pureBalance Wellness Centre

National Celiac Disease Awareness Day

2011-09-13T13:33:00.000-04:00

Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder thataffects the digestive process of the small intestine. When a person eatsgluten, the body’s immune system attacks the small intestine and interfereswith the absorption of the gluten and other important nutrients. Gluten is theprotein found in wheat, rye and barley (and to a lesser extent oats). Celiacdisease is not a wheat allergy. It is an intolerance to the gluten protein thatis found in wheat.

Symptoms of Celiac disease may include: weight loss,fatigue, skin rashes, bloating, stomach aches, diarrhea and/or constipation,short stature, delayed puberty as well as other more serious systemic symptoms.

Ifyou suffer from Celiac or are unsure, book your appointment now with one of ourNaturopathic Doctors to speak about your options.

Back to School Nutrition Tips

2011-09-05T14:45:00.000-04:00

Pack nutritional lunches with lots of flavour, allow your children to help with food choices.
Breakfast is important, take the stress out of the morning by giving your kids fresh fruit smoothies.
Serve protein rich snacks to your children like: hummus, nuts, seeds, nut butters and rice, soy or hemp based yogurts and milks.
Introduce new foods; it takes a child up to 16 times to taste, accept and enjoy new foods and flavours. Keep trying.
Give your child a multivitamin, fish oil, and a probiotic as a start to a supplement program.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Electrolytes and Sport Drinks

2011-08-29T10:33:00.000-04:00

Electrolytes are salts and specific ions that help drive the body’s electrical signal. The term electrolyte means these ion are electrically-charged. You see the human body is one big battery; we seem to forget this point, and like any battery there needs to be a charge. This charge is maintained by ions that we need to put into our body. Continual replenishment of these ions is a must to have a charged body.

The following are the major electrolytes necessary for an optimum functioning body. Sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), bicarbonate (HCO3-), phosphate (PO42-), and sulfate (SO42-).

Electrolytes are important because they drive nerve impulses and allow for muscle contractions. Muscle cramping is a common sign of electrolyte deficiency. Kidneys work to help keep the electrolyte concentrations in the body balanced. Athletes and active individuals lose electrolytes by sweating, particularly sodium and potassium. These electrolytes must be replaced to keep the electrolyte concentrations of your body fluids constant.

Sports drinks like Gatoraid and Poweraid have sodium chloride or potassium chloride added to them. These drinks are high in sugar and food colouring, a professional line electrolyte is healthier for your body, ask your doctor.

Electrolyte drinks are important for infants and children who have chronic vomiting or diarrhea, children will lose many electrolytes and must be replaced to prevent dehydration.

Keeping your electrolytes balanced in the body is super important for optimum health.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Protein for our Body, Important but Misunderstood

2011-08-13T10:16:00.000-04:00

What is the role of protein in the body?

Protein is made up of long chains of amino acids, it is the amino acid that is the basic building block of the body. Imagine an amino acid looking like a “brick”, like the brick that makes your home. The way many brinks hold up your home, is the same way amino acids hold up your body. You can see how proteins are vitally important.

Key functions of protein in the body include growth of the body, maintenance and repair of the body. In the body you find protein in all major muscles, tissues and every organ. Protein also drives many major processes in the body like the immune system, metabolism, digestion, blood and hormones.

Which foods have good sources of protein?

You can find protein in meats, fish, poultry and dairy foods. The best sources for protein are found in animal products. Eggs and fish contain a complete selection of amino acids for the individual looking for a comprehensive source of protein. Other foods to consider would be cereal, soya beans, tofu, oatmeal, lentils, peas, hemp, beans, rice and vegetables. The highest source of protein per serving can be found in plant based spirulina, this was a common source of protein for the Mayan people of Central America.

How much protein should we eat?

Experts agree that we should be eating 1 gram of protein per kilogram of our body weight. So if you are 70kg you need to consume 70 grams of protein. Make protein a key part of your daily nutrition.

Dr Elias Markou

5 Eco-Friendly Things to Do To Lighten Your Mood:

2011-07-27T10:52:00.000-04:00

1) Take a walk to a local park or waterfront area

2) Round up some friends or family members and play Frisbee

3) Visit your local water playground and join the kids or just cool off your feet

4) Pack a sleeping bag and do some star-gazing

5) Reduce your carbon footprint and support a local farm by picking your own berries or vegetables.

Stephanie Jones, Director of Operations, RYT ®

Tofu Vegetable Salad

2011-07-21T10:46:00.002-04:00

Tofu is a good source of protein and is packed with calcium, which is important for strong, healthy bones. So this salad is perfect if you can’t eat dairy foods.

INGREDIENTS:

13 oz packet firm tofu, drained

5 oz of your favourite salad dressing

2 medium zucchinis

1 medium red bell pepper

1 lb spinach, trimmed

8 oz cherry tomatoes2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

Topping of your choice (nuts, etc)

Cut the tofu into 1-in cubes and combine with the dressing in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes while you cut the zucchini and bell pepper into long thin strips. Combine the tofu mixture with the vegetables and the remaining ingredients in the bowl. Toss gently to mix. Serves 4.

Treating Your Child’s ADHD Naturally

2011-07-14T09:40:00.002-04:00

3 Things to Consider

Parents and medical professionals alike have raised questions about how to treat children and adults with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) by successfully using natural treatments. We know that with doctor prescribed drug treatments there seem to be many adverse side effects. There are many natural options that have fewer side effects; however positive results do take time. Parents need to be patient with the process. Here are some quick points to consider.

1) A diet created specifically for your child’s ADHD needs is very important, consult with a naturopathic doctor to custom create that diet. All sugars, dyes and processed foods should be avoid 100%, your child’s meals should consist of 70% vegetables, 10% protein, 10% fruit and 10% nuts, seeds, beans and legumes.

2) Create a predictable daily routine; initially this might need some adjusting to find the right sequence. All children need structure to develop, but these children need it the most.

3) Have a naturopathic doctor help you find the right supplement regimen that works for your child. ADHD children tend to have poor digestive absorption, use liquid and powder supplements to increase absorption.

Every family has important decisions to make when it comes to treat your child’s ADHD, try many different things and continue with what works best.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Sunburns... Dealt With Naturally

2011-07-12T10:49:00.001-04:00

For an effective remedy for sunburn, add 10 drops of chamomile oil or lavender oil to a cool bath and soak for 30 minutes. These oils contain calming properties to help relieve the stinging sensation of burned skin. Apply (fresh if possible) aloe vera gel to soothe irritation, speed up skin repair, and relieve the itching that often accompanies healing.

Stephanie Jones, Director of Operations, RYT ®

Top 5 Things To Help With Your Anxiety Disorder

2011-07-07T08:49:00.000-04:00

Are you worried almost all the time and suffer from emotional crisis? You may be dealing with anxiety. Here are a few suggestions to help with your debilitating anxiety. Make the changes you need today:

1) Simplify Your Diet: Decide on a diet that contains a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans and proteins. Avoid processed foods, sugars and caffeine; these foods have a tendency to be a trigger for anxiety.

2) Practice Yoga and Meditation: Yoga and meditation is all about mind and body control. Learn meditation and yoga to suppress your Panic attacks and Anxiety disorder naturally. These are very powerful techniques.

3) Make Life Less Complicated: We say yes to everything and never leave time for ourselves. Get rid of the hectic schedule and all the promises we make to everyone but ourselves. Sometimes you have to let go of a few things that create anxiety for your peace of mind.

4) Take a Deep Breath Break: Take a deep breath for 5 seconds and then hold it for 5 seconds, then exhale slowly in 5 seconds. Repeat this 10 times in a row, several times a day. There are many breathing sequences on the internet find one that works best for you. Deep breathing techniques are a great way to reduce anxiety naturally.

5) Vitamins for your Anxiety: Your vitamin regime should include a B complex, rhodiola rosea, a high potency fish oil with high EPA and DHA, rolera extract, and L-theanine. Ask you naturopathic doctor more about these vitamins.

Clearly there are more to consider to help with your anxiety; like good sleep, exercise, laughing getting together with friends and healthy relationships. You need to consider making a change in order to see different results with your anxiety.

Dr. Elias Markou, ND

Green Tips For The Men

2011-06-29T09:43:00.000-04:00

1) Wear an organic sunscreen and wear sunglasses when playing sports if possible

2) Try using natural hair products instead of chemical laden ones… Some organic companies could include Aubrey Organics, Alba Botanica, and so many more...

3) Carpool to your sports games and practices.

4) Bring some freshly homemade juices or lemonade to your next BBQ party or sports event

Stephanie Jones, Director of Operations, RYT ®

Yoga - Improve Your Sports Performance

2011-06-27T09:23:00.002-04:00

Nike said it best ~ JUST DO IT!

Let’s get straight to the point… Yoga is beneficial to those who engage in sports because (listing only a few reasons):

1) You learn to focus and centre (concentrate) with more clarity

2) You perform better through positive visualization (goal-setting and intention)

3) You get stronger (muscular endurance)

4) Your range of motion increases as your flexibility increases

Aside from these great benefits, did you also know that by taking part in regular yoga sessions such as vinyasa flows (fluid sequence of poses with synchronized breath) you train your lungs to enable your ability for greater oxygen capacity and flow; and, by centering your thoughts on your breath you can become more present and focused on the moment at hand (taking that calming breath before kicking that soccer ball during a penalty shot).

Yoga will help deepen your stretches and release the lactic acid build-up after your training sessions if you combine it with deep breaths to help maintain a clean flow of oxygen to the muscles.

In order to best benefit from yoga, approach it with a clear mind, set your goals, visualize and believe the vision you see in your mind.

Yoga is a powerful way to help you attain your goals, why not try this path and see where it takes you?

Stephanie Jones, Director of Operations, RYT ®

Men’s Top 10 Supplements List

2011-06-20T08:51:00.001-04:00

1) Omega-3 : Excellent for hormone health and reduces inflammation.

2) B Complex : Helps digestions of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

3) High Potency Multivitamins : overall well-being.

4) Probiotic : Digestion health and immunity.

5) Protein Powder (Dairy Free, vegan source) : Basic building blocks for muscle building.

6) Zinc Citrate : Great for healthy sexual function and increase sperm count.

7) Maca : Helps with male hormones, and good for stress.

8) Calcium Magnesium : Bone health.

9) Vitamin D : Boosts immunity and helps with hormonal health.

10) Garlic : Immunity (anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial).

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Men's Sexual Health - Low Testosterone

2011-06-17T11:03:00.000-04:00

Men’s sexual health is a topic that for many men is very difficult to discuss, but is a very important topic to address. More recently I have found men have made their sexual health top priority. Men’s health issues include man’s level of sexual fulfillment, erectile dysfunction, impotence, and libido. Good sexual health is an essential component of overall health and happiness.

The journal Archives of Internal Medicine published a recent study that looked at most men who have symptoms of low male hormone levels were not being treated. Androgens are male hormones, the best known is testosterone. It’s not routine to measure these hormones, often doctors wait for some type of symptoms before testing these hormones.

The symptoms of testosterone deficiency include fluid retention, prostate enlargement, worsening of a sleep disorder, osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction, or a low sex drive.

When you begin natural therapy for testosterone deficiency, you should consider taking supplements such as

Ginseng
St. John’s Wort
Omega-3 fatty acids
Maca
Trebulus
a B complex

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Do Multivitamins Disrupt Your Sleep?

2011-04-26T08:32:00.000-04:00

Many people all over the world take multivitamins for the sole purpose to prevent disease and have a healthy lifestyle. But when it comes to sleep, do these multivitamins disrupt sleep?

I recently posed this question to a few of my patients and learned this about their experience with multivitamins and sleep. Anecdotal responses suggested some patients reported shortened sleep and frequent awakenings during the night. A 2007 study showed participants had a slight higher rate of poor sleep in people taking multivitamins. However, researchers could not rule out the possibility that people with poor sleep habits are simply more likely to seek out multivitamins as a solution to their sleep.

There is some evidence that B vitamins in a multivitamin may play a role in affecting sleep. Studies have shown taking B vitamins before bed will increase the frequency of vivid dreams which do wake people up.

Your best solution to this question would be to just consume your multivitamin at breakfast and lunch. Think of your multivitamin as a boost for your day, you really need that boost in the morning and at noon. Avoiding a multivitamin at dinner is probably a good idea if your sleep is an issue.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Juicing 101- Make Fresh Juice at Home

2011-04-07T09:41:00.000-04:00

Last night’s "Juicing 101" workshop was a tremendous success! Thank you to everyone who came out. Every Wednesday night at pureBalance Wellness Centre we run workshops, and back by popular demand we ran a juicing class. We showed the group what juicers are the best to use; how to prepare the fruits and vegetables; recipes to juice and what herbs can be mixed into the final juice products for maximum health benefit. Here are some the comments from our participants when asked what they loved about the workshop:

“Great! Cannot wait until the next Juicing Class. We desperately need to be educated on these subjects and change begins with small steps, this class served as great guidance.” Hira

“Very informative, made me want to get a juicer and start juicing.” James

“This workshop helped me understand how I can be healthier, excellent workshop, thank you.” Joyce

“Being taught how to juice and how good it is for me. It got me very excited!” Daniel

“Wow, Dr Markou was very knowledgeable, he allowed us to actually juice, and taste the final product. He made the class fun and I like the fact he was casual and approachable at the end. Definitely would recommend his next cooking class.” Kathleen

Follow us on Meetup.com - pureBalance Wellness Centre, Facebook and mypurebalance.ca under events for the dates to our upcoming workshops.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Cancer and Massage Therapy

2011-04-04T17:43:00.000-04:00

What is cancer?

Under normal circumstances, a healthy permanent cell will produce, mature then die. These dead cells are replaced with new cells. This is called cell proliferation. Cancer is a disease where a group of cells display uncontrolled cell division in which cells begin to reproduce outside the normal bounds of proliferation causing a mass of tissue called a tumor.

Once a tumor is formed, it demands large amounts of nutrition and hormones from the healthy tissue surrounding it, thereby, compromising the healthy tissue’s function and eventually destroying it. The major concern with a malignant tumor is that it can spread to other tissues by passage through the blood and lymphatic channels. This is called metastasis. If metastasis occurs, the other tumors can form in distant areas of the body.

Can Massage therapy contribute to metastasis?

Although there are many benefits to massage therapy, some of these benefits could be considered an issue when treating a patient with cancer. Research suggests that a certain percent of tumors can actually shed their cells. The concern with this is that the cells could possibly be pressed or pushed away from the tumor site by manual manipulation of the tissues performed in a massage. A physiotherapy study done in 1977 by the American Medical Association concluded, “Sufficient direct pressure will traumatize the tumor and promote the release of cells”. Massage therapists should consider the pressure, duration and locality of their treatment if the tumor rests in superficial tissues to avoid the release of cells from the site.

One of the other benefits of massage is the improvement of blood and lymph to the body. There may be a concern that the cancerous tissue would benefit from an influx of blood and would therefore encourage further growth. Research, however, states that is unlikely that the improvement of blood and lymphatic flow to the tissues would aid in the survival of cancerous cells. If this were true, the client would most likely be at risk with similar activities of daily life such as, taking hot showers, exercise and sexual activity.

A third concern is that massage techniques could allow the lodging of cancer cells in capillary beds and encourage implantation. It has never been proven that this could occur because of what we know about cancer cells. Some cancers prefer certain tissue, some do not have the enzymes needed to destroy tissue matrices, others prefer growth within endothelium tissue and finally some organs don’t have the right growth factors for some cancers. Therefore, it is unlikely massage could cause implantation in the capillary beds.

Based on the above conclusions, it is recommended that the massage therapist uses caution when dealing with cancer clients, being careful to avoid local tumor sites, use light to moderate pressure and possibly shorten the treatment time in an attempt to control the flow of blood and lymph through the circulation.

Can massage help cancer sufferers?

Not only can cancer have a devastating effect on many different systems of the body, treatment itself, usually surgery, medication and radiation may also cause a multitude of painful complications and side effects. Cancer sufferers may experience many different symptoms such as hemorrhage, clotting abnormalities, infection, fever, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, imbalance of hormones, emotional and physical stress, skin lesions, confusion, irritability, anxiety, depression, muscle atrophy, headaches, weakness, hair loss and fatigue.

Massage can help ease these symptoms by strengthening the immune system, calming and balancing the nervous system, improving sleep patterns, improving circulation to the brain and other tissues , reducing toxin build up, stimulating muscle tissue, easing musculoskeletal aches and pains and increasing appetite.

It is important to complete a thorough health history before receiving massage and keep your therapist up to date of any changes throughout the treatment session and future sessions. You should inform your massage therapist if you have any of the following complications: coagulation disorders, low platelet count, medications and their uses, metastases to bone, complicated by fracture, open wounds and radiation dermatitis with pain and infection. With proper information your massage therapist will be able to treat you better and help you achieve your goals in each session.

Therefore, massage therapy treatments, when performed properly, may be useful in reducing pain felt by cancer itself and some treatment side effects. Even though receiving massage therapy can be useful in decreasing these painful symptoms, it is important to note that as the client, it is ultimately your choice to receive such treatment and you should be well informed before engaging in any form of massage therapy treatment.

Lana Cummings, Registered Massage Therapist

Offering Swedish Massage and Thai Yoga Massage

Kale Navy Bean Soup

2011-03-25T23:22:00.000-04:00

Just the other day, a client of mine bought some Kale for the first time in their life. So they asked me for a recipe to prepare the kale. Here is one of my favourite kale recipes. Each serving contains 300 calories, 16 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, 44 grams of carbs and 15 grams of fiber. Enjoy.

Green and filled with a lot of folic acid and anti-oxidants, this simple soup packs a lot of fiber:

• 1 cup dried navy beans

• 2 tsp, organic safflower oil

• 1 yellow onion diced

• 3 cloves chopped garlic

• 2 tsp dried sage

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 cups (1L) kale, chopped

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• Vegetable bouillon

Put the navy beans in a bowl and cover them with water for soaking over night. Next morning drain water from beans and place beans in a deep saucepan with 4 cups of water. Boil beans and reduce to simmer for 60 minutes. Drain the water and put beans aside. Heat 2 tsp of safflower oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until brown. Add 5 cups of water with vegetable bouillon to saucepan, beans, sage, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer with cover on for 10 minutes. Add sliced kale and simmer for 5 minutes. Garnish with olive oil and serve. Serves 4.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Improve Your Sleep

2011-03-23T10:59:00.000-04:00

Most of us have experienced insomnia or a sleepless night, the feeling like you need to sleep and fatigue during the day can make your day miserable. However, a growing number of Canadians suffer with sleep problems on a daily basis.

I consider sleep one of the most important pillars of health. Go a few nights without proper sleep and you will feel the negative effects on your body. A lack of great sleep has a negative impact on your emotional well-being, your energy balance, productivity, and health. Chronic insomnia has been linked to poor adrenal function, hormonal imbalances, weak immunity and even cancer.

By making a few simple lifestyle changes, these tips can help transition into healthy sleep patterns:

Maintain a regular sleep schedule during the week and the weekend.
Exercise 30 minutes per day.
Eat a well balanced diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.
Drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy hydrated body. Avoid drinking liquids after 6pm, only resort to sipping water after 6pm.
Make your bedroom completely dark and cool; reduce the room temperature to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use supplements and herbs like magnesium, chamomile and valerian root to relax your nerves before bedtime.
Integrate stress relief strategies into your lifestyle.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Daylight Saving Time Reminds Us About Our Sleep

2011-03-14T09:03:00.000-04:00

Time to “Spring Ahead”! It is that time of the year when Daylight Saving Time (DST) brings our sleep patterns to the forefront of our consciousness. The clock is moved ahead by one hour which means all of us will be losing one full hour of sleep.

This spring ritual can cause serious disruptions in sleep, leaving many scrambling to catch up on sleep they lost during their hectic work week. We need to change our lifestyle by taking steps to minimize sleep loss and fully regain the refreshed and alert feeling we so desperately need.

By making a few simple lifestyle changes, these tips can help you transition into healthy sleep pattern post Daylight Saving Time:

Reset all your clocks on the Saturday before the switch.
Computers, Blackberries and iPhones will automatically adjust to daylight-saving time.
Get a full night's sleep during the switch.
Maintain your regular sleep schedule during the entire weekend.
Exercise during the day for at least 30 minutes. Walk, run, or participate in yoga.
Resist the temptation to catch a nap in the middle of the day.
Avoid sugary foods, eat a well balanced meal with lots of vegetables.
Make sure you stay well hydrated, make water your choice of beverage.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Celebrating International Women's Day - March 8, 2011

2011-03-07T15:50:00.000-05:00

Mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, wives, and girlfriends in our lives together on March 8, 2011 let’s celebrate International Women’s Day. Thank you for your love, caring and compassion.

Here are the top 5 natural supplements ever woman should be taking:

Evening Primrose Oil: is high in omega-6 fatty acids, women use this oil PMS, menopause, and hormonal issues.
Multivitamin: Giving women a healthy balance of all vitamins and minerals to help balance the body’s basic functions. Choose a women’s multivitamin suited for your demographic (ie. over 50, active, under 50). Choose a capsule over a tablet. Liquids and powders also work better.
Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D: Great for healthy bones, a strong immune system, a balanced nervous system and hormone support.
Probiotic: They help with maintaining a healthy digestive system, and increasing immune function.
Protein Powder: Women are known for not taking sufficient amounts of protein during their day. A protein shake made from water, fruits, fiber and a clean rice protein will improve overall energy in the morning and for the rest of the day. A protein Shake will increase the body’s metabolism leading to weight loss.

Special Note—if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your healthcare provider before starting new supplementation.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Depression and Diabetes Increase Risk of Death from Cardiovascular Disease.

2011-02-28T10:08:00.000-05:00

Source: Archives of General Psychiatry Arch Gen Psychiatry. Jan2011;68(1):42-50.

In with the theme of February and heart health month I wanted to bring your attention to a recent study that made a link between depression, diabetes and heart disease. This particular study looked at women, it isn’t often we see a study this comprehensive looking at women and their risk of heart disease.

We know intuitively that the entire body is connected and we shouldn’t be that surprised about a study like this one. However, we are surprised and we continue to try to wrap our brain around the mind-body connection. Well here is a news flash, the mind is connected to the body and these health issues continue to repeat.

78,282 women participated in the Nurses’ Health Study in 2000 and were followed up until 2006. The study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry concluded that compared with women who did not have either depression or diabetes, those with depression had a 44 percent increased risk of death, while those women with diabetes had a 35 percent increased risk of death. Women with both conditions had approximately twice the risk of death.

Women with diabetes had a 67 percent increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and women with depression had a 37 percent increased risk. Women with both health conditions had a 2.7 fold increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

The author’s concluded that women with depression and diabetes increase the risk of mortality by a cardiovascular condition. We should ask a few questions. What does cause depression in most of these women? Stress, a faced paced life, or being unhappy? Is diabetes a life of poor nutrition? Just a few questions to think about.

I think in most of these women’s cases we can say they must have died from a broken heart.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Healthy Foods – Eat Your Heart Out

2011-02-21T22:08:00.000-05:00

According to a study published in the December 2010 Journal of Nutrition, increased blueberry consumption may reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Blueberries have a high source of antioxidants. Antioxidants have the ability to remove free radicals from the body, high levels of free radicals can lead to several heart complications, including atherosclerosis and artery damage.

A study conducted at the Temple University School of Medicine found that consuming brown rice like blueberries can improve cardiovascular health.

According to a published study in the December 2010 American Journal of Hypertension, eating watermelon may help prevent high blood pressure. Nutrients found in watermelon, such as vitamins A, B6, C, fiber, potassium and lycopene are strong antioxidants that help the heart. The researchers showed that watermelon had vasodilating effects which prevent hypertension.

People who are interested in adding food sources to their diet to change their heart can add blueberries, brown rice and watermelon.

Dr. Elias Markou, ND

Love Your Heart

2011-02-16T22:28:00.001-05:00

For years researchers have been providing evidence to the public that people who are under a lot of stress have an increased risk of heart disease. So what kinds of stress increase the risk of heart disease? What can be done about it?

Emotional stress tends to be the worst stress. There is significant evidence to suggest that people who react to everyday emotional stresses with an exaggerated Type A adrenaline driven anger tend to have a higher risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

The sudden dump of adrenaline into the bloodstreams due to a frustrating moment, temporarily changes the hormonal response in the body. This hormonal change leads to an increased risk of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. Remember treatment is not always a pill.

Here are some steps that can help with your stress to preserve your heart:

1.    Identify the cause and make the change to your response.
2.    Breathe, learn effective stress management techniques.
3.    Take the stressors that are not necessary out of your life.
4.    Shift the way you think and react to the stress.

Dr. Elias Markou, ND

Vegans, Study Suggests Omega-3’s and B12 Required in Diet to Decrease Risk of Heart Disease

2011-02-07T20:44:00.000-05:00

To kick of Heart Health Month, I have decided to bring to your attention a series of heart health studies that may help you make better lifestyle choices for yourself and your family. The following information appeared in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

In a review of many articles published about vegetarians and vegans in the last 30 years, the authors of the study determined that people who follow a strict vegan/vegetarian lifestyle (eat no meat or animal products) may increase their risk of developing blood clots and the hardening of the arteries which may lead to heart attacks and strokes.

The study pointed to the fact that such diets lack iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. While a balanced vegan/vegetarian diet can provide the necessary nutrients, few vegans from this group showed they could meet the nutrient requirements. Vegans do exhibit elevated homocycteine which decrease levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and increases the risk of heart disease.

Interesting study, but poor delivery on the take home message, let me explain. The authors ask vegans to start eating omega-3’s from salmon and get their daily dose of B12 from eggs and fortified milk. The Scientist should have suggested options for vegans.

I have decided to offer up some suggestions. If you are vegan here are your choices to remain with the entire spirit of veganism. Some of the food sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are flaxseed (linseed), hemp oil, soya oil, canola oil, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, leafy vegetables, and walnuts.

Good sources of vitamin B12 include nutritional yeast sprinkled on your salads and meals, fortified cereal, soy milk, fortified meat analogues which are foods made from wheat gluten or soybeans.

Vegans who choose to use a vitamin B12 and omega-3 supplementation, either as a single supplement or in a multivitamin should use supplements regularly. Dietary supplements also can supply these nutrients.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Homeopathic Medicine, it works!

2011-01-31T19:54:00.000-05:00

On January 14^th, 2011, CBC’s Marketplace did a show on Homeopathy, they called it “Cure or Con?”.

http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/2011/cureorcon/

Erica Johnson’s investigation mocked and ridiculed the art of homeopathy by trying to show there are no molecules in the remedies, having people trying to overdose on homeopathic pellets while sitting outside a hospital, and the show’s reporter even went as far as sharing her biased views calling homeopathy a “scam”. This program was very one-sided what poor journalism. Sadly, this was a poor example of "investigative" journalism and within the first few minutes of the show I knew this was going to be a circus.

Today, homeopathy is found in almost every country. In Europe, 40% of French physicians use homeopathy; 40% of Dutch, 37% of British, and 20% of German physicians use homeopathy [1]. Many Canadians use homeopathic medicine. In India, 70% of the population use homeopathy as their first defense against disease. Homeopathy is the medicine of the poor and of the many cultures.

CBC/Marketplace portrayed a complete lack of respect and understanding of a time honoured system of medical treatment used by many around the world. The Ontario Government is smart, they are looking at making homeopathy safe for the public by further regulating the profession. More and more people are using homeopathy, we need to recognize this and accept this.

So what I understood from this segment was that science is better than Mother Nature when it comes to our health? Let’s re-think that. Just because "science" can't figure it out or explain it, doesn't mean it doesn't work. In the segment science was measuring chemicals but not energy. I challenge people to tell me what Electricity looks like? Describe it? We can’t see it but we believe it exists. We need to find the right tools to measure the energy in homeopathy, our archaic machines are not quite cutting it.

If you get a chance, I suggest you go to the CBC website listed above and have a look at the blog page and all of the feedback against the program. The CBC thought the public was going to respond positively to their program. The truth is, the public is angry with a modern medical system that has taken all its power away and is not healing patients with dignity and respect. The angry are the converted to alternative medicine, who are looking for new hope for a broken and hopeless conventional medical system.

Well skeptics, I never thought I’d say this. Homeopathy is effectively used around the world and will continue to grow and flourish because it works.

1. Fisher P, Ward A. Complementary medicine in Europe. BMJ. 1994; 309: 107-111

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Try Goal Setting In the New Year. Make Your Dreams Real.

2011-01-02T23:43:00.000-05:00

Goal setting is a powerful process where ideas become repeat thoughts. Repeat thoughts become words on paper or a plan. Finally a plan becomes reality when enough emotion and persistence is poured into the original idea. The exercise of goal setting is to help motivate you to turn this vision of the future into reality. Here are a few points to consider:

1) Set Goals: It is important to set goals that you can achieve. I am also a believer that your list should included goals that are realistic and some goals that they are way out there that initially are a dream or a far out idea.

2) Create a positive statement: State each goal as a positive statement, and express your goals positively.

3) Be precise: Set a precise goal, putting in dates, times and amounts so that you can measure achievement. If you do this, you will know exactly when you have achieved the goal, and can take complete satisfaction from having achieved it.

4) Write goals down: This gives your goals more drive and energy. Every successful business writes a business plan. Every successful goal setter writes his ideas down.

5) Post your goals: Place them where you can see them and repeat them in the morning and at bedtime.

When you have achieved one of your goals from your list, take the time to enjoy the victory and reward yourself. Goal setting is not used by 97% of people in our society. But the 3% that do know how to set goals achieve more than the 97% that don’t.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Tips to Cure Your Hangover: Hangover 911Medicine

2011-01-01T13:08:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR Everyone! I hope 2011 is going to present you with much abundance. For some of you this morning, you got hit with a lot of alcohol abundance. The headache for some of you is unbearable.

Let’s start off by quickly telling you what won’t work. In the past, people have taken such remedies like; Alka Seltzer Morning Relief, a cup of coffee, sugary fruit juices, a big greasy breakfast and even more alcohol like a Bloody Mary or a Ceasar. A sauna will not work, you are already dehydrated, it will only worsen the situation. I am definitely sure an old Irish remedy involving burying the ailing person up to the neck in moist river sand won’t cure a hangover either.

Here are some quick and easy hangover ideas you can do use to cure you stubborn hangover.

1. Chances are you are dehydrated, so you will need a nice combination of an electrolyte drink and water. Water by itself will only do half the job. Sport drinks with sodium, potassium and glucose are great options. By the end of a 12 hour day consume as much as 2.5 to 3 litres of the liquid.

2. Take a high potency B complex, the day before and before you go to bed after all that drinking. The morning of the hangover you should take a B complex when you wake up, at noon and one more at 6pm. The B vitamins work in the liver to help you convert all that alcohol so it can be removed from the body.

3. Take a high potency mineral combination that includes calcium, magnesium and zinc. These key minerals again help to convert alcohol in the liver to a water soluble substance that can be easy removed from the body.

4. Nutritionally, you should choose mineral rich foods that are easy to digest. Foods like squash, yams, sweet potatoes, asparagus, beets and complex grains like overcooked brown rice will help. You will need the energy to make it through the day.

5. And finally extra sleep that day will make you feel much better.

Once again, may all your dreams and wishes come true in 2011. Don’t waste that one special wish you get in the new year on your hangover. Hoping that you get rid of your hangover so you can feel better is not necessary. Use my tips and you will get rid of your hangover in no time.

Dr. Elias Markou, ND

Be Aware - The Common Cold Is A Multi Billion Dollar Industry

2010-12-31T20:17:00.000-05:00

A recent American study on Echinacea which was called “the largest study on Echinacea to date”, was another attempt for government to slow down the massive alternative health care train. It has nothing to do with Echinacea.

You see the study looked at more than 700 participants taking Echinacea and observed their recovery from the cold. The study concluded that the popular herbal remedy Echinacea didn’t help participants get any better. An earlier blog of mine looked at the study’s limitations and I concluded the wrong dose, frequency and wrong Echinacea formulation played a significant role in the results.

Let’s be real and honest about the subject and at least state one true fact we can all agree on, there is no cure for the common cold. This however has never stopped people from trying something or even anything to relieve the symptoms.

Over-the-counter medicine in the United States reached the billions. According to the Nielsen Company, Americans spent 5.3 billion on cold, cough and flu remedies last year. These over-the-counter medications included drops, sprays and other pharmaceuticals and natural medicines we use to fight runny noses, sore throats and stubborn coughs. Many opted for natural products that were safe and had no side effect. People were looking for products that would help boost the immune system to fight infections. Products like Echinacea, vitamin C, and zinc were the products of choice. People finally realized the pharmaceutical medications do not work.

With government funding, Dr. Bruce Barrett and researchers at the University of Wisconsin, have spent $6.8 million testing just Echinacea since 2002. Let’s face it treating the common cold is big business, for both researchers and retailers alike.

The pharmaceutical industry has been left out of this market for a long time because of their existing business plan favoring only the drug model. The plan was to undermine the natural remedy market by making claims that it lacked evidence based science. Pharmaceuticals have recently changed their plan to include the purchase of some of these small natural companies. You can bet Eli Lilly and GlaxoSmithKline have a new Echinacea and Probiotic ready to be launched in the New Year. Let’s hope they didn’t taint their future profits too much.

Dr. Elias Markou, ND

New Echinacea Study: Has Limitations

2010-12-27T16:35:00.000-05:00

The Monday December 20^th news headline on CBC News reported on a new Echinacea study which found that Echinacea did not help with the common cold. Here is the link, read it yourself:

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/12/20/colds-echinacea.html#socialcomments

Interesting article isn’t it! The reporter in that article makes a pretty convincing case not to take Echinacea for a cold. Now I suggest you take a few minutes to read the Original Research, here is the link:

http://www.annals.org/content/153/12/769.abstract?aimhp

When all is said and done the researchers themselves state the study has a few limitations we need to consider. One limitation of the study involved the inability for the researchers to measure and detect the benefits or improvements of the patients. If you’re going to say echinacea doesn’t work, you better make sure you can measure this quantitatively. There were higher than expected variables according to the research team.

The most important limitation as outlined in the conclusion of the study stated “the results do not support the ability of this dose of the echinacea formulation to substantively change the course of the common cold”. In other words, the dose was not strong enough to give us results. Would your doctor’s prescribed medicine work if the dose was weak?

Here are the facts. Echinacea is one of the most popular herbs in America today and it is a local Native American herbal medicine. Native Americans have been using echinacea for more than 400 years to treat immune related conditions. This herb was popular during the 19th centuries and its use began to decline in the United States and Canada after the introduction of antibiotics in the 1940’s. There are many types, many doses, many extracts, and many levels of purity.

The debate as to whether or not echinacea helps prevent or treat the common cold remains active. Some studies have shown that the herb can make you feel better faster, while others show the herb to be nothing more than a placebo. A review of 14 clinical trials found that echinacea reduced the odds of developing a cold by 58% and the duration of a cold by 1 - 4 days.

So what does a cold sufferer do? What options do we have? Let me empower you: There's nothing that's going to make that stubborn cold go away, I think that it is pretty clear that people are looking for options to arm themselves against the common cold. There are way too many factors that influence your recovery time from a cold, these include your stress levels, your sugar consumption, your nutrition, your sleep, your level of happiness and much more. If Echinacea can reduce the duration of my cold by 1-4 days, that means I am up and running sooner. One final note, don't go running to the doctor for antibiotics, antibiotics don't work against cold viruses and can have side effects.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Help Your Family Find Their Balance

2010-12-13T08:28:00.000-05:00

We as a society need to acknowledge that helping our family find their balance is not a waste of time. A healthy balanced family unit can tackle challenges and often motivate each other to increase their performance and remain healthy. When one family member needs the assistance to re-align into a balanced energy, it requires the entire family unit to rally around and support.

Here are four easy steps to consider when looking at bringing your family back to balance.

1) Nutrition: Choosing healthy meals and preparing meals as a family is a lost art. We have disconnected from this very important social and health activity. Putting live energetic food into our bodies will only lead to a healthier overall family unit.

2) Sleep: Make sure all members of the family are able to achieve the necessary sleep to function in life. Sleep disruptions in one family member can lead to an entire house losing sleep.

3) Relationships: Relationships with others, both at work, school and in your personal life, are an integral part of a healthy life. Consider supporting healthy relationships and avoiding toxic ones.

4) Communication: Family meetings are an excellent way to practice problem-solving skills, promote communication and build family unity.

The family health care team includes parents and caregivers, and a group of health care professionals, each providing services depending on the family member’s needs, such as a naturopathic doctor, a medical doctor, a chiropractor, a massage therapist, and energy healer, a life coach or counselor and other specialists. Seek the help of a professional today, help your family unit get healthy.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Give the Gift of Health

2010-12-08T14:54:00.000-05:00

December is that time of the year where we sit back and do some reflection on the year past. We reflect on the events of the year, our life experiences and our family. As the holiday season approaches we think about ways we can make our family happy with material gifts. We try to think about the perfect gift to give a loved one who already has almost everything in life. Our friends and family can always benefit from a little bit of health and wellness TLC. We seem to forget and take for granted the most important thing about ourselves and our family and that is health and wellness.

Health and wellness is one of those commodities that we ourselves are responsible for and don’t expect others to be involved. Well that is all about to change. Consider the traditional wellness gifts like a massage gift certificate, a yoga membership, or maybe even a spa experience; these are great, but let’s think outside of the box and be more original.

Here are some ideas that align with that very viewpoint. Why not give someone a Naturopathic Health Assessment, an intuitive energy healing session, an introductory chiropractic assessment, their first acupuncture experience, or even their first hypnotherapy session? Now that would be neat. Gifts like these are often life changing events. When you are reflecting this year on gifts, think cool, trendy and original.

This holiday season, if you haven't already finished your holiday shopping, it may be time to start thinking about changing someone’s life. The gift of health and wellness may be the most valuable gift you can give this year.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

The Vitamin D Controversy in the News Again

2010-12-04T12:09:00.000-05:00

Citizens unite! Only this time be very mad. The Establishment is messing with your right to health again. Look at how the events have transpired.

The U.S and Canadian governments ask the Institute of Medicine at the Penn State University to assess data on calcium and vitamin D in humans and to update the dietary references on food packages and the daily recommended allowances. Not sure why this study was commissioned, I didn’t think there were any issues with vitamin D. All academics including the American and the Canadian Cancer Society all agreed on the required vitamin D levels. Read on.

The Report, released on Tuesday November 30^th by the Institute of Medicine concluded that most people in Canada and the United States need only 600IU of vitamin D per day (this includes supplementation and diet combined), up from 200IU’s. The report concluded that most Canadians and Americans are receiving enough vitamin D, and any extra supplementation may not be necessary.

Here is where the controversy lies, as of December 1, 2010 Ontario de-listed vitamin D testing for most of the population. You need to have a legitimate health concern to have your vitamin D levels tested in your next blood lab. Government and doctors won’t tell you that in the last year the Ontario Government has paid for more vitamin D test than ever before. A vitamin D blood analysis cost the government $150 per test. Relative to other blood tests, vitamin D is a very expensive test. To cut this cost, the government has stopped testing vitamin D. the government claims that, “The decision to only cover vitamin D testing for certain medical conditions was made after a review of the best available medical evidence, the evidence showed that vitamin D testing of healthy Ontarians is not appropriate or medically necessary”.

What confuses me even more is that the committee noted in the report that Vitamin D measurements used by labs to report deficiencies have not been based on rigorous scientific studies. Wait a minute, so either doctors have been lying to us all this time about vitamin D, or the committee of this report supporting the de-listing of vitamin D is lying. You be the judge. Health Canada said on Tuesday that it welcomed the recommendations.

Here is my commentary, and this is only my opinion. This is a massive disappointment for preventative health. When heavy hitting players like the Institute of Medicine come out and make these claims people listen, and they listen for the wrong reasons. Major chronic diseases like cancer can be avoided with 2000IU of vitamin D a day during the summer and the winter months. The Institute went on to say what you are doing is sufficient, this is not right most of us are vitamin D deficient. I would suggest for our indoor lifestyle and our latitude that we should consume a minimum of 1000IU’s per day. The Institute of Medicine, the Canadian Government, Health Canada and the Ontario Government have done a disservice to the people who want to be healthy and save the government money in the long run by being healthy and doing preventative medicine. These are the true strategies that will prevent debilitating chronic disease.

Check out these sites:

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/11/29/vitamin-d-diet-calcium.html

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ohip/changes/vitamin_d.aspx

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Be an Informed Shopper this Christmas: Avoid Phthalates in cosmetics.

2010-11-30T08:26:00.000-05:00

Next time you lather up your hair with mousse, take a few minutes to read the label and see if you find phthalates in the product. Before you put on your favorite deodorant, see if phthalates are present. Phthalates are a common ingredient in many cosmetic products often associated as being safe, but we are finding out that new evidence suggests otherwise.

Phthalates are found in many personal care products which include deodorants, nail polish, shampoos, conditioners and much more. Phthalates are well know solvents found in beauty care products but its origin is the industrial chemical manufacturing industry where phthalates continue to be added to polyvinyl chloride products (PVC) for durability and flexibility. Many building materials like vinyl siding contains phthalates; imagine a chemical compound commonly used to line the side of your home can also be found in the nail polish that coats your nails.

In June 2003, The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a report in the journal Pediatrics that recommended further research on phthalates and there effects on the fetus and infants in needed. Animal research conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control, clearly showed harm and wide exposure by phthalates.

Research has shown that phthalates are a hormone disrupting chemical compound, it affects the developing male fetus, causes early puberty in girls and severely effects male sperm quality and sperm count.

Increased public awareness is critical. Canada has gone ahead and regulated all cosmetic products to label the phthalate content in their products. Some companies left the phthalates in the beauty products and have labeled their products while others have clearly removed the controversial chemical completely. Be an informed consumer and be very picky with what you put on your body. Avoid phthalates.

Read the info on: http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/NewScience/oncompounds/phthalates/phthalates.htm

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Thinking of Starting Your Christmas Shopping, Read This!

2010-11-26T09:08:00.000-05:00

Report: Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Perfumes

So you are gearing up to head to the mall this weekend to start your Christmas shopping and you decided to put a bottle of cologne or perfume in your loved ones stocking. You may want to read this warning first.

A new report, “Not So Sexy: The Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance” demonstrates that the fragrances like perfume and cologne have an average of 10 sensitizing chemicals. These highly reactive chemicals are known to affect the body and can trigger allergic reactions, such as asthma, wheezing, headaches and contact dermatitis. The authors of the report explain that manufacturers were asked about some of the ingredients in the perfumes because they were not disclosed on the labels. There were some chemicals that were listed on the product labels, the manufacturer did make it seem like there were few ingredients involved. 12 of these chemicals are also known as hormone-disrupting chemicals, most of these chemicals mimic estrogen and disrupt thyroid function.

The analysis examined 38 secret chemicals - that's how many unlabelled ingredients we found in 17 brand-name fragrances. The fragrances with the highest number of hidden chemicals were:

1. American Eagle Seventy Seven (24 hidden chemicals)

2. Coco Mademoiselle Chanel (18 hidden chemicals)

3. Britney Spears Curious (17 hidden chemicals)

The average number of hidden chemicals per product was 14. You may want to consider a more organic source of perfume for your loved one. There are many essential oils on the market that are completely natural and do not have any hidden ingredients or highly reactive chemical compounds. The ancient Egyptians and the Greeks used to uses natural vanilla extract for perfume. These make for great Christmas Gifts.

Courtesy of http://www.environmentaldefence.ca

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Study Finds Infant Formula Linked to Childhood Type 1 Diabetes

2010-11-14T19:14:00.000-05:00

A new study conducted by the Hospital For Sick Children’s in Toronto suggests, “the majority of children who develop type 1 diabetes can avoid the ailment by simply switching cow’s milk formula in infancy to an alternative formula”. The study was released November 11, 2010 in the New England Journals of Medicine.

The study pointed out three significant findings:

Exclusively breastfed babies carrying the gene risk for type 1 diabetes were well protected if cow’s milk was avoided.
Allergic reactions to cow’s milk during the first six months of life sets off an auto-immune response that attacks the insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas.
The alternative formula had all cow’s milk proteins removed, it was a hydrolyzed formula.

This 10 year study showed children with a genetic predisposition to type 1 diabetes, if they avoided cow’s milk they could completely avoid type 1 diabetes. The senior Sick Kids scientist, Dr. Michael Dosch called this information, “stunning”. A similar study conducted by researchers at the University of Helsinki demonstrated that 80% of the children would have not developed type 1 diabetes with a milk alternative. This is something Naturopathic Doctor’s have been getting their patients to do for years. Naturopathic Doctors have been recommending goat’s milk, sheep milk, and soy milk. There are other new great alternatives that include fortified rice milk, almond milk, and coconut milk. The secret is to rotate your child’s milk. A final note, there is nothing more nutritional for a baby then mom’s breast milk.

Dr. Elias Markou, ND

Congratulations to Nature’s Source on Store Number 5 in Maple, ON

2010-11-02T22:14:00.000-04:00

On the weekend of October 30th, I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Opening of Nature’s Source’s new store in Maple, ON. The Maple Nature’s Source location is store number five in the GTA. This health store franchise, owned and operated by the Jagota Family has delivered quality care and products to it customers for over 10 years.

Sanjiv Jagota, the president of Nature’s Source, has focused on building an excellent reputation in the communities across the GTA. His staff’s commitment and high-level of customer service has not only resulted in loyal clients, but also has helped make its clients healthier in the process.

Sanjiv and his dedicated staff at Nature’s Source, believe that knowledge is power when it comes to your health and well-being. Congratulations Nature’s Source on the New Maple location and Good Luck in future endeavours.

Dr. Elias Markou, ND and the pureBalance Wellness Team

Preparing You and Your Family for the Cold and Flu Season

2010-10-31T18:21:00.000-04:00

It is important that you and your family be prepared for the Cold and Flu Season. In preparing for this Flu Season a 2010 flu vaccine has been developed and will become available to the general public starting October. This vaccination has raised many questions and concerns amongst the general public. In a recent survey conducted by Strategic Counsel for The Globe and Mail and CTV approximately 53% of Ontarians say that they will not get the Flu Vaccine.

Clearly, the public is divided in its opinion about the flu vaccine available from Health Canada. As a naturopathic doctor, and prevention care specialist, naturopathic medicine offers many preventative measures for strengthening the immune system. I strongly believe that if you chose either option regarding vaccination, alternative preventative measures should be taken.

Prevention Measures:
• Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated
• Take your multi-vitamin
• Gargle nightly with salt water
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
• Exercise Regularly
• Take Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Fish Oil, a probiotic, and zinc
• Get plenty of sleep every night
• Use Echinacea, as needed.

I have outlined some preventative measures and a easy action plan. It is important that if you do need more guidance that you consult with a Naturopathic Doctor. Have a healthy Cold and Flu season.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

All you need to know about Bisphenol A (BPA) to impress your friends.All you need to know about Bisphenol A (BPA) to impress your friends.

2010-10-24T18:49:00.000-04:00

Bisphenol A (BPA) is chemically prepared in a lab with two phenol groups combined with condensed acetone (hence the suffix A in the name).1 BPA is a chemical building block that is used primarily to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. (http://www.bisphenol-a.org/about/faq.html#b).

Polycarbonate is used in a wide variety of common products including digital media (e.g., CDs, DVDs), electrical and electronic equipment, automobiles, sports safety equipment, reusable food and drink containers, and many other products. (http://www.bisphenol-a.org/about/faq.html#b). In 2002, approximately 2.8 million tons of bisphenol A (BPA) was produced globally (Source: Chemical Market Associates, Inc. (CMAI)).

Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor, which can mimic the body's own hormones and may lead to negative health effects. A 2007 review concluded that bisphenol-A has been shown to bind to thyroid hormone receptor and perhaps have selective effects on the thyroid’s function.2 Another BPA health study in 2008 further concluded that perinatal exposure to low doses of BPA, alters breast development and increases breast cancer risk.3 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A#cite_note-24>

Canada became the first country to declare BPA as a toxic substance. This does not mean we can all rest assured, and that the BPA issue will go away. As consumers of many products created from BPA, we need to make the government, regulators and the respective industries (ie. food and manufacturing) accountable to enforce the BPA ban in Canada. We can also take our dollars and our voices and vote for products we feel are more ethical. Especially products that are BPA free.

Dr Elias Markou

References

Uglea, Constantin V.; Ioan I. Negulescu (1991). Synthesis and Characterization of Oligomers. CRC Press <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CRC_Press> . p. 103.
Zoeller, R. (2007). "Environmental chemicals impacting the thyroid: targets and consequences". Thyroid : official journal of the American Thyroid Association 17 (9): 811–817.)
Brisken, C. (2008). "Endocrine Disruptors and Breast Cancer". CHIMIA International Journal for Chemistry 62: 406–409.

Report on BPA

2010-10-20T11:16:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of http://www.toxicnation.ca

Officially on March 11, 2010, the Canadian government banned Bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles. Effective 23 September 2010, Canada became the first country to declare BPA as a toxic substance.BPA has been completely banned from advertisement, sale, and importation into Canada. This is definitely a win for Canadians.

The greater problem for Canadians and world is the fact that we are still exposed to the carcinogen BPA. A recent study released this month by The National Workgroup for Safe Markets, a coalition of public health and environmental health groups in the United States confirmed the following: The study, No Silver Lining: An Investigation into Bisphenol A in Canned Foods, tested food from 50 cans from Canada and the U.S. for BPA contamination. Over 90% of the canned food tested had detectable levels of BPA.

We have requested the help of the Canadian Government to ban the BPA and they have delivered the legislation which was much needed. We do need to put pressure on the food regulatory bodies to enforce the BPA ban in food. The next step as involves YOU, it is time as consumers to vote with our purchase power. Similar to the pressure consumers put on restaurants to remove MSG from their food, consumers now have to speak out on products containing BPA. I know we all lead busy lives, but an alternative for most canned foods would be to cook them from scratch, for example the legumes we buy. Just think about how healthier your body would become.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

What’s Hip and Hot this New School Year?

2010-09-01T10:14:00.000-04:00

Hey kids, want to hear a secret? The best part of heading back to school is seeing your friends and taking your vitamins.

Moms and dads, here are the top five vitamins you want to include in your child’s diet to increase their memory, energy and immune system.

1) Omega 3 Fish Oil: Excellent for memory and boosting your child’s immune system.

2) Multivitamin: Giving your child a healthy balance of all vitamins and minerals to help balance the body’s basic functions.

3) Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D: Great for healthy bones, a strong immune system and a balanced nervous system.

4) Rice Protein Powder: Start the morning off with a scoop of rice protein to increase your child’s energy.

5) Probiotic: They help with maintaining a healthy digestive system, and increasing immune function.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Healthy Eating While You Travel-Part 3- Dinner

2010-08-29T15:33:00.000-04:00

I recently got back from vacation in Spain where I had to be conscious about the food I was choosing while I traveled. So I thought it would be a good idea to share some helpful tips about eating food while you travel. Typical travel food includes a lot of fast food, potato chips, and lots of carbonated drinks. These foods are filled with unhealthy fats, high calories, and lack of vitamins and minerals. Eating these foods will leave you feeling energy depleted and sluggish. Let me help you maintain your healthy diet while you travel on vacation. You’ll feel healthier, more alert, and have more fun.

Dinner

Healthy eating in restaurants:
•    Soups and salads are generally healthy and start to fill you up so that you eat less.
•    Split a meal with your dining partner. Most restaurants serve huge portions.
•    Select foods that are prepared with healthier, low-fat methods.
•    Eat the vegetables. Double up on the vegetable, ask for more.
•    Choose fruit instead of sugary desserts.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Healthy Eating While You Travel- Part 2-Lunch

2010-07-19T22:29:00.000-04:00

The word 'tapas' is synonymous with Spanish cuisine and every visitor to Spain wants to 'go for tapas'. While traveling in Spain I had the opportunity to enjoy tapas for lunch. A 'tapa' is not a type of food, but a way of eating food. More specifically, a tapa is a small dish of something edible. By choosing tapas in Spain, our lunches were small, healthy and light. Let’s discuss how to choose lunch while you travel.

Lunch

When you travel, many lunches will be at a restaurant. Don’t spend too much time at fast food restaurants; instead visit full-service restaurants that offer many more options.

Healthy eating in restaurants:

Order a salad and add chicken or fish to make it your main course.
Split a meal with your travel partner. Most restaurants serve large portions, travel with a light stomach.
Choose foods that are prepared with healthier methods like broiling, boiling or steaming.
Try to eat a lot of vegetables while you travel, it will keep you regular on your vacation.
Choose fruit; avoid sugary dessert which will make you feel sleepy.
Don’t super-size your meal.
Try to keep your sandwich eating to a minimum, too many sandwiches means eating more bread then necessary.

I hope you find some helpful lunch travel tips. Have a safe trip.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Healthy Eating While You Travel – Part 1- Breakfast

2010-07-13T23:18:00.000-04:00

I just got back from vacation in Spain where I had to be conscious about the food I was choosing while I traveled. So I thought it would be a good idea to share some helpful tips about eating food while you travel. Typical travel food includes things that are easy like fast food, potato chips, and lots of carbonated drinks. These foods are filled with unhealthy fats, high calories, and lack of vitamins and minerals. Eating these foods will leave you feeling energy depleted and sluggish. Let me help you maintain your healthy diet while you travel on vacation.

Breakfast

You may be eating breakfast at a restaurant or at a hotel continental breakfast bar where the selection is limited. Avoid eating foods with high sugar.

Eating at a restaurant:
•    For the dairy-free group choose an omelet filled with vegetables and NO bread.
•    Avoid the pancakes and syrup.
•    Oatmeal with fresh fruit is perfect for the vegan or vegetarian.
•    A bowl of cottage cheese, mixed with nuts and fruit is perfect for those okay with dairy.

Eating at the hotel continental breakfast bar:
•    Choose a whole grain cereal with soy milk.
•    Fresh fruit gives you fiber.
•    Yogurt or hard-boiled eggs are good sources of protein.
•    Avoid sugary muffins, white toast, and sweetened cereals.

Make smart food choices while you travel, you’ll feel healthier, more alert, and have more fun on vacation.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Why stop a good thing?

2010-05-20T17:59:00.000-04:00

Day 21 of my detox was back on May 10th - that was going to be my last day. Ten days later and I am still going strong. On the last day of the cleanse an interesting feeling came over me, I felt this deep feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction and I decided at that moment I was not ready to stop the detox. I thought to my self that I worked really hard to get here; I was not ready to give up on all this hard work. So I continued my detox indefinitely. I am hoping that this change is for life, I will give it a chance. I feel great, I look great and I can only imagine the good things that are happening inside. I often tell my patients that well-being is very addictive, when you complete one health task successfully will be looking for your next health fix.

I have made a minor modification to my protocol. I began taking the Heel Detox-Kit, this little kit follows the principles of Homotoxicology. The Heel Detox-Kit is a carefully formulated combination of three homeopathic preparations that specifically target the body’s natural removal systems. The kit is formulated to target the liver, gallbladder, gastrointestinal tract, the kidneys and the lymphatic system. It will softly and gently stimulate the body’s natural process of elimination to cleanse itself of toxins. I find the Detox-Kit from Heel provides a thorough deep cellular cleanse. It is gentle, so don’t expect an aggressive cleanse. You will achieve your best detox result when you do things slow and natural.

Dr. Elias Markou, ND

What's in the meat?

2010-05-09T19:56:00.000-04:00

Today is the twentieth day of the detox, when I first started this journey back on April 20th I could not have imagined that this detox would have gone over so smoothly. I was really hesitant to be completely meat free on this detox. But I found avoiding meat absolutely amazing. I kept the rules of the detox very simple, I drank my morning shake, used fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds as snacks and ate a variety of vegetables cooked and raw. This was by far my most successful detox.

I want to take a moment to discuss, what’s in the meat? Take a few minutes and check out this web link; http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/hormones/. There is growing concern that hormone residues in meat might be harmful to human health. Scientists know that cattle raised for slaughter in North America are injected with hormones to make them grow faster in a shorter amount of time. These measures mean higher profits for the beef industries, but what does it mean for you and I?

There are six natural and artificial growth hormones in beef production that are a risk to human health. These six hormones are Oestradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, and three which are synthetic, Zeranol, Trenbolone, and Melengestrol. According to the European Union’s Scientific Committee on Veterinary Measures Relating to Public Health, “hormone residues in the meat of "growth enhanced" animals can disrupt human hormone balance, causing developmental problems, interfering with the reproductive system, and even leading to the development of breast, prostate or colon cancer.”

The European Union’s Committee reported that as of 1999, no comprehensive studies had been conducted to determine whether hormone residues in meat can be harmful to human health. Let’s be serious for one moment, and tap into our common sense, are any chemicals whether they are hormones or not safe in our bodies? I will let you be the judge of that for your body…

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Detox - clean your veggies and fruits

2010-05-06T15:27:00.000-04:00

Today is day 16 of the detox program, and things are going very well. My mental clarity is amazing, my energy is super high, my sleep has been very deep, and everyday I am feeling more and more energetic. I have been following a super clean diet with a lot of vegetables. The secret to this detox was definitely the morning detoxification shake I do which includes a scoop of the powder, a tablespoon of the fibre, a cup of water and a cup of organic basmati rice milk. I have been extremely diligent at cleaning my fruits and vegetables.

I always spend a few minutes in my visit with my patients to teach them how to wash vegetables and fruit. Use soap if you like. I did some research on the FDA website. I find it ironic that the official FDA position on vegetable wash currently does not recommend using soap or detergent on your vegetables. However, the FDA has approved and endorsed thousands of pesticides to be sprayed on your vegetables. Some health food stores and supermarkets sell food-safe cleaners to remove oil-based residues that are not entirely water-soluble, such as pesticides, and waxy preservatives from fruits and vegetables. I can’t believe fruit and vegetable wash can be so controversial. Common sense would have you understand cleaning your vegetables using a mild detergent to remove water insoluble chemicals is a good thing. If detergents make you feel uncomfortable then use nature’s most amazing cleaner, white vinegar. Soak your vegetables in white vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:9 parts. Then rinse your fruit and veggies off. Take the time to wash your vegetables with more than just water; it will do your body good.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Bulk Up with Fiber

2010-04-30T15:11:00.000-04:00

Today is day 10 of the detox program, and I am feeling amazing. It could not have happened on a better day, the sun is out today, the temperature is 20 degrees Celsius and the sky is a perfect blue. I feel like all my organs are firing in synchronism, I have a lot of energy and my stomach feels great. I have been strict in sticking with a vegetable diet, completely free of animal products. I have been consuming a lot of nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits for my snacks during the day. The fiber from these foods is soluble and is the best for the body.

This brings me to the topic of fiber during a detox; fiber bulk ensures a constant flow in the intestinal tract. This allows for all toxins trapped in the intestines to be removed from the body. Toxins that settle along the intestinal wall have a greater chance of being absorbed back into the body and circulating back into the organs and the brain. Fiber acts like Velcro, toxins bind to the fiber and are immediately removed from the body. I strongly suggest and enforce one rule with my patients when they decided to detox, if the bowels are not flowing, there won’t be a detox. We begin by getting the bowels to flow nicely, and then we start with a detox. Fiber is an important part of any detox.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Detoxification with a capital "C"

2010-04-28T22:45:00.000-04:00

During every one of my detoxes I always increase my vitamin C intake to 1 gram per hour over 8 hours; I will do this for the duration of the detox. I do this by taking a 1 gram capsule from 9am to 5pm every day. I keep them close to my desk at work and take them with water on an empty stomach or with food.

We know vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is essential for the body; humans cannot manufacture vitamin C and can only obtain it from external sources. Vitamin C combats all free radicals in the body and it has a detoxifying action on lead, mercury and other carcinogens. Vitamin C also has liver support properties. Natural sources of vitamin C include beets, dandelion, kale, potatoes, tomatoes, sprouts, broccoli and citrus fruit. Make vitamin C a part of your detox protocol.

Dr. Elias Markou, ND

Detoxification Days 6 and 7 - Things are getting easier

2010-04-27T23:42:00.000-04:00

Day 6 for many of my patients is still a very heavy and difficult detox day. Patients will complain about poor sleep, constipation, sometimes nausea and even fatigue. I found myself sleeping longer that morning and taking a quick nap in the afternoon. Good solid rest helps renew a healing body. My detox day 6 was filled with unusual cravings which I ignored and some physical fatigue. When I find that I crave some unusual foods, I reach for water; often our body mixes up the thirst and hunger signals. A tall glass of water always satisfies my food cravings.

I call Day 7 of the detox, the day of “enlightenment”, this day happens to be the day I experienced an increase in my energy, mood, concentration and outlook on the detox. I feel more motivated to continue until day 21. My energy today ranked 7 out of 10 as opposed to my energy on day 6 being 4 out of 10. My concentration increased, and most importantly my overall well being has significantly changed. I had a patient today ask me if I do a detox every year, why do I still fell the way I feel? Would I not be clean by now? My answer was simple, we are constantly being exposed to toxins, our toxic burden is always high. I recommend two or more detoxifications per year, the more toxic your profession and your life is, the more you should do.

Dr. Elias Markou, ND

Days 1- 5 of the Detox

2010-04-24T16:38:00.000-04:00

Tuesday April 20th was day 1 of my detox, day 1 is always hard, and I decided this year that I would have a day that was meat free. This year’s day 1 seemed to be like every other day 1; I got an intense headache that lasted the entire day; my body hurt all over as if I had ran the marathon and my head felt really heavy. Day 1 is always a tough day, but determination and a lot of water got me through it.

Day 2 and Day 3 were similar to Day 1 in terms of symptoms, the only difference was the intensity of the symptoms progressively decreased. I include a one hour session of hot yoga at the end of the day to allow for the skin to help in the detoxification process. I find the hot yoga also helps with a spiritual detox that is just as important during this detox process. I go to the gym, everyday during the detox program. The only change I do to my regular gym routine is the fact that I reduce the intensity. I take it easy on the treadmill and the weights.

Day 4 was yesterday; I started my morning with the usual lemon water and detox shake. My snack was a handful of almonds and an herbal tea. For lunch I had steamed broccoli and cabbage covered in garlic and olive oil. I have been keeping with the meat free meals for lunch and dinner. Last night I prepared a tempeh and zucchini stir fry with peanut sauce. The headaches and muscle aches are all gone now and I am beginning to feel more of the mental clarity and energy building. Tomorrow I will discuss the supplementation that I am using during this detox.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

The Day Before Detoxification, Setting My Intention

2010-04-20T00:05:00.000-04:00

Today I will set my intention for my detoxification program, tomorrow will be the first day of my spring detox program, I will be blogging my experience over the next 21 days. Stay tuned as I describe my detox journey. Every year for the last 12 years I do a detox in the spring. I have decided I will be doing the 21 Day Deep Cleanse Detox Program offered at pureBalance Wellness Centre. For the last week I have been going through the planning process and deciding what the program will be like and setting an intention.

So this year my 21 day program will involve removing wheat, dairy, corn, coffee, deep fried food, meat (including pork, beef, lamb, and chicken), all sugar, and citrus fruit from my diet. I will begin my morning with a 4 ounce glass of lemon water. I will be having a shake in the morning made from rice protein intended to cleanse the body. Day 5, day 10 and day 15 will be complete fasting days where the shake will be the only food source. The food choices are clean and simple.

My physical intention is to address the liver and the gallbladder, to clean and support these organs. My emotional intention is to work on my courage, the courage I need to achieve my goals. The organ emotionally linked to courage is the gallbladder. Ask your self objectively, if you lack courage you may just need a good gallbladder cleanse. My mental intention will be to focus on completing my projects. And finally my spiritual intention will be to look deep into my soul and work on the concept of forgiveness.

My goals are numbered, my intention is set and I am ready for this health journey. I am excited!

Dr Elias Markou, ND

New Beginnings, Spring into a Detox Program.

2010-04-05T23:14:00.000-04:00

This weekend turned out to be a wonderful weekend for friends, family, good weather and celebrations. S.D. Gordon once said that “Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life”. Easter signifies new life in the spring, new beginnings, a time for spring cleaning of your home and a time for detoxification of your body.

In the spring we lay the groundwork for new things to come. It is time for health restoration, building relationships and envisioning new projects. We plant the seeds in our current life that may one day come to fruition. A detoxification program to fine tune your body is the perfect plan. Choose a detoxification program that will restore your liver, gallbladder, tendon and joint function - all specific organs associated with the spring.

This is my favourite time of the year, April 20th will be the first day of my spring detox; follow me as I blog my experience. I am doing our 21 day detox program. This is a program our patients do twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall to tune up their bodies and remove their accumulated toxic burden.

Here are a few of the highlights of the program that may interest you. It is a 21 day program, patients are asked to remove wheat, dairy, corn, coffee, deep fried food and red meat from their diet. Patients will have a shake in the morning which contains a rice protein (hypoallergenic), some vitamins and minerals, and a series of herbs that clean the liver, intestines and gallbladder. There are moments during the detox where patients are completely vegetarian.

The response has been tremendous, patients lose weight, feel great, improve sleep quality, memory, feel clean and most of all make this detox program part of their annual routine. Twelve hundred patients have gone through our program in the last eight years and we have been responsible for changing many lives. Make our medically monitored detoxification program part of your life. Come on in and talk with our professionals, make this your new beginning.

Dr Elias Markou, ND

Finding "Balance" in Port Credit

2010-03-30T22:34:00.000-04:00

Hello Port Credit! Hello Mississauga!

The professionals and staff at pureBalance Wellness Centre would like to officially introduce our clinic to the local community and the world. My name is Dr. Elias Markou; I am the founder of pureBalance Wellness Centre and one of the naturopathic doctors on staff. We have created an integrative health centre that has a service for everyone.

This was a day of many firsts, this is our first official blog; today, with much anticipation our website - www.mypurebalance.ca - went live and this is the first day of many to come where we will be delivering quality natural health care services to our patients.

Just to give you a sense of the great work we do, here are some key things we specialize in:

Take advantage of our Biomeridian Organ testing and food allergy testing delivered by our highly trained Naturopathic Doctors, they will finally help you make sense of the deficiency and diseases starting in your body.
We have a world class detoxification system that was developed by our professionals and is modified into something new every year.
We have great massage therapists, all with a unique skill and talent; a personal trainer, a life coach, a nutritionist, and a holistic healer ready to change your life.
We have developed an Environmental Medicine program that will help firefighters and regular everyday people.
We also have a large selection of professional health products available to our clients.

Let us be part of your health journey back to balance.

Our mission is to deliver quality natural health care services and our vision is to have an entire community and the global community finally “Discover the Balance in your Life”.