Spring Cleaning!

by Ana Nozari, BSc, ND

Naturopathic Doctor

After the long and harsh winter we have had this year we are all looking forward to spring, for warmer weather and seeing nature renew itself. Spring is also a great time for us to cleanse our bodies from all the waste and toxins which accumulate over months of inactivity and breathing stale indoor air.

Many of you are aware of our main organs of elimination and detoxification like liver, colon and kidneys which work hard round the clock to process and remove the endogenous (produced in the body from metabolic processes) and exogenous toxins (from what we ingest). Our secondary organs of elimination like skin, lymphatic system, and lungs are also important in removing unwanted toxins. Skin is our largest organ of elimination, but it also can be a route for toxins getting into our body by topical application of cosmetics, lotions and detergents. Therefore, it’s important to be very selective with what we put on and in our bodies to reduce the toxic load.

So what are some of the ways we can help our body cleanse itself this spring?

Watercress Cleanses the organs and system.

Nature gives us the answer as always! Some of the plants and vegetables that come around spring time have a great ability to stimulate and support our detoxification organs. These wonderful plants include dandelion greens, fiddleheads, watercress, cilantro and parsley which help our liver and kidneys to remove toxins more efficiently. So try to load up on these plants or use them in a vegetable juice cocktail.

Other than the specific supplements that may also be recommended to you by your naturopathic doctor, you will need to make sure to take extra fiber and clean filtered water to help with the elimination process, and avoid released toxins from recirculating in the body.

As the temperatures are rising try to get outside more and do deep breathing exercises to get more oxygenated blood to your tissues. Also open the windows to aerate your home or use good quality air filter to remove air toxins and pollutants.

Last but not least dry skin brushing and infra red sauna are great ways of aiding our lymphatic system and skin in the elimination process. Make sure to use a natural Bristol brush and gently brush your skin from extremities toward the centre daily before you take a shower.

If your seasonal allergies stop you from enjoying spring consider NAET treatments available at Pinewood. This therapy is very effective in eliminating environmental and food allergy/sensitivities.

Dr. Ana Nozari treats many different health problems using the principles of naturopathic medicine. She has a special interest in the areas of women's health and fertility, allergies, food and environmental sensitivities, as well as pain management. She focuses on prevention and health maintenance.

Natural Ways of Treating Bronchitis

Winter is definitely bronchitis season and many people find themselves succumbing to a bad cough all season long. However, there are ways of treating this type of chronic cough without the condition becoming so alarming that you need to huff on a Bronchodilator all day or take Corticosteroids.  

Studies have also shown that antibiotics are not an effective treatment for chronic bronchitis which is the kind of ailment that seems to stick around all winter and spring for some people.

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is the inflammation or obstruction of the bronchi, the medium sized breathing tubes that lead to the lungs. 

Bronchitis can either be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infection, which can be bacterial, viral Chlamydia, mycoplasmal or caused by a combination of agents.  It typically follows an upper respiratory infection.

Chronic bronchitis is not necessarily caused by infection and is generally part of a syndrome called COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Chronic bronchitis is defined clinically as a persistent cough that produces sputum (phlegm), for at least three months in two consecutive years.

In both acute and chronic bronchitis there can be a build up of mucus plus coughing, fever, pain in the chest or back, fatigue, sore throat and a case of the chills. 

The cough may be expectorating, in other words – mucus is coughed up. The cough can be wet or dry and wheezing may be present.

Causes of Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infection, which can be bacterial, viral Chlamydia, mycoplasmal or caused by a combination of agents.  It typically follows upper respiratory infections.

Chronic bronchitis results from chronic irritation of the lungs such as exposure to cigarette smoke or other noxious fumes. Allergies may also cause chronic bronchitis.

Environmental factors may also play a role. People who live or work in unhealthy environments or who are exposed to too much dampness, cold or dust are more vulnerable to bronchitis than most.

Self Care is Crucial

If it has a viral cause then treating it with antibiotics may make it worse.

Resting in bed during the early stages when fever is present is highly recommended. You should also drink plenty of fluids including water, herbal teas and soups.

Adding moisture to the air by using a humidifier, vaporizer or a pan of water may help. Applying a hot water bottle on the chest and back may also help aid in sleeping and reduce inflammation.

A common treatment for chronic bronchitis is a bronchodilator, which helps to temporarily open constricted bronchii (bronchial tubes.) Short-term acting bronchodialator medications relieve acute attacks of coughing and wheezing. Long-term acting bronchodialotor medications contain steroidal compounds that help relieve chronic conditions.

Above all stay away from smoke and second hand smok!

Taking Care of Your Lungs 

Most cases of acute bronchitis are self-limiting with full recovery in a matter of weeks. Most cases are resolved in twenty to thirty days.  In some cases however the condition can lead to pneumonia. This is more likely to occur in people who also have a chronic respiratory disease.

Over time chronic bronchitis causes the heart and lungs to work harder which can lead to conditions such as pulmonary hypertension, enlargement of the heart and ultimately heart failure. Chronic bronchitis might also cause chronic asthma to develop as well.

Our naturopaths at the Pinewood Natural Health Centre can recommend herbs, natural expectorants, homeopathy, massage, nutritional support and acupuncture that can help  a great deal with this often hard-to-beat condition.

Heal Inflammation With These 7 Foods!

Food can be a potent ally in the fight against inflammation or it can be your worst enemy. You may have been surfing and landed on this Pinewood Natural Health Centre because you have heard all about how avoiding certain foods and eating others can help relieve chronic conditions whether it be such as muscle and joint pain, bowel problems and fatigue.

Avoid High Glycemic Starches

Foods that cause inflammation and therefore chronic pain tend to be those that contain a lot of high glycemic starches. Examples of these starchy foods mashed potatoes, puddings, pasta, white bread and cakes.   Processed and refined sugars, flours and even some foods that you think are healthy like yams and beets can cause a chronic condition to persist.

High glycemic foods have the ability to destabilize your insulin and raise your blood sugar. The high level of insulin racing through your bloodstream as the result of eating these comfort foods can also raise levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), which puts your body in a state of physical alarm. If this happens daily your body can soon become chronically inflamed.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Foods that are ideal to eat because they do the triple duty of cleansing your system, blocking starches and sugars and healing your tissues are.

Apples: Apples are a versatile source of calcium D-glucerate that assists with  is liver detoxification and estrogen balance as well as helps the body utilize the glucose properly.

Asparagus: These delicious spears are a rich source of glutathione that helps ward off inflammation and invading pathogens as well as keeps your waist trim by boosting your thyroid

Blueberries and Blackberries: Dark colored berries can satisfy a craving for sweets and are high in superoxide dismutase, which can help reduce oxidative stress in the body and reduce inflammation.

Flax seeds: Flax is high in alpha linoleic acid, which is a type of helpful Omega 3 fat. They also contain immune modulators that help prevent inflammatory reactions.

Fish: Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that help increase metabolism and reduce inflammation in the body. Shellfish however can cause inflammation in the body for some people.

Ginger Root:  Ginger is a warming food that is high in arachadonic acid, which reduces pain and inflammation and helps boost your metabolic rate.

Turmeric: Turmeric is found in most curries and contains archadonic acid that can help reduce inflammation and kick your metabolism into high gear.

Not Sure Where to Start? Do These 3 Things!

You can help prevent inflammation by doing these three things:

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can irritate stomach walls and cause inflammation
• Stay away from refined sugars such as the type you find in candies, sodas, cookies and white bread
• Avoid allergenic foods such as wheat or soy that cause experience inflammation in the gut

Be aware that inflammation of any kind can slow down your metabolism but the worst cases of chronic inflammation are usually caused by the foods we eat. Before you blame the weather or age, make sure you have not eaten a food that provokes a reaction in your system.

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.