Gluten free? Dairy free? Paleo diets? Anti-inflammatory foods?

Dietary modifications are a corner stone of Naturopathic Medicine. The food you eat affects you in many ways, making it important to choose the foods that are best for your body. However, it can be very confusing to sift through dietary facts, fads and fictions. That’s where I come in. So if you are ready to make subtle changes or are ready to radically change your diet due to a chronic condition, I am here to help.

Naturopathic Doctors are extensively trained in the use of plants as medicine. Botanical Medicine extracts the medicinal qualities of plants and plant substances to use to patient phytotherapy. With Botanical Medicine, patients may receive treatment in the form of teas, tinctures, tablets, or salves.

Acupuncture is a popular component of Naturopathic Medicine. Acupuncture is the use of thin, solid needles which are inserted into acupuncture points in the body. There are more than 300 acupuncture points on the body. To determine which points are used, the theories of Traditional Asian Medicine are used. One of the key principals of TCM is that of Qi (pronounced chi), which can be defined as the bodies vital energy. When needles are inserted into acupuncture points, the stimulation of these needles can correct imbalances of the flow of Qi through different channels in the body known as meridians and stimulate blood flow and calm the nervous system. Health issues that respond well to acupuncture include: acute musculoskeletal injuries and pain management, women’s health issues (infertility, hormonal irregularities, labour induction), stress and anxiety, insomnia, headaches/migraines and sinus pain.

Homeopathy is a unique medical system, within naturopathic medicine, which is based on the theory of “Like cures like”. Homeopathic remedies are made from specific dilutions of plant, animal, and mineral substances which are prescribed to re-balance the body. Homeopathic remedies are commonly used for children’s ailments, immune disorders, and as part of my surgery protocol.

Homeopathic Immune Boosters are beneficial any time of year but especially during the cold and flu season. If sick they will help you recover faster, taken as a preventative measure the benefits last approximately 8 weeks. See more info on my events page about the yearly Naturopathic Cold and Flu Clinic.

Food sensitivities are becoming an increasingly common issue among adults and children. Although many people use the term “food allergies” to describe all food reactions, sensitivities differ from food allergies. Food allergies are immediate and can be severe, for example an anaphylactic peanut allergy. These are IgE allergies and are commonly diagnosed by skin scratch tests or blood tests though an allergist. Food sensitivities however are mediated by IgG immunoglobulins and can take up to 2-3 days to show symptoms making it difficult to identify.

Common symptoms of food sensitivities include:

• Digestive upset such as gas, bloating and cramping
• Gastric Reflux or Heartburn
• Food Cravings
• Fatigue, Brain fog
• Acne, Rosacea, Eczema and Rashes
• Constipation, Diarrhea, IBS symptoms
• Congestion, Post nasal drip and Chronic Sinus infections
• Frequent Colds
• Headaches/Migraines
• Depression, Anxiety and Mood Swings
• ADHD and Autism
• Asthma
• Joint Pain
• Poor Sleep patterns

When not addressed food sensitivities can result in candida overgrowth, nutrient malabsorption, and leaky gut syndrome.

Testing- The answers are just a blood test away. Local labs will send your blood draw sample to Rocky Mountain Analytical in Calgary. I can help you chose the best panel for you, ranging from 120-200 different foods. You will receive a detailed report showing the degree of sensitivity and number of antibodies produced to each individual food. I can then help you design the appropriate diet based on your individual sensitivities to ensure you receive the correct balance of nutrients you need for optimal health.

Clinical Nutrition is a key aspect of my naturopathic practice. Treatment may include nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other nutraceuticals. Clinical Nutrition utilizes higher doses of nutrients and minerals that are not attainable with diet alone. Supplementation can help correct any nutritional imbalances that may potentially cause negative health effects in the body.

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include depression and mood disorders, fatigue, memory failure, anemia, low blood pressure, and high homocysteine levels. While the shot addresses B12 deficiency, it may also be prescribed to boost energy, as a therapy for depression, to boost metabolism and to improve cognitive function.

Pascoleucyn drinkable ampoules are an effective remedy to prevent colds and flu. Given as a preventative measure, it is best taken at the beginning and middle of cold and flu season, but can be given any time of year and is recommended during periods of stress.