Feel a cold sore coming on? 02/26/2012
The herpes simplex virus causes cold sores or fever blisters. A comprehensive Herpes simplex prevention/treatment dietary plan includes measures that enhance immune function. These dietary recommendations include avoiding alcohol, coffee, black tea, sugar and other refined carbohydrates, and eliminating allergenic foods from the diet. In all cases, fresh foods (especially organic) are preferable to frozen and frozen foods are preferable to canned foods. Herpes simplex virus requires the amino acid L-arginine to replicate/multiply. The amino acid L-lysine opposes some of the effects of L-arginine. Dietary treatments therefore manipulate the L-arginine/L-lysine ratio of foods eaten in an effort to inhibit the herpes virus’ ability to replicate or multiply, thereby preventing future outbreaks or shortening the duration of outbreaks when they do occur. Studies have demonstrated that L-lysine treatment (via diet and supplementation) accelerated the recovery from acute outbreaks and reduced the frequency of outbreak recurrence. By reducing the consumption of foods higher in L-arginine, it is possible that the benefits of L-lysine might be increased. In addition, it may be helpful to avoid foods whose L-lysine content has been reduced because of its destruction by heat (meats cooked at high temperature) or by heat in the presence of lactose, fructose, sucrose plus yeast (baked goods). Foods to emphasize (higher L-lysine, lower L-arginine) During active outbreaks of Herpes simplex, these foods higher in L-lysine, which may help inhibit the replication of HSV, should be emphasized (unless you have an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity to them):
These foods must be balanced with L-lysine supplementation or eaten with foods in the first group (unless you have an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity to them). During active Herpes simplex outbreaks, these foods must be avoided entirely:
These foods are to be routinely avoided:
Here's to your health, Dr. Mead Add Comment And baby makes 3... or 4... 01/25/2012
Preconception health care and fertility support What is preconception health care and why is it important? Preconception health care involves encouraging an optimal healthy state of both parents and their sperm and ova before conception is attempted or achieved. It is a way to increase fertility, reduce the risks of birth defects, and maximize the baby’s chances for a healthy life. There are many aspects of today’s society that have the potential to interfere with conception including: chronic stress, waiting to have a baby until later in life, toxin and radiation exposure, diets high in processed and refined foods that are devoid of nutrients, and losing touch with nature and natural rhythms. Preconception health care can help to compensate for these challenges and optimize the health of both the parents and the baby. When is the best time to start preconception health care? At least 4 months prior to the intended time of conception to allow for the maturation of healthy eggs and the production of healthy sperm. Even more time is ideal so that any necessary detoxification can be completed and any other health concerns can be more thoroughly addressed. It also may take extra time to assess and treat the underlying causes of any fertility concerns. Check out the following link for a great Q&A on Preconception care: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/preconception/QandA.htm Here's to your health, Dr. Mead How to create a dust-free bedroom Part 2 12/09/2011
CARPETING AND FLOORING Carpeting makes dust control impossible. Although shag carpets are the worst type to have if you are dust sensitive, all carpets trap dust. Therefore, health care experts recommend hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors. Treating carpets with tannic acid eliminates some dust mite allergen. Tannic acid, however, is
Keep only one bed in the bedroom. Most importantly, encase box springs and mattress in a zippered dust-proof or allergen-proof cover. Scrub bed springs outside the room. If you must have a second bed in the room, prepare it in the same manner. Use only washable materials on the bed. Sheets, blankets, and other bedclothes should be washed frequently in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS Keep furniture and furnishings to a minimum.
A dehumidifier may help because house mites need high humidity to live and grow. You should take special care to clean the unit frequently with a disinfectant solution (1 cup vineagar in 1 gallon water) or a commercial product to prevent mold growth. Although low humidity may reduce dust mite levels, it might irritate your nose and lungs. CHILDREN In addition to the above guidelines, if you are caring for a child who is dust-sensitive
Keep all animals with fur or feathers out of the bedroom. If you are allergic to dust mites, you could also be allergic or develop an allergy to cats, dogs, or other animals. Although these steps may seem difficult at first, experience plus habit will make them easier. The results-better breathing, fewer medicines, and greater freedom from allergy and asthma attacks-will be well worth your effort. Resources: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease Here's to your health, Dr. Mead How to create a dust free bedroom 12/02/2011
How to Create a Dust-Free Bedroom If you are dust-sensitive, especially if you have allergies and/or asthma, you can reduce some of your misery by creating a "dust-free" bedroom. Dust may contain molds, fibers, and dander from dogs, cats, and other animals, as well as tiny dust mites. These mites, which live in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets, thrive in the summer and die in the winter. They will, however, continue to thrive in the winter if the house is warm and humid. The particles seen floating in a shaft of sunlight include dead mites and their waste products. The waste products actually provoke the allergic reaction. The routine cleaning necessary to maintain a dust-free bedroom also can help reduce exposure to cockroaches, another important cause of asthma in some allergic people. You probably cannot control dust conditions under which you work or spend your daylight hours. To a large extent, however, you can eliminate dust from your bedroom. To create a dust-free bedroom, you must reduce the number of surfaces on which dust can collect. In addition to getting medical care for your dust allergy and/or asthma, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases suggests the following guidelines. PREPARATION
In the meantime, I bet my the knowledgeable staff at Maid Natural Cleaning could help you out. They have excellent natural cleaning services available for residential and commercial spaces. They also have lots of experience working with parents with chemical or allergen sensitive children. Resources: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease Here's to your health, Dr. Mead ANTIOXIDANTS: WHAT THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY DO 11/23/2011
WHAT IS OXIDATION? Oxidation is a reactive chemical process whereby one atom or molecule with an unpaired electron (usually a form of oxygen and often referred to as a “free radical”) robs an electron from another atom or molecule. Fire is one of the most literal or extreme examples of this process, demonstrating how potentially reactive and self-perpetuating oxidation can be. Oxidation, however, can also occur at a much slower rate and more subtly, such as in the rancidity of fats and oils or the yellowing of newsprint. Oxidation occurs in the presence of heat and/or light (energy), at a rate that depends upon fuel availability and levels of oxygen or other “oxidizers” etc. Our bodies’ cells burn or “oxidize” food (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) in the presence of oxygen in the same manner, but our metabolism controls the “burn” of digested food to release much less of the resulting energy as heat and instead directs the released energy to run our biological machinery. In addition to the processes of metabolic energy production following digestion, oxidation also occurs randomly and perpetually throughout the body in a domino-like fashion. The fats/lipids present in our cell membranes are especially vulnerable. Once an atom or molecule is oxidized (has an electron stolen), it, in turn, steals an electron from another atom or molecule, and so on. The process runs amok. IS OXYGEN THE ONLY CAUSE? Generally, oxygen is the cause. However, our primary concern is what turns oxygen into a “free radical creator” in the first place. Our environment is a dangerous place when it comes to free radical producers: radiation, air pollution, pesticides, anesthetics, gasoline vapors, fried and char-broiled foods, drugs, solvents, alcohol, lead and mercury are just some of the offenders we deal with. The damage of sunburn is caused by the free radicals formed by UV light. One of the worst offenders is first- and second-hand cigarette smoke, producing literally billions of free radicals in just one “puff”. SO ARE WE SAFE IF WE AVOID THESE THINGS? Unfortunately, we are not. Day-to-day living generates free radicals. The normal metabolic reactions of the body are constantly creating free radicals—they are the byproducts of the regular construction/destruction of body tissues and the detoxification of drugs and wastes in the liver. Even heavy exercise causes a flood of free radicals. Alternatively, our amazingly intelligent body utilizes the power and reactivity of free radicals for the good: the immune cells that patrol our blood and tissues for bacteria, viruses, cancer cells and other invaders make and use free radicals as their main ammunition to kill these intruders. SINCE FREE RADICALS ARE EVERYWHERE, ARE WE DOOMED? In a sense we are doomed. Many doctors and scientists support the theory that free radical damage is behind the process of aging where accumulated damage over a lifetime leads to an eventual breakdown of the glues that hold us together. Free radicals are also implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases and conditions, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, bursitis, lupus, other autoimmune diseases and inflammation. The body is not defenseless, however, creating and utilizing antioxidant atoms and molecules to quench these free radicals and thwart this ongoing process of oxidation. Antioxidants carry an extra electron along with them, searching the body for a free radical to give it to. Once accomplished, these antioxidant atoms and molecules are reusable, picking up another electron from a safe source without generating new free radicals, allowing them to perpetually perform their task. WHERE DO ANTIOXIDANTS COME FROM? Some antioxidants are proteins made by the body, and many others are delivered to us in the food we eat or supplements we take. The most important of these are vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene (and the other carotenoids), bioflavonoids, selenium, zinc, and some amino acids. Food sources for these are listed below. ARE FOOD SOURCES OF ANTIOXIDANTS ENOUGH? While they are readily available from our foods, our antioxidant defense systems are vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies. Many health practitioners believe that the increased load of toxins in today's environment combined with the borderline diets we eat tip the oxidant/antioxidant balance against us. Antioxidant supplements can help tip the balance back in our favor and may slow the aging process. MAJOR ANTIOXIDANT NUTRIENTS AND THEIR DIETARY SOURCES Carotene(s) Broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots (and juice), fresh or dried apricots, mangoes and persimmons, leafy greens (spinach, kale, mustard, collard, Swiss chard), pumpkin, winter squash, sweet potatoes, tomato products Vitamin C Blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, citrus fruits and juices (oranges and grapefruits), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, cabbage), leafy greens (mustard, turnip, kale, collard), melons (especially cantaloupe), papaya, kiwi, mangoes, pineapple, guava, strawberries, red and green peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and tomato juice Bioflavonoids Apples, green tea, onions, cherries, blueberries, herbs (bilberry, hawthorne, chamomile, ginkgo, milk thistle), quercetin, and citrus (from the fleshy portion of the peel), green pepper Vitamin E Avocados, fish and shellfish, leafy greens (fresh spinach, kale, collard), mangoes, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, whole grain products, vegetable oils, egg yolk Selenium & Zinc Cashews, eggs, garlic, halibut, oysters, salmon, tuna, scallops Oysters, crabmeat, cheese, beef roast, pumpkin seeds, dry roasted cashews, whole grains Resources
Here's to your health, Dr. Mead STRESS! - What does it feel like? 10/12/2011
Stress does not always seem like it's screaming at you in all capital letters. Sometimes it's subtle. There are your typical symptoms like headache, anxiety, feelings of overwhelm and fatigue. There are also less obvious signs like indigestion, bloating, constipation and hives. There are a number of dietary and lifestyle changes as well as supplements that can help your mind, body and spirit cope with stress in a healthy way.Here are a few other symptoms to be aware of and seek treatment if they become chronic or disruptive to your daily life: PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS ___ anxiety ___ loneliness ___ depression ___ intrusive thoughts ___ difficulty concentrating ___ relationship problems ___ forgetful ___ family problems ___ agitation, hyper ___ work problems ___ feeling overwhelmed ___ irritability ___ irrational thoughts/fears ___ excessive worry/obsessing ___ compulsive behavior ___ feelings of guilt ___ confusion ___ tearful ___ feelings of unreality ___ nightmares ___ feeling of being detached from oneself ___ social isolation/withdrawal ___ restless/on edge ___ apathy/indifference ___ mood swings ___ sexual dysfunction PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS ___ headaches ___ fatigue ___ muscle tension ___ high blood pressure ___ low back pain ___ sleep disturbance ___ upper back, neck, or shoulder pain ___ appetite disturbance ___ clenching teeth ___ diarrhea ___ abdominal distress ___ digestive problems ___ nausea ___ constipation ___ shaking or trembling ___ rash/hives/shingles ___ numbness or tingling ___ use of alcohol/cigarettes/or other drugs ___ feeling of choking to deal with stress ___ chills or hot flashes ___ bowel problems ___ sweating ___ thyroid dysfunction ___ sleep disturbance ___ other stress related health problems Here's to your health! Would you like to reduce your risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer? Would you like to improve your quality of life by increasing your energy, decreasing your stress and improving your mood? First line therapy can help you achieve your goals of optimal health now and in the future! First Line Therapy is a therapeutic lifestyle program which gives you the tools to make choices everyday that prevent disease and promote wellness. It is based on extensive research indicating that lifestyle changes are the most effective in treating various chronic diseases. It addresses health concerns including cardiovascular disease, asthma, obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, high cholesterol, high or low blood sugar; gastrointestinal, hormonal, mood, mental and musculoskeletal issues. It is a broad-based approach tailored to each individual’s unique health status. First line therapy is not your average weight loss program. Yes, excess weight is a major contributor to health risks but it is important to make the distinction between the type of weight gained and lost. First Line Therapy takes your whole body composition into consideration ie. your lean muscle mass to fat mass ratio. Many weight loss programs have been shown to result in a considerable loss of lean muscle mass and loss of fat mass to a lesser degree or even a gain in fat mass! Losing lean muscle causes depletion in the body’s protein reserve and can lead to decreased immunity and advanced aging. Losing fat mass can decrease cardiovascular health risks, blood sugar and insulin levels, blood pressure, cholesterol and LDL’s (“bad” cholesterol) while increasing HDL (“good” cholesterol) and improving symptoms of arthritis and sleep apnea. This program includes comprehensive initial clinical tests and follow-up tests which may include the following: - Physical Exams - Laboratory Blood tests – Cholesterol levels, LDL, HDL, Glucose, Insulin, Hgb A1c - Bioimpedance Analysis – Assesses lean body mass, fat mass, cellular integrity and basal metabolic rate Initial consultation to review test results, health history, health profile and goals. You will receive the following: - Your personal First Line Therapy Guidebook - Meal plan – We’ll determine the most appropriate caloric intake for you considering your Basal Metabolic Rate, activity level and weight/health goals - Exercise Plan – We’ll develop an aerobic and strength training program to help you reach healthy cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fitness levels, building lean mass and deceasing excess fat mass - Supplement recommendations - Various supplements can improve your blood sugar control, digestion, inflammation, detoxification, lipid profile, hormone balance and stress response - Stress management techniques – Reducing stress can improve eating habits, hormone levels, sleep and general well being. We’ll discuss and choose from techniques ranging from deep breathing and guided imagery to meditation and massage therapy. - Weekly consultations for lifestyle counselling Learn More at http://www.metagenics.com/flt/patient_flt.asp Dark, Delicious Greens... 03/19/2011
Dark leafy green vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, C, K, folate, calcium and iron. They are also provide you with the fibre you need to maintain healthy digestion. You can make them into salads, steam them, use them as wraps and add them to soups or stir-fries! So whether it's kale, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, swiss chard, arugula or mustard, dandelion or collard greens - there are many ways to get your greens in! Here is a great recipe I recently tried for Indian Saag. I used kale and spinach for mine. "Indian saag is a curry of cooked mustard or similar 'bitter' greens (kale, collards, turnip greens), and spinach or similar mild greens (chard, bok choy, beet greens). Any combination of greens works! Use more spices and peppers for hot saag, or less for mild." Ingredients
Enjoy! Here's to your health, Dr. Mead Happy New Year! It's half way through January and you may already be feeling the temptation to postpone or ignore some of the resolutions you made only a few weeks ago. New Year's resolutions, like any other changes, should be manageable and practical to ensure success. Here are some tips to help you keep your health-related resolutions: 1. Be practical in your choice Choose to make changes that can fit into your lifestyle easily and you're more likely to be successful. For example, during lunch hour, eat for 45 minutes and take a walk for the last 15 minutes. 2. Be very specific in your goal For example, "I will walk 15 minutes twice a day" is a better goal than "I will lose 15 pounds" and "I will add a more vegetables (eg. kale, spinach) to my dinner" is a better goal than "I will eat healthier". 3. If you eliminating a bad habit, make sure to replace it with a good one. For example, if you're going to reduce or avoid pop/soda, drink an extra few glasses of water in its place. Also, add another glass of water for each pop you do drink and for every 20 minutes of exercise. 4. Team up with a friend or partner It's much easier to make changes with support. Either tell a friend of your resolutions to create some accountability and have a supportive cheering section OR plan walks/exercise and maybe even healthy grocery shopping dates with your friend or partner. 5. Have fun! It's so important to enjoy what you are doing and feel connected to the process of achieving your goal. Sign up for a dance or cooking class or try out new recipes, include friends in your goals and do things together. If you enjoy what you are doing, you'll likely stick with it! 6. Celebrate your progress and reward yourself Little incentives along the way came make the path a little smoother. Celebrate and reward yourself with healthy delights like an aroma therapy bath, a massage, new haircut or manicure/pedicure, restorative spa yoga, acupuncture or a nice bouquet of flowers. Here are some great resources for you: Nicole Van Damme Massage: http://www.nicolevandamme.com/ Keely Anderson, "Glossed" Nail Care: 778 998 0332 Emma Miller at Hype Hair Studio in Kitsilano: 604-732-4973 Sarah Harrison, Inner Tuth Yoga: http://www.innertruthyoga.org/ Dr. Eyal Lebel, Acupuncture: http://drlebeltcm.com/ Heather March, Florist, Greenstems Floral Boutique: www.greenstems.ca 7. Seek professional help Ask an expert on nutrition, healthy weight loss or supplements - like a naturopathic doctor - for advice and guidance. Good luck and Here's to your health, Dr. Mead Immune Support Breakfast Recipe 11/10/2010
IMMUNE SUPPORT BREAKFAST This is intended to be used to strengthen the immune system, and is not designed to be hypoallergenic. Modify it as needed for your personal dietary needs. Ingredients This portion should be mixed and kept in the refrigerator.Rolled Grains 4 Cups Whole grains Oat Bran(Mother’s) or Rice bran 2 Cups (to Balanced cholesterol) Dried Fruit 1/2 Cup (for Flavor) Sunflower or Pumpkin Seeds (can be ground) 1 Cup (Protein source) Raw, unsalted Nuts 1 Cup (Protein source) Lecithin Granules 1 Cup (To emulsify fats) These ingredients should be ground and kept in the freezer so that they do not go rancid. A coffee grinder works best. You should add 1 tablespoon to a normal size bowl. Flax seeds 1 Cup (Omega 3 oils source) Silybrum Marianum Seeds (Milk thistle) 1 Cup (to Protect the liver) SERVING: Soak for at least 30 minutes; you can use milk, soymilk, rice dream, nutmilk, juice or water. To increase protein content, eat with some yogurt or stir in some tofu. Enjoy! Here's to your Health, Dr. Mead | Dr. Adeola Mead
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