There has been much debate about the usefulness of fish oil over the last couple of years.  Some research shows benefit and other research does not.  Unfortunately, when one looks closely at the studies often the very fish oil is to blame.  To often poor quality fish oil is used and in amounts that are of no real benefit.  I remember discussing with a pharmacist about the fish oil they were selling.  Her face dropped when I suggested that my patients would have to take 20 capsules a day to get enough DHA and EPA. 

In regards to the benefit of fish oil and mental function, there is an interesting research study done by Tuft's University.  In the study they found that grouping people on the basis of EPA and DHA consumption those with the lowest intake (lowest 25 % of participants) had the greatest cognitive decline over a two year period. 

One of my biggest concerns is the quality of the oil as well.  Almost all fish oil is tested for heavy metals, but not necessarily PCB's.  Also, the cheaper the product the poorer the quality of the oil.  If it is not converted back into a triglyceride when it is refined there is no real benefit in taking the product no matter what the DHA and EPA levels are.

References:

• http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140427121051.htm?utm_content=buffer594a0&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Earlier this past week I had the pleasure of removing a deer tick from a close relative.  This of course was immediately followed with treatment to prevent the development of Lyme disease.  While there are not many confirmed cases of Lyme disease in Alberta or Canada for that matter, the number of cases is continuing to grow in Canada with the warmer winters. 

Lyme disease is caused not by the deer tick itself, but the bacteria it carries (Borellia burgdoferi).  The bacteria enter into the body when we are bitten by the tick.  Often a target or bullseye rash forms with the infection.  Symptoms of Lyme are similar to that of other spirochaete infections.  Symptoms can include fever and general malaise, and can affect the heart, central nervous system, and joints.

Long term or chronic infections can be difficult to treat and often include chelation and antibiotics.  However, with continued treatment many patients find improvement. I have treated a number of patients and it is very rewarding to see the improvements.

If you spend time out doors in the wilderness (camping, hiking, horse back riding, etc) and are suffering from an illness that no can quite explain - you may want to look into testing (and yes we do offer it in the clinic).

Interesting fact:  Lyme - from Lyme Connecticut, where it was first discovered.

There are a number of reasons that people eat too much.  Take a group of 5 people and together they could probably come up with 50 reasons.  However, we often over look some causes and others are new.  The article in the Huffington Post is quite good - it serves both as a reminder to us all and mentions a few new causes.
The seven they mention (with my comments):

1. Small print on the bottles - we often are not told how prescription medicines will affect us - for some drugs - it affects our waist line.
2. The Veggies in Your Cupboard - this was a surprise to me as I was not aware that Bis-phenol A (BPA) affected appetite.
3. The Snow Drift  - living in Alberta this is a common problem for six months of the year.  More snow, colder temperatures - the salad does not look as tempting.
4. The Habit that Saves You Time - this is one of the biggest problems that many people encounter.  They eat at their desk and continue to work.  Eating while stressed causes us to gain more weight as our body believes it needs to conserve resources.
5. The Drink in the Lunch Bag - often I find this is not a problem for most people.  However, the sugar filled fruit is often the substitute.  Grapes taste good but are loaded with sugar.
6. The Cravings that Discriminate by Gender - this is a common one for women just before the start of their period.  There is much that we can do in the clinic to help reduce not only the carb cravings but also, PMS in general.
7. The All Nighter You Pulled for Work - again, I do not find this to be a big issue for most people.  BUT!  Many people make compromises with sleep and believe that they can get by on less than 8 hours.  Not so.  A restful night's sleep is one of the most important aspects of our daily life.
   
   Want to know more?  Book an appointment today!
   
   To read the article - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/18/reasons-youre-still-hungry_n_5133980.html?&ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000045
   
   
   

I have been following MERS for quite a while now.  Like many of the viruses out there, it has the potential to affect people but is generally hard to catch.  However, 45 % of all cases have been reported in the last month.  With a death toll of about 25%, hopefully it will remain an illness that is not that common. 

Along with MERS, measles is also in the news.  For those who have been vaccinated it is believed that the vaccine is about 95% effective.  For those who haven't it is important stay away from areas (places and events) where exposure is more likely.  And again, make sure your overall immune health is a focus.

Many of us think that if we are not getting sick (and everyone else around us is) because we are healthy.  Often we are mistaken.  Not getting ill is for one of three reasons:

1. By the grace of God, you actually were not exposed to the infective agent and so you didn't get sick.
2. You were exposed and the virus/bacteria decided to set up shop but due to past exposure you had antibodies that attacked the agent and you recovered quickly (these are often the people who feel something coming on but it quickly resolves).
3. Your immune system is so depressed due to stress, fatigue, and poor diet/lifestyle that the virus or bacteria simply infects you and sets up home (more common with viruses).  These are often the people who never get sick until they are on a holiday (if they are lucky)!
   

No matter what your current health status it is important to remember that your ND (naturopath) is here to not only treat your acute conditions, but to help you achieve better health in everyday of your life. 

References:

• http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/mers-spread-by-travellers-very-likely-who-warns-1.2621736
• http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/fifth-case-of-measles-in-edmonton-in-infant-too-young-for-vaccine-1.1792356