There is no longer a doubt that the footprint of humanity is starting to take its toll on our global environment and ecosystems. This realization has ignited a much-needed shift towards finding environmentally friendly options in all areas of our lives. This emphasis on “green” options has started to shift our awareness to making our homes more energy efficient, increase our recycling and purchasing environmental friendly options. There is a tremendous opportunity for each person and household to play their part to reduce our waste and conserve energy. Despite the overwhelming benefits to making more environmentally choices for our homes there is still a need to assess if these changes have a beneficial impact on our health. Since the vast majority of the “green” options we have available to us have a positive impact on our health we tend to assume the same of all “green” options. This article highlights a few potential areas where “going green” is not necessarily the healthiest option. It is up to you to decide if the potential health risk is worth the “green” trade off. Hybrid vehicles Recently, I went to test drive a number of new cars. Now more than ever, there are super fuel-efficient vehicle options available to consumers. Almost everyone is aware that hybrids and electric cars are leading the field in lowest emissions and gasoline consumption. It was actually surprising to discover that a 2004 report by the Connecticut General Assembly, stated that when comparing a traditional compact car to its hybrid counterpart, you can expect emissions to be reduced by only approximately 10-15 percent. While this is an improvement over gasoline engines its not as high as we may think. The key factor that makes a hybrid more fuel-efficient is the use of electric power at lower speeds. This requires a much more powerful battery and wiring. This results in higher electromagnetic radiation (EMR) production. Most people don’t realize that a hybrid vehicle is really one large sophisticated battery and generator, which the passengers are sitting directly above. The effect of EMR produced in hybrid vehicles on the human health has not been well studied but recently a large-scale research trial in Europe has linked EMR from cellphones to a higher incidence of brain tumours. Another very recent study showed that sperm quality was decreased when exposed to Wi Fi (a source of EMR) from laptop computers in close proximity. It’s still to early to definitively determine if there is a negative impact from the EMR given off from hybrid vehicles but my guess is that it does have a negative impact. Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) Every electric device (toaster, heat blanket, cell phone, light etc.) gives off EMR. Certain types and wavelengths are potentially more damaging to human tissue than others. Typically, higher frequencies have more potentially dangerous effects to health. Cellphones are particularly worrisome because high power frequencies are transmitted for extended periods of time very close to sensitive brain tissue. Experts are warning of the possible dangers of chronic exposure especially in children. Research studies are now showing that EMR is linked to cancer, sleep dysfunction, migraines, hormonal disruption, infertility, vertigo and attention difficulties. We are surrounded by radio waves every day but exposure to high intensity frequencies definitely has a negative impact on your health. There have been many recorded cases of people living near cellphone towers or hydro-lines and develop debilitating symptoms because of the exposure. You should reduce your exposure as much as possible especially to high-power electrical lines, cellphone towers and long-term cellphone use. For more information about your cell phone, look at my cell phone hygiene info sheet in the downloads section on my website (www.paulhrkalnd.ca) or visit www.ewg.org. For more excellent information and research on the dangers of EMRs visit www.magdahavas.com. Back To Hybrid Vehicles Another issue with hybrid vehicles is the need for a large amount of rare metals in the construction of the high voltage battery and wiring. Old car batteries are made of lead (a metal with toxic effects on nerves) but hybrid batteries require large amounts of nickel and lithium, which can be potentially toxic. Experts have classified Nickel as a potential cancer causing substance. Exposure to our environment may occur has more hybrid batteries are being made and used. The vast majority of these rare metals are mined in China where the environmentally devastating technique of strip mining is used to extract the metals for the earth. After considering the above points, the overall effect of hybrid technology may not be as environmentally friendly or healthy as we may believe despite the improved fuel economy and marginally lower emissions. Until more research is done to test the long-term sustainability of hybrid technology and exposure to higher EMR I remain sceptical about the health impact of this “eco-friendly” option. Upcoming: Part 2 – New Energy Efficient Fluorescent Light Blubs and Recycled Plastics
2 Comments
The concept and reality of food allergies and sensitivities has been growing in the past few years. As a naturopathic doctor I see food sensitivities very often in clinical practice. Despite the awareness in natural and holistic health circles, I have recently started to hear more and more people talk about how food sensitivities (also referred to as intolerances) are adversely impacting their health. Food intolerances play a central role in many symptoms but how it affects our body and causes those symptoms is not fully understood by most people. The goal of this article is to shed some light on the mechanism of food sensitivities and how they can affect our bodies in often-bizarre ways. It is important to understand the difference between food intolerances and allergies. Most people are familiar with the concept of allergies where substances such as peanuts or bee stings can cause rashes, hives and swelling of the throat, which requires emergency treatment. Food sensitivities or intolerances do not cause this acute and severe reaction but rather cause a low grade, chronic effect that is responsible for a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are indigestion, diarrhea, frequent colds, headaches, bloating, chronic sinus congestion, fatigue and acne. A well-known example of food sensitivity is lactose intolerance. In this condition, the body can’t digest lactose (due to a missing enzyme), which causes bloating, diarrhea and intestinal cramping. There is a large, growing body of scientific research that has connected food allergies to numerous diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are 2 of the most well researched examples. When eliminating gluten (a protein commonly found in wheat), patients with IBD and IBS have shown significant improvements. Other diseases that have been linked to food intolerances are autism, acne vulgaris, and a number of mental disorders such as schizophrenia. A key concept to understanding why food intolerance has such a powerful and wide ranging effect is the connection of our digestive tract and immune system. The majority of the immune system is located just outside of our gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The human body has evolved this way strategically since our GI tract is one of the most common ways that foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, can enter the body. Food sensitivities or intolerances cause chronic irritation and inflammation of our digestive tracts, which causes our immune systems to be over stimulated and become sensitized to normally harmless food particles. Specific substances have been linked to promote food intolerances. Benzoates, sugar, fat, hydrogenated vegetables oils, MSG, nitrities, sulfites, salicylates (aspirin) and tartazine (food colouring) all have been linked to food intolerances. This chronic inflammation can also start a viscous cycle that promote a "leaky gut" which further allows more food proteins to irritate and sensitize immune cells. Leaky gut is a term used to describe our intestinal wall no longer doing its job in preventing unwanted substances from entering the body. Now larger food molecules and proteins can enter the blood stream and cause the immune system to attack them as if they were a bacteria or virus. Sometimes these food proteins can look vary similar to proteins normally found in the body (i.e. in joints or blood vessels) the immune system, just trying to do it job, attacks those healthy cells. This partly explains why food intolerances can cause symptoms such as headaches and joint pain. The obvious question is how do you identify your food allergies and resolve your symptoms. The simple answer is to avoid the most common food allergens to stop this cycle of inflammation and damage. The most common food allergens are dairy products, soy, corn, eggs, oranges, beef, pork, and gluten/wheat also part of this infamous group. Most food elimination diets will start by eliminating the foods listed above and most people find that it resolves the majority of their symptoms. However, a person can have food intolerance to any food. To identify what specific food intolerances you may have there are 2 options. The most cost-effective but also time-consuming option is to go through a full food elimination diet. This usually takes a month to identify which foods cause symptoms. The second option is get a food intolerance blood test, which assesses 96 common foods. It does cost money to complete the test but it avoids the time intensive elimination diet process. Discuss these options with your naturopathic doctor to see which Food intolerances are a very common condition that many people experience and can be responsible for many symptoms. Identifying which foods you are sensitive to is essential to eliminate the root cause. This can take commitment, effort and patience. Most people give up once they need to remove common foods they are use to eating. It is also important to remove substances such as refined sugar, food preservatives and dyes. Only once you remove these obstacles you can allow your GI tract to heal and your symptoms to resolve. I recently noticed coconut milk as a new addition in the non-dairy milk section at the grocery store. My wife currently has love affair with all things coconut so we picked up a few containers to try. For a number of years I have been avoiding dairy products, especially dairy milk. Dairy products are one of the most common food sensitivities that I see in clinical practice so we try to avoid it if possible. Many of us have a number of food sensitivities that can cause symptoms such as indigestion, diarrhea, frequent colds, bloating, chronic sinus congestion and acne to name a few. For more information please read my post on Food Allergies and Sensitivities Explained. I have been a big fan of dairy milk alternatives for a number of years. The majority of my patients eliminate dairy products to some degree as part of their dietary treatment plans. This one small simple change often yields substantial improvements in a number of symptoms you would never think are related to what you are eating. This change has been made so much easier with so many non-dairy alternatives that not only are free of common allergens but also taste great. The taste factor has always been one of the biggest stumbling blocks and I was interested to see how coconut milk (that can be consumed as a drinking beverage or with cereals, not the type used in asian cooking) stacks up against the other options. Before I give you my verdict on coconut milk, I wanted to give you a taste and nutritional value assessment of the most common non-dairy milk options available. The flavours that I compared where all original flavours to level the playing field. There are a number different flavours available but always be aware of higher sugar content in flavoured milks. Also, as a reference point I have rated the taste of dairy milk a 4 out of 5 stars so you can see how the milks below stack up. Soy Milk: The first and most commonly available dairy milk alternative. There is some controversy surrounding this beverage, questioning if long term use is healthy (especially for men) because soy can act like the hormone estrogen in the body. Some studies show benefit to menopausal symptoms and cancer prevention in women, others show none. The verdict is still out but overall it appears to be safe. Key nutritional points: Fortified with calcium, B-vitamins and magnesium PROs: Higher in protein, source of magnesium, source of phytoestrogens, possibly beneficial for cardiovascular health, dairy free CONs: High allergenic potential (soy is very common allergen), unknown effects in mens, all soy is GMO Taste: Most people like the taste and consistency (3.5/5 stars) Bottom line: Soy milk is a better alternative than dairy milk with some potential health benefits but I don't recommend long term use (over 2 month at a time). If you are not sensitive to it (don't feel worse after drinking) then you can drink it as a change from other milks discussed below. Almond milk: The emerging favorite alternative to soy milk that is now widely available. Many health benefits are associated with almond intake. Key nutritional points: High in magnesium, low in fat, great source of calcium PROs: Very low allergenic potential, high in magnesium and calcium, soy and dairy free, available at costco to buy in bulk. CONs: low in protein, taste is bland (original), not all people like the flavour, can be higher in sugar depending on brand Taste: Really hit and miss with most people, the original flavour as unique taste which some would called "acquired" (3/5 stars). Bottom line: One of my go-to dairy alternatives because of the low allergenic potential and solid health benefits. The unsweetened or original is actually great if mixed with oatmeal, quinoa or cereal (not that great to drink by itself). This is my milk of choice for breakfast and in protein shakes. Rice milk: Another alternative to soy with low allergenic potential Key nutritional points: Low allergenic potential PROs: Soy, gluten and dairy free, low in sodium CONs: As with almond milk the taste can be plain or considered as 'acquired' Taste: Can vary between brands but generally very little taste (which can be good or bad depending on the person) (3/5 stars) Bottom Line: I like rice milk as an alternative to almond milk if patients don't like the taste or need to switch up flavours. Oat milk: A newer option. It's not widely available yet. Key nutrition stats: Higher in fibre PROs: Oats are higher in fibre then soy, almonds or rice, low in saturated fat CONs: Oats can still contain gluten which is highly allergenic Taste: Average taste. Some people like it better than rice or almond milk. Its all about personal preference (3/5 stars) Bottom line: can't really comment much on this milk since it don't use it often but I think its a good alternative. And now finally coconut milk. Lets see how it stacks up vs the above options. Coconut Milk: New kid on the block that is gaining popularity with the emergence of coconut as a new "superfood" Key nutriton stats: despite containing saturated fatty, it does contain medium chain fatty acids PROs: Contains medium chain fatty acids that help with energy production and weight loss, great taste CONs: Higher in sugar, no protein, fibre or magnesium, slightly more expensive than almond or rice Taste: Best surprise is the great taste and palpable consistency. It has a mildly "coconutty" flavour with a light consistency. It is great in cereal or by itself. (4.5/5 stars) Bottom line: This is a welcome addition to the dairy free line up. Great taste with medium chain fatty acids as a source of good fat and energy. Don't worry about the saturated fat. Rather avoid sugar instead as it has much more powerful effects on cardiovascular disease. So in conclusion, coconut milk has now been added to our shopping list as an alternative to rice or almond milk. The only downside is that it is not that readily available and the price is a little more expensive than the other options, but the superior taste makes it a great gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free option. It is one of the only options that I really enjoy drinking on its own as it it were a glass of dairy milk. The future looks even better as there now is a coconut and almond milk combination available . I can't wait to try it. If you can't decide between the options I recommend to first try all of them at least once (give it a fair chance since the taste can grow on you) and don't expect them to taste like diary milk. Find the types you prefer and then use each one for a period of time and then switch. This provides variety in the taste and nutrition without you getting tired of one flavour. I hope that clarifies the world of non-dairy milk options. Enjoy With the warm weather now in full swing many people are starting to fire up their barbeques. As we move into the summer months, our diets also shift to outdoor friendly foods and patio cuisine. Unfortunately this often means more grilled red meat, cold treats and alcoholic beverages. A diet high in red meat has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. Most animal products increase the acidic load in the body and promote inflammation if eaten regularly. Long term acidity and inflammation can promote cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cancer, arthritis and other diseases. Additionally, the process of barbequing and charring can cause the formation of potentially cancer-causing compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). If you still want to eat healthy and enjoy classic summer foods this article will help you make the best food choices while still partaking in the summer tradition of backyard and cottage barbequing. The following are 5 recommendations to cut down on the potentially harmful aspects of barbequing and increase the health value of your grilling food choices. 1) Don’t Over Cook Your Meat: Over cooking your food on the BBQ (especially meats) promotes the formation of HCAs and PAHs that are potentially harmful. The charbroiled flavor is tempting but is dangerous for your health. 2) Pre-cook Your Meats: This actually is a tip from top chef’s to make your meat more tender. Precooking (boiling or baking) reduces the time spent on the grill and avoids the use of high heat. 3) Cook on Low Heat: Just like indoor frying and sautéing, using high heat increases damage to the food and increases HCA and PAH formation. Try pre-cooking your meat or cooking it on low for longer. Meat cooked on low heat is also more tender and juicy. 4) Choose Organic meat: Even though organic meat is generally more expensive it is free from harmful antibiotic residues and hormones. These compounds can wreck havoc on your internal hormonal balance and further promote inflammation. The added bonus is that organic meat usually is much more tender and flavourful since the animals are fed with grass and not corn. 5) Marinate Your Meats: Using simple spices, olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar not only improves tenderness and flavor but also can help prevent the formation of harmful compounds produced during the grilling process. See Dr Hrkal’s famous marinade recipe below. 6) Make Healthy Substitutions: Hamburgers, hotdogs and streaks are the most common grilling foods but they are not the only options. Healthier choices are organic chicken, wild salmon, and lamb. They are generally lower in saturated fat and contain healthier types of fats. Veggie burgers are also another meat-free option however beware of hidden ingredients such as wheat, yeast extract and fillers. 7) Add Colour: Meat is not the only thing that can be grilled. Vegetables are great when done on the barbeque and they pack an antioxidant punch to offset the meat. Be sure to glaze them with olive oil and spices and not to over cook them. They should still be crispy and fresh on the inside. Some favorites are zucchini, peppers, eggplant, mushrooms and onions. Despite the potential health hazards of barbequing I encourage you to still be involved in your summer traditions while still making healthy choices. By making simple changes to your barbeque process and substitute for healthy options you can still enjoy the fruits of the grill and maintain your commitment to healthy eating. Bon Appetit and Happy Grilling! Dr Hrkal’s famous BBQ meat marinade 1 tsp sesame seed oil 2 tbs organic soy sauce 1 bottle of your favorite dark beer 2 tbs ground pepper 1 tsp Worchester sauce 1-2 cloves garlic minced 1tbs honey (optional) juice of 2 lemons 1 tsp course sea salt Mix all of the marinade ingredients together and place in a non-reactive (glass) dish just big enough for the meat. Pour in the marinade and be sure to turn the meat to ensure both sides are covered. Allow to marinade overnight (or at least 6 hours) Vitamins and minerals are the raw materials that allow our cells to function properly. Without them cells would not be able to produce enough energy for normal processes, repair damage and replicate DNA. Ideally we can get these essential nutrients through our diet but often, despite our best efforts we often don’t get adequate levels absorbed and delivered to our cells. Sometimes even a great diet may not translate to proper nutrition at the cellular level. There can be many causes of this, which may include: poor digestion, food sensitivities, chronic inflammation, poor immune function, chronic stress, toxicity or any disease or sickness. A vicious cycle ensues – our cells are not healthy and they need nutrients to heal but can’t get them delivered because of poor absorption. However, the nutrients are not available because our cells are too weak to transport the vitamins and minerals to where they are needed. This scenario describes a typical situation in which intravenous vitamin (I.V.) therapy would be indicated. I.V. therapy involves the administration of nutrients in high concentrations to rapidly aid cellular healing. The advantage of intravenous administration is that the nutrients bypass the stomach and intestines and get directly to the bloodstream where they are needed. This will allow the cells to rapidly repair and regain strength. Once this happens, the cells will be able to function normally again and begin to repair the disease process. I.V. therapy can be effective in many situations. Typically it is used in situations were, as discussed, digestive function is compromised and/or there is urgent need to “kick-start” the healing process that would otherwise take much longer though diet and other supplementation or ultra high doses of vitamins are required to combat a certain disease process. A very common and effective use of I.V. therapy is using high doses of vitamin C in integrated cancer care. This has been shown to be preferentially cytotoxic to tumour cells, maximize tissue healing and minimize the side effects of chemotherapy. Such high doses can only be achieved through I.V. therapy that is supervised by a qualified Naturopathic doctor (ND). A knowledgeable ND can tailor the I.V. protocol by varying the type and amounts of nutrients. When this is done, IV therapy can also be beneficial for: migraines, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, detoxification, allergies, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, macular degeneration, depression, chronic diseases, and malnutrition. It can even be used periodically in healthy people to enhance overall well-being, prepare for surgery (to enhance recovery and healing) or as an extremely effective therapy to combat colds and flus. I.V. vitamin therapy has been used for over 25 years to help people boost or regain health. It is an aggressive treatment, so the patient must be informed of all treatment details before commencing such a protocol. Nevertheless, when done by knowledgeable practitioner, I.V. therapy can provide very safe and effective results that may not be found in other therapies. When our cells are given the nutrients they need, they will be able to function properly and thus allow the restoration of our body’s inherent healing mechanisms. For more information please contact Dr Paul Hrkal or pureBalance Wellness Centre. Almost everyone knows that fat is bad for you. For many years we have been trained and taught by the media, health professionals and even our friends and family that one of the most important things we can do stay healthy and disease free is avoid saturated and trans fats. As we get older, often the first warning sign of cardiovascular disease that is discovered by our family doctors is elevated cholesterol. For a moment, let us imagine that fat was not the horrible enemy that we all are led to believe. How would this affect the way we approach our health and our diet?
The fact is that cholesterol is NOT the ultimate enemy that we have been led to believe is so detrimental to our cardiovascular health. Let us consider the fact that the French population eats more fat then any western (including Canada and the United States) country but their incidence of heart-related death is less than half of that in America. This would seem to suggest that dietary fat is not the main cause of heart disease. The question becomes what is it about the standard American diet (S.A.D. diet) that promotes heart disease? Experts now are starting to see that it is not the fat or cholesterol intake that is the main cause of heart disease but rather a diet that is high in refined sugar and low in antioxidant rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Even though the French people consume more fat then Americans they also have a diet rich in fresh foods and low is refined sugars and carbohydrates. Cholesterol in itself is not harmful to our cardiovascular system. On the contrary, it is essential to our natural production of hormones and vitamin D. It becomes harmful only once it becomes deposited and oxidized in blood vessel walls. A diet high in antioxidants from fruits and veggies prevents this key transformation. Knowing this fact, we can often do much more to prevent cardiovascular health by focusing on keeping our diet high in antioxidants and avoiding the damaging effects of high blood sugar by skipping those sweet snacks. In fact the real heart health enemy is not fat but rather sugar. Ironically, the foods often highest in sugar are those labeled “low fat” in our supermarkets. A high sugar intake has a well established connection to obesity and diabetes which in turn have a harmful effect on your cardiovascular system. A number of recent papers have solidified the deleterious effects of sugar in promoting diabetes, obesity and ultimately cardiovascular disease. In 2010, Jakobsen and colleagues showed that replacing saturated fat with carbohydrates further increased the risk of hear attacks (1). One of the biggest and most damaging threats to multiple body systems is high fructose corn syrup. Recent research is showing that it has a broad range of negative effects by promoting uric acid production, fatty liver, insulin resistance and ultimately diabetes (2). Unfortunately, fats get an overall bad reputation. There is no doubt trans and saturated fats have an negative effect on multiple body systems including the brain and heart. However, many good fats wit h wide ranging health benefits are over looked. Olive oil, fish oil and nuts and seeds all contain extremely health omega 3 fats that are anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective. This month, do your heart a favour and avoid sugar and refined carbs, increase you fresh fruits and vegetable intake and give fat a break, it has been wrongly accused for quite some time. (1) Jakobsen MU, Dethlefsen C, Joensen AM, et al. Intake of carbohydrates compared with intake of saturated fatty acids and risk of myocardial infarction: importance of the glycemic index. Am J Clin Nutr 2010; 91: (2) Johnson et al. Fructose as a Cause of Type 2 Diabetes. Endocrine Reviews, February 2009, 30(1):96–116 By Dr Paul Hrkal Hello friends and fellow health enthusiasts.
In part 1 of this article we talked about the basics of how and why we do a detox and some common myths surrounding detoxification. That part was the foundational understanding of what is a detox and why we do it. Part 2 is how we can put an effective, safe detox into action. First let me introduce you to a few key systems and pathways in our body that we will need to active if we are to effectively remove and excrete toxins. The Liver is the organ that traditionally gets the most attention when it comes to a detox. There is little doubt it is one of the most important organs in inactivating and removing harmful substances. This organ is almost always under chronic stress in most people, which can lead to many different issues such as hormonal imbalances, headaches, and even cancer etc. So it is a good thing to support the function of the liver but what most people don’t know is there are 2 “phases” to liver detoxification. Most common detox kits will stimulate phase 1 which prepares a toxin to be removed. However they often do a poor job at stimulating phase 2, which is responsible for taking the molecule activated by phase 1 and safely excrete it. A potential problem is that if we over stimulate our phase 1 pathways and forget about phase 2 we can actually cause more harm then good if the liver becomes overwhelmed. Doc’s Tip: Broccoli contains a phytonutrient called sulforaphane that stimulates phase 2 detoxification in the liver. The intestines are also an important pathway of elimination. Unfortunately, most people don’t have frequent enough bowel movements and experience some form of constipation. If food becomes trapped in the gut for a longer period of time, it can start to putrefy and which can cause more toxins to be formed and released. A good rule of thumb is to have 1-2 bowel movements a day. Luckily, this is one of the easiest system to get moving. Most detox kits contain herbs that help the digestive tract to move. However the trick is to get enough fibre and bulk that the gut will keep moving once the herbs are stopped. Often food allergies and sensitivities can also cause constipation. Doc’s Tip: The simplest reason many people are constipated is that they are dehydrated. The goal is to drink 6 big glasses of water a day (3 L). The skin is an often-overlooked area that plays a key part in detoxification. We don’t realize it but our skin is a very large and active organ that can be either absorb or eliminate toxins. For centuries, saunas have been a very important part of many cultures as a means to stay healthy, promote circulation and eliminate toxins through sweat. Direct stimulation to the skin, such as exfoliation is another great way to promote skin health and functions. Doc’s Tip: A great way to stimulate blood and lymph flow and to eliminate toxins through the skin is to try dry skin brushing. This can be done right at home before a shower or bath. The kidneys are one of the most under appreciated organs when it comes to detoxification. They are essential to the elimination toxins we are exposed to everyday. They also are responsible for the metabolism of many drugs including painkillers and antibiotics. Doc’s Tip: Beware of hidden dehydrators that cause us to lose more water. Substances such as coffee and alcohol act on the kidneys to promote water loss despite being liquids. Finally we are going to discuss the key points to remember if you want to pull off a healthy, safe and effective detox plan. 1) Do your research: Before you go and buy a popular detox product off the shelf, read the fine print and ask someone you who knows more about the ingredients. Naturopathic doctors are experts in detoxification and can be a great resource in your detox process. 2) Strength in numbers: It is so much easier to complete a detox if you team up with the people closest to you. Remember, you will be eating differently and doing various new activities so if those people that live with you or close a friend can support you, or better yet join you, your chance of sticking with it goes way up. 3) Activate your whole body: Don’t just fall for the “supplements only” plan. They can be effective but they only work on one or two organ systems. Try to activate all your elimination pathways. The main ones are the liver, kidney, intestine, lungs, lymph and skin. 4) Take many different angles: This means that the most effective detox plans include changing your diet, adding some more nutrition, reducing your toxic exposure, supplements to kick start your system and physical techniques (i.e. hydrotherapy, exercise, dry skin brushing etc.). All of these things together make up an effective detox program. 5) Detox your mind: the most commonly overlooked thing during a detox is giving our mind a break. Most of us need to “detox” from stress, negative thoughts, and emotions more then toxic chemicals. During your detox, consciously spend some quiet time doing some mental relaxation and mediation or whatever relaxes you. It might even be a good idea to plan a spa day to get your mind of stressful things. I hope you can now apply some of these principles if you are considering a detox in the future. I do strongly believe that a good detox program twice a year has tremendous health benefits. Think of it as a spring cleaning or yearly tune up for your body. If you are overwhelmed don’t hesitate to contact a qualified Naturopathic doctor to help you get started on the right track. Happy detoxing! Detoxifcation Debunked: The truth about safe effective and simple detoxification (Part 1 of 2)4/28/2012 Hello friends and fellow health enthusiasts.
Spring time is here and inevitably we start to think about undertaking our customary spring cleaning. Even though this often means we clean out the cupboards, closets and garage many of us want to try an “spring cleaning” for our body; a detox. There are many popular options available at your local healthfood store. Another option that has recently become popular is the Hollywood “juice fast.” Since we want to be trendy, lose a few pounds and shake out the winter cobwebs we try one of may options that are readily available or hear around the water cooler. We start strong the first week, end up maybe dropping a few pounds and increasing the frequency of our bowel movements. Inevitably, despite our best efforts and intentions, we “fall off” the proverbial wagon and never end up finishing the detox we started with such high hopes. Maybe we just became to busy, maybe we didn’t feel any better and the supplement taste awful or maybe we actually felt worse. This situation is unfortunately very common among most aspiring “detoxees.” The fact is that to effectively detox your body on every level requires some degree of determination, planning and knowledge. It’s never is a simple as using a detox kit of a few supplements for a few weeks. Most often this approach ends like the situation described above. The following is list of commonly held beliefs about detoxing and my response to each point. Hopefully they will give you a better understanding of what makes up an effective detox. 1) My doctor says there is no research supporting the benefits of detoxing. This statement is true that there are no placebo controlled trials measuring an overall detox program but there are many studies showing that the build up of toxins, such as heavy metals, can have a very detrimental effect on your health. Furthermore, the effective removal of those specific toxins does improve the way a person feels. Despite the lack of research studies there is little doubt that safe and effective detoxing can improve the function of your cells, organs and systems, which contribute to your overall health. 2) What exactly happens in the body during a detox? The body is “detoxing” itself from toxins every second. There are natural processes built into our physiology that prevent the build up of toxins and the damage they can cause. Without these essential pathways we would be dead almost immediately. However many times these pathways and processes become overloaded because toxins from our diet, lifestyle or environment overwhelm our natural detoxification processes. When we start a detox the 2 essential goals are to limit the intake and exposure toxins and to stimulate and aid the body’s own pathways to excrete harmful substances. 3) Is detoxing safe? The answer here is Yes, if done safely. Sometimes we feel worse when we start a detox. This is sometimes called a “detox reaction.” It simply is the toxins being moved out of areas of storage (i.e. fatty tissue) and our body reacting to them. A detox can potentially do more harm then good if a person stimulates the release of toxins without also activating pathways in the body that are responsible for eliminating them. The same idea would be to do a massive spring-cleaning in your basement, put the garbage on the curb but the collection service is on strike. Of course it will start to stink! 4) A detox will flush out toxins from my body. This is a very simplistic way of looking at a detox. There actually is many ways your body can get rid of toxic substances. Most commercially available detox kits contain herbal supplements that are little more then a laxative. So many people have started to associate excessive bowel movements and nasty tasting herbs with detoxing. This is only one way the body can get rid of toxins. Harmful substances can be removed via sweat, urination, lymph, bile and finally feces. A good detox will stimulate all of these essential elimination pathways. 5) What can I expect from a detox? Many people start a detox because “it’s a good thing to do” or “a friend is doing it.” These may be good incentives but the goal of a detox is to rid ourselves of substances that are hindering the cells in our body to function optimally and do their jobs. Common symptoms of poor cellular function and toxin overload are fatigue, chronic health concerns (i.e. joint pain), hormonal imbalances, headaches and many more. Ideally, after an effective detox you will feel more focused, have more energy, less bloating and less aches and pains. In part 2 of this article we will outline what pathways and systems in our body we can activate to get an effective full body detox that will make us feel better and prevent chronic disease down the road. Plus we will discuss simple ways you can start right at home. See you next time In health, Dr Paul Hrkal Hello friends and fellow health enthusiasts,
I recently was asked by an attendee of one of my presentations about the benefits of drinking lemon water. There a lot of information on the internet and it’s sometimes difficult to sift through opinions, blogs and articles to just get the facts. Is lemon water really as good as everyone claims it is? The short answer is yes...sometimes, but let me explain. I hope the following points will help you understand some of the benefits associated with regularly drinking fresh lemon juice in water. Alkalizing our bodies: This point seems counterintuitive since fresh lemon juice is very sour and acidic however lemons are considered a very alkaline food. Despite the acidity of the juice, once it interacts with water molecules and enters the body it actually forms alkaline molecules that contribute to a healthy and balanced pH level. One of the reasons is that lemon juice contains alkaline minerals such as magnesium and calcium. It is essential to maintain a balanced pH level in our bodies to prevent disease. It is true that our bodies tightly regulate our blood pH. However, our environment and the foods we eat often promote an acid pH outside of the bloodstream and cells. To counteract and prevent this harmful acid build up we need to eat and drink “alkaline forming” foods such as lemon water. Stimulates the liver and digestion: A diet heavy in fat and animal based foods puts excess stress on liver function and impairs the smooth flow of bile, which is essential for optimal digestion. A glass of lemon water in the morning is a simple way to stimulate the liver and promote bile flow which in turn aids in digestion. The acidic and photochemical properties of lemon “kick start” your digestive organs so they are ready to function well all day. Interestingly enough, lemon water also sometimes helps resolve heartburn symptoms by stimulating healthy stomach function. Anti-microbial: Lemon Juice as has been traditionally used as a home remedy for a sore throat or cold. There is some merit to this use since lemons have anti-microbial properties. A cup of warm water and lemon juice is a cheap and easy way to combat a sore throat. Despite its many benefits, lemon juice is sometimes touted as stimulating weight loss, building bone and combating heartburn. It can definitely indirectly contribute to general health but it has not been proven to substantially impact weight loss or bone health. It will improve digestion and hydration which can indirectly promote better energy production but it won’t shed the pounds for you. In some cases it can also irritate the stomach lining if a gastric ulcer is present. Additionally, prolonged exposure of lemon juice to dental enamel can promote erosion so it is recommended to rinse out your mouth with plain water after drinking lemon water. Please exercise caution if you experience stomach upset after taking lemon water. An ideal time to drink lemon juice in a day is the morning. There are a number of benefits to this approach: a) As mentioned above, it stimulates optimal digestion, something you want right at the start of the day. b) You get the added benefit of water plus lemon juice. Water is its own right should be taken in the morning to also promote digestion, flush out toxins and hydrate our cells. c) Adding lemon makes the water taste a little better therefore we tend to drink more. Generally, most people don’t drink enough water throughout the day so any little incentive helps. d) The morning lemon water habit can offset other morning habits such as drinking coffee that don’t have the same health benefits. A good dose is the juice of half a lemon mixed with 500mL of lukewarm water. Drink it on waking, 30 minutes before eating any food. An easy tip is to mix up the glass in the evening before bed so you don’t have to think about it in the morning. Room temperature or lukewarm water is best because even though we are more refreshed by cold water it can hamper blood flow to your stomach and thus impair digestion. I hope you learned more about this easy, cheap and effective strategy to further improve your health. Some many common household foods and items can be turned into powerful health tools. Try a big glass of lemon water in the morning for a month and discover for yourself the power of simplicity. Welcome friends and fellow health enthusiasts! I wanted to personally welcome you to my website and blog. I look forward to posting and interacting with you regularly on many health and wellness related topics. I will be posting thought provoking articles that will hopefully inspire and help you make small and manageable steps to achieving your optimal health! I encourage your feedback, comments and suggestions. Stay tuned to my twitter and facebook for updates on my latest postings.
In Health, Dr Paul |
Welcome To My Blog
My goal is to post thought-provoking and informative articles so you can learn and apply the latest news from the world of natural health. Feel free to post comments and start a conversation. Stay tuned to my twitter and facebook feeds for the latest posts.
Archives
December 2015
|