Detox 101

by Karen Gilman

Registered Holistic Nutritionist
www.nutrilicious.ca


Why detox?

The basic idea behind a ‘detox diet or cleanse' is that the modern world puts so much stress on our bodies that the natural detoxification mechanisms in place in our bodies cannot keep up the demands.  "Detoxing" refers to taking extra measures to ensure that your body rids itself of this ‘toxic load’.

What is a toxin?

"A toxin is a chemical or poison that is known to have harmful effects on the body. These toxins can come from food, water or the chemicals used to grow the food or even the air we breathe. Our bodies process these toxins through the liver and kidneys and eliminate them in the form of sweat, urine and poop."

A ‘toxic’ food is one that is processed or genetically modified and contains additives, refined sugar and flour, food dyes and artificial sweeteners.

The body itself produces toxins or waste through biochemical and cellular activities and eliminates them through everyday functions.  These toxic substances are called free radicals and an accumulation of them in the body is considered a common factor in disease.

What to avoid when detoxing:

Processed foods that contain additives or sugar that can interfere with metabolism and blood-sugar levels.

Common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, shellfish and nuts.  Also avoid less common allergen foods like the nightshade family of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplant as they may have an inflammatory effect on the body.

Gluten grains such as wheat, spelt, barley and rye may have an inflammatory effect on some people and should be eliminated for a few days. 

Caffeine, alcohol, drugs or over the counter medication that place additional stress on the liver.

For more information on which foods to choose to help your body detox consider a consultation with Karen Gilman at the Pinewood Natural Health Centre.

Dedicated to healthy eating for more than 25 years, Karen Gilman is passionate about helping others eat well and love what they eat. Karen graduated from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in 2011 where she received a diploma in Natural Nutrition. Karen is also a certified food handler and a member of the Canadian Association of Holistic Nutrition Professionals.

                     

You can make an appointment at the Pinewood Natural Health Centre with Karen Gilman by emailing

toronto@pinewoodhealth.ca 

or

Phone: (416) 656-8100 

Aromatherapy for Anxiety and Insomnia

The benefits of aromatherapy baths and the benefits of aromatherapy diffusers are now just being acknowledged as truly helpful to people with headaches, joint pain and other ailments. They are especially good for ailments that have a psychological component or that are caused by too much stress such as anxiety,  or insomnia.

It’s Best to Buy Organic Oils

Aromatherapy works best if the molecules of the essential oil are dispersed through the nasal passages so that they can be delivered to the bloodstream through the lung tissues or through a carrier oil  so that they can be absorbed through the skin. When misted through the air and inhaled they trigger nasal receptors to send healing messages to the brain. The brain then responds to the change in chemistry so that your body can feel more relaxed, joyful or calm.

Both anxiety and insomnia are very common problems in our high pressure world There all kinds of brands essential oils that can actually act as a cure for these problems but my recommendation is to buy the highest quality organic oil that you can find and afford in order to achieve the optimum results. Organic oils simply contain the highest concentrations of healing compounds, phytochemical and phytoestrogens so there is more capacity in the actual substance to help heal you.

How to Use Oils

For the quick and effective relief of anxiety, dilute the oils in a base carrier such as almond, olive or grapeseed oil and apply them to your pulse or temples. Be careful not to get the oils in your eyes as many essential oils are very irritating to the eyes.

You can also disperse the oils through the air using a diffuser or candle oil warmer. In this case you do not have to dilute the oils.

You can also add a few drops of the oil to eight ounces of distilled water and mist your surroundings. Be sure to shake the bottle well and be sure not to get it into your eyes.

You can also shoot a mist straight up into the air and walk through the resulting fog so that the essential oil’s healing molecules mist your skin.  Simply mix the oils in an atomizer with water or alcohol.

If you are having an anxiety attack, you can apply a few drops of the oil to a paper towel, hanky or Kleenex and inhale. For acute anxiety, you can also apply a few drops to the bottom of a paper bag and then cup it to your mouth and slowly breathe in and out. 

Best Anxiety and Insomnia Remedies

If insomnia is the problem you can try taking a bath in diluted essential oils just before you go to bed or you can try spraying or applying the oils to your linens and pillows. A bath is very therapeutic as the warm water helps release the scent molecules in the oil.  A mixture of any of the following essential oils should be very effective for insomnia - chamomile, Clary sage, frankincense, lavender, rose or sandalwood.

The best aromatherapy oils to use for anxiety are balsam fir, bergamot, cedar wood, frankincense, lavender, jasmine, rose and ylang ylang.  Linden blossoms and geranium can stop panic attacks. Geranium is good for anxiety or insomnia associated with menopause. 

If you are burnt out  and exhausted from working oils such as basil, bergamot, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, orange, neroli (orange blossom) and patchouli can help ground you, revitalize you and lift your spirits.  Lime oil can help sort out a racing brain that is confused by too much information or  by too many emotional impressions\

If the cause of insomnia is grief then try using a mixture of basil, clay sage or rose oils. Making a spray and putting it on clothing or linen can help the person deal with upsetting feelings.

Make sure, for safety’s sake, that you always dilute an essential oil with carrier oil before you apply it to your skin or put it in a bath. However if you are using an oil diffuser it is not a good idea at all to use diluted oils as it can ruin the diluted. Only use the purest of essential oils inside a diffuser.

For more information or to book a consultation about anti-aging, 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.

Naturopathic Care of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis develops from a condition called diverticulosis and is common after age 40. They are small, bulging pouches in your digestive tract about the size of a marble.  The can occur in the oesophagus but are most common in the intestines.

If waste matter becomes trapped in these pouches they can become infected or inflamed.  This is a very painful condition that often gets worse because it becomes far too difficult for the person to eat anything.  The result is a vicious circle with the condition getting worse because the sufferer of diverticulitis is not able to eat without distress.

When digestive distress at this level, there are many ways that a naturopathic doctor can help including acupuncture for pain management and IV therapy to help supply the ailing individual with nourishment that bypasses the digestive system.

Symptoms and Causes of Diverticulitis

A pain in the lower left side of your abdomen usually characterizes diverticulitis. The pain can either come on suddenly or be mild and ache over a period of several days.  This is often accompanied by abdominal tenderness, fever, nausea, and constipation or diarrheal

Less common symptoms are vomiting, bloating, bleeding from the rectum and pain while urinating. Some people also feel pain while wearing a belt or bending over.

Diverticula usually develop when naturally weak places in your colon give way under pressure. What causes this is not exactly known but it is believed to be the result of a decrease of strength and elasticity in the bowel wall that comes with aging.  This comes from not eating enough fibre in the first place.   A lack of exercise can also contribute to this condition that can becomes chronic.

Care and Treatment

Treatment and recovery time depends on the severity of your signs and symptoms.

You may also be advised to temporarily avoid all whole grains, fruits and vegetables so that your colon can rest and heal. Symptoms usually improve in two to four days.

In addition, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to help kill the bacteria causing your infection, however you should know that a naturopathic doctor could suggest alternative remedies that may not kill off all of the friendly bacteria in your gut like antibiotics do.

Hospitalization may be required if you have a severe attack that puts you at risk of bowel obstruction or peritonitis. Food matter can get caught in the pouches of the intestine and cause infection.

If you have a fistula or recurring diverticulitis, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the diseased part of your colon employing a technique called primary bowel resection.

To prevent attacks eating more fibre, drinking large amount of fluids, responding immediately to bowel urges and exercising more often is advisable.

Mild cases of diverticulitis can be treated with rest, changes in your diet, herbal remedies, acupuncture and IV vitamin drips.

For more information or to book a consultation about digestive issues 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.

Foods That Keep You Looking Younger

When it comes to anti-aging there are many foods that can help turn back the hands of time. These wonderful foods should always be in your diet if you want to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle as they have multiple health benefits and eating them can help preserve the effects of any mesotherapy or other anti-aging cosmetic treatment that you have done at the Pinewood Health Clinic.

1. Blueberries

Blueberries contain a significant amount of vitamin K, manganese, vitamin C, and fibre. They also have omega-3 fatty acids. They can help your eyes and can heal ulcers. The antioxidants found in blueberries not only combat aging and stress factors in the body, but also reduce the risk of degenerative diseases and cancers.

One cup of blueberries has only 85 calories, and less than one gram of good fat. The fibre they contain improves bowel function and helps eliminate bowel residue. The phytochemicals they contain aid in weight loss and reduce inflammation.

Blueberries can be eaten raw, blended into smoothies, sprinkled on oatmeal or baked into muffins.

2.   Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts contain selenium that aids in the production glutathione.  This anti-aging substance repairs all cell damage and slows down all aging processes in the body.  They are also high in protein, which helps the body repair the connectivity of skin tissue and the scalp to  grow thick and lustrous hair.

Just eating two nuts a day can help halt the process of aging. Add brazil nuts to any baking that you do.  Soaking the Brazil nuts in water overnight helps make their nutrition more readily bioavailabe to the body.

3.  Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most powerful anti-aging foods known to man. Green tea contains the phytonutrients myricetin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and quercetin. They are the phytonutrients that work together in order to help your body burn fat by increasing its metabolism. These nutrients can also fight against the development of tumors and cancers.

The only thing to be careful about when drinking green tea is that it can prevent iron from being absorbed into your bloodstream. The best way to prevent this odd side-effect and ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need from you food is to drink green tea between meals as a pick-me-up or add a little lemon to it.

4.  Pomegranate

Pomegranates are a rich source of a strong antioxidant class known as punicalagins. Punicalagins breakdown into ellagic acid, the potent anti-oxidant found in raspberries, cranberries, and strawberries that also has strong antioxidant activity. The juice and seeds of this exotic tropical fruit are powerful enough to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

Pomegranate fruit is also high in vitamin C. One pomegranate provides about 40% of the daily requirement of this vitamin. Minerals included in pomegranates include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper manganese, selenium and fluoride.

Pomegranate juice, without sugar, is a good substitute for eating the juicy seeds, which can be a time consuming process.

5.  Red Lentils

Red lentils are loaded with fibber and protein. Dietary fibber is found in foods that come from plant sources. It is important to get enough soluble and insoluble fibres each day, so you can have a healthy digestive system. Soluble fibres act as sponges and dissolve in water. They are broken down in the colon and help sweep intestinal debris away.

Diets that are high in fibre have been shown to help people lower their cholesterol and regulate their blood sugar levels.

Lentils are best cooked as a curry, sauce or a stew with other healthy vegetables and plenty of turmeric, which is also another anti-aging substance.

For more information about our restorative diet and weight loss programs  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.