Health advice For The Whole Family

  Dr. Sarah Connors HBSc, Naturopathic Doctor
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Boost Your Immunity Naturally

9/16/2016

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September usually means the beginning of Fall and Back to School for most families. However, have you given any thought to boosting your family’s immune systems yet? The change in weather, and return to their germ infested petri dishes, I mean classrooms, means that your kids and/or you could potentially get sick any time now.
 
Why is it important to support our body’s natural ability to fight off infections?
Cold and Flu season stats
To start, there are over 200 different viruses cause influenza and influenza-like illness (fever, headaches, aches and pains, coughs, runny nose). According to a recent Cochrane review, the flu vaccine might only be effective against Influenza A and B, which represents about 10% of all circulating viruses (Jefferson et al, 2013). The authors’ conclusion from that review was, “Influenza vaccines have a modest effect in reducing influenza symptoms and working days lost. There is no evidence that they affect complications, such as pneumonia, or transmission.” (Jefferson et al., 2013).

Period of Contagiousness
You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.

How Flu Spreads
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.
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What Can We Do?
There are many things we can do to help prevent illness throughout the cold and flu season.
 
Basic Strategies:
1)Eat fresh whole foods: Eating a variety of fresh whole foods including plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables is essential to proper immune function
2)Avoid refined sugars, trans fats and salt: These foods are known to weaken the immune system.
3)Increase your consumption of vitamin C containing foods: Vitamin C is known to boost immune function and help prevent cold and flus. Increase vitamin C containing foods such as: oranges, lemons, grapefruit, strawberries, raspberries, black currants, peppers, spring greens, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
4)Eat more garlic and onions: Garlic and onions both have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, helping the body to fight off any germs it may come into contact with. (Raw consumption provides a greater benefit than cooked)
5)Drink up: Ensuring you are adequately hydrated will help enhance your immune system. Aim for half your weight in fluid ounces. (ex. If you weigh 150lbs, you should consume 75oz. of water a day)

6)Sleep, Sleep, Sleep: Ensure you are getting around 8 hrs of sleep per night and you are sleeping soundly. Too little non-restorative sleep is known to weaken the immune system.
7)Exercise: Engage in at least 20 minutes of physical activity per day. Exercise helps to increase circulation and lympathic flow, both of which help boost the immune system.
8)Breathe: Practice deep breathing exercises to help manage stress. High stress, fear, and worry can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
9)Wash hands: Wash your hands frequently using warm water and a natural anti-bacterial soap to prevent the spread of infection.
10)Cover your Cough: Cough or sneeze into your sleeve to prevent spreading infection and avoid touching your nose, mouth, eyes until hands are washed.
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Additional Helpful Measures
Think drinking tea is just for your grandma? Well think again!

Herbal Teas
In a Harvard study, they found that people who drank 5 cups a day of black tea for 2 weeks had 10 times more virus-fighting interferon in their blood than others who drank a placebo hot drink. The amino acid responsible for this immune boost, L-theanine, is abundant in both black and green tea—decaf versions have it, too.

Your optimal dose:
Several cups daily. To get up to five times more antioxidants from your tea bags, bob them up and down while you brew.
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5 Herbs for Prevention
Astragalus (Astragalus Membranaceous)
  • A deep immune activator, it’s known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective astragalus helps warm the Wei Qi, which is our defensive Qi or immune system. Can be used in combination with other herbs or by itself. If you do become ill you want to switch from this herb to another that has more active illness fighting properties.
  • Dose: Decoction: 2-4 tsp/cup 3x/d
 
Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthrococcus senticosus)
  • Immune system modulator, helps the body adapt to stress and strengthens the immune system.  Also helpful for decreasing inflammation in the body. Often included in immune formulas. If taking long term, it is generally recommended to take periodic breaks from use (eg. 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off).
  • Dose: Decoction: 2-15 g 1x/d
 
Cinnamon (Cinamomum cassia)
  • A nice addition to a tea or hot cereal, this herb not only has antimicrobial properties, it also helps settle the stomach and prevent diabetes. Should not be used in pregnancy as the essential oils may cause uterine stimulation.
  • Dose: powder: 5-20 grains 3x/d, or to your taste
 
Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula)
  • Another good adaptogen, helps the body adapt to stress and strengthens the immune system. Used for weak lungs from a Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective. Considered a milder substitute for Panax ginseng.
  • Dose: Decoction of root: 9-30 g per day
 
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
  • Often combined with other similar adaptogens, it also has effects on the lungs, helping to expel mucous and decrease cough.
  • Dose: decoction: 6-9 g each day
5 Herbs for Treatment
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolium/purpurea/pallida)
- Stimulates the immune system to increase phagocytosis by macrophages (cells that kill and eat microbes). Antimicrobial/bacterial/viral properties. Best given at the first sign of infection. Dose: Decoction: 1-2 tsp/cup 3x/d
 
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)
  • Primarily known for its effects on the stomach. Helps to relieve nausea and vomiting, as well as gas and cramping. The warming properties of ginger gently increase the temperature of the body helping to eliminate heat sensitive microbes.
  • Dose: Infusion 1 tsp/cup as needed
 
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
  • A sweeter herb that is good for a cough. Helps to soothe a sore throat and get mucus out of the lungs. Has antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Not recommended if you have hypertension or are pregnant/nursing.
  • Dose: Decoction (root): ½-1 tsp 3x/d
 
Elder Flower/Berry (Sambucus canadensis)
  • Used for cough and nasal obstruction (eg. sinusitis), especially good for kids because they generally like the taste. Have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Also helps to induce perspiration with fever so more microbes are killed and flushed out of the system.
  • Dose: Infusion of flower: 2-4 g /250 mL water
 
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
  • Primarily used for cough, particularly the dry hoarse cough that causes a lot of irritation to the lungs. Helps to soothe, and decrease the cough while still getting the mucous out. Another one that could be used with kids since it has a milder taste.
  • Dose: 1-2 tsp/cup
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Infusion vs. Decoction
An infusion is a water-based preparation made by steeping leaves, flowers, and other non-woody parts of a plant in either hot or cold water. The traditional cup of herb tea is the archetypal infusion.
 
A decoction is also water based, but it’s done by gently simmering the herb in boiling water. This method is used for tougher plant parts, such as roots, barks and seeds.
 
Powders: What are they good for?
Usually when people think of tea they think of the leaves and flowers of the plant in a cup of hot water. However, there are certain herbs that are better made into an infusion using the powdered form. For example, some herbs are rich in volatile oils that are medicinally useful and when boiled will evaporate and be lost. Valerian root is an example of a woody part that would be better ground to powder and prepared as an infusion. The preparation method usually depends on the use of the herb. This is why it is important to consult with a trained practitioner because they can help you select the most appropriate herb and preparation method based on your particular health concerns.
 
 
Note: This presentation is not meant to replace the advice of a trained practitioner. In order to formulate a proper treatment plan, you should consult with your Naturopathic Doctor or other health care provider.
 
 

 
 
Resources:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Seasonal Influenza: Key Facts about Influenza (Flu) & Flu Vaccine. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm
Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Formulation and Preparation of Herbal Medicines. Healing Arts Press. Print.
Jefferson et al. (2013). Vaccines to prevent influenza in health adults. http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD001269/vaccines-to-prevent-influenza-in-healthy-adults.
Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors. (2013). Staying Healthy in Cold and Flu Season. http://www.oand.org/staying-healthy-in-cold-and-flu-season/
Public Health Agency of Canada. (Nov 2, 2013). Flu Watch: Influenza/ILI Activity (geographic spread). http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fluwatch/13-14/w44_13/pdf/fw2013-44-eng.pdf


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STRESS!!!!!

4/1/2016

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Do you consider yourself to be stressed?
Based on the stats, most of you do!

In 2010, slightly more than 1 in 4 Canadian workers described their day-to-day lives as highly stressful. This proportion is about the same as reported earlier in the decade. Persistently high levels of stress among so many in the workforce presents a challenge to both employers and to the health care system.

Over time, employers lose produc­tivity to stress through absenteeism, reduced work output, and increased disability claims. Mental health problems alone are estimated to cost employers about $20 billion annually and account for over three-quarters of short-term disability claims in Canada.
What Does the Stress Response Look Like?
 
That’s a lot of stressed out people! We talk about stress, at least in passing quite often, but what does the ‘Stress Response’ look like? Here’s how our brains interpret stress:

  1. A stressor is sensed by the body, sending a signal to the brain, which sounds the alarm for the body that something is happening.
  2. This signal is sent to the hypothalamus otherwise known as the ‘master gland’, which then activates the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The ANS has control over most major organs: lungs, heart, stomach, glands and blood vessels.
  3. The ANS is further broken down into two branches: Sympathetic and Parasympathetic. The Sympathetic is often referred to as the ‘fight or flight’ response, whereas Parasympathetic is responsible for ‘rest and digest’.
  4. When we’re stressed, the ANS is going to trigger the Sympathetic branch, releasing noradrenaline, which results in enhanced muscular strength, increased heart rate and breakdown and use of sugar and fat for energy.
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Hundreds of years ago this was a good thing because this increase in energy would allow us to run away from a threat like a hungry tiger trying to eat us. However, today’s stressors are often not so easy to run away from, like an angry boss yelling at us.  The underlying problem here is that the brain doesn’t distinguish between your boss and the tiger. To your brain, they’re both the same thing.
 
Think of revving up the engine of a racecar in anticipation of the start flag dropping, and then just before it drops, the blocks are stuck under the wheels so when you hit the gas you’re stuck in place. So you’re spinning your wheels, getting nowhere, but you’re still using gas and burning rubber. What do you think this will result in? Well eventually you’re going to run out of gas or your tires will be so worn down their practically non-existent. In terms of your body, eventually your adrenaline will run out and your body will crash, in extreme circumstances this is what we would call burnout.
 
Even before we reach burnout, we’re still doing considerable damage to our bodies. Another troublesome hormone that’s upregulated at this time is cortisol. Chronically elevated levels of cortisol interfere with learning and memory, lower immune function, increased blood pressure, increase risk for mental illness, and lower life expectancy.
What Can We Do About It?
 
Keeping this in mind, what can we do to change this for the better? We can’t eliminate stress altogether, a little bit of stress is a good thing. However, the problem starts when this crosses over into distress, when stress is no longer tolerable or manageable.  This is when we need to put strategies in place that help to minimize the experience of negative stress.
5 things that can help keep stress under control:

1. Exercise: A little bit of cardio goes a long way. Just 20-30 minutes of activity most days of the week pays huge dividends. If running or working out at the gym isn’t your thing that’s ok, any form of activity that activates the muscles: walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi, etc. will have similar benefits in this respect.

2. Meditation or prayer: Simply taking a few deep breaths engages the Vagus nerve, which triggers a signal within your nervous system to slow your heart rate, lower blood pressure and decreases cortisol. The next time you feel yourself in a stressful situation that activates your ‘Fight-or-Flight’ response take 10 deep breaths and feel your entire body relax and decompress.
 
3. Social interaction: Researchers at Johns Hopkins established that elevated levels of cortisol in adolescence change the expression of numerous genes linked to mental illness. In effect causing severe mental illness in those teens predisposed to it. However, when these same teens interacted with their peers in a social context, their cortisol levels dropped, as did their risk for mental illness.
 
4. Sleep: Getting enough sleep every day means that cortisol levels rise and fall in sync with your circadian rhythms, which is the overall function of your body in a 24 hour period. When you lose sleep, or are sleep deprived on a regular basis this can have a detrimental impact on your cortisol levels and hence your overall stress.
 
5. Laughing: They weren’t kidding when they said that laughter is the best medicine. Dr. William Fry, an American psychiatrist who has been studying the benefits of laughter for the past 30 years, has found links to laughter and lowered levels of stress hormones.
 

Now, these are by no means the only things that can help decrease stress. Other important factors like your diet and lifestyle, such as allowing yourself to relax and do things you enjoy, can have a huge impact as well. If you find that dealing with stress from day to day is truly too overwhelming for you, it might be a good idea to speak with a trained professional, like a counselor or your Naturopath. However you deal with stress, make sure it’s a strategy that works for you, because at the end of the day the only one who can control your stress levels, is you!



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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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Healthy Heart, Healthy Life!

2/6/2014

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February Is Heart Health Month

In the spirit of reminding everyone about the importance of keeping your heart healthy, this post is going to be all about heart health and how to recognize the warning signs of heart attack.

Did You Know?

Every 7 minutes in Canada, someone dies from heart disease or stroke (Statistics Canada, 2011c).

Heart disease and stroke are two of the three leading causes of death in Canada. These statistics are based on 2008 data (the latest year available from Statistics Canada).

In 2008 cardiovascular disease accounted for (Statistics Canada, 2011c):

  • 29% of all deaths in Canada (69,703 deaths – or more than 69,500)
  • 28% of all male deaths
  • 29.7% of all female deaths
In 2008, of all cardiovascular deaths (Statistics Canada, 2011c):

  • 54% were due to ischemic heart disease
  • 20% to stroke
  • 23% to heart attack
What Is Heart Disease?

Cardiovascular diseases are defined as diseases and injuries of the cardiovascular system: the heart, the blood vessels of the heart and the system of blood vessels (veins and arteries) throughout the body and within the brain. Stroke is the result of a blood flow problem in the brain. It is considered a form of cardiovascular disease.

How Can I Tell Someone Is Having a Heart Attack?

Common Symptoms
-       Pain in the chest/ arm, often the left arm. For women, a more common symptom is jaw/neck pain.
-       Stomach pain, can feel similar to heartburn
-       Shortness of breath
-       Anxiety. Some people actually describe feeling ‘an impending sense of doom’
-       Lightheadedness
-       Sweating
-       Nausea and vomiting

Are Symptoms Always Obvious?

Most heart attacks begin with subtle symptoms — with only discomfort that often is not described as pain. The chest discomfort may come and go. Don't be tempted to downplay your symptoms or brush them off as indigestion or anxiety.

Don't "tough out" heart attack symptoms for more than five minutes. Call 911 or other emergency medical services for help. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only as a last resort, if there are absolutely no other options.

Heart attack symptoms vary widely. For instance, you may have only minor chest discomfort while someone else has excruciating pain. One thing applies to everyone, though: If you suspect you're having a heart attack, call for emergency medical help immediately.

What Can Naturopathic Medicine Do for Heart Health?

One of the central tenants of Naturopathic Medicine is teaching the principles of healthy living and preventative medicine. That means we work to help prevent heart disease BEFORE it happens.  We can utilize many tools to help you achieve optimal health:

Optimizing healthy lifestyle habits:

-       exercise
-       sleep
-       stress
Good Nutrition:

-       plenty of fruits and vegetables
-       good fats
-       anti-oxidant rich foods
Decreasing Overall Risk Factors:

-       obesity
-       diabetes
-       high cholesterol
-       high blood pressure
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We'll formulate an individualized treatment plan focusing on your particular risks and needs to significantly decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke.


That being said, there are also many things we can do after a heart attack or stroke to increase healing, decrease recovery time and maximize your quality of life.

Lifestyle Couselling:

-       Helping you mitigate the stress in your life

-       Gaining control of other contributing risk factors (eg. insomnia)

-       Identifying the right kind of exercise options for you
Diet/Supplementation:

- Magnesium helps heart muscles to function properly

- CoQ10 is essential for heart function

- Carnitine is an integral part of energy-production and fat breakdown for cardiac function
Healing Plants:

-  Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha) is considered a great cardiac tonic and nutritive for the heart

-  Gingko (Gingko biloba) is a vasodilator of the small and medium arteries, meaning it will increase blood flow to many areas especially the brain.

-  Motherwort (Leonarus cardiac) acts as a hypotensive (brings down blood pressure) and a nervine (calming for the nervous system)
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Have more questions about what Naturopathic Medicine can do for you and your heart? Take advantage of our Free 15 minute consults to find out more today.





References:
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. ‘Health Information’. http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.3484021/k.7C85/Heart_Disease.htm
Mayo Clinic. Heart Attack Symptoms: Know what’s a medical emergency. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/in-depth/heart-attack-symptoms/art-20047744
Murray M. & Pizzorno, J.. (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (2nd Ed.). Heart Disease, pg 500-507. Three Rivers Press.
Godfrey A. & Saunders P.R. (2010) Principles & Practices of Naturopathic Botanical Medicine: Volume I: Botanical Monographs. Cardiovascular System, pg. 81-138. CCNM Press.

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Having Trouble Sleeping?

10/29/2013

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5 Things That Could Help Improve Your Sleep

1.     Sleep in a dark room
- When going to sleep at night make sure the drapes are drawn, the computer is off or out of the room, and any other possible sources of light are blocked out. Your brain responds to darkness by producing more of the 'sleep time hormone' melatonin, so if there is too much light you may not be producing enough melatonin to send you off to a good night sleep.

2.     Keep a regular bedtime and wake up time
-       Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps to support your circadian rhythms, which is the natural rhythm your body develops that runs all your physiologically processes in a given day. Having a consist sleep time will allow your body to know when to prep for sleep so you get better sleep easier.

3.     Decrease the Stimulants
-       Anything that contains caffeine  (coffee, black tea, most soft drinks, etc.) can contribute to sleep problems. Stimulants have the effect of increasing our sympathetic response, also called the fight or flight response. The body needs to be in parasympathetic mode in order to rest. Consuming less or cutting out stimulants can be very helpful with getting more sleep.


Coffee
Espresso, restaurant-style  1 oz. (30 mL)
40-75 mg Caffeine

Espresso, restaurant-style, decaffeinated
1 oz. (30 mL)              0-15 mg Caffeine

Generic brewed     8 oz. (240 mL)
95-200 mg Caffeine

Generic brewed, decaffeinated    8 oz. (240 mL)
2-12 mg Caffeine

Generic instant     8 oz. (240 mL)
27-173 mg Caffeine

Generic instant, decaffeinated     8 oz. (240 mL)
2-12 mg Caffeine

McDonald's brewed     16 oz. (480 mL)
100 mg Caffeine

Starbucks Latte       16 oz. (480 mL)
150 mg Caffeine

Starbucks Pike Place brewed    16 oz. (480 mL)
330 mg Caffeine


Adapted from Journal of Food Science, 2010; Pediatrics, 2011; USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 23, 2010; Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 2006; Starbucks, 2011; McDonald's, 2011
*Sizes are listed in fluid ounces (oz.) and milliliters (mL).
**Caffeine is listed in milligrams (mg).


Soft drinks
7UP      12 oz. (355 mL)
0 mg Caffeine

A & W Root Beer      12 oz. (355 mL)
0 mg Caffeine

Barq's Root Beer      12 oz. (355 mL)
18 mg Caffeine

Coca-Cola Classic     12 oz. (355 mL)
30-35 mg Caffeine

Coca-Cola Zero          12 oz. (355 mL)
35 mg Caffeine

Diet Coke                      12 oz. (355 mL)
38-47 mg Caffeine

Diet Pepsi                     12 oz. (355 mL)
27-37 mg Caffeine

Dr Pepper                     12 oz. (355 mL)
36 mg Caffeine

Mountain Dew         12 oz. (355 mL)
46-55 mg Caffeine

Pepsi                              12 oz. (355 mL)
32-39 mg Caffeine

Sprite                           12 oz. (355 mL)
0 mg Caffeine

Adapted from Journal of Food Science, 2010; Pediatrics, 2011; Journal of Food Science, 2007; Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 2006
*Sizes are listed in fluid ounces (oz.) and milliliters (mL).
**Caffeine is listed in milligrams (mg).

Tea
Brewed tea
Black tea      8 oz. (240 mL)
14-61 mg Caffeine

Black tea, decaffeinated     8 oz. (240 mL)
0-12 mg Caffeine

Green tea        8 oz. (240 mL)
24-40 mg Caffeine

Iced tea
AriZona Iced Tea, lemon-flavored   8 oz. (240 mL)
11 mg Caffeine

Generic instant, unsweetened     8 oz. (240 mL)
26 mg Caffeine

Lipton Brisk Lemon Iced Tea     8 oz. (240 mL)
5-7 mg Caffeine

Adapted from Journal of Food Science, 2010; Pediatrics, 2011; Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 2008; USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 23, 2010; Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 2006
*Sizes are listed in fluid ounces (oz.) and milliliters (mL).

Energy drinks
5-Hour Energy      2 oz. (60 mL)
207 mg Caffeine

AMP, regular or sugar-free    8 oz. (240 mL)
72-74 mg Caffeine

Cran-Energy         8 oz. (240 mL)
70 mg Caffeine

Full Throttle         8 oz. (240 mL)
70-72 mg Caffeine

Monster                 8 oz. (240 mL)
80 mg Caffeine

Red Bull                  8.4 oz (250 mL)
76-80 mg Caffeine

Rockstar, regular or sugar-free     8 oz. (240 mL)
79-80 mg Caffeine

Vault, regular or sugar-free            8 oz. (240 mL)
47 mg Caffeine

Adapted from Journal of Food Science, 2010; American Academy of Pediatrics, 2011; USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 23, 2010; Consumer Reports, 2011; Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2010
*Sizes are listed in fluid ounces (oz.) and milliliters (mL).
**Caffeine is listed in milligrams (mg).

Other products

Type of product
Sweets
Chocolate chips, semisweet         1 cup
104 mg Caffeine

Dark chocolate-coated coffee beans    28 pieces
336 mg Caffeine

Foosh Energy Mints                 1 mint
100 mg Caffeine

Hershey's Kisses                       9 pieces
9 mg Caffeine

Medications
Excedrin, Extra Strength        2 tablets
130 mg Caffeine

NoDoz, Maximum Strength   1 tablet
200 mg Caffeine

Adapted from Pediatrics, 2011; USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 23, 2010; Food and Drug Administration, 2011; Vroom Foods, Inc., 2011
*Caffeine is listed in milligrams (mg).

4. Herbal Teas
- A nice soothing cup of tea before bed can make getting to sleep that much easier. There are many ‘sleepy time’ type teas on the market at the grocery store, health food store or local tea shop. One common tea is chamomile, which is very soothing for the nervous system, among other properties. Consider consulting a health care practitioner, such as a Naturopath, for herbal suggestions that will best suit your needs.

5. Acupuncture
- Acupuncture has been used for all kinds of conditions for thousands of years as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, can be very effectively addressed through Acupuncture. A preliminary report in 2004 found that in patients with anxiety, acupuncture increased nighttime melatonin production and total sleep time. The patients who received acupuncture fell asleep faster, woke less during the night, and were less stressed. The researchers concluded that, “Acupuncture treatment may be of value for some categories of anxious patients with insomnia.”



Note: This does not represent an exhaustive list of possibilities for dealing with insomnia. If you suffer from insomnia and require more information, contact your Naturopathic Doctor to find out how they can help you with your health care needs.




References:
1. Spence, DW. et al. (2004). Acupuncture increases nocturnal melatonin secretion and reduces insomnia and anxiety: a preliminary report. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. Winter;16(1):19-28.
2. Nutrition and Healthy Eating. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/AN01211. Copyright Oct. 1, 2011.


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    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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