We are what we digest

Nutrition is the study of how we ingest, digest, absorb, transport, utilize and excrete our food - and is necessary for our survival.

Unfortunately, it tends to be an after thought rather than at the root of health and wellness.

In order for food to be used by the body it must be broken down. The intestines do this job - they break the food down into small particles so that they can be absorbed. Normally, about 90% of the standard North American diet is digested and absorbed - however, stress, inflammation, allergies, parasites and some pharmaceutical medications such as aspirin and cortisone can all lead to increased permeability of the gut leading to something call 'leaky gut syndrome'.

What happens here is malabsorption. You are making a concerted effort to eat healthy and still not getting enough nutrients.

The key to resolving this, is figuring out what is causing the malabsorption and healing from that place.

You are only as healthy as what you can absorb!

In good health,

Dr. Stacey Welton, ND

How do I choose the right ND?

So you've been thinking about seeing a Naturopath, but just don't know where to start.

You have a set of criteria that are important to you - you want someone in your area of town, you want someone who deals with Gastrointestinal issues, or fertility, or headaches, you want someone you can connect with and can talk freely to.

You don't know anyone who can give you a referral and you don't want to go see just anyone - where do you go next??

In Canada, Naturopathic Medicine has Federal and Provincial associations that may help point you in the right direction.

In Canada you can go to: www.cand.ca and from there follow the links to 'find an ND' by first choosing your province.

So now you have a list of licensed Naturopaths in your city - but if you are from a big city, this list can be extensive!

Some ND's have websites attached to their profiles. You can check there to get more information - or perhaps you look through the list to find someone close to your work or home.

The most important thing you can do if you ask me, is to make sure you connect with your ND.

Most Naturopaths will offer a free 15 minute 'meet & greet' where you can discuss your concerns, ask questions and get a feel for whether you are comfortable working with that person.

You will know when you get the right fit! Trust yourself and take your time.

In good health,

Dr. Stacey Welton, ND

A new season, a new practice!

Change of Season, indeed! Fall is definitely upon us. The leaves have changed and the wind is starting to blow them off the trees.

Just as the seasons change, change has presented itself in my own life.

I will be continuing my practice at a new location, Revolution Wellness, a beautiful gym and wellness centre in the heart of downtown Toronto.

I'm joining a talented team of professionals in a multi-disciplinary setting including a Chiropractor, Massage Therapists, Sports Therapist, and others.

Please drop by and pay us a visit!

www.revolutionfitness.ca

In good health,

Stacey Welton, ND

An exciting time for ND's in Ontario!

Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy Naturopathy

AMENDMENT PERMITTING NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS TO PRESCRIBE

APPROVED BY STANDING COMMITTEE

October 20, 2009

The Standing Committee on Social Policy completed its clause-by-clause review of Bill 179 on Monday afternoon, October 19 th and approved an amendment to the Naturopathy Act, 2007 that will allow NDs to prescribe, dispense, compound or sell “drugs” that are designated by regulation. This amendment marks the achievement of an important goal for the BDDT-N and ensures that patients of Naturopathic doctors will have access to substances that are critical to maintaining NDs' scope of practice in Ontario. The regulation listing the specific substances NDs will be permitted to prescribe, as well as the purposes for which and the circumstances in which they can be prescribed, will be developed in the first instance by the Transitional Council and administered by the new College after approval by the Minister of Health and Long Term Care and Cabinet .

Very exciting news for the future of Naturopathic Medicine in Ontario!

HERB OF THE MONTH

Arctium Lappa (Burdock)

Burdock is what is considered an 'alterative' in the botanical world.

Alteratives are herbs that restore proper functioning of the body and increase overall health and wellness. Although that may seem fairly vague, it is true that alteratives seem to improve all the body functions from nutrition to elimination.

Part of its action is related to bitter stimulation of digestive juices so it helps with digestion and appetite - it is often used in Japanese cooking. It also has been used to support kidney function.

Alteratives can be used safely in a variety of conditions as supportive treatment. They are espcially helpful in chronic skin diseases and a wide range of autoimmune processes.

Make a tea out of the root - 1 tsp into 1 cup of water, bring to a boil and summer for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink this 3 times a day.

Bring on the Beets!

Beets are currently in season and boy are they good for you.

In my most recent organics delivery straight from the farm, we received what looked like beets. I cut them in half, preparing them for a delicious beet, apple, carrot juice only to discover their candy cane insides. Was this some kind of beet/turnip cross breed? From an organic farm?!

I consulted my trusty 'google' only to discover that that's exactly what they were.

Candy Cane Beets (aka: Chioggia) are as nutritionally dense as your regular beet.

Roast them in the oven, juice them, or grate them on top of a salad.

Beets are excellent liver cleansers and have a extrordinary amount of Vitamin C and folate. Don't get rid of the tops. You can eat those too - why not steam them along with kale and spinach and put that on top of a healthy rice bowl.

You can't beat the beet!

I've returned from the frenzy of the Summer!

Phew! I can't believe it is the end of September and I haven't written a thing since July!
What a summer it has been. With 2 practices on the go and many a friend's wedding, it seems that I haven't been in Toronto long enough to sit down with my computer and think, let alone write. But I'm back and this fall intend to do some writing.

It seems that the thing I keep hearing the most from my patients and friends lately is: 'I'm just SO exhausted!'
I'm convinced that the seasonal transition from summer to fall is a hefty one. It takes a significant toll on our physiology, and therefore it's important to rest and nurture ourselves after the frenzied summer months. It truly is a real downshift in our lives. Taken gracefully, the transition can be smooth.

Here are some tips:
1) Rest. There is no denying it. 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night truly restores our bodies, minds, and spirits.
2) Water. Aim for at least 1 litre of water a day. If you are active you will need plenty more than that. Water nourishes us on a cellular level and when we're feeling that oh so common afternoon sluggishness, it's amazing what a glass of clean water can do to pick us up!
3) Aim for a healthy digestion. That means plenty of fiber. By simply adding 1-2 tablespoons of freshly ground flax seeds (keep refrigerated), you are getting lots of fiber along with essential fatty acids. A healthy digestive tract is imperative - you can't absorb all the nutrients from your food without it!
4) Minimize stress. We can't particularly control our environments, but we can control our reaction to it. Minimize stress by taking what I lovingly refer to as 'mental health walks'. 20 minutes is all you need of alone time outside. This is not walking to or from work (unless you can detach easily and your walk is though the woods!) This is 20 minutes in comfortable shoes, taking big deep breaths. No ipods allowed. Just the sounds of nature in a beautiful setting. It's possible, even in the most urban of environments!

Accepting your limitations and yielding to the changing seasons will help not only your mental-emotional wellbeing, but your physiology too!