Taking Control of Menopausal Weight Gain

By the time women reach 40 years old, which is even before the average age of menopause, our metabolisms slow down.  We need to consume 100-200 calories less than we used to, just to maintain the same weight.  For every woman, in order to properly diagnosis and treat each person individually, a practitioner must look at many factors including the adrenal glands, glucose and insulin levels, female hormone imbalances, thyroid levels, digestive health and lifestyle habits.

For the full article, visit http://www.marnirossnd.com/articles.html .

Bugs Away!

Try this natural insect repellant recipe to keep the mosquitoes away from you and your children:

20 drops Eucalyptus oil
10 drops Tea Tree oil
20 drops Cedarwood oil
10 drops Geranium oil
2 oz of Jojoba oil

Mix together in a 4 oz container.  Apply to the skin as needed avoiding the eye area and test on a small area of skin first for sensitivities.  Keep out of reach of children.

Electroacupuncture

What is Electroacupuncture?

It is a form of acupuncture where a small electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles.  It can enhance the use of regular acupuncture and is particularly beneficial for conditions associated with pain. 

Acupuncture can treat the following conditions:

·   Pain – neck, back, shoulder, hip and knee muscle and joint pain, sciatica, scoliosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia

·   Migraines

·   Digestive problems – IBS, Crohn’s, colitis, acid reflux, gallstones

·   Women’s health conditions – menopause, PMS, irregular periods, endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids

·    Infertility – male and female

·    Insomnia

·    Allergies

·    Low energy

·    Anxiety and depression

Dr. Marni Ross is Alma Wellness’ Naturopathic Doctor who has successfully been using acupuncture (and electroacupuncture) in her practice for over 10 years.  

For more information or to book an appointment, visit: http://www.marnirossnd.com/contactus.html

Heartburn - a low or high acidity problem

Heartburn is such a common complaint in our culture, probably caused by our eating habits.  Eating on the go, not chewing our food properly, eating in an unrelaxed environment and primarily, eating the wrong foods (high fat, high sugar and low fiber foods).  The feeling of acid in the upper chest, burping and general upper gastrointestinal symptoms can be very uncomfortable at times and antacid medication is often prescribed.  Sometimes it truly is situation where there is too much acid in the stomach and it is being pushed up into the esophagus.  However, with my patients, more often than not, it’s actually a low acid problem and prescribing digestive enzymes with hydrochloric acid can alleviate and even eliminate the symptoms. 

The lower esophageal sphincter usually remains shut and it blocks food and acid from being regurgitated back up from the stomach to the esophagus.  When you eat, acid is produced and the sphincter closes.  If you take an antacid, the stomach then has no acid, thus the sphincter remains open and whatever little bit of acid your body still produces, shoots up into your esophagus and causes heartburn.  Basically, if you take hydrochloric acid, then your body learns to keep the sphincter closed, thereby keeping the acid in the stomach and not in the esophagus. 

There are tests available to determine if your stomach acid is high, low or normal.

Immune boosting snacks

Now that we are in the heart of winter, it's so important that we eat nutrient rich foods to help our immune systems stay strong and keep us all healthy.  Here are some immune boosting snack ideas that are great, not only to pack in kids lunches, but for adults to take to work as well.

• Hummus and red peppers - contains garlic and Vitamin C
• Fruit such as strawberries, oranges, pineapple and kiwi have the highest amount of Vitamin C
• Plain yogurt - it's best to buy yogurt without the added fruit, as this often contains lots of sugar which can feed any bacteria.  Yogurt contains probiotics which helps to fight germs.  
• Almond, walnuts and nut butters - Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to fight respiratory infections.
• Mushrooms barley soup - mushrooms have immune building properties and barley contains zinc, a mineral that helps to fight infections
• Pumpkins seeds - also high in zinc
• Kale or sweet potato chips - contains Vitamin C
• Oatmeal cookies - use honey instead of sugar

In summary, the nutrients that are best at boosting the immune system are Vitamin C, garlic and zinc.   These snacks listed above include foods that contain the highest amounts of these nutrients.  Keeping the refined sugars to a minimum is also helpful in keeping you and your family healthy and strong!

Returning to Alma Wellness - January 8, 2015

I am excited to announce that I will be returning to Alma Wellness following the holiday break.   Feel free to contact the clinic at 604-222-4131 to set up an appointment.  I look forward to see you in the New Year!  I hope it's a happy and healthy one.

Maternity Leave

I am currently on maternity leave and will continue updating this blog following my return in late 2014 or early 2015.   I do have a wonderful Naturopath, Dr. Katharine Field, filling in for me at Alma Wellness on 4th.   Have a great summer!