Stroke Prevention

The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation has recently raised the alarm bell to warn that stroke is not only a significant problem for Canadians, but that many of us don’t know what to look for in order to detect a stroke, and seek crucial early treatment. You’ve likely seen their ad campaign, reminding Canadians of the signs of stroke: sudden numbness or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg, slurred speech, confusion, blurred vision, trouble walking and dizziness.



As a naturopathic physician, I feel it is also important to educate the public about what can be done to prevent strokes. Strokes are typically a symptom of underlying cardiovascular disease. The main way to prevent cardiovascular disease is to live a lifestyle that promotes cardiovascular health. It is important to understand your risk factors and take steps to reduce them. A patient that I’ve worked with over the last year illustrates that journey.



Brent was a 54-year-old man who came to see me after his brother had a debilitating stroke at 57. As a father of three teens, Brent didn’t want that fate for himself and his family. He came to me for an assessment and to get help changing the course of his health for the better. I found out that he had smoked for 30 years and his waist circumference was 44” – well above the recommended 40” for men. His LDL cholesterol was elevated, as were his triglycerides, and his blood sugar was borderline diabetic. I ran an insulin test and found this to be very high, indicating insulin resistance. His blood pressure was above normal, at 147/90. Running his own business, he carried a significant stress load, which was taking its toll on his health.

I explained to him that he had multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease that leave him at higher risk for stroke or heart attack than the average man his age. Genetics may be one risk factor, but the study of epigenetics has proven that our lifestyle affects our gene expression. So even when there is a family history of a disease, lifestyle can determine whether an individual gets that disease. We tested him for a genetic risk for cardiovascular disease, called methylation defects. About 15% of the population has a mutation of the gene necessary for methylation, a critical chemical process in the body. Without adequate methylation, homocysteine can build up in the bloodstream, causing accelerated atherosclerosis. A specific set of nutrients can help solve this problem, which it turned out he needed.

Next, I set out to help Brent quit smoking. Through a combination of herbal medicines to reduce cravings, stress-management and behavioral modification, Brent has been cigarette-free for almost a year now. It was important that he not gain weight after quitting smoking, so I coached him on a heart-healthy weight loss nutrition plan that has resulted in a 35 pound weight loss. Exercise was new territory for Brent, but he made it a family affair by getting out mountain-biking with his teenagers. He’s even keeping up with the youngest one now! As part of a stress management plan, he’s started a “gratitude check-in” at dinner with his family, where each person shares something they are grateful for from that day. This practice has been uplifting for Brent and his family.

After a year of coaching and treatment, Brent’s blood sugar and insulin levels were back to normal. His cholesterol levels were lower, but not low enough. He had tried Statin drugs for cholesterol in the past, but suffered leg pain as a result. I recommended natural medicines that further lowered his cholesterol while also being easier for his body to tolerate. I also recommended fish oil, Coenzyme Q10 and other natural medicines to prevent damage to his cardiovascular system from inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial issues.
Brent looks and feels like a new man. His children will likely have their Dad around for many years to come. Stroke awareness is important, but prevention is critical. We can all benefit from living a stroke prevention lifestyle.

Mitochondrial Function Key to Health

Have you ever wondered why the body ages or why you seem to have less energy as you age? It turns out the answer lies deep within the cells in a tiny organelle called the mitochondria. They are the energy producers of the body. They turn our food into the fundamental fuel that drives cellular activity. It is in the mitochondria that carbohydrates, protein, and fat are metabolized, producing cellular energy called ATP. The ATP provide the energy to allow cells to do what they do; it keeps the brain working, fires muscles, repairs tissues, and more.



The more energy a certain tissue requires, the more mitochondria those cells contain. The brain and heart have the highest concentration of mitochondria because they require large amounts of oxygen and energy. The heart muscle is packed with mitochondria. Any dysfunction on the level of the mitochondria has a significant impact on the functioning of these organs especially.
As we age, our mitochondria produce about 40% less ATP and therefore our organs feel the effects of decreased energy production. Mitochondria get damaged over time. The rate of their decline can be influenced by a number of lifestyle factors.



Malfunctioning at the level of the mitochondria has now been shown to be at the heart of a host of degenerative diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease; neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, as well as cancer. Mitochondria dysfunction has also been shown to be related to chronic fatigue syndrome and has implications for affecting athletic performance. Interventions to stabilize mitochondrial function and enhance ATP production will be the new medicine of the future.



The formation of ATP is dependent upon proper intake of vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and plant based nutrients. Deficiencies of these nutrients can alter mitochondrial function. Antioxidants like Vitamins C, E and A protect the mitochondria. Other nutrients like resveratrol from grape skins, green tea EGCG and curcumin from tumeric also have strong protective effects.
Exercise protects the mitochondria as well. A well-trained athlete has more than twice the muscle mitochondria than a sedentary person. Exercise stimulates the production of more mitochondria in the cells thus providing an anti-aging effect, especially where we need it most: the brain and heart.



However, those protective mechanisms can be overwhelmed by additional sources of bodily stress, leaving the mitochondria susceptible to damage. A diet high in processed food and high in fat as well as excess alcohol can all damage the mitochondria. Exposure to chemicals, heavy metals, and some pharmaceuticals, like statin drugs for cholesterol, can damage mitochondria.
The heart has to produce 13 to 35 pounds of ATP per day to sustain its approximately 86,000 daily beats. There has been extensive research to find ways to enhance mitochondrial function to maintain the ATP critical to heart function. In addition to exercise and high plant-based diets, natural medicines have been shown to help. CoEnzyme Q10 is a nutrient that fuels the pathway that makes ATP. In 2013, the European Society of Cardiology stated that it is the first “drug” to significantly improve heart failure in over a decade. This statement was based on research showing that there were very significant reductions in mortality in people with advanced heart failure who took CoEnzyme Q10. Magnesium and l-carnitine have also been shown to reduce death after heart attacks and more. In a recent Mayo Clinic review, acute heart patients who took L-Carnitine had a 27% reduction in all-cause mortality, a 65% reduction in arrhythmias, and a 40% reduction in angina symptoms.



Naturopathic physicians seek to understand the underlying cause of disease and use treatments that target those mechanisms. In the case of neurological disease, cancer, heart disease and more, interventions that repair mitochondrial function can help give the body the fuel it needs to promote healthy tissue function. There is so much more to health than managing symptoms with drugs. Take charge of your health with a great lifestyle and natural medicines.

Eight Important Lab Tests You Should Know About

Many of us go to the doctor and just get the basic blood work they recommend.  We may or may not hear back from the doctor regarding the results.  I recommend that patients take a more active role in their health by learning about blood tests and getting copies of their results.  (Locally, Lifelabs offers patients online access to most blood work.)  It is helpful to understand which tests to request from your conventional or naturopathic physician and optimal levels you should be aiming for.

Thyroid:  For patients dealing with fatigue or depression, I often recommend a full thyroid panel.  The thyroid governs metabolism, affecting energy and weight loss. Typically just a TSH test is run, but sometimes imbalances in the thyroid can be picked up by testing free T4, free T3 and thyroid antibodies.  If the thyroid hormones levels are borderline, I recommend supporting the thyroid non-pharmaceutically.

Ferritin:  Another important test for fatigue and depression is ferritin.  This test measures iron stores.  Lack of iron can cause anemia, which can cause fatigue.  It can also lower dopamine levels in the brain, which affects mood, motivation and food cravings.  Too much ferritin can be a sign of excess iron storage which can damage the cardiovascular system and many organs.

Insulin:  For patients with weight issues, dementia and some hormonal imbalances, checking fasting insulin is an excellent tool to understanding how the body is dealing with blood sugar.  Adult onset diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance at the cellular level.  Therefore, it takes a lot of insulin to help carry sugars from the blood to the cells.  Even before elevated blood sugar is detected, this high insulin can be a sign of insulin resistance.  High insulin levels promote fat storage and are hard on the circulation.  Programs that reverse insulin resistance can accelerate the process of weight loss, protect the cardiovascular system and more.

Homocysteine:  Patients who have a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease or dementia  / Alzheimer’s are wise to have their homocysteine levels checked.  This amino acid, if elevated, is a risk for increased strokes and Alzheimer’s. The “normal” range is stated as being under 11 umol/L, but studies show that the risk of Alzheimer’s is increased in people whose homocysteine is over 7 umol/L.

Vitamin D3:  The rate of vitamin D3 deficiency in Canada is staggering. Gerry Schwalfenberg, an assistant clinical professor in the department of family medicine at the University of Alberta, said testing showing that “the fact that 60 to 70 per cent [of Canadians] have inadequate levels [is] not good,” given that vitamin D insufficiency is being linked to so many chronic diseases.  Vitamin D is an important preventer of autoimmune disease, viral illness, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, MS and more.  Having your levels checked is therefore wise.  The optimal level of vitamin D is over 125 nanomoles/litre.

C Reactive Protein (CRP):  Inflammation is an important risk factor for cardiovascular events, like strokes and heart attacks, and it creates an environment that supports cancer growth.  It is a symptom of autoimmune disease, obesity, diabetes and other important health conditions.  The C Reactive Protein in our blood is a reflection of general inflammation levels.  While the normal range is under 5.0, the optimal range is under .8 for men and under 1.5 for women.  Breast cancer survivors are wise to monitor CRP since elevations are associated with higher reoccurrence rates.

Vitamin B12:  The levels of this important nutrient can diminish with age as absorption becomes more difficult.  Vitamin B12 can be depleted by many medications, such as metformin (diabetes), birth control pills, and antibiotics.  I am most concerned about acid blocking medications that many of my patients use for long term management of acid reflux.  I much prefer to treat the cause of this problem than to manage it with a medication that impairs the digestion and absorption of a number of important nutrients.  Acid blockers also can set up a more alkaline pH that promotes the growth of a weakened, dysfunctional set of intestinal bacteria.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Testing (SIBO):  SIBO is a condition in which the wrong bacteria are growing in the small intestine, creating abnormal fermentation of carbohydrates into methane and hydrogen.  SIBO patients suffer from gas, bloating, digestive concerns and many other health conditions.  When indicated, I test patients through a university laboratory in PortlandOregon.
Be proactive with your health care by getting the blood work you need to understand your health and take steps to prevent illness.

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician who has practiced medicine in downtown Courtenay for 17 years. For more information, contact The Macdonald Centre for Natural Medicine at 250 897-0235 or via www.getwellhere.com

Call 250 897-0235

Help with Cravings and Stubborn Weight

We all have trillions of bacteria, yeasts and fungi in our bodies, particularly in our intestines.  The mix of these microbes makes up our microbiome.  New research shows that this microbiome may have more to do with your weight than what you eat.  Farmers around the world have long known that feeding antibiotics to chicken and cows fattens them up.  Human trials have shown the same thing and scientists now have the research to find out why. Antibiotics, as well as certain dietary choices, change the bacterial lining of the intestines.  Those changes allow more calories to be extracted from food.  They also increase cravings and appetite by changing hormones.  This research gives hope to those who wish to bolster their ability to lose weight.  You can change your intestinal microbiome and therefore help your body lose weight.



We now know that our intestinal microbiome affects many important processes, such as digestion, destruction of parasites, mood and brain function, immune system regulation, and prevention of autoimmune diseases.  Naturopathic physicians have been working for decades to educate patients about the importance of the microbiome and now scientists around the world are using new technology to understand the microbiome and learn how to foster and protect it.



Why is it that some people seem to put on weight while others lose weight easily?  The answer may be that those who lack good bacteria in the intestines seem to extract more calories from food.  Recent research shows that thin mice who receive a microbiome transfer from obese mice, gain weight, despite being on a calorie controlled diet.  It appears that the microbiome of the obese mice has an increased capacity to harvest energy from the diet.



Another factor in weight gain is the appetite stimulating hormone ghrelin. A healthy microbiome regulates appetite by reducing this hormone.  But using antibiotics that alter the microbiome increases ghrelin and is associated with weight gain.



So how do we encourage the growth of an abundant and diverse microbiome?  We need to begin at birth.  Babies in the womb are “sterile”.  The birth canal provides the baby’s first inoculation with the bacteria he or she will need to digest breast milk. Babies born by c-section, who miss out on that bacteria, may be more prone to weight problems as they age.  C-sections are a welcome lifesaver at times but I recommend all my c-section babies be given appropriate probiotic supplements (intestinal microbiome powder) as soon as possible after birth.



Humans given antibiotics are more prone to weight gain, just like chickens.  Of course antibiotics are another modern medical necessity in some cases.  The benefit of antibiotics is generally perceived to be much greater than it actually is for common infections.  There are natural medicines that can strengthen the immune system and fight infection without damaging the microbiome.  So try to avoid antibiotics and take probiotics if you can’t avoid them.



The foods we eat also cause our microbiome to adapt and change.  High refined sugar diets promote the growth of bacteria that influence ghrelin, the appetite-stimulating hormone.  Healthier diets help the healthier bacterial to grow.  Cats fed higher carbohydrate diets had kittens which ate more and became fatter.  (Since we are finding now that mothers can pass on their microbiome to their children, women are well advised to work on enhancing their microbiome even prior to conception.)  A whole food diet that is low in both refined carbohydrates and animal fat promotes the healthiest microbiome thus helping to regulate appetite.



I have found that many patients who had difficulty losing weight have an altered microbiome.  They often have related symptoms such as digestive issues, allergies, or depression. There are simple tests that can help determine the state of the microbiome.  If needed, I coach patients on how to use low carb nutrition and helpful supplements to re-establish the healthy microbiome.  When the microbiome comes into balance, cravings are lessened and weight loss is much more easily attained.

How Carbs Can Trigger Food Cravings

Are all calories created equal? A new study suggests that in at least one important way, they may not be.  The New York Times reported on research showing that sugary foods and drinks, bread, and other processed carbohydrates that are known to cause abrupt spikes and falls in blood sugar appear to stimulate parts of the brain involved in hunger, cravings and reward. The findings, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, shed new light on why eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates like sweet, bread, pasta, crackers etc. are associated with weight gain.  The more you eat, the more you want.



A much more satisfying nutrition plan is to eat healthy, lean protein at every meal, vegetables at almost every meal, and enjoy some fruit and whole grains like brown rice and quinoa.  You’ll stay full on fewer calories, making it easier to shrink your waist line.

7 Low Carb Breakfast Ideas

Start your day with a low calorie breakfast that will keep you full for hours. No more mid morning carb cravings after a high carb breakfast of toast, cereal or pancakes. It’s a great way to not only lose weight, but ensure optimal energy throughout the day.



egg white scramble1. Egg white scramble:
Just stir fry some vegetables, like tomatoe, kale, spinach, onions, basil, celery – whatever you’ve got on hand, then add lightly scrambled egg whites and a bit of salt. I have come to appreciate the convenience of the egg whites that come in a small cardboard “milk” container. It is so easy to just pour about ½ cup per person. I put the scramble in a bowl and tell myself it’s a casserole, so I don’t miss the toast. I figure this filling breakfast comes out to about 100 calories, which is a great way to start the day if weight loss is your goal.



2. Egg white omelette:



Do the same as above, just don’t stir. Gently lift the edges of the omelette and tip the frying pan to allow some of the egg white to slide under the edge. If you can put your frying pan under the broiler for a minute you can speed the cooking of the top.



3. Hot Coconut Flaxseed Cereal:



½ cup coconut milk or your favorite “milk”
½ cup ground flaxseeds
¼ cup unsweetened coconut
¼ cup chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds
Ground cinnamon to taste
¼ cup sliced strawberries, blueberries, blackberries
Combine the milk, flax, coconut and walnuts / seeds in simmer in a pot for 5 minutes (or microwave in a bowl for 1 minute if you prefer). Serve topped with cinnamon and berries.



4. Chickpea flour pancakes:

Chickpea flour comes from garbanzo beans / chickpeas and is a source of protein and vitamins as well as some carbs. It is gluten free and you can find it at Edible Island in Courtenay. I love it and use it regularly when I want to dial down the carb factor in muffins / zucchini loaf, and yes, pancakes. There are many recipes on-line for chickpea pancakes, which are also called Socca or Farinata.



5. Left-overs:



Chicken, fish, veggies, stirfry all make perfectly good breakfast food. Say what? That’s right, get outside the box and you’ll discover that healthy food tastes good at any time of the day.



6. Protein smoothies



Smoothies are a great way to pack a mountain of nutrition into a fast and easy breakfast. I always have chopped kale in the freezer ready to throw into smoothies. If that sounds strange, start with a little spinach and frozen mango. With a good blender and an adventurous heart, you can add carrots, beets, frozen broccoli as well as fresh and frozen fruit. We try and eat blueberries several times a week, so they always go in smoothies. For protein, you can add a protein powder, like the professional product we have at our clinic called Ultra Protein Plus (pea protein and vitamins) . You can also experiment with soft tofu, yogurt, almond butter, even sprouted raw mung beans! A couple of drops of Stevia sweetens up the smoothie without having to add the carbs and calories that honey or agave would.



We recently purchased a great little blender that works as well as a Vitamix (the gold standard of blenders, but expensive). It’s the NutriBullet, available for around $100 at Canadian Tire in Courtenay / Campbell River / Powell River.




7. Tofu scramble



My husband wasn’t sure the first time I served him a tofu scramble, but was a quick convert to the yummy flavours you can add to tofu to make it quite palatable. Here’s a recipe we enjoy:



Ingredients:
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 block organic extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 2 tbsp oil or margarine
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional)



Preparation:
Slice the tofu into approximately one inch cubes. Then, using either your hands or a fork, crumble it slightly. Sautee onion, pepper and crumbled tofu in oil for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. Add remaining ingredients, reduce heat to medium and allow to cook 5-7 more minutes, stirring frequently and adding more oil if needed.



Serve with a bit of salsa or top with soy or dairy cheese. Serves two.



Experiment with spinach and tomatoes, curry powder and more.

Memory: Solutions for “Senior’s Moments”

It’s important that as people age they find ways to keep both their bodies and minds sharp. In my years of medical practice, I have witnessed patients who experience the anxiety that comes when they recognize that their memory is failing. Whether they are forgetting where they put their keys more often, are having trouble finding words or they are in the early stages of age-related dementia, there are holistic strategies that can help lift brain fog naturally.

When working with a patient, my first task is to determine whether their lifestyle is conducive to good brain function or if it is a likely cause of their “senior’s moments.” The brain is an organ that needs to be taken care of in order to function optimally. Like the rest of the body, it needs quality nutrition, proper rest, exercise and stress management in order to perform well. Nutritional deficiencies, such as lack of vitamin B12, can occur with age, especially if prescription medications like metformin (diabetes) or nexium and other stomach acid blockers are taken. An iron deficiency reduces the oxygen supply to the brain. This form of anemia can be caused by taking aspirin, or by colon issues that cause bleeding.

Exercise has proven to be one of the key factors for preserving mental function. Studies show a significant reduction in rates of dementia in people who exercise three to five times a week. Research also supports the idea that cardiovascular health in general improves oxygen and blood flow to all organs, including the brain. Another study from the Journal of Neurology found that exercise helped minimize arterial plaque buildup, and that this was linked to improved performances on memory and mental acuity tests.

The old adage, “use it or lose it” applies to memory. Mental stimulation is to the brain, what exercise is to the muscles. Engaging in social interactions, intellectual pursuits, and mental games can protect the memory. It’s never too late to learn a new instrument, figure out how to use a computer, or challenge yourself to learn some conversational Spanish.

I also assess my patients for anxiety and chronic pain, both of which have been linked to memory loss. One natural medicine derived from Green Tea called Theanine has been shown to improve mental clarity and reduce anxiety. If chronic pain is present, laser therapy is an effective treatment for arthritis, back and muscle pain.

In my clinic, I also do a thorough medical evaluation to see if there are physical reasons for the memory loss. A full thyroid panel can sometimes illuminate low thyroid function, which can also make patients feel tired, chilly and gain weight easily. Fascinating research links imbalances in the bacterial lining or microbiome of the intestine to brain function. Taking antibiotics or acid blocking medications can disturb the crucial balance in the intestinal microbiome and result in learning and mood issues. Correcting this imbalance with the help of a naturopathic physician can improve health on many levels, including the mood and mind function. For some people, food allergies can cause a brain fog due to an opiate like effect on the brain.

Finally, the factors that put people at risk for cardiovascular disease also put them at risk for dementia. Diabetes is now considered to be a major player in the development of age related dementia. Naturopathic physicians have expertise in helping diabetics achieve stable blood sugars with less mediation. High blood pressure must be addressed with lifestyle changes – not just medications – in order to significantly reduce its side effects. High homocysteine (over 7.0) levels have been found to double the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to scientists at Boston University. This inheritable risk factor is easily tested for and treated with natural medicines, yet is rarely done by conventional physicians.

I am often asked if there is a natural medicine to protect the brain from aging and memory loss. Gingko hasn’t been shown to have a preventive effect, however, studies have shown it to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. Fish oil has anti-inflammatory effects that are positive for brain function. You may have read that chocolate has flavinoids that are good for the brain. Well, only its raw form actually contains the medicinal properties, so sadly you’ll have to try raw cacao nibs to get the protective effect.
Phosphatidyl serine is the newest superstar in the natural memory aid arena. The Journal of the American Academy of Neurology published a study in which it was stated that phosphatidyl serine was a promising candidate for treating memory loss later in life.

A combination of living a healthy lifestyle, having a thorough medical evaluation by your naturopathic or conventional doctor, and utilizing natural medicines will surely help keep those “senior’s moments” at bay.

Memory: Solutions for "Senior's Moments"

It’s important that as people age they find ways to keep both their bodies and minds sharp. In my years of medical practice, I have witnessed patients who experience the anxiety that comes when they recognize that their memory is failing. Whether they are forgetting where they put their keys more often, are having trouble finding words or they are in the early stages of age-related dementia, there are holistic strategies that can help lift brain fog naturally.



When working with a patient, my first task is to determine whether their lifestyle is conducive to good brain function or if it is a likely cause of their “senior’s moments.” The brain is an organ that needs to be taken care of in order to function optimally. Like the rest of the body, it needs quality nutrition, proper rest, exercise and stress management in order to perform well. Nutritional deficiencies, such as lack of vitamin B12, can occur with age, especially if prescription medications like metformin (diabetes) or nexium and other stomach acid blockers are taken. An iron deficiency reduces the oxygen supply to the brain. This form of anemia can be caused by taking aspirin, or by colon issues that cause bleeding.



Exercise has proven to be one of the key factors for preserving mental function. Studies show a significant reduction in rates of dementia in people who exercise three to five times a week. Research also supports the idea that cardiovascular health in general improves oxygen and blood flow to all organs, including the brain. Another study from the Journal of Neurology found that exercise helped minimize arterial plaque buildup, and that this was linked to improved performances on memory and mental acuity tests.
The old adage, “use it or lose it” applies to memory. Mental stimulation is to the brain, what exercise is to the muscles. Engaging in social interactions, intellectual pursuits, and mental games can protect the memory. It’s never too late to learn a new instrument, figure out how to use a computer, or challenge yourself to learn some conversational Spanish.



I also assess my patients for anxiety and chronic pain, both of which have been linked to memory loss. One natural medicine derived from Green Tea called Theanine has been shown to improve mental clarity and reduce anxiety. If chronic pain is present, laser therapy is an effective treatment for arthritis, back and muscle pain.



In my clinic, I also do a thorough medical evaluation to see if there are physical reasons for the memory loss. A full thyroid panel can sometimes illuminate low thyroid function, which can also make patients feel tired, chilly and gain weight easily. Fascinating research links imbalances in the bacterial lining or microbiome of the intestine to brain function. Taking antibiotics or acid blocking medications can disturb the crucial balance in the intestinal microbiome and result in learning and mood issues. Correcting this imbalance with the help of a naturopathic physician can improve health on many levels, including the mood and mind function. For some people, food allergies can cause a brain fog due to an opiate like effect on the brain.



Finally, the factors that put people at risk for cardiovascular disease also put them at risk for dementia. Diabetes is now considered to be a major player in the development of age related dementia. Naturopathic physicians have expertise in helping diabetics achieve stable blood sugars with less mediation. High blood pressure must be addressed with lifestyle changes – not just medications – in order to significantly reduce its side effects. High homocysteine (over 7.0) levels have been found to double the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to scientists at Boston University. This inheritable risk factor is easily tested for and treated with natural medicines, yet is rarely done by conventional physicians.



I am often asked if there is a natural medicine to protect the brain from aging and memory loss. Gingko hasn’t been shown to have a preventive effect, however, studies have shown it to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. Fish oil has anti-inflammatory effects that are positive for brain function. You may have read that chocolate has flavinoids that are good for the brain. Well, only its raw form actually contains the medicinal properties, so sadly you’ll have to try raw cacao nibs to get the protective effect.



Phosphatidyl serine is the newest superstar in the natural memory aid arena. The Journal of the American Academy of Neurology published a study in which it was stated that phosphatidyl serine was a promising candidate for treating memory loss later in life.
A combination of living a healthy lifestyle, having a thorough medical evaluation by your naturopathic or conventional doctor, and utilizing natural medicines will surely help keep those “senior’s moments” at bay.

My doctor says my thyroid is normal but…

Every week people arrive at the clinic wondering if their thyroid is okay.  They’ve often had their conventional doctor check their thyroid, and are told that everything is fine.  However, they aren’t convinced.  They feel tired, cold, achy, gain weight easily, have headaches, depression and more symptoms that seem to reflect low thyroid function.

As a naturopathic physician, I offer these patients a full thyroid panel.  When we test further, we often find that the thyroid really isn’t working optimally.  Why the different in approaches?

Our MSP system only allow conventional doctors to run one test to screen for thyroid problems.  Naturopathic physicians prefer a full panel to test for TSH, T4 (inactive thyroid hormone), T3 (active thyroid hormone) and a thyroid antibody called TPO.  Often we are able to unveil issues in the complex dance of the thyroid hormones, which can then be treated in a variety of ways, both holistic and pharmaceutical.

Our philosophy is to try to determine if your thyroid is working optimally, not just wait until it is diseased.


Curious about your thyroid? You can book an appointment by emailing back or calling Terry at (250) 897-0235.

Call 250 897-0235

Tame the Fires of Autoimmune Disease

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Autoimmune Disease is a major health problem in our society. One in twelve people in general, and one in nine women, will be diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. There are over one hundred different autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel diseases and Celiac disease. Together these conditions affect more people than cancer or heart disease and can rob patients of their quality of life, mobility and even take their lives.

Scientists worldwide are puzzled over the alarming rise in the rates of autoimmune disease, particularly in the Western world. The rates have more than doubled in the last three decades. Genetics can no longer be blamed as the only cause of autoimmune disease since our genetics can’t change that quickly.

As a naturopathic physician, I have treated many patients with a variety of autoimmune diseases in my years of practice. The familiar story is one of misdiagnosis, dismissal and frustration with limited treatment options. In half of all cases, women with autoimmune disease are told there is nothing wrong with them for an average of five years before receiving diagnosis and treatment. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment is focused on reducing symptoms but not treating the underlying factors that may have caused the disease. Commonly used immunosuppressant treatments can be lifesaving, but can also lead to significant long-term side effects.

The path to a long lasting recovery from autoimmune conditions focuses on correcting the underlying stress factors that may have caused the immune dysregulation that drives the disease.

Exciting research was recently presented at a gastroenterology convention I attended in Victoria. The immune system has well developed mechanisms to attack foreign invaders. In autoimmune disease, the immune system loses its ability to differentiate our own normal tissues from foreign invaders. That ability to temper the immune system’s inflammatory reactions to invaders is something our bodies must learn. And strangely enough, in fact, the teacher lives in our guts. The bacterial lining of the intestines (the intestinal microbiome) is responsible for educating our immune systems, letting them know when to attack and when to cease fire.

The delicate intestinal bacterial lining is made up of over 1000 species of bacteria and weighs about three pounds in an adult. We are created in a sterile womb, devoid of bacteria and acquire our first dose of beneficial bacteria in the birth canal. In the western world, there is an ever increasing trend towards delivering babies by C-section. Without that first dose of beneficial bacteria from the birth canal, the baby’s microbiome is different than a baby born via vaginal birth. Abundant research has shown that there are increased rates of asthma and autoimmune disease in those delivered by C-section. Researchers concluded that a C-section (or Caesarean section) raises the risk of type 1 diabetes by 20%. They also crunched the data from 23 studies and showed the same increased risk for asthma—20%—in children delivered by C-section.

Antibiotics are the other western phenomenon that disturbs the intestinal microbiome. We know not what we do when we take an antibiotic for an infection without consideration of the trillions of beneficial bacteria that form an integral part of our digestive and immune systems. Mice given antibiotics were more likely to develop inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.
Naturopathic physicians have long emphasized the importance of correcting deficiencies in the intestinal microbiome. Programs to repair the intestinal mucosal lining, replenish probiotics and kill off harmful elements of the microbiome have long been a mainstay of the treatment of autoimmune disease.

Vitamin D deficiency in northern countries have also been linked with increased rates of autoimmune disease. As we spend more time indoors and lessen our exposure to sunlight, thus using sunscreen more often (as those with paler skin tend to do) when we are outdoors, we play an active role in depleting our Vitamin D stores. Vitamin D has also been shown to play a role in the regulation of inflammatory fires of the immune system. Vitamin D helps tell the immune system to tolerate our own cells. Some studies show that Vitamin C inhibits induction of disease in autoimmune encephalomyelitis, thyroiditis, type-1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), lupus, rheumatoid and Lyme arthritis.

For my patients with joint pain associated with autoimmune disease, laser therapy is an excellent way to manage pain, reduce joint destruction and improve joint function. A recent Canadian expert panel determined that this painless laser therapy is an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. I have been using a high tech laser light treatment for my patients for years. It is very effective for most patients with osteoarthritis and is part of an overall treatment for inflammatory arthritis too.

Natural anti-inflammatory medicines may reduce the dependence on harsh prescription drugs. A turmeric extract called Meriva has been shown to be a safe and defective pain reliever in arthritis. Fish oil is considered an essential part of auto-immune treatment in that it helps alleviate the inflammation that drives most symptoms. Most auto-immune disease involves high levels of oxidative stress, so sufferers who incorporate anti-oxidant foods and supplements into their daily regime are making a wise choice. Kale and blueberries are my favorite high anti-oxidant foods; grape seed extract and resveratrol are my favorite supplements.

Fatigue is often a crippling element of auto-immune disease. I also work with patients to support their adrenal gland through teaching them meditation and relaxation techniques using herbs like rhodiola.

Science is beginning to shed light on the complexities of the immune system and ways that we can influence the health of it. Take care of your immune system, and if you have an autoimmune disease, learn ways to tame your inflammation – naturally.

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician who has been practicing medicine for 16 years in downtown Courtenay. For more information, contact the Macdonald Centre for Natural Medicine at (250) 897-0235 or via this website.

Call 250 897-0235