Helping You Achieve Health . . . Naturally!Volume 4 Issue 2 Spring 2009

1129 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON K1Y 4G6 (613)798-1000 www.oihc.caOttawa Integrative Health Centre

DETOXIFICATIONby: Christine Nguyen, NDNaturopathic Doctor

Cleansing the Body, Mind and SpiritSpring is an excellent time for detoxifyingand revitalizing your body, mind andspirit. The Native Indians considerspring a time for new beginnings. Itfollows winter, which is a time ofconservation, and reflects the beginningof growth - a time when life begins tosprout, “as energy awakens to slowlytransform into life again”. Spring isalso a time when our body favoursdetoxification. Similar to the rivers thatbegin to flow, our body shifts into amore active, “excretory” state, preparingitself to shed what accumulates duringthe winter months.

What are toxins?Over 4 million distinct chemical compounds have been reported in scientific literature since 1965, many of them found in the products we use orare exposed to every day. A toxin canbe ingested, inhaled or absorbed by thebody in small amounts and still have adetrimental effect. Toxins can come tous from our food supply (additives,preservatives, pesticides, hormones), ourenvironment (car pollution, householdcleaners, paints, plastics, solvents, cigarette smoke, medications) and evenour own bodies (carbon dioxide, freeradicals, metabolic waste).

Accumulation of toxins in our body:There is currently a wealth of scientificevidence showing that toxins remainstored in our body long after exposure,accumulating in our tissues and potentiallycontributing to the processes of aging,inflammation and the overwhelmingnumber of environmentally-induced illnesses. This occurs because of themany bodily systems affected by suchaccumulation. Fat soluble toxins such as

pesticides, herbicides and hormones, arestored in our fat tissues. Heavy metalssuch as lead and cadmium are depositedin our liver and kidneys. Pesticideresidues have been found in the centralnervous system. It is estimated that theaverage North American consumes 5pounds of chemical food additives eachyear. In many cases, these chemicalcompounds have not been tested forlong term use and some may even be lethal.

But don't our bodies have the naturalability to detoxify?Our bodies have specific organ systemsresponsible for processing toxins intoless toxic forms and eliminating themfrom our bodies. The organs of eliminationinclude the liver, bowels, kidneys,gallbladder, skin, lungs and lymphaticsystem. The problem is that with constant toxic exposure and long termaccumulation, these organs may becomeoverburdened, preventing them fromfunctioning optimally.

Toxic overload and poor eliminationhave been linked to symptoms such as

migraine headaches, allergies, chronicpain, low energy or fatigue, gas andbloating, excess weight, fluid retention,memory impairment and skin eruptionsamong others. Thus, while bodilysystems are in place to detoxify, ourbodies could use a break from theexposure and a helpful boost to enhancethis detoxification process.

Why detoxify?1.We are exposed to chemical

concentrations far greater today than were our ancestors

2.Toxic bio-accumulation means that thousands of drugs, preservatives, pesticides and other pollutants remain stored in our body long after exposure

3.Toxins in our body may be mobilized and re-enter our bloodstream during times of physical or emotional stress causing an increased burden on our system

4.A clean system is a more efficient system. Just as you would engage in aspring cleaning of your home, tossing

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out unused, unneeded 'items' that addnothing but clutter and burden, and leadto inefficient use of your time and energy,our body could use a spring cleaning ofits own

Methods of detoxificationPractitioners at the OIHC offer manytherapeutic tools to engage body andmind alike through an individualizeddetoxification program which mayinclude all or some combination of the following:

• A healthy whole foods diet that avoids known allergens and toxins, enhances the binding and elimination of toxins, promotes nutrients essentialto detoxification

• Herbal medicine to target and enhance the function elimination organs

• Nutritional supplements to address nutrient deficiencies or underlying imbalances

• Homeopathic remedies to facilitate drainage and elimination

• Hydrotherapy to improve blood and lymphatic circulation

• Massage to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid, improve immunity and detoxification of tissues

• Infrared sauna to comfortably stimulateyour immune system, lymphatic system,and release of toxins through the skin

• Acupuncture to stimulate specific organs and enhance energy during the detox

• Lifestyle changes to move the body, reduce emotional toxic exposure, bettermanage stress and tap into one's spiritual self

Three- and seven-day Detox Packagesare now available at the OIHC. Speakto your naturopathic doctor to deter-mine if a detoxification program is rightfor you.

WHY SHOULD YOU CAREABOUT PESTICIDES?

The growing consensus among scientistsis that small doses of pesticides andother chemicals can cause lasting damageto human health, especially during fetaldevelopment and early childhood.Scientists now know enough about thelong-term consequences of ingestingthese powerful chemicals to advise thatwe minimize our consumption of pesticides.

What’s the Difference?EWG research has found that people

who eat the 12 most contaminatedfruits and vegetables consume an averageof 10 pesticides a day. Those who eatthe 15 least contaminated conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables ingestfewer than 2 pesticides daily. The Guidehelps consumers make informed choicesto lower their dietary pesticide load.

Will Washing and Peeling Help?Nearly all the studies used to createthese lists assume that people rinse orpeel fresh produce. Rinsing reduces butdoes not eliminate pesticides. Peelinghelps, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the skin. The bestapproach: eat a varied diet, rinse allproduce and buy organic when possible.

How Was This Guide Developed?EWG analysts have developed theGuide based on data from nearly 87,000tests for pesticide residues in produceconducted between 2000 and 2007 andcollected by the U.S. Department ofAgriculture and the U.S. Food and DrugAdministration. You can find a detaileddescription of the criteria EWG used todevelop these rankings and the completelist of fruits and vegetables tested at ourdedicated website, www.foodnews.org.

NATURAL RELIEF FORGASTRO-ESOPHAGEALREFLUXShawn Yakimovich, BSc, ND Naturopathic Doctor

One of the most common disorders ofthe digestive tract is gastro-esophagealreflux disease (GERD), known morecommonly as heartburn. It is estimatedthat about 7% of the population experiencesdaily symptoms of GERD. Heartburncures are big business: TV commercialsadvertising antacids run in prime timeevery night, and medications used totreat this condition are among the mostpopularly prescribed drugs. But whilethese products may relieve the symptoms,the underlying cause of the problemremains unaddressed, and there aresome potentially serious side effects.Thankfully, naturopathic medicineoffers treatments that are safe, effective,and long lasting, and as usual, improveoverall health as well treating the causeof the symptoms.

When the opening between the esophagus

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SHOPPER’S GUIDE SHOPPER’S GUIDE TTO PESTICIDESO PESTICIDES

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DIRTY DOZENBuy These Organic

1. Peach2. Apple3. Bell Pepper4. Celery5. Nectarine6. Strawberries7. Cherries8. Kale9. Lettuce10. Grapes (Imported)11. Carrot12. Pear

CLEAN 15Lowest in Pesticides

1. Onion2. Avocado3. Sweet Corn4. Pineapple5. Mango6. Asparagus7. Sweet Peas8. Kiwi9. Cabbage10. Eggplant11. Papaya12. Watermelon13. Broccoli14. Tomato15. Sweet Potato

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUPwww.foodnews.org

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and top of the stomach (the loweresophageal sphincter) doesn’t closeproperly, acid can splash upwards andirritate the esophagus. Symptomsinclude sensations of burning in thethroat or chest (heartburn), painfulswallowing, coughing, hoarseness, orregurgitation of food. Coffee, alcoholand fatty foods can all decrease the toneof the sphincter (a donut-shaped muscle),as can medications such as calciumchannel blockers, beta-blockers, nitratesor progesterone. Obesity, or anothercondition known as hiatal hernia, canalso cause this problem.

While the symptoms are usually moreannoying than debilatating, chronic irritation can eventually lead to ulcerationsof the esophagus and potentially evencancer, with 8-15% of patients going onto develop this condition. Therefore,effective treatment is important to preventmore serious problems down the road.

The conventional approach to treatingGERD is through reducing the body’sown production of stomach acid.Antacids are recommended formild symptoms, while morepowerful drugs like H2antagonists such asRanitidine(Zantac) andproton pumpinhibitorssuch asPrevacidandNexiumwork topartly orcompletely shutdown the production of stomach acid. While this approachquickly relieves symptoms, it can leadto other problems.

Stomach acid is essential for propernutrient absorption, especially mineralssuch as calcium and vitamins like B12.Decreasing its production over the longterm can lead to nutrient deficiencies,and a study in 2006 linked proton pumpinhibitors to an increased risk of hipfractures in post-menopausal women.(Yang YX, Lewis JD, Epstein S, MetzDC. Long-term proton pump inhibitortherapy and risk of hip fracture. JAMA.Dec 27 2006;296(24):2947-53 .) Longterm use can also deplete vitamin B12,

which is essential for blood cell formation,detoxification, immune system function,nerve function and brain health.Sufficient stomach acid also helps killbacteria in our food that can make ussick, and is essential to properly digest protein.

Note that the symptoms of GERD aredue to stomach acid in the wrong place,rather than “too much” stomach acid.While conventional medicine is anti-acid,naturopathic medicine takes a holisticapproach that aims to support optimalfunctioning of the digestive system.

The root cause of GERD is a weaksphincter that will not close tightlyenough to prevent acid from splashingthrough. Instead of reducing acid,naturopathic doctors work to enhancethe ability for the sphincter to close.Avoiding foods such as coffee, alcohol,fatty foods and even tomatoes is thefirst step. Losing weight, whereappropriate, can also reduce the upwardpressure of acid on the sphincter.Herbal medicine has many wonderful

agents that can help the musclecontract. Herbs with a

bitter taste stimulatethe digestive system

to move

and secrete appropriately. With this kindof treatment, acid production is actuallyincreased, but is not detrimental as theacid remains in the stomach. Therefore,the negative side effects of infection,nutrient deficiencies and incompletedigestion of protein are completelyavoided.

Acupuncture is also an effective option.In Chinese Medicine, reflux is due to“rebellious Qi”, or digestive energygoing up instead of downwards. Pointssuch as P6, ST 25, ST 36, CV12 andCV 13 can directly tonify the sphincterand reduce reflux and the associatedsymptoms stemming from it. As well,

OIHC AT THE OTTAWA ECOFAIRCelebrating Green Living Ideas,Products and ServicesSat., Apr. 18, 2009 @10-5pm Location: RACentrewww.ottawaecofair.ca

BETTER BOWELS:A Mind-Body Approach to BetterDigestive Health Presented by: Dr. Christine Nguyen NDMon., Apr. 20, 2009 @ 6:45-7:45pmLocation: Carlingwood Library Call:613-725-2449, ext. 22

TEA WITH AN ND - MEET ANDGREET AN ND OVER TEA ATTHE OIHCFREE on Tues., May 5, 2009Learn more about Natural Medicine

BEING YOUR BEST SELF:NATUROPATHIC APPROACHESTO WEIGHT MANAGEMENTPresented by: Dr. Christine Nguyen NDWed., May 6, 2009 @7:30-9pmLocation: Sage Massage Therapywww.sagemassagetherapy.ca

NATURE’S WAY: THE USE OFHERBS AND PLANTS AS MEDICINEPanel discussion with NaturopathicDoctor Christine Nguyen and researchscientist Dr. Ernest SmallWed., May 13, 2009 @7:30pmLocation: Canadian Museam of Naturewww.asianheritagemonth.net

LOVE YOUR BODY, LOVEYOURSELF INFO SESSIONLearn how this 10-week lifestyle programcan help you achieve your health andweight loss goalsWed., May 20, 2009 @7-8pmLocation: OIHC 2nd Floor seminar room

HEALTH IS WEALTH FAIREye, blood sugar, BMI checks etc.Sun., May 24, 2009 @10-4pmwww.asianheritagemonth.net

LOVE YOUR BODY, LOVEYOURSELF PROGRAMEvery Wed @6-8pm - May 27-Aug. 5Location: OIHC seminar room

Loooking Forward

Pre-registration required for most of these great programs so be sure to register in time.

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acupuncture contributes to relaxation,which is important since our digestivesystems can only function properly ifwe are fully relaxed, with our parasym-pathetic nervous systems dominant. Ingeneral, a combination of acupunctureand herbal medicine is my treatment ofchoice for this condition.

If the condition has progressed to thepoint that there is permanent inflammationor even ulceration of the esophagus,soothing herbs can be employed topromote the healing of the tissue at thesame time. Herbs such as Marshmallow,Slippery Elm, Plantain, Goldenseal andCranesbill all help to coat the lining ofthe esophagus which protects it fromfurther damage and starts the healing process.

While conventional medicine relievessymptoms, it is clear that a naturopathicapproach to GERD not only providesrelief, but enhances the overall health ofthe digestive tract, while encouraginglifestyle changes such as weight lossand stress reduction. As always, awhole person approach is worth theextra time and effort, and achieves more than just treating symptoms!

FLYING HIGH WITH FIBERby: Christine Nguyen, NDNaturopathic Doctor

Think your knowledge of fiber is a littleROUGH? Read this article and learnhow a little bit (or a lot) of roughagecan benefit your health.

Dietary fiber is a kind of carbohydratethat is indigestible by our digestivetract. It is found in all plants that areeaten for food, including fruits, vegetables,grains, nuts and legumes.

Fiber can be classified in many wayssuch as its source: cereal fiber (fromgrains), legume fiber (beans/lentils),etc., or by its relationship in waterSoluble fiber - partially dissolves inwater (Sources: oatmeal, oatbran, nuts,seeds, legumes/beans, dried peas, barley)Insoluble fiber - does not dissolve inwater (Sources: whole grain or wholewheat breads, barley, couscous, brownrice, bulgur, whole grain breakfastcereals, wheat bran)

Fiber intake from food is best andcurrently North Americans are fallingshort of the recommended levels withan average consumption of only 15grams per day. The amount of fiberneeded for optimal health depends oncaloric intake but an average adultshould consume between 20-35 gramsper day.

Currently there are a number of diseases associated with deficient fiberintake including metabolic, cardiovascular,digestive and auto-immune. Studiesconsistently demonstrate that dietshigh in fiber are protective againstheart disease, type 2 diabetes, diverticulitis,and constipation.

The benefits of fiber are thought to bedue to the following mechanisms:

Decreased intestinal transit time -insoluble fiber increases the bulk ofthe stool and enhances intestinal motility(moves it out of the intestines faster).This dilutes the concentration of toxinsin the intestines and reduces our exposureto them allowing relief from constipationand conditions related to toxic overload.

Delayed gastric emptying - morefiber from whole grain sources resultsin a more gradual release of food from

the stomach to the small intestine andenhanced release and activity of pancreaticenzymes. As a result, blood glucoselevels rise more gradually offeringprotection from diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

More advantageous intestinal bacteria -adequate fiber intake helps to promotegood bacterial colonies and preventsovergrowth of bad bacteria.

Increased production of Short ChainFatty Acids (SCFA) - fermentation ofdietary fiber by the intestinal bacteriaproduces various end products such asgas, energy and SCFA. SCFA haveimportant physiological functions suchas providing fuel for the cells of thecolon and maintaining colonic integrity,thereby providing protection from irritablebowel conditions.

Decreased serum lipids - dietary fibercan lower cholesterol and triglyceridelevels by enhancing their excretionthrough the stool and preventing theirproduction in the liver. In a Harvardstudy of over 40,000 male healthprofessionals, researchers found thata high total dietary fiber intake waslinked to a 40 percent lower risk ofcoronary heart disease, compared to alow fiber intake.

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Summary: Fiber is an important partof a healthy diet. We should all aim tohave a minimum of 20 grams of fiberper day, more is better.

Here are 10 tips to help make that happen:

1. Eat 2 cups of fruits and 2.5 cups of vegetables each day.

2. Eat whole fruits instead of drinkingfruit juices and include the skins (see which fruits should be purchased organic in this newsletter).

3. While shopping, look for productsthat are at least high in fiber4 grams fiber/serving.

4. Replace white rice, bread, and pasta with brown rice and whole grain products.

5. Include other whole grain foods such as barley, kasha, flaxseed, bulgar, kamut, spelt, oatmeal, oatbran and millet. If these grains are new to you, look for recipes that use them as side dishes, in soups, stews or salads.

6. Add more fiber to a sandwich with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers,shredded carrots or dark leafy greens.

7. Snack on raw vegetables instead of chips, crackers, or chocolate bars. Dip your veggies in hummusor other bean dips.

8. Add 1-2 tablespoons of wheat bran, oat bran or ground flax to your cereal, yogurt, applesauce, casseroles and soup. Add a handfulof seeds/nuts to a salad or stir-fry.

9. Substitute legumes for meat two to three times per week in chili and soups. Beans and lentils are excellent sources of fiber.

10. As you start to increase your fiber intake, go easy. Too much, too quickly can make you uncomfortable. Start slowly and spread your fiber throughout the day. Also, be sure to drink lots of water to help the fiber do its job.

IRRITABLE BOWELSYNDROMEby: Christine Nguyen, NDNaturopathic Doctor

April is IBS Awareness Month. Withthis in mind, this article will help youbetter understand what IBS is and whatcan be done to stop it from rearing itsugly head (pun intended).

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is themost common digestive disorder seenin general practice and represents 30-50% of all referral to gastroenterol-ogists. While it most commonlyaffects individuals between the ages of25-45 years many sufferers never seekmedical attention. Twice as manywomen suffer from the condition as men.

In IBS the normally rhythmic muscularcontractions of the digestive tractbecome irregular and uncoordinated.This interferes with the normal movementof food and waste material, leading tothe accumulation of mucus and toxinsin the intestines and dysregulation ofbowel movements. This also contributesto partial obstruction of the digestivetract, trapping gas and stool, and leadingto symptoms such as bloating, distention,and constipation.

While there are no physical signs ofthis condition and the cause remainsunknown, there are many known contributing factors. These include:• Family history of IBS or other

digestive conditions

• Diet • Food sensitivities or allergies• Overuse of antibiotics, antacids,

laxatives• Stressful lifestyle• Being female - leading many to

theorize that hormones play a role

Symptoms of IBS include some combination of the following:• Abdominal pain/discomfort• Low appetite• Bloating• Constipation and/or diarrhea (often

alternating)• Flatulence (gas)• Food intolerance reactions• Mucus in stool• Nausea• Pain triggered by eating• Pain relieved by bowel movement• Uncontrollable or urgent diarrhea

Diagnosis: The diagnosis of IBS is adiagnosis of exclusion, requiring theruling out of disorders with similarsymptoms such as Celiac's disease,Crohn's disease, diverticulitis,endometriosis, fecal impaction, lactoseintolerance, tumours or cancer. Testsmay be run to examine the stool forpresence of bacteria, blood or parasites,the integrity of the intestinal liningwith a colonoscopy, barium enema orsigmoidoscopy and even a rectal biopsy.Bleeding, fever, sudden severe weightloss, and persistent severe pain are notsymptoms of IBS, but may indicateother problems and should beaddressed with a health care practitioner.While not considered serious, due tothe symptoms mentioned above, IBS

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can have a profound impact on one'sbody and lifestyle. In some people,symptoms affect their activities ofdaily living, their ability to enjoy food,and even their nutrient absorption leadingto other complications. The goodnews is that with adequate therapeuticconsideration, including naturopathicmodalities and lifestyle changes, peoplewith IBS can work towards addressingthe multifactorial web of contributingfactors and still lead active, symptom-free lives.

NutritionA key part of IBS treatment andprevention involves addressing anyfood intolerances as well as ensuringthat a healthy, whole foods diet iseaten. Common food sensitivities tosugar, wheat, corn, dairy products,coffee, tea, alcohol, spices or citrusfruits, among others should be identifiedwith an ELISA Food Sensitivity Testor a hypoallergenic diet. If there is ahistory of antibiotic, antacid or laxativeuse, pre and probiotics may help torebalance the gut microflora. Specificnutrients to heal the intestinal lining,treat nutrient deficiencies commonwith excess diarrhea, and enhancedigestion are also important componentsof the treatment plan.

Herbal MedicineHerbal support of the digestive system,elimination and nervous system can behighly effective to reduce diarrhea,promote appropriate digestive secretions,reduce intestinal irritation andinflammation, relieve cramping and to ease our response to stress.Chamomile and peppermint are twoexamples of the vast range of herbsthat can impact IBS directly, whileenteric coated peppermint oil has beenshown to significantly reduce stoolfrequency, flatulence, abdominal painand distension.

HomeopathyHomeopathic remedies can be chosenbased on their ability to help withacute symptoms of IBS or based on aconstitutional homeopathic intake tomatch the symptoms of the individualwith a remedy, effectively relievingdiscomfort and underlying physical,mental and emotional imbalances.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)Through the lens of TCM, IBS is seenas either a deficiency or invasion ofthe spleen and stomach, yang deficiency

(loose stools, loss of appetite, abdominaldistension), excess or damp heat (distension, foul breath, pain, diarrheawith foul smell or constipation) or Qistagnation (emotional irritability,constipation), or some combination ofthe above. With a careful TCM intake,including tongue and pulse assessment,the appropriate diagnosis can be madeto custom tailor an individualizedacupuncture and herbal treatment planthat addresses the imbalance.

Hydrotherapy and physical therapyWater therapy and massage therapy inthe clinic or at home with some castoroil can help relieve discomfort, reducespasticity and increase circulationwithin the body. A skeletal misalignmentmay also contribute to constipation andshould be assessed.

Lifestyle counseling While stress is not the cause of IBS, itcan certainly trigger or aggravatesymptoms. Working with your naturopathic doctor can help you toidentify strategies to incorporate stressmanagement, healthy eating habits,regular physical activity and qualitytime for yourself. These will alsoprove an important part of your treatment plan.

ConclusionMany individuals live with the symptomsof irritable bowel syndrome unaware that a) their symptoms are not 'normal'b) there is a name for their conditionc) there are safe and natural methodsto help identify the contributing factorsand help you find relief.Moreover, perhaps the primary reasonso many never seek medical attentionfor IBS is because many suffer fromwhat I call 'bowel bashfulness' - theassumption that no one wants to hearabout what goes on behind closedbathroom doors. Naturopathic doctorsare not only interested in discussingyour bowel movements and gastroin-testinal concerns, they firmly believethat better digestive health is pivotal to a healthier you.

Join Dr. Christine Nguyen ND at theCarlingwood Public Library on April20, 2009 for more about naturopathicapproaches to better digestive health.Non-perishable food donations for theOttawa Food Bank appreciated. Seethe Looking Forward Section for moredetails.

DIGESTING ALL THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGEAmber McPhail, RMT

A cornerstone in the structure andfunction of the human body as a wholethe digestive system is involved withevery aspect of creating and maintaininglife. Highly specialized to transformthe food we eat into the energy andbuilding blocks required by the bodyto survive. It eliminates toxins, viruses,bacteria, parasites and wastes that ifleft unchecked would lead to illness and ultimately death.

The health of the digestive systemeffects and reflects the health of therest of the body. The immune system is composed of a variety of barriersand defense mechanisms. One of thefirst defenses from harmful substancesis the skin but the structure and designof the gastrointestinal tract is essentialto the protection of the body from foreigninvaders. The digestive system has tobe permeable enough to allow what thebody needs through and selectiveenough to block out harmful substances.If function is impaired and particlesleak past it becomes the job of thelymphatic system to protect the body.Problems such as chronic excessivegas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea,nausea, and heartburn are all indicationsof imbalance which in addition tocreating discomfort and stress canpotentially leave our bodies moreprone to infection if left unaddressed.

Massage Therapy can benefit the function and efficiency of the digestivesystem in many ways. Massageengages the parasympathetic nervoussystem which regulates rest recoveryand digestion. In a high stress worldoften the sympathetic or “fight orflight” takes hold which directs thebodies’ energy towards preparing forsurvival as opposed to digesting lunchand bolstering immune function. In

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acute or prolonged times of stressdetoxification, digestion and healingare sidelined and symptoms like constipation and diarrhea can occur.Addressing the muscular and structuralelements of the jaw, back, hips,abdominals and legs, reducing triggerpoints and joint pain will benefit themotility and health of the bowel. Thejaw being the most used joint in thebody is a key player in digestivehealth. A tight or painful jaw canimpair chewing and adequate salivaproduction part of the first steps in theprocess of digestion. Abdominal massagemechanically stimulates the smoothmuscles and internal receptors of theintestine to balance peristalsis, therhythmical movement of food throughthe bowel easing the pain and discomfortof gas, colic, and constipation.

Massage also reinforces the lymphaticsystem which clears waste and foreigninvaders from the body. With abouthalf of the bodies lymphatic tissuessurrounding the digestive tract theinterconnectivity of the two systems isinarguable.

Balancing and maintaining digestivefunction is essential to healthy living.Musculoskeletal imbalance can lead toback pain and impaired digestivefunction. Massage therapy is a safeeffective way to promote optimaldigestive and immune system health.

HOW EMOTIONALHEALING AND EFFECTIVESTRESS MANAGEMENTSUPPORTS PHYSICALDETOXIFICATIONMichelle Meyer, ND, CCENaturopathic Doctor and Body-centered Psychotherapist

Many of us are familiar with the conceptof the “fight or flight response” as theway we react to perceived stress. Thereare also those who may respond tostress by “freezing” or contracting onan energetic level, that is, their bodiesgo on a holding pattern and physicalenergy flow is greatly restricted. Allthree of these reactions to stress takeour bodies away from the normal functioning of the autonomic (involuntary)nervous system. We are in sympatheticnervous system overdrive or we areclosed down. In both these scenarios,our bodies are not able to put energyinto the basics of digestion, the absorptionof nutrients into our bloodstream andcells, the cleaning and repairing ofcells, eliminating waste and the maintenance of body communicationsystems. Our nervous system is focusedon survival from what we believe isimminent danger even if this is a misperception.

When we wish to detoxify our bodieswe need to activate our parasympatheticnervous system to work more thanusual. This cannot happen effectively ifwe are in sympathetic nervous systemoverdrive or we are energetically“frozen” or contracted. It makes sensethat we need to address our emotionaldistress as an important part of supportingour body to be able to release toxinsfrom our cells and break this wastedown into safe products for effectiveelimination. Many of us have experiencedchanges and irregularity in bowelfunction when we are under extremestress. This less noticeable negativeimpact on bowel elimination can be anongoing challenge when we holdongoing, unresolved emotional distress.

When we are able to become moreconscious of our emotional holding andchoose to release these emotions,energetic blocks associated with specificorgans and the digestive system are alsoreleased. This is turn allows our bodiesto focus more effectively on digestingfood well, thereby not creating morewaste, strengthening our organs to beable to be able to do more detoxificationand having the energy directed to thedigestive, detoxification and eliminationorgans so they can do their job well.

For more information on any of thearticles in this newsletter or to make

an appointment please call: (613) 798-1000 or

email: info@oihc.ca

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EASY BREAKFAST BARS2 cups rolled oats or

substitute with kamut flakes, rye flakes, etc.

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour or substitute barley, rye, oat, spelt, buckwheat, etc.

1 cup apple juice1 cup raisins or other dried

fruit, finely chopped1 tsp. cinnamon, plus extra

for the top4 Tbsp. sugar (omit if desired)1/2 tsp. salt1/2 cup unrefined oil1/4 cup sesame seeds and/or

1/2 cup minced nuts2 bananas

• Preheat oven to 375 °F. Grease a 9”x 13” baking pan.

• Combine all ingredients, except bananas, in a bowl and mix well.

• Transfer the mixture to the preparedpan and distribute as evenly as possible,patting the batter into place with your hands.

• Sprinkle the top with a little cinnamon.• Slice banana and press into the top

of the bars.• Bake for 30 minutes.• Cut into large squares while hot

and remove when cold. Do not remove when hot because they will crumble.

Reecipe Corner

What are 2 reasons to detoxify? Email answers to: info@oihc.caAll correct answers will be enteredinto a draw to win a FREE gift certificate for the OIHC redeemablefor services or merchandise.

Previous Issue: What is body PH andwhat do naturopaths use to balance it?Body pH is the balance of acidity in thetissues. To balance body pH, naturopathsutilize dietary changes, deep breathingexercises, hydrotherapy, and supplementsto reduce the production of acidic wastein the body.

Quuiz