Women
Cervical dysplasia case study
22/Apr/13 03:16 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
Because I have a special interest in women’s health, including naturopathic gynecology, I see a lot of female patients looking for natural treatments for cervical dysplasia (usually caused by HPV infection). In many cases conventional treatment can be invasive, ineffective, or can put patients at risk for future complications. Fortunately, there are wonderful naturopathic treatment options available both instead of or in conjunction with conventional medical treatments.
This case study is a great example of naturopathic treatment for cervical dysplasia as part of my HPV Healing program.
Background:
This patient is a 32 year old female with a current and past history of abnormal Pap tests showing cervical dysplasia. To understand the classification of cervical cell changes, here is a simple explanation of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (classification of biopsies) and here is an explanation of the Bethesda system (classification of Pap testing).
Timeline:
February 2012:
Treatment:
1. Nutritional treatment for HPV consisting of both diet and supplement recommendations focused on female hormone balance and supporting the immune system in resolving viral infection. Specific nutrients included beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, zinc, and green tea extract at therapeutic doses for 3 months and then more moderate doses for 12 months.
2. Botanical treatment for HPV consisting of a custom compounded herbal tincture focused on immune support and specific anti-viral activity for 3 months.
3. Vaginal suppositories focused on resolving viral infection and healing cervical tissue for 12 weeks.
4. Biotherapeutic drainage to improve female hormone balance and support healthy elimination and immune function for 3 months.
Results:
The patient followed the prescribed treatment plan to the letter!
The patient opted to keep her November 2012 appointment for laser treatment. At that time, the colposcopy was normal - the specialist noted that he did not observe lesions but instead likely only scar tissue and therefore opted instead to do a follow-up Pap test.
That Pap showed LSIL/ASCUS, a great improvement after only 3 months of naturopathic treatment! I expect that as the patient continues following the treatment plan, long-term resolution is likely.
Because I have a special interest in women’s health, including naturopathic gynecology, I see a lot of female patients looking for natural treatments for cervical dysplasia (usually caused by HPV infection). In many cases conventional treatment can be invasive, ineffective, or can put patients at risk for future complications. Fortunately, there are wonderful naturopathic treatment options available both instead of or in conjunction with conventional medical treatments.
This case study is a great example of naturopathic treatment for cervical dysplasia as part of my HPV Healing program.
Background:
This patient is a 32 year old female with a current and past history of abnormal Pap tests showing cervical dysplasia. To understand the classification of cervical cell changes, here is a simple explanation of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (classification of biopsies) and here is an explanation of the Bethesda system (classification of Pap testing).
Timeline:
February 2012:
- Colposcopy CIN I
- Pap HSIL
- Colposcopy CIN II/III
- Biopsy HSIL
- Had LEEP (loop electrosurgical procedure), HSIL
- Pap HSIL
- Colposcopy CIN I
- Biopsy HSIL
- Opted to receive HPV vaccine
- Colposcopy CIN II/III
- Began naturopathic treatment
- Was recommended to do laser ablation treatment (scheduled for November)
Treatment:
1. Nutritional treatment for HPV consisting of both diet and supplement recommendations focused on female hormone balance and supporting the immune system in resolving viral infection. Specific nutrients included beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, zinc, and green tea extract at therapeutic doses for 3 months and then more moderate doses for 12 months.
2. Botanical treatment for HPV consisting of a custom compounded herbal tincture focused on immune support and specific anti-viral activity for 3 months.
3. Vaginal suppositories focused on resolving viral infection and healing cervical tissue for 12 weeks.
4. Biotherapeutic drainage to improve female hormone balance and support healthy elimination and immune function for 3 months.
Results:
The patient followed the prescribed treatment plan to the letter!
The patient opted to keep her November 2012 appointment for laser treatment. At that time, the colposcopy was normal - the specialist noted that he did not observe lesions but instead likely only scar tissue and therefore opted instead to do a follow-up Pap test.
That Pap showed LSIL/ASCUS, a great improvement after only 3 months of naturopathic treatment! I expect that as the patient continues following the treatment plan, long-term resolution is likely.
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Introducing naturopathic programs!
21/Oct/12 09:46 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I’m excited to announce I’ve added a new section to this website called “Programs” which highlights some of the conditions I treat often and my approach. While each program has a structure, treatment is customized depending on your unique health concerns and goals.
So far I’ve developed programs for:
I hope to add a few more to this list over the next year or so. Check them out!
I’m excited to announce I’ve added a new section to this website called “Programs” which highlights some of the conditions I treat often and my approach. While each program has a structure, treatment is customized depending on your unique health concerns and goals.
So far I’ve developed programs for:
I hope to add a few more to this list over the next year or so. Check them out!
Breast health talk October 24th
17/Oct/12 10:37 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I will be giving a free talk on Breast Health and Cancer Prevention on Wednesday, October 24th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto).
Attention ladies! Identify risk factors you can control and how natural medicine can help treat and prevent breast cancer.
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
I will be giving a free talk on Breast Health and Cancer Prevention on Wednesday, October 24th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto).
Attention ladies! Identify risk factors you can control and how natural medicine can help treat and prevent breast cancer.
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
Breast health talk October 17th
09/Oct/12 02:05 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I will be giving a free talk on Breast Health and Cancer Prevention on Wednesday, October 17th, 7pm at the at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!
Attention ladies! Identify risk factors you can control and how natural medicine can help treat and prevent breast cancer.
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
I will be giving a free talk on Breast Health and Cancer Prevention on Wednesday, October 17th, 7pm at the at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!
Attention ladies! Identify risk factors you can control and how natural medicine can help treat and prevent breast cancer.
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
Menopause talk August 29th
23/Aug/12 07:36 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I will be giving a free talk on Managing Menopause on Wednesday, August 29th, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!
A reflection of lifelong hormonal health, menopause can manifest in so many ways. Learn how to prevent, minimize, and manage symptoms associated with menopause.
Topics will include:
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
I will be giving a free talk on Managing Menopause on Wednesday, August 29th, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!
A reflection of lifelong hormonal health, menopause can manifest in so many ways. Learn how to prevent, minimize, and manage symptoms associated with menopause.
Topics will include:
- Definition and causes
- Signs and symptoms
- Naturopathic treatment principles
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
Menopause talk August 15th
10/Aug/12 09:56 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I will be giving a free talk on Managing Menopause on Wednesday, August 15th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!
A reflection of lifelong hormonal health, menopause can manifest in so many ways. Learn how to prevent, minimize, and manage symptoms associated with menopause.
Topics will include:
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
I will be giving a free talk on Managing Menopause on Wednesday, August 15th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!
A reflection of lifelong hormonal health, menopause can manifest in so many ways. Learn how to prevent, minimize, and manage symptoms associated with menopause.
Topics will include:
- Definition and causes
- Signs and symptoms
- Naturopathic treatment principles
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
What am I reading?
04/Jun/12 05:07 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
This post is inspired by the website What is Stephen Harper Reading?, created by author Yann Martel to document his quest to influence Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s reading. It’s quite a fascinating website both for the 101 book recommendations (all accompanied by a letter to Stephen Harper as to why each book was chosen) and for the thought and debate provoked by the question itself.
Anyway, it’s been awhile since I’ve written a long blog and I assure you that some are in the works (hopefully to be completed during the traditionally less hectic summer months). In the mean time, I thought I would share 5 examples of what I’ve been reading lately and my thoughts on each. Even more book recommendations can be found under Resources, Reading List to your left. I continue to strive to add to that list but I am only one woman reading on the streetcar...
1. Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Tori Hudson, ND
Considered one of the foremost authorities on women’s health, Tori Hudson’s book is incredibly useful in naturopathic practice for treating every major women’s health issue, including PMS/period issues, cervical dysplasia, menopause, breast issues, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), infertility, pregnancy, and many more. I’ve been consulting this book regularly over the years but only just bought my own and I know I will use it for many years to come.
2. The Mindbody Prescription by John Sarno, MD
This book was recommended to me by my boyfriend (not a naturopathic doctor) as a suggestion to start looking at pain in a different way. It took me a long time to finish it, as Dr. Sarno gives you a lot to ponder (so I had to keep putting the book down and thinking!), but I’m glad I read it as it has already been an enormous help to several of my patients. If you have pain of any sort, I encourage you to read this book and to follow the treatment guidelines found at the end to start reframing your issue and healing your body by addressing your mind and its connection to your symptoms.
3. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
I’ve only just started this one but I can already tell I’m going to love this book and my thinking is already altered by this information! So far, not much about health in here, but it has been eye-opening with regards to how people become successful. The part that has struck me the most is the importance of income level (and thus parenting style and how that influences one’s perceived locus of control) on a child’s future. This is why we should all care about the health, wellbeing, and education of others around us because it does affect us and the society we live in.
4. The Dip by Seth Godin
This short, simple little book is great for getting you thinking about when to forge ahead and when it is smartest to quit. Yes, it is sometimes best to quit and this book will help you figure out when that is and where you should be putting your valuable time and energy! This book is helpful for both small business owners (ie: me) and employees and can also be applied in non-work situations. A quick, fun read with lots of interesting examples.
5. Chi Running by Danny Dreyer
I’ve actually been reading this book since 2009! It’s pretty worn now and I don’t think I ever actually finished it. However, over these years I’ve read every word at least once, probably twice! This book is all about how to make running fun and injury free and I think it is a must-read for anyone who runs. As you may remember from my post Got pain?, I have a long and storied experience with running and pain. This book has completely changed how I run with just a few simple techniques (that require lots of practice)!
This post is inspired by the website What is Stephen Harper Reading?, created by author Yann Martel to document his quest to influence Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s reading. It’s quite a fascinating website both for the 101 book recommendations (all accompanied by a letter to Stephen Harper as to why each book was chosen) and for the thought and debate provoked by the question itself.
Anyway, it’s been awhile since I’ve written a long blog and I assure you that some are in the works (hopefully to be completed during the traditionally less hectic summer months). In the mean time, I thought I would share 5 examples of what I’ve been reading lately and my thoughts on each. Even more book recommendations can be found under Resources, Reading List to your left. I continue to strive to add to that list but I am only one woman reading on the streetcar...
1. Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Tori Hudson, ND
Considered one of the foremost authorities on women’s health, Tori Hudson’s book is incredibly useful in naturopathic practice for treating every major women’s health issue, including PMS/period issues, cervical dysplasia, menopause, breast issues, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), infertility, pregnancy, and many more. I’ve been consulting this book regularly over the years but only just bought my own and I know I will use it for many years to come.
2. The Mindbody Prescription by John Sarno, MD
This book was recommended to me by my boyfriend (not a naturopathic doctor) as a suggestion to start looking at pain in a different way. It took me a long time to finish it, as Dr. Sarno gives you a lot to ponder (so I had to keep putting the book down and thinking!), but I’m glad I read it as it has already been an enormous help to several of my patients. If you have pain of any sort, I encourage you to read this book and to follow the treatment guidelines found at the end to start reframing your issue and healing your body by addressing your mind and its connection to your symptoms.
3. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
I’ve only just started this one but I can already tell I’m going to love this book and my thinking is already altered by this information! So far, not much about health in here, but it has been eye-opening with regards to how people become successful. The part that has struck me the most is the importance of income level (and thus parenting style and how that influences one’s perceived locus of control) on a child’s future. This is why we should all care about the health, wellbeing, and education of others around us because it does affect us and the society we live in.
4. The Dip by Seth Godin
This short, simple little book is great for getting you thinking about when to forge ahead and when it is smartest to quit. Yes, it is sometimes best to quit and this book will help you figure out when that is and where you should be putting your valuable time and energy! This book is helpful for both small business owners (ie: me) and employees and can also be applied in non-work situations. A quick, fun read with lots of interesting examples.
5. Chi Running by Danny Dreyer
I’ve actually been reading this book since 2009! It’s pretty worn now and I don’t think I ever actually finished it. However, over these years I’ve read every word at least once, probably twice! This book is all about how to make running fun and injury free and I think it is a must-read for anyone who runs. As you may remember from my post Got pain?, I have a long and storied experience with running and pain. This book has completely changed how I run with just a few simple techniques (that require lots of practice)!
Osteoporosis and bone health talk January 25th
20/Jan/12 05:03 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I will be giving a free talk called Osteoporosis and bone health on Wednesday, January 25th, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!
Calcium is just the tip of the iceberg… Learn about risk factors and diagnosis as well as comprehensive treatment options to prevent and treat bone loss.
Topics will include:
See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
I will be giving a free talk called Osteoporosis and bone health on Wednesday, January 25th, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!
Calcium is just the tip of the iceberg… Learn about risk factors and diagnosis as well as comprehensive treatment options to prevent and treat bone loss.
Topics will include:
- Risk factors
- Prevention and treatment
- Key nutrition and lifestyle steps
See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
Osteoporosis and bone health talk January 18th
12/Jan/12 08:07 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I will be giving a free talk called Osteoporosis and bone health on Wednesday, January 18th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!
Calcium is just the tip of the iceberg… Learn about risk factors and diagnosis as well as comprehensive treatment options to prevent and treat bone loss.
Topics will include:
See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
I will be giving a free talk called Osteoporosis and bone health on Wednesday, January 18th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!
Calcium is just the tip of the iceberg… Learn about risk factors and diagnosis as well as comprehensive treatment options to prevent and treat bone loss.
Topics will include:
- Risk factors
- Prevention and treatment
- Key nutrition and lifestyle steps
See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
Kegel exercises for women
08/Nov/11 06:20 PM
Guest post originally published by Crystal Chanderbhan, ND
A Guide to Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pelvic floor exercises, sometimes known as “Kegels” can be performed to improve your overall health. These exercises strengthen the muscles of your pelvic floor and can be performed for childbirth preparation, control involuntary loss of urine and improve your sex life.
Purpose
- Improve the tone of the perineal muscles and pelvic organ support
- Promote post-partum healing and comfort
- Prevent urinary incontinence or regain bladder control
How to perform Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Tightly contract muscles surrounding the vagina with an internal “pulling up”
- Release muscles and take notice of the relaxation
- Contact tightly again, hold, then release
If it is difficult to get the feeling of this exercise, try stopping and starting the flow of urine while urinating. Do not do this on an ongoing basis. Another way is to tighten your bottom as if trying to hold back gas.
Variation: “The Elevator”
This variation can be done to gain full control of the perineal floor muscles, in addition to increasing flexibility and develop awareness of tension/relaxation, which can be helpful for delivery. This exercise can be done in any position, however, lying down is typically easier.
How to perform “The Elevator”
Imagine you are riding in an elevator. As you ascend each floor, try to draw up the perineal muscles a little more until you reach complete tension. When you reach your limit, don’t let go:
- Now, descend, floor-by-floor, gradually relaxing the muscle. When you arrive at the ground floor (no tension), take the muscle group to the basement with a gentle blowing out breath through pursed lips. This should feel as if the perineum is bulging
- Complete the exercise by lifting up the muscle back to the ground floor level
- Repeat the entire exercise and remember to breathe normally as you tighten the pelvic floor muscles
Everywhere and anywhere! These exercises can be performed without anyone being aware of what you are doing. Here are some ideas:
- At red traffic lights
- While cooking
- During commercial breaks on TV
- During sexual intercourse
- While waiting at the grocery store
- While brushing your teeth
Initially, perform 5 in a row, holding each muscle contraction for 5 seconds, then releasing. The goal is to 50 contractions a day for the rest of your life.
Hints
- Perform the pelvic floor exercises as often as you can. The more you perform them, the faster you will feel and notice the results.
- Select an activity you do often as a reminder. During commercial breaks while watching TV is an easy way to attain a goal of 50 sets daily (i.e. 2 sets of 5 contractions done at each commercial break). Find a behavioural cue to use as a regular reminder.
Sex as medicine
27/Oct/11 11:44 AM
Guest post originally published by Shelly Reitkop, ND
How many people think about the benefits of sex before they jump into the sack? Chances are, you don’t. Believe it or not, sex does more than just satisfy; it boosts your immune system, facilitates weight loss and even protects against cancer. I can easily give you 10 good reasons why you should maintain a healthy sex life.
1. Sex reduces stress
Sexual intercourse leads to the release of “happy hormones” called endorphins and a reduction in cortisol levels, the hormone released in response to stress. Prolonged elevation in cortisol levels lead to high blood pressure, suppressed thyroid function, impaired cognitive performance, increased abdominal fat and lowered immune function. Sex enhance the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “happy hormone.” Endorphins act as opiods and work to reduce pain, improve mood and aid with sleep.
2. Sex supports immune functioning
Yup, you heard me! Sex helps to prevent cold’s and flu’s by increasing the production of IgA, an antibody known to fight off infections. Don’t get too excited though, studies found that the optimal number of times a couple should engage in sexual intercourse is 1-2x/week. Sex also increases body temperature creating a suboptimal environment for bacteria and viruses to survive and propagate. Yay to free natural treatments to preventing cold’s and flu’s!
3. Sex can be slimming
Did you know that 35 minutes of sex burns an average of 85 calories? Sex is also one form of exercise that can include both cardiovascular and strength training! Physical activity, especially endurance training, increases Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) – the amount of calories your body burns at rest. It is an extra form of physical activity you can incorporate into your weight wellness program.
4. Sex saves the heart!
Being a form of physical activity, sex helps to increase blood and lymphatic circulation throughout the body. It helps to exercise the heart muscle. Researchers found that engaging in sexual intercourse 2x +/week reduced the risk of fatal heart attack by 50% for men.
5. Sex increases self-esteem
According to sex therapists, one of the reasons people have sex is to improve their self-esteem. One therapist found that people who already have a healthy self-esteem feel even better when engaging in regular sex with their partner. Great sex begins with self-esteem; if the sex is genuine, loving and with someone you feel connected with, a persons’ self-esteem will be further enhanced.
6. Sex enhances intimacy
The act of sex causes the release of a hormone called oxytocin. This naturally occurring chemical has been notoriously called “the love hormone” because it helps a person bond and build trust (it’s true – there are studies that prove this!!). The more physical contact a person has with another individual, the greater the level of oxytocin.
7. Sex subsides pain
Oxytocin is not the only chemical released during sex; intercourse results in the release of another substance: endorphins (refer to point 1!). Recall: Endorphins work to reduce pain while simultaneously improving mood.
8. Sex reduces prostate cancer risk
Frequent ejaculation (5+/week) during a male’s mid-20′s has been correlated with a reduced risk of developing hormone-related cancers such as prostate cancer. Who would have known, right?
9. Sex strengthens the pelvic floor
Many women have heard or even tried Kegel exercises to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles as a way to improve the sensations experienced during sex; however, if you exercise your pelvic floor muscles DURING sex you’ll both notice a difference. Strong pelvic floor muscles are important to prevent conditions such as incontinence in later years.
Don’t know what a kegal exercise is?!? TRY THIS: tighten the muscles of your pelvic floor as though you are trying to stop the flow of urine. Count to 3 and release.
10. Sex helps you sleep
Remember our friend oxytocin? I forgot to mention that rising oxytocin levels also promote sleep, according to the latest research. The body requires a minimum of 8 hours sleep per night and good quality sleep is known to also result in healthier food choices, healthier body weight and a reduced incidence of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure.
If you aren’t sold on the benefits of sex and are in a committed relationship, my best piece of advice is this: The proof is in the pudding – try it for yourself!
Antidepressants during pregnancy
04/Oct/11 05:58 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I just read this great blog called Effexor Babies by Tracy Malone at Wellpath Clinic and I had to share it!
She shares her own experiences with patients and a link to this article on the CBC website that highlights the potential adverse effects of taking antidepressants during pregnancy. As far back as 2004, the FDA and Wyeth issued a release warning of potential complications arising from taking Effexor during the third trimester. Please check out this blog and share it with anyone you know who could benefit.
Antidepressants are incredibly common and have many adverse effects, besides the fact that they are not long-term effective for most people taking them. There are so many naturopathic and other non-pharmaceutical treatments for depression that can improve your response to medication or reduce your need for it. These treatments are safe and effective, so please seek out the right treatment for you.
I just read this great blog called Effexor Babies by Tracy Malone at Wellpath Clinic and I had to share it!
She shares her own experiences with patients and a link to this article on the CBC website that highlights the potential adverse effects of taking antidepressants during pregnancy. As far back as 2004, the FDA and Wyeth issued a release warning of potential complications arising from taking Effexor during the third trimester. Please check out this blog and share it with anyone you know who could benefit.
Antidepressants are incredibly common and have many adverse effects, besides the fact that they are not long-term effective for most people taking them. There are so many naturopathic and other non-pharmaceutical treatments for depression that can improve your response to medication or reduce your need for it. These treatments are safe and effective, so please seek out the right treatment for you.
Get your vitamin D tested
29/Jul/11 12:40 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I am very frequently asked about vitamin D, hence several previous blogs I’ve written on the subject!
Check out this great blog called “Vitamin D - Oh, How I Love Thee!” on Crazy Sexy Life with a concise list of conditions associated with vitamin D deficiency and info on how to get tested.
In Ontario, OHIP has stopped covering vitamin D testing because so many people have requested the test in recent years. However, getting your level tested is really the best way to assess your unique situation and determine a supplementation dose that is appropriate for your needs. If you want to get tested, you can pay for the test through your MD or see your ND who can also order the test for you.
I am very frequently asked about vitamin D, hence several previous blogs I’ve written on the subject!
Check out this great blog called “Vitamin D - Oh, How I Love Thee!” on Crazy Sexy Life with a concise list of conditions associated with vitamin D deficiency and info on how to get tested.
In Ontario, OHIP has stopped covering vitamin D testing because so many people have requested the test in recent years. However, getting your level tested is really the best way to assess your unique situation and determine a supplementation dose that is appropriate for your needs. If you want to get tested, you can pay for the test through your MD or see your ND who can also order the test for you.
Reconsider the birth control pill
24/Jun/11 08:09 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
The birth control pill that is... Although this phrase could start a blog about any number of “pills” you might be prescribed! I just read this great blog called “Birth Control Pill Misconceptions” by Shawna Darou, ND that highlights the importance of addressing the root cause behind some of the reasons women use birth control pills.
In my practice I see a lot of women on the pill and many women who want to conceive after using the pill. I agree whole-heartedly with Shawna that the pill is not a great solution to the hormonal issues many women face (PMS, cramps, ovarian cysts, acne, etc). It is a tool for imposing an artificial cycle on top of your natural cycle, obscuring your true state of health. I think this is a disservice to women, especially those young girls who may never have established a normal menstrual cycle until one day they decide the want to get pregnant.
Most women that come to me for fertility and prenatal support expect to have a healthy period nearly immediately after stopping the pill and do not expect to spend months (or even years!) re-establishing a healthy hormonal balance before conceiving! Many of these women have been on the pill for so many years they don’t even remember what their own period is like anymore! When Shawna says she looks at “the menstrual cycle as a vital sign, as important as blood pressure and heart rate in assessing a woman’s health” she is right on target. Not only is a healthy hormonal balance essential for getting pregnant but it is also important to sustaining a healthy pregnancy and creating a healthy baby! In fact, the mother’s health before conceiving deserves a lot more investment and attention than it seems to get these days, but that is a subject for another blog...
So if you are one of those millions of women wondering “to pill or not to pill,” what should you do? Here are some alternatives to consider - knowledge is power.
Alternatives for hormonal regulation:
Nutrition:
Shelly Reitkop, ND recently wrote a great blog called “Understanding and Overcoming PMS” with some great info on how nutrient intake correlates with PMS symptoms. This is just the tip of the iceberg! Your naturopathic doctor can help you make simple dietary changes to regulate hormones.
Herbs:
There are a wide variety of safe and effective “female herbs.” Herbal prescriptions are individual, so see your naturopathic doctor to find out what herbs can best address your unique symptoms.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is a great treatment for a wide variety of female hormonal concerns! I’ve used acupuncture to successfully regulate menstrual cycles, ease period pain and PMS, and for prenatal and postnatal care. Acupuncture is perhaps best known for fertility treatment alone or combined with conventional fertility treatments.
Homeopathy:
Homeopathy is a truly personalized system of treatment that can address many concerns, especially issues surrounding the menstrual cycle and each woman’s unique symptoms. I have lots of info about homeopathy on my site. Learn the basics here and here.
Alternatives for contraception:
Natural:
The natural family planning method that I know most about and is highly effective is the Justisse Method for Fertility Management. There is a wealth of information on their website and you can order a guide from them to learn how to track your menstrual cycle to determine your fertility (and avoid getting pregnant!). I also sell their guide in my Beaches clinic.
For those who are less into charting and more into convenience, there is LadyComp, but apparently this is no longer available in Canada! It seems to have been replaced by Ovacue.
Condoms:
The condom is truly a wonderful invention for both men and women! Condoms are one of the most effective means of birth control (if used correctly) and they are cost-effective, convenient, and safe.
Diaphragm:
Finally, the good old diaphragm. When I asked my doctor for a referral to a gynecologist to get a diaphragm, he told me I was the only women to go from pill to diaphragm in his whole practice! But really, the diaphragm is easy to use, very effective, and affordable. The biggest downside is that the spermicidal gel for use with the diaphragm is no longer available in Canada (but it still available from the US!). However, there is some evidence that use of spermicide does not significantly change the effectiveness of the diaphragm.
The birth control pill that is... Although this phrase could start a blog about any number of “pills” you might be prescribed! I just read this great blog called “Birth Control Pill Misconceptions” by Shawna Darou, ND that highlights the importance of addressing the root cause behind some of the reasons women use birth control pills.
In my practice I see a lot of women on the pill and many women who want to conceive after using the pill. I agree whole-heartedly with Shawna that the pill is not a great solution to the hormonal issues many women face (PMS, cramps, ovarian cysts, acne, etc). It is a tool for imposing an artificial cycle on top of your natural cycle, obscuring your true state of health. I think this is a disservice to women, especially those young girls who may never have established a normal menstrual cycle until one day they decide the want to get pregnant.
Most women that come to me for fertility and prenatal support expect to have a healthy period nearly immediately after stopping the pill and do not expect to spend months (or even years!) re-establishing a healthy hormonal balance before conceiving! Many of these women have been on the pill for so many years they don’t even remember what their own period is like anymore! When Shawna says she looks at “the menstrual cycle as a vital sign, as important as blood pressure and heart rate in assessing a woman’s health” she is right on target. Not only is a healthy hormonal balance essential for getting pregnant but it is also important to sustaining a healthy pregnancy and creating a healthy baby! In fact, the mother’s health before conceiving deserves a lot more investment and attention than it seems to get these days, but that is a subject for another blog...
So if you are one of those millions of women wondering “to pill or not to pill,” what should you do? Here are some alternatives to consider - knowledge is power.
Alternatives for hormonal regulation:
Nutrition:
Shelly Reitkop, ND recently wrote a great blog called “Understanding and Overcoming PMS” with some great info on how nutrient intake correlates with PMS symptoms. This is just the tip of the iceberg! Your naturopathic doctor can help you make simple dietary changes to regulate hormones.
Herbs:
There are a wide variety of safe and effective “female herbs.” Herbal prescriptions are individual, so see your naturopathic doctor to find out what herbs can best address your unique symptoms.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is a great treatment for a wide variety of female hormonal concerns! I’ve used acupuncture to successfully regulate menstrual cycles, ease period pain and PMS, and for prenatal and postnatal care. Acupuncture is perhaps best known for fertility treatment alone or combined with conventional fertility treatments.
Homeopathy:
Homeopathy is a truly personalized system of treatment that can address many concerns, especially issues surrounding the menstrual cycle and each woman’s unique symptoms. I have lots of info about homeopathy on my site. Learn the basics here and here.
Alternatives for contraception:
Natural:
The natural family planning method that I know most about and is highly effective is the Justisse Method for Fertility Management. There is a wealth of information on their website and you can order a guide from them to learn how to track your menstrual cycle to determine your fertility (and avoid getting pregnant!). I also sell their guide in my Beaches clinic.
For those who are less into charting and more into convenience, there is LadyComp, but apparently this is no longer available in Canada! It seems to have been replaced by Ovacue.
Condoms:
The condom is truly a wonderful invention for both men and women! Condoms are one of the most effective means of birth control (if used correctly) and they are cost-effective, convenient, and safe.
Diaphragm:
Finally, the good old diaphragm. When I asked my doctor for a referral to a gynecologist to get a diaphragm, he told me I was the only women to go from pill to diaphragm in his whole practice! But really, the diaphragm is easy to use, very effective, and affordable. The biggest downside is that the spermicidal gel for use with the diaphragm is no longer available in Canada (but it still available from the US!). However, there is some evidence that use of spermicide does not significantly change the effectiveness of the diaphragm.
How much calcium and vitamin D?
06/Dec/10 12:39 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
A recent article in the New York Times questioned the need for high levels of calcium and vitamin D supplementation that has become the new norm. I have already had patients ask me about this, so I will try to address it here.
I am always in favour of obtaining nutrients the way human beings were designed to get them, which is through food. Calcium and vitamin D are actually quite different types of nutrients, so I will discuss them separately. The main take-home point of this blog is that ultimately we are all unique and the beauty of naturopathic medicine is that as an ND I am able to work with you individually to assess your needs and make a recommendation that is personalized to you as an individual. So ultimately, to figure out how much calcium and vitamin D you should or should not take, talk to your naturopathic doctor!
Calcium
I am asked quite often how much calcium we need, what is the best source, etc... Osteoporosis is far too common in western society and yet we get lots of calcium here too! What’s going on? The short answer is that there is so much more to bone health than just calcium. There are three things to look at with regard to bone health.
First, the raw material needed to create bone. Calcium is just one of many building blocks necessary to make bone but it is definitely not the only one! Magnesium, phosphate, boron, and other minerals are all necessary.
Second, a pile of bricks does not make a house just as lots of materials (calcium and other minerals) do not automatically make bone. Bone has to be built and weight bearing exercise is a key factor to signal our bodies to take those materials and do something with them. When more stress is applied to bone, it becomes stronger. There are also other factors in building bone, such as proper blood flow (yes, bone is living tissue and needs blood!) and other signals like vitamin D (see below!) going on in the body.
Finally, we must prevent our bodies from breaking down bone to use those materials elsewhere. This is another complex area but in a nutshell, if your body needs some calcium to buffer your blood to keep it at the perfect pH level (which keeps you alive, by the way), it will draw this from bones. An acidic environment in our tissues increases the need to use bone to balance pH. And what causes an acidic environment? Stress, lack of sleep, caffeine/alcohol, sugar, dairy, and other acidifying foods...
While dairy groups and marketing boards have done an amazing job convincing people they need to eat a lot of servings of dairy products each day to get enough calcium, there are many other great sources of calcium that most people overlook. One great way is to make bone broth! You can also get calcium from leafy green veggies, nuts and seeds, and many other diverse food sources. For more info, check out the World’s Healthiest Foods site listing for calcium.
Vitamin D
In the case of vitamin D, our bodies use cholesterol (it’s not all bad!) to make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to the sun. For example, a caucasian person out in summer sun in just a bathing suit until his or her skin just begins to turn pink produces between 10,000 and 50,000IU of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and can therefore be stored by our bodies so that we can make it through winter off the supply we’ve built up in the summer. Lighter skinned people make more vitamin D from the sun so it’s no surprise that at higher latitudes you find blonder, paler people and near the equator (where there is more direct sun exposure and no long, dark winter) you find darker skinned people. Anyway, before there were ever vitamin D supplements, humans spent much of their time, particularly in the summer, outside and likely made enough vitamin D to last through each winter.
However, this is not the world we live in anymore! Unfortunately most people spend nearly all their time indoors during the day and therefore cannot make vitamin D from sun exposure. This alone is a powerful argument for supplementation, not to mention the greater issue of how our incredibly unnatural lifestyle impacts our health, but that is a topic for another day. In addition, there have been many studies on vitamin D in the past few decades demonstrating how vitamin D impacts so much more than bone health. Vitamin D is in fact a hormone, a key signalling system in the body that can impact all kinds of conditions. There are far too many studies for me to summarize here, but if you want to learn more, you can start with reading the response to the article linked above written by the Executive Director of the Vitamin D Council.
So how do you know what to do? Again, the best way to determine if supplementation is right for you and how much to supplement is to see a naturopathic doctor who can assess your unique situation. You can also ask your doctor to run a blood test for 25-hydroxy vitamin D. The province of Ontario has recently put more restrictions on this test because it became so popular but if you have a condition for which vitamin D is important or that puts you at greater risk for deficiency, such as osteoporosis, parathyroid disease, pregnancy, or kidney disease, speak to your doctor about testing your levels.
A recent article in the New York Times questioned the need for high levels of calcium and vitamin D supplementation that has become the new norm. I have already had patients ask me about this, so I will try to address it here.
I am always in favour of obtaining nutrients the way human beings were designed to get them, which is through food. Calcium and vitamin D are actually quite different types of nutrients, so I will discuss them separately. The main take-home point of this blog is that ultimately we are all unique and the beauty of naturopathic medicine is that as an ND I am able to work with you individually to assess your needs and make a recommendation that is personalized to you as an individual. So ultimately, to figure out how much calcium and vitamin D you should or should not take, talk to your naturopathic doctor!
Calcium
I am asked quite often how much calcium we need, what is the best source, etc... Osteoporosis is far too common in western society and yet we get lots of calcium here too! What’s going on? The short answer is that there is so much more to bone health than just calcium. There are three things to look at with regard to bone health.
First, the raw material needed to create bone. Calcium is just one of many building blocks necessary to make bone but it is definitely not the only one! Magnesium, phosphate, boron, and other minerals are all necessary.
Second, a pile of bricks does not make a house just as lots of materials (calcium and other minerals) do not automatically make bone. Bone has to be built and weight bearing exercise is a key factor to signal our bodies to take those materials and do something with them. When more stress is applied to bone, it becomes stronger. There are also other factors in building bone, such as proper blood flow (yes, bone is living tissue and needs blood!) and other signals like vitamin D (see below!) going on in the body.
Finally, we must prevent our bodies from breaking down bone to use those materials elsewhere. This is another complex area but in a nutshell, if your body needs some calcium to buffer your blood to keep it at the perfect pH level (which keeps you alive, by the way), it will draw this from bones. An acidic environment in our tissues increases the need to use bone to balance pH. And what causes an acidic environment? Stress, lack of sleep, caffeine/alcohol, sugar, dairy, and other acidifying foods...
While dairy groups and marketing boards have done an amazing job convincing people they need to eat a lot of servings of dairy products each day to get enough calcium, there are many other great sources of calcium that most people overlook. One great way is to make bone broth! You can also get calcium from leafy green veggies, nuts and seeds, and many other diverse food sources. For more info, check out the World’s Healthiest Foods site listing for calcium.
Vitamin D
In the case of vitamin D, our bodies use cholesterol (it’s not all bad!) to make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to the sun. For example, a caucasian person out in summer sun in just a bathing suit until his or her skin just begins to turn pink produces between 10,000 and 50,000IU of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and can therefore be stored by our bodies so that we can make it through winter off the supply we’ve built up in the summer. Lighter skinned people make more vitamin D from the sun so it’s no surprise that at higher latitudes you find blonder, paler people and near the equator (where there is more direct sun exposure and no long, dark winter) you find darker skinned people. Anyway, before there were ever vitamin D supplements, humans spent much of their time, particularly in the summer, outside and likely made enough vitamin D to last through each winter.
However, this is not the world we live in anymore! Unfortunately most people spend nearly all their time indoors during the day and therefore cannot make vitamin D from sun exposure. This alone is a powerful argument for supplementation, not to mention the greater issue of how our incredibly unnatural lifestyle impacts our health, but that is a topic for another day. In addition, there have been many studies on vitamin D in the past few decades demonstrating how vitamin D impacts so much more than bone health. Vitamin D is in fact a hormone, a key signalling system in the body that can impact all kinds of conditions. There are far too many studies for me to summarize here, but if you want to learn more, you can start with reading the response to the article linked above written by the Executive Director of the Vitamin D Council.
So how do you know what to do? Again, the best way to determine if supplementation is right for you and how much to supplement is to see a naturopathic doctor who can assess your unique situation. You can also ask your doctor to run a blood test for 25-hydroxy vitamin D. The province of Ontario has recently put more restrictions on this test because it became so popular but if you have a condition for which vitamin D is important or that puts you at greater risk for deficiency, such as osteoporosis, parathyroid disease, pregnancy, or kidney disease, speak to your doctor about testing your levels.
Breast cancer prevention
11/Nov/10 08:01 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
In October (breast cancer month) JD Kato and I did a presentation at a local library about breast health and cancer prevention. Here is a summary of some of the more interesting information we shared. Naturopathic medicine has an important role to play in cancer prevention and treatment. One of the most often used naturopathic treatments is dietary change because diet is the most powerful factor in health. You literally are what you eat! So here is an overview of WHY diet is so important to cancer and some examples of dietary choices that will help treat and prevent cancer.
Immune system:
Your immune system is your best defence against cancer. Every day, all day, your body is making potentially cancerous cells and it is your immune system that stands between this potential and uncontrollable cancer growth. A healthy diet provides nutrients that support immune function, while poor dietary choices impair immune function.
Antioxidant-rich foods support the immune system in killing abnormal cells, preventing and treating cancer. Sugar, on the other hand, impairs the activity of your white blood cells, which target and kill cancer cells and coordinate the functioning of your overall immune response.
Inflammation:
As discussed in part 1, chronic inflammation in the body leads to increased cell division, which increases the likelihood of the creation of cancer cells and accelerates cancer growth. Chronic inflammation also increases the body’s production of cortisol, which is an immune suppressing hormone.
What type of fat you consume is often more important than the amount because the fats in your diet directly impact many bodily functions. The compounds EPA and DHA derived from or found in omega 3 fatty acids, particularly fish oil, are powerful anti-inflammatory agents in the body. But saturated fats increase inflammation and trans fats alter cell membranes to encourage inflammation.
Hormonal balance:
The endocrine system, which produces and controls hormones throughout the body has a huge impact on physiological function. Hormones can encourage cancer growth as well as influence immune function and regulate inflammation. With regard to breast cancer, we know that some types of breast cancer are estrogen dependent, but many other hormones throughout the body also relate to breast cancer, such as thyroid hormones, insulin, and cortisol.
Green leafy vegetables contain nutrients that support endocrine organs. A minimum of 5-6 servings per day is recommended. Cruciferous vegetables in particular contain compounds called calcium-D-glucarate and indole-3-carbinol which aid in metabolism and detoxification of hormones. Pesticides used on non-organic produce can contain compounds that mimic estrogen in the body and can increase the risk of many types of cancer as well as overwhelm your detoxification system.
You can download the Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides, which specifies which produce is best to buy organic, at this web address: www.foodnews.org
Insulin resistance:
Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar to enter cells. Over time, high sugar intake leads to excess insulin production and eventually cells become insensitive to insulin. Cancer cells use sugar as fuel and have more insulin receptors than normal cells, so while other cells are insulin resistant, cancer cells can gain more access to sugar.
Complex carbs include vegetables and whole grains and can help balance blood sugar levels and control weight, both of which prevent and reduce insulin resistance. Complex carbs are high in fibre, which binds to and eliminates toxins and hormones from your body. Try to eat foods as close to their natural state as possible rather than processed foods, which contain more simple carbs, which are easily reduced to sugar and therefore promote insulin resistance.
Digestion and elimination:
Digestion influences all other bodily functions as it is key to absorbing essential nutrients and eliminating waste products and toxins from the body.
Alcohol is an example of a substance that places an additional load on the liver, which can lead to increased toxic load in the body. Over time, this can damage cells and encourage cancer formation. Adequate water intake is necessary for optimal digestion and elimination as your body uses water to carry out many processes essential for life. A simple guideline for water intake is at least 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight. So a 128-pound woman should drink about 64 ounces of water daily, which is about 2 litres. Caffeine and alcohol do not count toward this intake and in fact dehydrate the body!
Beyond diet:
So far we’ve covered a lot with regard to diet, but there is so much more! As a naturopathic doctor, I work with patients to address their unique nutritional needs with a plan tailored to them. Beyond diet, I also work to create a personalized plan that may include supplements, herbs, lifestyle counselling, stress reduction, and mental/emotional work to address each patient’s unique needs and the root causes behind their health specific concerns.
With regards to cancer, naturopathic medicine is a powerful tool to both prevent and treat cancer, either alone or in conjunction with conventional cancer treatment.
In October (breast cancer month) JD Kato and I did a presentation at a local library about breast health and cancer prevention. Here is a summary of some of the more interesting information we shared. Naturopathic medicine has an important role to play in cancer prevention and treatment. One of the most often used naturopathic treatments is dietary change because diet is the most powerful factor in health. You literally are what you eat! So here is an overview of WHY diet is so important to cancer and some examples of dietary choices that will help treat and prevent cancer.
Immune system:
Your immune system is your best defence against cancer. Every day, all day, your body is making potentially cancerous cells and it is your immune system that stands between this potential and uncontrollable cancer growth. A healthy diet provides nutrients that support immune function, while poor dietary choices impair immune function.
Antioxidant-rich foods support the immune system in killing abnormal cells, preventing and treating cancer. Sugar, on the other hand, impairs the activity of your white blood cells, which target and kill cancer cells and coordinate the functioning of your overall immune response.
Inflammation:
As discussed in part 1, chronic inflammation in the body leads to increased cell division, which increases the likelihood of the creation of cancer cells and accelerates cancer growth. Chronic inflammation also increases the body’s production of cortisol, which is an immune suppressing hormone.
What type of fat you consume is often more important than the amount because the fats in your diet directly impact many bodily functions. The compounds EPA and DHA derived from or found in omega 3 fatty acids, particularly fish oil, are powerful anti-inflammatory agents in the body. But saturated fats increase inflammation and trans fats alter cell membranes to encourage inflammation.
Hormonal balance:
The endocrine system, which produces and controls hormones throughout the body has a huge impact on physiological function. Hormones can encourage cancer growth as well as influence immune function and regulate inflammation. With regard to breast cancer, we know that some types of breast cancer are estrogen dependent, but many other hormones throughout the body also relate to breast cancer, such as thyroid hormones, insulin, and cortisol.
Green leafy vegetables contain nutrients that support endocrine organs. A minimum of 5-6 servings per day is recommended. Cruciferous vegetables in particular contain compounds called calcium-D-glucarate and indole-3-carbinol which aid in metabolism and detoxification of hormones. Pesticides used on non-organic produce can contain compounds that mimic estrogen in the body and can increase the risk of many types of cancer as well as overwhelm your detoxification system.
You can download the Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides, which specifies which produce is best to buy organic, at this web address: www.foodnews.org
Insulin resistance:
Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar to enter cells. Over time, high sugar intake leads to excess insulin production and eventually cells become insensitive to insulin. Cancer cells use sugar as fuel and have more insulin receptors than normal cells, so while other cells are insulin resistant, cancer cells can gain more access to sugar.
Complex carbs include vegetables and whole grains and can help balance blood sugar levels and control weight, both of which prevent and reduce insulin resistance. Complex carbs are high in fibre, which binds to and eliminates toxins and hormones from your body. Try to eat foods as close to their natural state as possible rather than processed foods, which contain more simple carbs, which are easily reduced to sugar and therefore promote insulin resistance.
Digestion and elimination:
Digestion influences all other bodily functions as it is key to absorbing essential nutrients and eliminating waste products and toxins from the body.
Alcohol is an example of a substance that places an additional load on the liver, which can lead to increased toxic load in the body. Over time, this can damage cells and encourage cancer formation. Adequate water intake is necessary for optimal digestion and elimination as your body uses water to carry out many processes essential for life. A simple guideline for water intake is at least 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight. So a 128-pound woman should drink about 64 ounces of water daily, which is about 2 litres. Caffeine and alcohol do not count toward this intake and in fact dehydrate the body!
Beyond diet:
So far we’ve covered a lot with regard to diet, but there is so much more! As a naturopathic doctor, I work with patients to address their unique nutritional needs with a plan tailored to them. Beyond diet, I also work to create a personalized plan that may include supplements, herbs, lifestyle counselling, stress reduction, and mental/emotional work to address each patient’s unique needs and the root causes behind their health specific concerns.
With regards to cancer, naturopathic medicine is a powerful tool to both prevent and treat cancer, either alone or in conjunction with conventional cancer treatment.
Breast cancer risk factors
09/Nov/10 05:39 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
In October (breast cancer month) JD Kato and I did a presentation at a local library about breast health and cancer prevention. Here is a summary of some of the more interesting information we shared. This first part will cover risk factors, which JD discussed. There are several non-modifiable risk factors that most people are aware of, such as age, gender, family history, etc. Let’s focus on risk factors you CAN modify…
Radiation exposure:
Ionizing radiation such as x-rays can damage the DNA of cells promoting mistakes that could lead to development of cancer. The amount of radiation of a mammogram is considered small, but yes mammograms use radiation. Other sources of radiation may be from occupational accidents and radiation treatment.
Smoking:
Smoking raises your risk for many types of cancer: lung, esophageal, bladder, stomach, and others including breast cancer.
Alcohol:
Postmenopausal women who drank alcohol had a 22% higher relative risk of breast cancer than those who do not drink alcohol. It is estimated that every additional 10g of ethanol consumed per day (approximately one drink) was associated with a 10% increase in relative risk.
Recommendation for alcohol intake for women: 0-2 drinks per day, maximum 9 drinks per week
Estrogen:
Estrogen exposure can be a contributing factor to many breast cancers. Therefore, both exogenous (outside the body) and endogenous (inside the body) sources estrogen can increase risk.
Hormone replacement and birth control pills are exogenous sources that contribute to estrogen exposure that can be avoided.
Estrogen production within the body is also important. At puberty the brain (the pituitary) tells the ovaries to start to produce estrogen and because there are receptors in the breast tissue they are signalled to grow and develop. Although they grow in number, the cells of the breast tissue do not fully mature. With each monthly cycle there are fluctuating levels of estrogen, which can contribute to the cells that could possibly develop into cancerous cells. A first full-term pregnancy after the age of 30-35 contributes a slightly higher risk.
While a woman is pregnant, there are even high levels of estrogen and so the breasts enlarge to prepare for breast feeding – again putting a woman at higher risk. When a pregnancy reaches full-term and a woman breast-feeds, then the cells finish their maturation, which then helps protect against them developing into cancer. Breast-feeding for one year is protective against breast cancer. It does not matter if this period of breast-feeding is for one child, or combined over more than one birth.
Body fat and exercise:
After menopause a woman’s ovaries do not produce estrogen as before, so most of the estrogen come from fat tissue. Estrogen comes from testosterone and in fat tissue there is the enzyme called aromatase that converts testosterone to estrogen. So having excessive body fat means you have more of these enzymes to produce estrogen which can stimulate cell reproduction in breast tissue and thus increasing the chance of tumour formation.
Excess body fat, especially around the midsection, promotes inflammation in the body, which is a risk factor for many cancers. Chronic inflammation disrupts normal cell growth and development, which can promote.
Excess body weight and low physical activity together may account for one quarter to one third of all breast cancer cases! Contrast that to 3-5% of breast cancer caused by heredity…
Recommendations for exercise: 30 min 3-5 days per week (initially), then 30-60 min 5-7 days per week
In October (breast cancer month) JD Kato and I did a presentation at a local library about breast health and cancer prevention. Here is a summary of some of the more interesting information we shared. This first part will cover risk factors, which JD discussed. There are several non-modifiable risk factors that most people are aware of, such as age, gender, family history, etc. Let’s focus on risk factors you CAN modify…
Radiation exposure:
Ionizing radiation such as x-rays can damage the DNA of cells promoting mistakes that could lead to development of cancer. The amount of radiation of a mammogram is considered small, but yes mammograms use radiation. Other sources of radiation may be from occupational accidents and radiation treatment.
Smoking:
Smoking raises your risk for many types of cancer: lung, esophageal, bladder, stomach, and others including breast cancer.
Alcohol:
Postmenopausal women who drank alcohol had a 22% higher relative risk of breast cancer than those who do not drink alcohol. It is estimated that every additional 10g of ethanol consumed per day (approximately one drink) was associated with a 10% increase in relative risk.
Recommendation for alcohol intake for women: 0-2 drinks per day, maximum 9 drinks per week
Estrogen:
Estrogen exposure can be a contributing factor to many breast cancers. Therefore, both exogenous (outside the body) and endogenous (inside the body) sources estrogen can increase risk.
Hormone replacement and birth control pills are exogenous sources that contribute to estrogen exposure that can be avoided.
Estrogen production within the body is also important. At puberty the brain (the pituitary) tells the ovaries to start to produce estrogen and because there are receptors in the breast tissue they are signalled to grow and develop. Although they grow in number, the cells of the breast tissue do not fully mature. With each monthly cycle there are fluctuating levels of estrogen, which can contribute to the cells that could possibly develop into cancerous cells. A first full-term pregnancy after the age of 30-35 contributes a slightly higher risk.
While a woman is pregnant, there are even high levels of estrogen and so the breasts enlarge to prepare for breast feeding – again putting a woman at higher risk. When a pregnancy reaches full-term and a woman breast-feeds, then the cells finish their maturation, which then helps protect against them developing into cancer. Breast-feeding for one year is protective against breast cancer. It does not matter if this period of breast-feeding is for one child, or combined over more than one birth.
Body fat and exercise:
After menopause a woman’s ovaries do not produce estrogen as before, so most of the estrogen come from fat tissue. Estrogen comes from testosterone and in fat tissue there is the enzyme called aromatase that converts testosterone to estrogen. So having excessive body fat means you have more of these enzymes to produce estrogen which can stimulate cell reproduction in breast tissue and thus increasing the chance of tumour formation.
Excess body fat, especially around the midsection, promotes inflammation in the body, which is a risk factor for many cancers. Chronic inflammation disrupts normal cell growth and development, which can promote.
Excess body weight and low physical activity together may account for one quarter to one third of all breast cancer cases! Contrast that to 3-5% of breast cancer caused by heredity…
Recommendations for exercise: 30 min 3-5 days per week (initially), then 30-60 min 5-7 days per week
Breast health talk October 20th
14/Oct/10 08:11 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
JD Kato and I will be giving at free talk on breast health on October 20th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call 416-926-0084 to RSVP!
Topics will include:
Breast cancer risk factors
Cancer prevention and treatment strategies:
• Exercise
• Weight loss
• Diet
Breast self-exam
Diagnostics:
• Ultrasound
• Mammography
• Thermography
How naturopathic medicine can help prevent and treat breast cancer
JD Kato and I will be giving at free talk on breast health on October 20th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call 416-926-0084 to RSVP!
Topics will include:
Breast cancer risk factors
Cancer prevention and treatment strategies:
• Exercise
• Weight loss
• Diet
Breast self-exam
Diagnostics:
• Ultrasound
• Mammography
• Thermography
How naturopathic medicine can help prevent and treat breast cancer
The Story of Cosmetics
17/Aug/10 10:49 PM
A few weeks ago I shared The Story of Stuff and now there is a new video called The Story of Cosmetics. The makers of these videos have even more at their website, like The Story of Bottled Water and The Story of Electronics (coming soon).
A lot of people wonder why it matters so much what we put on our bodies or what chemicals are in the things we use everyday... My take on it is, why expose myself to harmful stuff if I don’t have to? There are lots of options for cleaning products, cosmetics, personal care, water bottles, food containers, fragrances, etc that are non-toxic and work great, so why not avoid what toxins you can? And why support companies that aren’t looking out for your health? There is so much in life we can’t control, I think we should do the best with what we can.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database is a great resource!
A lot of people wonder why it matters so much what we put on our bodies or what chemicals are in the things we use everyday... My take on it is, why expose myself to harmful stuff if I don’t have to? There are lots of options for cleaning products, cosmetics, personal care, water bottles, food containers, fragrances, etc that are non-toxic and work great, so why not avoid what toxins you can? And why support companies that aren’t looking out for your health? There is so much in life we can’t control, I think we should do the best with what we can.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database is a great resource!
Thyroid, iodine, and breast health
03/Jul/09 10:53 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
This blog was originally published on December 2, 2008 here.
I wrote a research paper looking the relationships between thyroid function, breast pathologies, and the role of iodine supplementation. This blog is a summary of what I learned. References are listed at the end and can be found on PubMed.
First, thyroid. There is an observed correlation between thyroid dysfunction and breast cancer (1,2,3), particularly hypothyroidism (3,4). Decreased function of the thyroid gland and rising TSH are also associated with a doubling in the risk of development of fibrocystic breast disease (5).
Next, iodine and breasts. Both breast tissue and thyroid tissue concentrate iodine (6) and deficiency of iodine causes “atypical tissue and physiologic changes in both” (7). One researcher noted that “geographic differences in the rates of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer appear to be inversely correlated with dietary iodine intake” (8). For example, in Japan seaweed (high in both iodine and selenium) is a major part of the diet and may play a role in the low incidence of both benign and malignant breast disease in that country (9).
A study on rats demonstrated a reduction in breast cancer incidence with iodine treatment (10). With regard to fibrocystic breast disease, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trials (the gold-standard of conventional medicine!) have demonstrated that supplementation with iodide/iodine significantly reduced breast pain, tenderness, and nodularity (11,12).
So how does this work? One theory is that iodine deficiency leads to a state of excess estrogen (13), increasing the risk of a whole host of cancers. Iodine is also believed to suppress tumour growth (14), induce tumour cell death (15), and regulate genes that influence hormone metabolism, cell cycle, growth, and differentiation (16).
Why is this useful information? Everything in the body is connected, particularly the endocrine system. So, when something is going wrong in one area, like thyroid function, there are likely also going to be issues either immediately or down the road with another area, particularly reproductive organs. The causal mechanisms are not clear yet, but it is prudent to assess breast health when patients present with thyroid dysfunction and vice versa. There is evidence to suggest that iodine is effective nutritional treatment for fibrocystic breast disease and it may also be useful in reproductive cancers. Molecular iodine, rather than iodide, was found to be most effective and have the least adverse effects on the thyroid (12).
There is lots of other interesting information that I was not able to get to, such as a deeper look at the interaction of sex hormones with thyroid function and other influences on hormonal balance, such as sleep. Maybe one day I’ll have time to do more research and I’ll post an update!
References:
1. Turken O, NarIn Y, DemIrbas S, Onde ME, Sayan O, KandemIr EG, YaylacI M, Ozturk A. Breast cancer in association with thyroid disorders. Breast Cancer Res. 2003;5(5):R110-3. Epub 2003 Jun 5. PMID: 12927040
2. Saraiva PP, Figueiredo NB, Padovani CR, Brentani MM, Nogueira CR. Profile of thyroid hormones in breast cancer patients. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2005 May;38(5):761-5. Epub 2005 May 25. PMID: 15917958
3. Giani C, Fierabracci P, Bonacci R, Gigliotti A, Campani D, De Negri F, Cecchetti D, Martino E, Pinchera A. Relationship between breast cancer and thyroid disease: relevance of autoimmune thyroid disorders in breast malignancy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1996 Mar;81(3):990-4.
4. Kuijpens JL, Nyklíctek I, Louwman MW, Weetman TA, Pop VJ, Coebergh JW. Hypothyroidism might be related to breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Thyroid. 2005 Nov;15(11):1253-9. PMID: 16356089
5. Mardaleishvili KG, Nemsadze GG, Metreveli DS, Roinishvili TL. [About correlation of dysfunction of the thyroid gland with fibrocystic diseases in women] Georgian Med News. 2006 Nov;(140):30-2. Russian.
6. Patrick L. Iodine: deficiency and therapeutic considerations. Altern Med Rev. 2008 Jun;13(2):116-27. Review. PMID: 18590348
7. Eskin BA, Grotkowski CE, Connolly CP, Ghent WR. Different tissue responses for iodine and iodide in rat thyroid and mammary glands. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1995 Jul;49(1):9-19. PMID: 7577324
8. Stadel BV. Dietary iodine and risk of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Lancet. 1976 Apr 24;1(7965):890-1. PMID: 58152
9. Cann SA, van Netten JP, van Netten C. Hypothesis: iodine, selenium and the development of breast cancer. Cancer Causes Control. 2000 Feb;11(2):121-7. Review. PMID: 10710195
10. García-Solís P, Alfaro Y, Anguiano B, Delgado G, Guzman RC, Nandi S, Díaz-Muñoz M, Vázquez-Martínez O, Aceves C. Inhibition of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mammary carcinogenesis by molecular iodine (I2) but not by iodide (I-) treatment Evidence that I2 prevents cancer promotion. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2005 May 31;236(1-2):49-57. Epub 2005 Apr 13. PMID: 15922087
11. Kessler JH. The effect of supraphysiologic levels of iodine on patients with cyclic mastalgia. Breast J. 2004 Jul-Aug;10(4):328-36. PMID: 15239792
12. Ghent WR, Eskin BA, Low DA, Hill LP. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Can J Surg. 1993 Oct;36(5):453-60. PMID: 8221402
13. Stadel BV. Dietary iodine and risk of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Lancet. 1976 Apr 24;1(7965):890-1. PMID: 58152
14. Funahashi H, Imai T, Tanaka Y, Tobinaga J, Wada M, Morita T, Yamada F, Tsukamura K, Oiwa M, Kikumori T, Narita T, Takagi H. Suppressive effect of iodine on DMBA-induced breast tumor growth in the rat. J Surg Oncol. 1996 Mar;61(3):209-13. PMID: 8637209
15. Shrivastava A, Tiwari M, Sinha RA, Kumar A, Balapure AK, Bajpai VK, Sharma R, Mitra K, Tandon A, Godbole MM. Molecular iodine induces caspase-independent apoptosis in human breast carcinoma cells involving the mitochondria-mediated pathway. J Biol Chem. 2006 Jul 14;281(28):19762-71. Epub 2006 May 5. PMID: 16679319
16. Stoddard FR 2nd, Brooks AD, Eskin BA, Johannes GJ. Iodine alters gene expression in the MCF7 breast cancer cell line: evidence for an anti-estrogen effect of iodine. Int J Med Sci. 2008 Jul 8;5(4):189-96. PMID: 18645607
This blog was originally published on December 2, 2008 here.
I wrote a research paper looking the relationships between thyroid function, breast pathologies, and the role of iodine supplementation. This blog is a summary of what I learned. References are listed at the end and can be found on PubMed.
First, thyroid. There is an observed correlation between thyroid dysfunction and breast cancer (1,2,3), particularly hypothyroidism (3,4). Decreased function of the thyroid gland and rising TSH are also associated with a doubling in the risk of development of fibrocystic breast disease (5).
Next, iodine and breasts. Both breast tissue and thyroid tissue concentrate iodine (6) and deficiency of iodine causes “atypical tissue and physiologic changes in both” (7). One researcher noted that “geographic differences in the rates of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer appear to be inversely correlated with dietary iodine intake” (8). For example, in Japan seaweed (high in both iodine and selenium) is a major part of the diet and may play a role in the low incidence of both benign and malignant breast disease in that country (9).
A study on rats demonstrated a reduction in breast cancer incidence with iodine treatment (10). With regard to fibrocystic breast disease, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trials (the gold-standard of conventional medicine!) have demonstrated that supplementation with iodide/iodine significantly reduced breast pain, tenderness, and nodularity (11,12).
So how does this work? One theory is that iodine deficiency leads to a state of excess estrogen (13), increasing the risk of a whole host of cancers. Iodine is also believed to suppress tumour growth (14), induce tumour cell death (15), and regulate genes that influence hormone metabolism, cell cycle, growth, and differentiation (16).
Why is this useful information? Everything in the body is connected, particularly the endocrine system. So, when something is going wrong in one area, like thyroid function, there are likely also going to be issues either immediately or down the road with another area, particularly reproductive organs. The causal mechanisms are not clear yet, but it is prudent to assess breast health when patients present with thyroid dysfunction and vice versa. There is evidence to suggest that iodine is effective nutritional treatment for fibrocystic breast disease and it may also be useful in reproductive cancers. Molecular iodine, rather than iodide, was found to be most effective and have the least adverse effects on the thyroid (12).
There is lots of other interesting information that I was not able to get to, such as a deeper look at the interaction of sex hormones with thyroid function and other influences on hormonal balance, such as sleep. Maybe one day I’ll have time to do more research and I’ll post an update!
References:
1. Turken O, NarIn Y, DemIrbas S, Onde ME, Sayan O, KandemIr EG, YaylacI M, Ozturk A. Breast cancer in association with thyroid disorders. Breast Cancer Res. 2003;5(5):R110-3. Epub 2003 Jun 5. PMID: 12927040
2. Saraiva PP, Figueiredo NB, Padovani CR, Brentani MM, Nogueira CR. Profile of thyroid hormones in breast cancer patients. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2005 May;38(5):761-5. Epub 2005 May 25. PMID: 15917958
3. Giani C, Fierabracci P, Bonacci R, Gigliotti A, Campani D, De Negri F, Cecchetti D, Martino E, Pinchera A. Relationship between breast cancer and thyroid disease: relevance of autoimmune thyroid disorders in breast malignancy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1996 Mar;81(3):990-4.
4. Kuijpens JL, Nyklíctek I, Louwman MW, Weetman TA, Pop VJ, Coebergh JW. Hypothyroidism might be related to breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Thyroid. 2005 Nov;15(11):1253-9. PMID: 16356089
5. Mardaleishvili KG, Nemsadze GG, Metreveli DS, Roinishvili TL. [About correlation of dysfunction of the thyroid gland with fibrocystic diseases in women] Georgian Med News. 2006 Nov;(140):30-2. Russian.
6. Patrick L. Iodine: deficiency and therapeutic considerations. Altern Med Rev. 2008 Jun;13(2):116-27. Review. PMID: 18590348
7. Eskin BA, Grotkowski CE, Connolly CP, Ghent WR. Different tissue responses for iodine and iodide in rat thyroid and mammary glands. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1995 Jul;49(1):9-19. PMID: 7577324
8. Stadel BV. Dietary iodine and risk of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Lancet. 1976 Apr 24;1(7965):890-1. PMID: 58152
9. Cann SA, van Netten JP, van Netten C. Hypothesis: iodine, selenium and the development of breast cancer. Cancer Causes Control. 2000 Feb;11(2):121-7. Review. PMID: 10710195
10. García-Solís P, Alfaro Y, Anguiano B, Delgado G, Guzman RC, Nandi S, Díaz-Muñoz M, Vázquez-Martínez O, Aceves C. Inhibition of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mammary carcinogenesis by molecular iodine (I2) but not by iodide (I-) treatment Evidence that I2 prevents cancer promotion. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2005 May 31;236(1-2):49-57. Epub 2005 Apr 13. PMID: 15922087
11. Kessler JH. The effect of supraphysiologic levels of iodine on patients with cyclic mastalgia. Breast J. 2004 Jul-Aug;10(4):328-36. PMID: 15239792
12. Ghent WR, Eskin BA, Low DA, Hill LP. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Can J Surg. 1993 Oct;36(5):453-60. PMID: 8221402
13. Stadel BV. Dietary iodine and risk of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Lancet. 1976 Apr 24;1(7965):890-1. PMID: 58152
14. Funahashi H, Imai T, Tanaka Y, Tobinaga J, Wada M, Morita T, Yamada F, Tsukamura K, Oiwa M, Kikumori T, Narita T, Takagi H. Suppressive effect of iodine on DMBA-induced breast tumor growth in the rat. J Surg Oncol. 1996 Mar;61(3):209-13. PMID: 8637209
15. Shrivastava A, Tiwari M, Sinha RA, Kumar A, Balapure AK, Bajpai VK, Sharma R, Mitra K, Tandon A, Godbole MM. Molecular iodine induces caspase-independent apoptosis in human breast carcinoma cells involving the mitochondria-mediated pathway. J Biol Chem. 2006 Jul 14;281(28):19762-71. Epub 2006 May 5. PMID: 16679319
16. Stoddard FR 2nd, Brooks AD, Eskin BA, Johannes GJ. Iodine alters gene expression in the MCF7 breast cancer cell line: evidence for an anti-estrogen effect of iodine. Int J Med Sci. 2008 Jul 8;5(4):189-96. PMID: 18645607