Dr. Amauri Wellness Centre: naturopath

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How Do We Test For And Treat Parasites? Our Toronto Naturopath Explains (Part II)

Did you read our former post by our naturopath in Toronto? (If you haven’t had a chance, read “How Do Common Parasites Affect Our Health?)”.

By now, you might be wondering if a parasite infection is behind your health concerns, especially if food poisoning, flu or fatigue symptoms don’t seem to be improving!

While ectoparasites, such as lice and ticks, can be visibly seen on the skin, comprehensive testing (pathology testing) is required to determine a protozoal or helminth infection.

At our clinic, the naturopathic integrative and functional medicine approach is a safe way to encourage the body to fight parasite infections; this is practiced by our in-house naturopathic doctor, Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND. In Part II of this series, he writes about diagnostic testing and natural solutions for treating parasite infections. Read his post below:

Parasite testing offered by our naturopathic clinic

If you were to visit a naturopath in Toronto about parasites, this practitioner would likely tell you not to rely on potential parasite symptoms alone. This is because there are several types of diagnostic tests that Toronto naturopaths can use to detect intestinal parasites.

At the Dr. Amauri Wellness Centre, we use a variety of tests to assess your gastrointestinal health including GI 360, GI Effects, GI-MAP, and stool ova/parasite testing and other tests:

THE GI360 PROFILE is a wide-ranging clinical stool profile. It uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, MALDI-TOF culture and ID and microscopy to identify pathogens, viruses, parasites and bacteria that may be causing gastrointestinal indicators and disease (chronic and acute).

THE GI EFFECTS COMPREHENSIVE STOOL PROFILE is a collection of stool tests that deliver abrupt details for helping to handle gastrointestinal health. Using progressive technologies and biomarkers (PCR Culture, MALDI-TOF MS + ID, and microscopic ova and parasite (O&P) detection), this test provides health practitioners with awareness into a patient’s digestive function, parasites, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal microbiome.

GI-MAP (Microbial Assay Plus) is a distinctive comprehensive stool test. It relies on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology to identify bacteria (and also parasites, fungi, etc.) by targeting the DNA of the organisms examined.

Ova and parasite tests involve examining stool sample to microscopically check for parasitic infection. They can include not only single-celled parasites, but also helminths (worms), such as hookworms, tapeworms, and flukes.

(FYI: A wide variety of health tests, such as food sensitivity testing and blood tests, are also available at our integrative health clinic. Click here to read about them.)

Integrative treatment for parasite infections

While conventional treatments (i.e. prescriptions from medical doctors) may be necessary for many parasite infections, there are also naturopathic therapies to use alone or alongside Western medicine. Here are some examples of natural solutions:

One common natural remedy is oregano oil. A small study of 14 people with intestinal parasites demonstrated that taking oregano oil for six weeks reduced or eliminated Blastocystis hominis infections in all 11 volunteers who tested positive. The parasites’ symptoms were reduced in seven of these 11 people.
Another natural compound to consider is berberine. This is found in herbs including the European barberry, coptis and goldenseal, and has been shown in preliminary studies to ward off intestinal parasites. For instance, according to a report in the Iranian Journal of Parasitology, extracted berberine displayed activity that may contribute to protecting against tapeworm infections.
Additionally, wormwood has shown to act as a replacement for synthetics when dealing with parasite-related diseases. In particular, “Both α and β form of thujone in volatile oil obtained from wormwood have been shown to display actions against helminths [worm-like parasites],” explains the journal Antibiotics. When compared to a synthetic called albendazole, aerial parts of wormwood extracts have demonstrated high activity towards gastrointestinal roundworms.

Contacting our Naturopath in Toronto for parasite infections

As you’ve learned, parasites can put a dent in our everyday life and health journey. Fortunately, there are ways to find out which, if any, species are affecting you, along with naturopathic solutions for helping reach optimal health.

Do you think your health concern has been triggered by parasites? Are you seeking a natural solution to treat parasite infections? We’re here to help you reach your health goals and attain a positive lifestyle!

At our Toronto clinic, Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, and Arv Buttar, NP, follow the naturopathic integrative and functional medicine approach for treating conditions, such as parasite-related health issues. Their naturopathic care programs cater to a wide variety of health concerns, including but not limited to: acid reflux, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, hair loss and hair thinning, pain management/chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, chronic disease prevention, and other underlying health conditions.

Additionally, we offer natural solutions for a comprehensive treatment plan, such as integrative functional and naturopathic medicine, chinese medicine, botanical medicine, herbal medicine, intravenous (IV) therapy, homeopathic medicine, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, cold-laser therapy, custom lifestyle advice, and other natural health care methods to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Let’s explore naturopathic solutions to upgrade your quality of life! Call (416) 922-4114 to book your appointment with our Naturopath in Toronto.

References

Batiha GE, Olatunde A, El-Mleeh A, et al. Bioactive Compounds, Pharmacological Actions, and Pharmacokinetics of Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). Antibiotics (Basel). 2020;9(6):353. Published 2020 Jun 23. doi:10.3390/antibiotics9060353.

Force, M., Sparks, W. S., & Ronzio, R. A. (2000). Inhibition of enteric parasites by emulsified oil of oregano in vivo. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 14(3), 213–214. https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1099-1573(200005)14:3<213::aid-ptr583>3.0.co;2-u

Li, T., Ito, A., Chen, X., Long, C., Okamoto, M., Raoul, F., Giraudoux, P., Yanagida, T., Nakao, M., Sako, Y., Xiao, N., & Craig, P. S. (2012). Usefulness of pumpkin seeds combined with areca nut extract in community-based treatment of human taeniasis in northwest Sichuan Province, China. Acta tropica, 124(2), 152–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2012.08.002

Okeniyi, J. A., Ogunlesi, T. A., Oyelami, O. A., & Adeyemi, L. A. (2007). Effectiveness of dried Carica papaya seeds against human intestinal parasitosis: a pilot study. Journal of medicinal food, 10(1), 194–196. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2005.065

Soffar, S. A. & Mokhtar, G. M. (1991). Evaluation of the antiparasitic effect of aqueous garlic (Allium sativum) extract in hymenolepiasis nana and giardiasis. Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 21(2):497–502

The blog post How Do We Test For And Treat Parasites? Our Toronto Naturopath Explains (Part II) first appeared on Dr. Amauri Caversan ND

How Common Parasites Affect Our Health: Our Toronto Naturopath Explains (Part I)

Any Naturopath in Toronto will tell you that parasite infections can play a significant role in your health.

In fact, parasites can affect anyone’s everyday life; they do not only affect children and people in underprivileged regions with low uptake of hygiene and sanitation.

Parasites are organisms that live on or inside other organisms (the host) and rely on their host for food. This often negatively affects the host, as the formal definition of “parasites” involves no positive contribution to the relationship.

Our clinic’s naturopathic doctor is Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, who uses a naturopathic integrative and functional medicine approach to treating patients with health issues. He highlights the various parasites and how they can distress the human body in this blog post. Read below:

Unravelling the different parasites

Do you think you’ve been in contact with a parasite? It’s important to know that there are three main types of parasites that disrupt a person’s healthy lifestyle: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites.

Protozoa are single-celled microbes that live freely or as parasites. While hiding out and reproducing inside humans allows the protozoa to survive, this is a health concern because it causes illness. The notoriously difficult gastrointestinal infections Cryptosporidium and Giardia are protozoa.

Helminths are worms that we most commonly think of as parasites. The main groups that cause disease in humans are flatworms, such as tapeworm and flukes, thorny-headed worms, and roundworms.

Ectoparasites live on the body’s surface (ecto = outside), such as ticks, lice and fleas. These burrow into the skin and stay there for up to weeks or months on end. However, they’re typically clinically thought of as vectors for infection, such as Lyme disease carried by ticks.

A Toronto naturopath’s view on parasites and our health

A predominant fraction of people affected by parasites goes undiagnosed; these people are surprisingly unaware that they have been exposed to parasites. Parasites can be contracted from eating uncooked meat or fish, walking barefoot or sleeping in a bed with a pet carrying something. A naturopathic doctor would generally tell their patients that parasite infections could present symptoms, such as:

Skin rashes
Weight loss and or increased appetite
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting
Anemia
Aches and pains
Allergies
Weakness and a general unwell feeling

If you are experiencing the persistent symptoms as described above, especially after trying conventional diagnostic tests, and other possible causes have been ruled out, you may have parasites in your body. Actually, naturopathic medicine may be able to help alleviate parasite-related illnesses. Here are a variety of health concerns that parasite infections can cause:

Grand theft nutrient

Keep in mind that a parasite is a specific organism that takes from its host without giving back. So one consequence of a chronic parasite infection may be nutrient depletion. Research on women in Nepal has demonstrated that hookworm infection can cause anaemia, with more severe infection related to greater iron depletion.

Hookworms are transmitted through feces (mainly humans), and the larvae can burrow under the skin if you step on them. This is why it’s recommended to wear boots around farms. Tapeworms take a broader range of nutrients from their hosts, making them a cause of unwanted weight loss as well as anemia.

Gastrointestinal infection

Many harmful parasites are associated with gastrointestinal infection. Cryptosporidum infection, cyclosporiasis, cystoisosporiasis and microsporidiosis generally cause self-limiting watery diarrhea, which can become chronic in cases of poor immune function.

The Giardia parasites’ symptoms are similar, though a small percentage develops issues such as chronic fatigue, allergies, or arthritis. Amebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is mostly symptomatic, but can lead to colitis or a liver abscess.

Tick-borne illness

Ticks transmit infectious diseases including Lyme, Rickettsia, Babesia and Colorado Tick Fever (CTF). Symptoms include fatigue, fever and headache, so even though you may think you have the flu, seek a clear diagnosis if you’ve recently been exposed to ticks.

For example, Babesia infections can resemble a self-limiting flu, but may worsen to hemolytic anemia if your immune system is low. Ticks can also cause alpha-gal syndrome (a food allergy in which you react to red meat and other consumable products from mammals) and paralysis, which are not infectious and are generally diagnosed by exclusion of microbial illness.

Other notable facts on parasite infections and naturopathic care

Testing and treating for chronic parasite infections is a must for reaching optimal health. Luckily, a naturopathic doctor can create a comprehensive treatment plan to assist you with the healing process. So watch out for our next blog post, Part II, on treating parasite infections with the naturopathic form of medicine!

In the meantime, you’re invited to meet Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, and our nurse practitioner Arv Buttar, NP. Their integrative functional medicine programs may help relieve chronic parasite infections. Take note: Our Toronto clinic also treats and supports other health issues! Our approach to health may assist with an array of concerns: anti-aging/age-related diseases, autoimmune disease, chronic conditions, pain management, digestive issues, blood pressure and blood sugar issues, joint pain, adrenal fatigue, skin health, and other underlying health conditions.

Our wide variety of natural therapy options include: IV therapy, natural pain relief, nutritional counseling, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, Chinese Medicine, herbal medicine, cold laser therapy, among others. Our naturopathic clinic also makes diagnostic testing available to patients.

Save your appointment with a naturopath in Toronto to see if you’ve been affected by parasites. Call 416-922-4114 or send us a note by clicking here. We’re ready to support your health journey!

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). About Parasites. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/about.html

Dreyfuss, M. L., Stoltzfus, R. J., Shrestha, J. B., Pradhan, E. K., LeClerq, S. C., Khatry, S. K., Shrestha, S. R., Katz, J., Albonico, M., & West, K. P., Jr (2000). Hookworms, malaria and vitamin A deficiency contribute to anemia and iron deficiency among pregnant women in the plains of Nepal. The Journal of Nutrition, 130(10), 2527–2536. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/130.10.2527

Parasites . (n.d.). Diagnostic Microbiology of the Immunocompromised Host, Second Edition, 411–466. https://doi.org/10.1128/microbiolspec.dmih2-0013-2015

Rodino, K. G., Theel, E. S., & Pritt, B. S. (2020). Tick-Borne Diseases in the United States. Clinical Chemistry, 66(4), 537–548. https://doi.org/10.1093/clinchem/hvaa040

Webb, C., & Cabada, M. M. (2017). Intestinal cestodes. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, 30(5), 504–510. https://doi.org/10.1097/QCO.0000000000000400

The blog post How Common Parasites Affect Our Health: Our Toronto Naturopath Explains (Part I) first appeared on Dr. Amauri Caversan ND

9 Reasons Why to Consider Seeing a Toronto Naturopath

What does a Toronto naturopath do? What can this health care practitioner offer to patients in reaching optimal health?

A Toronto Naturopath, such as Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, is a healthcare professional with a special interest in a form of medicine, called naturopathic medicine, to reinvigorate your health.

As health care practitioners, naturopathic doctors have extensive training in illness prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. With this training, they can help manage a wide variety of diseases and health concerns, like type 2 diabetes, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue, while providing holistic treatments for illnesses.

A naturopathic doctor may also be able to help with illness prevention by teaching you about healthy diet choices and lifestyle habits. Here, we highlight 9 reasons why you should consider seeing a naturopath for the maintenance of your health and well-being.

1. Holistic Approach

Naturopaths use a holistic approach to health to address the causes of your health concern. Their treatment modality takes into account diet, stress levels and personal history. This approach – which includes natural solutions – is different from conventional medicine, which usually focuses on a medical doctor treating the immediate problem with prescription medication.

When using naturopathic therapy, all aspects of lifestyle are taken into consideration; this encompasses nutrition, exercise habits and mental well-being, as these can also affect our overall health status.

2. Diet And Lifestyle Modification

In order for the human body to reach a healthy state, it is important to adopt a diet with fresh organic fruits and vegetables because they’re rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for augmenting your health. The types of food you eat should also reflect on your individual needs (low saturated fat/low simple carbs/low sugar, etc.), without neglecting the importance of physical activity.

Thus, it’s not uncommon for a naturopathic doctor to stress the importance of diet in the human body. For example, Toronto naturopath Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, often shares his knowledge on the importance of diet and lifestyle modifications, which may assist individuals with a chronic or serious health condition.

3. Disease Prevention

Improving your health and preventing illnesses may occur through a wide range of methods, such as diet, lifestyle modification, supplements (if necessary), and naturopathic medicine.

One way to prevent disease is by seeing a naturopath who deals with various approaches (i.e. natural or traditional medicine) to help those struggling with chronic diseases. Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, works closely with his patients in order for them to be able to live healthily while taking control of lifestyle choices – which includes what to eat and when!

4. Chronic Diseases Management

Naturopathic doctors employ natural care therapies in managing chronic diseases. They believe that epigenetics – the study of how behaviours and our environment can cause physical health changes that impact your genes – and modifications to epigenetics can impact your wellness. For instance, changes to epigenetics could contribute to an unresolved faulty inflammatory response, which may lead to damage to the tissues and chronic inflammatory disease. This is all caused by the body’s inability to heal itself due to epigenetics modifications. So in order to practice disease management, naturopaths may conduct the following: a naturopathic medical history interview, physical examination, diagnosis of illness (lab testing), and a treatment plan. This plan may include diagnostic procedures with nutraceutical ( herbs, vitamins, supplements ) for acute or chronic health conditions.

5. Integrative Functional Medicine

Naturopathic medicine emphasizes prevention, holistic health principles, and the body’s self-healing abilities with natural therapies. In turn, these treatments may aid in managing chronic diseases and other illnesses (i.e. infections or acute problems).

A Toronto naturopath may use a synergistic approach to help improve bodily function, thereby reducing symptoms that interfere with the quality of life. Natural approaches may include: diet therapy; botanical medicines; physical medicine (cold laser, shockwave and hydrotherapy); exercise prescriptions for general wellness; meditation and acupuncture treatments for relaxation.

But when naturopaths also practice functional medicine, patients and naturopaths work hand-in-hand in planning and adhering to a natural treatment and lifestyle changes. Consequently, a patient’s participation empowers them to consider how their everyday life choices have an impact on health.

6. IV Therapy Vitamin Supplementation

Intravenous vitamin therapy is a speedy method for delivering essential nutrients and minerals. A naturopath or IV therapist may prescribe intravenous vitamin therapy for patients who are not responding to oral supplements.

IV therapy is usually used in the treatment of chronic fatigue, impaired immune function and other conditions that result from nutrient deficiencies or toxic overloads (i.e. anemia, intestinal malabsorption syndrome).

People with gastrointestinal problems may also benefit from IV vitamin supplementation. This treatment may be used as a preventive measure for those at risk of nutrient deficiencies from a chronic disease or diminished absorption from other medical treatments (i.e. surgical removal of parts the stomach and intestines, etc.)

Patients are screened at an initial consultation before an IV vitamin therapy course to determine which nutrients they may be deficient in. Screening may include blood tests, stool analysis, urine mineral analysis and food sensitivity testing.

Truly, IV therapy is one way that naturopathic doctors and/or IV therapists help people overcome illness-causing health problems. Take note that Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, is both a Toronto Naturopath and a licensed IV therapist.

7. Detoxification

Detoxification may encourage the elimination of toxins, replenish nutrients, and foster disease prevention. A naturopathic doctor may offer a natural detox program to patients as a naturopathic solution. There are many ways to detoxify the body and a naturopath can help you understand how your body responds.

The Dr. Amauri Wellness Centre offers a holistic, nutritious diet approach that may help improve metabolism and promote detoxification. For heavy metal toxicities, chelation therapy may be recommended to help rid the body of heavy metals.

8. Food Sensitivities

Some food sensitivities may not be accurately identified through traditional medical skin allergy tests; instead, they may manifest as other symptoms such as skin rashes, stomach cramps, diarrhea, etc. A naturopathic doctor will analyze the foods that might cause these reactions and recommend avoiding allergenic substances if possible. This may be accomplished with an IgG food antibody assessment lab test.

9. Pain relief

Pain management with natural medicines alongside traditional methods may encourage optimal health and help relieve chronic pain. A naturopath can assess your condition and offer a customized plan; this could include acupuncture, herbal remedies, cold laser therapy, or naturopathic manipulation.

The naturopath’s goal is to get your body back into balance with natural therapies rather than medications, as they may house synthetic chemicals or result in unpleasant side effects. A naturopath will also provide you with naturopathic medicine education and a comprehensive treatment plan for living a positive lifestyle.

Next Steps for Visiting a Toronto Naturopath

We hope you’ll consider seeing a Toronto naturopathic doctor for your wellness goal or integrative and functional medicine treatments. This type of health care practitioner may offer you various physical, emotional and spiritual care with a naturopathic body of knowledge.

How can we help you reach your health goal with naturopathic care? At the Dr. Amauri Wellness Centre, we’re passionate about helping patients augment their well-being with a holistic approach.

FYI: our naturopathic clinic also provides a variety of health treatments, including lifestyle counseling, stress management, nutritional counseling, Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, botanical medicine, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and functional medicine.

We can help upgrade your quality of life with a natural approach to healing. Call (416) 922-4114 to book an appointment with our Toronto naturopath.

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Why Visit An IV Therapy Toronto Clinic: 5 Benefits and Why We Do It

If you’re looking for a “helping hand” to address a health concern, visiting an IV therapy Toronto clinic may be of interest to you.

What exactly is IV therapy? Well, with IV therapy, swallowing an oral vitamin like a vitamin C supplement is not required. So here’s how IV therapy works: High doses of essential vitamins and minerals are delivered directly into the bloodstream via an IV infusion. This therapy bypasses the digestive system, which means digestive discomforts (i.e. diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea) are usually avoided.

Our clinic, the Dr. Amauri Wellness Centre, is conveniently situated in Downtown Toronto and offers IV vitamin therapy to patients. Dr. Amauri Caversan ND, a naturopathic doctor who is also licensed to practice parenteral IV therapy in the province of Ontario, heads our IV therapies. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of IV vitamin drip treatments and why our clinic does it. Continue reading below:

Benefit 1 – Athletic Recovery

Hydration plays an important role in improving muscle recovery time for athletes. For example, triathletes and marathon runners need to maximize their hydration after exercising. IV therapy is a method for replacing fluids lost from physical activity and delivering minerals that the body needs for recovery.

It’s important to note, however, that IV drip treatments are not a substitute for proper rest and nutrition during periods of intense exercise. Hydration through an IV vitamin drip though may be helpful for recovery after a challenging workout session.

In his IV therapy Toronto clinic, Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, offers the Pre- and Post-Exercise Amino Acid Drip IV. Not only does it help re-hydrate your body and replenish vital minerals for muscle recovery, it may also promote the cleansing of free radicals. Improved cognitive performance or cognitive health may also be a beneficial effect from this intravenous drip, as the treatment encourages optimal hydration.

Benefit 2 – Helps Alleviate Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches can hinder a person’s quality of life. Research shows that increasing your intake of magnesium may help lessen the frequency and severity of migraines. That said, an IV therapy drip might be a safe avenue for providing your body with additional magnesium and other vitamins and minerals. As a result, recovery from migraines may show improvement from this treatment.

Additional benefits of increasing your magnesium intake may include: improved mood and stress management, reduced anxiety, improved quality of sleep, and diabetes management. For other complex health conditions, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with our naturopathic doctor to discuss your IV therapy needs.

Benefit 3: Helps Support Mood Disorders

Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, can be difficult to manage on your own. Many people who suffer from these mood disorders may be prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications from conventional medicine; but for some patients, adverse side effects may occur.

However, did you know though that low vitamin D levels might contribute to depression? Supplementing with vitamin D intramuscular shots may be an option to consider, especially if you suffer from gastrointestinal disorders. (Remember, IV therapy bypasses your digestive tract.) Support for your immune system, nervous system, bone health are also some of the health benefits of vitamin D booster shots.

Benefit 4: Detoxification

Free radicals are a natural by-product of our bodies’ metabolism. If the production exceeds elimination, free radicals can accumulate in cells and tissues, which can compromise your healing response, immune function and overall health. This may lead to cellular damage, illnesses or diseases.

Natural detoxification through an IV vitamin therapy is a process that helps flush the toxins out of your system. This may aid in cellular functioning and increasing wellness, while helping to handle other health conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, heavy metal toxicity, and autoimmune diseases, to mention a few.

Benefit 5: May Lessen Fatigue

Feeling tired and sluggish lately? Vitamin and mineral infusions may contribute to combating fatigue without making you feel edgy or fidgety. An intravenous therapy, such as the Energizer IV offered at our IV therapy Toronto clinic, may help with mild to moderate fatigue, severe sluggishness, malaise, and brain fog.

Also, did you know that oxidative stress might also cause fatigue? Dr. Amauri, ND infuses antioxidants in vitamin IV therapy treatments to combat this and improve energy levels without the jittery side effects of stimulants, like caffeine.

Final Thoughts

As you’ve read, the benefits of IV drip therapy include optimal functioning, sports injury recovery, detoxification, improved energy, and other health highlights. If you’re seeking an alternative way to help reach optimal health or help manage current health conditions, do consider visiting your nearest vitamin IV therapy drip lounge.

Please note: for first-time patients at our clinic, an initial consultation and blood tests may be required prior to your first IV treatment. Keep in mind that we offer custom IV therapy to cater to your personal health goals! This may be an effective treatment for a wide range of various conditions, including an autoimmune disease, a thyroid condition, blood pressure concerns, inflammatory bowel disease, leaky gut syndrome, adrenal fatigue, and others. Custom IV drips may also help alleviate a viral infection. Nutrients such as amino acids, glutathione, antioxidants, high-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid IV), and other minerals may be included in custom intravenous vitamin therapy at the Dr. Amauri Wellness Centre. Every IV is blended with your health needs in mind.

Our IV therapy Toronto clinic is open Monday 11am–7pm, Tuesday 10am–5pm, Wednesday 9am–7pm, Thursday 9am–5pm, Friday 10am–7pm, and Saturday 9am–4pm. Let’s help naturally boost your body towards optimal functioning! Book your consultation by calling (416) 922-4114. Or contact us here to leave us a message.

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A Toronto Naturopath’s View on Why You Should Worry About Mold

According to our clinic’s Toronto Naturopath, mold is a health issue to keep top of mind as it can have an impact on health.

Mold comes with the territory of living in a wet climate, whether it’s seasonal or year-round. From between your bathroom tiles to damp fabric or old bread, mold can seemingly appear anywhere. Maybe you’re already wondering if mold is, in fact, making you sick. So what are the symptoms of mold toxicity? How can we get tested for it? And what can the naturopathic approach and its naturopathic doctors offer in mold treatments? In this article, our naturopathic doctor, Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, explains.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms: Naturopathic Medicine Perspective

If you were to visit a Toronto naturopath for a holistic approach to mold concerns, you might be informed that mold toxicity is often overlooked. This is because symptoms can be diverse in the human body. An Archives of Environmental Health study of 100 people exposed to toxic mold found that all participants tested positive in some way to mold toxicity, such as immune cell abnormalities or antibodies. The most common mold species identified included Aspergillus, Penicillium, Myxomycetes, Fusarium and Cladosporium.

In particular, all 100 people in the study were found to have objective neurological problems in their autonomic nervous systems, which controls unconscious processes (i.e. heart rate, breathing, and digestion). Seventy percent of participants had other physical neurological problems, including short-term memory loss and difficulty walking straight with eyes closed. Almost two-thirds had respiratory problems, such as wheezing, runny nose, and inflamed sinuses. While some participants had temporarily left their homes for deep cleaning to occur, others moved permanently because they didn’t have other options.

Also, long-term exposure to mold might contribute to illness later in life. An article published in Brain Research explained that Finland’s high dementia rate is thought to be partly due to toxic mold, as the country has a cold, humid climate. Humidity provides optimal conditions for mold growth, and so do enclosed spaces, which are near-universal for keeping the cold out of homes.

Who Gets Sick From Toxic Mold?

Any Toronto naturopath would tell you that some people have a high sensitivity to mold, and some people don’t; this may be noticeable if you’re severely affected, yet your family members aren’t.

It is possible to have an HLA-DR/DQ genetic vulnerability to inflammatory triggers, including mold. In fact, mold-related illnesses appear in people who are genetically vulnerable but have no history of chronic disease. For example, an American Journal Case Reports case study describes the successful resolution of chronic fatigue syndrome and ulcerative colitis in a previously healthy (but genetically vulnerable) young man, after prompt and correct treatment.

As explained by a Frontiers in Immunology review, if you’re susceptible to mold-related illnesses, you may likely experience sinusitis or brain fog flare-ups upon entering mold-infested buildings. In fact, sensitivity to chemicals, including conventional deodorants, paint, detergent, and gasoline, is also associated with an advanced risk of mold toxicity. Even natural substances, like spices, can be irritating in some serious cases. You may notice smells easily compared to others too, especially if you smell mold. Long periods of mold exposure are linked with increased illness severity and lengthened recovery times; this is why mold toxicity in the body should be addressed as soon as possible.

Where To Get Tested for Mold

If you think you’ve been exposed to toxic mold, we advise getting tested to find a suitable treatment. Lab tests for mold toxicity are available. In fact, our Toronto naturopathic clinic uses Great Plains Laboratory, which offers a mold exposure profile that tests 40 species of mold, even detecting them at low levels. A positive test result means you know the cause of your illness; a negative test result means your illness may have other causes, or a species of mold that is not covered is responsible.

As for genetic testing, Quest Diagnostics provides HLA gene profiling to determine if you’re at risk of chronic mold-related illness.

Toxic mold and the illnesses it can cause are nothing to sneeze at (sorry, no pun intended!). Respiratory, neurological, and other problems are real consequences of mold toxicity, and they can worsen your physical health if left untreated. But appropriate testing and treatment can make a world of difference – and naturopathy and naturopathic doctors may offer you a new approach to health and everyday life.

Where Can I Find a Naturopathic Doctor Near Me?

Do you suspect that mold is playing a role in your health? Where can you find a Toronto naturopath to test you for mold toxicity?

We’re ready to support your well-being and healing journey. Our naturopathic clinic is located in Yorkville, a neighbourhood of Downtown Toronto that is easily accessible for patients across the Greater Toronto Area. You’re welcome to visit Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, and Arv Buttar, NP, who are eager to provide patients with mold testing and many treatment recommendations, such as botanical medicines, herbal medicine, supplement recommendations, pain management, clinical nutrition, lifestyle counseling, stress management, and more. Their mold treatments and natural therapies have been designed to help recover your quality of life and heighten longevity.

FYI: Did you know that naturopathic medicine can also be applied to other health conditions? Our natural solutions may also be applied to a wide variety of health conditions, including digestive concerns (irritable bowel syndrome), blood sugar issues, autoimmune diseases, nutrient deficiency, chronic pain, skin rashes, stress, adrenal fatigue, hair loss/hair thinning, weight loss/weight gain, blood pressure concerns, hormone imbalances, and other health concerns and chronic health conditions. Take note that our naturopathic clinic also offers IV therapies and functional medicine testing, such as the DUTCH test, SIBO test, food sensitivity and more.

Book your consultations with a naturopath in Toronto by calling (416) 922-4114 or send us a message here. Let’s help you reach your wellness goals and optimal health – see you soon!

References:

Eiser, A. R. (2017). Why does Finland have the highest dementia mortality rate? Environmental factors may be generalizable. Brain Research, 1671, 14–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2017.06.032

Gunn, S. R., Gunn, G. G., & Mueller, F. W. (2016). Reversal of Refractory Ulcerative Colitis and Severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms Arising from Immune Disturbance in an HLA-DR/DQ Genetically Susceptible Individual with Multiple Biotoxin Exposures. The American Journal of Case Reports, 17, 320–325. https://ift.tt/33yvmoI

Rea WJ, Didriksen N, Simon TR, Pan Y, Fenyves EJ, Griffiths B. (2003). Effects of toxic exposure to molds and mycotoxins in building-related illnesses. Archives of Environmental Health. 58(7):399-405. https://ift.tt/3vXGYh0

Valtonen V. (2017). Clinical Diagnosis of the Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome: Review of the Literature and Suggested Diagnostic Criteria. Frontiers in Immunology, 8, 951. https://ift.tt/3vUuPtk

https://ift.tt/3y4s7TM

https://ift.tt/3uGqMki

The blog post A Toronto Naturopath’s View on Why You Should Worry About Mold first appeared on Dr. Amauri Caversan ND

Toronto Naturopathic Doctor Highlights Top 6 Benefits of Vitamin D

Toronto Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, of the Dr. Amauri Wellness Centre, highlights the top 6 benefits of getting Vitamin D supplementation through naturopathic medicine. You’ve heard countless health influencers praise the advantages of vitamin D. So what’s the big deal with getting extra vitamin D anyway?

Well, especially during frigid Canadian winters, there’s no better time than now to start vitamin D supplementation. Read below to learn about this “sunshine vitamin” and its impact on the human body.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is both a hormone that we produce and a vitamin we must consume. It supports the bones and regulates calcium in the body. When we unveil any bare skin to the sun, our skin begins to construct vitamin D for the body.

But during winters in Canada, there’s a shortage of sunlight from the dark skies. People who are not frequently exposed to sunlight – including many Canadians – may lack vitamin D, which may cause a deficiency of this vitamin. Naturopathic doctors recommend getting supplementation to avoid this.

Some of the individuals who are at risk of a vitamin D deficiency include:

– those with dark skin pigmentations
– people with digestive health or malabsorption issues (i.e. Crohn’s disease, celiac, etc.)
– those with limited sun exposure from extra coverings, robes, etc.
– seniors
– and those who are pregnant and/or obese.

Unfortunately, a vitamin D deficiency is repeatedly overlooked because the symptoms are not always apparent.

So how can vitamin D supplementation impact your well-being? As verified by Naturopathic Doctors and by Dr. Amauri Wellness Centre’s very own Naturopath, Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, here are some benefits vitamin D may deliver to the body:

Vitamin D may sustain your immune system.

Did you know that when you’re deficient in vitamin D, you could be susceptible to chronic diseases or illnesses such as respiratory tract infections? Many studies have observed connections between vitamin D status and immune protection against several viruses. Perhaps a vitamin D supplement may help rally immunity during cold-and-flu seasons, and may help improve quality of life.

Sleepy? Vitamin D may help lessen fatigue.

Another sign of a vitamin D deficiency is fatigue. This is because vitamin D assists with cellular energy by giving mitochondria a helping hand with oxygen use. Vitamin D also provides energy to numerous body parts, including the muscles. Thus, boosting vitamin D levels in the body through naturopathic practice may improve cellular energy, thereby possibly producing a positive impact on health such as improved energy levels.

Here at the Dr. Amauri Wellness Centre, our team of health care providers led by our Toronto Naturopathic Doctor, work with patients to improve health through education on the relationship between nutrition and vitamin supplementation. Physical health concerns such as feeling fatigued may be alleviated.

Vitamin D may help minimize the winter blues.

Since vitamin D is affiliated with brain function, researchers reckon that low vitamin D levels may have an impact on health and may contribute to affecting mental illness or emotional health. But more research must be conducted on this because it’s not clear if depression is directly caused by a vitamin D shortage: “Subjects with depression may be more likely to develop low vitamin D because of lower outdoor activity or reduced nutrients intake,” postulates a Neuropsychiatry article. Nevertheless, scientists concur that studying vitamin D may unveil further knowledge about mental health conditions or mental health status and the winter blues.

Achy muscles? Vitamin D may bring some relief.

According to Frontiers in Immunology, “[t]here now exists several clinical studies and some animal studies, mostly in rodents, that show that vitamin D deficiency leads to a worsening of pain whereas appropriate vitamin D supplementation leads to better outcomes relating to pain.” Accordingly, vitamin D supplements and intramuscular shots may have potential in alleviating muscle aches.

Naturopathic Doctors such as Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, who is also licensed to practice IV therapy in Toronto, may render a vitamin D IV treatment. You may schedule an appointment if you want to learn more on how to get started with vitamin d IV therapy.

Note: an initial consultation may be required for people with complex health concerns or health issues. Dr. Amauri works with his health care team, and applies an integrative functional medicine approach using a combination of naturopathic medicine, IV therapy, lifestyle modification, food counseling and nutrition, among other natural care modalities, so patients may possibly achieve optimal health.

If you’re worried about bone loss, vitamin D may help prevent this.

Vitamin D heavily participates in calcium absorption and bone metabolism. When your bone mineral density is low, this may hint that calcium (and perhaps other minerals) may be lacking in the body. Older individuals diagnosed with bone loss assume they need to augment only their calcium intake; but there’s a chance they may be lacking vitamin D, too. With that, supplemental vitamin D may aid in preserving bone mass as you age.

Vitamin D and cancer prevention may be linked.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NIH), it’s been suggested that vitamin D and cancer risk are potentially related: “In studies of cancer cells and of tumors in mice, vitamin D has been found to have several activities that might slow or prevent the development of cancer, including promoting cellular differentiation, decreasing cancer cell growth, stimulating cell death (apoptosis), and reducing tumor blood vessel formation (angiogenesis),” explains the NIH. Nevertheless, further research on the link between vitamin D deficiency and certain cancers must be conducted for additional analysis.

Naturopathic medicine may be used as an adjunct cancer therapy.

Consult with your primary health care provider on how this may fit into your treatment regimen. Naturopathic doctors may offer helpful information on what type of naturopathic treatments may be used that fits your current health needs.

What’s Next? How to Treat a Vitamin D Deficiency

Symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency include:

– mood changes
– bone and muscle pain
– weakness
– cramping
– fatigue.

If you think you’re lacking vitamin D, speak to your family doctor. There are various treatments available, such as food and dietary changes, vitamin D supplements, and vitamin D booster shots, which are administered directly into the muscle.

Which vitamin D treatment is suitable for you? Let our Toronto naturopathic doctor assist you. At Dr. Amauri Wellness Centre, we recommend natural therapies that are adapted to your personal health goals and biology. Have other health complaints? You are welcome to contact us anytime. We are currently booking appointments for new patients – call (416) 922-4114 or leave a message here.

References

Bikle DD. Vitamin D metabolism, mechanism of action, and clinical applications. Chem Biol. 2014;21(3):319-329. doi:10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.12.016

Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Dawson-Hughes B, Staehelin HB, Orav JE, Stuck AE, Theiler R, Wong JB, Egli A, Kiel DP, Henschkowski J. Fall prevention with supplemental and active forms of vitamin D: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2009 Oct 1;339:b3692. doi: 10.1136/bmj.b3692. PMID: 19797342; PMCID: PMC2755728.

Christakos, S.; Ajibade, D.V.; Dhawan, P.; Fechner, A.J.; Mady, L.J. Vitamin D: Metabolism. Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. N. Am. 2010, 39, 243–253.

Cuomo, Alessandro & Giordano, Nicola & Goracci, Arianna & Fagiolini, Andrea. (2017). Depression and Vitamin D Deficiency: Causality, Assessment, and Clinical Practice Implications. Neuropsychiatry. 07. 10.4172/Neuropsychiatry.1000255.

de la Puente Yagüe M, Collado Yurrita L, Ciudad Cabañas MJ, Cuadrado Cenzual MA. Role of Vitamin D in Athletes and Their Performance: Current Concepts and New Trends. Nutrients. 2020;12(2):579. Published 2020 Feb 23. doi:10.3390/nu12020579

Dzik, K.P., Kaczor, J.J. Mechanisms of vitamin D on skeletal muscle function: oxidative stress, energy metabolism and anabolic state. Eur J Appl Physiol 119, 825–839 (2019). https://ift.tt/3cA0J6u

Ecemis GC, Atmaca A. Quality of life is impaired not only in vitamin D deficient but also in vitamin D-insufficient pre-menopausal women. J Endocrinol Invest. 2013 Sep;36(8):622-7. doi: 10.3275/8898. Epub 2013 Mar 19. PMID: 23511484.

Forrest, K.Y.; Stuhldreher, W.L. Prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency in US adults. Nutr. Res. 2011, 31, 48–54.

Habib AM, Nagi K, Thillaiappan NB, Sukumaran V, Akhtar S. Vitamin D and Its Potential Interplay With Pain Signaling Pathways. Front Immunol. 2020;11:820. Published 2020 May 28. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.00820

Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency: what a pain it is. Mayo Clin Proc. 2003 Dec;78(12):1457-9. doi: 10.4065/78.12.1457. PMID: 14661673.

L Bishop, E., Ismailova, A., Dimeloe, S., Hewison, M. and White, J.H. (2021), Vitamin D and Immune Regulation: Antibacterial, Antiviral, Anti‐Inflammatory. JBMR Plus, 5: e10405. https://ift.tt/3dK1HiF

Montenegro KR, Cruzat V, Carlessi R, Newsholme P. Mechanisms of vitamin D action in skeletal muscle. Nutr Res Rev. 2019 Dec;32(2):192-204. doi: 10.1017/S0954422419000064. Epub 2019 Jun 17. PMID: 31203824.

Norman, A.W. From vitamin D to hormone D: Fundamentals of the vitamin D endocrine system essential for good health. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2008, 88, 491S–499S.

Nowak, A., Boesch, L., Andres, E., Battegay, E., Hornemann, T., Schmid, C., Bischoff-Ferrari, H. A., Suter, P. M., & Krayenbuehl, P. A. (2016). Effect of vitamin D3 on self-perceived fatigue: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Medicine, 95(52), e5353. https://ift.tt/3qWJD8x

Verstuyf A, Carmeliet G, Bouillon R, Mathieu C. Vitamin D: a pleiotropic hormone. Kidney Int. 2010 Jul;78(2):140-5. doi: 10.1038/ki.2010.17. Epub 2010 Feb 24. PMID: 20182414.

Vitamin D and Cancer Prevention. National Cancer Institute. Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2013, viewed on Feb. 11, 2021.

Zittermann A. Vitamin D in preventive medicine: Are we ignoring the evidence? Br J Nutr 2003;89:552-72.

The blog post Toronto Naturopathic Doctor Highlights Top 6 Benefits of Vitamin D first appeared on Dr. Amauri Caversan ND

Advice from a Naturopathic Doctor in Toronto: Dealing with Vitamin D During Wintertime

Our clinic’s naturopathic doctor in Toronto advises Canadians on why they need to consider vitamin D supplementation in the wintertime. It is because the body can produce vitamin D efficiently during the summer months. But with grey skies during the wintertime, Canadians need to pay attention to their vitamin D levels. A vitamin D deficiency may cause various side effects, including depression, bone and muscle pain, cramping and/or weakness.

Below are some relevant facts about Vitamin D and its impact on health, as well as recommendations from our Toronto Naturopath on how you may find alternative supplementation.

Why is vitamin D called the “sunshine vitamin”?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally obtained from exposing uncovered skin to sunlight. In particular, ultraviolet B (UVB) rays shine onto the skin; the skin then generates a precursor that is altered into an active vitamin D form in the kidneys and liver.

Vitamin D supports bone health; it also helps with the absorption and retention of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Many tissues and organs in the human body have vitamin D receptors, denoting the vitamin’s critical roles in insulin regulation, fertility support, cardiovascular health, and immune, brain, and nervous system support.

Vitamin D may bring additional support to the immune system

Did you know that studies have linked vitamin D deficiencies to respiratory tract infections, including the common cold, bronchitis and pneumonia? It’s safe to say that vitamin D supplements may impact your health during cold and flu season and beyond.

One of the roles of this vitamin includes keeping your immune system strong to ward off viruses and bacteria. Vitamin D interacts with the body’s antimicrobial activity in our innate immune cells, prompting the fight against infections.

Vitamin D has also been shown to enhance antimicrobial peptides, molecules that defend our cells from bacterial “invaders”. Hence, it’s suggested that there’s a molecular basis for vitamin D protecting the body against bacteria and viruses.

Vitamin D may help you deal with the “winter blues”

Suffering from the winter blues? Some Canadians experience this from a lack of sun exposure, resulting in prolonged sadness. Seasonal changes in vitamin D levels suggest the possibility that supplementation may help with issues such as seasonal mood disorders.

In fact, “Several studies showed a significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency and late-life depression in northern latitudes,” explains an article in Neuropsychiatry. The article goes on to say, “In further assessment of an older population-based cohort living at northern latitudes, a moderate inverse relationship between vitamin D serum level and depressive symptoms was observed among both genders.”

However, additional studies need to be conducted on specifically preventing or treating depression with vitamin D. Meanwhile, research continues to suggest that depression and vitamin D deficiencies are connected.

Vitamin D may help reduce muscle and back pain from a vitamin D deficiency

Did you know that bone, leg, shin and/or low back pain, combined with fatigue, may be a sign of insufficient vitamin D levels in the blood? In one controlled study, participants deficient in vitamin D were almost twice as likely to have achy joints, ribs or legs in comparison to those with normal-range blood levels.

If you’re indoors during most of the winter season and you have body pain, you may want to discuss vitamin D therapy with your naturopathic doctor in Toronto. According to Frontiers in Immunology, “Several studies indicate that vitamin D supplementation and/or deficiency changes the gut microbiota profile; as such, this can potentially modulate visceral pain.”

Many are surprised to learn that muscle pain may be related to vitamin D deficiencies. Some health care practitioners believe this may be common for patients with muscle knots (also known as “trigger points”). More research needs to be shepherded on this thought, but vitamin D may help scientists understand this further.

On the plus side, vitamin D supplementation may help improve muscle strength. As reported by Nutrients, “Studies have demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation can improve muscle strength which in turn contributes to a decrease in incidence of falls, one of the largest contributors to fracture incidence.”

Where to find vitamin D sources

It’s possible to improve your vitamin D levels. Naturopathic doctors would suggest eating D-rich foods, such as fatty fish (i.e. salmon and arctic char), fish oil, fortified milk, egg yolks, and fortified breakfast cereals.

Nevertheless, vitamin D isn’t always accessible through diet, especially if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant. So vitamin D liquid or gel capsules are recommended. Unlike tablets, liquid or gel capsules are efficient for bodily absorption. When choosing a vitamin D supplement, look at the product’s certificate of analysis. This ensures that third-party groups have tested the product for safety and that your product is free of contaminants. If you can’t find the certificate of analysis, call the supplement company to request this.

Finally, ask your naturopathic doctor in Toronto about vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D supplementation is also available via intramuscular injections, which are available at Dr. Amauri Wellness Centre, a naturopathic medicine clinic located at the heart of Toronto, Ontario. High-dose vitamin D may be injected into the muscle, which gradually releases the vitamin through the bloodstream.

Are you at risk of a vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common. Unfortunately, it’s hard to pinpoint when it’s an issue, especially since symptoms may feel minimal by those who are affected. If you have health concerns or is concerned about a vitamin D deficiency, please speak to your health care practitioner. Currently, our naturopathic doctor in Toronto is accepting new patients; strict COVID-19 protocols are in place. By applying integrative functional medicine, our clinic embraces individuality; all of our natural treatments take your lifestyle and biology into consideration.

Do you have questions about our other services? Our Toronto Naturopathic clinic is open from Mondays to Saturdays. If you have health goals and in need of assistance in achieving optimal health, our naturopathic therapies may be able to help you. Please call (416) 922-4114 to book your appointment.

References:

Bikle DD. Vitamin D metabolism, mechanism of action, and clinical applications. Chem Biol. 2014;21(3):319-329. doi:10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.12.016

Christakos, S.; Ajibade, D.V.; Dhawan, P.; Fechner, A.J.; Mady, L.J. Vitamin D: Metabolism. Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. N. Am. 2010, 39, 243–253.

Dzik, K.P., Kaczor, J.J. Mechanisms of vitamin D on skeletal muscle function: oxidative stress, energy metabolism and anabolic state. Eur J Appl Physiol 119, 825–839 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04104-x

Forrest, K.Y.; Stuhldreher, W.L. Prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency in US adults. Nutr. Res. 2011, 31, 48–54.

Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency: what a pain it is. Mayo Clin Proc. 2003 Dec;78(12):1457-9. doi: 10.4065/78.12.1457. PMID: 14661673.

Laird E, Ward M, McSorley E, Strain JJ, Wallace J. Vitamin D and bone health: potential mechanisms. Nutrients. 2010;2(7):693-724. doi:10.3390/nu2070693

Martineau AR, Jolliffe DA, Hooper RL, Greenberg L, Aloia JF, Bergman P, Dubnov-Raz G, Esposito S, Ganmaa D, Ginde AA, Goodall EC, Grant CC, Griffiths CJ, Janssens W, Laaksi I, Manaseki-Holland S, Mauger D, Murdoch DR, Neale R, Rees JR, Simpson S Jr, Stelmach I, Kumar GT, Urashima M, Camargo CA Jr. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. BMJ. 2017 Feb 15;356:i6583. doi: 10.1136/bmj.i6583. PMID: 28202713; PMCID: PMC5310969.

Norman, A.W. From vitamin D to hormone D: Fundamentals of the vitamin D endocrine system essential for good health. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2008, 88, 491S–499S.

“Time for more vitamin D,” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, published September 2008, viewed on Feb. 10, 2021.

Verstuyf A, Carmeliet G, Bouillon R, Mathieu C. Vitamin D: a pleiotropic hormone. Kidney Int. 2010 Jul;78(2):140-5. doi: 10.1038/ki.2010.17. Epub 2010 Feb 24. PMID: 20182414.

Zittermann A. Vitamin D in preventive medicine: Are we ignoring the evidence? Br J Nutr 2003;89:552-72.

The blog post Advice from a Naturopathic Doctor in Toronto: Dealing with Vitamin D During Wintertime first appeared on Dr. Amauri Caversan ND

Top 5 NAD+ Benefits for Brain Health and Restoration

NAD+ is among the indispensable molecules of life — yet it declines in the human body with aging.

If you haven’t heard of NAD+ or NAD+ therapy, now may be the time to learn about this treatment modality.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) molecules are found in every cell in the body, including our brain cells. Although there are benefits to receiving NAD+ IV therapy or taking NAD+ supplements, health care practitioners and researchers are advocating NAD+ for helping restore brain function and promote brain health.

Benefits of NAD+ on the Brain

Research has shown that NAD+ influences the development, maintenance, and repair of energy at the cellular levels. Some of the benefits of NAD+ for brain health and restoration are:

1. Helps guard the nerve fibres from demyelination

NAD+ protects nerves against demyelination. It may sound like a big word, but demyelination means damage in the protective coating of nerve fibres. This protective covering, called the myelin sheath (hence the term “demyelination”), protects the nerve fibres in the brain, spinal cord, and specific nerves in the body. When the myelin is injured or somehow damaged, the nerve impulses (which are the signals to and from the brain) slow down or stop. In turn, this may cause muscle weakness and stiffness; loss of sensation, vision, and coordination; altered bowel and bladder function; and pain.

2. Acts as messengers in the body

Besides having a neuroprotective effect, NAD+ is essential in controlling physiological functions and cellular communication. NAD+ helps fine-tune the functioning of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that carry messages or signals from one area of the body to another. There are different types of neurotransmitters and some are involved in various functions, such as:

– Appetite
– Blood pressure control
– Digestive system’s response to food
– Liver function
– Memory
– Motivation
– Motor control
– Reward and reinforcement
– Regulation of the heart rate
– Sleep

3. Helps improve memory and maintain cognitive function

Neurotransmitters play a significant role in our central nervous system by supporting cognitive function. Ongoing research and clinical trials suggest that NAD+ may help improve memory and blood circulation in the brain of older adults with memory retention issues. This means that NAD+ may be beneficial in improving concentration and memory.

4. Helps fight against neurological diseases

Scientists believe that NAD+ therapy may help prevent brain diseases. These brain diseases include Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. Studies mention that low levels of brain cells energy (along with an unhealthy microbiome) may be responsible for the development and progression of these neurological diseases. By boosting NAD+ levels via supplementation and/or IV therapy, it may be possible to increase brain cells energy and vitality. Consequently, NAD+ therapy may help individuals stave off neurological disorders.

5. Contributes to restoring brain and neurological function

Whether you’re resting or engaged in intensive physical activity, your body consumes energy. NAD+ participates in the production of energy needed by most cells in the body. And one of the most energy-intensive organs in the body is the brain.

NAD+ is a naturally occurring molecule needed to convert glucose from the food that we consume into energy. When you have low levels of this molecule, there will be a low supply of brain sugar and, therefore, low amounts of energy for the brain cells to work properly.

How can NAD+ IV therapy help you?

Do you want to learn more about NAD+? At our Toronto clinic, Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, and Arv Buttar, NP, are passionate about helping patients with their integrative and functional medicine programs. You’re welcome to learn about our nutritional IV therapies, including vitamin B12, the Myer’s Cocktail, high-dose vitamin C and more. You may inquire about our NAD+ therapy, which may help rebuild neuroreceptor function and improve sleep, detoxification, and physical and mental longevity. Please call 416-922-4114 or send us your message here.

References:

Fricker RA, Green EL, Jenkins SI, Griffin SM. The Influence of Nicotinamide on Health and Disease in the Central Nervous System. Int J Tryptophan Res. 2018 May 21;11:1178646918776658. doi: 10.1177/1178646918776658. PMID: 29844677; PMCID: PMC5966847.

Hong W, Mo F, Zhang Z, Huang M, Wei X. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide: A Promising Molecule for Therapy of Diverse Diseases by Targeting NAD+ Metabolism. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2020 Apr 28;8:246. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00246. PMID: 32411700; PMCID: PMC7198709.

Lautrup, Sofie & Sinclair, David & Mattson, Mark & Fang, Evandro. (2019). NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cell Metabolism. 30. 630-655. 10.1016/j.cmet.2019.09.001.

Mergenthaler P, Lindauer U, Dienel GA, Meisel A. Sugar for the brain: the role of glucose in physiological and pathological brain function. Trends Neurosci. 2013;36(10):587-597. doi:10.1016/j.tins.2013.07.001

Mehmel M, Jovanović N, Spitz U. Nicotinamide Riboside-The Current State of Research and Therapeutic Uses. Nutrients. 2020 May 31;12(6):1616. doi: 10.3390/nu12061616. PMID: 32486488; PMCID: PMC7352172.

NAD+ addition normalizes Alzheimer’s features. Yujun Hou, Sofie Lautrup, Stephanie Cordonnier, Yue Wang, Deborah L. Croteau, Eduardo Zavala, Yongqing Zhang, Kanako Moritoh, Jennifer F. O’Connell, Beverly A. Baptiste, Tinna V. Stevnsner, Mark P. Mattson, Vilhelm A. Bohr Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Feb 2018, 201718819; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1718819115

Zachary M. Sheffler; Vamsi Reddy; Leela Sharath Pillarisetty. Physiology, Neurotransmitters StatPearls [Internet]. Last Update: May 21, 2020.

The blog post Top 5 NAD+ Benefits for Brain Health and Restoration first appeared on Dr. Amauri Caversan ND

How Does Lyme Disease Affect Your Hormones?

As we’ve discussed in our previous blog posts, Lyme disease can cause debilitating symptoms and affect multiple organs.

Due to its resilient nature, Borrelia burgdorferi, one of the main bacterial species that causes Lyme disease, may be difficult to eliminate from the body; this could result in a long-term persistent Lyme infection.

What is less emphasized though is Lyme’s effect on the endocrine (hormonal) system. It makes sense to question this because Lyme can infiltrate almost any area of the body.

Although people link Lyme with other organs, affected endocrine glands may also impact a patient’s well-being. Below is a brief guide to Lyme disease’s impacts on the endocrine system.

Quick Notes

Chronic inflammation caused by Lyme disease may interfere with your hormone balance, resulting in abnormal hormone levels.
Lyme disease (with an affected hepatic (liver) system) may cause difficulties in metabolizing hormones, which may result in hormonal dysfunction.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that’s needed for balancing our hormones. Unfortunately, Lyme disease decreases the magnesium levels in our bodies.

Lyme Disease and the Thyroid Gland

Research suggests that Lyme disease can affect the thyroid gland, leading to thyroid dysfunction, specifically Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a type of hypothyroidism in which the immune system begins to attack the thyroid gland.

Research shows that Borrelia may trigger Hashimoto’s through a process called molecular mimicry. In the case of Lyme disease, molecular mimicry occurs when the body’s immune system not only attacks Borrelia, but also the thyroid tissue that looks similar to Borrelia. Essentially, the immune system cannot distinguish between the pathogen and the healthy tissue, finally attacking both. The result is the development of hypothyroidism, further affecting the functions of the human body as a newly formed, independent syndrome. Symptoms and signs may therefore overlap, making it tough to diagnose.

Lyme Disease and the Adrenal Gland

During a persistent Lyme Infection, patients often experience chronic inflammation. The human body perceives chronic inflammatory states as stressors, leading to adrenal insufficiency (adrenal fatigue) from hormonal depletion.

Unfortunately, adrenal fatigue and Lyme may share common symptoms. An individual who suffers from both conditions might experience chronic pain due to persistent inflammation and lack of the adrenal gland’s anti-inflammatory properties. Adrenal fatigue in patients with Lyme disease is only a symptom induced by the effects of Borrelia burgdorferi on the adrenal glands.

Lyme Disease and the Reproductive Glands

The hormonal disruption from Lyme disease may affect reproductive glands, too. Testosterone, an essential hormone for both men and women, may decrease due to Lyme disease; this may cause low libido or low sex drive.

Women with Lyme disease may experience high or low levels of estrogen, which may trigger hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, irritability, insomnia or anxiety.

In perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women, an adrenal hormone called DHEA provides the body with about 50 percent of testosterone compared with 10 percent in men. Therefore, menopausal women with Lyme disease may have further difficulties in dealing with hormonal side effects.

Hormone Replacement Therapy and Lyme Disease

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may increase the quality of life of patients with Lyme disease. Supplementing with hormones such as progesterone, pregnenolone, and DHEA may help individuals treat bothersome symptoms and focus on their primary battle, which is Lyme disease.

Note: Individuals with adrenal fatigue or thyroid issues may notice improvement with adrenal and thyroid support nutraceuticals, adrenal hormones or thyroid hormones; these therapies support or replace the function of the gland. However, stopping such supports abruptly may result in a crash for the patient. This is why we recommend seeking the help of a healthcare practitioner who has experience treating patients with Lyme disease and hormone imbalances.

Seeking Support for Your Lyme Symptoms and Hormones

Do you think Lyme disease is affecting your hormones? If you’re interested in having your Lyme symptoms and hormones assessed, please visit a healthcare practitioner today. Currently, we are accepting new patients at Dr. Amauri Wellness Centre. Our clinic’s program for integrative Lyme disease treatment is managed by Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, and Arv Buttar, NP. Click here to book your appointment.

References:

Benvenga S, Santarpia L, Trimarchi F, Guarneri F. Human thyroid autoantigens and proteins of Yersinia and Borrelia share amino acid sequence homology that includes binding motifs to HLA-DR molecules and T-cell receptor. Thyroid. 2006;16(3):225-236. doi:10.1089/thy.2006.16.225

Van Den Eede, Filip & Luyten, Patrick. (2009). Does hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hypofunction in chronic fatigue syndrome reflect a ‘crash’ in the stress system?. Medical hypotheses. 72. 701-5. 10.1016/j.mehy.2008.11.044.

Cristea, Victor & Crişan, Monica. (2004). Lyme disease with magnesium deficiency. Magnesium research : official organ of the International Society for the Development of Research on Magnesium. 16. 287-9.

Maarij Baig, Lin Zheng, Alka Farmer, “Severe Hyperbilirubinemia: A Rare Complication of Lyme Disease”, Case Reports in Gastrointestinal Medicine, vol. 2019, Article ID 2762389, 3 pages, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/2762389

Ramesh G, Didier PJ, England JD, et al. Inflammation in the pathogenesis of lyme neuroborreliosis. Am J Pathol. 2015;185(5):1344-1360. doi:10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.01.024

Anderson, Wayne; Gitlin, Robert. 2014 Lyme, Neurotoxins, and Hormonal Factors: an interview with Nancy Faass, MSW, MPH. The Free Library (July, 1), (accessed September 19 2020)

John E. Morley, H. Mitchell Perry, III, Androgens and Women at the Menopause and Beyond, The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Volume 58, Issue 5, May 2003, Pages M409–M416, https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/58.5.M409

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Lyme disease (LD), which is spread to humans through infected black legged tick bites, is [...]

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The blog post How Does Lyme Disease Affect Your Hormones? first appeared on Dr. Amauri Caversan ND

7 Herbs That May Help Treat Lyme Disease

Although doxycycline, a wide known antibiotic, is prescribed to treat Lyme disease, research shows that adjuvant herbal therapies (herbal treatments combined with doxycycline) may provide relief for persistent Lyme symptoms.

Moreover, herbal therapies may enhance the antimicrobial effect against Lyme disease; they may also reduce the need for patients to require long-term antibiotic treatments.

In this article, we outline how herbal treatments may tackle the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

Understanding the Bacteria Behind Lyme Disease

Firstly, let’s understand the bacteria that spread Lyme disease. The Lyme disease-causing Borrelia bacteria are microaerophiles, meaning that they thrive in low oxygen. This group of microorganisms are tenacious, slow-growing pathogens. Out of 36 recognized species, 13 are either acknowledged or alleged to have caused Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is a common tick-born disease in both Europe and North America. The bacterial microorganisms that spread Lyme disease are known as Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato; these include the species Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, the main cause of Lyme in North America. The predominant species that cause Lyme disease in Europe are Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii.

The actively growing forms of Borrelia are spirochetes, corkscrew-shaped bacteria that cause Lyme. They are motile and can survive viscous conditions, including human and animal blood; they’re even capable of entering cells. When these bacteria are exposed to unfavourable conditions, they can adopt hidden, inactive or dormant forms such as cysts or granular forms and aggregates (biofilm-like structures).

Knowing the anatomy of spirochetes has helped scientists recognize the persistence of Lyme disease. Borrelia burgdorferi is theorized to have the ability to alter and re-convert into cystic form with thick-walled structures; this may explain why Lyme may act insistently and/or pop up after staying “quiet” for so long.

Also, genomic studies show that Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato has a gene for its efflux or “pumping” mechanism, allowing the bacteria to pump out antibiotics used to treat Lyme disease. This efflux mechanism may be responsible for the bacteria’s ability to foster antibiotic resistance, though more studies are needed to prove this. These aspects all highlight the need for either new or improved treatments against the Borrelia bacteria, including herbal therapies.

The Role of Herbs in Treating Lyme Disease

Studies have shown that herbal adjuvant therapy may benefit Lyme disease treatments. In fact, one specific study considered the combination of doxycycline and herbs; it showed that herbs could enhance the action of the antibiotic agent, subsequently working synergistically against Borrelia burgdorferi, one of the main bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

During this particular study, doxycycline combined with the herb Scutellaria Baicalensis (Chinese Skullcap) attacked the latent, rounded forms of Borrelia when compared with doxycycline alone. (Baicalein is the active substance of Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria Baicalensis), an antioxidant and neuroprotective agent that has a calming, anti-excitatory activity due to its effect on GABA receptors.)

Another recent in-vitro study showed the effects of herbs against growing and non-growing forms of Borrelia burgdorferi. Researchers found seven beneficial and natural agents that enhance the antimicrobial action against Borrelia. These include:

Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum): This antioxidant herb demonstrates anti-inflammatory, cardio protective, and neuroprotective benefits. It strongly constrains cytokine cascades triggered by bacteria. (Note: Cytokines – cell-signalling molecules that uphold cell-to-cell communications in immune reactions – encourage cells to travel to areas of trauma, inflammation and infection in the body). Resveratrol, one of the active compounds in Japanese Knotweed, has antimicrobial effects against spirochete forms of Lyme
Cats Claw (Unicaria tomentosa): This herb has demonstrated in-vitro effects against Borrelia. It has been proven to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, neuroprotective, and DNA-repairing properties.
Cryptolepis (Cryptolepis sanguinolenta): Contains antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amoebic properties, efficiently attacking the stationary forms of Borrelia burgdorferi. (Note: the stationary phase of Borrelia is when the cells replicate slowly or not at all; they’re known as “persister cells” because of their antibiotic resistance.)
Artemisia (Artemisia annua): Artemisinin, in its active compound, has a history of more than 2,000 years of use in the medical community. It may attack the stationary phase spirochetes of Borrelia.
Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordata): Houttuynia helps reduce the cytokine cascade, therefore decreasing the inflammatory processes of Borrelia.
Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria Baicalensis): Baicalein is the active substance in this herb. It demonstrates antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-excitatory effects, enhancing the action of traditional antibiotic agents, such as doxycycline. Its anti-excitatory activity lies in its interaction with the GABA receptors.
Black walnut (Juglans nigra): Black walnut has antioxidant and antibacterial compounds. Green hull extract from the black walnut has been shown in vitro to be effective against Borrelia spirochetes (round bodies and biofilm structures).

Furthermore, certain blends of herbs have shown antibacterial activity against Borrelia burgdorferi. Research has shown that a one-week treatment with 1% Ghanaian quinine (Cryptolepis sanguinolenta) managed to eradicate Borrelia in vitro, preventing the bacterium from multiplying. The same potency was evident by Japanese knotweed. Both herbs were able to destroy entire micro colonies of Borrelia in vitro.

The studies above demonstrate the potential of herbs being used to treat persistent, antibiotic-resistant forms of Borrelia infections. Although further clinical trials are necessary, health care practitioners are prescribing natural and botanical agents for persistent Lyme symptoms.

Treating Your Lyme Symptoms

Currently, our clinic is inviting new and existing patients to discuss how we can help alleviate Lyme symptoms with natural considerations. We practice integrative functional medicine, a fusion of naturopathic and functional medicine. Our integrative Lyme disease treatment program is managed by Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, and Arv Buttar, NP, two health practitioners who jointly offer integrative/functional health programs for their patients. Please call 416-922-4114 to book your appointment or click here to write us a message.

References

Goc A, Niedzwiecki A, Rath M. Cooperation of Doxycycline with Phytochemicals and Micronutrients Against Active and Persistent Forms of Borrelia sp. Int J Biol Sci. 2016;12(9):1093-1103. Published 2016 Jul 22. doi:10.7150/ijbs.16060

Datar, Akshita & Kaur, Navroop & Patel, Seema & Luecke, David & Sapi, Eva. (2010). In Vitro Effectiveness of Samento and Banderol Herbal Extracts on the Different Morphological Forms of Borrelia Burgdorferi. Townsend Letter, the Examiner of Alternative Medicine.

Feng Jie, Leone Jacob, Schweig Sunjya, Zhang Ying, Evaluation of Natural and Botanical Medicines for Activity Against Growing and Non-growing Forms of B. burgdorferi, Frontiers in Medicine, 2020,, DOI=10.3389/fmed.2020.00006

Goc A, Rath M. The anti-borreliae efficacy of phytochemicals and micronutrients: an update. Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease. 2016;3(3-4):75-82.

Hui KM, Wang XH, Xue H. Interaction of flavones from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis with the benzodiazepine site. Planta Med. 2000;66(1):91-93. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1243121

Newman Osafo, Kwesi Boadu Mensah, and Oduro Kofi Yeboah, Antonio Ferrer-Montiel
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlechter
Volume 2017 |Article ID 3026370 | https://ift.tt/3o1cBmJ

Jiangang Fu, Ling Dai, Zhang Lin, Hongmei Lu: Houttuynia cordata Thunb: A Review of Phytochemistry and Pharmacology and Quality Control. College of Chemistry and Chemical Chinese Medicine, Vol.4 No.3(2013), Article ID:37184,23 pages DOI:10.4236/cm.2013.43015

Feng J, Leone J, Schweig S, Zhang Y. Evaluation of Natural and Botanical Medicines for Activity Against Growing and Non-growing Forms of B. burgdorferi. Front Med (Lausanne). 2020 Feb 21;7:6. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00006. PMID: 32154254; PMCID: PMC7050641.

Anna Goc , Alexandra Niedzwiecki , Matthias Rath, Cooperation of Doxycycline with Phytochemicals and Micronutrients Against Active and Persistent Forms of Borrelia sp. 2016 Jul 22;12(9):1093-103.doi: 10.7150/ijbs.16060. e Collection 2016.

The blog post 7 Herbs That May Help Treat Lyme Disease first appeared on Dr. Amauri Caversan ND