Know your Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Likely, someone you know has become ill or died from heart disease. It is the number one cause of death for both men and women. After menopause, women’s risk of heart disease equals that of men, but more women die from their first heart attack or stroke than do men. The great tragedy of cardiovascular disease is that it is a silent disease that can hit people in the prime of their life, robbing them of quality of life, or causing early death. While heredity does play a part the predisposition to heart disease, biology is far from destiny. There is overwhelming evidence that you can control whether or not you develop heart disease and whether it progresses. It is never too late to make a difference. Knowledge is power. The more you understand about the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the more you can take action to stop it in its tracks. There is ample scientific evidence showing that diet, exercise, supplements, relaxation and chelation therapy can all help prevent and treat heart disease. Conventional medicine has made strides to help those in acute crisis with heart attacks, but drugs and surgery are not the only answer for optimizing your health.

Taking stock of your risk factors may let you know how aggressive you need to be in your prevention program. Ask about your family history and the lifestyles of those family members who had heart attacks or strokes. Take a good hard look at your lifestyle; do you smoke, eat high fat food, carry extra weight or live with high stress? If so, then it is time to get real about the choices you are making and decide that living is your priority. It is very helpful to enlist the support of a naturopathic physician or another professional who can coach you through these hard life changes. I find that making real, lasting change requires a lot more than will power. It takes looking at what drives the old patterns and addictive behaviors. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; your life may depend on it.

Your naturopathic doctor can be an important ally in your heart disease prevention program. I recommend having a thorough physical examination at least yearly to assess blood pressure and other signs of heart disease. I also recommend that my patients have a thorough set of blood work done yearly to monitor their health. Diabetes is a serious risk factor for cardiovascular problems so blood sugar levels should be watched carefully in anyone with a family history or risk factors for diabetes. High cholesterol is a well known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The “bad” cholesterol (LDL) can serve as the raw material to clog the arteries. It damages the arteries, setting up a cascade of events that contribute to plaque build up known as atherosclerosis. Good cholesterol (HDL) actually binds to the bad cholesterol and transports it to the liver where it can be destroyed . Therefore, the proportion of good and bad cholesterol tells us more that just how much total cholesterol you have. The goal in lifestyle coaching is to increase the HDL and decrease the LDL, thus lowering the ratio. Foods that ave been shown to influence these two types of cholesterol are as follows:

Foods that improve cholesterol ratio
Foods that worsen cholesterol ratio
Beans
Saturated fats – meat, dairy and peanuts
Soy products
Trans fatty acids*
Oatmeal
Hydrogenated vegetable oil*
Garlic, onions
Vegetable oil shortening*
Salmon (omega 3 fatty acids)
Partially hydrogenated oils*
Olive oil (monounsaturated oil)
High sugar diets
Almonds (monounsaturated oil)
Ultra low fat diets* found in most packaged foods, fespecially crackers, cookies, fbaked foods, and margarine.
Avocados (monounsaturated oil)
Citrus, peppers, broccoli (vitamin C)
Green or black tea
Apples, carrots (fiber called pectin)

If you have high levels of bad cholesterol, it is important to understand that cholesterol is a fat that can go rancid, just like unrefrigerated butter does. Rancid, or oxidized LDL cholesterol is highly destructive to the artery walls. You can prevent your LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized by having a diet high in antioxidant nutrients. That is one of the reasons why eating lots of fruits and vegetables, and taking a daily antioxidant supplement makes so much sense. Lowering your intake of omega-6 type oils is also important as they become incorporated into LDL cholesterol particles were they are readily oxidized and become destructive. Omega-6 oils are corn oil, safflower oil, and soy oil. Finally, I help my patients to lower their cholesterol without drugs by using safe, natural medicines. I constantly see the total cholesterol and the cholesterol ratio reduce by 25% after three months on natural medicine – without side effects!

Another well studied risk factor for cardiovascular disease is homocysteine. Scientists have shown a link between high levels of this amino acid and early development of cardiovascular disease, deep vein thrombosis and stroke. Interestingly, it has also been shown to be a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. People with family history of these diseases should ask their medical or naturopathic physician about testing for this important risk factor. The goal is to have homocysteine levels under 6. Elevated levels can be easily treated by supplementing several B vitamins and cardiologists are now routinely recommending patients take folic acid, and vitamins B5, B6 and B12.



The final piece of lab work that will help you understand if you are on the way to a cardiovascular event like heart attack or stroke, is called C-Reactive Protein. This factor in the blood has been well studied and is an indicator of the level of inflammation in the blood vessels. It is inflammation in the blood vessels that causes plaques to rupture, creating a log jam where platelets congregate and make clots that cause heart attacks and strokes. The predictive value of C Reactive Protein (CRP) as a risk factor for cardiovascular events has led some researchers to support the use of CRP as a main cardiovascular risk assessment tool. If the CRP result is over 1.3, steps should be taken to lower it.



If upon taking stock of your risk factors you determine that you need to get to work to change your fate, I encourage you to enlist the support of a health care coach like a naturopathic physician to get on the road to health. If you have heart disease, I often recommend a consultation with my colleague, Dr. Christoph Kind who performs chelation therapy. This intravenous therapy has an excellent track record of safety and efficacy in helping those with established heart disease. You can stop heart disease, and like my husband and I, take charge of your destiny with a holistic approach to health.



Hypertension: Blood pressure over 135/85 increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Natural medicines along with a low sodium diet and exercise, can lower blood pressure.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Irritating Problem!

Cathy sought out naturopathic medical care for problems with her bowels. Ten years of problems had left her drained and frustrated. She knew where all the public bathrooms were everywhere she went and lived in fear of “accidents”. She suffered from alternating constipation and diarrhea, embarrassing gas, abdominal pain and bloating and she generally felt tired and toxic. Her conventional medical doctor had done tests to rule out cancer or serious disease and labeled her symptom picture Irritable Bowel Syndrome. She was given a variety of medications to counteract her symptoms. Laxatives for constipation, anti-diarrhea medications, antacid pills all helped in the short run, but after 10 years Cathy was no closer to understanding why she felt the way she did or how she could help herself get out of this painful cycle.

Cathy’s case is not unusual. Approximately 15% of the population has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and many more people experience similar symptoms. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain or bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea, gas, nausea, and is often accompanied by varying degrees of anxiety or depression. Since many other conditions can mimic IBS, it is important to rule out more serious diseases like cancer and colitis.

The naturopathic approach to treatment is very different from the conventional methods because our goal is very different. While conventional medicine treats symptoms with drugs, naturopathic doctors seek to understand why the body is creating these symptoms and correct the underlying imbalance. There are several potential causes of IBS that affect people in varying degrees.

The most common cause of IBS that I have observed clinically is food allergies or intolerances. With proper identification of offending foods and coaching to change the diet, many of my patients have found lasting relief from their symptoms. Another common cause of intestinal distress is a disturbance in the bacteria that line the intestine. Antibiotic use coupled with a high sugar diet can result in an overgrowth of yeast and fungus in the intestine. The result is often gas, bloating and irregular stool, as well as fatigue and other mental symptoms. This condition can be rectified by specific dietary modifications and by working to re-establish the healthy bacterial balance in the intestine.

Often IBS is a result of a poorly functioning upper digestive system. If the stomach lacks adequate hydrochloric acid, foods are not broken down properly and can cause symptoms in the lower digestion. This condition is common as we age. Symptoms to look for of low stomach acid are:

  • Fullness after eating
  • Belching or flatulence after meals
  • Indigestion, constipation or diarrhea
  • Iron deficiency
  • Multiple food allergies
  • Weak fingernails

I have had many patients complain of IBS after having surgery to remove their gall bladder. The gall bladder stores and regulates the secretion of bile, the fluid used to digest fats. The bile is made in the liver but if the liver is toxic, the bile it makes will also be toxic and caustic. The “toxic bile” takes its toll on the gallbladder, and the conventional solution to gall bladder problems is to simply remove it. Now that same “toxic bile” is now able to drip into the intestine in an unregulated fashion. The intestine becomes irritated by the bile and lets us know by presenting with the symptoms we call Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The naturopathic approach to this health challenge is to treat the underlying cause by detoxifying the liver to help it to make better bile.

In Cathy’s case, after a thorough physical exam, we did some blood work and tested her for food allergies and yeast overgrowth. She had taken antibiotics for a series of infections many years ago and had a significant yeast overgrowth. She was allergic to wheat, rye and bananas. She did not have a personal history of gall bladder problems, but her sister and mother had had their gall bladders removed. Cathy was coached on a program to reduce her yeast, change her diet, cleanse her liver and soothe her irritated bowel. With natural medicine alone, she became symptom free for the first time in many years. Not only did her bowels improve, she reported feeling much more energy and mental clarity. She was able to take charge of her health by getting to the root cause of the problem!

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician with a natural family medical practice in downtown Courtenay. Her office can be reached at (250) 897-0235 or via this website. 

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Candida and Intestinal “Good Bacteria” (candida)

Intestinal Flora Imbalances

Candida albicans, a yeast that normally lives within your body can make many people feel sick if it is in excess. Yeast can cause many health disorders such as fatigue, headache, depression, premenstrual tension, hyperactivity, skin disorders, digestive problems and more.



Everyone has candida, a form of yeast (Candida albicans) normally confined to the lower bowels, the vagina, and the skin. In healthy individuals with strong, functioning immune systems, it is harmless and kept in check by “good” bacteria, called probiotics like acidophilus and bifidobacteria. But if the balance of the intestinal environment is altered by a compromised immune system or other factors, then opportunistic candida grows in the intestine or can infect other body tissues. The candida becomes pathogenic, transforming from a simple yeast into an aggressive (mycelial) fungus that can compromise one’s health. This condition is known as candidiasis.



Candidiasis can affect areas of the body far removed from candida colonizations in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina. Its symptoms cover a broad spectrum and the condition can cause a number of diseases ranging from allergies, vaginitis and thrush (a whitish fungus in the mouth or vagina), to an invasion of the genital-urinary tract, eyes, liver, heart, or central nervous system. Common symptoms of candidiasis include digestive problems such as bloating, cramping; wheezing, earaches, generalized fatigue, poor concentration and loss of libido.



The likely candidate for candida overgrowth is someone whose medical history includes: prolonged or repeated use of antibiotics which are frequently given for urinary and ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, and other infections; steroid hormone medication such as cortisone or corticosteroids, often prescribed for skin conditions such as rashes, eczema, or psoriasis; acid blocking medication (such as Nexium and Cimitidine); stress, high sugar intake and oral contraceptives. Certain illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and AIDS can also increase susceptibility to candida overgrowth. High carbohydrate diets can also upset the intestinal flora balance.



Antibiotics



Antibiotics, life-saving cures for many diseases, may be the single greatest cause of candidiasis, because antibiotic treatment for infections is nondiscriminatory, killing the “good” intestinal chemistry-balancing bacteria, as well as the “bad” infection-causing bacteria.



The good bacteria strains are called acidophilous and bifidobacteria. They produce natural antifungal substances (as well as antibacterial materials) as part of their control mechanism over yeast. One of the activities of “good” bacteria is the manufacture of a B vitamin, biotin, which exerts control over yeast. When biotin is lacking, as a result of damage by antibiotics to the good bacteria, yeast has a chance to change from its simple yeast form into a different organism, and encroaching mycelial (vegetative) fungus.



LEAKY GUT / INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY



Antibiotics can cause the altered imbalanced intestinal environment that candida requires to change into its fungal form. Candida then puts down tiny rootlets which penetrate the tissues on which the yeast is growing. When this happens to be the inner wall of the intestine, it breaks down the barrier which exists between the closed world of the bowel and the body. Toxic debris, yeast waste products, and partially digested proteins are allowed into the bloodstream, resulting in allergic and toxic reactions. Healthy bifidobacteria and acidophilus intestinal colonies can usually withstand one or two short episodes of antibiotics without serious harm. If, however, use of antibiotics is frequent or prolonged (as with a course for acne treatment or/and infections), then the spread of candida becomes inevitable.



DIET AND CHRONIC CANDIDIASIS



A number of dietary factors appear to promote the overgrowth of candida. The most important factor is a high intake of sugar and carbohydrates, foods containing a high content of yeast or mold.



DIAGNOSIS OF THE YEAST SYNDROME



The best method for diagnosing chronic candidiasis is clinical evaluation by a physician knowledgeable about yeast-related illness. More than likely, the manner in which the doctor will diagnose the yeast syndrome will be based on clinical judgement from a detailed medical history. Vega testing is an additional tool that has proven to be an effective method of assessing candida overgrowth and monitoring the program of a candida elimination program.



TREATING CANDIDIASIS



Successful treatment of candidiasis first requires the reduction of factors which predispose a patient to candida overgrowth. Secondly, the patient’s immune function must be strengthened. Diet, nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, and yeast killers are some of the choices physicians use to accomplish these ends. A program will be tailored to your individual health needs.



SYMPTOMS OF CANDIDIASIS



There is a wide array of candidiasis symptoms depending on an individual’s age, sex, environmental exposure, and immune systems. These include (but are not limited to):



Mental/Emotional:

  • fatigue, especially after eating
  • depression &/or mood swings
  • memory loss, poor concentration
  • “brain fog”

Gastrointestinal problems:

  • bloating
  • gas
  • intestinal cramps
  • chronic diarrhea
  • constipation
  • heartburn
  • rectal itching

Immune System:

  • food allergies
  • inhalant allergies
  • hayfever
  • eczema
  • recurrent fungal infections such as “jock itch,” athlete’s foot, or ringworm
  • recurrent infections: vaginal, urinary, ear, etc.

Hormonal:

  • premenstrual syndrome and hormonal problems
  • prostatitis

Liver:

  • sensitivity to chemicals, perfumes, smoke, or other odors
  • a feeling of being lightheaded or drunk after minimal wine, beer, or certain foods


Sinus:

  • Sinus congestion and infections

50% of people with chronic sinus problems have fungal overgrowth harbouring in the sinuses.



These symptoms may worsen in moldy places (such as basements) or in damp climates, and after eating or drinking foods containing sugar.

Acid Reflux and Naturopathic Medicine

Acid Reflux: The Drug Free Road to Recovery

One of the most common conditions I see in my natural family practice is acid reflux or heartburn. Not surprisingly, antacid preparations, both prescription and over the counter are one of the top sellers in the pharmaceutical industry. I am very concerned about the effect on digestion that these drugs have and by the fact that they only address the symptom, without addressing the cause. It gives me great satisfaction to help someone with acid reflux understand what is causing their symptoms and give them natural medicines and lifestyle changes to solve the problem.

The stomach produces hydrochloric acid for a good reason. Stomach acid helps kill any bacteria or parasites being ingested along with the food. Secondly it activates the enzyme pepsin needed for protein digestion. Thirdly, the acidic pH of the stomach contents signals to the pancreas to put out its digestive juices and enzymes to further break down food. Fourthly, stomach acid helps initiate the rhythmic contractions of the intestines, that crush and move the food down the intestines.

When antacid drugs are used, digestion is impaired, causing improper breakdown of food and therefore reduced absorption of nutrients. Stagnant food can create fullness, bloating, gas, cramps, constipation or diarrhea. I have had many patients whose digestive symptoms have gotten worse when taking these drugs, not a surprise when you understand the importance of stomach acid.

The stomach has a unique ability to handle very acidic contents. The lining of the stomach, called the gastric mucosa is a tough mucous membrane that can ideally withstand the high acidity needed in the stomach. Only when the gastric mucosa is weakened will it be irritated by its acid. The esophagus on the other hand, cannot withstand acidity and will let you know if it is being exposed to acid! Acid reflux is most often not an issue of too much stomach acid, it is an issue of stomach acid being in the wrong place – the esophagus.

In fact many people naturally don’t have enough stomach acid – especially as they age. It is estimated that only 40% of people produce adequate hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach, where protein digestion takes place, and as we age, our production of hydrochloric acid declines. Fewer than half of men and women over 60 actually have enough HCl to initiate protein digestion. Without enough stomach acid, digestion is stalled. Taking acid blocking drugs just compounds the problem. Symptoms of low stomach acid are fullness and belching after eating, bloating, flatulence and lower bowel problems.

Acid reflux can certainly be caused by other factors. Many people have heard of common triggers like the following but I always wonder what factors underlie a sensitivity to normal foods.

Common triggers:

  • Obesity
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee
  • Fried foods
  • Spicy foods
  • Fatty foods
  • Citrus foods
  • Tomato based foods
  • Tight waist bands
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Overeating
  • Pregnancy

For many of my patients, the identification and elimination of their individual food allergies has provided long term relief from not only acid reflux but many other digestive disorders. For instance, Carlos, a 55 year old man with a 15 year history of reflux, was able to get off his Pantaloc (antacid drug) and live symptom free as long as he avoided wheat and sugar. He never dreamed that there could be such a simple solution to this long-term problem.

Another avenue to explore is the relationship between the gall bladder and acid reflux. If the liver overwhelmed by toxins and hormones, the bile it makes can become caustic and irritating. When the gallbladder squeezes out its bile to help with fat digestion, that bile can irritate the tissues in or near the stomach. This condition is called bile reflux gastritis. The stomach, being a muscular organ, only knows one way to get your attention that it is being aggravated; it contracts. The contractions push the acidic stomach contents into the esophagus, creating the symptoms of acid reflux.

The naturopathic medical approach focuses on removing any of the causitive factors that are irritating the upper digestive system. I also promote healthy breakdown and assimilation of foods and assist healing of the irritated tissues. Under naturopathic care, the road to health starts with:

1. A thorough consultation, medical history, and physical exam

2. An evaluation of food allergies

3. Individual dietary coaching

4. Recommendations on the use of safe, natural medicines

A life free of pain and free of dependency on symptom blocking drugs is a goal that often can be attained following this safe, commonsense approach. 

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician with a family medical practice in Courtenay. For more information, please contact her office at (250) 897-0235 or check out via this website.

Call 250 897-0235

Possible Symptoms of Food Allergies /Intolerances

Adverse reactions to foods or beverages can be as subtle as a runny nose or as dramatic as severe depression. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have a food allergy/intolerance. 

  • rapid pulse after eating
  • gas and bloating
  • abdominal discomfort
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • heartburn
  • weight gain
  • skin rashes, eczema, hives
  • tired after eating
  • swelling of body features
  • headache
  • insomnia
  • poor memory
  • irritability, nervousness, depression
  • hyperactivity
  • sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion
  • upper respiratory congestion
  • frequent clearing of throat
  • canker sores
  • ringing in ears
  • ear infections
  • hay fever
  • excessive mucous
  • recurrent ‘colds’
  • hot flashes
  • chronic infections
  • aches and pains for no reason
  • binge eating
  • if you have severe cravings for any type of food, you may be addicted to the food contributing to your condition

Ear Infections – Solve them Forever

A sharp, throbbing or dull pain in the ear, loss of hearing, nausea, vomitting or dizziness characterizes an acute middle ear infection. The pain is due to inflammation, swelling or infection. Acute ear infections are usually preceded by an upper respiratory infection, allergy or food sensitivity. Chronic otitis media is constant swelling affects 20-40% of children under six and account for over 50% of pediatric visits.



Abnormal eustachian tube function is usually the underlying cause. The eustachian tube regulates the pressure in the middle ear and protects it from nose/throat secretions, bacteria and fluids. Swallowing causes active opening of the tube and since it is smaller and more horizontal in children, it is susceptible to blockage. Obstruction leads to accumulation of fluid and an infection if bacteria start to grow. Obstruction results from an abnormal opening mechanism or collapse due to an allergic/sensitivity blockage with mucous or infection.



One of the most common causes of ear infections is food allergies/sensitivities. These lead to inflammation and blockage: they need to be identified quickly using VEGA (electro-accupressure) or Elisa testing (blood) to be accurate and thorough. If the trigger foods can be identified and minimized, recurrent infections can be avoided.



As an infant, breast-feeding is encouraged to develop the immune system, minimize early introduction of food sensitivities, but the suckling develops the muscles, which help drain the tube. Always have the child tilted to feed. Make sure adults smoke outside, since passive smoke increases the incidence. There is typically a seasonal increase in the fall and winter due to increased exposure to viruses and bacteria. Daycare increases the risk again due to increased exposure to colds which cause increased mucous buildup.



It is extremely important to identify any vitamin and mineral deficiencies such as Vitamins C, E and the Bs, Beta carotene, zinc and selenium. Optimal nutrition is very important and supplements may be recommended.



It is also important to strengthen the immune system by avoiding over-consumption of sugar (desserts, Pop, candy, chocolate) and drinking four to six glasses of water. Herbs such as echinacea, garlic, mullein, yarrow, oregon grape, St. John’s Wort and thyme can be used in ear drops or internally.



As you can see, there is no reason to have repeated ear infections and the sooner the cause is determined the happier your child will be!!

Healthy Foods Kids will Love

Parents all want their children to be as healthy and happy as possible. We know that good nutrition is essential to achieving those goals, but getting children to eat healthy foods can be a challenge in a world of junk food. These tips will help your family to set up good nutritional habits that will help establish a lifetime of health for your children.

Drinks:

The only drink kids really need is water. I encourage parents to minimize the use of juice, as juice is high in sugar and not nearly as nutritious as eating fruit. A great way to get fluids into kids on hot summer days is to make herb tea, chill it and sweeten it with Stevia. A nice tea to try is Celestial Seasonings Black Cherry Berry (it has no artificial flavours). Stevia is a safe, natural sugar substitute that comes from a plant whose leaves taste sweet without having any sugar or calories. It is very concentrated so a few drops go a long way. Another favourite in our house is “Shrek Juice”. It is a smoothie made with spinach, pears, soy milk, stevia and a touch of ginger. (Thanks to Zen Zero for the recipe.)

Fruit:

Whole fruit is rich in antioxidant nutrients, enzymes and fiber. Fruit juice, dried fruit and fruit leathers just concentrate the sugars and do not have the nutritional value of the whole, fresh fruits.

  • It is a good idea to make fresh fruit readily available for snacks and “dessert”.
  • Popsicles can be made at home by freezing fruit smoothies. Try watermelon puree with blue berries floating inside!
  • Smoothies can be a nutritious snack. Fruit, tofu, yogurt, stevia, berries all can be blended in your own unique creations.

 
Vegetables:

Many parents struggle to get enough vegetables into their children. Creativity and persistence pay; you need to keep exposing kids to a variety of vegetables to allow their taste buds to get used to them. Remember, kids love to eat vegetables if they are involved in growing them. Some ideas to incorporate more veggies into your kids diets are:

  • Mash broccoli or other vegetables into spaghetti sauce.
  • Celery boats filled with peanut butter, cheese, humous, or canned salmon or tuna.
  • Melt cheese on cauliflower or other veggies.
  • Put veggie dip out before dinner when everyone is hungry.
  • Little princesses like Annie’s raspberry vinaigrette as a pink veggie dip.
  • Start dinner with a salad course. 

Whole grains and beans:

  • Brown rice has nutrients and fiber while white rice has very little. Make brown rice a staple in your house and the kids will never know what they are missing.
  • Make brown rice more interesting by making a pilaf with nuts, chopped veggies, corn or peas, and spices
  • Another nutritious whole grain to serve instead of rice is quinoa. It is relatively high in protein and best of all it cooks in 15 minutes. Quinoa is available at Edible Island whole food store in Courtenay.
  • Burritos are a popular way to incorporate beans and rice. Just add salsa, avocado and cheese for a yummy dinner, or make ahead and freeze for a quick after school snack that the kids can microwave.

Nuts and Seeds:

Raw, unsalted nuts and seeds are natures’ perfect nutritious snack. Having a bowl of trail mix on the counter will help your kids (and you) stay away from less nutritious munchies. Make your own nut and seed mix, because most trail mixes include dried fruit that is hard on teeth.

  • Nuts and seeds are great on cereal to add some much needed protein to start the day.
  • Energy balls – often made with almond butter and coconut.
  • Sunflower seeds become sweeter and tastier after being soaked in water for 30-60 minutes.
  • Nut butters are much better for health than peanut butter. Try almond butter, tahini, cashew butter or sunflower seed butter.
  • Flax seeds are a great source of fiber and help ensure good bowel cleansing. You can sprinkle 1-2 tsp. of flax seeds (ground in a coffee grinder) on cereal, salad, or rice. Don’t heat or cook flax seeds as the oils go rancid in the heat. My daughter delights in having “golden sprinkles” on her oatmeal.

Protein:

Protein is needed to provide the building blocks for growth and development. It is also important for stabilizing blood sugar. Often kids like to eat a lot of carbohydrates like cereal, breads and noodles. High carb meals result in a blood sugar roller coaster that leaves the brain fighting for fuel. Low blood sugar creates aggressive and impulsive behavior and is an often overlooked cause of attention deficit disorder. Having protein at every meal helps stabilize the blood sugar. When it comes to protein though, avoid the temptation to let kid’s taste buds get accustomed to chemically laden, high fat foods like hot dogs and sandwich meats. Good choices include:

  • Fish – the oils in fish are proven to enhance brain development. Salmon burgers are a great way to get canned salmon into picky eaters.
  • Chicken and lean beef are fine choices.
  • Eggs are handy when hard boiled. Have kids draw on the cooked eggs with crayon or you can write notes to them on the shells and pop the eggs into their school lunch.
  • If a child chooses to be vegetarian, special care must be taken to ensure adequate protein from vegetable sources like beans, tofu, quinoa, nuts and seeds. If the child is not eating dairy for any reason, calcium must be taken as a mineral supplement.

In general I recommend children’s diets also be supplemented with a quality multivitamin, a liquid calcium and a purified fish oil.
Now is the time to start your children out with excellent eating habits. Have fun with these ideas!

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician with a natural family practice in Courtenay. For information call (025) 897-0235 or check out via this website.

Call 250 897-0235

Parenting for Healthy Eating Habits

The choices you make around your child’s diet can influence your child’s long-term health prospects more than any other action you might take as a parent. As parents we are laying the foundation of a lifetime of eating habits. What kind of habits do you want your child to have? We know now the crucial role that nutrition plays in determining our health. In my family practice, I have seen too many children suffering from poor nutrition. Few children in this part of the world lack sufficient calories, however many children lack sufficient nutrition, and are therefore considered malnourished. Children who are well nourished perform better academically, function better behaviourally and emotionally, and have less anxiety, depression and hyperactivity.

Obesity is another result of poor eating habits. As parents we should be concerned not only about the long term health consequences of obesity (such as increased risk of heart disease and cancer) but also the effect on a child’s budding sense of self. Obese children report lower self esteem, more loneliness, sadness and nervousness and were more likely to report smoking and consuming alcohol.

Food in the modern world:

A lot has changed in the world of nutrition in the last 100 years. In the past, food was often fresh, locally grown and certainly free of preservatives and additives. Foods such as grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables fish and meats are the foods that our bodies have evolved on for 1000’s of years.

In the last 100 years, with the advent of the multi billion dollar food-processing industry, things have changed. But our body’s needs have not. We are bombarded with quick-fix and highly addictive foods laden with sugar, salt and fat. The foods marketed to children are hardly what their bodies need. Kids are big business – the food giants know that kids have a lot of market clout. That’s why they market aggressively to children aiming to program them with brand loyalty at an early age. Such advertising aims to promote products by convincing those who will always believe.

The next time you feel tempted to serve your kids Kraft Dinner, remember Philip Morris, the world’s largest cigarette manufacturer, owns Kraft Foods. We need to become media savvy and teach our children to think critically about what advertising is really about: profits at the expense of our health. Let your children know that “My saying ‘no’ means I love you too much to let you have something that can hurt you”.

Healthy Eating Habits

  • Parents are leaders, teachers and role models:
    Modeling good eating habits to your children. Provide healthy choices over and over and over. Show them that you are not going to change your values because they are having a tantrum.
  • Invest time in food preparation:
    Providing your child good food takes time and effort. If you value the health and wellbeing of your family, you need to invest in it.
  • Plan ahead and get kids involved
    Menu planning can be a family affair. Delegate some food preparation to the kids. Kids will often eat the foods they choose and make themselves. Plan ahead for snacks on busy days especially on the road.
  • Celebrate healthy, natural foods
    When you model to children that you enjoy beautiful, simple, natural foods, they will follow your lead eventually.

Unhealthy Eating Habits:

One of the most important legacies we can leave our children with is a healthy relationship with food. In counselling people with health issues, I often see that the roots of their illness lie in their addictive relationship with food. For example, a diabetic who turns to sugar for comfort. A heart attack survivor who finds solace in high fat foods and chocolate bars. I see it every day. In my experience, 90% of weight issues lie in the use of food for emotional reasons instead of nutrition. The seeds of using food for comfort almost always start in childhood. Avoid the following pitfalls:

Using food as a bribe or reward 

  • Don’t make deals with food:
    • If you eat all your vegetables, you can have dessert.
    • If you stop screaming, I’ll buy you the candy you want.
    • If you are good girl you can have a trip to McDonalds.
  • Do use natural consequences:
    • If you scream in the store we will go home now.
  • Don’t celebrate successes with food:
    • What a great report card! You deserve a trip to Dairy Queen!
  • Do seek to encourage intrinsic reward:
    • You must feel really proud of yourself for getting good grades. Have a big hug!

Using food as emotional comfort

  • Don’t soothe with food:
    • Did that shot hurt? We’ll have to get you a treat.
    • Did you have a bad day? I’ll make your favorite dessert and you’ll feel better.
  • Do teach stress management skills:
    • Relaxation techniques (deep breathing), assertiveness, problem solving and self-esteem.

Consistently expose you child to healthy foods and minimize access to the addictive, processed foods. As a parent, you do your child a great service by mentoring to them a healthy relationship with food. In the next issue, I will discuss some ideas on preparing healthy foods that kids will enjoy.

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician with a family practice in Courtenay. Her office can be reached at (250) 897-0235.

Call 250 897-0235

Attention Deficit Disorder

By 6 years old, Jason had been labeled with attention deficit disorder. By 8 he was having trouble in school both academically and socially. The other kids didn’t understand his overly aggressive behavior and were irritated by his repeated outbursts. Teachers were frustrated by his lack of concentration and his inability to stay on task. At home, impulsive and aggressive behavior resulted in many sibling squabbles and his parents were at their wits end as to how to get through to their child. The school was pressuring Jason’s parents to pursue drug therapy for their son. His parents thought ‘we aren’t comfortable with giving our child drugs to suppress his behavior, but we have to do something to help him function better.’

That was the point that they sought naturopathic medical care. Naturopathic doctors are primary care physicians with full medical training plus extensive expertise in natural medicines. The first step in Jason’s treatment was a thorough evaluation of his mental, emotional and physical state. Next, the doctor looked carefully at his medical history to assess whether there were events that could have contributed to creating an imbalance in Jason’s body that might cause behavioral problems. Then a program was embarked upon to remove any underlying causes of those problems. Jason was tested for food allergies, which in his case were numerous. His parents observed marked behavioral improvements within weeks of avoiding these specific foods. Any slips ups (which the doctor called “food experiments”) increased Jason’s irritability and impulsivity dramatically. Other nutritional supplements were recommended to enhance brain and nervous system function, and a program was done to correct an intestinal imbalance caused by repeated use of antibiotics. Within 3 months of treatment, Jason’s parents felt that they had their son back and the teachers were reporting steady improvements. Not only were his parents thrilled with Jason’s turn around, they felt good that they had dealt with the underlying causes of their child’s problems without having to use drugs to suppress those problems.

Children are being treated with drugs for what we label attention deficit disorder at an alarming rate. The number of children on drugs for ADHD has increased dramatically.. In some schools, 30% of the boys are on Ritalin-type drugs. As Jason’s case illustrates, naturopathic doctors attempt to address the cause of problems in a holistic manner. Potential physical factors that can contribute to ADD / ADHD are:

  • Food allergies – finding and eliminating an individual’s food allergies substantially helps a significant percentage of children with ADD. These kids very often have a history of repeated ear infections, tonsillitis and other allergic symptoms.
  • Intestinal microbiome imbalances often from repeated use of antibiotics – for instance, intestinal candida yeast creates 80 known toxins, including alcohol, which can impair mental functioning.
  • Blood sugar imbalances – low blood sugar (ironically the result of high sugar diets) can cause symptoms identical to those we label ADHD.
  • Heavy metal toxicity – mercury fillings, lead exposure and more can affect cognitive functioning
  • Nutritional deficiencies – essential fatty acids, iron and other minerals are often lacking

Many children have received long-term benefits from addressing these and other issues under the care of naturopathic physicians. Each child deserves to be treated as an individual and given the chance to improve their health in a real and lasting way.

For more information on attention deficit disorder or naturopathic pediatric care, contact Dr. Deidre Macdonald at 897-0235.

Call 250 897-0235