- Anti-inflammation Diet
- Diets for Diabetics
- Healing Through Diet
- Help for Hoarders
- Naturopathic Medicine
- Sex & Alzheimer’s
- Tips for Healthy Living
What’s Bugging You? (The One Supplement You Can’t Do Without)
I have just been cornered at a dinner party. “We heard you’re a naturopathic doctor. What supplements should we take?” There it is: the most-asked question. The answer to the question comes easily to me. “Bugs,” I say. I see strange looks on all their faces. “Seriously, you should take bugs.” The bugs I am referring to are the healthy bacteria which live in our gastrointestinal system. We call them gut flora or probiotics. Our intestinal tracts are home...Read the rest of this article »
The Nutrient That Can Help You Lose Weight, Lower Cholesterol and Reduce Your Risk of Colon Cancer
What Is Dietary Fiber? Dietary fiber comes from the portion of plants that is not digested by enzymes in the intestinal tract. Different types of plants have varying amounts and kinds of fiber. Pectin and gum are water-soluble fibers found inside plant cells. They slow the passage of food through the intestines but do nothing to increase fecal bulk. Beans, oat bran, fruit and vegetables contain soluble fiber. In contrast, fibers in cell walls are water insoluble. Such fibers...Read the rest of this article »
Inflammation: Good, Bad or all Hype?
We all know the golden rule of real estate: location, location, location. In naturopathic medicine, the rule is inflammation, inflammation, inflammation. In its beginning stages, inflammation is the body’s healing response to an injury, irritation or microbial invasion. For instance, if I catch a cold, my body creates inflammation in the form of a runny nose, sore throat, and cough. As annoying as these symptoms are, they are signs of a healthy body healing itself. However, when the inflammation...Read the rest of this article »
Food Safety: 10 Guidelines for the Elderly
It’s that time of year again, when picnics and family gatherings are most popular. We all know the drill: make food at home, and family and friends will take home the leftovers. What you might be surprised to learn, however, is that some of the symptoms typically associated with the flu are the same symptoms seen in foodborne illnesses. As we get older, our immune systems weaken, making it harder to fight off bacteria and serious illness. Stomach acids...Read the rest of this article »
Undernutrition and Overnutrition: How To Prevent and Treat Through Diet
Undernutrition is a serious problem for some elderly people. As we age, the decrease in sensation of taste and smell can make foods less appealing. With age, our caloric needs also decrease, so it is important to get the most out of foods by choosing foods with higher nutritional value. Oral health may also diminish. Ill-fitting dentures, poor dentition and periodontal disease all make chewing difficult, so oral health should be prioritized. Vitamins We Need and Where to Find...Read the rest of this article »
