WINTER HEALTH NEWSLETTER

In this newsletter:

• Healthy Naturopathic Resolutions for 2015


• Cold and Flu Prevention


• Broccoli, Kale and Green Pea Soup Recipe

HEALTHY NATUROPATHIC RESOLUTIONS FOR 2015

Happy New Year Everyone!

Wishing everyone a Healthy 2015! I am sure everyone has some resolutions set out for themselves this year, here are the five that topped my chart for healthy naturopathic resolutions for 2015:

1. Sleep well

   It is very important for the body to get sufficient rest and recharge in order to have the energy to fulfill those resolutions. So try to get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep if not more and keep a consistent schedule through out the week and weekend.



2. Eat well

   You are what you eat and think - so once the body is well rested, you do need to nourish it with healthy and nutritious foods so that the organs can function well, and work efficiently to digest, eliminate and assimilate the proper nutrients for the body from the quality foods you feed your body.

   Limit your intake of foods that will take more energy to break down and create more toxins for your body to eliminate, making you feel sluggish and tired after eating. Eat foods that nourish and vitalize your body and give you energy. Please make sure you chew your food well, eat slowly and avoid drinking water with your meals as it will dilute your digestive enzymes.



3. Think positively

   Let this year be the cleansing year, where you let bygones be bygones and start fresh - thinking positively. Your heart will feel lighter and thank you for it! You will also feel less tension in your body and be happier! My previous blog talked about managing emotions in a healthy and positive way so if you would like to work on this aspect, check this blog article.



4. Stress less

   If stressing more was helpful for your life in any way shape or form, then by all means stress more. The truth however is as follows - the more your stress about things that are beyond your control and worry excessively, it affects a hormone called cortisol, which in turn also affects another hormone called homo-cysteine, which can increase your risk of heart issues. Learn more about these hormones.



5. Adopt a pet

   If you own a pet, you know the benefits of having one. The unconditional love and companionship is just one of the many benefits I can think of. For dog lovers, the great benefit of adopting one is that you do not have to set special time aside for moderate exercise each day - you get that just by walking your pet each day! Here is a link to a great website for pet adoption.

   All the best to everyone this upcoming year! Remember to make your health your top priority! Our naturopathic clinic in Toronto offers great services for your health and wellbeing, so give us a call if we can be of service to you.

COLD AND FLU PREVENTION

This year the flu season seems to be worse than the ones we had in the previous years. I wonder if it is related to the unusual weather patterns we have been experiencing or if whether people have been enduring more stress than usual this past year (due to work pressures, a lack of fresh air, lack of physical activity, or poor dietary habits) which has had a negative effect on immune system? Stress, remember, is anything or any situation that puts the body out of its normal state of being. Regardless of what / who might be the culprit, it would be good to:

1. Clear the organism responsible for the symptoms.
2. Shorten the duration of the symptoms.
3. Improve the immune system and strengthen the body’s defense system.

Here are some simple natural dietary suggestions for all of the above:

Drink a minimum of 6 – 8 glasses of fluids daily, ideally at room temperature or warmer. Fluids help thin secretions making it easier to clear them out and in turn help to reduce congestion. Add a slice of lemon / lime to the fluids, which help with giving that extra little dose of vitamin C.

A constant intake of liquids in the form on teas, broths or soups also helps with keeping the lining of the respiratory tract moist, which helps with hoarseness, dry cough and that irritating tickle at the back of the throat, which can cause incessant bouts of coughing.

Herb teas such as ginger with a slice of lime, chamomile, dried oregano and thyme and a teaspoon of honey will also help loosen the mucus and heal the throat, bronchial tubes and nasal passages, along with being comforting and nourishing.

Some vegetable and fruit juices as grapes, coconut, carrot, beetroot, celery, lemon and parsley diluted with water will also help cleanse and promote healing, not to mention give you lots of vitamin A, C and electrolytes.

Orange juice is something that I do not suggest it as it can be too sweet and also create more congestion. Grapefruit juice would be a good substitute for the Vitamin C content without the congestive effect.

As much as you can, limit your intake of refined sugars. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and some fruits especially: berries, mandarins, clementine, apples, kiwi, grapefruits, mangoes, pineapple, peaches, among others. Crushed garlic and ginger in soups and smoothies are great as they have antiviral and antibacterial properties.

BROCCOLI, KALE AND PEA SOUP RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 Large broccoli head (chopped into little florets)
• 1/2 bunch of organic kale (washed and cut into thin 1/4 inch strips)
• 1 cup of green peas (washed and drained)
• 1 clove of garlic minced
• 1/4 inch of fresh ginger grated
• 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• salt, pepper and seasoning to taste
• 1 teaspoon of coriander chopped finely
• 1 and 1/2 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of coconut milk

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, boil the broccoli and kale, green peas. Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric and the seasonings when the vegetables are almost boiled.

Allow the mixture to cool a little and then puree in a large blender, add the salt and pepper to taste along with the coconut milk. Garnish with the chopped coriander and serve warm. Enjoy!

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.