Holistic Health

Where do Parasites Live?

Guess what is living in your intestines? Parasites.  You may now be wondering what these freaky little creatures are and why are they choosing to set up camp in your body?  You also may have only heard of parasites in infected animals or in foreign countries. However, parasites are around us everyday no matter the conditions.  These microscopic creatures are on the rise due to an increase in international travel, contamination of water and food supply, overuse of chemicals, mercury and prescription antibiotics. Parasites can negatively effect our health, it's that simple.  However, getting rid of them is not so easy. ...

Five Ayruvedic Ways to Fight the Cold and Flu Season

Well, it’s that time of year, and people are dropping like flies from the cold and flu. Why is it that almost everyone succumbs to sickness during that fall, and how can we prevent it? From the perspective of medical science, a cold or flu is caused by one of over 200 different viruses, most commonly one of the rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza viruses or the adenoviruses. Typical symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and fever, and while most people get better in about seven to ten days, some symptoms can last up to three weeks or longer. While...

Natural Solutions for Stress Relief

In today’s modern world, many things can cause people to become stressed. Family situations, problems at work, personal finances and more can create anxiety, which may lead to depression if not addressed. People need to find ways to stop stress before it gets to unreasonable levels. Thankfully, there are numerous natural ways to stop stress in its tracks. Many of these options can be done in the privacy and comfort of one’s own home. Most are also budget-friendly. However, a few stress relief techniques may require the expertise of a trained professional. Massage Massage can be done at many spas and at...

Could You Be Iron Deficient?

Being iron deficient is not unheard of and may be more common than we realize. Iron is a super important mineral needed to form hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout each part of our bodies starting from the lungs. This mechanism is essential for our survival. We need sufficient amounts of iron for many functions in the body which include circulation, energy production, immune system function, digestion, utilization of nutrients (especially fatty acids) and cognitive function.. just to name a few. Iron is a mineral needed most in women (especially during pregnancy, breast feeding and menstruation)...

5 Minute Breakfast: Goji Berry Oatmeal

You have heard it before, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Indeed it is, but it's what you have for breakfast that really counts. Having breakfast with a good source of protein and a complex carb is important for many reasons. Protein (such as nuts and seeds, eggs or greek yogurt) and complex carbohydrates (such as whole grain oatmeal or quinoa) help balance blood sugar which you need for energy, brain function, a happy mood and craving control. A latte will not suffice! I also understand that being on a time crunch is one of the most common...

The flu shot: What are your options?

There are several options for preventing the flu and it is important to me that my patients are educated about their options before they make a decision.  With any flu shot or vaccination, the decision is ultimately up to you, but your ND can help you make an informed choice. Why are we so worried about the flu? The flu is caused by the influenza virus, of which there are over 500 different strains The flu can cause symptoms of fever, cough, chills, sore throat, body aches, fatigue or headaches, which usually abate after 1 week It is spread by coughing, sneezing and direct...

Can’t Lose Weight? Is Your Autonomic Nervous System Balanced?

Many people think that in order to become healthy they must lose some weight. Actually the opposite is true. In order to lose weight, one must have good health. The truth of the second statement can be seen in gyms everywhere, where people honestly do put in their exercise time and eat a diet of rabbit food, and still despite all their efforts, the fat does not budge, or not to the point expected for the effort put in. The frustration in these people is palpable. Their trainers that are giving them killer workouts are also frustrated. What is going...

Healthy Glow Hemp Protein Smoothie

Hemp could win an academy award for being an excellent source of plant based protein. This quality alone has made hemp protein a desirable addition to vegan and raw food diets but you certainly don't have to follow a specific diet to enjoy the benefits of this plant powerhouse! In addition to protein and fiber (which are needed for good digestion and blood sugar balance) hemp provides both omega 6 and omega 3 essential fatty acids which are needed for a healthy heart and nervous system, glowing skin, happy hormones, weight loss and much more. Your body cannot produce these fats...

The History of Ayurveda

India covers almost 3.3 million square kilometers in South Asia, and according to plate tectonic theory, can be visualized as more or less a large triangular landmass pushing upwards into the Asian continent. The base of the triangle is its northern edge, the focal area of impact between these two continents. This massive collision over millions of years has resulted in the towering Himalayas: huge sharp folds of land that once nursed an inland sea between India and Asia called the Tethys. The southern section of juts into the Indian Ocean, with the island of Sri Lanka trailing along, the Arabian...

3 Healthy Things to Know About Breasts

I started to study and educate women on breast health almost five years ago and the more I learn, the simpler what I teach becomes. Most women do not conduct a self-breast exam, they have no idea what a self-breast massage is and most women are not comfortable with touching their breasts. With so much attention and focus on breast cancer, how is this possible? We are inundated with pink ribbons and pink products to honour “The Cure.” There are a plethora of walks, runs and fundraising events happening. With all this attention, should it not be that breast cancer rates...