As enthusiasm for herbal therapies continues to grow, I would, once again, like to caution against resorting to pill popping as the natural solution to all health problems. Even though research has demonstrated the beneficial effects of many herbs, as usual, in practice things are more complicated. The benefits of many widely used herbal remedies have not been rigorously tested and are not yet well documented. Also, although Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Directorate (www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb/onhp/) tests contents of some herbs and nutritional supplements, there is no guarantee you’re getting what’s listed on all labels. One resource that may help is www.ConsumerLab.com they privately test supplements to determine if the contents are pure and match the label claims. Many tested supplements have been found to lack key components or did not contain advertised percentages of active ingredients. Some products were even found to contain pesticides and heavy metals. Remember, no herb is a substitute for a healthy diet and other good habits. And, if you choose to supplement, be selective and be a savvy consumer.
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Check Your Medicine Cabinet
Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Your medications (prescription or over the counter) may change the way your body responds to exercise, sometimes in ways that can be dangerous. If you take any medication regularly, check with your pharmacist to see if it can cause problems. A few to watch out for:
ANTIBIOTICS: A class of antibiotics called fluroquinolones (e.g. Ciprofloxacin, Sparfloxacin, Levofloxacin), often prescribed for bronchitis, urinary tract infections and intestinal infections, may increase your risk of tendinitis or a tendon rupture. If the antibiotic you’re taking belongs to this class, ask if a substitute could work as well for you.
ANTIHISTAMINES (e.g. Diphenydramine, Cyprohepadinie) work well to diminish allergy symptoms; however, they also reduce your ability to sweat, leaving you vulnerable to overheating during a workout. Some also cause drowsiness or slowed reflexes, which could lead to injury. Wait at least half a day after taking such drugs to do activities that require physical or mental coordination or fast response time, such as using gym machines.
DIURETICS (such as Furosemide, Metolazone) used to control high blood pressure, flush fluid from your body. This can increase the risk of dehydration during exercise; especially since exercise suppresses the thirst response. Combining diuretics with exercise can be especially dangerous for older people with heart disease. It is important to always drink plenty of fluids when exercising, but if you are taking one of these medications pay particular attention to your fluid intake.
IBUPROFEN (generic), sold under several brand names (i.e. Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) is often taken to reduce pain and inflammation. This type of painkiller accelerates dehydration by reducing blood flow to the kidneys. Acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) does not have this effect. Aspirin and Naproxen do, but to a lesser degree. For you pill poppers out there, be aware these drugs are not completely harmless and should be taken with caution.
Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Your medications (prescription or over the counter) may change the way your body responds to exercise, sometimes in ways that can be dangerous. If you take any medication regularly, check with your pharmacist to see if it can cause problems. A few to watch out for:
ANTIBIOTICS: A class of antibiotics called fluroquinolones (e.g. Ciprofloxacin, Sparfloxacin, Levofloxacin), often prescribed for bronchitis, urinary tract infections and intestinal infections, may increase your risk of tendinitis or a tendon rupture. If the antibiotic you’re taking belongs to this class, ask if a substitute could work as well for you.
ANTIHISTAMINES (e.g. Diphenydramine, Cyprohepadinie) work well to diminish allergy symptoms; however, they also reduce your ability to sweat, leaving you vulnerable to overheating during a workout. Some also cause drowsiness or slowed reflexes, which could lead to injury. Wait at least half a day after taking such drugs to do activities that require physical or mental coordination or fast response time, such as using gym machines.
DIURETICS (such as Furosemide, Metolazone) used to control high blood pressure, flush fluid from your body. This can increase the risk of dehydration during exercise; especially since exercise suppresses the thirst response. Combining diuretics with exercise can be especially dangerous for older people with heart disease. It is important to always drink plenty of fluids when exercising, but if you are taking one of these medications pay particular attention to your fluid intake.
IBUPROFEN (generic), sold under several brand names (i.e. Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) is often taken to reduce pain and inflammation. This type of painkiller accelerates dehydration by reducing blood flow to the kidneys. Acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) does not have this effect. Aspirin and Naproxen do, but to a lesser degree. For you pill poppers out there, be aware these drugs are not completely harmless and should be taken with caution.
Mindfulness Meets Science: New Research
Drs. Miroslava Lhotsky & Judy Turner
Scientists used to believe that the brain was virtually unchangeable once a person reached adulthood. Radical new research has instead revealed the brain's neuroplasticity, that is, its capacity to change and reshape itself throughout a person’s lifespan. This finding has opened the exciting possibility of literally re-thinking the way in which the brain responds to conditions such as chronic pain, depression, stress, and even happiness.
Meditation's positive effects are now measurable: The discovery of the brain’s neuroplasticity coupled with state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques have led to fascinating studies about the effects of mindfulness meditation on the brain. Through ongoing controlled studies, mindfulness meditation is being shown to:
improve mental sharpness in the aging brain
reduce stress by shifting prefrontal cortex activity from the right to the left hemisphere
reduce the recurrence of depressive symptoms
positively influence and reduce the experience of chronic pain
improve concentration and help regulate daily habits of eating, sleeping and physical activity
provide a valuable supportive therapy in the treatment of cancer and heart disease
lessen the frequency and intensity of anxiety and panic attacks
lead to the cultivation of greater happiness
Mindfulness meditation is a scientifically-validated method that teaches you to clear your mind, quiet your emotions, and calm your body. It is a simple and systematic approach that helps you attain greater levels of health and well-being by becoming more present and aware in the moments you actually live.
Beginning with focusing your attention on the breath, as you practice, you learn to become more resilient to stressful situations and to develop healthier ways to be in charge of your life.
We are very excited to welcome Dr. Miroslava Lhotsky and Dr. Judy Turner, who will now be offering their Mindfulness Meditation program at Lifewise. For more information, check out their website: www.mindfulnessmeditationtoronto.com.
Drs. Miroslava Lhotsky & Judy Turner
Scientists used to believe that the brain was virtually unchangeable once a person reached adulthood. Radical new research has instead revealed the brain's neuroplasticity, that is, its capacity to change and reshape itself throughout a person’s lifespan. This finding has opened the exciting possibility of literally re-thinking the way in which the brain responds to conditions such as chronic pain, depression, stress, and even happiness.
Meditation's positive effects are now measurable: The discovery of the brain’s neuroplasticity coupled with state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques have led to fascinating studies about the effects of mindfulness meditation on the brain. Through ongoing controlled studies, mindfulness meditation is being shown to:
improve mental sharpness in the aging brain
reduce stress by shifting prefrontal cortex activity from the right to the left hemisphere
reduce the recurrence of depressive symptoms
positively influence and reduce the experience of chronic pain
improve concentration and help regulate daily habits of eating, sleeping and physical activity
provide a valuable supportive therapy in the treatment of cancer and heart disease
lessen the frequency and intensity of anxiety and panic attacks
lead to the cultivation of greater happiness
Mindfulness meditation is a scientifically-validated method that teaches you to clear your mind, quiet your emotions, and calm your body. It is a simple and systematic approach that helps you attain greater levels of health and well-being by becoming more present and aware in the moments you actually live.
Beginning with focusing your attention on the breath, as you practice, you learn to become more resilient to stressful situations and to develop healthier ways to be in charge of your life.
We are very excited to welcome Dr. Miroslava Lhotsky and Dr. Judy Turner, who will now be offering their Mindfulness Meditation program at Lifewise. For more information, check out their website: www.mindfulnessmeditationtoronto.com.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Lifewise Health & Wellness Bulletin - August 2011
It’s time to GO LOCAL! In our current food system, we spend 15 calories of energy (burning fossil fuels in transport and production) to get 1 calorie worth of food.
Our quick-fix, want it now attitude is having a huge impact on the health of the planet and the local economy (not to mention our health).
By supporting local growers we reduce ‘food miles’, eat healthier food and boost our local economy. We could create 50 000 jobs in Ontario if we ate like we did in 1970.
Join the Local Food Movement and start buying local. Also get a better understanding of where it all comes from - visit a local farm with FIELD TRIP this summer.
(www.fieldtriptoronto.ca)
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Our quick-fix, want it now attitude is having a huge impact on the health of the planet and the local economy (not to mention our health).
By supporting local growers we reduce ‘food miles’, eat healthier food and boost our local economy. We could create 50 000 jobs in Ontario if we ate like we did in 1970.
Join the Local Food Movement and start buying local. Also get a better understanding of where it all comes from - visit a local farm with FIELD TRIP this summer.
(www.fieldtriptoronto.ca)
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Missing Magnesium?
Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Magnesium is an extremely important mineral, whose value for good health is just starting to be recognized. This essential nutrient plays an important role in the generation of cellular energy as well as the repair and regeneration of skeletal muscle and nerve cells. It is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, for controlling blood pressure, regulating calcium channels in the heart, and promoting sleep.
Magnesium deficiency can affect virtually every organ system of the body, and has been linked to many symptoms including: muscle twitches and cramps, back aches, neck pain, tension headaches and TMJ dysfunction. Other symptoms include constipation, menstrual cramps, insomnia, anxiety, PMS, numbness, tingling, and chest tightness.
While the recommended daily intake (RDI) is 310 to 420mg per day, most people are only getting about 175 mg daily. Magnesium can be found in lentils, dark green vegetables, seafood, walnuts, peanuts and almonds. One easy way and proven way to increase magnesium levels in the body, is to take an Epsom Salt Bath (Magnesium Sulfate).
The consumption of alcohol, use of diuretics, diarrhea, presence of fluoride, and high levels of zinc and vitamin D increase the body’s need for magnesium.
Recent research is exploring the therapeutic effects of its use in treating Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Migraines, and Osteoporosis.
Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Magnesium is an extremely important mineral, whose value for good health is just starting to be recognized. This essential nutrient plays an important role in the generation of cellular energy as well as the repair and regeneration of skeletal muscle and nerve cells. It is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, for controlling blood pressure, regulating calcium channels in the heart, and promoting sleep.
Magnesium deficiency can affect virtually every organ system of the body, and has been linked to many symptoms including: muscle twitches and cramps, back aches, neck pain, tension headaches and TMJ dysfunction. Other symptoms include constipation, menstrual cramps, insomnia, anxiety, PMS, numbness, tingling, and chest tightness.
While the recommended daily intake (RDI) is 310 to 420mg per day, most people are only getting about 175 mg daily. Magnesium can be found in lentils, dark green vegetables, seafood, walnuts, peanuts and almonds. One easy way and proven way to increase magnesium levels in the body, is to take an Epsom Salt Bath (Magnesium Sulfate).
The consumption of alcohol, use of diuretics, diarrhea, presence of fluoride, and high levels of zinc and vitamin D increase the body’s need for magnesium.
Recent research is exploring the therapeutic effects of its use in treating Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Migraines, and Osteoporosis.
Headaches – a pain in the neck?
Dennis Newhook RMT, CYT
Headaches are among the most common complaints we see at Lifewise, affecting both men and women, young to old. While some headaches are the result of underlying medical conditions, the majority of headaches, known as tension headaches, result from our busy lifestyles. Muscle tension in the shoulders and neck contribute to most headaches. These factors can be easily treated by paying more attention to posture, stretching, and drinking enough water. Prolonged computer use leading to poor sitting posture and strained eyes is another major contributor to tension headaches. Beyond improving your posture and increasing exercise, improving your sleep and treating any jaw or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction can greatly relieve headache symptoms.
Some people suffer with migraine headaches - which are poorly understood and experts have yet to agree on one concrete definition or cause. Two theories include the vascular model (often treated with vasoconstricting drugs) and the neurogenic model (affecting pain-sensitive nerves from the trigeminal nerve and the upper neck). The neurogenic model is supported by studies that have shown chiropractic adjustments to be helpful in relieving migraine symptoms. Migraines are often accompanied by auras, light/scent sensitivities, nausea, vomiting, and irritability.
Some headaches accompany more serious conditions or result from medication errors or side-effects. If a headache follows an acute head trauma and is accompanied with confusion, fever, or changes in vision be sure to seek immediate medical advice.
Dennis Newhook RMT, CYT
Headaches are among the most common complaints we see at Lifewise, affecting both men and women, young to old. While some headaches are the result of underlying medical conditions, the majority of headaches, known as tension headaches, result from our busy lifestyles. Muscle tension in the shoulders and neck contribute to most headaches. These factors can be easily treated by paying more attention to posture, stretching, and drinking enough water. Prolonged computer use leading to poor sitting posture and strained eyes is another major contributor to tension headaches. Beyond improving your posture and increasing exercise, improving your sleep and treating any jaw or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction can greatly relieve headache symptoms.
Some people suffer with migraine headaches - which are poorly understood and experts have yet to agree on one concrete definition or cause. Two theories include the vascular model (often treated with vasoconstricting drugs) and the neurogenic model (affecting pain-sensitive nerves from the trigeminal nerve and the upper neck). The neurogenic model is supported by studies that have shown chiropractic adjustments to be helpful in relieving migraine symptoms. Migraines are often accompanied by auras, light/scent sensitivities, nausea, vomiting, and irritability.
Some headaches accompany more serious conditions or result from medication errors or side-effects. If a headache follows an acute head trauma and is accompanied with confusion, fever, or changes in vision be sure to seek immediate medical advice.
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