Mental Health

Earthing/Grounding

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Blog Written by Dr Elisha Cook ND

If you are a patient of mine, you may have heard me explain this concept. In all reality, what comes to mind when someone uses these words is “hippy”, “Tree-hugger”, and “New – Age”; when the concepts are much more advanced than that.

Earthing or Grounding is described as the act connecting the body with the earth to cause a grounding or electrically balanced state. Ultimately, it revolves around grounding physics, similar to when we think about electricity in our home and grounding it. The intention of earthing or grounding is really for therapeutic gain. You might ask how reconnecting with the earth would cause any health benefits, but there is a fair amount of research that shows that this type of exercise can prove to be physiologically advantageous (i.e. it’s good for your health!).

What are the Health Benefits of Earthing or Grounding?

When we look at the research behind earthing or grounding, we see some pretty remarkable changes to ones physiology.

  • Changes in white blood cells (immune system) (1)
  • Changes in cytokines (inflammation) (1)
  • Reduces blood viscosity and clumping (Cardiovascular) (2)
  • Reduces cortisol (stress hormone) (3)
  • Normalizes circadian rhythm (sleep) (3)
  • Improves circulation (4)
  • Mobilizes glucose and muscular uptake (Energy exertion and recovery) (5)

These physiological changes can translate to

  • Reduced muscle soreness onset post injury (1)
  • Reduced pain (1)
  • Reduces risk of cardiovascular events (2)
  • Reduced Stress (3)
  • Improved Sleep (3)
  • Improved Mood (6)
  • Increased Relaxation (6)
  • Improved energy with physical exertion (5)

How can I Earth or Ground?

When we say “reconnecting” with the earth, many would believe that this is a weird or exhaustive process when in all reality there are some very ways to reconnect with the earth that might actually already be apart of your everyday life.

  • Walking barefoot in the grass
  • Standing bare foot in the grass
  • Lying with skin exposed on the ground
  • Swimming in a pond, river, lake, ocean, etc.
  • Having a shower
  • Washing your hands

I will often suggest to patients that really any amount of time is better than nothing. The research is pretty mixed on the length of time needed to produce a benefit, but again, anything is better than nothing. 

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 any of the above therapies to help you work through your health concerns and are 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! 

References:

  1. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James_Oschman/publication/274644091_The_effects_of_grounding_earthing_on_inflammation_the_immune_response_wound_healing_and_prevention_and_treatment_of_chronic_inflammatory_and_autoimmune_diseases/links/555b14d708ae6fd2d8286cd1.pdf
  2. http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2011.0820
  3. “The effect of earthing (grounding) on human physiology”. Gaetan Chevalier, Kazuhito Mori, and James L. Oshman. European Biology and Bioelectromagnetics Jan 31 2006; 600-621.
  4. http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?paperID=58836
  5. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Zbigniew_Jastrzebski/publication/302590367_Earthing_modulates_glucose_and_erythrocytes_metabolism_in_exercise/links/5731e05a08ae298602da2942.pdf
  6. http://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2016/undergraduate/15/

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 happens when you start to put yourself first

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Autumn Girl enjoying nature on the field. Beauty Girl Outdoors rAt first glance, this blog title may seem suspiciously self – serving or selfish in nature, but let me give some context. I work with many individuals who are stressed out, burnt out, and are needing much care. The trend is not represented by one small act of not putting your health as a priority, but rather over the course of time it may be from putting your family first, your job first, or others needs before your own. From this article, I want you to explore your own life and consider: have I been putting my health and needs last? Finally, I want you to then consider what might happen if you start to consider yourself of value enough to put higher on your list of priorities. This article is not meant to condemn, to ridicule, or make individuals feel like they have not been taking care of their health, but is meant to inspire you to consider your own needs and do some more loving things for yourself.

I was that person

I would like to start out this article by admitting my own weaknesses: I was that person. I was that person that would make my husband a healthy lunch and neglect to make one for myself i.e. I would not eat at all. I was that person that put my career before my own personal mental and physical health. I would often go all day without eating and tell myself that “I do not have time to eat”. I would put off exercising thinking that my business needs needed to come first. I often put more efforts behind charity work than actually caring for myself and asking myself what my body needed for nourishment. To be honest, I did not think I deserved that type of care, and took my “health” and body for granted. As a result, I felt weak, emotional, burnt out, stressed out, tired, and depressed. My husband and I decided to make some drastic health changes – eat a whole foods diet and exercise daily. With these changes I made a comment to him that it was important I make his lunch and justified taking care of myself because it would help to take care of him. He then asked me, “Why don’t you do it for you”? For some reason, the question hit me differently this time and I decided to exercise for me. To eat for me. To take care of me, for me.

Why is it important to put your health as a priority?

There is an old saying “you cannot pour from an empty cup”. In short, you cannot take care of others if you have not been cared for or nourished yourself. You need to put your health as a priority to prevent burn out, but also to help you to better serve others.

Often, the excuse I hear is “I do not have time to take care of myself”. If you do not take the time for yourself now, it is possible that this time will be robbed from you in the future via doctor’s appointments, treatments, etc. due to poor health. By taking care of yourself now it does not necessarily prevent all illness, but it can help lessen the likelihood of becoming sick.  The other question I want you to ask yourself is, if you do not take care of yourself, who will? You are in charge of your health and no one can exercise for you or necessarily eat the right things for you. With this being said, some individuals need guidance as to how to best incorporate healthy changes into their lifestyle, and as such, it is important to seek help, but again at the end of the day, you are the only one that can follow through with the recommendations. (If you are needing help in this area please contact me).

What happens when you start to put your health first?

When you start to put your own health as a priority, you will start feeling better! It does not sound like this is an award-winning answer, but it is the right one. It may not be right away, but it will happen. When you start valuing yourself enough to eat, to eat well, to exercise, and to nourish yourself; your life will begin to change for the better. You will have the energy you need to help your family, to deal with your work load, and to take care of yourself. You may even begin to notice that you can handle stress better, thoughts are clearer, and your mood is more balanced. For others, you may expect to see better health outcomes that pertain to your particular case. Overall, you may even feel more motivated to achieve your goals.

Are you ready to make your health a priority?

If you are ready to take the plunge and take your health into your own hands, seek help. Contact myself or another health care professional today. Not tomorrow. Today. Find them on facebook or the internet and message them. Find their phone number and call. Results lie beyond the fence of excuses.

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!

Anxiety: Defined, Signs and Symptoms, and Who can Help

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I must caution you before you read this article that this is not meant to replace the advise of a health care provider and should not be used as such. If you have any of the following symptoms or concerns seek help.

Anxiety Defined

Anxiety can be very crippling for many individuals. It can lead to many doctors visits and much time off from school or work. Anxiety can cause one to be avoidant and often lead to other mental health disorders such as depression.

Before one can really appreciate how anxiety can impact an individual, one needs to understand how it is clinically defined. Anxiety is clinically defined as excessive worry (that is difficult to control) occurring more days than not, regarding several events or activities. The anxiety is deemed clinically relevant when it impedes your activity of daily living in any way shape or form, thus causing distress, and cannot be explained by other diagnosis’ or diseases. In other words, it is your health care team’s job to investigate your symptoms and determine if they can be explained by any other means i.e. heart racing due to arrhythmia.

Below I have provided some surprising yet possible signs and symptoms of anxiety. Look out for them, and if you feel that this may be you seek help (also provided below).

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety:

  • Avoidance behaviors
    • Avoidance of activities may be subtle
    • Limited interpersonal relationships
    • Procrastination
    • Non-assertive in new situations
  • Emotional
    • Nervousness
    • Irritability
    • Dread
    • Insomnia
    • Exaggerated startle response
    • Easily distracted and Unable to concentrate
    • Scanning or vigilance
  • Musculoskeletal
    • Muscle twitching
    • Restlessness
    • Shakiness
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle aches or tension
    • Numbness
  • Cardiopulmonary symptoms
    • Racing Heart
    • Shortness of breath
    • Difficulty breathing especially with exertion
    • Chest pain
    • Sweating palms
    • Cold palms
    • Excessive sweating
  • Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary symptoms
    • Choking sensation
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Heartburn or GERD
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Abdominal pain
    • Anorexia
    • Diarrhea
    • Constipation
    • Frequent urination
  • Neurologic symptoms
    • Dizziness
    • Light headedness or faintness
    • Headaches
    • Tremors

Seek Help

Many different resources are available within a community to help those struggling with anxiety. I have chosen to focus on my community in general, but many of these can be transferred between counties. Many of the organizations below may seem irrelevant, but it can be relevant depending on the cause of your anxiety.

  • Any health care provider on your “personal team” i.e. your medical doctor, naturopathic doctor, nurse practitioner, counsellor, psychiatrist etc.
  • Canadian Mental Health Association Woodstock Branch: 519-539-8342 or 1-877-339-8342
  • Oxford Domestic Assault Review Team: 519-421-0383
  • Addictions Services via Woodstock and area community health center: 519-673-3242 ext 222
  • Addictions Services of Thames Valley: 519-673-3242
  • Kid’s Help Phone: 1-800-668-6888
  • Domestic Abuse Services Oxford: 519-539-4811 or 1-800-265-1938
  • Rape Crisis – Domestic Abuse Services Oxford: 519-539-4811 or 1-800-265-1938
  • Al-Anon Woodstock: 1-888-425-2666

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!