WINTER HEALTH NEWSLETTER

In this newsletter:

• Understanding SAD Or Seasonal Affective Disorder And Light Therapy


• Product Of The Month – Dmulsion 1000 – Vitamin D Drops


• Remember The Vitamin D


• Boosting Your Immune System For A Healthy Winter Season With Carrot Wolfberry Soup

UNDERSTANDING SAD OR SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER AND LIGHT THERAPY

SAD, also known as the winter blues is a mood disorder, in which people experience depressive symptoms during the winter for no apparent reason. While some people experience a serious mood change, others feel downright depressed or have heightened anxiety. Other symptoms include excessive sleeping, having little or no energy, and cravings for sweets and starchy foods. Although the symptoms can be severe, they tend to clear up as the seasons change.

Natural treatments for SAD include light therapy, which is a natural exposure to light. Natural light is something the body lacks in the darker winter months. In light therapy, the body is exposed to specific wavelengths of light by using lasers or light emitting diocles, fluorescent lamps and diachronic lamps.

Lite Book is a new generation of light therapy that emits no UV radiation. This light is safer for both the eyes and the skin. The light therapy will improve your mood, increase energy levels and restore sleep patterns. If you feel like you might be at risk for SAD or for more information about light therapy or the Lite Book, please contact us at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.

(Ref: Lurie, Stephen J. “Seasonal Affective Disorder”. American Physician. November 2006. 1521-4. “Light Therapy – Why is it done?” Mayo Clinic. 2008.)

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH - DMULSION 1000 - VITAMIN D DROPS - 5% OFF REGULAR PRICE!

This month we have a very highly absorbable Vitamin D on special. It is easy to use and can be dropped directly into the mouth or mixed in drinks. Although you can naturally obtain vitamin D from the sun, exposure is limited in the winter months as we work inside. The result is up to 90% of individuals in Canada maybe vitamin D deficient.

The recommended dose for all ages is one drop two times daily, or as recommended by your health care practitioner. It is guaranteed to contain no added wheat, yeast, gluten, corn, sugar, artificial coloring or flavoring or dairy products. It is ideal for vegetarians. Don’t risk becoming vitamin D deficient!

REMEMBER THE VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble pro-hormones, where the two major forms are D2 and D3. These are primarily obtained during sun exposure, through foods and supple- ments. Calcitriol is the active form of Vitamin D found in the body and it plays a crucial role in maintaining several of your organs. It also helps increase your flow of calcium into the bloodstream and promotes bone growth. Without vitamin D, your bones can become thin, brittle or can eventually deform.

Furthermore, Vitamin D can help you build strong teeth, keep you trim, boost your mood, help you avoid the sniffles, help in fighting heart disease and drastically cut your risk of cancer. It will also substantially lower the risk of breast, colon, prostate and ovarian cancers, according to a growing body of research.

How Much Vitamin D Should You Be Taking?

The answer varies, as it is different for everyone, because certain things affect your vitamin D intake. These things include:

• Where you live (latitude)
• How much you weigh
• What skin type you have
• How often you go out in the sun
• How much vitamin D is in your diet
• How much vitamin D you get in supplements

The ideal vitamin D blood level is not known for sure, but it is assumed to be around 50ng/ml, equivalent to 2,000 units/day. According to government studies, 2,000 units/day is safe. Please check with your health care provider before you start on any supplements.

BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM FOR A HEALTHY WINTER SEASON WITH CARROT WOLFBERRY SOUP

The winter brings sparkling snowflakes, hot cups of cocoa and a slew of warm sweaters. But it also brings the reality of the sniffles, common colds and the flu – this year, both the traditional flu and the infamous H1N1 virus. To keep your immune system active and healthy, make sure to provide your body with plenty of nutrients. By improving your diet, you are improving your health. Add deeply colored fresh vegetables and fruits by making this immune boosting soup! It is loaded with nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lecithin
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 fresh bay leaves
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup cream
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1 pound baby carrots
• 2 fresh bay leaves
• 2 - 3 tablespoons agave nectar
• 2 tablespoons dried wolfberries

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add baby carrots, onions and bay leaves. Cook for 5-8 minutes until the onions are translucent.


2. Add wolfberries and pour chicken stock over and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are soft, then blend well using a blender, a food processor or a regular blender.


3. Strain back into saucepan. Add honey, agave syrup, lecithin, and cream and mix with blender. Heat until the soup starts to boil and serve immediately.

For any questions, or concerns, or to schedule an initial naturopathic appointment, please contact us at 416 913 4325 (HEAL) or email us at [email protected]

* DISCLAIMER: The information on this article is the property of Dr. Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any diseases or promote any services or products mentioned on the website.