Breast Health: Prevention, Empowerment, and Wellness

Breast health is a vital aspect of overall well-being for women of all ages. Did you know that breast cancer is the second-most diagnosed cancer in Canada and is the second leading cause of death among Canadian women over 50?[i] This October, as we honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to empower you to take proactive steps towards your breast health – because it’s never too early to start.

At Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine, we believe in supporting you with an individualized approach looking at the body’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities that may make you susceptible to disease. Through optimizing nutrition, addressing environmental factors, or supporting your body’s natural defenses, we are committed to providing comprehensive care that treats the whole person.

Know the Risk Factors

Several factors can influence your risk of developing breast cancer. Some are within your control, while others – like family history or genetics – are not. Here are some key considerations:

• Nutrition : A balanced diet plays an essential role in reducing risks. Not only can a healthy diet directly improve our health, but it can also positively interact with many other factors involved in health like inflammation, body weight, hormone levels, and our gut microbiome. It is estimated that 30%-50% of cancers can be prevented through dietary changes.[ii] [iii] [iv]

• Exercise and healthy lifestyle: Lack of exercise contributes to obesity, which in itself is a risk factor for breast cancer. In breast cancer patients, physical activity - both before and after the cancer diagnosis - has been associated with a lower risk of disease recurrence and reduced overall cancer-specific mortality compared to their sedentary counterparts. [v]

• Family history and genetics: Understanding your genetic predispositions can guide proactive prevention.

• Environmental toxins: Exposure to harmful chemicals (including alcohol and tobacco) can contribute to increased risk.

• Dense breast tissue: Dense breasts not only elevate cancer risk but also make it difficult for cancerous lesions to be seen on a mammogram.

Being informed about these factors helps you take charge of your health, empowering you to make choices that align with your long-term wellness goals. Naturopathic doctors can break down these risk factors further to help you understand your vulnerabilities and strategize an individualized prevention plan.

Symptoms to Watch For

Breast cancer can manifest in various ways, some of which may be subtle. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation:

• Changes in breast size, shape, or appearance

• New lumps, nodules, or cysts

• Nipple discharge when not breastfeeding

• Redness, pitting, or dimpling of the skin

• Peeling or flaking of the nipple

• Inverted nipples

Understanding Dense Breasts

Breast density[vi] is not about how your breasts look or feel – it is about tissue. Dense breasts have more glandular and fibrous tissue, making it harder for mammograms to detect cancer. However, having dense breasts is quite common, particularly in younger women. As women get older, their breasts typically become fattier and less dense (but this isn’t always the case). It is important to know your breast density so you can understand the risks and complications and make informed screening decisions.[vii]

You can learn more at www.densebreastscanada.ca.       

Screening: Early Detection Saves Lives

Early detection is crucial, and regular screening is an important part of taking care of your breast health. As of January 2025, you will be able to self-refer for a mammogram in Saskatchewan beginning at the age of 40 (currently, the minimum screening age is 50).[viii]

Read that again – you do not need a doctor’s referral to make an appointment for a screening mammogram!

Just call 1-855-584-8228 to book your screening through the Screening Program for Breast Cancer. With screening centres throughout Saskatchewan (including a mobile unit that serves rural and northern Saskatchewan) accessing this potentially life-saving service is available to you.

How We Can Help

We are dedicated to helping you navigate these complex factors, providing tailored recommendations that fit your unique situation. Whether you are seeking prevention or already managing a diagnosis, our collaborative model works alongside conventional approaches to give you the best outcomes. From optimizing your nutrition and lifestyle to helping you understand your risks, we’re here to empower you at every step of your health journey, You deserve to feel confident, supported, and in control of your health.

[i] https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/breast/statistics

[ii] Mentella MC, Scaldaferri F, Ricci C, Gasbarrini A, Miggiano GAD. Cancer and Mediterranean Diet: A Review. Nutrients. 2019; 11(9):2059. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092059

[iii] Monllor-Tormos A, García-Vigara A, Morgan O, García-Pérez MÁ, Mendoza N, Tarín JJ, Cano A. Mediterranean diet for cancer prevention and survivorship. Maturitas. 2023 Dec;178:107841. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.107841. Epub 2023 Aug 24. PMID: 37660598.

[iv] Rock CL, Doyle C, Demark-Wahnefried W, Meyerhardt J, Courneya KS, Schwartz AL, Bandera EV, Hamilton KK, Grant B, McCullough M, Byers T, Gansler T. Nutrition and physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors. CA Cancer J Clin. 2012 Jul-Aug;62(4):243-74. doi: 10.3322/caac.21142. Epub 2012 Apr 26. Erratum in: CA Cancer J Clin. 2013 May;63(3):215. PMID: 22539238.

[v] Moore SC, Lee IM, Weiderpass E, Campbell PT, Sampson JN, Kitahara CM, Keadle SK, Arem H, Berrington de Gonzalez A, Hartge P, Adami HO, Blair CK, Borch KB, Boyd E, Check DP, Fournier A, Freedman ND, Gunter M, Johannson M, Khaw KT, Linet MS, Orsini N, Park Y, Riboli E, Robien K, Schairer C, Sesso H, Spriggs M, Van Dusen R, Wolk A, Matthews CE, Patel AV. Association of Leisure-Time Physical Activity With Risk of 26 Types of Cancer in 1.44 Million Adults. JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Jun 1;176(6):816-25. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.1548. PMID: 27183032; PMCID: PMC5812009.

[vi] https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/tests-and-procedures/mammography/breast-density

[vii] https://densebreastscanada.ca/faq/

[viii] https://densebreastscanada.ca/breast-cancer-screening-in-saskatchewan/

Love the Skin You're In

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It protects and gives you signals from the environment, and regulates temperature and water. We often don’t think about the functions of our skin until it starts to cause us problems – itching, rashes, acne, discoloration, premature aging, etc – all of which can be a signal of something deeper going on in our body. The skin is also a great absorptive surface, for better or for worse. We can use this effect to our benefit for absorbing certain medications or nutrients applied topically (eg. estrogen, testosterone, magnesium), though the absorptive nature of skin also makes us susceptible to adverse effects from environmental exposures that may be allergic or irritant in nature.

ouTSIDE IN VS AND INSIDE OUT

Whether it’s limiting exposures to harmful substances, or increasing exposure to therapeutic agents, both internal and external approaches can, and should, be used in conjunction to promote optimal skin health.

outside in

Skin & The Immune System —> Allergies

An allergic response occurs when the immune system reacts abnormally to a substance found in the environment. The substance that provokes the reaction is called an allergen.

3 Categories of Allergens:

• Ingested allergens - reactions to food or things consumed orally

• Inhaled allergens - reactions to substances we breathe in

• Contact allergens - reactions to substances applied on skin or mucus membranes (lips, mouth, groin)

Skin Allergies

1. Allergic reactions tend to happen after repeated exposure to a substance. The reaction never happens to the first exposure because the immune system must first become sensitized to the chemical.

2. Once you have been sensitizes, you will always be allergic to it.

3. Sudden development of allergies is possible.

4. Even small amounts of allergen can trigger a reaction that can last for several weeks.

5. With each new exposure, the reaction becomes stronger.

6. The reaction can spread beyond the exposure site.

7. A reaction need not happen immediately - it can take hours or days to present.

Allergy Testing

• Prick testing - for allergens ingested or inhaled

• Patch testing - for contact allergens

Top Allergens in Personal Care Products

1. Fragrances

2. Preservatives

3. Hair dyes

4. Lanolin

5. Synthetic detergents

6. Botanicals

7. Nail cosmetics

8. Sunscreens

Skin and The Immune System —> Irritants & Intolerances

Skin irritants elicit non-allergy reactions, that may be immediate, dose-dependent, and/or cumulative.

Irritant Reactions

• Irritation is dose-dependent - the more you are exposed, the more severe the reaction.

• Irritation is cumulative - multiple exposures, multiple chemicals.

• Irritation can happen after a single exposure.

• Irritation does not necessarily happen after every exposure (cumulative exposures impact the outcome).

• An irritant reaction can happen immediately after exposures and can resolve quickly after exposure ends.

Top Irritants in Personal Care Products

1. Water

2. Soap and detergents

3. Fragrances

4. Botanicals

5. Alcohol

6. Abrasive scrubs

7. Vitamin A derivatives and Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA)

8. Shampoos and conditioners

inside out

Your skin is also reflective of what is going on within your body. We see this often with certain conditions that have dermatologic manifestations, such as Celiac disease (dermatitis herpetiformis), systemic lupus erythematosus (malar erythema), PCOS (acne) and many others. Aside from diagnosable pathologies, functional imbalances and other factors can also impact the quality and health of our skin. These may include:

• Inflammation

• Hormonal imbalances

• Diet

• Digestive issues

• Food sensitivities

• Sun exposure

• Stress

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Immune dysfunction

• Medications or supplements

• Smoking

• Infections

Skin problems are often multifactorial, and as such often require a multi-factorial approach. Whether you are addressing the symptoms of chronic disease or looking to improve the appearance and health of your skin overall, optimizing and correcting any one or several of these factors may be necessary to achieve desired results.

THE FIRST STEP TO TREATMENT IS A PROPER ASSESSMENT.

Deciding where to start can be overwhelming. With no shortage of information online, many times patients are confronted with information and option overload. A detailed history taking with a health professional can help to narrow down areas to focus on and get you started on a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs to help you love the skin you’re in.

In health,

Dr. Jacalyn Sieben, ND

PS - for more information about a holistic Outside-In approach I highly recommend the book referenced below.

Reference:

Skotnicki, S. (2018). Beyond soap: The real truth about what you are doing to your skin and how to fix it for a beautiful, healthy glow. Penguin Random House.

TIPS FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY BACK-TO-SCHOOL

As the back-to-school season approaches, many parents are busy buying new clothes, school supplies, and signing their children up for activities. But there is also the transition of sleep schedules, planning for healthy lunches, and implementing some immune supports to help battle the inevitable cold and flu season to come. We get it - this time of year can be both exhilarating and a challenge.

With a few simple naturopathic strategies, you can set the stage for a successful school year. Here are some tips we hope you’ll find helpful.

Restoring Routine: Getting Your Children’s Schedule Back on Track

After long summer days, getting back into a school routine can be challenging, but so important for a great first week back – both mentally and physically. Here are some ways to make the transition smoother:

• Gradual adjustment - As fun as it is to spend the September long weekend enjoying some last few late nights, a week or two prior to back to school is a good time to start slowly moving the kids to an earlier bedtime. Gradually shift these times by about 15 minutes each day until they align with your school schedule. This helps reset your child’s internal clock without causing undue stress. The earlier sunsets are there to help us.

• Evening wind-down – Establish a calming bedtime routine to help your child relax before sleep. Activities such as reading, taking a warm bath, and practicing deep breathing can signal to your child’s body that it is time to wind down. And of course – screens off for an hour before bed.

Nutrition for Success: Easy Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Ideas

Proper nutrition is essential for your child’s cognitive function, energy levels, and overall health. There is no singular “right” way to eat depending on unique dietary needs, but here are some tips for balanced healthy meals which include protein, healthy fats, and lots of vegetables:

• Breakfast ideas - Granola and coconut yogurt, toast and a fried egg, banana with almond butter, almond flour blueberry muffins.

• Lunch ideas - Wraps made with leftover chicken or beef, pita pizzas with sausage, veggies and cheese, chicken Caesar salad (P.S. – invest in a kid-sized Thermos to keep leftovers nice and warm!)

• Smart snacks - Veggies and hummus, fruit and cheese, raisins and pumpkin seeds, dates stuffed with goat cheese, rice crackers and almond butter, quick energy balls (Nut-Free).

• Hydration – A cute water bottle can go a long way. You can make water more exciting by adding in lemon juice and liquid Stevia plus a mint leaf, or strawberries and cucumbers plus a squirt of lime juice. Biosteel is a healthy, sugar-free, color-free option as well. Be creative!

• Quick dinners - Meal prepping goes a long way towards a less stressful, balanced week of dinners. Sundays are a great time to get the kids involved in washing, chopping, bagging…which can also improve the likelihood of actually eating the healthy meals!

 Crockpot meals are a great way to have dinner ready for any time – beef stew, turkey chili, pasta with meat sauce, honey garlic chicken thighs, butter chicken, or chicken tortilla soup are all great options to start. As an added bonus – if you prefer to have the nicer finish of an oven-roasted meal with the slow cooker convenience, just quickly broil it up for a minute or two to add the brown and the crisp.

Naturopathic Immune System Support: Strengthening Your Child’s Defenses

• Probiotics – A strong immune system starts in the gut. Back to school is a great time to top up your kids’ healthy bacteria. Good bacteria is found in yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and cultured coconut. You might also consider a high-quality probiotic supplement in chewable form that has added vitamins.

• Vitamin D – Most children living in Saskatchewan have suboptimal vitamin D levels. A single drop of a vitamin D supplement goes a long way in supporting a healthy immune response.

• Vitamin C and Zinc – These nutrients are essential for immune health. Encourage your child to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers. Zinc is also anti-viral and found in foods like pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and cashews.

• Herbal supports – There are many herbs that support the immune system. There are many kid-friendly immune tonics which include astragalus for prevention.

 Back to school season is an excellent opportunity to re-establish healthy habits that will benefit your child all year long. By focusing on a consistent routine, healthy nutrition, and immune supports, you’re equipping your child with the tools for a fantastic year of learning and fun. We are here to help you with personalized, evidence-informed care so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need further guidance.

In good health,

Dr. Darlene Reid, ND

Unlocking Relief: How A Naturopathic Approach Can Help Prevent Migraines

Migraines can be debilitating. In Canada alone, 25% of households have someone affected by migraines;[1] as well, migraines are the 2nd most common cause of disability worldwide. [2] This disease can affect people’s quality of life enormously.

As Naturopathic Doctors, our approach is not to treat the migraines – but rather to treat the person living with migraines. This involves considering what may be the root cause(s) of the development of the painful episodes in the brain.

People living with migraines commonly have a genetic predisposition to them. While genetics are the “gun”, environmental factors “pull the trigger” and cause a migraine. These factors include hormonal imbalances, food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, mitochondria dysfunction, stress, and suboptimally-functioning pathways of detoxification.

Food Sensitivities vs. Food Triggers

Foods that commonly trigger a migraine for people include caffeine, chocolate (tyramine), MSG (glutamate), processed meat (nitrates), and wine (sulfites).

A food sensitivity does not trigger a migraine to develop, but if you are eating the food regularly and it is creating low-grade inflammation in your body, it is more likely to cause a migraine to develop. These food sensitivities can lead to the development of a migraine when there are additional variables at play such as weather changes OR hormonal decreases before your menstrual flow. If a person can identify foods that cause low-grade inflammation in their system and then avoid them for several weeks, they can reset their levels of inflammation and eat the foods less often. This approach has been helpful for countless patients.

So – how do you know which foods are increasing your likelihood of developing a migraine? There are two ways:

1. If you are unfortunate enough to have migraine attacks daily, or every few days, you can do an elimination diet for 2 weeks to see if the migraines lessen or stop. This involves avoiding the most common food sensitivities including dairy, all grains, egg whites, nuts, and yeast. Often, we can give patients a shorter list of foods to avoid based on what their diet has been comprised of and considering other health concerns they may have.

2. A food sensitivity test is also a very helpful option. Your Naturopathic Doctor can collect a small amount of blood through a finger prick and send the sample to Rocky Mountain Analytical (RMA) – a division of LifeLabs.  RMA can report on IgG antibody levels of between 120-225 foods that our immune systems may react to. A 2007 research study found that 43/65 patients with migraine headaches had complete remission of headaches after one month of eliminating reactive foods. Another study in 2010 found a significant reduction in the number of headache days and migraine attacks with the elimination of reactive foods. [3] [4] [5]

If a food sensitivity is identified, we can provide many options for food substitutions and can guide you on how long to avoid your trigger foods before reintroducing it in small amounts. If food sensitivities exist due to a “leaky gut” – an impaired permeability of the digestive tract – we can develop a plan to heal the lining using simple strategies.

Food sensitivities are not always a factor for patients who have migraine attacks, but it is a common one. When these foods are identified, a patient can experience improved health outcomes in many different areas including digestion, skin, immunity, and metabolism. It’s a win-win all around.

Altering your diet is not always easy, but with some compassionate support and expert guidance, many of our patients have found enormous success. We are here for you with an individualized, multi-faceted approach to help you break free from the cycle of pain.

In good health,

Dr. Darlene Reid, ND

[1] https://migrainecanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/languageguide-onepager-EN-finalweb.pdf

[2] https://thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-020-01208-0

[3] Drisko J, Bischoff B, Hall M, McCallum R. Treating irritable bowel syndrome with a food elimination diet followed by food challenge and probiotics. J Am Coll Nutr. 2006 Dec;25(6):514-22. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2006.10719567. PMID: 17229899.

[4] Alpay K, Ertas M, Orhan EK, Ustay DK, Lieners C, Baykan B. Diet restriction in migraine, based on IgG against foods: a clinical double-blind, randomised, cross-over trial. Cephalalgia. 2010 Jul;30(7):829-37. doi: 10.1177/0333102410361404. Epub 2010 Mar 10. PMID: 20647174; PMCID: PMC2899772.

[5] Arroyave Hernández CM, Echavarría Pinto M, Hernández Montiel HL. Food allergy mediated by IgG antibodies associated with migraine in adults. Rev Alerg Mex. 2007 Sep-Oct;54(5):162-8. Erratum in: Rev Alerg Mex. 2010 Mar-Apr;57(2):49. Echevarría Pinto, Mauro [corrected to Echavarría Pinto, Mauro]. PMID: 18693538.

Eating to Prevent Chronic Disease: The Mediterranean Diet

Eating to Prevent Chronic Disease

What is a Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean diet is a diet high in fish, legumes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. It is low in high fat meats and dairy products.

If you want to be on a healthy Mediterranean diet you should try eliminating cream, butter, margarine, carbonated and/or sugared beverages, and processed foods such as pastries, industrial bakery products, industrial desserts (puddings, custard), French fries, potato chips, cakes and sweets.

It is a good idea to limit your consumption of cured meats, red meats, and cured and fatty cheeses. When choosing animal products, choose healthy sources (Grass fed, Free range, wild etc) that have minimal contaminates and a good balance of omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids.

The Mediterranean diet is also characterized by a high intake of b-carotene, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, polyphenols and a wide variety of phytochemicals that are found in the various plant foods frequently consumed (1).

Research shows adherence to Mediterranean diet is effective in prevention of cardiovascular disease, depression, metabolic syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes. The information to follow summarizes a bit of the research.

Supporting Research

Cardiovascular Disease

The Mediterranean diet has been ranked as the most likely dietary model to provide protection against coronary heart disease. (2)

 In a 2018 study involving persons at high cardiovascular risk, the incidence of major cardiovascular events was lower among those assigned to a Mediterranean diet (Med Diet) supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts than among those assigned to a reduced-fat diet. (3)

• 3 groups studied

o   Low-fat diet

o   Mediterranean Diet with added nuts

o   Mediterranean Diet with added olive oil

• Risk of combined heart attack, stroke and death from cardiovascular disease compared to low-fat diet was reduced by 30% in the Med Diet + Olive Oil and 28% in the Med Diet + Nuts.

Good adherence to a Mediterranean diet resulted in a more favorable health status as reflected by improved cardio vascular disease risk factors, such as lipid profile, blood pressure, and glucose, especially in persons with diabetes and compared with a low-carbohydrate diet. (4)

Higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with lower mean levels of blood pressure after 6 years of follow-up. (4)

Diabetes

Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) or mixed nuts has shown to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes by 40% and 18%, respectively, compared with a low-fat control diet. (5)

Depression

High adherence to a Mediterranean diet high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean meats and olive oil was protective for depression at all ages throughout the lifespan. Even moderate adherence to a Mediterranean diet was protective in younger individuals. For older individuals, the research showed that the benefit to mental well-being and depression prevention was only associated with those individuals who adhered to a more strict Mediterranean diet. (6)

A 2017 study examined 56 men and women with major depression who all had a very poor diet containing lots of highly refined foods, very few fruits and vegetables, and few lean types of meats. Implementing a Mediterranean diet that was high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean meats and 3 TBSP of olive oil per day led to 32% of participants no longer meeting the criteria for depression after only 12 weeks! (7)

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of 3 or more related cardiometabolic risk factors:

• Central obesity (determined by waist circumference)

• Hypertension

• Hypertriglyceridemia

• Low HDL cholesterol levels

• Hyperglycemia.

Research has shown that olive oil supplementation can decrease central obesity and elevated fasting glucose levels. Supplementation with nuts (rather than olive oil) has also been shown to reduce central obesity. (8)

Interested in changing your diet to a Mediterranean Diet? Below is some good information to help you get started!

References

Welcome Nicole Loran

Meet Nicole Loran! She is a 4th year student finishing her training in Naturopathic Medicine at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) in Tempe, Arizona. Nicole is a dedicated and hard working student who currently holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology and Pharmacology as well as a Arts and Science degree in Religion and Culture from the University of Saskatchewan. Nicole is involved in ongoing research through SCNM for psoriasis and is currently class Treasurer and Vice President of the Aesthetics Club at SCNM.

Education is extremely important to Nicole and she continually strives to further her knowledge in many areas including anti-aging, integrative, and functional medicine. She incorporates what she learns into her daily practice and strives to empower the patients with knowledge on how to improve their health.

Nicole has 2 years of clinic experience with a focus on general, naturopathic community and internal medicine, women and men’s health, endocrinology, botanical medicine, nutrition, nature cure, acupuncture, IV therapy, heavy metal toxicity and addictions.

Her interests include: endocrinology, women’s health, nutrition, weight loss, gastrointestinal health, metabolic disorders, stress, chronic fatigue and acupuncture.

Nicole is originally from Saskatoon. She is looking forward to spending one of her final months as an intern under the supervision of Dr. Velichka ND. Once her schooling is complete, she plans on moving back to Saskatoon to start her practice as a Naturopathic Doctor.

You can book in to see Nicole at our clinic ever Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the month of May. Nicole has experience in creating diet plans for patients with diabetes or PCOS and those who require FODMAP, anti-SIBO or ketogenic diets. Nicole will be assisting Dr. Velichka ND in her acupuncture services.

We are excited to have Nicole be a part of our clinic over the next month. We hope you get to enjoy the benefits from having her involved in your care!

NEW DOCTOR JOINING OUR TEAM

We are very excited to welcome a new naturopathic doctor to our team. Dr. Darlene Reid-Ahenakew is a licenced naturopathic doctor in Saskatchewan. Her premedical training was at Queen’s University, graduating with a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, as well as a Bachelor of Life Sciences. She spent 4 more years at CCNM in Toronto and graduated with her ND in 2001.

Dr. Reid-Ahenakew practiced in Ontario for 12 years where she held a busy family practice and had the opportunity to mentor with several exceptional NDs. She has enjoyed practicing in Saskatoon since 2013 and recently joined Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine in April 2018.

Her clinical experience over the years has been diverse, although she has worked with many patients with anxiety and migraines. She has also treated many patients with a broad spectrum of digestive concerns including food intolerances, SIBO and colitis. She has helped many patients with eczema and neurological conditions, as these are areas she has personal experience in with her 2 boys. A recent focus has been on autoimmune conditions and helping patients with Hashimoto’s disease has been a prevalent part of her practice in recent years. 

Dr. Reid-Ahenakew looks forward to providing you with exceptional healthcare and is currently accepting new patients. If you are interested in booking an appointment as a new patient or for a follow-up visit, please call the clinic at 306-664-2150. To read her full bio, please click here

MYERS COCKTAIL

What is a Myers Cocktail?

One of the most common IVs provided by naturopathic doctors across North America is a Myers cocktail. 

What is in this popular IV and what can it be helpful for? 

The Myers cocktail is an intravenous mixture of minerals and vitamins that is administered directly into a vein and is infused over a timespan of 30-45 minutes. It can be effective against asthma symptoms, migraines, fatigue, fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasm, upper respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, and cardiovascular disease. 

The vitamins in the Myers cocktail include vitamin C, vitamin B complex, vitamin B12, magnesium, and calcium. It is a fairly simple formula. However, taking these nutrients intravenously means they are 100% absorbed into circulation which is dramatically more than the absorption through the gut with oral supplementation. Though the high levels of nutrients provided by a Myers cocktail will only last a few hours in circulation, the benefits can be profound over the long-term. 

Some patients may receive the Myers cocktail weekly or monthly. Naturopathic doctors may recommend this option when a patient has trouble with absorption (including patients with IBS or IBD) or when a patient is chronically ill and a less invasive nutritional plan is not effective.  Naturopathic doctors work with their patients with complex health conditions to identify root cause issues and assess an individuals need for advanced nutritional IV therapy.  Patients who are a candidate for this treatment will be assessed by their naturopathic doctor to ensure safety and to consider any individual modifications to the formula that may be required. 

To learn more about the effectiveness of the Myers cocktail including its history, applications, theory, and research please read the following review by Dr. Alan Gaby, MD —> Intravenous Nutrient Therapy: The “Myer’s” Cocktail.

To find out more if this or other nutrient IVs might be appropriate for you, contact our office to book an IV therapy consult with your naturopathic doctor!