Does Supplement Brand/Quality Really Matter?

Fish OilThis question is a common question that I get in my practice. The short answer to this question is yes, quality and brand really do matter and can make a big difference with how quickly or effectively you achieve your health goals. Some common problems with some supplements in the market place are as follows:

Use of the wrong part of a plant

In the past, there has been some problems that have arisen for several brands due to individuals taking the product and becoming very sick. The reason stemmed from them using the wrong portion of the plant. The plants included in this were Black Cohosh and Kava Kava. Many companies were using the cheaper portions of the plant and not actually using the plant the way it was traditionally used, resulting in serious medical conditions as liver cirrhosis. Moral of the story is just because a botanical is good does not mean all of the parts of that plant are good.

Decreased amount of actual substance in it

Some studies have been released demonstrating that after investigation of 32 chondroitin products on the market, only 2 of the products actually had the amounts of the product that they claimed to be in the bottle. What was worse was that just under half of the bottles contained 10% or less of the claimed amount of the product. Dose does matter and if you cannot get the adequate amount, a lot of the times it is just a waste of money. (Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228559816_Analysis_of_glucosamine_and_chondroitin_sulfate_content_in_marketed_products_and_the_Caco-2_permeability_of_chondroitin_sulfate_raw_materials)

Contamination

Unfortunately, not all brands are made equal, and that includes what fillers are put into them. Some supplements contain heavy metals, mold, pesticides, dairy, gluten, or chemical fillers. These can make it very hard on the digestive tract, affect absorption, and actually cause you to become sicker. Looking for brands that are free from these contaminates can help some individuals that may find that they “react to all supplements”.

Products not containing adequate doses of substances

Another problem that I often stumble across when patients bring in their current supplement regime is that a lot of the brands out on the market do not actually contain high enough doses of certain ingredient in order to make them effective. I am surprised that some supplements would have the individual taking 6 capsules per day to achieve therapeutic value, while the recommended dose is 2 capsules per day. This is a waste of money and is ultimately lacking in the effectiveness overall.

How do you know you are getting the best supplements? 

It is important to always consult a naturopathic doctor before beginning to take any supplements. Supplements are not harmless and have the possibility of interacting with medication. Before I began my practice, I researched which supplement brand was the most efficacious, research based, and the best quality for my patients. The brands that I carry are a reflection of that research, where they contain adequate amounts to reach therapeutic level, are void of contaminants, and use the appropriate plant parts when indicated. I have also looked on the market to see what is available from local health food stores and have found some better brands of those out there. Having a health care team on your side that has done the research in this area and can help to determine what supplements are needed for your personal health concerns is of utmost importance. For more information in this area, please consult a naturopathic doctor before self-prescribing.

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 Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

Healthy Back to School Lunches

Lunch box with sandwich,fruit and stationery on pink backgroundGoing back to school can be a stressful time of year for parents and children. Making healthy lunches that are school approved can often add to that stress. This article will provide some healthy options for lunches, but one of the best things you can do for your child is give them a choice. Giving a choice does not mean giving them free range, but it does mean allowing them to choose between two options. Options help empower your child and increase the likelihood that they will eat healthy. For more ways to encourage your child to make healthy choices, please see my previous article “How to help picky eaters pick healthy options” https://www.plattsvilledoctor.ca/how-to-help-picky-eaters-pick-healthy-options/.

Healthy Back to School Lunches:

  • Salads – salads can include Greek salads, lettuce based salads, taco salads, bean salads, etc. Salads do not have to be boring and can include quite the variety.
  • Rice Crackers – rice crackers with tuna, salmon, egg salad, or hummus with cut veggies. This lunch includes not only a protein and carb, but more importantly the veggies.
  • Meat and Veg – a meat such as chicken drum sticks, meat loaf, hard boiled eggs, etc.; and cut veggies. Simple, but can be a quick option especially if there are left-overs in the refrigerator.
  • Pasta – brown rice pasta or zoodles (Zucchini noodles) can add a fun addition to lunch with a bit of variety compared to your classic sandwich.
  • Pizza – pizza does not have to be an “unhealthy” choice. Cut down on the cheese or leave it out entirely, make substitutions such as cauliflower for wheat dough, and add extra veggies onto the base. All of these can make your pizza a wiser choice for lunches.
  • Kabobs – for some parents, this may not be an appropriate option due to the mechanism to make the kabob. Making substitutions such as pretzel sticks can aid with this.
  • Fresh Rolls – fresh spring rolls are a portable lunch that can once again add a dip-able, portable lunch packed full of veggies.
  • Wraps – making wraps from lettuce can add a fun lunch with increased vegetables. Adding a protein source on top can increase the nutritional value of this lunch.

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 Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

Lifestyle Tips to Deal with GERD/ Heartburn

Gastro esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) or acid reflux can be caused by multiple mechanisms. For some individuals, there is too much acid in the stomach, for others there is not enough. In some cases, an individual may be eating too much.  Further, for some people, they can be eating a food that they are sensitive to – this can be determined with the help of a Naturopathic Doctor. Whatever the cause is for you, it can be quite uncomfortable. Some individuals might experience such symptoms as indigestion, burning throat, chest pain, chronic cough, difficulty with sleep and much more. Some lifestyle changes can help to address some of the discomfort and may even reverse the symptoms, but this is not always the case.

Have more frequent smaller meals

Having smaller meals can decrease the burden on our digestive tract when it comes to processing our food and creating stomach acid.

Do not lay down after eating

Laying down after eating can cause the acid to very easily ascend the esophagus leading to “heart burn” type feeling. By postponing laying down for several hours, this can help to prevent the discomfort. Therefore, it is also not beneficial to eat near bed time for this reason.

Chew gum after a meal or have a digestive tea

Both of these techniques can aid with the processing and digesting of food, thereby decreasing the burden on the system. In part, this is due to both moving acid down into the stomach. In addition, tea can help to relax the gastrointestional tract and increase peristalsis (movement) in the intestines. Examples of digestive teas include chamomile, peppermint, and ginger teas.

Slow down meals

In our society, we are always on the go and looking for convenience. This is where we have failed our bodies. We were not meant to be stressed and eating. Stress slows digestion and diverts blood away from the digestive tract, leading to more difficulties with processing food, resulting in indigestion. By taking time for your meal – for example smelling your food and chewing more – it may help your body to process your food more efficiently leading to less GERD or acid reflux.

Avoid tight clothing

This suggestion might sound strange, but tight clothing including belts can increase the amount of pressure in the abdominal area which can contribute to acid reflux. With this being said, it is important to consider the effect of excess weight around the stomach area and contribution it can have to increasing pressure in the abdomen. Losing weight is a touchy subject but is worth considering. If this applies to you, seek some medical input by contacting a health care provider such as myself.

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 Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

Naturopathic Essentials for Camping

TentAside from the camping essentials such as a tent, sleeping bag, first aid kit, etc., there are also some naturopathic essentials that can aid you while you are camping. I have outlined a couple of items that can help with camping through their diversity – meaning they can be used in multiple ways and in multiple situations. One should keep in mind that these items do not replace the need to seek medical attention in the event of experiencing signs and symptoms of any dysfunction.

  1. Coconut water – coconut water acts as a great electrolyte which can be beneficial for those who are quite active while camping. It can help to nourish muscles and keep you hydrated – and hopefully prevent some muscle cramping. In addition, it can help those experiencing diarrhea, due to the potential to become dehydrated.
  1. Essential oils – everyone has their own preference for which essential oils they like, but I will recommend several of my favourites. Citronella and vanilla essential oils can both be beneficial as bug repellents. Using a couple of drops on your neck, wrist or ankles may help to ward off these pests. Keeping in mind that your sleep may be impacted while camping, having some lavender essential oil on hand may be helpful to encourage you to sleep.
  1. Homeopathics – Homeopathics can be quite useful for a variety of different concerns. In particular, I would most likely recommend at least Arnica and Apis – for trauma and bee stings respectively. If you are interested in knowing the top 5 homeopathic remedies to keep at home, visit my previous blog: https://www.plattsvilledoctor.ca/top-5-homeopathics-to-keep-at-home/
  1. Peppermint tea – Peppermint tea is a powerful therapeutic tool, because it can help with so many potential problems that could happen with camping. It can help to encourage sleep, settle upset stomachs, encourage movement with constipation, and fight infections. For more information on peppermint as a therapeutic herb, look to my previous blog: https://www.plattsvilledoctor.ca/health-benefits-of-peppermint/
  1. Coconut oil – Coconut oil and coconut water are quite different. Though they have similar constituents, they can help in different ways. Coconut oil can act as a great fungal infection fighter. In addition, using coconut oil for oil pulling can be beneficial if you cannot use toothpaste while camping. Oil pulling involves swishing some coconut oil around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. This helps to keep your breath nice and fresh. It also has an SPF between 4 and 6, and can help moisten dry skin.

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 Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!