Cranberry

Thanksgiving with a Food Sensitivity

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Three pumpkins with fall leaves with seasonal backgroundThanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to reflect on the many things one is thankful for, but for some individuals it can be quite challenging. Individuals with a food allergy/sensitivity may struggle with figuring out what is safe to eat while trying to partake in the festivities. More can be done to accommodate when you are making the meal, but when you have less control over what meals are being planned it can pose quite the challenge.

Thanksgiving at Home

As mentioned above, having a bit more control over the meal that is planned is beneficial due to being able to prevent cross contamination, lack of selection, and contamination period. Making sure to thoroughly clean items such as cutting boards, utensils and counters before working on safe food items is important to prevent cross contamination. Making a variety of items that are safe help those individuals who cannot have certain foods feel more relaxed table because there are more options and less stress over what can or cannot be eaten. It is also worth considering the question, “is thanksgiving all about the turkey?” Do you need the traditional foods eaten at thanksgiving or can you create a new tradition for your family? This concept in itself might help to take the stress away from the holiday.

Thanksgiving Away

Celebrating thanksgiving at another individual’s home poses many challenges to avoiding food sensitivities. Some planning before the event is important on your part. Offer to bring a couple of safe foods in the event that you may not be able to eat certain food items. This also provides an opportunity to spice up or add a bit of variety to the meal. Some food sensitivities can be brought to the attention of the host, so they can attempt to provide a couple of safe foods, but it is best to not push the issue and demand everything be safe for you to consume. Offer to help them to prepare a safe meal if they struggle with how to avoid certain foods that you may be sensitive to. Ultimately, focus on what you can eat rather than becoming discouraged at what you can’t eat, and focus on the time spent with your loved ones and the reason for the holiday.

Thanksgiving Meal Swaps

  • Regular potatoes – sweet potatoes
  • Stuffing – stuffing made with gluten-free breads
  • Cranberry sauce – make cranberry sauce from scratch
  • Gravy – use arrow root powder/starch/flour instead of regular flour to thicken (2tbsp of arrow root powder to 1 cup of liquid)

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!

Preventing and Treating Urinary Tract Infections

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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be quite difficult to tolerate and sometimes even to treat. By incorporating various lifestyle changes, one can decrease their chances of getting a urinary tract infection. By incorporating these various changes when you do have a urinary tract infection, one may also be able to better recover from a urinary tract infection. One of the main areas of focus for preventing a urinary tract infection revolves around decreasing exposure to contaminants or possible “infectious agents”. This is not a comprehensive list of how to completely approach a urinary tract infection, and so, if you are experiencing a UTI, please seek medical advice, such as that from a naturopathic doctor.

Lifestyles changes that can help prevent urinary tract infections:

  • Wipe from front to back – wiping from back to front can cause transmission of known UTI causing bacteria from anus to the urethra.
  • Avoid using harsh soaps to clean the urethral and vaginal area.
  • Ensure underwear is only worn for one day before washing.
  • Determine if you have allergies to soaps, clothing detergent, etc.; and avoid the irritating substance.
  • Consider sources of re-infection such as partners, sex toys, and underwear.
  • Make sure to wash sex toys thoroughly after every use.
  • Ensure fully emptying of bladder when urinating.
  • Urinate before and after sexual intercourse.
  • Ensure adequate hydration (i.e. Drink plenty of water).
  • Avoid perfumed toilet paper, soaps, etc.
  • Wear cotton underwear – this can help to better ventilate the urethral area and decrease chances of a UTI.

Diet changes that can help prevent urinary tract infections

  • Eat a diet rich in whole foods with little or no sugar or refined carbohydrates – Sugar and refined carbohydrates can feed certain bacteria and help them to thrive.
  • Avoid known food allergies/sensitivities. If you are curious if you have any, you can contact myself and book an appointment to better determine this.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol – these substances can dehydrate and make an individual more prone to UTIs.

What to avoid in order to prevent urinary tract infections:

  • Wearing thong underwear – similar to wiping from back to front, a thong can act as a “super highway” for bacteria.
  • Wearing underwear to bed.
  • Wearing panty-liners.
  • Holding urine in bladder for extended periods of time.

What to do if you have or suspect a urinary tract infection:

  • In the event of a urinary tract infection, it is important to follow the suggestions mentioned above in addition to the following:
  • Seek medical care – some urinary tract infections in certain individuals may require an antibiotic or further assessment.
  • Drink sugar – free cranberry juice – Cranberry can help to remove the bacteria from the ductal wall and help to eliminate the infection more quickly.
  • Drink plenty of water – drinking water can help to flush out the infection more quickly.
  • Watch for signs of fever or complications – a fever and back pain may be a sign that the urinary tract infection is getting worse. If this happens, do not delay in seeking emergent medical care.
  • Increase your parsley intake – parsley has some anti-bacterial properties that make it effective at fighting off and killing bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.
  • Increase your blueberry intake – similar to cranberries, blueberries have several properties in them that help to remove bacteria from the ductal wall and eliminate them from the body.

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!

Spinach, Cranberries and Apple (Oh My!) Salad Recipe

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With the recent changes in weather, I think that it is safe to say that we are all eager with anticipation as summer rolls around the corner. This salad recipe is a great way to make your taste-buds feel the same. This salad is very light and combines sweet and dry tastes to create a masterpiece for your stomach! in addition, this recipe is very quick to make, especially for those who are on the go and need a quick lunch recipe.

Ingredients

2 cups of spinach

1 apple cut into small pieces

½ cup of dried cranberries

2 tbsp of feta crumbled

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients into a container with a lid.

2. Shake well.

3. Serve and Enjoy!

Have you benefitted 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, please book an appointment with Elisha Cook at the RSNC today and let me help you achieve your health goals.