centre aisles are typically filled with processed foods with additives.
7. Break a sweat. You can’t lose weight if you aren’t moving your body to burn calories. A cardiovascular workout, one in which you get your heart rate up, is critical to weight loss.
Winter breakfast recipe
During the cold winter months I transition away from my usual breakfast smoothie to this healthy porridge. It contains protein and fibre, and is an important part of a cholesterol-lowering diet. Enjoy!
Mix together in a large bowl:
• 4 cups oatmeal
• 2 cups oatbran
• 1 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 1 cup ground sunflower seeds
Soak 1/3 of a cup overnight in the fridge in milk (rice, almond, soy, goat or cow). No cooking is necessary – just heat before you eat. You can add dried or frozen fruit before soaking. In the morning, heat it up in a pot and add some maple syrup or honey to taste. Store the remaining dry porridge in a container in the fridge and use within 4 weeks.
Clinic news
In December we said a heartfelt goodbye to Melissa Mitchell, RMT, who was with the clinic since we opened in January 2007.
At the same time, we welcomed Kelly Wilson, RMT. Kelly is happy to have finally found the right place for her to do what she loves doing best. She connects strongly with her clients and focuses on finding solutions that work for them and their unique situation. Whether you have a desire for relaxation or a therapeutic concern, Kelly is trained in many areas of treatment. She is still accepting new patients and welcomes all ages and body types. Contact Kelly at 519.742.6510.
Lisa Hilverda, RMT, continues to grow her busy massage therapy practice, KW Massage Therapy. Lisa enjoys therapeutic work and treats everything from TMJ disorders to pregnancy discomfort. She recognizes the uniqueness of each body in structure, pain tolerance and need, and treats accordingly. New clients are always welcome. Contact Lisa at 519.572.8515.
Upcoming events
1. Tuesday February 10, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex - 101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo
Free Prenatal Health Fair
Visit the Naturopathic Medicine booth and learn about how Naturopathy can benefit you and your baby during pregnancy and beyond.
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2. Wednesday April 1, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Kitchener Public Library – 85 Queen Street North, Kitchener
Chron’s and Colitis – A Naturopathic Approach
Join Dr. Joanna Thiessen to learn about safe, effective, natural treatments for inflammatory bowel disease.
I hope that 2009 brings you peace, happiness and of course, good health. See you at the clinic soon.
In health,
Dr. Joanna Thiessen, Naturopath and Doula
Director, George Street Naturopathic Medicine
8 George Street
Waterloo, ON N2J 1K5
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.
