Getting To Know Your Body: Your Endocrine System

The endocrine system is a regulating force in your body, playing a key role in ensuring that your body works the way it should.

It includes all of the glands in your body that make hormones.

These glands control many bodily functions, such as:

● Metabolism
● Reproduction
● Respiration
● Movement
● Growth
● Sensory Perception

The hormones released circulate throughout your body, but each is targeted towards certain organs and tissues.

The kidneys, heart, liver, and gonads assist the endocrine system because they have secondary endocrine functions.

Genetics or your lifestyle affect your chances of developing an endocrine disorder.

Stress, infections, and certain chemicals can also affect the function of your endocrine system.

At the Mindful Healing Clinic, a naturopathic clinic in Mississauga, we find that naturopathic treatments may be effective in treating your endocrine system disorder.

What Is Your Endocrine System?

Different glands throughout your body compose the endocrine system.

The pituitary gland in your brain uses information received from your brain to tell other glands what to do.

It releases hormones which affect growth, lactation, and estrogen and testosterone management.

Also located in the brain are the hypothalamus and the pineal gland.

The hypothalamus connects your nervous system with your endocrine system.

It tells the pituitary gland to start or stop production of hormones.

The pineal gland produces melatonin, which tells your body when to sleep.

The thyroid, located in your neck, controls your metabolism.

The parathyroid controls phosphorus and calcium levels.

Located between your lungs, the thymus makes white blood cells during childhood, which fight infection throughout your life.

The adrenals are located on top of your kidneys and produce the “fight or flight” hormone and cortisol.

The pancreas, behind your stomach, is part of both endocrine and digestive systems because it creates enzymes which break down food.

In addition, it makes the hormones insulin and glucagon, which control blood sugar levels.

The ovaries and testes make estrogen and progesterone, and testosterone, respectively, which affect development during puberty and are responsible for the reproductive function.

Endocrine Vs. Exocrine

The word endocrine derives from the Greek words "endo," meaning within, and "crinis," meaning to secrete.

Conversely, “exo” means outside or external.

The endocrine system produces hormones directly into the bloodstream, and the exocrine system produces and secretes substances onto an epithelial surface using ducts.

Examples of exocrine glands include salivary, sweat, mammary, and mucous.

Why Is Endocrine Health Important?

The endocrine system assists in controlling the balance of hormones in your bloodstream.

Too much or too little of a hormone in the body causes the associated gland or glands to correct the problem.

Hormone imbalances can have significant effects on many of the body’s functions.

For example, imbalances can affect blood sugar regulation, the reproductive system, and metabolism.

Changes in electrolyte balance, stress, and infection can also cause hormone imbalances.

As you age, you are at higher risk for developing diseases of the endocrine system due to hormonal shifts.

Your chances of developing heart disease, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes increase.

Common Illnesses Of The Endocrine System

There are a wide variety of endocrine disorders.

Endocrine disorders can cause many symptomatic reactions, including fatigue, depression, infertility, weight gain, or weight loss.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common disorder of the endocrine system, but hormonal imbalances can also cause other disorders.

1. Hyperthyroidism Or Hypothyroidism

An overactive thyroid producing too much of the thyroid hormone is known as hyperthyroidism.

It accelerates your body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss and a high heart rate, as well as sweating and nervousness.

It is most commonly caused by the autoimmune disorder Grave’s disease.

If hyperthyroidism goes untreated, it can cause a thyroid storm.

Your heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature rise to dangerous levels.

If left untreated, it can be fatal; the mortality rate of individuals with untreated thyroid storm is estimated to be at 75 percent.

An underactive thyroid producing too little of the thyroid hormone is known as hypothyroidism.

It slows your body’s metabolism, causing fatigue, depression, dry skin, and constipation, and can slow development in children.

It is more common in women, especially those over 60.

2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a leading cause of infertility.

Affecting 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, it is caused by the overproduction of androgens.

The ovaries may develop collections of fluid known as follicles, interfering with the development of eggs and their release from the ovaries.

3. Adrenal Insufficiency

If the adrenal gland produces too little of the hormone cortisol (or in some cases the hormone aldosterone), it can lead to a deficiency.

Symptoms of this deficiency include dehydration and fatigue.

Addison’s Disease is a rare type of adrenal insufficiency which affects 1 in 100,000 people.

In addition to helping the body respond to stress, cortisol helps maintain blood pressure, regulate the metabolism of macronutrients, slow inflammatory responses of the immune system, and balance the effects of insulin.

A deficiency of cortisol affects those functions, causing chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and dizziness or fainting from low blood pressure.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

Naturopathic treatment is available for endocrine disorders, depending on the specifications of your individual disorder.

If you have been diagnosed with an endocrine disorder or suspect that you have one, contact me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, at the Mindful Healing Clinic.

During your initial appointment, you will sit down with me and we can talk about your endocrine disorder and any other health concerns you may have.

From there, we’ll create a treatment plan based on your unique health needs.

Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE 15-minute introductory session today!

Until next time,

Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, N.D

Mindful Healing Integrative Naturopathy
251 Queen St S Unit 4,
Mississauga, ON L5M 1L7
- https://goo.gl/maps/KYspifT7J232

Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago.

---

To learn additional information on health, wellness, and alternative medicine, please visit us here: naturopath in Mississauga

What Is An Autoimmune Disorder?

Autoimmune disorders are considered a leading cause of death in women under the age of 65.

They are an immune response caused by systemic inflammation, leading your body to attack itself.

Autoimmune disorders are a subset of immune system disorders, which cause abnormally high or low activity of the immune system.

When immune system activity is too low, it causes vulnerability to infections.

When the immune system activity is unusually high, the body attacks and damages its own tissues, which is considered an autoimmune disorder.

The immune system produces antibodies that attack the body’s tissues instead of fighting infections.

This is in response to a trigger your body is exposed to, such as an allergen, toxin, infection, or food.

With an autoimmune disorder, certain types of tissues are mistaken for harmful substances, and your body turns these antibodies against itself.

At the Mindful Healing Clinic, we find that naturopathic treatments for autoimmune disorders may be effective in treating these conditions.

But what causes an autoimmune disorder?

And what treatment options are available to manage your symptoms?

Keep reading to find out.

Risk Factors Of Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders affect ~8% of the population, and occur significantly more frequently in cisgender women than men: 78% of those with autoimmune disorders are cisgender women.

Many investigations have been made as to why women are at higher risk, but it has gone largely unexplained.

Most studies into autoimmune disorders have focused on the effects of female and male chromosomes on immune function.

Others have suggested that cisgender women are genetically predisposed, possibly due to the X chromosome leading to susceptibility for tolerance breakdown.

More recently, research is being conducted into increased allogeneic cell traffic in cisgender women causing susceptibility.

In addition, there is a genetic component to susceptibility.

Whether these genes are expressed or turned on are caused by a host of other factors, such as:

● Heavy metals like mercury
● Infections like Candida
● Mycotoxins from molds
● Herpes simplex virus
● Epstein-Barr virus

There especially is a connection between autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammation caused by gluten intolerance.

Symptoms Of Autoimmune Disorders

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, or a combination of these symptoms, you may have an autoimmune disorder.

● Tiredness or fatigue
● Weight gain
● Cold intolerance
● Dry eyes, mouth, or skin
● Joint pain or muscle pain
● Weakness or a tremor
● Difficulty concentrating or focusing
● Recurring rash or hives
● Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
● Multiple blood clots or miscarriages
● Abdominal pain
● Blood or mucus in the stool, or diarrhea
● Mouth ulcers

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, come see us at the Mindful Healing Clinic.

Common Autoimmune Disorders

The following conditions are some of the most common autoimmune disorders.

1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

With inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, the immune system attacks the lining of the intestines.

This causes episodes of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, urgent bowel movements, fever, and weight loss.

Two major forms of IBD are Crohn’s Disease, which is the inflammation of the digestive tract, and Ulcerative Colitis, which causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the large intestine.

2. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is caused by the immune system attacking myelin, the protective covering of the nerves.

Symptoms include pain, blindness, extreme fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, cognitive impairment, and poor coordination.

Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world; it affects 1 in 340 Canadians.

3. Psoriasis

With psoriasis, overactive immune system blood cells called T-cells collect in the skin.

This stimulates skin cells to reproduce rapidly.

The extra skin cells can produce silvery, scaly plaques on the skin; dry, cracked skin; small scaling spots; or swollen and stiff joints.

4. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking the joints, since the immune system produces antibodies that attach to the lining of the joints.

This causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints.

If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can cause permanent joint damage.

5. Lupus

Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus, is a condition where autoimmune antibodies attach to tissues throughout the body.

Lungs, blood cells, joints, nerves, and kidneys are commonly affected.

Lupus can be difficult to diagnose since its signs and symptoms can mimic those of other ailments.

Most people with lupus experience symptoms in flares, where symptoms can worsen for a while, disappear entirely, and then reoccur again.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

Since autoimmune disorders are due to overactivity of the immune system, treatment is generally focused on reducing immune system activity.

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder?

Or did you read the list of symptoms above and think “wow, that’s me”?

If so, contact me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi at the Mindful Healing Clinic.

During your initial appointment, you will sit down with me where we can talk about your autoimmune disorder and any other health concerns you may have.

From there, we’ll create a treatment plan based on your unique health needs.

Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE 15-minute introductory session today!

Until next time,

Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, N.D

Mindful Healing Integrative Naturopathy
251 Queen St S Unit 4,
Mississauga, ON L5M 1L7
- https://goo.gl/maps/KYspifT7J232

Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago.

---

To get more info on health, wellness, and alternative medicine, please visit us here: naturopaths in streetsville

Feeling Tired? It May Be Chronic Fatigue

We’ve all been overtired after a long day or a late night, but with rest or sleep, we feel better.

Fatigue affects twenty-four percent of people at some time during their life.

But if you are experiencing fatigue continuously for more than six months, it may be chronic fatigue.

Fatigue itself is a normal occurrence under some situations. However, chronic fatigue is persistent and is not relieved by rest, and can interfere with daily activities.

Generally, chronic fatigue is accompanied by cognitive difficulties and post-exertional malaise, or an energy crash from a minor exertion.

At the Mindful Healing Clinic, we find that naturopathic treatments may be effective in treating your chronic fatigue symptoms.

What Is Chronic Fatigue?

Fatigue is a constant state of feeling tired, weak, worn out, or drained, and can affect you physically, mentally, or both.

Fatigue is commonly caused by a combination of lifestyle, psychological, social, and general wellbeing issues, but for some it is an underlying medical condition.

One study found that only ten percent of patients in an internal medicine clinic were found to have a medical cause for their fatigue.

Another study showed that twenty-four percent of patients consider fatigue to be a significant problem.

Fatigue can cause physical, emotional, and mental symptoms such as:

● Chronic tiredness
● Dizziness
● Headaches
● Muscular weakness
● Poor concentration
● Low motivation
● Moodiness or irritability
● Appetite loss
● Blurred vision

Chronic fatigue occurs when these symptoms persist over a long period of time.

Chronic fatigue -- also known as systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) -- may make it difficult to perform day-to-day activities, concentrate, or be motivated.

If you are experiencing these persisting symptoms, even with adequate sleep, you may be experiencing chronic fatigue.

Is It Chronic Fatigue Or Am I Just Tired?

Normal levels of tiredness can be resolved with rest or a good night’s sleep.

For chronic fatigue, rest and sleep do not alleviate the symptoms.

Fatigue is a lack of physical or mental energy that interferes with daily activities.

Tiredness is the inability to remain fully awake or alert during the day.

Daytime tiredness is often a sign of sleep apnea.

Symptoms of tiredness usually have an identifiable cause and a likely remedy.

Chronic fatigue, on the other hand, has no apparent cause.

Causes Of Chronic Fatigue

The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown.

Patients who report the symptoms to their doctors are often disregarded, and the majority of patients receive delayed or no diagnosis.

There are no specific tests to diagnose chronic fatigue.

Women are four times more likely to develop chronic fatigue syndrome, and it is more prevalent among patients in their 40s and 50s.

Although the definitive cause is unknown, there are some hypotheses.

1. Enzyme blockage

A recent study suggested that the profound lack of energy and other symptoms are due to a blockage of the key metabolic enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH).

This enzyme is used in the conversion of carbohydrates to energy.

The lack of PDH causes the cells to switch to alternative fuels, causing a shortage of energy in the muscles and a buildup of lactate.

There is also the belief that chronic fatigue is an infectious disease with immunologic manifestations, the suggested agent being Chlamydia pneumoniae.

2. Other Medical Conditions

Fibromyalgia can cause chronic fatigue-like symptoms, and is accompanied by widespread nonarticular pain and stiffness.

Other conditions which may experience fatigue as a symptom include:

● Anemia
● Hypo or hyperthyroidism
● Diabetes
● Autoimmune or endocrine disorders
● Cancer
● Chronic infections
● Neuromuscular or sleep disorders
● Heart disease

3. Psychiatric Illness

Psychiatric illness is present in 60-80 percent of patients with chronic fatigue.

Up to three quarters of chronic fatigue patients also have mood or anxiety disorders.

Other psychiatric conditions which may cause fatigue include:

● Anxiety
● Depression
● Grief
● Stress

Fatigue is also believed to be a common side effect of many conventional pharmaceutical drugs, especially those used for managing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Antihistamines can also cause fatigue.

Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic

Naturopathic treatment is available for chronic fatigue syndrome, depending on the underlying cause.

Management of symptoms, especially early on, may be associated with better outcomes.

If you suspect that you may have or have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, contact me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, at the Mindful Healing Clinic.

During your initial appointment, you will sit down with me where we can talk about your chronic fatigue syndrome and any other health concerns you may have.

From there, we’ll create a treatment plan based on your unique health needs.

Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE 15-minute introductory session today.

Until next time,

Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, N.D

Mindful Healing Integrative Naturopathy
251 Queen St S Unit 4,
Mississauga, ON L5M 1L7
- https://goo.gl/maps/KYspifT7J232

Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago.

---

To see additional ways on health, wellness, and alternative medicine, please visit us here: naturopathic doctor

Naturopathic Treatments for Asthma

Asthma is a common condition, affecting 10% of adults and 13% of children according to Stats Canada.

It is the most common chronic condition in children.

If you have been diagnosed with asthma, you may be familiar with experiencing sudden coughing, wheezing, and shortage of breath during an asthma attack.

Most often those diagnosed with asthma are provided with an inhaler for treatment of asthma attacks, but alternative options are also available for how to treat asthma naturally.

But what is asthma, and what causes it?

What treatment options are available to supplement your inhaler?

Keep reading to find out.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, where your airways narrow and produce extra mucus.

The inflammation of the airways can cause airflow to become restricted.

Asthma can occur due to:

● Allergies
● Exercise
● Irritants or air pollutants
● Obesity
● Respiratory infections
● Gastroesophageal reflux disease

 

The severity of asthma can vary, from a minor nuisance for some to a major problem for others that can interfere with daily activities.

In rare cases, asthma attacks can be life-threatening.

Although there is no known cure for asthma, the symptoms may be controlled.

Asthma often changes over time, so talk to your doctor to adjust treatment as required.

Symptoms Of Asthma

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, consult with your doctor to see if you may have asthma.

● Chronic cough
● Wheezing
● Shortness of breath
● A feeling of tightness in the chest

Symptoms of asthma may come and go and may be triggered by environmental or other factors listed above.

You may be affected by only some of the symptoms, and their severity can vary.

Persistent coughing may be a sign of asthma, lung disease, or other conditions such as pneumonia, so it’s important to consult with your doctor about your asthma concerns.

Risk Factors for Asthma

Asthma is not contagious and can be caused by both heredity and environmental factors.

If you have a parent or close relative with allergies or asthma, you might inherit the tendency to develop asthma.

Your chance of having asthma is also increased if you have experienced frequent wheezing, inflammation of the nose (allergic rhinitis), or eczema.

Many people with allergies also have asthma, and conditions like rhinitis can worsen asthma symptoms.

You might develop asthma by being exposed to “triggers” for your asthma.

Triggers can either be allergic or non-allergic.

Allergic, or inflammatory, triggers cause inflammation of the airways.

Non-allergic, or symptom, triggers do not cause swelling but can cause airway sensitivity.

Possible allergic triggers include:

● Animals
● Dust mites
● Pollen
● Mould
● Air pollutants

Possible non-allergic triggers include:

● Cold air
● Chemical fumes or strong-smelling substances
● Exercise
● Intense emotions
● Cigarette smoke, including second-hand

The standard medical treatment for asthma is to avoid triggers and utilize an inhaler, but there are other treatments available to help manage your asthma symptoms.

Naturopathic Treatments For Asthma

Asthma may be treated with a naturopathic approach.

The first and most important asthma treatment is to identify and manage your triggers.

Consider having an allergy test performed with your doctor.

In addition, speak to your doctor about assessing your nutrient deficiencies.

Vitamin C and D, magnesium, potassium, and fatty acid deficiencies have been associated with asthma.

But there are other naturopathic treatments available as well.

Here are a few naturopathic treatments your naturopathic doctor may recommend.

1. Steam Baths

Steam baths have been used as an aid for airway irritation and nasal congestion associated with asthma.

According to a study published in the 1987/88 medical journal "Clinical Ecology," Dr. Jozef Krop, a pioneer in sauna therapy, cured a teenage girl of her asthma through sauna therapy.

He stated that steroids, environmental control, immunotherapy, and anti-candida treatments did not clear her symptoms, but sauna therapy did.

Although there are few other studies that prove that steam treatments improve symptoms, steam baths can still be an effective natural treatment for asthma.

Steam baths may relieve some symptoms by providing moisture to the airways.

Watch the temperature of your steam -- in some asthmatics, if the temperature is too high, it can exacerbate symptoms.

Steam baths can help alleviate symptoms but should not replace asthma medications.

Speak to your doctor before beginning a steam bath routine.

2. Nutritional Supplementation

Omega-3 fatty acids, often found in fish oil, help reduce inflammatory markers, improving pulmonary function.

This is also an important supplement for those who are pregnant, as adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids has shown lowered rates of asthma among infants.

Magnesium is another supplement which can be used to treat asthma, as it increases bronchodilation.

More studies are needed to show if fish oil and magnesium improve lung function or reduce the necessity of asthma medicine required.

However, both supplements when used under supervision of your doctor, are beneficial for overall health.

3. Herbs And Botanical Medicine

Your naturopathic doctor may prescribe a natural herbal treatment for your asthma, such as:

● Garlic, due to its anti-inflammatory properties
● Ginger, which may decrease inflammation
● Turmeric, which may have anti-allergy properties
● Honey, which can soothe asthma symptoms

Your naturopathic doctor may also opt for a botanical treatment, such as:

● Boswellia, Curcuma longa, and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), when combined can dampen the chemical messengers which initiate inflammation
● Astragalus membranaceus, a powerful immune-strengthening herb with tissue specificity in the lungs
● Lobelia inflata, a respiratory stimulant and expectorant, which should only be used under the supervision of a trained practitioner due to its potential toxicity

4. Stress Management

Stress is a trigger for asthma, and management of stress can help alleviate symptoms.

In addition, a 2017 study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics shows that maternal prenatal stress has been associated with a higher risk for a variety of immune and metabolic alterations in the offspring such as asthma and allergic disorders.

These are just a sample of possible treatments your naturopathic doctor may use, depending on your unique health history and needs.

Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with asthma?

If so, contact me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi.

During your initial appointment, you’ll get a chance to sit down with me where we can talk about your asthma and any other health concerns you may have.

From there, I’ll answer any questions you may have, and we can talk about putting together a treatment plan based on your unique health needs.

Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE 15-minute introductory session today!

Until next time,

Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, N.D

Mindful Healing Integrative Naturopathy
251 Queen St S Unit 4,
Mississauga, ON L5M 1L7
- https://goo.gl/maps/KYspifT7J232

Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago.

---

To learn more info on health, wellness, and alternative medicine, please visit us here: naturopathic clinic