Dr. Scarlett Cooper, Naturopathic Doctor
  • Home
  • About Dr. Cooper
  • Naturopathic Medicine
    • What is Naturopathic Medicine?
    • Naturopathic Doctor's Oath
    • Guiding Principles
    • Therapies Offered
    • New Patients
    • Children's Health Care
    • Complimentary Consultations
  • Resources
    • Podcasts and Events
    • Blog
    • Recipes >
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch/Dinner
      • Healthy Dessert
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Paleo
      • Sugar-Free
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • List of Resources
  • Contact

Why am I so tired?

12/4/2014

0 Comments

 
Q:  Why am I so tired even when I get enough sleep?

A:  There are many reasons for fatigue despite getting adequate sleep.  Iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and thyroid dysfunction are common culprits.  If blood tests are normal, we must consider other potential causes.  One of the most important causes of fatigue often does not show up on blood tests: Adrenal Fatigue.

Our adrenal glands produce hormones to help us respond to stressful situations.  In the short term, this is a good thing; it helps us cope and saves us from danger.  In cases of chronic stress, however, this can eventually result in ‘burnout’.  Supporting the adrenals with nutrition, herbs, and stress management is vital to optimize energy levels and sleep patterns.

As seen in the Cloverdale Reporter...
Picture
0 Comments

Healthy Holiday Digestion

12/1/2014

0 Comments

 
I'm so proud and excited to present my published article, Healthy Holiday Digestion, in the Choices' newsletter.  For ease of reading, the entire article is printed below the images - just scroll down.
Picture
Picture
Hippocrates is known for saying ‘All disease begins in the gut’, and digestive symptoms are our body’s way of telling us that something is off balance.  To manage digestive discomfort and keep holiday spirits high, certain naturopathic approaches can be helpful.

Heartburn

While there are many food triggers for heartburn, it is not always clear what is causing this unpleasant sensation.  Particularly during the holiday season, a common trigger is not necessarily a specific food but rather the large size of the meals that we enjoy.   It is also a common myth that heartburn is caused by excessive stomach acid, when in fact many cases are due to insufficient stomach acid.  The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which normally prevents food from travelling upward, is sensitive to acid and stays closed when acid is increased, such as after a meal.  If a person has low stomach acid, the LES becomes slack, allowing food to travel upward and cause heartburn.

Bloating

It is no surprise that feeling bloated is more common during the holidays, since eating quickly and having large portions are major causes of bloating.  Rich and fatty foods are another trigger.  Fat increases the time it takes to digest a meal and results in food remaining in the stomach for a longer period of time.  In some people, food sensitivities can cause bloating.  Two common culprits are gluten and dairy, which are abundant in traditional holiday meals.

Stomach discomfort

Stomach pain after eating is a common occurrence during the holidays, and can be due to many factors, including overeating, food sensitivities, and stress.  The connection between our brain and digestive system, the ‘gut-brain-axis’, illustrates the effect our mind can have on digestion, and vice versa.  Stress and anxiety can be the cause or the result of disrupted digestive processes.

Treatment

Identifying the cause of digestive trouble is the best place to start in preventing discomfort.  For some, stress management is important over the holidays; techniques such as deep breathing and eating mindfully can help us slow down and reduce overeating.  Simple strategies to optimize digestion include squeezing lemon into drinking water and taking diluted apple cider vinegar with meals.  Probiotics and fermented foods can help optimize gut flora, and bitter herbs and digestive enzymes can also improve digestion. 

Certain herbs can be very soothing after eating; try herbal tea rather than a second glass of eggnog.  Ginger is excellent at helping relieve nausea and an upset stomach.  Peppermint and fennel soothe digestion after a meal, and cinnamon aids digestion while adding a pleasant holiday spice.  For some people with digestive concerns, working with a naturopathic doctor for overall support is a smart solution to effectively treat you as an individual.

0 Comments

    Author

    Dr. Cooper is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in British Columbia and has a general family practice in Surrey and Squamish.

    Archives

    October 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    May 2016
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    December 2013
    May 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    December 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012

    Categories

    All
    Allergies
    Antioxidant
    Breakfast
    Budget Tips
    Cancer
    Dairy Free
    Dessert
    Digestive Health
    Food Prep Tips
    Gluten Free
    Local
    Lunch/Dinner
    Naturopathic Medicine
    Organic
    Paleo
    Pediatrics
    Seasonal
    Sugar Free
    Vegan
    Vegetarian

    RSS Feed

Island Integrative Health
104 Front Street, Nanaimo BC, V9R 5H7

250-754-0887
[email protected]