A new syndrome has been described: ASIA, Autoimmune/AutoInflammatory Syndrome induced by Adjuvants. Researchers from around the world are sounding the alarm. An adjuvant is a substance used in vaccines to stimulate the immune system and aluminum salts are the most used adjuvants for humans. Aluminum is a potent immune system stimulator and is also highly neurotoxic. It has been shown to induce serious immunological disorders and long-term brain inflammation in humans as well as experimental animals. Symptoms in adults can include lupus-like, rheumatoid arthritis-like and MS-like syndromes, thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Symptoms may take weeks or months to fully develop following vaccination. For that matter, what might such a neurotoxic and highly immunogenic substance be doing to infants and children? Likely, it would dramatically increase the risk of life-long autoimmune and neurological conditions. Fortunately, there are natural ways to increase the elimination of aluminum, including drinking silicon-rich mineral water.
Dr. Anke Zimmermann, ND, www.drzimmermann.org
Community News
A New Twist on the 100 Mile Diet
On average, food items travel 1500 miles (2414 kilometers) before arriving at the table. Typically, the average 400 calories breakfast consumes 2800 calories of fossil fuel energy. Most people have heard of the 100-mile diet and the many benefits of this philosophy. If you adhere to this 100 mile carbon footprint you will benefit from: fresher food that is not shipped from long distances, minimal or zero preservatives, supporting the local economy with money that cycles directly back into your community, and ultimately a healthier consumer and community! This same philosophy can be applied when purchasing your pet food. Why wouldn’t you want to promote such positive outcomes concerning your pet, as well? Take a moment to think about this the next time you are going down the aisles selecting a name brand for your pet’s nutrition. Think about purchasing a local holistic product that has far-reaching benefits!
Barbara Guidetti, www.happypaws.ca
Attachment From the Cradle to the Grave
Having secure relationships is connected to the quality of our human experience. Studies show that infants deprived of love will fail to thrive. In contrast, children given love and nurturing develop secure attachments to their parents. They become better able to regulate their emotions and are more confident to explore the world! This need for positive and secure attachment continues throughout all stages of life. John Bowlby stated, “Attachment is important from the cradle to the grave.” For example, a study with adults revealed that holding the hand of a loved-one reduced the intensity of pain during a medical procedure (J. Coan 2006). An excessive amount of tension within important relationships can take a huge toll on you emotionally, physically, and mentally. Counseling is a proven method of intervention that has helped millions of people worldwide to improve the quality of their most significant relationships.
Terri Czegledi, MA, MFT Registered, Clinical Counsellor, www.comoxvalleycounselling.com
Integrated Pain Solutions
How do we treat SIJ dysfunction (sacroiliac joint dysfunction) that causes low back and leg pain when it does not heal by itself or with conventional medicine? An alternative option called Regenerative Injection Therapy (RIT) also known as Prolotherapy may provide lasting relief. Our body is held together by a network of connective tissue that are vulnerable to injuries. Joints that are badly sprained are easily reinjured due to ligament and tendons laxity resulting in arthritic changes. RIT involves injections into the site of pain. This stimulates our inflammatory healing response in the injured tissue. When we are injured our body naturally produces an inflammatory response. It stimulates substances carried in the blood that produce growth factors in the injured area in order to heal. Why do we not heal? Ligaments, tendons, and cartilage have a poor blood supply, which may result in an incomplete healing.
Dr.Ross Ralph Dr.TCM,RAc., DOMP, Advance Neurofunctional Sport Performance Specialist, www.courtenayhealing.ca
Shin Pain Slowing You Down?
Running can be a fun, enjoyable way to get in shape and feel good. However, if you develop shin pain it can stop you in your tracks. “Shin splints” is a generalized term for lower leg pain that occurs below the knee either on the front outside part of the leg (anterior shin splints) or the inside of the leg (medial shin splints). Shin splints are described as ‘an overuse injury’ but also may be caused by a variety of ankle and foot problems such as over-pronated or under-pronated feet. A common remedy for shin pain is to use ice and to rest. If it persists, it should be properly diagnosed and treated by your doctor. Ensure you are wearing properly fitted running shoes that suit your alignment. Secondarily, a well-fitted custom foot orthotic may be required to correct a biomechanical issue. Don’t let shin pain get in your way; seek the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Bryan Mitchell, www.mitchellpando.com
Alternative Healing – Holistic Aromatherapy
Modern Aromatherapy has evolved into four basic categories: medical (practiced in France by doctors), popular and esoteric (products from metaphysical and gift shops), holistic (addressing the Body+Mind+Spirit), and aromachology (the scientific study of fragrance/perfumery). Holistic Aromatherapy is a multidimensional healing art, involving the beneficial physiological, pharmacological, psychological, and metaphysical properties of pure therapeutic grade essential oils. In addition, there is a clear understanding of the importance of the client-therapist relationship. Having responsive caring support from a knowledgeable practitioner augments the healing effects of various essential oil therapies. The aim of the practitioner is to gain insight into the complex causes of a client’s health concerns, mitigate symptoms, and lead the client forward on the path of self-responsibility and inspired abundant living. Re-connecting with Nature and integrating Mind+Body+Spirit, is the true foundation for optimum wellness!
Nelson Meggitt, www.optimumwellnessfactor.ca
DIY–Knot Massage
A trigger point (TrP), AKA a “knot” is a hyper-irritable spot in a taut band of skeletal muscle. TrP’s can produce local and referred pain, and sometimes reduce the range of motion of the affected muscle. Your RMT uses a variety of techniques during a massage therapy treatment to reduce TrP’s. How can you treat TrP’s at home? Before treating yourself, it’s a good idea to warm up the tissue before following these steps. 1.Find the tender point in the muscle 2. Using a ball (tennis balls work great) compress the tender point until its between a 5-7 on the pain scale (1= no pain, 10= intolerable). 3.Hold the pressure here until the pain begins to decrease. 4.Repeat steps 2 & 3. This “pain” should feel good- not intolerable. Begin on the lighter side and follow this treatment with a gentle stretch or flushing of the tissue with self -massage.
Sydney Reaburn RMT, www.courtenaymassagetherapy.com
The Greatest Gain From Grain
Despite different views on the subject, bread has remained one of the most consumed carbohydrates by Canadians. How do you make the healthiest choice? You do have a few options: bake your own, buy fresh from a reputable bakery, or read nutrition labels and ingredient lists. One hundred percent whole and/or sprouted organic grains are absolutely key because both provide nutrients needed for the body in the most wholesome form. Preservative free is important and can be tough to locate since preservatives are common in pre-bagged grocery store loaves. Low sodium is important. Sodium is used to stabilize yeast and pump up the flavour, it can be especially high in ‘diet’ breads. Additionally, the absorption for re-introduced vitamins and minerals is not nearly as high as in their naturally occurring state, so stay away from ‘enriched’ breads. Regardless of how you choose to source your bread, always remember the most natural state provides the greatest gain from the grain.
Cakebread Artisan Bakery, www.cakebread.ca
Best Cold Sore Remedies
Cold sores are downright embarrassing. The more we try to hide them, the more obvious they become. Here are some good home remedies in case you find yourself with an unsightly cold sore. 1. Licorice – Try choosing a licorice whip. Studies show that glycyrrhizic acid, an ingredient in licorice, stops the cold sore virus cells dead in their tracks. Be sure it’s made from real licorice. 2 – Pure Vanilla Extract. Yes, the kind you use for baking. Many people swear by this! Soak a cotton pad and apply directly to a cold sore for a few minutes (3 times daily). 3. Hydrogen Peroxide – It disinfects and speeds up healing time. Soak a cotton ball and apply to the sore. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before rinsing off. 4. Peppermint oil – When applied directly to a cold sore, people have found that the sore healed faster than usual.
Clean Eating: Easy Healthy Borscht
Use fresh and organic ingredients. 4 cups of beef broth. 2 cups water. 2T Apple Cider Vinegar. Juice of 1 lemon. 2 cloves garlic. 3 carrots. 2T Coconut Oil. ½ head red cabbage. 1 cup green beans. 3 potatoes. 3 beets with stems and leaves. 1 onion. 4 fresh sprigs of dill. 2 bay leaves. 2 T Italian seasoning. Salt and pepper to taste. Chop ingredients in tiny pieces. 1 can kidney beans. Combine in a crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours. Alternately, cook on top of the stove until the vegetables are soft enough to eat. Enjoy!
4 Toxic Foods to Eliminate
Processed Meats: Can have up to 400 percent more sodium and 50 percent more preservatives than unprocessed meats. The worst part: Some contain nitrites and nitrates, chemical additives that have been linked to various cancers, but are still used to enhance color and promote taste. 2. Margarine: Is marketed as a cholesterol-free, healthy alternative to butter, but it’s the ultimate source of trans fats, which actually elevate cholesterol and damage blood vessel walls. Stick to real foods and eat real butter instead. 3. Artificial Sweeteners: Anything with the word “artificial” in it is chalked FULL of chemicals. These fake sweeteners cause symptoms that range from migraines to weight gain and even more serious conditions like cardiovascular disease. Unless you are diabetic, please stop using these sugar substitites immediately! 4. Microwave Popcorn: Bags, in particular, are often lined with a chemical called perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which has been shown to affect fertility, cancer risk, and kidney functioning.
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