I have just finished a great detoxification program. Although I have done other detox programs in the past, this particular one made the biggest difference for me. While I didn’t have many complaints going into this detox, by the end of it, I noticed a significant increase in my energy – and that my occasional craving for sweets was completely gone. As an added bonus, I also lost a few pounds.

It is good practice to do a detox two times per year. Spring and fall are the best times, or alternatively, just before the season that you tend to get the most sick or have the most health complaints. In today’s world of processed foods and environmental pollution, toxic substances exist almost everywhere. We are all exposed to toxins on a daily basis through food, water, air and other products that we come into contact with – many beyond our control. Some of these toxins build-up in the body and overtime they will create problems.

Even if we lived in a perfect environment, we would still benefit from a detox program due to the internal toxins the body produces as a result of everyday metabolism. While the body is designed to eliminate toxins, this function becomes compromised when the burden becomes too great. Just like our car engine, our body also needs an “oil change” once in a while to keep things running smoothly!

The process of detoxification takes place primarily in the liver as it is the body’s main organ of detoxification. Detoxification is largely accomplished in two phases. In the first phase, the body’s enzymes activate the toxic substances to make them more accessible for elimination. In the second phase, specific enzymes convert the toxins into harmless, water soluble molecules that can be eliminated by the body.

The detoxification process is critically dependent on an adequate amount of nutrition, specific vitamins, enzymes and minerals. Without these specific nutrients, the liver cannot eliminate certain toxins. If they are not eliminated, these toxins may be slowly released into the blood, where they will circulate throughout the entire body and contribute to many chronic illnesses.

The program that I followed is by Biotics Research Canada and is called the “3-Step Bio-Detoxification Program”. It is designed to address the most common underlying causes of chronic health issues. The foundation of the program is the removal of inflammatory foods from the diet, including the “Sensitive Seven” – dairy, wheat, sugar, corn, soy, eggs and peanuts.

The program is divided into three steps which can be customized to meet an individual’s specific health circumstances. The three steps are:

Step 1: Reduce Inflammation (lasts 6 to 7 days on average)

This step addresses the most common underlying causes of chronic health challenges, including hidden food allergies/sensitivities and acute or chronic inflammation. It includes the removal of common food allergens from the diet and uses anti-inflammatory nutritional supplements to inhibit inflammatory response mechanisms, which put the immune system under stress. This step also focuses on opening up certain channels of elimination so that the toxins that are released in Step 2 can be effectively eliminated from the body.

Step 2: Clean and Detoxify (lasts 10 to 20 days)

This step addresses four more underlying causes of chronic health challenges, which are: toxic overload, harmful bacterial, heavy metal toxicity and leaky gut. This step consists of a thorough detoxification program designed to eliminate toxins and harmful bacteria from the body.

Step 3: Regeneration and Repair (lasts 30 days or more)

This step focuses on rebuilding and repair and is designed to provide the necessary building blocks the body needs to repair damaged cartilage, joints and tissues. During this step, a multi-vitamin, an essential fatty acid blend, a probiotic and very unique vitamin D are introduced. Other supplements may be required depending on your individual circumstances, but these four are an excellent daily foundation for maintaining or improving your overall health.

It is important to understand that the development of health issues/diseases is a long, gradual process that occurs over time with stages of progressively ill health preceding it. It moves from the less serious physical complaints to more serious ones, and then moves inward to deeper levels. Sometimes minor ailments are driven deeper into the body and become more serious as various substances are used to suppress symptoms, which then weakens the immune system.

Common signs and symptoms of toxin build-up include:

• Digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhea, bloating, gas, nausea or heartburn
• Emotional issues such as mood swings and anxiety
• Mental issues such as poor memory, poor concentration and confusion
• Low energy, fatigue, restlessness or insomnia
• Headaches, dizziness
• Skin problems such as acne, rashes, dry skin, excessive sweating
• Joint and muscle pain and stiffness
• Sinus congestion, sinus problems, allergies, excessive mucus
• Frequent illness

If you would like to try this program for yourself, or would like more information about it, please let me know. I will be offering the full program, including Step-by-Step Guides for each phase of the program, the required supplements and personalized counselling support as you go through the various phases.

I plan on posting more information on my website regarding this great program soon, so stay tuned.

I look forward to continuing to partner for a healthier, more vibrant you!

September is such a great time of year. I love the weather and all of the delicious, local fruits and vegetables that are available.I have been enjoying, fresh, organic, vine-ripened tomatoes out of my garden for the past several weeks now, so I thought that tomatoes would be a great topic for this month.

Tomatoes are well known for being a fruit…not a vegetable. In addition to being an excellent source of vitamins C, A and K, tomatoes are packed with numerous, health-promoting antioxidants, such as lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are most popular for maintaining eye health, while lycopene has attracted much attention in the area of cancer prevention and especially prostate health. More recent studies are also finding that tomatoes are beneficial for cardiovascular health. While a tomato’s various nutrients all promote certain aspects of health on their own, it is the combination of them in the whole food state that provides the greatest benefits.

Tomatoes are members of the nightshade family, which also includes eggplants, peppers and potatoes. Nightshades may cause problems in individuals with certain health concerns, especially in cases of arthritic/rheumatic conditions. This is due to the fact that they contain alkaloids. Alkaloids are substances that can have a negative impact on the function of the nervous system, muscular system and digestive system, as well as damaging joints. It is also fairly common to have a food sensitivity to nightshades, so for some individuals, nightshades should be avoided. Note that potatoes with green spots and/or sprouts should be discarded as this is usually a sign of high alkaloid content.

Unfortunately, due to the delicate texture of fully vine-ripened tomatoes, many commercial operations pick them when they are green so that they can be more easily packaged and shipped. They are exposed to ethylene gas to make them turn red, thus appearing ripe without actually ripening. You can avoid this practice by buying organic tomatoes. The good news is that canned tomatoes are usually picked when they are fully ripened and processed quickly, so at certain times of the year, canned tomatoes will be higher in nutritional value that the tomatoes you buy in the produce department. Note that some sources claim that canned tomatoes are a tonic for the gall bladder.

Tomatoes are among the easiest vegetables to grow, so if you’ve never tried it, consider planting some next year. They also do very well in pots if yard space is an issue. It is always best to eat produce that is in season and grown locally.

Here is one of my favourite ways to enjoy tomatoes at this time of year. Chop up a couple of large, very ripe tomatoes into 1 cm cubes and put them in a mixing bowl. Add one clove of fresh, minced garlic and a handful of chopped, fresh basil leaves. Add a pinch or two of sea salt and drizzle generously with cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil. You can add more or less of any ingredient to suit your taste. Mix together, mashing the tomatoes slightly and let stand for 5 or 10 minutes to let the flavours blend.

The mixture is delicious on barbecued chicken and fish, or as a base for a veggie pizza. My favourite is to use it as a topping for sprouted-grain pasta. Ezekiel 4:9 (brand name) makes a great sprouted grain penne that cooks in just 4 to 5 minutes . Simply cook and drain the pasta then toss it with the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with fresh parmesan cheese (if you wish) and serve. It makes a lovely summer dish and it is so quick and easy.

Enjoy!

p.s. October is just around the corner and is officially the start of the flu season. Please be prepared by having Oscillococcinum® on hand (see October 2007 in the Tip of the Month Archive section for more information). You can purchase Oscillococcinum® at the Natural Health Centre.

Several of my clients have recently asked me if Teflon cookware is a healthy choice. My answer is “I avoid it”. Although Teflon was discovered by DuPont almost 80 years ago, its safety has recently become a rather sticky subject. Initial studies showed that one of the chemicals used to make Teflon, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), caused cancer, liver damage, growth defects, immune system damage and even death in lab animals. Although these studies were not conducted on humans, an advisory board of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unanimously recommended that PFOA be labelled as a “likely carcinogen” (cancer-causing substance) in humans.

The initial findings of a more recent study conducted on 69,000 people living near a DuPont manufacturing plant in the United States, suggest that exposure to PFOA may harm the immune system, liver and thyroid and cause higher cholesterol in children. The initial findings also stated that higher levels of PFOA in humans are related to lower levels of a protein that helps the body fight pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

A startling fact about PFOA is that there are concentrations of it in the blood of the general population (apparently Australians have the highest levels). Although the body can break down PFOA, it takes a very long time to do this (up to 10 years) and we will be continually exposed to it on a daily basis unless we make different choices. Be aware that in addition to being used in the Teflon manufacturing process, PFOA is also used in various water, oil and stain resistant materials, such as carpet, fabrics, paper, food packaging and food container materials. There are no safety standards for it, but the EPA is working with manufacturers on a voluntary code to phase out the use of PFOA by 2015. I recently read that earlier this year, California put a bill through its legislature to ban fast food packaging manufactured with the use of PFOA. Let’s hope it gets passed and that other governments follow.

When a non-stick pan is heated, a number of toxins are released. There is actually a warning issued with some of these pans informing consumers not to keep a bird in the kitchen when using the cookware as the fumes released during the heating/cooking process can kill the bird. Humans can also suffer from exposure to these fumes, causing what has been referred to as the “Teflon Flu”. Symptoms of the “Teflon Flu” include headache, chills, backache and fever. DuPont claims that these fumes only occur when Teflon cookware is overheated, which it says shouldn’t happen during normal cooking; however, the Environmental Working Group has demonstrated otherwise. They measured the release of toxic fumes when the pan was used for what they considered to be common use, such as browning and frying meat or frying bacon to a crisp. In fact, it has been shown that toxic fumes are released during the common practice of preheating a pan on a stove-top element turned to a high setting.

This is one of those issues where I choose to error on the side of caution. My suggestion would be to retire your non-stick cookware and invest in healthier alternatives for your body and the envirnoment, such as high quality stainless steel, ceramic, clay and good old-fashion cast-iron.

And now for some seasonal good news! August is local raspberry and blueberry picking time. Yum! When fully ripe, these berries are bursting with flavour and nutrition. They’re packed with phytochemicals – substances with strong antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial and immune system boosting properties. Numerous research studies have confirmed that diets rich in phytochemicals such as those found in raspberries and blueberries, have significant, positive effects on many areas of health including:

reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol
improving the health of the gastrointestinal tract, which is key to overall good health
contributing to eye health, vision and protection against macular degeneration
cancer prevention (especially colon cancer)
reducing the risk of diseases associated with aging, including those that affect mental health (e.g. Alzhiemer’s, dementia)
To find local pick-your-own berry farms, go to:

http://www.pickyourown.org/canadaonottawa.htm#metroOttawa

If you’re feeling industrious, it’s easy to freeze these delicious, ripe, fresh-picked berries so that you can enjoy them for months to come. Gently wash the berries and pat them dry with paper towel. Then spread them out in a single layer on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. Put the cookie sheet in the freezer and once the berries are fully frozen, you can put them into a heavy freezer bag for long term freezing. They will keep nicely for up to one year and are a delicious addition to yogurt, smoothies, baking, sauces, and much more! Use your imagination!

Enjoy!

References:

http://www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/s1576391.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2006/s1556743.htm]

http://www.ewg.org/node/26553

http://www.ewg.org/node/26100

Is organic food really better for us?

There is much scepticism and confusion regarding organic foods.

This is largely due to the fact that there has been no single, industry-wide standard for the definition of ‘organic’ foods in Canada, even though it is the fastest growing sector in the agricultural industry.

This scenario is about to change. Starting on December 14, 2008, a new logo will appear on food products that are certified organic. What will this logo look like and what does it mean? Keep reading to find out.

While the use of the logo is voluntary, when you see it, it means that the product has organic content that is greater than 95% and that has been certified according to Canadian standards for organic products.

So, what are these standards? A detailed list can be found at http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/cgsb/on_the_net/organic/index-e.html, but basically, according to a news release from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, foods carrying the new Canada Organic logo are “certified as meeting Canadian standards for organic production such as using natural fertilizers and raising animals in conditions that mimic nature as much as possible.”

In Canada, organic foods are to be produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, sewage sludge, ionizing radiation and genetic modification. Animal products labeled as organic are to come from animals raised without the use of antibiotics and growth hormones and that are fed with feed that is free of genetically modified substances, chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.

Organic food sceptics quote studies which claim that the levels of pesticide residues on organic produce are the same as those on conventional produce. As far as I am aware, there are no such studies. Although pesticide residues are sometimes found on a percentage of certain organic crops, the numbers of pesticides used and the residue levels are far lower on organic crops compared with conventional crops. Residues on organic produce are due to the fact that DDT and other pesticides banned decades ago do not easily break down and are therefore still present in soil, rain and ground water (and tap water). In fact, when persistent pesticides such as DDT are excluded, the percentage of organic samples with pesticide residues falls significantly. Source: Food Additives and Contaminants Journal.

Sceptics also argue that no health benefits are derived from eating organic foods compared with conventional foods; however, studies show there is a difference. Forty-one such studies were reviewed and the findings were published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, V7, No2, 2001, pp. 161-173. Some of the key findings were:

organic crops contained significantly higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals
the quality of the protein of organic versus conventional crops is better as measured by the essential amino acid content
organically- fed animals are generally healthier and have healthier sperm, suggesting that reproduction and immune function might be adversely affected by conventional foods (interestingly, the reproductive impacts were also reported in the only human study done at the time regarding the health effects of consuming organic versus non-organic food. It reported that the percentage of normal sperm increased as the percentage of organic food in men’s diets increased)
soil that has been managed organically has more micro-organisms which produce many beneficial compounds that combine with soil minerals and make them more available to the plant roots
the use of certain fertilizers alters a plant’s natural nutrient profile, which impacts the health of the plant and the health of those who eat them
A more recent study conducted by Boulder Colorado’s Organic Centre looked at 97 published studies conducted since 1980 which compared the nutritional quality of organic and non-organic foods. The researchers stated that the difference between organically and conventionally grown foods was not only consistent, but sizable enough to conclude that on average, organically-grown foods are more nutritious. In fact, organically grown crops were 25% more nutrient-dense those that were conventionally-grown. They also contained higher levels of 8 of the 11 nutrients which were measured, including higher levels of important antioxidants. There was also evidence that the nutrients in organically grown foods are often in a more biologically active form. The full report is available at: http://www.organic-center.org/science.nutri.php?action=view&report_id=126

While organic foods are becoming more affordable, most do cost more. Here are some tips on what to buy organic so that you get the most benefit from the dollars you spend:

meat, dairy and wheat products should be organic (most pesticides in food are ingested through meat/animal products); Source: CHLG May 2002
vegetables and fruits with the highest pesticide residues. According to the Environmental Working Group, the 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residues (aka “Dirty Dozen”) are: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, grapes (imported), pears, spinach and potatoes. For results on how other fruits and vegetables tested, visit www.foodnews.org. I have handy wallet-sized cards available which list the Dirty Dozen and the 12 ‘cleanest’ fruits and vegetables. If you have not received one, please pick one up next time you are in. They are great to refer to when you are shopping.
blackstrap molasses – if it’s not organic, heavy herbicides have been used to strip the leaves from the sugar cane to simplify harvesting. When sugar crystals and molasses are extracted from the cane, the toxic herbicides become concentrated in high amounts in the molasses.
Eating organic is especially important for both men and women wishing to conceive, pregnant or lactating women, infants and children. Note that children are more sensitive to pesticide residues due to their higher metabolism and many underdeveloped organ systems. Even a single serving of some produce items can deliver unsafe levels of toxic pesticide residues to young children. Source: Consumer Reports March 1999.

Organic or not, it is important to wash ALL produce with a biodegradable cleaner to decrease pesticide residues…and you never know what it may have come in contact with from the time of harvest to the time you buy it. While peeling conventionally grown produce is often noted as a way to eliminate chemical residues (as they are often concentrated on, in or just beneath the skin), it will also remove many important nutrients, including powerful antioxidants, that are often also concentrated in and/or just beneath the skin.

If possible, grow some of your own organic vegetables, especially those that you eat often (make sure the seeds or plants you start out with are not genetically modified). In addition to maximizing your organic food purchases, make an effort to eat fruits and vegetables that are in season and to buy from local farmers. Not only is eating in season more economical, but the fruit or vegetable was likely picked when it was ripe, making it more nutritious than produce that is picked when it was ‘green’ to survive long travel times/distances.

Buying local, organic foods supports your community – and it is better for the environment. In the big picture of things, it really isn’t that much more expensive if you consider the indirect costs of conventional farming, such as cleaning up sludge, replenishing depleted soils, health care expenses for workers and consumers exposed to toxic pesticides, as well as the natural resources consumed and the pollution created in the packaging and transportation. The environmental damage caused by conventional farming is enormous and it compounds itself every year.

A trip to a local, organic farmers market makes for a fantastic outing! You will find a wonderful assortment of fresh produce, grass fed meats, free range poultry and eggs, delicious home-made condiments, baking and more!

A list of local, organic farmers markets for the Ottawa area can be found at: http://www.cog.ca/ottawa/documents/COGdirectory2007.pdf

Enjoy!

I had planned to write this month’s tip on the topic of organic foods – what organic means, what foods are most important to buy organic and where to shop for locally grown organic foods; however, after watching CNN’s Larry King Live Show on Tuesday May 27th, I changed my mind and decided instead to write about a topic that has been getting quite a bit of media attention lately (I’ll give you the scoop on organics soon!).

The topic of Larry King’s show was: “Are cell phones dangerous?” Leading experts discussed the health hazards related to cell phone use. This is a serious issue that I have been concerned about for years, especially as I observe younger and younger kids constantly “attached” to their cell phones. I am so glad this health risk is finally getting the mass media attention it deserves.

During the show, many serious concerns were raised regarding the potential health hazards of regular cell phone use such as:

Is there a link between cell phones and cancer/tumors?
Is there a link between cell phones and behavioural issues?
Are the growing number of children and teenagers using cell phones leading to a health epidemic?
These issues and more were discussed by a respected medical/scientific panel – a virtual who’s who on the issue of cell phone safety, including:

Dr. Keith Black, the head of neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles who treated Johnny Cochran (most famously known for being O.J. Simpson’s attorney). Cochran died of a brain tumor in 2005.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon and CNN’s chief medical correspondent.
Dr. Vini Khurana, an Australian neurosurgeon who recently made headlines with his extensive report on the health risks associated with cell phone use saying it is more deadly than smoking and asbestos.
Louis Slesin, the Founding Editor of Microwave News.
Here are a few highlights of what these experts had to say:

CELL PHONES ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN SMOKING AND ASBESTOS

“There’s just over three billion users of cell phones worldwide…and, the concern is not just brain tumors, but other health effects associated or reported to be associated with cell phones, including behavioral disturbances, salivary gland tumors, male infertility and microwave sickness.” Dr. Vini Khurana

“I think the evidence that is accumulating is pointing towards an effect of mobile phones on tumors. I would not want to be a heavy user of a mobile phone. People might be shocked to hear that the evidence does seem to be coming more strongly in support of harmful effects.” Dr. Vini Khurana

BRAIN TUMORS ARE THE NUMBER ONE CANCER KILLER AMONG CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE SECOND MOST COMMON FORM OF CANCER IN KIDS.

“Teenagers and even younger will be using cell phones for 20 to 30 years, we do not have enough data now to say that it is a safe device.” Dr. Keith Black “A microwave antenna is very similar to a microwave oven. So we don’t know what long-term effects that will have on memory as our young adults age and other neurological problems.” Dr. Keith Black

CELL PHONES HAVE BEEN LINKED TO CANCER

“It is quite possible (that cell phones cause brain cancer) because we’re seeing these kinds of effects in a number of epidemiological studies….studies from northern Europe, from Israel especially from France, from Germany, all point to a risk of cell phone links to brain tumors and neuromas and grand tumors.” Dr. Louis Slesin

There was some discussion regarding Bluetooth earpieces. Panel members did not support their use. Even though they stated that the electromagnetic radiation to the head area may be lower with a Bluetooth, its antenna is directed into the ear canal, which has a direct connection to brain tissue. The use of an ear piece was suggested, provided that the cell phone is kept in an “industry approved” holster. Note that if a cell phone is simply placed in a shirt, jacket or pants pocket, the radiation from the phone is directed into the adjacent parts of the body, e.g. the heart and reproductive area. Interestingly, the Heart and Stroke Foundation gives the following precautions regarding cell phone use to pacemaker recipients (1):

Hold your cellular phone at least six inches away from your pacemaker unit.
Turn off your cell phone if, while using it, you begin to feel faint or dizzy.
Call your physician immediately if you suspect that your pacemaker is not functioning correctly.
There are also studies that show that long term exposure to electromagnetic radiation decreases sperm quality (2), (3).

I have read that ear pieces using air tube technology are an even safer alternative compared with ear pieces using wires, as some of the electromagnetic radiation from the cell phone antennae can be carried to the head/brain along the wire. This does not happen with an air tube ear piece. Other ways to reduce exposure to the electromagnetic radiation is to limit cell phone use as much as possible and/or using the speaker phone function.

Cell phones were not the only concern. The panel also mentioned cordless phones and other devices that emit electromagnetic radiation (e.g. laptops, computers, gaming consoles, etc).

While the mechanism of how cell phones cause cancer is not yet completely understood, it was pointed out that years ago, neither was the connection between cigarette smoking and cancer. Today, no one would argue that connection – and I believe this will be the case in the near future regarding cell phone use and cancer.

Even the manuals that come with cell phones do not guarantee their safety. In the manual that came with my cell phone, the following statements are made:

“There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe.”

“Under the law, the FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting consumer products such as wireless phones before they can be sold, as it does with new drugs or medical devices.”

When I read these statements, I can’t help but feel that we (especially today’s children/teens) are part of a very risky scientific experiment.

During the show, Larry King invited viewers to vote on the show’s website as to whether or not they felt cell phone use is a potential health hazard. 72% of viewers had concerns. On his “the night before” commentary, Larry King stated that the issue “deserves more attention.”

Given that there are so many factors that negatively impact our health which we can’t control, it’s important to control what we can. Although certain organizations and health experts are not yet acknowledging the health risks associated with cell phones, I feel that the amount of emerging research that suggests otherwise is getting too significant to ignore. I’d rather error on the side of caution on this issue.

Consider that cancers can take at least a decade to develop. This invalidates most of the studies claiming that cell phone use is safe, since the studies were conducted with few, if any people, who had used cell phones for that long. So, we can wait 5 or 10 years for more definitive studies to surface while we continue to put ourselves at risk, or we can do what we can to protect ourselves now.

The good news is that there are various devices available that effectively harmonize the impact of electromagnetic radiation emitted by consumer electronics, including cell phones. Years ago, I became aware of a company called Gia Wellness. The product that caught my attention was the Cell Guard. This product combines two powerful, innovative and scientifically substantiated technologies: a proprietary, patented noise field nano-technology MRET® (Molecular Resonance Effect Technology), and a proprietary subtle energy innovation ERT™ (Energy Resonance Technology). These cutting-edge technologies offer a groundbreaking and effective way to deal with the cumulative stress associated with living in today’s electro-polluted environment.

The cell guards and other prodcuts tha protect agains electromagnetic radiation are available for sale on-line at:

http://www.giawellness.ca/prhealth/products/terra-gia/

If you missed the Larry King Live Show, you can watch a 12 minute video clip at: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2008/05/28/lkl.cell.cancer.cnn

I hope that you will share this information so that others can make an informed decision regarding their own cell phone use. Four and a half years ago, there were less than one billion cell phones in use world-wide. Today that number is almost 4 billion. This is a huge global issue. For every major epidemic, there has always been a point in time when the truth is too great to ignore. Regarding this issue, as far as I’m concerned, that point in time is right now.

References

(1) http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=77091

(2) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/17664.php

(3) http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=77091

In the natural health field, the phrase “death begins in the colon” is often heard. The health of the gut is critical to overall health and well being. This is due to the fact that a significant amount of the body’s immune cells are in the intestine; therefore a healthy intestine is key to a healthy immune system.

An important part of intestinal health is ensuring an adequate population of “good” bacteria or “probiotics” The word “probiotic” comes from the Greek work meaning “for life”. The World Health Organization defines probiotics as “Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”.

“Good” bacteria provide numerous health benefits, including:

promoting immune system health/function
supporting production of Vitamin K and certain B vitamins
supporting digestion and healthy bowel movements
supporting overall health of the gastro-intestinal tract
prevention and treatment of candida overgrowth and other yeast infections
“Bad” bacteria are pathogenic (e.g. disease causing) and have a negative effect on health. Most of these are transitory and may only cause problems when the balance of good versus bad bacteria is tipped in the bad direction. Maintaining the proper balance of good bacteria is one of the most important ways the body can protect itself from numerous pathogens.

The ideal ratio of good to bad bacteria is 85% to 15%. Unfortunately, this is not the case for the majority of the population – in fact, it is almost the exact opposite. Dysbiosis is the term used to describe the condition of microbial imbalances of the body.

Some common symptoms of dysbiosis include (1):

bloating, belching, burning, flatulence after meals
a sense of fullness after eating
diarrhea, constipation
rectal itching and/or chronic vaginal irritation
skin irritations such as post-adolescent acne and rosacea
chronic intestinal infections (e.g. parasites, yeast, bacteria)
undigested food in the stool or greasy stools
fatigue
iron deficiency
While most of the above symptoms relate to digestive issues, there are a wide variety of symptoms, too numerous to mention, that may also be caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. This is due to the fact that the toxic waste products of bad bacteria do not just stay in the gut. They get absorbed into the bloodstream and are then circulated throughout the body, placing a constant burden on the immune system.

While we typically develop a population of probiotics in our gut after birth (especially if we are breastfed), there are many ways that this population is destroyed. The most obvious is via antibiotics (the Greek word for “against life”). Antibiotics kill bacteria – and unfortunately, they do not distinguish between the good and the bad guys. This is why it is important to take probiotics for at least a month following a course of antibiotics.

In addition to antibiotics, other factors that can destroy probiotics include: a poor diet loaded with refined carbohydrates, excess acid, excess heat, excess stress, medications, pasteurization, antibiotics in animal-based foods and chemicals/additives in our food and water supply (including chlorine, which is added to most municipal water supplies to kill bacteria).

The good news is that there are ways to keep the balance of good to bad bacteria in check. This can be done through regular consumption of foods and/or supplements that provide live probiotic cultures.

Food sources of live probiotics include: yogurt containing live bacterial cultures (organic, plain, unsweetened yogurt is best), kefir, miso and lacto-fermented fruits and vegetables, such as raw sauerkraut and kimchi. It is easy to make many of your own lacto-fermented foods and beverages. A great source of recipes is the book “Nourishing Traditions” by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig.

When choosing a probiotic supplement, keep in mind that certain strains of probiotics are more susceptible to damage than others. First they have to survive the manufacturing process and then the time and travel between being bottled in the manufacturing plant, being stocked in the store and then finally making it into the consumer’s hands. Once in the consumer’s hands, the potency of the product is decreased every time the bottle is opened and exposed to light and air. Next, the bacteria encounters the challenge of surviving stomach acid. Considering all of these factors, much of the bacterial count listed on the label doesn’t make it to the gut.

Another term often associated with probiotics is “prebiotics”. Prebiotics are substances which feed probiotics, thus promoting their survival and growth in the gut. A common prebiotic is fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS). FOS is a complex sugar derived from plants, that is added to some probiotic supplements. While most sugars are broken down by digestive juices, FOS is not. It travels on to the gut, where it is digested by probiotics, providing food for their proliferation.

Note that gas or bloating may be experienced with the introduction of probiotics as the gastrointestinal system adjusts to the change in its environment. It should not persist for more than a week or two (consult a nutritional practitioner otherwise).

A strain of bacteria which is currently receiving increased attention is Bacillus coagulans (sometimes referred to as Lactobacillus sporogenes). It is unique as it is in the form of a spore. Spore-forming bacteria are like seeds. They will remain dormant until they meet “ideal” conditions required for germination. For Bacillus coagulans, these ideal conditions are met in the gut. The spore’s protective outer coat allows the bacteria to survive the acidic environment of the stomach and travel on to the ideal environment of the intestines.

Another unique quality of Bacillus coagulans is that it produces a very specific type of non-dairy lactic acid. Not only is this of interest to those individuals looking for dairy- free products, but this type of lactic acid is considered to have the highest bioavailability and therefore health benefits for the body.

Other advantages of Bacillus coaguluns compared with other common probiotics include:

heat stable up to 50 degrees Celsius; therefore no refrigeration required. It is more likely to survive shipping and travel – making it portable and convenient – you can keep a bottle in your purse or briefcase
has very high lactic acid producing capabilities, which inhibits pathogen growth
the lactic acid produced is “right spinning lactic acid”, which eliminates the risk of metabolic acidosis – this is not the case for L. acidophilus (2)
has a high proliferation rate once it reaches the intestines
There are many good Bacillus coaguluns supplements on the market. A brand with the added benefit of FOS is available at the Vibrant Health Centre (3 Claremont Drive).

I hope this month’s tip has highlighted the importance of nurturing the population of beneficial bacteria in the gut. It is one of the basic foundations of promoting good health.

References:

http://www.womentowomen.com/digestionandgihealth/dysbiosis.aspx
Nutregram, Summer 2007, IONC
Health and Nutrition Secrets that Can Save Your Life, Russell L. Blaylock, M.D., Health Press, Albuquerque NM, 2002
The Great Physician’s Rx: Seven Keys to Unlock your Health Potential, Jordan Rubin and David Remedios, M.D., Nelson Books, Nashville Tennessee, 2005
The All-In-One-Guide to Natural Remedies and Supplements, D. Marshall et al, Adi, Gaia, Esalen Publications Inc, Niagara Falls, NY, 2000
Alternatives, Volume 9, No.20, Dr. David Williams, 2003

At this time of year, I am frequently asked about the effectiveness of various detoxification products and protocols. It is definitely a good idea to do some spring cleaning of the body (mind and soul too!); however, before undertaking a detox program, it is important to support the body’s eliminative channels.

Why is this important? A detoxification program stimulates the body’s tissues to release various toxins – it “puts out the garbage” so to speak. When working properly, the eliminative channels act as sanitation engineers, collecting and disposing of the “garbage”.

Can you imagine what would happen if every household in your neighbourhood started putting out more garbage than usual and the sanitation engineers couldn’t handle the extra work load?

Garbage would start piling up and rotting, compromising the condition of your neighbourhood. The same can happen to the body when we detoxify before considering the health of our eliminative channels.

So, what exactly are the eliminative channels of the body? Most of us are familiar with the more common ones, such as the colon/large intestine, the lungs, the kidneys, the lymphatic system/lymph nodes and the liver. There is one other very important eliminative channel that is often overlooked, and that is the skin.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and is responsible for approximately 25% of the body’s daily detoxification. For an average adult, the skin weighs 6 pounds and covers approximately 2 square yards of surface area! It is often called the “third kidney” due to its important eliminative role.

A very beneficial practice that promotes the health of the skin and encourages circulation to the skin so that it can carry out its eliminative role is daily dry skin brushing.

Dry skin brushing is quick and easy. It requires 5 minutes of your time and a natural bristle brush (pictured below). Here’s how to do it:

It is best done immediately before a morning shower or bath – the skin must be dry and the body fully naked
Using small circular motions, start by brushing the sole of one foot, then the other (it may be a good idea to do this part sitting down)
Next, brushing one leg at a time, start at the toes and move upwards to the ankle, then the shin/calf, then the upper leg/thigh (it may be a good idea to stay seated to do the area between the ankles and the calves)
Next, brush up the stomach and buttock areas
Continue dry skin brushing in this manner, working up the front, side and back of the torso, always keeping the direction of brushing towards the heart
Next, do the arms, one at a time. Hold the arm you are brushing up and outwards (above the heart) and brush from the fingertips up the hand towards the wrist
Continue up the arm, brushing the area between the wrist and elbow first, then move up to the upper arm, brushing from the elbow up to the shoulder
Finish by brushing the upper chest area from the shoulder towards the heart

When you are dry skin brushing, make sure you cover the entire surface area of the body part you are brushing. You may repeat the same area one or two times. Use moderate pressure – it should not hurt – in fact, it should feel wonderful! Lighten the pressure around sensitive areas such as the breasts and neck. Do not brush the nipples or the face. While there are special, softer brushes for the face, you can simply use a clean, dry face cloth and use the same circular “brushing” motion all over the face, applying light pressure.

Always avoid areas of broken skin and/or any areas affected by rashes that can be spread by contact, such as poison ivy and poison oak.

Remember to always brush towards the heart.

Once you are finished dry skin brushing your entire body, take a shower to wash off the dead skin cells and any toxins that have been brought to the surface. As an extra health benefit, try ending your shower with 3 short cycles of hot and cold water. Avoid being too extreme with the temperature cycles – while you want to notice a difference in the water temperature, you also don’t want to shock yourself with scalding hot and freezing cold water. Make the experience enjoyable so you will do it! These hot/cold cycles will further invigorate the skin by stimulating circulation, bringing more blood to the outer layers of the skin.

In addition to supporting the skin’s eliminative function, daily dry skin brushing will leave your skin looking and feeling healthier, as it removes dead skin cells and promotes cell renewal. It also supports the health of the lymphatic system, another important eliminative channel.

A few other suggestions that are beneficial for the skin include:

Drinking plenty of pure water and eating high water foods (e.g. watermelon, cucumbers, celery)
Ensuring adequate amounts of essential fatty acids (e.g. omega-3) via food and/or supplements
Wearing clothes made of natural fibres
Avoiding anti-perspirants. They block the skin’s eliminative function, therefore putting stress on other eliminative channels. Many commercial brands also contain aluminum, which should be avoided. Use a natural deodorant stick instead.
Activities that promote sweating such as brisk exercise, saunas or steam baths
Massage
Epsom salt baths (no longer than 20 minutes). Epsom salt baths are also beneficial for the lymphatic system
Note that the skin is equally efficient at absorbing toxins as it is at excreting them, so be careful what you put on your skin! My rule: If I wouldn’t eat it, I avoid putting it on my skin. High quality coconut oil is my year-round body lotion and bath oil.

High quality, natural bristle brushes and coconut oil are available at very reasonable prices at both my locations.

Finally, I would also suggest getting a filter that takes the chlorine out your shower and bath water. Some sources claim that during a 10-minute hot shower, more chlorine is absorbed into the body compared with the amount that is absorbed by drinking 8 glasses of the same water. This is because during the shower, in addition to being absorbed through the skin, the chlorine in the water evaporates into a noxious gas which is inhaled.

You can purchase a wide variety of water filters for your shower, bath and drinking water at WaterMart, located in Bells Corners in the Town Hall Plaza, 3825 Richmond Road, 613-768-9676. (www.watermartonline.com). Their knowledgeable staff will help you find the products that best fit your water usage and budget.

I hope you will make dry skin brushing a part of your daily personal care routine.

Enjoy!