HEALTH NEWSLETTER

In this newsletter:

• Should You Do A Detox Or Fast This Fall?


• Steer Clear Of Allergies This Fall With These Natural Therapies


• Power Up Your Immunity Naturally


• Pumpkin And Sweet Potato Soup

SHOULD YOU DO A DETOX OR FAST THIS FALL?

We are exposed to so many toxins and pollutants in our environments these days. Whilst eating organic foods may help reduce the intake of certain toxins, our daily commute and lifestyle exposes us to various other toxins that can accumulate in our body. One of the body’s natural means of staying healthy is its ability to detoxify itself. Spring and Fall are the best times for doing a detox.

A Fall detox is great to enhance the body’s ability to eliminate many of the harmful substances we absorb, inhale or create. Detoxes help to render most toxins harmless and expel them from the body.

The major detoxification organs are:

• Lungs
• Liver
• Kidneys
• Skin
• Bowels

Supporting the elimination of waste

Detoxification is a two step process – Phase 1 – which reduces fast - soluble toxins to intermediate substances and Phase 2 – in which these intermediaries are reduced to water soluble products, that can now be eliminated through urination and bowel movements. Hence, in order to support the elimination of waste via kidneys, bowels and skin, we must intake sufficient fluids (in simple terms drink lots of water).

A healthy circulatory and lymphatic system supports detoxification – sluggishness in these systems leaves behind waste products in the tissues. Some of the ways we can support these systems for detoxification is by increasing cardiovascular activities, go to saunas, do alternating hot and cold baths, or do skin brushing from the periphery of the body to the center using a dry loofah sponge or towel before showering or do dry brushing to promote circulation and detoxification and increase our circulation.

If you have water retention or edema due to inadequate lymph drainage, or enlarged lymph nodes – you would certainly benefit from lymph drainage massages alternating with deep tissue massage currently offered at our clinic, at least once a week.

FASTING

Fasting is a very effective way of detoxification and purification if done properly. Fasting has been used for centuries in various religious traditions as a way of cleansing and strengthening the body, mind and spirit. Fasting helps to improve a wide variety of chronic illnesses, including arthritis, skin problems such eczema, chronic inflammation, constipation, migraines, gall-stones and kidney stones. Although not appropriate for everyone, fasting is an effective way of moving toward a healthier diet and removing attachments to food, drugs, and alcohol.

There are various kinds of fasts available ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Ask your naturopathic doctor what would be most suitable for you, as fasting should be done under the supervision of your health care provider. Water and juice fasts are most common, as they are gentle on the system but very effective. Do remember though that before one can start a fast, there is a preparatory period before the fast, to prepare the body for the fast.

In clinical practice, I have found simply taking some lemon / lime juice with warm water on waking has helped my patients tremendously with constipation problems among other things. There are a variety of supplements that support the liver in the detoxification of the body, some of which include Vitamin C, choline and methionine for regulating fat metabolism and increasing bile flow.

Some of the fruits and vegetables that support detoxification include:
Broccoli, cabbage, beets, artichoke, onion and garlic, fruits high in Vitamin C such as the citrus family – lemons, mandarins, lime.

Good News!
We still have lots of the homeopathic Heel 21 day Detox Kits still available at the clinic – which is a gentle yet very effective detox for the liver, kidneys and the lymphatic system. If you are interested in purchasing a kit, please call the clinic.

STEER CLEAR OF ALLERGIES THIS FALL WITH THESE NATURAL THERAPIES

Most people suffer from various allergies especially when the Fall season rolls around ranging from dust to weeds, molds and grasses. Runny and red eyes, sneezing, coughing, itchy, congested noses, fatigue and skin rashes are all common symptoms of allergies. Here are some naturopathic treatments / tips to treat them naturally:

1. Hydration – Drinking water helps thin out mucus and helps with the congestion. Try to have at least 6 - 8 glasses of pure distilled water through the day. If you are constantly feeling dry and itchy, proper hydration is a must. Try some lime or lemon in warm water in the morning on rising.


2. Even though exercise such as running, walking or biking helps clear congestion, avoiding jogging or running outdoors on smoggy and humid days especially, as the air is filled with all kinds of pollution ranging from exhaust fumes to different, making congestion worse and making it difficult to take breathe in deeply. Try instead to walk in the evening or after rain when the pollen counts are the lowest.


3. Find out what you are allergic to in terms of food and environment as well intolerant too. Food intolerances and allergies will cause the body to release higher levels of histamines, which in turn will increase the amount of congestion you experience as well, worsen your seasonal allergy symptoms. We offer simple, relatively inexpensive blood tests to test you for up to 200 + allergens.


4. If you are suddenly experiencing allergy symptoms that you did not had before, it could be related to experiencing higher levels of stress, improper diet and a lack of sleep. However, if you are also constantly feeling “tired and burnt out” you might want to get your adrenal function tested, as adrenal fatigue could be the root cause of your allergies. A simple saliva adrenal test at the clinic would reveal the state of your adrenal function.


5. Natural homeopathic remedies and supplements – such as pollens 30 CH or Quercitin – a natural anti histamine supplement may be helpful for you. However, before starting on any product, please come see us at the clinic for a quick assessment to see what would be most helpful for you.


6. For itchy eyes irritated by allergies, try a compress made with calendula or marigold flowers in hot water. Once the water cools, you can dip a cotton pad in the solution and hold it over the irritated eye for 10 – 15 minutes to soothe the itching.

POWER UP YOUR IMMUNITY NATURALLY

While the season of Fall brings with it spectacular color changes in the leaves and the trees, the temperatures start to drop and the amount of sunshine you get decreases, and quite often the immune system takes a hit especially in people that suffer from sleeping issues and are feeling more stressed especially with kids back to school and routine changes.

Most people tend to get a cold or two in this weather that lasts a few days to a week. If you have been experiencing an unusual amount of colds and flu, and the duration of the illness is lasting much longer, your immune system might need a tune up.

There are various natural products that help to boost the immune system such as Astragalus root, Vitamin C and D, Echinacea, plant sterols and Zinc. It is very important that you are get a minimum of seven hours of sleep and are eating well. If you are feeling stressed, especially with the season change, try to increase your water intake, and intake of good quality foods that support your adrenal system and are high in potassium such as fish, avocado, coconut water, blueberries.

Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, which can have an adverse affect on your adrenal system and in turn effect your immune system in a negative way. If possible, try to get away and get some more sunshine for a few days to top up on those Vitamin D levels.

PUMPKIN AND SWEET POTATO SOUP

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of pumpkin (peeled and diced in 1/2 inch cubes)
• 1 small sweet potato (peeled and diced in 1/2 inch cubes)
• 1 cup of celery (diced in 1/2 inch cubes)
• 1 small red onion – sliced and diced – you can also use green onions (3 - 4)
• 1/2 cup of quinoa cooked
• 1 and 3/4 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon of parsley chopped for garnish
• salt and pepper to taste

In a saucepan, heat the coconut oil. Add the cumin seeds, and once they crackle add the onions. Sautee the onions, and then add the pumpkin, sweet potato and celery. Add the water and cook for about 10 – 12 minutes until the pumpkin has become soft.

Set aside to cool. Once cooled, put the mixture in blender and puree and add the quinoa in the puree. Add salt and pepper to taste and the parsley as a garnish. Enjoy with a toasted dark rye bread with coconut oil.

As always we welcome and appreciate your feedback.

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful weather we have been blessed with and keeping healthy. Remember we here to help you with your health goals and optimal health and wellness, so if you need any of our services or need to schedule an appointment, call us at 416 913 4325 (HEAL) or feel free to email us.

* 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.