Editor's Letter

October 2022

Dear readers,

This fall, Naturopathic Currents shares a selection of inspiring articles written by our naturopathic doctors.

Dr Rob Ayoup continues with his specialty, aesthetics. His discussion encompasses common ingredients in cosmetics, their effects on the skin and health while giving readers critical information to choose safe products.

Dr Ludovic Brunel returns us to the new reality of discussing the long-term effects of Covid-19.

Dr Krista Mackay presents the extraordinary anti-cancer properties of various medicinal mushrooms, and their benefits as adjuvants to conventional treatments.

Dr Farnoush Khodarahmi sheds light on the importance of our rhythm of life on the endocrine and nervous system balance of the body. She explores the symptoms of ADHD in adults, their links with hypothyroidism and the fundamental role of a balanced circadian cycle to prevent these disorders.

Finally, Mélanie Kusznireckyj offers a practical article on the proper use of essential oils, plant extracts which are powerful, effective, and require special attention regarding their handling.

Thank you to all our contributors for the rich source of information presented by Naturopathic Currents, and thanks to you, curious and involved readers.

On behalf of the entire NPC team, happy autumn, and happy reading!

Guillaume Landry, MS, Naturopath
Editor-In-Chief

May 2022

Dear readers,

Thanks for taking the time to explore our spring edition. We’re pleased to share an interesting selection of topics skillfully written by our naturopathic collaborators.

Dr Rob Ayoup, a seasoned ambassador of aesthetic naturopathy, offers an article on the issue of sensitive skin. He presents various triggers of dermatological symptoms, expands on the proper use of cosmetic products, and highlights original and beneficial active ingredients for skin health, such as ceramides, panthenol, allantoin, or even bakuchiol.

Dr Ludovic Brunel takes stock of the impact diabetes has on our collective health. He recalls in his article the readily available nutritional and lifestyle tools, as well as the plants and nutraceuticals to be used (myo-inositol, curcumin, resveratrol, cinnamon, and alpha-lipoic acid) to improve the health of people with diabetes.

Dr Krista Mackay completes her first article on the immune benefits of friendly bacteria, with a summary of their benefits for gastrointestinal health, particularly in the case of dysbiosis with irritable bowel syndrome, for cardiometabolic health, and especially for mental health investigating the gut-brain axis. She discusses the usefulness of probiotics for treatment of anxiety, depression, or autism.

Dr Farnoush Khodarahmi investigates a significant cause of hypothyroidism, oral contraceptives. She explains the hormonal link of possible thyroid dysfunction in the presence of the active molecules of contraceptive drugs, and expands on two pillars of nutraceutical supplementation for thyroid health, zinc and vitamin D3.

Finally, Dr Felicia Assenza shares with us her follow-up of a clinical case of chronic fatigue over a one-year period and how she was able to help a patient with apathy and depression transform to experience vitality, self-control, and happiness.

Thank you to all the naturopaths who have contributed to this rich source of information in Naturopathic Currents, and to our inquisitive and involved readers.

On behalf of the entire NC team, enjoy spring and happy reading!

Guillaume Landry, MS, Naturopath
Editor-In-Chief

January 2022

Dear readers,

May this year of discovery with Naturopathic Currents reflect renewal and vitality. Our inaugural edition for 2022 features articles penned by naturopathic doctors driven by the desire to communicate their knowledge.

Dr. Rob Ayoup shares an article on vitiligo and the preventive and therapeutic approaches commonly offered. It evokes clinically proven natural solutions to improve this particularly challenging condition, including omega 3, nigella, polypodium and other antioxidants.

Anxiety is discussed in Dr. Kreps' article, which exposes various methods of naturopathic evaluation of this mental disorder that is increasingly prevalent in society. Lifestyle habits, plants and nutraceuticals such as lavender, inositol and ashwagandha are reviewed.

In this introduction focused on immune and gastrointestinal health, Dr. Mackay brilliantly explores the delicate exercise of summarizing the immense therapeutic scope of probiotics. Have a good trip to the land of beneficial bacteria! Part 2 to follow.

No doubt you have already heard of SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth) – a major suspect in the pathogenesis of various gastrointestinal disorders more or less "idiopathic" – including the all-too-common IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Dr. Pawlick highlights symptoms and causes and explains naturopathic tests and methods to remedy them.

If it is an essential ally for natural health, it is the very universal mushroom. Dr. Wu delves into the wide range of properties that medicinal mushrooms deliver to the delight of practitioners of all disciplines.

Thank you to the naturopaths who contributed to this rich source of information offered by Naturopathic Currents.

Finally, on behalf of the NPC team, I wish you all the best for 2022

Happy reading!

Guillaume Landry, MS, Naturopath
Editor-In-Chief

October 2021

Dear readers,

Like the mosaic colours autumn brings, diversity is highlighted in our current edition. Our selection of topics will no doubt pique your interest for a relaxing read on a crisp fall afternoon.

Dr. Ludovic Brunel explores Lyme disease, a misunderstood illness transmitted by ticks carrying the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. He shares the delicate diagnostic and therapeutic approach to remedy this disease from a clinical point of view.

Hair and scalp health is a popular topic of interest for most of us, especially as we age. Dr. Rob Ayoup delves deep with a scientific review of topical, naturopathic agents to stimulate hair regrowth and the maintenance of a healthy scalp.

In the same vein of “healthy aging,” Dr. Emily Gale explores the most recent breakthroughs in nutraceuticals dedicated to longevity.

Dr. Katie DeGroot highlights the effective blend of tradition and technology by explaining in detail the physiological mechanisms and benefits of electroacupuncture. Her clinical focus on pain management is a relevant topic for all.

Finally, to complete our naturopathic journey, Dr. Melanie Kusznireckyj offers us an in-depth reflection on the importance of equanimity for mental health, as well as personal and social development. Her meditative detour through the body-mind spine of health serves to nurture resilience, peace, and joy.

Thanks for sharing some time with us,

Naturally yours,

Guillaume Landry, MS, Naturopath
Editor-In-Chief

June 2021

Planetary health is inseparable from our own health. Taking care of yourself also involves investing in a sustainable environment and lifestyle for our blue planet. Access to unspoiled nature that contributes to mental health; to air quality that can prevent the 8.8 million annual deaths stemming from atmospheric pollution; to water that is truly drinkable, free from microplastics, hormones, pesticides, fluoride, etc. are all necessities that we must preserve to stay healthy.

Recently, the citizens of the earth celebrated World Biodiversity Day, and we are pleased to offer you in this latest edition of Naturopathic Currents, an article by Dr. Felicia Assenza on the naturopathic uses of common garden weeds such as dandelion, plantain & nettle, which are often unwanted and unappreciated plants, but which really are all gems when it comes to biodiversity and medicinal benefits.

Dr. Rob Ayoup continues to amaze us with his naturopathic expertise in healthy and therapeutic aesthetics, through a presentation on both the medicinal and anti-aging properties of exotic vegetable oils. The benefits of baobab, pomegranate, neem, goji and more will be examined in this detailed review.

In his second installment on cardiorespiratory fitness, Dr David Duizer dives into the tools available to everyone to benefit from an adapted and effective physical activity. He also describes classic training programs that allow you to achieve your personal health goals. Look out for your VO2MAX!

Dr. Stephanie Ogura brings to the forefront the benefits of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) for cognitive faculty and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Ogura reports on recent clinical studies regarding MCTs, which confirm the important potential of these fatty acids for Alzheimer's disease, brain health and general vitality.

Finally, Jacqueline Van der Made, 4th year resident at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), offers a summary of a recent article on the tenuous links between oral and intestinal microbiomes, and the major role of dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of many diseases.

Happy reading!

Guillaume Landry, MS, Naturopath
Editor-In-Chief

May 2021

Dear Readers,

It is again with great pleasure that I invite you to discover the articles in our latest online publication. In this edition you will find a variety of exciting naturopathic topics that are all equally fascinating!

It is with enthusiasm that we welcome a new contributor this month, Dr. Duizer, who uses a particularly original tool in his practice: cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) evaluation. Dr. Duizer discusses the cardiopulmonary exercise test and how its results provide valuable recommendations in both preventative health measures and in naturopathic treatments.

An expert in "naturopathic aesthetics", Dr. Ayoup continues to teach us, in detail and through the eye of natural medicine, about the science of cosmetology as it applies to wellness. With the summer months being upon us, Dr. Ayoup has chosen to revisit sunscreens while focusing on natural ingredients, amongst other things, to help prevent skin aging by the sun. There is no ‘we’ in summer. Only ‘u’ and ‘me’

Greenery is on the menu with Dr. Zorn who will review the benefits of green leafy vegetables by demonstrating their clinically proven effects for a wide spectrum of health conditions, whether they be cardiovascular, hormonal or even mental. Long live Kale cabbage, broccoli and all their sidekicks!

Another article you will love is by Dr. Assenza who walks us through the clinical journey of one of her chronic knee pain patients with whom she treats with acupuncture. This case study with a very positive outcome is interesting because it is a clear demonstration of the patient ultimately gaining a more holistic awareness of her health. A fine example of a naturopathic hike in the land of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Finally, Dr. Kusznireckyj offers us a gentle reflection on happiness and the simple naturopathic tools that we have at our disposal to cultivate it. This article will teach you a lot about the symphony of neurotransmitters that physiologically define happiness and its sensations.

Happy reading!

Guillaume Landry, MS, Naturopath
Editor-In-Chief

Editorial February 2021

Dear Readers,

Unless you voluntarily isolate yourself from any source of news such as during Vipassana-type retreats, which are particularly beneficial in reducing depression, anxiety, stress and improving the quality of life of participants1, it does not seem like we can go a day without being overwhelmed with information about the pandemic and the vaccine role out.

This month Dr. Brunel reviews vaccination with a naturopathic eye. He shows how lifestyle, good nutrition as well as the use of plants and nutraceuticals are crucial factors not only in fighting infections naturally but also in optimizing vaccine response.

Dr. Brown, intestinal health specialist and author of a recently published book on the topic, revisits intestinal permeability—the leaky gut—a critical point when it comes to immunity; whether it is related to autoimmune processes or infection.  The Saccharomyces Boulardii strain of probiotics will be of particular interest in this article.

The balance of the microbiota will not have escaped the notice of Dr. Khodarahmi, who in his article on body composition, revisits nutritional and behavioural tools as well as herbal options that aid in weight loss

Dr. Assenza looks at a less popular but clinically crucial subject: kidney health.  Guardians of the body’s homeostasis these organs are essential! Dr. Assenza looks at simple, natural means, as well as the plants and supplements at our disposal that can help ensure the kidney’s proper functioning.

Finally, how could we go through February without looking at the heart. In her article Dr. Ogura reviews various naturopathic options to support cardiovascular health: “sunny” diets, restoring sleep, invigorating moods, calming baths and forests … so many ways to make the heart beat! And Dr. Ogura has not forgotten to include the essential Omega 3, Resveratrol and Garlic.

Enjoy your reading,

Guillaume Landry, MS, Naturopath
Editor-In-Chief

Dear Readers, dear Contributors,

Resilience: it may well be what defines our transition into 2021. Our patience, our ability to adapt, and our capacity to recover are all put to the test. When it comes down to our health, it is essential to promote healthy lifestyles, good nutrition, and natural health products that support our immune strength.

In this first 2021 edition, Dr. Brunel brings us his point of view on our capacity for resilience and on the various means to nurture this ability in an effective and sustainable way, especially with adaptogens.

Following on the same trend, Dr. Khodarhami presents an increasingly common ailment: Adrenal fatigue, its peculiarities, its various manifestations, and—of course—the naturopathic tools available to us to improve this health condition.

Dr. Brown explores gluten and its impact on our gastrointestinal health and overall vitality. She looks at some of the factors contributing to gluten sensitivity and discusses the importance of avoiding gluten and allergenic foods in fighting autoimmune processes. More information on Dr. Brown’s new book.

Dr. Ogura takes us into the little-known and fascinating subject of “AGEs”: advanced glycation end‑products. She describes their involvement in certain chronic and degenerative diseases and explains how to reduce their effects using naturopathic options.

Finally, I offer you an overview of zinc, an amazing multifunctional mineral. Like that of vitamins C and D or of herbs used in immune support, zinc popularity has skyrocketed in the past year. I discuss its role in the immune and hormonal systems, with a few words on the importance of properly using this important trace element.

Best wishes, and happy reading.

Guillaume Landry, MS, Naturopath

Editor-In-Chief

Dear readers,

I am very pleased to announce the editorial resumption of Naturopathic Currents, with new articles from naturopathic doctors, all in a newly revamped website which we will continue to improve for your reading pleasure.

To conclude 2020, which will no doubt go down in the books as one of a kind, we offer you a selection of articles that will more than likely resonate this holiday season.

Immunity is on everyone’s lips, and many are interested in ways to strengthen their immunity. Dr. Brunel has chosen to share his thoughts and analysis on the “hygiene hypothesis,” which discusses the paradox that infection is necessary to build and improve immunity.

With some time off in the coming weeks, we may be able to have a well-deserved sleep-in or two… Dr. Zarifis looks back at one of the pillars of health: sleep. Her article delves into the links that exist between hormonal balance and sleep. You will discover TSH, cortisol, leptins, ghrelins, insulin, etc.—the daytime and nighttime factors that not only govern sleep, but also body composition.

From Japan to England via India or Morocco, it is always teatime! Dr. Khodarahmi revisits this ancestral beverage with a scientific eye and reminds us of the therapeutic properties of Camelia sinensis and its various green, black, and white’s avatars. Some great infusion classics—such as chamomile, dandelion, and hibiscus—are also seeped and sampled.

With his dermatological expertise, Dr. Ayoup discusses natural solutions for improving facial redness, a common symptom of various skin conditions such as rosacea or acne. His article offers advice on the proper use of cosmetics and on the best choice of topical products for that blushing face.

Finally, Dr. Spector sums up the underlying causes and the crippling consequences of gastric reflux that disturbs the daily lives of a significant percentage of the population, particularly the aging population. Dr. Spector reviews a selection of plants and nutraceuticals essential to improve this all-too-common condition.

Good reading and wishing you great health!

Guillaume Landry

MS, Naturopath

We are entering the second half of our brief, Canadian summer. We hope that all of you have been able to enjoy, in new ways perhaps, the beautiful weather and the company of friends, in smaller numbers than previous perhaps, but in a meaningful way nonetheless. This month we offer another collation of articles designed to help you learn about and improve your health, and overall quality of life.

Dr. Rob Ayoup, ND joins us for another installment in his series on skin health. This month, Dr. Ayoup discusses oral supplements that can help improve skin health and appearance, such as collagen and bioactive polysaccharides.

Kaitlyn Zorn, ND discusses detoxification pathways, and strategies to help support your body remove harmful metabolites and xenobiotics from tissue stores.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza ND examines the role of B- vitamins in the body, and the rationale for taking them as a combined formula. B-vitamins are essential for utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the production of energy; as well as for metabolism of substances such as hormones.

Dr. Sarah Zadek ND discusses the role of healthy bacteria, or the gut micobiome, in the maintenance of good health. She explains our evolving knowledge about the role of these bacteria on gut health, immunity, and brain health. She delves into the respective roles of prebiotics and probiotics.

Finally, Dr. Farnoush Khodarahmi, ND writes about the etiology and management of menopausal hot flashes. Dr. Khodarahmi discusses natural strategies for safely minimizing the effect of hot flashes on your quality of life.

Thank you to all our contributors!

In health,
Dr. Heidi Fritz, MA, ND

During this time of covid, social distancing measures and great changes to our way of life have impacted the mental health of many. In this issue, we offer two perspectives on anxiety, as well as other topics.

Dr. Farnoush Khodarahmi, ND discusses depression and anxiety, including recognizing symptoms, as well as lifestyle changes and supplement approaches that can be helpful. Despite increasing awareness about mental health, it may still surprise you to find out that depression is the second most common diagnosis in a community medical practice.

Dr. Felicia Assenza, ND addresses childhood anxiety. Dr. Assenza discusses the causes of anxiety in children, the role of parents, as well as some behavioral changes that may help reduce anxiety in children.

Dr. Elena Zarifis, BSc.(Hons), ND shares her insights on the gut-lung axis, including the lung microbiome. Dr. Zarifis discusses this as a “bidirectional loop between the lungs and gut” as these organs communicate with each other via the microbiome.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza ND writes about non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Dr. DeSouza describes the process of NAFLD and its long term effects, as well as dietary strategies that may help reduce it.

Finally, Dr. Kaitlyn Zorn, ND discusses naturopathic management of nerve injury, specifically types of neuropathy. Dr. Zorn discusses the role of various natural health products/ nutrients as well as acupuncture in the treatment of neuropathy.

We hope you enjoy these contributions!

In health,
Dr. Heidi Fritz, MA, ND

As our period of social distancing continues, we hope to provide some health- promoting and restoring resources for you. We need to counter negativity and isolation with activities that bring us purpose and build us up: gardening, nature walks or even walks around the block where possible, reading improving books, music or some other artistic pursuit. Our issue this month is full of articles to help uplift your mind and body.

Dr. Ann-Marie Regina, ND contributes her thoughts on the topic of anxiety and time spent in nature. The Japanese practice Shinrin-Yoku expresses this idea nicely as “forest bathing.” Dr. Regina gives us tips on how to incorporate this practice into your life.

Dr. Farnoush Khodarahmi, ND explores ways to manage depression, especially with a focus on the broader effects of Covid-19. Dr. Khodarahmi reviews common herbs used to treat anxiety & depression, as well as use of gentle movement such as yoga, meditation, and other lifestyle tools.

Dr. Chelsea Azarcon, ND reviews a novel topic, the role of toxins in the development of type 2 diabetes. Dr. Azarcon reviews the association between exposure to heavy metals, hormone disruptors, and other pollutants, and risk of type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND writes about the role of climate change on human health, including on the spread of infectious diseases, such as Lyme disease, which continues to spread north here in Ontario, Canada.

Finally, Dr. Arlene Dubier, ND reviews naturopathic management of adult acne. Two main contributors include dietary influences and hormonal influences.

We hope you enjoy these contributions!

In health, Dr. Heidi Fritz, MA, ND

In like a lion, out like a…. ? The month of March turned our world as we know it upside down, and has thrust all of us into a time of anxiety, uncertainty, and flux. Opinions abound, yet the one thing we can know for certain is that times like these cause all of us to re-evaluate our priorities, values, and even our own mortality. This is a time to draw close to one another in spirit, and consciously remember to be grateful for all those things that we do still have. I have personally found it helpful to reflect than many of our parent and grandparents lived through worse calamities and survived…. And so will we.

That aside, this month we bring you a fresh collage of articles for your reading pleasure.

Guest contributor Mehdi Chaabi, PhD offers a fascinating paper on the antiviral effects of quercetin, a bioflavonoid that occurs in several vegetables and fruits. This comprehensive article reviews the human and preclinical data on quercetin.

Dr. Rob Ayoup, ND continues his series on the topic of skin health, specifically this month, cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation. Melasma, “age-spots,” and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation are examples of this.

Dr. Arlene Dubier, ND writes about eczema, a type of immune condition directed at the skin. Dr. Dubier discusses dietary strategies as well as supplements including probiotics and vitamin D that can be helpful for eczema.

Dr. Kandis Lock, ND contributes on the topic of fever. Fever is part of the body’s innate immunity to fight infection. Fever reduces the viability of bacteria and viruses, and also activates specialize lymphocytes whose job it is to fight the infection. Dr. Lock discusses gentle therapies to manage fever.

Dr. Maria Shapoval, ND discusses the impact of diet on osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition defined by reduced bone mineral density; typically associated with aging, but may also be caused by gastrointestinal condtions or long term use of certain medications. Dr. Shapoval discusses dietary strategies to improve bone health.

Finally, Dr. Elena Zarifis , ND discusses brain health, specifically the role of “Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF). Dr. Zarifis reviews the list of conditions associated with reduced levels of BDNF, and natural strategies to increase activity of this chemical.

We hope you enjoy these contributions!

In health,
Dr. Heidi Fritz, MA, ND

The arrival of March promises that spring is around the corner. Soon tulips and crocuses will be pushing up through the earth. Have you ever wished you could grow some of your own herbs? This month we start off with a feature article providing tips about how to easily start your own herb garden.

Dr. Felicia Assenza, ND writes “Five Herbs to Start Your Own Medicinal Garden,” including some simple herbs and their medicinal uses. Mint, calendula, oregano, catnip, and Echinacea. Even the worst gardener cannot kill these hardy plants! With some encouragement, you could even branch out to trickier herbs after this…

Dr. Ann-Marie Regina, ND writes on an ever growing and developing topic, the microbiome and its effects on many body systems. Increasingly, scientific research demonstrates the diverse and pervasive effects of the human microbiome. Dr. Regina addresses the gut, brain, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and immune systems.

Dr. Kaitlyn Zorn, ND discusses seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Dr. Zorn talks about diagnosis and non-pharmaceutical treatment strategies including light therapy, diet & lifestyle strategies, nutrients such as vitamin D and fish oils, and herbal medicines such as St. John’s wort and lavender.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND contributes on the topic of sleep and its impact on mental health. It should come as no surprise that altered sleep patterns impact anxiety and depression. Shift workers are also at higher risk of chronic disease including cancer, obesity, and diabetes.

Finally, Dr. Mallory Murray, ND discusses strategies to keep your immune system strong during cold & flu season. Certainly COVID-19 has everyone stocking up on supplies, but supporting your immune function in many of the same ways you would for other viral upper respiratory infections is also important. Dr. Murray discusses the effect of immune supportive vitamins, diet, and proper sleep.

We hope you enjoy these contributions!

In health, Dr. Heidi Fritz, MA, ND

At this point in the year, we are well into the winter and dreaming about spring. It is also heart disease awareness month, and this month you have another chance to put some of those new years resolutions into place. Exercise, healthy eating, stress management…

Metabolic syndrome is a clustering of risk factors such as being overweight, elevated blood sugar, blood pressure, or unhealthy cholesterol that has been shown to increase your risk for heart disease. This month, Dr. Ariel Jones, ND shares her insights on the causes of metabolic syndrome, what it means, and what you can do about it. Drs. Alison Chen, ND and Chris Habib, ND collaborate on a discussion of proper breathing techniques. Measured breathing can help reduce stress and anxiety, and improve energy.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND contributes on the topic of concussion, specifically on its long term consequences. Dr. DeSouza discusses tests and evaluation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion, as well as the role of various nutrients in recovery. Along the same vein, Dr. Kaitlyn Zorn, ND discusses traumatic brain injury, with a focus on the role of specific interventions including diet and supplements.

Finally, Dr. Christine Novokowsky, ND shares her insights on endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting women of reproductive age, characterized typically by very painful periods and premenstrual spotting. Dr. Novokowsky discusses lesser known agents such as N-acetylcysteine and resveratrol.

We hope you enjoy these contributions!

In health, Dr. Heidi Fritz, MA, ND

Fresh beginnings all around: here’s to a new year and a new decade. Will the 2020’s be a new instantiation of the Roaring 20’s? Whatever the zeitgeist, we hope that the 20’s see our readers achieve new personal goals with just enough leisure to savor and enjoy life along the way. This month, we feature a number of topics that we hope will help you accomplish this.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND shares her insights on the health benefits of spiritual practices, specifically prayer. Several studies have documented associations between religious practice and reductions of anxiety and depression. Although this just seems to make sense on the surface, Dr. DeSouza delves into the hormones and neurocircuits that may help explain this.

Dr. Conan Jones, ND examines the health benefits of fasting. There are many forms of fasting, but they all cause the breakdown of glycogen, and some degree of ketosis. Dr. Jones explains how this has been shown to benefit health.

Following in the same stream, Dr. Chris Habib, ND contributes his insights on ketosis and the ketogenic diet. Ketosis has been associated with changes in neurocognitive function as well as metabolic health. Dr. Habib provides some general guidelines as to how one might conduct a ketogenic diet; although it is always recommended to consult a licensed healthcare provider prior to undertaking such an intervention.

Dr. Christine Novokowsky, ND tackles the ever- challenging topic of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Most women suffer from some form of PMS, whether this be related to mood changes, fluid retention, bloating, digestive changes, etc. Dr. Novokowsky shares her insights on the use of herbs and supplements in this area.

Finally, Dr. Kaitlyn Zorn, ND discusses headaches. A number of natural health products and therapies have been shown to benefit headache sufferers, and Dr. Zorn reviews the evidence on each of these topics.

We hope that these topics get you off to good start in 2020!

In health,
Dr. Heidi Fritz, MA, ND

December is here and the Holidays are around the corner. We wish you and your families good health, happy times spent together, and a spirit of peace. This month, our contributors offer updates on the latest topics of interest to you.

Jewel Alfoure, CCNM Graduate shares her insights on persistent depressive disorder (PDD). Dr. Alfoure discusses the differences between this and major depressive disorder, and natural treatment strategies.

Dr. Chelsea Azarcon, NMD discusses the importance of sleep. Sleep deprivation and even altered sleep patterns are associated with a number of health conditions including high blood pressure and metabolic disturbances. Dr. Azarcon suggests that the immune system may play a role in regulating sleep.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND addressed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dr. DeSouza reviews the pharmacology of medications for ADHD and discusses possible causal factors.

Dr. Mallory Murray, ND writes about collagen. Collagen peptides are part of the “glue” that holds our body tissues and organs together. Dr. Murray discusses the benefits of collagen as well as possible food sources.

Finally, Dr. Lisa Matejka, ND reviews the available evidence on the effects of Reiki therapy. This technique appears to have subtle effects on the nervous system that have been quantified in several studies.

A whole hearted Thank You to all of our contributors!

In health,
Dr. Heidi Fritz, MA, ND

November is the month for remembering. Many cultures have feasts in honour of the dead, such as Día de Muerto (literally Day of the Dead) in Mexico; Hallowe’en & All Souls’ Day throughout much of the world; and Remembrance Day in Canada in honour of our fallen soldiers. In agricultural societies, the busy-ness of the summer is over and the crops have been taken in; the wait for winter begins. Our modern world has in some ways lost touch with such cycles, but periodically looking back to take stock seems a healthy practice regardless of time and place, and helps us re-focus. Here at Naturopathic Currents, we want to help you achieve the best version of yourself possible, by supporting your efforts for better health.

Dr. Samantha Bell, ND starts us off with a discussion of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Most commonly, RPL is fraught with hormonal and/ or immunological disturbances. Dr. Bell outlines these factors, and addresses modifiable lifestyle factors as well.

Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND takes a closer look at depression. Mental health illness affects large numbers of people, in particular young people. Dr. Bjorndal discusses influencers of depression among college and university aged young people.

Dr. Ariel Jones, ND examines the gut-brain connection. The impact of the microbiome and intestinal health with brain function is a topic of growing research interest. Dr. Jones discusses this with special attention to depression.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND addresses mitochondrial health. The mitochondria are often called “the powerhouse of the cell,” responsible for cellular energy production. Mitochondrial dysfunction in implicated in a number of conditions, including chronic fatigue & fibromyalgia, as well as neurological conditions.

Finally, Dr. Anne Hussain, ND shares her insights on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Hussain explains the naturopathic perspective on management of this increasingly common syndrome.

A whole hearted Thank You to all of our contributors!

In health,
Dr. Heidi Fritz, MA, ND

As the leaves change autumn is definitely here. Time to kick your immune system into high gear! This month we also strive to remember the blessings we have been gifted and give thanks. In our feature articles this month, we discuss cough and its various etiologies, as well as pain management and fertility… two things we can definitely be grateful for as far as bodily health goes.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND starts us off with an explanation of the different kinds of cough. Most people assume cough means respiratory infection; but did you know if can also be a variant of asthma, post-nasal drip, or acid reflux?

Dr. Felicia Assenza, ND reviews helpful herbs in pain management. These include turmeric, comfrey, boswellia, and even lowly, every-day olive oil. Dr. Kaitlyn Zorn, ND gives us an overview of many nutritional and herbal natural health products used for chronic pain conditions.

Dr. Rob Ayoup, ND continues his series on skin health, this time with a focus on the role of skin surface pH, or acidity. This can be altered in conditions such as eczema and acne.

Finally, Dr. Sarah Zadek, ND examines the importance of the fertile window in managing fertility. The fertile window refers to the time around ovulation during which it is possible to conceive. Many factors play a role, but one of the most critical is the presence of cervical mucus, which is necessary to aid sperm survival and enhance sperm motility. Dr. Zadek discusses techniques to assess and identify this window.

We hope you enjoy these contributions!

In health, Dr. Heidi Fritz, MA, ND

It’s back to school and back to routine. For some, the regularity of a schedule can make it easier to maintain good health habits and sleep routine. We hope you are one amongst that category. Here at Naturopathic Currents, we bring you new information from experts in the field of naturopathic medicine. This month we have a focus on fertility, conception, and postpartum.

Dr. Maria Shapoval, ND shares her insights on the health benefits of breastfeeding, in particular the constituents of breastmilk and how specific of these known components promote the health of specific organ systems. Of course we should not forget that there is a lot we don’t know about breastmilk, and there are probably many benefits we may not yet recognize.

Dr. Heather Robinson, ND explains the importance of the hormone, progesterone. Dr. Robinson discusses the role of progesterone, symptoms of deficiency, and what some of the underlying reasons may be for such a deficiency.

Dr. Sarah Zadek, ND discusses the importance of pre-conception care, and how you can improve the health of the egg in order to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. The three months prior to conception are also a critical period in determining the health characteristics of the baby.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND discusses the gut-brain connection, often described as the gut-brain axis. Essentially, the state of the microbiota in the intestinal system and the presence of inflammatory cytokines and mediators produced in the gut impact brain function including brain-fog, poor concentration, anxiety and depression.

Finally, Dr. Conan Jones, ND weighs in on the topic of seizures, including triggers and naturopathic treatment strategies.

We thank all our contributors for sharing their knowledge

In health, Dr. Heidi Fritz, MA, ND

We hope our readers are enjoying these glorious hot days of summer. Here at Naturopathic Currents, we continue pumping out high quality health focused content! This month, we focus on the immune system (allergies), sleep, brain health, and an article on statin medications.

Dr. Kaitlyn Zorn, ND shares her insights regarding naturopathic management of allergies, with a focus on environmental allergens. Dr. Zorn discusses dietary and supplement strategies to lower inflammation and histamine production & activity. Dr. Priscilla Tang, ND also joins the discussion with an article on allergies, lifestyle, diet, and supplements.

Dr. Conan Jones, ND writes about the most neglected health determinant: sleep. Dr. Jones discusses some behavioral and supplemental strategies to help improve sleep quality.

Dr. Christine Novokowsky, ND discusses dietary strategies to offset age-related cognitive health and brain changes. Dr. Novokowsky compares the Mediterranean diet, the MIND diet, and the ketogenic diet.

Finally, Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND reviews the side effects of commonly used statin medications – a cholesterol lowering medication. Dr. DeSouza discusses naturopathic strategies to help reduce these side effects.

Thank you to our contributors for their fine work.
 

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

May is a month of transitions… gardeners are preparing the soil and planting first crops, newborn wildlife is emerging, and children and teachers both are envisioning summer vacation. This month at Naturopathic Currents, we feature a range of new topic for our readership.

Dr. Samantha Bell, ND joins us for a discussion of the postpartum period; this time is often called “the fourth trimester” as it in may ways still resembles the dependency of the baby in utero. Dr. Bell describes some normal experiences postpartum and why some of these changes occur physiologically. A must read for new or expecting moms.

Dr. Lachlan Crawford, ND writes about depression and its biological causes. Certainly depression is multifactorial and causes vary between individuals. Dr. Crawford elaborates on these factors and discusses how naturopathic strategies may help.

Dr. Sarah Zadek ND discusses pelvic floor therapy for urinary incontinence. (This is also a must read for new or expecting moms!) Doing these exercises correctly is also important!

Dr. Christine Novokowsky, ND writes about acne vulgaris. Did you know that acne is caused in part not only by sex hormones such as testosterone, but also by hormones including insulin and stress hormones such as corticotropin releasing hormone? And of course, diet and the health of the gut have an important role.

Finally, Dr. Conan Jones, ND shares his insights on diagnosing hormonal conditions. The interplay of hormones is complex, and sometimes disorders resemble each other. Dr. Jones reviews major categories of these conditions.

Thank you to all of our contributors!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

Spring has sprung! Or so we hope by the time you read this! Let us all soak in the hope, optimism, and evidence of new life that naturally abounds this time of year. This month, we offer you the most up-to-date information and current thought from the best minds in natural medicine.

Dr. Conan Jones, ND heads up our line up with a bird’s eye view discussion on the use of naturopathic nutritional medicine in the treatment & prevention of chronic disease.

Dr. Bianca Despotides, ND provides a practical and insightful discussion of stress management from the perspective of harnessing sensory experiences. Used properly, each of the five senses can be gateways to modulating our physical response to stress. Dr. Chris Habib, ND writes about modulating our emotions through diet, lifestyle, and use of natural health products. Stress is a fact of life, but it can be managed in healthy or less-healthy ways.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND shares her insights on multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease. Dr. DeSouza ND discusses factors in the development of this disease, and ways that naturopathic medicine may help.

Finally, Dr. Sarah Zadek, ND discusses the link between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition thought to affect 10% of women, and non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD). The connector is the hormone insulin. Dr. Zadek discusses in depth how this impacts these conditions and how to treat it.

Thank you to all of our contributors!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

As we huddle inside and wait hopefully for spring, we want to keep you brushed up on the latest in health & wellness. This month we take a look at timely topics such as the “flu,” hormones, mood, pain, and more.

Earlier this winter, public health officers were talking about a return of the H1N1 influenza strain. Indeed it seems to have been a more severe flu season than usual. This month, Dr. Bianca Despotides, ND discusses some simple strategies to prevent and treat the flu.

Dr. Ashley Kowalski, ND shares an analysis of hormonal imbalances, and discusses causes of imbalance ranging from diet, obesity, xenoestrogens (that is, “foreign estrogens” in the environment), and menopause. Natural strategies can be effective in restoring balance to this area.

Dr. Aoife Earls, MSc, ND discusses the importance of appropriately managing negative emotions. Contrary to popular belief, negative emotions can be a warning sign, and suppressing them can be harmful for emotional and physical health.

Dr. Sarah Penney, ND writes about types of arthritis and the effect of therapeutic exercise. Although exercise can be challenging when one is suffering from joint pain, studies show that maintaining some form of regular exercise can actually reduce symptoms of the disease and reduce inflammation.

Finally, Dr. Lara Spector ND shares her insights on recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI), both with respect to naturopathic strategies as well as its link to digestive health and dysbiosis – imbalance in the gut bacteria.

Thank you to all of our contributors!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

We are in the middle of a deep cold in southern Ontario and elsewhere, but we have some topical reading material to help keep your mind limber.

This month, Dr. Rob Ayoup, ND joins us for discussion of winter skin care. His article, entitled “Beating the winter itch,” reviews considerations for dry winter skin, including the three types of moisturizers and ingredients to help promote a health skin barrier.

Dr. Aoife Earls, MSc, ND discusses the gut-joint axis, reviewing the importance of gastrointestinal health for inflammatory conditions such as the various kinds of arthritis. Dr. Earls examines the roles of food sensitivities, the microbiome, and stress on the gut-joint axis.

Dr. Effy Germanis, ND, R.Ac picks up the topic with an article examining the role of the microbiome in digestive function.

Dr. Ashley Kowalski, ND contributes an article reviewing a condition called Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO. This is a type of bacterial overgrowth in the gastrointestinal system and has been associated with a host of digestive and non-digestive problems.

Finally, Dr. Alison Chen, ND joins us with an article entitled “Edible Toxins,” with tips on how to limit toxins and contaminants from various dietary sources, including processed foods, seafood, sugars, etc.

We hope you enjoy this winter reading!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

Happy New Year to our authors & readers! Although we have many “new starts” throughout the year, January 1st is an obvious time to take store of the year that was, and set about the upcoming year with a healthy combination of optimism and realism. It is also a time to harness our enthusiasm to help us make changes we know we need to do. At Naturopathic Currents, we seek to help support you in sustaining healthful change.

This month, Dr. George Cho ND appropriately starts us off by discussing lifestyle change and its role in medicine & healing. It is estimated that up to two thirds of disease is attributable to lifestyle factors. How’s that for motivation?

Dr. Duncan Heard ND discusses heart disease and lifestyle factors that contribute. Dr. Heard discusses the cholesterol controversy, following its historical progression.

Dr. Anne Hussain ND examines the role of hormones in healthy looking skin. Hormones are a complex web, but Dr. Hussain breaks down the roles of thyroid hormones, sex hormones, stress hormones, and more. She discusses dietary, supplemental, and hygienic strategies to help balance hormones.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza ND writes about the treatment and prevention of diverticular disease. Although a common condition, there are limited pharmaceutical options. Dr. DeSouza describes dietary strategies that can help.

Finally, Dr. Amanda Ng ND discusses types of arthritis, including inflammatory or autoimmune arthritis, as well as degenerative or “osteo-“ arthritis. Dr. Ng reviews commonly utilized naturopathic strategies including acupuncture and anti-inflammatory supplements.

Happy reading!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

This month we can finally all settle in, for sure, for real winter weather and Holiday cheer. We hope you can enjoy several hours by the fire with a mug of cocoa, or glass of resveratrol. Both fine antioxidants. To accompany you, we offer a selection of reading.

Heading up our line up, Dr. Amanda Ng, ND shares her approaches to managing acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Few people know that even in the absence of experiencing heartburn discomfort, GERD can be the underlying cause of chronic cough and hoarseness, even laryngitis. As naturopathic doctors like to say, “When in doubt, treat the gut.”

Dr. Alison Chen, ND writes about some top foods that are a common cause of food sensitivities. Do you know the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity?

Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND shares her insights into the challenging area of smoking cessation. Tobacco is recognized as the number one preventable cause of cancer, and quitting smoking can rapidly improve the health of even long-time smokers.

Dr. Natalie Mulligan, ND discusses eating disorders, including how to recognize them, and how they differ from a healthy relationship with food.

Finally, Dr. Philip Rouchotas, MSc, ND reviews the science on curcumin for diabetes. Typically thought of for its anti-inflammatory effects, the role of curcumin in diabetes is still not well known.

Thank you to all of our contributors!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

This month, we feature a range of contributions set to pique your interest.

Dr. Rob Ayoup, ND shares his knowledge of naturopathic aesthetics in his discussion of acne, with an emphasis on skin care products including moisturizers, toners, and how to choose a good product. Dr. Ayoup emphasizes the importance of maintaining good skin barrier function, and which ingredients can help.

Dr. George Cho, ND writes about the health implications of alcohol consumption. Although current recommendations are for no more than approximately 2 drinks a day for men, and 1 for women, Dr. Cho argues that these recommendations may even be too high. For those who perhaps needed a bit of encouragement to curb your enjoyment, this may be a helpful paper.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND provides us with a bird’s eye view of inflammation. This fraught word is used to describe processes involved in many chronic diseases from colitis to eczema to cardiovascular disease to cancer. Dr. DeSouza discusses some of the modifiable contributors to this process.

Dr. Sarah Zadek (King) ND writes about a condition called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which is a severe form of PMS that begins as early as two weeks before your period, and involves affective symptoms such as depression. Dr. King discusses naturopathic treatment approaches.

Finally, Dr. Louise Wilson, ND (inactive) shares an original analysis on the health benefits of gardening, an activity that is both health promoting in its yields (organic veggies) as well as in its pursuit! Dr. Wilson reviews some of the research on this subject.

Thank you to all of our contributors!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

October is a gorgeous month in Ontario. The crisp air, hills resplendent in bright colours, and an occasional wisp of smoke rising from an indoor fire. It sounds picturesque, but this is what many of us will enjoy over Thanksgiving if we are so blessed as to get out of the city of a while! Lots to be thankful for…

This month, Dr. Evan McCarvill ND leads us off with a discussion of rheumatoid arthritis. Naturopathic care can change the course of this often debilitating disease. Dr. McCarvill provides a very comprehensive overview of this disease.

On the topic of nutrition, Dr. George Cho ND discusses protein adequacy for those following vegetarian diets. Dr. Cho discusses issues such as protein quality and complete proteins, and digestibility. Dr. Michelle Lo, ND writes about foods that can be used to aid electrolyte replacement.

On the topic of women’s health, Dr. Sarah King ND writes about something called “hypothalamic amenorrhea.” This is defined as the loss of a menstrual cycle in the absence of structural problems, caused by weight loss, intense exercise, and high levels of psychological stress. This causes the brain to shut down hormones that drive ovulation. Dr. King discusses naturopathic strategies for this condition. Finally, Dr. Laura Tummon Simmons ND reviews a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where a variety of factors cause irregular ovulatory function. Dr. Tummon Simmons reviews the physiology of PCOS and illumines some of the naturopathic approaches for this.

Thank you to all of our contributors!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

September is here, and everyone is heading back to their routines. This is a great time to undertake your health goals with new enthusiasm and commitment. This month, we offer you articles on topics related to women’s health as well as specific strategies for nutrient optimization.

Dr. Sarah King ND shares with us her insights on interpreting PAP test results. This test screens women for risk of cervical cancer based on the presence of abnormal cells called cervical dysplasia. However with so many stages, the real meaning of these results can be difficult for women to grasp.

Next, Dr. Laura Tummon Simmons ND writes about a condition called endometriosis. This condition is characterized by severe period pain or dysmenorrhea, and tends to be poorly understood in its cause. Dr. Tummon Simmons shares her thoughts on how to manage this endometriosis.

Dr. Amanda Ng, ND discusses the management of urinary tract infections. This can be a recurring problem for susceptible women. Natural strategies to prevent UTIs can help reduce symptoms as well as the requirements for antibiotics.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND shares her knowledge on the health benefits of antioxidants, either as included through diet or through supplementation. Dr. DeSouza also discusses benefits as related to a number of chronic health conditions.

Last but not least, Dr. Evan McCarvill, ND writes about the benefits of naturopathic intravenous (IV) therapies. The use of vitamins and minerals in high doses through IV can be helpful for a variety of conditions ranging from fatigue, immune support, asthma, migraine, fibromyalgia, etc, as well as for cancer. Naturopathic doctors trained in IV therapies can formulate the treatments best suited for each patients based on their health concerns.

Happy reading!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

We hope all of our readers are gearing up for an exciting summer! Here in southern Ontario, we are simply happy to be finally rid of the ice and snow! At Naturopathic Currents, we are excited to bring you the latest on natural approaches to health.

Dr. Sarah King, ND writes about pregnancy changes… for your mouth! Yes, that’s right: how pregnancy results in changes to your dental and oral health. It seems no aspect of a woman’s health is untouched by the effects of pregnancy!

Dr. Evan McCarvill, ND writes about candida. For those who don’t know, candida is a yeast species that grows in the human gastrointestinal tract. Imbalances between candida species and surrounding flora can result in an array of unwelcome digestive symptoms.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND shares her insights on the pervasive topic of adrenal fatigue. In short, this describes the condition of “burnout,” and its associated stages with respect to adrenal hormone production. This has got to be one of the most common conditions seen in practice by naturopathic doctors.

Dr. Jeanny Kim, ND explains the range of health benefits associated with the essential trace mineral, magnesium. From asthma, migraine, and cardiovascular disease, magnesium exerts a number of important effects.

Finally, Dr. George Cho, ND summarizes some of the findings from research conducted on the “Blue zones” around the world, a handful of rural areas around the globe where traditional lifestyles are still adhered to. Not surprisingly, researchers have found that these communities demonstrate considerably lower rates of chronic disease. Dr. Cho discusses diet in light of these findings.

Happy reading!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

November is upon us, a month often grey and dreary. It is often a time when those suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) begin feeling changes. Indeed, dwindling daylight affects all of us to some extent. This month our contributors focus on aspects of mental health.

Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND writes about mental health and its determinants including dietary, lifestyle, and psychological factors. A factor all too often overlooked includes sleep. More and more research is demonstrating the impact that sleep exerts on all areas of health, but especially mental health.

Dr. Sarah King, ND covers a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PMDD, a condition characterized by depression in the week or two leading up to menses. This type of depression obviously has strong hormonal associations.

Dr. Anne Hussain, ND shares her insights on some of the common uses of lavender. This aromatic herb possesses a number of therapeutic properties, and has been the subject of quite a number of studies.

Dr. Natalie Mulligan, ND shares her insight on eating disorders. Eating disorders are notoriously difficult to treat, and Dr. Mulligan shares an overview of naturopathic therapies as well as psychological therapies that may be helpful.

Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND discusses ways to improve energy levels. Although not the same thing, we often observe a close association between energy and mood. They tend to improve and deteriorate together. Dr. DeSouza discusses common herbs and nutrients that can help give you an extra boost!

Finally, Dr. Alison Chen, ND discusses the role of fish oil with respect to physical performance. Did you know that fish oil decreases exercise induced muscle damage? This is an important factor in recovery and muscle repair. An example of just one factoid shared by Dr. Chen…

Thank you to all of our contributors this month!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

The seasons they are a-changing, and here at Naturopathic Currents we are starting to mentally prepare ourselves for the brisker weather. Dare we say, colder weather. Amidst this, we offer a collage of articles, all of which get down to the foundations of naturopathic philosophy: treating the cause and addressing “the terrain.”

Dr. Chris Habib, ND & Dr. Lara Spector, ND address a not-so-uncommon condition called Interstitial Cystitis (IC). It has also been called irritable bowel syndrome of the bladder, and lacks good treatment options within the conventional medical model. Drs Habib and Spector discuss the causes of this condition, and describe some of the naturopathic approaches to treating IC.

Dr. Sarah King, ND discusses the prevention of diabetes of pregnancy, called gestational diabetes, using probiotics and fiber. The role of probiotics in this area may come as a surprise to some, however, this is simply one more example of how the health of the gut truly does impact every other function in the body.

Dr. Anne Hussain, ND shares her insights on some of the common uses of lavender. This aromatic herb possesses a number of therapeutic properties, and has been the subject of quite a number of studies.

Finally, Dr. Krysten DeSouza, ND addresses the difficult but perennial topic of the day: how to achieve life balance. It is needless to point out the health-undermining nature of the multitasking, role-juggling, anxiety-provoking efforts that most modern people strive to maintain. What can we do about this? Dr. DeSousa shares her strategies…

Happy reading!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

This month our ND authors offer an eclectic range of naturopathic musings on a variety of topics. May they help you ease your way back into a healthful autumn – and dare I say – winter season.

Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND shares her insights on the foundational five – the staples of naturopathic prescriptions that almost everyone stands to benefit from. Read about her experience in addressing these commonalities for healthy living.

Dr. Alison Chen, ND discusses the application of mindfulness techniques for performance enhancement. Its not all in your head… but much of it is!

Dr. Ashley Kowalski, ND evaluates common causes of poor digestive function, and explains leading naturopathic approaches for solving these problems. Have you heard about dyspepsia?

Finally, Drs. Maria Shapoval ND and Sarah King ND tackle the women’s health problems of dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) due to uterine fibroids. Did you that ginger, a powerful anti-inflammatory herb, has shown efficacy in reducing the pain of menstrual cramps? A number of herbs may also be helpful in reducing uterine fibroids.

Happy reading!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

We hope our readers are enjoying the summer thus far. As August kicks into gear, now is the time to get in your hiking, swimming, camping, and a few days of vacation time!

This month our Naturopathic doctor authors bring us a number of timely topics related to wellness, supplements, exercise, mood and energy.

Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND shares her insights on the mood lifting, antidepressant effects of exercise. Dr. Bjorndal shares the research and the how-to of implementing regular exercise for mood enhancing effects.

Dr. Alison Chen, ND writes about choosing supplements wisely, in particular, she discusses the top eight pitfalls of self-prescribing.

Dr. Melissa Descoteaux, ND evaluates the scientific literature on some of the more common supplements for weight loss, including green tea, capsaicin and ginger.

Dr. Michelle Lo, ND and Melissa Cornish, HHC discuss the applications of meditation for the management of chronic pain. Many have heard of the narcotic medication recalls, but few have considered using this safe and accessible technique for pain.

Finally, Dr. Salna Smith, ND writes about mindful eating practices, and how this leads to improved energy, decreased stress, and better digestion.

With this inspiring reading, we hope you maximize the rest of your summer and achieve your health goals.

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

For the month of July, we feature articles that can help you live a clean lifestyle, detoxify your body, and avoid toxic foods.

Dr. Michelle Lo, ND, and Melissa Cornish examine the effects of pesticides in our food chain. They discuss the unsuspected sources of these contaminants in our food and water, and ways to better eliminate them.

Dr. Jacqueline Zins, ND, demystifies detoxification for us. She discusses supplements as well as lifestyle habits that can help the body to eliminate toxic metabolites more effectively.

Dr. Nadia Rizzo, ND, examines the role of natural medicines in treating male fertility. Certainly, this is also an area where the buildup of toxins can impact normal function. Dr. Rizzo discusses the role of oxidative stress and various natural health products that have been demonstrated to improve male fertility parameters.

Dr. Maria Shapoval, ND, discusses the role of gut health and the microbiota in Parkinson’s disease.

We also feature an article on hives, including chronic hives. Various natural strategies can be of use, including supplements and a traditional Chinese therapy: acupuncture.

Enjoy your summer reading!!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

For the month of June, we feature a couple of timely articles about spring cleaning, and cycle tracking, as well as weightier topics including substance abuse, insomnia, and ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Drs. Christina Bjorndal, ND and Candace Haarsma, ND share their insights on using safe and effective cleaning products in your home. There is a whole host of chemicals hiding in these products and Drs. Bjorndal and Haarsma do an excellent job of breaking them down for us.

Dr. Sarah King ND discusses the intricacies of cycle charting. For women, our menstrual and hormone cycles can seem confusing and a burden, especially if we don’t understand the underlying biology. Dr. King explains the physiological events that drive women’s cycles, and how to chart them in order to evaluate not only fertility but hormonal health in general.

Dr. Liam LaTouche, ND examines the causes of insomnia, common medications used to manage insomnia, as well as some of the first line naturopathic treatments. Unfortunately sleep medications as a group tend to have unpleasant side effects, so many people prefer to use natural substance such as melatonin, and others, instead.

Dr. Chris Habib, ND tackles the problem of substance abuse. Surprisingly, 1 in 5 people have suffered from alcohol or substance abuse at one time or another. Dr. Habib discusses types of naturopathic injection therapies, herbal treatments, and acupuncture, that may help people deal with addiction and substance abuse.

Finally, Dr. Maria Shapoval, ND discusses ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a chronic neurodegenerative condition, and research into the effectiveness of various acupuncture methods. Thank you to all our authors this month!

We hope you enjoy our issue this month!

In health,

Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief,
Naturopathic Currents

This month we offer you a couple of seasonal topics as well as coverage of concerns that “never go out of style” if you’re a naturopath: iron & protein nutritional requirements.

Dr. Erin Balodis, MSc, ND discusses the problem of histamine intolerance. Symptoms can include common allergy symptoms like sneezing and nasal congestion, as well as urticaria or asthma.

Drs. Antoinette Falco ND and Elizabeth Cherevaty, ND discuss the benefits of having a doula assist with labour & delivery. Many naturopathic doctors also offer doula services, offer prenatal care, help to coach mothers through the delivery as well as provide post-partum care.

Dr. Sarah King, ND discusses the science behind determining protein requirements, including during special situations such as pregnancy and aging. Dr. Lara Spector, ND writes about iron deficiency, diagnosing it, and how to ensure you are a) consuming enough iron and b) absorbing it from the digestive system.

Finally, we offer insights into “lumbago,” the medical term for low back pain. Back pain can be caused by many problems, some of which may include specific kinds of arthritis, herniated discs, as well as simply muscle tension. Naturopathic care can help reduce chronic pain.

We hope you enjoy our issue this month!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

This month we offer you a thematic smorgasbord of articles, covering topics as diverse as prolotherapy and Parkinson’s, to constipation and sweet almond oil.

Drs. Christina Bjorndal, ND and Michael Mason-Wood, ND explain the benefits of prolotherapy. Prolotherapy involves the injection of substances into the joint capsule, and is used for treatment of torn ligaments, tendons, and such. It is a profound treatment also known as “nonsurgical ligament reconstruction.”

Dr. Maria Shapoval, ND shares her expertise in the area of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dr. Shapoval discusses the impact of sleep disorders associated with PD. Individuals with PD suffer from frequent waking and fragmented sleep that results in the inability to progress from light into deep sleep.

Dr. Nadia Rizzo, ND discusses the research on the use of coenzyme Q10 for the treatment of female infertility. Coenzyme Q10 is both an antioxidant and a supporter for mitochondrial function within the cell. Coenzyme Q10 is also one of the natural health products often recommended by reproductive endocrinologists at various fertility clinics.

Dr. Alison Chen, ND discusses impediments to healthy digestion, namely constipation. Dr. Chen shares 10 tips on how to avoid this annoying problem. For those not aware, Dr. Chen is also the recently published author of the book “What your poo says about you.”

Finally, Dr. Anne Hussain, ND shares the many uses of sweet almond oil. Also known as Prunus amygdalus, sweet almond oil can be used internally as well as externally in the place of other body care products. It may be a nice alternative to more toxic options.

We hope you enjoy our issue this month!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

Welcome to our February issue!

The middle of winter can be a challenging time from the perspective of stress, mood, and motivation. The holidays are long gone and warmer weather seems far away. It’s a struggle to get outside, or even to get out and about driving. It seems all too easy to get worn down and burnt out.

This month at Naturopathic Currents, we turn our focus to a miniature theme on adrenal fatigue and mental health. Dr. Salna Smith, ND writes about adrenal fatigue, a problem for many in our fast paced world. Dr. Smith gives us her insight as to what actually happens in the body during the stages of adrenal fatigue, and some simple approaches to feeding these overworked organs. Carrying the theme, Dr. Tiffany Eberhard, ND discusses research on Kava kava (Piper methysticum), an herb used to treat anxiety. Although it can often be pathological and out of proportion to the trigger, other forms of anxiety may be a signal to our body that something in our life is “not right” and needs addressing, whether it is overwork, relationship problems, a health problem we’ve been ignoring, etc. Dr. Sarah King ND shares her insights on mindfulness, a technique of being present to the moment, including being present to and aware of your moods and how you’re feeling as they are happening. Mindfulness can be helpful for anxiety, depression, and even pain management. Rochelle Fernandes, MSc, ND discusses the use of citicoline, a natural health product, as used for Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, Dr. Tanya Lee, ND writes about acne, a condition that plagues many teens as well as adults. Dr. Lee discusses the role of diet, poor digestive function, as well as hormones in contributing to this condition.

We hope you enjoy our issue this month!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

A happy new year to all our readers!

This month at Naturopathic Currents, we feature an article by Dr. Monique Aucoin, ND presenting new information derived from her recent study on the use of fish oil in the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer. Dr. Aucoin is a Research Fellow with the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, and her study has been newly published in Integrative Cancer Therapies medical journal.

We also feature discussions of naturopathic medicine and what to expect when initiating treatment with a naturopathic doctor. Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND helps elucidate some common questions people may have about seeing an ND. Dr. Stacey Goldman, ND shares her insights on the impact of time in nature on mental health. Not only does time outside often involve exercise, but stress reduction, and synthesis of the mood- influencing nutrient, vitamin D! Dr. Liam LaTouche, ND adds to this theme on the topic of positivity and how one’s state of mind can influence physical health through a structure called the vagus nerve. Dr. Sarah King, ND discusses naturopathic strategies for managing various kinds of vaginal infections.

Best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2017!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

As we prepare for the holiday season, we have some topical articles for you enjoyment, and maybe some inspiration to help get you through the holidays in a healthy-as-possible fashion!

This month, Dr. Michelle Lo, ND and Melissa Cornish discuss the health benefits of eating seasonally. Foods that are in season have higher nutrient content (makes sense, doesn’t it?) and may be easier to digest. Dr. Lo provides a list of suggestions for how to implement seasonal eating. Next, Dr. Alison Chen, ND discusses some of the pros and cons of caffeine consumption. Use of caffeine may range from caffeine abuse to therapeutic applications. Dr. Sarah King, ND shares her insights on inflammation. This term gets thrown around a lot, but its important to understand what it actually means, and what some of the most powerful drivers of inflammation really are. Finally, Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND discusses a very important topic in the realm of women’s health: options to the birth control pill (BCP). These days there is finally after decades a growing awareness of, and willingness to discuss more publicly, the harmful effects associated with the BCP. Women are increasingly looking for other options. Dr. Bjorndal discusses some of these options.

Happy holidays to all of our readers and contributors!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

This month we are in preparation mode: preparing for the coming winter months certainly, as well as preparing (if you are ahead of the crowd) for the coming holidays.

Our contributors this month cover a range of topics. Dr. Lara Spector, ND writes about a bladder condition called Interstitial Cystitis. While it mimics symptoms of a bladder infection, testing for infection comes back negative. Dr. Spector shares her insights on managing this condition naturally. Dr. Anne Hussain, ND discusses causes and treatment of rosacea, a skin condition often mistaken for acne. Dr. Sarah King, ND writes about the connection between the gut and the HPA- axis, which is the neurological and hormonal pathway that controls our response to stress. Probiotics have been shown to impact the function of the HPA axis, and so are thought to impact mood related conditions such as depression and anxiety. Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND discusses risk factors for dementia, and what you can do to lower your risk. Dr. Michelle Lo, ND and Melissa Cornish take a novel approach and share with us their insights on five things that set naturopathic medicine apart. If you are considering care with a naturopathic doctor, this is highly recommended reading!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we are reminded of all the gifts we have been given. Family, though certainly challenging at times is undoubtedly the greatest of these. We give thanks also for our talents, creativity, careers, and the many other ways we have been blessed. Practicing gratitude puts our day to day problems in perspective and changes our perception of stressors.

We thank our contributors this month for their efforts. Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND tackles the difficult question of most people’s favourite “innocent” addiction – caffeine! We are bombarded by mixed messages on this question: is coffee really healthy, or not? Dr. Alison Chen, ND writes about some of the lesser known effects of chocolate; often touted as a health food, chocolate may also cause you certain problems. She shares how to evaluate this. Dr. Ashley Kowalski, ND shares her insights on the basics of food sensitivities: what causes them, how to evaluate them, and more. Dr. Sarah King, ND discusses the painful women’s health condition, endometriosis. For anyone who suffers from this condition, it is a challenge and a burden. Dr. King writes thoroughly on its causes and naturopathic management. Finally, Dr. Adrian Nasager, ND writes about the science behind the little known herb, saffron. Did you know that several studies have found it to be effective for depression? Dr. Nasager delves into what we know about this herb.

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

August is a time to slow down a little, get away, out of the city, and enjoy some R&R. It is appropriate then that many of our articles this month focus on neurological and emotional health. Enjoy some of these selections during some of your precious down time…

Dr. Louise Wilson, ND helps us understand the importance of compassion in the healing and helping professions, as well as how to prevent “compassion fatigue.” Dr. Yashar Khosroshahi ,ND talks to us about some of the reasons why we find change, even healthful change, so difficult. He discusses some of the underlying reasons why we resist change and ways to help overcome these blocks. Drs. Chris Habib, ND and Amber Krogsrud, ND examine the field of psychoneuroimmunology, a study of the way that thoughts and emotions physically affect the body’s biochemistry and function. They delve into ways that gut health probiotics may also affect the brain and emotions in this complex relationship. Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND examines some of the often skipped over adverse effects of the birth control pill; she examines its impact on inducing nutrient deficiencies and ways to offset these. Finally, we discuss some of the complex factors that can impact the course of chronic fatigue syndrome, including hormonal imbalances, immune deficiencies, the role of chronic infection, as well as nutrient deficiencies.

Happy gardening!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

The summer is in full swing, and we hope you are getting and/ or planning some quality relaxation time with family & friends. This is what the summer is for! This month, we have a number of intriguing topics for you, including stress busters, nutritional trends, and skin care.

Dr. Crystal Ceh, ND starts us off with a discussion of a dietary strategy called intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting involves restricting food intake to certain hours of the day, going for periods of time without food, such as overnight. Although there are different variations on this method, Dr. Ceh examines some of the research on this showing improved metabolic parameters as well as better cellular health. Next, Dr. Ashley Kowalski, ND examines natural strategies for better stress management. Let’s face it: in today’s world, everyone feels stretched to their max. Dr. Kowalski looks at ways to help minimize the negative effects of stress on your mind and body. Dr. Lara Spector, ND discusses natural ways to help acne, an often frustrating skin condition that can be caused by hormonal influences, dietary factors, as well as bacteria imbalances. Dr. Nadia Rizzo, ND investigates the problems surrounding commercial olive oils. Olive oil is known for its many health benefits, but how do you know you are getting the real thing? Finally, we discuss the benefits of high intensity interval training. What better time than the good ole’ summertime?

Happy gardening!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

For those of us in southern Ontario, the warm weather finally seems to have arrived. Gardens are in full swing. As we roll into summer, we offer you some tips on the health-promoting practice of gardening (mentally & physically!), as well as our usual selection of diverse articles.

Dr. Ashley Weber, ND starts us off with an examination of the effects of stress in children, and ways to help your kids develop better coping strategies. Dr. Jessa Landmann, ND reviews the use of acupuncture for patients with cancer. Acupuncture has been shown to improve symptoms such as nausea, pain, and insomnia, as well as aiding patients’ general sense of wellbeing. Dr. Gayamali Karunaratna, ND tackles the difficult topic of Crohn’s disease, discussing ways that naturopathic medicine can help, and examining current research on natural therapies for this challenging condition. Dr. Becky Less, ND reviews the uses of coenzyme Q10 among individuals with heart disease. Dr. Lee takes a close look at how to recognize the best form of CoQ10, based on dosage, absorbability, and mechanism of action. Finally, Dr. Philip Rouchotas, ND, MSc shares his insights on the many benefits associated with gardening. Besides the fact that it can provide you with homegrown organics, its pretty cool that this traditional agricultural activity has been shown to improve things ranging from physical strength, agility, and endurance, as well as measures of mental health,

Happy gardening!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

Mother Nature is alive and blooming… For those of us in warmer climes, its time to turn the soil, seed the garden, or start young plants under glass. As it turns out, this month’s writers also turn their attention to new life… we feature articles on delivery, post-partum care, and care of Down Syndrome children.

Dr. Louise Wilson, ND starts us off with a closer examination of the longer-term health effects of birthing methods, C-section versus vaginal delivery. Dr. Wilson discusses the immune modulating effects of inoculation with the mother’s vaginal flora during delivery. For babies delivered by C-section, there is now a method called “vaginal seeding” whereby some of these flora can still be delivered to the infant after delivery. Dr. Melvia Agbeko, ND takes up the topic of post-partum care. Dr. Agbeko explains some of the influences that contribute to “baby blues,” or post-partum depression. Dr. Sejal Parik-Shah, ND discusses best management of Down Syndrome, or trisomy 21. Dr. Parik-Shah discusses some of the body systems known to be affected by Down Syndrome, such as the heart, the thyroid, the musculature, as well as social and cognitive functioning. Dr. Holly Giannatselis, MSc, ND, examines the adrenal roots of a common disorder of female fertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Finally, Dr. Sarah Penney, ND shares her insights on the health benefits of eating organic. What better reason to garden than the privilege of having your own organics?

We hope you enjoy these selections!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

The promise of approaching warmer weather, lighter clothing, and time in the sun inspires us one and all to “health up.” We feel inspired to eat cleaner, exercise more regularly, seek to feel more energetic, and lose that 5-10 pounds accumulated over winter’s hibernation. This month’s writer’s help you tune up in a healthy fashion…

Dr. Alison Chen ND discusses the new food pyramid in her article “Are You Eating Enough Veggies?” She explains the health benefits of superfoods, super greens, and sprouts. Incorporating these healthy additions to your routine provides vitamins and antioxidants for your body and helps give your energy a nice boost. Dr. Adrian Nasager ND discusses achieving hormone balance through the use of bioidentical hormones. There are many misconceptions abounding about this therapy, and Dr. Nasager delves into the terminology and the research to tell you the true story behind bioidenticals. Dr. Ashley Kowasaki ND shares her insight in to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and explains how the change in seasons can impact your mood, causing symptoms of depression. She discusses a selection of lifestyle changes and natural therapies that can aid in treating this syndrome. Dr. Becky Lee ND changes gears and discusses mistletoe therapy; this is an emerging natural therapy used in the treatment of cancer and the prevention of recurrence. Pioneered in Germany, its use is gaining more recognition in North America, and its use has been studied in hundreds of peer- reviewed studies. Finally, Dr. Philip Rouchotas MSc, ND discusses the use of natural therapies in achieving hormonal balance during menopause.

We hope you enjoy these selections!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

In like a lion, out like a lamb… March sets off the beginning of spring, and hopefully more time for all of us to be able to spend outside. The health benefits of being in nature are vast. The importance of regular exercise is well known by most, but the actual extent to which it benefits things from heart disease to even side effects of chemotherapy is unknown to most. In addition, apart from exercise, the benefits of spending time in nature has been shown to exert numerous health benefits.

Dr. Monique Aucoin ND discusses the benefits on both mental and physical health of time spent in nature. Most North Americans spend very little time outside, but the benefits are numerous, from quicker recovery from surgery to improvements in cognitive and emotional wellbeing. Author and Dr. Alison Chen ND discusses simple ways to improve your self confidence through posture. Dr. Chen discusses simple exercises to incorporate into your routine that can help you improve the way you hold your body. Dr. Carolyn Meyer ND discusses the biochemical aspects of aging, and what you can do about them. Dr. Meyer discusses various nutrients and their roles in slowing the effects of aging. Dr. Tehseen Meghji ND discusses naturopathic approaches to addressing vaginal yeast infections, which can become a recurrent problem for many women. Finally, Dr. Chris Habib ND discusses ways that naturopathic medicine can ameliorate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a highly inflammatory type of arthritis.

We hope you enjoy these selections!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

This month at Naturopathic Currents, we continue our expanded selection of offerings. We feature articles on the benefits of coffee (everyone’s favourite ergogenic aid!), the role of the gut in brain health, oral health, as well as an article on restless leg syndrome.

Dr. Andrea Maxim ND shares with us the current state of the evidence regarding the health benefits of coffee. While we often hear of the harmful effects of coffee such as overstimulation, dehydration, etc, Dr. Maxim turns the tables on this flavorful herb. Dr. Maxim discusses how to make coffee drinking a healthy habit. Dr. Michelle Hagel ND the role of the microbiome in the etiology and manifestations of autism. Could alterations in the microbiome associated with modern life be in part responsible for the dramatic increase in autistic spectrum disorder? Dr. Janna Levanto ND discusses natural strategies for treating gingivitis. Dr. Lara Spector ND discusses the implications of the little recognized condition called small intestine bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO. Naturopathic doctors frequently see this condition in practice, and Dr. Spector discusses some of her insights. Finally, we feature an article on restless leg syndrome. Did you know that certain nutrient deficiencies can be the cause of this annoying condition?

We hope you enjoy these selections!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

The beginning of a new year is filled with excitement and anticipation. We eagerly watch as our work reaches new heights, our families grow, and our experience broadens. At Naturopathic Currents, we will be expanding our offerings to you, with five articles each month.

This month at Naturopathic Currents, we feature articles on obesity, immune function, men’s health, as well as an article on the nutrient inositol. Dr. Andrea Maxim ND shares with us her insights on the treatment of obesity. One quarter of Canadian adults is obese. The health consequences are massive. Dr. Maxim share her approach to thinking about and managing obesity. Dr. Sarah Penney ND discusses immune function and how to protect yourself from the viruses responsible for the common cold. Dr. Lynne Racette ND discusses erectile dysfunction, including common causes and natural approaches to mitigating this. Dr. Gayamali Karunaratna ND discusses naturopathic approaches to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Finally, Dr. Ayesha Qureshi ND examines the uses of a nutrient called inositol in treating polycystic ovary syndrome. Although it is not that well known, inositol is related to the family of B vitamins, and has been shown to help hormones such as insulin to signal more effectively.

We hope you enjoy these selections!

To a happy and successful 2016!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

The end of the year is upon us already. What a year 2015 has been! At Naturopathic Currents, we are proud to have brought you another volume of diverse but on-point articles relating to your health. Our goal is to be a source of high quality and reliable information on natural medicine.

This month at Naturopathic Currents, our features include Dr. Chris Habib ND and Jennifer Whalley as they discuss the very novel topic of prion disease. Prions are “germs” or pathogens that are composed entirely of protein. They are known to cause degenerative diseases of the brain and nervous system. Dr. Karunaratna ND shares her insights on metabolic syndrome. This is a constellation of risk factors for cardiovascular disease including elevations in cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose, and overweight, and is known to affect approximately 20% of Canadians. Natural strategies can help reduce these factors safely and effectively. Dr. Ashley Kowalski ND writes about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), another pervasive and annoying condition affecting digestion. This is a functional abnormality for which the conventional approaches often fall short. Dr. Kowalski ND discusses natural options. Finally, we offer a discussion of eye health.

We hope you enjoy these selections!

Happy holidays to you and your families this season!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

October is a month of beauty, and one of my favourites as the trees begin to turn, putting on vibrant colours and reminding us that winter is not yet! It is a time to harvest the summer’s yields and prepare for winter. At Naturopathic Currents, we bring you a number of topics to help keep you healthy and resilient as well.

Dr. Maxim, ND, shares her insights on using safe personal care products. She explores the role of xenoestrogens on health conditions such as overweight, infertility, and hormone dependent cancers. This is a difficult area for many to navigate, and we thank her for her work. Dr. Sarah Penney, ND, shares her expertise on hidradenitis suppurativa, a skin condition characterized by the development of boils and abcesses under the skin. As with many skin condition, this can be a significant contributer to problems with self-image. Dr. Habib, MSc, ND discusses the health benefits of green tea, including applications for weight loss and adjunctive cancer care. Finally, Dr. Rouchotas, MSc, ND examines schizophrenia, including how natural treatments may augment the effect of conventional therapies.

We hope you enjoy these selections from our panel of health experts!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

It is the height of summer; as we plunge into another heat wave, we watch our gardens thriving. Herbs, tomatoes, and peppers love this heat, throwing out new vines, growth, and fruit. The temperatures of last winter are a distant memory!

This month at Naturopathic Currents we focus on gynecological issues. Dr. Eberhard, ND discusses natural approaches to the management of urinary tract infections. Recurring urinary tract infections and treatment with antibiotics can give rise to resistant organisms and become antibiotic resistant. Minimizing the need for antibiotics through natural strategies can prevent this from happening. Dr. Fernandes, ND shares her insight on the treatment of male infertility. She discusses evidence on the role of nutritional agents and antioxidants in this area. Dr. Kowalski, ND takes a look at natural ways to address uterine fibroids, a surprisingly common problem. It is thought that up to 25% of women may be affected by fibroids! Dietary strategies appear to play an especially important role in this condition. Finally, we feature a discussion on the health effects of the food additive carrageenan. Carrageenan acts as a thickener in foods such as ice cream, milk alternatives, and others, and so is relatively pervasive in a typical North American diet. We discuss the evidence as to its safety in relation to digestive and immune health.

We hope you enjoy these selections from our panel of health experts!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

This month at Naturopathic Currents we focus on a few of the lesser-known natural health therapies and topics. In this month’s issue, you will find discussions of topics including the uses of a therapy called whole body cryotherapy (WBC), therapeutic applications of the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, and natural treatment approaches for conditions including alopecia and the herpes simplex virus. These conditions have limited treatment options within the conventional medical model, and many individuals suffering from these seek natural therapies.

Dr. Karunaratna, ND starts off the order with a discussion on alopecia, known more commonly as hair loss. There are several types of alopecia and influences range from nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes such as those associated with peri-menopause or post-partum, as well as, of course, stress. Dr. Karunaratna ND discusses a range of natural strategies to support healthy hair growth. Dr. Kowalski ND brings us her expertise in the treatment of herpes. Unfortunately, herpes outbreaks are typically recurrent, and there are few conventional treatments available. Dr. Kowalski reviews several natural treatments including vitamin C, vitamin B12, and a selection of anti-viral herbs. Dr. Eberhard ND discusses the uses of Withania somnifera, also known as “Indian ginseng.” In addition to being an powerful adaptogen – an herb that enhances the body’s capacity to adapt to stress – Withania benefits other areas such as thyroid function, immune function, and mood. Finally, Dr. Rouchotas MSc, ND discusses the evidence on whole body cryotherapy, a tool that can help boost immune function, reduce pain, and may promote repair of muscle, tendons, and joints.

We hope you enjoy these selections from our panel of health experts!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

This month at Naturopathic Currents we continue to bring you an array of high-quality, evidence based articles on natural health topics. In this month’s issue, you will find discussions of topics including the effect of probiotics on immune function, the many uses of niacin or vitamin B3, acupuncture and male infertility, as well as something as common place as headache. Did you know that overuse of analgesic medications can actually contribute to headache? Yet another reason to explore natural options that have a high margin of safety…

Dr. Lee ND starts our line-up with her insights into the role of probiotics in immune function and development. As humans, we are exposed to and inoculated with beneficial bacterial species as early as the birth process, with exposure to species populating the mother’s birth canal. This first exposure and subsequent inoculation is thought to modify risk of a whole variety of health conditions. Dr Smith ND contributes a discussion of fertility; this time with a focus on male infertility and the role of acupuncture in improving this problem. While many people are aware of the use of acupuncture for fertility in general, few are aware of the science that exists on this topic. This is a welcome addition to our publication. Dr Kowalski ND examines what we know about the essential nutrient, vitamin B3, also known as niacin. She reviews signs of deficiency, and discusses ways in which niacin supplementation may be beneficial for chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and skin conditions. Finally, we offer an analysis of natural approaches for the management of headache. With a higher margin of safety than many pharmaceutical approaches, appropriate use of natural options is a no-brainer. Consult a naturopathic doctor to see what may be appropriate for you.

Thank you once again to our panel of health experts!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

With the promise of beautiful weather around the corner, gardeners are preparing the ground and getting ready to plant. Here at Naturopathic Currents we help you grow your knowledge in a diverse area of natural health topics.

Dr. Casteels, ND offers a very topical analysis of the health effects of sunlight: effects on the human body’s function including benefits, potential harms, and how to protect yourself from them. The use of sunscreens has been controversial among some, and Dr. Casteels discusses the use of safe sun strategies. Dr. Eberhard reviews the link between gut health, intestinal permeability, and a range of autoimmune conditions. She discusses a variety of natural strategies that can help restore optimal gut health and improve immune function. Dr. Kowalski, ND continues her discussion of women’s health topics. This month, she discusses fibrocystic breast disease, a condition responsive to fluctuating hormone levels. Dr. Kowalski discusses the use of dietary, supplemental, and lifestyle strategies that can improve the course of this condition. Finally, Dr. Rouchotas MSc, ND offers his insights into generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), including the use of some well researched natural health products in treating this condition.

Thank you once again to our panel of health experts, and we hope you enjoy these high quality, evidence based discussions.

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

April is a busy time in the natural health community… the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) hosts their annual western trade show in Vancouver, while in Ontario the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) holds their AGM. We are slowly getting the rust out of our wheels, and ramping up for an exciting spring & summer!

This month at Naturopathic Currents we bring you experts who share their knowledge in the areas of oral health, prenatal health, and digestive health. We also feature an article on Garcinia, an herb popularly used to balance blood sugar and curb appetite.

Dr. Tiffany Eberhard, ND examines the role of oral health on the body as a whole. Oral health impacts other body systems including heart health and inflammatory disease. Dr. Eberhard reviews some natural treatments that can help fight bacterial build up and support tooth and gum health. Dr. Ashley Kowalski, ND discusses a condition of pregnancy called pre-eclampsia. This relatively common complication of pregnancy can be prevented through healthy diet and lifestyle. In addition, Dr. Kowalski discusses natural ways of managing this condition. Dr. Sarah Penney, MSc, ND, reviews the evidence on the use of of Garcina cambogia, a herb that has become popular in large part due to endorsements from Dr. Mehmet Oz. Dr. Penney digs into the real science behind this herb. Finally, Dr. Philip Rouchotas, MSc, ND offers us insights in the causes and natural approaches to gastroenteritis, commonly known as “the stomach flu.”

We hope you enjoy these fine contributions from our community of experts!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

It’s finally March, and we hope that spring is around the corner… For those of us in central Canada and the Maritimes, it has been a long, hard winter. Spring is a time of preparation and hope. The promise of new life will soon be surrounding us…

This month at Naturopathic Currents we bring you experts who share their knowledge in the areas of men’s health, heart health, and digestive health.

Dr. Tiffany Eberhard, ND shares her knowledge in the treatment of elevated cholesterol, also know as “hypercholesterolemia”. This is a condition that can be very well managed naturally for the majority of individuals. Dr. Liam LaTouche, ND discusses the role of exercise in the prevention of prostate cancer. This commonly diagnosed type of cancer affects both middle aged and older men, and for those at high risk or with a family history of prostate cancer, utilizing strategies to minimize risk is essential. Dr. Andrea Maxim, ND, explores digestive health, and a new approach to the “4R’s”: remove, repair, reintroduce, and reinnoculate. This stategy helps remove offending factors or foods, repair damaged gut health, reintroduce specific foods, and reinnoculate the gut with healthy bacteria. Lastly, we feature an article on the uses of oil of oregano. This popular anti-infective herb has been the subject of early research exploring its anti-inflammatory and possible anti-cancer effects. We extend our sincere gratitude to our contributing experts this month.

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

Welcome to our February issue! We are well past the excitement of the New Year, and are now instead enjoying longer days, more sunshine, and the promise of spring around the corner…

This month at Naturopathic Currents we bring you experts who share their knowledge in the areas of women’s health, green living, and naturopathic approaches to cancer care.

Dr. Ashley Weber, ND shares her knowledge in the treatment and prevention of gestational diabetes, also known as diabetes of pregnancy. Having diabetes during pregnancy increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, and may increase risk the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome in female babies; thus the importance of proper management. Dr. Sejal Parikh-Shah, ND, et al. join us for a discussion of environmental toxins, their sources of exposure as well as alternative, clean products. Dr. Jessa Landmann, ND discusses the role of stress and stress management within the context of cancer. Not only are stress, anxiety, and depression considerable burdens among those living with a cancer diagnosis, but they may also impact the course of disease. Finally, Dr. Philip Rouchotas MSc, ND, joins us for a discussion of “pyelonephritis,” also known as kidney infection. We extend our sincere gratitude to our contributing experts this month.

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

Happy New Year to all of our readers! The end and beginning of another calendar year is at hand. This is a time of reflection for us, and we feel immense gratitude for the closure of a healthy and prosperous year. We also thank you our readers for your ongoing support as we continue to bring you cutting edge, evidence based information about natural health topics. We promise to deliver more of the same high quality information in the coming year.

This month at Naturopathic Currents we bring you experts who share their knowledge in the areas of women’s health, ear & neurological health, and meditation, especially timely for the New Year (anyone in need of a new year resolution?). Dr. Ashley Kowalski ND brings us an article on Tinnitus, also known as “ringing in the ears.” Did you know that there are natural ways to help you address this? We also feature another article on Vertigo, also known as dizziness associated with a “spinning” sensation. Vertigo can be a frustrating condition, often with few treatment options conventionally. Dr. Tiffany Eberhard ND joins us for a discussion on Cervical dysplasia. This is a pre-malignant condition associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV); did you know that up to 80% of the adult population is thought to be affected by HPV? Finally, Dr. Joanna Rosenfeld ND discusses the health benefits of meditation. Thank you to our health experts this month!

Happy New Year, and all the best in 2015!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

After a gorgeous fall season here in Ontario, the recent change in temperature signals that winter is inevitably on its way. We have put the gardens to bed for the year and taken our fill of the last veggies of the year. It’s a time to look forward to wood fires, sipping warm drinks, and for those so inclined, enjoyment of some outdoor skating or other snowy sports. Although still somewhat far off, we also greet the onslaught of the colder weather with anticipation of Holiday preparations. Perhaps this helps us cope with the more unpleasant side of the winter season!

From a health perspective, our thoughts turn to strategies for supporting immune function, as well as supporting mood as we enter the darker months of the year. Already we have seen many patients coming in suffering from the common cold and bronchitis. The winter season is difficult for patients already suffering from mood disorders, as well as those of us without a definitive condition. There are many natural strategies to help support you through this aspect of the season. We encourage you to see your naturopathic doctor to find out more about effective natural strategies to manage these kinds of seasonal concerns!

Without further ado, we invite you to delve into our November issue!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

This month at Naturopathic Currents we bring you a discussion of important health topics, new and old. Dr. Janet McKenzie ND enlightens us on the field of Positive Psychology. This area seeks to understand the relationship between psychological resilience, happiness, and health. Many of us are intuitively aware of a connection between our mental and physical health, but few of us clearly understand the relationship. A number of attributes have been associated with resilience, including identifying themselves as a survivor not a victim, having spirituality, willingness to help others, and the capacity to find positive meaning in trauma. The field of study also examines how to cultivate traits of resilience in people.

In addition this month, we welcome Dr. Berchman Wong ND as he discusses Parkinson’s disease, a chronic neurodegenerative condition, and the role of naturopathic medicine in its treatment. Dr. Nadine Gavin ND discusses primary dysmenorrhea, or painful menses, and the role of diet, lifestyle, and nutritional supplementation in alleviating this condition and related inflammation. Dr. Philip Rouchotas ND examines the role of natural therapies in the management of liver disorders ranging from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Several natural health products such as L-carnitine, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc have been shown to help improve liver function.

We thank all of our contributors for sharing their expertise!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-chief, Naturopathic Currents

This month at Naturopathic Currents we offer a unique perspective on a number of new health topics. The study of “psychoneuroimmunology” has shown us that the molecules and biochemicals produced by specific thoughts and thought patterns exert a powerful influence over your physical bodily health as well, in particular the immune system. This field of study has existed for over 30 years, but we don’t generally hear too much about this connection. In this issue, Dr. Crystal Ceh, ND joins us for a discussion of eczema, an immune-mediated skin condition, and its relationship with stress, as well as natural strategies to combat and heal eczema.

This month we also feature Dr. Michael Long focuses on nutritional requirements for athletes. Dr Long, ND discusses the unique physiological requirements for athletes, how to tailor dietary intake to meet these needs, and the role of safe, natural ergogenic aids. Tal Friedman, ND, with a background in kinesiology, takes on the subject of pain, both acute and chronic. Dr. Friedman discusses the use of top natural agents for pain management, including curcumin, bromelain, Boswellia. Finally, we discuss the continually evolving topic of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Did you know that scientists in this area are beginning to characterize a type of gluten sensitivity called “non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS)” ? This is being correlated with a host of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. In this issue we take a closer look at this emerging area and its diagnosis.

Thank you to all of our contributors for sharing their expertise!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-chief, Naturopathic Currents

This month at Naturopathic Currents we offer some timely topics. This spring has been a rough one on allergy sufferers; one of our features this month discusses a little natural compound called quercetin, and its role in combating allergy. Quercetin is found in several fruits and vegetables, notably onion skins, and taken as a supplement, seems to have effects on asthma, allergies, as well as areas such as cardiovascular health and inflammation. We thank Erin Balodis MSc, ND for sharing her expertise with us!

This month we also feature Jessa Landmann, ND, who joins us for a fascinating discussion of immune function following pregnancy. Few women are aware of the amazing adaptations their body makes during pregnancy, including down-regulation of immune reactivity and an increase in immune “tolerance” in order to not react against their baby! For some women, achieving immune balance again after pregnancy is challenging, with aggravations of autoimmunity. Dr Landmann focuses on thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis in particular. Natural strategies can play an important role in restoring healthy immune function. Dr. Chris Habib, ND elaborates on evidence supporting anti-anxiety effects of specific herbal medicines, including ginkgo, rhodiola, St. John’s wort, and valerian. Dr. Philip Rouchotas, MSc, ND discusses the health effects of the popularized “Paleo diet.” Find out what the science really says about this new trend!

We would like to thank all of our contributors for sharing their expertise!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-chief, Naturopathic Currents

This month at Naturopathic Currents we bring a focus to brain health and men’s health topics.

These are subject areas that tend to be a little neglected as far as natural medicine goes, compared to more popular topics such as women’s health, for instance. We are excited to bring you continued high quality information in these topic areas.

This month we feature Dr. Philip Rouchotas MSc, ND and Dr. Theresa Camozzi ND discussing cognitive impairment in the form of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the growing area of post-concussion syndrome, respectively. The conventional treatment options available to individuals suffering from post-concussion syndrome are quite limited, and this is an area where naturopathic therapies are at the fore. We are also grateful to Dr. Rebecca Lee ND for sharing her insight on male fertility, and the often overlooked impact of diet, lifestyle, and select nutritional supplements for enhancing parameters related to male fertility. Dr. Chris Habib ND provides a discussion on the role of natural strategies with respect to men’s health. He takes a look at conditions that affect men throughout the age spectrum, from depression, erectile dysfunction, and enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy).

We thank all of our contributors for sharing their expertise with us through this forum.

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-chief, Naturopathic Currents

This month at Naturopathic Currents we continue to bring you cutting edge information on your health; this month we offer you a timely seasonal paper on a new treatment for allergies, as well as emerging science on the anticancer effects of a common diabetes medication. Science is constantly evolving, with new therapies emerging, and new applications being discovered for existing treatments. It is well known that, for various reasons, the time delay between the evolution of science and transition into common medical practice can take decades. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are on the cutting edge, and are among the first healthcare providers to incorporate new, emerging therapies, making them available to patients much earlier than would otherwise be possible. In fact, NDs are pioneers in the use of both new therapies featured this month: sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for allergy desensitization, as well as use of the diabetes drug, metformin, in fighting cancer.

Also this month we feature Dr. Fiona McCulloch ND as she tackles the challenging area of thyroid disease. We are grateful to Dr. McCulloch for sharing her wealth of experience in the use of natural therapies to achieve optimal thyroid function. Dr. Tamara Eriksen, ND shares her research on the uses of a simple but little known natural molecule, Glycine. Glycine has a myriad of uses related to mood and brain health. Dr. Philip Rouchotas MSc, ND provides the article on metformin and its role in treating and preventing cancer. Metformin is a medication with an excellent safety profile, and exciting data emerging on the inhibition of cancer cell growth and proliferation. Studies have shown that patients with diabetes taking metformin have dramatically lower rates of cancer compared to their diabetic confreres not taking this medication. Finally, we include an article on the use of sublingual immunotherapy as a method of allergy symptom management and desensitization. While this is a new treatment here in North America, it is well established in Europe, and has a large amount of data supporting its effectiveness for allergy. We thank all of our contributors for sharing their expertise with us through this forum.

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-chief, Naturopathic Currents

This month at Naturopathic Currents we are excited to offer you cutting edge information on your health. This month we take a critical look at the role of environmental contaminants, many of which act as endocrine disrupting chemicals, in women’s health, especially endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and infertility. Only a few years ago, data on this association was very much lacking; however in the last couple years, a wealth of data has emerged, clearly showing that increased body burden of these chemicals may in fact play a role in these conditions. This is important as we think about ways to reduce these kinds of exposures, and ways to enhance the body’s ability to eliminate such persistent chemicals.

Also in this issue, we feature Dr. Preeti Kulkarni ND and an insightful discussion of natural strategies for the treatment and prevention of migraine. Dr. Carolyn Mercer ND joins us for a discussion of infertility related to PCOS. Indeed, fertility is becoming a popular topic among our doctors in this forum. Dr. Mercer discusses the role of basic diet and lifestyle interventions, and in addition, she ventures into the complicated world of hormones, explaining the role of more subtle imbalances in thyroid and adrenal function among this population of women. Dr. Philip Rouchotas MSc, ND provides a detailed look at a little-known agent with applications in mental health. N-acetylcysteine has a growing body of evidence showing potential benefits for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and addiction. Dr. Rouchotas has a focus on psychiatry in his clinical practice, and we are grateful for his insights on this topic. We thank all of our contributors for sharing their expertise with us through this forum.

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-Chief, Naturopathic Currents

At Naturopathic Currents we are excited to continue delivering you high quality, evidence- based information on health, wellness, and natural medicine. In this issue, you will find some our best material yet! Recently, naturopathic medicine has been in the spotlight in Ontario, with increased media focus on the profession’s transition to new regulations, as naturopathic doctors become a part of the Registered Health Professionals Act (RHPA). Some have questioned the evidence base defining naturopathic practice. In this issue, we are pleased to present some of research evaluating whole-practice naturopathic medicine in a range of contexts including mental health, chronic pain, and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Also in this issue, we feature Dr. Fiona McCulloch ND as she lucidly explains some of the factors involved in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and considerations for natural treatment approaches. Dr. Erica Nikiforuk ND unravels the latest developments in resveratrol research. This is an intriguing new agent that until now has not had been the subject of much human level studies; however this area has exploded in the last couple years, with potential applications including fertility, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Dr. Philip Rouchotas MSc, ND offers an insightful analysis of categories of healthy fats. We find this to be a common area of confusion, with many people unsure as to the differences and relative importance of omega-3, omega-6, omega-7, omega-9, etc. Dr. Rouchotas takes a look at the evidence and takes apart some common myths around omega fatty acids. We thank our contributors for sharing their expertise with us through this forum.

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-chief, Naturopathic Currents

Welcome to Naturopathic Currents - 2014! As we look forward to the upcoming year, we also look behind to the year that was. We are grateful for a successful year of spreading the word and sharing high quality information on natural medicine with the Canadian public. Our goal for 2014 is to become a primary resource for Canadians in this area. To help us achieve this goal, we have partnered with naturopathic doctors across Canada who are experts in their respective areas.

In this issue, we thank Dr. Janet McKenzie ND for her eye-opening discussion of fibromyalgia syndrome, including a view of its historical context and controversial status as a viable diagnosis. We also feature Dr. Wendy Chiu ND, who explores anticancer, anti-arthritic, and anti-aging properties of turmeric, “the golden spice.” Fitting nicely with these other articles on fibromyalgia and turmeric, Dr. Philip Rouchotas MSc, ND discusses natural options that are available to individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions. Finally, we examine the role of vitamin D, optimal vitamin D levels, and the role of supplementation in managing mood disorders, cognitive health, and immune function. We hope that these articles help you overcome the post-holiday let-down and get you feeling well again in mind and body!

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-chief, Naturopathic Currents

Welcome to our new and returning readers! It’s almost the end of the year… our American friends have just celebrated their Thanksgiving, and we in Canada are anticipating the holiday season. Focus shifts this time of year. Conferences and work-related travel slow down, while other activities ramp up. We wish all our readers and contributors a healthy and happy Holiday season. This is an important time to unwind, and spend precious time with family and friends. And as the famous tale, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol reminds us, it is also a time to take stock of the year gone by and re-frame our goals for the year to come. We wish you abundant Holiday cheer!

In this issue, we feature contributions from Dr Landmann, who provides an excellent introduction to cancer, the importance of exercise for both early stage and advanced cancers, and also a discussion for the use of intravenous vitamin C in cancer management. Dr Kempinska provides an excellent summary of diet, lifestyle, and supplemental strategies that will you’re your skin glowing and youthful for years to come.

Our News section features newly released guidelines from the American Heart Association on cholesterol management, including the role of diet and lifestyle. In keeping with this theme, Dr Rouchotas shares his insight on the role of plant sterols in management of cholesterol, as well as for prostate health. Finally, we include a series on the therapeutic applications of green tea beverage and/ or extract. If you are looking for a hot, healthy drink while you sit by the fire, why not try this traditional tea and herb?

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-chief, Naturopathic Currents

Welcome to new and returning readers! We hope that this point in mid-autumn finds you in good health. November is for many a month of preparation. Mental preparation for the arrival of the winter months. Preparations for winter activities such as outdoor skating, or skiing. Preparation for the end of the school term for students. For many, it is also the time to plan and prepare for Holiday celebrations. We are also looking forward to the time of year when we can get the fireplace going and enjoy domestic warmth and leisure. We hope that this issue of Naturopathic Currents provides you with some enjoyable yet challenging reading material for this time of year!

In this issue, we feature contributions from Dr. Chris Habib ND and a team of students from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, discussing the broad spectrum of emerging health benefits associated with probiotics; Dr. Monique Aucoin ND examines the evidence on health benefits of flax. Our very own “Dr. Phil” Rouchotas MSc, ND discusses herbal and nutrient based strategies for the treatment and prevention of degenerative eye disease, with a focus on new evidence emerging on omega-3s and types of carotenoids. We also include a feature introducing our readers to the different types of drug-NHP (natural health product) interactions, discussing an example from various categories. The question of potential interactions between natural therapies and drugs comes up often in our interactions with patients, and is a topic that our readers should be aware of, with at least a cursory appreciation of what may be involved.

In health,
Heidi Fritz, MA, ND
Editor-in-chief, Naturopathic Currents

October is a beautiful month. Our surroundings are alive with one final splash of color. Away from the cities, the countryside is aglow with reds, yellow, orange, and the deep, earthy color of fields that have been harvested and turned over. It is traditionally also a time of thanksgiving. Not just as in the civic holiday. But a spirit of thanksgiving for all the blessings of the year – traditionally this would entail gratitude for good crops, but in modern times can include a wider spectrum. Thanks for our families, good health, and the ability to continue working towards our future goals. In many professions, the fall can be an overwhelmingly busy time. It is important to step back to realize that despite the stresses and deadlines of day to day life, it is the people in our lives that make this pursuit worthwhile.

This month, we are excited for some returning contributors as well as new ones. In July, Dr Lei Gu ND presented the role of acupuncture in regulating PMS and menstrual disorders; this months she shares with us the role of acupuncture in supporting fertility and perinatal health. We welcome Dr Erica Nikiforuk as she discusses the evolution of what is considered a heart- healthy diet. Finally, Dr Rouchotas, professor of clinical nutrition at CCNM, discusses the role of a lesser known nutrient: choline. Although relatively unknown in the public sphere, choline is considered an essential nutrient with a variety of interesting roles in the body. We also discuss the role of a comprehensive natural approach in managing high blood pressure. Find out more inside…

In health,
Heidi Fritz MA, ND
Naturopathic doctor

Welcome to the fall of 2013! For many of us, especially those with children, teachers and university students, September feels like a mini New Year. It’s a new start, a new routine, and many new things to discover and look forward to. However, with all this activity - the beginning of the school year, a new routine for parents, a busier workplace, and the inevitable coming weather changes - the collective stress response is already ramping up in anticipation. Here at Naturopathic Currents, we want to help you stay healthy this fall! One of our feature articles this month addresses some easy things you can do to help bolster your immune system, including offsetting some of the stress-induced effects on the immune system.

Also in this issue, we welcome several new contributors covering some novel topics: Dr Lisa Watson ND discusses the role of the herb passionflower in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and addiction. Dr Fiona McCulloch ND shares with us her expertise pertaining to the role of insulin resistance in female infertility. Dr Melvia Agbeko, resident at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), shares her knowledge of coconut oil and its benefits for weight loss and brain health. Finally, Dr Rouchotas, professor of clinical nutrition at CCNM, discusses the role of natural therapies in the treatment and prevention of diabetes. Did you know that this chronic disease is preventable, even if you are deemed high risk? Find out more inside…

In health,
Heidi Fritz MA, ND
Naturopathic doctor

In the blink of an eye, it is August! Unbelievable as that may seem, in the interim much has been going on here at Naturopathic Currents. This summer, both Dr Rouchotas and I have had the privilege of attending the national conferences of both the Canadian and the American naturopathic associations (in acronyms, known as the CAND and the AANP respectively). It was so inspiring to be able to speak with and learn from the leaders and “elders” of the profession, who possess so much knowledge and have truly been pioneers in our field, yet remain humble and genuine as people. It is also happening time in the field of naturopathic medicine! New research – a systematic review –was presented on the effectiveness as well as cost-effectiveness of naturopathic medicine as a system in treating and preventing chronic disease. Naturopathic medicine has so much to offer our society, plagued by chronic disease of many kinds, and it is our hope that in future it can grow to become a more integrated part of the healthcare team!

In this issue of Naturopathic Currents, we welcome several new contributors: Dr. Lei Gu discusses the benefits of acupuncture for a host of women’s health issues; Dr Leung delves into the science on melatonin – did you know, melatonin is not just for sleep? Melatonin has hormone regulating and immunological effects, as well as a role in regulating digestive function. Dr Nguyen discusses the applications for laser therapy for chronic pain. Dr Rouchotas offers an eloquent discussion of the importance of key nutrients during pregnancy, and how this can have a long term effect on the health of the offspring. Finally, we discuss the role of various factors on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Happy reading!

In health,
Heidi Fritz MA, ND
Naturopathic doctor

School’s out! With June at our back and July marching on, we are proud to roll out another issue full offascinating but digestible articles to keep summer reading agenda topped up. While you relax, travel, and/ or enjoy some much-needed stay-cation, remember to check in for regular updates on an array of health topics. In this months’ issue, there is truly something for everyone.

Leading up the order is Dr Odette Bulaong ND, with a special focus on polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder. Dr Bulaong sheds light on the impact of dietary and nutritional strategies, and is to be commended for also discussing the mental-emotional component of living with a serious genetic disease. Dr Aoife Earls ND coins the term “GABA therapy” to sum up her approach to the use of several natural agents in the treatment of insomnia. Gout is a commonly considered just a “nuisance” problem, typically not given much therapeutic importance. Did you know, however, that gout is tightly associated with several risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes? Not really so benign… With a focus on men’s health, Dr Philip Rouchotas MSc, ND discusses the important role of natural medicine in the prevention of prostate cancer, as well as how natural medicines can complement and support conventional therapies in the treatment of prostate cancer. Finally, Dr Erin Wiley ND rounds out the line-up with her discussion of the brain on fire. Did you know that inflammation hasa powerful on mood and that natural anti-inflammatory agents can combat this?

We leave you to discover…

In health,
Heidi Fritz MA, ND
Naturopathic doctor

Welcome to Naturopathic Currents, your online source for professional, unbiased, and evidence-based information on natural health and wellness. As summer rolls in, we invite you to enjoy some leisure time exploring hot topics in natural health! At Naturopathic Currents, our aim is to provide sound, reliable information on the health-promoting effects of natural therapies, as well as unique insights into natural approaches to managing disease. We emphasize the latest scientific evidence interpreted through the lens of credentialed authors (naturopathic doctors). We also keep you updated on the latest events and developments in the world of health and wellness in Canada.

In this issue we feature a variety of conditions and agents. Dr Candice Esposito ND discusses social anxiety disorder, a common but still under-recognized condition. Magnesium is a super-nutrient par excellence, and Dr Michael Long ND regals us with some fascinating facts about this essential mineral: did you know that magnesium is involved in over 300 chemical reactions in the body involving energy production? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal and metabolic condition affecting women of reproductive age. There is a surprising amount of research on the impact of diet and select nutritional supplements. Dr Meaghan McCollum ND discusses the causes and impact of leaky gut syndrome on human health. Dr Philip Rouchotas MSc, ND discusses important, new information on vitamin A and beta carotene – I will say no more, but this is a must-read!

In health,
Heidi Fritz MA, ND
Naturopathic doctor