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  Dr. Sarah Connors HBSc, Naturopathic Doctor
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Probiotics and the Microbiome

4/14/2017

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There is so much more discussion about probiotics and the microbiome now than ever before. There is research about the benefits for infants, for mood, for digestion, for re-establishing a healthy gut after antibiotics, and so on.  Even though there’s plenty of evidence to show that probiotics or good bacteria are good for us, a lot of people still ask me ‘does taking probiotics actually make a difference?’ Obviously, my quick answer would be yes they generally do. However, perhaps it’s easier for you to decide for yourself, with a little more information.
The Gut:
Generally when we refer to the ‘gut’ as a collective we tend to think of our abdominal area only. However, the gastro-intestinal tract or GI tract actually begins in the mouth and ends at the exit point, the anus. For our purposes let’s focus on the small intestine and large intestine since that’s where the majority of probiotics have their most beneficial effects.
In the whole GI tract there are over 100 000 billion bacteria. Different species in different numbers populate the gut. This is why it is actually important to change your probiotic on occasion because there are so many different species to be supported. If there are so many bacteria present, how could a few billion make a difference? 
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Well that has to do with the composition and state of the small and large intestine.  There’s anywhere from about 10-100 billion microbes present in the small and large intestine. This helps us understand why giving a probiotic or eating fermented foods makes a difference, because there’s enough probiotics present in the average capsule to replenish and encourage growth of good bacteria. Also, the small intestine is approximate 20 ft long, so it houses about 95% of the bacteria that live in our intestines. The large intestine on the other hand is only 4 ft long, but because things are moving much slower through the large intestine the bacteria layer in the mucosa can be up to 200 cells thick, compared to 1 cell thick in the small intestine. This allows this shorter stretch of organ to still accommodate 10-100 billion microbes. 

Research:
As I mentioned before there are many studies that have been done and are currently being done on the effects of probiotics and the microbiome as a whole. If you did a simple google or pubmed search you would come up with 1000s of results. I can’t summarize all of them, but here are a few highlights:

INFANTS AND PROBIOTICS
Eczema, asthma and allergy have become much more of a problem over the past few decades than they ever were before. In the Swansea baby Allergy Prevention Trial they looked to see if intervening with probiotics at an early age could reduce the incidence of allergy, and atopic conditions by extension. The intervention was given to newborns for the first 6 months after birth. The outcome was a follows:
 
Placebo group: Almost 10% of infants had atopic eczema at 6 months; Approximately 13% of infants had atopic eczema at 2 years.
Probiotic group: Approximately 3% of infants had atopic eczema at 6 months; almost 6% of infants had atopic eczema at 2 years.
 
The overall reduction of infants with allergy was 57% at 2 years. Remember, they only received treatment for the first 6 months. This demonstrates that the positive benefit of intervention goes beyond the intervention period.

PROBIOTICS AND ANTIBIOTICS
Most people are aware that we should take probiotics when we take an antibiotic. However, how much, when and for how long make a difference? One study, The Cambridge Clostridium difficile trial looked at the impact of probiotics to prevent/reduce C. difficile infection and associated diarrhea in patients receiving antibiotics. The outcome was as follows:
 
Antibiotic/Placebo group: When tested at Day 28 they still had overgrowth or dysbiosis present
Antibiotics followed by probiotic: They had a growth of bacteria up to Day 7, but then at Day 28 there was a significant decrease in bacterial overgrowth
Antibiotics with Probiotics: There was no overgrowth of bacteria at Day 7 or 28 because the probiotics were present throughout antibiotic treatment

This study demonstrates that by taking probiotics while receiving antibiotics you can decrease the chances of bacterial overgrowth occurring at all. However, it is still beneficial to intervene with probiotics later on as it will help to bring bacterial overgrowth under control. 
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Gut/Brain connection:
One of the newer areas of study that’s been getting a good deal of attention is the impact that a healthy gut can have on our mood. More and more studies are coming out showing a positive impact of probiotics and healing the gut on issues such as depression, and anxiety. This work is still early, but promising. Promising enough that some companies are actually beginning to make probiotic products specially geared at mood.
Choices: Making sense of what’s available on the market
As happens with most things in the market, as they get more popular there tends to be more people interested in developing a product for it. Over the last few years we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of probiotics available at the store. Knowing you have all these choices, how do you make the right choice for you? Well, there’s no short and easy answer to that. There are a number of factors you want to consider:
  • Do you have any gut problems (eg. IBS or Ulcerative Colitis)?
  • Are you experiencing symptoms such as gas, indigestion, eczema, etc.?
  • Do you have any current allergies or sensitivities?
  • Do you know how many strains are best for you?
  • Do you know which strains are best for you?
  • Do you know roughly how many billion you need?
 
Knowing these things makes it much easier for you to select an appropriate probiotic. If you don’t know the answer to these questions or aren’t sure, then you may want to speak to a Naturopathic Doctor or other healthcare professional. When I go through this process with my patients, we figure out which probiotic (if any) might be best for them so it’s much easier to find what they need when they go to purchase a product from the health food store.
 
 
Have questions about probiotics or how to improve your gut health overall? Please email me through the website ‘contact’ page or get in touch with me directly. 


Note: Talk to your Naturopathic Doctor today about getting assessed and treated if needed, and as always talk to your health care provider before beginning any new medication or supplement. This information is not meant to replace the advice/guidance of a medical professional, nor should it be acted upon by individuals unsupervised by the appropriate healthcare provider.




References:
Allen SJ et al 2014 Arch Dis Child
Plummer et al 2005, Int J Antimicrob Agents 26

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Dealing with Allergies Naturally

3/31/2017

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Finally Spring is here!

The weather is gradually getting warmer, birds are returning, and pretty soon the winter jackets can be put away for another year. The downside for some of us, with these seasonal changes comes allergies! Yes, all the fun you can have sneezing, congested, blurry eyed and unable to breath. However, what if you could do things differently and get them under control naturally?
The Stats
 
In the US:
·  Number of people in the U.S. who have either allergy or asthma symptoms: 1 in 5.
·  Percentage of the U.S. population that tests positive to one or more allergens: 55%.
 
Internationally:
The prevalence of asthma in different countries varies widely, but the disparity is narrowing due to rising prevalence in low and middle income countries and plateauing in high income countries.

Common Symptoms:
 
  • Postnasal drip
  • Sniffling
  • Dark circles under eyes (allergic shiners)
  • Puffiness beneath the eyes
  • Restlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Poor sleep
  • Headaches
  • Behavioural problems such as irritability, hyperactivity, poor concentration, whining, and pickiness about food
Why are they more common?
There is no one theory that currently accounts for the rise in allergies/sensitivities. Some of the proposed causes are as follows:
 
Hygiene Hypothesis: Many children do not get sufficient exposure to a wide variety of microbes, and as result of growing up in an extremely clean environment the body does not learn how to modulate the immune response effectively. There seems to be some credibility for this theory since the significant increase in individuals suffering from allergies has been in the western hemisphere, and we have not seen a corresponding increase in other parts of the globe at the same rate.

Inflammation/Leaky Gut: Chronic inflammation in the body and the gut lining is unable to heal and permits certain food particles to pass through and interact with the immune system. These particles are tagged as ‘non-self’ by the immune system, and it will react to the presence of these particles every time they are re-introduced to the system. Leading to a cycle of continuous inflammation and slow/no healing of the gut lining.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)/packaged foods: We have altered certain foods in our food supply so much that our bodies have difficulty recognizing it and breaking it down as ‘food’.  There is also a corresponding increase in exposure to preservatives and pesticides that are mixed in or put on these foods.
What Can We Do?
General recommendations:
  • Remove environmental irritants: Rid the home of common irritants such as dust, perfumes and scented products.
  • Improve immune response: There are many things that can be done to help optimize the immune system. Eating a balanced diet of whole foods, including sources of omega 3s and fermented foods for probiotics.
  • Promote rest and relaxation: learning to relax can help decrease tension, and getting to sleep at a reasonable and consistent hour each night can help promote better immune function.
Picture
Picture
Dietary recommendations:
  • Identify Food sensitivities:  food allergens (eg. peanuts or diary), and chemicals, additives, or oils in processed foods can cause allergies to be worse
  • Foods rich in Vitamin A and Beta-carotene: the orange and yellow vegetables and fruits tend to be the richest sources
  • Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Fish, flaxseeds, eggs, and evening primrose oil all contain EFAs which are essential to health of cells and decreasing allergic symptoms
Supplemental recommendations:
The following nutritional supplements can improve allergy problems in several ways: boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and enhance intestinal health.
  • Zinc
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin B complex
Picture
Picture
Herbal recommendations:
  • Astragalus: immune system enhancing herb that is a tonic for the upper respiratory passages. Can be directly beneficial for those with a tendency towards atopic conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, commonly occurring in those with allergy problems.
  • Nettle: stimulates lymphatic function, decreasing swollen lymph nodes. In its freeze-dried form, nettle is used to stabilize the inflammatory substance histamine produced by our bodies, thus decreasing allergic response.
  • Elder: This herb has a flower rich in flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immune-stimulating. This combination helps reduce allergic response and improve immune function.
Asian Medicine and Acupuncture
 
  • Chinese medicine considers an allergic reaction to be a manifestation of the body's failure to adjust to its environment.
  • According to the concept of the organs and their functions, weaknesses of the "Lung” or "Liver” could explain these allergic reactions.
  • By stimulating the energy of the "Lung" and by regulating the "Liver" the acupuncture treatment aims to calm the exaggerated response. This can be done both preventatively as well as acutely.
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Suffering from allergies can be a very irritating experience. If you or your child is suffering from allergies, it is best to take them to a Naturopathic Doctor who can perform a proper assessment and form a treatment plan that will address your/your child’s needs. Always speak to your health care provider before beginning any new medications or supplements.






References:
Allergy Statistics and Facts. WebMD. Reviewed by Johnson, K. (2012). http://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-statistics
Asthma Statistics. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/about-the-aaaai/newsroom/asthma-statistics.aspx
Romm, A. 2003. Naturally Healthy Babies and Children: A Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies, Nutrition, and Health. Celestial Arts.
Skowron, JM. 2009. Fundamentals of Naturopathic Pediatrics. CCNM Press. Print.

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Natural Medicine for the On the Go Family

6/1/2016

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Now that the warmer weather is finally here, dare I say, summer! It’s time to start thinking about all the wonderful things our families can get into while enjoying fun in the sun. If you’d like to be prepared for just about anything that summer, and more importantly your kids, can throw at you here are some of my suggestions for things to have on the ready pretty well anywhere you go.

  1. Arnica 200 CH: This is one of the homeopathic remedies I hardly ever go anywhere without. If you have this first aid remedy on hand, you can attend to bumps, bruises, scraps, strains, sprains and just about everything in between. If all else fails, remember it’s for pain and you’ll be just fine.
2. Safe Sunscreen: when out in the sun for prolonged periods of time, having the right sunscreen is important. There are several factors to consider (SPF, type, Vitamin A content, etc.), but potentially one of the most essential is chemicals put in the sunscreen. Studies show chemicals put in most generic sunscreens are harmful to the body. One of the worst ingredients being oxybenzone, which can penetrate the skin and interfere with hormones. A safer option is a product containing minerals such as zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Mineral based formulas don’t penetrate the skin, don’t disrupt hormones, and offer the best protection by blocking UV rays (both A and B).

Picture

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3.  Aloe gel: Despite your best efforts to re-apply sunscreen often you still managed to get a sunburn. Aloe gel soothes and cools the skin so that you will get almost instant relief from pretty well any sunburn. This can be used fairly liberally and often, as aloe gel is both anti-inflammatory and improves the rate of healing. Caution: if you have a young child, be careful they do not ingest the gel. Ingestion could cause diarrhea, nausea/vomiting and abdominal pain.
4. Cantharis 30 CH: This homeopathic remedy is great for burns of almost any type, including sunburns. You can use this in conjunction with Aloe gel or by itself. This would be a good choice if you’re concerned about your child trying to eat the aloe gel once applied. This remedy, like Aloe gel, also relieves pain and helps promote healing.

5. Apis 30 CH: This homeopathic remedy is excellent for bee stings in particular, but can be used to treat other stings and bug bites as well. Generally helps with reducing swelling, pain and heat. Especially helpful for swelling around the eyes when the eyes are becoming too swollen to open the lids. Caution: If someone in your family has an anaphylactic allergy and they require an epi-pen, do not carry Apis in place of the epi-pen.
.This is by no means all the various natural remedies you could use for these situations, nor is it all the possible situations you could potentially encounter this summer. However, this is a good place to start to cover a lot of the common issues that could occur. If you’re not familiar or comfortable with the use of any of these remedies, always check with your Naturopathic Doctor or other similarly educated health care practitioner before use.




Note: Talk to your Naturopathic Doctor today about getting assessed and treated if needed, and as always talk to your health care provider before beginning any new medication or supplement. This information is not meant to replace the advice/guidance of a medical professional, nor should it be acted upon by individuals unsupervised by the appropriate healthcare provider.

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Allergies: Finding Natural Relief

2/18/2014

1 Comment

 
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We are seeing more people, especially children, with allergies these days. There are several thoughts about why this is happening, but overall it’s generally described as a hypersensitivity or oversensitivity of the body to an external stimuli. One such theory referred to as the 'hygiene hypothesis' proposes that many children do not get sufficient exposure to a wide variety of microbes, and as result of growing up in an extremely clean environment devoid of microbes the body does not learn how to modulate the immune response effectively.  Thus creating a situation where later exposure to a substance causes a hyperactive response, or allergy. There seems to be some credibility for this theory since the significant increase in individuals suffering from allergies has been mainly in the western hemisphere, and we have not seen a corresponding increase in other parts of the globe. However, as more countries become more affluent and the number of people below the poverty line decreases we are seeing an associated rise in atopic conditions such allergy and asthma there as well.

In the US:
·  Number of people in the U.S. who have either allergy or asthma symptoms: one in five.
·  Percentage of the U.S. population that tests positive to one or more allergens: 55%.

Internationally:
The prevalence of asthma in different countries varies widely, but the disparity is narrowing due to rising prevalence in low and middle income countries and plateauing in high income countries.

Symptoms:
·      Postnasal drip
·      Sniffling
·      Dark circles under eyes (allergic shiners)
·      Puffiness beneath the eyes
·      Restlessness
·      Fatigue
·      Poor sleep
·      Headaches
·      Behavioural problems such as irritability, hyperactivity, poor concentration, whining, and pickiness about food

Chronic allergies, especially those that cause allergic rhinitis, a persistent inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages, can lead to constant head congestion, decreased hearing ability, reduced concentration, and difficulty remaining alert. Children with allergies may frequently feel tired and irritable.

Hyperactive behavior may also emerge as a result of allergies due to nervous irritability from chronic inflammatory response or the need to keep moving to stimulate endogenous adrenaline supplies. While a tendency towards allergies may be inherited, the extent to which they manifest may have more to do with dietary, emotional and environmental factors than genetic factors.

General recommendations:

-       Remove environmental irritants: Rid the home of common irritants such as dust, perfumes and scented products.
-       Improve immune response: There are many things that can be done to help optimize the immune system. Eating a balanced diet of whole foods, including sources of omega 3s and fermented foods for probiotics.
-       Promote rest and relaxation: learning to relax can help decrease tension, and getting to sleep at a reasonable and consistent hour each night can help promote better immune function.

Picture
Supplemental recommendations:

The following nutritional supplements can improve allergy problems in several ways: boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and enhance intestinal health.

-       Zinc
-       Vitamin C
-       Vitamin B complex
-       Calcium

Dietary recommendations:

-       Food sensitivities:  food allergens (eg. peanuts or diary), and chemicals, additives, or oils in processed foods can cause allergies to be worse
-       Foods rich in Vit A and Beta-carotene: the orange and yellow vegetables and fruits tend to be the richest sources
-       Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Fish, flaxseeds, eggs, and evening primrose oil all contain EFAs which are essential to the health of cells and can help decrease allergic symptoms

Herbal recommendations:

-       Astragalus: immune system enhancing herb that is a tonic for the upper respiratory passages. Can be directly beneficial for those with a tendency towards atopic conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, commonly occurring in those with allergy problems.

-       Nettle: stimulates lymphatic function, decreasing swollen lymph nodes. In its freeze-dried form, nettle is used to stabilize the inflammatory substance histamine produced by our bodies, thus decreasing allergic response.

-       Elder: This herb has a flower rich in flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immune-stimulating. This combination helps reduce allergic response and improve immune function.

Picture


Suffering from allergies can be a very irritating experience. If you or your child is suffering from allergies, it is best to take them to a Naturopathic Doctor who can perform a proper assessment and form a treatment plan that will address your/your child’s needs. Always speak to your health care provider before beginning any new medications or supplements.






References:

1. Allergy Statistics and Facts. WebMD. Reviewed by Johnson, K. (2012). http://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-statistics
2. Asthma Statistics. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/about-the-aaaai/newsroom/asthma-statistics.aspx
3. Romm, A. 2003. Naturally Healthy Babies and Children: A Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies, Nutrition, and Health. Celestial Arts.
4. Skowron, JM. 2009. Fundamentals of Naturopathic Pediatrics. CCNM Press. Print.


1 Comment

    Sarah Connors

    I am a Naturopathic Doctor and Doula providing care in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. I have a passion for helping people with their health issues and improving the birth experience for Moms, and their babies. I also have a life long love affair with soccer, curling, and the alto saxophone.

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