HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Spring is here! Hopefully with that comes beautiful weather, new beginnings and of course a newsletter from our clinic to you! We hope that the information provided will be of use to you and your loved ones and if you have any inquiries please feel free to give us a call at the clinic. Enjoy!

In this newsletter:

• Clinic News


• Detoxification and Cleansing


• Sweet mashed potatoes without cow's milk recipe

CLINIC NEWS

Feel energized, have mental clarity and relax with a Massage Session!

Here at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic we offer massage therapy. We have a great RMT on staff with exceptional service and experience.

If you are suffering from muscle pain, soreness, headaches, muscular tightness (among many other issues) or are even looking to seek some relaxation, give us a call at the clinic to make an appointment for a massage therapy session.

Our RMT is in the clinic Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. We offer affordable prices and at lower rates than many other clinics / spas. Here are the rates for massage therapy for Spring 2016!

• 1 ½ hour massage session: $115 + HST
• 1 hour massage session: $75 + HST
• 45 minute massage session: $55 + HST
• 30 minute massage session: $45 + HST

DETOXIFICATION AND CLEANSING

Feel energized, have mental clarity and prevent illness with a Spring Detox!

In this issue of our spring newsletter we will be discussing detoxification and cleansing and the importance of it for our bodies. Spring is also one of the best times to do a body cleanse or detox and we offer many options to do so here at the clinic.

Who Should Detox and Is Best Suited for It?

Almost everyone needs to detox and / or cleanse their body. Cleansing or detoxification is one part of nutritional action that we should be doing to achieve optimal wellness along with building or toning and maintaining or balancing the body. A balanced diet with no excessive sugars or chemicals will require a less intensive detox.

Our body has its own elimination system, which is mostly carried out at night or in the morning up until breakfast. However, when the diet consists of lots of fats, meats, dairy products, refined foods and chemicals, this congests our bodies making detoxification more necessary. Therefore who needs to detox and when is primarily based on our individual lifestyles and needs.

Common toxicity symptoms include headache, fatigue, excess mucus or daily congestion, aches and pains, digestive issues, “allergy” symptoms and sensitivities to environmental agents such as chemicals, perfumes and synthetics.

People experiencing these symptoms and others listed below may find it beneficial to change their diet or avoid the drug or agent altogether that may be influencing these symptoms.

Also, remember to differentiate between allergic symptoms and those of toxicity to properly seek medical care. Fasting has been shown to be beneficial to those with allergies.

Signs and Symptoms of Toxicity

People who have addictions to any substance may find detoxification to be beneficial even if it is only a temporary avoidance of the addictive substance(s). Withdrawal symptoms that occur with many addictive substances whether it be sugar, caffeine and over-the-counter medications, are precipitated by detoxification.

Many toxins that we ingest or make in our bodies are stored in the fatty tissues. Obesity for the most part is always almost associated with toxicity. Weight loss results in a reduction of fat and therefore the toxic load. When losing weight, we release more toxins and therefore need extra protection through a larger intake of water, fiber, and antioxidant nutrients such as Vitamin C, E and beta-carotene, selenium and zinc. Exercise also helps assist in burning fat and building muscle therefore helping further the process of detoxification.

What is Detoxification?

Detoxification is a toxin clearing process of the body, neutralizing or transforming them and clearing any excess mucus or congestion. Most of these toxins come from our diet, drugs, or environmental factors, both acute and chronic. Fats and cholesterol, free radicals and any irritating molecules act as toxins internally.

Poor digestion, colon sluggishness and dysfunction, reduced liver function, poor elimination through the kidneys, respiratory tract and skin all add to higher levels of toxicity.

It involves dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce the intake of toxins therefore improving elimination. Avoiding chemicals from food or other sources such as refined food, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and many drugs is important as it helps to minimize the toxin load in your body.

Drinking more water that is purified and consuming more fiber through fruits or vegetables are steps in the detoxification process. It is important to go from a more to less congesting diet to help move along the detox process. Below is a list of foods shown to be more congesting or less congesting.

More Congesting / More Potentially Toxic:

1. Drugs
2. Fats
3. Sweets
4. Allergenic foods
5. Fried foods
6. Milk
7. Refined flours
8. Eggs
9. Organ meats
10. Baked goods
11. Hydrogenated fats
12. Meats

Least Congesting / More Detoxifying:

1. Nuts
2. Seeds
3. Beans
4. Oats
5. Wheat
6. Rice
7. Millet
8. Buckwheat
9. Pasta
10. Potatoes
11. Roots
12. Squashes
13. Other vegetables
14. Fruits
15. Greens
16. Herbs
17. Water

The detoxification therapy, as well as fasting, is one of the oldest treatments known to humans and is an all-natural process. Once we become more self-aware and listen to our inner guidance just as animals do, we can apply this process to many illnesses as well as health and life. It is said that detoxification helps clear wastes and old or dead cells revitalizing the body’s functions and healing capacity. It is time we cleaned and cleared out not only our bodies, but as well as our homes, offices, relationships, towns, cities, countries and the entire planet and not let any aspect be polluted by toxicity.

When is the Best Time to Detox / Cleanse?

It is important to time detoxification/cleansing with the seasons appropriately. They are key stress times in nature and a time where we should listen to what the natural cycles are telling us. Spring is a key time for detoxification, as is the Fall. A one to two week program is recommended during these seasons.

Spring calls for more consumption of citrus fruits, fresh greens, and juices, while the Fall Season calls for apples or grapes, and many vegetables. Going into summer consuming lots of fresh fruits and vegetables is appropriate. Brown rice, vegetables and soups are best to simplify the diet when going into winter.

The following is a sample yearly program designed for a healthy person who eats well. This program would not be appropriate for people with deficiencies such as fatigue, underweight people, people who experience coldness often, or those with weak hearts. People with cancer have to be careful in how they detoxify.

Prior to or just after surgery is not a good time to do so, however, after 4 to 6 weeks of healing would be the appropriate time to detoxify. Pregnant or lactating women should not do a heavy detoxification but instead do a gentle program if indicated.

If you are interested in doing a cleanse, but not sure what would be appropriate for your health, come in for a naturopathic consult so we can suggest one for you, based on your health assessment.

These toxins could be environmental toxins such as industrial pollutants, pathogenic bacteria, phyto-chemicals, insecticides, certain prescription antibiotics and over-the-counter medications, and excesses in certain foods.

Benefits of Spring Detox

1. An improvement in the physical appearance - when the body eliminates toxins and the blood flow and circulation improves; the body and the face will generally look more youthful and radiant.


2. A boost in physical and emotional well-being.


3. A sharpening of mental capabilities once the "cloud / brain fog is lifted" as the toxins are eliminated from the body.


4. Prevention of illness - toxins can cause a number of health related problems such as cancer, symptoms of Alzheimer's and dementia.


5. An enhancement in digestion and elimination of unhealthy food addictions and allergies, which helps with the attainment of ideal weight and loss of unhealthy weight.


6. Minimizing of the effects of aging.


7. A HUGE INCREASE IN ENERGY!

Sample Spring Detox

For 7-21 days use one or more of the following plans:

• Master Cleanser (lemonade diet)
• Fruits, vegetables, greens
• Juices of fruits, vegetables or greens
• Herbs with any of the above
• These cleanses can be alternated and include a 3-5 day water supervised cleanse
• Remember to take time (about half as long as the fast) for transition back to the regular diet
• Elimination and food testing can be done at this time

At the Nature's Intentions Naturopathic Clinic we offer various Spring Detoxes, which are customized to your individual health and lifestyle. I generally recommend doing the cleanse in the Spring and Fall. While cleansing is good for the body, it is very important to do it under proper supervision, as the metabolites that are produced from toxins break down need to be cleared efficiently and effectively, and if the kidney or liver function is compromised, you may do more harm to your body than good from the cleanse.

If you are interested in doing detoxifications cleanse come in for a quick visit and we can discuss what type and length of cleanse would be most appropriate for you.

SWEET MASHED POTATOES WITHOUT COW'S MILK

These mashed potatoes are a pure delight. Made with rice milk, this dish is ideal for those who are lactose intolerance or allergic to soy.

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes
• Rice milk
• Salt and peper
• Nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Peel potatoes and cut in half.


2. Boil in hot water for 20 minutes till soft.


3. Drain the water and mash potatoes. Just add a little bit of rice milk so that you have a smooth compound.


4. Add salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste.

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.