Do you suffer from?

• Weight gain in the abdomen or triceps area that is difficult to lose
• Cravings for sweets and carbs
• Frequent illness
• Poor circulation
• Insomnia - difficulty falling asleep
• Acne
• Hair loss 
• Loss of muscle tone
• Pre-menstrual symptoms
• Mood disorders: depression, anxiety, seasonal affective disorder
• Cardiovascular disease
• Allergies
• Irritable bowel or digestive concerns
• Palpitations
• Nervousness
• Low blood pressure

Stress is one of leading causes of health problems in our culture. Our bodies are designed to release hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, from the adrenal glands to deal with stressful events. They help by stimulating our sympathetic nervous system to direct blood flow to our muscles and to release sugar and stored fat into the blood for a quick surge of energy that should allow us to overcome whatever we are facing. In an immediately stressful situation we might temporarily feel our heart rate pick up quickly, breathing becomes rapid, our hands and skin become clammy and cold, our face drains of color and our blood pressure rises. These changes then quickly subside as we overcome the stressful event.

Chronic stress, on the other hand, leads to over stimulation of our adrenal glands and nervous system leading to great imbalances in the body. For example, constant stress often comes from worry about finances, family or personal health concerns, stress at work and relationship issues. Combine these with the daily stressors of traffic, noise, cell phones, email - you get the idea - it's no wonder anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome and exhaustion are so commonly experienced in this day and age.

Excess secretion of cortisol releases stored fat and sugar to be used as energy. Initially, this can lead to rapid weight loss after a high stress situation. Overtime however, the body starts to breakdown muscles as a source of energy. This leads to muscle wasting and weakness. In addition, craving for sugar increases causing poor food choices.  Eventually the metabolism slows down and the body starts to store weight in the abdominal area as a ready source of fuel.

If you are struggling with chronic health concerns then managing stress is one of the most important and lasting things you can do for your health. Herbal support can help to balance the nervous system but lifestyle changes including healthy nutrition, regular activity, adequate rest and creating space for your personal time and development are essential to long term results and a vital, fulfilling life.  .

   DR CARRIE WATKINS | NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR IN VICTORIA BC

VICTORIA MASSAGE THERAPY AND HEALTH SOLUTIONS CLINIC 

Do you suffer from chronic inflammation?

Below are some examples of how chronic inflammation in the body can cause disease or aggravate existing conditions:

• Hormonal imbalances: PMS, strong menopausal symptoms, irregular menses
• Gastrointestinal irritation
• Bowel disease
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Acne
• Allergies
  
• Cardiovascular disease
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Chronic pain or swelling of joints
• Arthritis
• Fatigue
• Gout
• Weight gain

Inflammation is a natural response by the body to infections, injuries, allergies and what the body perceives as “foreign objects”. When we are exposed to these things (such as environmental toxins, poor nutrition and high levels of stress) inflammatory cascades are triggered leading to symptoms that may include redness, swelling, skin rashes, fever and pain. If we continually expose ourselves to triggers such as food allergens or environmental chemicals, we create chronic inflammation in the body.

Chronic inflammation is strongly connected to an increased risk of major health conditions such as arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and skin reactions such as psoriasis, eczema and signs of pre-mature aging.

1. The first step to long-term health, weight loss, increased energy, healthy digestion and glowing skin requires getting inflammation under control. This should start first and foremost with nutrition. Eliminating all sources of food sensitivities and allergies immediately takes the daily burden off your body and can quickly and dramatically reduce inflammation.

2. The second step is supporting your detoxification pathways through liver, kidney, gastrointestinal and lung health. Herbal, vitamin and mineral support can help heal these systems.

3. Hydrotherapy is a powerful tool that can be used at home or done by a professional to improve circulation of blood and lymphatics.

4. Stress management through various techniques including breathing, yoga, coaching, counselling and herbal remedies can help reset our nervous system in favor of the parasympathetic pathway and help reduce cortisol levels. Stress management is often the root cause for improving many aspects of health by encouraging muscle relaxation, bowel elimination, good sleeping patterns and hormonal balance.

Find out how Naturopathic Medicine can help you reset your body, reduce inflammation and prevent disease.

DR CARRIE WATKINS | NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR IN VICTORIA BC

VICTORIA MASSAGE THERAPY AND HEALTH SOLUTIONS CLINIC 

The idea of this quiz is to bring awareness to how much you are exposing yourself to common inflammatory triggers and toxins on a regular basis. If you answer yes to any of the questions you are exposing yourself to some degree. This is okay limited amounts - the important questions to ask yourself are how much and how often. 

How toxic is your diet? 

• Do you barbeque your food regularly?
• Do you eat fried or fast foods 2-3x/week or more?
• Do you eat pastas and breads (wheat) regularly?
• Do you eat instant foods such as quick cooking oatmeal or white rice?
• Do you often forget to drink water during the day?
• Do you drink coffee (even decaf counts) and if so how many?
• Do you use cream, milk or sugar in your coffee?
• Do you drink alcohol 3-4x/week?
• Do you tend to "unwind" every night or every other night with a drink or two?
• Do you crave sugar or carbohydrates in the late afternoon?
• Do you drink soda and if so how often?
• Do you eat dairy products several times/day?
• Do you tend to go for "diet", "low-fat" or "sugar-free"?
• Do you skip breakfast?
• Do you rely on stimulants (coffee, sugar, soda) to keep you going?
• Do you cook your food in oils on high heat regularly (olive, canola or other)?

Candida or candidiasis is an overgrowth of the fungi, Candida albicans – also commonly referred to as yeast infection. These fungi along with certain strains of bacteria normally colonize the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina of healthy humans. Health concerns arise when the fungi begins to overgrow in the body, causing a variety of symptoms including but not limited to the following:

• Generally feeling of malaise or fatigue when all other causes have been assessed and ruled out

• Vaginal yeast infections: redness, itching, thick white discharge

• Itching around the anus or vaginal area

• Digestive upset such as gas and bloating

• Weakened immunity

There are many things that can predispose someone to an overgrowth of yeast in the body. These include recent or high frequency of antibiotic use, immunodeficiency illnesses, type 2 diabetes (particularly if uncontrolled), a diet high in refined sugars and processed foods, long-term use of corticosteroids, sexual transmission between partners who have not been properly treated for yeast infection, hormone imbalances.

Treatment Options

Naturopathic treatment for candida infections includes dietary modifications that focus on eliminating sugar, yeasts, molds and food sensitivities from the diet for a period of at least several weeks. In addition, effective, natural anti-fungal supplements are taken to reduce candida and other fungi in the body. These may be in the form capsules, botanical tincture or suppositories depending on the symptoms picture and history. 

Finally, re-inoculation of healthy, probiotic bacteria is an important step in establishing a healthy internal environment for long-term maintenance, proper digestion and immunity. These may be taken as supplements or suppositories or a combination. Topical probiotic cream is also available to sooth irritated, itchy skin.

Testing Options

The following testing options are available to test for yeast/candida overgrowth in the body.  Bloodwork is also available to assess for any other possible causes of symptoms.

• Yeast Stool Culture
• Comprehensive Stool analysis: Includes analysis of food breakdown, parasites and presence of yeast instool
• Naturopath intake will also assess symptom picture
• Blood work to assess for any other possible causes of symptoms: May include iron panel, thyroid and vitamin B12 levels in cases of fatigue.