By Dr. Suzanne Bartolini, Naturopathic Doctor
 
What is Candida? Candida Albicans is a yeast that naturally resides in the human body. Under healthy conditions, it lives in harmony with other microorganisms. It normally resides in the intestinal tract, throat, mouth, and genitals. BUT – it can become problematic if it has an opportunity to proliferate and upset the balance of bacteria in the body. It will then burrow holes in the intestinal tract, enter the blood steam, and make its way into any organ of the body, overwhelming the immune system, and wreaking havoc on overall health.
 
What are some symptoms of Candida?  Candida can become the insidious culprit behind many common health problems, including: excessive fatigue, headaches, anxiety, food allergies, unexplained muscle and joint pain, skin problems like acne and eczema, sinus congestion, urinary tract infections, hormonal imbalances, digestive disturbances like gas and bloating, and “brain fog” – the inability to think clearly or concentrate.
 
What causes Candida? The two main contributors to Candida overgrowth in the body are the overuse of antibiotics and a diet high in sugar and refined foods. But also, prescription drugs such as the birth control pill and corticosteroids, heavy metal toxins, stress, and vitamin deficiencies – can all play a role in creating an imbalance in the body that enables Candida to thrive.
 
What are some Naturopathic ways to treat Candida? The following are a few tips to help your immune system overcome Candida overgrowth:

• Reduce sugar and refined products in your diet - This includes carbohydrates and alcohol. Most processed and packaged foods contain sugar so check food labels carefully. 
  
  
• Eat foods with anti-microbial properties - Increase the intake of anti-fungal foods in your diet such as garlic and oregano.
  
  
• Keep your colon clean – Ensuring regular bowel movements will help prevent toxins from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream from the colon.
  
  
• Keep your home environment healthy – Toxic chemicals weaken the immune system and this allows yeast to proliferate.
  
  
• Take a good quality probiotic – Investing in a good probiotic - and taking it properly - will help restore a healthy intestinal flora and re-colonize the gastrointestinal tract with beneficial bacteria, which improves the immune system. 
  
  
• Address any nutritional deficiencies you may have – Load up on anti-oxidants such as vitamin C to help in the battle against Candida.

 

• Investigate other natural supplements that have anti-fungal properties – for instance, berberine, caprylic acid, Pau D’Arco, grapefruit seed extract, and colloidal silver, all have antimicrobial effects.

 
Candida overgrowth is a complex health issue and can be difficult to treat.  If you think you have this condition, it may be a good idea to contact a Naturopathic Doctor to provide the guidance for successful treatment, and to improve your overall health and well being.

>>>Click here to book an appointment with Dr Suzanne Bartolini

There are many different types of detoxification programs which cleanse the body of toxins, and each type has its own specific purpose and benefits. For instance, Heavy metal cleanses focus on removing accumulations of heavy metals from the body, such as mercury and aluminum. Organism cleanses work to eliminate specific organisms, such as parasites or candida yeast. Organ cleanses detoxify the liver and gall bladder, lungs, kidneys, and colon.

One of the main organs involved in cleansing is the liver, which filters all impurities and toxins from the blood. The liver filters these substances and reduces them into compounds that the body can then eliminate through the kidneys (as urine), the skin (as sweat), the lungs (as expelled air), and the bowels (as feces). It is important for overall health to make sure that each organ system is functioning optimally.
By improving the efficiency of these systems you will notice that you have more energy, sleep better, are more mentally alert, and have enhanced well-being that is especially visible in better skin and shiny hair. You may even notice that you suffer less from colds and flus because of an improvement in your immune system. 

Health concerns that can benefit from a personalized cleansing program include:
• Constipation and digestion problems such as bloating— poor bowel movements encourage harmful bacteria and toxins to accumulate over time.
• High cholesterol and high blood pressure— detoxification diets help to establish lifestyle changes that are important in both treatment and prevention of strokes and heart disease.
• Colds and flus – This is a clear reflection of a much weaker immune function and the body’s inability to fight bacteria and viruses well. 
• Also— headaches and migraines, allergies and sensitivities, joint pain, smokers, those with high alcohol consumption, and those who generally feel fatigue and tired.

A Naturopathic doctor can find the best cleanse program for you personally. Under guided supervision, a total health plan can be created for you that rejuvenates your energy and restores your health to an optimal level. 
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Dr Bartolini is at Rebound Health + Wellness on Wednesdays. Interested in jump starting your health naturally? Book an Initial Assessment with Dr Bartolini  >>> Book Online

What are the top three most common issues you help clients address?

1. Acute neck or low back pain- patients who have injured themselves, with a sudden onset of pain
2. Headaches and Migraines -I often see people suffering from headaches and migraines, research strongly supports the fact that chiropractic care can reduce the frequency and severity of many different kinds of headaches
3. Shoulder pain – Being located in a gym probably makes this a more common issue with our patients, many people don’t realize that I can treat all areas including your shoulders (and knees, and wrists, etc!). Acupuncture is a fantastic option for these issues.

 
What approaches or techniques do you use as a chiropractor use to treat issues of the musculoskeletal system?
Depending on the issue someone presents with, I use an individualized approach based on current evidence, and clinical experience. This means that I do not follow a cookie cutter approach for everyone. I have a variety of techniques in my “toolbox” as a chiropractor, depending on the area of concern. Treatments often include some soft tissue therapy (muscle release), joint mobilizations to improve motion and decrease pain, and other techniques which include medical acupuncture, instrumented soft tissue treatment, and taping. I also work with my patients to address their ergonomics, sleep positioning, exercise routines, and I provide stretching and strengthening advice when needed.

If you could give everyone one piece of advice this summer what would it be?
Listen to your body! If you are sore and achy during work, take a break- get up and stretch, go for a walk, and stop eating your lunch at your desk! When gardening or exercising, if you feel a strain consider what you are doing before it’s too late.

What is new and exciting on the Chiropractic horizon for this summer?
Chiropractors in Ontario are working harder than ever before to become an integral part of your primary health care team. As musculoskeletal experts, we continue to collaborate with medical doctors, and work to improve patient outcomes in reducing chronic pain.

How is a chiropractor different than a physiotherapist?
Chiropractors and physiotherapists work towards the same goals of improving your function and mobility, while decreasing pain. Chiropractors study conditions and diseases of the musculoskeletal system extensively, and as a result are legislated with the right to diagnose and communicate a diagnosis and are legally permitted the term Doctor. Chiropractors are allowed to provide more forceful mobilizations to the spine known as adjustments; physiotherapists with extra certifications can also do this as well. Both chiropractors and physiotherapists often have a focus on rehabilitation to decrease the possibility of your condition returning. Physiotherapists tend to work more hands on with their clients to complete their rehabilitation exercises.

What can someone expect an initial appointment with you to look like?
An initial assessment includes a thorough health history, and an orthopedic examination. After discussing your current concern, I will examine the area at issue, using a variety of orthopedic tests to determine the root cause. If it is something I can treat, we will discuss my recommended treatment plan, and I start off with some treatment and recommendations. If needed, I will refer you to another appropriate practitioner such as your family doctor, or for an x ray for further assessment.

Dr Hamilton provides free 15 minute consultations to discuss treatment options, and to learn more about chiropractic (please note no health advice is given during these sessions). Click here to book online >>

By Dr Suzanne Bartolini, Naturopathic Doctor

As the warmer weather falls upon us, many people begin to experience the discomforts of allergies. Symptoms can range from runny nose and sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, recurring ear and sinus congestion or infections, headaches, skin rashes, hives, general fatigue, and the list goes on… Allergies are brought on by a hyper-sensitive immune response to several substances, whether they are inside our homes or in the environment. This includes pollens, mold spores, dust, dander from household pets, dust mites, certain foods in our diets, etc. So what can we do?

Here are a few tips to stop allergies from taking over this summer:
   
• Rinse your nasal passageways daily – Studies have shown that nasal irrigation is effective for adults as well as children. Allergen irritants can be rinsed out of your nasal passages using a simple warm saline solution with a netti pot or squeeze bottle. 

• Try self-acupressure  – There is an acupressure point on either side of your nostrils where your cheeks and nose meet. Apply moderate pressure and massage this area with your fingers for 2-3 minutes.

• Eat foods that strengthen your immune system – Foods rich in antioxidants such as leafy green vegetables improve immunity, which in turn improves allergies. A large part of our immune system lies in our gastrointestinal tract so good probiotics are also beneficial.

• Incorporate anti-inflammatory fruits into your diet – Fruits such as papaya, kiwi, and pineapple contain bromelain, which is an anti-inflammatory enzyme.

• Avoid foods that irritate the immune system and produce excessive mucous - This includes refined and packaged foods, sugars, caffeine, dairy products, and certain grains to name a few.

• Drink green tea – Some teas contain natural antihistamines.  Since histamines are released during an allergic reaction, incorporating natural antihistamines will help the immune system.

• Stay well-hydrated - Water is important to keep the sinuses hydrated and is essential for proper lymphatic drainage. Adequate water intake will flush excess mucous and clear toxins. 

• Don’t forget simple things like washing hands after working or playing outside and bathing in the evening to keep pollens out of your bedding.

*Each person is unique.  The above suggestions are simply the beginning steps for eliminating allergies.  If you have been suffering from allergies, you may want to consider a Naturopathic approach, which strengthens the body and immune system through proper diet strategies, cleansing, acupuncture, and balanced supplementation. Book in with Dr Suzanne Bartolini to learn more about how a Naturopathic Doctor can help. Dr Bartolini is in clinic on Wednesdays

​What are the top three most common issues you help your patients address?  

I tend to see a lot of patients who have food sensitivities and digestive issues such as gas, bloating, heartburn, constipation/diarrhea, etc. Some of these patients have underlying conditions like IBS or IBD. 
I also often work with women who deal with PMS and menopause symptoms, to rebalance their hormone levels. This also includes breast and bone health.  
Many people also come to see me because they suffer from low energy or they are frequently sick and are wanting to strengthen their immune system.  I really enjoy working with people of all ages (including children) to improve their health.
 
How might a Naturopathic Doctor's approach differ, or compliment the treatment someone may receive from their GP?

Naturopathic doctors are licensed health care professionals trained to treat diverse medical conditions and work collaboratively with GPs and other health care professions. Like family doctors, we are trained to diagnose diseases, to order and interpret lab work, to formulate appropriate treatment, and to refer patients to other health care providers when appropriate.  We are also formally trained in the interactions and side effects of both pharmaceutical and herbal medications. 
 
Naturopathic doctors search for the underlying cause of illness and aim to restore optimal health. Our focus is on prevention and using natural treatments. We develop personalized treatment plans for our patients that combine clinical nutrition, botanical (herbal) medicines, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, homeopathy, and appropriate vitamin/mineral supplements. 
 
If you could give everyone one piece of advice with regards to their health this spring what would it be?

Spring is a great time to prioritize your health and get started on a new health regime that will increase your energy and help you feel your best! To start your day off right, drink warm lemon water in the morning before you eat your breakfast. This is a simple way to cleanse your body and start your day.
 
What is new and exciting on the Naturopathic horizon for this spring?

If you have been suffering from allergies, you may want to consider a Naturopathic approach this spring. There are several natural treatments that can help alleviate allergy symptoms by getting to the root of the issue. I will soon be posting an article on this in our blog.
 
What can someone expect an initial appointment with you to look like?

An initial Naturopathic appointment is approximately 1 hour in length to allow time for a thorough health assessment. During this visit, we will discuss current health concerns as well as relevant medical history. A pertinent physical examination may be performed, and further specialized lab or diagnostic testing may be recommended. 
I encourage my patients to bring copies of recent lab/ blood work to our appointment, as well as any medications and supplements that they are currently taking.  Together, we will create a personalized treatment plan/protocol that is right for you.
 *Optimal health is priceless! Most extended health insurance plans cover all or part of Naturopathic visits. Please check with your insurance company.
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* Dr. Bartolini offers a 15-minute complementary consultation to answer questions you may have and to help you decide if naturopathic medicine is the right choice for you. Please note that no health advice is given in this visit.  To book an appointment with Suzanne click here.