Fatigue

Top 5 Reasons to get Updated Bloodwork

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Getting routine bloodwork done can be anxiety provoking for some and an inconvenience for others, but having regular bloodwork done may provide some useful insights for your health. Whether it is through your medical doctor or a naturopathic doctor, bloodwork may help to reveal the culprit behind some of these common complaints: 

I’m Tired

When it comes to fatigue, there can be many common culprits from diet and lifestyle to stress and burnout. What some individuals do not realize is that fatigue can be a warning sign from our body that certain nutrients are low, or certain organs are not functioning at their optimal. A naturopathic doctor might consider ordering certain tests to help with discovering the root of this problem. 

I’m Anxious

With any mental health concern, our diet and lifestyle can make a huge impact on its state. Specifically, when trying to formulate a plan of action on how to address mental health concerns, bloodwork can be helpful in determining if there are nutrients that are deficient or other conditions that are contributing to the problem. 

I’m Bloated

Digestion is so important for our overall health. If one area of our digestive tract is not functioning well, it can affect our whole body. The most common complaint that individuals have with regards to digestion is bloating. Bloating can be the result of many different factors, for which blood tests can offer the clue to determine the culprit behind the digestive concerns. In addition, functional medicine tests such as food sensitivity testing can provide valuable insight into which foods might be contributing to bloating. 

I’m Hormonal (or feel like I am lacking)

Whether it is male or female hormones, they can all contribute to how we feel. Specifically, if hormones are too low, it can cause feelings of fatigue, mood swings, irregular cycles, etc. If hormones are too high, it can cause mood swings, skin blemishes, irregular cycles, etc. No matter the hormone, when they are imbalanced, it can create feelings of not being well. Hormones can be tested through bloodwork in order to determine if hormones are too high, or too low, and thus a treatment plan can be created to help support the journey to balance. 

I’m “Fine” 

When many individuals are not feeling well, the first stop is normally to get bloodwork done in order to determine what is going on. Occasionally, the bloodwork reveals that someone is “fine”, even though they do not feel “fine”. Getting further bloodwork may be helpful. In addition, a different perspective such as one attained through a Naturopathic Doctor, may be helpful as they look at bloodwork differently compared to your medical doctor. They look at your bloodwork compared to what is optimal and not just “fine”. This can help provide some clarity, insights, and answers for why they are feeling the way they are feeling. 

Can PNHC’s Naturopathic Doctors run Bloodwork? 

YES! Both of our naturopathic doctors are able to run most bloodwork. The bloodwork however is NOT covered by OHIP. The bloodwork can occasionally be covered under someone’s benefits (it is always best to check with your plan about this), but if nothing else, it can be put towards health expenses on an individual’s income tax return. Blood tests do vary in cost, and so, it is best to consult with your naturopathic doctor to determine the costs, what is necessary, and/or what paths to explore with testing. 

Ready to Book an Appointment? 

Give us a call/text at 226-232-7665 or go to the contact portion of this page (make sure to put in your email address correctly), and allow us to help you get matched up with the right Naturopathic Doctor for your specific situation! 

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! 

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! 

      The release of my new book! It is . . .

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      At the beginning of this year I had set out to complete my book, and I am happy to say that I have accomplished that goal! My book is titled:

      “The Ultimate Guide to the Elimination Diet: Tips and Recipes to Better Your Health and Approach the Diet with Confidence”.

      Many of my patients have heard about the elimination diet, but not everyone is familiar with it, and so, let me shed some light on it. The elimination diet is a treatment option that helps individuals that are suffering from many different health concerns including

      • Pain
      • Anxiety 
      • Inability to lose weight 
      • Fatigue
      • Stress 
      • Arthritis 
      • Muscle Pain 
      • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) 
      • Constipation/Diarrhea
      • Brain Fog 

      and the list goes on! That means if you want to lose weight, reduce pain, think clearer, and feel better overall, this diet may be right for you. The elimination diet is a way for individuals to identify which foods may be contributing to their health concerns, but also helps individuals to adopt more of a whole – foods diet.

      Though this may sound simple enough, the diet is quite complex, complicated, and challenging. Many individuals struggle to follow it or incorporate it into their lifestyle even for a short time. I wrote this guide (and recipe) book as a way to help individuals overcome the hurdles of the diet. In the book, I have outlined meal plans, tips and tricks, many recipes for each meal (and sauces and dips!), and ultimately set out to help eliminate many of the struggles that individuals tend to encounter with the diet. I have based the book off of my clinical experience as well as my personal one. I was prescribed the elimination diet years prior by my ND before I became an ND and it was a struggle. I was miserable throughout it and could not figure out what I should eat. My diet was boring and basic, but I did complete it and I did learn a lot from the experience. I also learned my food sensitivities and improved my overall state of health from it. Following the experience, I set out to help others through the diet on their way to better their health. I have seen many individuals completely change their lives through this diet, and you can too!

      If you have any one of the health concerns mentioned above and want to better your health, the elimination diet may be a treatment to consider. As I mention in the book, this diet is not for everyone or appropriate for everyone, and so, it is best to complete this diet with the supervision of a Naturopathic Doctor such as myself. If you are ready for change, send me an email or call our office (519-537-7058) to see if this is a good path for you to pursue. I offer complimentary 15 minute meet-and-greet sessions where you can meet me, ask your questions, and decide from there if you would like to see me or not (i.e. there is no obligation to book). You have nothing to lose by booking this session. Now is the time to take care of you.

      In regards to my book, if you are interested in purchasing your copy, send me an email, call the clinic, or contact me through the Facebook page and I will gladly get you set up. In addition, I am offering the book as part of a package deal for those who may want to pursue food sensitivity testing. Both prices are outlined below.

      • The Ultimate Guide to the Elimination Diet: Tips and Recipes to Better Your Health and Approach the Diet with Confidence – $20 +HST per book (Total $22.60)
      • Blood Testing and Book Package (only available from August 1- August 30 2017) – get the food sensitivity testing (approximately $260 plus the book for an additional $15) (Total: Approximately $273)

      If you have any questions about this treatment option, food sensitivity testing, or simply about how you can feel better today, do not hesitate to email me, message me, or contact our clinic and book your complimentary 15 minute meet-and-greet session today!

      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!

       

      What is Hydrotherapy?

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      What is Hydrotherapy?Head shower while running water

      Water can be a very powerful tool for healing that is often underestimated. As Naturopathic Doctors, we use water therapy, called hydrotherapy, which involves applying different methods of water to the body to promote healing. This might involve alternating hot and cold water applications to an area, or even using a sauna to nourish our bodies. Hydrotherapy has an added benefit of being inexpensive, because most of the time it is just a matter of applying water to an area. Though it is just water, some of the treatments may not be good for certain patient populations based on its effect and pre-existing medical conditions. Therefore, it is best to consult with your Naturopathic Doctor before trying any hydrotherapy treatments on your own.

      What does it cause in the body?

      Overall, various hydrotherapy treatments can be used to cause the following effects in the body:

      • Reduce pain
      • Increase circulation
      • Promote detoxification
      • Promote healing of organs/tissues
      • Stimulate brain function
      • Relieve fatigue
      • Boost Immune system functioning
      • Promote digestion
      • Increase metabolism
      • Relieve congestion
      • Relieve coughs
      • Promotes relaxation

      What are the different conditions it can help with?

      Hydrotherapy can be used to help many different conditions including:

      • Digestive concerns such as constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, fatty liver, colic, tenesmus, etc.
      • Menstrual concerns such as irregular cycles, premenstrual tension, cramping (dysmenorrhea), etc.
      • Musculoskeletal concerns such as joint pain, muscle pain, muscle tears, ligament instability, etc.
      • Respiratory concerns such as the effects of allergies, congestion, coughs, frequent colds and flues, compromised immune systems etc.
      • Many other concerns such as weight loss goals, fatigue, detoxification and improving overall health.

      For more information on hydrotherapy or the services I provide, consider calling the clinic at 519-537-7058, or message me via the contact portion of this website.

      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!