Food Allergy Testing

I'm happy to now be offering a new method of food allergy testing, called EAV testing. Food sensitivities or intolerances are substances that are stressful or irritating to your system. Sensitivities can affect any organ system of the body. They may cause low energy, digestive complaints, anxiety, depression, itchy skin, breathing problems and much more. The identification and removal of food sensitivities can augment other treatments and is a cornerstone of naturopathic medical philosophy.

Most people are familiar with food allergy testing (skin prick testing) which elicits the body's immediate immune response to certain substances; however, determining food intolerances or sensitivities has historically been done by elimination and reintroduction diets. This method can be time-consuming, impractical and involve too much guesswork. The alternative is to have an evaluation that is specific to your system to help determine which foods may be an issue for you.

This method of food testing is gentle, non-invasive and the results are immediate.

In addition to her practice at Sage Clinic (Yaletown), Dr. Marni Ross has started working at another clinic location - 4th Ave Wellness (Alma and 4th). For hours and location information go to www.marnirossnd.com/contactus.html.

Immune Boosting Tips

Now that winter is here, the changes in weather can take a
toll on our immune systems. Here are some Naturopathic
tips to keep you staying healthy:

* Vitamin C – acts as an immune enhancer and has
antioxidant properties. I usually recommend either
Scorbatate (Genestra) or Ultra Potency C
(Metagenics) as these contain high amounts of
absorbable Vitamin C.
* Zinc – also helps to boost the immune system.
* Probiotics - help to replenish friendly intestinal
bacteria and support digestive and immune health.
* Echinacea – an excellent herb to be used SHORT
term to boost the immune system. Works best
when taken at the onset of cold/flu symptoms.
* Astragalus – another great herb that can be used
long term to prevent colds.

Other Lifestyle Factors:

* Drink lots of water
* Get plenty of rest
* Wash your hands often to prevent transmission of
a virus
* Eat a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables to
ensure that you get enough of your vitamins and
minerals.

All You Need to Know About Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that can be synthesized in the skin with the aid of ultraviolet light. It is involved in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism and it is necessary for growth and is especially important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth in children. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults is 200IU and for children is 400IU. It is estimated that the RDA can be achieved with the exposure of 30% of a person’s skin surface for 30 minutes at moderate latitudes. Food sources include fish liver oils, dairy products fortified with vitamin D, eggs, halibut, oatmeal, sardines, sweet potatoes, tuna, butter and alfalfa. Vitamin D is necessary to prevent Rickets in children and osteoporosis and bone fractures in older adults. Recently, there has been excellent evidence showing that Vitamin D has anti-cancer and immune boosting properties. Doses of 1000-3000IU daily might be required to achieve these effects. It is important however to monitor your blood levels of Vitamin D (specifically 1, 25 DHCC) to prevent toxicity when taking higher doses.

Healing Dry Skin

Dry, itchy skin is not only uncomfortable but it can be quite painful as well. There are many factors that we cannot control such as genetics and cold weather but there is still a lot that can be done to prevent it.

The first recommendation is eating nutritious, vitamin and mineral rich foods. Getting adequate Vitamin E and Vitamin A/beta-carotene is essential for healthy skin. Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) are also very important when it comes to nourishing the skin. The best source of EFA’s is fish, however nuts and seeds also provide adequate amounts. Taking a good quality fish oil supplement can also be helpful.

Avoiding excessive hand washing is important, especially washing with harsh soaps. Natural soaps containing Vitamin E, coconut oil, calendula, olive oil and evening primrose oil are great.

The most important recommendation and the one that is most forgotten is to stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water throughout the day (especially first thing in the morning) is key to keeping the skin healthy!

Cosmetic acupuncture

Cosmetic acupuncture is a great anti-aging procedure that is effective at reducing the signs of aging without any adverse side effects. It helps to decrease fine lines especially on the forehead, furrows, around the mouths and eyes, it improves skin tone and evens out the complexion. I have been doing cosmetic acupuncture in my practice now for 6 years and have treated many patients who were extremely happy with the outcome.

Ragweed season is approaching

For those people out there who suffer from ragweed allergy, the peak season is almost here. Most allergy suffers notice symptoms starting around the middle to end of August. Since ragweed is almost everywhere, it is difficult to avoid it. So the best way to get relief is to support the immune system and I have found that treating patients before the start of ragweed season allows for the best outcome. Whether it be determining which foods are triggering an immune reaction or using herbal or nutritional supplements with anti-inflammatory or anti-histamine effects, Naturopathic Medicine can be extremely beneficial for allergy sufferers.