What does hormonal imbalance look like? Hot flashes, night sweats, pain, bloating, irritability, foggy brain, irregular cycle, and fatigue. If you suffer from any of these symptoms and haven’t been able to find relief, why not try balancing your hormones naturally. Biofeedback testing and treatment helps to detect imbalances and stimulates hormone-producing organs to balance the body. Another effective option is to get your body tested to see if it is lacking specific hormone-related nutrients. If you are, natural nutritional formulations can be taken to correct the hormonal imbalance and relieve your symptoms.
Community News
Fibromyalgia and Japanese Ganban-yoku
Fibromyalgia is a common chronic disease, described by deep, persistent pain throughout the body, sleep troubles, and fatigue. At times, the pain can be so intense that some are unable to complete normal activities. A gentle treatment that is popular in Japan is called Ganban-yoku, a form of natural thermal therapy using mineral stones that release far-infrared rays. Deep and gentle heat helps to ease the pain without any side effects. It also increases the circulation of the internal organs. Reduced pain, toxins, and stress levels can lead to better and deeper sleep. When you are rested, you typically feel better overall.
Is Your Thyroid Healthy?
The thyroid plays a key role maintaining healthy weight, energy, and mood. If you are experiencing weight gain (or loss), hair loss, abnormal menstrual cycles or changes in energy and mood, consider having your thyroid evaluated. Thyroid imbalances are more common in women but affect both women and men. Naturopathic doctors can evaluate your thyroid hormone levels, review your personal medical history and make suggestions to your diet and lifestyle that can optimize your thyroid health. Remember- “normal” on a lab test may not always mean optimal. Making small changes can make a big difference!
Dining with Dentures
Having dentures doesn’t mean you have to skip out on the foods you love. With proper-fitting dentures and a few adjustments to your eating habits, it can be dining as usual with your favourite snacks and meals. We suggest you ease into things: eat softer foods, cut your food into smaller pieces, chew slowly and evenly on both sides of your mouth, and avoid very hot food and drinks. With crunchy foods like apples and corn on the cob, slicing them up may be your best option to keep your conventional dentures from dislodging.
Challenge Yourself with Outdoor Activities
Getting active with the whole family by participating in outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, and cycling is a great way to stay healthy, while also having fun and reconnecting. If you’re looking for something a little different, consider an activity like ziplining, which offers a great workout, with the added bonus of beautiful views. Enjoying the great outdoors can help take the “work” out of working out, with distractions such as wildlife viewing opportunities and chances to explore places you’ve never been. Getting into the habit of participating in outdoor activities encourages everyone in the family to leave the screens behind and enjoy the fresh air.
#nosuchthingashealthyfood
‘Healthy food’ does not exist: it is either food or it is not food, period. Food satisfies and nourishes our body. Non-food pretends to provide satisfaction, but in reality, it creates a physiological debt in the health of our body and mind. Food supplies building blocks for physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Non-food (refined sugars, flours, and oils,) create havoc instead. They disturb and steal from our health because they require precious enzymes and antioxidants to neutralize their ill effects. Next time you are grocery shopping, skip the confusion of reading labels and simply ask yourself: “Will this support my health or steal from it?”
Healing with Plants
Plants have healing properties, whether used in Chinese medicine or standing alone in a garden setting or forest. Loss of connection with nature can result in low spiritual energy, leading to disease, depression, and a sense of loss of who we are. It is of vital importance to strike a relationship with nature. Plants do communicate with us, they love to be touched and they want our attention. Observe their texture, smell, and taste, and listen for their sound. Spend time with them, talk to them, caress their leaves and bring them gifts. Individuals and communities can be healed by incorporating plants into their lives.
Kombucha and Pancreatic Health
A 2013 research paper was published by the Department of Life Sciences & Biotechnology at Jadavpur University titled, “Effect of Kombucha, a fermented black tea in attenuating oxidative stress mediated tissue damage in alloxan induced diabetic rats”. The study compared antidiabetic (stabilizing and controlling blood glucose levels) and antioxidant effects of kombucha (KT), versus unfermented black tea (BT), in rats that had been given a substance to induce diabetes. While unfermented black tea’s antidiabetic and antioxidant effects were shown, KT was found to be even more efficient. The abstract states, “Results showed significant antidiabetic potential of the fermented beverage (150 mg lyophilized extract/kg bw for 14 days).”
Make Social Interaction a Priority
Maintaining relationships and spending time with others is essential to our emotional and mental well-being. It can help prevent depression, which affects 20% of the population over 70 years of age. Plan regular get-togethers with friends, such as a weekly lunch date or coffee with another senior or loved one. Scheduling social interactions gives us something to look forward to on a regular basis. For those who are truly adventurous, you can enjoy new experiences and meet new people by signing up for travel tours, book clubs, and much more at your local community centre.
Bone Health Beyond Calcium
Calcium is most commonly associated with bone and dental health, and a deficiency in this mineral can lead to dental decay, osteopenia, and ultimately, osteoporosis. However, calcium also plays an important role in blood clotting, blood pressure, nerve signaling, and cell communication. Having poor hydrochloric acid (stomach acid) can impact calcium absorption, as can the presence of other minerals such as magnesium. Arguably most important is having optimal levels of fat-soluble vitamins D and K. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, and vitamin K regulates calcium concentrations in the body and pulls calcium into the bones.
Ask The Expert
Q: I scratched one of my eyes when I was tending some shrubs in my garden, and it’s not healing up very quickly. My eye doctor says that might take a long time. Is there anything I could do to make this better quicker?
A: It sounds like you have an injured cornea and that it is prone to poor healing, which is some bad luck on your part. You’ll likely need a ton of patience. Basic treatment for this includes warm compresses and indefinite usage of lubricating eyedrops. Sometimes the eye doctor can apply a contact lens to cover up the wound for a while. The very last resort is some kind of surgery to help smooth out the cornea. Let this be a gentle reminder to all gardeners to protect their eyes while working!
