Alzheimer's Prevention and Treatment

Our brains are made up of an intricately interconnected web of neurons, run by electrical impulses that jump from cell to cell across gaps called synapses.  Chemical messengers help transmit those impulses, and this symphony of cells, chemicals and electricity results in all the thoughts, feelings and bodily functions that make us who we are. Age related memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease are examples of neurodegenerative conditions, and affect as many as 30% of the population over 70.  Drugs for Alzheimer’s disease have limited benefit, at best slowing progression.  The cause of Alzheimer’s is too complex for us to ever find a solution in a pill bottle. The brain is intimately connected to the rest of the body. Dysfunction in the body can damage the delicate components of the brain.  Cognitive decline is the result of a long trajectory of multiple stresses on the brain, many of which can be reduced by lifestyle change and natural medicine.



When scientists study the brains of people with Alzheimer’s they find amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles from excess Tau protein. It is normal for these proteins to form, and the body has process to flush them out.  When excess amyloid and tau are formed, or not cleaned out, nerve signalling is impaired and shrinkage of key centres of the brain speeds up. Dementia was once thought to be progressive and irreversible.  We know now that buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are the result of years of stress on the brain such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction (energy production in cells), high blood sugar / insulin, microbiome (intestinal bacteria) imbalances and more.  New research shows that these processes can be prevented and reversed which can preserve or improve cognitive function.  There are strategies that can also increase a healthy chemical in the brain called brain derived growth factor, promote neurogenesis (expansion of nerve cells), enhance the clearing of amyloid and Tau proteins (autophagy), and build new pathways in the brain (promote neuroplasticity).



I help my patients accomplish these goals by coaching them on how to create a lifestyle conducive to a healthy brain.  Food is your best brain medicine, so that’s where I start with my patients. Lack of sleep or use of pharmaceutical sleep aids are both associated with memory loss as it is during sleep that the brain clear amyloid.  Exercise increases brain-derived-growth-factor. Sustained aerobic exercise is particularly beneficial for preventing shrinkage of the brain’s memory centres. The gut-brain connection is important for brain health too, so improving digestion is key, as is stress reduction, and brain exercises.



I also educate my patients on the use of a few key natural medicines that have been researched to improve brain health.  For instance, a study of people taking the DHA component of fish oil showed an improvement in memory after six months. Resveratrol is a grape skin extract that helps to inhibit the creation of and promote the clearance of amyloid and tau, delaying the onset and progression of cognitive impairment. Curcumin, a turmeric extract, supports neuron regeneration, reduces neuroinflammation and helps clear amyloid plaques. Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin D and many other natural medicines also have shown benefits for dementia.  A ground-breaking study was conducted on 11 people diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive impairment, most of whom had the Alzheimer’s gene.  They were given a multifactorial naturopathic protocol of lifestyle changes and natural medicines.  All but the one most advanced case had reduction in symptoms sufficient to reverse the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and some showed increased brain volume on scans.  It is this multi-faceted approach to brain health that is necessary to keep our brains healthy and functioning well so we can live long and full lives.


Stop the Pain of Endometriosis Naturally

Menstrual cramps are part of life for many women, but extreme, debilitating pain during the menstrual cycle and beyond can be a sign of an underlying condition called endometriosis. This condition has mystified doctors and deeply affected the lives of millions of women. There have been breakthroughs in the understanding of the mechanisms that drive this painful condition. Treatment options designed to target the underlying cause of this condition are helping women to reduce pain and improve fertility.



Endometriosis is a condition where uterine tissue flows in the wrong direction, up the fallopian tubes, and ends up in the abdominal cavity. That wayward tissue should be detected and destroyed by the immune system, and in fact, that process regularly occurs for many women. But for women with endometriosis, the immune system turns a blind eye to the uterine tissue that has gone astray. These small bits of uterine tissue can adhere to the bowel, the ovary, and other organs. They are sensitive to the same hormones as the regular uterine tissue, so they fill with fluid and blood, which is released during menstruation. The lesions can cause pain throughout the cycle, but when the fluid is released into the abdominal cavity, the pain can be debilitating.



The real question isn’t how come the uterine tissue flows backward, as that seems to be common. The question is, why doesn’t the immune system recognize and destroy the lesions; why are they left to grow unchecked? There is a complex interaction between the hormones and the immune system that is to blame for this problem. It turns out that for people with endometriosis, the immune cells that usually prevent us from attacking our own tissues are working overtime. These T-regulator cells tell the immune system to back off, causing the endometrial lesions to evade surveillance and destruction. But T-regulator cells are just taking instruction from certain immune-suppressing chemicals called cytokines. And those cytokines are influenced by a common hormone imbalance where there is too much estrogen and not enough progesterone. This “estrogen dominance” at the heart of endometriosis can be influenced by a number of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors.



The other mechanism that drives the growth of endometrial lesions is the presence of naturally occurring chemicals that encourage growth of this specific type of tissue. People with endometriosis have more Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGT) in their abdominal cavity. VEGT stimulates the uterine cells to proliferate, helps the tissue to grow more blood vessels and ultimately makes the endometriosis lesions grow. People with endometriosis are also found to have more oxidative stress markers in their abdominal cavity as well as increased inflammation. These three factors create a favorable growth environment for the painful lesions.



Treatment is designed to reduce pain but also to try to reduce the size of the lesions or eliminate them. Some treatments provide immediate pain control while others try to address the underlying cause by balancing the hormones and promoting a proper immune response to the lesions. Surgery can be done through a minimally invasive procedure that basically zaps the lesions. While this treatment can provide some relief, I’ve seen patients who just keep developing more lesions. Hormone therapy should be aimed at correcting the estrogen dominance. Oral contraceptives contain estrogen, and while they can help to some degree, progesterone only pills and uterine implants are preferable. The later can help reduce the amount of blood build up in the lesions and reduce pain. However, they prevent ovulation and therefore pregnancy, which may not be suitable for a patient trying to have a family.



The naturopathic treatment strategy can be used alone or in combination with conventional medical approaches. It endeavors to address the mechanisms that drive endometriosis. Firstly, we target the immune dysfunction that allows the lesions to evade detection. Herbal medicine and antioxidant nutrients can target the hormonal imbalance, oxidative stress, immune imbalance and pro-inflammatory state that typifies this condition. Secondly, hormones and immune system are affected by the intestinal microbiome; the trillions of bacteria that live primarily in the intestine. Our diet influences the microbiome so naturopathic physicians encourage a diet that is low in sugar and refined flour and may give probiotics and other treatments to bolster the microbiome. Thirdly, healthy fats, like omega 3’s have been shown to help prevent and treat endometriosis lesions and reduce pain.



Finally, hormone balance plays a critical role in the naturopathic treatment of endometriosis. To balance the estrogen dominance typical of this condition, there are nutrients that help the body to eliminate old estrogen and herbs that assist the body produce more progesterone. It is also important to support the liver during this process, as it plays a major role in the elimination of old estrogen. The role of environmental toxins in endometriosis is an area of significant concern. Many environmental toxins, like pesticides and plastics, can actually act like super-estrogens once inside the body and have long term effects. Hormones in red meat and dairy may also tip the delicate balance of hormones for women. Reducing exposure to these external sources of estrogen is critical to the prevention and treatment of endometriosis.



With proper guidance, many women with endometriosis can have less pain, better quality of life and preserve their fertility.

4 Tips for Becoming an Empowered Patient

Medical science now shows that when patients are empowered to play an active role in their health care, they are more invested in the process which results in better health. Medical education is redefining the doctor-patient relationship as one that respects the patient as an intelligent participant in health care decisions. The old doctor-patient relationship put the doctor in an authoritative role, as in “doctor knows best” and patients were in a passive role, as in “follow the doctor’s orders.” Now physicians are taught the principles of “shared informed decision making”; doctors and patients share information and collaborate in treatment decision. Patients are empowered with information and take ownership in creating their health. Here are four tips for becoming a more engaged and empowered patient.



Firstly, knowledge is power. You need to understand your body and any issues that you have. Ask your doctor to write down any words that are new to you, such as the name of a diagnosis, a test or treatment. Ask them to explain anything that you don’t fully understand, or work with a naturopathic physician to deepen your understanding of your health conditions. The internet can be a wonderful source of information, but, without the context a physician can provide, it can be overwhelming.



Secondly, keep a health journal. A health journal is a place where you can keep a record of your health issues, tests, procedures and medication. Keeping track of your health history helps you to be an informed, knowledgeable patient. Knowledge allows you to take more control of your healthcare. The best health journals have separate tabs for pharmaceutical and natural medicine history, hospitalizations, surgeries, blood work, imaging and other tests, specialist reports, allergies, and family medical history. I encourage my patients to get copies of all their lab work. Sixteen percent of abnormal lab results are not reported to the patient in Canada. In my 20 years of practice, I have found many missed diagnoses by going over lab work that the patient hadn’t seen. You can get copies of blood work easily by having your blood taken at Life Labs and setting up an online account to view your labs, or if you have blood taken at your doctor’s office or one of St. Joe’s outpatient labs you can call 1 866 370-8355 and ask them to mail you your lab work. Your doctor can also print a copy of your lab work. I  encourage my patients to ask their family doctor for copies of their specialist reports as well as imaging reports (x-rays, CT scans and MRIs).



Thirdly, an empowered patient needs to ask why. Any good problem solver needs to investigate the cause of the problem in order to create a lasting solution. Yet, in health care, we are often satisfied with treatments that mask symptoms but don’t address the underlying causative factors. You can take medications to lower blood pressure, but pills are not able to address the reasons why your blood pressure went up in the first place. When I prescribe pharmaceuticals, it is often because we need to control symptoms quickly, and buy the patient some time while we implement a plan to address the underlying causes and seek a long term solution that will optimize their health.



Fourthly, you can create a health care team to support your health goals. It may serve you to consult more than one health professional to create the optimal plan for your health. Your family doctor is an essential player in helping you access the conventional medical system when you need it. Family doctors are incredibly knowledgeable and hardworking, but they don’t have the time or training to provide for all the complex needs of their patients. Naturopathic physicians are medically trained physicians who focus on optimizing health with lifestyle, natural medicines, and pharmaceuticals when needed. Counsellors, physiotherapists, and other practitioners can all add their expertise to your health care team. An empowered patient lets their family doctor know who is on their team and encourages communication between practitioners.

Coconut Oil for Weight Loss? Facts vs Hype

Coconut oil is being touted as the new superfood. Dr. Oz says its “the miracle fat that fights fat.” Here’s the real skinny on coconut oil and weight loss. This oil is about 50% medium chain tryglyerides, which go straight to the liver where they are burned as fuel and raise the metabolism slightly. One to two tablespoons a day would cause you to burn about 60 more calories. But wait a minute. Two tablespoons of coconut oil contains about 200 calories. Do the math. Don’t consume extra calories in coconut oil thinking it will help you lose weight. Even in studies that compared people asked to eat two tablespoons of coconut oil vs the same amount of another oil didn’t show any difference in weight or waist line. The most successful method for lasting weight loss I’ve come across is to address emotional eating. Learning mental and emotional mastery through goal setting, mindfulness and relaxation techniques helps people lose weight and grow into a calmer, happier person at the same time. I love sharing these important tools with my patients and seeing make the real changes necessary to achieve their long term goal of great health.

Recipe: Nacho Kale Chips

Kale is my favorite super-food. Here’s a recipe for the ultra-trendy Nacho Kale Chips that make eating kale easy and fun.
kale chips
Ingredients:

1 cup raw cashes or almonds, soak for a few hours ideally

1/3 cup nutritional yeast

1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. garlic powder (I use a whole clove and it’s great)

Directions:

1. Remove the hard stalks from the kale. Try to keep the leaves as large as possible – it makes turning the Kale easier during cooking.

2. Add remaining ingredients to blender an process until smooth. You’ll need to add water or olive oil to make a thick sauce that you can pour on the kale.

3. Pour sauce over kale and massage into the leaves until evenly coated. I hold back and use about 3/4 of the recipe and save the rest for a yummy veggie dip sauce.

4. Lay out on cookie sheets and bake at 250F for 12 minutes, turn and again for 12-20 minutes. Watch it and remove the leaves that are very crisp before any browning occurs.

5. You can also use a dehydrator on low for about 10 hours. Place on parchment paper.

Do you need some lifestyle coaching? You can book an appointment by emailing or calling (250) 897-0235.

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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.

Asthma in Children, Let's Treat the Cause!

Asthma takes away the freedom to enjoy a deep breath.  That is something no child should have to experience.  Seeing your child struggle to breathe is a heart-breaking experience for parents.

Asthma is caused by swelling in the airways. When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles around the airways become tight and the lining of the air passages swells. This reduces the amount of air that can pass by.

The main goal of naturopathic treatment of asthma is to treat the underlying cause of the problem.  A child with asthma has an immune system that is hyper reactive.  On a biochemical level, the immune system is releasing histamine and inflammatory chemicals in response to normally benign situations / triggers.  Therefore, naturopathic physicians endeavor to promote the regulation of the immune system.

First, let’s explore the role of the immune system in asthma.  White blood cells play a role in the genesis of asthma and allergies.  One type of white blood cell, the type 2 T helper cells (Th2) play a triggering role in the activation of allergies and inflammation.  They trigger the formation of IgE antibody which cause allergies, plus they tell mast cells to release histamine.  The combination results in the allergic inflammation that drives most cases of childhood asthma.

Genetics play a role in who gets hyper-active Th2 cells, but evidence shows that the part of the immune system that lives in the lining of the intestines plays a role in activating the Th2 allergy producing cells.  Eighty percent of the immune system hangs out in the intestines, assessing what you’ve taken into the body.  It is here that all incoming material is marked friend or foe.  This labeling process can become deranged if there is too much stress or inflammation in the intestines. The intestines can be inflamed by improper diet, food allergies, and toxins.  One of the key triggers of a disordered immune response is an imbalance in the intestinal bacterial called the intestinal microbiome.  The intestinal microbiome is such an important determinant of immune function that it is the number one area of research in all of medicine today.  Imbalances in the microbiome can be caused by antibiotics use, high sugar and carbohydrate diets,  and c-section births.  Good bacteria in the intestines normally teach the immune system how to self-regulate.  Without that function, the local immunity gets fired off randomly and allergies are triggered.  Studies show that probiotics (good gut bacteria) enhance gut maturation in infants, and decrease the risk of atopic disease:  asthma, allergies, and hay fever.  Therefore, the naturopathic approach to asthma starts with a program to reduce the immune reactivity in the digestive system by reducing stresses on the intestines, such as food allergies and enhancing the intestinal microbiome.

There are nutrients that can also help stabilize the immune system. Specifically, they can help prevent the mast cells from releasing histamine and prevent the inflammatory reactions that follow.  For instance, vitamin D is typically low in asthmatic children.  In Canada, most children become deficient in Vitamin D in the winter.  I advise supplementing vitamin D to all my patients in the Comox Valley.  There are potent herbal antihistamines that are both safe and effective.  Fish oil and other herbs like curcumin have anti-inflammatory effects as well as many side benefits.  Certain mushrooms have been found to help calm down the hyperactive immune system by the regulating the overactive Th2 system in allergic children.  Homeopathic medicine can be very helpful for children.  An individualized homeopathic prescription by a naturopathic physician or homeopathic practitioner can help to strengthen the constitution of the child and reduce asthma symptoms.

If we determine that there are specific airborne allergens that are dominant triggers (such as dust, pollen, grass, cats) then we can start a process of allergy desensitization called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).  This safe, non-injection, mercury free allergy desensitization technique has been shown to reduce allergies in 85% of people.

There are pros and cons to using conventional asthma medications.  Asthma symptoms are caused by bronchospasm and by inflammation of the airways.  The salbutamol or Ventolin (“the blue one”) works on the bronchospasm, while fluticasone or Flovent (“the orange one”) is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that works on the inflammation in the airway.  Puffers can certainly help manage asthma symptoms and buy some time while we are working to solve the problem in a more long term manner.

Many children can overcome asthma if we treat them from the inside out and strengthen their immune system with a comprehensive naturopathic medical approach. The naturopathic approach to asthma is to firstly determine what allergic and other triggers are driving flare ups of asthma.  Secondly, we work on reducing exposure to those triggers and use natural medicines to reduce the allergic and inflammatory reactions.  Thirdly, we need to endeavor to balance the immune system by working with the deeper systems of the body to treat the underlying causes of the immune hyper-reactivity. 

For more information or to book an appointment with Dr. Macdonald, please contact her office at 250 897-0235 or via www.getwellhere.com

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Blood Pressure Pills May Increase Breast Cancer Risk – Natural Alternatives

Older women who take certain types of medication to combat high blood pressure may be putting themselves at greater risk for developing breast cancer, according to a new study. This August, the prestigious medical journal JAMA reported that women who had used calcium channel blockers for 10 or more years had a higher risk of breast cancer. The study is the first to observe that long-term use of this class of blood pressure drugs, which include Amlodipine (Norvasc), Felodipine (Plendil), and Nifedipine (Adalat), are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.

It has long been established that significantly elevated levels of blood pressure increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. But what is the most effective way of lowering not only blood pressure, but cardiovascular risk? Recently, a patient came into my office asking just that question.

Georgia, 67, had been diagnosed with high blood pressure by her MD and had started amlodipine a year ago. Her blood pressure was still not optimal and she was looking at having to take a second medication. She also has a history of breast cancer which was treated two years prior. The blood pressure drug she was on is part of a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. These drugs lower blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels. They interfere with the normal flow of calcium into the muscles of the blood vessels, which reduces the firing of those muscles. Unfortunately, this same mechanism may give cancer cells an advantage.

 I counselled her and explained that there are other classes of pharmaceutical drugs that are not associated with increased cancer risk. Beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics have not been associated with cancer risk. Calcium channel blockers have a unique effect on cancer cells. There is a growing understanding that one of the culprits in cancerous processes is disruption of the calcium ion channel in cells throughout the body. Cancer prevention depends on proper functioning of the calcium channel. I recommended that she switch to an ACE inhibitor for now and that we engage a thorough program of cardiovascular health promotion to lower her blood pressure, and her cardiovascular risk in a real and lasting way.

Nutritionally, I recommend a diet that is low in both refined carbohydrates and animal fat. Refined carbohydrates, like sugar, bread, pasta etc., increase inflammation in the blood vessels and drive up blood sugar, both of which harm blood vessels. Consuming high amounts of saturated animal fat, such as butter, full fat dairy, red meat, prawns, chicken with skin, etc., increases inflammation in the blood vessels and causes arteries to harden, which is a driving factor in most cases of high blood pressure. High antioxidant foods, like fruits and vegetables, help protect arteries.

Exercise has been shown in countless studies to lower blood pressure. Georgia had not been exercising, and over 6 months of coaching she worked up to the recommended 175 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per week (that’s about four 45 minute sessions per week). She incorporated interval training into her work outs – alternating her intensity from mild to intense throughout the workout.

I recommended that she supplement her diet with some of the top natural medicines for blood pressure. Magnesium has been shown in a large meta-analysis to decrease blood pressure. Fish oil, along with a long list of cardio-protective effects, also has a mild positive effect on blood pressure. I recommend all my heart patients take a good B complex to lower homocysteine, co-enzyme Q10 to strengthen the heart, and Hawthorne extract to protect the heart and lower blood pressure.

Georgia’s blood pressure came down significantly during the six months of intensive coaching. She felt she was ready to try going off her medication. I recommended she consider a strong, prescription herbal medication called Rauwolfia serpentine to continue to lower her blood pressure. With the help of this safe and effective medicine, and her heart healthy lifestyle, she was able to maintain her blood pressure at an average of 125 / 83, and know that she is also on a program that supports an anti-cancer lifestyle.

For more information about naturopathic cardiovascular interventions, contact Dr. Deidre Macdonald, ND at her clinic in downtown Courtenay at (250) 897-0235 or via www.getwellhere.com.

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Vitamin D Deficiency is Rampant in Canada

The list of conditions that are helped by ensuring adequate Vitamin D levels is growing.  New research shows that lowered Vitamin D levels can drive blood sugars up to dangerous diabetic levels.  The adult type of diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, and low Vitamin D has been shown to inhibit the functioning of the insulin receptors, thus allowing blood sugar to circulate in the blood and damage tissues.



Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked with a 30% increase in uterine fibroid tumours.  Fibroids commonly affect women in their 30’s and 40’s in this part of the world.  Vitamin D has long been known to also affect bone health, immune strength and to prevent some cancers.



So do you have enough?  In the US, 50% of the population is considered deficient.  In Canada the numbers are much higher.  Our Northern latitude prevents the sun from being strong enough to stimulate Vitamin D synthesis for most of the year.  During the couple of months that we do get strong sunlight, most of us diligently use sunscreen.  So the rates of Vitamin D deficiency are on the rise.  If you are curious about your levels of Vitamin D, Dr. Macdonald can order a blood test to determine if you are in the safe range after a summer of exposure.  If you are not high enough now, for sure you’ll be deficient in a couple of months when the warm days of summer are a distant memory.   The optimal form of supplemental vitamin D is in liquid form.  Taking 1,000 to 2,000 IU’s a day is usually enough to prevent deficiency, unless you are dark skinned, in which case you would need more.  Vitamin D is inexpensive and quite safe to take.

Unravelling the Mystery of Autism

The idea that autism is a mysterious brain disorder with no treatment is outdated.  There is evidence that the digestive system of autistic children is profoundly different and that those gut changes affect the brain. Dr David Suzuki’s video, “Autism Enigma” explains the link quite nicely.  Naturopathic physicians are well versed in the biological treatment of autism. Thankfully, there is hope and help for parents desperate to help their children.


Individulized testing can often illumnate the unique biochemistry of an autistic child.  Treatments that target restoration of the intestinal flora are critical.  While autistic kids are known to be picky eaters, introducing hypo-allergenic foods can calm the gut and reduce opioid-like effects on the brain. Specific nutrients have been shown to help enhance brain function in autism and Asperger’ Syndrome.  Each child is unique and special and deserves an individualized protocol to help them become the best they can be.