Wavelength Wellness

Great quote #44

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-10-30T10:37:55-04:00

“The patient should be made to understand that he or she must take charge of his own life. Don't take your body to the doctor as if he were a repair shop.” Quentin Regestein

Your DNTO on CBC Radio One November 6th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-10-25T14:59:35-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Changes of plans! This is a correction to my previous post on the subject - the date is in fact Tuesday, November 6th!

I will be part of a segment called “What do you carry in your blood?” on the program Your DNTO (aka Definitely Not The Opera) airing on CBC Radio One on Tuesday, November 6th between 2:00 to 3:00pm.

In my interview, I discuss how the Blood Type Diet not only changed how I eat and how I feel, but also my career.

A recording will be available online after the show airs on the Your DNTO website (click on Listen to the Latest Show at the top left) and via podcast here.

Balancing Cholesterol talk November 14th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-11-06T17:57:08-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving a free talk on Balancing Cholesterol on Wednesday, November 14th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto).

Beyond statins... Learn the what, why, and how of cholesterol and effective strategies to achieve healthy cholesterol balance.

See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Breast health talk October 17th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-10-09T14:05:01-04:00

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!

Breast health talk October 24th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-10-17T22:37:25-04:00

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!

Guest post: Blueberry season

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-10-14T12:27:01-04:00

Guest post by Jacob Schor, ND, FABNO

The recent publication of Riso et al’s results in the June issue of the European Journal of Nutrition has left me ruminating on the impact geography plays into our choice of “medicinal foods.”

This study measured the impact of blueberries on a series of biomarkers of oxidative stress. It was a textbook perfect randomized placebo controlled trial with crossover. Eighteen middleaged males (mean age 48 years) drank a smoothie made from freeze-dried wild blueberry powder twice a day for 6 weeks. The drink contained 375 mg of blueberry anthocyanins, equal to about a cup of blueberries. While a long list of biomarkers were evaluated in the participants blood, most did not change significantly. There were two significant changes. Drinking wild blueberry smoothies significantly reduced the levels of endogenously oxidized DNA bases (from 12.5 to 9.6 p ≤ 0.01) and the levels of H(2)O(2)-induced DNA damage (from 45.8 to 37.2 p ≤ 0.01). No effect was found after the placebo drink.

This is interesting to some people. It adds additional weight to the evidence that blueberries are exceptionally healthy foods to eat. We knew this already.

What I’m finding interesting is where this research was done. The lead author, Patrizia Riso and colleagues are from the Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, in Milan, Italy. [1]

Pardon me if I sound politically incorrect, but what are Italians doing studying wild blueberries?

Blueberries are native to North America. Italy has a grand total of only 680 acres of blueberries planted as of 2010.

So what’s going on? It appears that blueberries are suddenly a desirable commodity worldwide. From 2005 to 2010, blueberry the acreage planted in blueberries has increased by 83%. Acreage in North America has increased by 53% and in South America has more than doubled. The western hemisphere, North and South America account for 81% of blueberry acreage. During this period North American acreage has increased by an estimated +53% and South American acreage has more than doubled. As of 2010, North and South America account for 86% of the world’s blueberry acreage producing 491 million and 153 million pounds respectively. The entire Mediterranean and African regions produce a total of only five million pounds. [2]

Perhaps this explains why Riso et al gave their study participants blueberry powder. Fresh blueberries may have been too hard to find. Certainly it would be hard to find real wild blueberries of the sort one collects in mountain meadows in direct competition with hungry bears.

Wondering about these Italian blueberries prompts me to look at the other randomized clinical trials using blueberries.

There is the Wilms’ study published back in August 2007. In that study, 168 volunteers drank a daily glass of blueberry/apple juice for a month. The researchers found that plasma quercetin, ascorbic acid and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) were all significantly increased. The researchers also reported a 20% protection (P < 0.01) against ex vivo hydrogen peroxide-provoked oxidative DNA damage.

Where was this research done? Maastricht University, The Netherlands. [3]

In 2010 there were just 1,180 acres of blueberries growing in the Netherlands.

An October 2010 paper written by Stull et al and published in Nutrition Journal reported that chemicals in blueberries improve insulin sensitivity in obese, insulin-resistant men and women. In this double-blinded randomized controlled trial, fifteen obese volunteers drank smoothies twice a day, each of which contained 22.5 grams of blueberry “bioactives,” while a control group consumed similar smoothies but without the blueberries. Insulin sensitivity improved more in the blueberry group than in the placebo group. The daily dose of “bioactives” consumed by these study participants contained 668 mg of anthocyanins, and was equivalent to approximately ~2 cups of fresh whole blueberries. These researchers were from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. [4]

The entire state of Louisiana has 466 acres of land planted with commercial blueberries. [5]

An April 2010 study done by researchers from the University of Cincinnati reported that nine older adults who drank a daily serving of wild blueberry juice had significant improvements in cognitive function including paired associate learning and word list recall. They also tended toward a reduction in depressive symptoms. [6] Ohio grows even fewer blueberries than Louisiana, only 378 acres. [7]

A December 2011 published study reported that regular consumption of a blueberry drink improved intestinal flora. After six weeks Bifidobacterium spp. significantly increased. [8] This study was also conducted by Italians. Remember just 680 acres.

A December 2011 paper was written McAnulty et al from Appalachian State University.

This is the research group that specializes in measuring the oxidative impact of strenuous exercise. We’ve written about them in the past. They did the quercetin and bicycle racing studies. In this study they examined the impact of eating 250 gram of blueberries per day for 6 week and then eating a larger dose, 375 grams, an hour before a long hard run (2.5 hours at 72% maximal oxygen consumption). Twenty-five well-trained athletes took part in the study. Compared to a control group who went through the run, the blueberry group had increased natural killer NK counts. Even a single dose of blueberries eaten just before the run, reduces oxidative stress and increases anti-inflammatory cytokines. [9]

North Carolina, finally a state that produces blueberries. They produce almost 12% of the US annual blueberry crop and average about 6,000 acres planted in blueberries each year. [10] Notice that this study used real blueberries.

Given the number and variety of benefits seen in these studies, not to mention the numerous studies done in animals, there seems to be little doubt that blueberries are good for us.

What I find confusing is why the research on blueberries isn’t coming from the state universities in regions known for their blueberries, in particular Maine, Michigan, New Jersey?

This year’s wild blueberry crop in Maine is predicted to be the largest in history. Maine has over 60,000 acres of wild blueberries that are managed for picking. [11,12]

I can’t help but think that scientists fall prey to the same sort of attraction to novelty as the rest of us. Americans now purchase anything that claims to contain Acai berry. Marketers find a willing audience when they sell exotic fruit juices from Hawaii or Thailand, juices that taste horrible but are still consumed for their health benefits. Is it any wonder that the Italians and Dutch are fascinated with blueberries?

References:

Riso P, Klimis-Zacas D, Del Bo' C, Martini D, Campolo J, Vendrame S, Møller P, Loft S, De Maria R, Porrini M. Effect of a wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) drink intervention on markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial function in humans with cardiovascular risk factors. Eur J Nutr. 2012 Jun 26.
http://www.growingproduce.com/article/26272/2/trends-in-world-blueberry-production
Wilms LC, Boots AW, de Boer VC, Maas LM, Pachen DM, Gottschalk RW, et al. Impact of multiple genetic polymorphisms on effects of a 4-week blueberry juice intervention on ex vivo induced lymphocytic DNA damage in human volunteers. Carcinogenesis. 2007 Aug;28(8):1800-6.
Stull AJ, Cash KC, Johnson WD, Champagne CM, Cefalu WT. Bioactives in blueberries improve insulin sensitivity in obese, insulin-resistant men and women. J Nutr. 2010 Oct;140(10):1764-8.
http://www.lsuagcenter.com/agsummary/narrative
Krikorian R, Shidler MD, Nash TA, Kalt W, Vinqvist-Tymchuk MR, Shukitt-Hale B, Joseph JA. Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults. J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Apr 14;58(7):3996-4000.
http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/aganswers/story.asp?storyID=6738
Vendrame S, Guglielmetti S, Riso P, Arioli S, Klimis-Zacas D, Porrini M. Six-week consumption of a wild blueberry powder drink increases bifidobacteria in the human gut. J Agric Food Chem. 2011 Dec 28;59(24):12815-20.
McAnulty LS, Nieman DC, Dumke CL, Shooter LA, Henson DA, Utter AC, et al. Effect of blueberry ingestion on natural killer cell counts, oxidative stress, and inflammation prior to and after 2.5 h of running. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2011 Dec;36(6):976-84.
North Carolina, finally a state that produces blueberries. They produce almost 12 % of the US annual blueberry crop.
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/07/29/business/maine-blueberries-producing-biggest-crop-in-a-decade/
http://umaine.edu/blueberries/

Stay well this winter

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-11-03T09:05:39-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Do you dread cold and flu season? Do you suffer from infections such as sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia more frequently that others? Do you end up taking antibiotics every year?

This year, be proactive about preventing illness three ways!

My Immune Boost program
The Homeopathic Flu Prevention Program
Acute naturopathic treatment as needed

1. Immune Boost program:
Get your immune system in tip top shape this year with this program which addresses prevention, symptom relief, self-care techniques, and reducing susceptibility to illness.

If you are an existing patient, book a 30 to 45-minute follow-up visit to get your personalized cold and flu prevention recommendations based on your specific needs. If you are a new patient, book an initial visit in which we will create a cold and flu prevention plan and get you started treating any other health concerns. We work together to come up with a plan that fits your needs.

2. Homeopathic flu prevention program
Once again, Kew Beach Naturopathic Clinic is running our homeopathic flu prevention program! You can participate in the program at either of my clinic locations.

Participants historically have very few flu incidents over the winter, even though family members and co-workers may become ill. Flu symptoms may be much milder and of shorter duration than non-homeopathically protected people. Many participants no longer experience the flu at all!

How does it work?
The Homeopathic Flu Prevention Program is an ongoing research study conducted by Helena Ovens, ND. Your participation is voluntary and appreciated.

1. To participate you must currently be in good health and you must not have had a flu shot since April 15, 2013.
2. Fill out an intake form and call Kew Beach Naturopathic Clinic to arrange at time to drop it off and pick up your remedy. You will be given a 6-month supply of homeopathic pellets, an instruction sheet, and a form to record any “flu-like” symptoms. There is a $5.00 administrative fee per adult (children are free) to cover the costs of materials and remedies.
3. Follow the instructions on how to use the remedy and if you have any “flu-like” symptoms, record them on the form.
4. Return your form by the end of April 2013 by fax, email, in-person, or by mail. It is very important that you return your form (whether you experienced “flu-like” symptoms or not) so that we can track the success of the program.

3. Acute naturopathic treatment
Remember, I offer short-notice acute visits as needed, so don’t hesitate to call the office - I can usually fit you in the same day or within a day or two for immediate treatment and to give you take-home recommendations to help you get better quicker. This is a great way to get the jump on illness, avoid the need for suppressive medications and antibiotics, and get better faster.

An ounce of prevention...

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-11-13T13:45:37-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

In my monthly library talks and when speaking with patients, I find myself frequently emphasizing the incredible importance of prevention. Naturopathic medicine is all about prevention! So I thought I would share some key points here to help drive home just how valuable prevention is (and why it can be hard to practice it!).

How valuable is prevention?
We all theoretically agree it is better to prevent disease (or any other negative outcome). Treating existing health issues prevents future, chronic health issues. For example, addressing high blood pressure can prevent heart disease, treating inflammation today can make your body a less hospitable place for cancer to grow, and resolving immune imbalance can treat and prevent eczema, asthma, and allergies. Clearly you can save time, energy, and money later by making an investment in your health today.

Think for a moment of any nagging health issue you might have now… Pain, fatigue, medications you have to take, discomfort, etc. What would it be worth to you to not have it? To just be cured of it right now? As if it never happened? A lot, right? That would mean you don’t have to work so hard and you would feel better every day. And, how good would that feel? How gratifying would that be? Pretty amazing, right?

So, what would it be worth to you to have prevented that nagging issue before it happened? Take into account the financial cost, but also the value of your time and energy. Consider how that issue may have affected your job performance, earning potential, quality of life, relationships, and all the other ways it has changed your life. With these things in mind, prevention is incredibly valuable! Unfortunately, putting prevention into practice is still a challenge for so many of us.

Why is prevention hard to practice?
1. Prevention seems expensive:
In Canada we are accustomed to “free” healthcare. It isn’t really “free” but because we don’t pay directly out of pocket, it seems that way. Nor is it necessarily what we want in terms of long-term health outcomes – the conventional medical system doesn’t do prevention very well. In comparison, investing your disposable income in health NOW versus spending nothing NOW (but spending a lot more later) can seem expensive. However, making that up-front investment actually provides a higher return in quality of life, savings on medications, increased energy and productivity, and just plain enjoyment of life than any other way you can invest your money.

2. Prevention is delayed gratification:
Having pain and taking pain medication and getting quick relief is very tangible and immediate. Much of medicine works this way (medications for asthma, sleep, depression, anxiety, rashes, etc). It’s pretty great to have a problem, take a pill, and feel better!

More delayed gratification might be if you have an issue (eg: migraines, asthma, depression, or some other discomfort) and go see a naturopathic doctor who works with you on diet, lifestyle, and other ways to eventually eliminate your discomfort. Usually you can see some improvement in the short-term with naturopathic treatment and continue building on that to alleviate your symptoms. This is also tangible and measurable because you had a problem and then you don’t. Definitely takes more time, up-front cost, and commitment, but most people would agree the result has more value that suppressing the same symptoms with medication.

Prevention is the ultimate in delayed gratification since if you are successful, you will never know what might have been and you can’t measure something that doesn’t exist! So, prevention doesn’t have the same short-term pay-off that motivates people. And, prevention is very, very difficult to prove in the currently popular “double-blind randomized controlled trial” research paradigm.

Naturopathic medicine = prevention superstar
Most patients begin naturopathic treatment looking for solutions to problems they have now, such as high cholesterol, fatigue, pain, digestive issues, hormone issues, infertility, etc. This is wonderful because treating those issues naturopathically can not only resolve symptoms but because naturopathic medicine targets the root cause and focuses on establishing healthy habits, long-term more serious diseases can also be reduced or prevented over time. More bang for your buck!

In addition, most naturopathic treatments are CUMULATIVE. Most naturopathic treatments continue to yield big results the longer they are in place, because when you work improving the function and health of the body now, over time that improvement continues to grow and help create a physiological environment less conducive to disease and more conducive to healing.

Make your health a priority
A colleague of mine recently lamented that unfortunately the “poverty mentality” continues to affect those of us working for prevention. He pointed out that while many people freely spend on new tech gadgets, eating out, beauty products, purses/clothing/shoes, vacations, etc these same individuals will often complain about the price of naturopathic treatment and natural health products and only spend on their health within whatever benefits coverage they have (despite what may be necessary to achieve their goals).

I definitely observe this too and try to frame it in a slightly different way for myself and my patients, which is:

How high a priority is your health?
Where does health fit into the context of your lifestyle and other priorities?

Since making major changes to my own health years ago and continuing to learn about health as a naturopathic doctor, I’ve come to view my health as one of the key areas of my life that deserves my time, attention, and investment. Just like having food on the table, a roof over my head, support from family and friends, my health is essential and is therefore a priority. So, I challenge you to reconsider the value of your health and align your choices accordingly.

Guest post: Best time for your one meal (and no, it’s NOT breakfast!)

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-09-25T08:57:07-04:00

Guest post originally published by Negin Misaghi, ND

I had a supervisor during my clinical rotation who challenged my recommendations of eating 5 meals a day to a patient. This was and still is such a deeply held belief in medicine that I seriously thought he was either just challenging me for the fun of it and for lack of anything else to pick on or he really didn’t know what he was talking about! I thank him now as that seed he planted in my mind is now taking root as more and more evidence emerges supporting this notion of eating one meal a day (termed intermittent fasting) as opposed to the conventional recommendation of regular eating.

Intermittent Fasting, a way of eating intuitive to some and a way of life for others, is now gaining credibility as studies on intermittent fasting shocked the world with the news that this drastic pattern of eating yielded a substantial increase in the lifespan of rodents along with outstanding improvements in major health markers including insulin sensitivity, body composition and neuro-regeneration capacity.

As this is a slightly vague term, followers of this regimen may choose to skip a certain meal in the day, fully fast every other day or every other week, and/or … a myriad variations in eating may be considered “intermittent fasting.”

But isn’t fasting bad for you? And which plan should you follow?

For some of us, the first step might be to try to
experience what hunger feels like again…

Let’s look at the science: Note that there are cases that may prohibit long-term fasting, such as with young children, type I diabetics (on insulin medication), or in cases of clinical myopathy (muscle wasting).

So, how can fasting benefit you?
Scientists acknowledged three major mechanisms by which fasting benefits your body, as it extends lifespan and protects against disease:

Reduced oxidative stress – Fasting decreases the accumulation of oxidative radicals in the cell, and thereby prevents oxidative damage to cellular proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids associated with aging and disease.
Increased insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial energy efficiency – Fasting increases insulin sensitivity along with mitochondrial energy efficiency, and thereby retards aging and disease, which are typically associated with loss of insulin sensitivity and declined mitochondrial energy.
Increased capacity to resist stress, disease and aging – Fasting induces a cellular stress response (similar to that induced by exercise) in which cells up-regulate the expression of genes that increase the capacity to cope with stress and resist disease and aging.

It is also noteworthy that almost all world religious philosophies and doctrines (for example Shinto, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Babi, and the Baha’i Faith) bid their followers to observe fasting in some form (i.e. abstain from food and drink for a period of time) as a way of physical, mental and spiritual exercise, discipline, invigoration and purification - with some logical exemptions for the young, old, sick, nursing and pregnant women, etc.

Operating around your system’s circadian clock:

Your innate clock, called the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN) is located in your hypothalamus, where it regulates how your autonomic nervous system operates along with your hormones, your wake and sleep pattern, your feeding behaviour, and your capacity to digest food, assimilate nutrients, and eliminate toxins. There is a dual relationship between your feeding and innate clock. And as much as your innate clock affects your feeding, your feeding can affect your innate clock. Routinely eating at the wrong time will disrupt your innate clock and devastate vital body functions; and you’ll certainly feel the side effects as your whole metabolic system gets unsynchronized.

All your activities, including your feeding, are controlled by your autonomic nervous system which operates around the circadian clock. During the day, your sympathetic nervous system (SNS) puts your body in an energy spending active mode, whereas during the night your parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) puts your body in an energy replenishing relaxed and sleepy mode.

These two parts of your autonomic nervous system complement each other like yin and yang. Your SNS, which is stimulated by fasting and exercise, keeps you alert and active with an increased capacity to resist stress and hunger throughout the day. And your PSNS, which is stimulated by your nightly feeding, makes you relaxed and sleepy, with a better capacity to digest and replenish nutrients throughout the night. This is how your autonomic nervous system operates under normal conditions.

If you eat at the wrong time such as when having a large meal during the day, you will mess with your autonomic nervous system; you’ll inhibit your SNS and instead turn on the PSNS which will make you sleepy and fatigued rather than alert and active during the working hours of the day. And instead of spending energy and burning fat, you’ll store energy and gain fat. This is indeed a lose-lose situation.

With the circadian rhythm in mind, through simple deductive reasoning then, it is clear that the best time to eat is at night!

What about breakfast, you say?
The meal commonly believed to be “the most important meal of the day”! But what does breakfast mean exactly? To most, it’s the first foods we stuff ourselves with. Be it a fast food purchased on our way to work or a nice hearty meal of toast, dairy, jams, and cereals. But let’s approach “breakfast” from a historical and scientific perspective.

Breakfast literally is understood to be a breaking of a fast. Now, a fast is generally understood to be a minimum of 12 hours of no food consumption while it typically takes your body between 6-8 hours to fully digest a hearty evening meal (depending on your meal density – content of protein and fat, etc). If, for example you start your evening meal at 7pm and finish eating at 8-9pm, your body will shift into a fasting state by the early morning hours (about 4-5am). Hence, your body will not be in a fasting state for most of the night and breaking your fast at about 7-9 am only gives your body about 3-5 hours of “fasting”.

Historically, some of the healthiest societies in the past did not eat breakfast; the word breakfast was not part of their vocabulary and the typical breakfast did not exist during Biblical times. In the original Hebrew text of the Bible, breakfast is called “pat shacharit” which meant a tiny piece of bread at dawn – nothing more. As well, the ancient Greeks and Romans were very particular about eating their main meal at night.

Scientifically, there is growing evidence that the typical breakfast can be harmful. A study by the Human Nutrition Research France indicated that the typical high energy breakfast caused major adverse effects including a strong inhibition of fat burning throughout the day, increase in serum triglycerides and a decrease in HDL (good cholesterol). The researchers concluded that high-energy breakfast does not appear to be favourable to health; they also indicated that the study’s results do not support the current advice to consume more energy at breakfast. Moreover, reports coming from epidemiological surveys have been indicating that the consumption of a high energy breakfast leads to a significant higher energy consumption for the whole day. Furthermore, a big breakfast has shown to yield only a limited satiety effect which lasts merely 2 hours after breakfast.

Therefore, if we are to break fast in the morning, it is wise to ensure that we are indeed breaking a fast and to do so with nothing more than a light snack and only if we are truly hungry!

So what could one eat while fasting?
This is not meant to be a harsh starvation diet and although most foods negate the effects of fasting, there are foods that can be safely eaten without compromising your fast. These include fast assimilating nutrient-dense foods such as quality vegetable proteins, green vegetables, and berries. It is also just as important to know how much to consume and how often.

Small servings (~100Kcal) of vegetable proteins (nuts, seeds & legumes), green vegetables and berries can be eaten very 3-6 hours depending on your level of physical activity when hungry. According to one advocate of such a diet Ori Hofmekler (the author of The Warrior Diet), one to two servings of whey protein should also be supplemented in the diet during the fast. I’d highly recommend this to those who have a difficulty in incorporating a fast assimilating (non-meat) complete protein throughout the day.

Note, although this diet is beneficial to the majority of us, there are those who may require alterations depending on their current state of health and their nutritional needs due to their occupation, hobby, or stage of life (i.e. athletes with high nutritional needs, pregnancy/breastfeeding, etc.). As always, please consult your health care provider before embarking on this therapeutic health program if you’ve got any health concerns.

References:
1. British Journal of Nutrition 2000 Sep;84(3):337-44

Judy's gluten-free breakfast "pudding"

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-10-06T11:08:41-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I recently received this email from our lovely receptionist Judy at Kew Beach Naturopathic Clinic:

Judy’s gluten-free breakfast “pudding”
Thought of you this morning while I was eating my breakfast. Here's one for the blog. Everyone always asks me what the heck are they going to eat for breakfast if they are gluten-free. This is what I had this morning.

Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk
2 Tbsp chia seeds
A bit of sweetener (try vegetable glycerine, maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or stevia)
2 drops vanilla

Directions:

Combine ingredients and put in fridge overnight. It’s like rice pudding or tapioca!
I actually put it in the microwave for half a minute cause I like my cereal warm in the morning.
I added a diced apple and some gluten-free granola. You could add just about anything to it, like fruits and nuts.

Thyroid health webinar September 18th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-09-04T17:48:50-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving a free talk called Thyroid Health and Healing on Tuesday, September 18th, 7pm via webinar in partnership with Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health. This is the first webinar I have done, so I would love for you to join me and provide your feedback!

You can attend by conference call or online, more details here.

The “master gland” of the body, your thyroid influences both body and mind. Learn how to understand thyroid testing and treatment options to support thyroid health.

See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Mahaya Forest Hill Open House

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-08-31T14:54:59-04:00

You’re invited to the Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health Open House, happening Saturday, September 15th from 10am to 5pm!

Check out the poster below for all the details:

Fall Allergies talk September 26th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-09-20T08:12:08-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving a free talk as part of my 4 Seasons of Wellness program called Fall: Allergies on Wednesday, September 26th, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!

Got allergies? Understand this immune reaction and how natural medicine can help you alleviate and prevent symptoms naturally.

See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Fall Allergies talk September 19th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-09-10T13:42:27-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving a free talk as part of my 4 Seasons of Wellness program called Fall: Allergies on Wednesday, September 19th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!

Got allergies? Understand this immune reaction and how natural medicine can help you alleviate and prevent symptoms naturally.

See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Introducing Programs!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-10-21T09:46:36-04:00

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!

Blood type and coronary heart disease

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-08-18T08:14:46-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

You may have seen media coverage lately on a study connecting blood type and coronary heart disease. Two large, prospective cohort studies (studies that follow and observe individuals over a period of time to determine how chosen factors affect outcomes) conducted over 20 years have found that “ABO blood group is significantly associated with [coronary heart disease] risk” in both women and men.

Coronary heard disease (CHD) is a “narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart” which can decrease blood flow to heart muscle and result in heart attack (myocardial infarction) if the vessels become completely blocked. Of course there are many factors that contribute to CHD that should not be overlooked, but understand risk factors for the individual in front of you is very helpful for formulating treatment!

Specifically, type O individuals had the lowest risk of developing CHD, and those with type A, type B, and type AB blood had 5%, 11%, and 23% increased risk of developing CHD respectively. Of course, Dr. Peter D’Adamo has been teaching about blood type and disease risk for decades already, but it is great to see this information getting some wider media attention. There are several known associations between blood type and physiology that can result in differences in risk of CHD:

Blood type O individuals have significantly lower levels of a blood clotting factor call Von Willibrand factor and blood clotting plays a role in creating blockages. This connection is mentioned in this article that summarizes the findings of these studies.
Blood type O individuals secrete significantly more intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), an enzyme that is key to the proper breakdown of dietary cholesterol. IAP is also associated with secretor status, by the way!
Finally, there are differences in response to stress among blood types. For example, comparing type A and type O (the two most common blood types), type A individuals have consistently higher baseline levels of cortisol (a key stress hormone) that is also associated with a range of health risks.

To learn more about the Blood Type Diet, you can also check out my blogs Blood type diet primer, part 1 and Blood type diet primer, part 2.

Here is a great video by Eric Morrison about this study and other key info about blood type and physiology:

Peppermint patties

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-09-14T16:04:44-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I recently tried this recipe for Peppermint Patties from Elana’s Pantry and they were so good!

A few changes to ingredients for my taste:

I used 1/8 cup vegetable glycerine and 1/8 cup agave syrup as sweetener to cut down the sugar a bit. Next time I may try more vegetable glycerine.
I used a bit more peppermint extract/oil (nearly 1 tsp)

Also, a few tips for preparation to help it go smoother:

I let the coconut oil sit at room temperature for a bit which made it more liquid and easier to mix.
I froze the mixture for at least 15 minutes to get it hard enough to scoop into balls.
I melted the chocolate and left it to cool for about 15-20 minutes - it is really important that it is as cool as possible (yet still liquid) or it will melt the patties and make a big mess!
Make sure your patties are nice and hard before you dip them in the chocolate. I actually melted a bit more chocolate and dipped them again once the first layer was hardened as I like my chocolate and I found this made them look a bit nicer.

Bon Appetit!

Menopause talk August 29th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-08-23T07:36:25-04:00

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:

Definition and causes
Signs and symptoms
Naturopathic treatment principles

See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Menopause talk August 15th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-08-10T09:56:51-04:00

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:

Definition and causes
Signs and symptoms
Naturopathic treatment principles

See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Naturopathic medicine produces positive outcomes

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-07-26T12:08:34-04:00

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.

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

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-07-21T14:32:06-04:00

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:

Celiac disease vs. gluten sensitivity
Prevalence, signs, and symptoms
Diagnosis

See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Gluten sensitivity talk July 18th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-07-06T06:04:51-04:00

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:

Celiac disease vs. gluten sensitivity
Prevalence, signs, and symptoms
Diagnosis

See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

What is the best medicine?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-06-22T15:50:05-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Thanks to Dr. Mike Evans for his great website and his video 23 and 1/2 hours (which you can watch in less than 10 minutes!). And, thanks to Melanie Dechatelets for posting the video on her blog! Below I’ve summarized the key points I took away from this video.

So, what is the best medicine? EXERCISE. In fact, low fitness level is the strongest predictor of death, so improving fitness can have the biggest impact on your overall health!

What can exercise treat?

Arthritis (reduces pain and disability)
Alzheimer’s disease (reduces dementia)
Diabetes (reduces progression)
Osteoporosis and fracture risk
Anxiety and depression (higher dose more effective!)
Risk of death
Fatigue
Obesity (duh!), but activity even if still obese still improves health!
Heart disease (also duh!)
And so many more... (like cancer, hormonal imbalances, insomnia, etc)

How much exercise do you need?

Most research focused on WALKING, which is a great place to start for most people
However, higher intensity and other types of exercise are also incredibly helpful
30 minutes per day minimum for adults (60 minutes per day for kids)

Finally, a major take-away is that we all need to manage our time to support our health. You can find 30 minutes per day to take the best medicine.

Gluten sensitivity part 3: living gluten-free

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-07-18T17:35:11-04:00

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:

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

What should I avoid and what can I eat?
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

Hidden sources of gluten:

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

Gluten-free grains and starches:

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

Tips for sound sleep

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-08-07T08:10:51-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

In the past few months I’ve done several presentations that include information about the importance of sleep (for more about booking me for speaking engagements, including several example topics, check out my Speaking page). The first step for better sleep is to follow some simple tips:

5 Tips for Sound Sleep
1. Darkness (and light)
Sleeping in TOTAL darkness maximizes melatonin (the hormone your brain makes to put you to sleep) production which helps you get to sleep easier, sleep more deeply, and wake at the appropriate time in the morning. It is equally important to get some light exposure in the morning to send your body the right signals of light and dark. This daily rhythm is associated with proper hormone balance, energy during the day, blood sugar balance, and many other aspects of health.

Dim the lights in the evening and then remove or cover all sources of light in your bedroom (window, clock, electronics, night lights) and then get outside for 15-20 minutes each morning.

2. Timing is everything
Try to maintain consistent sleep and wake times within 1-2 hours of variation. The most important time to be sleeping according to Traditional Chinese Medicine and for optimal restoration is between 11pm and 1am. Sleeping late and waking late just does not give you the same rest and messes up those night/day signals to your body.

Also, avoid exercising 3 hours before bed - exercising later than this can interfere with normal sleep cycles.

3. Eat (and drink) for better sleep
Avoid eating within 3 hours before sleep and avoid drinking liquids within 2 hours before sleep. Sleep time is so important for blood sugar control and can be a major help for weight loss, so you don’t want to interfere with this by being overfull or waking to urinate.

Alcohol may make you feel sleepy but it actually shortens sleep time and inhibits deep sleep. Stimulants (like caffeine, chocolate, nicotine, and sugar) also interfere with sleep. If you have chronic sleep issues (troubling getting to sleep, staying asleep, or waking too early in the morning), it can be very helpful to eliminate alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, sugar, and nicotine completely for 4-6 weeks. Many people are completely unaware of how sensitive they are to these substances and how much they can affect sleep so experiment with yourself to find out!

4. Healthy sleep habits
Avoid electronics (phone, computer, TV, etc) before bed (they are too stimulating and the light they emit interferes with melatonin production) and instead do a relaxing activity before bed, such as reading, a warm bath, or meditation/breathing techniques. Check out my blog on Breathing for a simple technique to try.

Avoid napping during the day - if you need a nap because you are tired, that is a sign your nighttime sleep is not optimal and you should do something about it! If you must nap, keep it short (20-40 minutes).

Finally, choose an alarm you like. Waking up every morning to an annoying sound is not a great way to ensure a stress-free day! There are many wonderful alarms that play music or wake you up using progressive lighting. There’s also a great app for iPhone (and maybe other phones) called Sleep Cycle Alarm which measures your movement at night to determine where you are at in your sleep cycles and then wakes you at a time when it is best within a window you set.

5. What if I still can’t sleep?
If you can’t fall asleep or wake in the night, keep the lights low, avoid electronics, and do something relaxing, such as breathing or meditation. If you have trouble falling asleep due to thoughts or worries, keep a pen and paper by your bed and write down all the things you are thinking about so you can deal with them the next day. Sometimes just getting things down on paper can make a huge difference.

If you have chronic sleep issues or want to improve your sleep, there are many naturopathic treatment options available to treat your individual situation.

Stress management talk July 4th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-06-19T15:42:45-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Unfortunately, I had to cancel this talk (originally scheduled on June 13th) due to illness, but I’m pleased that I have been able to reschedule it to July 4th!

I will be giving a free talk as part of my 4 Seasons of Wellness program called Summer: Stress Management on Wednesday, July 4th, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!

It’s at the root of all disease and you have the power to change it. Get a handle on stress and learn some simple and effective stress management techniques.

Topics will include:

Why does stress matter?
Tips for sound sleep
The importance of exercise to bust stress

See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Homemade jerky

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-06-18T22:06:23-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Both these recipes are made easily in a dehydrator with a jerky gun (here’s an example) and store well in either the fridge or freezer. Much better alternative to store-bought jerky!

Beef jerky
Ingredients:

1 kg extra lean ground beef (organic, grass-fed, and fresh is best)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp ginger
½ tsp cayenne pepper
Or, whatever spices you like best

Directions:
1. Add spices together with meat and mix thoroughly.
2. Load meat into jerky gun and extrude onto dehydrator trays in strips.
3. Dry at 155 degrees F for about 2 hours, then blot with a paper towel (if necessary) and turn strips over if you like. I used to do this, but now I usually just shuffle the trays on my dehydrator around about 2 hours in (moving the trays at the top to the bottom) and do not blot or flip the strips over.
4. Continue drying for about 2 to 3 more hours.
5. Strips are done when they splinter when bent, but don’t quite break.
6. Remove strips from dehydrator and lay on paper towel while they cool to remove oil.
7. Once cooled, store in Ziploc bag in fridge (for about 1 week) or in the freezer for longer).

Turkey Jerky
Ingredients:

1 kg ground turkey (organic, fresh, dark meat is best)
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp coriander
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp ginger

Directions:
See above instructions for beef jerky.

Healthy hiking food

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-06-20T14:57:07-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will soon be heading north to hike the Coastal Trail in Lake Superior Provincial Park, which means I’ve had to plan what I will carry and eat for about a week. In your typical outdoors store, you will find a wide variety of “camping” food, most of which is full of sodium, sugar, and preservatives, not to mention common allergens such as wheat, gluten, and dairy! Here I’ll share some of my food choices on my first long hike in the hopes of helping you choose healthy hiking food.

I used NutritionData.com to calculate calories as well as other nutrient info. On this site you can find info on many, many whole and packaged foods and you can also enter your own custom foods using the label info if you need.

Fruit and veggies
The greatest challenge of camping food is vegetables and fresh fruit, since I don’t have refrigeration. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t still bring some fresh stuff, I just have to eat it early on! I’ll be bringing a few bananas and some whole organic carrots (washed but unpeeled) for the first few days of the trip. Many fruits (bananas, apples, oranges, pears, etc) travel well and I find that carrots of all vegetables also can last a few days without refrigeration quite nicely as long as they still have their peels and are protected.

Dried fruit and nuts
Once the fresh foods above run out, dried fruit provides a great portable snack that is light and keeps a long time. Nuts and nut butters are also good choices. I’m bringing dried mango, peaches, and raisins, along with almonds (that I roasted myself in my oven) and almond butter.

Homemade jerky
Many years ago I got a dehydrator and one of the things I’ve used it for is to make my own homemade beef and turkey jerky, which is MUCH tastier (and healthier) than anything store-bought you can find! For this trip I’ve made a bit of both and frozen it until we leave to keep it fresh. I plan for it to last about 3-4 days.

Packaged stuff
To supplement what I have above, I’ve found a few packaged items that, while not as optimal as a fresh, whole foods diet, are workable for me.

Oatmeal:
Instant oatmeal packets are great for breakfast. Glutenfreeda’s are gluten-free and there is also Nature’s Path. You can get both these brands in plain, unsweetened varieties to which you can add your own fruit, nuts, etc.

Dehydrated meals:
In looking through all the dehydrated packaged stuff in the store, I did find a few brands that have healthier ingredients and less/no preservatives. What I chose for this trip was Mary Janes Farm Outpost Organic Instant Lentil Soup packs. They also make several other meals which look tasty!

Bars:
There are a wide variety of bars out there, so look for some that you like and that fit your needs. Generally, bars higher in protein and lower in sugar are best. I bought a few brands just for flavour variety and plan to eat 1-2 bars per day.

Protein and/or greens powder:
Both are good portable additions to your morning oatmeal to add more nutrition and help make up for a lack of fresh fruits and veggies while hiking.

Drink mixes and electrolyte replacements:
While not necessarily a product I would use on a day-to-day basis, Emergen-C can be a good option for electrolyte and vitamin replacement while hiking and to take the chlorine edge off your purified water! They may also help with immune support while travelling.

Another simple option for sodium and mineral replacement is plain old sea salt. When I travelled to India in 2007 and to Nicaragua in 2010 I brought a small container of sea salt that I added to my bottled water to replace all the salt I was losing via sweat. I truly think this simple trick helped keep me better hydrated on both those trips and therefore illness-free!

What is Kate Whimster reading?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-06-04T17:07:58-04:00

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)!

Naturopathic travel and first aid essentials

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-07-03T10:39:12-04:00

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:

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

For use as needed:

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

First aid homeopathic remedies:
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

Please see me as a patient for this list. You can buy these remedies as a kit from Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic, which includes the list, instructions for use, and labelled envelopes with each remedy.

Great quote #43

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-10-01T06:21:42-04:00

“If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want.” Elbert Hubbard

Great quote #42

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-08-15T22:30:49-04:00

“A sad soul can kill you quicker than a germ.” John Steinbeck

Great quote #41

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-07-31T14:08:11-04:00

“He who takes medicine and neglects to diet wastes the skill of his doctors.” Chinese Proverb

Great quote #40

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-07-17T13:14:18-04:00

“If I'd known I was going to live so long, I'd have taken better care of myself.” Leon Eldred

Great quote #39

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-05-27T08:11:29-04:00

“The greatest wealth is health.” Virgil

Stress management talk June 13th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-06-10T16:30:36-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS

I will be giving a free talk as part of my 4 Seasons of Wellness program called Summer: Stress Management on Wednesday, June 13th, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!

It’s at the root of all disease and you have the power to change it. Get a handle on stress and learn some simple and effective stress management techniques.

Topics will include:

Why does stress matter?
Tips for sound sleep
The importance of exercise to bust stress

See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Stress management talk June 20th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-06-15T06:30:58-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving a free talk as part of my 4 Seasons of Wellness program called Summer: Stress Management on Wednesday, June 20th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!

It’s at the root of all disease and you have the power to change it. Get a handle on stress and learn some simple and effective stress management techniques.

Topics will include:

Why does stress matter?
Tips for sound sleep
The importance of exercise to bust stress

See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Diabetes talk May 23rd

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-05-18T21:56:23-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving at free talk about Type II Diabetes on Wednesday, May 23rd, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!

Learn about the physiology of blood sugar control and how type II diabetes can be effectively prevented and treated via safe, natural interventions.

See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Diabetes talk May 16th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-05-09T10:20:59-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving a free talk about Type II Diabetes on Wednesday, May 16th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!

Learn about the physiology of blood sugar control and how type II diabetes can be effectively prevented and treated via safe, natural interventions.

See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Kale chips

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-05-15T07:28:13-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I got this recipe from my colleague Bronwyn Hill, ND and have changed it a bit for my own tastes. These chips are truly addictive and a great healthy snack!

Kale Chips
(makes 2-6 baking sheets worth of chips)

Ingredients:

Kale (1-3 bunches)
Oil of your choice (grapeseed, olive, walnut, etc)
Seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, garlic, cayenne pepper, paprika, ginger, etc)
Any other ingredients you want! Eg: Tamari sauce, crushed garlic, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, etc

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Rinse kale to remove any dirt.
3. Remove ribs from kale and cut or tear into 1.5 inch pieces.

4. Place in bowl and toss with a small amount of oil.
5. Lay on baking sheet and add spices and seasonings.
6. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, then turn and bake until crisp (another 5-7 minutes or longer if needed).

7. The chips are done when crispy but still retain most of their original colour.

Great quote #38

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-04-28T10:33:57-04:00

“Don’t fool yourself that important things can be put off till tomorrow; they can be put off forever, or not at all.” Mignon McLaughlin

Naturopathic Medicine Week 2012

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-05-04T16:31:20-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Join us at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic for Naturopathic Medicine Week May 7 to 13, 2012!

ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTS: By appointment, call 416-690-6168

15 minute naturopathic consults (free)
Well-child consults (free)
Matrix Energetics intro sessions (free)
Blood typing and blood type diet consult ($15 for blood type kit)
Acupuncture for fertility/pregnancy consults (free)

WELLNESS TALKS: All free, register at 416-690-6168

DATE	TIME & EVENT
Mon, May 7	6:30pm: Acupuncture for fertility/pregnancy with Heebee Yang, RAc, ND (cand)
Mon, May 7	7:00pm: Healthy Spring Detox with Kate Whimster, ND
Tue, May 8	12:30pm: Children’s Wellness with Helena Ovens, ND
Tue, May 8	6:30pm: Acupuncture for fertility/pregnancy with Heebee Yang, RAc, ND (cand)
Wed, May 9	6:30pm: Intro to the Blood Type Diet with Kate Whimster, ND
Wed, May 9	7:00pm: Meditation group with Louise Doran, ND
Thu, May 10	6:30pm: Homeopathy for Life Extension with Helena Ovens, ND
Fri, May 11	6:30pm: Heal Your Body by Healing Your Past with Louise Doran, ND
Fri, May 11	7:00pm: Acupuncture for fertility/pregnancy with Heebee Yang, RAc, ND (cand)
Sat, May 12	12:30pm: Children’s Wellness with Helena Ovens, ND
Sat, May 12	2:00pm: Accessing Deeper Healing with Matrix Energetics with Louise Doran, ND

Coconut almond cookies

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-05-23T07:36:02-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This is a new take on my previously posted recipe for Simple Almond Cookies. I have a lot of leftover dried coconut (from making Lime Coconut Sweet Potato Bites - recipe to come in another blog) so I incorporated it into this recipe and it was a hit! A reminder, these cookies are helpful on an elimination diet as a tasty, healthy snack!

Coconut Almond Cookies
(makes about 24 small cookies)

Ingredients:

1 cup almond meal
1 cup dried coconut
¼ cup melted ghee (I make my own ghee using organic, cultured butter, see ghee recipe here) or butter - ghee is wetter than butter, so adjust accordingly
¼ cup vegetable glycerine (very sweet but does not spike blood sugar - I get mine in large bottles from Azure Standard) or agave syrup - adjust according to desired sweetness
1 egg
½ tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp sea salt

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Mix almond meal, coconut, baking soda, and salt together in a medium sized bowl.
3. Mix butter, veg glycerine, and egg together in another, smaller bowl.
4. Blend wet ingredients with dry and stir until combined (do not over stir).
5. Spoon onto greased baking sheet and flatten a bit with fork.
6. Bake at 325 degrees for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
7. Let cool for about 5-10 minutes before removing from baking sheet.

Note:
To make the chocolate version, add an additional ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa and 1/8 cup of vegetable glycerine.

Reminder: Total Health Show 2012 this weekend!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-04-20T06:51:40-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

The Total Health Show 2012 is this weekend! Find info on tickets here. I will be at the show with Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health at booth 807 on Friday, April 20 from 4pm-9pm and Sunday, April 22 from 10am to 7pm offering on-the-spot blood typing and information on the Blood Type Diet. I will also be speaking about the Blood Type Diet on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 11am on the Spa Stage.

Here is more info about my talk:

The Blood Type Diet: One Size Does Not Fit All
Do you eat healthy, whole foods, but still struggle with hard-to-lose weight or other health concerns? Have you ever wondered why the Atkins diet works for some people, while vegetarianism works for others? One size does not fit all! Blood type can provide insight into the individual differences that impact our health. Learn how your blood type influences how your body interacts with the food you eat as well as your response to stress and disease risk. Determine which foods are best for your body and how eating right for your blood type can help optimize your digestive and immune health now to alleviate health issues and prevent future disease.

Hope to see you there!

Guest post: Mucus

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-05-12T10:16:04-04:00

Guest post originally published by Erica Cowan, ND

Ever wake up congested? You are not alone! It may be common but it is not ideal. For those of you with chronic mucus build up, you don’t have to live this way forever and there are ways to rid yourself of this sticky buildup in your body.

What is mucus and what are the symptoms of excess mucus?
Most membranes of the body produce mucus of some form or another. Mucus is a general term for a mucilaginous, slimy, slightly sticky substances produced by the membranes in your body. You are probably most familiar with mucus in the form that drips from your nasal passages when you become sick with an upper respiratory infection. Our mucus membranes are found in most places where the outside world meets the inside world of the body including the eyes, nose, sinuses, lungs and colon to name a few. Mucus has an important protective function and prevents the absorption of potentially pathogenic things such as dust, chemicals, bacteria or other various toxins that we inspire or ingest from the outside world. Mucus serves an important function when we are sick as well; we sometimes produce more mucus in the branches of the lungs in times of sickness so that we can better expectorate and cough up the remnants of dead white blood cells and excess materials produced during our sickness. Sometimes, when we eat foods that we are sensitive to, or ingest substances that irritate the lining of the gut such as stimulating laxatives, we produce mucus to protect the lining of the gut from these irritating and potentially harmful substances. When the body produces mucus, there is a reason and purpose for its existence.

If mucus performs an important functions, then what’s the problem?
The problem with mucus, however, is that while it prevents the absorption of toxins, too much mucus can also prevents the absorption of non toxic nutrients, proteins, minerals, fats and vitamins. It prevents the absorption of vital elements such as oxygen. Try breathing through your nose with a case of chronic sinusitis, and you quickly realize the difficulty. For those who have asthma, the irritated and constricted bronchioles in the lungs produce mucus in response to the stimulus (smoke, cats, dust, bee sting protein…) and quickly it becomes difficult to breathe. For those individuals with food sensitivities, or celiac disease, often the lining of the gut is so full of mucus that if left untreated, leads to severe nutrient deficiencies. The truth is, mucus is important and functional in acute conditions, but in chronic conditions, and in excess, mucus becomes a chronic barrier standing between you and the vital substances you need from the outside world. Chronic mucus, waking up with nasal congestion, coughing up balls of mucus, or constantly seeing mucus in your stools for over a period of a couple weeks is an indication that something is wrong, and changes need to be made.

Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective on mucus
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, mucus can also be considered in terms of “phlegm” and “dampness.” In TCM theory, there are pathologies such as “phlegm misting the mind,” or “phlegm disturbing the heart.” This is an interesting interpretation of mucus’s affect on the body, because taken a step further than your physiology text book, it implies that chronic phlegm and mucus accumulations can affect the functions of the mind as well. The absorption of information from the outside world and assimilation of mental stimuli are impeded in the brain the same way that mucus might interfere with the absorption and assimilation of foods in the gut. This is one example of how TCM theory brilliantly broadens our understanding of mind body health.

What to do?
If you feel you have chronic mucus, phlegm or dampness accumulating in the body, try thinking about what might be causing this accumulation. Perhaps the culprits are obvious such as smoking or cat allergies. You could consider eliminating the cause! You may want assistance with this process, or you may not need it. Awareness of the problem is often enough to remedy it. Sometimes the problems are a little more hidden. Celiac disease, food sensitivities and heavy metal toxicity, for example, often produce an array of symptoms that can be challenging to work through without the help of a naturopath or similar form of practitioner. There are many herbs, teas, tinctures, foods, homeopathic and lifestyle factors that can help eliminate this sticky substance from your life when you find it’s no longer helping you.

Guest post: Shoulder and arm pain?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-04-17T17:26:40-04:00

Guest post by Rubina Tahir, DC

Perhaps one day you noticed a twinge occurs with a specific movement? Or an exercise session at the gym suddenly makes your shoulder, neck and arm feel stiff. Maybe you woke up one morning with your head in an odd position. Perhaps the simple task of brushing your hair caused pain. Does this sound like you? This description is more common than you think. In many cases the causes of these symptoms reside in the neck and upper back regions along with the surrounding shoulder muscles. When we ignore our symptoms thinking they will get better on their own, the irritation and inflammation continues to grow, causing the pain to become worse. And, as the pain becomes worse, the arm and shoulder motion becomes less and less. What should you do to help this injury heal? The most effective treatments will focus on alleviating pain in the joint, muscles and tendons. A shoulder exam will help the practitioner identify specifically which muscles have been irritated. Your individual treatment plan will focus on these areas. You will be given range of motion exercises in the first part of your rehabilitation. These are important to do daily to maintain full range of movement of the shoulder joint. Icing at home for 15min helps to control inflammation. Chiropractic soft tissue therapy helps to calm the irritated muscles and break up trigger points or “knots” in the muscles which cause pain and limit our movements. Finally shoulder, mid back and neck adjustments will correct mis-alignments and joint restrictions. What exactly is an adjustment? An adjustment involves the use of the chiropractor’s hands to apply a force to a specific joint of the spine or extremities. This adjustment helps to restore proper motion to the joint and to optimize function. This helps to eliminate nerve irritation and the body will be better able to heal itself.
You don’t have to live with pain! Treatment plans can keep you pain free and active.

Thyroid health and healing talk April 25th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-04-23T14:57:24-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving a free talk called Thyroid Health and Healing on Wednesday, April 25th, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!

The “master gland” of the body, your thyroid influences both body and mind. Learn how to understand thyroid testing and treatment options to support thyroid health.

See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Thyroid health and healing talk April 18th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-04-12T09:13:49-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving a free talk called Thyroid Health and Healing on Wednesday, April 18th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!

The “master gland” of the body, your thyroid influences both body and mind. Learn how to understand thyroid testing and treatment options to support thyroid health.

See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Total body detox - a few spots available!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-04-04T14:52:14-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

There are still a few spots available at both clinics for my Total Body Detox Spring Program! Register by Friday, April 6th 2012. Call the practice location that best suits you.

The program offers a total body, 360 degree detox that is safe, effective, and supported. Each patient receives a personalized detox protocol as well as a diet program incorporating liver detoxification support. On top of that, each week we provide an educational session on a different aspect of detox!

This is a great opportunity to jump-start your journey to better health or re-motivate you in keeping your health goals for 2012! It’s also a fun program to do with your friends and family!

Detoxification can be part of an overall treatment plan to help you:

Lose weight
Improve energy and vitality
Reduce and prevent seasonal allergies
Address digestive issues
Ease hormonal symptoms
Heal skin issues
Ease pain and inflammation

Package includes:
1. 3 naturopathic visits

2. 5 group sessions (Tuesdays

Weekly focus on a different aspect of detox, including digestion, liver and kidney detox, skin health, lymphatic system, exercise, and stress management
Group sessions Tuesdays 7 to 8pm, April 17 through May 15 held at Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health
Group sessions Thursdays 7 to 8pm, April 19 through May 17 held at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic

3. Thorne MediClear multivitamin mineral smoothie powder

Hypoallergenic protein source plus nutrients to support liver detoxification

4. Personalized detox protocol

Biotherapeutic drainage remedies chosen specifically to address your health concerns and detox needs

Package price:

$430 for new patients, $360 for existing patients (savings of 20% off regular price!)

Register by Friday, April 6th 2012, space is limited. Call the clinic location that best suits you:

Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health
73 Warren Road, Suite 102
Phone: 416-792-4400

Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
2010 Queen St. East, 2nd floor
Phone: 416-690-6168

Come see me at the Total Health Show 2012!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-04-03T14:40:25-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I’m excited to announce I will be speaking at the Total Health Show on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 11am on the Spa Stage. I will also be at the Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health booth (booth 807) on Friday, April 20 from 4pm-9pm and Sunday, April 22 from 10am to 7pm offering on-the-spot blood typing and information on the Blood Type Diet. Find info on tickets here.

Here is more info about my talk:

The Blood Type Diet: One Size Does Not Fit All
Do you eat healthy, whole foods, but still struggle with hard-to-lose weight or other health concerns? Have you ever wondered why the Atkins diet works for some people, while vegetarianism works for others? One size does not fit all! Blood type can provide insight into the individual differences that impact our health. Learn how your blood type influences how your body interacts with the food you eat as well as your response to stress and disease risk. Determine which foods are best for your body and how eating right for your blood type can help optimize your digestive and immune health now to alleviate health issues and prevent future disease.

Hope to see you there!

Confused about food sensitivity testing?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-03-27T18:08:04-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This subject is covered in a past post What's the difference between food sensitivity, allergy, or intolerance?, but given the recent media attention on food sensitivity testing I wanted to provide a pro/con (in this case beginning with the “con” side) summary for anyone who might have questions. Then I’ll explain how I look at food sensitivities in my practice.

Question: Is there value to food sensitivity testing?

Con:
There has been a lot of media coverage in response to an article (unfortunately you need to be CMAJ member for full access) by Dr. Elana Lavine in the Canadian Medical Association Journal criticizing food sensitivity testing.

Here is an article from the Globe and Mail: Tests for food allergies, sensitivities a ‘waste of money,’ doctor says
And here is a video with a bit of a more balanced perspective from the CBC: Food sensitivity tests

Pro:
There are several counter-arguments to be made to Dr. Lavine’s assertions:

IgE testing (for food allergy) and IgG testing (for food sensitivities) are different things. For a great comparison, here is a presentation from Rocky Mountain Analytical, one provider of food sensitivity testing. For a good summary, check out the chart on slide 11.
A skin-prick test, while considered the gold standard “allergy” test, is not a method that tests your response to food in the way you are actually exposed to food. You don’t eat through your skin, you interact with food via your digestive tract. And the response that your body makes to food can be an IgE response (quick, itchy, clear cause and effect) or an IgG response (delayed, vague symptoms, difficult to identify cause).
Only a medical professional (naturopathic doctor ideally or a medical doctor well-versed in nutrition) can understand how to best administer the test to get the most useful results and use this information for effective treatment.

Contrary to what Dr. Lavine asserts, there is research evidence for the use of food sensitivity testing:

This article summarizes some research on IgG allergy testing
Food-specific serum IgG4 and IgE titers to common food antigens in irritable bowel syndrome
Diet restriction in migraine, based on IgG against foods: a clinical double-blind, randomised, cross-over trial
Serum IgG responses to food antigens in the italian population evaluated by highly sensitive and specific ELISA test
Specific humoral response to cows' milk proteins and ovalbumin in children with atopic dermatitis
Treating irritable bowel syndrome with a food elimination diet followed by food challenge and probiotics
A critical review of IgG immunoglobulins and food allergy implications in systemic health
I’m sure there is even more to be found - check out PubMed if you are interested.

Here is a good, succinct rebuttal from Dr. Elaine Chin and here is a press release from the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

My thoughts:
In my practice, food sensitivity testing is not my first choice for treatment, but I have used it in certain circumstances. Here are some key points I consider:

The test measures only one point in time. Human beings, however, are constantly adapting and changing. At the time of testing, results indicate a particular response to foods. But how might these responses change as your immune system is balanced such that it does not react to substances that are not harmful? I see changes in immune response all the time, most commonly when I treat seasonal allergies. I’ve treated patients who have progressed from constant anti-histamine usage (that was still not controlling symptoms) one year to nearly no symptoms and no need for medication the next.
Nutrition is a major part of my treatment with most patients. My approach to nutrition is that there are no “bad” foods, just foods that work well for you (the patient) and others that don’t fuel your body in the best way to achieve optimal wellness. I look to personalized nutrition to identify what the best nutritional approach will be for each individual.
There are several health concerns that warrant investigation into food sensitivities, such as: most digestive concerns (IBS, constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux), asthma, migraines, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, allergy symptoms, skin issues (eczema, psoriasis, acne), arthritis), failure to thrive, and more. The question is, what is the best way to determine foods that may contribute to these conditions?
Before testing, I encourage patients to do an elimination diet, which is considered the gold standard for identifying foods that may be contributing to symptoms. This approach is both diagnosis and treatment at once: patients usually experience a significant reduction in symptoms while in the elimination phase (confirming that eliminated foods contribute), they immediately begin to alter habits (perhaps the most challenging aspects of naturopathic treatment), and they gain firsthand experience of how foods affect them during the reintroduction phase.
However, some patients prefer more objective information via a lab test and find this more motivating for changing habits. Also, some patients may find the elimination diet very challenging and would prefer a more focused elimination diet based on lab results. In either of these cases, it is important to use the test results as a guide and symptoms as feedback to determine if the treatment approach is effective.
In the case of gluten sensitivity, I also find lab results more motivating for patients, since 100% avoidance of gluten can be challenging and having “hard data” as well as other lab results to monitor (one example would be anti-thyroid antibodies) can help ensure higher compliance and therefore improved outcomes.

I hope this helps clarify some of the key issues! The bottom line is that you will receive the best outcomes via individual treatment with a naturopathic doctor who can determine what approach is best for you and then navigate that path with you to ensure treatment addresses your needs.

Total body detox spring program 2012

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-03-07T09:35:43-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Spring is fast approaching and many people benefit from a cleanse or detox to shake off the winter sluggishness and get well for the warmer weather! With this in mind, I am organizing a spring detox program at both my practice locations!

Symptoms that may indicate the need for detoxification:

Excessively dry or oily skin, or skin itching
Allergic reactions
Chronic digestive issues, such as constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, IBS, bloating, and gas
Chronic fatigue (despite sufficient sleep)
Chronic pain (not due to injury or overuse)
Frequent infections

Detoxification can be part of an overall treatment plan to help you:

Lose weight
Improve overall energy and vitality
Reduce and prevent seasonal allergies
Address digestive issues
Ease hormonal symptoms
Heal skin issues
Ease pain and inflammation

The program is designed to offer a total body, 360 degree detox that is safe, effective, and supported through both individual visits and group sessions. Each patient will receive a personalized detox protocol as well as a diet program incorporating liver detoxification support.

This is a great opportunity to jump-start your journey to better health or re-motivate you in keeping your health goals for 2012! It’s also a fun program to do with your friends and family!

Package includes:
1. 3 individual naturopathic visits

See below for specifics for each practice location

2. 5 group coaching sessions

Weekly focus on a different aspect of detox, including digestion, liver and kidney detox, skin health, lymphatic system, exercise, and stress management (mental/emotional detox)
Coaching, support, and discussion for entire program duration

3. Thorne MediClear multivitamin mineral smoothie powder

Hypoallergenic protein source plus nutrients to support liver detoxification

4. Personalized detox protocol

Biotherapeutic drainage remedies chosen specifically to address your health concerns and detox needs

Package price:

$430 for new patients, $360 for existing patients (savings of 20% off regular price!)
This is an amazing price for a complete, personalized, supported, and supervised detox program!

Register by Friday, April 6th 2012, space is limited
Call the clinic location that best suits you:

Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health
73 Warren Road, Suite 102
Phone: 416-792-4400

Package details:
3 individual naturopathic visits by appointment:

New patients: initial visit (90 minutes) and two follow-up visits (45 and 30 minutes)
Existing patients: three follow-up visits (two 45 and one 30 minutes)

Group sessions Tuesdays 7 to 8pm, April 17 through May 15 held at Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health

Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
2010 Queen St. East, 2nd floor
Phone: 416-690-6168

Package details:
3 individual naturopathic visits by appointment

New patients: initial visit (90 minutes) and two follow-up visits (30 minutes)
Existing patients: three follow-up visits (one 45 and two 30 minutes)

1 individual nutrition consultation (30 minutes)

Group sessions Thursdays 7 to 8pm, April 19 through May 17 held at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic

Swiss report on homeopathy

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-02-20T17:38:02-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I just read this blog, The Swiss Government's Remarkable Report on Homeopathic Medicine, by Dana Ullman, who writes a regular blog about homeopathy for the Huffington Post. In this blog he discusses a report from the Swiss Government after extensive evaluation of homeopathic medicine. I’ve summarized some key points from his blog below.

There was strong demand from both consumers and physicians for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments:

“Approximately half of the Swiss population have used CAM treatments and value them.”
“About half of Swiss physicians consider CAM treatments to be effective.”
“85 percent of the Swiss population wants CAM therapies to be a part of their country's health insurance program.”

The Swiss government’s assessment was high quality and sought to not only evaluate existing evidence relating to homeopathy, but also the QUALITY and VALIDITY of such evidence, which is also important, since many researchers do not design studies that evaluate homeopathy (or many other natural therapies for that matter!) in the way that it is actually practiced!

“Not only did this report carefully and comprehensively review the body of evidence from randomized double-blind and placebo controlled clinical trials testing homeopathic medicines, they also evaluated the "real world effectiveness" as well as safety and cost-effectiveness.”
“This report evaluated systematic reviews and meta-analyses, outcome studies, and epidemiological research. This wide review carefully evaluated the studies conducted, both in terms of quality of design and execution (called "internal validity") and how appropriate each was for the way that homeopathy is commonly practiced (called "external validity").
“some scientists and physicians conduct research on homeopathy with little or no understanding of this type of medicine,”
“When such studies inevitably showed that the homeopathic medicine did not "work," the real and accurate assessment must be that the studies were set up to disprove homeopathy”

So what were the results?

“homeopathic high-potencies seem to induce regulatory effects (e.g., balancing or normalizing effects) and specific changes in cells or living organisms.”
“The report cited 29 studies in "Upper Respiratory Tract Infections/AllergicReactions," of which 24 studies found a positive result in favor of homeopathy.”
“Further, six out of seven controlled studies that compared homeopathic treatment with conventional medical treatment showed that homeopathy to be more effective than conventional medical interventions (the one other trial found homeopathic treatment to be equivalent to conventional medical treatment).”
“All of these results from homeopathic treatment came without the side effects common to conventional drug treatment.”
“In evaluating only the randomized placebo controlled trials, 12 out of 16 studies showed a positive result in favor of homeopathy.”

For more details, read Dana Ullman’s full blog The Swiss Government's Remarkable Report on Homeopathic Medicine.

Spring detox and allergies talk March 21st

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-03-19T22:04:17-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

NOTE: This talk may be cancelled if the Toronto Public Libraries strike continues through Wednesday. Please check the news to see if the library will be open!

I will be giving a free talk as part of my 4 Seasons of Wellness program called Spring: Detox and Allergies on Wednesday, March 21st, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!

Dreading allergy season? Wondering how to do a healthy detox? Learn about the benefits of detoxification and how detox key to treating and preventing seasonal allergies.

Topics will include:

Liver health and detox support
Tips for healthy detox
Naturopathic treatment for seasonal allergies

See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Cooking made easy: tips and tricks

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-03-12T21:51:05-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

The cornerstone of eating healthy is to prepare your food yourself! More and more people are eating out every day and sometimes multiple times per day and the result is that we eat processed foods that are exponentially higher in sugar, salt, preservatives, and fillers and much lower in nutrients than anything we could make at home!

So, here are some tips and tricks for cooking delicious homemade food quickly and easily.

1. Learn to live without (or with far less) sugar
Processed sugar is not a necessity of life and in fact is a food that we as humans are only made to have in small quantities occasionally. Sugar depresses your immune system, encourages accumulation of belly fat, alters your brain function, promotes inflammation (and pain!) and contributes to all major chronic diseases (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc). But this is a topic to be explored in another blog...

Luckily, there are so many ways to reduce the processed sugar we eat! One important step is to simply fill up on nutritious foods and stop eating desserts. Another is to get your sweet fix in healthier ways, by substituting other types of sweeteners, baking healthier, and using other foods, such as fruit, for that sweet fix.

My favourite substitute for sugar in baking in vegetable glycerine, which I use in many of my recipes on this site. Vegetable glycerine doesn’t spike blood sugar because it isn’t sugar, but it does taste very sweet so you don’t need as much of it to get that sweet taste. You can also mix it with other natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave depending on your taste. But remember, the idea is to significantly reduce your sugar intake!

2. Cook in batches
The first rule of cooking and eating mostly homemade food is to cook more than you need (sometimes much more!). For example:

Cook double or triple the portions at each meal so you have leftovers for future meals
Cook a chicken/turkey/roast/soup and package and/or freeze portions
Make veggies in batches to use throughout the week, such as blanching greens to make salads or as part of a meal
Prepare snacks and store in small containers to grab when needed, such as cut and washed veggies (carrots, celery, peppers, etc), fruit (grapes, berries, mango, etc), nuts and seeds

3. Buy in bulk
This can mean literally buying bulk foods, but it can also mean buying a large amount of food and spacing it out. One way that I do this is to buy a roast chicken (which is way too big for one meal for me) then cut it up and place portions small ziploc snack bags. This makes a really easy meal if I need it - I can just pull a snack bag out of the freezer (which will thaw a bit within 10-15 minutes), reheat the chicken, and make a wrap or mix with rice for a quick meal.

You can do this with lots of different prepared foods you find at the grocery store or restaurants. You can even do this when you eat out - get a takeout container when you get your plate at a restaurant and immediately put half your meal in it to take home for leftovers!

4. Learn to make your own substitutes
One of the biggest pitfalls to a healthy diet is snacking - everyone has their favourite sweet or salty snacks that they can’t resist buying. For me, it is anything chocolate and even if I try to make healthier choices (that usually being chocolate covered almonds), I just don’t feel as good when I eat snacks that I buy at the store.

The solution that has worked best for me is to learn to make my own snacks that approximate/substitute for the snacks I love best. I have several recipes for baked goods that work well for me - give some of these a try:

Walnutty chocolate: Amazing chocolate fudge as a vehicle for fibre and nuts
Quinoatmeal cookies: high fibre oatmeal-like cookies, a hit with everyone
Antioxidant brownies: dense, moist, dark chocolate brownies
Ultimate chocolate chip cookies: a healthier take on a traditional favourite
Simple almond cookies: great for elimination diet and tasty too

Or, if you have a particular favourite food or snack, start experimenting with how to make it yourself. Here are some ideas:

Make your own granola using whole food ingredients like dried fruit, chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, coconut, and rolled oats.
Crave crunch? Try high fibre crackers (I like Mary’s) and nut butter. I recommend homemade walnut butter for more omega 3 fats. You can also use almond, hazelnut, pumpkin seed, cashew, or peanut butter. Make sure to read ingredients and get brands without sweeteners or fillers.
Make a superfood smoothie for your fruit fix.
Buy fresh fruit and cut it up to make fruit salad (my personal favourite is fresh mango with raspberries).
Like bacon? Try turkey bacon - not the greatest, but a better choice! Read ingredients carefully to avoid nitrites/sulfites, which are carcinogenic!
Like chocolate milk? Try almond (or rice or soy) milk and chocolate protein powder!
Bake your own banana bread or muffins.
Like chips or french fries? Make your own at home or, even better, make kale chips or sweet potato chips or sweet potato or veggie fries.
Like beef jerky? Make your own using a dehydrator!
Do you miss ice cream? Make your own at home or, even better, make your own sorbet.
Crave a burger? Make your own from ground beef/bison/turkey/whatever favourite meat and add onions, garlic, spices, etc to taste. You can freeze these and cook quickly for lunch or dinner. Also consider making meatballs!

Cooking made easy: tools of the trade

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-02-10T11:02:40-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I spend much of my time coaching and encouraging patients to eat healthy and a major part of that is learning to cook nutritious meals at home. Cooking healthy homemade meals can seem daunting at first, but it is simply a matter of learning basic skills and forming new habits.

April 2012 is my 10 year anniversary of eating right for my type (which has evolved from type O to type O nonsecretor to Hunter) and over this decade I’ve gone from eating primarily toast, milk, fast food, and packaged food (can you believe it?) to learning how to prepare healthy meals at home.

One of the keys to successful food preparation is having the right tools! So, I would like to share the most valuable kitchen tools/appliances I own. To equip yourself with all 4 tools will cost you about $126.96. To me, for years of cooking assistance and time savings, this is well worth it.

1. Hand blender
Cost = $55.99 (at Kitchen Stuff Plus, which I find to have very low prices)

Back in 2004 I got a Cuisinart Smart Stick hand blender and it is still going strong today after daily (and sometimes twice daily) use! Last year it started to make some disturbing noises, so I bought a new one on sale (because I feared getting stuck without my morning companion), but I haven’t had to open the new one yet since my old one has hung in there! Long story short, I think this is one appliance worth a $50-$60 investment. I would recommend this brand over others - I previously owned another handblender brand that only lasted a year or two and was made of plastic rather than stainless steel.

Use your handblender to make a daily superfood smoothie, as well as blending sauces, dips, etc. Use the chopper attachment to chop veggies or grind nuts for homemade nut butters. Finally, use the whisk attachment for beating eggs to make healthy brownies at home!

2. Steamer basket
Cost = $6.99 (small) to $8.99 (large)

This one is new within the last year or so. Before owning a steamer basket, I just boiled or blanched veggies. However, steaming uses less water, is much faster, and retains more nutrients in your food! Simply place the steamer basket in a pot, add water to just below the basket, bring it to a boil and add your veggies. Steam for as long as you like to achieve desired texture. I now do my broccoli and kale for about 1-3 minutes to get the same texture as blanching.

You can steam literally anything quickly and easily! I find the steamer basket gives better results than an actually steamer appliance (which I find less even) and if you use a large steamer basket in a large stock pot, you can steam enough greens/veggies to keep in the fridge to eat all week. It’s all about efficiency and convenience!

3. Rice cooker
Cost = varies (at least $13.99)

Kitchen Stuff Plus has more expensive ones, but I bought my small rice cooker from Canadian Tire for about $10 on sale (regular price $13.99)

This is another recent addition to my kitchen (bought within the last year) and honestly, I don’t know why I didn’t get one sooner! My rice cooker makes perfect rice, quinoa, lentils, etc every time with no work! Simply measure the right amount of rice (or whatever), water (or use vegetable broth for extra nutrients), and seasonings, turn it on, and when it’s done it stops cooking.

Extra bonus: you can make oatmeal in a rice cooker and even steam veggies in some (if they come with a steamer basket)!

4. Indoor grill
Cost = varies (at least $49.99)

There are a lot of different grills on the market today! I think my dad has the Cuisinart Griddler ($99.99 at Kitchen Stuff Plus), I have a George Foreman grill they don’t even make anymore (with a temperature control, which I really like). Here is a similar George Foreman with temperature control ($59.99) at Canadian Tire and a slightly less expensive ($49.99) model here.

I’ve now owned 2 George Foreman grills and I couldn’t imagine my life without it! You can use the grill for burgers, steaks, fish, veggies, etc... The temperature control is nice for having more control over what you are cooking, and the cook time is really reduced since you cook both sides at once. For example, a bison burger generally takes about 7 minutes total to cook from frozen. They are also pretty easy to clean - I use only water and a special sponge that works perfectly to wipe the grill down after using and then I just dry it gently with paper towel.

Hypertension and stroke prevention health talk February 15th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-02-14T14:23:54-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving a free talk called Hypertension and stroke prevention on Wednesday, February 15th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!

Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypertension and stroke and why these two issues go hand-in-hand. Learn about cardiovascular health and stroke prevention.

See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Hypertension and stroke prevention health talk February 22nd

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-02-16T09:51:57-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving a free talk called Hypertension and stroke prevention on Wednesday, February 22nd, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!

Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypertension and stroke and why these two issues go hand-in-hand. Learn about cardiovascular health and stroke prevention.

See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Lentil and brown rice soup

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-04-09T13:44:44-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This is a simple, easy recipe for soup that came to me from my boyfriend via his mom. I think we each make this soup a bit differently, but the principles are the same and it makes a great, healthy, high-fibre meal.

Lentil brown rice soup

Ingredients:
1 cup red lentils
1/2 cup brown rice
1 medium onion
1-2 cloves garlic
Olive oil
Salt, pepper, and other spices to taste
Water and/or vegetable broth

Directions:

Rinse the lentils until the water runs clear. I do this by putting the lentils in a medium pot and running water over them, stirring occasionally.
While the lentils are rinsing, chop one medium onion and two cloves of garlic into small pieces, then place onion and garlic pieces into a food processor and chop/grind to desired consistency. I like to get the pieces as small as possible!
Add a bit of olive oil to a large soup/stock pot and cook the onions and garlic on low to medium heat until just golden.
Add the rinsed lentils and brown rice to the pot along with enough water or vegetable broth to cover.
Add any other spices you want to taste.
Simmer at low to medium heat (about 3-4 out of 10).
Stir regularly and keep adding water or broth as needed to keep desired consistency.
After about an hour, the soup is done! Let it cool down a bit then either eat or store in the fridge or freezer.

Guest post: The dairy dilemma

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-02-28T18:30:03-05:00

Guest post originally published by Shelly Reitkop, ND

Dairy products are one of those food groups that people reluctantly give up. Most individuals associate milk and cheese with growing bones, strong teeth and osteoporosis prevention. They have played into strategic marketing and genuinely believe that dairy products possess an abundance of health benefits. Most people are unaware about what I call the dairy dilemma. I believe that conditions such as acne, ADHD, diabetes, headaches, heart disease, Irritable Bowel Disease, obesity, osteoporosis and hormone-related cancers can be prevented by understanding dairy for what it truly is and eliminating it from your diet.

The simple truth
Lets start from the beginning. Milk IS good – that is, BREAST MILK. When a baby is born, a mother produces enough milk to help her infant grow from an 8-pound newborn into a 24-pound toddler. Milk accommodates for a 300% weight gain over the first year of life. When the child is anywhere between 12-24 months, a mother’s milk dries up and she stops breast-feeding. It is at this point of life where humans lose 95% of the digestive enzyme lactase, a substance necessary to break down lactose, the sugar in milk. The human body is not meant to digest dairy once the breast-feeding period is over.

Let’s be honest. Most babies DO consume milk after foods have been introduced. Most people consume dairy products throughout their entire lives. The difference between cows’ milk and human milk is that cows’ milk, by design, is meant to grow a 90lb calf into a 2,000lb cow over 2 years. By the laws of deduction, if you want to lose weight, eliminating dairy is a must.

It’s not only about weight management. The sad truth is, dairy is one of the most common culprits of gastrointestinal inflammation. It quickly triggers the immune system to produce inflammatory molecules resulting in a variety of conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and dermatological conditions, as well as autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. The reason? We aren’t supposed to be consuming dairy!

Got Milk? Marketing misconceptions & the truth about calcium

According to the commercials I grew up with, milk “Does a body good.” Most people I speak with claim it’s the key to strong bones and teeth because of its high calcium content. FYI: Milk leeches calcium out of bones. Surprised? Here’s the deal: even though milk is a source of calcium, milk is also acidic. This means that when you drink milk, the pH level in the blood naturally decreases. In response, calcium, which works to prevent changes in pH, is released from the bones, predisposing an individual to osteoporosis and bone fractures. The acidic quality of all dairy products supersedes its calcium content. According to a recent study conducted at Harvard University, “milk isn’t the only, or even best, source. [of calcium].” Something to think about, eh?

Having calcium leech from the bones isn’t the worst part about the dairy dilemma: acidic foods affect the body’s functioning, right down to the cellular level. Acidic blood is a reflection of significant free radical damage and low antioxidant levels. Acidic blood levels are associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, elevated cholesterol and cancer.

Your heart does NOT love dairy
Your taste buds may LOVE the taste of cheese and dairy products but I can assure you, your heart does not feel the same. Many dairy products are high in saturated fat and high saturated fat intake is associated with heart disease. Eggs, which are classified as dairy products, are widely known to elevate cholesterol and increase cardiovascular risk.

Hormonal havoc: the dairy dilemma continued
One major concern about dairy products is the exposure to hormone disrupting antibiotics, chemicals and growth hormones. Hormonal imbalances are implicated in certain types of cancers such as breast, uterine, ovarian and prostate cancer. According to some Harvard researchers, the hormone composition of milk may increase the risk of ovarian and other hormone-related cancers.

Recent studies have found that male athletes who consumed high doses of calcium (2000mg+) were almost twice as likely to develop prostate cancer compared with men who consumed 500mg per day. Something worth thinking about.

Another study found that elevated levels of galactose, a sugar byproduct that is released when we digest dairy products, may be linked to the development of ovarian cancer. Researchers conclude that high dairy consumption is not necessarily safe.

The bottom line

I know, I’ve burst your blissful bubble of ignorance. You need to know that dairy products have been linked to a host of conditions such as anemia, anxiety, arthritis, joint pain, fibromyalgia, poor immune function, colic and autism, not to mention all the conditions I’ve previously listed. Eliminating dairy from the diet will surely improve your physical and/or mental health and prevent, treat and possibly reverse one or more of your health concerns.

To learn about substitutions for dairy products, stay tuned for my upcoming blog: Simple Solutions to the Dairy Dilemma. If you have specific questions you would like me to address, please comment and I will be sure to respond!

References:
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/calcium-and-milk

Guest post: Resolutions right for your type

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-01-17T14:24:29-05:00

Guest post originally published by Maura Henninger, ND

What’s a list of New Year’s resolutions without the requisite ‘lose weight’ among the top five? For some, it’s not as much about losing weight as it is about adopting healthier habits and those can encompass eating better, exercising more, sleeping more soundly, reducing stress and a whole host of other wellness goals. According to research, more than half of people who make New Year’s resolutions will drop them by mid-year. Nevertheless, the same research also shows that just the act of making a resolution and sticking to it for even an abbreviated length of time lays the foundation for future positive change. The media overflows this time of year with advice on sticking to our resolve to introduce positive change. The best one, in my opinion? Buddy up. Find a friend who is also committed to make the change you seek. Research out of the University of Leeds shows that if you and a partner work together, better eating and exercise habits are bound to stick. So, grab your spouse, mom, sister, brother, best friend, or child who’s interested in eating and exercising according to Blood Type this year. Here are some tips to begin:

Type O

At big meals, focus on proteins like red meat, turkey and fish
To boost your metabolism, add green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach
Avoid wheat completely, as well as most cow milk dairy
To side-step weight gain, slash kidney beans, lentil and corn from your diet
Engage in vigorous, sweat-enducing exercise at least four times per week

Type A

Red meats are best avoided, but turkey is fine
Soy is a good replacement protein metabolized quickly by Type As
Load your plate with winter vegetables, particularly pumpkin, turnip and parnsip
Pineapple will increase calorie utilization and aid in digestion
Calming, restorative exercises like yoga and tai-chi will head off stress, which can exacerbate weight gain

Type B

The biggest weight-gain offenders are chicken, corn and peanuts
Like Type O’s, Type B’s should avoid the harmful lectins in wheat
Load up on dairy and eggs to supercharge the metabolism
Add licorice tea at the end of meals to balance blood sugar
Try alternating days of physically rigorous exercise (3 days a week) with relaxing workouts (two days a week)

Type AB

Seafood is the protein of choice but turkey is also metabolically favorable
Common winter fruits like figs, cranberries and plums are excellent for AB’s
Make tofu a regular part of your diet
A power juice for AB’s: one apple, a few stalks of celery, 2 carrots and a few leaves of cabbage
AB’s have a similar stress profile to Type As, so heavy exercise will only deplete the nervous system. Try yoga and low-impact martial arts, walking and dance.

Resolved to eat better this year and follow your Blood Type Diet more closely? Send me an email or comment on this post. I’d love to hear your plans. Maura@dadamonutrition.com.

Osteoporosis and bone health talk January 18th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-01-12T08:07:54-05:00

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:

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 25th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-01-20T17:03:18-05:00

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:

Risk factors
Prevention and treatment
Key nutrition and lifestyle steps

See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Simple changes = big results

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-01-08T09:59:19-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Another year and more New Year’s resolutions! This year I thought I’d share some really simple resolutions you can make to have major impacts on your health. These are all FREE things you can do that will improve your health more than any supplement, product, or procedure ever will. All those things are only icing on the cake (the cake being a foundation of healthy habits!).

Start your day with a smoothie
Most of my patients don’t eat breakfast (or don’t eat something healthy for breakfast - Egg McMuffins, Tim Horton’s, or Starbucks are not optimal breakfast choices). Most of my patients also don’t eat enough fruits and veggies. And, most of them don’t eat enough fibre. Doing all these things will prolong your life and prevent disease. Here is a simple, fun, and tasty solution!

I blogged about my favourite smoothie, but you can really make whatever you want for yourself. If you don’t already have one, buy yourself a handblender (or Magic Bullet or blender) and throw together a superfood smoothie each morning! Make sure you include:

Fresh or frozen fruit (choose beneficials for your blood type)
1/2 to 1 leaf swiss chard, kale, or equivalent amount of spinach (more veggies - these will just blend in, you won’t even know they’re there!)
1-2 tablespoons fibre (ground flax, hemp hearts, psyllium, etc)
Protein powder (depending on your blood type, can be whey, vegan protein, brown rice protein, or you can use ground nuts/seeds)
1 teaspoon greens powder or spirulina (get even more green foods!)
Juice/water to cover ingredients

Mix it all up and let it sit for about 10 minutes if you are using frozen fruit (this helps it soften up). Then blend and drink and you’ve got a bunch of nutrition to get you through your day!

Experiment with yourself
The best way to know if something works? Try it! I often recommend an elimination/hypoallergenic diet in which I have my patient avoid common food allergens/irritants for a month. During this month we can observe if their health concerns and symptoms improve (which they almost always do!). Then, I have them add back foods one at a time to observe how each food affects them and we learn what foods are contributing to their health issues. This is a great way to see quick results and learn something too. The challenge is that eliminating all these things at once can turn your diet upside down, although it does teach you how much healthy food is out there to eat!

Why not start with just one or two things to eliminate for a month and see how you feel? For the most effect, pick one or two of the following foods for your self-experiment:

Wheat or all gluten grains (barley, rye, wheat, spelt, kamut)
Refined sugar (including white/brown sugar, cane sugar, honey, agave, maple syrup) - no artificial sweeteners allowed either!
Dairy (yogurt, cheese, milk, butter)
Caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, pop)
Pop/soft drinks

Replace, don’t avoid
Are you tired of being told all the things you should stop or avoid? I just gave you a bunch above! Whenever you want to stop one thing, you need to start something else. So, start by replacing some unhealthy (or less healthy) habits with healthier ones. Here are several examples:

Replace your daily coffee with a green or white tea
Replace pop/soda with water (or sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice or lemon juice, yum)
Replace sitting on the couch through a half hour TV show with half and hour of stretching and yoga while watching TV
Replace a packaged snack with a piece of fruit and a handful of nuts or seeds
Replace the most toxic cleaning product in your home with a non-toxic alternative
Replace sitting in front of the computer for an hour with reading a great book

I’m sure you can think of many other healthy, simple replacements. Why not make some New Year’s resolutions out of these?

Meditate every night before bed
However, meditation is also hard - hard to start, hard to make time for, hard to be good at, hard to remember, etc. But really, it’s so easy! You can sit, you can breathe, and you can count, right?

Try some simple alternate nostril breathing every night before bed. You will sleep better, de-stress, think better, focus better, and FEEL better. And, if you keep it up, your body will heal better, work better, lose weight better... You get the picture. Commit to 1 month of nightly meditation for 5-10 minutes minimum and then see how you feel.

Walk more
Remember walking? The easy, free transportation system that human beings are great at? I know you think you don’t have time to exercise, but you DO have time to WALK. It will get you where you need to go and even just a bit of walking every day has major health benefits - lose weight, prevent cancer/heart disease/diabetes, improve mood, get/stay warmer in winter, etc.

Try adding just a bit more walking to each day:

Park further away
Take the stairs (even if it’s more than 5 floors, just take your time!)
Skip a few subway stops
Walk to the store, the restaurant, a friend’s house
Take the long way home
Walk around your house and clean

Kate's favourite things 2012: Supplements

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-03-04T13:04:58-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

For several years I’ve considered writing a “favourite things” blog (a la Oprah’s favourite things). These are all things I use myself (as evidenced by the photos of this stuff in my house!) and LOVE (not just like). This is NOT an endorsement or advertisement and I’m not getting paid by anyone to put a product in this blog.

D’Adamo Personalized Nutrition
D’Adamo Personalized Nutrition is a line of supplements and products formulated by Peter D’Adamo, ND based on his life’s work in epigenetics, the Blood Type Diet, and the GenoType Diet. In Canada, these supplements are available from Right For Your Type. Right now, I carry the blood typing kits and secretor test kits in my offices, but as my practice grows, I hope to eventually carry a selection of the products in my office. For now, I direct patients to the online store. My top 5 favourites are Deflect O, Catechol, Polyflora O, Phytocal O, and Proberry 3 Liquid.

B vitamins
B vitamins are really effective for stress management and gentle liver support as well as having lots of other benefits for your skin, brain, hair, energy, etc. Not all Bs are the same and I have a few favourite brands: NFH B Complex SAP, AOR Advanced B Complex, Genestra Orti B, and Thorne B complexes.

Thorne MediClear Plus
I often recommend dietary changes in my practice, including an elimination/hypoallergenic diet or a detox diet in many cases. I’ve also done this type of diet/detox myself and used Thorne MediClear Plus for protein, liver support, and cofactors for detoxification. I usually prefer the MediClear Plus over the regular MediClear because it has no added flavours or sweeteners but it doesn’t have the great flavour of Mediclear. However, I actually really like the way it tastes mixed into a fruit smoothie!

Earthrise spirulina powder
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is high in antioxidants, iron, and protein. Spirulina is a diamond superfood in my SWAMI GenoType personalized nutrition plan and I use Earthrise spirulina powder in my favourite smoothie recipe every morning! When I started taking it, I used only 1/2 teaspoon per smoothie but now I’m up to the full 1 teaspoon serving and I find it blends well with fruit so that you can’t even taste it! And it gives your smoothie an “interesting” colour, the mark of a true health nut.

Ascenta Nutrasea liquid fish oils
Fish oil is one of those supplements with just about a million benefits and I think Nutrasea is one of the best tasting liquid fish oils. My personal favourite right now is the Nutrasea+D since it also has 1000IU of vitamin D per teaspoon. “But,” you say, “I don’t want to take a liquid, it’s gross! I want to take a capsule!” Nutrasea also comes in capsules, but I really prefer the liquid because dose is important and most people simply do not take enough capsules to get a dose that will benefit them.

Natural Calm magnesium powder
Natural Calm magnesium powder is exactly what it sounds like - magnesium powder, that’s all. You dissolve the powder in warm water and drink it! I enjoy taking this in the evening as a relaxing drink and to help my muscles relax before bed. I usually use the Original flavour and mix in a bit of lemon juice for taste.

Kate's favourite things 2012: Personal care

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-02-02T16:18:25-05:00

Dr. Hauschka lip care stick
This is the “favourite thing” that inspired this whole blog! Dr. Hauschka’s Lip Care Stick is by far the most expensive lip balm I’ve ever bought but it is well worth it! From the first time a co-worker at Peaches and Green recommended it, I have not looked back. It is so superior to every other lip balm I’ve tried that I have (at time of writing) 6 tubes of it in my home. These tubes are in various stages of use, from brand new to “digging out the last little bit” stage:

Meditation as Medicine book
Meditation as Medicine by Dharma Singh Khalsa is a book I recommend to anyone interested in starting a meditation practice as well as anyone who wants to learn more about specific meditations for different healthy concerns. The author is an anesthesiologist who shares many different meditations for beginners and lists meditation treatments for a lot of medical concerns complete with diagrams and great step-by-step instruction.

David’s Tea
Last fall I did a brief stint working part-time at David’s Tea and while I am too busy to continue there, I do LOVE their products! Tea can be so fun and healthy, so why not enjoy this treat rather than high-calorie coffee drinks or junk food? My top 3 favourite teas are Vanilla Oolong, Secret Weapon (a white tea), and Jessie’s Tea (caffeine-free rooibos tea). I also highly recommend the perfect mug (I have a glass one at work and a ceramic one at home) - it truly is perfect for making a wonderful cup of tea!

Urban Spa silk eye pillow
I like to sleep in complete darkness, and by complete I mean no light through the window or from electronics (which is why my phone is in another room and I cover my clock). To help achieve this total darkness, I NEED my Urban Spa Silk Eye Pillow! I have tried many eye masks over the years, but I always come back to this one because it is so wonderful. It blocks light really well, it is soft on my face, it is adjustable (which is important as the elastic stretches out over time), and it smells of soothing lavender!

Derma E microdermabrasion scrub
I have very fair, delicate skin and I find that any breakout leaves pigment and too much sun exposure leaves sun spots. One of the products I find really helpful is Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub. This scrub is fine and gentle and I find it helps get rid of rough skin and dark spots. I use it about once per week followed by either my Green tea face mask or Egg yolk face mask.

Pure and Natural shampoo and conditioner
We used to carry some Pure and Natural products at Peaches and Green and when I started using the Daily Moisturizing Shampoo and Daily Light Conditioner, I got several comments (sometimes for complete strangers, such as in the gym!) that my hair was looking really shiny and healthy! I really love these two products and now order them from Carina Organics in the large bottles!

Learn from cancer survivors

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-01-03T13:22:32-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I love lists, so in that spirit I wanted to share this blog on Crazy Sexy Life called 10 Things I Learned From People Who Survive Cancer. What do people who recover from major illness have in common? Here are a few of my favourite points:

“Don’t take sh*t from people”:
Do you ever find yourself getting annoyed over the most irrelevant things? Does it really matter if you don’t get your friend the perfect wedding/baby shower/birthday gift or someone de-friends you on Facebook? Didn’t you used to think that adults didn’t care about such petty, childish problems? So, you can either tackle the issue (probably my go-to approach too much of the time) or just stop caring! Spend your time and energy on the stuff that matters. And if you have enough left over for those petty things, reconsider just how good you have it!

“Take care of your body”:
If you’re reading this blog, you may have already gotten this message from me! And to go along with this point, I would add that you should realize the true value of your health and be willing to invest in maintaining it. In Canada we are accustomed to “free” healthcare. It isn’t really “free” but because we don’t pay directly out of pocket, it seems that way. However, this “free” healthcare does little to prevent your future disease.

Think for a moment of any nagging health issue you might have now… Pain, fatigue, medications you have to take, etc. What would it be worth to you to not have it? To just be cured of it right now, as if it never happened. A lot, right? That would mean you don’t have to work so hard and you would probably feel better every day. It takes a lot more to reverse a process that is already in motion (and has been for many years) than to prevent it! So, take care of your body.

Do you really need another purse, pair of shoes, car, house, toy, or whatever? What you really NEED is your health. Prevention will save you time, money, energy, and will give you a better return than any other investment you can make.

Gluten sensitivity part 4: why?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-08-28T09:39:31-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This blog is all about “why.” As in, why (and how) do we become gluten sensitive and why does it matter?

If you missed my previous blogs on this topics, check out Gluten sensitivity part 1: definitions, prevalence, presentation, Gluten sensitivity part 2: diagnosis, and Gluten sensitivity part 3: living gluten-free.

Why are so many people gluten sensitive?
I am often asked: why so many people are gluten sensitive? It seems like just a few years ago this was a relatively rare diagnosis. Also, why might someone who has tolerated gluten his or her entire life suddenly become gluten sensitive? The short answer is that right now we cannot be sure of the exact causes. Really, gluten sensitivity, like most modern health issues, is due to many causes that come together to cause illness. Here are a few of my own thoughts on why more and more people are gluten sensitive:

Improved diagnostics:
The most obvious answer is that we are getting better and better at recognizing and diagnosing gluten sensitivity. Awareness has skyrocketed, so more people are getting tested and the tests are getting better. For more on diagnosis, see my blog Gluten sensitivity part 2: diagnosis

Higher gluten content in foods:?
I’ve heard some talk that foods we eat today contain higher gluten content than those same foods would have 10, 20, 30 years ago. Also, I’ve heard that the gluten content of grains in Europe is much lower (possibly due to greater restrictions on genetic modification) than in North America. I’ve not been able to find any real evidence to support this.

Immune system imbalance:
In people with gluten sensitivity, the immune system is no longer tolerating gluten (which is a non-harmful substance) and makes an response that causes damage to tissues. But why? This is really part of a larger problem of immune system dysfunction that may lie at the root of many chronic diseases (allergies, asthma, cancer, autoimmune disease, etc). Our immune systems simple do not develop the same way that they used to. Possible causes?

Suppression of normal immune responses like fevers prevents the normal learning and development of the immune system. For more on this subject, see my blog Give me fever.
Changes in management of minor illnesses (including the overuse of antibiotics) also impacts the normal development of the immune system. For more on this subject, see my blog Sick kids.
Vaccinations at a young age supercede or alter the natural immune response to many common illnesses that we used to get during childhood. The subject of vaccines is large and is beyond the scope of this blog. However, I think is it clear that vaccines do not replicate the experience of actually having the same illness. Research in this area is constantly evolving, so there is still much debate about the long-term effects of vaccines.
Finally, we simply do not get sick with the same things anymore! Our food and environment are highly sanitary, so we are exposed to many fewer pathogens and in North America, we are also far less likely than in the past to have parasitic infections. Again, this will effect the education of our immune systems.

Poor digestion:
Digestive problems can be caused by poor diet, stress, toxins in the environment, poor elimination function, medications/drugs, chronic inflammation, food sensitivities, and many more factors. Specifically, intestinal permeability (also known as “leaky gut”) could explain why we begin reacting to gluten and also the reaction to gluten can cause leaky gut, so this is a vicious cycle.

A simplified explanation of “leaky gut”:

Junctions between cells lining the small intestine become permeable (due to factors listed above)
This allows undigested food particles to enter bloodstream
The immune system views these as “foreign” and creates immune response, causing inflammation and further damage

Why does gluten sensitivity matter?
My simple answer to this question is that in the search for the root cause behind digestive issues, gluten sensitivity can be a valuable piece of the puzzle to help patients heal. In the long-term and with a view to disease prevention, gluten sensitivity can help understand other chronic illnesses. Research is still developing in this area, but thus far there is already lots of evidence to link gluten sensitivity with many other serious illnesses.

Diseases associated with gluten sensitivity:

Autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid autoimmunity, and likely many more)
Bone disease (Osteoporosis, osteopenia, kyphoscoliosis, fractures)
Anemia
Infertility or repeated miscarriages
Addison’s disease
Down syndrome
Intestinal cancer or lymphoma
Lactose intolerance
Thyroid disease
Diabetes type I
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Liver disease

Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic Open House 2011!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-12-14T15:06:20-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

We at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic are pleased to invite you to our Annual Seasonal Open House, which will be held on Saturday, December 17th, 2011 from 2pm to 6pm.

Come join us at our new location of 2010 Queen Street East, 2nd floor for a glass of cheer and healthy snacks! There will be lots to eat and drink, as well as door prizes and presents for the kids. Once again, we are supporting the Daily Bread Food Bank, so please bring a non-perishable food item as a donation.

See you there!

Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic is moving!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-11-24T09:04:42-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic is moving!
As of December 1st, 2011, Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic is relocating 1 block east on Queen Street East! We are thrilled to be moving in with Simple Cures Chinese Medicine Wellness at 2010 Queen Street East, 2nd floor between Bellefair Avenue and Wheeler Avenue (door is between David's Tea and Walking On A Cloud).

Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic will continue to offer naturopathic medicine, homeopathic medicine, acupuncture, clinical and personalized nutrition, lifestyle counselling, and Bowen therapy. For full information about the clinic, hours, and location, check out my page here.

As of December 1st, 2011, I will be available:
Wednesday 10am-6pm
Thursday 10am-6pm
Alternate Saturdays 10am-4pm
Appointments outside these hours are available by special request.

What is not changing?
Our phone number remains 416-690-6168
Our fax number remains 416-690-6589
Our website remains kewbeachnaturalhealth.com
My website remains wavelengthwellness.com and you can continue to access all my info here, including my blog.

The only changes are location and my availability! For my patients, nothing else will change - all you need to do is come to our new location and enjoy the beautiful, peaceful clinic environment!

Guest post: The scoop on fish oils

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-11-25T17:27:51-05:00

Guest post originally published by Negin Misaghi, ND

I’m not much into miracles especially where medicine is concerned. Fish oils however, are without question today’s miracle medicine! I should clarify however that fish oil is a miracle in the sense that it’s a very potent healer, and not a miracle as far as the definition of this word is concerned - with regards to it being supernatural or incomprehensible. Far from it! In fact, the mechanism of action of fish oils with regards to its therapeutic effects are very well understood.

Everything in our lifestyle from our standard diet to our hectic stress-filled day-to-day living, to our sedentary city life of drive-through’s and desk jobs, and machines of all functionalities has made us ‘inflammatory’ – in every sense of the word!

With our diet of highly refined grains and sugars, high consumption of inflammatory vegetable oils (omega 6’s) and animal products (meats & dairy) as a staple, our bodies have become pathologically inflammatory. Our sedentary lifestyle on the other hand only adds to the ordeal since exercise lowers inflammation. The stress hormone cortisol is then released as a result of inflammation as an attempt to bring some balance due to cortisol’s anti-inflammatory properties. This however only adds to the disorder as over time the elevated levels of cortisol not only add to your perceived stress but also result in a number of disease processes. Remember that cortisol is released as our fight or flight stress response resulting in changes in the cardiovascular system (increased blood pressure), causing release of sugars in the body (contributing to diabetes), disrupting thyroid hormone functioning, depressing the immune system, and, and, and… contributing to an endless list of syndromes!

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, our inflammatory and stress-filled lifestyle causes damage to the liver. Once the liver has reached its capacity, damages begin to affect the heart and kidneys also. Chinese Medicine among many traditional medical beliefs (like Ayurveda and others) links each organ system to an emotion. The liver when pathological causes feelings of anger - hence, inflammation in every sense of the word! When damages reach the heart, depression and anxiety set in, and once the kidneys begin to take the grunt of the insult and are damaged, fears and insecurities begin to surface (just to show how entwined our body systems are where an imbalance of one system puts pressure on others and if chronic, can upset the harmony of the whole body).

This is where fish oils can have a great impact on the health of an individual both physically as well as mentally and emotionally. Fish oils have demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory properties for conditions that are inflammatory in nature (arthritis, heart disease, metabolic syndrome and insulin insensitivity (diabetes)). As well, fish oils have been found to be effective for the treatment of depression (recent research has linked depression to chronic inflammation).

Although fish oils benefit almost every health condition of today as most result from chronic inflammation, it should also be noted that if there’s still gas feeding the fire of inflammation (i.e. the root cause of inflammation has not been removed), fish oils would only be a band-aid solution. To learn more about how inflammation can be controlled at its root, seek the advice of a licensed naturopathic doctor. In the meantime, consider supplementation with fish oils to keep inflammation in check!

I should also mention that the EPA component of fish oil is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties and NO vegetarian source of Omega 3’s contains EPA.
To be discussed in a later post: Why animal sources of omega 3′s are superior to vegetarian sources, why dietary sources of fish oils are not sufficient for some, and best(safe) fish to consume for their omega 3 content!

Stop eating junk

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-11-20T12:13:11-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I loved this recent blog at Crazy Sexy Life called Crap In. Crap Out. We all know we should eat healthy and right for us, so why do we keep eating junk? This blog address 5 “yes, but...” reasons! A few great quotes:

“When you eat dead, processed, sugared, preserved crap, how could you possibly expect to feel good, lively, clear-headed and brave?”
“You don’t know what real fun is until you’ve mastered yourself, learned to eat live foods and enjoy them, and sculpted for yourself the exact body you want.”
“Learn to make yourself feel better with exercise, self-care, regular sleep and healthy, nourishing food.”
“almost everyone would totally support your healthier eating if you honestly and seriously asked them to.”

Took the words right out of my mouth! Enjoy!

Winter: cold and flu talk December 14th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-12-08T12:43:48-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving a free talk as part of my 4 Seasons of Wellness program called Winter: Cold and Flu on Wednesday, December 14th, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!

How to handle colds and flus. Learn how to address and prevent key winter health issues to keep you and your family healthy all year long.

Topics will include:

Key nutrition and lifestyle steps
Preventing cold and flu
Acute treatment
Self-care techniques

See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Winter: cold and flu talk December 7th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-11-29T20:00:19-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving a free talk as part of my 4 Seasons of Wellness program called Winter: Cold and Flu on Wednesday, December 7th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!

How to handle colds and flus. Learn how to address and prevent key winter health issues to keep you and your family healthy all year long.

Topics will include:

Key nutrition and lifestyle steps
Preventing cold and flu
Acute treatment
Self-care techniques

See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Reducing High Cholesterol talk November 16th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-11-15T09:41:46-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving a free talk on Reducing High Cholesterol on November 16th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!

Beyond statins... Learn the what, why, and how of cholesterol and effective strategies to achieve healthy cholesterol balance.

Topics will include:

What is cholesterol?
Where does it come from?
Types of cholesterol and other fats
Why elevated levels are detrimental
How to monitor levels
Treatment options

See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!

Wylde on Health November 4th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-11-01T09:17:44-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be on Wylde on Health with host Bryce Wylde this Friday, November 4th at 7pm on CP24!

The topic for Friday’s show is Breathing Easily Naturally. Topics will include:

Asthma
Allergies
Infections such as sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia
Lung diseases such as emphysema
Smoking cessation
Natural treatments for respiratory health (including nutrition, self-care, acupuncture)

Check it out on channel 24 or online here.

Guest post: Sex as medicine

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-10-27T11:44:57-04:00

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!

Guest post: Kegel exercises for women

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-11-08T18:20:08-05:00

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

**Do not tighten stomach muscles during the exercise & breathe normally throughout the exercise

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

Where should you practice your Pelvic Floor Exercises?
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

How often should you practice your Pelvic Floor Exercises?
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.

Great quote #32

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-10-22T08:27:05-04:00

“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

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-10-19T14:30:48-04:00

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.

Body brushing

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-10-17T10:37:54-04:00

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:

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

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-10-14T14:28:15-04:00

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:

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.

Wylde About Health Expert

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-11-05T09:23:32-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I’m pleased to share that I am now a member of Wylde About Health Experts, answering any and all health-related questions on Wylde About Health, Bryce Wylde’s website. Bryce is one of Canada’s leading alternative health experts and hosts Wylde On Health on channel CP24 every Friday at 7pm.

We are all striving to answer as many questions as we can as quick as we can. Anyone can ask a question and you can also check out all the experts.

Blood Type Diet talk October 19th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-10-12T12:38:02-04:00

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:

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

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-10-04T17:58:14-04:00

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.

Kukicha twig tea

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-09-30T11:11:54-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Anyone who spends any time around me will see me drinking my signature, favourite tea, kukicha!

Kukicha is a Japanese tea - either a green tea blend of both leaves and twigs from the tea plan (Camellia sinensis) or a pure tea, made from just the twigs and stems. The twigs are steamed, then dried, aged, and gently roasted to create a rich, toasty, dark tea. This taste is unlike other teas made from the leaves of the plant and often appeals to those who aren’t usually tea fans or coffee drinkers for its darkness.

Kukicha is very low in caffeine and is particularly associated with the macrobiotic diet. It is alkalinizing and is very easy on digestion, which makes it a great choice for people who are sensitive to caffeine or with digestive troubles. Check out this page about home remedies from kukicha.

Blood type diet primer, part 1

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-09-27T11:22:35-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

“One man’s food is another man’s poison.” This saying has never been more true! This is the first part of a two-part blog all about blood type and the Blood Type Diet - stay tuned for part two coming soon!

The Blood Type Diet was the major catalyst for me to become a naturopathic doctor, so I can say that it literally changed my life, both health-wise, but also career-wise. I first became aware of naturopathic medicine after reading Eat Right For Your Type, the best-known book by best-selling author Peter J. D’Adamo, ND. This was a major turning point for my health as the information in this book transformed me from a tired and cranky university student well on my way to being overweight (with chronic disease down the road) to an energetic and vibrant naturopathic doctor.

How it all began...
Have you ever wondered why the Atkins diet works for some people, while vegetarianism works for others? Dr. James D’Adamo noticed that some patients did well on vegetarian and low-fat diets while others did poorly. He began blood-typing his patients and a pattern began to emerge. Then, his son Dr. Peter D’Adamo researched his father’s theory while still a study at naturopathic college. He soon discovered a scientific basis for his father’s observations.

What is blood type?
There are four basic blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Each individual carries two alleles (one from each parent) that together determine blood type. Types A and B are dominant, while type O is recessive. Therefore, type O people carry two identical O alleles, while type A and B people can either carry two identical alleles (either both A or both B) or one dominant allele (A or B) and one recessive allele (O). Type AB people carry two dominant alleles (one of each of A and B), creating the fourth blood type.

There is also another commonly used blood typing system based on Rhesus factor. In this system an individual is either Rhesus positive or negative. Rhesus positive is dominant and Rhesus negative is recessive.

These blood types determine antigens (substances that serve as identifiers and stimulate production of antibodies) on your cells. Blood typing is used in transfusion medicine to determine which blood is safe to give each individual. Blood type O negative, being recessive, is the “universal donor,” meaning this type can be given to anyone without causing an immune reaction (antibody production). Blood type AB positive, being dominant, is the “universal receiver,” meaning this type can be given any type of blood without experiencing an immune reaction.

What does blood type have to do with food?
Blood type goes far beyond your blood to impact disease and nutrition. Your blood type antigens are not just in your blood, they are everywhere in your body, particularly the surfaces that interact with your environment. These include your digestive tract all the way from your mouth to your large intestine as well as your nasal passages and lungs. Because these blood type antigens are everywhere, they influence on how your body interacts with the food you eat via several mechanisms:

Lectins
Protective barriers in your body, including lining of your gut
Bacterial environment, including relevance to choice of probiotics
Stomach acid production
Intestinal alkaline phosphatase and processing of fats in your diet
Secretion of digestive enzymes and other substances

Blood type also influences other processes in your body and how you get sick:

Stress and response to exercise
Blood clotting
Disease risk (cancer, inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid, reproductive disorders, etc)
Susceptibility to infection by bacteria, viruses, yeast, etc

Why should I eat right for my type?
“Your blood type is the key that unlocks the door to the mysteries of health, disease, longevity, physical vitality, and emotional strength. Your blood type determines your susceptibility to illness, which foods you should eat, and how you should exercise. It is a factor in your energy levels, in the efficiency with which you ‘burn’ calories, in your emotional response to stress, and perhaps even your personality.” (from the introduction to Eat Right For Your Type)

You literally “are what you eat” since all your cells, proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters are constructed from what you put into your body. Therefore, what you eat is also your most powerful tool for preventing and healing illness. Eating right for your blood type is designed to optimize your digestive and immune health now to alleviate health issues as well as prevent future disease by protecting you against your unique susceptibilities. When you know your blood type, you are empowered to create an environment that is optimal for your type, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

A few of the major benefits to the Blood Type Diet:

Improve immune function, avoiding common infections
Lose weight by improving metabolism, increasing nutrient intake, and reducing toxic burden on your body
Prevent chronic disease, such as cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disease, diabetes, etc
Slow down the aging process by improving overall health

The majority of people come to the Blood Type Diet hoping to lose weight. While this is indeed a major focus of this system, the greater goal is improved physiological function when an individual eats the foods that are the best fuel for his or her system. The natural result of this improved function is weight loss, but also improvement in other health concerns (such as digestive disturbance, allergies, hormonal imbalance, pain and inflammation, mood regulation) and prevention of chronic illness (such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes).

Great quote #37

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-03-23T13:29:18-04:00

“If you live to be 100, I want to live to be 100 minus 1 day so I never have to live without you.” Winnie the Pooh

Great quote #36

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-02-24T21:52:09-05:00

“People will forget what you said, and they will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Unknown

Great quote #35

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-01-26T09:07:08-05:00

“Even when you fall on your face, you're still moving forward.” Indian Folklore

Great quote #34

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-12-05T22:34:41-05:00

“Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.” Rodin

Great quote #33

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-11-18T11:27:58-05:00

“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” Albert Einstein

Cold and flu prevention 2011/2012

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-09-16T12:49:11-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure... Save time and money this winter by preventing cold and flu! Although there is lots of hype each year about cold and flu season, there’s no need to worry if you’re prepared. Wouldn’t you rather prevent colds, flu, sinus infections, sore throats, and bronchitis this year?

Cold and flu prevention plan
If you are an existing patient, book yourself for a 30-minute follow-up visit to get your personalized cold and flu prevention recommendations based on your specific needs. If you are a new patient, book an initial visit in which we will create a cold and flu prevention plan and get you started treating any other health concerns. We will work together to come up with a plan that fits your needs, whether you choose homeopathic flu prevention (see below) or other nutrition and lifestyle choices to keep you healthy all winter.

This is also a great opportunity to connect with natural medicine as a treatment option if you do get sick. Remember, I offer short-notice acute visits, so don’t hesitate to call the office - I can usually fit you in the same day or within a day or two for immediate treatment and to give you take-home recommendations to help you get better quicker.

Homeopathic flu prevention program
Once again, Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic is running our ever-growing homeopathic flu prevention program! You can participate in the program at either of my clinic locations.

Participants historically have very few flu incidents over the winter, even though family members and co-workers may become ill. Flu symptoms may be much milder and of shorter duration than non-homeopathically protected people. Many participants no longer experience the flu at all!

How does it work?
The Homeopathic Flu Prevention Program is an ongoing research study conducted by Helena Ovens, ND. Your participation is voluntary and appreciated.

1. To participate you must currently be in good health and you must not have had a flu shot since April 15, 2011.
2. Fill out an intake form and call Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic or Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health to arrange at time to drop it off and pick up your remedy. You will be given a 6-month supply of homeopathic pellets, an instruction sheet, and a form to record any “flu-like” symptoms. There is a $5.00 administrative fee per adult (children are free) to cover the costs of materials and remedies.
3. Take 1 pellet of the remedy once per month on the same day to prevent the flu. If you have any “flu-like” symptoms, record them on the form.
4. Return your form by the end of April 2011 by fax, email, in-person, or by mail. It is very important that you return your form (whether you experienced “flu-like” symptoms or not) so that we can track the success of the program.

We look forward to helping you have a healthy, flu-free season!

Fall: Allergies and Immunity talk September 21st

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-09-14T08:38:33-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving at free talk as part of my 4 Seasons of Wellness program called Fall: Allergies and Immunity on Wednesday, September 21st, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!

Topics will include:

Seasonal allergies
Preparing for cold and flu season
Lung health

Monthly talks have started up again! See my Appearances and Events page for upcoming dates and topics!

Got pain?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-09-12T13:47:24-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This post started as a blog about my current running program, but has morphed into my own story of aches and pains! I think this is a good place to start, stay tuned for more on running injury- and pain-free!

Pain is a major problem faced by all kinds of patients. Inevitably, if pain is on a patient’s list of concerns, it is at the top! That’s because living with chronic pain is consuming and impacts all other areas of health. Pain relief is therefore a major industry. With so many options, how do you know what to try? I have definitely not tried everything, but I thought that sharing my own experiences might be helpful.

My story
When I moved to Toronto in 2003, I started running. A few months in, I started to have knee pain, so I signed up for a Learn to Run clinic at the Running Room with the hopes of improving my form and eliminating pain. When I started the clinic, I suddenly had much more pain and had to pull-out until the winter. I saw a sports medicine doctor and physiotherapist at Athlete’s Care and was treated for iliotibial band syndrome and patellofemoral syndrome. With the help of exercises and stretches prescribed to me, I did my Learn to Run clinic at the start of 2004 and successfully completed a 5km race! However, I was hardly running effortlessly and pain free...

In 2006, I still had pain while running, so I saw a chiropractor and got orthotics, which helped me run with less pain. However, I still struggled and in the fall I started having hip pain that made walking, sitting, and running incredibly difficult! I saw another physiotherapist, Danny Kuzmich. In my first session, Danny adjusted my sacroilliac joint and eliminated my hip pain! Working with Danny got back to being able to run regularly. However, I was still limited in the distance I could run without pain.

After preceptoring with osteopath Robert Taylor and hearing about osteopath Carla Delange from him and several other people, I sought osteopathic treatment in 2008. After just one session, I was able to increase my running time without pain by 10 minutes! After the next session, I added another 10 minutes, and within a couple more sessions I was up to running for 60 minutes without pain! These results also LASTED which was encouraging to me. I can’t speak highly enough of osteopathy from my own experience and I’ve seen equally great results with patients I’ve referred for osteopathic treatment. I now see osteopath Ben Besse-Bergier and I highly recommend him.

Most recently, I have been implementing Chi Running in preparation for running the 10km Zoo Run on September 24, 2011. I’m going to write more about this in a separate blog post... And, next up on my reading list is The Mindbody Prescription by John Sarno.

What to do about pain?
Look inside your body
I cannot count the number of patients with pain that have seen remarkable results from naturopathic treatment! Nutrition, supplements, herbs, and homeopathy are all powerful resources to reduce and heal pain. Everything going on inside your body (digestion, inflammation, hormones, neurotransmitters, etc) affects how you feel! Naturopathic medicine is a fantastic choice whatever kind or source of pain you feel because it is deep, gentle, personalized, and addresses the CAUSE. Wouldn’t you love to eliminate and prevent pain naturally?

Look inside your mind
Have you been told “it’s all in your head”? Well, whoever told you that may have meant that you aren’t really feeling pain, which is incredibly UN-helpful when you ARE in pain! However, there is value in using your head to treat pain. Mind-body medicine isn’t just a trend, it is the key to truly holistic treatment. Did you know that mood disorders like depression and anxiety can actually cause you physical pain? That’s just one example of how your mind interacts with your body. Meditation, stress reduction, affirmations, and lots of other treatments exist to get your mind and your body working together to help you feel better. For some great reading, check out my reading list under Mind-Body.

Seek a second (and third, and fourth...) opinion
There are so many practitioners that can help you with pain, don’t be afraid to seek more opinions! Naturopathic doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can all offer you a different perspective. Empower yourself with information, it’s worth it!

Surgery is a last-resort option
Surgery is something you can’t undo and I see so many patients who have had surgery and regret it. Surgery is always there as an option, just make it your last option. Explore the full range of health care available to you first!

Great quote #31

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-09-01T14:13:57-04:00

“The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the one doing it.” Chinese Proverb

What's the difference between food sensitivity, allergy, or intolerance?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-08-25T17:07:25-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND co-authored with Mélanie DesChâtelets, ND.

Do you ever feel confused about the difference between food sensitivity, food allergy and food intolerance? The differences are actually pretty simple to understand and will help you understand how food affects you. First, some basic definitions:

Antibody: A large Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system. Its job is to recognize foreign proteins and neutralize them. It’s what happens when you get a cold, the bacteria or virus is recognized and then neutralized by antibodies.

Enzyme: In simple terms enzymes help breakdown things. Enzymes are very specific for what they break down. Therefore, your body has thousands of different enzymes to break down very specific compounds. Without enzymes the process may not occur at all or at a very reduced rate. In the digestive system, enzymes help break down food into smaller units for absorption.

Both food allergy and food sensitivity are antibody-mediated reactions to food. The antibody recognizes a food protein as harmful and tries to neutralize it. If this is similar then what is different? We have different types of antibodies in our body. Different types of antibodies react differently and cause different symptoms.

Food allergy
Food allergy is mediated by an antibody called IgE. When this type of antibody reacts with a foreign protein it immediately elicits typical reactions ranging from uncomfortable to life threatening. Skin irritation, redness, and swelling are common. Difficulty breathing is more disturbing as it represents tightening of the airway. Other symptoms such as hoarseness of voice, stuffy and runny nose, itchy and red eyes as well as nausea and vomiting can are also seen with food allergies.

Here’s a diagram to demonstrate - imagine the pink line represents the symptom threshold; when you cross this line you have symptoms. The star represents the ingestion of the allergic food item.

With food allergy, as soon as the offending food is ingested, IgE levels rise and react quickly. The allergic symptom threshold is always reached. Avoidance of this offending food is necessary as it can be life threatening. The levels of IgE will also drop relatively quickly and within 5-7 days you typically no longer have symptoms.

Food sensitivity
Food sensitivity is mediated by an antibody called IgG. IgG antibodies react very differently from IgE. When IgG antibodies react with foreign proteins, they elicit a milder, slower, and non-typical reaction. Symptoms can vary from migraines, to increased behavioural difficulties in children with ADHD, to chronic digestive concerns (constipation, diarrhea, IBS, IBD), decreases in energy, skin issues (acne, eczema), and other vague symptoms. Here’s the problem - unlike food allergies, food sensitivities are very hard to diagnose. This is because their impacts can be seen 24 to 48 hours after the ingestion of the offending food. There are two ways that can help identify food sensitivities: the first is a strategic elimination/hypoallergenic diet, which works as both a diagnostic tool (to identify offending foods) and treatment (avoidance of offending foods as a first step towards long-term healing). The other is an IgG food sensitivity blood test - I offer this testing via either Immunolabs or Rocky Mountain Analytical. This tests how reactive your IgG antibodies are against various foods. The higher the reactivity the higher likelihood a food sensitivity might be present. This test can be a good starting point in assessing potential food sensitivity.

Here’s a diagram to demonstrate how IgG works.

With food sensitivity, the offending food is ingested and the IgG antibody levels rise slowly and linger for up to 3 weeks. This is what makes a food sensitivity so hard to diagnose. You first ingest the offending food sensitivity and you are symptom-free. This is because you are still far from your symptomatic threshold. In a few days you ingest this same food item and again no symptoms. What you don’t know is that your IgG antibody levels have accumulated with those of your last exposure. Third time is a charm, you ingest the food and this time you get symptoms, such as migraine, constipation, weight gain, water retention, skin breakouts, fatigue, etc. Please note in this example I used 3 days but this is for illustrative purposes and is not literal. It can be confusing! Symptoms don’t appear immediately, so it is hard to link exposure to symptoms and you are left guessing at which foods is causing symptoms. Unlike an IgE food allergy were every single exposure is followed by symptoms, IgG food sensitivities depends on frequency and dose of the exposure.

Food intolerance

Food intolerance represents an enzyme deficiency, meaning your body can’t break down a component of food and this causes digestive upset. The most obvious example is lactose intolerance or lactase enzyme deficiency. This enzyme is important in breaking down lactose found in dairy products. The lack of this enzymes results in gas, diarrhea, and discomfort.

I work with many patients to address food sensitivities. The goal is not to eliminate a food for the rest of your life although avoidance for a period of time is sometimes necessary while we improve the integrity of the gut lining so that you can once again tolerate the offending food. When you figure out which foods you are sensitive to and understand the symptoms, you are empowered to take charge of your health!

D'Adamo Personalized Nutrition opens

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-08-24T11:35:48-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Congratulations to Dr. Peter D’Adamo on opening D’Adamo Personalized Nutrition in Williamsburg, Brooklyn!

Staffed by naturopathic doctors Maura Henninger and David Levi, this beautiful location includes a store stocked with products from the D’Adamo Personalized Nutrition line as well as space for nutritional consultations, including SWAMI GenoType diet software.

For more info and photos, check out Maura’s blog.

Achieve your goals with a vision board

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-12-26T09:57:53-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

If you’ve read/watched The Secret or maybe other books about the power of attraction or intention, you’ve probably heard of a vision board. A vision board is simply a visual representation of your goals. It’s a tool to imagine what it is like to have what you seek and it can be a lot of fun to make! This time of year is when most people make New Year’s resolutions... How about this year, instead of making resolutions that you likely won’t keep, you instead set goals and make a vision board to help you manifest those goals? Here are 5 easy steps to making your vision board:

Set goals
Visualize and feel
Collect images/words
Collect supplies
Create and place

Step 1: Set goals
This is the most important step! If you don’t know what your goals are, how will you ever achieve them? You should probably spend the most time on this step because it shapes all the following steps. Your goals can relate to anything: career, relationships, health, finances, travel, investments, whatever. You might consider a different vision board for each if that suits you better.

Have you ever heard of that Harvard study on goal setting? Interviewers asked Harvard MBA students whether they had clear, written goals for their future and made plans to accomplish them. 84% had no goals, 13% had goals but they were not written, and 3% had clear, written goals and plans to accomplish them. 10 years later, the 13% with goals were earning, on average, twice as much as the 84% without goals. However, the 3% with clear, written goals were earning, on average, 10 times as much as the other 97%! This information is prolific in the business community as evidence of the power of committing your goals to paper. Unfortunately, this story has been debunked by Fast Company and several others!

However, that doesn’t mean that setting clear, written goals isn’t effective! There is actual research in this area, most notably this study by Gail Matthews. She found that those with written goals accomplished significantly more, those who shared their commitments publicly accomplished significantly more, and those who held themselves accountable accomplished significantly more.

This is all to say: goals are important, but so is DOING SOMETHING with those goals. A vision board is a key part of making your goals into something productive.

Step 2: Visualize and feel
This step is the most fun! All you need to do here is use your imagination! Remember that thing you used to use a lot as a kid when you played dress-up or make-believe? Time to pull it out of the dusty corner and get it working for you again.

Take some time AWAY from the computer, phone, office, kids, spouse, desk, etc to sit quietly and think about what it would be like to achieve your goals. What would your life look like if you got everything you wanted? How would you feel?

Write down some simple notes or even draw if that works better. You want to have some guiding ideas of what you need to put on your vision board that will show you what your goals look like and that will inspire you to feel the feeling of accomplishing your goals.

Step 3: Collect images and words
Now that you know what accomplishing your goals looks like and feels like, you need to find visuals that match. This step is also lots of fun because you get to be creative! When was the last time you did something creative? This step is like window-shopping for all the things you want in life.

Look in magazines for photos you like or even search online. Google Images is a great resource - simply type in what you want, like “cute puppy” and look through the images you get back for one that resonates with you. You can also use the web in other ways. Do you want a great car? Go to the manufacturer’s site and often you can design the car you want with all the features you want and print out the photo! Want a fantastic house? Go on MLS and search for the right house for you and print the listing! This also works for less material things, like a happy marriage and fulfilling family life. Look for photos of happy couples and smiling children. You can also use your own photos of yourself and others as long as they represent how you want to feel and what you want.

If you like to paint or draw, why not create your own images exactly the way you want? Why not use other things you love, like colours, textures, symbols, patterns, ribbons, paper, and great quotes or phrases?

I’ll give you a couple of examples of what I put on my vision board:

I want to build my naturopathic practice and see more patients, so I made up an ideal weekly schedule in my calendar in which I put in how many new patient visits I want in a week and how many follow-up visits I want. I also put in there time to exercise, time for social events, and time off. Then I printed my schedule and put it on my vision board. When I made my vision board I was not that busy. The next month was my slowest month in practice ever, but then over the next 3 months I got busier and busier and now my weekly schedule looks like what is on my vision board!
I went on MLS and searched for houses that fit certain criteria I want (number of bedrooms, neighbourhood, etc), but price was not a factor. I found a house I really liked and printed the listing and put it on my vision board. This house happens to be quite close to where I currently live, so it would be even better for me to go over there and take a look in person!

Step 4: Collect supplies
Your vision board can be made out of anything you want. First, you need something to put all your images and words on and this will determine what other supplies you need. Here are a few ideas:

Corkboard and pins
Posterboard and glue/tape
Wall in your home and some way to stick things up (like sticky tack)
Magnet board and magnets (this is what I used)
Large picture frame, piece of cardboard to go in it, and glue/tape
Fridge and magnets (this is great for kids to play with!)

You will also need scissors to cut out your images/words to the right shapes.

Step 5: Create! And place.
Now that you have all you need, create your vision board! Arrange your images and words any way you like. Again, this is your chance to be creative in way you may not have been since primary school!

Place you vision board in a prominent place where you can look at it often, such as your office or bedroom. Use your vision board as a reminder of how your goals look and feel. Whenever you see it, take a moment to experience the feeling of realizing your goals. You can also use your vision board as a reminder to meditate on your goals.

Guest post: Crazy for coconut!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-08-15T16:07:52-04:00

Guest post by Annie Salsberg, ND

There has been a lot of talk about coconut oil lately. Everywhere I turn people are sharing their favourite uses, best recipes, and the oil’s health promoting effects. The poor coconut was overlooked for a long time. And when not ignored, it was flat out maligned for its saturated fat content. Finally, the coconut is enjoying some well-deserved time in the spotlight.

Coconut oil has a variety of applications. Many already enjoy it for cooking and as a cosmetic agent. However, we are seeing increasing evidence of therapeutic applications, notably in the areas of obesity/weight management, heart disease, seizure disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and athletic performance

Coconut oil is very stable. This means that it is resistant to rancidity and is a wonderful heat-resilient frying oil. It is a delicious butter substitute and far superior to hydrogenated vegetable shortening (which contains trans fats). It can be used in baking, as a spread or to fry.

Coconut oil is a source of medium chain fatty acids, as well as polyphenols and vitamin E. Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) have a number of important, health-promoting effects in the body. They are more easily digested than longer fatty acids and are a preferred source of energy at the cellular level. This makes them a wonderful fuel for athletes. Coconut oil may boost energy and enhance capacity for endurance

Furthermore, coconut oil has been shown to increase metabolism after meals and even inhibit fat-generating genes. Coconut oil is a great adjunct to a healthy weight management program.

Unlike some other saturated fats, coconut oil will not increase triglycerides after a meal. Rather, HDL (the “good” cholesterol) increases, while total cholesterol and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) decrease. Coconut oil also seems to increase insulin sensitivity, helping the body to better manage sugar. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and stable blood sugar are an essential part of a heart disease prevention strategy.

Evidence also seems to support the use of coconut oil in seizure prevention. It increases ketones in the plasma; ketogenic diets have been shown to decrease seizure activity in some individuals.

This list could go on and on…. and, we are making new discoveries about coconut oil and Medium Chain Fatty Acids all the time. There are many great reasons to embrace coconut oil - I just hope that the coconut bandwagon is sticking around for a good long while!

Pemphigus vulgaris: Steve's story

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-08-08T10:46:15-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune condition that causes severe blistering and sores of the skin and mucus membranes. It is chronic and there is no known cure. The treatments (usually long-term corticosteroid treatment or other immune-suppressing therapies) are not always effective and can cause even more chronic illness. Without treatment, pemphigus vulgaris is considered life-threatening due to infection.

I first read Steve’s story many years ago when I started following the Blood Type Diet, but it is definitely worth a second read! The Blood Type Diet was a major contributor to Steve’s healing - read more about his journey in this blog called Pemphigus: the BEST THING that EVER happened to me!

Great quote #30

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-08-06T08:58:13-04:00

“We all teach what we most need to learn.” Oprah Winfrey

Essential oil anti-aging treatment

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-08-01T17:50:13-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I’ve been working with essential oils since I was in high school and I enjoy making my own formulas that have evolved over the years. This mixture is designed to reduce and prevent fine lines on the face.

Anti-aging treatment

Caution:
Avoid applying this mixture very close to your eyes, to avoid irritation.

Directions:
Combine the following ingredients in a 10mL roller bottle:
40 drops carrot seed essential oil
20 drops sandalwood essential oil
10 drops vitamin A oil (the only one I know of is Genestra Vitamin A Liquid)
1 drop ylang ylang essential oil
Then, fill the rest of the bottle with a carrier oil, either rosehip seed oil, jojoba oil, or vitamin E oil.

Apply mixture to fines lines nightly. Use roller bottle to massage into forehead, under eyes, and to any other areas.

Vitamin D - get tested!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-07-29T12:40:05-04:00

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.

Contrast hydrotherapy

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-07-23T10:41:05-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This is one of the home remedies I discussed during my appearance on Wylde on Health June 17, 2011. Video is up online here (look for June 17th, segment 3).

Contrast hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is simply the use of the healing properties of water! Contrast hydrotherapy uses the effects of alternating hot and cold water to treat a variety of ailments, such as local pain, sub-acute to chronic inflammation, and poor circulation. Alternating hot and cold pumps blood to that area and tones the blood vessels, increasing blood flow in the short-term and improving overall circulation longer-term. Improving circulation can help keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, regulating your own comfort year-round!

The easiest way to start is to introduce contrast into your regular bathing routine (whether bath or shower). This means alternating the temperature of the water between warm and cold in order to increase blood flow to the skin. The greater the contrast of temperatures, the more intense the treatment. Consult your doctor if you have high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or are pregnant.

Directions:

Begin shower with approximately 2-3 minutes warm/hot water, concentrating water flow on any affected areas.
Switch to cold water (as cold as can be tolerated) for approximately 30 seconds.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 at least three times more, for a total of 4 (or more) cycles of hot then cold water, attempting to increase the contrast each cycle.
The treatment should always end with cold water.
Dry thoroughly and rest for 10 minutes.

Contrast hydrotherapy can also be done using hot and cold towels or heating pad and cold pack for a more localized effect. It is a great treatment for local pain and inflammation caused by injury, arthritis, overuse, muscle strain, poor posture, or other causes.

Great quote #29

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-07-18T13:14:53-04:00

“You will never 'find' time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.” Charles Buxton

Yoga for detox

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-07-15T13:26:51-04:00

Great post over at Crazy Sexy Life called “Detoxification Through Yoga”, check it out!

Guest post: Why is Snuffaluffagus so healthy?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-07-11T11:28:58-04:00

Guest post by Christine Matheson, ND

This is an actual question that a senior patient of mine asked me several years ago. We all know Snuffaluffagus as a character on the famous children’s television show Sesame Street. It took me a second to grasp what my patient meant but as I reviewed her file I quickly realized she was referring to the probiotic supplement I had prescribed for her containing the “friendly” bacteria called Acidophilus and Bifidus! We both had a good laugh but I have never forgotten it because upon deeper thought it became a useful way to teach my patients (especially pediatric) about the benefits of these “friendly” bacteria.

Like Snuffaluffagus, who used to be a secret but special friend of Big Bird’s (although in modern Sesame Street series is no longer a secret), the “friendly” bacteria in our bodies could be considered an invisible superfriend that plays an extremely valuable role in keeping us well. Our bodies naturally produce strains of bacteria that are “friendly” because they help us absorb nutrients, inhibit allergies and inflammation and protect us from infections. This “friendly” bacteria coats the internal lining of the mucous membranes of our bodies, particularly the digestive system, and are critical for our digestive and immune systems to function optimally.

Infants form a type of “friendly” bacteria that is different than adults. As a child grows and their digestive system develops this “friendly” bacteria eventually consists of the adult type of “friendly” bacteria. Since a child’s immune and digestive systems take years to develop fully, children’s digestive systems are more fragile and can therefore benefit greatly from natural strategies to improve their levels of “friendly” bacteria. In addition, “friendly” bacteria levels are adversely affected by antibiotics and many other medications as well as poor dietary habits.

Though it is usually unnecessary to consider prescribing many natural supplements for young children, the one exception that many naturopathic doctors advise parents to consider is a probiotic supplement because it is a source of “friendly” bacteria. Since our bodies produce a variety of strains of “friendly” bacteria each in specific areas of the mucosal lining, higher quality probiotic supplements usually provide a variety of strains for greater benefit. For instance, acidophilus largely populates the upper digestive system while Bifidus populates the lower digestive tract.

A naturopathic doctor can advise you on age-specific formulas and accurate dosage based on your child’s needs, in addition to helping you navigate the range of brands available. For example, some probiotics contain dairy but dairy-free sources are also widely available. It is particularly important to consider rebalancing “friendly” bacteria levels with a probiotic supplement post antibiotic use. The good news for parents is most probiotic supplements taste pretty yummy therefore most kids are happy to take it and powder forms are easy to mix into foods.

While kids can certainly benefit from taking probiotic supplements, there is no doubt that most adults can benefit too. Every parent of young children certainly needs that extra layer of protection to give their immune systems support while they are exposed to the many coughs, colds and stomach flus their children come home with from school. It is also important to note that a range of medications beyond antibiotics, including for instance oral contraceptives, can disrupt the fine balance of “friendly” bacteria.

So the secret may now be out that Snuffaluffagus is Big Bird’s friend but there is certainly no secret that befriending probiotics in combination with a healthy diet could be an essential strategy to keep your family well!

Mahaya Patient Appreciation Day July 16th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-07-04T10:20:18-04:00

We're having a very special event and you're invited! Please join us on Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 11am to 4pm at 73 Warren Road as our guest at our first annual Mahaya Patient Appreciation Day!

Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Team opened in the community one and half years ago with a vision to deliver health care that is safe, effective, and inspiring. We hope that we have lived up to our commitment to you. We want to thank you for being part of our growing community and for trusting your health with us. Our practitioners are passionate about what they do but they would not be able to do it without you!

Come and join us for a BBQ and enjoy time with our team - bring a friend, family members, or colleagues to enjoy the festivities.

New Patient Special
If you are not an existing patient but would like to become one, today may be your day!
Book your initial visit during the Appreciation Day you will receive a $50 Gift Certificate to be applied to your visit!

Free Events!
A big thank you to you all. We are here for you and no doubt because of you! Join us for the following festivities:

BBQ, healthy treats, music, and fun!
Meet our practitioners and learn more about our services
Receive 15% off supplements!
Bring in your supplements and ask questions of our Naturopathic Doctors
Acupuncture demonstration
Postural Assessments with our Osteopathic Doctor
No-Charge 15-minute Massage treatment from the newest member of our team
Speedy health check - we will take your blood pressure, check your blood sugar, and perform a Chinese medicine Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis
Kids Corner - bring your kids for some healthy treats, face painting, and a health check
Receive a free gift and be entered in our draw for 2 grand prizes!

Natural Medicine, Integrative Care
We are a multi-disciplinary clinic nestled in the Forest Hill community. Our clinic serves as a resource for individuals and families who are interested in health and wellness, and offers a variety of patient-centered services that include Naturopathic Medicine, Registered Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Osteopathy, Dietary & Lifestyle Counseling, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, and a range of medical and diagnostic services.

73 Warren Road, Suite 102
(corner of St. Clair Ave. W. and Warren Road, just east of Spadina)
416-792-4400
www.mahayaforesthill.com

Duct tape wart remedy

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-06-30T12:39:18-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This is one of the home remedies I discussed during my appearance on Wylde on Health June 17, 2011. Video is up online here (look for June 17th, segment 2).

Warts, while not life-threatening, are an annoying health issue for many of my patients. There are a lot of home remedies for warts, many of which I’ve tried myself! I’ve found this simple remedy to be the most consistently successful in my clinical experience.

Duct tape wart remedy

Simply place a piece of duct tape over your wart and keep it on 24 hours per day. It is best to change the duct tape twice per day, so you are always using a fresh piece. Duct tape will deprive your wart of oxygen, killing the wart and the skin around it. When you change the duct tape, gently scrape away any dead skin.

A useful addition to this remedy is either fresh garlic or fresh potato slices. Place a thin slice of garlic or potato over the wart and then cover with the duct tape.

It’s important to be PATIENT with this remedy! Some people find that their warts disappear or fall off within days, but more commonly it will take at least 3-6 weeks to eliminate your average wart. Plantar warts will take longer than warts on the hands.

Total body detox article

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-06-27T14:29:58-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Check out my article on Total Body Detox online now at Women’s Post!

Warming socks

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-06-26T11:14:05-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This is one of the home remedies I discussed during my appearance on Wylde on Health June 17, 2011. Video is up online here (look for June 17th, segment 3).

This is a great treatment when you are sick with cold, particularly if you have a lot of congestion. Although it may not sound pleasant, your body heat quickly warms the socks and gets your feet toasty warm! Increasing circulation to your feet helps reduce sinus and chest congestion and helps warm your body up, facilitating healing via body heat (see my blog Give me fever for more about this!) and stimulating your immune system.

Warming socks

Directions:
1 Fill a bowl with cold water and ice cubes.
2 Soak a pair of cotton socks in the ice water.
3 Wring out socks and put on feet.
4 Once the cotton socks are on, make sure you are close to the bed and have a dry pair of wool socks handy.
5 Put on the dry wool socks over the wet cotton socks. After putting on the wool socks, avoid walking in the socks as this will cause the wool socks to get damp!
6 Lie down in bed and go to sleep.

To pill or not to pill?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-06-24T20:09:00-04:00

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.

Natural electrolye drink

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-06-23T08:58:49-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This is one of the home remedies I discussed during my appearance on Wylde on Health June 17, 2011. Video is up online here (look for June 17th, segment 2).

If you are dehydrated through sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting, it is essential to not only replenish water, but also glucose and minerals/electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are essential for many processes in your body. It is also important to stay well hydrated when you are sick with a cold or the flu. This remedy is also great for keeping sick kids hydrated!

There are a lot of electrolyte drinks on the market and unfortunately most of them are very high in sugar and artificial ingredients that you don’t need. Why not make your own simple electrolyte drink at home? The simple recipe below can be made with ingredients found in your kitchen and for extra taste and to bump up the immune boosting power of this drink, you can add a berry concentrate such as Proberry 3 liquid. Check out my blog called A tastier flu “shot” about the power of berries, especially elderberry. Elderberry has powerful anti-viral properties, so is effective against influenza and other viral infection such as the common cold.

Natural electrolyte drink

Ingredients:
¼ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp baking soda
1 Tbsp agave nectar (or maple syrup or honey)
Juice of a ½ lemon
1L water
1-3 tsp berry concentrate (to taste)

Directions:
1 Add the first four ingredients to the water and stir until dissolved.
2 Add berry concentrate to taste.

Stroke prevention talk June 22nd

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-06-20T23:30:59-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be giving at free talk on stroke prevention this Wednesday, June 22nd, 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 a stroke?
Signs and symptoms
Risk factors
What can you do to prevent stroke?

This is the last library talk until the fall, stay tuned for all new exciting topics starting in September!

Wylde on Health June 17th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-06-13T22:18:50-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I will be on Wylde on Health with host Bryce Wylde this Friday, June 17th at 7pm on CP24! The topic for Friday’s show is natural home remedies. We will be discussing remedies and first aid for common ailments using things you can find around the house and we will also take live questions! Check it out on channel 24 or online here.

Guest post: Here comes the sun

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-06-11T18:24:09-04:00

Guest post by Annie Salsberg, ND

Even before I became a Naturopath, I was concerned about chemicals in our environment. I remember borrowing some skin cream from a friend while in university and seeing the ingredient list full of words that I had never heard and with names that I could not pronounce. It did not seem right that we should smear gobs of chemical-laden product onto our skin. People seem to get very uptight and concerned when we talk about ingesting (eating) or inhaling (breathing) toxic compounds, but many don’t even seem to bat an eye when we mention the risks associated with trans-dermal (through the skin) absorption of toxins.

With the weather on an up swing, most are (hopefully) reaching for their sunscreen. I thought it might be a great time to review the good, bad and ugly sides of sunscreens!

There are currently two major ‘types’ of sunscreens on the market: 1) chemical sunscreens and 2) mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin while the latter act as a block to UV rays; mineral sunscreens most commonly contain zinc and/or titanium.

Over the last few years, there has been increasing concern over some of the ingredients included in some chemical sunscreens. Oxybenzone and vitamin A derivatives are two ingredients generating the greatest amount of buzz. Oxybenzone (not to be confused with the safer avobenzone) is an ingredient found in almost half of the chemical sunscreens on the market. It is a synthetic estrogen and is absorbed through the skin; as such, it may disrupt hormones. Some scientists have even called for parents to stop using products containing oxybenzone on children due to concerns around toxicity. Vitamin A derivatives, such as retinyl palmitate or retinol, are also quite common in chemical sunscreens. While vitamin A may have some beneficial anti-oxidant properties when used internally or in some night creams/lotions, recent data seems to suggest that it may be photocarcinogenic. That is, it may actually increase the risk of skin cancer on skin when exposed to sunlight!

While the jury may still be out as to an absolute and final verdict on the safety profile of chemical sunscreens, many are already shying away from creams that penetrate. Furthermore, many international agencies have been recommending clothing, hats and shade as primary protection against sunburns and skin cancer, NOT sunscreen.

Currently, it appears as thought mineral sunscreens offer the best safety profile of products on the market. Mineral sunscreens are stable in sunlight and do not appear to penetrate the skin. The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org), is a great resource to learn more about the safety profile of many sunscreens. They have recently released their 2011 guide. They also offer a comprehensive database with valuable information on many body care products, including those intended for babies and young children. All of their information is free and easily accessible online.

Stay cool and keep shaded but be sure to enjoy the summer and the sun!

Great quote #28

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-06-10T10:36:56-04:00

“Holding onto anger and resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Unknown

Sister Act your health

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-06-03T08:16:23-04:00

Here’s a fun video from the movie Sister Act that relates to health! My business coach Andy Belanger uses this video in his courses as a tool to explain naturopathic medicine:

Whoopi Goldberg’s character is like your ND. She analyzes the situation and determines that the choir (your body) is not working optimally, resulting in symptoms (bad singing!). But she can see that with a few adjustments, things can get better. She implements some organization, removes obstacles, fosters natural ability, and motivates them. The result in a few minutes is harmony! The choir still needs to practice, but just these few strategies have made them productive. This is what I do as a naturopathic doctor.

Enjoy!

Great quote #27

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-05-30T12:14:18-04:00

“Anyone can remove a smile from a person’s face... the skill comes in putting it back.” Unknown

Are you addicted to stress?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-05-26T12:16:35-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I want to share a great blog called “Addicted to Stress” over at Crazy Sexy Life. The title of this blog immediately caught my attention both because I see this every day in my naturopathic practice but also because I too can get addicted to stress!

“Every idea that we have about life, every thought and emotion we feel has a chemical reaction in the mind and body.” I sometimes feel like a broken record explaining this idea to patients, but it is so true! Every thought and emotion you have sets off a cascade of neurotransmitters and hormones that quite literally change the way your body functions via your immune system, digestive system, hormonal balance, and many other systems.

“When we’re used to being or reacting in certain ways, we experience a chemical addiction to those ways of being.” When you form thoughts, you create a neural pathway, and the more you use it, the stronger it becomes until you have entire neural networks that are like well-worn paths in your brain. And the themes of those networks become very influential in your thinking! We like the familiar. It is easier to do what we are used to because it requires less effort. And therefore we become “addicted” to certain thought patterns, sometimes just because they are familiar and easy.

“No matter how many stressors there are in your life, you can still be present, authentic, calm and loving.” Do you believe this? I think many people would like to, but they also have a lot of excuses why NOT. Remember, you have the power of choice! No matter what happened yesterday, today you are still making choices every second and you are not stuck in your pattern.

“We literally change the chemistry in our mind into a more harmonious environment.” Remember that practice makes perfect. The more you change your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, the easier it becomes.

Egg yolk face mask

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-05-18T11:00:09-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This is one of the home remedies I discussed during my appearance on Wylde on Health June 17, 2011. Video is up online here (look for June 17th, segment 2).

This is a simple, effective home remedy for acne. I first heard about this mask from a friend when I was a teenager with acne. I tried it then and found it worked really well! Egg yolks contain vitamins A and E, which are key nutrients for treating acne and scarring. Egg yolks also contain a variety of other vitamins and nutrients; most of the nutrients in an egg are found in the yolk! Egg yolks are also emollient, meaning that they help soften and moisturize skin.

I recommend that patients do the mask every night for about a month, and then once per week for maintenance.

Egg yolk face mask

Ingredients:
1 egg yolk

Directions:

Separate one egg and stir up the yolk in a small cup or mug.
Wash face as usual and pat dry.
Apply egg yolk all over face in a uniform layer.
Once yolk has dried, rinse off with lukewarm water.

Notes:

One egg yolk will usually last for 2-3 masks, so keep the extra yolk in the fridge for the next day.
Don’t use warm/hot water to rinse off the yolk - you will cook it!

Welcome Linda Jung, RMT!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-05-16T17:51:38-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic is pleased to announce the arrival of Linda Jung, RMT!

Linda Jung, B.Comm (BMHR), RMT is a Registered Massage Therapist with a strong focus in rehabilitation. She is an Honours Graduate from the Elmcrest College and obtained her undergraduate degree from Ryerson University.

Linda's treatment experiences include working in a complex care and trauma unit at St. John's Rehabilitation Hospital where she focused on motor vehicle accidents, work place injuries, post-surgery rehabilitation (helping patients recover from surgery) and worked with both amputees and burn patients.

Linda currently works at the Toronto East General Hospital with work-related strain and injury patients, post-surgical rehabilitation and sees many women for prenatal and postnatal massage. Linda has also taught Anatomy, Assessment, Massage Theory & Techniques and was a Supervisor for treatments at a private Massage Therapy College.

Linda is available for appointments Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call the clinic at 416-690-6168 or check our website for more information.

Spring Detox talk May 14th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-05-12T12:09:22-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Join me this Saturday, May 14th at 3pm at Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health for a free seminar on the Four Seasons of Wellness: Spring Detox.

Topics:

What are emunctories and why do they matter?
Four Seasons of Wellness, proactive approach to health program
Spring health challenges and opportunities
What is detoxification and why should we detoxify?
Basic treatment guidelines to support healthy detox
How to take it to the next level with your naturopathic doctor

To reserve your spot, call Mahaya Forest Hill at 416-792-4400 to RSVP. Hope to see you there!

Mahaya Forest Hill at Appletree Markets this Thursday!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-05-04T14:34:13-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This Thursday, May 5th from 3-7pm, Mahaya Forest Hill will have a booth at Appletree Markets in Eglinton Park behind the North Toronto Memorial Community Centre (north side of Eglinton, between Avenue Road and Yonge Street).

Come by to speak to our Naturopathic Doctors, sign-up for a no-charge 15-minute consult, and find out about exciting events happening during Naturopathic Medicine week May 9th to 15th.

Appletree Markets is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a local, community shopping experience. The outdoor market features:

Arts & Crafts
Baked Goods
Cheese
Chocolate
Flowers & Arrangements
Fruit
Good Eats
Honey & Maple Syrup
Meat
Plants & Herbs
Preserves
Vegetables

See a full list of vendors

Appletree Markets is located behind the North Toronto Memorial Community Centre in Eglinton Park. See below for a map:

Free events during Naturopathic Medicine Week

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-05-06T08:26:05-04:00

After just over a year in the community, Mahaya Forest Hill is well on it's way to becoming a destination for individuals and families who are interested in natural health alternatives that promote wellness and inspire new ways for perceiving health and disease. We have a wonderful team of practitioners who are passionate about what they do and excited to share what they know with you.

During the week of May 9th to the 15th we are excited to celebrate Naturopathic Medicine Week, join us in successfully increasing awareness around naturopathic medicine and take this opportunity to learn more about what we do and how you and your loved ones can benefit from the services we offer.

Free Events All Week!

No-charge Naturopathic Consultations
Book a No-Charge 15-minute consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor:

Learn how Naturopathic Medicine can address your health concerns
Bring in your supplements to find out what you are taking and why!
Have a quick Health Check: Blood pressure, Blood Sugar, Chinese Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis, Urine, etc.
Receive our unique gift bag - Be Well Bag - full of naturopathic goodies and helpful information
Enter our draw to win a Prize!

Talks & Informative Seminars
Tues. May 10th at 7pm: "Women & Stress" - The Impact of Stress on Women's Health and natural stress solutions with Naturopathic Doctor, Christine Matheson

Wed. May 11th at 7pm: "Healthy Mind, Healthy Body " - Naturopathic Medicine can help you gain new perspectives on how your body and mind work to keep you healthy! - an informal session with Naturopathic Doctor, Arvin Jenab

Thurs. May 12th at 7pm: “Foods That Transform You" - Can supplements replace a whole food diet? In this dynamic talk we will examine the value of specific Superfoods and their role in health maintenance and disease prevention with Naturopathic Doctor, Annie Salsberg

Sat. May 14th at 3pm: "4 Seasons of Wellness: Spring Detox" - a close look at healthy detoxification for better health with Naturopathic Doctor, Kate Whimster

Naturopathic Medicine Week May 9th-15th
Every year naturopathic doctors and patients across Canada stand together and celebrate the ongoing commitment and dedication they have shown towards preserving and expanding on the principles of naturopathic medicine. They have a shared vision for health and wellness and they are proud, empowered, and humbled by what they have undertaken and discovered.

Naturopathic Doctors train vigorously for a minimum of 7 years to become experts in the field of natural medicine - no easy task and certainly not fully supported by mainstream institutions. Naturopathic Patients undertake an even greater task - they make a personal commitment to participate more actively in their health care - they challenge themselves to live healthy lives, to respect nature, to learn, and to grow. They are the silent heroes in this growing profession.

During Naturopathic Medicine Week we celebrate the doctors and the patients who have made it possible for a new kind of medicine to emerge. We thank them sincerely and invite you to join us by participating in this week's events and spread the word for others to share and grow with us.

Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health
With a truly holistic approach to health care, our practitioners want to help you live healthier and happier. In addition to Naturopathic Medicine, our clinic offers a range of services that include registered massage therapy, acupuncture, Traditional Chinese medicine, osteopathic medicine, dietary & lifestyle counselling, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and clinical nutrition.

We also have full laboratory capabilities to check blood, urine, salivary hormones, food sensitivities, and assess physiological stress and mood. We make use of unique diagnostics and assessment tools that help us in developing a deeper understanding of your health and guide us in implementing integrative strategies to effectively manage your health and prevent disease.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about our services and programs and to find out whether naturopathic medicine is of benefit for you and your family.

73 Warren Road, Suite 102
Corner of St. Clair Ave. W. and Warren Road, just east of Spadina
416-792-4400
www.mahayaforesthill.com

Welcome Carmen Hughes!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-04-30T15:43:38-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This month Carmen Hughes joined our team at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic! Look below for a special introductory offer and Mother’s Day special!

Carmen integrates healing energy into her facial and body treatments to provide a sense of well being that energizes all aspects of a person’s mind, body & spirit so that you can feel and be your very best from the inside out.

Carmen has many years of experience in the beauty industry. As well, she is interested in a multitude of alternative therapies and offers Healing Touch, Reiki and Energy Harmony Alignment (EHA) which is a new form of energy work that harmonizes the body by utilizing a very gentle, light touch. This creates a deeply relaxing sense of well being.

Carmen also offers Energy Flow Facial (deep cleansing facial), Cleansing Back Treatment (exfoliation & mask), Tension Release Treatments (combination of Swedish and energizing shiatsu), Ear Candling, Basic Waxing, and Hand & Foot Treatments (reflexology pressure points).

Special introductory offer:
Energy Flow Facial, Neck, Shoulder, Hand & Foot Massage (1 hour): $45.00 (regularly $90.00)
Tension Release Treatment (1 hour): $50.00 (regularly $60.00)
Bring a friend and receive a complimentary Reiki treatment!

Mother’s Day special:
Treat mom to a Strawberry Facial: $45.00 (regularly $90.00)

To book an appointment, call Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic at 416-690-6168

Guest post: Self-compassion: a determinant of health

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-04-28T12:56:48-04:00

Guest post originally published by Negin Misaghi, ND

In a recent article in Well, a health blog on The New York Times website, Tara Parker-Pope writes that “research suggests that giving ourselves a break and accepting our imperfections may be the first step toward better health. People who score high on tests of self-compassion have less depression and anxiety, and tend to be happier and more optimistic.”

Article is well worth the read! May I suggest you not just browse through it, but really try to understand it with an open mind and heart and see where and how you might need to apply this in your own life.

Here’s an excerpt from one of the researchers Dr. Neff, an associate professor of human development at the University of Texas at Austin: “[people] believe self-criticism is what keeps them in line. Most people have gotten it wrong because our culture says being hard on yourself is the way to be.’”

If you suffer from the detrimental effects of self-criticism practice being more compassionate towards yourself. Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or bombarding ourselves with self-criticism. Self-compassion also means holding our difficulties in mindful awareness and feeling connected to others while we suffer.

For various reasons (learnt responses and cultural norms) we have learnt to have compassion for others without realizing our unique ability as human beings to comfort ourselves. Alex Lickerman, MD in his blog “How to Comfort Yourself” describes what we know and describe as ‘self’ as being made up of a smaller self and a larger self: “The smaller self sometimes refers to the small-minded ego whose only concerns are selfish and at other times to the seemingly endless capacity we all have to believe wholeheartedly the various delusions that populate our thinking. The larger self, in contrast, is considered to be our best self, our most selfless self—our enlightened self.” He believes that our larger self is capable of giving the smaller self compassion.

Remember that the art of self-compassion is a learnt response, which can overtime become your only response through conscious practice.

How have you met your needs for self-compassion today? Why not practice directing some of that compassion which comes so naturally to us to our selves?

Lesson from Gollum

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-04-25T09:15:59-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Over the Christmas break a few months ago, I re-watched all the Lord of the Rings movies. I thought this scene with Gollum was a really powerful example of how most of us have 2 competing voices speaking to us.

One of those voices tells you that you can’t trust, you are not loved, not good enough... The other tells you the opposite. The “nasty” Gollum is right to some degree. The stern voice in your head can keep you protected and help you overcome many obstacles. But ultimately too much “medicine” is poison and allowing that voice to dominate will make your life miserable. You can tell the nasty voice to go away! You are the only person who can control what you tell yourself, so be careful to nurture the “kind” Gollum inside!

Gluten sensitivity, part 1: definitions, prevalence, presentation

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-04-23T13:26:15-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

What do osteoporosis, anemia, hypothyroidism, irritability, diarrhea, and constipation have in common? They are all signs and symptoms of gluten sensitivity. I’ve been meaning to write about this topic since I attended a seminar on gluten sensitivity in October 2009! A recent article in the Wall Street Journal called “Clues to Gluten Sensitivity” has helped me get in gear to cover this enormous topic. This is part 1 of a multi-part series of blogs I plan to write. Stay tuned for more!

What is gluten sensitivity?
As mentioned in the article linked above, it is important to understand the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. “Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats.(1)” “Gluten sensitivity (GS) encompasses a collection of medical conditions in which gluten has an adverse effect.(2)” These medical conditions can be related to damage to the small intestine or may present in other ways.

Which foods contain gluten?
Gluten-containing foods:

Wheat (all forms, including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, couscous, bulgar, etc)
Rye
Barley

A quick way to remember gluten-containing foods is the acronym BROWSK, which stands for Barley, Rye, Oats (more on that in a second), Wheat, Spelt, Kamut.

Oats should technically be safe to eat on a gluten-free diet but most commercial oats are contaminated with gluten as they are farmed, transported, and packaged. You can buy gluten-free oats, such as Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Oats. A small number of gluten sensitive people may also be sensitive to oats, so it is important to assess this for each patient individually.

Prevalence
This information is specific to celiac disease (see definition above), but still gives a good idea of the prevalence and importance of diagnosis.

Prevalence of celiac disease (3):

In average healthy people: 1 in 133
In people with related symptoms: 1 in 56
In people with first-degree relatives (parent, child, sibling) who are celiac: 1 in 22
In people with second-degree relatives (aunt, uncle, cousin) who are celiac: 1 in 39
60% of children and 41% of adults diagnosed during the study were asymptomatic (without any symptoms).

The average length of time it takes for a symptomatic person to be diagnosed with celiac disease in the US is four years; this type of delay dramatically increases an individual’s risk of developing autoimmune disorders, neurological problems, osteoporosis and even cancer.(4)

Those diagnosed with celiac disease between 2-4 years of age had a 10.5% chance of developing an autoimmune disorder. Additional findings show that the later one is diagnosed, the more likely her or she is to develop and autoimmune condition (5):

Age at diagnosis and chance of developing an autoimmune condition:
4-12 yrs: 16.7%
12-20 yrs: 27%
Over 20 yrs: 34%

As is now becoming clear, patients may have “silent” or atypical form that presents with no gastrointestinal symptoms. (6)
(7)

Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of celiac disease (1):

Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, or indigestion
Constipation
Decreased appetite (may also be increased or unchanged)
Diarrhea, either constant or off and on
Lactose intolerance (common when the person is diagnosed, usually goes away after treatment)
Nausea and vomiting
Stools that float, are foul smelling, bloody, or “fatty”
Unexplained weight loss (although people can be overweight or of normal weight)

Signs and symptoms of “silent” celiac disease (8):
Children:

Short stature
Anemia
Neurologic symptoms

Adults:

Dermatitis herpetiformis
Anemia
Reduced bone density (osteopenia/osteoporosis)
Apthous stomatitis, dental enamel defects
Infertility, recurrent miscarriage
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Dyspepsia
Esophageal reflux
Neurologic symptoms
Autoimmune diseases

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001280/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluten_sensitivity
Fasano A, Berti I, Gerarduzzi T, Not T, Colletti RB, Drago S, Elitsur Y, Green PH, Guandalini S, Hill ID, Pietzak M, Ventura A, Thorpe M, Kryszak D, Fornaroli F, Wasserman SS, Murray JA, Horvath K. Prevalence of celiac disease in at-risk and not-at-risk groups in the United States: a large multicenter study. Arch Intern Med. 2003 Feb 10;163(3):286-92.
Green PHR, Stavropoulos SN, Panagi SG, Goldstein SL, Mcmahon DJ, Absan H, Neugut AI. Characteristics of adult celiac disease in the USA: results of a national survey. Am J Gastroenterol. 2001 Jan;96(1):126-31.
Ventura A, Magazzù G, Greco L. Duration of exposure to gluten and risk for autoimmune disorders in patients with celiac disease. SIGEP Study Group for Autoimmune Disorders in Celiac Disease. Gastroenterology. 1999 Aug;117(2):297-303.
Sanders DS, Hurlstone DP, McAlindon ME, Hadjivassiliou M, Cross SS, Wild G, Atkins CJ. Antibody negative coeliac disease presenting in elderly people--an easily missed diagnosis. BMJ. 2005 Apr 2;330(7494):775-6.
Feighery C. Fortnightly review: coeliac disease. BMJ. 1999 Jul 24;319(7204):236-9.
Green PH, Alaedini A, Sander HW, Brannagan TH 3rd, Latov N, Chin RL. Mechanisms underlying celiac disease and its neurologic manifestations. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2005 Apr;62(7-8):791-9.

How to be happy

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-04-21T10:39:19-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I regularly read a blog by Adventurous Kate (another Kate!) and her recent post entitled “I’ve Found The Secret To Happiness” really resonated with me! She writes about her life one year ago, in the wrong job with an unhealthy lifestyle and really, not living a life that fulfilled her. She has since completely changed her career and lifestyle, leading her to greater happiness. Her blog is so inspiring and upbeat, I always look forward to new posts!

So what on earth does a travel blog by a girl I’ve never met have to do with naturopathic medicine? I’ll get to that, but first I’ll explain why her post inspired this blog.

Even though her story is so different from mine, I relate because I too was living a life that looked really great but was not fulfilling. I had graduated from Queen’s with a degree in Commerce and landed my “dream job” with a major consumer packaged goods company. I made more money than I had ever had in my life and spent a lot of my free time spending that money on clothes, accessories, fancy dinners, wine, and just a lot of “stuff.” While I loved the people I worked with and even enjoyed the challenge of my job, I was not happy. I was not in a career that utilized my greatest talents, I did not have the freedom that I wanted, and I had a lot of stuff but not a lot of great experiences.

So, after lengthy research and consideration, I quit my job and went to naturopathic medical school. Several people in my life remarked that this was a crazy choice, since I had so much going for me and such a bright future. I had to move because I couldn’t afford the rent on my apartment. I could not live alone (as I had wanted to do for years) because it was too expensive. I gave up the company car, new clothes/shoes/toys all the time, and my time (to class, studying, and part-time work). I gave up material comfort, career prestige, and 4 years of my life. I took on health challenges, loneliness, exhaustion, and a massive student debt. However, even though those years were incredibly difficult in a lot of ways and I will spend many years to come burdened with debt and the incredible responsibility of naturopathic practice, I’m happier!

I spend my time doing things I enjoy and learning about what interests me. I get to run my own business, which I love, and write about my interests here! I get to meet interesting and diverse patients and then spend (probably too much of) my time researching, analyzing, and formulating treatment plans for them. This career change has also changed the rest of my life. I have met truly amazing people and have had enriching experiences I would not have had otherwise. I have a lot more control of my time, so I have the flexibility to live how I choose.

So let’s return to the question of why a naturopathic doctor has written a whole blog inspired by a post by a stranger travelling in Asia? The point is that a very important part of wellness is happiness. You can eat perfect, exercise perfect, and live a perfect life but if you aren’t happy, your health and well-being will suffer and this will one day manifest as disease. This is where you say “duh,” but I hope you also consider what makes you happy and how you can get more of that in your life.

Naturopathic medicine: choice of the uninsured

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-04-17T08:39:40-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I just read a great blog by an Dr. Steve Nenninger, ND in New York called “Naturopathic Medicine is the Treatment of Choice for the Uninsured.”

In Canada we are fortunate enough not to have to deal with the same private insurance landscape (nightmare?) as in the US, but the parallel here is our provincial healthcare plan. Some of my patients have additional insurance through their workplace that provides some coverage for naturopathic medicine, but about half of them don’t, which means they pay 100% out-of-pocket. Regardless, for most chronic health concerns, and depending on the insurance plan (which you pay for as well!), most patients are paying a portion of the cost for naturopathic treatment themselves. So why is it worth it?

“The treatment you get from insurance is not the treatment that will get you better.”
Doctors in Canada are also bound by “standard of care” and those protocols for treating patients are based on their medical training. This medical training is based mostly on pharmaceutical medication and does not include much on nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counselling, or other holistic and gentle therapies. Seeing an MD (for “free” in Canada, although we all know it’s not really free) is not the same as seeing an ND.

“The most expensive treatment is the one that doesn’t work.”
Naturopathic medicine is focused on true healing. As an ND I am constantly focused on our goal of wellness and I am fortunate enough to have the time to spend with patients to discuss honestly how our treatment is progressing. Being ill or even just not being truly well is far more expensive than just the cost for medications and treatments. As Dr. Nenninger says: “Nothing affects your ability to be a productive human being more than being ill.”

Happy weight, naturally

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-04-14T22:31:50-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

In my practice I meet a lot of patients who want to lose weight, whether it be 5 pounds or 100 pounds! Most people have an unrealistic expectation of how much weight they can lose and how quickly this can be achieved. I recently read an article called “Ideal Weight or Happy Weight” about the impact even a small weight loss can have on your health and the theory of a weight “set point.”

“If you're overweight, losing just 10% of your body weight is associated with a myriad of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar, and reducing your risk for heart disease.” These are amazing benefits that not only pay off in the short-run when you feel so much better, but in the long-run by significantly improving your quality of life! A 10% weight loss is a great goal to start with and helps patients adopt the habits that will build the foundation for great health for the rest of their lives.

“Your body weight is naturally regulated to stay within a range of 10%-20%.” Once you maintain a certain weight for a few years or even decades, it can be difficult to shift significantly outside of this “set point.” However, it is not impossible, it just requires more time, commitment, and consistency than most patients realize. You CAN lower your “set point” through healthy eating habits, exercise, and lifestyle strategies.

What else can I do to support healthy weight loss?
Naturopathic medicine is a great support for weight loss via a personalized nutrition plan, addressing underlying health issues obstructing weight loss, improving digestion, making the mind-body connection, and perhaps more importantly, supporting behavioural change at a deeper level using energy medicine. We’ve all heard that it is so important to address the REASONS behind habits to change them. In my practice I find homeopathy and acupuncture to be great stimulants for self-healing as well as useful tools to address food cravings, mood, stress, sleep, and motivation, all of which contribute to your ability to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

What can I do today?
You can start implementing some healthy weight loss strategies into your life right now:
• Eat a healthy, nutrient-dense breakfast every day
• Ensure you get adequate, quality sleep each night
• Eat a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily
• Get outside and walk for at least 20 minutes per day
• Stick with it! As they say, “practice makes perfect!”

Essential oil acne treatment

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-04-10T09:14:54-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I’ve been working with essential oils since I was in high school and I enjoy making my own formulas that have evolved over the years. This mixture is designed to gently combat and heal acne blemishes.

Acne spot treatment

Caution:
Bergamot essential oil can cause skin to become more sensitive to the sun (photosensitive). Avoid use before sun exposure.

Directions:
Combine the following ingredients in a 10mL roller bottle:
15 drops bergamot essential oil
15 drops geranium essential oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
15 drops tea tree essential oil
Then, fill the rest of the bottle with a carrier oil of your choice, such as jojoba, grapeseed, almond, or calendula.

Apply mixture to blemishes nightly as needed.

Great quote #26

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-04-08T08:29:06-04:00

“The deeper that sorrow carves into us, the more joy we can contain.” Khalil Gibran

Integrative cancer care in China

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-03-25T17:20:19-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I just read this great blog called “Cancer Care in China vs. North America” at Crazy Sexy Life and I wanted to share it. The author, a licensed acupuncturist, shares his observations about cancer care in China and how it is so much more integrative than in North America.

As a naturopathic doctor, I am keenly aware of the importance of supporting the body with natural therapies during cancer care and how effective this can be. Unfortunately, most conventional medical doctors are ignorant of the vast number of natural therapies that can improve outcomes for patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. This is a real shame because although there is not research evidence for every possible natural cancer treatment, there definitely is evidence for many. The conventional medicine approach of wreaking havoc on the body to eliminate cancer cells and then leaving a weakened patient to recover and likely return to a way of living that permitted cancer development in the first place is clearly not the best course of action for patients nor for our society as whole for whom cancer is a major health issue.

Natural medicine offers simple, effective, and safe interventions to prevent cancer, improve outcomes of conventional treatment, and prevent recurrence.

Guest post: The practice of detoxification

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-03-22T20:27:28-04:00

Guest post by Marisol Teijeiro, ND

About
Marisol is the creator of the president of Ecoqol and the creator of the OJA Compress that can be used for castor oil packs. She is also an expert in the properties of castor oil and its use for naturopathic treatment of inflammation, constipation, immune modulation, and detoxification.

The practice of detoxification
Toxins can be found everywhere in our environment and are a threat to our health. We are surrounded by thousands of man-made chemicals in our food, water and the air. Our bodies work continuously removing these toxins from our system. Over time, they become overwhelmed and are unable to keep up. The overload of toxin build up in our system is either stored in fat cells or travels throughout our system disrupting various functions. This can lead to symptoms such as chronic fatigue, headaches, bloating, constipation, bad breath, and other health issues. Toxins are harmful to our health.

Toxins cause both stress and systemic inflammation to our system that disrupts the delicate balance of our body. To make matters worse the more stressed we are the less our body detoxifies as the energy required for these processes are shunted towards the physiological stress response. Detoxification is a natural therapeutic intervention that is used to rid the body of toxins as it can be the root of our many health issues. Many people think of detoxification as either fasting or living purely on liquids or drinking green gooey juice for a specific period of time. Although some people swear by these detox methods, a variety of other different methods do exist. A person simply needs to find a few practices that resonate with them and fit them into their daily schedule. It is no longer a matter of whether we need to detox, everyone should follow some sort of regular detoxification practice. Many detoxification programs do not address this very important physiological truth - that toxins continuously cause stress and disrupt our system and we should be incorporating a regular detoxification practice on a daily basis.

The first step in adopting detoxification practices in our daily schedule is to select and consume only organic foods. Most people require a minimum of 2-3L of water and/or herbal teas per day to naturally flush toxins from the body. Wherever possible avoid the use of plastic containers; this will decrease your overall toxic load. Stainless steel or glass containers are preferable.

The second step is a regular detoxification practice such as a Castor Oil Pack that consists of organic castor oil and an organic cotton flannel compress applied topically to the liver. This castor oil pack is frequently recommended by naturopathic doctors as a well known health promoting therapy that works on a variety of different levels, such as an anti-inflammatory (1), a balancer of the immune system (2), inducing relaxation, reducing stress, enhancing liver function, and improving bowel movements (3); therefore providing a holistic detox therapy.

An effective detoxification practice should take an approach that balances the entire body’s system; the nervous system - the reduction of stress, the Immune/Lymphatic system - the reduction of inflammation and finally the organs responsible for processing and elimination of toxins: the liver, kidney, gut, lungs and skin. The above strategy will help to bring back the quality of life we deserve and this spring is the best time to start!

References:
1. Vieira C et al. .Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8.
2. Grady H. Immunomodulation through castor oil packs. The Journal of Naturopathic Medicine. Volume 7 Jan 1 1998; 7(1): 84-9
3. An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly. Arslan GG, Eşer I.Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Feb;17(1):58-62. Epub 2010 May 18.

Gluten sensitivity part 2: diagnosis

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2012-07-14T16:37:37-04:00

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:

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

Signs and symptoms:
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

Less common:

Osteopenia/osteoporosis (especially premature)
Abnormal liver function
Nausea, vomiting
Iron-deficiency anemia
Neurological dysfunction
Constipation

Diagnosis:
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

2. Small intestine biopsy to identify atrophy of the villi (numerous small projections that make up the absorptive surface of your small intestines

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

2. Positive results from a gluten-free diet: sometimes this is the only proof a patient needs! I’ve seen patients improve significantly on a gluten-free diet and if that is the case, further testing may cause more harm than good.

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:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1808891/

Ultimate chocolate chip cookies

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-03-20T09:15:28-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Looking for a great, but healthy recipe for chocolate chip cookies?

I recently tried this recipe called Jesi’s Chocolate Chip Cookies and they were great! I found them a little too sweet for my taste, so I modified the recipe in the following ways:

I used a combination of vegetable glycerine (very sweet but does not spike blood sugar - I get mine in large bottles from Azure Standard) and agave syrup
I used less vanilla (1/2 tsp instead of 1 tsp)
I used less chocolate chips (3/4 cup instead of 1 cup)

Enjoy!

Great quote #25

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-03-17T08:52:17-04:00

“Are you starving? No? Then, let's have a little perspective, shall we.” Bif Naked

The power of practice

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-03-14T18:15:44-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Very often (probably daily) in my practice I discuss with patients the idea that whatever health goals they have require practice.

Nobody expects to be great at a sport or painting, or some other skill the first time they try it, so why do we expect ourselves to be perfect at eating healthy, exercising regularly, sleeping well, and implementing healthy habits immediately? Making great food choices for 6 days and then having a bad food day on the 7th doesn’t mean you can’t get back on the horse and make good food choices after that. It just means you need to keep practicing and the choices will get easier. The same goes for meditation. Most people try meditation a few times and give up because it is hard. But why did you expect it to be easy? Continuing to meditate regularly will help you get better and it will get easier. Yoga is called a “practice” because it isn’t about how well you do it, but the consistency of doing it... You get the idea...

Check out this blog from Crazy Sexy Life about the power of practice.

Big news! My practice (well, part of it) is moving!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-03-10T12:55:39-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Big news! As of April 1st, 2011, I will no longer be practicing at Rosedale Natural Health Clinic and instead will be practicing at Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health. I am excited that this move will allow me to expand services for my patients at a clinic that best fits my practice style and philosophy. I will continue to practice at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic in the Beaches.

Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health

Mahaya Forest Hill is a truly integrative clinic, offering naturopathic medicine, registered massage therapy, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, osteopathy, and chiropractic care. In coming months the clinic will also be adding a medical doctor who will be available exclusively to Mahaya patients to provide services covered by Ontario’s provincial health plan. At Mahaya Forest Hill I will be able to expand my practice to offer naturopathic gynecology, lab testing, and more botanical medicine via custom botanical formulas (from the on-site dispensary), in addition to the therapies and services I already offer.

Location and Hours:

Mahaya is located at 73 Warren Road, just west of Avenue Road on St. Clair. The clinic is easily accessible from either the St. Clair or St. Clair West subway stations by either a short walk or streetcar along St. Clair. There is also free parking available in the clinic’s lot or on the street. Please see the map below.

I have modified my hours to be more convenient. I will be available Fridays 8am to 8pm and Saturdays 8am to 5pm at Mahaya.

Book an appointment:
You can begin booking appointments for April immediately: call 416-792-4400 or go to the Mahaya Forest Hill website and click on the top right corner to use the online booking system.

Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic

I continue to practice at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic, located at 1986 Queen Street East. I am available on Tuesdays 10am to 6pm, Wednesdays 1pm to 6pm, and Saturdays 11am to 3pm.

Guest post: Healing with homeopathy

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-03-08T19:10:21-05:00

Guest post by Helena Ovens, ND, FCAH, CCH, CBT

About me
My name is Helena Ovens and I am a registered Doctor of Naturopathy (since 1992) in the Province of Ontario, and a Homeopathic Specialist (graduate of the Canadian Academy of Homeopathy, 1995). I received the award for Excellence in Clinical Nutrition upon my graduation from the College. I first entered the Alternative Field in 1975 when I went to work (for 2-1/2 years) with severely emotionally disturbed children in a residential setting. Since 1978, I have personally explored numerous alternative methods of healing. I became a Shiatsu Therapist, Reflexologist and Iridologist. I also studied Clinical Nutrition, numerous detoxification protocols, Western Botanical Medicine, Trager, Esalen Massage, Bach Flower Remedies and finally, Homeopathy, which eventually became my specialty. I am also a Certified Bowen Health Therapist.

I have been teaching Homeopathic First Aid & Acute Prescribing for over 15 years... It’s a 30 hour course designed to educate alternative practitioners and the general public on what Homeopathy can do. My students, who previously have had very little or no knowledge of Homeopathy, are better educated than the “so-called” experts who are currently trying desperately to discredit Homeopathy by attempting to take an overdose of the medicine as they sit patiently waiting outside the Emergency Ward at their local Hospital. “It does nothing”, they exclaim. My response? Taking 1 pill or 100 pills at one time is only taking 1 dose of the medicine. Taking 1 pill at 100 different times is taking 100 doses.

About homeopathy
Homeopathic Medicine originated just over 200 years ago. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German Physician, refused to practice the medicine of his time; namely, bloodletting and mercury (or arsenic) poisoning. At that time in Europe, malaria was a major killer. The Doctors were using the bark of the Cinchona Tree to treat malaria, which has a series of recurring symptoms; namely, first you get a chill, then a fever, then you break into a sweat, then you are exhausted, then you get a chill, then a fever, break out into a sweat, etc. These four symptoms happen again and again.

Dr. Hahnemann asked over and over again, WHY did this medicine seem to help the symptoms of this disease? No one could answer him, so being the SCIENTIST that he was, he decided to take a dose of the medicine to see what would happen. And shortly after taking the medicine in “overdose” (i.e., more than would be recommended for general treatment), he got a chill, then a fever, then broke out into a sweat, then was exhausted.

THUS, we have the very FIRST PROVING in Homeopathy. The definition of proving: The procedure of giving doses of a substance to healthy subjects in order to find what it causes in overdose and thus what it has the capacity to cure when given to ill people in potentized dose. (Potentized means made into a Homeopathic Remedy … see below).

Principles of Homeopathy
Hahnemann wrote an instruction book for Homeopathy called the Organon. The major Principles of Homeopathy are as follows;

Similia Similubus Curantur. The first principle of Homeopathy is “Like cures Like” as outlined in the first proving. The cure of the sick is most easily, mildly and permanently affected by medicines that are themselves capable of producing in a healthy person, morbid symptoms similar to those of the sick. If you bypass the law, there is no response - the law demands that you have a high degree of similarity.
The fundamental intrinsic cause of real disease is the untunement of the Vital Force. Vital Force is the source of life, that which differentiates a corpse from a living being. Real Chronic Disease is related to influences that we do not have direct control over regardless of lifestyle. Once we have the condition, changing lifestyle will only have minimal effect, and the disease will progress.
The change and morbid conditions and function of tissues and organs in real disease are the result of a dynamic disturbance and not the cause of disease. Symptoms associated with a particular disease are actually an attempt by the body to return to a state of health, not the cause of the disease. When the body experiences too much stress, the “dis-ease” may manifest emotionally, mentally or physically. The “stress” that caused the problem to arise, actually disturbed the normal balance which we call “good health”. Harmony on all levels (i.e., mental, emotional, physical and spiritual) will confer good health.
The totality of the symptoms, subjective and objective, as well as the etiological factors and characteristic aspects of the person are the sole indication for the choice of the remedy. All symptoms are important; what the patient reports, what the practitioner sees, what happened to “push” the person into pathology, and how the person presents as an individual guides the practitioner to the correct remedy.
By constant individualization, we treat the person, not the disease. We use the symptoms of the person (objective and subjective) as a language in order to find the remedy. There is no one remedy for cancer because every person is a unique individual. In the 1800s, the Homeopathic Physicians were curing cancer successfully, one patient at a time. The Surgeons at that time rarely did surgery because Homeopathy worked so well.
In order to secure the best practical results, medicines must be administered singly. Introducing more than one influence means that you do not know what is happening with the patient, nor how they interact. Give the best indicated remedy first, wait, observe and confirm.
The only remedy meriting preference is always the one that is most similar to the totality of the characteristic symptoms of the disease being treated. This particular remedy is called the Similimum (aka, the correct remedy).
The single remedy will be prescribed for its dynamic property in an optimal posology. Dynamic property refers to the healing capacity (i.e., the proving and posology means strength).
To ascertain the sick-making properties of medicines, they must first be proven in the healthy, and secondly, confirmed through curing the sick. (Proving again).
Like prevents Like, the same way that Like cures Like. Finding the “genius” of an epidemic and giving the correct remedy to those affected and curing their disease, can then be given to those that may become affected in the future in order to prevent the disease. Statistics of the Spanish Flu Epidemic of 1918/19 who that those treated allopathically had a 25% mortality rate. Those treated with Homeopathy had a 5% mortality rate.

How homeopathic remedies are made

First, imagine 6 test tubes, each of which is filled with 99 drops of water.
Now, imagine a botanical remedy in tincture form (e.g., Chamomilla). A botanical tincture is made by taking Chamomilla flowers, crushing them, putting them in an alcohol-based solution, letting the flowers sit in the alcohol in a dark room, and periodically shaking them, and then straining off the flowers after a few weeks. The active medicine ingredient is now in the alcohol (and this is called a tincture).
We now take 1 drop of the botanical tincture of Chamomilla and put it in test tube #1 and shake it a number of times. 99 drops + 1 drop = 100. The symbol for 100 is “C”. This is the method that Hahnemann used to make Homeopathic Remedies. So, after putting 1 drop of the tincture into test tube #1 and SHAKING IT, we now have a “1CH” potency (potency meaning strength) of the Homeopathic Remedy Chamomilla. ( CH standing for Centessimal Hahnemann).
THEN, we take 1 drop of Chamomilla 1CH and put it into 99 drops of water (test tube #2), SHAKE IT, and we have a “2CH” potency of the Homeopathic Remedy Chamomilla. Then one drop from test tube #2 into test tube #3, SHAKE, and VOILA, we have made 3CH potency of the Homeopathic Remedy Chamomilla, etc.
After 12 dilutions, we have passed Avagadro’s number and there is no longer “anything discernible” in the 12th test tube. It is at this point that Allopathic Medical Doctors claim that Homeopathy is nothing more than a placebo. BUT, if we know how a remedy is made, we KNOW that a microscopic amount of Chamomilla went into each and every test tube.
Think of Chamomila as a botanical remedy (or a lovely tea before bed). It calms the mind, soothes an upset stomach, and predisposes one for restful sleep. The PROVING of Chamomilla is quite another picture. We often use it for children who are in pain (be it from teething or ear infections). The quality of the pain associated with the proving is extreme, and the child wakes in the middle of the night screaming, is inconsolable and will only quiet when the parent picks up the child, and walks (and walks and walks).

Although we do NOT know the mechanism by which a Homeopathic Medicine works, there are numerous drugs where the mechanism is also unknown, and only by doing a series of CLINICAL TRIALS do we come to understand both the positive and negative symptoms and side-effects associated with such allopathic drugs.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE IS SAFE, relatively inexpensive and there are minimal to no side-effects. All the remedies have been proven on HUMANS, and confirmed through many years of Clinical experience.

My story
And FINALLY, I have my own story to tell.

In December, 1992, just after I graduated from Naturopathic School, my Optometrist discovered that I had the first stage of Macular Degeneration. I had the pathology associated with the disease (i.e., drusen bodies which manifest as a discharge at the bad of the eye). I went for a second opinion, and this was confirmed by Ophthalmologist, Dr. Hans Hausler. Yes, I had the first stages of Macular Degeneration, and I also had 20/20 vision at that time. Macular Degeneration runs in my family. I had an Uncle and Aunt diagnosed with the disease, both became legally blind from the disease and I have a nephew who has Retinitis Pigmentosa, who is also legally blind. Being the Naturopath that I was, and after being told that there was NO CURE, and that the best that I could hope for was that the disease would not progress, I decided to go to my teacher for monthly constitutional homeopathic prescribing in May, 1993.

My Optometrist wanted to see me every six months to follow the progression of the disease. I went back to him in September, 1993, and my condition was stable (i.e., had not progressed). The following March, 1994, I went to another Ophthalmologist who had originally been recommended by my Optometrist. He didn’t see Macular Degeneration, he saw blepharitis, and I dismissed him because this disease had already been diagnosed twice. I continued to receive Homeopathic care. The following September (1994), I went back to my Optometrist and he looked in my eyes and said, “It’s gone. Whatever you’ve been doing, just keep doing it”.

This is a disease for which there is no cure and no treatment which will do more than stabilize the condition. When discussing this with my teacher, Dr. Andre Saine, he stated that the Homeopathic Physicians of the 1800s regularly cured Macular Degeneration.

And so I have come to know on a personal level, that if you catch something in the first stage (inflammatory stage), most diseases that are “untreatable’ can be cured.

What is cure?
The definition of CURE is important. It is not simply removing (either through drug or surgical intervention) the symptom. CURE means the recovery of health with a normalization in the abnormal level of SUSCEPTIBILITY whether it is acquired or inherited. When susceptibility is normalized, recovery is quick and the imbalance is corrected. Removing susceptibility to a disease means NEVER having it again. Cure is more than just symptom removal. Cure is permanent.

This is not the first time that Homeopathy has been threatened (by people who are threatened by its success and potential for healing). The Flexnor Report in the early 1900s stated that the future of medicine lay in biomedical researched based on the Germ Theory as proposed by Louis Pasteur; i.e., kill the bug, eradicate the disease. If this theory is correct, and an infected person walks through a room of 100 people and gives each one equal exposure to the virus, then all 100 people should get the disease. But as we know, maybe 5% to 10% will become ill and the rest will not. So in actuality, it is the “terrain” or to put it in more modern terms, the strength of the immune system and the overall health of the individual (mental, emotional, physical and spiritual) which allows a pathogen to enter and causes a “dis-ease”. So much for the Germ Theory. And I do believe that Louis Pasteur recanted on his deathbed and said it was in fact the terrain that was the most important factor with respect to the maintenance of good health. Again, terrain being the inner state of health of the individual.

Principles of naturopathic medicine
And finally, although I work every day and have for the past 19 years utilizing Classical Homeopathy, I apply the Principles of Naturopathic Medicine with each and every patient that I see. These are the principles that rule my practice, and these are the principles that every medical professional should follow in my personal opinion.

Primum non noncore – FIRST DO NO HARM
Tolle Causum – FIND AND TREAT THE CAUSE (i.e., don’t just take away the symptoms, fix the hole in the bottom of the rowboat and then you can stop bailing!!)
Vis Medicatrix Naturae – USE THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE (i.e., stimulate and support the body’s inherent self-healing wisdom)
Docere – DOCTOR AS TEACHER (this is one of my favourite ones, although actually, they are all my favourites)
Holism – THE IDEA THAT EVERYTHING SURROUNDING YOU AFFECTS YOUR HEALTH (either positively or negatively)
Prevention – THE MOST IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE IS PREVENTION, always has been, always will be.

And so I say to you from my experience, both as a practitioner and as a patient, that there are many individual cures for incurable diseases.

Blood type humour

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-03-06T11:08:46-05:00

Check out these comics based on blood type personalities!

I particularly like these ones:

Simple almond cookies

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-03-02T09:28:25-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

These really simple cookies are easy to make and great for a quick, high-protein snack. I’ve made them more recently while I was doing an elimination/detox diet as part of my New Year’s resolution and they helped keep me on track by having a healthy and tasty snack around!

Simple Almond Cookies
(makes about 24 small cookies)

Ingredients:

2 cups almond meal
¼ cup melted ghee (I make my own ghee using organic, cultured butter, see ghee recipe here) or butter - ghee is wetter than butter, so adjust accordingly
¼ cup vegetable glycerine (very sweet but does not spike blood sugar - I get mine in large bottles from Azure Standard) or agave syrup - adjust according to desired sweetness
1 egg
½ tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp sea salt

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Mix almond meal, baking soda, and salt together in a medium sized bowl.
3. Mix butter, veg glycerine, and egg together in another, smaller bowl.
4. Blend wet ingredients with dry and stir until combined (do not over stir).
5. Spoon onto greased baking sheet and flatten a bit with fork.
6. Bake at 325 degrees for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
7. Let cool for about 5-10 minutes before removing from baking sheet.

Note:
To make the chocolate version, add an additional ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa and 1/8 cup of vegetable glycerine.

Give me fever

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-02-28T16:08:36-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I just read this article called “Lifting a veil of fear to see the benefits of fever” and I had to share it. This is a hot topic (excuse the pun!) among parents and healthcare providers that, despite logic, evidence, and experience, is still widely misunderstood.

Key messages:

Fever is a signal that the immune system is working. Fever is actually a useful tool of the immune system that helps your body fight infection.
There is a widely held misconception that fevers are dangerous. “In fact, fever does not harm the brain or the body, though it does increase the need for fluids. Even untreated, fevers rarely rise higher than 104 or 105 degrees.”
Despite ongoing efforts to educate parents, fever remains a major concern and causes a lot of panic.

The article cites the following research:
“Fever phobia: misconceptions of parents about fevers”
“Fever phobia revisited: have parental misconceptions about fever changed in 20 years?”

I also found a study called “Pediatric emergency department nurses' perspectives on fever in children” which concluded that “fever phobia and inconsistent treatment approaches occur among experienced pediatric emergency registered nurses. These phobias and inconsistencies subsequently could be conveyed to parents.” So it’s not just parents who are confused! Healthcare providers are perpetuating this misconception through ignorance: “‘Doctors are part of the problem,’ Schmitt said. Some of the phobia comes from doctors and nurses, he said, ‘doctors and nurses who weren’t taught about fever and all the wondrous things fever does in the animal kingdom.’”

I think another major reason that parents fear fever so much is that they are far too influenced by the sheer number and force of advertisements for medication to suppress fevers in children. I think I see at least one ad daily for children’s Tylenol or Advil these days - all sending a clear message that fever is not OK and you must medicate!

So what is a worried parent to do?

Remember that the body is designed to heal itself. Symptoms (including fever) are part of this process, so be careful to support the body rather than suppress.
Equip yourself to understand and manage illness at home where appropriate. This also means knowing when to seek professional help! A naturopathic doctor is a vital part of learning about your health and can equip you to take responsibility.

Don’t seek medical advice from advertisements! Go to those who are educated and trained to address your issue, and always think critically about advice you receive.

Licensing NDs in Colorado

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-02-21T19:55:56-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Good article in the New York Times today about efforts (and opponents) to licensing NDs in Colorado (currently an unlicensed state).

Mark Cooper is spot-on when he says “The whole issue is fear-based ignorance.” I find that even in Ontario (a province which licenses NDs) most critics of naturopathic medicine are ignorant as to the training we have and treatment we provide. This is pretty ironic considering that these critics also demand evidence for naturopathic medicine yet neglect to seek out evidence of the claims that they are making against naturopathic medicine! If they took some time to learn about the profession, they would find lots of information in support of naturopathic doctors and the efficacy and safety of naturopathic medicine. In many cases, the evidence for naturopathic interventions (diet, lifestyle, botanical medicine, Asian medicine, homeopathy) is far more compelling than for the conventional medical treatments.

One of the biggest issues in unlicensed states/provinces is that there are also practitioners who can call themselves naturopathic doctors who have not had the same training required in licensed areas. In some cases, these groups have incredible lobbying powers and can block regulation for decades. As a naturopathic doctor who has spent years training and a fortune on tuition, I’m really glad I practice in a province that recognizes this and protects my ND title!

Find more information on my pages about naturopathic medicine and frequently asked questions. I’ve also written blogs entitled “Curriculum comparison,” “The power of natural medicine,” and “Alternative medicine debate.”

Cassia hair treatment

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-02-17T13:37:32-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

You may be familiar with Henna, aka Lawsonia inermis, as a herbal hair colour which also coats your hair to make it thicker, shinier, and stronger. Cassia obovata is a (nearly) colourless version of the same thing, so it’s a great treatment for your hair if you don’t want to colour with henna. I do this treatment every 4-6 weeks to keep my hair healthy and strong, especially since I have fine hair that can break easily.

I order my Cassia from Henna Sooq. They have tons of awesome info on their site, like directions and instructional videos for mixing and applying! They will also give you free samples of all kinds of stuff to try.

Cassia hair treatment

Caution:
Cassia can alter the colour of white, grey, or blond hair because it does have a golden colour. Also, I think it is not advised to use Henna or Cassia on coloured hair as the part of the hair that is coloured my react differently from the uncoloured part (roots). Do some more searching if you want to know more about this.

Additional ingredients:
Add 3-5 drops of an essential oil of your choice to your mixture. This is for scent primarily, as I find the smell of the Cassia a little “grassy” but you can also use essential oils as skin/hair treatment. Some suggestions:

Rosemary as a scalp treatment for dandruff and to increase circulation
Lavender as an overall skin healing oil (for dermatitis, itching, oily skin, and nearly any other skin issues)
Ylang ylang because it smells great (and is apparently an aphrodisiac!)

Directions:
The first time I did this treatment, I made a mess! But now I’ve got it down to a much more reasonable process...
1. Wash your hair and towel dry, then put on an old t-shirt and shorts or pants.
2. Make holes in a garbage bag for your head and arms and put the garbage bag on over your clothes.
3. Get into the tub and apply mixture to your hair in sections, starting at the nape of your neck. I twist my hair up in a clip on top of my head and take out section working from back to front.
4. I use my hands to coat the section of hair I’m working on, then I comb through with a wide-toothed comb, then I apply a bit more paste before moving on.
5. Once your whole head is covered, twist your hair on top of your head.
6. Once you’re done, you will inevitably have paste on your face, in your ears, and in the tub. Use an old washcloth to wipe the paste off your face, ears, and hands and also wash the paste off the tub as it can stain on white (although this comes out with cleaning, so no worries).
7. Remove the garbage bag from yourself and toss it in the garbage.
8. Unroll a long strip of plastic wrap and twist into a kind of “rope” then loop this around the nape of your neck and up over your ears to tie at your forehead so it is acting as a kind of barrier all around your hairline. Wrap more plastic wrap around your head on top of this to cover all your hair.
9. Now just chill out for a while until your treatment is done!

Blanched greens

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-02-13T08:34:04-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Blanching is a method of cooking that technically means immersing food in boiling water followed by cold water to quickly stop the cooking process. I use a variation on this in which I boil greens for a short period of time, then allow them to cool. This is a great way to soften them a bit, remove any bitterness, but retain a crispy/firm texture, and preserve nutrients.

Blanched Greens
Ingredients:
Any greens you like! Great for greens that are tougher (kale, collards, mustard greens, etc) rather than tender (spinach, swiss chard). You can also cook broccoli this way.

Directions:

1. Fill a large pot with enough water to just cover greens. I use
about 2L of water to do one bunch of kale or broccoli.
2. Bring the pot of water to a boil.
3. While you are waiting for the water to boil, chop the greens up
into bite-sized pieces.
4. One the water is boiling, put the greens in, stir them around
for about 1 minute. The longer you boil the greens, the softer
they will be.
5. Pour the contents of the pot out through a strainer. Even better, put the strainer over a bowl to retain the “greens water” and use
this water as a base for making soup, broth, or boiling something else!
6. Spin the greens in a salad spinner to get rid of excess water,
and lay them out to dry on a double-layer of paper towel.
7. Eat the greens warm or store them in the fridge (lasts about
a week) in a covered container to use for salads.

Guest post: Treating irritable bowel syndrome

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-02-10T19:36:50-05:00

Guest post originally published by Chris Habib, ND

The first line therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is diet modification. Most IBS patients have specific food triggers and their symptoms can improve significantly by identifying and removing the offending foods from their diet. A hypo-allergenic diet is recommended with gradual re-introduction of foods to identify any specific triggers.

Probiotic supplementation has been shown to be helpful in IBS. Intestinal bacterial overgrowth and an alteration in normal intestinal flora may be one contributing cause or mediator of IBS. Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria are two species that have been identified as being particularly helpful to combat this. Aside from renormalizing the flora, probiotics have also been shown to significantly improve global IBS symptoms and decrease abdominal pain. Peppermint oil has also been shown to be effective in treating IBS symptoms. Peppermint oil relaxes the tone of the gastrointestinal tract and thus may help address dysfunction in smooth muscle contraction, which may be particularly helpful in regulating bowel function. Finally, several studies have shown a link between IBS and an impairment of serotonin receptors. 5-HTP is a serotonin precursor whose supplementation increases serotonin in the body may be helpful in managing this impairment. A combination of these recommendations generally results in safe and effective management of IBS.

Sick kids

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-02-09T10:08:29-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Wow, there are so many topics to choose from when writing about kids and health! I have a lot of issues I want to explore, but I’m going to start with a couple of articles about kids and getting sick.

First up, a study called Short- and Long-term Risk of Infections as a Function of Group Child Care Attendance published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that, as we all know, children start getting more infections when they start spending lots of time around other kids! And, when children start group child care before age 2 and a half, they get more infections at that time, but less infections during elementary school years. Again this makes total sense! Kids are programmed to expose themselves to all kinds of pathogens from a very early age and this is an important part of their “immune education” which is done during those crucial childhood years before puberty and must last a lifetime. So getting sick is not a bad thing at all, as long as parents know how to manage it in a health-promoting way being careful to avoid suppression. A naturopathic doctor is a great resource to learn how to manage common childhood infections.

The second study I want to share is called Antibiotic Exposure by 6 Months and Asthma and Allergy at 6 Years: Findings in a Cohort of 1,401 US Children published in the American Journal of Epidemiology and adds further information to the association between antibiotic use in infancy and the development of childhood asthma. This article called Early Antibiotic Use Can Lead to Increased Risk of Childhood Asthma does a great job of summarizing the findings and explaining the mechanism behind this effect, which may be that antibiotics have a major impact on the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, which are an important factor in immune response. When these bacteria are disrupted, the type of immune response mounted is altered, resulting in pathologies such as asthma. Something the article does not mention that is a great tool in preventing, mitigating, and treating this type of issue longer term is the use of probiotics. There is already loads of evidence that probiotics are effective in both the prevention and treatment of asthma and many other childhood illnesses. Perhaps I will explore the topic in more detail in a future blog...

The importance of building a healthy immune system and ensuring appropriate and effective immune response cannot be emphasized enough. Personally, based on the evidence that exists and continues to emerge, we are only just beginning to understand how our choices and medical treatments impact our immune systems in both the long and short term. This idea has implications far beyond asthma; it also ties into allergic, autoimmune diseases, vaccines, and many other issues.

Quinoatmeal cookies

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-02-06T17:38:18-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I think I came up with these cookies from a recipe somewhere and modified it a bit from there. I’ve been making them for several years and they are always a hit!

Quinoatmeal Cookies
(makes about 36 small cookies)

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats (I use Bob’s Red Mill Wheat-free Oats)
1 cup quinoa flakes (from Go Go Quinoa)
1 cup almond meal (Bob’s Red Mill again!)
1/2 cup ghee, melted (I make my own ghee using organic, cultured butter, see ghee recipe here) or butter - ghee is wetter than butter, so adjust accordingly
1/4 cup vegetable glycerine (very sweet but does not spike blood sugar - I get mine in large bottles from Azure Standard) or agave syrup - adjust according to desired sweetness
1 egg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 to 3/4 cup chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life semi-sweet chocolate chips which are gluten, dairy, and nut-free)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Mix quinoa flakes, oats, almond meal, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.
3. Mix ghee, vegetable glycerine, and egg together in a small bowl.
4. Blend wet and dry ingredients together until combined.
5. Add chocolate chips.
6. Spoon onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper and flatten a bit with a fork.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden.
8. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before removing from baking sheet.

Notes:
You can also make a chocolate version of these cookies by adding 1/4 cup cocoa. You can also add a bit more sweetener to taste.

Great quote #24

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-02-05T07:21:54-05:00

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Taking homeopathy seriously

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-02-02T12:55:37-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

The debate over homeopathy rages on! I just read this article in the Huffington Post in which Nobel Prize winner Luc Montagnier (the virologist who discovered the AIDS virus) explains why he supports homeopathy. The article cites a fair bit of research into homeopathy, which makes for a great read if you want to learn more. Thanks Theresa Jahn, ND for sending me the link!

The article makes some great points in favour of homeopathy that I wanted to highlight:

“Most clinical research conducted on homeopathic medicines that has been published in peer-review journals have shown positive clinical results,(3, 4) especially in the treatment of respiratory allergies (5, 6), influenza, (7) fibromyalgia, (8, 9) rheumatoid arthritis, (10) childhood diarrhea, (11) post-surgical abdominal surgery recovery, (12) attention deficit disorder, (13) and reduction in the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. (14).”
“In addition to clinical trials, several hundred basic science studies have confirmed the biological activity of homeopathic medicines. One type of basic science trials, called in vitro studies, found 67 experiments (1/3 of them replications) and nearly 3/4 of all replications were positive. (15, 16).”
Homeopathy “gained widespread popularity in the U.S. and Europe during the 19th century due to the impressive results people experienced in the treatment of epidemics that raged during that time, including cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, scarlet fever, and influenza.”

“High dilutions of something are not nothing. They are water structures which mimic the original molecules."

Reading through the comments on this article, I also found a link to this page on frequently asked questions about homeopathy. This is a really detailed Q&A on all the most-asked questions about homeopathy and is a great place to start if you want to learn about this wonderful modality. Enjoy!

Walnut butter

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-01-30T16:38:03-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I’m doing an elimination diet right now and one of the things I’ve eliminated is my beloved chocolate! To successfully abstain, it was crucial that I plan out some great non-chocolate snacks. One great substitute for me has been walnut butter. It is really easy to make and tastes amazing! Plus, walnuts are full of healthy fats and are a diamond superfood on my SWAMI. You can also add other nuts to this mix. Today I added pecans too (another superfood).

Walnut Butter
(makes about 400-500g of nut butter - enough to fill a large Nuts to You jar!)

Ingredients:

Walnuts
Other nuts to your liking (pecans work well, I think almonds would be too hard, but haven’t tried them)
Sea salt
Oil of your choice (I used grapeseed oil because that is all I had, but using walnut oil makes a lot of sense or any other oil you prefer)

Directions:
1. Fill a chopper/grinder/food processor with nuts, like so:

2. Sprinkle in sea salt to taste. I have no idea how much I use, just a few shakes.
3. Chop the nuts until they are in tiny pieces, then switch to grinding until they are in even smaller pieces. They will look somewhat like this:

4. Add oil and keep grinding the mixture until it reaches the consistency you want. Again, I have no idea how much oil I use! Enough to make a thick, but not dry paste.
5. Empty walnut butter into a glass jar and store in the fridge. Enjoy on rice crackers, rice cakes, as a dip for veggies, or any other way you can think of.

What is the GenoType Diet?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-01-28T08:15:52-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I’ve been planning to write a blog called “GenoType diet primer” but then I saw this great article in the Huffington Post about the GenoType diet! The author explains the diet in a really simple and straightforward way and also how it has worked for him.

Key points that he makes that I would like to reiterate:

“Different bodies have different needs.” Dr. D’Adamo’s life work is all about individualization. You’ve probably heard of people who do great as a vegan or vegetarian, and others who do great on the Atkins diet. By now you would think more people would realize that one size does not fit all! The GenoType diet is all about emphasizing the foods that are right for YOU and nobody else.
“The list of good foods is long and yummy” and “The Genotype approach emphasizes what you CAN eat, not what you can’t. The focus is not on self denial, but self-knowledge.” As the saying goes, knowledge is power! The GenoType diet focuses on what the best fuel for your body is. Dr. D’Adamo and many other wise and successful natural health practitioners know that you cannot remove disease, you can only add health. This approach to diet (and lifestyle too!) is all about filling your life up with health, which leaves no room for disease.
Finally, this is not a diet about counting calories. Calories are not all created equal! Eating a box of crackers for dinner versus a well-balanced meal may amount to the same calories, but those foods will have radically different effects on your body via hormones, nutrients, metabolism, etc. This way of eating is about choosing foods that maximize your nutrition and work with your unique system. When your physiology is functioning optimally,

If you’re interested in learning more about The GenoType Diet, check out my page on personalized nutrition. I also have a page about SWAMI GenoType, a computer software program that takes The GenoType Diet to the next level by creating a diet plan that is customized to you.

Kate's walnutty chocolate

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-01-21T10:56:03-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Yes, another post about chocolate! This is my other major chocolate “substitute.” Back in 2003, I decided to stop eating sugar entirely for one month as an experiment. This was actually a lot easier than I expected and completely changed the way I eat since. It made me realize how often I was eating sugar to sooth uncomfortable emotions and that I didn’t need to eat cookies, cake, and other desserts to have a good time or connect with people. However, the biggest thing I missed was chocolate! Not even really sweet chocolate, just that distinct taste! So I came up with this recipe for making my own fudge-type dessert using some healthier ingredients.

Kate’s Walnutty Chocolate
(makes about 36 small pieces)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cocoa powder (I now use raw cacao powder)
1/2 cup butter or ghee (I make my own ghee using organic, cultured butter, see ghee recipe here) - ghee is these softer/wetter than butter, so use a bit less
1/2 cup almond butter (you can also use tahini or any other nut butter you like)
1/4-1/2 cup vegetable glycerine (very sweet but does not spike blood sugar - I get mine in large bottles from Azure Standard) or agave syrup - adjust according to desired sweetness
2-3 handfuls walnuts
1 handful cacao beans or nibs (optional)
1/2 cup ground flax
1/2-1 cup puffed rice or quinoa

Directions:
1. Melt cocoa powder, butter, and almond butter in a medium pot over low-medium heat.
2. While those are melting, chop the walnuts (and cacao beans or nibs if you are using these) using a chopper/grinder until they are a size you desire.
3. Once the cocoa mixture in the pot is melted and blended, remove from heat and add vegetable glycerine and combine.
4. Next, add the walnuts, cacao nibs, ground flax, and puffed rice and combine.
5. Press the mixture into a square pan lined with parchment paper.
6. Place in fridge or freezer to cool.

Healthy household cleaning

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-01-19T21:18:50-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I am a true believer in living as non-toxic as possible and therefore I seek to make the best choices I can for those things that are within my control (which is a lot!). This includes the substances I put on my body, in my body, and what I bring into my home. Today I’ll share with you my household cleaning choices.

First, I think good cleaning tools can go a long way and reduce your need to buy products, which saves money, conserves water, and minimizes adding wastes to our environment. I use E-Cloths a lot and really love them. I have the Glass and Polishing cloth for windows and mirror which works with just water and I use the General Purpose cloth for everything else. For tougher jobs I use a regular cleaning brush that I’ve had for many years.

My #1 most useful and favourite cleaning product is Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap! This stuff is really magic and they claim there are 18 uses. I’m not sure what all 18 are, but you can use it for all-purpose cleaning, laundry, dish soap, body wash, shampoo, and even toothpaste to name a few. I use it all over the house to clean surfaces, scrub the tub and toilet, or mop. It comes in lots of great scents and is organic, fair-trade, biodegradable, vegetable based. Apparently this is the top selling brand of soaps in North America! Who knew?

Something I’ve recently come to love is Nature Clean Oxy Stain Remover powder. I use it in the laundry for whitening, brightening, and stain removal, but I have also recently started using it to clean, as it works really well in the shower/tub and the toilet. I mix it with the Dr. Bronner’s soap and scrub the surface, then let it sit for a while before rinsing. This gets things very shiny clean!

Most of the time, these two products are enough for everything, but sometimes I like to use a spray cleaner, especially in the kitchen and bathroom if I’ve been procrastinating and haven’t cleaned in a while... Right now I’m using Parsley Plus spray, which literally has 3 ingredients! I kind of like the odd, parsley-like scent to this product and it works really great!

You may notice I don’t use any sanitizing or specific germ-killing products... For day-to-day life, I think these things are overkill and in fact prevent natural and useful immune “education.” Our bodies are incredibly well-designed to protect us from everyday exposure to pathogens like bacteria, viruses, etc. In fact, regular exposure to these things is incredibly important for our immune systems to develop and function properly. This is especially true for children, who are programmed to get themselves as dirty and grimy as they can! Basic good hygiene (like hand-washing), reducing the unnecessary spread of germs (like sneezing/coughing into your sleeve instead of all over the person next to you), and supporting the immune system (by eating healthy, getting enough rest, and dealing appropriately with illness) works with our body’s natural balance to keep us healthy. Exposure to man-made toxins and pollutants is far more disruptive to health than exposure to normal environmental pathogens!

There are some people who get sick easily/frequently and for those individuals it is important to investigate the causes behind that increased susceptibility (whether it be dietary intolerances, immune imbalance, overwork, energetic imbalance, unusual exposure, etc) and address that in order to solve the problem. This is what naturopathic medicine is all about!

Homeopathy: cure or con?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-01-14T12:02:28-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Tonight CBC Marketplace will air a report called Cure or Con? on homeopathy. Even though the report has not aired yet, there are lots of comments! From what I can tell from their preview, I doubt that these journalists have actually investigated homeopathy in-depth and that their “research” is likely a waste of time and money. I look forward to watching it to see what they have done.

I use homeopathy as part of my practice with great results and have written blogs about it on this site. If you are interested in learning more about homeopathy, start with my blog Homeopathy primer. For information about research into homeopathy, check out Homeopathy literature review.

What most people consider research is often only the tip of the iceberg as far as information goes. True “evidence-based medicine” encompasses clinical experience as well! Check out my blog Is evidence-based medicine compatible with naturopathic principles for a more a discussion on this topic and my blog Mythology of science-based medicine for even more insight into medical research.

7 keys to achieving your resolutions

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-01-04T19:54:53-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? A lot of people I know don’t, but personally I love it! Of course I don’t always keep them, but I love that feeling of having a fresh start and I find I get more momentum to make changes at this time of year. Here are some rules I abide by when making resolutions:

1. Keep it simple
First, don’t try to change lots of things at once! Choose a few things that will make a positive difference in your life and focus on those. Also, don’t try to make drastic changes all at once. Figure out some small changes that will start you on a good path. For example, I once resolved to floss every day. This resolution was not that hard to keep and it was a small step that has created a long-lasting habit.

2. Write it down
People who write down their goals are far more likely to actually achieve them. Think about what you want in life and why your resolutions will help you get there. Write down your resolutions and the reasons for them. This will help keep you motivated! For example, if you are trying to quit smoking, write out all the reasons why you want to do this (prevent disease, feel healthier, breathe easier, smell better, etc). When you find yourself having trouble keeping your resolution, go back to this list to remind yourself!

3. Get excited!
This is kind of a no-brainer... Choose things you actually want and hopefully that will be enjoyable to do or achieve! If you find you are resistant to what you are trying to do, ask yourself why? Maybe that choice is not right for you or (more likely) there are strong subconscious forces within you that really WANT to hang on to your old behaviour. Addressing this is key to success. For example, nearly every patient I see wants to lose weight and most of them know things they need to change to do this AND are capable of doing it. So what holds them back? Most often I find that there are many other factors at work that prevent patients from truly being able to make a different choice. Homeopathy is one amazing naturopathic treatment modality to help shift this and open up new choices.

4. Change your brain
Did you know that you can actually change the way your brain works? There are so many ways to do this, but here I’ll mention visualization and meditation, which can work together. Visualization is a tried and true tool for achieving goals. If you can visualize something, you can make it happen. Meditation can encompass so many different things, but at the root it is a way to become more conscious of your mind’s activities and exercise control over them. Meditation is a skill that you build over time that pays off in so many ways, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. A great book to start with is Meditation as Medicine by Dharma Singh Khalsa.

And when you change your brain, you change what comes to you in life. The law of attraction is a powerful tool that you can use to achieve your goals. For more info on the law of attraction and the power of choice, check on my blog on this topic.

5. Plan, plan, plan!
Planning makes things happen. In addition to setting goals, you need to figure out HOW you will achieve them. Write this down too... For example, several years ago I wanted to reduce my stress levels and improve my mental focus, so I decided to learn meditation. If I had just made my New Year’s resolution “to meditate more” I would not have done much differently. Instead, I made the resolution “to meditate for 10 minutes every day” and I was successful in doing this the entire year! Having this specific plan in place helped me make time each day for this and it quickly became a new habit.

6. Get help
As part of your plan to achieve your goals, you might need some help from others. Support is a key factor in success, so write down what you might need to keep your resolutions. For example, if your resolution is to exercise more, your spouse can help you by taking care of the kids or cooking dinner so you have time to work out and a personal trainer can help you learn to make the most of the equipment available to you at the gym. If your resolution is to change your eating habits, your naturopathic doctor is a great support to teach you how to eat healthier and create a plan of action to help you accomplish this. One of the principles of naturopathic medicine is Docere - Doctor as Teacher.

7. Don’t give up!
Practice truly does make perfect! Nobody is ever good at something the first time they do it, so if you fall off the resolution wagon, climb back on and try again. The more you practice your new behaviour or habit, the better you will become and the easier it will be to continue! For example, getting to bed earlier so I can get more sleep has been a resolution of mine in a few different years. This one required (and still requires!) me to plan my time and get in the habit of doing my “going to bed” routine. And I’ve gotten better and better at this as years go by. Once you do something enough times, it is a lot easier to come back to, even if you stray.

Great quote #23

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-01-02T18:35:04-05:00

This quote is in honour of everyone making New Year’s resolutions at this time...

“There is nothing noble in being superior to some other man. True nobility is being superior to your former self.” Unknown

More vitamin D commentary

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-12-26T14:01:16-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

More recent commentary on vitamin D as covered by Natural Medicine Journal:

Let the Science and Evidence Guide Clinical Decision-Making on Vitamin D for the Benefit of Patients, Alexander G. Schauss, PhD, FACN
This article discusses biochemical individuality, as well as evidence in favour of vitamin D as relates to frailty in elderly populations, genetic and racial variations, and immune support. Ultimately, he reiterates that we must “consider the individual,” which is what naturopathic medicine is all about!

Broad-Brush Recommendations Are a Disservice to the Public, Geovanni Espinosa, ND
This article summarizes conditions associated with vitamin D deficiency and provides some broad intake recommendations.

Media Coverage Further Confounds Recommendations, Susan W. Ryan, DO
This article highlights one major issue plaguing media coverage of health issues - inaccurate or incomplete reporting. Unfortunately, as a naturopathic doctor I find this to be all too common! What gets covered in major media is not necessarily representative of the information that exists on a topic, it is slanted more towards what is strange/interesting/controversial/trendy. This also includes such information available on the internet. There is a lot of great information to be found on the internet, but your best bet is to find out what is best for YOU from a trained health professional, such as your naturopathic doctor.

Eye like the BTD

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-12-22T13:26:29-05:00

Check out this blog by Suzanne Graham pondering whether improvements to eye health and vision may be due to the Blood Type Diet.

In fact, nutrition is very important for eye health! While in naturopathic school, opthalmologist Dr. Peter Shaw, who taught a unit on differential diagnosis for the eye, was a major believer in this! He also specifically mentioned the Blood Type Diet as something he recommended to his patients.

Since when did natural become the alternative?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-12-20T10:25:09-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Check out this blog by my colleague Ashley Mayer that asks the question “since when did natural become the alternative?”

I had to share this blog because it addresses a major shift in perception that has happened in society in a short period of time. Somehow in just a generation or two, most people have accepted advertising messages/manipulation that tells us that fake, altered, and lab-created foods are somehow equal to or even better than what nature has to offer. Although I have yet to read both of the Michael Pollan books I own, I know that one of his major messages is “eat food.” Even just sticking to this basic advice, meaning eat things in as close to their natural state as possible (unprocessed and free of preservatives, additives, flavours, colours, etc), would greatly benefit most people.

In this blog, Ashley addresses this question as well as the key points of: choose your sources of information carefully and employ your critical thinking skills to decide what is actually “healthy.”

Antioxidant brownies

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-12-16T10:29:15-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I LOVE chocolate, but I try to avoid sugar because I feel so much better without it. When I stopped eating sugar in 2003, I was faced with the dilemma of how the heck I could still feed my chocolate cravings while avoiding sugar? Necessity is the mother of invention and the result was that I have come up with a few creative recipes to make chocolatey things without sugar. I also avoid gluten and dairy, so I have had to modify my recipes for those too.

One of the most popular recipes I’ve created has been for gluten-free, dairy-free (if you use ghee instead of butter), sugar-free (if you use vegetable glycerine instead of agave syrup) brownies. I recently had the idea to make them more nutritious by using raw cacao powder (instead of traditional cocoa) which is high in antioxidants!

Antioxidant Brownies
(makes about 36 small brownies)

Ingredients:

1 cup raw cacao powder
1/2 to 3/4 cup ghee (I make my own ghee using organic, cultured butter, see ghee recipe here) or butter - ghee is wetter than butter, so adjust accordingly
1/2 to 3/4 cup vegetable glycerine (very sweet but does not spike blood sugar - I get mine in large bottles from Azure Standard) or agave syrup - adjust according to desired sweetness
1 cup almond meal (from Bob’s Red Mill)
4 eggs, separated

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Melt the ghee/butter and combine in a medium bowl with the cacao powder until smooth.
3. Add vegetable glycerine/agave, almond meal, and egg yolks and combine.
4. Beat the egg whites in a small bowl until soft peaks form. Fold egg whites into other bowl with the chocolate mixture.
5. Gently combine until blended and pour into a square pan lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, then turn 1/4 turn and bake for another 10-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out nearly clean.
7. Let cool for about 15 minutes, then continue cooling in fridge.

Calcium and vitamin D

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-12-06T12:39:59-05:00

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.

Bone broth

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-12-03T14:17:25-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

In honour of recent discussion about calcium and vitamin D supplementation, I’m sharing my easy, simple recipe for bone broth. This is a great way to get calcium and other minerals from the bones, as well as other nutrients from the meat and cartilage. Plus it feels great to truly use every beneficial part of your food before throwing it away.

I like to buy a roasted chicken (the ones from Whole Foods are amazing!), cut off the meat (which I store in the freezer and pull out for a quick meal), and use the leftover bones. Basically you can just get some bones, throw whatever else you like in there too, and boil it all. There is really no way to mess this up, except if you boil it too long, in which case it turns kind of gelatinous... Don’t worry, I’ll tell you how long from my own experience!

You can use the broth to cook rice or other grains, as a base for soups, or in any variety of ways to add taste and nutrition to other dishes.

Bone Broth
(makes about 2-3L of broth)

Ingredients:
Bones! You can use chicken or beef, whichever you prefer.
1 Tbsp vinegar (I like apple cider because it is less vinegary tasting)
Spices of your choice to taste (salt and pepper are great)
Veggies of your choice (I use chopped garlic and onions, sometimes some carrots and celery too)

Immune boosting option! Add ingredients for Change of Season Soup (I’ve bought packages of this from Herbie’s Herbs) along with your veggies! Change of Season soup is an Asian medicine recipe using four herbs (Astragalus, Codonopsis, Dioscorea, and Lycii) which helps your body adjust to the transition between seasons to prevent getting sick.

Directions:
1. Place bones and vinegar in a large stockpot and cover with filtered water.
2. Cover and bring to a boil.
3. Turn down the heat to between low and medium and let simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. Add spices and veggies.

5. Turn heat up again to boil more vigourously, then turn it down to simmer again for another hour.

6. Remove from heat and strain into a large bowl.
7. Discard bones and other solids.
8. Place bowl in refrigerator overnight and in the morning skim off the top layer of fat.
9. Decant the liquid into airtight, leakproof, and ideally glass containers and store in the fridge or freezer.

Notes:

Simmering for more than 3-4 hours can result in a gelatinous broth!
Use refrigerated broth within 7 days
Use frozen broth within 6 months

Great quote #22

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-12-02T20:32:29-05:00

“Charm: the quality in others that makes us more satisfied with ourselves.” Henri-Frederic Amiel

Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic Open House 2010!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-11-29T17:21:20-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

We at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic are pleased to invite you to our Annual Seasonal Open House, which will be held on Saturday, December 4th, 2010 from 2pm to 6pm.

Come join us for a glass of cheer and healthy snacks! There will be lots to eat and drink, such as:
Spiced apple cider
Wine (red and white)
Veggies galore!
Gluten-free desserts (shortbread, brownies, cookies)
Chips and salsa, crackers and cheese

There will also be door prizes!

Once again, we are supporting the Daily Bread Food Bank, so please bring a non-perishable food item as a donation. See you there!

Green tea face mask

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-12-13T14:05:43-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I make myself a very basic face mask using green tea powder because green tea is high in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that when applied topically can be anti-inflammatory, protect against skin cancer, and reduce or prevent signs of aging. It is a great healing treatment for all kinds of skin types and issues.

Green tea face mask

Ingredients:
1/2 tsp green tea powder (I use Do Matcha because that’s the only one I’ve found so far, but you can use any kind)

Water or carrier oil

For oiler skin, you can use water, in which case this mask dries on your face like a clay mask.
For dryer skin, use a carrier oil of your choice. I personally really like rosehip oil as it is anti-inflammatory and known for anti-aging. The type of oil can be varied based on what you prefer - check out more info on different carrier oils here.

1-2 drops (no more than this!) essential oil (optional)

You can choose oils that address specific skin issues - check out more info here.

Directions:
1. Place green tea powder in very small bowl and mix to a paste with either water or oil.
2. Add essential oils if desired.
3. Apply to clean, dry skin after washing and exfoliating.
4. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then gently rinse off.

Cholesterol talk November 17th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-11-16T15:39:45-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

JD Kato and I will be giving at free talk on cholesterol on November 17th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call 416-926-0084 to RSVP!

Topics will include:

What is cholesterol?
Where does it come from?
Types of cholesterol and other fats
Why elevated levels are detrimental
How to monitor levels
Treatment options

Breast health and cancer prevention: nutrition

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-11-11T08:01:57-05:00

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.

Breast health and cancer prevention: risk factors

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-11-09T17:39:55-05:00

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

A tastier flu "shot"

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-11-24T15:51:19-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

One of my favourite immune supporting tips is using berries to prevent colds and flu! Not only do they taste great, but they are also effective in strengthening immunity during the winter season.

Blueberries and other dark-coloured berries contain anthocyanidins, which can enter the cell wall of bacteria and slow growth and reproduction. They are also a good source of vitamin C and and are high in antioxidants, which support the immune system against both bacteria and viruses. Add berries to your smoothie (see my favourite recipe here) or into oatmeal as part of your breakfast.

Elderberry is particularly effective against influenza and other viral infections, such as the common cold. A quick search on PubMed reveals that elderberry extract offers an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment for influenza and elderberry extract has been found to inhibit H1N1 infection in vitro.

There are a lot of liquid elderberry extracts on the market these days (including Sambucol and Sambu Guard) but make sure to read the ingredients because some contain added sugar, which actually impairs white blood cells and reduces your immune response! This is kind of counter-productive, don’t you think? Plus, elderberry and other berries taste great on their own, there is no reason to add extra sugar. Make sure you read labels! My personal favourite is Proberry liquid, which is a mixture of elderberry, blueberry, cherry, raspberry, and pear juice concentrates. Many of the elderberry concentrates come in capsule form too, which helps avoid the additives and can be more convenient to carry with you, so check these out too.

Root cause beyond the physical

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-11-08T09:32:03-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

One of the principles of naturopathic medicine is “identify and treat the cause” of illness. I think that every health care professional believes this, but we may differ in what we identify as the cause! This blog at Crazy Sexy Life focuses on stress and emotional pain as two important, but often overlooked, causes of illness.

This is why I love to work with a combination of modalities that work physiologically (such as nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle) and energetically (such as homeopathy, Asian medicine). Energy medicine can go far deeper into balancing stress, changing mental patterns, and healing emotional pain. In fact, all of these modalities have some impact on both body and soul. However, while you can achieve incredible results through dietary changes, supplementation, herbs, and lifestyle habits, addressing the deeper levels of mind, emotions, and spirit can lead to major shifts in susceptibility and vitality that can help a patient achieve wellness, which is beyond just physical health.

Look for more blogs on this topic soon!

Varicose veins article

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-11-05T21:24:10-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This week I’m quoted in a Now Magazine column about varicose veins. Check it out!

Homemade ghee

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-11-20T07:52:13-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Those who know me know that I love ghee! Ghee is “clarified butter” meaning that it is butter minus water and dairy solids. Bhavaprakash, a major Ayurvedic text, states that “Ghee is … good for the eyes, stimulant for digestion, supports glow and beauty, enhances memory and stamina, promotes longevity, and protects the body from various diseases.” (1)

Ghee production increases levels of butyric acid, which is believed to improve digestion and nourish tissues (2). Ghee also contains elevated levels of the unsaturated fatty acid conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), “a chemical that may have anticarcinogenic properties” (1), compared to milk and butter. “Milk fats … from cow or buffalo milk contained 0.6 and 0.5% CLAs, respectively … microbial fermentation during curd formation increases the CLA content of milk fats to 1.0% … Heating of milk fats … as in ghee making, is known to increase CLA content. There is a further increase of CLA content (2.5-2.8%) in ghee samples when butter is clarified at higher temperatures (120˚C) than at the 110˚C (1.1-1.3%) traditionally used in villages to make ghee.” (3)

In my opinion, ghee tastes better than butter and is a great substitute in baking if you want to avoid dairy. It is possible to find ghee in some stores, but I have found that making my own is easier and tastes better! So, here is my recipe for homemade ghee, complete with photos!

Homemade Ghee
(makes about 1.5 cups of ghee)

Ingredients:
One pound of organic, cultured, unsalted butter

Directions:
1. Melt butter in a saucepan at medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, turn the heat down to between low and medium. Leave it at this heat uncovered and undisturbed. It is fine if the butter boils!
3. About 10 minutes after the butter boiling, you will notice steam rising off the butter, foam forming on top, and gurgling, crackling, or squeaking noises. At this point the butter will smell somewhat rancid. Don’t worry! You’re getting there... Your butter should look something like this:

And then, as the foam thickens, like this:

4. About 25-30 minutes after the butter boiling, the foam will dissipate, the noises have quieted, and the ghee smells like hot popcorn. The milk solids at the bottom will be golden coloured and the ghee will be clear. These are all signs that the ghee is done! It will look something like this:

5. Remove the ghee from heat and skim off the remaining foam using a spoon.

6. Filter the ghee into a clean glass jar through cheesecloth. I fold the cheesecloth so there are 4 layers.

This is what the hot ghee looks like:

7. Let the ghee cool, then cover and store in the fridge, where it will become solid. This is what it looks like once it cools and hardens:

References:
1. Sharma, H., & Clark, C. (1998). Contemporary Ayurveda. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone.
2. Lad, V. D. (1998). The complete book of Ayurvedic home remedies. New York:
Three Rivers Press.
3. Aneja, R. P., & Murthi, T. N. (1991). Beneficial effects of ghee. Nature, 350, 280.

Kate's favourite smoothie

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-10-31T16:42:53-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

For at least 7 years, I have started my day with a smoothie and I love it! Smoothies are a great way to widen the variety of foods you eat and to add what are called “functional foods” or nutrients to your diet. Plus they taste great and are easy and quick to make! Get creative about adding foods with high nutritional content to start your day right. Also a great way to sneak more nutritious foods to kids!

Over time, the ingredients have evolved to what is currently my “go-to” recipe. I follow my personalized SWAMI GenoType plan based on the work of Peter D’Adamo, which categorizes foods as superfood (including a subset of “diamond” superfoods), neutral, or avoid for you based on what is the best fuel for your body. All the ingredients in my smoothie are neutrals, superfoods, or diamond superfoods for me.

Kate’s Favourite Smoothie
(Made in a 2 cup container)

Ingredients:
1. 1 banana

2. 1 heaping Tbsp ground flax (yay for extra fibre!)
3. 1 heaping Tbsp lecithin (emulsifier, supports healthy cell membranes, and lots of other healthy functions)

4. 1/2 large leaf of swiss chard (diamond superfood and a great way to add more veggies to your diet - drink them!)

5. 1/2 avocado (healthy fats)
6. 1/4 cup each of frozen mango, blueberries, and raspberries (beta carotene and antioxidants)
7. 1 tsp Harmonia Deluxe sprouted greens powder (even more fruits and veggies)
8. 1 tsp spirulina powder (diamond superfood for me)
9. 1 tsp glutamine powder (supports gut health)
10. A few splashes of juice - could be black cherry, pineapple, mango, goji berry, pomegranate
11. Fill the rest of the cup with filtered water

I let this all sit for about 10-15 minutes to soften up while I get dressed and then I blend it up using a hand blender. I drink 1 cup in the morning as part of my breakfast (which includes lots of other food since breakfast is the most important meal of the day) and the other cup before dinner.

Great quote #21

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-11-14T15:21:19-05:00

“Love is when the other person's happiness is more important than your own.” H. Jackson Brown

Great quote #20

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-10-24T11:14:01-04:00

“Anxiety is nothing but re-experiencing failure in advance.” Seth Godin

Change your genetic destiny with SWAMI GenoType

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-10-26T12:21:48-04:00

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.

Surviving cancer with true wellness

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-11-02T21:52:04-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

On the first page of this website I explain that true wellness is so much more than simply being free of illness. It is a state of balance of all aspects of your being, and this requires a holistic approach. Wellness is not quite the same thing as being “healthy”. One can have a disease or poor physical health and still be “well” because wellness is feeling your best no matter what ups and downs life hands to you and doing your best to support your mind, body, and spirit. Wellness has more to do with intention and balance; it is something that anyone can achieve.

This blog from Crazy Sexy Life written by a man who is a six time cancer survivor does a great job of explaining this point! Plus he’s Canadian (from New Brunswick)!

Breast health talk October 20th

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-10-14T08:11:30-04:00

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

Homeopathic flu prevention

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-10-20T21:45:49-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Once again, Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic is running our hugely popular homeopathic flu prevention program!

People who participate in this program have very few flu incidents over the winter, even though family members and co-workers may become very ill. Flu symptoms may be much milder and last for a shorter duration than other non-homeopathically protected people. Many participants no longer experience the flu at all. Each year the program grows in popularity due to overwhelmingly positive word of mouth!

How does it work?
The Homeopathic Flu Prevention Program is an ongoing research study conducted by Helena Ovens, ND. Your participation is voluntary and appreciated. Here’s how to participate:

1. To participate you must currently be in good health and you must not have had a flu shot since April 15, 2010.
2. Call Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic at 416-690-6168 to arrange at time to come by to fill out an intake form. You will be given a 6-month supply of homeopathic pellets, an instruction sheet, and a form to record any “flu-like” symptoms. There is a $5.00 administrative fee per adult (children are free) to cover the costs of materials and remedies.
3. Take 1 pellet of the remedy once per month on the same day to prevent the flu. If you have any “flu-like” symptoms, record them on the form.
4. Return your form by the end of April 2011 by fax, email, in-person, or by mail. It is very important that you return your form (whether you experienced “flu-like” symptoms or not) so that we can track the success of the program.

We look forward to helping you have a healthy, flu-free season!

Seeing patients!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-10-12T17:45:16-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I am seeing patients as of Monday, October 18th at two locations! Intake forms are available for download here!

Ch ch ch changes!

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-10-02T16:49:25-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I have lots of news to share!

Now accepting patients at two practice locations
I am excited to announce that I am accepting patients at Rosedale Natural Health Clinic at Yonge and St. Clair and Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic on Queen Street East. Check out the Appointments link on the left for more information and to book an appointment.

Website updates
I’ve made some changes to the information available on this website by adding my practice information and more about my own practice philosophy, interests, and modalities. There will also be new blogs coming up soon!

Have a question? Great idea for a blog topic? As always, I appreciate any feedback and ideas you can provide! Please contact me at kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com.

Social networking
Do you tweet? So do I!

Like me?

Great quote #19

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-09-27T15:30:52-04:00

“Success is getting what you want. Happiness is liking what you get.” H. Jackson Brown

Top 10 things to know before you're 30

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-07-30T14:19:40-04:00

Check out this blog over on Crazy Sexy Life. Great advice for anyone before or after 30!

The Story of Cosmetics

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-08-17T22:49:14-04:00

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!

Great quote #18

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-08-14T18:28:53-04:00

“Personal integrity is one of the most important guardians of mental health. Put simply, integrity is the absence of contradiction between what we know, what we profess and what we do.” Nathaniel Branden

Great quote #17

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-07-22T21:43:48-04:00

“Cease trying to work everything out with your minds, it will get you nowhere. Live by intuition and inspiration and let your whole life be a Revelation.” Eileen Caddy

The Story of Stuff

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-07-13T18:30:15-04:00

This video has been around since 2007 and is still relevant! Every time I watch it I am still disgusted with how disposable our “stuff” has become. It is hard to change the quality/disposability of the things we buy (cell phones, iPods, computers, appliances) but we can definitely disconnect from the “newer is better” mindset and make use of these things longer and recycle as much as possible.

What's it worth to ya?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2011-05-24T19:31:55-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

What is wellness worth?

If you ask a healthy person, they would probably give you a far different answer than someone who was once healthy and is now dealing with illness.

In Canada, we are accustomed to health care being “free”. It really isn’t free; we pay taxes to provide all of us (even those who don’t pay tax) with healthcare, but we don’t pay directly, so it seems free... Because we are used to getting the care we need as we need it without hassle (for the most part) and with no need to make a decision about our health based on money, it can be difficult to consider all the health care options for which we must pay out of pocket. Naturopathic medicine is one of these (along with massage therapy, chiropractic, osteopathic, physiotherapy, etc).

A lot of people ask me if/when naturopathic medicine will be covered by OHIP. I have no idea if this is even a possibility at this point, but the more important question is, should it be? Sure, this would cover the cost for everyone but it would also likely eliminate the most valuable aspect of naturopathic medicine, which is the ability to treat people individually. Under our provincial healthcare plan, medical doctors do not have this freedom; they are bound by “standard of care” and algorithms and “first-line” drug therapy for many chronic diseases.

Naturopathic doctors have the freedom to spend a lot of time with each patient and to create a personalized treatment plan for each. That means that one patient with diabetes may be treated entirely different from the next. Not only does this kind of care require longer visits, but it also requires a lot more time spent by the doctor outside the visit to research, analyze, and prepare an appropriate plan. My patients understand the value of their naturopathic treatment and view their insurance coverage as a helping hand. However, many chronic health issues will require treatment beyond what insurance will subsidize.

People will often tell me how much they think they could benefit from naturopathic care, but they can’t afford it. I think the actual number of people who truly can’t afford it is much smaller.

What is your health worth to you?

Most people don’t think twice about paying for clothing, purses, hair styling, entertainment, eating out, travel, etc and would never expect these “essentials” to be paid for by the government. Far too many people are eager to live beyond their means in a home that is more than they need, driving a car that is too expensive, and buying themselves and their kids enough toys to entertain many families. However, these same people balk at paying for healthcare, which is hands-down far more valuable and essential. Investment in your health is just another place for your discretionary spending, something that improves your quality of life and in fact is an investment in the most valuable asset you will ever own - your health.

But, but, but... What about people who can barely make ends meet, who are on disability, social assistance, etc? You know, the people who really need help with many aspects of their lives, especially health? That is where there is a problem. I challenge you to find a naturopathic doctor who doesn’t make exceptions for this kind of case in his or her practice. This helps some people, but not all. And that’s why places like this exist:

Consider what your health is worth, what health allows you to do in your life. Consider what you think is a reasonable investment to maintain that. Finally, consider what it will cost you (in money but also in quality of life) to regain health once it has suffered.

Alternative medicine debate on the Michael Coren show

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-07-07T22:14:03-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Check out this debate on the Michael Coren show about “Alternative Medicine.” Incidentally, I prefer the term natural medicine (versus conventional medicine), since for many people, there is nothing “alternative” about it...

A few of my thoughts (in chronological order with the video):

What do NDs do that MDs don’t? A lot! See my blog Top ten reasons you need a naturopathic doctor.
For a comparison of the training of an MD versus and ND, see my blog Curriculum comparison.
There is research on homeopathy and evidence to support its efficacy as a healing modality. Just because most people are ignorant of this does not mean it doesn’t exist! For more about that, see my blog Homeopathy literature review.
Many conventional medical interventions actually lack research evidence. I wrote about this in my blog Mythology of science-based medicine.
I’m not a chiropractor and cannot speak to much in this area, however one example of when a chiropractor may require an x-ray is not to diagnose, but to screen for/rule out any conditions that are contraindications for chiropractic treatment. This is a basic safety procedure which is prudent and responsible. Another example may be to confirm a diagnosis before proceeding with treatment, which is another valid and reasonable use of such technology.
One of the major problems in conventional medicine is the idea of “standard of care” which denies individuals care that targets the cause of illness, which may be different for the same “disease.” The “standard of care” in conventional medicine is often inferior to even the most basic common sense... For example, if high cholesterol is caused by poor dietary habits and lack of physical activity, how does the “standard of care” prescription of statin drugs solve these issues?
Michael Coren makes a great point that many of the cases against alternative medicine are “hysteria.” In any profession, there are practitioners who are not ethical or safe. Naturopathic medicine is a regulated health profession in most provinces and therefore naturopathic doctors are held to a professional standard of safety and ethics. For more info on naturopathic medicine, read more on my Naturopathic Medicine and FAQ pages. This marks a major difference between NDs and many other “alternative” practitioners.
Why aren’t naturopathic doctors MDs? Because there is a fundamental philosophical difference. This is not to say that we can’t work together and that patients cannot take advantage of both, but the training and approach to treatment are vastly different. Specialization leads to greater and deeper expertise in all kinds of professions which provides value to the consumer.

The secrets of sleep

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-06-28T11:23:23-04:00

Fascinating National Geographic article about sleep. Also, check out my previous blog on Sleep and Metabolic Syndrome.

Great quote #16

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-06-15T09:24:16-04:00

“Efficiency is intelligent laziness.” Unknown

Exams! (aka what I’m doing for the next 2 months)

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-06-09T16:15:41-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

It’s been awhile since I’ve written a blog, mostly because I’ve been very busy finishing up my clinical year, celebrating my birthday, and graduating! It’s so exciting to finally reach this point in my four-year journey! I’m looking forward to starting practice in the fall, but first I must get licensed, which is no small feat. I bet there are a lot of people who don’t really know how a weary naturopathic graduate actually passes muster to be allowed to practice on real people, so I thought I would write a blog about it.

NPLEX
NPLEX stands for Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations. NPLEX is administered by NABNE which stands for the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners. As you might have gathered, NPLEX examinations are the licensing exams that graduates from accredited naturopathic colleges across North America must write to be licensed. They occur each year in February and August.

There are actually two sets of NPLEX exams. NPLEX I tests biomedical sciences: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry & genetics, microbiology & immunology, and pathology. Theses exams are usually written after two years of naturopathic medical education and fill a full day.

The second set of NPLEX exams cover clinical sciences: diagnosis (physical, clinical, and lab), diagnostic imaging, botanical medicine, nutrition, physical medicine, homeopathy, counseling, behavioral medicine, health psychology, emergency medicine, medical procedures, public health, pharmacology, and research. These exams are written after passing NPLEX I and graduating from an accredited school. There are also two elective examinations: minor surgery and acupuncture and whether you take these depends on the scope of practice in your jurisdiction. These exams take three days to complete and are entirely written (multiple choice).

Ontario Board Examinations
In provinces and states that regulate naturopathic medicine, graduates must also pass local licensing exams to obtain a license for their specific jurisdiction because different provinces and states allow different scopes of practice for naturopathic doctors.

Living in Ontario, I must pass the Ontario Board exams, administrated by the BDDT-N, which stands for Board of Directors of Drugless Therapies – Naturopathy. These exams cover Ontario Jurisprudence and three practical exams in Acupuncture, Instrumentation/Physical Exam and Naturopathic Manipulation over one day.

How do you do it???
Preparing for these examinations is a major commitment! I did a lot of work in advance to plan out my study time and resources and am now working through a nine week study schedule using study guides, flashcards, course notes, textbooks, practice (for the practical exams), pictures, rhymes, mnemonic devices, colour coding, highlighters, group study, and so on and so forth to get myself ready. In addition to studying, it is also important to take care of my overall health and well-being through these months, so I also have plans for diet (overall lots of protein, fruits, veggies, water, and green tea), exercise (lots as stress relief and to counter all the sitting I’m doing), supplements, sleep, meditation, and fun (very important)!

Great quote #15

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-05-07T00:05:15-04:00

“It’s easy to enjoy each other while on a vacation in Maui. The key is to find someone you can have fun with during the six-hour flight over there.” Tom Arnold

Great quote #14

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-04-28T12:07:06-04:00

“In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” George Orwell

Success

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-04-12T19:12:32-04:00

21 Suggestions for Success
By H. Jackson Brown

1. Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.
2. Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent.
3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.
6. Be generous.
7. Have a grateful heart.
8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.
9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.
10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.
12. Commit yourself to quality.
13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.
14. Be loyal.
15. Be honest.
16. Be a self-starter.
17. Be decisive even if it means you’ll sometimes be wrong.
18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.
20. Take good care of those you love.
21. Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your Mom proud.

Suggestion box

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-03-11T18:27:06-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

As I will be graduating from CCNM in May, I am thinking a lot about what my own practice will be like. So, I’d like to pose a few questions here:

What have you liked/disliked about your experiences with natural medicine, allopathic medicine, or health care in general?
What do you look for in a health care provider, or, more specifically, a naturopathic doctor?
What topics would you like to see explored in this blog? Or on this website?

Email me your ideas, suggestions, and experiences at kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com with the subject “Suggestion Box”.

Great quote #13

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-03-01T20:31:35-05:00

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive.” Anaïs Nin

Great quote #12

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-02-13T09:16:53-05:00

“Vegetables are like sex, if you can't remember the last time you had any, you're not having enough.” Unknown

Homeopathy literature review

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-02-18T09:37:21-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Homeopathy is often criticized for having little research evidence available. This blog is a compilation of what I have learned in examining research evidence for homeopathy published in conventional medical journals. For more info on homeopathy, please see a previous blog entitled “Homeopathy primer.”

One of the major reasons that the results of most mainstream research on homeopathy are often inconclusive because the methods used usually do not honour the principles of homeopathy and therefore the research does not actually evaluate the practice of homeopathy. Aphorism 104 in the Organon explains how a practitioner can take and treat a case homeopathically:

“Once the totality of symptoms that principally determine and distinguish the disease case … has been exactly recorded, the most difficult work is done … He can then select … a well-aimed, similar, artificial disease potence, in the form of a homeopathically chosen medicinal means, to oppose the total disease image (1).”

Unfortunately, remedies are often not prescribed individually and are instead selected based on typical clinical presentation of pathology.

A meta-analysis published by Shang et al. in the Lancet in 2005 compared placebo-controlled homeopathy trials to conventional medicine trials matched by disorder and type and determined that “the clinical effects of homoeopathy, but not those of conventional medicine, are unspeciﬁc placebo or context effects (2).” The homeopathy trials were categorized classical, clinical, or complex homoeopathy (or as isopathy). Specifically,

“Classical homoeopathy was deﬁned as comprehensive homoeopathic history-taking, followed by the prescription of a single individualised remedy, possibly with subsequent change of remedy in response to changing symptoms. If no comprehensive homoeopathic history was taken and all patients received a single, identical remedy, interventions were classiﬁed as clinical homoeopathy (2).”

Only “classical” homeopathy trials actually reflect the use of remedies according to homeopathic principles as set out in the Organon. “Clinical” homeopathy is the substitution of homeopathic remedies for conventional medicine and therefore not the practice of homeopathy. Of 110 homeopathy trials analyzed, only 18 were categorized as “classical” while 48 “clinical” homeopathy trials were analyzed. The selection of trials for this analysis therefore precluded results that would accurately evaluate the effects of homeopathic treatment.

Rutten and Stolper analyzed post-publication data from the Shang paper and concluded that:

“Re-analysis of Shang's post-publication data did not support the conclusion that homeopathy is a placebo effect. The conclusion that homeopathy is and that conventional is not a placebo effect was not based on comparative analysis and not justified because of heterogeneity and lack of sensitivity analysis. If we confine ourselves to the predefined hypotheses and the part of the analysis that is indeed comparative, the conclusion should be that quality of homeopathic trials is better than of conventional trials, for all trials (p=0.03) as well as for smaller trials (p=0.003) (3).”

A review by Lüdtke and Rutten also came to this conclusion. Their meta-analysis determined that “homeopathy had a significant effect beyond placebo (OR=0.76; 95% CI: 0.59-0.99; p=0.039) (4).” and that, “Shang's negative results were mainly influenced by one single trial (4).” They concluded: “Shang's results and conclusions are less definite than had been presented (4).”

Linde et al. published a review of randomized controlled trials of individualized homeopathy in the Lancet in 1998. In this review, the team clarified that, “in individualized homeopathy the choice of the remedy for treatment is not based on a conventional diagnosis but on the match of the patient’s particular symptoms with the ‘remedy picture (5)’” and also conceded that, “no attempt was made to assess the ‘homeopathic’ quality of the trials. The reviewer’s knowledge and experience homeopathy are insufficient for such judgments (5).” While recognizing their limited comprehension of homeopathy, Linde et al. reviewed 32 studies, providing detailed information about each study’s methodology, including whether remedies were indeed prescribed homeopathically:

“In 20 trials, the choice of the remedy seemed to be unrestricted (approach 1), in 2 trials patients were included only if they matched the remedy picture of one of a preset range of remedies (approach 2), in 7 studies patients were included (without taking into account "homeopathic" aspects) and then the best fitting remedy had to be chosen from a range of predefined remedies was prescribed (approach 3), and in 3 trials only one remedy was applied and patients were entered only if they matched the remedy picture (approach 4) (5).”

Only 19 trials provided “sufficient data for meta-analysis (5),” although not all of these trials were of high methodological quality nor did all of them use individualized therapy. Of 12 trials categorized as “likely to have good methodological quality” or “unlikely to have major flaws,” all except two favoured homeopathy over placebo (5). Of these 12 highest quality trials, seven were individualized, and all except one favoured homeopathy. This review relied on the data from the 19 trials (both individualized and otherwise) and concluded: “while overall the results indicate that individualized homeopathy is superior to placebo, the methodologically better trials have less positive results and confirmatory independent replications are lacking. The evidence from these trials that individualized is clearly more efficacious than placebo is, therefore, not fully convincing (5).”

This review, which recognized individualization of treatment in homeopathy, is a step in the right direction. Conducting useful research on homeopathy within the conventional medical paradigm requires a greater understanding of the system of medicine being investigated in order to truly evaluate the use of homeopathy as a treatment modality.

Finally, a long-term observational study by Witt et al. assessed perceived change in complaint severity and quality of life at baseline, and after 2 and 8 years in 3,709 patients treated with homeopathy. In this study, physicians were free to choose treatment which “usually included the prescription of homeopathic medicines according to homeopathic principles, but also could include the onset, change, or withdrawal of a conventional medicine, referrals to specialists, or admission to a hospital (6).” At eight years, 32.9% of patients were still receiving homeopathic treatment, 29.2% of patients stopped treatment due to perceived major improvements in health, 26.0% stopped treatment because they did not feel homeopathy helped enough, 7.1% of patients stopped treatment for reasons unrelated to efficacy of therapy, and 3.6% stopped treatment without reason (6). The researchers concluded that, “patients who seek homeopathic treatment are likely to improve considerably, although this effect must not be attributed to homeopathic treatment alone. These effects persisted for 8 years (6).”

1. Hahnemann S. Organon of the Medical Art. Palo Alto: Birdcage Books; 1996, p. 141.
2. Shang A, Huwiler-Müntener K, Nartey L, Jüni P, Dörig S, Sterne JA, Pewsner D, Egger M. Are the clinical effects of homoeopathy placebo effects? Comparative study of placebo-controlled trials of homoeopathy and allopathy. Lancet. 2005 Aug 27-Sep 2;366(9487):726-32.
3. Rutten AL, Stolper CF. The 2005 meta-analysis of homeopathy: the importance of post-publication data. Homeopathy. 2008 Oct;97(4):169-77.
4. Lüdtke R, Rutten AL. The conclusions on the effectiveness of homeopathy highly depend on the set of analyzed trials. J Clin Epidemiol. 2008 Dec;61(12):1197-204. Epub 2008 Oct 1. Review.
5. Linde K, Melchart D. Randomized controlled trials of individualized homeopathy: a state-of-the-art review. J Altern Complement Med. 1998 Winter;4(4):371-88. Review.
6. Witt CM, Lüdtke R, Mengler N, Willich SN. How healthy are chronically ill patients after eight years of homeopathic treatment?--Results from a long term observational study. BMC Public Health. 2008 Dec 17;8:413.

Is evidence-based medicine compatible with naturopathic principles?

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-02-08T17:50:43-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

One of the most common criticisms of natural medicine is that it lacks supportive evidence. This is simply not true! In many cases, there is as much or more research evidence for natural medicine as conventional medicine. However, there are also areas in which the research evidence is sparse or incomplete. The purpose of this blog is to clarify the true meaning of evidence-based medicine (EBM) and explore its role in contributing to natural medicine.

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is defined as the “conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about care of individual patients (1).” Furthermore:

“The practice of evidence based medicine means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research. By individual clinical expertise we mean the proficiency and judgment that individual clinicians acquire through clinical experience and clinical practice (1).”

This definition of evidence-based medicine does not conflict with the principles of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine is based on a large body of evidence gathered through systematic research and knowledge gained through clinical experience. Its principles support the application of this information to devise the most effective treatment for our patients.

However, the colloquial understanding of EBM supports randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled studies as gold standard of knowledge and leaves little room for other forms of research or for clinical experience.

Conventionally understood EBM is limited in encouraging health care that adheres to naturopathic principles. First, EBM does not recognize holistic treatment of individuals, and in fact seeks to boil down complex information to a simple conclusion recognizing only how the majority of subjects respond to a single intervention. Not only does this ignore the knowledge that could be gained through examining all the subjects in a study and why they each responded in the way that they did, but also is not necessarily applicable to real life health care since patients are nearly never under controlled conditions and subject to only one intervention. Naturopathic doctors are interested in treating real patients in the real world and therefore in gathering knowledge in any area that will serve this purpose. In many cases, this knowledge includes clinical observation and experience with real patients.

Second, funding committed to research is not allocated based on what areas of knowledge are the most interesting, warrant the most investigation, or even may be the most beneficial to the public. Most research is conducted by pharmaceutical companies on products they hope to bring to market in order to earn profits for shareholders. Unfortunately, this capitalist drive behind health knowledge is not conducive to researching how low-cost treatments such as diet and lifestyle changes can be far more effective than any drug. It is also not conducive to gaining knowledge through “failed” experiments, such as when pharmaceutical research does not yield results favourable to the drug being researched. Currently, pharmaceutical companies are not required to publish such research, although there is a movement to change this, thankfully. Naturopathic doctors are interested in achieving results, even if there is no particular product to sell.

Finally, naturopathic doctors also act as teachers, seeking to empower patients with information so that they can care for themselves. EBM places power in a faceless research environment, removing it from clinicians with decades of experience, and therefore also removing it from individual patients who may know their unique needs best.

Therefore, while the official definition of EBM does fit with naturopathic principles, the applied definition, in terms of how the health care system actually operates, does not.

For more information and more of my thoughts on conventional medical research, please see my previous blog Mythology of science-based medicine.

1. Sackett DL, Rosenberg WM, Gray JA, Haynes RB, Richardson WS. Evidence based medicine: what it is and what it isn't. BMJ. 1996;312 (7023):71–2.

Great quote #11

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-01-23T08:43:41-05:00

“Love just doesn't sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread, re-made all the time, made new.” Ursula Le Guin

Top 10 reasons you need a naturopathic doctor

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-01-13T13:36:01-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

1. A naturopathic doctor will explain the likely causes of your concerns, the connection between them, what treatment they advise and WHY, and what you can do to prevent future illness so that you actually understand what is going on with your own health. What a novel idea…

2. Your naturopathic doctor can answer your curious health questions, such as “what is this thing on my foot?”, “what is adrenal fatigue?”, or “does soy cause man boobs?”

3. Your naturopathic doctor will spend more than 15 minutes with you and get to know you as an individual, resulting in a personalized treatment plan addressing your unique combination of concerns.

4. Your naturopathic doctor can help you figure out which supplements are right for you so you take only what is useful and save a lot of money! And they can even help you figure out how much you need to take to see results, so you save even more money!

5. Your naturopathic doctor will seek to understand the cause of your symptoms, leading to treatment that is effective, gentle, and produces long-lasting results. No more trial and error, confusion, frustration, and hopelessness.

6. Your naturopathic doctor has the most training and experience using natural medicine (and how natural medicine interacts with conventional medicine). More than your medical doctor, Oprah, Dr. Oz, your uncle Ernie, your hairdresser, and anyone else you can find. Take advantage and get the right answers the first time.

7. Your naturopathic doctor is trained as a primary health care provider, meaning she can diagnose conditions, perform physical exams, order lab tests, and generally care for you as a family doctor. And she won’t make you wait for hours in a crowded waiting room for a 15-minute appointment.

8. Your naturopathic doctor can perform acupuncture, prescribe homeopathic remedies, interpret lab results, and much more. Don’t try this at home!

9. Your naturopathic doctor will work cooperatively with any other health care practitioners you are seeing to ensure that their treatment will be effective and everyone is on the same page.

10. Your naturopathic doctor will work to restore and support your own inherent healing abilities so that you heal YOURSELF. Never knew you were so powerful, did you?

Mythology of science-based medicine

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2010-01-12T16:30:05-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This blog emerged after reading several different articles about the state of conventional medical care and some of the misperceptions surrounding efficacy of conventional medical treatments.

First, an article titled The Mythology of Science-Based Medicine provides examples of conventional medical interventions considered to be safe, valid, or effective when in fact they lack scientific basis or have been proven ineffective. This article provides links to sources and some responses from the authors and other medical experts in the comments. Here is an addendum to that article further addressing comments.

Second, an article titled How Common Are Medical Mistakes? which delves into the startling fact that the third leading cause of death of Americans is iatrogenic causes, meaning caused by doctors, medical treatment, or diagnostic procedures.

Finally, a few of my thoughts on this topic:

The “gold-standard” of medical research is the double-blind randomized controlled trial, which attempts to isolate the effect of a single intervention and control all other factors (including many features of patients such as pre-existing conditions, medications, lifestyle, diet, etc.) This makes sense in a research context but has little bearing on reality, in which medical interventions are used in conjunction with other treatments in a wide variety of patients. It is important to understand that a clinical trial is only the first step in evaluating treatment. It provides information on how something works and verifies safety in the short-term but is most definitely not a verdict on the effectiveness in the real world. This can only truly be gauged in the context of an uncontrolled patient population over time.

Something important to note about bypass surgery and angioplasty is that while they do not extend life (which is the case for many common medical treatments), this is not the only important measure to consider! Quality of life is also incredibly important and these procedures can make a major difference here. Patients with cardiovascular disease who in the past would not have these options would be severely limited by the inability to engage in even the most basic everyday activities but would also not be ill enough that they would pass away. These procedures have allowed many patients to return to a more normal level of activity and participation in life which is invaluable, even if their lifespan remains the same.

Regarding antidepressants, it should not be surprising that they are not very effective except in cases of severe depression. In most cases, antidepressants are the sole treatment prescribed despite mountains of evidence that combining them with other treatments (most notably psychotherapy) is far more effective. For many patients with depression, there are valid reasons to feel depressed, such as grief, declining health, emotional stressors, post-partum changes, etc. Depression is a natural human response to life’s ups and downs. Unfortunately most of us are just not equipped to accept and work through life’s challenges on our own. Psychotherapy can be enormously helpful in arming patients with coping and self-care skills. There are also many patients for whom antidepressants are very useful in boosting them up enough so that they can actively seek other treatments to address the underlying causes of depression, but the key here is that the cause must be addressed and corrected. Otherwise antidepressants either just don’t cut it or simply mask a problem that will re-emerge once the patient discontinues the medication. This is common considering the many uncomfortable and intolerable side-effects of these medications. There are so many proven and safe treatments for depression (such as nutrition, exercise, supplements, lifestyle changes, homeopathy, therapy) that can be used in place of or in conjunction with antidepressants to achieve much better outcomes.

Great quote #10

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-12-21T23:11:23-05:00

“What do sad people have in common? It seems they have all built a shrine to the past and often go there and do a strange wail and worship. What is the beginning of happiness? It is to stop being so religious like that.” Hafiz

The power of natural medicine

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-12-15T17:05:29-05:00

Great article on the power of natural medicine. Written by two naturopathic doctors in response to an unfounded and fanatical criticism of natural medicine, it clearly presents the facts about naturopathic medical education and the role that naturopathic medicine can play in modern health care.

Great quote #9

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-12-06T08:25:40-05:00

“Worry pretends to be necessary but serves no useful purpose.” Eckhart Tolle

Sleep and metabolic syndrome

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-11-24T10:56:31-05:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I wrote a research paper looking the relationship between sleep duration and metabolic syndrome and this blog is a summary of what I learned. References are listed at the end and can be found on PubMed.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of metabolic risk factors used to identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease (1). A correlation between sleep duration and the development of metabolic syndrome has been observed.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III diagnosis of metabolic syndrome requires the presence of three or more of the following features (1):
1. Waist circumference:
- Men: Greater than or equal to 102cm (40in)
- Women: Greater than or equal to 88cm (35in)
2. Triglycerides: Greater than or equal to 1.7mmol/L (150 mg/dL)
3. HDL cholesterol:
- Men: Less than 1.0mmol/L (40mg/dL)
- Women: Less than 1.3mmol/L (50mg/dL)
4. Blood pressure: Greater than or equal to 130/85 mmHg or medicated for hypertension
5. Fasting blood glucose: Greater than or equal to 5.6mmol/L (100mg/dL) or medicated for hyperglycemia

First-line treatment focuses on lifestyle factors such as dietary modification and increased physical activity (1). However, given that “‘normal’ average sleep duration has decreased from about 9 h per night in 1910 to about 7.5 h currently, (2)” and mounting evidence that sleep deprivation causes physiological changes that lead to metabolic syndrome, sleep deprivation is another important lifestyle factor to consider.

Short sleep duration (less than 6 hours per night) is associated with the highest risk for metabolic syndrome, but long sleep duration (more than 8 or 9 hours per night) is also associated with increased risk. The lowest risk was seen in subjects sleeping 7-8 hours per night (3,4).

With regards to abdominal obesity, “very short and short sleepers were at least 1.6 times more likely to meet criteria for abdominal obesity … compared with individuals who slept 7 to 8 hours per night (4).”

There is also a correlation between insulin resistance and sleep duration, both short and long: “with the reference group, the odds of meeting the glucose criterion were at least 1.7 times greater in the very short (< 6 hours) and long (> 8 hours) sleeper groups (4).” It is also likely that insulin resistance due to altered metabolism resulting from inadequate sleep develops gradually over years. One study restricted sleep in healthy young men to four hours per night for six nights and found that sleep debt led to impaired carbohydrate tolerance. Decreased morning insulin sensitivity was observed after 6 days of sleep restriction compared to when subjects were fully rested (6). “These results suggest that insulin sensitivity was lower on the 6th than on the 5th day of sleep restriction and thus that insulin resistance may develop progressively with increasing exposure to partial sleep loss (5).”

The Sleep Heart Health Study found that sleep duration was associated with risk of hypertension, with those sleeping less than 6 and 6-7 hours and those sleeping 8-9 and 9 or more hours demonstrating increased risk (6). A longitudinal analyses of the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey demonstrated that sleep durations of “< or =5 hours per night were associated with a significantly increased risk of hypertension … in subjects between the ages of 32 and 59 years (7).”

The studies discussed above have also found a relationship between increased sleep and metabolic syndrome. When examined more closely in one study, relationships between long sleep duration and metabolic syndrome and elevated glucose “were no longer significant with adjustment for use of antihypertensive medication, which has been shown to impact fasting blood glucose levels (4).” There is also a relationship between long sleep duration and sleep apnea, suggesting that “long sleep duration is a proxy for sleep disordered breathing and that sleep apnea drives the relationship between long sleep duration and health outcomes (4).”

Sleep quality is also an important factor to consider. An observational, cross-sectional study demonstrated that “poor global sleep-quality scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were related significantly to the presence of the metabolic syndrome (8).”

Studies relating sleep duration to metabolic changes are often confounded by pre-existing conditions (such as diabetes or hypertension), lifestyle habits (such as smoking, diet, alcohol intake, and caffeine intake), and other factors affecting sleep (such as sleep apnea). It is therefore important that studies of sleep duration take these factors into account and control for them as much as possible in order to establish a clear relationship between sleep and health outcomes. One researcher has challenged the above conclusions by offering three criticisms. First, “few obese adults/children are short sleepers, and few short sleeping adults/children are obese or suffer obesity-related disorders (9).” Second, the clinical risk only emerges from very short or long sleep duration and develops over many years, so while acute sleep restriction does lead to leads to glucose intolerance and metabolic syndrome “this is too little sleep and cannot be sustained beyond a few days (9).” Finally, he offers an alternative explanation for the relationship between sleep and metabolism: “habitually insufficient sleep could contribute towards obesity, metabolic syndrome, etc., via sleepiness-related inactivity and excess energy intake (9).”

It seems obvious that sleep is an important factor in health, but it is often overlooked by both conventional and naturopathic practitioners. Based on the studies discussed, the optimal sleep duration is between 7-8 hours per night. Many patients fail to prioritize sleep or have trouble falling asleep easily, both issues that can be greatly aided by naturopathic interventions. Sleep quality is also an important consideration and naturopathic doctors are also well equipped to make recommendations in this area.

1. MD Consult. Metabolic Syndrome. Accessed 18 Nov 2008. Available at: http://www.mdconsult.com.
2. Spiegel K, Leproult R, Van Cauter E. Impact of sleep debt on metabolic and endocrine function. Lancet. 1999 Oct 23;354(9188):1435-9.
3. Choi KM, Lee JS, Park HS, Baik SH, Choi DS, Kim SM. Relationship between sleep duration and the metabolic syndrome: Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey 2001. Int J Obes (Lond). 2008 Jul;32(7):1091-7. Epub 2008 May 13.
4. Hall MH, Muldoon MF, Jennings JR, Buysse DJ, Flory JD, Manuck SB. Self-reported sleep duration is associated with the metabolic syndrome in midlife adults. Sleep. 2008 May 1;31(5):635-43.
5. Knutson KL, Spiegel K, Penev P, Van Cauter E. The metabolic consequences of sleep deprivation. Sleep Med Rev. 2007 Jun;11(3):163-78. Epub 2007 Apr 17. Review.
6. Gottlieb DJ, Redline S, Nieto FJ, Baldwin CM, Newman AB, Resnick HE, Punjabi NM. Association of usual sleep duration with hypertension: the Sleep Heart Health Study. Sleep. 2006 Aug 1;29(8):1009-14.
7. Gangwisch JE, Heymsfield SB, Boden-Albala B, Buijs RM, Kreier F, Pickering TG, Rundle AG, Zammit GK, Malaspina D. Short sleep duration as a risk factor for hypertension: analyses of the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Hypertension. 2006 May;47(5):833-9. Epub 2006 Apr 3.
8. Jennings JR, Muldoon MF, Hall M, Buysse DJ, Manuck SB. Self-reported sleep quality is associated with the metabolic syndrome. Sleep. 2007 Feb 1;30(2):219-23.
9. Horne JA. Short sleep is a questionable risk factor for obesity and related disorders: statistical versus clinical signiﬁcance. Biol Psychol 2008;77:266-76.

Great quote #8

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-11-07T22:53:06-05:00

"Well behaved women rarely make history." Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Great quote #7

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-10-29T22:26:24-04:00

“If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." Unknown

Curriculum comparison

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-09-18T12:21:05-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between naturopathic medical education and conventional medical education? Check out this comparison of accredited naturopathic schools, conventional medical schools, and non-accredited “ND” programs.

In sciences, naturopathic and conventional medical schools are on par. Naturopathic doctors must complete required science courses and pass licensing exams in basic sciences in order to become licensed to practice in North America. These exams are administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE).

A very interesting area is nutritional education. Given that food is literally the material that fuels all the processes in our bodies and from which all our cells and bodily structures are constructed, one would expect (not unreasonably) that any professional in the health care field would be educated in the use of nutrition as medical therapy (which includes therapeutic use of vitamins and minerals in addition to diet). Nutrition is most certainly a first line therapy and is repeatedly confirmed to produce dramatic clinical improvements in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease.

Another interesting area is botanical medicine, which is included under naturopathic therapeutics. Most pharmaceuticals are inspired by or made directly from plant constituents, which is why naturopathic medical students are required to complete courses in both pharmacology and botanical medicine and also pass licensing exams in both these subjects. There is a movement now to treat botanicals as drugs since many of them have powerful actions and carry risks if used improperly. Again, one would expect that any medical professional be trained in both these areas.

The last key point here is the vast difference in education between accredited and non-accredited ND programs. The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) accredits naturopathic medical programs. NDs from accredited schools have a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education. This includes at least three years of university and prerequisites in chemistry, biology, and psychology. Naturopathic medicine is a four year program offered by six schools in North America. Upon completion of the program, naturopathic doctors are qualified to work as primary care physicians.

Naturopathic medicine is a regulated profession in five Canadian provinces (BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Nova Scotia) and many states in the US. For more information on naturopathic medicine, check out the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND).

Great quote #6

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-09-06T16:36:08-04:00

“What you do all day instead of your real job is your real job.” Unknown

Great quote #5

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-08-28T15:27:38-04:00

“Anger at lies lasts forever. Anger at truth can’t last.” Greg Evans

Alumni Career Spotlight: Peter J. D'Adamo

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-08-02T08:40:39-04:00

Great interview with Peter J. D’Adamo, ND. Covers his career, individualized nutrition, food as medicine, and philosophy of naturopathic medicine.

Thyroid, iodine, and breast health

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-07-03T10:53:35-04:00

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

Lessons from India

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-07-11T11:48:18-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This blog was originally published on August 27, 2007 here.

The four major lessons I learned from travelling to India.

1. Be proud of yourself
I was the only naturopathic student in my month-long program. Every other person there was a student in medical school at mainstream colleges, mostly in the US. I was also one of the oldest people, having worked for years before returning to school for naturopathic medicine - most of these students had entered medical school right after university undergraduate programs. For all these reasons, I felt like the odd one out a lot of the time and this was hard for me since I was also dealing with culture shock in a new place. My interests, outlook, life experience, and attitude were so very different, even more so than I expected. What I am passionate about was either uninteresting or completely unknown to my companions. During this experience I realized how important it is to remain true to oneself and that it isn’t always necessary to prove yourself to other people.

2. Be patient (already!)
Having patience in India is key. Or else you will go insane. Things do not happen at the pace that you expect - some things are too fast (traffic!), but most things are very, very slow! For example, the distance from Delhi (where I arrived) to Dehradun is 235km. In Canada, driving this distance would take about 2.5 hours. This trip took about 8 hours by bus in India (including a stop for lunch). On my way back from Dehradun to Delhi, the trip took about 5 hours by train. So, it seems that due to poor road conditions, road closures/checkpoints, and traffic, travel by car takes about 3 times longer in India than Canada. Even travel by train (which is much nicer, except for the restrooms) takes about twice as long.

The distance from Dehradun (where I was for 2 of the 4 weeks) to Agra (where the Taj Mahal is) is 381km. In Canada, it would take about 4 hours to cover that distance. The weekend I did it, we travelled for 12 hours overnight by car. The trip went like this: left at 8pm from Dehradun and drove on bumpy, winding, congested, and LOUD roads until about 1am. Stopped for tea. At this tea stop some of us got out of the car to walk around and were instantly surrounded by random men asking us all kinds of personal questions! I got back in the car and stayed there. I managed to sleep for about 2 hours total by listening to my iPod, creating a pillow from a raincoat, putting on an eye mask, and wrapping my head in a scarf (I wish I had a photo of this!). We then continued travelling for a few more hours until we stopped at a closed gas station for a restroom break. We reached our hotel in Agra at about 8am. Quick change and breakfast, then spent the day sightseeing. Stayed in Agra that night, then left the next morning at around 7am. Our drivers tried to take a shorter route back, but it ended up being on worse roads, which ate up more time. We stopped a few times for tea and lunch, and got pretty near Dehradun by about 7pm. Then we got stuck in traffic due to either roadwork or partial flooding of the road. Our driver drove on the shoulder AROUND the traffic to another route and then on dark, winding, guard-railless mountain roads (nearly flying off a few times!) until we reached our destination by about 10pm. In total, 12 hours to Agra, 24 hours in Agra, then 15 hours back to Dehradun.

Another memorable story: I budgeted a certain amount of money for my trip, but that did not end up being enough, so I tried to use my bank card at a few Indian ATMs with no luck. So I tried talking to the banks - again no luck. Then I tried using my credit cards to get cash, but couldn't because I didn't have a PIN set up... So, I started to get a bit panicky - here I am in a foreign country running out of money! I would exchange traveller's cheques or US cash at a particular foreign exchange place and I heard that they could also do a credit card advance without a PIN, so I headed there. Usually I was served by the man who seemed like the owner or his wife, both of whom were professional, efficient, and friendly. However, this one day I rushed over there during a short break in my day (through deadly traffic amid dust and noise and chaos) desperate to get some cash before I left town for the weekend and was served by a different guy who was quite possibly the slowest human being I have ever encountered! He clearly had little idea how to do this transaction and I was so nervous that he couldn't do it, or the phone line would be down, or my credit card wouldn't go through, or whatever that I must have been shaking! I realized in this moment that this was a HUGE test of my patience! And that there was nothing I could do to make anything go faster or work better... And then I chose to stop worrying. Not an easy thing to do, for sure, but still possible! Everything worked out OK in the end and I managed to make it to my next destination on time, so worrying and being impatient would have been an unnecessary stress. I am so thankful for this and other experiences because they have given me much needed practice at being PATIENT, a skill I can definitely use in my life.

3. Remain calm/I am capable/go with the flow/be resourceful/have faith
During most of my month in India I had a cell phone provided by the program. However, on my last day in Dehradun before heading to Delhi to fly back to Canada, I no longer had my cell phone because we had to turn them in the previous day. Some other students, two coordinators, and I headed downtown to run various errands. I needed more cash (again!) while the others headed to an internet cafe and a cell phone store. I agreed to go get my cash then head to the internet cafe to meet back up with some of the others. Seems simple, right? Well, there are literally internet cafes one on top of another in this city and the one I THOUGHT I was supposed to go to was essentially empty. So where were my people? I couldn't exactly go searching for them, since I barely knew where I was or where to begin. At home if this happened to me, it wouldn't be such a big deal, but try to imagine being alone and kind of lost in a noisy, busy, chaotic, and crowded place where you can barely recognize places you know and most writing is in a language you can't read... Without my dear cell phone! Again, I realized in this moment that this was a test of my ability to fend for myself and figure myself out of my problem on my own (remain calm!). First I realized that if I could not find anyone, I could still go do the other things I needed to and head back to my house on my own (I am capable, so go with the flow!). I found and used a public phone for the first time to call one of the coordinators, whose phone number I thankfully had in my wallet (be resourceful!). Turns out the number I had was for a different coordinator (remain calm!), but he gave me the right number (have faith!). I went to a sweet shop to wait for him, but time passed and nobody showed... Was I at the wrong place? Totally possible given that businesses in India often have nearly identical names on the same street - they copycat each other frequently... By coincidence, the other coordinator I had been with earlier showed up at this shop and then a couple others did too (have faith!). Of course everything worked out fine...

4. Be prepared and keep learning
Prior to going to India, I did some research. Reading novels, how to get around, cautions, tips, packing lists, maps, history, culture, food, language, etc. While there, I REALLY wanted to learn more, so I asked my host family A LOT of questions at every opportunity. Politics, pop culture, clothing, food, arranged marriage, India perspectives on other countries, tips, language lessons, whatever. You name it, I asked it! I also decided that I would truly try to LIVE in India, instead of living as a Canadian in India. This means thinking in rupees (not dollars!): evaluating prices based on the market (and not how much cheaper things were than at home) and bargaining fairly (rather than throwing money around because I was a "rich” Westerner). This also meant learning and understanding customs in India and living by them - tipping, photos, attire, table manners, language, bargaining, attitudes, behaviour... I know that I did not manage to blend in too well, but I made an effort to be observant and adjust myself to my surroundings.

As I wrote in a previous blog, you cannot be certain that what you think is polite/rude is viewed the same way in foreign countries. This is what it means to be a conscientious traveller, I think. And I think this is where "rude Americans" (and other Westerners, although most foreigners will assume we are also American) get into trouble. I think most people are trying to be courteous and are unknowingly interpreted as rude because sometimes social norms are so different. It is important to make an effort to be polite, but on whose terms? What I think is much more difficult, but quite an important lesson, is to actually LEARN about the culture you visit and play by its rules rather than impose your own. This means avoiding value judgements ("India is so backwards") and instead making observations ("India is so different from my country"). Through observation, you can see HOW something is different. Through researching history and gaining experience, you can actually start to understand WHY. If cultures are like people, the NATURE influences are the attributes randomly granted to it (location, climate, geography, natural resources, etc). And not all countries start out with the same stuff (just as not all people do). And, just like with people, understanding NURTURE (history, interactions with neighbours, etc.) is a major puzzle piece too.

The power of choice

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-06-28T08:46:27-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This blog is slightly modified from its original posting on April 27, 2007 here.

The Secret is both a book and a movie that explains the law of attraction. This law states that we attract what we think about and/or feel. Two lines from the movie are: “thoughts become things” and “feeling creates the future”. Assuming that reality is influenced by our thoughts and feelings, it is important to identify, request, and visualize what we want to happen, rather than dwell on fears, worries, and what we don’t want. To put the law of attraction into practice, we must “ask, believe, and receive”. The Secret works in every arena: financial, intellectual, relational, spiritual, and physical. The Secret and the law of attraction are all about choice; we choose what we want through our feelings. When we clarify what we want we focus our energy on moving towards it. Choice is the most powerful tool in existence because it is the one power that everyone possesses and that can never be taken away from anyone.

During first year of naturopathic college, I read Power vs. Force by David Hawkins, which focuses on the idea that everything (and everyone) is connected to and therefore a vast collective knowledge is accessible to everyone. The book provides a guide to tapping into it via kinesiologic testing. However, there is also much discussion in this book about the difference between power and force, which I found fascinating. Force is an attempt to control what cannot be controlled. Power actually arises from within and is not applied to people or things, but instead attracts them or creates them. There are abundant examples of both force and power in the news and our lives every day. For instance, the current issue of whether torture or human rights violations are valid tools of interrogation. In this case, interrogators use force to gain valuable information that belongs to prisoners. The problem with this is that the prisoners, despite having all other rights and powers removed, still retain the power of choice. In this situation, the prisoners actually possess immense power, the power to share information or not, illuminated by the lengths to which interrogators will go to trying to overcome it.

Around the same time I read Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. The major theme of this book is also choice. The prime movers of the world respond to the exploitation of their creative and productive power by choosing to remove themselves from mainstream society. Despite attempts to force them into cooperation, the power of choice cannot be taken away from them and it cannot be overcome.

Healing is intimately connected with the power of choice. Despite economic status, state of health, available resources, or intelligence, the law of attraction is a tool accessible to everyone, all the time. We must determine our own destiny, rather than rely on others (doctors, medications, family, friends, job, etc.) for happiness and health. This is not as easy as it sounds. The law of attraction is common sense, really, but actually becoming skilled in its use takes awareness, practice, and consistency. Apart from our outlook, attitude, or self-image, thoughts and feelings also manifest in vocabulary, speech, posture, daydreams, worry, fear, choices, and every other area of life. In order to change these manifestations, we must also become more self aware and practice a new way of being.

The corollary of the power of choice is the power of acceptance. While we have unlimited choice to control ourselves, there are many forces in the world that cannot be controlled. In the realm of health, this is especially important because perfect physical health may not be possible in all cases. To achieve true wellness (which may occur even in the presence of physical ailments), we must accept what it. The Serenity Prayer, most associated with Alcoholics Anonymous is just one example of how acceptance is used for healing: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Great quote #4

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-06-22T10:20:52-04:00

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” Eleanor Roosevelt

Health is key to success

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-06-24T09:45:30-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

What do you think is the most important quality of a successful entrepreneur?

Confidence?

Creativity?

Risk taking?

Would you believe that the most important trait is good health?

Not only must entrepreneurs work hard, often for long hours, but also they are usually self-employed, so they do not have an employer subsidized health insurance plan. Plus, every moment they are off work literally costs them income. So it actually makes a lot of sense that good health is key to success! These people can’t afford to take a sick day, much less develop chronic disease! This idea holds true for many other professions too, such as contract employees, performers, and other self-employed workers.

Naturopathic medicine can be a cost effective way for self-employed people to optimize their health today and stay healthy through prevention. In the short-term, it is far better to avoid coming down with every cold or flu going around, and in the long-term it is imperative to stay healthy and vital until retirement. Health is one of the most valuable assets we have and successful entrepreneurs recognize the value of investing in health rather than only treating disease.

Check out this list of common traits of successful entrepreneurs, based on research done by Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business for more details.

Homeopathy primer

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-05-12T22:15:47-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This blog is slightly modified from its original posting on October 30, 2006 here.

Homeopathy literally means “similar suffering”. It is based on the principle that “like cures like” – that a similar, but stronger, energetic force can displace a weaker one. It was created/discovered by Samuel Hahnemann who observed the relationship between the curative effects and poisoning symptoms of Cinchona (used to treat malaria). His observations were not new; however, he was the first to form these theories into a workable philosophy of medicine.

Homeopathy is energetic, rather than physical. Disease is defined as a mistunement or energetic imbalance of the life force which can be acute (self-limiting) or chronic (ingrained). Most remedies (those at 12C and higher) contain no actual molecules of the remedy substance, but instead carry the energy signature transferred to the solvent (usually alcohol) by the substance as it was sucussed (mixed) and diluted.

The mechanism is cure is this: a similar (but not same) and stronger “artificial” disease (the remedy), which has a signature vibration, is introduced to the life force, which has its own vibration (the disease). The vibration of the remedy is similar to the vibration of the life force, but stronger, so it alters the life force’s vibration (interference). The life force now responds to the artificial disease and in the process is able to throw off the natural disease. The artificial disease is removed when the remedy is completed and the life force returns to a healthy state.

Homeopathy treats people, not problems. No two people have the same disease, they only have some (perhaps many) symptoms in common. They may both be diagnosed with MS (for example), but the symptoms of MS are not the whole story because these people are not even close to being identical. It is their differences which form the unique signature of their mistunement. Therefore, the skilled homeopath must examine the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual symptoms to determine correct remedy. And because these will differ, these two MS patients will not receive the same curative remedy.

Homeopathy is difficult and time-consuming because the practitioner must thoroughly understand his or her patient and form a complete picture of the correct remedy. However, a skilled homeopath can also achieve seemingly miraculous results in so-called hopeless cases. However, it comes the closest (in my opinion) to addressing the true cause of disease and treating the whole individual and as such is a very rewarding modality to practice.

Personally, I didn’t believe in homeopathy until I learned about it and proved its efficacy on myself. I don’t believe that it is the answer to all medical woes, but I think it can be a powerful tool in the hands of people who are skilled in its use. I would like to be one of these people.

"This is broken"

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-04-21T15:13:55-04:00

Seth Godin at Gel 2006 from Gel Conference on Vimeo.

Great quote #3

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-04-12T10:37:46-04:00

“That we are not much sicker and much madder than we are is due exclusively to that most blessed and blessing of all natural graces, sleep.” Aldous Huxley

Failure and imagination

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-04-01T19:46:27-04:00

J.K. Rowling Speaks at Harvard Commencement from Harvard Magazine on Vimeo.

Body Image

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-03-30T12:45:22-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This blog was originally published on August 13, 2006 here.

I used to judge the way I look and the way other people look somewhat harshly. Maybe that is part of being a teenager or being female or reading demented fashion magazines… But I no longer look at people and think about whether they are “good looking” or not. The people that I love are gorgeous to me; the people I dislike can be repulsive. But most people are neutral because I don’t know them. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.

I work in a health food store and I attend naturopathic school. So, as one might expect, I am surrounded by people who are in better physical shape and healthier looking than the average population. Yet, these people still fall victim to the body image problems that are far too common in society. Within my class alone, it seems like everyone wants to lose weight, even if it is “just 5 pounds”. At work it is even worse – our customers (mostly women) are always looking for that next “magic” weight loss supplement, but most of them are not overweight! Maybe it’s because I am a triple Taurus (Sun, moon, mercury) and have many other planets in earth signs (more on astrology in another blog!), but I just think that most people aren’t patient enough with themselves, particularly when it comes to health.

I have found (after 4+ years of following the Blood Type Diet) that I have not lost much weight (didn’t need to), but I have gained more muscle (which is why I weigh nearly the same, but look slimmer) and that the distribution of weight on my body has changed dramatically. I used to hate my legs and think my arms were too skinny, but now I am content with how I look. I feel light, strong, and energetic. There are limits to how much you can change your body shape, but I do believe (and I think I am walking proof) that you CAN change it quite a lot. But, it takes years of consistently eating right, exercising well, getting enough sleep, and dealing with stress healthily. In the short-term, your cells are the same cells you made when you were unhealthy. Or they are cells that don’t regenerate at all, so their health depends on your lifetime of health choices.

Red blood cells have a life cycle of 120 days, while bone (on the other end of the spectrum) takes 7 years to regenerate. Other cells (skin, liver, pancreas, muscle, etc) are in between. Some cells regenerate nicely (epidermis, mucus membranes, liver, fibrous connective tissues, bone), some don’t (kidney, skeletal muscle, cardiac tissue, nervous tissue).

Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues and remove carbon dioxide. If you start exercising, you may notice improvement quickly, but imagine the results you might achieve after replacing ALL your red blood cells (120 days). Imagine how long you have to wait to see improvement in muscle function as muscle cells receive oxygen more efficiently and can therefore produce energy more efficiently. Imagine how long you have to wait to see improvement once all the cells of your body receive more oxygen more efficiently and regenerate themselves. And that is just from improved oxygenation. Imagine the changes possible for digestion and immune function once intestinal lining cells are healthier and you can break down and absorb everything you eat or drink better…

I’ve heard that 60% of how you look depends on your diet and that 40% depends on physical activity. Well, we already know that’s not quite right because there are other factors, such as sleep, stress, environmental toxins, etc that affect this. But even so, I think diet is much more important than 60%. We literally ARE what we EAT. Our bodies, all of the cells, are made from the materials that we ingest. For me, the best results did not appear even within the first YEAR of lifestyle change (much less overnight). I truly believe it takes years of consistently embracing a healthy lifestyle (rather than spurts of extreme compliance) to work “miracles”.

Great quote #2

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-03-24T10:11:00-04:00

“Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world. Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people.” Unknown

"I just don't have the time..."

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-03-22T13:47:35-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

This blog was originally published on June 29, 2006 here.

A few weeks ago, a woman came into the health food store that I work at to ask advice from the owner. Her daughter (not sure of age) has severe asthma that is sometimes so bad that it keeps her up all night and out of school frequently. She said that they had been to several doctors starting with their family doctor and moving on to various specialists, who of course prescribed all kinds of scary drugs and steroids with serious side effects. Anyway, she came to the owner of the store to find out what her daughter could take that was “natural”.

So many people come into the store and ask for detailed health advice from the owner, although it is actually illegal for him to dispense health advice. Many of these people already see an ND or some other natural medicine practitioner, but some do not. For those who do not see a professional, we recommend that they do and usually can provide several names in various parts of the city.

In the case of the woman with the asthmatic daughter, we most certainly would ask if she has seen an ND, due to the complexity of her issues. So, when the owner asked this very question, she said: “No, I don’t have time for that.” So he started to explain that asthma is a complex problem which could be rooted in several causes, so an ND could deal better with that complexity. To this she responded: “I just don’t have the time, I just need to get her through school. I need you to tell me what to give her that will help.”

I had to write this blog because, I still can’t get this scene out of my mind! I wanted to say to her, “So you have time to be up at night nursing your daughter, you have time for her to be off from school, you have time to deal with all the repercussions of her suffering, but you don’t have time to actually improve your daughter’s health and quality of life dramatically?” I am glad that I was not helping this woman, because I just don’t know how I could have avoided reacting to her that way. This poor girl is probably miserable enough due to her asthma, and because of her mother’s attitude she will be affected physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the rest of her life.

Time is the one thing that everyone gets the same amount of (at least to start!), unlike money. How each of us uses our time is entirely a personal choice, but it does reflect what we value most. How do you use the time you have been given?

Great quote #1

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-03-19T16:10:10-04:00

“Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death.” James F. Byrnes

I have collected a lot of great quotes that I will share here periodically. Today is the first of many!

Blood Type Dieter Blog

kwhimster@wavelengthwellness.com — 2009-03-14T20:17:22-04:00

by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND

I have been blogging since 2006 at the Eat Right For Your Type website about my experiences with the Blood Type Diet. I have also discussed food, fitness, health, natural medicine, philosophy, politics, and even recipes!

I will soon start a blog here too, but for now you can check me out over there.