Food as Medicine Archives - Page 3 of 6 - Plattsville Natural Health Clinic

5 Foods to Avoid when trying to Lose Weight

July 5, 2016 by elisha

Weight loss involves more than just taking a silver bullet pill. It involves diet and lifestyle changes that can be difficult for some to achieve. If you are one of these individuals that struggles with weight and needs assistance in this area, please seek medical advice, including a naturopathic doctor, in regards to your weight loss goals. However, avoiding these 5 food types could provide aid as well:

High caloric and high sugar drinks – This includes most fruit juices, lattes, and alcohol. These can act as empty calories and cause blood sugar spikes that leave you fatigued and without the energy to make it through the day and even get in some extra activity time. These drinks may also dehydrate you which can further complicate weight loss.
Processed foods – this includes such items as sandwich meats, boxed foods, etc. These foods are often high in salt, carbohydrates, and fillers that can prevent you from losing those extra couple of pounds.
Foods that you may have a food sensitivity to – these foods are not the same for everyone and can be determined with the help of a naturopathic doctor. Some naturopathic doctors provide a blood test to determine the results. When losing weight, I find it more reliable and efficient to use a dietary method to determine the food sensitivities for you. If you are interested in exploring this more, please consider consulting a Naturopathic Doctor such as myself.
Refined carbohydrates – this includes cereal, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. Especially when these foods are eaten alone and without a protein, they can cause blood sugar spikes and lead to excess sugar in the body which is retained as fat.
Candy and high sugar snack foods – These items are fairly self – explanatory. Candy and high sugar snack foods do not provide nutritional aid. Avoiding these and only having them in moderation can help individuals work closer towards their weight loss goals.

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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!

Super Spices: Thyme

May 17, 2016 by elisha

Thyme, also known as Thymus vulgaris, is a spice that is commonly used for culinary purposes. Considered more of a “Mediterranean” herb, this spice can be beneficial for more than just your cooking purposes.

Uses:

When used in cooking, this herb can actually increase the “life expectancy” of your left overs because of its potent effect at fighting off bacteria. This herb is able to fight off infections through its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungus. For this reason, thyme can be beneficial for colds, coughs, bronchitis, and even bad breath. In addition, thyme can be quite beneficial for digestive health. This herb can increase the amount of acid in the stomach – which may aggravate some forms of GERD or acid reflux, but can also help with some forms of GERD or acid reflux. This can result in thyme’s benefit towards gas, bloating, colic, and IBS. Thyme should be used in moderation in pregnancy due to some sources suggesting that it can a “mild uterine stimulant”. However, in normal amounts found in foods, thyme consumption is considered relatively safe in pregnancy.

Actions:

From these many different potential uses for time, it may be obvious what the actions of this spice are, but it includes:

Expectorant – helps you to cough up phlegm. I like to remind patients that sometimes this herb makes things worse before it makes things better because it can trigger a cough

Anti – tussive – helps to alleviate coughing

Anti – spasmodic – helps to decrease muscle spasms

Anti – microbial – helps to fight off infections

Carminative – aids with digesting and breaking down food

Anti – inflammatory – fights off inflammation

Anti – oxidant – defends against oxidative damage

Why Dr. Elisha Cook ND might prescribe Thymus vulgaris as a tea

I tend to prescribe this herb to individuals who have a cough or are fighting a respiratory infection. As per usual, I do like to prescribe teas for their therapeutic value as a tea and their medicinal value. I do not recommend consuming thyme as a tea outside the structured guidance of a naturopathic doctor or health care provider. Please seek medical advice before consuming Thyme.

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Double – Stuffed Sweet Potato Recipe – Elimination Diet Friendly

April 26, 2016 by elisha

This recipe is great for those trying to mix it up with the elimination diet, or those just wanting to try something different. This recipe was adapted from a recipe I found in the cook book “Paleo takes 5 or fewer” by Cindy Sexton, but modified to be elimination diet – friendly. Let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

6 Large Sweet Potatoes
½ Large Red Onion cut into small pieces
Approximately 100g of finely cut mushrooms (if your elimination diet is able to have this)
2-3 cloves of garlic
Olive oil
Sea salt to taste
Pepper to taste
3 green onions finely chopped
1 tbsp Parsley
1 tsp Basil
1 tsp Oregano

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375F.
Cut sweet potatoes in half length – wise and place face down on a baking sheet that is lined with aluminum foil.
Take some olive oil and lightly brush the flesh side of the potatoes. Sprinkle some sea salt on eat potato and puncture the flesh side of the potatoes in multiple places along the surface (i.e. stab the potato with a knife in multiple places – just a small depth).
Bake in oven for 35-45 minutes.
Add the red onion and mushrooms to a frying pan, starting it on low heat and gradually increasing to medium heat. Cook for approximately 10 minutes or until softened. Mince the garlic and add to the mixture, stirring for another 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Once the potatoes are baked, gently scoop the insides of the potato and add it to a bowl with the red onion mixture. Combine the ingredients, and add the green onion, parsley, oregano, and basil. Mix well.
Add the final mixture to the sweet potatoes skins and place back on the baking sheet. Broil for 5 minutes on low. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

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Dairy-Free Mushroom Soup Recipe

March 8, 2016 by elisha

This recipe is great for those who are doing an elimination diet where you are allowed to use mushrooms. The soup can be used as strictly a soup or as a sauce.

Ingredients:

4 cups of cubed mushrooms
1/2 tsp minced garlic (~1-2 cloves of garlic)
2-3 tbsp of parsley
1 tbsp coconut oil
black pepper and salt to taste
1 cup of coconut milk
1/2 cup – 1 cup water

Directions:

On medium heat, lightly fry mushrooms in oil, stirring continuously.
Cook mushrooms until the liquid is released from them.
Add remaining ingredients and enough liquid to achieve desired consistency.
Heat liquid until it reaches adequate temperature.
Optional – blend to a puree with a hand blender if desired. Be careful to not blend at high speeds due to hot liquid potentially splashing.
Now it is ready to eat or add to another dish as a sauce. Enjoy!

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