National Celiac Disease Awareness Day

Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive process of the small intestine.  When a person eats gluten, the body’s immune system attacks the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of the gluten and other important nutrients. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye and barley (and to a lesser extent oats). Celiac disease is not a wheat allergy. It is an intolerance to the gluten protein that is found in wheat.

Symptoms of Celiac disease may include: weight loss, fatigue, skin rashes, bloating, stomach aches, diarrhea and/or constipation, short stature, delayed puberty as well as other more serious systemic symptoms.

If you suffer from Celiac or are unsure, book your appointment now with one of our Naturopathic Doctors to speak about your options.

Back to School Nutrition Tips

• Pack nutritional lunches with lots of flavour, allow your children to help with food choices.
• Breakfast is important, take the stress out of the morning by giving your kids fresh fruit smoothies.
• Serve protein rich snacks to your children like: hummus, nuts, seeds, nut butters and rice, soy or hemp based yogurts and milks.
• Introduce new foods; it takes a child up to 16 times to taste, accept and enjoy new foods and flavours. Keep trying.
• Give your child a multivitamin, fish oil, and a probiotic as a start to a supplement program.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Electrolytes and Sport Drinks

Electrolytes are salts and specific ions that help drive the body’s electrical signal. The term electrolyte means these ion are electrically-charged. You see the human body is one big battery; we seem to forget this point, and like any battery there needs to be a charge. This charge is maintained by ions that we need to put into our body. Continual replenishment of these ions is a must to have a charged body. 

The following are the major electrolytes necessary for an optimum functioning body. Sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), bicarbonate (HCO3-), phosphate (PO42-), and sulfate (SO42-). 

Electrolytes are important because they drive nerve impulses and allow for muscle contractions. Muscle cramping is a common sign of electrolyte deficiency. Kidneys work to help keep the electrolyte concentrations in the body balanced. Athletes and active individuals lose electrolytes by sweating, particularly sodium and potassium. These electrolytes must be replaced to keep the electrolyte concentrations of your body fluids constant. 

Sports drinks like Gatoraid and Poweraid have sodium chloride or potassium chloride added to them. These drinks are high in sugar and food colouring, a professional line electrolyte is healthier for your body, ask your doctor. 

Electrolyte drinks are important for infants and children who have chronic vomiting or diarrhea, children will lose many electrolytes and must be replaced to prevent dehydration.

Keeping your electrolytes balanced in the body is super important for optimum health.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Protein for our Body, Important but Misunderstood

What is the role of protein in the body?

Protein is made up of long chains of amino acids, it is the amino acid that is the basic building block of the body. Imagine an amino acid looking like a “brick”, like the brick that makes your home. The way many brinks hold up your home, is the same way amino acids hold up your body. You can see how proteins are vitally important.

Key functions of protein in the body include growth of the body, maintenance and repair of the body. In the body you find protein in all major muscles, tissues and every organ. Protein also drives many major processes in the body like the immune system, metabolism, digestion, blood and hormones.

Which foods have good sources of protein?

You can find protein in meats, fish, poultry and dairy foods. The best sources for protein are found in animal products. Eggs and fish contain a complete selection of amino acids for the individual looking for a comprehensive source of protein. Other foods to consider would be cereal, soya beans, tofu, oatmeal, lentils, peas, hemp, beans, rice and vegetables. The highest source of protein per serving can be found in plant based spirulina, this was a common source of protein for the Mayan people of Central America.

How much protein should we eat?

Experts agree that we should be eating 1 gram of protein per kilogram of our body weight. So if you are 70kg you need to consume 70 grams of protein. Make protein a key part of your daily nutrition.

Dr Elias Markou

5 Eco-Friendly Things to Do To Lighten Your Mood:

1) Take a walk to a local park or waterfront area

2) Round up some friends or family members and play Frisbee

3) Visit your local water playground and join the kids or just cool off your feet

4) Pack a sleeping bag and do some star-gazing

5) Reduce your carbon footprint and support a local farm by picking your own berries or vegetables.

Stephanie Jones, Director of Operations, RYT ®

Tofu Vegetable Salad

Tofu is a good source of protein and is packed with calcium, which is important for strong, healthy bones. So this salad is perfect if you can’t eat dairy foods.

INGREDIENTS:

13 oz packet firm tofu, drained

5 oz of your favourite salad dressing

2 medium zucchinis

1 medium red bell pepper

1 lb spinach, trimmed

8 oz cherry tomatoes2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

Topping of your choice (nuts, etc)

Cut the tofu into 1-in cubes and combine with the dressing in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes while you cut the zucchini and bell pepper into long thin strips. Combine the tofu mixture with the vegetables and the remaining ingredients in the bowl. Toss gently to mix. Serves 4.

Treating Your Child’s ADHD Naturally

3 Things to Consider

Parents and medical professionals alike have raised questions about how to treat children and adults with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) by successfully using natural treatments. We know that with doctor prescribed drug treatments there seem to be many adverse side effects. There are many natural options that have fewer side effects; however positive results do take time. Parents need to be patient with the process. Here are some quick points to consider. 

1) A diet created specifically for your child’s ADHD needs is very important, consult with a naturopathic doctor to custom create that diet. All sugars, dyes and processed foods should be avoid 100%, your child’s meals should consist of 70% vegetables, 10% protein, 10% fruit and 10% nuts, seeds, beans and legumes.

2) Create a predictable daily routine; initially this might need some adjusting to find the right sequence. All children need structure to develop, but these children need it the most.

3) Have a naturopathic doctor help you find the right supplement regimen that works for your child. ADHD children tend to have poor digestive absorption, use liquid and powder supplements to increase absorption.

Every family has important decisions to make when it comes to treat your child’s ADHD, try many different things and continue with what works best.

Dr Elias Markou, ND