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13
May

Common Food Allergies – Itching For Relief

   Posted by: Dr. Tonia Mitchell ND Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Besides stress (one of my favorite topics) the other broad category that affects the health of my patients the most is allergies.  There are different types of allergic reactions.  This article will focus on the symptoms of common food allergies and how you can find out if you have them.

Let’s start with the type of food allergy you are likely to be most familiar with:

  • The immediate type reaction.  This type of food reaction can be very severe and occurs because the immune system is overreacting to a substance that it perceives as being a hostile foreign invader, but that is usually safe for most people. Certain immune receptors (IgE antibodies) bind with certain foreign proteins in foods (allergens) and cause certain immune cells (mast cells) to release histamine.  This powerful messenger causes inflammation and other detrimental effects such as a narrowing of the windpipe.  This type of allergic response can be related to eczema, hay fever and, most seriously, asthma as well as anaphylaxis which can lead to shock and death.  People who are aware of these type of food allergies often will carry an epi-pen or an inhaler.  But if you eat a food and your lips or tongue feels tingly, or you have trouble breathing, you are likely allergic to it.  It is best to stay away from that food.  The most common food allergies in this group in decreasing order of frequency include:
  1. egg
  2. fish
  3. shellfish
  4. nuts
  5. peanuts

Immediate type allergies can be tested by a skin prick test or a blood test.

The next type of allergy is less familiar, although incredibly common, to most people and it is called:

  • The delayed type sensitivity. These common food allergies can take up to 72 hours to actually present themselves as symptoms.  This makes it hard to know what food is causing what reaction.  The most common food allergies of this type are (in decreasing order of frequency):
  1. milk
  2. chocolate
  3. wheat
  4. citrus
  5. food colorings

Delayed allergies are mediated by another chemical in the immune system called IgG antibodies.  The IgG antibodies form complexes with allergens and these complexes are deposited into tissues anywhere in the body which can cause a wide array of symptoms.

Digestive symptoms can include: gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, ulcers and heartburn.

Mental / emotional symptoms can include: anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, insomnia, confusion, inability to concentrate or decreased memory.

Skin symptoms can include: acne, eczema, hives, itching or rashes.

Other symptoms can include: bed wetting, chronic bladder infections, yeast infections, chronic or recurrent colds and flus, headaches, migraines, hayfever, asthma, fatigue, joint pain, painful periods or infertility.

As you can see these allergies can cause a number of effects in the body – things many people live with on a daily basis. The good news?  You don’t have to live in discomfort!!  Methods of testing include various elimination and challenge diets, blood tests and stool tests.  If you suspect you might have one of these common food allergies talk to your Naturopathic Doctor or licensed health care professional about discovering your allergies.

Naturopathic medicine is a safe, effective and natural approach to you and your family’s health.  Naturopathic doctors can and will empower you to live a healthy lifestyle while treating and preventing disease.  Find more information on the services I offer at Arbour Wellness Centre at Nanaimo Naturopathic Doctor.

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2
Mar

Pros and Cons of Static and Dynamic Stretches

   Posted by: author1 Tags: ,

Maybe you already know that there are numerous advantages to a stretching routine for your muscles. But did you know that there are actually two different kinds of stretches? These motions are commonly called static or dynamic stretches.

Dynamic stretching routines are most beneficial just before engaging in heavy cardiovascular exercise. This might include a workout at the fitness club, participating in a team sport, or taking a dance class. Dynamic stretches incorporate muscle movement into the routine. A static stretch involves holding a position for at least 10 seconds before you relax the muscle.

Each of these stretching techniques has its pros and cons. Static stretches particularly seem to cause controversy among fitness experts. Although stretching routines have been practiced for countless years, there is still some disagreement with regard to the benefits of each particular style.

Static Stretches

Static stretches are most often performed prior to an extended period of physical activity such as strength training or a cardiovascular workout. The benefits of static stretches for your muscles are impressive. Among these is improved blood flow. Better blood circulation leads to a better delivery of oxygen to your muscles and organs.

You can do the most good for your muscles by performing several kinds of stretches. These should each be targeted to a different area of your body. This includes your back, neck, legs, arms and chest muscles.

Dynamic Stretches

Dynamic stretches are common among professional and competition athletes. But they have benefits even if you’re not heading into an intense workout. When you’re doing this type of stretch, you need to make sure you’re moving at the same time you achieve the greatest muscle stretch you can.

When you’re doing a dynamic stretching routine, your muscles must be warmed up so they can be pushed to the maximum. Getting into high gear with cold muscles can lead to injury, strains and cramps.

So you now see that static stretches and dynamic stertches each have their strong points. The choice is yours depending on the fitness program you’ve committed to.

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26
Jan

Saunas-Ancient Times To The Modern World

   Posted by: author1 Tags: , , , ,

Saunas have been around since antiquity and are still very popular today. Let’s explore the history of saunas and learn how they work

Saunas are designed to provide either moist or dry heat. This takes place in a small room where bathers remove their clothing and assume a comfortable position while the hot temperature (greater than 80 °C) penetrates their pores. The opening of the pores and sweating make it possible for impurities to easily be removed from the body. If water is poured on the hot stones, steam is produced which makes the sauna moist. The sauna is loved not only for it’s relaxing properties, but also for improving the immune system and helping detoxify the body.

The word sauna simply means a traditional Finnish bath. In ancient times, saunas were small dwellings dug in the bottom of hills and slopes to keep people warm in winter. The sauna consisted of a fire wherein stones were heated to high temperatures, then doused in water to release steam heat.The heat would be so strong that often people would undress when this was done.

Eventually the sauna was improved with the addition of a metal woodstove and chimney. In traditional Finnish saunas the temperatures within often exceeded 90 degrees Celcius. Steam vapor was also generated by spraying water onto the heated stones. The steam vapor and high heat caused bathers to sweat a great deal.

In order to take full advantage of the sauna, the Finns gathered a bundle of bird branches containing tiny, fresh leaves. This was called a vihta.Many bathers continue to practice this today because the vihta stimulates the pores and cells, therefore improving blood circulation. Also, the pleasant birch scent aides in relaxation.

As previously noted, a sauna is a wonderful and effective way to relieve stress. It accomplishes this in two basic ways. One obvious way is psychological; the heat and steam have a highly relaxing effect. The other way in which a sauna relieves stress is by releasing chemicals from the body. When your skin heats up during a bath, large quantities of chemicals that cause stress are expelled from the body. Thus, in addition to reducing the amount of chemicals in the body, the sauna bath also slows the formation of chemicals.

The opening of the pores also makes it easier to remove toxins from the body. Toxins travel through your sweat glands and are released with your perspiration. As noted earlier, a sauna creates a high amount of perspiration and therefore is excellent for detoxification

Finns utilize saunas on a regular basis, and saunas are lauded thoughout Finland as the best, most natural way to cleanse oneself both in body and mind. Then and now, the sauna remains a key component to healthy living in Finland. Families often bathed together in home saunas, and in the past Finnish women often gave birth in saunas.

When the Finns migrated to the different parts of the globe they shared their knowledge of sauna designs and customs. They taught other cultures about the sauna’s health benefits which helped the sauna to evolve further. Eventually, this led to the development of electric sauna stoves and far infrared saunas which became quite popular. Since then various cultures around the world have been recognizing, adopting and improvising the sauna.

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