DR. TAMAR FERREIRA, ND - DOWNTOWN BRAMPTON WELLNESS CENTRE 905-451-3963
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Top 5 Drug-Free Methods to Help Improve Your Asthma

10/4/2018

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You hear that familiar wheeze or cough although you barely did any exercise. You may have just gone up a set of stairs, stepped out into the cold, or emptied out the dust compartment of the vacuum cleaner. Here it goes again, you think, as you reach for your inhaler…

I myself struggled with asthma as a child, so I was one of the approximately 3 million Canadians who suffer from asthma. I had the full spectrum of what is referred to as the “atopic triad” (allergies, asthma, and atopy/eczema). Although I no longer have asthma, many people’s asthma persists into adulthood. And while I do not advocate that patients stop their asthma medications entirely, often they are able to decrease the frequency of the medications because of the improvement we are able to achieve through naturopathic medicine.

What can you do breathe better, improve the health of your lungs, and decrease the inflammation in your airways? As always, every patient is different, but here are a few strategies for reducing the frequency and severity of asthma that often make it to the top of my treatment list.
 
1)     Identify and Eliminate Inflammatory Foods
Dairy and grains are common asthma inflammatory contributors. Often, a Paleo style diet will help as it will get rid of these two common food groups as well as all processed food while improving Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio (a good quality fish oil supplement is also helpful for its anti-inflammatory effect) and pumping your body full of anti-inflammatory nutrients and antioxidants. Other foods such as eggs can also be problematic.
 
If you’d rather not eliminate potential problematic foods without some objective results, come on in for a visit and we will discuss if IgG Food Sensitivity Testing would be a good option for you.
 
2)     Identify and Treat Environmental Allergens
Some allergens (such as dust mites) you can do something about to reduce your exposure. If pollen allergens are a problem, you can remove your outerwear clothes as soon as you get into the house, throw them in the wash, and change into exclusively indoor clothes. However, there are many environmental exposures which are beyond our control. Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), a therapy I offer, can be used to decrease your reactivity to certain environmental allergens over time, without painful allergy shots! Other naturopathic treatments, such as herbs, supplements, and acupuncture, can also help reduce your allergy symptoms.
 
3)     Supplement with Vitamin D3
An adequate supplementation with Vitamin D3 (usually way beyond the recommended doses) is associated with a decreased frequency of asthma episodes over time. So, although day to day you may not notice much of a difference in the asthma attacks themselves, you would likely experience less of them over the course of a year.
 
Make sure to get your Vitamin D levels checked with a blood test. I routinely run this test in order to determine the best dose for my patients. Most people are severely Vitamin D deficient and need high doses of Vitamin D to optimize their levels. There are also so many other benefits to Vitamin D, such as improved energy, mood, decreased risk of breast and colon cancer, improved bone density, and many more! Just make sure you don’t overdose, as Vitamin D is fat soluble so it accumulates in the body over time, which could lead to problems such as kidney stones due to too much calcium absorption. That is why testing is absolutely necessary if you are taking high therapeutic doses long-term.
 
4)     Consider High Doses of Vitamin C

Used widely in orthomolecular medicine to decrease the severity of asthma outbreaks, there is some evidence of its effectiveness when dosed to bowel tolerance (bringing the dose up to the highest you can tolerate without getting loose stools). It seems to be especially helpful in the cases of exercise-induced asthma.
 
5)     Supplement with Magnesium
Magnesium is one of my favourite supplements since it can help with so many things! Since it’s easily depleted with our lifestyles of chronic stress and high coffee intake, most of us are also deficient in it. In the case of asthma, magnesium can help relax the smooth muscles in the lungs, decreasing bronchoconstriction. Studies show that over a period of 6 months, patients on a magnesium supplement had less bronchial reactivity, leading to less severe asthma symptoms when triggers are present.

These are only some of the natural options available for those with asthma. As always, make sure to check with your doctor before starting any new supplements.

Are you an asthma sufferer looking for ways to help decrease the severity and frequency of your asthma attacks naturally? Then you’ll get the best benefit from personalized, patient-centered care. I’d love to help you out! Book an appointment at my downtown Brampton office by calling our office at 905-451-3963. I look forward to helping you on your health journey!
 
References
 
Harri Hemilä Vitamin C may alleviate exercise-induced bronchoconstriction: a meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2013; 3(6): e002416. Published online 2013 Jun 7.
 
Image from Wavebreak Media @ 123RF.com.
 
Kazaks AG1, Uriu-Adams JY, Albertson TE, Shenoy SF, Stern JS. Effect of oral magnesium supplementation on measures of airway resistance and subjective assessment of asthma control and quality of life in men and women with mild to moderate asthma: a randomized placebo controlled trial. J Asthma. 2010 Feb;47(1):83-92.
 
Martineau  AR, Cates  CJ, Urashima  M, Jensen  M, Griffiths  AP, Nurmatov  U, Sheikh  A, Griffiths  CJ, Stefanidis  C. Vitamin D for the management of asthma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD011511. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011511.pub2.
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Orthomolecular News Service. Asthma Treatment That Works. 2005 Aug 9. Retrieved from: http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v01n08.shtml.  http://orthomolecular.org/subscribe.html. http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml.
 
Virdee K, Musset J, Baral M, Cronin C, Langland J. Food-specific IgG Antibody-guided Elimination Diets Followed by Resolution of Asthma Symptoms and Reduction in Pharmacological Interventions in Two Patients: A Case Report. Glob Adv Health Med. 2015 Jan;4(1):62-6.
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Wechsler ME, Olin JT. Asthma: pathogenesis and novel drugs for treatment. BMJ 2014; 349. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g5517.

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Can Vitamin D Help Prevent And Treat The Flu?

12/23/2016

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We’re heading into the Christmas holidays, where parties, friends, and family abound, and gifts and hugs are shared. Unfortunately, these close quarters are also prime opportunities for the flu and other viruses to be shared among us. If our immune systems are compromised with our lack of sunlight at this time of the year (and therefore low Vitamin D), and further taxed by lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, sweets, dry heated environments, and lack of exercise, we can be more susceptible to coming down with the flu.

So what’s the scoop on Vitamin D, and can it help you prevent and/or treat the flu?

Low Vitamin D levels are associated with higher flu rates.

There are many studies showing that deficient levels of Vitamin D are associated with higher rates of flus and respiratory tract infections. Now, keep in mind that just because there is a correlation, it doesn’t mean that the lack of Vitamin D is actually causing the increase in flus, and it’s definitely not the only factor. But clinically, we do see that optimizing Vitamin D levels and correcting deficiencies generally decreases patients’ frequency of getting sick with the flu.

Vitamin D supplementation has been studied in the context of preventing one kind of influenza, influenza A. It was found that supplementing with Vitamin D decreased influenza A flus in schoolchildren, with the added bonus of decreasing asthma rates in those susceptible (Urashima et al., 2010).

Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels

I frequently test my patients for their Vitamin D levels in the blood (25-0H Vitamin D), and very rarely are they adequate, even in those that are taking 1000-2000 IU of vitamin D on a daily basis! So often, if your levels were very deficient to start with, blindly taking the recommended intake won’t help very much. You also don't want to take too much and overdose!

The average blood level of Vitamin D in Canadians is below 75 nmol/L (the lower end of the “normal” range), and 1/3 of those people are likely quite deficient, with levels below 50 nmol/L. Levels in the winter are even lower than that! I aim not only for normal ranges, but optimal ranges for my patients. This usually requires prescription level doses of Vitamin D (>1000 IU a day), which I can prescribe. Getting your levels checked can allow me to dose your Vitamin D appropriately and safely, bringing your levels up quickly and efficiently. Vitamin D is also important for so many other things, including bone health, mood, and energy!

Treatment Of Flu With “The Vitamin D Hammer”

Most of us have come down with the flu at some point or another, and we know it can make us feel quite miserable. What if you could cut that misery short? Can Vitamin D help once you already have the flu?

There isn’t much research in the area. However, there is some evidence clinically from doctors who use high doses of Vitamin D that it can be very helpful. We’re not talking about 800-1000 IU a day in these instances, as this likely would be too little, too late for most people. Dr. Gerry Schwalfenberg, MD, and his colleague use very high doses of Vitamin D (we’re talking high prescription doses) at the onset of the flu for 2-3 days. They call this “the Vitamin D hammer”, flooding the body with Vitamin D short-term! With this protocol, they find that patients’ symptoms resolve within 48-72 hours, which is amazing considering that the usual flu will often last a week or more, and can be followed by feeling weak and rundown for a while still afterwards.

Do you want to minimize your chances of getting the flu? Then among your arsenal, a good personalized dose of Vitamin D would probably be a good idea. We can get you tested to optimize your levels, and include other immune-boosting measures and supplements into your treatment plan so that you keep up your energy and smile all winter long!

References

Schwalfenberg G. (2015). Vitamin D for influenza. Can Fam Physician, 2015 Jun; 61(6):507. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4463890/

Urashima M., Segawa T., Okazaki M., Kurihara M., Wada Y., and Ida H. (2010). Randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation to prevent seasonal influenza A in schoolchildren. Am J Clin Nutr, 2010 May;91(5):1255-60. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2009.29094. Epub 2010 Mar 10.
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Why You're Tired All The Time: Top 7 Causes Of Fatigue

7/15/2016

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Fatigue is a very common concern that patients come to see me for in my practice. A lot of the time, patients have had a standard workup done with their medical doctor, but were told everything came back as “normal”.

You may find yourself in the same situation. You know you could feel better, but you don’t know what you can do about it. So, you keep dragging yourself from one day to the next with just barely enough energy to get through the day. Chances are, you CAN get better, and a naturopathic doctor can help you figure out what needs to change.

We all feel tired once in a while. If you’re wondering if your level of energy is normal or not, here are some signs that things could be better:
  • you cannot function without multiple cups of coffee
  • you have no energy when you get up in the morning, and/or your energy plummets at around 3pm
  • you take a nap whenever you can
  • you don’t have energy to do the things you loved to do
  • your brain feels foggy and your work productivity is suffering
  • you are tired even after a good night’s sleep
Is that you? Then read on!

Of course, there are some basic lifestyle factors that can lead to fatigue. These are things that you would easily be able to identify yourself, like lack of sleep, a diet of highly processed food, or lack of exercise (which you may not be able to bring yourself to do if you are feeling very run down). What I’ll share with you today are the top 7 causes that I take into account when assessing a patient with longstanding fatigue. Keep in mind that there are many other causes. If these show up as optimal for you, then I’ll keep digging to find the cause of your fatigue.

#1 – Iron Deficiency OR Iron Overload

Most women who have regular menstrual cycles have sub-optimal iron levels. Furthermore, those who eat vegan or vegetarian diets are at greater risk of an iron deficiency. Even if you are not anemic (where iron levels drop to a minimum), you can still feel low in energy if your storage level of iron (ferretin)  is sub-optimal. I generally aim for ferretin to be in the 60-80 range for women. Note that you could be in the “normal” levels with levels of ferretin as low as 10, but obviously you wouldn’t be feeling your best!

Before you go ahead and start supplementing with iron, do get your ferretin levels checked. It is possible to take too much iron, which can cause all kinds of problems long-term. Some people feel unwell because their body stores too much iron, a condition called hemochromatosis. I’ve seen this issue more commonly in men than in women, but it can happen in either.

#2 – Vitamin Deficiencies, Especially VitB12 And VitD

A Vitamin B12 deficiency is very common in vegans and vegetarians, so if you are eating little to no animal protein, you are probably deficient. However, even if you do eat meat regularly, it is possible to be B12 deficient. This can be due to problems assimilating the B12 from your diet due to issues such as malabsorption, food sensitivities, or low stomach acid. As well, if you are prone to depression or anxiety, you may need higher levels of B12.

Vitamin D deficiency is also very common here in Canada. It is very rare for me to measure a patient’s blood levels and find them in the optimal range if they are not supplementing with at least a minimal amount of Vitamin D. Adequate Vitamin D not only helps with energy, but it also helps with hormone balance, immune system support, skin health, and cancer prevention. Most people need prescription levels (i.e. >1000 IU per day) of Vitamin D at least temporarily, and getting your blood levels measured helps to individualize that prescription for you.

#3 – Blood Sugar Imbalances

If you crave carbs or sugary snacks and need that cookie to get your energy back up, a blood sugar imbalance might be behind your fatigue. Sugary foods can bring your energy levels up, but only temporarily. This is soon followed by a crash in energy, which will have you reaching for another quick source of energy. Having more balanced meals with plenty of protein and vegetables can help you keep your energy more even throughout the day. You can test this out by seeing how you feel after pasta dish compared to how you feel after a hearty chicken salad.

#4 – Sub-Optimal Thyroid Function

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the metabolism slows down, and people generally feel more fatigue. If you’ve been diagnosed with this, you know how it feels. However, even if your doctor measured your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and it was within the normal range, it could be functioning sub-optimally. If you suspect this might be a problem, see my post about the thyroid here.

#5 – Food Sensitivities

Reactions to food can have local effects (such as digestive symptoms of bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation), but they can also lead to systemic effects, such as brain fog and fatigue. Many patients notice more energy once they go on a detox or elimination diet that removes the most common food sensitivities at once. You can find out if food sensitivities are playing a role in your fatigue either through an elimination diet, or through IgG food sensitivity testing.

#6 - Adrenal Fatigue

If you’ve been under chronic stress for a while, chances are you have adrenal fatigue. Your adrenal glands are little glands that sit on top of your kidneys and help you deal with stress. For short-term stress, they produce adrenaline, but for longer-term stress, cortisol is the prevalent hormone. Your cortisol levels vary throughout the day, so the best way to measure the health of your adrenal glands is through a 4-point salivary adrenal test (taken at 4 times during the day). We typically also test for other hormones in females when running this test, as being chronically stressed can wreak havoc on your other hormones.

#7 - Depression

This one doesn’t have a lab test to rule it out, but careful questioning can help your doctor assess if depression might be causing your fatigue. In this case, the fatigue can be mental/emotional, and you may not feel motivated to do things that used to be enjoyable for you. There are questionnaires, such as the Beck Depression Inventory, that can help us see where you stand. If you do have symptoms of depression, a naturopathic doctor can also see if some of the above factors could be contributing to you feeling depressed.

These are just some of the most common causes of fatigue I have seen in practice. As you can see, finding and treating the cause of your fatigue is key – only then will you be able to see lasting improvement in your day to day energy!

Do you want to wake up in the morning with a spring in your step and energy to last throughout the day? If yes, then I invite you to start your journey towards thriving with me!

In health,

Dr. Tamar

Reference

Image from 123rf.com

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Vitamin D3 for Cold and Flu Prevention

10/3/2012

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We will soon be heading back into the cold and flu season in Canada, which usually begins around November and ends in April. While limiting exposure to the viruses  associated with these respiratory tract infections is indeed important, making sure that your immune system is in top shape to quickly and effectively clear any infectious microbes it encounters is the best way to prevent a full-blown illness. If you tend to get sick frequently during the winter months, now is a good time to make sure that your immune system is working at its best. Vitamin D3 is one of your key tools for helping you fight off these microbes.

Vitamin D exists in our body in an inactive form, and it only transforms into its active, vitamin D3 form if our skin is exposed to sunlight. Needless to say, this is difficult to do in the winter, and most Canadians are deficient in vitamin D3 unless they supplement with the active form throughout the fall and winter months. Vitamin D3 has been shown to activate the innate immune response and leads to the production of antimicrobial peptides (called cathelicidin and defensins) which help fight off viruses and secondary bacterial infections. Adequate vitamin D3 levels have been associated with a decreased risk of influenza and other respiratory tract infections. One study even showed that this decreased risk is passed on from pregnant mothers to their children for their first year of life.

One way to check if you have enough vitamin D is through a blood test, serum 25(OH)D. While levels above 50nmol/l are generally considered sufficient, many experts in the field believe that levels of 100nmol/l or higher are more optimal. Studies so far have shown that those who were most deficient prior to vitamin D3 supplementation gained the most anti-viral protective effects. Darker skinned individuals, who tend to produce less active vitamin D3 when exposed to the sun, are especially prone to being deficient during the winter months.

Although vitamin D3 status plays a powerful role in immunity, it is far from the only variable affecting our defenses against colds and flus. Naturopathic doctors have many other preventative treatments available, and can individualize your treatment protocol based on your health status, unique susceptibilities, current medications, diet, and lifestyle.

References:

Am J Clin Nutr May 2010 vol. 91 no. 5:1255-1260.

Epidemiology. 2012 Jan;23(1):64-71.

Int J Infect Dis. 2010 Dec;14(12):e1099-105. Epub 2010 Oct 29.

J Clin Virol. 2011 Mar;50(3):194-200. Epub 2011 Jan 15.

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    Dr. Tamar Ferreira is a Naturopathic Doctor in Brampton, Ontario. Her areas of focus include digestive health, hormone balance, and skin conditions.

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Dr. Tamar offers Naturopathic Services in Downtown Brampton and via Telemedicine (Ontario):
Downtown Brampton Wellness Centre
118 Queen St. W., Suite 205
Brampton, ON
L6X 1A5
905-451-3963

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