It is not about Work-Life Balance; It is about Prioritization and Coherence

by Dr. Iva Lloyd, ND

The concept of Work-Life Balance sounds great. It has been the catch-phrase for the last decade or so.  The lack of work-life balance has often become the justifcation for anxiety, stress, depression, just about anything.

Trying to achieve work-life balance often results in people trying to do more. Trying to put a little of their energy into many different things. The focus often becomes the length of time a person spends in any one task, not whether or not they enjoy the task, whether they are getting something valuable out of it or even whether it is really important to them.

As a naturopathic doctor, I often encounter patients that are struggling to achieve specific health goals, and working to include a healthy regimen into their life.  What I hear all the time is that they struggle because there are "too many things to do". Life has become about doing more, versus enjoying what you do, really experiencing what you're doing and choosing to do things that really matter. The challenge is that what a person often ends up doing does not bring them closer to what they want to achieve.

Achieving anything - whether it be health, success, recognition, etc - starts with knowing what you want to achieve (intention), making sure what you do is consistent with those goals (coherence) and prioritizing your time accordingly.

Intention

Your intentions drive everything; whether you are conscious of them or not. In fact, your subconscious intentions are often more impactful than your conscious ones. Intention is defined as one's purpose, aim, objective or goal. Intentions can be more important than actions. Next month I am going to expand more on the role of Intention in health and disease and in overall happiness and contentment in life.

Coherence

Coherence has two general meanings. It relates to things being logical and consistent and it relates to thing have a unifed focus. We think of it as the waves of your life being in sync. When it comes to health, coherence is about recognizing that there are many internal and external factors that influence health. Such as;

Copyright: Dr. Iva Lloyd, ND
2018

It can look overwhelming, but it is really about appreciating that a person's health is influenced by everything they encounter.  When you see yourself as part of the whole, versus being in "own bubble", it can actually make life easier.

Dr. Lloyd, ND copyright 2008

Coherence recognizes that all aspects of an individual are connected.  That a person's thoughts and emotions (i.e., the psychological) is intertwined with the functional and structural aspects of a person. That a person's thoughts affect how their body functions and likewise, a person's posture influences how they think and feel and how the body functions.

What is "right" for each person, whether we are talking diet, exercise, supplements, sleep, etc, depends on a person's age, their health status, their constitution, even the seasons and time of day.

The more you evaluate things based on their relevance and their applicability to you; the better.  For example, coffee and salt are not necessarily good or bad. It simply matters whether or not they are good for you. Whether or not your body type, your age and your current health status is enhanced or negatively impacted by them.  Too often the focus is on evaluating "things" - whether they be food, exercise, supplements or anything - as good or bad, versus looking at whether they are right, or in coherence, with a specific person.

I encourage you to catch yourself any time you are wondering if something is "good" or "bad" and change your thinking to whether or not it is "right for you" or whether the impact is even "relevant" for you.

Prioritization

There are so many things that can pull on your energy and time. Preparing food, exercise, household tasks, work, email, social media, news, commitments with family and friends, travel, and the list goes on and on. For most people, the issue is there are are too many things to do. And, at the end of a day or a month, there is that feeling that you still didn't do enough or you never got to what mattered.

There are some trues that you want to keep in mind:

• No matter who you are there is only 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week.
• Everybody only has 100% of energy and not everybody's 100 is the same.
• Whatever you focus on gets done!

If you want to know what your priorities are; look at what you do and the order that you do them. What I often find is that when a person is listing their priorities and when they are listing what they do in a day or week, they often don't match. For example, a person will state that exercising or losing weight is their key priority, but they don't find the time to exercise or they still end up stress eating or snacking late at night. 

It is always a good idea to track what you get done and to get a sense of whether or not that is what you want to be defined by. Another good exercise is to make lists and check off what gets done. At the end of each week, check the list and review what got done and what was left unfinished. It is also helpful to highlight different tasks by colour - green for personal tasks, blue for household chores, red for work, etc. That way, you can more easily see where your focus and priorities lie.

There is a saying, "Whatever gets measured; gets done."  If you want to be more successful, in life, health, anything, spend time determining your priorities and then tracking what you do to determine if they match.

Dr. Iva Lloyd, ND is a naturopathic doctor with a special interest in the role of the mind in health and disease. Check out her website to find other articles and blogs that she has written. If you would like to book an appointment with her, please call the clinic at 905-940-2727.

Recurrent Miscarriages: Is Your Immune System To Blame

By Dr. Beata Skorka, ND

Sadly, 15-20% of human pregnancies end in clinically recognized miscarriages, with the majority of them occurring within the first trimester. Reasons for recurrent miscarriages can vary, but include: parental genetic disorders, infectious diseases, endocrine dysfunctions, autoimmune disorders and uterine anatomical malformations.

Many couples trying to start or grow their family experience the painful and devastating end of a pregnancy, with some experiencing it multiple times. A miscarriage is recognized as a loss of a baby before 24 weeks of gestation. Recurrent miscarriage is seen as having had three or more consecutive miscarriages.  Below I will discuss one of the reasons for which miscarriages can occur- autoimmune and abnormal immunological responses.

Immune Conditions that Impact Fertility

When we think of our immune system, we often recognize it as a beneficial system in our body's that protects us from foreign invasion. However, our bodies ability to recognize what is self from non-self can either help or hurt us.  When functioning optimally, our immune system is protective. Problems arise when it sees parts of our bodies as non-self or foreign and attacks.

A woman's body must be able to recognize what is going on within itself and nurture the growing fetus.  Pregnancy is threatened when the body sees the placenta, uterus, fetus or blood as foreign and attacks, creating problems with fertility and/or miscarriage.

• Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS):  This condition in which the body makes high concentrations of antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) in the blood, can increase the chance of blood clots. Antibodies are protective proteins made by the immune system in response to a 'foreign' substance. Multiple miscarriages can be the result of having this syndrome.  They are associated with both early and late fetal loss miscarriages, pre-eclampsia and poor growth of the fetus.  If recognized, treatment can significantly decrease the risk of miscarriage anywhere from 40-70% vs 10% if left untreated.
• Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA):  These antibodies are related to females suffering from autoimmune conditions such as Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) and/or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), but can also be found in healthy individuals.  ANAs attack the cells of the uterus and the placenta, leading to inflammation which can affect implantation and cause early miscarriage.
• SLE:  This is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues.  Some symptoms to look out for include: butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose; raised red patches on the skin known as discoid rash; photosensitivity to sunlight resulting in rash; mouth and nose ulcers which are typically painless; arthritis; blood disorders; too much protein in the urine; disorders of the nervous system; heart and lung disorders.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition that affects the joints, causing swelling, stiffness and pain.
• Autoimmune Thyroiditis:  Thyroid antibodies can be present and affect a woman's ability to conceive and carry a baby.  Autoimmune thyroiditis can lead to either hypo or hyperthyroidism.  Alongside the thyroid, gluten reactivity needs to be addressed.  Celiac disease (immune reaction to gluten) is closely associated with autoimmunity and can be a compounding component of fertility.  Undiagnosed Celiac disease can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies that can cause infertility, recurrent miscarriage, stillbirths, poor growth of the fetus and unexplained infertility.
• Natural Killer (NK) Cells:  NK cells are a type of white blood cell that acts as the immune system's first line of defence against infections and life threatening diseases such as cancer.  They are the main type of immune cell found in the uterus.  During pregnancy, they increase in number in order to facilitate the development of the placenta.  However, too much NK cells can be toxic and lead to fetal cell death and miscarriage.

Naturopathic Approach to Recurrent Miscarriages

Autoimmune conditions are just one cause of recurrent miscarriage and infertility.  We are all unique in our health, genetics and lifestyle and, therefore, our health needs to be addressed in this way.  A thorough assessment and treatment is vital to a woman's and man's fertility outcome.  A naturopathic workup would likely include:

• Thorough current and past health history
• Food intolerance testing and dietary monitoring
• Antibody testing
• Standard blood tests for fertility (thyroid levels, inflammatory markers, hormone levels etc.)
• Standard and naturopathic physical exams

Naturopathic Treatment Options to Fertility Success

As a naturopathic doctor, I address the physical, emotional and structural issues associated with fertility. To complement diet and lifestyle recommendations, the following are often beneficial when working to optimize fertility:

• Acupuncture
• Intravenous Therapy
• Basal Body Temperature charting
• Botanical and Nutraceuticals
• Bio-identical Hormones

Everyone's journey to starting a family is different.  Sometimes a little extra support is needed.  In subsequent blogs, I will explain the health benefits of the treatments listed above.

If you or someone you know is having difficulty conceiving, has unexplained infertility or has experienced the devastating loss of losing a baby and would like to book an appointment with Dr. Beata Skorka ND, please call Naturopathic Foundations Health Clinic at (905) 940-2727. 

Dr. Beata Skorka, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor practising in Ontario.  She has an interest in fertility and is certified in Intravenous Therapy, which she utilizes in practice.

March Is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. We've Got Your Backside!

By: Dr. Kimberley Ramberan, ND

According to The Canadian Cancer Society, colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in men and the third leading cause of death from cancer in women in Canada.  The silver lining to that statistic is that colon cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer and, if caught early, over 90% of cases can result in a full recovery.

Instead of focusing on the "CANCER" part of this month we are going to focus on the "AWARNESS" part so that this knowledge can be the power you need to hear what your body could be trying to tell you sooner than later.

Listening to the Signs and Symptoms

When something is wrong, our body usually tries to give us clues that draw our attention to the problem.  These signs and symptoms can start off as a gentle whisper but,  when ignored for too long, can end up screaming so loudly that we have no choice but to pay attention to the disruption.

The most important advice I can give you is to pay attention to a sudden change in your body that doesn't make sense.  When you have changed nothing about your lifestyle/diet/environment and all of a sudden something changes or a new symptom comes up DON'T IGNORE IT.  Talk to your Naturopathic Doctor as soon as possible.

Here Are The Top 8 Signs and Symptoms YOU Should Be Aware Of

1. Change in bowel habits - If you have had the same bowel habits for a majority of your life and that starts to change to either diarrhea or constipation for more than a couple of weeks, a follow up visit to your ND is needed to rule out a pathological cause.
2. Blood stools - This is the most commonly experienced colon cancer symptom.  Blood found in stool can mean other issues but anything that it could be requires the attention of your ND.  Blood in a stool can sometimes be seen, but it is more common for the blood to be hidden inside the stool.  The blood may also be separate from the stool in the toilet bowl or on the toilet paper. Take home message - LOOK BEFORE YOU FLUSH.
3. Narrowing stools - The way the stool looks when it leaves the body can provide clues to what is going on inside.  For example, pencil thin or ribbon-like stools can sometimes indicate that the stool had to squeeze by some sort of obstacle (like a tumour) on its way out.  
4. A sense of fullness - If the sensation is not linked to eating too much or not having a complete bowel movement,  a sense of fullness can be felt due to a tumour that is growing toward the end of the colon or in the rectum.  The sensation of fullness or "having to go but nothing is coming" is because your body senses that there is something present near the exit.
5. Abdominal pain or cramping - Sometimes a tumour can block the stool and even gas from passing through the colon on its way out causing a partial or complete bowel obstruction.  This can lead to abdominal pain and discomfort that can range from mild to severe.  If there is a blockage, pain will also worsen as time goes by and more food in ingested.
6. Unexplained weight loss/loss of appetite - Weight loss, without any change to your routine, should be mentioned in a visit with your ND.  Loss of appetite could be a result of a cancer-related increase in metabolism.
7. Gas & bloating - Any prolonged periods of bloating that do not resolve with diet changes or bowel movements should be looked at in a physical examination. A pattern of gas and bloating may be an indication that a tumour is growing in the colon and occasionally causing a blockage.
8. Fatigue - Feeling exhausted can have many reasons and should be evaluated through comprehensive blood work and proper history taking.  Bleeding caused by a tumour can cause iron deficiency anemia which can leave you feeling exhausted.  Low blood levels can sometimes be the only sign we have that something is wrong.  

Too often in my line of work do I hear patients say to me " I wish I knew".  If you have digestive symptoms that are new for you or you "just don't feel like you", there is no point in waiting to get yourself properly evaluated by a Naturopathic Doctor.

Know the Risk Factors

As stated by the World Health Organization, a risk factor is an attribute, characteristic or exposure of an individual that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or injury.  Below is a link to ND Health Facts that goes over the main causal factors for developing colon cancer.  Risk Factors- ND Health Facts

It is important to remember that just because you may have risk factors, disease is not necessarily imminent.  Some risk factors you cannot control and some you definitely can!  Knowing how to change is sometimes where we need help from others. Naturopathic Doctors aim to teach you how to prevent and treat disease in a way that promotes healing on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level.

Naturopathic Treatment Plan

Creating a treatment plan with a patient that focuses on the strategies listed below is one of the ways I support my patients.                                                                              

• Assessing individual risk factor
• Comprehensive laboratory testing
• Creating an individualized anti-inflammatory diet
• Supplement protocol 
• Supporting the Gut-Brain connection
• Improving the health of the microbiome

Just remember, Cancer is just a word, not a life sentence!

If you or someone you know would like to book an appointment with Dr. Kimberley Ramberan, ND, please call Naturopathic Foundations Health Clinic at 905.940.2727.  Dr. Kimberley Ramberan, ND is IV Therapy certified and has a special interest in cancer care.

Is Your Diet Causing your Annoying Symptoms?

by Dr. Leena Athparia, ND

Have you noticed that when you eat certain foods, your skin breaks out? Do certain foods make you feel more bloated or sluggish? Common symptoms such as under active thyroid, insomnia, headaches, bloating, weight gain, acne and skin conditions respond differently to different types of food.  Whether you notice it or not, the kind of food you eat impacts how your body works. 


Food and lifestyle play a significant role in laying the foundation for your health. If you do not have a solid foundation in a diet and lifestyle regime suited to your constitution, treatments such as supplements, herbs, acupuncture and massage can only take you so far in treating and preventing disease. Below are examples of how you can customize your diet to reduce your symptoms, along a perspective from Ayurveda and the 5 elements.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is often caused by a diet that is dehydrating; a diet lacking fluids and healthy oils, or a diet with too much dry food. If you eat right and have a healthy skin routine, your skin should be naturally soft, supple and moist, even as you age.

• Nutrition for dry skin, involves reducing dry food (nuts, chips, fried food etc)
• Address dehydration with increased fluids (water, electrolytes, herbal teas, soups). 
• Increase healthy oils internally such as avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, fish oils, ghee etc. 
• According to Ayurveda, when air element is elevated, such as in a person with a vata constitution, skin tends to be more dry and rough.  Eating foods that are vata pacifying can help moisturize and rejuvenate your skin from the inside out, along with topical applications such as oil massage.

When you understand when the elements are out of balance in your skin (too much/too little), you can eat foods to help restore balance. Speak to your ND to see which imbalances you have and what you can do in your diet and daily routine to find a healthy balance.

Sleep

If you are not settled or grounded at the end of the day, you will have trouble falling asleep. Have you ever noticed that you can't sleep if you eat too light a dinner? Or if you eat heavy food before bed? What kind of food you eat, when you eat and how you eat will make a big difference in your sleep quality. So many people struggle with sleeping and seek relief through sleeping pills and other medication - without making any changes in their diet.  If you want to improve your sleep quality, try making some dietary changes and see how you feel.

• Eating foods that are more 'yang' are more energizing and are less supportive for relaxation. Examples of 'yang' foods to avoid are caffeine, sugar, spicy foods and stimulants. 
• Ensure you finish your dinner by 8:00 pm at the latest (ideally by sunset) and avoid skipping dinner. Aim to have a regular set dinner time.
• To help you feel settled at night, a diet rich in grounding foods can help you sleep better: warm, nourishing soups and stews, healthy oils, steamed or boiled food, and root vegetables. 
• According to Ayurveda, an excess of air and fire elements and a deficiency in earth element are commonly associated with poor sleep and manifest as: restlessness, overactive nervous system, and racing mind. Your diet should be customized to correct these imbalances.

Headaches

Though headaches and migraines are common, they are not normal and indicate an imbalance; a blockage in energy and circulation in the some part of the body. Headaches have many causes such as structural issues, dehydration, blood deficiency, food sensitivities and stress.  Once structural causes are identified and addressed with treatments such as stretching, massage, cupping and acupuncture, you need to address your diet.

• Ensure that you drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day, have enough electrolytes, and have some portion of your food that is hydrating such as soups, stews and foods with high water content.
• Food sensitivities can trigger headaches. Common food sensitivities are dairy, wheat, eggs and soy, though testing can reveal less common sensitivities such as nuts, certain fruits and veggies or grains. Eating foods that you are sensitive to creates inflammation in your digestive tract over time and can lead to other serious health issues.
• Anemia and blood deficiency (according to TCM) is a major cause of headaches, especially in women. Including foods rich in iron such as nettle tea and beets can help. Iron is just one of the minerals needed to build blood and tissues. Other minerals such as copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium may be needed from food, supplements or tissue salts.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, if you struggle with overthinking, doing too much activity, or are stimulated by electronics for long periods of time, you may accumulate excess air and fire elements, often determined as a vata or pitta imbalance. In this case, it is very beneficial to have a vata or pitta pacifying diet depending on which dosha is out of balance, under guidance of your Ayurvedic practitioner.

Snoring/Postnasal drip

Do you or a loved one struggle with snoring and poor sleep as a result? Have you noticed how the food you eat affects snoring? There may be structural reasons why you snore, so you first need to rule out any injuries or obstructions. Once that has been ruled that out, the next factor contributing to snoring is the health of your mucous membranes - from your gut to your sinuses.  Foods that you are sensitive to will cause inflammation in mucous membranes so if you haven't been tested, check with your ND about testing for food sensitivities (which can range from dairy, gluten to grains and fruits/vegetables).

• One of the primary foods that contributes to snoring is yeast, commonly found found in beer or bread, and thrives in a person with high sugar intake. If you struggle with snoring, examine your diet for food sensitivities, yeast and sugar and aim to eliminate them for several weeks or months under guidance of your ND. 
• Individuals with a kapha constitution are more prone to blockages in the respiratory track and more prone to yeast proliferation so they may need to have a stricter diet to improve their snoring. 
• In addition to dietary changes, treatments such as nasya, acupuncture, steam inhalation, nasal rinses and breathing techniques can improve snoring.

What Next?

While some aspects of diet are straightforward and apply to the general public (such as eating more healthy oils, less refined sugar, more vegetables etc.) there are many more aspects to diet that are complex and need to be customized. Here is what you can do:

• Try cooking more at home. If cooking intimidates you, join a cooking class or just start experimenting. It is much easier to customize food for your own body when you make it yourself.
• Track your diet for at least 5 days and bring it into your appointment with your ND who can go over it with you and identify which foods are beneficial for your constitution and your health concerns. 
• Work with your practitioner to identify your constitution and which of the 5 elements need balancing. Food can be a wonderful and tasty medicine if you know how to use it for your body type and health concerns. Your Ayurvedic practitioner can identify your constitution through questionnaires, tongue & pulse diagnosis and other intake questions.

Depending on your constitution, activity level, age and health concerns, different foods can be tailored to your needs. If you would like to know more about how your diet might be impacting your health issues, speak with your naturopathic doctor.  Food can be a wonderful and delicious medicine if you know how to use it for your body type and health concerns.


Dr. Leena Athparia is a naturopathic doctor & Ayurvedic practitioner at Naturopathic Foundations with a focus in joint health, pain and chronic disease. She has a special interest in Ayurvedic nutrition. If you are healthy and looking into preventing disease or learning more about your constitution, Dr. Athparia can help you. Please call the clinic at 905-940-2727 to book an appointment.

Dealing with the Winter Blues

by Dr. Iva Lloyd, ND

Winter blues, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), refers to bouts of depression and desire to sleep longer during specific periods of the year. SAD is most common in the winter months and is most prevalent in areas with decreased sunlight.  

Who is prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder?

• Those individuals who spend more time indoors when it is cold and decrease their outside activities in the winter.
• Those individuals who decrease their social activities and interaction with others in the winter months.
• There tends to be an association between low thyroid function and increased risk of SAD.
• High stress levels during the winter can increase the likelihood of SAD or can make it more extreme.
• Conditions such as insomnia, depression, mood disorders or pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) are associated with increased risk.
• Getting a cold or flu in the winter can often trigger SAD, especially if it lingers. Some blogs that you may find helpful include:
• Prevention and Management of Colds and Flus
• The Essential At Home Flu Prevention Kit
• Protect Yourself Against Cold Sores

What Happens in the Mind

• The shortening of daylight hours in the winter causes a shift in normal circadian rhythms which leads to increased production of melatonin and cortisol.
• Melatonin is the hormone associated with sleep.  When melatonin increases a person's desire and ability to sleep longer is enhanced.
• Cortisol is considered the stress hormone. When it rises people tend to feel more edgy. For some people the rise in cortisol results in feelings of sadness, for others it results in feelings of agitation or frustration.
• Together an increase in melatonin and cortisol can result in a decrease in serotonin which is a mood-elevating neurotransmitter.

Symptoms of SAD

The two main symptoms that are always present include depression and increased desire to sleep. Other symptoms that may also be present include:

• lethargy
• daytime fatigue
• melancholy
• craving for carbohydrates
• overeating with increased appetite
• weight gain
• loss of sexual interest
• irritability

Natural Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Staying active and social is an essential part of limiting the risk or severity the SAD has on you. Other strategies or natural treatments include:

• When at home: Keep your drapes and blinds open. Sit near windows when relaxing or reading. On cloudy days, turn on bright lights - ideally full-spectrum lighting - in the room that you spend the most time.
• Stay active - Get outside as much as possible, especially in the early morning light. Aim for 1 hour in the sun each day.
• Dietary recommendations - there are a number of ways that diet can assist including:
• Decrease alcohol and caffeine - or at a minimum, ensure that you don't increase them in the winter.
• Eat by season. When it is cold outside, avoid cold, raw and dry food. Winter is a great time for soups, stews and casserole. Leave the smoothies and the salads for the summer.
• Check out our blog on Healthy Fall and Winter Eating
• Exercise - Stay active. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week, preferably outside. 
• Sleep - As much as possible stick to the same sleep regimen that you have in the summer, especially as it relates to the number of hours that you sleep.
• Vitamin D - Most people do better if they take Vitamin D in the winter months. To learn more about Vitamin D, read our blog titled, High Dose Vitamin D, is it safe and effective?
• Natural health products (NHPs) - There are a number of NHPs that are used to address SAD including: Melatonin, Tryptophan, Fish Oil, and others. 
• Herbs - St. John's Wort, Kava-kava and other herbs are often beneficial in the treatment of SAD.
• Light therapy - There are a number of ways increasing your exposure to natural light. There are light visors that you can wear for 15 - 20 minutes a day, specific light bulbs that you can use in your home, light units that you sit in front of and other instruments.  Light therapy can be very effective on its own or as an adjunct to other therapies.

If you think that you have a case of the "winter blues" and would like advice on how to deal with it naturally, speak to one of our naturopathic doctors by calling the clinic at 905-940-2727 to book an appointment.

Sick & Can't Shake It? Prevention & Treatment With Intravenous Therapy

By Dr. Beata Skorka, ND

Are you feeling run down or battling this years pesky flu? Whether you took precautionary measures or not, this years cold and flu season has made an impact on the health of Ontarians.   

Every year Health Canada advises the general public to have their flu shot as a prevention against the years most prevalent strain. Unfortunately, this is not a full proof way to protect oneself, especially with this years vaccine being said to only be about 10% effective.

There are other ways to help your body fight infection, and better yet prevent its onset. Alongside daily lifestyle habits such as: maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and proteins, drinking 2L of water a day, keeping active and managing your stress levels, intravenous (IV) therapy is a quick and effective way to prevent and treat the cold and flu.

What Is IV Therapy?

Intravenous therapy is a potent way to get antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids directly to your cells without the interference of any gastrointestinal problems you may have. It’s a way to help replete your body with larger quantities of nutrients then you would be able to take by mouth. This is important for many people, especially those who battle with daily stress on a daily, as they require more nutrients then those not exposed to daily stresses. By providing nutrients directly into the blood stream, we are able to change the bodies ability to prevent and more efficiently fight off infections that are taking place.

Why Is IV Therapy Beneficial For Colds And Flus?

During times of illness, our bodies fight to combat the microbes that are attacking it. How well equipped our bodies are prior to and during will help determine how long the illness lasts and how symptomatic we become. IV therapy becomes an important tool for optimizing our fighting capabilities. Immune boosting antioxidants and minerals such as vitamin C and hydrochloric acid become important in this process. They provide antioxidant support during times of increased oxidative stress such as a cold or flu and increase important white blood cells that work to fight infection. This allows you to quickly and effectively fight an infection. The following are just some of the important nutrients that can be found in an IV bag during treatment:

Antioxidants

• Glutathione: important antioxidant for the body; anti-viral; protective for the liver and nervous system
• Vitamin C: anti-viral and anti-bacterial; supports the adrenal glands; deficiency of this nutrient leads to decreased immunity

Minerals

• Hydrochloric Acid (HCl): causes cytokine release leading to white blood cell stimulation. This  up-regulates the immune system
• Zinc: required for proper functioning of the immune system, enhances immunity
• Selenium: required for proper immune function

Vitamins

• Electrolyte replacements: Calcium & Magnesium
• Vitamin B5:  indicated for fatigue, stress, low immunity
• Vitamin B6: indicated for fatigue, low white blood cell count
• Vitamin B12: indicated for fatigue, herpes zoster, the nervous system

Who Would Benefit From IV Therapy?

• Cold/Influenza
• Flu
• Fatigue
• Shingles
• Viral and bacterial infections
• Headaches
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Chronic conditions such as chronic fatigue, chronic nutrient deficiency, EBV
• Specific conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Cancer and others.
• Detoxification support

     What To Expect?

      Expect to have more energy, see a decrease in cold and flu symptoms,  recover quicker, and boost your immune system to help prevent future attacks.  

Fight this years cold and flu quickly and effectively with IV vitamin therapy.

If you have any further questions, email Dr. Beata Skorka, ND at beatacskorka@gmail.com.  To learn more or book an appointment, please call NFHC at (905) 940-2727.  

In Ontario, Naturopathic doctors must do additional training and examination prior to administering any IVs.  Dr. Beata Skorka, ND provides IV therapy at NFHC.