Vital Moments In Naturopathic Medicine

Fertility is an important topic, especially for couples looking to or trying to get pregnant. In Canada, recent statistics show that 1 in 6 couples experience infertility with the causes being complex and multi layered.We are speaking with Dr. Katarine Holewa, a Naturopathic Physician and Registered Acupuncturist about her approach to infertility. She has a special focus in this area from her prior career as a Registered Nurse in the NICU and post and anti partum care as well as from a naturopathic and Chinese medicine perspective. She answers the questions about what infertility is, how common a problem it is, what causes infertility in men and women and most importantly natural solutions to ensure a healthy and happy outcome for the whole family, including baby!Other topics we cover:+ appropriate testing and interpretation+ hormones involved with successful conception and birth+ how acupuncture works at achieving balance and is used at each stage from pre conception to delivery+ what an appointment looks like+ most importantly Dr. Holewa shares a couple of success stories!

Why is inflammation good and bad and what makes it so damaging to the brain? Your challenge today is to incorporate five to 10 servings of the foods listed in the chart provided every day with 75% of them coming from veg! Don't do veg? Okay, I get it, some people just don't like veggies. Don't give up on the challenge, get a greens drink, like Greens First that we use at our clinic and use that for topping up your daily challenge!! 

One of the most important things you can do for your brain is to drink enough water! Your challenge is to drink at least 2 litres a day!Check your inbox for details on why and go to our group Facebook page to find more details and motivation!

Colon Therapy is an ancient form of therapy for detoxification, constipation, improving gut health and mobility and for gentle rehydration. Meet Lindsay Russell and Chantal David as they discuss some of the amazing results they've seen in their patients and what you can expect when adding colonics to your healthy living protocols! Follow Chantal @naturalnurse on instagram or check both Lindsay and Chantal's training and experience on www.colonicsnanaimo.com. You can also book online at www.vita-care.ca.

OVer 28 years of practice Dr. Yim has seen a dramatic increase in the number of patients seeing him for autoimmune disorders. In this episode of Vital Moments he discusses the causes, treatment and describes an amazing success story.Show NotesCauses of Autoimmunity discussed in this episode:1. Toxins2. Gut Health-Leaky Gut3. Stress4. Infections5. Food SensitivitiesWith Autoimmune disorders it is so important for a successful outcome, to treat the whole person. Finding out what the cause of the autoimmunity rather than just treating the symptoms. Testing is vital in determining the root cause of the issue. When seeing Dr. Yim for the first appointment, patients are encouraged to bring in any tests they already have had done. If they aren't appropriate for going deeper into determining why the patient is not well Dr. Yim has many tests he can draw from that relate to the individual. For example, if a welder comes in with signs of autoimmunity he will suggest a heavy metal hair analysis or urine toxic metal test to determine if heavy metals may be causing issues. If a person complains of bloating or diarrhea after eating a certain food, Dr. Yim will requisition a blood sensitivity test and if there are indications of infection, parasites or unfriendly bacteria overgrowth he will suggest tests that include PCR and microscopy testing. Five R's for HealingRemoveRepairReplaceRepopulateRebalanceWant more info? Check out our blog posts or other podcasts. If you are looking for a naturopathic doctor to add to your healthcare team and you live in BC, please contact our office and book an appointment either through Telehealth or in person at 250-585-2150 or www.vita-care.ca 

In this episode, Vital Moments takes a closer look at how Dr. Yim and the VitaCare team unravel  undiagnosed or treated food sensitivities and food allergies. Dr. Yim discusses getting to the cause of food sensitivities and treating that cause first, not just covering up the symptoms. He shares successful cases, examples of protocols used and how satisfying it is helping his patients get and feel better. If you've listened to part 1 of Food Sensitivities you'll want to hear this second part where programs and specific nutrients can help heal the gut and resolve symptoms. 

This is part of the bonus materials that participants in the Health and Beauty Summit from the Inside Out receive after the event. It includes the panel discussion with our practitioners: Dr. Megan Yim, Dr. John Yim, Dr. Katarine Holewa and Chantal David speaking on why Health and Beauty is from the Inside out and answering your questions. I thought I would include some of the great questions you asked:I was wondering… If protein is supposed to be our most important macro, with fat being secondary and then carbohydrates. Then why do some people have such issues with specific peptides/proteins? What is a treatment for dark circles under eyes (bags)? Sources of vegan omegas highest sources? What is a treatment for dark circles under eyes (bags)? What is best for hyperpigmentation? (darker areas on the face and neck)  My 16 year old daughter uses Retin A daily for acne and recently diagnosed with extremely low iron. Could there be a connection? Can you discuss the different forms of collagen available and which type is most effective? Want more? Check out Dr. Yim's other podcasts at Vital Moments in Naturopathic Medicine.

-The secret weapon when it comes to immune regulating-Safest way to calm a hyperactive immune system-Boost a weak immunity-What does the low dose in low dose naltrexone mean-Side effects with this therapy-How to access low dose naltrexone

This January at VitaCare Natural Health Clinic we put out a challenge to our staff and practitioners, to work at living their best life ever what could be better than considering a reset of your health, lifestyle and goals.  And we are starting with a supplement review, that means going through our cupboards and drawers and getting rid of what we don't need, what's outdated, what might have lost potency, seasonal formulas and ones we might not even remember why we bought them in the first place. John and I did one over the holiday.What is a nutritional supplement?   Does everyone need to take them?   I want to add to nutrient depletion and soil vitality.  Five years ago the US government suggested that land us changes over the past 50 years has contributed to reduced ecosystem function. What that means is that when you combine intensive agricultural practices and soil contamination there's the potential to reduce microbial abundance. That impacts nutrient retention.Another factor that's having an effect on nutrient concentration in plants is elevated carbon dioxide levels (eCO2). Studies found that in the presence of eCO2 there are up to 18% decreases in levels of nutrients like magnesium and zinc in fruits, root and stem vegetables. And get this a staggering 31% decrease in iron!What is the different between maintenance and therapeutic doses of supplements?    What about quality? How can a consumer know that what they purchase has what it says it has on the label?  Everyone has such a unique physiological makeup, how do you determine what supplements and how much they should take?   What about a healthy individual? Should they supplement? What about for kids? How do you determine what and whether they should be taking certain nutrients?Check out our clinic Facebook page @VitaCareNaturalHealthClinicAnd www.vita-care.ca/blog

It may not be the most popular topic to discuss at the dining room table and it may just illicit a few giggles and blushes, but it is one worth talking about!!According to the Canadian Cancer SocietyIt is estimated that in 2020:26,900 Canadians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. This represents 12% of all new cancer cases in 2020.9,700 Canadians will die from colorectal cancer. This represents 12% of all cancer deaths in 2020.14,900 men will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 5,300 will die from it.12,000 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 4,400 will die from it.On average, 73 Canadians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer every day.On average, 27 Canadians will die from colorectal cancer every day.You know you do it...everyone does. After a bowel movement you check the toilet for the results. But what are you looking for?undigested food particlescolours, can be from things your eating, or from an infection or food not being properly digestedred-blood low down, black-blood high upBoth constipation and diarrhea are causes for concerns as both have their own long term negative effects/Stool sitting in the bowel for too long leaches toxins back into the system and loose, watery stools may mean nutrients don't have time to be absorbed into your system.Good digestion means good health so if you have concerns make sure you speak to your primary care provider, either a licensed and registered Naturopathic Physician or a medical doctor. Enjoy! We did, once we got past the giggles!!

Magic of Magnesium!!Magnesium is part of between 300 and 600 functions in body.Forms Dr. Yim talks about and what he uses them for. Here is the list so you can add your own notes.OratateThreonateGlyscinateAspartateTaurateMalateCitrateIn Dr. Yim's formula, he also added B6 for added nerve calming benefits. Dr. Yim's best test for determining Magnesium deficiency: Hair Mineral Analysiswww.vita-care.ca  for more info.

Heading back to school in 2020 is not the same as it has been in the past. Not only do we have COVID to consider but also an uptick in the frequency of colds and flus. Dr. Yim shares some insight about using Vitamins A,C,D and the mineral Zinc for supporting and optimizing immunity. For proper dosage for your needs, please see your naturopathic physician.Brought to you by VitaCare Natural Health Clinic250-585-2150

Lack of energy, blood sugar imbalances, low immunity are some of the symptoms of an Adrenal Gland acting up. Dr. Yim talks about adrenals that are hyper or hypo, turned around and just plane tuckered out. The fall out of chronic stress is a taxed adrenal gland, Dr Yim gives practical and understandable information on how they get that way and what you can do to rebuild adrenals that have been overworkedThe body has systems that work together, if one gets out of balance the whole body is impacted. Even the break down of wastes (metabolites) can be negatively impacted by tired out adrenals.Steroid hormones start with cholesterol. Cortisol needs cholesterol. Naturopathic medicine likes getting to the cause and one of the tests Dr. Yim uses is new to the clinic.CHI Test gives a comprehensive look at steroid and precursor production for a better more fine tuned program.Salivary hormone test-taking samples at different times of day, either with saliva. Include in program for rebuilding the adrenals:LifestyleMeditation-Top Ten Meditation TechniquesBeth's Favourite-Seven SighsJohn's Favourite-Nature sound and mindfulnessNutrientsIV Therapy-B Vitamins, 5, 6 and Vitamin C, Zinc, MagnesiumGinseng-Adaptogen and StimulatingAshwaganda-used when overproducing cortisol, calms it downRhodiola-AdaptogenVitamins/MineralsPantothenic Acid - B5 need to add other B vitamins so balance isn't thrown offB ComplexZinc 

Dr Yim introduces the importance of hormones to overall health. He also talks about what happens when hormones get out of balance and why!Hormone Groups DiscussedReproductiveAdrenalThyroidBlood SugarWhy do they get out of balance? Dr. Yim focuses on three potential areas:ToxicityxenoestrogensNutrient Deficienciesdon't forget to listen to the podcast on Magnesium!StressCheck out our favourite meditation practicesTests MentionedTSHFree T3Free T4CHI Test-if you are interested in learning more about this test or if you would like to get started on a program to ensure optimal hormone health, give our office a call to arrange an appointment at 250-585-2150Picture shows John and I picking up garbage at the beach, including estrogen disrupting plastics!!!

There is magic in magnesium! Just listen to Dr. Yim expound on its many benefits and you will agree. In this podcast Dr. Yim talks about eight different types of magnesium and how they positively impact your health.With 45% of Canadians living with low or deficient levels of magnesium, this is a podcast well worth listening to. Types of Magnesium mentioned in the podcast.CitrateCitramateBisglycinateMalateThreanateChlorideWant to learn more details about how magnesium can help you? Dr. Yim will be putting together an 3 part audio and video course on the magic of magnesium. For those looking for information about how this mighty mineral can help their health condition, this is a must listen to, for those interested in improving performance, overall health and living their best life ever...this is a must have course for you.www.vita-care.ca Noticeable mentionsWhole Body Healing and Getting to the CauseSuffering with Fibromyalgia by Dr. Jesin

Part one of a three part series on Women's Health with Dr. Daniela Jesin.In this introduction to Dr. Jesin's series on Women's Hormonal Health she discusses PCOS, a condition that can have myriad symptoms from excess facial hair to dysfunctional reproductive health.She talks about symptoms, a naturopathic perspective on treatment and the tests she prefers to use for getting to the root of the health issue.You can find her at www.vita-care.ca 

Many women experience debilitation pelvic pain and painful periods and are made to believe that this is just a "normal" part of being female. Some of these women may be suffering from a condition called Endometriosis, which can take years to get diagnosed. Endometriosis affects approximately 7-10% of women and can cause significant pain and dysfunction. In this podcast Dr. Jesin shares insights from a naturopathic perspective.Most important points:Factors that impact progression of Endometriosis include hormone imbalance, sensitivities to certain foods and toxicity.https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php for the definitive guide on chemical toxicity on and in our food.Affects women of all ages and can start early in reproductive years.Inflammation can negatively impact menstrual cycle so Dr. Jesin suggests an anti-inflammatory diet.Naturopathic Medicine seeks to find the cause, not just to mask a symptom. So determining the cause of pain and dysfunction is imperative.

If you've ever had a yeast infection or are dealing with gas, bloating and intestinal upsets after eating, you have probably read about Candida Albican overgrowth. Dr. Yim shares how he works with patients to discover the cause of the overgrowth and the optimal methods for treating.Show Notes:What are the causes of a candida overgrowth:Diet high in simple carbohydrates, sugars, yeast stimulating foodsAntibiotic useAntibiotics in DietStressConsuming foods that kill healthy bacteria, eg. chlorinated waterHow Can you tell you have an overgrowth of Candida? Candida overgrowth can impact any number of systems from joints to brain. If left unchecked it lead to leaky gut and its subsequent issues.Yeast infection for men or womenGas, bloatingDiarheaEzcemaMood swings, fatigueAchy jointsResources on topics mentioned:Read up on Leaky Gut here.

Dr. Yim, Naturopathic Physician, works on the premise that if the gut is working optimally the body is better able to heal and rebalance itself. In this episode we go deeper into the principles he uses when treating patients: the 5R's.Show Notes:Remove- food allergies/sensitivities, unfriendly microbes, poor quality foods, toxins.Replace-healthy, whole foods, deficient nutrients, and digestive enzymes.Repair-lining of the digestive tract, especially the small intestine and possibly the liver.Repopulate-optimize the levels of friendly bacteria in the gut. Rebalance-stress management, quality sleep, exercise, attitudes and beliefs about self and health, and examine priorities in life. Prebiotic FoodsAllium Family-onion, garlic, leeksApplesArtichokeAsparagusBananaFlaxseedSeaweedInterested in reading more about leaky gut? Check out this link.Looking for information that a Hair Mineral Element Analysis can provide? Check this link out. If you are a preexisting patient of Dr. Yim, contact our office at 250-585-2150 and we can have a kit delivered to your home during the COVID 19 pandemic and self isolation.Special for existing patients. For the rest of April we are offering our existing patients a special on VitaCare's own Optibiotic! Buy two and get 10% off. 

One of the most common hormone imbalances in fertility care is progesterone.Progesterone means to promote gestation --or the hormone that promotes a healthy preganncy. You may have low progesterone if you do not ovulate, if you have fertile mucus during the luteal or post-ovulatory phase or if the luteal phase is less than 11 days. Some symptoms of low progesterone include, but are not limited to:-mid-cycle spotting-cycles less than 25 days-short luteal phase-lack of a BBT temperature spike, or instability of temperatures during the luteal phase-spotting before your cycle starts-night sweats, hot flashes-insomnia, especially in the luteal phase-spotting just before your cycle starts for a few days-long, heavy, prolonged menstrual cycle and flow.Remember, it is the BALANCE of the progesterone --the YIN hormone and the estrogen ==the YANG hormone, that is important. You may have a relative estrogen excess or be in an estrogen dominant state, in which your naturopathic doctor can support your liver and digestive tract to detoxify the extra estrogen. GenesThe gene that involves folic acid and a critical process in the body called methylation --is the MTHFR gene. When you have deficits in this gene you have a higher requirement not just for folate BUT for the right form of folate: L-5-MTHF. The folate from food. From dark green leafy vegetables mainly.....like Kale! For patients hoping to conceive, dark green leafy vegetables are their POWER food. Here are some symptoms that may indicate your MTHFR gene needs support:-Hypothyroidism-Low wbc count (white blood cells) most of your life-required IVF to conceive-required significant interventions to become pregnant and carry to full term-recurrent miscarriages-have a child on the austim spectrum-have a child with Down's syndrome-blood tests for folate or Vitamin B12 are elevated even though you do not take these suppekents-do not tolerate alcohol of any type-feel BEST after eating leafy green vegetables.list adapted from page 75 of Ben Lynch's 'Dirty Genes'.Refreshing Spring Greens Salad.One of my family's favourite ways to get in the super greens....and the natural folate!! Adapted by Dr. Luterbach from Christmas Kale Salad from www.nourishingmeals.comSalad:1 large bunch of your favourite type of kale, chopped (remove large stems)1/4 purple onion, thinly sliced1/4 cup dried cranberries 1 large, ripe pomegranate peeled1/2 small can of mandarin oranges1/2 cup pecans, roastedDressing:1/4 cup orange juice1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar1 teaspoon Dijon mustard2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon sea saltPlace the kale in to a large serving bowl. Add the onions and cranberries; set aside. To make the dressing, place all of the ingredients into a small jar, cover, and shake. Pour dressing over the salad and massage into the kale to soften the kale and breakdown the cell walls. Massaging your kale with a salad dressing will partially digest it for you, increasing nutrient availability.  Add the roasted pecans just before serving so they remain crunchy! Enjoy!

With COVID 19 statistics constantly in the headlines and world leaders headlining how little is known about the virus, we wanted to provide our listeners with actionable steps around what we do know about our immune system.Dr. Yim briefly explains what the immune system does and then focuses on dietary and lifestyle choices to optimize immunity. Beth, host of Vital Moments gives some sage advice about growing your own microgreens for their denser nutrient profile.He shares information about his favourite vitamins, A, C, E, Zinc and Selenium and how mushrooms can provide an added layer of immune support. Working with high quality nutrients is key and he outlines the difference between pharmaceutical grade and non pharmaceutical grade.His focus and special interest is in gut health and how it impacts and influences the entire body and discusses the Five R's of Optimal Gut Health. You can watch Dr. Yim's lecture on the Healthy Gut here.Actionable Steps1. Get out in the fresh air and walk around your yard or a quiet street.2. Watch nature videos 3. Challenge a friend online to workout with you4. Meditate daily5. Focus on eating more vegetables and plant based proteins6. Drink enough water, every day!7. Practice Abdominal Breathing8. Get on a program that includes immune promoting and supporting nutrients

Rituals, Melatonin and a Continuation on the Conversation about SleepSleep is important for good health at any time, but now, in the face of a deadly pandemic, it's even more important and for many harder to come by. Stress and anxiety can have you staying up late with eyes glued to the news, or wide awake fretting about things you want to control but can't.With immunity needing to be optimized more than ever, enough quality sleep is often times put on the bottom of the to-do-list.Dr. Yim goes into detail about the cycle of stress and how melatonin production can be negatively impacted. Both Beth and John also talk about their journey to improving sleep, how food impacts quality of sleep and how gratitude and refocusing is helping both of them become better.Resources and Further ReadingFighting FatigueMore podcasts and videos on sleep, check out the video on detoxification with Chantal DavidFind out if your lack of sleep is due to imbalances. Interesting info on tests offered by one of our labs.

Dr. John and Beth Yim have a candid conversation about sleep, how it can negatively impact health, what individuals can do to get more sleep and what they are doing to improve their quality and quantity of sleep. Here some Actionable Steps for Getting Enough Sleep Ö     Check in with your routine, do you have one? Go through the steps mentioned above, if you find you aren't doing them, break the suggestions into smaller steps and do just one of the smaller items. For example, set the alarm at 9 pm to brush your teeth. Don't worry about any other steps or going to bed, just start with this  small step, do it consistently for 21 days and then add having a warm shower. Consistent changes reap big rewards. Ö     See your ND and get tested for food sensitivities; hormones with the salivary hormone test that includes cortisol; specific nutrient deficiencies with the hair mineral analysis and other tests as advised. Ö     If you do not have access to an ND, keep your diet simple by eating more vegetables, two cups of fruit a day, eating less animal products and limiting gluten grains. Ö     Avoid white products, including sugar and white flour, use yams more instead of potatoes and make your meal plate as colourful as possible.Ö     Follow his/her directions for avoiding sensitive foods and getting hormones and nutrients back in balance.Ö     Avoid caffeine after 2 pm and alcohol at night, it may put you to sleep initially but it also has a rebound affect, waking you up later. Ö      If you live in North America, more than likely you are deficient in magnesium. Talk to your ND about the right dose for you before bed.Ö     Learn some simple meditation techniques and use in bed. Progressive Relaxation can work wonders.Ö     Try soaking your feet in a warm tub of Epsom salts and water. It can stimulate a visit to the bathroom, preventing an annoying wake up later in the night and soothes muscles. Add a couple of drops of lavender and you are in for a sleepy treat.Ö     Avoid a heavy, fatty or sugary meal for dinner or before bed.Ö     Try having a banana before bed.Ö     Add 10 minutes every day to your time outside in nature. If you sit in an office with no access to nature, hang a picture of a tree. It releases feel good serotonin, relieving anxiety. Ö     Avoid exercise 2-3 hours before bedtime. Ö     Hang black out curtains and avoid blue light before bed.Turn off all electronics at least an hour before bed. FYISee your naturopathic physician for products mentioned in podcast: Designs For Health, Insomnitol, SagoPro.Tests: Salivary Hormone Panel

In this Vital Moments episode, Chantal David, LPN, Colon Hydrotherapist, Spa Therapist and Laser Technician will share her Detox Tricks.Always wanted to know what a colonic is? Want to find out why Chantal chose Colon Hydrotherapy as a career? Curious about the Foot Detox experience? 

In this episode, Dr. Jesin shares her and fiance, Seth's, favourite detox tool, sweating in the sauna or by going for a brisk walk or run.She also shares how the major organ of detoxification works and why it is so important to do a regular cleanse.Bonus:She shares her top three tools for helping the body flush waste and protect from toxic damage.

Looking to reset your health, metabolism, lifestyle habits? Any time is a good time to check in with your health, but the beginning of a new year, after a holiday of potential indulgences, a wholistic detox is a great place to start. In this Vital Moment, Dr. Yim shares the how and why behind the right detox for you. Not everyone is built the same or been exposed to the same level of toxins so modifying a cleanse to your specific needs is crucial for the best results. Dr. Yim and wife, Beth talk about their experiences with cleansing and what they'll be doing for the new year. At VitaCare January 2020 focuses on detoxification and resetting your health goals. In our next episode, Beth speaks with Clinic Nurse and Colon Hydrotherapist, Chantal David, about the different tools she uses working with her patients.