Naturopathic Medicine

Foods to Boost Male Health

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Written By: Dr. Elisha Cook ND

November is generally known for promoting, encouraging, and discussing men’s health. With this in mind, what better way to celebrate with some foods that benefit male health! These foods are not only great for a balanced, healthy diet, but specifically help with prostate health, fertility, and balancing male hormones.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of fiber, and are high in magnesium and zinc. Specifically, in the research, pumpkin seeds have been linked to reducing the size of the prostate in BPH and reducing the consequences of it (improving erectile function and improving urine outflow) (1).

In the world of fertility, there is limited human research on the effect of pumpkin seeds on sperm characteristics, but in the animal world, it has shown to increase and improve sperm concentration, motility, and viability. With these promising improvements seen in the animal world, and the little to no side effects associated with eating pumpkin seeds, males looking to improve sperm parameters might consider adding pumpkin seeds to their diet (2). 

Cooked Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain many great nutrients and are high in an antioxidant lycopene. As tomatoes are cooked, the lycopene content increases. Research shows that males that consumed a diet higher in tomatoes, also had a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer (3). 

In regards to lycopene, it may reduce the growth of the prostate leading to reduced likelihood of BPH and cancer (4).  

In addition, regular tomato juice consumption has been linked to improved sperm motility in those struggling with infertility (5). 

Pomegranate

Pomegranate juice specifically is a great addition to a balanced diet, but when it comes to male health, it can also benefit fertility. Regular pomegranate juice consumption was shown to improve total motile sperm count (6). 

Overall, the best way to improve one’s health is through a well balanced diet, but for males, adding these foods more often might produce greater gains in regards to factors concerning male health.

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! 

Resources:

  1. https://bmcurol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12894-021-00910-8
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579121003230
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23883692/
  4. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/133/11/3356/4817958?login=false
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28049263/
  6. http://herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/issues/bin_510/111421-510/.

Allergen-Free Banana Muffin and Bread Recipe

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Finding recipes safe for those with food sensitivities or allergies can be quite tricky. Though bananas can be a trigger food for some individuals, this recipe takes an old favourite and makes it relatively tolerable for most individuals. This recipe is void of your traditional flours, eggs, and dairy! Try it for yourself and see how it measures up.

Banana Muffin Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of Brown Rice /Almond Flour
  • 1 cup Quinoa flour (gives a moist batter)
  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 4 tsp. baking powder/tapioca starch
  • 1 tbsp. chia seeds ground
  • 3 tbsp. water
  • 2/3 cup Coconut Milk
  • 4-5 ripe bananas
  • 2 tbsp. Coconut oil melted
  • Optional: 1 cup of chocolate chips

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  • Blend and mix together flour, sugar, and baking powder/ tapioca starch.
  • In a separate bowl, take ground chia seeds and water and beat together until gel like consistency. Add in milk, mashed bananas, and melted coconut oil.
  • Combine together your “wet” and “dry” ingredients (i.e. your coconut oil mixture and flour mixture). Stir until well combined. If you want to add chocolate chips, add them at this point.
  • Line your muffin cups with muffin baking cups or grease your pan, and add approximately 1/4 cup of batter to each cup.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Yield: 12-16 muffins

Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of Brown Rice /Almond Flour
  • ¾ cup Quinoa flour (gives a moist batter)
  • 2 tsp. baking powder/tapioca starch
  • ¼ tsp. baking soda/tapioca starch
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp. chia seeds ground
  • 6 tbsp. water
  • 4-5 ripe bananas

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Blend and mix together flour, baking powder/ tapioca starch, and baking soda/ tapioca starch.
  • In a separate bowl, cream coconut oil and gradually beat in sugar.
  • In another bowl, take ground chia seeds and water and beat together until gel like consistency. Add this mixture to your coconut oil and sugar mix combining well.
  • Combine together your “wet” and “dry” ingredients (i.e. your coconut oil mixture and flour mixture).
  • Finally add in 4-5 ripe, well mashed bananas to mixture.
  • Pour your mixture into a 9” by 5” loaf ban that has been lined with parchment paper and let sit for 20 minutes.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes or until cooked through.

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! 

Masking Mandate Extended Until June 11 2022 at PNHC

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The government has recently release information regarding masking mandates. Until June 11, 2022, it is required in health care settings to wear a mask (see link https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1002098/masking-requirements-continue-in-select-indoor-settings ).

We will continue to screen patients at the door for COVID-19 as per our regulatory requirements. We appreciate our patient’s compliance and understanding of our masking and COVID-19 policies.

We know that the past 2 years have not been easy on anyone, and we are so thankful to have the support of our patients. We are all hoping that with a little more patience and perseverance, that we can make it to the finish line and that June 11 2022 will be the end of extensions. Remember, we are all in this together.

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 stress 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! 

Silent Auction for a Great Charity

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We are excited to share about a charity that PNHC’s very own Dr. Elisha Cook ND is a board member of: Naturopathy for All.

Naturopathy for All is a Canadian nonprofit with a mission to make Naturopathic Medicine accessible to all Canadians. With the healthcare system over-burdened these past 2 years, preventative medicine will play a big role in reducing that burden. Naturopathic Doctors have the ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of health concerns such as insomnia, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, digestive concerns, poor immunity, mental health and more. For many Canadians, the only thing keeping them from seeking this type of care is the cost. Naturopathy for All with cover these costs and connect eligible applicants to licensed Naturopathic Doctors across Canada.  

Naturopathy For All is hosting an online silent auction (who doesn’t love a silent auction) from March 1-March 8 2022, which can be accessed through the following link:

https://event.auctria.com/4a0b1c54-ddaf-45b8-83eb-8b5c7220e2b9/

For more information about Naturopathy for All, you can access their website (see below), or find them on Instagram and Facebook.

http://www.naturopathyforall.com