Is it really IBS? Maybe it’s this…

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Kathryn Nobrega-Porter

I bet for those of you who clicked on this either yourself or someone you know has been given the diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS. What we know is that this tends to be what is given after all the scopes, the imaging and the meds have been given and they can’t find anything wrong. It’s called a diagnosis of exclusion or no diagnostic tests show any results and nothing appears to be wrong.  Perhaps you are provided immodium and metamucil to alternate depending on what “it” looks likes and how your belly feels today.

The diagnosis just isn’t good enough

Really what does this tell us? We have a sensitive belly. Sensitive to psycholgical stressors, to foods and environment. Surpise! Diagnosis of IBS or not, we are worth looking further, to the root cause.. Here’s one idea, often not tested but should be.  Could this be a reason why you experience the symtpoms you do?

 Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or SIBO

This means there is too much bacteria in the small intestine. Nausea, gas, constiptation diarrhea and bloating are very common symtpoms of this condition. How many people do you know have these? I guarantee many.

Testing for SIBO

There are a number of ways to test including a breath test called the Hydrogen breath test as well as some urine tests. 

Don’t settle for ongoing symtpoms and a diagnosis of IBS. There’s likely something going on, you just have to figure out what it is.

 

 

Posted in Constipation, Gastrointestinal health, Irritable Bowel Syndrome | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Health Tip 12. Create realistic goals for health

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Kathryn Nobrega-Porter

Set your goals to push yourself, but be realistic! I am the perfect example of what I am about to discuss. You can see by reading these blogs that my goal was to blog every day for the first day days of January and have a new health tip.  Here I am on the first Sunday in February and I’m writing #12!

The most common questions I hear are “where do I start and will I achieve success?”

What do I want to achieve?

This step is sometimes clear, but can be challenging.  Some examples of recent goals I have heard include:  feel better about myself, get fit, eat healthier food, improve energy, be healthier, get more sleep.  These are general, not specific enough.  Really keep asking yourself the questions (or get assistance) to keep honing in on your goal.  If you goal is weight loss – be specific – Is it to reduce cholesterol or improve heart heath? Is this number measurable? Do you want to be able to walk up the stairs and feel strong and not winded?  What are examples of how this would make your life better or make you feel better and writing them on your goal list. Weight loss isn’t specific enough, tease out examples and make them personal to you. 

Will I reach my goal? 

We always hope so, but sometimes goals can be more challenging than we expected. Sometimes we wonder if we would have started, had we known how hard it could be! Right?! I always find one of the keys for reaching a goal is to set a realistic goal and plan for it. For example writing a blog for the first 12 days of January, I could have told you that wasn’t going to work. I don’t have the time right now but I got excited thinking it was a good idea, I started without planning and preparing.  Preparation is a key to success. Had I scheduled 20-30 minutes a day in my calendar to ensure I achieved this, I would have been a step further. If I sat down and thought about all of my topics prior to starting, this would have helped. There are many ways that I could have planned and prepared or changed my goal from the 12 days to perhaps the first 12 weeks but I jumped in with excitement and didn’t plan. It’s easy to do,  lesson learned.  This is no different than applying preparation and planning to health goals. Taking the weight loss example again (just because it’s such a common one at this time of year) what is realistic for you? Have you tried this before? What worked? What were challenges? How can lean from previous experiences? Who will support you on this health journey?  You have have your days scheduled for a change whether it’s working on diet or exercise or both. What will happen when you feel like you do don’t want to try any more (we all have those days!).  Plan and be prepared with support.

Visualize success

Let’s learn from Oprah! Practice seeing yourself there. Have mental rehearsals or mental practice. Step into the moment where you have achieved your goal. What does it feel like, what are you thinking – visually place yourself in the experience.

Here are some links you might be interested in reading about visualizing success:

  • http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110225122818.htm
  • http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815143935.htm

12 days turned into 6 weeks. I hope you have enjoyed reading some of my favorite tips for health.  Health is not guaranteed, it’s something we create. Just like other things in life, just because it seems hard sometimes it doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. If there’s one thing we can’t living well without it’s our health… let’s get going!

.

Posted in Health, Prevention | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

When low sperm counts appear, L-Carnitine is here.

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Dr. Tracy Malone

In the human sperm, high carnitine concentrations are critical to sperm energy metabolism. Several studies have shown that the level of free carnitine in the seminal fluid is inversely correlated with sperm count and motility. The lower the carnitine content, the more likely it is that a man is infertile.

The action of carnitine may be best described as a key that opens the gate of energy production in most cells. Our “engines” aka mitochondria, are fueled by fatty acids. In order for fatty acids to get inside the door, where the mitochondria are, they must be carried through the door by L cartinine. Without adequate levels of fatty acids, the mitochondria literally have no fatty acids for fuel!

Your body can synthesize it from lysine, so technically it is not essential. Inborn errors in organic acid metabolism can cause people to have low levels of carnitine.

Given the known physiological role of carnitine in sperm function and its link to male infertility, a recent study was designed to assess the therapeutic effect of carnitine in men with low sperm counts and depressed sperm motility. One hundred men selected from infertility clinics participated in the “Italian Study Group on carnitine and male infertility”. Each subject was given 3,000 mg of L-carnitine daily for 4 months.

The results of the study indicated that L-carnitine was able to increase sperm counts and sperm motility, in both a qualitative and a quantitative manner:

• the number of ejaculated sperm increased from 142 to 163 billion

• the percentage of motile sperm increased from 26.9 to 37.7%

• the percentage of sperm with rapid linear progression increased from 10.8 to 18%

• the mean sperm velocity increased from 28.4% to 32.5%.

The results are even more impressive if only the patients with the poorest sperm motility are studied. This subgroup saw even more significant gains on all parameters. For example, the percentage of motile sperm increased from 19.3 to 40.9% and the percentage of sperm with rapid linear progression increased from 3.1 to 20.3%.

 Where can I get Carnitine in my diet?

The highest concentrations of carnitine are found in red meat and dairy products. Other natural sources of carnitine include nuts and seeds (e.g. pumpkin, sunflower, sesame), legumes or pulses (beans, peas, lentils, peanuts), vegetables (artichokes, asparagus, beet greens, broccoli, brussels sprouts, collard greens, garlic, mustard greens, okra, parsley, kale), fruits (apricots, bananas), cereals (buckwheat, corn, millet, oatmeal, rice bran, rye, whole wheat, wheat bran, wheat germ) and other “health” foods (bee pollen, brewer’s yeast carob).

If you have had an abnormal or low Sperm quality assessment, L-Carnitine should be cosidered as a first line treatment. I like to use a powdered blend of amino acids with my male fertility patient’s, this ensures that they recieve adequate amounts to provide therapeutic benifit. I useually insist that the patient does a 4 month course of treatment, “The Preconception Health Care Plan” prior to re-evalutating the Sperm assessement. Treating male factor fertility dramatically improves conception rates.

References                                                                                                                                                          

The Textbook of Natural Medicine. Pizzorno.

Bornman MS, du Toit D, Otto B. Seminal carnitine, epididymal function and spermatozoal motility. S Afr Med J 1989; 75: 20–21 

Menchini-Fabris GF, Canale D, Izzo PL. Free L-carnitine in human semen: its variability in different andologic pathologies. Fertil Steril 1984; 42: 263–267 

Costa M, Canale D, Filicori M. L-carnitine in idiopathic asthenozoospermia: a multicenter study. Andrologia 1994; 26: 155–159

 

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Health Tip 11. Increase your movement

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Kathryn Nobrega-Porter

No time to exercise

Movement is a gift.  Sometimes you may not see it like that when you’re trying to schedule it into to non-existent time or feel too tired to go but we are designed to move, to use our bodies to do things every day. We are not designed to sit at desks and type away on computers all day with only 10 fingers and our brains (sometimes) getting a workout.

You’ve heard it before and you’re hearing it again now. It benefits us to exercise. As you read this you might nodding along, yes that’s a good idea, but you may have no intention to act on this.  ‘Have to’ and ‘shoulds’ are no fun, I get this,  but this one that you NEED to make  happen. You spend time now taking care of your body, or you will be later on.  Do it for you, your kids, your partner or your family but when you are able to take care of yourself like this, you are better able (and like in a better mood) to help take care of others. I bet after a couple of weeks you’ll feel so much better you won’t want to stop.

Maintain your mojo

It’s easy to lose and can easily snowball into an extended layoff.  A weekend away, a busy week at work – this can cause serious delays and lack of motivation with getting back to moving.  Find things that you like to do, schedule time with a friend walking, running or taking an exercise class.  Mix it up, don’t get bored with routines, ask for help, grab a magazine that has workouts in it (like Shape or Women’s/Men’s Health), hire a trainer and do a new routine. Workouts don’t need to be hour long sessions, if you’re busy get in 20 minutes, when you have the time spend longer. See results and stay inspired to do more!

A reason to stay moving… have you ever head of TOFI? 

It means thin outside, fat inside. Just because you still fit into your jeans you bought a few years ago, doesn’t mean that your body is healthy.  You may have never “had”  to workout a day in your life (to continue to fit in your jeans) and think you’ve won the good-genes jackpot.  Right?! This is not necessarily the case. It’s doesn’t mean your body is “healthy”.  The scale doesn’t tell you this information.

Take responsibility for your health, take action and feel better.  You can change your health destiny with actions you do (or don’t do) every day. Choose wisely. Stay active.


Posted in Epigenetics, Prevention | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How Food Intolerances May Be Affecting Your Health

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Dr. Alison Parsons

 

I love the recent article written in the Toronto Star regarding food intolerances http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/1123642–food-intolerances-can-be-found-with-a-blood-test .  The article explains that food intolerances can now be found by a simple blood test, instead of a timely and bland elimination diet.  Testing for food intolerances is a huge part of my practice as I strongly believe in its benefits, from the personal benefits I have seen from following my own results to the MANY positive impacts I have seen it have on my patients (I have seen everything from eczema, to muscle aches, to autoimmune conditions improve with this test). 

Why Test?

Food Intolerances can lead to many different symptoms and conditions, but the more commonly seen ones include: irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, indigestion, heartburn, muscle and joint pain, eczema, bloating, stomach pain, insomnia and weight gain.  It can also be associated with depression, ADHD and other behavioural disorders. 

The Importance:

I can’t emphasize the importance of this test enough if you suffer from any of the above conditions, or if you simply want to live a long and healthy life.  We eat 3-5 times per day every day and the food we put into our bodies is the fuel that our bodies run on.  Putting the wrong foods (i.e. foods that we are intolerant to) into our bodies on a daily basis is like putting diesel into a car that requires unleaded fuel; the car (just like your body) may run on this fuel for a while, but it will be causing damage beneath the surface. 

How Do I Get This Done?

Book an appointment to see one of our Naturopathic Doctors.  During your visit your Naturopath will discuss the test in detail, including how it is done and how the follow-up will go.  It is important to have a Naturopath do this test because simply eliminating intolerant foods is only half the battle, you ALSO require supplementation and other support to repair the damage done to your gastrointestinal system; this way you will not only address your current food intolerances, but you will also PREVENT future ones from occurring.  

 

Posted in Allergies, Autoimmune condition, Depression, Eczema, Food allergy, Gastrointestinal health, Migraine, Overweight, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Fibroids and Infertility – What You Need to Know

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Dr. Jennifer Fitzgerald

fibroid treatment torontoUterine fibroids are noncancerous tumours that develop in the uterus. As many as 1 in 4 woman may have fibroids during their childbearing years. They can vary in size, from microscopic, to large masses that fill the entire uterus and weigh several pounds. Sometimes a single fibroid is present, but is it much more common to see more than one develop.

Although most fibroids don’t impact fertility, they contribute to approximately 10% of infertility cases. This is dependent on the location in the uterus as well as the size of the fibroid. In some cases, fibroids can prevent implantation of an embryo into the uterine wall, and other times the size or location may cause occlusion of the reproductive tract, preventing sperm and egg from travelling through the fallopian tubes where conception occurs. Women with fibroids also experience miscarriages about 3 times more often than women without fibroids.

Symptoms:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding with possible clotting
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Abdominal fullness, gas or constipation
  • Pelvic cramping or pain with periods
  • Increase in urinary frequency
  • Infertility
  • Recurrent miscarriages


Considerations

  • Hormone testing, including thyroid
  • Nutritional status, including iodine, iron, B12
  • Inflammation/Inflammatory markers
  • Detoxification status
  • Lymphatic congestion

 

Goals of Treatment:Hormone imbalance

  • Fibroids are the result of excess estrogen (naturally occurring and xenoestrogens from the environment) and an impaired ratio of estrogen to progesterone. It is essential to balance these hormones by assisting the liver in detoxifying. Nutrition and herbal medicine can lower estrogen and increase progesterone to improve the imbalance. Thyroid hormones may also play a role in the development of fibroids.
  • Fibroids are also associated with increased inflammatory processes in the body. Decreasing inflammation through diet, anti-inflammatory supplements and exercise is also beneficial.
  • Fibroids can lead to anemias which must be monitored through blood work and corrected through diet and appropriate supplementation.
  • Excess hormones create sluggishness of the detoxification and lymphatic systems, which exacerbates hormonal imbalances.

While treatments can often stop the growth and even shrink smaller fibroids, it is important to set realistic goals. Larger fibroids may require surgical removal, especially if they are interfering with fertility. Even if this is the case, treating the underlying causes of fibroids is important as they will surely grow back if these issues are not addressed.

Posted in Detoxification, Fertility, Hormones, Infertility, Lab testing, Pregnancy, Thyroid, Toxicity | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Food and health. Do you think there’s a connection?

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Kathryn Nobrega-Porter

If you are reading this and you know about Wellpath Clinic you know that we put a lot of focus on what we put in our mouths.  We have a choice at every meal to eat something that supports health or works against health.  We make choices all day and these ones can drastically affect how we feel and our health now and to come. This is a great image that my sister sent to me that clearly shows us what is going on in our world. There’s not much reinforcement to make the healthy choices out but we know it’s an important one!

Posted in Nutrition | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Health Tip 10. Start your day with the right bite (or sip in this case)

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Kathryn Nobrega-Porter

Did you know that if you start your day with something with carbs or sugars you will likely eat 80% more calories throughout the day? Interesting… could this be why you find yourself munchy all day? craving sweets when you crash? never feeling quite satisfied? It has to do with the highs and lows of your hormones that cascade from the glucose or sugar and insulin response in your blood. This motivates me to consider having something with more protein, fiber and fats – to keep me full for longer and give me some juice for the day ahead and stay in my skinny jeans (for now and later).

I think that breakfast is by far the hardest meal. Tell me what a healthy option?! It is very difficult. I am reminded every time I travel that options on menus at restaurants, hotels and let’s not even discuss the airport food selections are terrible. Even at home, if you’re flying out the door every moring what are you eating? Egg McMuffin en route, a bagel from the downstairs coffee shop? Nothing or mabey it’s a quick bowl of cereal (see side picture that has more sodium than anything else!) It’s very hard for anyone to have any success with weight loss or maintenance unless you plan for a healthy breakfast.

The healthy breakfast scoop

It’s easy and perfect for the busy mom/dad/professional who has NO time.  You need a blender and shake/medical food and any other ingredients that you like the flavor of. Berries are great choices because they high in fiber and low in sugars and add a great flavor. I like to add nut butter too.

Ultimate time saving tips

  • The magic bullet. I really didn’t think I’d love it so much. It’s very convenient – I just wish they had glass cups.
  • Frozen berries or fruit. They expire so quickly, it’s hard to keep them fresh at home without going grocery shopping every day.
  • Greens powder. This is not so much a time saving tip as its value added insurance. Servings of fruits and veg are near 10 a day (more veg), how will you get this? If you can and do every day without a greens addition cheers to you!

My favorite breakfast recipe

I have had this for ages and I rotate the shake depending on what I am trying to do. Recently I received my results that showed me I had more food intolerances than I expected. I am working on bringing those down so I use a Metagencis Medical food targeted at helping the GI tract.

  • Medical food 1-2 scoops (you can use a protein – rice, pea, whey etc)
  • Rice milk (1/4)
  • Water (3/4)
  • 1/4 banana
  • 1 tsp almond butter
  • 1 tsp greens powder

Child tested and approved

My son now asks for a smoothie every morning. I use a different powder for him but the same recipe. Just a thought – for picky eaters or lots of intolerances/allergies this might be a good fit for you or for your whole family.

How will you start your morning?

 

Posted in Food, Food allergy, Nutrition, Recipes, Signs & Symptoms, Weight Loss | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Detox 2012.

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Dr. Tracy Malone

 

Over the past few months the pace of life quickened as the holiday approached and healthy intentions got left behind in the dust. Excess of everything: social engagements, food, and wine. Consumption, consumerism, I need a break!

The time has come for me to dust off my juicer, and plan my annual new year detox. I want to focus my personal new year detoxification on cellular turn over and renewal. I had 2 children over the past 3 years, and January 2012 marks my daughter being 10 months old. I always tell my pregnant patients 9 months in, 9 months out before you will feel like yourself again. So now it is time for me to turn some of the attention on my self, now that we are back to being autonomous!

My plan is to move more, eat more raw foods, and limit time spent in front of the TV. Minimalism, with respect to the bombardment of media, and over stimulation. I need the basics: Food hygiene, sleep, and exercise.

Detox my diet!

I will not eat: sugar, flour, dairy, processed food, and wait for it……meat. That’s right I am going to “lean into vegetarianism” during my detox. This will force me to include other sources of plant based proteins, and give my digestive system the rest and recuperate.       I will eat: Fresh fruit and vegetables (unlimited and organic please), whole gluten free grains (quinoa, millet, buckwheat, brown rice, amaranth etc.), legumes, nuts and seeds, olives, healthy oils (flax, olive, coconut, walnut, sesame), more fiber (ground flax seeds).

I will not drink: alcohol, coffee (sigh, I’m going to get a headache from the caffeine withdrawal).                                                                                                                                         I will drink: water, fresh juices and smoothies, herbal tea, matcha green tea, “green drinks” (Perfect Food is my favorite), and hot broths.

Move it, or lose it!

I need to exercise. It makes me into the best version of myself. It motivates me. Makes me sleep better, reduces my mental and physical stress, it makes me feel in tune with body (instead of being all up in my head). During my detox I choose to do hot yoga as my preferential form of exercise because of the “sweat factor”. Hot yoga, is a series of postures that is performed in a room approaching 100 degrees, you sweat like a sprinkler! It is crazy how much you sweat. This way I can accelerate the clearance of my fat soluble toxins (some of the worst!), and encourage by body to turn over the fat storage in my body. I love doing this during a cold winter detox; it is like a sauna, a jog, and meditation all in one! I am going to do the “30 day challenge” at my local Moksha studio on Bloor West: hot yoga every day for 30 days. It will be like having an oil change for my body!

Put those electronics away, and improve your sleep.

I get inspired when I detox to clean out other areas of my life that I find clutter. So I’m going to start with some of my day to day routines that could use some refinement. I pulled the plug on the cable TV in order to force myself and my family to watch less TV. Its not that we never watch TV, but when we do we have to look for a specific show or movie on the internet or netflix, we end up clocking much less “careless screen time”. I’ve taken to watching documentaries about real people, and real life issues instead of reality TV. It makes me feel more grounded.

I have resolved to go to bed earlier, and get up earlier in the morning. My daughter has an internal alarm, and she wakes up every day at 5:55am on the button. Since I have to get up anyway, I have decided to stop fighting it. I am actually remarkably productive early in the morning, which allows me to be more relaxed during the later day, and improves my sleep routine. A good night’s sleep is the best antioxidant on the market. It improves cognitive function, decreases stress levels, promotes appetite control and a healthy metabolism.

Hydrotherapy, a treat during your detox.

Ages old, Hydrotherapy uses water in both hot and cold applications to stimulate your body’s metabolism, and encourage detoxification and elimination. It has been observed in many ancient cultures, and remains one of the best practices to do during detoxing. My favorite urban hydrotherapy oasis is “Body Blitz“, where stressed out city gals go to soak, and steam their stress away. The water circuit combines neutral, hot, and cold water applications causing vasodilation and vasoconstriction. This “passive cardiovascular exercise” encourages cellular metabolism, improves elimination of waste from the body, and does wonders for relaxing your central nervous system. It is truly fabulous!

So here goes! My first green drink of the new year.

Cheers!

 

 

Posted in Aging, Allergies, Body Burden, Chronic disease, Detoxification, Gastrointestinal health, Glucose, Gluten, Headache, Healthy Food, Toxicity, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Health Tip 9. Disconnect from EMF. There’s a reason to be concerned.

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Kathryn Nobrega-Porter

I have seen some wonderful speakers over the year about the impact of technology and electro magnetic radiation (EMF) and it’s concerning. We don’t know all the ways it impacts us and this statement usually follows at the end of most research papers is often something along the lines of – we don’t have enough information to be conclusive or make recommendations. What we know there are negative effects. The question is how long will it take for us to change our habits to protect ourselfs from radiation?  It’s everywhere. Here are a few tips to be safer around your cell phone.

You should continue reading if you spend a lot of time…

  • in front of a computer
  • a wireless environment
  • on a phone (cell, iphone, BB)
  • in an airplane
  • OR you have small kids at home or a baby on the way or would like to have a baby on the way

Health concerns with Electromagnetic Fields/Radiation (EMF)

  • reproductive challenges
  • cancers
  • nervous system problems such as ALS, Alzheimers, Autism, insomnia, headaches, learning disorders and depression

The research shows…

  • studies indicate increased brain tumor risk with use of mobile phone (same side as phone is held) among people who use a phone for 10 + years
  • increased risk of salivary gland tumors with cell phone use

How to reduce your exposure

Limit your cell phone use and keep it off as much as possible (I know, you’re rolling your eyes at me). Try it. You might like it after a while. Being disconnected is a bit of a break! Other options include using a landline as much as possible, use speakerphone, carry away from your body (men and women – not in your pant pockets), use oustide of confined spaces (not in a car, train, elevator, airplane).

There’s more we can do. We can look at laptops (keep a minimum of 8″ away from body, never on body) and start thinking about using wireless internet but rather cable but let’s keep today managable and just start with cell phones. Be aware, stay safe!

A couple of books to consider

  • Dirty Electricity, Samuel Milham, MD PhD
  • Disconnected, Dr. Devra Davis 
References
Kundi M. 2009. The Controversy about a Possible Relationship between Mobile Phone Use and Cancer. Environ Health Perspec 117(3): 316-24.
Lonn S, Ahlbom A, Christensen HC, Johansen C, Schuz J, Edstrom S, et al. 2006. Mobile phone use and risk of parotid gland tumor. Am J Epidemiol 164(7): 637-43.
Lonn S, Ahlbom A, Hall P, Feychting M. 2004. Mobile phone use and the risk of acoustic neuroma. Epidemiology 15(6): 653-9.
Lonn S, Ahlbom A, Hall P, Feychting M. 2005. Long-term mobile phone use and brain tumor risk. Am J Epidemiol 161(6): 526-35.
Posted in Environmental Health | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment