Autoimmune disorders are considered a leading cause of death in women under the age of 65. They are an immune response caused by systemic inflammation leading your body to attack itself. Autoimmune disorders are a subset of immune system disorders which cause abnormally high or low activity of the immune system. When immune system activity is too low it causes vulnerability to infections. When the immune system activity is unusually high the body attacks and damages its own tissues which is considered an autoimmune disorder. The immune system produces antibodies that attack the bodys tissues instead of fighting infections. This is in response to a trigger your body is exposed to such as an allergen toxin infection or food. With an autoimmune disorder certain types of tissues are mistaken for harmful substances and your body turns these antibodies against itself. At the Mindful Healing Clinic we find that naturopathic treatments for autoimmune disorders may be effective in treating these conditions. But what causes an autoimmune disorder? And what treatment options are available to manage your symptoms? Keep reading to find out. Risk Factors Of Autoimmune Disorders Autoimmune disorders affect 8% of the population and occur significantly more frequently in cisgender women than men: 78% of those with autoimmune disorders are cisgender women. Many investigations have been made as to why women are at higher risk but it has gone largely unexplained. Most studies into autoimmune disorders have focused on the effects of female and male chromosomes on immune function. Others have suggested that cisgender women are genetically predisposed possibly due to the X chromosome leading to susceptibility for tolerance breakdown. More recently research is being conducted into increased allogeneic cell traffic in cisgender women causing susceptibility. In addition there is a genetic component to susceptibility. Whether these genes are expressed or turned on are caused by a host of other factors such as: Heavy metals like mercury Infections like Candida Mycotoxins from molds Herpes simplex virus Epstein-Barr virus There especially is a connection between autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammation caused by gluten intolerance. Symptoms Of Autoimmune Disorders If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or a combination of these symptoms you may have an autoimmune disorder. Tiredness or fatigue Weight gain Cold intolerance Dry eyes mouth or skin Joint pain or muscle pain Weakness or a tremor Difficulty concentrating or focusing Recurring rash or hives Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet Multiple blood clots or miscarriages Abdominal pain Blood or mucus in the stool or diarrhea Mouth ulcers If youre experiencing any of the above symptoms come see us at the Mindful Healing Clinic. Common Autoimmune Disorders The following conditions are some of the most common autoimmune disorders. 1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease With inflammatory bowel disease or IBD the immune system attacks the lining of the intestines. This causes episodes of diarrhea rectal bleeding abdominal pain urgent bowel movements fever and weight loss. Two major forms of IBD are Crohns Disease which is the inflammation of the digestive tract and Ulcerative Colitis which causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the large intestine. 2. Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is caused by the immune system attacking myelin the protective covering of the nerves. Symptoms include pain blindness extreme fatigue weakness muscle spasms cognitive impairment and poor coordination. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world; it affects 1 in 340 Canadians. 3. Psoriasis With psoriasis overactive immune system blood cells called T-cells collect in the skin. This stimulates skin cells to reproduce rapidly. The extra skin cells can produce silvery scaly plaques on the skin; dry cracked skin; small scaling spots; or swollen and stiff joints. 4. Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking the joints since the immune system produces antibodies that attach to the lining of the joints. This causes inflammation swelling and pain in the joints. If left untreated rheumatoid arthritis can cause permanent joint damage. 5. Lupus Lupus also known as systemic lupus erythematosus is a condition where autoimmune antibodies attach to tissues throughout the body. Lungs blood cells joints nerves and kidneys are commonly affected. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose since its signs and symptoms can mimic those of other ailments. Most people with lupus experience symptoms in flares where symptoms can worsen for a while disappear entirely and then reoccur again. Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic Since autoimmune disorders are due to overactivity of the immune system treatment is generally focused on reducing immune system activity. Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder? Or did you read the list of symptoms above and think wow thats me? If so contact me Dr. Maria Cavallazzi at the Mindful Healing Clinic. During your initial appointment you will sit down with me where we can talk about your autoimmune disorder and any other health concerns you may have. From there well create a treatment plan based on your unique health needs. Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE 15-minute introductory session today! Until next time Dr. Maria Cavallazzi N.D Mindful Healing Integrative Naturopathy 251 Queen St S Unit 4 Mississauga ON L5M 1L7 - https://goo.gl/maps/KYspifT7J232 Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago. To get more info on health wellness and alternative medicine please visit us here: naturopaths in streetsville

Weve all been overtired after a long day or a late night but with rest or sleep we feel better. Fatigue affects twenty-four percent of people at some time during their life. But if you are experiencing fatigue continuously for more than six months it may be chronic fatigue. Fatigue itself is a normal occurrence under some situations. However chronic fatigue is persistent and is not relieved by rest and can interfere with daily activities. Generally chronic fatigue is accompanied by cognitive difficulties and post-exertional malaise or an energy crash from a minor exertion. At the Mindful Healing Clinic we find that naturopathic treatments may be effective in treating your chronic fatigue symptoms. What Is Chronic Fatigue? Fatigue is a constant state of feeling tired weak worn out or drained and can affect you physically mentally or both. Fatigue is commonly caused by a combination of lifestyle psychological social and general wellbeing issues but for some it is an underlying medical condition. One study found that only ten percent of patients in an internal medicine clinic were found to have a medical cause for their fatigue. Another study showed that twenty-four percent of patients consider fatigue to be a significant problem. Fatigue can cause physical emotional and mental symptoms such as: Chronic tiredness Dizziness Headaches Muscular weakness Poor concentration Low motivation Moodiness or irritability Appetite loss Blurred vision Chronic fatigue occurs when these symptoms persist over a long period of time. Chronic fatigue -- also known as systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) -- may make it difficult to perform day-to-day activities concentrate or be motivated. If you are experiencing these persisting symptoms even with adequate sleep you may be experiencing chronic fatigue. Is It Chronic Fatigue Or Am I Just Tired? Normal levels of tiredness can be resolved with rest or a good nights sleep. For chronic fatigue rest and sleep do not alleviate the symptoms. Fatigue is a lack of physical or mental energy that interferes with daily activities. Tiredness is the inability to remain fully awake or alert during the day. Daytime tiredness is often a sign of sleep apnea. Symptoms of tiredness usually have an identifiable cause and a likely remedy. Chronic fatigue on the other hand has no apparent cause. Causes Of Chronic Fatigue The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown. Patients who report the symptoms to their doctors are often disregarded and the majority of patients receive delayed or no diagnosis. There are no specific tests to diagnose chronic fatigue. Women are four times more likely to develop chronic fatigue syndrome and it is more prevalent among patients in their 40s and 50s. Although the definitive cause is unknown there are some hypotheses. 1. Enzyme blockage A recent study suggested that the profound lack of energy and other symptoms are due to a blockage of the key metabolic enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH). This enzyme is used in the conversion of carbohydrates to energy. The lack of PDH causes the cells to switch to alternative fuels causing a shortage of energy in the muscles and a buildup of lactate. There is also the belief that chronic fatigue is an infectious disease with immunologic manifestations the suggested agent being Chlamydia pneumoniae. 2. Other Medical Conditions Fibromyalgia can cause chronic fatigue-like symptoms and is accompanied by widespread nonarticular pain and stiffness. Other conditions which may experience fatigue as a symptom include: Anemia Hypo or hyperthyroidism Diabetes Autoimmune or endocrine disorders Cancer Chronic infections Neuromuscular or sleep disorders Heart disease 3. Psychiatric Illness Psychiatric illness is present in 60-80 percent of patients with chronic fatigue. Up to three quarters of chronic fatigue patients also have mood or anxiety disorders. Other psychiatric conditions which may cause fatigue include: Anxiety Depression Grief Stress Fatigue is also believed to be a common side effect of many conventional pharmaceutical drugs especially those used for managing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Antihistamines can also cause fatigue. Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic Naturopathic treatment is available for chronic fatigue syndrome depending on the underlying cause. Management of symptoms especially early on may be associated with better outcomes. If you suspect that you may have or have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome contact me Dr. Maria Cavallazzi at the Mindful Healing Clinic. During your initial appointment you will sit down with me where we can talk about your chronic fatigue syndrome and any other health concerns you may have. From there well create a treatment plan based on your unique health needs. Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE 15-minute introductory session today. Until next time Dr. Maria Cavallazzi N.D Mindful Healing Integrative Naturopathy 251 Queen St S Unit 4 Mississauga ON L5M 1L7 - https://goo.gl/maps/KYspifT7J232 Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago. To see additional ways on health wellness and alternative medicine please visit us here: naturopathic doctor

Asthma is a common condition affecting 10% of adults and 13% of children according to Stats Canada. It is the most common chronic condition in children. If you have been diagnosed with asthma you may be familiar with experiencing sudden coughing wheezing and shortage of breath during an asthma attack. Most often those diagnosed with asthma are provided with an inhaler for treatment of asthma attacks but alternative options are also available for how to treat asthma naturally. But what is asthma and what causes it? What treatment options are available to supplement your inhaler? Keep reading to find out. What Is Asthma? Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways where your airways narrow and produce extra mucus. The inflammation of the airways can cause airflow to become restricted. Asthma can occur due to: Allergies Exercise Irritants or air pollutants Obesity Respiratory infections Gastroesophageal reflux disease The severity of asthma can vary from a minor nuisance for some to a major problem for others that can interfere with daily activities. In rare cases asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Although there is no known cure for asthma the symptoms may be controlled. Asthma often changes over time so talk to your doctor to adjust treatment as required. Symptoms Of Asthma If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below consult with your doctor to see if you may have asthma. Chronic cough Wheezing Shortness of breath A feeling of tightness in the chest Symptoms of asthma may come and go and may be triggered by environmental or other factors listed above. You may be affected by only some of the symptoms and their severity can vary. Persistent coughing may be a sign of asthma lung disease or other conditions such as pneumonia so its important to consult with your doctor about your asthma concerns. Risk Factors for Asthma Asthma is not contagious and can be caused by both heredity and environmental factors. If you have a parent or close relative with allergies or asthma you might inherit the tendency to develop asthma. Your chance of having asthma is also increased if you have experienced frequent wheezing inflammation of the nose (allergic rhinitis) or eczema. Many people with allergies also have asthma and conditions like rhinitis can worsen asthma symptoms. You might develop asthma by being exposed to triggers for your asthma. Triggers can either be allergic or non-allergic. Allergic or inflammatory triggers cause inflammation of the airways. Non-allergic or symptom triggers do not cause swelling but can cause airway sensitivity. Possible allergic triggers include: Animals Dust mites Pollen Mould Air pollutants Possible non-allergic triggers include: Cold air Chemical fumes or strong-smelling substances Exercise Intense emotions Cigarette smoke including second-hand The standard medical treatment for asthma is to avoid triggers and utilize an inhaler but there are other treatments available to help manage your asthma symptoms. Naturopathic Treatments For Asthma Asthma may be treated with a naturopathic approach. The first and most important asthma treatment is to identify and manage your triggers. Consider having an allergy test performed with your doctor. In addition speak to your doctor about assessing your nutrient deficiencies. Vitamin C and D magnesium potassium and fatty acid deficiencies have been associated with asthma. But there are other naturopathic treatments available as well. Here are a few naturopathic treatments your naturopathic doctor may recommend. 1. Steam Baths Steam baths have been used as an aid for airway irritation and nasal congestion associated with asthma. According to a study published in the 1987/88 medical journal "Clinical Ecology" Dr. Jozef Krop a pioneer in sauna therapy cured a teenage girl of her asthma through sauna therapy. He stated that steroids environmental control immunotherapy and anti-candida treatments did not clear her symptoms but sauna therapy did. Although there are few other studies that prove that steam treatments improve symptoms steam baths can still be an effective natural treatment for asthma. Steam baths may relieve some symptoms by providing moisture to the airways. Watch the temperature of your steam -- in some asthmatics if the temperature is too high it can exacerbate symptoms. Steam baths can help alleviate symptoms but should not replace asthma medications. Speak to your doctor before beginning a steam bath routine. 2. Nutritional Supplementation Omega-3 fatty acids often found in fish oil help reduce inflammatory markers improving pulmonary function. This is also an important supplement for those who are pregnant as adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids has shown lowered rates of asthma among infants. Magnesium is another supplement which can be used to treat asthma as it increases bronchodilation. More studies are needed to show if fish oil and magnesium improve lung function or reduce the necessity of asthma medicine required. However both supplements when used under supervision of your doctor are beneficial for overall health. 3. Herbs And Botanical Medicine Your naturopathic doctor may prescribe a natural herbal treatment for your asthma such as: Garlic due to its anti-inflammatory properties Ginger which may decrease inflammation Turmeric which may have anti-allergy properties Honey which can soothe asthma symptoms Your naturopathic doctor may also opt for a botanical treatment such as: Boswellia Curcuma longa and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) when combined can dampen the chemical messengers which initiate inflammation Astragalus membranaceus a powerful immune-strengthening herb with tissue specificity in the lungs Lobelia inflata a respiratory stimulant and expectorant which should only be used under the supervision of a trained practitioner due to its potential toxicity 4. Stress Management Stress is a trigger for asthma and management of stress can help alleviate symptoms. In addition a 2017 study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics shows that maternal prenatal stress has been associated with a higher risk for a variety of immune and metabolic alterations in the offspring such as asthma and allergic disorders. These are just a sample of possible treatments your naturopathic doctor may use depending on your unique health history and needs. Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with asthma? If so contact me Dr. Maria Cavallazzi. During your initial appointment youll get a chance to sit down with me where we can talk about your asthma and any other health concerns you may have. From there Ill answer any questions you may have and we can talk about putting together a treatment plan based on your unique health needs. Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE 15-minute introductory session today! Until next time Dr. Maria Cavallazzi N.D Mindful Healing Integrative Naturopathy 251 Queen St S Unit 4 Mississauga ON L5M 1L7 - https://goo.gl/maps/KYspifT7J232 Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago. To find more info on health wellness and alternative medicine please visit us here: naturopathic medicine

Urinary incontinence (UI) involves losing control of one bladder and unintentionally releasing urine Over 3.3 million of Canadian men and women of all ages suffer from UI. Some of its harms are most noticeable in affecting one's social life and psychological well-being. Living with uncertainty regarding when you might accidentally urinate can be anxiety-inducing and limit your choice of activities. But thankfully a variety of therapies is available for those diagnosed with UI. As a naturopathic doctor in Mississauga I can help diagnose you with UI and recommend various effective natural treatments. In today's post I'll discuss what diagnosis involves and what therapies are available. Diagnosing Urinary Incontinence - Medical History o Your health care professional will ask you about the following: Symptoms medications bowel function past pelvic operations history of childbirth urination and urine leakage patterns o you may find it beneficial to keep a diary of bladder activity for a few days before your appointment. Record information such as: activity preceding leak such as lifting or coughing frequency of accidental leakage frequency of urination amount of urine released presence or absence of strong need to urinate before leak quantity and types of drinks consumed - Physical Exam o Pelvic exam: a visual and physical exam of the pelvic organs. Cough Stress Test: the patient will be asked to sit upright with legs spread and cough while her bladder is full. Urine leakage during this test will indicate stress incontinence Another test will involve the doctor assessing the patient's pelvic muscle strength by asking her to squeeze her pelvic floor muscles. Additionally the doctor will slide a lubricated gloved finger into patient's vagina to examine it for physical problems such as a prolapse. o Digital rectal exam: The doctor will examine the rectum using a gloved lubricated finger checking for masses or stool that might be implicated in UI. o These examinations might suffice for diagnosis or the doctor might send you for further testing. - Diagnostic Tests o Urinalysis: a urine sample will be collected and tested for proteins or blood; this will help expose diabetes or kidney problems. o Urine culture: when urianalysis indicates the presence of urinary tract infection a urine sample will be tested to identify bacteria. This test will typically take between 1-3 days. o Urodynamic testing: different procedures may be used in this type of testing some of them involving the insertion of a catheter. Urodynamic testing will typically examine how well the bladder sphincters and urethra hold and release urine. Naturopathic Treatments For Urinary Incontinence Once UI is diagnosed there are several courses of treatment available to you. Behavioral and lifestyle changes Bladder training pelvic floor exercises urgency suppression and smoking cessation are an important part of treating UI. Different types of incontinence have various interventions specific to them. - Stress Incontinence o Stress Incontinence is caused by poor closure of the bladder and is typically experienced while running or coughing o Here are some of the therapies available: o Behavioral and lifestyle changes: Limit liquids before bedtime Reduce intake of bladder irritants like caffeinated or carbonated beverages Lose weight; some studies show obesity may increase chance of UI and worsen symptoms especially in women o Pelvic floor muscle exercises: these exercises also known as Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to help it hold urine more effectively. The exercises involve of tightening and relaxing the muscles regulating urine release. o Bladder training: this involves training yourself to use the bathroom at regular intervals. Extending breaks between bathroom trips can stretch the bladder and help it store more urine. o Smoking cessation: smoking increases coughing which in turn increases the chances of developing stress incontinence. It can worsen bladder irritation as well in some cases. o If these naturalistic interventions don't help other medical interventions are available such as urethral inserts or pessaries injections of bulking agents (like collagen) and surgery. - Urgency Incontinence o This is caused by an overactive bladder and is experienced as a sudden intense need to urinate followed by urine leakage. Behavioral and lifestyle changes pelvic floor exercises bladder training and urgency suppression are effective for urgency incontinence as well. o Other therapies include: o Urgency suppression: this involves training the bladder to maintain control and suppress the urge to urinate. Distraction slow and relaxed breathing and pelvic floor exercises can help. o In cases when natural interventions fail medications such as Antimuscarinics Tricyclic antidepressants and Beta-3 agonists can be used. Other options are Botox injections and electrical nerve stimulation. - Overflow Incontinence o This may be caused by blockage of the urethra or poor bladder contraction. Surgery may be needed to remove the blockage or in the absence of a blockage a catheter can help empty the bladder. - Functional Incontinence o People with functional incontinence are typically aware that they need to urinate but cannot reach the bathroom often due to other health problems. This type of UI may be helped by wearing protective undergarments. Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic Are you experiencing involuntary urination? Book a FREE urinary incontinence consultation with me Dr. Maria Cavallazzi at the Mississauga-based Mindful Healing Clinic. I can help diagnose your UI and figure out a treatment plan that will help you improve and manage your symptoms. If you want to find out more about urinary incontinence how it works and its causes and risk factors check out our previous article on UI. Until next time Dr. Maria Cavallazzi N.D Mindful Healing Integrative Naturopathy 251 Queen St S Unit 4 Mississauga ON L5M 1L7 - https://goo.gl/maps/KYspifT7J232 Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago. To read additional information on health wellness and alternative medicine please visit us here: naturopathic doctor in downtown Mississauga

You may have heard of your endocrine system but what you may not realize is just how complex and important it is to your overall health and well-being. Lets start off today by talking about what your endocrine system is in the first place. From there well look at some of the common disorders that can affect your endocrine system what the triggers can be and what sort ofnaturopathic treatments for endocrine disorders can be used. What Is Your Endocrine System? Your endocrine system includes the parts of your body that regulate and produce hormones. These include some names you'll recognize like your digestive system kidneys heart ovaries/testes and thyroid as well as some lesser known bits like your adrenal glands and adipose tissue. These tissues release hormones directly into your bloodstream hence the endo in endocrine from the Greek inside. This is in contrast with your exocrine system which secretes substances onto an epitheleal surface (your skin and gastrointestinal tract being two examples of an epitheleal surface). This includes your sweat glands mammary glands olfactory glands prostate uterine glands sebaceous glands and many more. Because these tissues deliver their packages so to speak to the outside of the body or to places that come in contact with the outside of the body theyre called exocrine from the Greek exo meaning outside. Interestingly the pancreas and the liver are considered both part of your endocrine and your exocrine system since they secrete pancreatic juice and bile respectively into the GI tract while they secrete other substances into your bloodstream. Why Is Your Endocrine System Important? Your body uses hormones to tell its different parts how to behave in order to coordinate efforts. One obvious example is during puberty - your respective bits send signals to the rest of your body to tell it to begin growing certain things in certain places. Without your endocrine system your body wont know how to work together and everything will work independently. This can disrupt your circadian rhythm (controlled by hormones from your pineal gland) your metabolism (from your thyroid) your sexual capability and your ability to deal with stress (your adrenal glands) among many other potential issues. What Are Some Of The Common Endocrine Disorders? There are many disorders which can affect parts or all of your endocrine system. These disorders interfere at some level with the flow of hormones in your body. Some of them may cause your hormone flow to be too low or too high (each can be just as detrimental as the other) cause issues with your bloodstream which transports the secreted hormones or the reception of hormones at the other end. An entire article could be written about each one of them but well list some of them here. Common endocrine disorders include: Hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism Goiter Graves Disease Thyroiditis Diabetes (type I and II) Hypoglycemia Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) Certain types of cancer Certain types of arthritis Osteoporosis Cushings disease Gigantism What Are The Signs Of An Endocrine Disorder? Each of the above diseases has different warning signs and symptoms. Speak to a qualified health care practitioner to help you identify whether you have any of the above conditions. However there are some common signs symptoms and factors that can contribute to an endocrine disorder. These include: Chronic unexplained fatigue Digestive issues Dehydration Changes in skin Insomnia Difficulty concentrating Sensitivity to cold Hair loss Unexplained weight gain Menstrual issues Naturopathic Treatments For Endocrine Disorders If youre experiencing one or more of the above symptoms it could be a sign that you have an endocrine disorder. But there is help. Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book an appointment with me Dr. Maria Cavallazzi. During your FREE 15 minute optimal health consultation you ll get a chance to ask any questions you may have about naturopathic medicine and how it may be able to treat your health concerns. From there well talk about a treatment plan we can use to help you achieve your optimal level of health. Endocrine disorders can disrupt your life making it difficult to complete the simplest tasks. Call the Mindful Healing Clinic to book an appointment and lets talk about where your health concerns are coming from and what you can do about it. Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE 15 minute optimal health consultation today. Until next time Dr. Maria Cavallazzi N.D Mindful Healing Integrative Naturopathy 251 Queen St S Unit 4 Mississauga ON L5M 1L7 - https://goo.gl/maps/KYspifT7J232 Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago. To discover more tips about health wellness and alternative medicine please visit us here: naturopathic clinic

Navigating the world of weight loss advice can be quite frustrating. Read enough articles and your list of "allowed" foods will be reduced to lettuce and water. Many diets tell you to avoid whole food groups missing a lot of the more nuanced aspects of good nutrition. As a naturopathic doctor in Mississauga I can help you figure out a balanced approach to food that'll allow you to enjoy a great variety of foods while improving your health. Do you really need to give up all fats? Or is giving up on carbs best for you? Read on to find out. Is All Fat Bad For You? "Don't want to be fat? Don't eat fat." That's just common sense isn't it? When it comes to common sense ideas common nonsense are just as pervasive especially when it comes to dieting. This popular advice falls into the latter category. As counter-intuitive as it might sound not all fatty foods are bad for your weight-loss diet and some can actually benefit you. Meanwhile food labeled as "fat-free" might include a substitute that's worse for you than fat. If you ever find yourself staring at that "low-fat" cereal box scratching your head and wondering why it still has the same amount of calories if the fat is gone this is why. You're getting processed sugars instead now. And that's definitely bad for you. Same goes for the milk you eat that cereal with. As it turns out high-fat dairy is correlated with an almost halved risk of type 2 diabetes and a lower risk of obesity and cardiometabolic disease as well. Some great sources of healthy fat include walnuts salmon flax sunflower seeds avocado and extra-virgin olive oil. These include different varieties of omega-3 fat acids which help reduce inflammation in the body. The increased inflammation associated with obesity might be a mediating factor between obesity and its various pathological consequences. So does this mean you get a free pass to all culinary wonders of fat? Sorry the answer is no. Saturated fats and trans fats are still bad for your heart and put you at risk of obesity. But before you call me a killjoy I at least have some good news about eggs. Eggs do not have as great of an impact on bad cholesterol as previously thought trans fats are the real problem (so watch what you eat alongside your eggs). If you're healthy eggs can be a great source of B vitamins vitamin D antioxidants and protein. Just don't overdo it recommendations of daily cholesterol limit vary between 200 and 300mg a day; that translates to 1 large egg or 2 small eggs. However if you're at risk of cardiovascular disease or diabetes eggs are still not your friends. Should You Avoid All Carbs? Another common myth is that you must shun carbs. Like with fat there's bad carbs and good carbs. Complex carbohydrates improve intestinal and cardiovascular health; their high levels of fiber help lower cholesterol. The phrase "whole grain" is often touted as a magic stamp of healthiness. However it's not as simple as that. Within the current FDA standards a food can be labeled whole grain with as little as half of its content actually whole grain. Processed "whole grain" foods are frequently low on fiber and nutrients. To get complex carbohydrates opt for foods like lentils beans whole grains vegetables and fruits. Beware the quantity of grains and breads even breads labeled as whole wheat; sometimes they're really half-wheat. Is Diet Soda Is A Good Substitute For Soda? It's not. Just like with fat-free products it's not enough to eliminate something from your diet; be careful with what you're replacing it with. The artificial sweeteners in diet soda will do more damage than good to your diet. A literature review that looked at 7 trials (1003 participants observed for 6 months) and 30 cohort studies (405907 participants observed for 10 years) found artificial sweeteners to be ineffective in weight loss. In fact they were typically correlated with higher BMI and risk of cardiometabolic disease. Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic Do you want to find out how to lead a sensible sustainable diet? Contact me Dr. Maria Cavallazzi to book your FREE nutritional consultation at the Mindful Healing Clinic in Mississauga. I will help you understand how naturopathy can help you develop a diet strategy that works for you. Afterwards we will create together a personalized meal plan that will improve not just your weight but your health as well. Don't bounce from one bad diet to another. Contact me at the Mindful Healing Clinic today and book your FREE nutrition consultation. Until next time Dr. Maria Cavallazzi N.D Mindful Healing Integrative Naturopathy 251 Queen St S Unit 4 Mississauga ON L5M 1L7 - https://goo.gl/maps/KYspifT7J232 Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago. To learn more info on health wellness and alternative medicine please visit us here: Streetsville naturopathic clinic

Imagine you're a cop in an action movies.

You're right outside the apartment of the most dangerous drug lord in town and his goons, waiting for back up.

Any moment someone will come out and see you.

Those guys, they hate cops. They'll shoot you dead on sight – if you're lucky.

Unless you get them first.

Your muscles tense up, readying you to run like a fiend at the slightest noise.

Your blood pulses in your veins, your heart is a drum in your ears.

You're panting like an animal hungry for the chase.

Your body dampens down everything else, attunes the entirety of its resources to a single purpose: getting you out of this alive.

Now, imagine feeling like this all the time.

The fight-or-flight response works great for the situation above.

Not so well for your midterms.

In my practice as a naturopathic doctor for stress management, I have helped many patients reduce stress and improve mental and physical wellbeing.

Today I'll share with you some of what I've learned on stress and how to mitigate its harmful effects.

What is stress, and why it can be bad for us?

The biological purpose of stress is to help an organism survive by forcing it to adapt quickly to any physical or environmental pressure.

Acute stress involves an urgent, quick danger that activates the fight-or-flight response of our sympathetic nervous system.

This system redirects our energy to the bodily systems most useful for fighting or escaping.

But what happens when that response gets overextended?

Chronic stress involves continuous activation of the fight-or-flight response.

That means that physical changes meant to last a short time become overextended.

Things like an unhappy marriage, poverty, childhood trauma, major life events, or a high-stress job can cause chronic stress.

But even smaller, daily stressors can lead to chronic stress.

What does the fight-or-flight stress response consist of?

Hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol are released, causing the following:

Until next time,

Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago.

Whether you want to fight inflammation in your body, or just make your food yellow, turmeric – the spice used in curry – is your friend.

Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, significantly reduces inflammation and oxidation.

Chronic inflammation is a major culprit in Western disease. It contributes to diabetes, cancer, arthritis, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, depression, obesity, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

As a naturopathic doctor in Mississauga, I’ve worked with many different patients over the years and often include turmeric as part of my naturopathic and nutritional coaching programs.

Anti-inflammatory drugs taken on long term basis have severe side effects on gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health.

But curcumin has been shown in some cases to be as effective as pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory drugs, while being free of side effects.

As a powerful antioxidant, curcumin can also reduce damage from free radicals, and protect against various negative effects associated with aging.

What’s the catch?

This amazing curcumin compound?

It’s only 3% of the content of turmeric.

To get an effective dosage out of natural turmeric powder you’d have to take up curry eating as a full-time job.

That’s why studies typically use extracts with high concentration curcumin.

The trouble is that most of this curcumin will bid you farewell on your next trip to the restroom.

Curcumin has poor bioavailability and doesn’t absorb well into the bloodstream.

There has been some disillusionment among scientists as impressive lab results and animal studies did not always translate well into human trials.

Still, is there any way to harness the mighty powers of curcumin?

Piperine, found in black pepper, improves curcumin absorption by 2000%. Combining curcumin with lipids will also increase its absorption.

Unfortunately, a lot of the current human studies on curcumin made no effort to improve its bioavailability.

Hopefully with the addition of piperine or lipids to curcumin, future studies might yield better results.

Nonetheless, many human trials with curcumin have already been successful.

Read on to find out how curcumin can help your health.

What Is Turmeric Good For?

Human romance with the turmeric plant began in India, nearly 4000 years ago, where it was used for culinary and religious purposes.

We have records of its medicinal use starting from 250 bc, when it was recommended by "Ayurveda" – the Indian system of holistic medicine – for use in ointments against poisoned food.

Interestingly, up to 50% of approved drugs in the past 30 years has come directly or indirectly from natural products.

In recent years modern medicine became greatly interested in

Turmeric, with over 3000 publications on the topic written in the last 25 years.

1. Heart Disease

Studies have shown that curcumin can significantly reduce risk of heart disease – the number onecause of death worldwide.

One study looked at 121 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

The group that took curcumin before and after the surgery had a 65% decrease in risk for a heart attack in the hospital, compared to the placebo group.

How does curcumin help?

Curcumin improves endothelial function, which is vital to preventing heart disease. Endothelium – the lining of the blood vessels – is important for processes like blood clotting and blood pressure regulation. Studies have found curcumin to be as effective as exercise and as the pharmaceutical drug Atorvastatin in improving endothelial function.

2. Cancer

Curcumin shows great promise in fighting cancer.

In lab and animal studies, curcumin reduced the development and spread of cancer, killing cancerous cells and lowering growthof new blood cells in tumours.

There is encouraging evidence form human studies as well.

One study examined the effectiveness of curcumin in 44 men with colon lesions at risk of turning cancerous. Within a month, curcumin eliminated 40% of the lesions.

3. Alzheimer’s Disease

Curcumin might be effective against Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by buildup of protein tangles called Amyloid plaques.

Lab studies on animals have shown that curcumin is effective in disposing of these plaques, and might improve and even prevent Alzheimer's disease.

But what about human trials?

Results have been mixed. In two trials, curcumin was ineffective in improving the condition of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

However, one of the trials suggested that curcumin is capable of dismantling beta-amyloid deposits in the brain and releasing them for circulation and disposal.

Furthermore, a study of 1,010 elderly people of asian descent without dementia found that those with turmeric-rich diets performed significantly better in a cognitive function test compared to the rest.

While curcumin has potential to be helpful for Alzheimer's disease, it remains to be seen whether an effective treatment using curcumin can be developed.

4. Arthritis

Arthritis is a leading cause of work-related disability, experienced by 23% of adults in the United States and 16% of Canadians. It’s characterized by chronic inflammation.

As mentioned, one of the primary benefits of curcumin is its anti-inflammatory properties, which lends credence to the idea that turmeric can help with relief for arthritis.

Various studies suggest this.

In one study, curcumin proved more effective for rheumatoid arthritis than the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium, and had no side effects.

In another, taking Meriva – a blend of curcumin and soy lecithin – led to significant improvement in inflammation, symptoms and mobility and among osteoarthritis patients.

A third A third study found that adding curcumin allowed osteoarthritis patients to decrease their dose of the drug celecoxib to safer doses.

5. Depression

Curcumin shows promise in treating depression.

In one study, 60 depressive patients were given curcumin, Prozac or a combination of the two.

Curcumin and Prozac were similarly effective, and when combined, led to even greater improvement, suggesting that dietary changes can be just as powerful as pharmaceutical drugs in treating depression.

Meanwhile, in animal studies, curcumin has been shown to boost the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which have been closely linked with the brain’s ability to produce happiness.

This could reverses some of the depression-associated changes in the hippocampus, a brain area important for memory and learning.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

Have you been diagnosed with any of these conditions, or suspect you might be at risk?

Contact me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, to book your FREE optimal health consultation here at the Mindful Healing Clinic in Mississauga.

I’ll help you understand better how naturopathy can assist you, and answer any questions you may have.

From there, we’ll develop an individualized treatment plan, to help you achieve your optimal level of health, on your terms.

Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE optimal health consultation today.

Until next time,

Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago.

Acupuncture today is one of the most well-known forms of complementary healthcare.

Even those who haven’t experienced a treatment themselves have at least heard about it.

But awareness is only the first step.

As a streetsville naturopathic doctor who practices acupuncture, I’ve seen my share of misconceptions about acupuncture treatment.

These misconceptions are understandable to someone who’s never experienced acupuncture before or who has been fed only misinformation about it.

With this article, I hope to dispel some of the myths surrounding acupuncture.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how acupuncture may be able to help you with your health concerns, contact us at the Mindful Healing Clinic.

1. Acupuncture isn’t real medicine

Acupuncture began as a form of folk medicine in China, and as a result some believe it’s based more around superstition than actual science, or that it is no more effective than a placebo.

However, there’s a large body of work that does support many of the claims made about acupuncture and its practice.

A search on the US National Library of Medicine, a database of scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journals, delivers more than 1200 results for the search term “benefits of acupuncture”.

The research points to acupuncture’s benefits, or potential benefits, in treating children with asthma, helping people recover from gynaecological surgery or certain types of strokes, to help ease the pain of patients in palliative care, treating fibromyalgia, diabetic gastroparesis, and more.

While the jury is still out on some of the benefits of acupuncture, it’s clear based on the scientific literature that there’s more to it than just superstition.

2. Acupuncture is painful

You can be forgiven for thinking that acupuncture is painful.

After all, we’re stabbing you with a bunch of needles all over your body, right?

Wrong.

First of all, acupuncture needles are very small and fine – just a little bit thicker than a strand of hair, actually.

And they aren’t inserted all the way into your body either, just enough to hold them in place.

Some people report mild discomfort, like a dull ache, around the point of insertion, which generally either fades on its own or eases as your acupuncturist manipulates and adjusts the needles.

In rare cases, acupuncture has some side effects, including fatigue, soreness, and lightheadedness.

These side effects are rare, and almost always clear up in a day or two.

But in general, acupuncture is not considered a painful form of treatment.

3. Acupuncture is just a band-aid treatment

Because of acupuncture’s reputation as a treatment to help relieve pain, it’s a common belief that acupuncture simply deals with the symptoms of an illness, rather than treating the root cause.

The truth is that acupuncture is designed to help facilitate the body’s own ability to heal itself.

The acupuncture needles stimulate the body to release endorphins.

While endorphins do act like a natural painkiller, they have also been proven to bolster your immune system, improve your digestive function, and help fight several illnesses.

When the body’s ability to heal itself is promoted, it may make certain conditions easier to manage overall.

So acupuncture is designed to help you deal with your health concerns permanently.

4. Once you receive acupuncture, you’ll always need to get it

Like any type of healthcare treatment, the number of acupuncture treatments you need depend dramatically on your own health history, your unique health concerns, the severity of your condition, and much more.

While some patients report relief after the first session, others require more treatments in order to get the results they were hoping for.

However, if you don’t see the results you were hoping for with your first treatment, don’t give up.

Your acupuncture practitioner will help you make an informed decision about the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

5. Acupuncture can’t be used in combination with other treatments

Acupuncture is considered to be a safe, low-risk treatment.

In general, there is no conflict between acupuncture and other forms of health care treatment, and can be used in conjunction with many other treatments, including chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy, and alongside most pharmaceutical drugs.

If you are undergoing other health care treatments, though, speak to your acupuncture practitioner.

They will be able to help you make an informed decision as to whether acupuncture is right for you.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

Are you interested in discovering more about acupuncture?

Curious as to whether it’s right for you? If so, contact me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, at the Mindful Healing Clinic in Streetsville, Mississauga.

You can book a FREE 15 minute optimal health consultation, during which I’ll sit down with you, listen to your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and from there we can put together a treatment plan to address your health concerns.

Call the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE 15 minute optimal health consultation today.

Until next time,

Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago.

Theres always an excuse not to do something. Anything really. From going to the grocery store to writing that article you want to write to going to see your family doctor naturopathic practitioner or otherwise. Our minds are really good at excuses especially if its something you dont really want to do. Exercise is one of them. Exercise is part of any successful weight loss program as well as any healthy lifestyle. And yet people have hundreds of excuses for why not to exercise. And like most excuses they just dont make sense when you really examine them. But while proper diet and nutrition are important they only go so far. Without exercise youll be spinning your wheels in frustration unable to live up to your full health potential. Here are some of the most common excuses your brain may come up with for why you dont need to exercise and how to ignore them. 1. Im Too Fat If youre overweight it may seem too difficult to exercise. You may feel like youre too far gone. And if youve been overweight for a long time you may be stuck in your overweight lifestyle and mentality. Humans are creatures of habit and its tough to break out of our habits. But if youre hoping for a successful weight management strategy youll need to start exercising. The good news though is that even if you get winded after only a few stairs you can still start exercising. Start gradually even if its just going for a walk around the block. Youll be amazed at the difference it can make. Nobody goes from being overweight to running a marathon overnight. But if Rosalie Bradford could go from weighing a whopping 1053 pounds to just under 300 youre not too far gone. 2. Im Too Busy Everyone is busy. 21st century lives are busier than ever. But if something is important enough to you youll make time for it. After all you make time to catch up with your favourite TV shows dont you? The truth is you have the time. If you want to exercise youll make the time. If you want to feel better youll make the time. If youre committed to a weight loss program and want to make a change in your life youll make the time. And if you dont youll make this excuse. 3. Exercise Is Boring If you think exercise is boring you may need to broaden your idea of what you consider to be exercise. Going to the gym and grinding your body isnt for everyone of course. Neither are team sports. And if your memories of exercise are all related to gym class that might be your first association. But there are other ways to exercise as well. Dancing is exercise. Swimming is exercise. Going for a bike ride is exercise. Playing the drums is exercise. Even going for a walk with a friend is exercise. The trick is to find some sort of exercise you enjoy doing. You can push yourself to do what you dont like to do once in a while but in the long run your willpower will give out you wont want to do them anymore and youll end up hating exercise. Thats not healthy. Find something you enjoy and find a way to fit it into your daily routine. 4. It Hurts To Exercise Now this isnt always an excuse. This is a legitimate problem which many people face. However theres a difference between pain and soreness. If you run a kilometer on the treadmill after not having done so for a while for example your legs may be sore. Thats to be expected. This soreness usually gets worse in the next day or two after exercise but then it will start to feel better. However if youve injured yourself the pain will be different. Each person is different but if youre experiencing joint or muscle pain talk to a doctor physiotherapist chiropractor or other specialist to find out how you can exercise without hurting yourself. In fact many different types of pain including lower back pain can be offset by certain types of exercise. 5. Im Too Old Very few people are so old that they cant exercise in some fashion. But again this comes back to a different understanding of what exercise is in the first place. Most fitness centres have some sort of exercise program geared toward seniors. These are usually gentler exercises which take into consideration older bones and ligaments but theyre still doable. If your body feels frail and you have trouble exercising there are many small low-impact exercises you can do which will help you keep moving without hurting yourself. Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic Now that we have all our excuses out of the way lets find some easy ways to exercise. If youre interested in building a weight loss program that works with your lifestyle come see us at the Mindful Healing Clinic. Youll get a FREE 15-minute wellness consultation where youll get to sit down with me Dr. Maria Cavallazzi get all your questions answered and find out how naturopathic medicine can help you with how to lose weight and keep it off. Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE 15-minute wellness consultation today. Until next time Dr. Maria Cavallazzi N.D Mindful Healing Integrative Naturopathy 251 Queen St S Unit 4 Mississauga ON L5M 1L7 - https://goo.gl/maps/KYspifT7J232 Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago. To discover more ways about health wellness and alternative medicine please visit us here: downtown Mississauga naturopathic clinic