Prevention

Supporting the Immune System

by

Recent updates have warned us to buckle up and get ready for another potential wave of illness/colds/flus. With changes in season, it can take its toll on our immune systems. By integrating some daily measures into our lifestyle, we can set a better stage for our immune systems as we enter into these more immune aggressive seasons. We decided it was beneficial to present an updated version of one of our older blog posts in order to help you support your immune system.

Stress Management

Being under a lot of stress can cause our immune systems to be more susceptible to bacteria and viruses. Stress can cause our bodies to be more focused on fueling ourselves with fight or flight response (i.e. responding to the stress) and less on protecting us from colds and flus, thus making us more susceptible. By managing stress before it wears our bodies down, we can keep bacteria and viruses at bay. Stress management can look like taking certain supplements as discussed with your Naturopathic Doctor, massage therapy, talking to a friend, acupuncture, regular walks, and reading a book (just to name a few). If you would like to learn more about stress management, Dr. Cook has released a new book, Stress Less and Weigh Less, which discusses many great stress management tools. You can get your copy by visiting our publications page of this website.

Vegetables and Fruits

Vegetables and fruits are full or antioxidants and nutrients that help to build and boost the immune system. By assuring the immune system has the right nutrients, it can help to keep the body strong and healthy. Ideally, having no more than 3 servings of fruit per day and having 5 or more vegetables per day is what is recommended. Specifically, when we look at the research, we can see that an anti-inflammatory diet (which is generally high in vegetables), has been shown to help combat viruses and support recovery from them. Some individuals may require higher amounts of certain nutrients to be able to effectively mount an immune response to certain bacteria and viruses, and so may require supplementation for specific nutrients. Determining which nutrients need to be supplemented for is best determined with the help of a health care professional.

Tea

Having teas, such as green tea, on a regular basis can help to boost the immune system due to their antioxidant profile and their immune boosting qualities. Specifically, green tea has been shown to bind to and prevent replication of certain viruses. Adding a bit of honey to your tea can also help to fight off any bacteria that might attempting to invade.

Soup

Many may find it hard to believe, but consuming homemade soup actually helps to halt the inflammatory cascade that happens when we are starting to get sick. In addition, homemade soup is full of electrolytes and nutrients to help combat illness.

Exercise

Exercise can help to boost the immune system by increasing the speed at which white blood cells patrol the body and look for bacteria or viruses. Exercise can also be beneficial for the immune system by increasing the respiratory rate and thus increasing the chance that a lingering bacteria or virus will be cleared from the lungs. However, it is important to potentially modify out workout routine if we do come down with a cold or flu. If you do become sick, focus on refueling with adequate protein after your workouts to support recovery of the body from your workout and from the illness.

Sleep

Getting a proper sleep can help you to better manage not only emotions and stress but also your immune system. Not getting a good night’s sleep can cause our bodies to be less able to produce T cells – an important immune system cell – and thus make us more susceptible to colds and flus.

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 Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact our clinic to book in with one of our amazing naturopathic doctors by calling/texting 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today!

Foods to Boost Male Health

by

Written By: Dr. Elisha Cook ND

November is generally known for promoting, encouraging, and discussing men’s health. With this in mind, what better way to celebrate with some foods that benefit male health! These foods are not only great for a balanced, healthy diet, but specifically help with prostate health, fertility, and balancing male hormones.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of fiber, and are high in magnesium and zinc. Specifically, in the research, pumpkin seeds have been linked to reducing the size of the prostate in BPH and reducing the consequences of it (improving erectile function and improving urine outflow) (1).

In the world of fertility, there is limited human research on the effect of pumpkin seeds on sperm characteristics, but in the animal world, it has shown to increase and improve sperm concentration, motility, and viability. With these promising improvements seen in the animal world, and the little to no side effects associated with eating pumpkin seeds, males looking to improve sperm parameters might consider adding pumpkin seeds to their diet (2). 

Cooked Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain many great nutrients and are high in an antioxidant lycopene. As tomatoes are cooked, the lycopene content increases. Research shows that males that consumed a diet higher in tomatoes, also had a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer (3). 

In regards to lycopene, it may reduce the growth of the prostate leading to reduced likelihood of BPH and cancer (4).  

In addition, regular tomato juice consumption has been linked to improved sperm motility in those struggling with infertility (5). 

Pomegranate

Pomegranate juice specifically is a great addition to a balanced diet, but when it comes to male health, it can also benefit fertility. Regular pomegranate juice consumption was shown to improve total motile sperm count (6). 

Overall, the best way to improve one’s health is through a well balanced diet, but for males, adding these foods more often might produce greater gains in regards to factors concerning male health.

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:

  1. https://bmcurol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12894-021-00910-8
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579121003230
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23883692/
  4. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/133/11/3356/4817958?login=false
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28049263/
  6. http://herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/issues/bin_510/111421-510/.

Corona Virus (COVID-19) and What You Need to Know

by

Written by Dr. Elisha Cook ND

Many individuals are experiencing a high degree of panic over the recent COVID-19 outbreak. However, the risk for individuals in Oxford/Blandford Blenheim is low. Regardless, many individuals worry, and so, it is important to clear the air of any myths or misconceptions around the outbreak. We have provided below information that is available through the Public Health unit, but if you require more information about what exactly COVID-19 is, please refer to the following website: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/content/community-update-novel-coronavirus-covid-19.

For more updates on the COVID – 19 outbreak, please see: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html#a3

What is COVID-19, what are the symptoms, how is it spread, and what can I do to protect myself?

COVID-19 is a viral infection, similar to the common cold, which can cause such symptoms as cough, fever, and shortness of breath. In elderly individuals or those with immune compromised systems such as those with diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancer, etc., symptoms can progress to pneumonia, organ failure or possibly death IF symptoms are not addressed.

COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets in the form of a sneeze or a cough. With this being said, the best prevention is as follows:  

  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with your inner elbow
  • Regularly washing your hands with soap and water
  • Avoid making contact with your nose, eyes and mouth unless you have washed your hands with soap and water
  • Stay at home if you are sick
  • Avoid long-term homes/facilities or coming in contact with immune – compromised individuals if you are sick

If you are healthy, wearing a mask does not help to reduce spread of COVID-19, but rather reduces the stock for health care providers and those that are ill.

What are we doing as a clinic?

At PNHC, we keep a high degree of cleanliness in order to protect our patients and the community. As health care providers, we are obligated to vigorously wash our hands or disinfect our hands any time we come in contact with our patients. We always have disinfectant and masks ready for any cases of individuals arriving at the clinic who may be sick with a virus, bacteria, etc. With this being said, we are taking extra precautions to disinfect surfaces on a more “regular” basis (several times per day) in order to maintain your protection and health.

We do ask that if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (recent onset of fever, cough, or difficulty breathing) or suspect that you may have it, that you give as much notice as possible with cancelling or rescheduling your appointment, and seek out testing.

With this in mind, the question remains, who should be tested for COVID-19? Public Health states that any individual with a recent onset of fever and/or cough or difficulty breathing and any of the following within the last 14 days prior to illness onset should be tested:

If you require testing, please contact our local public health unit or your medical doctor to facilitate proper testing.

Source: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/content/community-update-novel-coronavirus-covid-19

 

Welcoming Pauline Holdsworth Holistic Nutritionist to PNHC!

by

We are happy to announce that we are adding a holistic nutritionist to our team at Plattsville Natural Health Clinic. As of Monday March 26, 2018 we will be booking clients for Pauline Holdsworth RHN. She is able to help you not only with meal plans and diet recommendations, but also with realistic ways in how to apply those recommendations. For more information on her services and what holistic nutrition is, please see below.

What is Holistic Nutrition?

Holistic nutrition involves recommending a balanced diet that incorporates whole foods and includes making small daily changes. It is through this approach that a holistic nutritionist assists in finding the root cause of your health issues. Her goal is to provide a natural approach that honours the body, mind and spirit. Allowing your body to find its own path to healing. A holistic nutritionist may use such tools as meal planning, recipe recommendations, a healthy shopping tour, or a kitchen cupboard tour to help you achieve your individual goals.

What are the services a holistic nutritionist offers?

Service Time Cost
Meet and Greet Consult 15 Minutes Free
Initial Consult and Secondary Follow-Up Two sessions 60 Minutes Each $150
Follow – Up Visits 30 Minutes $40
Healthy Shopping Tour 60 – 90 Minutes $70
Kitchen Cupboard Tour 90 – 120 minutes $150


How do I book an appointment with Plattsville Natural Health Clinic’s Holistic Nutritionist?

Call or text: 226-232-7665

Email: info.pnhc@gmail.com

Facebook Message: Plattsville Natural Health Clinic

Contact us through the “Contact” portion of this website.

Who is Pauline Holdsworth RHN?

PaulinePauline Holdsworth, is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, offering one on one consultations that will help assist in finding the root cause of your health issues. Her goal is to provide a natural approach that honours the body, mind and spirit. Allowing your body to find its own path to healing. Pauline believes that making small daily changes and eating whole foods can help you to attain optimal physical and mental health.

Pauline’s journey towards her career as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist began six years ago when she had multiple health issues that could no longer be ignored. From a young age she suffered from multiple illnesses like endometriosis, gluten sensitivities and Hashimoto’s. Frustrated with the conventional medicine being offered by her Doctor, she started researching for herself holistic remedies and quickly realized that she would have to go back to school to find her own solutions. Pauline completed the Holistic Nutritionist program at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. After graduation, Pauline worked in health food stores where she gained knowledge on supplements.

Pauline grounds her practice on the belief that eating for wellness does not have to be complicated. Not your average Nutritionist, Pauline believes that if your morning coffee is none negotiable, she’ll work with that and won’t make you change it (truth be known she has a cup or two each morning to start her day). She wants you to succeed and embrace life lasting sustainable habits. Let her guide you on your journey to achieving optimal health.