Good Mood Foods
The foods we eat have a direct influence on our mental health. Our mood is determined by the presence of certain neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, in the brain. Serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine are the three neurotransmitters that have the most influence over our mood. Deficiencies in these neurotransmitters are associated with depression, anxiety, ADHD, difficulty sleeping, fatigue and irritability.
Alcohol & Anxiety
It’s normal to go through temporary periods of increased anxiety during the various chapters of life. A new job, familial challenges or world events can lead us to feel more anxious. Unfortunately, many people feel anxiety for prolonged periods of time or at a high level of intensity.
IBS: Subtypes, Diagnosis & Treatment Options
IBS, or inflammatory bowel syndrome, affects individuals of all ages, even children. IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder and it is estimated that 10-15% of the world’s population suffers from it. Women experience IBS more frequently than men. Two out of every three people diagnosed with this syndrome are female! The exact cause of IBS is unknown but it is believed that a disturbance in the way the gut, brain and nervous system interact plays a role in the development of the syndrome.
Reject the Diet Mentality with Intuitive Eating
Intuitive eating is a rapidly growing nutritional framework. It is a non-diet approach to eating that emphasizes internal messages instead of external food rules created by ourselves and society. Intuitive eating is a practice that has helped many people recover from eating disorders, binge eating, anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia and weight cycling.
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics
The gut microbiome is a buzzy topic these days and an emerging area of research that has even been called the “next frontier of medicine”! Fascinating information regarding the interconnectedness between our overall health and the health of our gut microbiome has been discovered in recent years, but there is much we still don’t understand regarding the complexities of the microbiome.
Optimizing Digestion
As a naturopathic physician I discuss digestion with most, if not all, of my patients. I’d say most of my patients complain of bloating, gas, belching, constipation and/or reflux following meals. Although these symptoms are extremely common, they are not normal. Sub-optimal digestion can be caused by a variety of factors including food sensitivities, low stomach acid and increased stress.