Naturopathic Solutions For PMS

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I get many questions from my clients about PMS and its symptoms.

Are there naturopathic solutions for PMS available? What can be done, naturally, to relieve it?

Many of us suffer, but the good news is that there are steps that can be taken without resorting to medication.

To help you understand what your body is experiencing and how to help it, have a read below.

What Is PMS?

PMS, or Premenstrual Syndrome, describes the varied symptoms that affect women in the week or two before their periods, occasionally lasting through their menstruation period itself.

Although only 1 in 20 women will experience severe symptoms, up to 75% of women report experiencing one or more of them.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Cramps
• Bloating
• Breast sensitivity
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Acne
• Headaches

Many women also report food cravings and indigestion.

PMDD, or Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder, describes the more severe range of symptoms, which can be the same as above, but far more debilitating.

What Causes PMS?

Although it’s likely connected with the cyclic monthly hormonal changes in women, we don’t actually know exactly what causes PMS.

Changes in serotonin levels in the brain may be the cause of symptoms like fatigue and irritability or depression.

A review by Ryu and Kim talks of theories suggesting increased sensitivity to normal hormone changes and abnormalities in neurotransmitters may be connected, but thus far studies are inconclusive.

Dietary Solutions For PMS Symptoms

Just because we don't know exactly what causes PMS, though, doesn't mean we haven't developed treatments for it.

There are a number of dietary supplements which have been shown to help control PMS symptoms, a number of which we'll talk about below.

1. Eat These Foods

Food provides you with the ability to control your symptoms to a degree - you just need to know what their vitamins and minerals do.

To relieve cramping, try leafy green vegetables, which contain Magnesium.

Magnesium, in its various forms, is an excellent muscle relaxant and important for metabolizing estrogen.

For stomach aches, irritability and indigestion, be sure to consume enough fiber.

For pain and inflammation, find foods that are high in omega 3 fats, such as wild salmon or other fish, or flaxseed.

Flaxseed also does double duty by helping regulate estrogen.

In addition to these, try to consume lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. These have been shown to reduce severe PMS symptoms.

Avocados, in particular, have many of the benefits listed above, so feel free to indulge in that avocado toast.

2. Avoid These Foods

Just as food can help relieve symptoms, it can also exacerbate them, so try to avoid salt, sugar, and the ‘bad fats,’ such as trans- and hydrogenated-fat.

Try to also be mindful of your caffeine intake, which can worsen symptoms like irritability, depression and anxiety, as well as breast tenderness.

3. Chasteberry Herbal Supplements

Chasteberry is a fantastic natural supplement that is a great help in balancing estrogen and progesterone, the two most important hormones in regulating your monthly cycle.

Women who take chasteberry supplements report much less tender breasts during their menstrual cycles, and for many, less cramping and bloating.

It is considered that the combination of Chasteberry and St. John’s Wort is quite successful in relieving the symptoms of depression and food cravings.

4. Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil contains Omega 6, which the body can’t get through food sources, but needs.

Evening primrose oil can help reduce skin irritability, help with inflammation, bloating and cramping, and also breast pain.

However, if you take medication for seizures or blood pressure, or if you are on blood thinners, you should definitely speak with a naturopathic doctor or other qualified healthcare practitioner before beginning.

5. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Bilboa has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to improve memory and circulation.

Ginkgo extracts is known to have two powerful antioxidants, which slow down the effects of aging.

It is also well-known for improving mental and cognitive health.

Research suggests it targets and reduces many PMS symptoms, including mood swings, headaches, anxiety, fatigue and muscle pain.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

Think back to your last period...what was your experience?

How painful was it, or how did impact your ability to go about your day, do your job or enjoy your family time?

If you're having trouble with your monthly cycle, there are naturopathic solutions available which may help ease your suffering.

To find out more about how naturopathic medicine can help you, contact me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, at the Mindful Healing Clinic here in Mississauga.

If it's your first time, I offer a FREE 15-minute consultation, where you'll get a chance to ask any questions you have about naturopathic medicine.

From there, I'll address any health concerns you have, and we can talk about some possible solutions for you.

I've helped many find relief from their PMS symptoms through naturopathic medicine.

Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic today, and find out naturopathic medicine may help you achieve PMS freedom.

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.

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To discover additional info about health, wellness, and alternative medicine, please visit us here: naturopath in Mississauga

Pregnancy & Conception For Women Over 40

It’s more and more common these days for women to be starting or growing their family well into their forties.

While women’s reproductive health has improved significantly in the last couple of decades, many can nevertheless experience challenges conceiving as they grow older.

Science can assist with some of these, and many women opt to undergo procedures such as hormone injections, intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization.

For others, there are barriers to such treatments; some do not wish to undergo the invasive physical trials, for others there is a financial barrier, others still prefer to treat their bodies more naturally and look at what can be done to improve the odds without drastic measures.

However, there are options for fertility for women over 40 available, including naturopathic methods.

Why Does Age Affect Female Fertility?

As women age, their bodies’ hormone production changes.

Specifically, progesterone and estrogen see a decline, which are the primary hormones responsible for the menstrual cycle and conception.

Once women reach age 32, there is a small yet gradual decline in the chances of conception, and by 40, the chances of getting pregnant are half what they were at 30.

Risks Of Pregnancy After Age 40

As we now know, father’s age can also factor in to pregnancy risks, such as congenital autism.

On the mother’s side, not only can the fetus be at risk, but the mother herself.

• They can be at a higher risk of stillbirth and miscarriage
• Gestational diabetes is higher in women over 40
• Pre-eclampsia
• Placental issues (placenta previa and placental insufficiency)

Down syndrome does also see an increase with an older mother, as well as the accuracy of the tests themselves.

Naturopathic Treatments For Female Fertility

Luckily, there are natural ways for preparing for conception and keeping your pregnancy viable.

Keep reading to find out more.

This article, of course, is only for informational purposes. For more details on naturopathic treatments for fertility, book an appointment with us at the Mindful Healing Clinic.

1. Diet & Nutritional Supplements

Probably the most influential thing you can do is improve your daily diet to meet recommended daily intake for optimal minerals and vitamins.

In fact, it’s so important that there was even a study and subsequent book published to educate women about what to consume and what to avoid, entitled The Fertility Diet, by Dr. Jorge Chavarro

Diet can be bolstered by choosing the right supplements for your needs, but there are specific recommendations for moms-to-be over 35.

The first of these is co-enzyme Q10, which aids in improving egg quality.

Secondly, in addressing quantity, you may want to ask your doctor about DHEA.

DHEA is a natural hormone that seems to improve egg production, thereby improving your chances of conceiving.

Finally, another common recommendation is royal jelly, which has been around for centuries, and which assists in longevity, lower blood pressure and reduced lethargy, as well as fertility.

2. Acupuncture

Many people swear by acupuncture to help them with their various aches, pains and stiffness.

Acupuncture can also be used to assist with imbalances within the body in order to encourage a fertile environment.

Many women who have suffered through miscarriages and inability to conceive have successfully carried a child to term after speaking with a knowledgeable acupuncturist and undergoing a few sessions.

Acupuncture can also be used throughout the pregnancy in order to keep the pregnancy stable, and so many women opt for this, too.

3. Reduce Your Vices

You know what they are: coffee, smoking, alcohol.

These drugs are all known to reduce fertility as well as interrupt sleep cycles and stress the body.

The effects of these vices on human health have been scientifically documented for a long time, and we all know they are unhealthy for both the parents and the fetus.

4. Improve Your Sleep Schedule

Fertility is linked to your circadian rhythms, so listening to your body and getting the sleep you need is crucial for reproductive health.

Be sure to get lots of quality sleep to give your body what it needs to nourish life.

Turn off the devices at least a half hour before you turn off the light.

Speaking of which – be sure to sleep in as dark an environment as you can achieve in order to get a deep sleep.

Try to keep the rhythm by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.

If you work at shift work, try to negotiate to have your schedule changed, if possible, as the disrupted sleep patterns have been linked to higher risk of miscarriage.

5. See A Naturopathic Doctor

When you are already emotionally and physically stressed with the desire and attempts to get pregnant, one of the best things you can do is share the burden.

My name is Dr. Maria Cavallazzi and I am a Naturopathic Doctor in downtown Mississauga-Streetsville.

If you're having trouble with conception, or you're thinking of conceiving a child, contact me to book a FREE 15-minute initial health consultation.

We'll sit down together and talk about your health concerns, your pregnancy goals, and any other concerns you may have. I'll answer all your questions, and from there we can talk about possible treatment plans.

Contact us here at the Mindful Healing Clinic today to book your FREE 15-minute naturopathic consultation 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.

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To find additional ideas about health, wellness, and alternative medicine, please visit us here: naturopathy

Health Benefits of Spicy Foods

Mild, medium, hot, or on fire - how do you take your food?

Those who opt for the spicier options may be onto something when it comes to their health.

Some proponents of naturopathic medicine say that eating spicy foods has health benefits that many people don't realize.

So what makes food taste spicy?

Why do some people LOVE to spice things up when they eat?

And what are the benefits of “kicking it up a notch” when it comes to spice?

Keep reading to find out.

What Makes Food Spicy?

Have you ever wondered why spicy food, such as a pepper, that may feel normal when you touch it with your hands, will feel so spicy when it hits your tongue?

Why such an innocuous looking veggie can make your eyes water?

It all has to do with how capsaicin - the active ingredient in spicy food - binds to the receptors on your tongue.

There are special receptors in our mouth called VR1 Receptors that are meant to detect heat - to warn us against consuming foods that will burn us.

But these special receptors also bind to capsaicin - and as a result, when they're activated, the sensation is similar to that of consuming food that is hot in temperature.

There is nothing really “hot” about hot foods - it’s all an illusion caused by confused receptors.

Why Do We Love Spicy Food?

Despite the burning sensation left in our mouths by spice, some people just cannot get enough.

Do you ever wonder why it is that some people look at a plate full of “suicide wings” as a challenge to be conquered?

A 2012 study in the journal Psychiatry Investigation showed that the main component of red peppers - capsaicin - causes the brain to release endorphins, which causes analgesic (pain-relieving) effect in humans.

So, after the initial burning sensation, it could actually cause reduction of pain.

Researchers have even developed creams with capsaicin in them to help treat arthritis pain.

This explains why some people just can’t get enough spice in their life.

On a side note, if you happen to over-do it, reach for milk or peanut butter - these will help dissolve capsaicin better than water.

Health Benefits Of Eating Spicy Food

So we like spicy food and it can make us feel good.

But is there a reason beyond just “feeling good” to break out the peppers?

Some benefits of spicy food may include assisting with weight loss, helping to prevent cancer and keeping your heart healthy.

Let’s take a closer look:

1. Weight Loss

Although there is no “magic-bullet” for weight loss, if shedding some pounds is your goal spicy foods might help.

Some studies suggest that capsaicin, a key compound in chili, can help warm up the body and assist in burning excess calories.

If you're looking for a natural solution for weight loss contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to discuss your options.

2. Anti-Cancer Properties

Capsaicin may also help you reduce your cancer risk.

Research from the American Association for Cancer Research in combination with Harvard University found that capsaicin can kill certain types of cancerous and leukemic cells.

Turmeric in particular may also slow the growth of cancer cells and tumours.

For the most benefit, pair turmeric with black pepper to help increase absorption.

3. Heart Health

Eating spicy food can be great for your heart.

The effects of LDL (“bad cholesterol”) are lowered by chili peppers, and capsaicin may help with inflammation.

Additionally, red peppers are a great source of vitamins A and C which strengthens the walls of the heart muscles.

The heat of spicy foods can also increase blood flow.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

Want to learn more about how adding some spice to your diet can help you?

Contact me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi at the Mindful Healing Clinic.

You'll get a chance to sit down with me and talk about your diet, your health concerns, and any other questions you may have about naturopathic medicine.

From there, we can build a plan to help you reap the benefits of adding some spice to your life.

There are some drawbacks to eating spicy food as well, though - hot peppers certainly aren't for everyone.

We'll talk about that more in our next article.

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.

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

Health Risks From Eating Spicy Food

Spicy food, depending on your tolerance, may be something you gravitate towards or avoid completely.

There may be certain health risks from eating spicy food that give reason to take caution.

When it comes to dietary advice on how to approach spicy food, each person is different and your individual needs may vary.

However, there are some common effects and repercussions of eating spicy foods that are fairly well documented.

Keep reading to find out more.

Common Effects Of Eating Spicy Food

Eating spicy food generally involves your mouth and tongue feeling like there is a physical fire on them.

The reason for this is a compound called capsaicin present in spicy food that triggers the same receptors on your taste buds that literal heat does, tricking your brain to thinking that there is something physically hot in your mouth.

This can cause a variety of symptoms you may be familiar with, depending on the strength of the spicy food consumed, such as:

- Sweating
- Burning sensation on the tongue and mouth
- Stomach discomfort
- Nausea
- Vomiting

However, you’ll be glad to know that the spicy food does not actually cause physical damage to your tongue or esophagus upon consumption.

That being said, spicy food still comes with an assortment of other health risks you may not be aware of.

Health Risks Of Eating Spicy Food

Capsaicin can actually be fatal when consumed in large enough quantities because your body views it as a neurotoxin.

However, the odds of this happening are pretty low because your body has mechanisms in place to prevent you from eating enough to cause a fatal reaction.

In fact, the symptoms from eating spicy food are linked with these very mechanisms that stop a fatal dose from being ingested, as well as a few other health risks from the aftermath of eating spicy food.

Vomiting is one of the body’s responses when something ends up in your stomach that shouldn't be there, whether that’s too much spicy food, too much alcohol, or a poisonous substance.

Unfortunately, while vomiting clears the stomach of the capsaicin, the acid from the stomach can cause irritation and damage to the esophagus on the way up.

The damage can be exacerbated depending on the level of capsaicin in the food ingested as well.

Capsaicin also causes inflammation of tissue, which can lead to damage in the stomach or intestinal lining in larger doses.

At this point you may be wondering if regular amounts of spicy food also have any health risks; the following outlines just that.

1. It Can Trigger IBS Symptoms

One study exploring the link between spicy food and irritable bowel syndrome found that a greater consumption of spicy foods was associated with a higher likelihood of having IBS.

On top of that, regular symptoms of IBS can be exacerbated from spicy food ingestion by causing more stomach irritation and diarrhea.

2. It Can Be Painful If You Have Geographic Tongue

In case you don’t know, geographic tongue is a condition where the tongue has patches that seem irregular, smooth, and red.

The name of the condition, formally known as benign migratory glossitis and erythema migrans, comes from the fact these patches show up like parts of a map on your tongue.

The cause of geographic tongue is currently unknown, and it isn't clear if eating spicy food is linked with the beginning of this disorder.

However, individuals with geographic tongue can be more sensitive to spicy foods, making its consumption a painful experience.

3. It Can Trigger Heartburn

Similarly to geographic tongue, spicy foods may not be the cause of heartburn, but can make an existing condition worse.

As mentioned earlier in the article, because capsaicin acts as an irritant to your insides, consuming spicy food can make acid reflux more painful and longer lasting than it normally would.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

If you have any additional concerns in regards to your diet and spicy food, we can help here at the Mindful Healing Clinic.

We provide a full-range of naturopathic services provided by a physician and licensed naturopathic doctor such as, but not limited to:

- Clinical nutrition
- Botanical medicine
- Traditional Chinese medicine

Here at the Mindful Healing Clinic, we concentrate on the whole person, rather than focusing only on symptomatic treatment, so if eating spicy food is triggering symptoms, we'll work toward helping you understand why.

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.

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To discover more tips about health, wellness, and alternative medicine, please visit us here: naturopathy in Mississauga

Naturopathic Support For Broken Bones

Although not everyone will experience them, broken bones are a common occurrence.

Bones are a highly dynamic organ system; old bone is continuously being replaced by new bone.

When faced with a broken bone, we can utilize our body’s bone maintenance functions to optimize bone recovery.

At the Mindful Healing Clinic, we utilize naturopathic healing methods tohelp heal broken bones quicker.

What methods are available, and can they help heal your broken bones?

Before we talk about that, let's find out how your bones heal themselves in the first place.

How Do Your Bones Heal?

The moment a bone is fractured, the blood vessels in our bones cause clotting around the fracture, creating a temporary “plug”.

This is known as a hematoma, and if it's absent it could delay the early healing process of stable fractures.

A hematoma works by containing debris associated with the fracture and recruiting immune cells from surrounding tissue.

If blood is delayed in reaching the broken bone, chances of delayed healing increase by 46%.

The body’s next reaction is for the immune system to cue inflammation at the site of fracture.

Inflammation is vital in many of the body’s healing processes.

Once the broken bone is clotted and inflammed, the body will begin repairing the fracture site.

This is orchestrated by stem cells from surrounding tissues, blood, and bone marrow.

These cells begin to form new cartilage and bone.

Natural Support For Healing Broken Bones

When it comes to healing broken bones, your naturopathic doctor may not be the first person you think of.

And that's okay – when it comes to setting broken bones and getting you patched up, a medical doctor is your best bet.

However, there are natural support options available which could help your body heal faster in cases of broken bones.

1. Eat A Diet Rich In Calcium And Magnesium

A diet high in calcium and magnesium is known as a “bone-building” diet.

The skeleton is composed of calcium as an essential component.

Eating foods higher in calcium can help bones heal naturally, and since the metabolism of calcium and magnesium are closely related, consuming magnesium-rich foods help maximize the benefits of calcium-rich foods.

Foods high in calcium include leafy greens and dairy products, such as:

● Broccoli
● Spinach
● Kale
● Yogurt
● Milk

The above foods are also high in magnesium, but other foods high in magnesium include:

● Almonds
● Avocados
● Flaxseeds and chia seeds
● Black beans

You can also take calcium and magnesium supplements, though it's a good idea to consult with your naturopathic doctor before beginning any supplementation.

2. Supplement With Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency often plays a role in broken bones, and vitamin D absorbed directly from sunlight is important for bone growth.

Studies are still being performed to determine the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in healing broken bones, but in a recent placebo-controlled trial, the supplementation of vitamins D3 and calcium on elderly people with reduced bone mass who experienced a fracture had a positive influence on bone healing.

In addition to being absorbed through sunlight, vitamin D can also be found in fatty fish, cheese, and egg yolks, as well as supplemented.

3. Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be used to treat broken bones by focusing your body’s energy on the break.

It can be used as a tool to help with pain management, and may possibly aid in the healing process.

In a recent study on bone fractures, acupuncture was found to aid in pain management while accelerating bone healing in certain cases.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

You may not think of your naturopathic doctor when you think of broken bones, but we do have treatments which may help improve your body's ability to heal itself.

Naturopathic treatments are available for broken bones, depending on the specifications of your individual case.

If you have have broken a bone, contact me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, at the Mindful Healing Clinic.

During your initial appointment, you and I will sit down and talk about your broken bone, bone health, 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.

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To see more info about health, wellness, and alternative medicine, please visit us here: naturopathy