Natural Treatment for Edema (Bloating)

Edema, also formerly called dropsy is an accumulation of fluids in body tissues. It most commonly occurs in the feet and ankles. However many part of the body may develop edema. It is defined as an observable swelling from fluid accumulation in body tissues.

There are two types of edema – pitting and non-pitting. In pitting enema marks are left if the swollen area of skin is pressed. In non-pitting edema, no marks are left if the skin is pressed upon.

Excess fluid that accumulates in the lungs is called pulmonary edema. Excess fluid that accumulates in the abdominal cavity is called ascites.Edema of unknown cause occurs primarily in women.

Symptoms and Causes

The bloating and swelling of edema can cause muscular aches and pains. The main symptom is the bloating of tissues in the area affected. If it is the pitting form of edema lines and indentations may be left on the skin by clothing such as elastic socks or by touching it.

The swelling caused by edema is the result of the accumulation of excess fluid under the skin. These places under the skin are known as interstitial spaces. Most of the body's fluids are normally stored in two spaces; the blood vessels and these spaces. Excess fluid can accumulate in either one or both of these compartments as the result of various diseases.

The body acts like this usually do to salt retention, which causes the body to hold water.

The body's organs also have interstitial spaces. An accumulation of fluid in the interstitial air spaces occurs in the heart the result can be heart failure. This is called pulmonary edema.

Edema can occur as the result of pregnancy or hormonal changes. It can also be triggered by the commencement of the menstrual cycle.

Pitting edema is caused by kidney, bladder, heart or liver problems. The swelling is the result of the accumulation of excess fluid under the skin in the spaces within the tissues that are outside of the blood vessels. Sometimes diabetes or other chronic diseases cause this syndrome.

Non-pitting edema is specifically caused lymphatic circulation problems or hyperthyroidism.

The most common local conditions that cause edema are varicose veins and thrombophlebitis of the deep veins of the legs. These conditions can cause inadequate pumping of the blood by the veins and force fluid to leak into the interstitial tissue spaces and cause swelling.

Care and Treatment of Edema

Green Tea is Helpful for Edema

Patients experiencing edema may need to either be placed on a diet limited in salt or given diuretic medications.  There are also many natural diuretics, in the form of teas, that can be prescribed by a naturopath in order to treat your particular form of edema. Examples of urine producing teas include green tea, black tea, nettle tea, chickweed tea and horsetail tea.  A nutritionist can help the edemic individual adopt a diet that is more alkaline and less likely to produce fluid in the tissues. Acupuncture is also helpful in treating cases of edema.

At home on your own, there is no real treatment for non-pitting edema although elevation of the legs may help reduce the swelling.

People with pitting edema is treated with diuretics and medications or surgery but seeing a naturopath that treats the underlying cause of the edema in the first place might be the way to go, especially if the unwanted bloating has not been around that long.

For more information or to book a consultation managing edema with acupuncture, diet and weight loss programs or any health issue you may be experiencing, visit the Pinewood Natural Health Clinic website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services.

Chronic Fatigue's Connection to Chemical Allergies

Some chronic fatigue research points to chemical and food allergies as being the possible causes of chronic fatigue. Over the past fifty years people we have been exposed to more manmade chemicals than we have in all of history so it is no owned that some people have become sensitive to chemicals.

Chronic fatigue is actually a consequence of having one or more chemical allergies. It becomes overwhelmed by its own defense systems. When the body is exposed to certain foreign chemicals it may respond by producing antibodies to defend it against the foreign invaders.

How We Develop Allergies

Allergies can be a tricky business. Just about any substance can provoke a reaction in some individuals and at any time. You can be not allergic to a chemical for many years and then suddenly develop a resistance to it. Some of the environmental contaminants that frequently cause problems include air pollution, gas, oil or coal fumes; chlorine, formaldehyde; phenol carbolic acid; insecticide, disinfectants; paint; hairspray; household cleaning products and metals such as nickel, mercury, chrome and beryllium.  Perfumes and colognes are also a big culprit with most people feeling unwell and not realizing how their favorite scent is actually making them six.

These allergies often manifest themselves as skin reactions.  Other possible allergic response includes watery eyes, ringing the ears, stuffy nose, nausea, upset stomach, asthma, baronetcies and headache. Some people have a reaction immediately after encountering the allergen another develops a rash twenty four hours after coming into contact with the irritant.

The idea is that prolonged exposure to a substance that really irritates you can provoke a long term case of chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because people with chronic fatigue do suffer from rashes, nausea, headaches and also an inability to function in general.

How a Naturopathic Doctor Can Help

If you suspect that your case of chronic fatigue is caused by exposure to chemicals there are some things you can do about it.

The first step is to discern which chemicals you are allergic to and how you are coming into contact with them in your life. If the problem is not that obvious then it might be a good idea to have scratch tests and blood work done to try and get to the bottom of why you are experiencing violent inflammatory reactions to common every day chemicals.

You should also avoid eating foods that have been sprayed or that contain artificial colorings (as is the case with some apples and oranges) ripening agents or protective waxes (found in some apples, cucumbers and other items.  Chronic fatigue diet experts also have recommended avoiding things that contain FD&C yellow dye.

Make sure that you are eating plenty of the kind of fibre that can help sweep chemicals out of the body. Oat bran is a good source of fiber. Apple pectin can also be a good addition to your diet as it removes unwanted metals from the body that might be making you sick.

For more information or to book a consultation about chronic fatigue and chemical allergies or any health issue you may be experiencing, visit the Pinewood Natural Health Centre website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services.

Naturopathic Treatments for Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a refusal to eat even to the point of starvations. Ninety-five percent of the people who suffer from this disorder are female. There are many ways that a naturopathic doctor can assist a person who is malnourished from this primarily psychological disorder

Symptoms of Anorexia

The symptoms of anorexia nervosa are largely psychological and have to do with issues of control.  Many obsessions rule this disorder including an obsession with weighing oneself, making a fetish of meals, fantasizing about food and obsessing with working out.

Constantly strategizing about how to avoid gaining weight rules the anorexic’s life and includes behaviors such as refusing to eat, taking laxatives and smoking to cut the appetite.  Problems with drugs, weight loss supplements and alcohol also often come hand in hand with anorexia.

Fantasizing about food is also an obsession and the disorder may be accompanies by bulimia, which describes an individual who gorges on food and then throws it up.

Most of the symptoms are behavioral and the consequences are hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, being overweight, bone loss, tissue swelling, boating, the cessation of menstruation, anemia, mood swings, rotting teeth and eye problems. IV therapy and high doses of vitamins can help correct these physical problem and prevent further damage to the sufferer’s organs.

Causes of Anorexia

Initially anorexia nervosa was thought to be a psychological problem. However in the last few years medical scientists and nutritionists have identified several physical components as well. For example, people with eating disorders have been found to have chemical brain imbalances that are similar to those found in individuals with clinical depression. Some cases of anorexia have been found to be caused by severe zinc deficiency.

As researchers have become increasingly aware of the physiological elements of anorexia the psychological ones continue to beef great importance as well.

The psychological causes of anorexia include

• Extreme emotions such as guilt, anger, hostility
• A refusal to grow up and wanting to be cared for by others like a waif or an orphan and
• A distorted body image that always makes one see the self as overweight no matter how thin they get.

People who are victims of child abuse or who have physically or emotionally abusive family members or partners tend to be more prone to develop anorexia nervosa.

Not being able to live up to their own expectations or others to be as beautiful as the thin women that are seen on television or in magazines is also a motivator for anorexic behavior.

Care and Treatment 

If you or an individual that you know shows any signs of anorexia a physician or naturopath should see him or her instantly. In almost all cases an anorexic needs to be given give intravenous nutrient feedings of potassium and multivitamins

The individual also will need psychological and group counseling.  Ian intervention and treatment by a psychiatrist may also be necessary.

Antidepressants may be prescribed to deal with feelings of irritability, depression and anxiety or help allay obsessions. Anger management classes may be applicable if the motivation for denying oneself food is anger. If drug or alcohol abuse is the culprit behind the problem then the person may be enrolled in a rehabilitation program or be asked to join Alcoholics Anonymous or Narc-A-Non.

If the anorexic is a smoker, stopping smoking may also be encouraged as nicotine cuts appetite. Acupuncture can help a great deal with some of the symptoms of withdrawing from smoking as well as help increase the appetite.

Prognosis

If untreated, Anorexia can lead to being underweight, extreme weakness, dizziness, cessation of menstruation, swelling the neck, ulcers, erosion of the esophagus, erosion of the teeth from vomiting, broken blood vessels, a low pulse rate and low blood pressure.

The worst consequences of being anorexic are disturbances in heartbeat and hormone irregularities that can cause cardiac arrest and death.

At the Pinewood Natural Health Centre we do have ways of treating anorexia using naturopathic methods. For more information about this or any health issue you may be experiencing, visit the Pinewood Natural Health Clinic website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services.

Kiwi Fruit’s Healthy Impact on Weight Loss and the Immune System

The Kiwi is also known as both the Chinese gooseberry and also the “sunny peach.”. It is the large edible berry of a woody vine. Originally it was indigenous to the Easter Chinese “Shaanxi” province even though it is now widely grown in New Zealand.

In North America, the kiwis that are grown are generally the size of a Hen’s egg. This commonly available variety has a fuzzy brown skin and bright green flesh and is known as the Hayward.   A smaller North American type called the Blake is more smooth skinned and oval in shape.

Kiwifruit by species A = A. arguta, C = A. chinensis,

 D = A. deliciosa, E = A. eriantha, I = A. indochinensis,

 P = A. polygama, S = A. setosa;

Fruits of different species af Actinidia. A = A. arguta, 

C = A. chinensis, D = A. deliciosa, E = A. eriantha,

 I = A. indochinensis, P = A. polygama, S = A. setosa.

Golden Kiwi fruit, grown in China has lime green flesh with large black seeds and a red inner ring. Exotic varieties boast green to golden flesh with a red ring of black seeds inside. All kiwis have as small white ring inside the center.

Kiwis can taste different from batch to batch.  The taste is usually a hybrid of strawberries, lime, pineapple and a bit of banana with one flavour being slightly more prominent than another depending on where it was grown.

A Superfruit That is a Metabolic Bargain

Kiwi qualifies as being a superfruit because it is highly nutritious as each fruit is only 41 calories.  However, if you are trying to eat highly alkaline foods as part of special diet plan then kiwi is not for you as it registers quite highly on the acidic scale with a rating of 3.5.  Foods above 7 on the pH scale are considered to be alkaline.

Eating a kiwi can be compared to eating a very large organic vitamin pill. Kiwis are extremely rich in vitamin C, folate, potassium, carotenoids, chlorophyll, glutathione and pectin.  You can shorten the duration of a cold by eating kiwi.

Kiwi is also an unusually rich source of low fat and low-calorie Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a rare vegan sources and usually found in high-fat sources like avocado and nuts.

One serving of California Kiwifruit has more potassium than a banana. They are also a rich source of antioxidants, which reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke. Each Kiwi has about 2 grams of protein and 133 mg of Vitamin C.  They are 5% calcium, 3% Vitamin E and 3% iron. One kiwifruit has 30 mg of magnesium, which aids in muscle and nerve function.

Kiwi Fruit’s Many Health Benefits

Kiwi’s antioxidants neutralize the free radicals that cause inflammation and cancer.  The high Vitamin C content helps prevent asthma, arteriosclerosis, osteoarthritis and colon cancer.

The fruits high Vitamin E content helps lower cholesterol and boost immunity. Eating two to three Kiwi fruits a day can reduce the potential for blood clots and decrease triglycerides.

Kiwi is a well-known weight loss food because it has only 3.8 calories per fruit.  Only cantaloupes, papaya, strawberry and lemon have fewer calories. Diabetics can safely enjoy Kiwi Fruit. They have a low glycemic index of 52.  This is also beneficial for those looking for a fat-free, low-carb way to lose weight.

Kiwi also prevents colon cancer, optimizes metabolism and is a natural blood thinner and anti-depressant.

Where to Find Kiwi Fruit

You can find kiwi fruit is most grocery stores nowadays and definitely at Asian markets. Be sure to choose plump, aromatic Kiwi that yields to gentle pressure. Avoid those that are mushy or that have bruises or wet spots.

It is preferable to not eat the skin so it is best to peel the Kiwi before you slice it.   Don’t try to suspend it in gelatin. It has a compound in it that will not allow it to set.

For more information or to book a consultation about nutrition and weight loss programs or any health issue you may be experiencing, visit the Pinewood Natural Health Centre website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services.

How Does IV Therapy Work?

IV therapy stands for intravenous therapy. During this treatment nutrients are delivered to your cells directly through the bloodstream, thereby bypassing processing done by the liver and the rest of the digestive system.  This allows doctors to administer highly nourishing solutions to people who suffer from malabsorption issues, digestive problems or nausea from chemotherapy.

The theory is that IV therapy is better than taking vitamins orally because the cells are directly nourished in the bloodstream which leads to a better functioning of the patient in generally.  The body does not have to work as hard to absorb nutrients effectively. It can really assist people with ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome that are experiencing pain ingesting certain foods. It can also help diseased livers accept and metabolise B vitamins.

Intravenous therapy is also useful for the treatment of:

A gravity-fed  IV bag

• Acute infection
• acute muscle soreness
• asthma
• Cardiovascular issues
• chest pain
• cold and flu symptoms
• congestive heart failure
• chronic candida
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• cramps
• fibromyalgia
• fatigue
• hangovers
• heart disease
• heart palpitations
• hepatitis
• HIV
• hives
• hyperthyroidism
• infection
• irritable bowel syndrome
• macular degeneration
• migraines
• muscle pain
• Parkinson’s Disease
• PMS
• Post surgery (including plastic surgery) support
• respiratory problems
• seasonal allergies 
• ulcers

…and many more conditions that are too numerous to name.

A naturopathic doctor knows which vitamin therapy “cocktails” best suit certain conditions. A famous vitamin cockail is called the Myers cocktail and it is used to help athletes recover quickly after a game. It’s named after Baltimore physician John Myers who invented and it contains magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin C.  Many run down executives and celebrities are also embracing the solution called “the vitamin drip” to help them recover many different kinds of malaise. Vitamin drip IV cocktails are also used as an anti-aging mechanism.

What to Expect

Each case is individual and it is the naturopath who devises your own nourishing cocktail. IV therapy can be administered two ways: 

1.    Through a gravity drip where the bag of solution is hung above you. This method takes between a half an hour to two hours to be administered.

2.    Through a “push” where the naturopath administers the vitamins manually at a predetermined paced rate. This method usually only takes about twenty minutes but it is not suitable for all vitamin therapy cocktails and it takes more attention and vigilance on the part of the naturopathic doctor

Depending on your condition it can take five to 12 visits to maintain your condition. If you are being treated for cancer support or HIV support then you might need more sessions over a longer period of time. If you are seriously ill then it is recommended that you start with a series of twelve visits.

This is a very safe therapy and the risks mostly have to do with needle use and include infection, clotting, fluid leakage and bruising. Reactions to the therapy have been known to occur in individuals with kidney and liver diseases, diabetes, hypoglycaemia and hypertension.

For more information or to book a consultation about intravenous or any health issue you may be experiencing, visit the Pinewood Natural Health Centre website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services.

Naturopathic Safe Treatments Available for ADD and ADHD

What Exactly Is ADD and ADHD?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD) is a behavioural disorder that is characterized by impulsivity, distractibility and have course, and hyperactivity.

When the symptom of hyperactivity is the most prominent symptom it is known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. When the symptoms of distractibility or impulsivity or more prominent it is simply known as Attention Deficit Disorder. 

Although it is a disorder commonly discussed with regards to children, because children who do have it are very disruptive in school or have trouble learning, however, many adults also suffer from it.  They can’t focus or get things done. They are unable to organize themselves or their lives and the corresponding life problems that are a consequence of this often also cause depression.

Symptoms of ADD and ADHD

The three main symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are --

• Impulsivity
• Distractibility
• Hyperactivity

It is possible to have all three symptoms or only one of the symptoms and still be diagnosed with this disorder. There is some grey area when it comes to diagnosing this and often diagnosis involves extensive questioning so the naturopathic doctor can get to the cause of the problem.

ADHD IS A COMPLEX DIAGNOSIS

Other symptoms may include any or all of the following --

• Mental problems such as an inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, absent mindedness, difficulty soloing problems or managing time
• Physical symptoms such as knocking, tapping, clumsiness and rocking
• Moody behaviour such as emotional instability, impatience temper tantrums and mood swings
• Disorders of speech or hearing and
• Sleep disorders

 The disorder is very complex and can also be symptomatic or related to other disorders as well.

The Causes of ADD and ADHD

ADD or ADHD might start in the womb. You have more of a chance of having a child with this disorder if you are smoking during pregnancy, drinking recreationally while drinking or taking prescription.

It has also been suggested food is the culprit including allergies to food additives, intolerance to glucose, insulin resistance and not eating enough protein in the diet. These issues are easily addressed by one of our Pinewood Natural Health Clinic’s naturopaths or dietician.

Blunt brain damage and heavy metal poisoning may also be responsible. The latter might be able to be fixed with IV chelation therapy.

In many cases of ADD there seems to be no apparent cause for the disorder.

Care and Treatment 

There are several allopathic treatments for ADD and ADHD and almost all of them are controversial.  Children and adults who have this disorder are most likely to be prescribed mood elevators, stimulants, antidepressants and anti-psychotic medication in order to try and control the symptoms. Often this is a “hit and miss” endeavour as not everyone has every symptom or the same type of permutation of the disorder.  Many people are prescribed several drugs at once.

The main lifestyle change recommendation for ADD and ADHD is to remove all sugar from the diet as studies have shown that over 70% of children that suffer from ADD cannot tolerate glucose. This means staying away all refined sugar

and any products that contain it. 

Foods that contain artificial colours, flavourings, preservatives, processed and manufactured foods should also be avoided. This includes products such as apple cider vinegar, ham, butter, candy, catsup, chocolate, coloured cheeses, corn, ham h to dogs, luncheon meat, margarine, milk, mustard, salami, salt soft drinks, soy sauce, sausage, and wheat.

Salicylate, a naturally occurring compound found in fruits in vegetables such as apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, prunes, tomatoes cucumbers and oranges should also be avoided.

Many sufferers of ADD and ADHD are also sensitive to perfumes, cough drops, commercial toothpaste and antacid tablets.

Adults with the syndrome should avoid marijuana, cocaine, cigarette smoking and alcohol.

This is not a fatal disorder but unfortunately the much behaviour associated with it make it difficult for sufferers to get ahead in life as they often appear obstinate, intolerant or have genuine learning disabilities.

For more information or to book a consultation about safe, natural holistic treatments and diets for sufferers of ADD or ADHD  = or any health issue you may be experiencing, visit the Pinewood Natural Health Centre website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services.