How strong is your secret weapon? Do you have the immune system of a warrior?!
I wanted to write a little tidbit about immune function, not just for those heading back to school, but because a robust immune system is absolutely essential for each and every one of us! Not only to keep us healthy and functioning but also because it helps our bodies to fight against some really rough things - like cancer and autoimmune conditions.

How do we know if our immune system is functioning well?

• We are not catching every bug that we come into contact with. However, we do catch some colds. 
• When we do get sick, symptoms are intense (such as a high fever) and the infection doesn’t linger.

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How do we know our immune system may need some work?

• Frequently sick OR do not ever catch a cold.
• Symptoms are mild and linger.
• Suffer from frequent viral eruptions (e.g. cold sores, herpes, warts).
• Suffer from fungal infections or yeast overgrowth. 
• Lymph nodes are frequently swollen or tender.
• Frequent skin eruptions.
• Chronic runny nose.
• Poorly controlled asthma.
• Gut complaints.
• Allergies.
• Chronic fatigue.
• Suffer from depression.
• Have been on an immunosuppressive drug long term (such as a steroid) or taken several rounds of antibiotics.

The importance of a strong immune system cannot be stressed enough when it comes to just about all aspects of our health. And as a naturopathic doctor, what I want to see is our immune function restored so that our bodies are once again able to regulate properly and take care of unwanted invaders such as pathogens or even our own cells if they start to misbehave, such as an aberrant cancer cell. The way to go about this is different depending on the individual, but I would search for the root cause of the low immunity and work at that level – often this means starting at the gut level – I would not just work at the level of the presenting symptoms. To use an analogy, it would be unwise to put out the smoke signals of a cry for help without assisting the ones who started the signal. Make sense? In the same way, it would be foolish to throw lifesavers at random into the dark if you didn’t know where the person was who was in need of assistance. 
Allow your Naturopathic Doctor to build your specific immune function back up to where it needs to be. Call for your appointment today: 604-534-9121. 

Something got you feeling down?
Not sure exactly what it is?
Wondering if it could be food allergies?
It is one of the most common health concerns I am asked about.
And since many people find that skin prick testing does not answer all their questions, or that the elimination diet is just not something they are willing to do, I will often use food sensitivity testing to help patients reach their health goals. I have found that, in indicated cases, removal of the triggering foods in conjunction with healing the damaged tissues can dramatically improve patient symptomatology and wellness.
 
Here is a brief breakdown to answer some of the most common questions about food allergy testing.
 
Food Allergy (IgE) – occurs immediately within minutes

• What is happening? Immune system is triggered by a food allergen and mast cells release histamine and other chemicals into the body causing vasodilation and smooth muscle contraction.
• What are the symptoms? Symptoms may include hives, eczema, breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, anaphylaxis, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc.

Food Sensitivity (IgG or IgA) – delayed food reactions – occur hours to days later

• What is happening? Immune system is triggered by a food antigen to make IgG antibody-antigen complexes that deposit onto tissues inside the body causing inflammation and damage.
• What are the symptoms? Symptoms may include fatigue, rashes, asthma, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, puffiness, joint stiffness, muscle pain, skin itching, mood disorders, abdominal pain, etc.
• What are some conditions related to elevated IgG levels? Atopy, ADHD, migraines, IBS, IBD, weight gain, atherosclerosis, RA.
• How are they tested for? The patient provides a small sample of blood from a finger prick. This is sent to the lab where blood sample is placed onto “ELISA” trays that are coated with specific food antigens. Then the amount of IgG antibody reaction is measured for each food antigen.
• For more information about the research, reliability and reproducibility of ELISA method food sensitivity testing, click here.

Food Intolerance – not an immune regulated reaction

• For example, lactase deficiency (dairy), alpha-galactosidase insufficiency (legumes & cruciferous veggies), histamine intolerance (fish, cheese, sauerkraut), methylxanthine intolerance (cola, coffee, chocolate, tea), tyramine intolerance (cheese, pickled herring), or food toxin reactions such as saxitoxin from shellfish, or aflatoxin from peanuts, or ergot from cereal grains.

What else could be going on?

• While food sensitivities are common, they may not always be the forefront aspect of your healthcare picture. Please allow your ND to take a comprehensive health history and physical exam in order to differentiate your symptoms to determine if allergy testing is right for you. 

For your appointment, call 604-534-9121. 

Mmm... BBQ season. Sausages, hot dogs… anyone like bacon? Eat a lot of lunch meat? 
Can there be life without bacon? 

Colon and rectal cancer are currently the 2nd most common, unpleasant, and deadliest cancers in Canada. Risk factors for developing it include family history, presence of polyps, IBD, smoking, alcohol, lack of physical activity, obesity, and….. dum dum dum… a diet high in red or processed meat!!! 

Processed meat is not required or even beneficial. Think of it like candy. It is not a part of a healthy balanced diet and it certainly should not be a regular on the daily menu! 

#TuesdayMorningTidbit #HealthTip#lifewithoutbacon #coloncancer #processedmeat  

https://www.crs-src.ca/page.aspx?pid=1313

https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/world-health-organization-says-processed-meat-causes-cancer.html#citations