Friday, October 15, 2010

Dr. Seitz, ND has joined Wellness Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Wellness Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Brampton welcomes Dr. Seitz, Naturopathic Doctor to join their team.
We are located 1-11670 Hurontario St. Brampton, ON L7A 1R2
T: 289-632-1700 F: 289-632-1701
www.WellnessPhysiotherapy.com
Hours: Thursday 4:30-7:30pm and Friday 10-3pm

Flu Prevention Clinics!

Join me for a free seminar regarding natural flu prevention and immune support.
Topics include: Homeopathic Flu Shots, Supplements and remedies for cold and flu prevention, dietary and lifestyle advice, as well as home remedies and daily preventative practices to keep your immune system strong.
Avoid the flu this winter and take control of your health today and join us for this free seminar.

Oakville: November 2 @6:30pm The Root of Health call 905-845-7668
Toronto: October 27 @ 12pm the[clinic] call 416-366-1710
Brampton: November 4 @ 6:30pm call 289-632-1700

Gluten: The good, the bad and the ugly!

According to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease program, approximately 1 out of every 133 healthy adults living in America suffers from gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition caused by an abnormal immune reaction to partially digested gliadin, a protein in gluten, which causes damage to the small intestine. Although celiac disease is usually detected at a young age, many people are now being diagnosed as adults. Gluten sensitivity may increase as low grade reactions become full blown conditions. Severe illnesses, autoimmune conditions, undiagnosed hypersensitivities, or trauma can exacerbate underlying conditions. As our consumption of wheat and gluten based products increases so will the number of people affected by gluten sensitivities and allergies.
Gluten is a protein that is contained in many of the grains we eat including wheat, barley, rye, spelt and kamut. It is used in bread making as it improves rising and increases bread’s structural stability and chewiness. It is also used in imitation meats, as a stabilizer and thickening agent and as an additive in pet foods. Gluten has become more of problem within our society as we now consume an increased number of gluten and wheat based products. As Canadians, many of us can digest this protein; however, a growing number of us cannot digest it. This is due to individual genetic variations, infections and underlying illnesses, food introduction schedules and general health.
A study conducted in Sweden in 2005, indicated that they were experiencing an epidemic of celiac disease symptoms. Genetic diversity has a lot to do with severity of allergen reactions. This is the case in Sweden, as more infants where being introduced to cereals containing gluten at a younger age. Infants born in the summer were more likely to be diagnosed as celiac. It is speculated that these infants where being introduced to gluten during the winter where infections are the most common (Ivarsson, Best Prac Res Clin Gastroenterol).
Gluten sensitivity can display a multitude of symptoms, the most common being digestive disturbances. These include irritable bowel symptoms, chronic intestinal inflammation causing pain and mucous in the stools, bloating, gas, indigestion, nausea, constipation and diarrhea. It can also cause debilitating fatigue, depression, mood swings, irritability, decreased concentration, anemia, inflammation, weight gain or loss, nutritional deficiencies, dermatitis and eczema as well as an array of other symptoms. It negatively contributes to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic inflammation. Those who suffer from joint pain, poor concentration, ataxia (loss of balance) or other neurological conditions and autoimmune disorders may benefit from a gluten free diet. Other conditions that also may benefit from this diet include rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, autism, neuromyelitis, peripheral neuropathies, seizures, Down’s syndrome, infertility, osteoporosis, diabetes, and anemia.
Most people who have wheat or gluten sensitivity do not necessarily have celiac disease. If celiac disease is suspected, a diagnosis is recommended, as these people cannot eat gluten containing grains due to the risk of developing subsequent conditions such as colon cancer. If celiac disease is suspected, it is ideal to get a diagnosis prior to removing gluten from the diet, as a diagnosis after the removal of this protein may result in false negative results as the body will heal itself after the offending food has been removed. Many people who are gluten sensitive may also be sensitive to dairy.
There are many other conditions and circumstances that may cause an individual to consider removing gluten from their diet. This removal can be done for a specific period of time or permanently, depending on the severity and specific reactions. For some, simply limiting the exposure significantly reduces discomfort and side effects. In this regard, we recommend a rotation diet which consists of eating gluten every 3-4 days. This will allow the body time to rest and recover as gluten can cause inflammation and irritation in the bowels. Once the damage in the bowels has been resolved and inflammation and immune dysfunction have been addressed, many people, excluding those who are celiac, may eventually be able to eat small amounts of gluten on a rotation basis.
There are many other tasty grains that can be consumed in place of gluten. These include quiona, my personal favourite, a high protein grain that is amazing in place of pasta, couscous or rice. It can be served hot or cold and used to make sweet or savory dishes. Other grains include brown rice, it is more nutritious then white rice as it contains the whole grain. Millet, buckwheat, chia seeds, teff, corn, sorghum and uncontaminated oats are other gluten free grains. Potato, bean and almond are other common flours that can be used to make gluten free products. Within the last few years, many new gluten free products have been appearing on the market and in restaurants. This makes eating gluten free much easier. One thing to consider is that although these items may be gluten free it does not make them healthy. Many prepackaged products are high in sugar and low in fiber. Gluten free products tend to be higher in calories, therefore be aware of portion sizes and always check food labels.
For many, removing gluten from their diet has been an epiphany. By removing the offending food, their symptoms have been dramatically reduced if not eliminated and they feel they have regained control of their life. Even if you do not feel you are affected by gluten, change it up and try a new grain. You may be surprised by how much you enjoy it!


Author: Mary-Claire Seitz, ND

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Detoxification

Do you suffer from chronic pain, digestive concerns, sleep issues, mood swings, poor stress management, low libido, excess weight, headaches or lowered immune function? All of these can be a signs of chronic toxicity.
We are exposed to toxins everyday of our lives. These toxins arise from the food we eat through pesticides and other chemicals sprayed on our food, to preservatives and additives used to enhance flavour and prolong shelf life. Plastic containers and water bottles leach chemicals, such as BPA’s, that have the potential to disrupt our endocrine system and have created a large waste increase in our landfills. We are overloaded by environmental toxins including radiowaves from cell phones and wireless towers. Our water sources are not as clean as they may once have. Water is often treated with chemicals such as chlorine, mineral contents often removed and other elements added back in like fluoride. Some bottled water can pose a problem as some have been noted to have more bacteria then tap water and had the added benefit of leaching harmful endocrine disrupters. Other major toxins include smoking, heavy metals, and medications.
What is Detoxification? Detoxification is the process of eliminating toxins from the body. Poor digestion, reduced liver function, sluggish colon, poor elimination through kidneys, lungs and skin can all increase the toxic burden. Detoxification occurs naturally through the body, however, due to the number of toxins and chemicals in our food, water, air and through processing and metabolism, these toxins build up over time. Detoxification involves dietary and lifestyle changes then reduce the intake of toxins while improving elimination.
This can be done through a whole foods, plant based diet, comprising of lots of colourful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, vegetarian and lean proteins, clean water, sunshine, exercise and adequate sleep constitute a healthy lifestyle that helps to limit illness and disease and promote wellness. Although cleansing is not an easy process, most people feel better as a result of the cleansing process. It helps to increase our energy, improve digestion, sharpen mental capabilities, prevent illness, increase feelings of emotional wellbeing and improve physical appearance and minimize the effects of aging.
Although we cannot eliminate all the toxins we come in contact with on a daily basis we can minimize their effect by reducing their presence in our immediate environment. We can rest our systems and allow our bodies to better metabolize toxins by participating in a yearly or seasonal detox.
Speak with your ND to establish what detox is right for you.

By: Mary-Claire Seitz, ND

Tips to reduce toxic exposure in your daily life

-Use glass instead of plastic where possible (ie VOSS, PC, Splendido), drink 2L of clean filtered water per day
-Try to cook with glass or ceramic, avoid Teflon
-Get adequate sleep
-Increase fruits and vegetables and try to eat organic
-Limit sugar, caffeine, alcohol, processed foods and preservatives
-Increase fiber ie ground flax, berries, psyllium, chia seeds, whole grains
-Lemon water in morning helps to detoxify system and aids in digestion
-Exercise: 3 times per week for 30 min per week
-Plants help to purify air
-Use non toxic cleaning products and laundry detergent
-Reduce electrical devices in the bedroom and limit cell phone calls
-Enjoy the great outdoors
-Reduce EMF by choosing electronics with LCD screens

Decrease allergy symptoms with the Neti Pot!

Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Is your nose irritated from dust, dander or pollen? Are you frustrated with your frequent sinus pressure, nasal congestion, post nasal drip or chronic sinusitis? All of these symptoms can be reduced by using a neti pot or other saline rinse system. These nasal saline wash systems help to decrease nasal and sinus inflammation. It is an easy and gentle way of cleaning the nasal and sinus mucosa and to help decrease irritation daily.
To use the neti pot follow these steps below:
Step 1: Wash hands. Fill the neti pot with distilled or boiled water. Open saline package and mix with water. Caution: Do not use hot water, warm water only.
Or
Step 1: Place salt rocks in container, pour distilled or boiled water over rocks. Soak over night. Pour saline solution into neti pot.
Step 2: Standing in front of a sink, bend forward and tilt head down and slightly to one side. Place spout of neti pot in the upper nostril. Begin to pour saline solution into nostril and let it flow out of opposite nasal passage.
Step 3: When flow is steady, stop flow and remove neti pot from nasal passage. For deeper effect, sniff gently.
Step 4: Blow nose gently without pinching nose completely because this will apply pressure to the ear drums.
Step 5: Repeat steps 2-4 on opposite nostril.
Step 6: Empty residual liquid, clean neti pot with soapy water and let air dry. Can be used daily or as frequently as needed.

-Mary-Claire Seitz, ND

Join us for a cocktail!

Do you suffer from chronic fatigue, stress or lowered immune function?

If the answer is yes, then infusion therapy may be your answer. Parenteral therapy, also known as IV therapy, is an excellent method for delivery of nutrients and therapeutic agents into the body. It delivers these substances directly into the circulatory stream, thereby bypassing the digestive system and liver. This ensures that more of the nutrients are delivered into the system as many of them can otherwise be lost due to impaired absorption and metabolism.
In chronic, depleted or acute conditions, or in cases of compromised digestion, nutrients can be delivered comfortably and safely as part of an integrated naturopathic treatment program. They can be used to treat and support a wide array of conditions including cancer, sports recovery, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, inflammatory bowel diseases, weakened immune systems and chronic pain along with many other conditions.

So why choose IV therapy over traditional pill popping?
1. Quicker delivery of nutrients into the system
2. Better absorption due to the direct delivery of nutrients
3. Higher concentrations can be used without side effects
4. Individualized treatments as every infusion is tailored to a patient’s specific needs

One of the most common infusions is called the Myer’s cocktail. It includes a variety of multivitamins and minerals to increase energy and support the immune system.

So enjoy a cocktail…Doctor’s orders!

For more information or to asses if you may be a candidate for IV therapy, contact Dr. Mary-Claire Seitz, ND or your Naturopathic Doctor.