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Articles By Dr. Marni Ross
Updated January 2008
Benefits of Fish Oils
Fish oils, sometimes known as Omega 3 fatty acids, are
one of those supplements that truly can benefit so many
people and help to treat a variety of health conditions.
Fish oils contain two essential fatty acids – EPA
(eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic
acid). These essential fatty acids can be found in
vegetarian sources as well, such as flax oil, however only
a very small amount can be converted into EPA.
So what exactly are these essential fatty acids and how
can they help you? DHA is required for optimal brain
health. The cells that surround the brain need these
fats. Therefore DHA specifically helps with memory
retention, concentration and focus. In addition, it is
required for the brain of a developing baby, so all
pregnant women out there, consider adding fish oils to
your list of supplements. EPA has an anti-inflammatory
affect on the body, so any type of inflammatory condition
such as arthritis, eczema, allergies, inflammatory bowel
disease, asthma and headaches can improve when
these fats are taken. EPA also has a huge impact on
cardiovascular health. Specifically, it can the lower the
“bad” cholesterol and can help with arteriosclerosis.
Eating different types of fish such as mackerel, salmon,
herring, sardines, black cod, anchovies, albacore tuna,
and wild game is a sure way to get your Omega 3 fatty
acids. However, when treating the conditions mentioned
above, sometimes eating fish is not enough. In these
situations a good quality fish oil supplement is often
beneficial.
Immune Boosting Tips
Now that fall is here, the changes in weather can take a
toll on our immune systems. Here are some naturopathic
tips to keep you staying healthy:
Other Lifestyle Factors:
Feeling overworked, stressed and burnt out?
Then likely your adrenal (stress) glands are exhausted.
Your adrenal glands release your stress hormones –
adrenaline and cortisol. Under mild to moderate stress,
small amounts of these hormones are released, which is
normal. However chronic, severe or long-term stress can
cause the release of large amounts of these hormones
and eventually the adrenals are overworked and shut
down. Stress management like exercise, deep
breathing, meditation and massage is extremely
important. Eating a healthy diet and ensuring you get
enough B vitamins are also helpful. These measures are
often not enough. A Naturopathic Doctor can prescribe
supplements that contain a combination of herbs and
nutrients that are formulated to directly target the
adrenal glands. The result is more energy and vitality,
better sleep, a greater capacity to deal with problems
and less anxiety.
Digestive problems? How Naturopathic
Medicine can help you!
Do you suffer from bloating, constipation, diarrhea,
heartburn or general digestive discomfort? If you do,
then your digestive system is not functioning optimally
which means that you may be deficient in vitamins,
minerals and/or protein, your digestive tract may be toxic
and your immune system may be compromised. Focusing
on the root cause from a naturopathic standpoint there
are many potential reasons for these symptoms:
Some solutions:
Benefits of Fish Oils
Fish oils, sometimes known as Omega 3 fatty acids, are
one of those supplements that truly can benefit so many
people and help to treat a variety of health conditions.
Fish oils contain two essential fatty acids – EPA
(eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic
acid). These essential fatty acids can be found in
vegetarian sources as well, such as flax oil, however only
a very small amount can be converted into EPA.
So what exactly are these essential fatty acids and how
can they help you? DHA is required for optimal brain
health. The cells that surround the brain need these
fats. Therefore DHA specifically helps with memory
retention, concentration and focus. In addition, it is
required for the brain of a developing baby, so all
pregnant women out there, consider adding fish oils to
your list of supplements. EPA has an anti-inflammatory
affect on the body, so any type of inflammatory condition
such as arthritis, eczema, allergies, inflammatory bowel
disease, asthma and headaches can improve when
these fats are taken. EPA also has a huge impact on
cardiovascular health. Specifically, it can the lower the
“bad” cholesterol and can help with arteriosclerosis.
Eating different types of fish such as mackerel, salmon,
herring, sardines, black cod, anchovies, albacore tuna,
and wild game is a sure way to get your Omega 3 fatty
acids. However, when treating the conditions mentioned
above, sometimes eating fish is not enough. In these
situations a good quality fish oil supplement is often
beneficial.
Immune Boosting Tips
Now that fall is here, the changes in weather can take a
toll on our immune systems. Here are some naturopathic
tips to keep you staying healthy:
- Vitamin C – acts as an immune enhancer and has
antioxidant properties. I usually recommend either
Scorbatate (Genestra) or Ultra Potency C
(Metagenics) as these contain high amounts of
absorbable Vitamin C. - Zinc – also helps to boost the immune system.
- Probiotics - help to replenish friendly intestinal
bacteria and support digestive and immune health. - Echinacea – an excellent herb to be used SHORT
term to boost the immune system. Works best
when taken at the onset of cold/flu symptoms. - Astragalus – another great herb that can be used
long term to prevent colds.
Other Lifestyle Factors:
- Drink lots of water
- Get plenty of rest
- Wash your hands often to prevent transmission of
a virus - Eat a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables to
ensure that you get enough of your vitamins and
minerals.
Feeling overworked, stressed and burnt out?
Then likely your adrenal (stress) glands are exhausted.
Your adrenal glands release your stress hormones –
adrenaline and cortisol. Under mild to moderate stress,
small amounts of these hormones are released, which is
normal. However chronic, severe or long-term stress can
cause the release of large amounts of these hormones
and eventually the adrenals are overworked and shut
down. Stress management like exercise, deep
breathing, meditation and massage is extremely
important. Eating a healthy diet and ensuring you get
enough B vitamins are also helpful. These measures are
often not enough. A Naturopathic Doctor can prescribe
supplements that contain a combination of herbs and
nutrients that are formulated to directly target the
adrenal glands. The result is more energy and vitality,
better sleep, a greater capacity to deal with problems
and less anxiety.
Digestive problems? How Naturopathic
Medicine can help you!
Do you suffer from bloating, constipation, diarrhea,
heartburn or general digestive discomfort? If you do,
then your digestive system is not functioning optimally
which means that you may be deficient in vitamins,
minerals and/or protein, your digestive tract may be toxic
and your immune system may be compromised. Focusing
on the root cause from a naturopathic standpoint there
are many potential reasons for these symptoms:
- Food allergies/sensitivities
- Lack of good bacteria within the gut lining
- Stress
- Lack of digestive enzymes
- Lack of stomach acid
- Yeast/bacterial overgrowth
Some solutions:
- Simple diet changes such as cutting down on your
dairy intake - Nutritional supplements like good quality digestive
support such as Intenzyme or Betaine Plus HP by
Biotics Research - Herbs like Allimax and Oreganum Plus to cleanse
the digestive tract - Acupuncture to balance the organs of digestion
- Lab testing such as food sensitivity testing or
digestive stool analyses can also provide valuable
information about the environment in the digestive
tract and food allergies. Very often patients have
food allergies that they are unaware of and that
are adversely affecting their health.
Useful Links
Resources
Alternative Medicine Digest
http://www.alternativemedicine.com
The Friends of Alternative & Complementary Therapies
http://www.thefacts.org
Herb Research Foundation
http://www.herbs.org
Health
Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca
Canadian Women's Health Network
http://www.cwhn.ca
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/index.html
Associations
The Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors
http://www.oand.org
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
http://naturopathicassoc.ca
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
http://www.naturopathic.org
Alternative Medicine Digest
http://www.alternativemedicine.com
The Friends of Alternative & Complementary Therapies
http://www.thefacts.org
Herb Research Foundation
http://www.herbs.org
Health
Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca
Canadian Women's Health Network
http://www.cwhn.ca
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/index.html
Associations
The Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors
http://www.oand.org
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
http://naturopathicassoc.ca
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
http://www.naturopathic.org
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© Marni Ross ND 2004-2008
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