Maria Cavallazzi

Many people struggle with weight loss.

There’s a lot of information online about it, but a lot of it is misleading, extreme, and unmanageable.

In some cases, it may even be harmful to your health.

However, there are simple changes you can make to your daily routine that are natural and proven to help you lose weight.

If you would like to find out about natural weight loss solutions, keep reading.

First Off, Address Your Underlying Health Issues

Many health conditions can contribute to weight gain and make weight loss more difficult.

Some of the health issues that are directly associated with being overweight include, but are not limited to:

• Digestive problems
• Food intolerances
• Hormone imbalances
• Thyroid conditions
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Depression

If one of these conditions is contributing to your weight, Identifying and addressing it may help.

In some cases, that weight loss can help to improve existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Next, Address your Emotional Issues Around Food

When eating is triggered by stress, anxiety, sadness, or other emotions, it can be more difficult for us to make healthy choices.

Food addiction and craving can lead to unhealthy food choices, and often overeating resulting in excessive calorie consumption.

Address these issues to help your weight loss, manage health concerns, and give you a better understanding of your relationship to food.

Then, Try These Naturopathic Tips for Weight Loss

Having taken care of the above concerns, you should be on the path toward weight loss.

But of course, it’s not that simple.

Wouldn’t it be nice if it was, though?

Consider the following natural weight loss tips.

1. Eat Whole Foods With Single Ingredients – And Avoid Processed Foods

Whole foods are single ingredient foods that provide your body with necessary nutrients.

It doesn’t have to be too complicated.

Apples are whole foods, and so is every other fruit and vegetable, for that matter.

Unprocessed meats, nuts, seeds, dairy, rice, lentils, beans – these are all whole foods.

Whole foods have the benefit of being fairly filling – the fibre content can help you feel fuller longer.

As well, sticking mostly to whole foods helps you avoid adding the unnecessary ingredients and high calories of processed foods.

Whole foods don’t have the refined sugars, trans fats, artificial preservatives, and other additives designed to encourage you to eat more.

Speaking of refined sugars…

2. Eliminate Sugar In Your Diet – Especially Soft Drinks

A diet high in sugar has been found to be a direct link with many health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, tooth decay, and other diseases.

On an ingredient list sugar can be found under many different names.

This can make it hard to know how much sugar you’re eating.

In some cases, it still has sugar in the name – like cane sugar, beet sugar, coconut sugar, etc.

But marketers are getting savvy to the fact that people want to avoid sugar in their diet, so they use different names to make it look like there is less sugar in a product.

Here are just a few of sugar’s secret identities:

• Dextrose
• Fructose
• Galactose
• Glucose
• Lactose
• Maltose
• Sucrose
• Dextrin
• Diastatic malt
• Maltodextrin
• Barley malt
• Agave nectar
• Cane juice

3. Practice Intermittent Fasting or Time Restricted Eating

Intermittent fasting is when you alternate between eating and not eating; it can be done in various patterns and cycles.

Time restricted eating limits the time during which you eat each day.

Finding the intermittent fasting plan that works best for you has several benefits.

It can help to reduce your calorie intake, recondition your eating behaviors, improves your overall health, and may help you lose weight.

4. Drink Green Tea

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and fat burning properties.

A 1999 study proved that the benefits of green tea include giving you more energy, increasing your metabolism, and helping you burn more fat, especially belly fat.

5. Drink More Water

Yes, drinking more water will help you to lose weight.

First off, water can be a great replacement for those high-calorie, sugar-filled drinks.

But it’s not just that.

Water boosts your metabolism helping you burn more calories for longer periods of time, decreases your appetite, and drinking water before you eat can help you to reduce your calorie intake by helping you to feel full.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Making sure you get enough sleep is an important part of your weight loss journey and keeping weight off in the future.

Sleep deprivation will not only leave you feeling sluggish but it puts you at a greater risk of obesity.

This is because it disrupts your appetite hormones, increasing your appetite, often causing you to eat because you’re looking for a quick “pick-me-up”.

7. Eat eggs for breakfast

Eggs are inexpensive, versatile, easy to add to your diet, and they’re the ultimate weight loss food.

Eating eggs for breakfast is an easy way to help yourself lose weight.

This is because eggs are full of essential nutrients, are high in protein, and are low in sugar and calories.

All this combined can make you feel fuller longer, reducing your appetite and helping you to eat less calories throughout the day.

Book An Appointment With The Mindful Healing Clinic

Are you looking for more ways to lose weight naturally?

Have you incorporated natural solutions, but feel you could use more guidance?

Does weight loss seem overwhelming to you?

You don’t need to do it alone.

At the Mindful Healing Clinic, we’re here to help you find the weight loss solution that works best for you.

Book an appointment with a naturopathic doctor at The Mindful Healing Naturopathic Clinic today, and let us help you achieve healthy weight loss, naturally.

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

We all know that rhyme.

But what if you saw the doctor to prevent health problems, instead of waiting until it’s too late?

Your local naturopathic doctor can offer valuable nutrition counseling to help you get the most out of your diet.

And that advice may just be to eat more apples.

Did you know that eating apples may reduce your risk of diabetes?

Or that apples promote bone and heart health?

Some of the health benefits of apples may surprise you.

Keep reading to discover them.

1. They’re Nutritious

Apples are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

Phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, and iron can all be found in apples, as well as vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, and K.

These are all essential, healthy nutrients that the body needs every day to keep you in good shape.

You can get 13-20% of your daily fibre, 9-11% of your daily vitamin C, and 4% of your daily potassium needs, just from eating a single apple.

2. They’re Loaded With Antioxidants

Apples are full of antioxidants – substances that remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant.

Urectin, catechin, ploridzin, and chlorogenic acid are other lesser-known but still powerful antioxidants that are found in apples.

3. They May Reduce Your Risk Of Diabetes

A 2011 study in the journal Advances in Nutrition linked eating apples to a lower risk for chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes.

This same study showed that eating an apple per day was linked to a 28% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, compared to not eating any apples.

Eating just a few apples per week had a similarly protective effect.

4. May Reduce Your Risk Of Stroke

A review of studies conducted in 2017 found that people whose diets contain high amounts of fibre can significantly reduce their incidence and mortality from cardiovascular disease.

For every 25 grams of white-fleshed fruits and vegetables like apples and pears consumed, your risk of stroke could be reduced by as much as 9%.

By incorporating fibre-rich apples into your diet, you may maintain your cardiovascular health and keep your risk of stroke low.

5. They May Help With Weight Loss

In addition to being tasty, apples are filling without sacrificing fibre and volume.

A 2010 study found that people who ate apple slices before a meal felt fuller than those who consumed applesauce, apple juice, or no apple products.

The same study also found those people who began their meal with apple slices also ate an average of 200 fewer calories than those who didn’t.

In a study of 50 overweight women conducted in 2013, participants who ate apples lost an average of 2 pounds and ate fewer calories overall compared to those who ate oat cookies with a similar calorie and fibre content.

So if you’re looking for a natural solution for how to lose weight and keep it off, apples may just do the trick.

6. They Promote Bone Health

Eating fruit is linked to higher bone density, which is a marker of good bone health, and eating apples can help build permanent bone mass.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in fruit may help promote bone strength.

This effect can last as you age, preserving bone mass for years to come.

7. They Promote Heart Health

Various nutrients in apples can support robust cardiovascular health.

A 2015 study identified associations between frequent apple consumption and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Fibre may help manage blood pressure, vitamin C may play a role in protecting heart health and defending against infections, and potassium helps to relax blood vessels.

This relaxation of blood vessels reduces the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications.

8. They May Lower Your Risk Of Cancer

Apples have several naturally occurring compounds that may help fight cancer.

Observational studies have linked them to a lower risk of cancer and death from cancer.

A 2017 study in the Journal of Food and Drug Analysis reported that eating apples could suppress the growth of cancerous tumours.

Additionally, test-tube studies have shown a link between plant compounds in apples and a lower risk of cancer.

Book An Appointment With The Mindful Healing Clinic

Do you want tips on how you can incorporate apples into your diet?

Or do you believe you may be at risk for cancer or cardiovascular disease?

If so, contact me, Dr. Maria, to book an appointment at my Streetsville Mississauga naturopathic clinic.

During your initial appointment, you’ll get a chance to sit down with me and express all your health concerns.

From there, I’ll answer any questions you may have, and we’ll put together a treatment plan that works for you based on your unique health needs.

Contact me, Dr. Maria, today.

It’s perfectly normal to be worried sometimes.

But if you find yourself worrying too much or worrying over small things, you might have an anxiety problem.

Signs of anxiety include nervousness, tension, a sense of impending panic, and insomnia, to name a few.

If this sounds like you, don’t despair; there are ways to manage anxiety naturally.

That’s where coenzyme Q10 comes in.

It not only helps manage anxiety, but a wide range of other health issues as well.

But what is coenzyme Q10?

What are the benefits of it?

How can you build it into your lifestyle?

Keep reading to learn more.

What is Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 (the “Q10” refers to its chemical makeup) is a naturally occurring nutrient that can be found in our bodies—especially in the heart, liver, kidney and pancreas.

It can also be found in meat and seafood, or created in a lab.

Coenzyme Q10 helps provide energy to your cells.

It also acts as an antioxidant, which means that it protects your cells from damage and supports your metabolism.

Health Benefits Of Coenzyme Q10

Even though it occurs naturally in the body and in certain foods, you might choose to take coenzyme Q10 supplements to reap its many health benefits.

The most common use for coenzyme Q10 is as a treatment for heart conditions, such as heart failure, congestive heart failure, chest pain and high blood pressure.

It’s also important to supplement it when taking certain medications that lower its levels, like cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins.

People also use coenzyme Q10 to fend off migraines and prevent Parkinson’s disease, among other conditions.

And that’s just the beginning.

Keep reading to find out about even more health benefits of coenzyme Q10.

1. May Help Reduce Headaches

If you suffer from migraines, you may have a coenzyme Q10 deficiency.

Taking coenzyme Q10 supplements may help prevent headaches: a 2005 study by Sandor Et Al reported that coenzyme Q10 supplements were three times more likely than a placebo to reduce the number of migraines in 42 people.

Another study, this one from 2007 in the aptly named journal Headache showed that 1,550 people with low coenzyme Q10 levels experienced fewer headaches after treatment with coenzyme Q10.

The study also reported that the test subjects’ headaches were less severe than they were before taking coenzyme Q10.

2. May Help You Retain Youthful Skin

Your skin is the largest and most exposed organ in your body and it becomes weathered with age.

Coenzyme Q10 supplements maybe able to help you keep your skin youthful.

A 2008 study by Prahl Et Al showed that applying coenzyme Q10 directly to your skin can decrease the depth of wrinkles and reduce other signs of aging.

3. May Enhance Mental Performance

Your brain is very powerful, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible.

It’s vulnerable to harmful compounds that affect memory, cognition, and physical functions.

Coenzyme Q10 may help reduce these harmful compounds and possibly slow the progression of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

4. May Help Prevent Heart Failure

If you’re interested in taking preventative measures against heart failure, coenzyme Q10 may be able to help.

A 2014 study of 420 people with heart failure showed that two years of coenzyme Q10 treatment improved their symptoms and reduced their risk of death from heart problems.

5. May Help Manage Diabetes

Coenzyme Q10 can be part of a naturopathic solution to help you manage diabetes.

A 2014 study by Amin Et Al allowed scientists to gain insight into the possible ways that coenzyme Q10 improves insulin sensitivity and adjusts type 2 diabetes.

6. May Increase Fertility

Fertility decreases with age due to a decline in the number and quality of eggs or sperm.

As you age, your body’s production of coenzyme Q10 also slows, which makes your body less effective at protecting eggs or sperm from damage.

A 2015 study by Ben-Mier Et Al observed that coenzyme Q10 supports fertility and may even be able to reverse age-related decline in egg quality and quantity.

Similarly, a 2013 meta-analysis by Lafuente Et Al found that supplementing with coenzyme Q10 may improve sperm quality, activity, and concentration.

7. May Improve Athletic Performance

If you’re struggling to reach peak athletic performance, it might be because of oxidative stress on your muscles.

Supplementing with coenzyme Q10 could help with that.

A 2011 study by Gul Et Al investigated the effects of coenzyme Q10 on physical activity.

It found that people who supplemented with 1,200 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day for 60 days showed decreased oxidative stress.

Should Everyone Take Coenzyme Q10?

Most healthy people have enough coenzyme Q10 naturally.

But there’s evidence that adding more might be beneficial.

That said, there are some risks involved with coenzyme Q10 supplementation.

Most side effects are fairly mild, like heartburn, nausea, or diarrhea.

It might also lower your blood sugar and blood pressure, so if you have any issues with your kidneys, liver, or cardiovascular system, proceed with caution.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or taking blood thinners or thyroid medication, it’s not recommended that you take coenzyme Q10.

Before beginning to supplement with coenzyme Q10, be sure to speak with your naturopathic doctor.

Dietary Sources Of Coenzyme Q10

It’s easy to take coenzyme Q10 as a supplement in capsule form, but it can also be found in some foods.

Spinach, cauliflower, and broccoli all contain coenzyme Q10.

You can also find coenzyme Q10 in fatty fish, soybeans, lentils, peanuts, oranges, and strawberries.

Book An Appointment With The Mindful Healing Clinic

Do you have any of the conditions listed above that could be helped with coenzyme Q10?

Or do you think you might be at risk for one of the conditions?

If so, contact me, Dr. Maria, to book an appointment.

During your appointment, you’ll have the chance to tell me about your health concerns and together we will set goals and create a treatment plan just for you.

Contact me, Dr. Maria, today.

Knowing what you should – and shouldn’t – eat these days is a daunting task.

Everywhere you turn there is an “expert” shilling their latest diet, eating plan, or list of top ten foods to avoid.

So what should you follow?

The short answer is, there is no “one size fits all” diet or eating plan which will work for everyone.

The right diet for you depends on your health history, and what your goals are.

If things seem confusing, you may want to consider seeing a Mississauga naturopathic doctor who offers nutritional counselling.

Today we will look at goitrogens in food, what they are, and why you should be aware of them.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Are Goitrogens?

Goitrogens are compounds which are found in many leafy green vegetables, soy-based foods, and starchy fruits.

These compounds can interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland, and limit your body’s ability to make thyroid hormones.

When the thyroid is having difficulty making hormones, it works harder and becomes enlarged.

Enlargement of the thyroid gland is also called a “goiter”, which is where the term goitrogen comes from.

How Do Goitrogens Cause Problems?

There are a couple different ways goitrogens can cause issues for people with thyroid issues.

Keep reading as we take a look at what they are.

1. Iodine Blockers

A 2012 study in the journal Cancer Causes & Control found that compounds in cruciferous vegetables inhibit iodine transport.

Iodine is an important factor in the production of thyroid hormones, so when iodine is blocked, it can result in a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones.

2. Interfering with Thyroid Hormones

Goitrogens can interfere with the ability of the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones.

One way they do this is by interfering with thyroid peroxidase (TPO), an enzyme which attaches iodine to tyrosine (an amino acid) which forms the basis of thyroid hormones.

Goitrogens can also interfere with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormones.

What does this mean in English?

If your thyroid is under-producing hormones, it can lead to hypothyroidism.

That’s a difficult disorder which can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including:

• Weight gain
• Chronic fatigue
• Constipation
• Dry, thinning skin or hair
• Decreased heart rate
• Hoarse throat
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Aches, tenderness, and stiffness in the muscles or joints
• Heavier menstruation
• Depression
• Brain fog
• Difficulty remembering
• Goiter
• Higher cholesterol levels

Foods High In Goitrogens

Foods which are known to be goitrogenic include:

Soy-based foods:

• Tofu
• Tempeh
• Soy milk
• Edamame

Starchy plants and fruits:

• Sweet potatoes
• Pine nuts
• Strawberries
• Corn
• Pears
• Peanuts
• Lima beans
• Peaches
• Pears

Cruciferous Vegetables:

• Spinach
• Kale
• Bok choy
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Horseradish
• Turnips

But I Thought Those Were Healthy Foods!

So you’ve just read through the above list of foods containing goitrogens, and you’re thinking “aren’t these supposed to be good for me?”

The answer is, “It’s complicated”.

Most of the foods listed above, especially the ones falling under the “cruciferous vegetables” category, are full of nutrients, and are generally healthy, despite their goitrogenic effects.

Others such as soy and peanuts are more complicated, and in some cases should be avoided.

Should You Be Concerned About Goitrogens?

The vast majority of the population doesn’t need to be overly concerned about goitrogens in food.

Most of the foods which contain goitrogens are also extremely nutritious and you would have to eat them in very large amounts to cause any thyroid function problems.

Unless you have another reason to avoid them, such as a food sensitivity or allergy, they can be part of a healthy diet where their benefits outweigh their risks.

It’s important to recognize, too, that each food listed as a goitrogen acts in different ways on the thyroid.

For most people with hypothyroidism, the cause is not related to an iodine deficiency.

As a result, eating foods which block iodine uptake such as sweet potato or cruciferous vegetables is still generally safe.

If you’re still worried about cruciferous vegetables, though, cooking or steaming them can deactivate the iodine-blocking elements.

However, goitrogens which can impair the production of thyroid hormones such as soy should be avoided by those with hypothyroidism.

Book An Appointment With The Mindful Healing Clinic

Are you worried about your thyroid hormone levels?

Or perhaps you’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and are looking for natural solutions to help manage your symptoms.

Maybe you are confused about what you should and shouldn’t be eating and are looking for some nutritional guidance to help sort things out.

No matter the issue, the Mindful Healing clinic can help.

Contact me, Dr. Maria, today.

I’ll work with you to develop a plan based on your individual health needs and situation, and take the guesswork out of what foods you should be eating more of, and what you should avoid.

Sleep.

Appetite.

Energy.

Sex drive.

Metabolism.

Each of these bodily functions are controlled, at least in part, by hormones created by the thyroid.

So if you’re having issues in any of these areas which can’t be otherwise explained, it might be related to your thyroid producing too many, or too little hormones.

When your thyroid is overactive and creating too many hormones, this is called hyperthyroidism – one of the main causes of this is Graves’ disease.

Today we will look at what Graves’ disease is, how to recognize the symptoms, and some naturopathic treatments for this thyroid problem.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Graves’ Disease?

The disease was discovered by its namesake, Robert Graves, in 1835.

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune response which results in hyperthyroidism (overproduction of thyroid hormones).

The thyroid produces hormones which affect a wide range of bodily functions, and because of this, Graves’ disease can affect a large number of your body’s systems.

Symptoms Of Graves’ Disease

Symptoms of Graves’ disease include:

• Rapid heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Heart palpitations
• Increased irritability
• Anxiety
• Unexplained weight loss
• Intolerance to heat
• Goiter
• Elongated, red tongue
• Dry, hot skin
• Muscle tremors, especially in the hands and fingers
• Changes to the menstrual cycle
• Reduced libido, erectile dysfunction
• Bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy)
• Tiredness
• Thick red skin on the tops of feet and shins (Graves’ dermopathy)

What Causes Graves’ Disease?

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune response, and the exact cause is unknown.

It occurs when your immune system produces an antibody which overrides the regulation of the thyroid, resulting in an overproduction of thyroid hormone.

There is no one single cause of Graves’ disease across every patient who is afflicted, although there does seem to be a genetic component.

Other factors which should be considered include:

• Lymphatic stagnation and toxicity due to a history of head or neck trauma
• Gluten intolerance and food allergies
• Poor digestive system health

How Common Is Graves’ Disease?

According to the Thyroid Foundation of Canada, Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in Canada, affecting an estimated 1 in 100 people.

Naturopathic Treatments For Graves’ Disease

If you have Graves’ disease, there are a number of ways you can manage your condition, naturally, to help keep your symptoms under control.

Let’s have a look at a few of these.

1. Quit Smoking

Exposure to tobacco and other drugs has been shown to be a trigger for autoimmune disorders.

The thought is that the high levels of toxins in cigarettes can cause damage to healthy cells, and increase inflammation, causing the release of T-fighter cells.

If you are a smoker, this is one of many reasons to consider quitting, or at very least cutting back on this habit.

2. L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine is an amino acid which plays a role in the production of energy in the body, by transporting fatty acids to the mitochondria of the cell.

It can be produced in the body, and also obtained through supplementation, or through dietary sources by eating animal products such as meat and fish.

L-Carnitine blocks the thyroid hormone from entering cells, and can be beneficial to patients with hyperthyroidism.

3. Manage Your Stress Levels

Stress has been shown to trigger autoimmune reactions in humans, and increase inflammation.

Additionally, often times Graves’ disease patients report having high stress levels before developing the disease.

High levels of cortisol and adrenaline due to stress can have impacts on neurotransmitter function and make the symptoms of thyroid disease worse.

Therefore, managing stress levels is one of the best ways to combat the effects of Graves’ disease and other autoimmune disorders.

Exercise, meditation, spending time outside, in nature, and massage therapy are all great ways to manage stress levels.

4. Reduce Your Exposure To Environmental Toxins

There are thousands of chemicals most of us come in contact with every day.

They can disrupt the endocrine system, affecting the function of your thyroid.

A few ways to avoid exposure to these toxins include buying organic produce as much as possible, avoiding medications which aren’t absolutely necessary, and using natural household products instead of ones which use heavy chemicals.

5. Selenium

Selenium is a mineral which is found in soil, and appears naturally in some foods.

It is an important factor for healthy thyroid function, playing a role in hormone synthesis and metabolism.

Supplementation with selenium has been shown to help reduce symptoms of Graves’ disease, including Graves’ ophthalmopathy.

Foods which are high in selenium include:

• Fish
• Brazil nuts and cashew nuts
• Meats including pork, beef, chicken, and turkey
• Eggs
• Cottage cheese, milk, and yogurt
• Brown rice and lentils
• Sunflower seeds
• Baked beans
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Bananas

Book An Appointment With The Mindful Healing Clinic

Are you experiencing symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, insomnia, or muscle tremors and can’t determine the cause?

Have you considered it might be a thyroid disorder such as Graves’ disease?

Or perhaps you are already diagnosed with Graves’ and are seeking natural solutions to help manage your symptoms.

The Mindful Healing Clinic is here for you.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and learn more about how naturopathic medicine can help you.

Have you or your child been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Maybe you have a child who has been struggling with sleep, cognitive difficulties, and/or behavioral issues?

Has your child been afflicted with recurring ear infections and a history of taking antibiotics?

You could be wondering how a naturopathic doctor could help.

Keep reading to learn about natural autism support options, and how they can help to alleviate the physical and cognitive symptoms you might find problematic.

Understanding Autism

To help better understand how naturopathic medicine can benefit someone with autism, we need to understand what autism is.

People who have autism are considered to have a neuro-biological condition, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which covers a wide group of neurodevelopmental disorders.

People living with ASD might have issues with:

• Communication
• Understanding what people mean
• Reading social cues.

Having these challenges can vary from mild to severe.

Many people with autism are able to lead fulfilling lives, while some are faced with debilitating disabilities that present serious challenges.

Children with autism may have behavioral or developmental issues that cause chronic distress/anxiety for the autistic person, as well as their parents.

Your child with ASD could have underlying health issues that could be from nutritional deficiencies, suffer unknown food allergies or may have been exposed to environmental pollutants.

Common Signs of Autism

The signs of ASD in young children can be seen as early as 1, but typically, they are diagnosed after the age of 3.

These are some signs that fall under the autism spectrum disorder:

• Has poor social skills, difficulty with eye contact, or communication
• Demonstrates delayed speech and language skills
• Has irregular behaviors like repetitive motions (rocking back and forth, moving hands)
• Impulsivity
• Can be aggressive
• Adverse reactions such as sensitivity to sensory input
• Irregular eating and sleeping habits
• Trouble adapting to changes in routine
• Self-harming behaviors such as hitting themselves or pulling hair
• Difficulty coping with emotions and understanding empathy

What Causes Autism?

We don’t yet know the root cause of autism.

However, what is clear is that race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background have no bearing on it.

We do know some risk factors, though. They include:

• Genetics – whether passed on by immediate family with ASD, or a genetic mutation
• Pregnancy – Drug or alcohol use, exposure to infections, toxins like heavy metals, and mother having autoimmune diseases
• Medical history of repetitive infections – many ASD children are afflicted with chronic ear infections

What Is an Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism used to be considered a singular disorder but is now considered to be under the term autism spectrum disorder (ASD) because of the wide variation in the type and severity of the symptoms.

If you or your child has an ASD, you might be diagnosed with one of the following individual conditions:

Asperger’s Syndrome

People with Asperger’s syndrome often have issues with social cues and communication but are generally quite intelligent and independent.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Issues with pervasive developmental disorder are generally more severe than Asperger’s but less severe than autistic disorder.

Autistic Disorder

Autistic disorder is considered to be the further end of the spectrum – where symptoms are more intense.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

This is a rare disorder, where between the ages of 2-4, neurotypical children lose their social, mental, and language skills. Sometimes they can develop a seizure disorder.

A Naturopathic Doctor’s Role in Autism Treatment

So, how can naturopathic medicine help?

Navigating the immense amount of information on autism spectrum disorders can be intimidating and overwhelming, but I’m here to help.

I’ll work with you to help to sort through it all and recommend naturopathic treatments to help alleviate autism symptoms.

Continue reading to see some services The Mindful Healing Clinic can offer you:

1. Nutritional Counselling

It can be difficult to know what foods to eat, and to understand the impact of these foods on our health or behaviors.

If you have a child with ASD, they could be suffering from food sensitivities, and have nutritional deficiencies.
A National health interview survey found that children with autism were subject to food allergies which could be contributing to the autism symptoms.

Research shows that many children with ASD are more likely to have food allergies and that a gluten and casein free diet as a dietary intervention can prove beneficial.

More research has shown a strong correlation between the level of mineral and vitamin deficiency and how severe the autism symptoms are.

In a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials it was shown that a deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids might be linked to autism spectrum disorder.

There is evidence that by supplementing omega 3 fatty acids, it can help to ease symptoms in autistic children.

2. Addressing Gut Health

The foods we eat are extremely important for our gut health, however, diets that consists largely of refined sugars and oxidized fats are very common.

Did you know there are trillions of microorganisms in your gut?

Good news is that most are good for your health.

But some of them aren’t.

Excess yeast, or overgrowth of harmful bacteria can lead to health issues.

Frequent antibiotic use in childhood is a risk factor for having fewer good bacteria in the gut because the antibiotics remove both good and bad bacteria.

It is also shown that gastrointestinal symptoms are common in people with ASD and that microbiome-mediated therapies could prove to be an effective safe treatment for people with autism.

As well, people with ASD may benefit from probiotic treatment

Having a diverse microbiota in your gut is healthy. Contact us here at the Mindful Healing Clinic for a gut bacterial analysis that can help understand and explain your current health situation and what possible conditions you’re at risk for.

3. Detoxification

Research shows that the presence of toxins – such as food additives, preservatives, and pesticides – can have adverse health effects on young children and adults with ASD.

It seems that those with ASD are more sensitive to toxins because they lack nutrients that are needed to help naturally detox chemicals, food additives/preservatives, metals, and pesticides.

Research shows evidence that exposure to environmental toxins can be a cause of ASD in children.

In a study published in the journal Environmental Pollution, researchers list 3 main environmental agents that could be contributing factors to the development of autism in children:

• Heavy metals such as mercury and lead.
• Persistent organic pollutants – DDT, PBDEs, and PCB.
• Newer chemical such as phthalates and BPA.

One example of toxic heavy metals is mercury, which can lower your ability to make glutathione – an antioxidant which is produced in our cells which helps to remove toxins from our bodies.

There was a clinical trial published in the journal Medical Science Monitor showing the benefit of normalizing glutathione in repairing oxidative damage.

As well, raising the levels of glutathione in children with ASD may help remove those harmful toxins from the system that can intensify ASD symptoms.

Do you live in an area that could have higher usage of pesticides?

Do you use a lot of BPA plastics?

Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic

There is no known cure for Autism.

However, naturopathic medicine therapies can be used as adjuvant treatments for autistic children. Combined with traditional medical/psychotherapy-based approaches, they can help to reduce the severity of your child’s autism symptoms.
The Mindful Healing Clinic is here to help you find solutions..

Book an appointment with The Mindful Healing Clinic and see how naturopathic medicine can help you achieve better health.

Contact me, Dr. Maria, today.

We talk about how important travel is to get away, to reduce stress and to take a break.

However, we seem to usually end up continuing to stress our bodies out while on vacation.

We’ll eat lots of fried food and other junk, we’ll stay up late, and we’ll sit a lot or lie motionless for hours.

Many people pause their fitness routines while on holiday, and between this and poor diet, it can lead to a hormonal imbalance.

Just about every Canadian will look out the window at least a few times during the winter and wish they were in Mexico, or somewhere where the air doesn’t hurt your face.

Go ahead and travel, enjoy the sunshine, and read these tips to help you stay healthy when you’re away from home.

1. Check For Travel Advisories

The government has health warnings for all countries.

You may also need inoculations before travelling to certain countries where certain illnesses and pathogens are more common, and you should make sure your booster shots are up-to-date.

Before you travel, be sure to check the travel advisory to see what precautions you need to take.

2. Be Aware Of Traveler’s Diarrhea

In many countries abroad, water filtration is not as good as here at home.

Traveler’s diarrhea is the result of being exposed to parasites, bacteria or viruses in the water or food.

It’s possible to be affected by E. coli, salmonella, campylobacter or shigella at home, but due to regulations and regular testing, it’s rare.

Salmonella, for example, grows easily on uncooked poultry, and if it’s left unrefrigerated for periods of time, it allows bacteria to grow.

At home, we have food inspectors check and signage to keep restaurants regulated, but this may not exist abroad.

Take the proper precautions, and speak to your naturopathic doctor for how to mitigate health risks.

3. Stay Hydrated

Water is an important part of staying healthy while on vacation, whether you’re on a beach or in a museum.

Carry a water bottle with you, and fill it up whenever you come across a safe water source.

However, in some countries, you may need to buy bottled water in order to stay safe.

In this case, never accept a bottle that is pre-opened for you; make sure to open it yourself.

When you’re in transit, drink plenty of water, as planes and trains can have very dry air.

Also, many people do a lot of walking while on vacation – which is dehydrating.

Carry water everywhere and you’ll never go thirsty.

4. Be Ready For Jet Lag

Jet lag affects even the most seasoned traveler.

There’s no way around it, even if you’re only going over a couple of time zones, but there are a few tricks to surviving it easier.

Pick up some melatonin from your local health food store – this is the hormone that tells your brain it’s time to sleep, so you can get onto your new schedule faster.

Electrolytes are key in staying hydrated and reducing jet lag, whether they’re in drink form or powder (that’s added to water).

Electrolytes are good to have while travelling because they can also help with fluid loss due to diarrhea, sweating, dehydration or vomiting.

5. Eat Healthy – But Plan Some Cheat Meals

One way of experiencing a different country or city is through its food – “foodie” tourism is extremely popular.

While you’re planning all the delicious restaurant adventures, consider the impact to your trip if you’re lethargic and fatigued from eating too-rich food.

One good way to avoid these pitfalls is to prepare your own healthy snacks and pack them in your luggage.

Try to find a hotel that has a kitchen in the suite, or perhaps stay at an Airbnb so that you can cook some of your own meals (for instance, starting off with a healthy breakfast before eating out for lunch and dinner).

Another approach would be to plan your cheat days and stick to them, and choosing healthier options on the other days.

Book An Appointment At The Mindful Healing Clinic

Are you planning on getting away this winter?

Smart plan – but be sure to plan to stay healthy even while you’re on your break.

Call now to book your appointment at the Mindful Healing Clinic and we’ll help you decide what you need to worry about and how to best prepare.

After all, you wouldn’t want to go all that way and end up sick the entire trip.

When it comes to dealing with a hormonal imbalance, there are a number of potential factors which could cause it.

Some things are controllable, such as the foods we eat. However, other factors are in our environment are not as easily managed.

Keep reading to learn more about chemicals which can affect your endocrine system and how to avoid them.

What Is Your Endocrine System?

Your endocrine system regulates all of the hormone-producing glands in your body.

These hormones control functions including metabolism, growth, reproduction, and even breathing.

When the endocrine system isn’t working as it should, it’s a pretty big deal as all of these functions are important for life.

What Are Endocrine Disruptors?

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals which interfere with the functionality of the endocrine system.

Even at low doses, they can have adverse effects on the body.

The author of a 2012 study in the journal Endocrine Reviews stated “Whether low doses of EDCs influence certain human disorders is no longer conjecture, because epidemiological studies show that environmental exposures to EDCs are associated with human diseases and disabilities.”

Because of this, it is important to be aware of endocrine disruptors in the environment, and how to avoid them.

Endocrine Disruptors To Watch For

Endocrine disruptors are all around us.

From the containers we are putting our food in, to the couch we flop down on after a long day at work, and even the corn you’re eating with dinner.

Being aware of the sources of endocrine disruptors in the environment is the best way to be able to avoid them.

Keep reading to learn about some of the more common substances which could be harmful to your health.

1. Bisphenol A (BPA)

Bisphenol A (also known as BPA) is used in the production of plastics.

Commonly used in food packaging materials, as well as the paper used in receipts, it is pervasive in many everyday materials.

A 2018 article in the journal Gene found bisphenol A to play a role in the development of tumors in a number of cancers including breast, ovarian, and prostate.

Additionally, BPA has links to issues with fertility, as well as early puberty.

How To Avoid It

When possible, avoid taking receipts as the paper used is often coated in BPA – if your store offers the option for a receipt to be emailed, this is a great choice for when you require a record of your purchase.

Use glass dishes instead of plastic for storing and heating food – if you must use plastic avoid plastics with recycling label #7.

Because BPA can also be found in the liners of canned food, avoiding this in favour of fresh, or frozen food is another great option.

2. Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals which give substances plasticity and reduce brittleness.

They are often found in plastic toys, plastic wrap, and “fragrance”.

They have been linked to lowered sperm counts, miscarriages, and birth defects in the male reproductive system.

How To Avoid It

The best way to avoid phthalates is to avoid certain plastics.

Avoid plastic food containers, as well as plastic wrap labelled as plastic #3.

Children’s toys made of plastic should also be avoided, although it should be noted that phthalates are already banned in many children’s products.

Also, it is important to check the ingredients labels for the term “fragrance”.

3. Flame Retardants

For a long time, flame retardant chemicals have been added to mattresses, furniture, cushions, insulation, and electronics in the name of safety.

Because if there is a fire in your home, of course you want to slow the spread of it.

However these chemicals may be doing more harm than good, and have been linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and learning difficulties in children.

Flame retardant chemicals on products migrate to the air and dust.

They may be inhaled, ingested, and absorbed by the skin.

How To Avoid It

Check your furniture for labels to find out if they were made with flame retardants – chances are if the item was purchased earlier than 2015 it was likely treated.

Prevent the spread and build-up of chemicals in your home by using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, and dust with a wet rag so that they don’t get spread around more.

Handwashing with soap and water can also help reduce your exposure, and if you have young children who like to explore by putting things in their mouths, this is especially important.

Finally, when replacing items, – you want to look for products which have not been chemically treated; if removing old carpeting, take precautions to keep the dust levels contained.

4. Perchlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Perchlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are man-made chemicals which contain carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine.

A 2017 article in the journal of Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology found environmental exposure to PCBs to be linked to the development of breast cancer.

Commercial production of PCBs was banned in North America in the late 1970’s, however they may still be present in products manufactured before then, including the following:

● Electrical equipment
● Fluorescent light ballasts
● Oil based paints
● Caulking
● Plastics
● Carbonless copy paper

Also of concern are sites where waste containing PCBs have been disposed of or dumped illegally, and disposal of PCB containing products into landfills which were not designed to handle hazardous waste.

They can also get into the food supply and are found in certain types of fish which have been exposed.

How To Avoid It

There are a few ways to avoid PCBs.

First off, avoid contact with soil or sites which have been contaminated, including areas where hazardous waste is disposed and landfill sites.

Additionally, replacing older electronics and fluorescent lights with newer models can help – however, be sure to dispose of these items appropriately.

Finally, avoid fish which have come from contaminated areas.

5. Atrazine

Atrazine is an herbicide often used on crops such as corn, as well as used on golf courses and lawns.

It can also be found in the drinking water in many areas of Canada including Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Saskatchewan.

Low levels of atrazine have been found to change the sex of male frogs.

It has also been linked to leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, tumors of the breast, and delayed puberty.

How To Avoid It

Due to atrazine being found in the water supply, using a water filter to remove the chemical is an important step to avoiding it.

Additionally, buying organic produce which is not grown with chemicals can also help you to avoid this chemical.

Book an Appointment at the Mindful Healing Clinic

Are you worried about exposure to chemicals and the effects they can have on your body?

Perhaps you are already dealing with health issues from exposure and are looking for ways to manage your illness or symptoms.

The Mindful Healing Clinic can help.

Dr. Maria will work with you to develop a plan tailored to your individual needs, and help you get back to your best health.