Jul 2012
Great quote #41
31/Jul/12 02:08 PM Filed in: Quotes
“He who takes medicine and neglects to diet wastes the skill of his doctors.” Chinese Proverb
Comments
Naturopathic medicine produces positive outcomes
26/Jul/12 12:08 PM Filed in: Natural medicine
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
A project initiated by the Naturopathic Physicians Research Institute conducted a systematic review of outcome studies of whole practice naturopathic medicine. This review demonstrated the value of naturopathic medicine, specifically (bolding mine):
“Our review found 13 qualifying studies which we evaluated for their primary outcome measures, quality of life measures and cost-effectiveness.
This is great news for the profession, as the value of our work continues to prove effective and valuable!
A project initiated by the Naturopathic Physicians Research Institute conducted a systematic review of outcome studies of whole practice naturopathic medicine. This review demonstrated the value of naturopathic medicine, specifically (bolding mine):
“Our review found 13 qualifying studies which we evaluated for their primary outcome measures, quality of life measures and cost-effectiveness.
- For primary outcomes, the 13 studies were universally positive and, in 11 of 13, were statistically significantly positive.
- Quality of life was assessed in some way in 8 of the studies, and again, the outcomes were universally positive with 6 studies showing statistical significance in one or more scales.
- Cost-effectiveness was included in 2 studies. Again, the results were positive.”
This is great news for the profession, as the value of our work continues to prove effective and valuable!
Gluten sensitivity talk July 25th
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I will be giving a free talk on Gluten Sensitivity on Wednesday, July 25th, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!
What is gluten? What is gluten sensitivity and celiac disease? Unlock the mystery of this common food sensitivity and how it can make a major impact on your health.
Topics will include:
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
I will be giving a free talk on Gluten Sensitivity on Wednesday, July 25th, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!
What is gluten? What is gluten sensitivity and celiac disease? Unlock the mystery of this common food sensitivity and how it can make a major impact on your health.
Topics will include:
- Celiac disease vs. gluten sensitivity
- Prevalence, signs, and symptoms
- Diagnosis
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
Gluten sensitivity part 3: living gluten-free
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
If you missed my previous blogs on this topics, check out Gluten sensitivity part 1: definitions, prevalence, presentation and Gluten sensitivity part 2: diagnosis.
Many people think that living gluten-free is impossible. While it can be difficult during the initial transition and to avoid gluten 100% (because it can be hidden in foods you don’t suspect - see below), for most people living nearly completely gluten-free is totally doable!
I’ve been avoiding gluten most of the time for many years, gradually getting closer and close to 100%. In my own life, I avoid gluten 100% in my own home and I make sure to avoid obvious gluten sources the majority of the time when I eat out. Because I am not celiac, this works for me, and I find this way of life quite easy, actually, as there are many other foods to eat.
In my practice, I have found that most patients that avoid gluten soon feel better, look better, lose weight more easily, and get into the habit of eating a wider variety of foods like fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods rather than bread, pasta, etc.
The most important key to success living gluten-free is NOT to just find substitutes for the gluten you used to eat (ie: replacing bread, pasta, cookies, cake, etc with gluten-free alternatives) but rather to rebalance your diet away from grains in favour of other food groups.
Treatment
For those with celiac disease, it is very important to follow a strict 100% gluten-free diet for the rest of their lives in order to regain the health of their digestive tract and avoid further damage and associated diseases. There are some celiac disease patients who will react to even the smallest amount of gluten and must therefore use completely separate cooking tools and utensils to prepare food and who cannot even tolerate gluten in the environment (ie: in the air, in personal care products such as toothpaste and shampoo, etc).
However, if you are gluten sensitive (which is still a much more fluid and less defined diagnosis), I believe it may be possible to reduce your sensitivity such that the reaction to gluten is less severe or possibly even eliminated. I recommend strict adherence to a gluten-free diet for at least 1 year while continuing with other naturopathic treatments to see major improvement and continuing almost completely gluten-free for 3-5 years, after which patients may be able to eat gluten again (as long as they are not celiac). However, keep in mind that this depends on the severity of gluten sensitivity and symptoms and it is important to test at the beginning of treatment and do follow-up testing to compare.
In both cases, treatment beyond diet is key to healing the digestive system. This is best accomplished via:
Here are some more detailed lists of gluten grains, places you may find hidden gluten (read labels and ask questions if you are not sure!), and gluten-free grains/starches:
Gluten grains:
If you missed my previous blogs on this topics, check out Gluten sensitivity part 1: definitions, prevalence, presentation and Gluten sensitivity part 2: diagnosis.
Many people think that living gluten-free is impossible. While it can be difficult during the initial transition and to avoid gluten 100% (because it can be hidden in foods you don’t suspect - see below), for most people living nearly completely gluten-free is totally doable!
I’ve been avoiding gluten most of the time for many years, gradually getting closer and close to 100%. In my own life, I avoid gluten 100% in my own home and I make sure to avoid obvious gluten sources the majority of the time when I eat out. Because I am not celiac, this works for me, and I find this way of life quite easy, actually, as there are many other foods to eat.
In my practice, I have found that most patients that avoid gluten soon feel better, look better, lose weight more easily, and get into the habit of eating a wider variety of foods like fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods rather than bread, pasta, etc.
The most important key to success living gluten-free is NOT to just find substitutes for the gluten you used to eat (ie: replacing bread, pasta, cookies, cake, etc with gluten-free alternatives) but rather to rebalance your diet away from grains in favour of other food groups.
Treatment
For those with celiac disease, it is very important to follow a strict 100% gluten-free diet for the rest of their lives in order to regain the health of their digestive tract and avoid further damage and associated diseases. There are some celiac disease patients who will react to even the smallest amount of gluten and must therefore use completely separate cooking tools and utensils to prepare food and who cannot even tolerate gluten in the environment (ie: in the air, in personal care products such as toothpaste and shampoo, etc).
However, if you are gluten sensitive (which is still a much more fluid and less defined diagnosis), I believe it may be possible to reduce your sensitivity such that the reaction to gluten is less severe or possibly even eliminated. I recommend strict adherence to a gluten-free diet for at least 1 year while continuing with other naturopathic treatments to see major improvement and continuing almost completely gluten-free for 3-5 years, after which patients may be able to eat gluten again (as long as they are not celiac). However, keep in mind that this depends on the severity of gluten sensitivity and symptoms and it is important to test at the beginning of treatment and do follow-up testing to compare.
In both cases, treatment beyond diet is key to healing the digestive system. This is best accomplished via:
- Avoidance of other food sensitivities that may be a problem (which will differ by patient)
- Supportive nutrition to reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, rebalance gut flora, and support healing of the absorptive surface of the intestines
- Concurrent treatment of any other health concerns
- Whole body detox and improvement of elimination organ functioning
Here are some more detailed lists of gluten grains, places you may find hidden gluten (read labels and ask questions if you are not sure!), and gluten-free grains/starches:
Gluten grains:
- Barley
- Bran
- Bulgar
- Couscous
- Durum flour
- Einkorn
- Emmer
- Farina
- Faro
- Graham flour
- Kamut
- Matzo flour/meal
- Orzo
- Panko
- Rye
- Seitan
- Semolina
- Spelt
- Triticale
- Udon
- Wheat
- Ales, beers, lagers
- Bouillon cubes, soup base
- Breading/coating mix
- Brown rice syrup
- Communion wafers
- Croutons
- Candy
- Chips/potato chips
- Luncheon meats, hot dogs, salami, sausage
- French fries
- Gravy
- Marinades, sauces
- Pasta
- Rice mixes
- Seasoned tortilla chips
- Stuffing
- Self-basting poultry
- Soy sauce (soy sauce is made of wheat, tamari sauce is made of soy!0
- Thickeners
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications (check out www.glutenfreedrugs.com)
- Vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements
- Lipstick, lip gloss, balm
- Play Dough
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothpaste
- Amaranth
- Arrowroot
- Buckwheat
- Corn
- Flax
- Millet
- Montina
- Oats (if gluten-free, such as Bob’s Red Mill)
- Potato
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sago
- Sorghum
- Soy
- Tapioca
- Teff
- Flours made from nuts, beans, seeds
Great quote #40
17/Jul/12 01:14 PM Filed in: Quotes
“If I'd known I was going to live so long, I'd have taken better care of myself.” Leon Eldred
Gluten sensitivity part 2: diagnosis
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
It’s now been over a year since my first blog about gluten sensitivity, so it’s about time to follow that up with more information! If you’d like a refresher, check out Gluten sensitivity part 1: definitions, prevalence, presentation.
Definitions:
Common:
Diagnosis seems to be constantly changing and evolving, so I’ll share what my current knowledge is on the subject from my own experience being tested and what I use with my patients.
Diagnosis of Celiac Disease:
To unequivocally diagnose celiac disease, a patient must complete 3 steps:
1. Blood tests: must be eating gluten regularly (I recommend at least 1 serving daily for at least 3-4 weeks) before testing
3. Positive results from a gluten-free diet
Diagnosis of Gluten Sensitivity:
Gluten sensitivity is often a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that you have to rule-out celiac disease while still demonstrating a reaction to gluten and improvement in symptoms when the patient avoids gluten.
1. Blood tests: must be eating gluten regularly (I recommend at least 1 serving daily for at least 3-4 weeks) before testing
What do I use in my practice?
I’ve used 3 different tests in my practice so far, but I haven’t settled on just one because they each have advantages and disadvantages.
1. CELIACSURE
This is an in-office test for tissue transglutaminase (tTG) only and can be completed with quick results in-office at a reasonable price.
The advantage is quick diagnosis using only a finger-prick while the patient is still eating gluten. The disadvantage is that tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies may be negative while other antibodies (such as deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP)) are positive, so even with a negative result, further testing is indicated to really rule-out gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
2. Gamma Dynacare Celiac Profile Panel
This is how I tested myself because it includes the combination of 4 tests that is currently considered to be the most comprehensive: total IgA, transglutaminase IgA, deamidated gliadin IgA, deamidated gliadin IgG.
The advantage is that it is most complete and highly accurate as long as the patient is eating gluten daily for 3-4 weeks before testing. None of these tests cover endomysial antibodies, but this test can be added onto the Gamma Dynacare testing at additional cost. The disadvantage is that this test is more expensive, involves a blood draw rather than finger-prick, and I have to send patients to a Gamma Dynacare lab location for the blood draw, which also involves a collection fee.
This is currently my test of choice because it minimizes the need for future testing, although the test below is also a great option.
3. Rocky Mountain Analytical Celiac Profile
I’ve recently ordered some of these test kits for in-office finger-prick blood collection that then needs to be sent away for results. This kit tests tissue transglutaminase, gliadin IgA, and gliadin IgG.
The advantage is an easier in-office finger-prick collection that covers 3 key tests at a lower price than the Gamma Dynacare testing. For most people this testing is sufficient and at a lower price without having to do a full blood draw at a lab. The disadvantage is that testing gliadin rather than deamidated gliadin is less sensitive and specific and this test does not include total IgA (which is helpful to rule-out IgA deficiency).
References:
It’s now been over a year since my first blog about gluten sensitivity, so it’s about time to follow that up with more information! If you’d like a refresher, check out Gluten sensitivity part 1: definitions, prevalence, presentation.
Definitions:
- Celiac disease is a condition in which eating gluten causes damage to the small intestine which impacts the ability to absorb nutrients from food
- Gluten sensitivity is less specific - it includes medical conditions which are caused by and made worse by exposure to gluten and covers patients who feel better while gluten-free but may not fit the definition of celiac disease
Common:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Borborygmus (fun word for rumbling or gurgling in the abdomen)
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Abdominal distention/bloating
- Flatulence
- Irritability, mood swings (especially children)
- Short stature
- Osteopenia/osteoporosis (especially premature)
- Abnormal liver function
- Nausea, vomiting
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Neurological dysfunction
- Constipation
Diagnosis seems to be constantly changing and evolving, so I’ll share what my current knowledge is on the subject from my own experience being tested and what I use with my patients.
Diagnosis of Celiac Disease:
To unequivocally diagnose celiac disease, a patient must complete 3 steps:
1. Blood tests: must be eating gluten regularly (I recommend at least 1 serving daily for at least 3-4 weeks) before testing
- Serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) must be normal (rule-out IgA deficiency)
- Endomysial antibodies (IgA)
- Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA antibodies
3. Positive results from a gluten-free diet
Diagnosis of Gluten Sensitivity:
Gluten sensitivity is often a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that you have to rule-out celiac disease while still demonstrating a reaction to gluten and improvement in symptoms when the patient avoids gluten.
1. Blood tests: must be eating gluten regularly (I recommend at least 1 serving daily for at least 3-4 weeks) before testing
- Serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) must be normal (rule-out IgA deficiency)
- Deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) IgA and IgG are considered more sensitive and specific than gliadin antibodies (1) especially if other tests are normal
- Endomysial antibodies (IgA) and/or tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA antibodies may be negative
What do I use in my practice?
I’ve used 3 different tests in my practice so far, but I haven’t settled on just one because they each have advantages and disadvantages.
1. CELIACSURE
This is an in-office test for tissue transglutaminase (tTG) only and can be completed with quick results in-office at a reasonable price.
The advantage is quick diagnosis using only a finger-prick while the patient is still eating gluten. The disadvantage is that tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies may be negative while other antibodies (such as deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP)) are positive, so even with a negative result, further testing is indicated to really rule-out gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
2. Gamma Dynacare Celiac Profile Panel
This is how I tested myself because it includes the combination of 4 tests that is currently considered to be the most comprehensive: total IgA, transglutaminase IgA, deamidated gliadin IgA, deamidated gliadin IgG.
The advantage is that it is most complete and highly accurate as long as the patient is eating gluten daily for 3-4 weeks before testing. None of these tests cover endomysial antibodies, but this test can be added onto the Gamma Dynacare testing at additional cost. The disadvantage is that this test is more expensive, involves a blood draw rather than finger-prick, and I have to send patients to a Gamma Dynacare lab location for the blood draw, which also involves a collection fee.
This is currently my test of choice because it minimizes the need for future testing, although the test below is also a great option.
3. Rocky Mountain Analytical Celiac Profile
I’ve recently ordered some of these test kits for in-office finger-prick blood collection that then needs to be sent away for results. This kit tests tissue transglutaminase, gliadin IgA, and gliadin IgG.
The advantage is an easier in-office finger-prick collection that covers 3 key tests at a lower price than the Gamma Dynacare testing. For most people this testing is sufficient and at a lower price without having to do a full blood draw at a lab. The disadvantage is that testing gliadin rather than deamidated gliadin is less sensitive and specific and this test does not include total IgA (which is helpful to rule-out IgA deficiency).
References:
Gluten sensitivity talk July 18th
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I will be giving a free talk on Gluten Sensitivity on Wednesday, July 18th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!
What is gluten? What is gluten sensitivity and celiac disease? Unlock the mystery of this common food sensitivity and how it can make a major impact on your health.
Topics will include:
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
I will be giving a free talk on Gluten Sensitivity on Wednesday, July 18th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!
What is gluten? What is gluten sensitivity and celiac disease? Unlock the mystery of this common food sensitivity and how it can make a major impact on your health.
Topics will include:
- Celiac disease vs. gluten sensitivity
- Prevalence, signs, and symptoms
- Diagnosis
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
Naturopathic travel and first aid essentials
03/Jul/12 10:39 AM Filed in: Travel
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
Over years of travelling both locally (camping, hiking) and to far-off places like India and Nicaragua I’ve developed a list of essential travel and first-aid items for naturopathic treatment on the go.
The first rule is that you truly will never know what you will need, so BE PREPARED! I’ve treated cuts, scrapes, diarrhea, vomiting, flu, ear infections, bumps, bruises, sprains, strains, fractures, viruses, bacteria, dehydration, jet lag, motion sickness, anxiety attacks, bug bites, and lots more in myself and others using the things I’ve listed below.
I also have been able to treat myself to avoid major illness (and use of antibiotics) while travelling while most people around me were sick (sometimes extremely sick). I credit this partially to my hardy type O immune system but also to my efforts to maintain my health and prevent illness while I travel.
For daily use:
I also have a list of homeopathic remedies for acute and first aid use to treat most minor illnesses and injuries. These include:
Over years of travelling both locally (camping, hiking) and to far-off places like India and Nicaragua I’ve developed a list of essential travel and first-aid items for naturopathic treatment on the go.
The first rule is that you truly will never know what you will need, so BE PREPARED! I’ve treated cuts, scrapes, diarrhea, vomiting, flu, ear infections, bumps, bruises, sprains, strains, fractures, viruses, bacteria, dehydration, jet lag, motion sickness, anxiety attacks, bug bites, and lots more in myself and others using the things I’ve listed below.
I also have been able to treat myself to avoid major illness (and use of antibiotics) while travelling while most people around me were sick (sometimes extremely sick). I credit this partially to my hardy type O immune system but also to my efforts to maintain my health and prevent illness while I travel.
For daily use:
- Sea salt: Add a pinch to your water bottle to prevent dehydration and electrolyte loss in hot climates
- Probiotics: Use daily to prevent digestive upset while travelling - I usually use Polyflora (type O for me) since it does not need to be refrigerated and I’ve never had an issue
- Deflect (type O for me): I use this when I eat out or while travelling to protect my digestion from foods not right for my blood type and just for general digestive support
- Digestive enzymes: Take with meals to prevent digestive upset (I’ve never used these, but I think for many people it is a good idea)
- Greens powder/protein powder: Handy for extra nutrition while travelling and in case you miss meals
- Natural electrolyte drink: For more serious fluid loss from diarrhea, vomiting, heat stroke, excessive sweating - if you can’t find every ingredient, that’s OK, just do your best
- Peppermint, ginger, chamomile teas: To sooth an upset stomach, frayed nerves, aid sleep and relaxation
- Tea tree oil: For cuts, scrapes, wounds to prevention infection - once, in a pinch, I put this in my ear and it worked to stop a painful ear infection (although I don’t recommend this use!)
- Oregano oil: For sore throats, colds/flus, infections
- Calendula cream: For shallow/superficial cuts, scrapes, and rashes (don’t use on deep, fresh, or open wounds)
- Grapefruit seed extract (GSE): To prevent or treat digestive upsets like vomiting and diarrhea - follow instructions on the bottle
- Aloe vera gel: For sunburn and minor cuts/scrapes
- Apis gel: For bug bites
- Traumeel cream and/or tablets: For bumps, bruises, sore muscles, etc
- Traumeel ear drops: For any ear issues (pain, infection, itch) - I’ve never actually used these but seems like a great idea and they come in single-dose ampules
- Oculoheel eye drops: For any eye issues (allergies, itch, dryness, fatigue) - love these and they come in single-dose ampules
- No Jet Lag: Great product to prevent jet lag - it really works!
- Melatonin: As a sleep aid and to treat or prevent jet lag (although I have always used No Jet Lag)
- Rescue Remedy: Use for anxiety, emotional upset, nervousness, panic attacks, shock, trauma - I like the spray
I also have a list of homeopathic remedies for acute and first aid use to treat most minor illnesses and injuries. These include:
- Fevers, cold & flu, infections
- Frostbite
- Bug bites
- Bruises, strains/sprains, fractures
- Food poisoning
- Diarrhea, constipation
- Vomiting
- Pain
- Burns (sunburn and burns from heat)
- Jet lag
- Motion sickness
- Altitude sickness
- Sunstroke
- Wounds
- Poison ivy
- Hangover
