Oct 2011
Guest post: Sex as medicine
27/Oct/11 11:44 AM Filed in: Guest post | Sex | Sleep | Stress | Immune | Heart health | Pain | Cancer
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!
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Change your genetic destiny with SWAMI GenoType
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” - Hippocrates
This is an often-used quote in naturopathic medicine and a phrase that I probably think about daily as I work with patients. Despite the growing “obesity epidemic” and the pervasiveness of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disease, and cancer, we have an incredibly powerful to at our disposal to improve our health and our lives.
Do you think you are cursed with “bad genes” that have caused you to develop health issues? Think again. Yes, your genes are your genes and you cannot change the sequence of nucleotides encoded in every cell of your body. But these genes are only the starting point for your life journey... Starting before you were born and continuing every second of your life, you are influencing which of these genes are “heard” and which are “silent” through your diet and lifestyle, and therefore what health challenges you are most susceptible to. I feel like most people are aware of this influence, but still fail to grasp the full significance of it and do not know how to harness it.
This is the life work of Peter D’Adamo ND, bestselling author of The GenoType Diet, which identifies 6 GenoTypes and explains how to use diet and lifestyle to change your genetic destiny. Dr. D’Adamo has also created a software program called SWAMI GenoType, which I use with patients in my practice to create a personalized diet report including individualized recipes. This software uses blood type, medical history, family history, biometrics, fingerprints, and many other variables (including lab results and prescribed medications) to custom-design a diet protocol to address your unique health needs.
Most patients who come to see me for SWAMI GenoType want to lose weight, but it can also be used as part of treatment for many physical and mental/emotional concerns. If it seems like SWAMI GenoType is a magic bullet for all that ails you, keep in mind that indeed, food is truly healing; personalized nutrition can be used to treat such a variety of conditions because what you eat is the most important influence on your health, via your digestive tract, immune system, and hormone levels. However, nutrition is almost never the only intervention that I work with and the onus is ultimately on the patient to take responsibility for his or her health by making habit changes that will support healing. You are a key part of the equation.
For even more information, such as what information is used, what the output looks like, and some frequently asked questions, check out my page all about SWAMI GenoType.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” - Hippocrates
This is an often-used quote in naturopathic medicine and a phrase that I probably think about daily as I work with patients. Despite the growing “obesity epidemic” and the pervasiveness of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disease, and cancer, we have an incredibly powerful to at our disposal to improve our health and our lives.
Do you think you are cursed with “bad genes” that have caused you to develop health issues? Think again. Yes, your genes are your genes and you cannot change the sequence of nucleotides encoded in every cell of your body. But these genes are only the starting point for your life journey... Starting before you were born and continuing every second of your life, you are influencing which of these genes are “heard” and which are “silent” through your diet and lifestyle, and therefore what health challenges you are most susceptible to. I feel like most people are aware of this influence, but still fail to grasp the full significance of it and do not know how to harness it.
This is the life work of Peter D’Adamo ND, bestselling author of The GenoType Diet, which identifies 6 GenoTypes and explains how to use diet and lifestyle to change your genetic destiny. Dr. D’Adamo has also created a software program called SWAMI GenoType, which I use with patients in my practice to create a personalized diet report including individualized recipes. This software uses blood type, medical history, family history, biometrics, fingerprints, and many other variables (including lab results and prescribed medications) to custom-design a diet protocol to address your unique health needs.
Most patients who come to see me for SWAMI GenoType want to lose weight, but it can also be used as part of treatment for many physical and mental/emotional concerns. If it seems like SWAMI GenoType is a magic bullet for all that ails you, keep in mind that indeed, food is truly healing; personalized nutrition can be used to treat such a variety of conditions because what you eat is the most important influence on your health, via your digestive tract, immune system, and hormone levels. However, nutrition is almost never the only intervention that I work with and the onus is ultimately on the patient to take responsibility for his or her health by making habit changes that will support healing. You are a key part of the equation.
For even more information, such as what information is used, what the output looks like, and some frequently asked questions, check out my page all about SWAMI GenoType.
Great quote #32
22/Oct/11 08:27 AM Filed in: Quotes
“The subject of money is really two subjects: (1) money, plenty of money, and (2) absence of money, not nearly enough money. Often people assume that because they are speaking the words "I want more money," they are speaking positively about money. When you are feeling fear or discomfort as you speak, you are not speaking of the subject of money, you are speaking of the subject of not enough money. And the difference is very important, because the first statement brings money and the second holds it away.” Abraham, Money and the Law of Attraction
Blood type diet primer, part 2
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
This is the second part of a two-part blog about blood type and the Blood Type Diet. In part one, I covered the basics of blood type and what it has to do with food. Now that you’ve got the foundation, let’s learn a bit about each blood type and how you can use this valuable information to improve your health!
Blood type profiles
A full description of each type is beyond the scope of this blog, but here is a quick summary of each type. For more info, dig into the vast resources listed below, read about Blood Groups and the History of Peoples, and check out Wikipedia for an interesting breakdown of ABO and Rh blood type distribution by nation.
Type O:
Type O is the oldest blood type. This type dominated during the time of hunters, when meat (protein) was the primary food source for humans. Type O at its best is strong, active, with a feisty immune system and hardy digestive tract. However, Type O does not adapt well to change and when out of balance, suffers from an overactive immune system, inflammatory conditions, and thyroid disorders.
Type O thrives on a paleolithic-type diet of green vegetables and animal protein, while wheat, corn, potatoes, and dairy impair the Type O metabolism and encourage weight gain.
Type A:
Type A emerged as humans developed agriculture and the lifestyle that came with it. Cultivated grains became a primary food source and humans settled into larger communities, necessitating adaptations in digestion and immunity. Type A enjoys an adaptable and efficient physiology that thrives on routine. However, Type A can be at risk for heart disease, due to chronic stress and difficulty digesting animal protein, and cancer, due to a vulnerable immune system.
Type A thrives on an agrarian-type diet of vegetables, vegetarian proteins, and whole grains. Red meat and dairy products impair digestion and lead to long-term illness.
Type B:
Type B developed where humans lived a more nomadic existence and is more concentrated in Asia. Type B benefits from a strong immune system, balanced nervous system, and superior adaptability. However, Type B is susceptible to losing this important balance as it is highly sensitive, resulting in autoimmune disease and chronic fatigue.
Type B thrives on a balanced diet integrating some animal proteins, such as eggs, red meat, and dairy, along with lots of green vegetables. Lectins in certain foods, such as chicken, corn, wheat, and tomatoes are problematic to sensitive Type B.
Type AB:
Type AB is the most modern and rarest type, developing from intermingling of Type A and Type B. The strength of Type AB is a tolerant immune system designed for modern conditions. Type AB can draw on strengths from both the systematic Type A side and more creative and balanced Type B side. However, due to the rare combination of both A and B antigens, Type AB faces greater susceptibility to microbial infections and some cancers as well as the challenge of being a physiological anomaly in a Type O and Type A dominated world.
Type AB thrives on a diverse diet including seafood and sea vegetables as well as some dairy and vegetable proteins. Animal proteins, such as red meat and chicken, as well as wheat and corn are red flag foods for the Type AB metabolism.
What is secretor status?
Most people (about 85%) secrete their blood type antigens (markers) into bodily secretions such as saliva and are therefore dubbed “secretors.” The minority of those who do not are called “nonsecretors.” Secretor status is also a genetic marker, also determined by two alleles. Secretor is dominant, nonsecretor is recessive. Live Right For Your Type is the book to find out more about secretor status and its relevance to diet.
Why does secretor status matter?
The short explanation is that secretors have a lot more free blood type antigens because they secrete them in places like the intestinal tract, respiratory tract, and even the uterine cervix. These antigens interact with the environment to influence digestion, immunity, and metabolism. Knowing your secretor status gives you an additional tool to help you understand your unique needs and therefore treat and prevent disease.
Resources
There are so many great resources to learn more about the Blood Type Diet! I would suggest you start by exploring the official website, which includes tutorials, message boards, research writing, and a lot more.
Dr. D’Adamo has written many books about blood type and its influence on health. The best place to start is with the classic Eat Right For Your Type and then the more in-depth Live Right For Your Type (my personal favourite). Also check out Eat Right For Your Baby, Cook Right For Your Type, and the Complete Blood Type Encyclopedia. Dr. D’Adamo has also written a series of books on specific conditions, covering Aging, Allergies, Arthritis, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Fatigue, Menopause.
His most recent book, The GenoType Diet, builds on his work with blood types by looking at how our genes and environment interact to influence health.
Finally, for the medical professionals out there, another great resource is the Textbook of Natural Medicine by Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray. Chapter 43 is titled “Nontransfusion Significance of ABO and ABO-associated Polymorphisms” and was written by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo.
Practitioners
There are people around the world who have become experts on Dr. D’Adamo’s work and been certified by the Institute for Human Individuality. You can search for practitioners in your area here. To my knowledge, I am the only IfHI-certified naturopathic doctor in Ontario and one of only a few in Canada. I use the Blood Type Diet, GenoType Diet, and SWAMI GenoType software in my practice. You can find out more about my practice locations and how to make an appointment here.
Supplements and testing
Dr. D’Adamo has formulated a line of products that started out in his own naturopathic clinic and are now available for purchase by the public. He also sells home testing kits for blood type and secretor status. In Canada, you can find them at Right For Your Type Canada.
This is the second part of a two-part blog about blood type and the Blood Type Diet. In part one, I covered the basics of blood type and what it has to do with food. Now that you’ve got the foundation, let’s learn a bit about each blood type and how you can use this valuable information to improve your health!
Blood type profiles
A full description of each type is beyond the scope of this blog, but here is a quick summary of each type. For more info, dig into the vast resources listed below, read about Blood Groups and the History of Peoples, and check out Wikipedia for an interesting breakdown of ABO and Rh blood type distribution by nation.
Type O:
Type O is the oldest blood type. This type dominated during the time of hunters, when meat (protein) was the primary food source for humans. Type O at its best is strong, active, with a feisty immune system and hardy digestive tract. However, Type O does not adapt well to change and when out of balance, suffers from an overactive immune system, inflammatory conditions, and thyroid disorders.
Type O thrives on a paleolithic-type diet of green vegetables and animal protein, while wheat, corn, potatoes, and dairy impair the Type O metabolism and encourage weight gain.
Type A:
Type A emerged as humans developed agriculture and the lifestyle that came with it. Cultivated grains became a primary food source and humans settled into larger communities, necessitating adaptations in digestion and immunity. Type A enjoys an adaptable and efficient physiology that thrives on routine. However, Type A can be at risk for heart disease, due to chronic stress and difficulty digesting animal protein, and cancer, due to a vulnerable immune system.
Type A thrives on an agrarian-type diet of vegetables, vegetarian proteins, and whole grains. Red meat and dairy products impair digestion and lead to long-term illness.
Type B:
Type B developed where humans lived a more nomadic existence and is more concentrated in Asia. Type B benefits from a strong immune system, balanced nervous system, and superior adaptability. However, Type B is susceptible to losing this important balance as it is highly sensitive, resulting in autoimmune disease and chronic fatigue.
Type B thrives on a balanced diet integrating some animal proteins, such as eggs, red meat, and dairy, along with lots of green vegetables. Lectins in certain foods, such as chicken, corn, wheat, and tomatoes are problematic to sensitive Type B.
Type AB:
Type AB is the most modern and rarest type, developing from intermingling of Type A and Type B. The strength of Type AB is a tolerant immune system designed for modern conditions. Type AB can draw on strengths from both the systematic Type A side and more creative and balanced Type B side. However, due to the rare combination of both A and B antigens, Type AB faces greater susceptibility to microbial infections and some cancers as well as the challenge of being a physiological anomaly in a Type O and Type A dominated world.
Type AB thrives on a diverse diet including seafood and sea vegetables as well as some dairy and vegetable proteins. Animal proteins, such as red meat and chicken, as well as wheat and corn are red flag foods for the Type AB metabolism.
What is secretor status?
Most people (about 85%) secrete their blood type antigens (markers) into bodily secretions such as saliva and are therefore dubbed “secretors.” The minority of those who do not are called “nonsecretors.” Secretor status is also a genetic marker, also determined by two alleles. Secretor is dominant, nonsecretor is recessive. Live Right For Your Type is the book to find out more about secretor status and its relevance to diet.
Why does secretor status matter?
The short explanation is that secretors have a lot more free blood type antigens because they secrete them in places like the intestinal tract, respiratory tract, and even the uterine cervix. These antigens interact with the environment to influence digestion, immunity, and metabolism. Knowing your secretor status gives you an additional tool to help you understand your unique needs and therefore treat and prevent disease.
Resources
There are so many great resources to learn more about the Blood Type Diet! I would suggest you start by exploring the official website, which includes tutorials, message boards, research writing, and a lot more.
Dr. D’Adamo has written many books about blood type and its influence on health. The best place to start is with the classic Eat Right For Your Type and then the more in-depth Live Right For Your Type (my personal favourite). Also check out Eat Right For Your Baby, Cook Right For Your Type, and the Complete Blood Type Encyclopedia. Dr. D’Adamo has also written a series of books on specific conditions, covering Aging, Allergies, Arthritis, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Fatigue, Menopause.
His most recent book, The GenoType Diet, builds on his work with blood types by looking at how our genes and environment interact to influence health.
Finally, for the medical professionals out there, another great resource is the Textbook of Natural Medicine by Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray. Chapter 43 is titled “Nontransfusion Significance of ABO and ABO-associated Polymorphisms” and was written by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo.
Practitioners
There are people around the world who have become experts on Dr. D’Adamo’s work and been certified by the Institute for Human Individuality. You can search for practitioners in your area here. To my knowledge, I am the only IfHI-certified naturopathic doctor in Ontario and one of only a few in Canada. I use the Blood Type Diet, GenoType Diet, and SWAMI GenoType software in my practice. You can find out more about my practice locations and how to make an appointment here.
Supplements and testing
Dr. D’Adamo has formulated a line of products that started out in his own naturopathic clinic and are now available for purchase by the public. He also sells home testing kits for blood type and secretor status. In Canada, you can find them at Right For Your Type Canada.
Body brushing
17/Oct/11 10:37 AM Filed in: Beauty
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
Body brushing is the practice of using a natural bristle brush (available at your local health food store) to brush the skin all over the body before bathing.
First, a few cautions. Do not brush over irritated or broken skin. Brush lightly, do not use too much pressure and be extra gentle over sensitive areas, such as the face. You may choose to use a smaller, softer brush for the face. Finally, always brush toward the trunk (more specifically the chest and heart).
Benefits:
How to:
Body brushing is the practice of using a natural bristle brush (available at your local health food store) to brush the skin all over the body before bathing.
First, a few cautions. Do not brush over irritated or broken skin. Brush lightly, do not use too much pressure and be extra gentle over sensitive areas, such as the face. You may choose to use a smaller, softer brush for the face. Finally, always brush toward the trunk (more specifically the chest and heart).
Benefits:
- Energizing at the start of the day
- Slough off dead skin cells, increasing rate of skin turnover
- Stimulate superficial lymphatic flow
- Increase circulation to the skin, speeding healing and regeneration
- Takes only 5-10 minutes per day
- Low cost
How to:
- Hands: Starting with your palm, do 3-4 strokes from fingertips towards the wrist. Turn the hand over and do the same to the back of the hand.
- Arm: Using quick strokes, work your way from wrist to shoulder. Brush extra circles on the elbows and backs of the arms (where skin tends to sag). Wherever you do circles, finish with 4 straight strokes towards the trunk.
- Torso: Raise your arms and do 4 strokes down through the armpits and then 4 strokes across the armpits towards the chest. This helps to clear lymph nodes in the underarms.
- Repeat steps 1-3 beginning with the opposite hand.
- Foot: Starting with one foot, brush the bottom of the toes and foot towards the back of the heel and start up the leg. Brush the top of the foot towards the leg.
- Leg: Brush up the leg and over through the knee. Brush extra circles on the knees (where many people have dry skin) and thighs (where cellulite tends to appear). Wherever you do circles, finish with 4 straight strokes towards the trunk. Brush the thighs, front and back, up toward the trunk. Brush the buttocks upwards towards the torso.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6 beginning with the opposite foot.
- Torso: Finally brush the torso upwards and towards the middle both front and back. Go around the breasts and over them towards the neck.
- Face: Brush lightly over the face in small circles, finishing with longer strokes across the forhead, upwards over the cheekbones, and across the chin.
- Neck: Brush down the neck towards the torso front and back.
- Brush down the neck towards the torso.
- Hair: Finish by brushing hair with a hairbrush, using the bristles on the brush to give your scalp a gentle massage.
As easy as breathing
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
How often do you hear the expression “as easy as breathing”? Breathing is pretty easy, but breathing well is a skill that requires practice! While reading Chi Running this summer, I learned more about breathing and its importance not only for fitness but also stress management and focus.
Most people spend most of their time breathing shallowly. When you breathe from only the top of your lungs, you don’t get as much air as you can. Most oxygen exchange occurs in the lower lungs, so you must breathe deeply to get the most oxygen into your blood. This requires not only breathing in fully but also exhaling fully. Exhaling fully ensures that there is space for fresh air. When you breathe deeply, you activate your parasympathetic nervous systems, which is your “rest and digest” mode. You need to spend time in this state to properly absorb and store nutrients from your diet and regenerate your body. In this state, your body releases pleasure hormones, such as serotonin and endorphins, and your heart rate and blood pressure are reduced. This state is protective of your body and helps prevent disease.
Shallow, rapid breaths activate your sympathetic nervous system, which is your “fight or flight” mode. Most people spend most of their time in this mode! In fight or flight mode, you release stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which increase your blood sugar for fuel and also store fat (rather than burning it). These hormones also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, if you spend most of your time in this state, you will exhaust your adrenal glands, accumulate belly fat, and increase your risk of heart disease.
So how do you spend more time relaxed and breathing deeply? Practice makes perfect! Just like any skill, you need to practice it to become better at it. The more you practice, the easier it will be and the more you will practice...
My favourite breathing exercise is alternate nostril breathing! If you do this exercise nightly before bed, you will soon notice improved relaxation and sleep as well as improved mental focus during the day! You can do this exercise anywhere at anytime - use it liberally.
Caution, do not practice retention of your breath if you have high blood pressure or are in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Benefits:
How to:
Take it to the next level:
How often do you hear the expression “as easy as breathing”? Breathing is pretty easy, but breathing well is a skill that requires practice! While reading Chi Running this summer, I learned more about breathing and its importance not only for fitness but also stress management and focus.
Most people spend most of their time breathing shallowly. When you breathe from only the top of your lungs, you don’t get as much air as you can. Most oxygen exchange occurs in the lower lungs, so you must breathe deeply to get the most oxygen into your blood. This requires not only breathing in fully but also exhaling fully. Exhaling fully ensures that there is space for fresh air. When you breathe deeply, you activate your parasympathetic nervous systems, which is your “rest and digest” mode. You need to spend time in this state to properly absorb and store nutrients from your diet and regenerate your body. In this state, your body releases pleasure hormones, such as serotonin and endorphins, and your heart rate and blood pressure are reduced. This state is protective of your body and helps prevent disease.
Shallow, rapid breaths activate your sympathetic nervous system, which is your “fight or flight” mode. Most people spend most of their time in this mode! In fight or flight mode, you release stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which increase your blood sugar for fuel and also store fat (rather than burning it). These hormones also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, if you spend most of your time in this state, you will exhaust your adrenal glands, accumulate belly fat, and increase your risk of heart disease.
So how do you spend more time relaxed and breathing deeply? Practice makes perfect! Just like any skill, you need to practice it to become better at it. The more you practice, the easier it will be and the more you will practice...
My favourite breathing exercise is alternate nostril breathing! If you do this exercise nightly before bed, you will soon notice improved relaxation and sleep as well as improved mental focus during the day! You can do this exercise anywhere at anytime - use it liberally.
Caution, do not practice retention of your breath if you have high blood pressure or are in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Benefits:
- Energizing at the start of the day or relaxing before bed
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Improved ability to fall asleep and improved quality of sleep (including dreams!)
- Clears sinuses
- Improved focus and mental clarity
- Balances left and right brain hemispheres
How to:
- Sit comfortably in a quiet place with your spine straight, crown of head raised toward the sky and buttocks rooted to the floor.
- Close your eyes and take a deep breath in and out.
- Close right nostril with thumb and inhale through left nostril to comfortable count of 4.
- Close the left nostril with ringer finger and hold the breath for a comfortable count of 4.
- Open the right nostril while keeping the left nostril closed and exhale through right nostril to comfortable count of 4.
- Hold the breath out for a comfortable count of 4.
- Repeat the procedure, this time inhaling through right nostril with left nostril closed and then exhaling through left nostril with right nostril closed.
- Once back to starting point (right nostril closed), you have completed 1 round.
- Begin with 3 rounds daily and work up to 6 rounds or more.
Take it to the next level:
- Create a mantra to repeat silently to lend a rhythm to your breathing. Choose a positive phrase to describe how you wish to feel or a goal you wish to achieve. Some examples: “I am rested and well”, “I am healthy and balanced”, or “I bow before my highest self”.
- End your practice by taking a deep breath in and chanting “Om”, ending with a long “mmm” sound that allows you to feel the vibration through your head.
Blood Type Diet talk October 19th
12/Oct/11 12:38 PM Filed in: My practice | Events
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I will be giving a free talk called Intro to the Blood Type Diet on Wednesday, October 19th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!
Topics will include:
See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
I will be giving a free talk called Intro to the Blood Type Diet on Wednesday, October 19th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!
Topics will include:
- What is blood type?
- Digestion and immunity
- The weight loss connection
See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
Antidepressants during pregnancy
04/Oct/11 05:58 PM Filed in: Depression | Pregnancy
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.
