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

From Cloudy to Clear: Naturopathic Approaches to Combat Brain Fog

Have you noticed that your brain has been feeling like a haze lately? Maybe you’re having concentration difficulties or can’t recall familiar places or items as easily. Have you been repeating parts of a conversation over and over again?

You might be experiencing what is known as “brain fog” - a term often used to describe a state of mental cloudiness or cognitive dysfunction which can significantly impair one’s ability to function optimally in daily life. Brain fog is commonly associated with conditions like fibromyalgia, hormonal imbalances, and chronic fatigue syndrome, and underlying causes can vary widely from person to person. As naturopathic doctors, our approach involves diving deeper in the root causes of brain fog and utilizing various tools and tests to uncover underlying imbalances and provide individualized treatment strategies.

The tools that a naturopathic doctor may use to investigate can include the following:

Hormone testing – hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid dysfunction or adrenal fatigue can lead to impairments in cognitive function.

Metabolic assessments – blood sugar imbalances and insulin resistance has been shown to affect cognitive function, so your ND may want to test fasting blood glucose, fasting blood insulin, and HbA1c.

Nutrient deficiencies – screening for low iron, vitamin B12 or Vitamin D levels is recommended.

Markers of inflammation – hs-CRP and ESR may be tested within the bloodstream since inflammation has been shown to be triggered by various poor diet and lifestyle choices and external stressors and infections. 

Food sensitivity tests – food sensitivities which are IgG-mediated can lead to inflammation within the body and manifest as cognitive symptoms.

Environmental exposures – exposures to heavy metals, pesticides, mold and other toxins have been shown to impair cognitive function.

As naturopathic doctors, our focus lies in identifying and addressing the root causes of brain fog using a combination of conventional laboratory tests, functional assessments, and lifestyle modifications. By addressing these nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, food sensitivities and environmental exposures, we can help patients regain mental clarity and improve their overall well-being.

In good health,

Dr. Sami Leung, ND

References

1. Ettleson, M. D., Raine, A., Batistuzzo, A., Batista, S. P., McAninch, E., Teixeira, M. C. T., ... & Bianco, A. C. (2022). Brain fog in hypothyroidism: Understanding the patient’s perspective. Endocrine Practice, 28(3), 257-264.

2. Fog, W. C. B. Causes of Brain Fog: Does Brain Fog Begin In Your Gut?

3. Lucius, K. (2021). “Brain Fog”: Exploring a Symptom Commonly Encountered in Clinical Practice. Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 27(1), 23-30.

4. Schmidt, S. (2019). Brain Fog: Does air pollution make us less productive?

5. Wilson, L. (2008). Brain fog. The Center for Development. Retrieved on October 9, 2009.

6. Yoshimura, H. (2023). Functional Medicine for Mental Clarity: Combating Brain Fog Naturally. Mental Health.

Don’t Settle For Just “Getting By”

understanding and addressing depression

Now that spring is well on its way, is your mood picking up? If you’re still feeling the “blahs” – low energy, persistent sadness, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed – this might be more than the winter blues.

While Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a well-known culprit for winter blues, it’s crucial not to overlook other underlying issues that may contribute to depressive symptoms. Booking an appointment with your ND can provide valuable insights into your mental and physical well-being. During your visit, we can explore various factors contributing to depression, including hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle habits, and environmental stressors.

By taking a comprehensive approach, we can tailor a treatment plan to address your unique needs. This may include a combination of dietary adjustments, supplementation, herbal remedies, lifestyle modifications, and acupuncture. Additionally, we will work collaboratively with you to uncover any potential root causes and develop strategies for long-term wellness.

Here a few tips to consider as we hop into spring…

Protein

Foods that are rich in protein contain amino acids that help produce neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. If your protein intake is low, you may experience low mood. Most adults require 1g of protein per kilogram of body weight. Fortunately, it is easy to increase your protein intake – here are some easy ideas to snack on:

• A handful of unsalted almonds, walnuts, and/or pecans

• A hard-boiled egg

• No-bake energy balls

• An apple with 2 tbsp nut butter of your choice

• Sausage sticks or jerky (aim for ones with no fillers)

• Edamame

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet is a diet high in fish, legumes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, seeds, and olive oil. It is low in high fat meats and dairy products. Following the Mediterranean Diet has been shown to be protective against depression at all ages throughout a person’s lifespan. For more information, check out our past blog post.

Exercise

Adults (including seniors) should get at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week[i]. Think that’s a stretch? Here are some ways to incorporate more movement into your day:

• Do squats or lunges while you brush your teeth

• Park farther away from stores or work

• Take the stairs

• Spontaneous dancing (at home OR in public 😊)

• Deep clean something

• Get up and move your body during commercial breaks – marching in place, jumping jacks, walking lunges across the room…be creative!

Sunshine

Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin levels in the brain. While you may be taking a Vitamin D supplement to keep your levels up, being in the sunshine is the best source of natural Vitamin D[ii]. In order to optimize your exposure, we recommend spending anywhere between 5-30 minutes each day outside[iii] – and while you’re out there, why don’t you get in that little extra bit of exercise and take a walk around the block?

Did you know that Vitamin D is not typically tested when you have bloodwork completed by your physician? Many people may be deficient in this important vitamin and not even know it. If this is something you are concerned about or would like to know more, bring it up with your naturopathic doctor - it may be worth investigating!

Don’t forget…

You don’t have to navigate depression alone. Your mental health matters every day and every season of the year.

[i] https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/physical-activity-tips-adults-18-64-years.html

[ii] Raymond-Lezman JR, Riskin SI. Benefits and Risks of Sun Exposure to Maintain Adequate Vitamin D Levels. Cureus. 2023 May 5;15(5):e38578. doi: 10.7759/cureus.38578. PMID: 37284402; PMCID: PMC10239563.

[iii] Srivastava SB. Vitamin D: Do We Need More Than Sunshine? Am J Lifestyle Med. 2021 Apr 3;15(4):397-401. doi: 10.1177/15598276211005689. PMID: 34366736; PMCID: PMC8299926.

Physical Activity for Prostate Cancer - HIIT it up!

Physical activity is one of the many ways in which we can optimize our health before, during and after cancer treatment. Prostate cancer patients undergoing active surveillance can benefit from optimizing their physical activity levels (missed our post on active surveillance? Check it out here)

The Canadian research study Exercise During Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer (ERASE) trial looked at how exercise during active surveillance in men with prostate cancer influenced their cardiorespiratory fitness [1]. Prostate cancer patients on active surveillance who did a supervised high intensity interval training (HIIT) three times per week for 12 weeks had improved cardiorespiratory fitness levels and reduced PSA levels compared to the control group (prostate cancer patients on active surveillance who did not do the HIIT training) [1]. Although we don’t know the long-term effects of this training, other studies have suggested that improving fitness levels can provide benefits in heart health and weight management and may reduce side effects associated with prostate cancer treatment [2-5].

Quick ways to incorporate more physical activity into your day:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator/escalator

• Add daily walks on your own or with family/friends

• Get up from your work desk every 20 minutes for a quick stretch and stroll, or get a standing desk

• Do household chores such as snow shovelling, raking the leaves, mowing the lawn, gardening, vacuuming and others

• Dance!

• Enroll in leisurely sporting teams or engage in sports such as golf, tennis or others with friends or family

Talk to your doctor to make sure any high intensity types of exercises are safe for you. 

References:

[1] Kang, D.-W., Fairey, A. S., Boulé, N. G., Field, C. J., Wharton, S. A., & Courneya, K. S. (2021). Effects of Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Biochemical Progression in Men With Localized Prostate Cancer Under Active Surveillance: The ERASE Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncology, 7(10), 1487. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.3067

[2] Kim, S. H., Seong, D. H., Yoon, S. M., Choi, Y. D., Choi, E., Song, Y., & Song, H. (2018). The Effect on Bone Outcomes of Home-based Exercise Intervention for Prostate Cancer Survivors Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Cancer Nursing, 41(5), 379–388. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCC.0000000000000530

[3] Galvão, D. A., Taaffe, D. R., Spry, N., Cormie, P., Joseph, D., Chambers, S. K., Chee, R., Peddle-McIntyre, C. J., Hart, N. H., Baumann, F. T., Denham, J., Baker, M., & Newton, R. U. (2018). Exercise Preserves Physical Function in Prostate Cancer Patients with Bone Metastases. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 50(3), 393–399. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000001454

[4] Bourke, L., Smith, D., Steed, L., Hooper, R., Carter, A., Catto, J., Albertsen, P. C., Tombal, B., Payne, H. A., & Rosario, D. J. (2016). Exercise for Men with Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. European Urology, 69(4), 693–703. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2015.10.047

[5] Keilani, M., Hasenoehrl, T., Baumann, L., Ristl, R., Schwarz, M., Marhold, M., Sedghi Komandj, T., & Crevenna, R. (2017). Effects of resistance exercise in prostate cancer patients: A meta-analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer: Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 25(9), 2953–2968. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-3771-z

Movement is Medicine - It's never too late to start if you have (or had) Breast Cancer!

The Importance of Physical Activity in Breast Cancer Patients

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150 minutes (about 2.5 hours) of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity per week for adults, which has been shown to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression, can improve bone health, and reduce all-cause mortality [1, 2]. Additionally, regular physical activity has also been demonstrated to support breast cancer patients before diagnosis, during treatment and in survivorship.

IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BEFORE DIAGNOSIS

Research has shown that women who were physical activity before being diagnosed with breast cancer had decreased mortality from breast cancer and all-causes compared to women who were not physically active before diagnosis [4, 6]. One of these studies also found that women who were sedentary (not physically active) before diagnosis but started exercising after diagnosis had a 45% lower risk of death from breast cancer compared to women who were not physically-active before or after diagnosis [6]. This impact was achieved just by engaging in brisk walking 2-3 hours per week!

EXERCISE DURING CANCER TREATMENT IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE

One study looked at how exercise impacts the health of patients with stage II+ breast cancer. They found that engaging in exercise was safe for these patients, and was associated with improvements in quality of life, fitness level, fatigue, strength, mental health, and weight [3]. Another study conducted on breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy found that more intense exercise regimens (50-60 minutes 3 times per week) were slightly better than moderate-intensity exercise regimens (25-30 minutes 3 times per week) in improving pain, hot flashes, and strength, however both regimens were effective in managing side effects from chemotherapy [5].

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AFTER TREATMENT IS STILL BENEFICIAL

Research on breast cancer survivors has also shown benefit. One study found that breast cancer survivors who practiced 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week had a 27% decrease in all-cause mortality (ie. dying from any cause) and a 25% decrease in breast cancer mortality, compared to women who had lower levels of physical activity [2].

MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE

So, what does this mean? It’s never too late to increase your levels of physical activity! No matter where you are on your health journey, physical activity appears to benefit health by reducing risk of dying from cancer and other causes and improving side effects during treatments. As always, talk to your doctor to make sure you are engaging in physical activity that is safe for you!

WHAT CAN I DO TO INCREASE MY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS?

There are a number of ways to increase physical activity and movement in your daily schedule! An easy way to remember the difference between moderate-intensity and vigorous intensity exercising is talking and singing - at a moderate level of intensity, you can talk but would find it difficult to sing; at vigorous-intensity, it would be difficult to talk. Here’s a few ideas:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator

• Walk or bicycle to work, or walk the kids to school

• Go for walks before or after work, or during the day

• Take up a sport or hobby that involves movement, like dancing, tennis, swimming

• Raking the leaves, shovelling snow, gardening

• Yoga, tai chi and Qigong

• Household chores like vacuuming, mopping

• Our favourite at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine: 15 minute at-home dance session - just turn on your favourite song and dance!

References:

[1] https://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/physical-activity-recommendations-18-64years.pdf

[2] Beasley, J. M., Kwan, M. L., Chen, W. Y., Weltzien, E. K., Kroenke, C. H., Lu, W., Nechuta, S. J., Cadmus-Bertram, L., Patterson, R. E., Sternfeld, B., Shu, X.-O., Pierce, J. P., & Caan, B. J. (2012). Meeting the physical activity guidelines and survival after breast cancer: Findings from the after breast cancer pooling project. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 131(2), 637–643. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-011-1770-1

[3] Singh, B., Spence, R. R., Steele, M. L., Sandler, C. X., Peake, J. M., & Hayes, S. C. (2018). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Safety, Feasibility, and Effect of Exercise in Women With Stage II+ Breast Cancer. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 99(12), 2621–2636. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2018.03.026

[4] Lahart, I. M., Metsios, G. S., Nevill, A. M., & Carmichael, A. R. (2015). Physical activity, risk of death and recurrence in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden), 54(5), 635–654. https://doi.org/10.3109/0284186X.2014.998275

[5] Courneya, K. S., McKenzie, D. C., Mackey, J. R., Gelmon, K., Friedenreich, C. M., Yasui, Y., Reid, R. D., Cook, D., Jespersen, D., Proulx, C., Dolan, L. B., Forbes, C. C., Wooding, E., Trinh, L., & Segal, R. J. (2013). Effects of exercise dose and type during breast cancer chemotherapy: Multicenter randomized trial. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 105(23), 1821–1832. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djt297

[6] ​​Irwin, M. L., Smith, A. W., McTiernan, A., Ballard-Barbash, R., Cronin, K., Gilliland, F. D., Baumgartner, R. N., Baumgartner, K. B., & Bernstein, L. (2008). Influence of pre- and postdiagnosis physical activity on mortality in breast cancer survivors: The health, eating, activity, and lifestyle study. Journal of Clinical Oncology: Official Journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 26(24), 3958–3964. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2007.15.9822

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!

Secure and Simple Video Telemedicine Consults at Saskatoon Naturopathic

Our secure and simple video telemedicine consults can be done using your smart phone, tablet/ipad, laptop OR any desktop with a microphone and camera.

At the time of your appointment you will be emailed or texted the following link that will allow you access to our virtual waiting room: yxenaturopathic.doxy.me/reception

Upon arrival to our virtual waiting room, you will be asked to type in your name and then wait patiently while your doctor activates the video call.

Note your device may ask you to enable microphone and camera. We recommend you do to allow for the best virtual experience.

At the end of your visit, you will be put back in the waiting room where our receptionists will virtually connect with you to process payment, prepare any orders, and reschedule you for your next appointment.

If you can pick up a phone you can answer a video call from us!

If you wish to make more out of your experience here are some tips and suggestions:

-        Connection: to ensure your video call goes smoothly, use strong Wifi or an ethernet cable, close unused programs and use the most up-to-date version of google chrome or Firefox.

-        Follow up consultations: If your consultation is a follow up appointment complete follow up notes in a separate document then simply copy and paste your notes to the instant messaging window before or during your telemedicine consult. This will allow your Naturopathic Doctor to have all the up-to-date information on your current medication and supplement use, labs and imaging, current complaints and priorities for your visit. Click here to access our follow up forms. If you prefer a word document please contact our office.

-        Secure file sharing: Doxy.me telemedicine system allows for secure file sharing between you and your Naturopathic Doctor. This allows you to easily drag and drop files, including recent blood work and test results, right into the video consult.

-        Screenshots: Your Naturopathic Doctor is also able to screen shot portions of your video consultation. For example: if you have a rash you need the doctor to address or if you have taken your blood pressure at home the doctor can screen shot the image and instantly upload it into your file.

Micronutrient Testing at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine

At Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine we proudly offer Spectracell Micronutrient testing, one of the most comprehensive nutrient tests to assess the nutrient stores in your body that will keep you performing at the top of your game.

The Spectracell Micronutrient test allows your Naturopathic Doctor to assess how well your body utilizes 31 vitamins, minerals, amino/fatty acids, antioxidants, and metabolites (listed below).

Why is this information important?

 Nutritional balance plays a key role in optimal wellness, chronic disease prevention and managing the aging process. Each nutrient in our body is responsible for specific physiological functions that make them unique and irreplaceable. Virtually all metabolic and developmental processes that take place in the body require micronutrients, and strong evidence suggests that subtle vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant deficiencies can contribute to degenerative processes such as arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. As well, evidence suggests that a lack of these vital nutrients may have a profound impact on the body’s immune system. Eating a balanced diet, exercising and taking a multivitamin may not be enough. Every individual is unique and a micronutrient test will allow your Naturopathic Doctor to see where you might be lacking.

Who may benefit from having the Spectracell Micronutrient test?

Spectracell micronutrient testing can be very beneficial for individuals with the following conditions and disease:

            - Cardiovascular disease

            - Diabetes

            - Neurological disorders/Alzheimer’s          

            - Mood disorders

            - Osteoporosis

            - Fertility issues

            - Cancer

 It may also be helpful to get tested if you feel like you are suffering from a nutritional deficiency or just want to stay on top of your health. Some of the signs and symptoms of a nutrition deficiency include: fatigue, anxiety, weight loss or weight gain, loss of appetite, tingling hands, muscle cramping, vomiting, heart flutter, skin conditions, depression, bruising, reduced muscle mass, muscle weakness, diarrhea, hair loss, digestive problems, numbness, nausea, constipation, impaired wound healing, and low libido.

The cost for this test is 620 dollars, which is pricey, but the results may help you save money in others areas by helping you cut out supplements you are currently taking that are not necessary for you at this time, and re-prioritizing the supplements that are truly addressing your body’s needs. For more information on the Spectracell micronutrient test book an appointment to speak to your Naturopathic Doctor or call our office to book in for a sample collection today!

**content adapted from Micronutrient Testing Nutrition at the Core of Personalized Wellness

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!