Elisha Cook

Canada Food Guide Review

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Food PyramidThe Canadian Food Guide has been a go-to resource for year for individuals who are attempting to determine how their diet should be in order to optimize health. Recently, a friend of mine asked the question: Is the Canadian Food Guide accurate in its recommendations in your opinion? This question caused me to pursue and determine what my opinions were on the Canadian Food Guide, and if my recommendations to patients differed much. The answer I discovered is not so simple, and differs based on the role of the Canadian Food Guide, and my role in patient care.

To begin with, it is worth noting that the Canadian Food Guide is meant to be a public health measure, geared towards optimizing the health of the public as a whole. That being said, certain individuals would benefit from a more individualist diet. As Naturopathic Doctors (NDs), we approach care from a individualist perspective, where you are a unique individual with unique health needs. As a result, dietary recommendations that I might make for one individual, I may not make for another. That being said, I can give a very general view of and perspective on the Canadian Food Guide, and where it flourishes, and where it may fall a bit short.

The serving suggestions per day provides an area both for cheer and for concern. The vegetables and fruits that are recommended per day are approximately 7-8 or 7-10 per day for adults (depending on gender). This serving suggestion is fantastic and is what I often recommend for patients to consume. However, I tend to ask patients to get more of their 7-8 per day from vegetables as opposed to fruit. In the area of grain suggestions, 6-8 per day are recommended for adults, which I find to be a bit much. I would also suggest the same of milk and milk products. Currently, the recommendation is for 2-3 servings per day of milk and milk products, which could be a bit much for most individuals. In regards to meat and meat alternatives, the recommended daily amount is 2-3 servings per day, which I am fine with as long as the focus is more on meat alternatives such as nuts and seeds. Specifically in the Canadian Food Guide, they are trying to focus more on the meat alternatives which is beneficial overall.

In addition to the serving recommendations, the Canadian Food Guide provides additional information including portion examples, how to read nutrition labels, increasing exercise, decreasing screen time, very general nutritional supplementation for pregnancy, and very general nutritional supplementation for pregnancy. An area of concern, however, arises if an individual is not paying close enough attention to some of the recommendations for obtaining their recommended servings per day. For example, in the food guide, it suggests that 100% fruit juice can count as a serving of fruit (which is correct), but if an individual does not pay enough attention, they could think that consuming juice in general is conducive to overall health (when in all actuality it may not be).

Bottom Line: Overall, the Canadian Food Guide does provide a very broad and general guideline for healthy eating for the Canadian population as a whole. Unfortunately, this may not be enough for most individuals in order for them to obtain optimal health. As a result, it would be beneficial for individuals who are hoping to improve their overall health to speak to a Naturopathic Doctor or health care provider about dietary recommendations that are best for their body and overall well – being.

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 (416-498-9763), and let me help you achieve your health goals.

Top 5 Homeopathics to Keep at Home

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homeopathyPersonally, I love homeopathy and using it to treat my own ailments. I have found a great benefit from using them time and time again, and so, like to keep a stock of them at home for when various occasions arise. What I like about using homeopathic remedies is that it does not interact with other medications and is safe for use in any age group. For your benefit, I have chosen just a few of the remedies that I, or others, have found useful: 

Arnica

If I had to choose only one remedy, this would be it. Arnica is great for any bumps, bruises, aches, pains, shock, or just trauma in general. I like to take this remedy if I get hurt, into a car accident, hit my head, anything where I was not expecting the injury to occur, or reacted strongly from it. I have actually used this when getting a new ear piercing as well to take down the pain for the first while, and found this to help with speeding up the healing process in general.

Apis

This is a good remedy for those of you who are prone to being stung by bees or insects in general. Apis is indicated for injuries that are swollen, hot, and burning in pain, hence it being so good for bee stings. A colleague of mine used this when she was stung near the eye, and found the swelling to go down almost instantaneously!

Hypericum

I have used this remedy several times and like to keep it on hand because of its useful ness. This homeopathic remedy is good for nerve pain, specifically, sharp shooting pain. This makes it good for spinal injuries as well as injuries to nerves such as carpal tunnel like pain or hitting your “funny bone”.

Chamomila/Pulsatilla

Either of these remedies are good for you moms and dads to have at home for your young ones. Both of these remedies are good for infants that are having colic or going through teething. You might choose one over the other depending on your child’s personality. Chamomile for the cranky, wanting to be picked up, but then not wanting to be held infant. Where as, Pulsatilla is for the infant that wants to be picked up, and is much calmer from being picked up. This is not the full extent of what these remedies entail, but it should be enough information to help you choose which one your child might need. Ideally, putting the remedy in water and giving it to your infant this way would be best.

Calendula

Finally, Calendula is a great homeopathic cream or remedy to have around in the case of superficial scrapes and burns. This remedy should not be taken with deep cuts or extensive burns, but should help those with mild scrapes and burns feel better.

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.

 

 

Naturopathic Approaches for Frostbite

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WinterWith the frigid cold temperatures that have been descending upon us, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of frostbite and how to treat it. In addition to the first aid advice you might be given, I will also throw a “naturopathic spin” on it.

Signs and Symptoms

In frost bite, there are three stages, with the condition increasing in severity with the increase in stages.

Stage 1: Frostnip – in this stage, one may experience pins and needs that progress to numbness. The individual will also have red skin that feels cold.

Stage 2: Superficial frostbite – the skin will now be hard, pale, blue and cold, which turns to red sore skin after it thaws. The skin may also start to blister. In addition to this, the individual may have a burning sensation and swelling as the skin warms.

Stage 3: Deep frostbite – at this point, deeper damage is done in the form of joint and muscle stiffness, large blisters forming, and gangrene forming. In addition, tissues, nerves, and bones may even be damaged. In addition to these physical effects, the individual may also begin having effects to their cognition such as difficulty speaking, difficulty concentrating, some hysteria, etc.

Prevention

In order to prevent frostbite, certain measures should be taken:

  • Limit your encounters in the cold when possible
  • Bundle up, making sure that all skin is covered
  • Wrap in layers to make sure you keep warm
  • Wear only dry clothing
  • Make sure you have adequate foot wear that is well insulated and keeps your feet dry
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking

First Aid Approach

When you first notice signs of frostbite, go into a warm space immediately. Start by warming up the individual gently, such as giving them a warm blanket. Do not immediately go to putting their hands in very warm water as this can actually make the frostbite worse. Once they have been gently warmed then you can proceed to provide a warm (not hot) shower or rinse. If the individual has superficial frostbite, it may be necessary to take them to the hospital. However, in the case of deep frostbite, the individual needs to be taken to the hospital immediately.

Naturopathic Approach

Please note that the naturopathic approaches are not meant to be done instead of the first aid approaches, but are rather meant to compliment them and support them. These therapies are meant to be added to the first aid approaches that you should be taking. There are several different approaches that can be taken from a naturopathic perspective to help an individual who is suffering from frostbite.

Nutrients: Vitamin B3 (niacin) helps with vasodilation, which means it helps to increase circulation and get warm blood to the extremities or affected part of the body. Vitamin C is also a great nutrient to help improve circulation in general.

Homeopathy: The homeopathic remedy Agaricus is a general remedy for frostbite that can be given to an individual that has frostbite. Based on the principle of like cures like, this remedy has the following symptoms, making it well suited for frost bite: Burning and itching on both hands as if frozen; body parts are hot, swollen and red; pain and inflammation in frostbitten toes; shooting pains in fingers and toes; burning, red, itching ears as if frozen; frostbitten nose itches; chronic inflammation of the nose after exposures.

Botanicals: Use warming herbs and plants AFTER exposures have resolved in order to make sure circulation has not been compromised to the affected areas. Such herbs include garlic, onion, cayenne, ginger, mustard, and cinnamon. During the exposure, the individual may consume small amounts of these items in order to gently warm from the inside out. In addition, these herbs can be applied externally to the affected part in order to improve circulation, however this should be done cautiously as some of these herbs can burn the skin. Testing the skin before use for sensitivity should be done. In addition, applying aloe vera gel topically to the affected parts can help with the burning sensation that the individual experiences. Coconut oil can be applied externally as well due to its soothing effect, as well as warming effect. You can also have the affected individual drink a warming substance such as black tea, and add in some honey as this can be warming. Please note that you should avoid alcohol as this can make the condition worse.

Hydrotherapy: As mentioned above, a poultice with warming herbs can be applied to the affected areas, with the cautions taken into consideration. Following the frostbite incident, undergoing contrast showers can help to improve circulation and can also have a warming effect by the end of the treatment.

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 (416-498-9763), and let me help you achieve your health goals.

Vaccines: Are Naturopathic Doctors against them?

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Vaccine - a doctor giving vaccination girl, health, prevention

In wake of the recent debate regarding whether to vaccinate or not, many people would assume that Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) in general, being the glorified hippies and witch-doctors (please note the hint of sarcasm here) that they are, would be against vaccinations. I wrote this blog to clear the air on what stance Naturopathic Doctors might take on this debate (Please note that I have attempted to be as un-bias as possible in the writing of this article, but if my opinions have come through, please be aware that they are merely my opinions and do not reflect that Naturopathic profession as a whole).

Recently, the Dean of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine released the following statement to all of the interns, including myself, that work at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic:

“As many of you may have noted, there is considerable discussion in the media these days with respect to childhood vaccination. Given that childhood vaccination is discussed in a variety of areas in the curriculum, students may not feel as clear about our official curriculum position on vaccinations as they should be. Specifically, although all medical treatment should be administered in a manner that reflects the individual needs of the patient, CCNM is supportive of childhood vaccinations in general, including the recommended vaccination schedules. Interns are reminded that we have a policy on this in our Clinic Standards Manual 2014/15:

2.1 Vaccination is a population‐based strategy to protect a whole population or defined risk group or an individual against significant infectious diseases. In addition to vaccination, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition and lifestyle choices can also play a role in the prevention of contagious diseases as well as limiting their spread.

2.2 While it is recognized that vaccinations can be associated with self‐limiting (i.e., minor) adverse reactions, and even rare severe adverse reactions, the safety and benefits of vaccinations in reducing risks of diseases that were previously widely prevalent and caused substantial morbidity and mortality, are vastly superior to any other method currently available. Currently, no other strategies have been shown to offer equal protection to either the population or the individual.

2.3 It is the responsibility of the health‐care provider to report adverse effects to vaccinations and educate their patients. Health‐care providers at CCNM and CCNM teaching clinics should thoroughly review the most current version of the guidelines set out in the Canadian Immunization Guide which includes educational material as well as forms on how to report suspected or confirmed adverse reactions to vaccinations.

2.4 Some naturopathic doctors prescribe homeopathic remedies and/or other naturopathic treatments as alternatives to vaccinations.

2.5 The use of homeopathic remedies and/or other naturopathic treatments for the purposes described in 2.4 is not permitted at any of the CCNM teaching clinics.

2.6 The use of homeopathic remedies and/or other naturopathic treatments to provide immune support is acceptable.”

This statement may come as a surprise to most people, thinking that Naturopathic Doctors would be strongly opposed to vaccinations, because it’s a conventional means of treating. Naturopathic Doctors are not opposed to conventional medicine. As I tell many patients, there is a time and a place for antibiotics, surgery, and even, anti – depressants [gasp] to name a few. In the case of vaccines, they were created as a public health measure to protect against different diseases. That being said, some may be necessary and some may not be based on individual preference and opinion. It is the job of your health care provider to help you make an informed decision as to what you feel your family needs for their health. This is where informed consent comes in.

The bottom line to this discussion is simple: patient education and informed consent. Informed consent is at the heart of all medical procedures and needs to be obtained in all circumstances. Informed consent involves informing patients of all risks, benefits, complications, and alternatives to any medical endeavor. Unfortunately with the lack of time spent with health care providers, it can be challenging for parents to become completely informed as to what their options really are and the truth behind all of the research that exists in favour of or opposed to different procedures. The clear need that stands out in this debate of pro-vaccine versus anti – vaccine is that there needs to be more patient education in regards to their choices. One does not have to strictly get all the vaccines or no vaccines at all. You have a choice and you should feel empowered to choose what is best for your family and community. Informed decision making does not just involve vaccinations, but all other medical procedures as well. Naturopathic Doctors may have individual opinions on the issue, but the common thread that connects all is pro – informed-decision-making.

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 (416-498-9763), and let me help you achieve your health goals.