by Dr. Iva Lloyd, ND
Although there is tremendous variability in people and how their body "talks to them", there are times in practice when specific symptoms or conditions seem to be more prevalent. Part of this is a reflection of the season or the focus of media, but sometimes it is a reflection of a change in the environment or other external factors that are at play.
Here is a snapshot of a few of the common symptoms and health issues over the last few months:
Vertigo and Dizziness
More patients have complained of vertigo and dizziness in the last few months than in the last twenty-years of practice. That to me is both interesting and concerning. When someone presents with vertigo or dizziness the general factors to consider are:
- dehydration
- low blood pressure or high blood pressure
- low blood sugar or high blood sugar
- coldness in the abdomen
- head trauma, injury or structural misalignment
- recent infection
- extreme stress
When a number of people end up with vertigo and dizziness at the same time we would also consider other factors such as:
- increase in wifi and wireless technology (check out our blog)
- post-COVID syndrome
Generally vertigo lasts for a couple of days. If it comes on suddenly, is extreme or is lasting longer than a few days, it would be beneficial to have a naturopathic doctor or medical doctor do a more thorough assessment.
Carbonated Water
There has been an increase focus in carbonated water and drinks. Soda-stream, non-alcoholic beer, and other carbonated drinks are a new fad. Drinking carbonated water can have some benefit when consumed with a meal, especially a larger or heavy meal, but, drinking carbonated water frequently and throughout the day is not a good idea. Here are some pros and cons of carbonated water:
Pros
- increased sense of feeling full
- may decrease overall appetite
- because carbonated drinks are acidic they don't decrease the acidity of the stomach acid as much as plain water and may be more beneficial when consumed during a meal, especially for those individuals with low stomach acid
- carbonated drinks are acidic and when consumed frequently can disrupt the acid-alkaline balance of the body
- there is a concern that carbonated drinks, especially those that have added flavoring, may cause dental erosion
- frequent consumption of carbonated water can actually add to dehydration
- carbonated drinks are high in phosphates which are known to decrease overall bone density as they leach calcium from the bones - especially when consumed often by children and younger adults
- the increased consumption may contribute to other changes in blood markers - such as high ferritin levels.
Bottom line - carbonated water is fine if consumed infrequently and with a meal. Carbonated water is NOT a replacement for water.
Vitamin D
We have gone from a point-in-time when the focus and concern was that most people were deficient in Vitamin D, to one where the concern is that people have taken so much vitamin D- sometimes 5,000 to 10,000 iu for an extended period of time - that they now have high levels or toxic levels of vitamin D. Here is a quick look at the benefits and cautions of Vitamin D.
Benefits of Vitamin D
Some of the symptoms and conditions associated with Vitamin D deficiency include:
- Rickets
- Osteomalacia
- GERD
- Hypertension
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Cancer
Concerns with Excess Vitamin D
Excess intake over an extended period of time can contribute to:
- headaches
- kidney stones
- atherosclerosis
- diarrhea
- increased thirst and urination
- irritability
- and others.
Yes, Vitamin D is important, but if you have been taking high doses of Vitamin D for more than three months, I encourage you to have your Vitamin D level checked by your naturopathic doctor or medical doctor.
At no point in time has there been such a concern with nutrient deficiencies due to special diets. Too often, there is a lack of understanding that all food groups are essential. The body needs good fats, adequate protein, lots of vegetables, fruit and grains. A number of health issues arise when diets are deficient in grains, or when vegetables are lacking in the diet or when there isn't adequate fat or protein. Here are some resources that help explain why a balanced diet is essential:
- Nutrition - Top 5 Things to Remember
- But What Can I Eat
- Reading Labels - A Necessity for Health
- Is Your Diet Causing Your Annoying Symptoms
- Fasting - Is It Right For You
- Tweaking The Rules
- Bloating - Why Is It So Rampant
The impact of the pandemic on health will be covered in next month's blog. Stay tuned.
