Patient Education

Do traditional home remedies actually work?

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I am sure many of you have heard of some old remedies that you, your parents, or even your grandparents had used for common ailments. Many people wonder if these therapies are actually effective and frankly, if they even make sense. Consider this blog a “myth busters” type of blog where we explore some of these old remedies for common ailments.

Tea

Many people consider a cup of tea one of the key pillars on the road to recovery when it comes to colds and flus. When we look at the research, it is arguably true. Much of the research does not focus on one specific tea per se, but the big take away, is that tea contains many antioxidants and constituents that help the body in general. Specifically, tea can also help to ward off and fight colds and flus by decreasing inflammation, inhibiting growth of microbes, and increasing overall antioxidants in the body.

Soup

Another staple that individuals recommend with the cold or flu is a cup of soup, specifically mom/dad’s homemade chicken noodle. Looking at the research, chicken soup helps to reduce symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections through its anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Arguably, the sooner you start this in the sickness, the better to reduce the inflammatory cascade that happens with colds and flus.

Mustard Plaster

For some, mustard plasters have been used for upper respiratory conditions, and is considered an old remedy. For those who have been able to tolerate the heat and potential sensitivity to the skin, mustard plaster has been shown in the research to cause an improvement even seen in x-ray results, of the lungs for those with upper respiratory tract concerns. Further, mustard plasters have been shown to even increase the immune cells to combat infection.

Poultices

Poultices involve the application of warmed herbs, bread, onion, or carrot to an infected or inflamed tissue. The research is a bit difficult to search through, as there are many different application types for poultices. Ultimately, the poultice has been shown to have a drawing effect, causing a reduction in pain and redness.

Seeing that some of these traditional tools and remedies have merit even in our modern world can be so encouraging and exciting. However, it is important to make sure that these tools and remedies are right for your specific situation. Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let us know what you think. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact our clinic by calling/texting 226-232-7665, and we would be happy to book your naturopathic appointment today! 

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027153170700125X
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11035691
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12575372
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wafaa-Mostafa-3/publication/339510870_Fenugreek_seed_poultice_versus_cold_cabbage_leaves_compresses_for_relieving_breast_engorgement_An_interventional_comparative_study/links/61f9619b11a1090a79c7abd3/Fenugreek-seed-poultice-versus-cold-cabbage-leaves-compresses-for-relieving-breast-engorgement-An-interventional-comparative-study.pdf

Top 5 Reasons to See a Naturopathic Doctor

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In honour of naturopathic medicine week (which we celebrate in May), we wanted to share the top 5 reasons why you might want to consider seeing a naturopathic doctor. Here at Plattsville Natural Health Clinic, we have two naturopathic doctors that are well equipped to help you along your healing journey, whether it may be seeking their help for the below 5 reasons or other concerns!

Top 5 Reasons to See a Naturopathic Doctor

1.“I’m Tired”

      The fatigue you experience may not be just because you are busy. There can be many explanations for fatigue which could include how foods are paired in the diet, nutrient deficiencies, chronic illness, stress and other reasons. Naturopathic Doctors may be able to take a full history, order blood work, and determine the root cause of the fatigue you may experience.

      2. “I’m Stressed/ Depressed/ Anxious”

      Whether it is stress, low mood, or nervousness; a naturopathic doctor is equipped with many tools to help you through these struggles. The way we eat, move our bodies and respond to our environments can most certainly impact our mental health, but there may be something more behind how you are feeling. Could there be nutrients, hormones, or other factors influencing where your mind is at? Let a Naturopathic Doctor help you determine that.

      3. “I’m in Pain”

      From chronic migraines, to back pain and beyond, there are many different pain experiences, influential factors, and modalities to aid them. Naturopathic Doctors are able to use modalities including acupuncture, cold laser therapy, cupping, and body work to help alleviate pain. In addition, naturopathic doctors look at the whole system in order to address inflammation and some other potential root causes to pain.

      4. “My Digestion is Off”

      “Digestive” concerns can mean so many things. If it is too slow or too fast, this can cause concerns for individuals. There are so many symptoms that can be uncomfortable for individuals including bloating, gas, abdominal pain, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, burping, regurgitation, acid reflux, GERD, and more. Naturopathic Doctors are able to look at diet, lifestyle, blood work, and your health history to formulate a plan of action to address these concerns.

      5. “My Hormones are Ruining my Life”

      Whatever stage of life you are in, hormones can be so impactful. Whether your goal is trying to have a family (i.e. get pregnant), weather the storms of menopause, have a normal period, or get the muscular gains from your workouts; Naturopathic Doctors are able to assess your hormonal health and determine the right plan for your individual situation. From supplements, to diet and beyond, Naturopathic Doctors have many ways of approaching your individual case in order to help find a solution.

      For more information about our naturopathic doctors or naturopathic medicine, please see the naturopathic tab on our website, or contact us today to allow us to answer any questions or concerns you might have.

      Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

      Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in trying any of our services, working with any of our amazing practitioners, or are simply wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact the Plattsville Natural Health Clinic by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today! 

      Coffee Lovers Guide to Healthier Coffee Habits

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      By. Dr. Elisha Cook ND

      When it comes to coffee, some people are just down right passionate about it. Whether it is cold brew, hot brew, pre-ground or whole bean, there are some habits to consider to make this delectable beverage consumable in a healthier manner.

      Habit 1: Always brew your coffee grounds through paper (i.e. filters).

                  This may seem like an odd habit to adopt with coffee drinking, but, believe it or not, having your coffee grounds filtered through paper can make a large difference with the health effects of the drink. When coffee has been filtered through paper, it does not increase your LDL (bad) cholesterol, where as boiled coffee (such as through French press method) does increase LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B levels.

      Habit 2: Increase your water intake to compensate for coffee.

                  Coffee does not count towards your water intake. Many have been presented with the myth that coffee contributes to water intake, but what we have learned is that coffee can dehydrate. To balance out this effect, individuals should consider drinking 1 cup of water extra per 1 cup of coffee.

      Habit 3: No coffee past 3:00pm.

                  For some, coffee does not seem to have an influence on sleep patterns, but for many, caffeine can stay in your system quite some time, resulting in the potential to impair sleep. If you want to indulge in coffee, consider having it in the earlier hours in the day to allow adequate time for it to leave your system.

      Habit 4: But first, water!

                  It can be a force of habit to get up in the morning and go straight for coffee to get that energizing start, but we are missing a crucial first step: water. When we wake up in the morning, we have gone all night without water, and so, our body wakes up lacking. By starting with coffee, we end up putting our water start point even lower, potentially making it harder for our different systems and organs to function. By starting with water before your coffee, you might help your body to start on a better foot.

      Habit 5: But first, food!

                  I know what we just discussed above, but for those who do eat breakfast, it is important to make sure the fuel you get in your body is from food. By eating food first, we are better able to listen to the right amount our body needs to feel satiated. When individuals consume coffee before eating, it causes them to consume about 10 percent less at breakfast. This may sound like a good thing for some, but breakfast ultimately is the most influential meal of the day. If we do not get adequate amounts here, it can influence the rest of the day.

      Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

      Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in trying any of our services, working with any of our amazing practitioners, or are simply wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact the Plattsville Natural Health Clinic by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today! 

      Resources/ References:

      https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2029499/

      https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180719085416.htm#:~:text=Summary%3A,participants’%20perceptions%20of%20their%20appetites.

      Steps to Reduce Dementia Risk

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      Written by: Dr. Elisha Cook ND

      Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be impactful for those who suffer from it, and their care providers. Dementia is classified as a decline in cognitive functions such as memory and complex thinking. As we age, our risk can increase, but there are many activities and lifestyle factors that can help decrease the likelihood of being personally affected by this condition. We hope that this article will bring to light these factors and help you and your loved ones reduce your risk. 

      Exercise

      Exercise can be beneficial for many pathways and systems in our body. Walking daily can help to reduce the risk of dementia by 25%. Specifically, achieving a minimum of 3800 steps per day helps to reduce this risk, with risk reduction increasing with the more steps that were achieved (the maximum benefit was received at 9800 steps). 

      Diet High in Fruits and Vegetables 

      According to the research, consuming a diet high in “flavonoids” helps to reduce the risk of dementia. Fruits and vegetables with yellow or orange colour tended to have the greatest impact on reducing risk, but in general, consuming a rainbow of colour when it comes to fruits and vegetables aids in overall health. With fruits specifically, aiming to consume “lower sugar” fruits such as apples, pears, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries may aid more than just your mental health as well.  

      Challenge your Mind 

      Regularly engaging in activities that challenge the mind can reduce dementia risk by as much as 11%. By engaging in literacy tasks, higher learning, logical reasoning tasks, critical thinking tasks, and social engagement, it increases neurons and improves brain activity. Activities that stimulate the brain in such a way include: 

      • puzzles 
      • reading 
      • writing 
      • playing cards 
      • computer tasks
      • taking courses 
      • scrabble 
      • word searches 
      • crosswords
      • playing an instrument 

      Incorporating more of the above tasks may not eliminate the onset of one of these conditions, but risk reduction is always a step in the right direction. 

      Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

      Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in trying any of our services, working with any of our amazing practitioners, or are simply wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact the Plattsville Natural Health Clinic by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today! 

      References:

      hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/lifestyle-changes-can-help-prevent-dementia/

      health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/taking-more-steps-a-day-might-reduce-dementia-risk

      theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/14/challenging-brain-older-age-may-reduce-dementia-risk-study#:~:text=The%20results%20reveal%20that%20for,over%20a%2010-years%20period