Natural Remedies For Tension Headaches

Experienced by most people at some point in their life, headaches are one of the most common medical complaints.

In fact, according to data from the World Health Organization, nearly half the adult population have reported to have a headache at least once in the past year.

In spite of their commonality, though, headaches are often under-reported and under-treated.

Tension headaches are the most common primary headache disorder, with episodic tension headaches being reported in more than 70% of some populations.

If you have been diagnosed with tension headaches, or if you believe you may be experiencing tension headaches, you may be relieved to know that at the Mindful Healing Clinic, there are natural solutions for tension headaches available.

But what exactly are tension headaches, and what natural treatment options are available?

Keep reading to find out.

What Is A Tension Headache?

Tension headaches are described as mild to moderate pain in the head that feels like a tight band.

They come and go over time.

Symptoms of tension headaches include:

• Pain in the head that is dull and aching which can spread to the neck
• Tenderness in the neck, scalp, and shoulder muscles
• Sensation of tightness or pressure across the forehead, or in the back or sides of the head

Tension headaches can be episodic or chronic.

Episodic tension headaches, which have been reported by more than 70% of people in some populations, occur on fewer than 15 days per month for at least three months.

They usually last for a few hours but can persist for days.

Chronic tension headaches, which are estimated to affect 1-3% of adults, occur on more than 15 days per month for at least three months.

They can be more disabling than episodic headaches.

What Causes Tension Headaches?

`Headache disorders, including tension headaches, are a worldwide problem, affecting people of all ages, races, and genders.

Tension headaches are categorized as a primary headache, which is not a symptom of an underlying disease.

Primary headaches are caused by overactivity in the brain, muscles in the head, or problems with pain-sensitive structures in the head.

Lifestyle factors can trigger primary headaches such as tension headaches.

These factors include, but are not limited to:

• Stress
• Diet
• Changes to or a lack of sleep
• Alcohol consumption
• Poor posture
• Environmental causes, such as second-hand smoke
• Eye or back strain

In addition, headaches can often be an indicator of a deficiency in the body, such as dehydration or a vitamin deficiency.

Other Types Of Headaches

There are 150 different types of headaches.

Other than tension headaches, the three most common types are sinus headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines.

When a migraine and tension headache are experienced simultaneously, it is known as a transformed or mixed headache.

Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation of the sinuses.

They can cause pain in the forehead, bridge of the nose, and cheeks, and are often concurrent with fever, pressure in the ears, and congestion or a runny nose.

Cluster headaches are severe but uncommon, affecting fewer than 1 in 1000 adults.

They occur in groups for a couple of weeks to a couple of months; they can go away for months or years, and then return.

They are characterized by an intense pain that can feel like burning or piercing behind the eyes.

Other symptoms can include runny nose, tearing or redness of the eye, and a drooping eyelid.

Migraines can last for a few hours to a few days and are caused by a mechanism deep in the brain that releases pain-producing inflammatory substances around the blood vessels and nerves in the head.

They are often recurring and can also cause nausea and sensitivity to light.

In the 2013 Global Burden of Disease Study, migraines were found to be the sixth highest cause worldwide of years lost due to disability.

Headaches can also occur as a symptom of a disease, such as in cases of:

• Ear Infection
• Concussion
• Glaucoma
• Stroke
• Meningitis
• Panic Attacks

Natural Remedies For Tension Headaches

Several natural remedies exist which can help alleviate the pain associated with tension headaches.

1. Stretch And Move Your Body

Although movement may feel counterintuitive during a headache, stretching exercises such as yoga can improve respiration and vitality, while relieving built-up tension.

Frequent movement and stretches of the neck, especially when you’re in a sitting position for an extended period of time, relieves tension and can help prevent headaches.

A 2012 study from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that a 12-month stretching program resulted in a 69% reduction of headache frequency and symptom severity.

Results were improved even further when paired with strength training and muscular endurance exercises.

Consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise routine.

2. Acupuncture

Acupuncture seeks to balance the body’s energy by stimulating specific points on the body.

Acupuncture can be used as a treatment for a variety of reported chronic pain, including chronic headaches.

In two recent trials, acupuncture was found to have significant and relevant short-term benefits for number of headache days and pain intensity.

It is considered a valuable tool in patients with frequent tension headaches.

3. Use A Compress

Compresses can provide pain relief for tension headaches.

Either hot or cold can work, depending on your preference and effectiveness.

People with tension headaches often prefer a warm compress.

4. Supplement With Magnesium

Patients who experience severe headaches often have low levels of magnesium, and several studies suggest supplementing with magnesium may help reduce the frequency of migraines for patients with low magnesium levels.

Magnesium is available in oral and intravenous supplements and can also be found in dietary sources such as beans, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and leafy greens.

5. Use Lavender & Peppermint Essential Oils

Peppermint oil, in combination with ethanol, has been shown to reduce headache sensitivity by cooling the skin and soothing muscle contractions.

Lavender oil is used as a sedative and mood stabilizer.

To use these oils, place a few drops on your hands and rub into the temples, forehead, and neck.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

Naturopathic treatment is available for tension headaches, depending on the specifications of your individual disorder.

If you have been diagnosed with tension headaches or suspect that you have been experiencing them, 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 tension headaches 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 read additional tips about health, wellness, and alternative medicine, please visit us here: naturopathic remedies

Getting To Know Your Body: Your Thyroid

Located at the front of your neck on your windpipe, your thyroid plays an important role in your metabolism, the chemical processes within your body.

Metabolism converts food to energy to run cellular processes or converts food to building blocks for proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and some carbohydrates.

In addition, metabolism controls the elimination of nitrogenous wastes.

At the Mindful Healing Clinic, a thyroid health naturopathic clinic, we find that naturopathic treatments may be effective in maintaining your thyroid health.

Read this article to get to know a little more about this small but important gland.

What is Your Thyroid?

Your thyroid is part of your endocrine system, a larger system which consists of all the glands in your body which regulate your hormones.

It is butterfly-shaped and consists of a left and right lobe joined by a small length of thyroid tissue called the isthmus.

Your thyroid releases hormones which regulate almost all of the metabolic processes through your body.

These tyrosine-based hormones are triiodothyronine (T3), which affects heart rate, metabolism, body temperature, and growth , and thyroxine (T4), which affects digestion, heart and muscle function, brain development, and bone maintenance.

The thyroid both regulates the T3 and T4 hormones and creates them.

The thyroid itself is regulated by the pituitary gland, which senses the levels of T3 and T4 hormones in the bloodstream.

If the levels are too low, the pituitary gland secretes the thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH, which tells the thyroid to release T3 and T4.

Why Is Thyroid Health Important?

Irregular metabolism can have many negative effects on the body.

Hyperthyroidism, caused by an overactive thyroid, makes your thyroid produce too much thyroxine.

It can accelerate your body’s metabolism significantly, which causes sudden weight loss, nervousness, irritability, sweating, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Hypothyroidism, caused by an underactive thyroid, makes your thyroid produce insufficient hormones.

It upsets the normal hormonal balance in the body.

Symptoms often don’t occur in the early stages, so it can be difficult to diagnose.

Resulting health problems include obesity, joint pain, and infertility.

Keeping your thyroid healthy is vital in preventing hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, and other disorders of the thyroid.

Can You Live Without A Thyroid?

It is possible to live without a thyroid, and there are several ways you can end up without a thyroid.

You can be born without a thyroid, or with a malformed or non-functioning thyroid.

This is known as congenital hypothyroidism.

The gland can also be surgically removed, a procedure called a thyroidectomy.

It is most commonly performed on those diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Surgery can also be performed as a treatment for those with an enlarged thyroid, or those with hyperthyroidism.

Whenever the thyroid is removed, the result is hypothyroidism.

After all, a non-existent thyroid is the ultimate form of an underactive thyroid.

Common Illnesses Of The Thyroid

Thyroid problems can occur due to overactive or underactive hormone production, and the results can be debilitating.

1. Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to see the thyroid as a threat and begin to attack it.

It is estimated to affect one in a thousand people, and occurs more often in women.

It can be be caused by:

● Genetics
● Pregnancy, due to increased immune system activity
● Epstein-Barr virus
● Lyme disease

If left untreated, the tissues can die and stop producing hormones, causing damage to the thyroid gland or hypothyroidism.

2. Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is one of the most common diseases of the thyroid, and it is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism.

It is generally treatable if detected early, but can cause severe complications if left undiagnosed.

With Graves’ disease, instead of the pituitary gland releasing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), the immune system releases abnormal antibodies which mimic TSH.

This makes the thyroid release too many hormones, or hyperthyroidism.

Graves’ disease is believed to be caused by genetic and environmental factors, although there is no definitive cause.

It occurs more frequently in women.

Complications can include:

● Hyperthyroidism and its associated symptoms
● Swollen eye muscles and tissues, potentially leading to partial blindness
● Pretibial myxedema, a skin condition which causes the thickening of skin on the shins

3. Goiters

A goiter refers to a growth on the thyroid gland, or any enlargement of the thyroid gland.

A toxic nodular goiter results when one or more nodules develop on the thyroid, triggering excess production of thyroid hormones.

Goiters can be caused by both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

They can cause:

● Swelling of the throat
● Difficulty swallowing or breathing
● Coughing
● Hoarseness

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

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

If you have been diagnosed with an thyroid 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 where we can talk about your thyroid 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.

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To discover more tips about health, wellness, and alternative medicine, please visit us here: naturopathic remedies

Naturopathic Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you may be interested to know there are options available outside of traditional western medicine to manage your condition.

The over-reliance on pharmaceutical management of diabetes as outlined in the American Diabetes Association's 2013 Standards of Medical Care for Type 2 Diabetes may be overwhelming, but there are natural treatment options available.

At the Mindful Healing Clinic, we find that naturopathic diabetes treatments may be effective in helping you manage your condition.

But what exactly is type 2 diabetes, and how do you best treat it?

Is it possible to reverse type 2 diabetes?

Keep reading to find out.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes affects the way that your body handles glucose, which is a type of sugar, in your blood.

It occurs when the cells in your body don’t utilize insulin -- a hormone made by your pancreas -- as well as they should.

Your pancreas tries to make more insulin to get glucose into the cells, but when it can’t keep up, the sugar builds up in your blood instead.

Type 2 diabetes can be caused by a variety of factors:

● Metabolic syndrome
● Genes
● Liver insufficiently storing glucose
● Pre-existing conditions such as prediabetes

You are at increased risk of diabetes if you are over 45 or have a family history of diabetes.

Your medical history and your lifestyle can also put you at risk.

You are more susceptible to diabetes if you:

● Have a heart condition
● Have high triglycerides or low HDL (“good” cholesterol)
● Developed gestational diabetes when pregnant
● Have PCOS or depression
● Get little or no exercise
● Smoke cigarettes
● Are overweight or obese

What’s The Difference Between Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes?

While type 2 diabetes is caused by your body inefficiently using insulin, type 1 diabetes is caused by your body not producing insulin at all.

Insulin helps your body control glucose levels, and without insulin production that glucose builds up in your blood instead of being used for energy.

Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, and type 2 is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, because the body attacks its own pancreas with antibodies; as a result, the damaged pancreas doesn’t produce insulin.

Often diagnosed in childhood, type 1 diabetes has no known cause, and it is not preventable.

In contrast, type 2 is preventable and, in some cases using natural medicine, reversible.

Natural Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes may be treated with a naturopathic approach.

Naturopathic diabetes treatments focus on achieving ideal blood glucose control and metabolic targets.

This is achieved by focusing on optimal nutrient status, controlling after-meal blood glucose elevations, and improving insulin function and sensitivity.

If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, here are some of the approaches your naturopathic doctor may take.

1. Diet

Treatment of type 2 diabetes begins with diet changes, and diet can be effective as the sole treatment.

Evidence from clinical trials show that a diet low in refined carbohydrates can be effective in controlling blood glucose levels, as well as associated complications such as high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.

Focus on healthy low-glycemic foods as evaluated by the glycemic index.

Lighten your glycemic load by eating lots of salads, green vegetables, legumes, and beans.

Intermittent fasting, or a “mini-fast”, can also help control type 2 diabetes.

With a mini-fast, you don’t eat until lunchtime except for water, coffee, or tea in the morning.

As you sleep, the glycogen in your liver depletes, causing your liver to turn fat into ketones.

These ketones are used by the brain and other tissues as fuel and are an alternate source of energy to carbohydrates.

2. Supplements

In addition to a controlled diet, you can supplement with a multivitamin.

In particular, those with type 2 diabetes need to consume adequate amounts of fiber, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E.

You may also benefit from supplementation with:

• Magnesium
• Vanadyl sulfate
• Chromium
• Berberine
• Purslane
• Gymnema sylvestre
• Banaba leaf extract
• Pterocarpus marsupium.

Speak with a naturopathic doctor before beginning supplementation with any of the above, especially if you’re already taking medication for your condition, as herbs can have strong medicinal effects on the body and may conflict with your medication.

3. Exercise

Exercise is another highly effective treatment, especially when combined with mini-fasting.

It can be as effective as glucose-lowering medication, with fewer side effects.

A 2014 study published in Diabetes & Metabolism Research And Reviews by Balducci, Sacchetti, Haxhi, Orlando, et al found that, while there is a wide range of evidence supporting the idea that exercise can help treat type 2 diabetes, few doctors are willing to prescribe an exercise routine.

But why is it so helpful?

Regular physical activity improves your body’s insulin sensitivity and helps manage blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels.

In addition, exercise can be used as a preventative measure if you’re susceptible to type 2 diabetes.

Exercise can be as simple as walking or gardening.

With any new physical activity, consult your primary healthcare practitioner before starting a new exercise program, especially if you’ve suffered injuries in the past.

4. Naturopathic Clinical Treatments

Naturopathic clinical treatments can be used as a supplement to diet and exercise, depending on your situation.

One example of naturopathic clinical treatments is infrared light therapy, which stimulates the production of nitrous oxide.

This compound dilates the arteries and improves blood flow.

Other examples are hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) and enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP), which utilize oxygen to facilitate the healing of diabetic ulcers and stimulate the production of new blood vessels.

Another example is EDTA chelation, which removes toxic heavy metals from the blood.

This improves circulation and arterial health.

Your naturopathic doctor may use one of the above treatments, a combination of them, or other treatments altogether, depending on your unique health history and needs.

Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic

Have you been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or do you know someone who has?

If so, contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book an appointment.

During your initial appointment, you’ll get a chance to sit down with me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, where we can talk about your type 2 diabetes, and any other health concerns you may have.

I’ll answer any questions you may have, and from there we’ll create a treatment plan for you 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 discover additional tips about health, wellness, and alternative medicine, please visit us here: naturopathic clinic

The Health Benefits Of Beets

Beets are a root vegetable that is unfortunately often forgotten and neglected in the modern diet.

They have been eaten around the world for hundreds of years in various forms and have tremendous health benefits.

With today’s busy schedules, it’s difficult to find time to eat healthy and take proper care of your body.

However, a sure-fire way to maintain your mental and physical energy, provide your immune system with the valuable vitamins and minerals it needs, and even reduce your blood pressure, is to introduce beets into your diet.

As a naturopathic doctor, I’m often asked for some healthy diet tips from my patients, which is why I put together this article.

Keep reading this article to find out more about why beets are so helpful for your diet, as well as a few tasty and healthy ways to prepare them.

Health Benefits of Eating Beets

Beets are a wealth of essential nutrients, including protein, zinc, fiber, B vitamins, and potassium.

Each of these play a critical role in helping your body develop new cells and maintain the health of existing cells.

One of the most profound effects of beets comes from their high level of healthy nitrates, which are converted into nitric oxide by your body.

Nitric oxide causes your blood vessels to dilate, allowing for lower blood pressure and overall better blood flow.

This allows your blood to more readily provide your muscles and brain with oxygen, which leads to improved mental and physical strength.

Beets also contain a multitude of antioxidants, the most powerful of which is called betalain.

While all antioxidants have major health benefits, such as aiding in detoxification, betalain stands above the rest because it has been proven to help decrease the risk of cancer .

Beet greens (the leaves that sprout from the red beetroot we generally eat) are equally as nutritious, so don’t toss them away.

They have a similar flavour and texture to swiss chard, and taste great lightly sautéed or steamed.

They’re also among the best plant-based sources of iron, more than even spinach.

Beets also grow locally here in Ontario and can often be found at farmers’ markets, so if you’re working on eating more locally, beets are a great addition to your diet.

Ways to prepare beets

Now that you know that you’d like to begin bettering your body with beets, let’s address how to prepare them!

There’s really no wrong way to enjoy beets, but here are some popular options.

Beet Chips

1.Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees.

2.Clean your beets under warm water to remove any dirt or other contaminants.

3.Using a mandolin, carefully slide the beets into even chips. The more consistent the thickness, the more evenly they will cook.

4.Place the beets onto a cooking pan and drizzle or coat them with your choice of seasoning. For a savory chip, use pepper, salt, and olive oil. For something sweeter, use local honey and brown sugar.

Beet Juice

1.Ensure that your beets are clean by rinsing them with warm water

2.Run them through your favorite juicer

3. Combine the juice with juice from other tasty and healthy ingredients; apples, carrots, celery, ginger, and lemon all combine great with the flavor of beets.

Pickled Beets

1.Rinse your beets and place them in a large stock pot, allowing them to be covered with water.

2. Allow the beets to boil for 15-20 minutes, and then discard the water, retaining 2 cups to be used later.

3.Add your beets, along with several whole cloves to sterilized jars.

4.In a pot, combine your remaining beet water with vinegar, sugar, and pickling salt, and bring it to a boil.

5.Poor the mixture into the jars with the beets, and seal tight.

6.Carefully place the jars in a large stockpot filled with boiling water and allow the jars to remain for 10-15 minutes

7. Once removed, your beets will be ready to enjoy.

Eat To The Beet

It’s important to note that beets have among the highest sugar content of any vegetable.

They’re also fairly high in carbohydrates.

As a result, they should be eaten in moderation.

However, you’re safe to eat them a few times a week.

Any more often and you might get sick of them anyway!

This only applies to the root though.

Beet greens don’t have these concerns, so you can eat as much as you like.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

Now that you understand the benefit of eating beets, and are armed with a few healthy and easy recipes, it’s time to better your life with the benefits of beets.

If you have any questions, or would like to find any additional information, contact me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, at the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE 15-minute introductory health consultation.

You’ll get a chance to sit down with me to talk about your health concerns.

I’ll answer all your questions, and from there we can talk about how naturopathic medicine can help you.

Call us today to book your FREE 15-minute health consultation.

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 learn more info on health, wellness, and alternative medicine, please visit us here: downtown Mississauga naturopath

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

Naturopathic Treatments For Urinary Incontinence In Women, Part 2

Urinary incontinence (UI) involves losing control of one bladder and unintentionally releasing urine Over 3.3 million of Canadian men and women of all ages suffer from UI.

Some of its harms are most noticeable in affecting one's social life and psychological well-being.

Living with uncertainty regarding when you might accidentally urinate can be anxiety-inducing, and limit your choice of activities.

But thankfully, a variety of therapies is available for those diagnosed with UI.

As a naturopathic doctor in Mississauga , I can help diagnose you with UI and recommend various effective natural treatments.

In today's post, I'll discuss what diagnosis involves, and what therapies are available.

Diagnosing Urinary Incontinence

- Medical History

o Your health care professional will ask you about the following:

 Symptoms
 medications
 bowel function
 past pelvic operations
 history of childbirth
 urination and urine leakage patterns

o you may find it beneficial to keep a diary of bladder activity for a few days before your appointment. Record information such as:

 activity preceding leak, such as lifting or coughing
 frequency of accidental leakage
 frequency of urination, amount of urine released
 presence or absence of strong need to urinate before leak
 quantity and types of drinks consumed

- Physical Exam

o Pelvic exam: a visual and physical exam of the pelvic organs.

 Cough Stress Test: the patient will be asked to sit upright with legs spread, and cough, while her bladder is full. Urine leakage during this test will indicate stress incontinence
 Another test will involve the doctor assessing the patient's pelvic muscle strength by asking her to squeeze her pelvic floor muscles.
 Additionally, the doctor will slide a lubricated, gloved finger into patient's vagina to examine it for physical problems such as a prolapse.

o Digital rectal exam:

The doctor will examine the rectum using a gloved, lubricated finger, checking for masses or stool that might be implicated in UI.

o These examinations might suffice for diagnosis, or the doctor might send you for further testing.

- Diagnostic Tests

o Urinalysis: a urine sample will be collected and tested for proteins or blood; this will help expose diabetes or kidney problems.
o Urine culture: when urianalysis indicates the presence of urinary tract infection, a urine sample will be tested to identify bacteria. This test will typically take between 1-3 days.
o Urodynamic testing: different procedures may be used in this type of testing, some of them involving the insertion of a catheter. Urodynamic testing will typically examine how well the bladder, sphincters and urethra hold and release urine.

Naturopathic Treatments For Urinary Incontinence

Once UI is diagnosed, there are several courses of treatment available to you.

Behavioral and lifestyle changes, Bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, urgency suppression, and smoking cessation are an important part of treating UI.

Different types of incontinence have various interventions specific to them.

- Stress Incontinence

o Stress Incontinence is caused by poor closure of the bladder, and is typically experienced while running or coughing

o Here are some of the therapies available:

o Behavioral and lifestyle changes:

 Limit liquids before bedtime
 Reduce intake of bladder irritants like caffeinated or carbonated beverages
 Lose weight; some studies show obesity may increase chance of UI, and worsen symptoms, especially in women
o Pelvic floor muscle exercises: these exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to help it hold urine more effectively. The exercises involve of tightening and relaxing the muscles regulating urine release.
o Bladder training: this involves training yourself to use the bathroom at regular intervals. Extending breaks between bathroom trips can stretch the bladder and help it store more urine.
o Smoking cessation: smoking increases coughing, which in turn increases the chances of developing stress incontinence. It can worsen bladder irritation as well in some cases.
o If these naturalistic interventions don't help, other medical interventions are available, such as urethral inserts or pessaries, injections of bulking agents (like collagen), and surgery.

- Urgency Incontinence

o This is caused by an overactive bladder, and is experienced as a sudden intense need to urinate, followed by urine leakage. Behavioral and lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, bladder training and urgency suppression are effective for urgency incontinence as well.
o Other therapies include:
o Urgency suppression: this involves training the bladder to maintain control and suppress the urge to urinate. Distraction, slow and relaxed breathing, and pelvic floor exercises can help.
o In cases when natural interventions fail, medications such as Antimuscarinics, Tricyclic antidepressants and Beta-3 agonists can be used. Other options are Botox injections and electrical nerve stimulation.

- Overflow Incontinence

o This may be caused by blockage of the urethra or poor bladder contraction. Surgery may be needed to remove the blockage, or in the absence of a blockage, a catheter can help empty the bladder.

- Functional Incontinence

o People with functional incontinence are typically aware that they need to urinate, but cannot reach the bathroom, often due to other health problems. This type of UI may be helped by wearing protective undergarments.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

Are you experiencing involuntary urination?

Book a FREE urinary incontinence consultation with me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, at the Mississauga-based Mindful Healing Clinic.

I can help diagnose your UI and figure out a treatment plan that will help you improve and manage your symptoms.

If you want to find out more about urinary incontinence, how it works, and its causes and risk factors, check out our previous article on UI.

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

Naturopathic Treatments For Your Endocrine System

You may have heard of your endocrine system, but what you may not realize is just how complex and important it is to your overall health and well-being.

Let’s start off today by talking about what your endocrine system is in the first place.

From there, we’ll look at some of the common disorders that can affect your endocrine system, what the triggers can be, and what sort of naturopathic treatments for endocrine disorders can be used.

What Is Your Endocrine System?

Your endocrine system includes the parts of your body that regulate and produce hormones.

These include some names you'll recognize, like your digestive system, kidneys, heart, ovaries/testes, and thyroid, as well as some lesser known bits like your adrenal glands and adipose tissue.

These tissues release hormones directly into your bloodstream, hence the “endo” in endocrine, from the Greek “inside”.

This is in contrast with your exocrine system, which secretes substances onto an epitheleal surface (your skin and gastrointestinal tract being two examples of an epitheleal surface).

This includes your sweat glands, mammary glands, olfactory glands, prostate, uterine glands, sebaceous glands, and many more.

Because these tissues deliver their packages, so to speak, to the outside of the body, or to places that come in contact with the outside of the body, they’re called exocrine, from the Greek “exo”, meaning “outside”.

Interestingly, the pancreas and the liver are considered both part of your endocrine and your exocrine system, since they secrete pancreatic juice and bile, respectively, into the GI tract, while they secrete other substances into your bloodstream.

Why Is Your Endocrine System Important?

Your body uses hormones to tell its different parts how to behave in order to coordinate efforts.

One obvious example is during puberty - your respective bits send signals to the rest of your body to tell it to begin growing certain things in certain places.

Without your endocrine system, your body won’t know how to work together, and everything will work independently.

This can disrupt your circadian rhythm (controlled by hormones from your pineal gland), your metabolism (from your thyroid), your sexual capability, and your ability to deal with stress (your adrenal glands), among many other potential issues.

What Are Some Of The Common Endocrine Disorders?

There are many disorders which can affect parts or all of your endocrine system.

These disorders interfere at some level with the flow of hormones in your body.

Some of them may cause your hormone flow to be too low, or too high (each can be just as detrimental as the other), cause issues with your bloodstream which transports the secreted hormones, or the reception of hormones at the other end.

An entire article could be written about each one of them, but we’ll list some of them here. Common endocrine disorders include:

• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Goiter
• Graves’ Disease
• Thyroiditis
• Diabetes (type I and II)
• Hypoglycemia
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Certain types of cancer
• Certain types of arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Cushing’s disease
• Gigantism

What Are The Signs Of An Endocrine Disorder?

Each of the above diseases has different warning signs and symptoms.

Speak to a qualified health care practitioner to help you identify whether you have any of the above conditions.

However, there are some common signs, symptoms, and factors that can contribute to an endocrine disorder.

These include:

• Chronic, unexplained fatigue
• Digestive issues
• Dehydration
• Changes in skin
• Insomnia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to cold
• Hair loss
• Unexplained weight gain
• Menstrual issues

Naturopathic Treatments For Endocrine Disorders

If you’re experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, it could be a sign that you have an endocrine disorder.

But there is help.

Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book an appointment with me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi.

During your FREE 15 minute optimal health consultation, you ‘ll get a chance to ask any questions you may have about naturopathic medicine and how it may be able to treat your health concerns.

From there, we’ll talk about a treatment plan we can use to help you achieve your optimal level of health.

Endocrine disorders can disrupt your life, making it difficult to complete the simplest tasks.

Call the Mindful Healing Clinic to book an appointment, and let’s talk about where your health concerns are coming from, and what you can do about it.

Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE 15 minute optimal health 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 discover more tips about health, wellness, and alternative medicine, please visit us here: naturopathic clinic