Category Archives: Healthy Me

Healthy Dietary Changes For Your Health

Healthy Me, ,

Its easy to make small simple changes to your diet that will keep your heart and weight in a healthy range. Here are some of the recommended changes:

Decrease                                                    Increase
Calories                                             Fresh vegetables
Fats                                                     Fresh fruits
Saturated fats                                       Sprouts
Cholesterol                                          Drinking water
Red meats                                            Exercise
Dairy foods                                             Love
Refined sugar                           Complex carbohydrates
Refined flour                                            Fiber
Salt                                                      Whole grains
Processed foods                                     Legumes
Soda pop                                               Vegetable oils
Ice cream

Here is a list of foods classified in terms of their quality:

Unhealthy

Healthier

Ideal
Sodas Fruit juice Water, mineral water
Refined sugar Honey, raw sugar Small amounts of honey, molasses, date sugar
Saturated fat Unsaturated fat Low-fat diet
Refined oils Vegetables oils Cold-pressed olive oil
Shortening and margarine Butter or chemical-free margarine Other cold-pressed vegetable oils, such as flaxseed, canola, or sunflower
Refined flour Whole grain flour Home-ground flour
Refined grains Whole grains Organic whole grains
Processed foods Naturally prepared foods Whole foods
Additives and preservatives Natural foods Whole foods
Enriched or fortified product Natural nutrients Whole foods

Adapted from  “Staying healthy with nutrition”

For information on what protein supplements are right for your body , click here.

By: Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, from the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic, in Toronto.

Elemental Nutrition Based On Traditional Chinese Medicine

Healthy Me, ,

Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, organ health is affected by various foods, colours and flavours and of course seasons. Below is a list of organs along with their function based on Chinese Medicine, as well, flavours and foods that affect the specific organ.  All the flavours are not necessarily eaten in equal proportion. The flavour focus may vary from season to season, as the elemental dominance changes, and according to our individual balance. In North America, sweet and greasy foods are readily available, and these are consumed more plentifully than sour, salty, bitter, or spicy ones.

Over indulgence of one flavor of food over the other will effect organ function- for example, overindulgence of sweet foods will effect the function of spleen energetically, and this is in turn will effect the digestion and distribution of foods in general, causing symptoms such as fatigue or sluggishness or digestive disturbances/indigestion  after eating. Making a meal that provides examples of foods associated with each color, hence affecting various organs.

These colors may act like the flavours in stimulating certain organs and functions. Thus, the red foods, such as meats, cayenne, and tomatoes, may stimulate blood and circulation; green foods, such as many green leafy vegetables such as kale, dandelion, collards, spinach, may help purify us and support metabolism or strengthen the liver. This view actually seems to have a physiological basis in many instances. Click here for more information on changing foods according to the seasons

 Elemental Nutrition

Element Wood Fire Earth Metal Water
Organs Liver

Gall Bladder

 Heart

Small Intestine

 Spleen

Stomach

 Lungs

Large Intestines

 Kidneys

Bladder
Color Green

 

 Red Yellow

 

 White

 

 Blue/black
Functions Purification

Metabolism

 Circulation

Vitalization

 Digestion

Distribution

 Elimination

Mental Circulation

 

 Storage

Emotional Circulation
Flavor Sour Bitter Sweet Spicy/ pungent Salty
Foods Lemons

Other citrus

Sauerkraut

Pickles

Vinegars

Buttermilk

Yogurt

Preserved foods

 Lettuce

Spinach

Chard

Other greens

Celery

Asparagus

Eggplant

Some nuts

Herbs

 Grains

Potatoes

Carrots

Beets

Squash

Peas

Corn

Yams

Sweet potatoes

Most fruits

Sugar cane

Honey

Maple syrup

Milk

 Onions

Garlic

Radish

Mustard

Cayenne

Chili pepper

Horseradish

Chives

 

 Seaweed

Ocean fish

Celery

Olives

Salted foods

Miso

Capers

Soy sauce

Brine foods

By Sushma Shah, Naturopath, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic, in Toronto.

Improve Your Health Naturally

Healthy Me,
  • Consume less fat by avoiding foods that highly hydrogenated and processed.
  • Consuming less red meat, luncheon meat, bacon, hormone-fed, nitrate enriched cold cuts. Instead opt for free range and organic meats.
  • Consuming less milk and milk products that are not organic. Try almond, soy, oat, coconut or rice milk instead for a refreshing change.
  • Consume less deep fried foods. Instead try grilled or baked versions of foods.
  • Eat less refined flour products such as pastas and pastries.
  • Use less or avoid white sugar and simple sugar, try to satisfy that sugar craving with frozen dates or grapes, fresh cut up fruit . Use alternates to sugar such as stevia, agave syrup or raw honey.
  • Less salt and salty foods, such as crackers, pretzels, chips and pickled foods – try dehydrated kale chips instead.
  • Consume fewer calories and eat healthier foods that are packed full of nutrients and antioxidants.
  • Consume less coffee and alcohol. Instead try green or white tea or sparkling water with lime.
  • Smoke less or not at all. Trying to quit? We offer an amazing stop smoking program combining natural therapies.
  • Eat more fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, which are laden with nutrients and minerals for your body.
  • Eat more whole grain cereals rather than processed sugar laden cereals.
  • Eat more fiber foods—fresh fruits, vegetables and grains, if your body tolerates them well. Talk to your naturopath if you get bloated after consumption of these foods.
  • Eat more fresh deep ocean fish and free -range poultry to replace red meats.
  • Have more vegetable protein, such as nuts, seeds and beans and the sprouts of these foods to replace animal proteins.
  • Drink more filtered or spring water.
  • Drink more fruit and vegetables juices and herbal teas to replace coffee, black teas, soda pops and other stimulating beverages.
  • Get more regular, preferably daily exercise with some aerobics. Skipping and swimming are two great cardio activities that are inexpensive and great for the body.
  • Take better care of our air and land and keep our waters free of pollution.
  • Talk to your naturopathic doctor to see what else you could do to improve your health and diet specifically for you.

By: Sushma Shah, Toronto Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.

Natural Ways For Building And Maintaining Immunity

Healthy Me,

1. Physical Activity: Exercise stimulates circulation and circulation of blood stimulates white blood cell movement to parts of the body that require healing, along with oxygen even though the body has an innate ability to heal. Mild to moderate exercise is recommended 3 – 4 times a week such as walking, brisk walking, jogging, swimming and running.  Lack of physical activity, excess sexual activity and overwork impair immunity.

2. Diet: Eat a diet that is rich in whole foods, choosing a variety from a grain and organic vegetable based diet.  Eat foods that have little to no processing. Moderate under eating and simpler food combinations strengthen immunity.  Do not eat late at night.  Avoid intoxicants, refined or chemically contaminated foods, rancid nuts and seeds and limit oils and fats. Try to avoid processed, colored, artificially preserved food as much as possible. If Candida overgrowth symptoms are present, further dietary discipline is necessary and the oxygenating and yeast inhibiting foods, supplements, and practices should also be considered. Talk to your naturopathic doctor to see what the best course of treatment would be for your health and symptoms using naturopathic medicine / natural medicine.

3. Environment: Maintain an orderly, pleasant, clean living and working environment.  Of essential importance for those with very weak immunity is association with completely supportive people with lots of positive energy.  Sunlight, clean, fresh air and pure water strengthen immunity.  If these are not available naturally, the water filters, full spectrum lights and air filters / ionizers are helpful.  Avoid overexposure to dampness and protect your health against other climactic extremes.

4. Supplements: Organic and whole food vitamins and mineral supplements seem to work best for individuals with poor immunity.  Whole food supplements such as wheat or barley grass concentrates, sea vegetables, Chlorella and spirulina may be more beneficial for long-term use. Sprouts are a superb source of nutrients and can adequately supplement most grain and vegetable diets; however, they should be lightly cooked and used sparingly by individuals who are cold weak and frail. Talk to your naturopath to understand what the best diet may be for you.

5. Attitudinal Healing: This is the basic foundation for helping and improving immunity; gratitude and forgiveness are preliminary steps.  Spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and visualization normally support the experience of continual renewal; such practices however can also weaken immunity if they are used to reinforce rigid thinking and habits.

Adapted from Healing with Whole foods

By: Sushma Shah, Toronto Naturopath, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.

Fertility Tests

Healthy Me, ,

There are a number of tests performed for fertility—some for men, some for women—that may be performed if conception does not occur within twelve-month period.  It is both easier and more cost-effective to test the male partner first before going on to the more invasive techniques needed to test the female partner. Quite often, male infertility could be the reason for the couple not being able to conceive. The following table lists some of the most frequently performed fertility tests. If you are interested in learning more about how to treat infertility naturally, give us a call at the clinic to schedule a visit with our naturopathic practitioner – Sushma Shah, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.

Test Description
 

Tests Performed on Men

Endocrine test Blood tests are done to determine levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and thyroid hormones (T).  LH levels are tested only if T levels are abnormal.
Postcoital test The partners have sexual intercourse and the ejaculation is tested for surviving sperm.
Semen analysis A sample of semen is examined no longer than one hour after ejaculation. It is tested for sperm motility (the percentage of sperm that are swimming) and morphology (the percentage that are normally shaped,)
Sperm penetration test Sperm is tested to see if its has the ability to penetrate hamster egg cells.  This indicates the sperm’s ability to penetrate the partner’s egg.
Testicular biopsy A sample of testicular tissue is examined under a microscope to determine the condition of the sperm, or to determine if sperm are being made.
X-ray This test is done to check for damage to the ducts in the male responsible for transporting the sperm to the penis.
 

Tests Performed on Women
Endometrial biopsy A tiny sample of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) is taken in the later part of the menstrual cycle and tested to see if there is enough progesterone in the lining as it matures.  If not, the condition is called luteal phase defect.  It can be treated with hormone therapy.
FSH test A blood sample is taken on day three of the menstrual cycle and tested for FSH.  FSH levels increase as a woman reaches menopause.  If there is a high FSH level, pregnancy is unlikely.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) Dye is inserted through the cervix into the fallopian tubes and uterus, and an x-ray is taken to determine whether the tubes are open and if the uterus is a normal shape.
Laparoscopy A surgical procedure in which a physician examines the reproductive organs by means of a tiny scope.  If scar tissue or endometrial buildup is found, it can be removed by means of the scope as well.
Postcoital test (PCT, Sims-Huhner test) The partners have intercourse 2-8 hours before this test.  A sample of cervical mucus and tissue is removed and examined to determine whether the mucus of the cervix is prohibiting fertilization.Undergoing a PCT is much the same as having Pap smear.
Transvaginal Ultrasound A probe is inserted into the vagina to look for fibroid tumors or ovarian cysts.  This can also be done to track early pregnancies.

Dietary And Lifestyle Recommendations For Fibromyalgia And Chronic Fatigue

Healthy Me,

Most people who suffer from Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia may or may not be aware of how diet effects them.

Here is a list of dietary recommendations for people suffering from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue.

Following this diet will be helpful to reduce your symptoms as well, help you feel better overall.

  • Eat a well balanced diet of 50 percent raw foods and fresh vegetable and green juices.  The diet should consist mostly of vegetables, fruits, whole grains (primarily millet and brown rice), raw nuts and seeds, soy products, skinless turkey or chicken, and deep water fish.  These quality foods supply nutrients and renew energy and build immunity.
  • Consider trying massage therapy, which can help to relax muscles and reduce stiffness of the joints
  • Include pomegranates and pomegranate juice in your diet.  They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  • Eat four to five meals daily to keep a steady supply of protein and carbohydrates available for proper muscle function, if the body does not have enough fuel for energy, it will rob the muscles of essential nutrients, causing muscle wasting and pain.
  • Drink plenty of liquids to help flush out toxins.  The best choices are steam-distilled water and herbal teas.  Fresh vegetables juices supply necessary vitamins and minerals
  • Limit your consumption of green peppers, eggplant, tomatoes and white potatoes – the night shade family vegetables.  These foods contain solanine, which interferes with enzymes in the muscles and may cause pain and discomfort.
  • Do not eat meat, dairy products or any other foods that are high saturated fats.  Saturated fats raise cholesterol levels and interfere with circulation. The also promote the inflammatory response and increase pain.  Also avoid fried foods, processed foods, shellfish, dairy foods and white flour products such as bread and pasta.
  • Avoid wheat and brewer’s yeast until your symptoms improve.
  • Maintain a regular program of moderate exercise.  A daily walk followed by some gentle stretching exercises is good.  If you have been sedentary before, start slowly and be careful not to overexert yourself; this can aggravate symptoms.  Keep in mind that what you need is some amount of daily exercise, not a strenuous workout two or three time a week. Once your body is accustomed to regular exercise, symptoms are likely to improve.  Moderate exercise and stretching help to keep muscles flexible and prevent joints from stiffening night.
  • Be sure to give your body sufficient rest.  Set aside at least hours for sleep each night.
  • Take a hot shower or a bath upon arising to stimulate circulation and help relieve morning stiffness. Or alternate between hot water and cold water while showering.  Recent studies have shown cold showers to be beneficial for relieving the pain of fibromyalgia.  Hot baths help to relax the muscles.

Adapted from Prescription to Nutritional healing.

By: Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.

Habits To Change

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Overeating

Overeating is one of the most common and dangerous dietary habits. It is natural on festive occasions such as holidays or parties to eat more than usual, but many of us have turned up to the level of our satiation state so that we need to eat a large amount of food to feel satisfied all the time. This is contributed to by a great many emotional and psychological factors that may have started in our early years. It is often influenced by our parents and family members and by your own insecurities and self-image.

Overeating often leads to obesity, which is a factor in many often diseases. The over-consumption if food also causes stress to the digestive tract and other organs and can lead to the overworking and weakening of those areas. Congestion or stagnation occurs more easily with overeating.

These problems need to be dealt with at level from which they arise. If they stem from a nutritional deficiency, so that the body is craving missing nutrients that should be discovered and corrected. If they are of recent onset, stress may be the source.  More often, though, overeating is a long0term and deep-seated problem that needs to be dealt with on both the psychological and nutritional levels.

Moderation in eating is a very important habit to develop. Eating small meals several times a day instead of one or two large meals is probably better for most people. Balancing flavors as well as types of food will help satisfy us and may lesson our desire to eat more.

Under-eating

In recent years, there has been growing concern over problems associated with under eating, such as the medical conditions known as anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Under-eating usually has a strong stress or psychological component, which can range from being too nervous or concerned about an upcoming event or relationship, to part of a full-blown psychosis.

All forms of under-eating, skipping meals, or eating only limited foods will lead to poor nutrition and eventually, to problems from protein, calorie, vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Other symptoms include lack of energy and subsequent weakness, malnourishment of internal organs, skin problems, and hair loss. Severe weight loss in spite of regular eating may indicate an underlying medical condition and warrants an evaluation by a doctor.

People who under-eat are often overly concerned about obesity or have a distorted self image. This is more common in women and in teenage girl who become very body conscious or are concerned about becoming too shapely. Often, being very thin is similar to being fat in that it makes us less attractive and is a protection against intimacy with others. These issues may come up during sexual development—that is, in adolescence.

Anorexia means “loss of appetite,” and anorexia nervosa means not eating because of “nervous” or psychological problems. The majority of people with that condition are young females who want to be trim, or to be models or ballerinas, which require a long and lean body.  This may not be the natural body shape of many people, who literally need to starve themselves to maintain that weight or shape.  Bulimia is voluntary vomiting by people who wish to get rid of food just eaten so as not to absorb the calories and add weight.  Many “bulimics” and “anorexics” also use laxatives pills or take regular enemas to clear out the intestines more rapidly. All of these problems have strong psychological bases and usually require counseling as well as a lot of support from loved ones.  Occasionally, these situations become extreme and as with overeating, can be fatal.  Fortunately, these conditions are often short-lived, and those troubled by them see their way clear to begin a new balanced diet and create a newly shaped body and self-image.

 Eating Late

This is a common problem among people with busy daily schedules. Food often acts as a sedative and helps us to physically relax.  After a meal, more blood goes to our digestive organs and away from our areas of physical and mental activity.  So eating lightly during the day, getting hungry at night after work, and then eating our main meal in the evening is a convenient pattern for most schedules. However, going to bed on a full stomach is not necessarily helpful for digestion or sleep. The food may just sit there, undigested through the night, so that we wake up full and sluggish. Eating late can become a habit that robs us of our vitality.

It is best to try to eat earlier in the evening, ideally before dark, and not too heavily; to engage in some activity, both mental and physical after dinner; and to eat very little in the two or three hours before bedtime. When we have not eaten enough through the day, it is wise to eat lightly in the evening also and sleep well to awaken energized for some exercise and a good, hearty breakfast.

Rigid Diet

Many people develop rigid eating patterns and consume only a limited selection of foods. This inflexibility is often based on a preference for certain tastes or just a discriminating personality. Teenagers and elderly people are subject to this lack of flexibility (as more some health food fanatics) more often than other areas of the population. Sometimes this is based on fear, rebellion, lack of adventure, or just being stuck in an attitude that will not allow them to be open to other ideas. They just maintain themselves on a few foods, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, and sodas for the younger crowd, or eggs, toast, potatoes, and meat in the older group.  All lack the freshness and vitality found in natural foods. There are people who develop what I would call positive restrictions in their diet. We all have certain foods are clearly best avoided.  Restricting foods such as meats, milk or chemical-containing foods may be based on certain philosophical or health choices. However, being too rigid in our diet is usually not in our best interest.

It is difficult to get people to change when they do not wish to, especially in regard to what they eat. They already know that they wont like it before they even try. Sometimes, consulting with a nutritionist and doing a diet analysis by evaluation or computer can show people the excess or lack of nutrients in their diet, and this may educate and influence them to make some changes.

Emotional Eating

We have already discussed overeating and under-eating, but there are other issues surrounding the use of food in dealing with stress and psychological troubles. Some people eat when upset or depressed; others cannot eat at all in this condition. Our emotions strongly influence our eating behavior, so if we want to maintain a more balanced diet, and thus more balanced life, we need to learn to deal with our emotional states in ways other than with food.

Using hunger as a guide, integrated with a regular eating plan, we create our basic diet. If we are overweight, we need to plan our meals to include less food; if underweight, we will include more food and calories and then maintain a balanced diet when we are at a better weight.

We can learn to deal with stress, sadness, frustration, depression and so on through self-development techniques, through counseling, or through mental affirmations and visualized, all good ways to clear these problems—or at least not let them take hold of us and run our lives. There are very few issues that are important enough to take precedence over our health.  And not using food to cover up these important feelings. Thoughts and issues are crucial to maintaining our health.

Liquids and Eating

Many of us drink liquids with our meals. This is not really good practice, since extra fluids can dilute the digestive juices, making it more difficult to break down food. Drinking water before meals or sometimes after them is much better. A small amount (less than a cup) of water with meals may help dissolve the food and stimulate digestive juices.

Water is generally our best beverage and consuming about eight to ten glasses a day (most of us will need less when we consume a higher amount of fruits and vegetables) is very helpful for weight loss and keeping the body functioning. It is best to drink two or three glasses about 30-60 minutes before dinner to reduce the appetite a bit. Sweetened soda pops should be avoided.  Milk is a food (to be used sparingly by adults), not a beverage to be drunk with meals. Many people feel that a bit of alcohol before many people, and this enjoy meal probably not too detrimental when done occasionally. Overall, it is wise to be aware of needs and drink when thirsty and its is best to drink only between meals, giving our digestive tract the best shot at getting those nutrients ready for out cells.

Addition habits to Cultivate

Preparation – of both our food and ourselves is helpful. Food made with awareness and love adds that little extra, and when we take the time to prepare ourselves to receive nourishment, such as with a little prayer or some quite time, we also give ourselves the chance to get the most out of our meal.

Relaxation – around eating is a good habit to develop. This is part of preparation and digestion.  After a fair-sized meal, it is important to take some time to let digestion begin. After about an hour, we can begin some light activity. A walk is ideal. However, most of us cannot afford the luxury of taking this time around meals. When I cannot, I try to follow the Warrior’s Diet of frequently small snacks, through the day, until I can take more time to prepare and eat a proper meal.

Exercise – is very important to keeping our body healthy and utilize the nutrients that we consume.  I do not recommend exercising for at least an hour, or longer, after eating. It is usually several hours after a meal before my body feels right doing any vigorous activity. Often, I exercise first and use eating, as a reward for doing the physical activity that I feel is needed. Early in the day before breakfast, and after work before dinner, are the two best times for exercising.

 

Adapted from “Staying healthy with nutrition”

Things Not To Say To Your Kids

Healthy Me,

Quite often parents think that tough love is the way to go when it comes to raising your kids, and that they know best how to do that, but the reality of the situation is that kids these days are very different and because of how much they are exposed to on a day to day basis at school, at home, with friends and relatives, they seem much more sensitive to what we say to them and how they feel about what was said after.

When we were younger, we never heard of teenagers committing suicide or the horrendous crimes they commit these days. With the changing world and the changing views of the world, all kids are trying to do is “fit into” a society and as well, find their niche. Many parents tend to be overly critical and harsh to their kids, hoping that this will help them correct their ways, just like their parents did when they were younger, but what they fail to understand is that children need love, understanding and care. Their level of maturity is very different than your own and having the expectation that they are thinking like you and have your understanding is wrong! Children are innocent in the way they think and do things, and they seek the love and affection from those who they look up to the most: their parents.  Some of the things not to say to your kids then are:

1. I don’t care – The way the child understands this is that parent really does not care and is not interested in what they are doing. This will affect the way your child carries out day to day activities, and yes, you may said it only once, but they will remember it for a long time.

2. Don’t you get it – Really? how long it take you before you understood something your parents said to you, e.g. doing simple chores around the house, mathematical issues, etc. Maybe your child has a ADD / ADHD, and by simply throwing your hands up in the air and saying “Don’t you get it”, will not cut it anymore. Get a naturopathic assessment for them to see if they do really have an issue with understanding you and focusing.

3. Are you that stupid? – This is an absolute NO NO, criticism will not make your child any smarter. Instead be loving and encourage your child to do better next time. This will help your child feel more comfortable around you, knowing at least you are there for them no matter what, and that you are not judging them, and will be more apt to coming to you when they have an actual problem.

The next time your child has done something you do not approve of or like, try to encourage them and teach them about how to do it better the next time, but keep in mind, they do have the maturity you have and they do not have the same stressors you do, and that it would be unfair to expect more.

By: Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic

 

 

 

Using Alternate Natural Remedies To Bear Bile And Improving Digestion Naturally

Healthy Me,

Each year, many thousands of bears go through a very painful process where humans try to extract their bile from their gall bladder in the name of traditional medicine, which they claim is very beneficial for the digestive system that is impaired. Where bear bile may have benefits, in this case, there are really no benefits for the bear, and it is not only unfair, but also inhuman to do this for our selfish purposes for what helped people centuries ago, and maybe barbaric behavior was acceptable at that time, although I strongly doubt that.  Such a majestic animal needs to be admired and respected, as opposed to being captured and tortured for something that may or not have any benefits, and especially there are so many herbal alternatives that will help improve the digestive system and the gastric juice flow naturally.

If you are one of these people who has been recommended to use bear bile, please read this blog so that you can better understand how you may treat your symptoms without taking it, and in the process save a bear from being tortured for your so called health benefits.

If you have liver congestion and are having issues digesting fatty and heavy meals, which is what bile helps with, try the following and let me know how you fared:

1/ Warm glass of water, with a 1/4 – 1/2 lime squeezed into it, with 1 tsp or 1 tbsp. of olive oil and a pinch of cayenne pepper before your breakfast, lunch and dinner.

2/ Eat slowly and really chew your food well. 12 -1 3 chews per bite and avoid having any water with your meals as this will dilute your digestive enzymes and make your digestion even slower.

3/ Try digestive enzymes after your meals, with a content of lipase, a digestive enzyme that helps to digest fatty foods. Papaya and pineapple is also great for digestion as well and upset stomach.

4/ Try a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar before meals, this really helps to create the right environment to digest heavy proteins and fats.

5/Try having smaller meals rather then engorging your stomach to a point where you can barely breathe or move as well, try giving your body a break and adopt for a more healthful vegetarian or semi vegetarian diet instead, your digestive system will thank you for it.

By: Sushma Shah, Toronto Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.

Treating Ulcerative Colitis Naturally

Healthy Me

Ulcerative colitis is one of the 2 main inflammatory bowel diseases that affects thousands and thousands of people worldwide, wreaking havoc on their lifestyles and pushing their stress through the rough trying to get some relief. It can be very frustrating for the individual, as well, on the family. Certain populations are more prone to this disease, and although the exact cause is questionable, naturopathic medicine has been extremely effective in treating the symptoms, as well, keeping it in remission for longer periods of time, if not heal it entirely.

Some of the symptoms of Ulcerative colitis include, and are not limited to:

1. Bleeding in the stools

2. Dull / Sharp pains in the lower abdomen that come and go or stay over a prolonged period of time

3. Bloating and indigestion, after meals

4. Weakness and fatigue along with weight loss due to loss of appetite

5. Abnormal bowel habits- diarrhea / constipation with urgency

6. Anal itchiness and joint aches and pains

7. Intermittent fever

The usual treatment for ulcerative colitis with western medicine has been various drugs that will help suppress the symptoms and decrease inflammation in the bowels. However, one must question the following: if I was not born with this ailment, am i supposed to take these medications for the rest of my life to suppress my body’s reaction to something that is imbalanced within the body and causing these symptoms? Or is my body trying to tell me something?

Well, as a naturopathic doctor – I usually urge clients to look at what has changed in their life over the time before the symptoms started – was there a big stressor in your life that you were not able to deal with very well? Had you travelled somewhere and picked up a parasite you are not aware of, after which these symptoms started? Had you made changes to your diet or was your diet a healthy balanced diet that supports your gastro intestinal tract to begin with? What changed in your life that might have affected your digestive system?

Here are some natural treatment suggestions that will be beneficial for helping with symptoms of ulcerative colitis:

1. Try to avoid the foods that you suspect might be worsening your symptoms – dairy and wheat are two culprits that have been shown to worsen symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

2. Foods that contain carrageenan – a thickening agent tends to worsen ulcerative colitis symptoms – so try to avoid foods such as ice cream, that contain it.

3. Talk to your naturopathic doctor to run an allergy / sensitivity test to see what foods you might not be tolerating, and avoiding these will provide quite a bit of relief to your gastrointestinal symptoms.

4. Try to follow more of an anti inflammatory diet, with simple and easily digestible foods to get optimum nourishment from the foods you ingest. An anti-inflammatory diet is also great as it helps reduce inflammation in the body and bowels, which in turn helps to heal the body.

5. Increase your intake of fiber in the diet, which will be helpful for improving the consistency of stools as well, make sure you drink plenty of fluids to prevent the body from getting dehydrated.

Need more information on ulcerative colitis, and treating it naturally? Click here

By: Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic, in Toronto.