IBS

The release of my new book! It is . . .

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At the beginning of this year I had set out to complete my book, and I am happy to say that I have accomplished that goal! My book is titled:

“The Ultimate Guide to the Elimination Diet: Tips and Recipes to Better Your Health and Approach the Diet with Confidence”.

Many of my patients have heard about the elimination diet, but not everyone is familiar with it, and so, let me shed some light on it. The elimination diet is a treatment option that helps individuals that are suffering from many different health concerns including

  • Pain
  • Anxiety 
  • Inability to lose weight 
  • Fatigue
  • Stress 
  • Arthritis 
  • Muscle Pain 
  • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) 
  • Constipation/Diarrhea
  • Brain Fog 

and the list goes on! That means if you want to lose weight, reduce pain, think clearer, and feel better overall, this diet may be right for you. The elimination diet is a way for individuals to identify which foods may be contributing to their health concerns, but also helps individuals to adopt more of a whole – foods diet.

Though this may sound simple enough, the diet is quite complex, complicated, and challenging. Many individuals struggle to follow it or incorporate it into their lifestyle even for a short time. I wrote this guide (and recipe) book as a way to help individuals overcome the hurdles of the diet. In the book, I have outlined meal plans, tips and tricks, many recipes for each meal (and sauces and dips!), and ultimately set out to help eliminate many of the struggles that individuals tend to encounter with the diet. I have based the book off of my clinical experience as well as my personal one. I was prescribed the elimination diet years prior by my ND before I became an ND and it was a struggle. I was miserable throughout it and could not figure out what I should eat. My diet was boring and basic, but I did complete it and I did learn a lot from the experience. I also learned my food sensitivities and improved my overall state of health from it. Following the experience, I set out to help others through the diet on their way to better their health. I have seen many individuals completely change their lives through this diet, and you can too!

If you have any one of the health concerns mentioned above and want to better your health, the elimination diet may be a treatment to consider. As I mention in the book, this diet is not for everyone or appropriate for everyone, and so, it is best to complete this diet with the supervision of a Naturopathic Doctor such as myself. If you are ready for change, send me an email or call our office (519-537-7058) to see if this is a good path for you to pursue. I offer complimentary 15 minute meet-and-greet sessions where you can meet me, ask your questions, and decide from there if you would like to see me or not (i.e. there is no obligation to book). You have nothing to lose by booking this session. Now is the time to take care of you.

In regards to my book, if you are interested in purchasing your copy, send me an email, call the clinic, or contact me through the Facebook page and I will gladly get you set up. In addition, I am offering the book as part of a package deal for those who may want to pursue food sensitivity testing. Both prices are outlined below.

  • The Ultimate Guide to the Elimination Diet: Tips and Recipes to Better Your Health and Approach the Diet with Confidence – $20 +HST per book (Total $22.60)
  • Blood Testing and Book Package (only available from August 1- August 30 2017) – get the food sensitivity testing (approximately $260 plus the book for an additional $15) (Total: Approximately $273)

If you have any questions about this treatment option, food sensitivity testing, or simply about how you can feel better today, do not hesitate to email me, message me, or contact our clinic and book your complimentary 15 minute meet-and-greet session today!

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

 

Botanical Medicine: What is it and How can it Help

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Transparent cup of green tea with lime on wooden backgroundBotanical Medicine has been used for thousands of years in so many different forms. Many people think that this is a primitive form of medicine, when in fact it can be quite comparable to some pharmaceutical drugs in some cases. This article looks at what botanical medicine is, how it can be used, and what for.

What is Botanical Medicine?

Botanical medicine involves the use of plants or herbs to achieve therapeutic outcomes. Specific plants or herbs are chosen based off of their medicinal effects in order to aid the individual in question. Botanicals can have multiple effects on multiple organ systems making them quite effective in the sense that they may be able to help with more than one problem. For example, Chamomile can be quite calming on the stomach and promote digestion, but can also be calming on the nervous system, making it potentially beneficial for indigestion and anxiety.

In addition, when more than one herb is combined to achieve a therapeutic goal, they can often have a synergistic effect. What this means is they both possess potent capabilities on their own, but when combined, the effect far exceeds that of them simply being added together. For example, if herb A is 2 and herb b is 2, when added together, you would assume that it would be 4, but it is actually more like 10!

How is Botanical Medicine used?

As alluded to above, herbs can be used on their own or in combination, and can be used in several different forms. They can be made into tinctures, teas, poultices, and salves. Tinctures are alcohol extractions of herbs, often containing a higher dose of herbs in small quantities. Teas are dried herbs that have medicinal properties extracted through hot water. Poultices involve applying herbs topically (externally to the skin). Salves are a combination of herbs in various forms with an ointment.

No form of herbs is necessarily right, but really depends on the patient’s particular case. For example, a poultice may be more appropriate for skin issues than a tincture.

What can botanical medicine be used for?

Botanical Medicine can be used for a variety of concerns. In my practice, I primarily use teas and poultices. I find that both of these forms can be beneficial in quite a few concerns including those listed below.

  • Adrenal Fatigue
  • Allergies
  • Anxiety
  • Arthritis
  • Burn out
  • Colds and flus
  • Constipation
  • Coughs
  • Depression
  • Detoxification
  • Diarrhea
  • Diabetes
  • Digestive Concerns
  • Eczema
  • Fatigue
  • Fertility
  • Fevers
  • Fungal Infections
  • Headaches
  • Heartburn/GERD
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • IBS
  • Infections
  • Insomnia
  • Menstrual issues
  • Migraines
  • Pain
  • Psoriasis
  • Stress
  • Weight loss

If you would like a custom tea made specific for you and your health concerns, please contact myself, Dr. Elisha Cook ND via the contact portion of my page and book your appointment today!

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

 

Health Benefits of Peppermint

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With the holidays comes all of the tasty treats that often include candy canes and peppermint. However, as you may know, peppermint is not just a tasty accessory for all of the holiday baking. It can have some beneficial properties that can improve overall health. For instance, from a botanical medicine perspective, there are several ways that peppermint may be used. Often, I will prescribe it in tea form where an individual will be using the leaf. This herb can also be used as an essential oil and tincture. Each of these forms have different characteristics in themselves that may make them more useful for different situations than the other form. For example, if someone is has an infection in their lungs, breathing in an essential oil may be more effective than drinking a peppermint tea. Regardless, all forms are valid and carry beneficial properties for various conditions.

Main Actions

In botanical medicine, one of the main areas that we explore with her are a plant’s main actions. This aids in discovery of a plant’s whole potential. In regards to peppermint, it is a unique herb in the sense that it has many actions that can affect many different organ systems, from the liver to the lung.

  • Spasmolytic – relieves spasms
  • Carminative – helps with digestion
  • Cholagogue – aids with liver functioning
  • Anti-emetic – relieves nausea
  • Anti-microbial – kills bacteria
  • Mild Sedative – helps to put you to sleep
  • Diaphoretic – helps you to produce a fever and fight off infections
  • Analgesic – relieves pain

These main actions of peppermint can help us to determine what this herb could potentially help us with. The main indications for peppermint might include digestion, pain, sleep, and infections. However, the research surrounding this herb may reveal more around the benefits of this herb. Research has shown that peppermint in its various states, may help with the following conditions:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome – abdominal pain, abdominal distention, flatulence, cramping, and gastric emptying all improved
  • Non – ulcer dyspepsia
  • Post – operative nausea
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Congestion
  • Wheezing in asthma
  • Tension – both mentally and within the muscles.

The information above in no way reflects the full potential of this herb or a comprehensive review of the research. However it does provide you with an idea of the potential of this herb to benefit one’s health. There are some cautions that individuals should be aware of though. For example, peppermint can cause an increase in GERD and acid reflux symptoms. Also, certain genetic syndromes disable an individual from effectively processing peppermint, making it potentially harmful for some. Finally, peppermint can inhibit iron absorption, and so, it should not be consume before or with meals. As always, I should mention that peppermint is not for everyone, and so, please contact your health care provider to determine if you should be consuming peppermint as part of your health plan.

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!