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chronic pain management

Chronic Pain Management: Discover the Game-Changing Role of IV Vitamin Therapy

Hey there, health friend! Ever heard of IV vitamin therapy? If not, you’re about to! And if you have, well, prepare to get to know it even better. IV vitamin therapy is like the VIP lounge for your body – we’re talking direct access, high speed, and no waiting in line. It’s a super-efficient way to deliver vitamins and minerals right where they’re needed most: your bloodstream.

But why are we talking about this? Because there’s a buzz going around that this VIP treatment could be a real game-changer for chronic pain management. Yes, you heard that right. Pain management, that elusive, ever-crucial target for so many of us. We’re about to dive into how IV vitamin therapy might just be a key player in this arena.

Background on IV Vitamin Therapy

Alright, let’s back up a second. What’s this IV vitamin therapy all about? Imagine your favorite smoothie, packed with all kinds of nutrients, but instead of going through your stomach (where there is a cap to absorption), it goes straight into your bloodstream (where trillions of cells are wanting to be nourished). It’s like giving your cells first-class tickets to Nutrient City!
How does it work? Well, by injecting vitamins and minerals directly into your veins, IV therapy bypasses the digestive system, going straight to your blood stream, where they can then be absorbed by your cells. That means no more worrying about whether your gut absorbed all those goodies. They’re delivered direct to the source, ready for action.

But it’s not just a one-size-fits-all arrangement. There are different kinds of IV vitamin cocktails out there. One of the stars of the show is the Myers’ Cocktail. Sounds fancy, right? Named after Dr. John Myers, this mix includes heavy-hitters like magnesium, B vitamins, calcium, and vitamin C. It’s like a power-packed juice blend for your cells! *When it comes to the Myer’s cocktail, it’s very important for you to know how much Vitamin C you are receiving in the cocktail. It can range from 2g to 20g. At Higher Health, we start you at 5g and gradually increase to your optimal dosing. *For pain management, we are delivering 10-20g ideally.

Another popular option is high-dose Vitamin C therapy. We’re talking a lot more Vitamin C than in your morning orange juice. And don’t forget other blends packed with different vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients, all designed to give your body the top-notch treatment (and nourishment) it deserves.
In the next sections, we’ll explore how these therapies could be the next big thing in pain management. But remember, just like any other treatment, it’s crucial to talk it over with your healthcare provider. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Pain and Its Mechanisms

Have you ever thought about how peculiar pain is? I mean, it’s this thing that can sneak up on you out of nowhere like an unexpected guest or sometimes it just refuses to leave, like that telemarketer that keeps calling. Pain can be a real puzzle, but let’s try to decode it together.

First up, we’ve got acute pain. Think of this as your body’s alarm bell. It’s sharp, it’s sudden, and it’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right here!” It could be from a cut, a burn, or that stubbed toe from the corner of the bed you always forget about.

Then we have chronic pain. This is the stubborn type that hangs around for months, even when the original cause has packed up and left. Conditions like arthritis or back pain often fall into this category. It’s like that annoying song that gets stuck in your head, except it’s not a catchy tune but a constant high-pitched discomfort.

And let’s not forget about neuropathic pain. This one’s a real trickster. It’s when your body sends pain signals even when there’s no clear cause. Imagine getting prank calls but from your own nerves!

Now, how do we usually tackle chronic pain management? We have the usual suspects – over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, prescription drugs, physical therapy, or sometimes even surgery. But what if I told you nutrients could also play a role? Intrigued? Let’s dig deeper!

The Role of Nutrients in Pain Management

So, how can nutrients make a difference in chronic pain management? Well, it’s like giving your body the right tools to fight back. Certain nutrients have been found to help turn down the volume on pain and inflammation.

Take magnesium, for example. This wonder mineral acts like a tiny relaxation therapist for your muscles, helping to ease tension and spasms. Low levels of magnesium? That could lead to more muscle pain and headaches. Often the more pain and muscle tension you have, the more magnesium you need simply to manage.

B vitamins are another power team for chronic pain management. They’re like the energy generators of your body. And guess what? Some studies show that they might help soothe neuropathic pain too.

And we can’t forget about our long time friend, Vitamin C. Not just good for staving off colds or supporting skin health, this vitamin is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In other words, it’s like your body’s personal superhero, fighting off damage and inflammation that can lead to pain, while also repairing cells!
Intrigued? Buckle up because we’re just getting started on how these nutrients, when delivered straight to your bloodstream, could help unlock a new level of chronic pain management. Ready? Let’s roll!

IV Drip bag
Holding an IV Therapy drip bag

IV Vitamin Therapy and Pain Management

Ready for some exciting stuff? We’re now delving into how IV vitamin therapy might play a significant role in chronic pain management. Now, this is relatively new territory, but some early studies and patient experiences have been pretty encouraging.

Take, for instance, the Myers’ Cocktail we talked about earlier. Some people who’ve tried this have reported a decrease in their chronic pain, feeling like they’ve got a new lease on life. How amazing is that?

And it’s not just anecdotal evidence; there’s some science to back this up. A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that patients with fibromyalgia experienced less pain after receiving the Myers’ Cocktail. Similarly, high-dose vitamin C infusions have shown promise in managing pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. *Remember, it’s important to get the right dose of Vitamin C; much more than 2g!

But you might be thinking, how does this work? Well, it’s actually a straightforward process. You sit back in a comfy chair while a skilled professional inserts a small tube, called a catheter, into your vein. They then attach this to a bag containing the nutrient cocktail which drips slowly into your bloodstream. It’s a bit like getting a regular IV drip at the hospital, but instead of just fluids, you’re getting a supercharged nutrient mix!

Now, this doesn’t mean it’s a magic potion. Everyone’s experience is different, and it might not work for everyone. But the idea that it could provide relief for some is certainly promising!

Benefits and Limitations of IV Vitamin Therapy in Pain Management

Like any other treatment, IV vitamin therapy has its ups and downs. On the bright side, it could offer a whole new approach to chronic pain management. By delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream, IV therapy ensures that these nutrients are readily available for your body to use. This could potentially lead to a quicker and more effective response to pain, while also healing and repairing damage.

Also, because IV therapy bypasses the digestive system, it might be a helpful alternative for those who struggle with digestive issues or nutrient absorption. PLUS, there’s the potential added bonus of increased energy, improved immune function, and an enhanced sense of wellbeing.

But hold up, before you start seeing everything through rose-colored glasses, let’s talk about the limitations. For starters, more research is needed to fully understand how effective this therapy is for pain management. Also, while IV vitamin therapy is generally safe, there are risks involved, such as infections or vein inflammation, but incredibly rare. We manage these variables and use our training to prevent these circumstances.

And it’s important to remember that this isn’t a cure-all. It should be considered part of a broader chronic pain management plan, alongside other treatments and lifestyle changes. It’s like adding a turbo boost to your car; it can help you go faster, but you still need to steer, change gears, and hit the brakes when needed.
The bottom line? It’s crucial to have a chat with your healthcare provider to figure out if this could be the right path for you. Remember, the journey to pain management is a marathon, not a sprint, and every step counts!

The Future of IV Vitamin Therapy in Pain Management

Okay, folks, let’s put on our future-goggles and take a peek at what lies ahead. IV vitamin therapy, even with its limitations, is stirring up some serious excitement. The world of science never sleeps, and researchers are working round-the-clock to explore the full potential of this innovative therapy.
For instance, there’s ongoing research into how different nutrient combinations could help manage various types of pain. It’s like creating custom-tailored cocktails for specific pain conditions. Personalized pain management? Yes, please!

Moreover, experts are buzzing about the possibility of integrating IV vitamin therapy into a holistic approach to chronic pain management. Imagine if, alongside exercise, anti-inflammatory nutrition, targeted medications, and other therapies, IV vitamin therapy could provide that extra push your body needs to keep pain in check.

But as with any scientific journey, it’s a winding path with lots of twists and turns. Sure, there’s optimism, but there’s also a need for caution and rigorous testing. Scientists and doctors alike agree that we need more studies to nail down the effectiveness, ideal dosages, and potential side effects. But the future sure looks promising!

Conclusion

Wow, what a ride, right? We’ve journeyed through the world of IV vitamin therapy, discovering how it could play a role in chronic pain management. We talked about different types of pain, the potential pain-soothing power of nutrients, and how IV therapy delivers these directly to your bloodstream.

We also touched on the benefits and limitations, underlining that while IV vitamin therapy could be an exciting new chapter in pain management, it’s not a standalone solution. It’s a potential team player in a comprehensive, personalized approach to keeping pain in check.

But maybe you’re still left with questions, curiosity buzzing like a bee in your bonnet. If so, we’ve got good news for you! Why not book a free consultation with one of our naturopathic doctors? They’d be more than happy to discuss IV therapy, chronic pain management, or any other health queries you might have.

Remember, navigating the world of pain management is like being the captain of a ship. You need a good crew, the right tools, and a clear course. And we’re here to help you steer that ship. So, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us be part of your journey to better health. Here’s to smooth sailing, my friends!

Next Steps

And now, it’s time for action! If you’re ready to take the first step towards a more energetic and vibrant life, book your free IV Vitamin Therapy consultation today.
This is your opportunity to ask questions with an IV certified Naturopathic doctor, discuss your specific needs, and explore how IV Vitamin Therapy can help you get back to feeling your best. Don’t wait – take charge of your health and book your consultation now!

Click here to Book Your Free Consultation.

Resources:
Gaby, A. R. (2002). Intravenous Nutrient Therapy: The “Myers’ Cocktail”. Alternative Medicine Review, 7(5), 389-403.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12410623/

American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA): Offers peer support and education in pain management skills to people with pain and their families. Website: https://www.theacpa.org/

Mayo Clinic – Chronic Pain Management: A comprehensive overview of chronic pain management, including causes, diagnosis, treatments, and coping strategies. Website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/chronic-pain

American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) – Pain Management: Offers information on different types of pain and various treatment options. Website: https://www.asahq.org/whensecondscount/pain-management/

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): Provides extensive research-based information about pain, including chronic pain. Website: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Pain-Back-Sheet

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Chronic Pain: Offers resources for managing chronic pain, including guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain. Website: https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/chronic-pain.htm

The American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM): Provides resources for patients, including information on various pain conditions and treatment options. Website: http://www.painmed.org/

Pain Management Research Institute (PMRI): Offers resources for pain management, including pain education classes and online resources. Website: https://sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/our-research/research-centres/pain-management-research-institute.html

 

 

Allergy Season

Are you tired of sneezing, itching, and feeling miserable every allergy season? What if there was a ground breaking treatment that could potentially transform your life and finally put an end to your suffering?

In this must-read article, we’re going to reveal the astonishing secret of IV vitamin therapy that’s capturing the attention of allergy warriors worldwide. You won’t believe how this revolutionary approach is shaking up the allergy treatment landscape! Get ready to dive into the unbelievable world of IV vitamin therapy and discover how it could potentially change the way you manage your allergies forever. The relief you’ve been desperately seeking might be just minutes away.

Generally, there are three main allergy seasons:

Spring (March to June): During spring, tree pollen is the most common allergen. Trees such as birch, oak, elm, and maple release their pollen, causing allergic reactions for many people.

Summer (June to August): Grass pollen is the primary allergen during the summer months. Allergic reactions to grasses such as Bermuda, Timothy, and Kentucky Bluegrass are common.

Fall (September to November): Weed pollen, particularly from ragweed, is the dominant allergen during the fall season. Other weeds, such as pigweed and goosefoot, can also trigger allergies.

As we are in the thick of Spring allergy season, millions of people are fighting the onslaught of sneezing, itching, and watery eyes that accompany it. Allergies, an overreaction of the immune system to specific substances, can leave individuals feeling drained and frustrated.
While traditional allergy treatments like antihistamines and corticosteroids can provide relief for some, many are seeking alternative methods to manage their symptoms.

Allergens and the Immune Response
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance, known as an allergen, as a threat. In response, your body mounts a defense against the perceived invader. This overreaction can cause various symptoms that are commonly associated with allergies.

During an allergic reaction, your immune system produces histamines and other inflammatory substances to counteract the allergens. These chemicals are responsible for the familiar allergy symptoms, such as itching, redness, and swelling.

Common Allergens and Allergy Seasons
Allergens are diverse and can vary depending on the time of year and geographical location. Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds is a common culprit during spring, summer, and fall allergy seasons. Other allergens, like mold spores and dust mites, can cause symptoms year-round.
Allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and skin rashes. These symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, making it difficult to focus on daily tasks, enjoy outdoor activities, or even get a good night’s sleep. Finding effective ways to manage and alleviate these symptoms is crucial for those affected by allergy season.

IV vitamin therapy is an innovative treatment that administers essential vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream via intravenous (IV) infusion. This method bypasses the digestive system, allowing for immediate and efficient absorption of nutrients at a more therapeutic level only obtainable direct to the bloodstream. Patients receive these nutrient-packed IV drips under the guidance of a healthcare professional (like your Naturopathic Health Team!), often in specialized clinics or wellness centers.

Role of Vitamins and Minerals in the Immune System
Vitamin C: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Histamine-Reducing Properties
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that plays a crucial role in supporting immune function. Its anti-inflammatory properties help combat the body’s response to allergens, reducing the severity of allergy symptoms. Additionally, Vitamin C has been shown to reduce histamine levels, the chemicals responsible for many allergy symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling.

Other Vitamins and Minerals: B Vitamins, Magnesium, and Zinc *NAC, Glutathione and Selenium
B vitamins contribute to a healthy immune system, energy production, and brain function, helping to combat the fatigue that often accompanies allergy season. Magnesium is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to promote relaxation, which can help alleviate allergy symptoms. Zinc, a vital trace element, supports immune function and has antioxidant properties, contributing to overall immune health during allergy season.

Reducing Inflammation and Histamine Levels
By delivering a concentrated dose of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream, IV vitamin therapy can help reduce inflammation and histamine levels associated with allergies. Vitamin C is a mast cell stabilizer, meaning it can moderate the release of histamines. Most allergy medications act by this mast cell stabilization. This may lead to a decrease in allergy symptoms, providing relief for those struggling with seasonal allergies.

Supporting the Immune System
A healthy immune system is critical for combating allergies effectively. IV vitamin therapy can help support the immune system by providing the essential nutrients and key antioxidants like Vitamin C, which it needs to function optimally. This targeted approach can help allergy sufferers build resilience against allergens and minimize the impact of allergy season on their daily lives.

Alleviating Fatigue and Improving Energy Levels
Allergy symptoms can be draining, leaving individuals feeling fatigued and sluggish. By delivering essential vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, IV vitamin therapy can help combat fatigue and improve energy levels. This boost in energy can empower allergy sufferers to tackle their day-to-day activities with renewed vigor, despite the challenges of allergy season.

Limitations and Considerations of IV Vitamin Therapy for Allergies
It’s essential to understand that every person’s experience with allergies and response to treatments is unique. While some individuals may find significant relief from their allergy symptoms through IV vitamin therapy, others may not experience the same level of improvement. Factors such as individual nutrient deficiencies, the severity of allergy symptoms, and overall health can impact the effectiveness of IV vitamin therapy. With naturopathic medicine approach, we are able to address and understand all factors.

IV vitamin therapy should not be considered a cure for allergies. Instead, it should be viewed as a supplementary treatment option that may help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. A comprehensive approach to managing allergies should include identifying and avoiding allergens, taking appropriate medications, and following the guidance of a healthcare professional. IV vitamin therapy may be a valuable addition to an individual’s allergy management plan, but it is crucial to maintain realistic expectations and prioritize a multifaceted strategy for addressing allergy symptoms.


Importance of Discussing IV Vitamin Therapy with a Healthcare Provider
Before embarking on any new treatment, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional (of course including your Naturopathic Doctor). Discussing IV vitamin therapy with your healthcare provider ensures you receive expert advice tailored to your specific needs and health conditions. They can help determine if IV vitamin therapy is an appropriate and safe option for you, considering your medical history and any potential interactions with other medications you may be taking.

Assessing Individual Needs and Determining the Appropriateness of Treatment
Your healthcare provider can assess your individual needs, identify potential nutrient deficiencies, and suggest the optimal blend of vitamins and minerals for your IV therapy. By evaluating your unique situation, they can guide you in making informed decisions about incorporating IV vitamin therapy into your allergy management plan.

Balancing IV Vitamin Therapy with Other Allergy Management Strategies
A well-rounded approach to managing allergies includes a combination of lifestyle modifications, medications, and other treatments. Your healthcare provider can help you balance IV vitamin therapy with traditional allergy management strategies, ensuring you receive the most effective and comprehensive care possible.
IV vitamin therapy has emerged as a promising supplementary treatment option for allergy sufferers, potentially offering relief from symptoms by reducing inflammation, supporting the immune system, and improving energy levels. While scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is limited, many individuals have experienced positive results from this treatment.

Ultimately, a comprehensive approach to allergy management is crucial for effectively addressing allergy symptoms. This includes identifying and avoiding allergens, taking appropriate medications, and incorporating supplementary treatments such as IV vitamin therapy, if deemed suitable by your healthcare provider. By adopting a multifaceted strategy, you can better navigate allergy season and enjoy improved well-being.

IV vitamin therapy has the potential to revolutionize the way you manage your allergies, providing relief from frustrating symptoms and boosting your overall well-being. Don’t let another allergy season hold you back from living your best life. If you’re ready to explore the incredible benefits of IV vitamin therapy and take control of your allergy symptoms, we have the perfect opportunity for you.

Book a free consultation with one of our experienced naturopathic doctors today, and let our team of experts guide you on your journey toward optimal health. It’s time to say goodbye to allergy-induced misery and embrace a new, revitalized version of yourself.

Don’t wait – secure your spot for a free consultation now, and unlock the secret to lasting allergy relief!

Click here to book your free consultation now!

 

References:
Carr, A.C. & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients.

Mousavi, S., Bereswill, S., & Heimesaat, M.M. (2019). Immunomodulatory and Antimicrobial Effects of Vitamin C. European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology.

Ninabahen D. Dave, MBBS, Clinical fellow, Lianbin Xiang, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Kristina E. Rehm, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, and Gailen D. Marshall, Jr., MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics.Stress and Allergic Diseases.

Gaby, A.R. (2002). Intravenous Nutrient Therapy: the “Myers’ Cocktail”. Alternative Medicine Review.

Mora, J.R., Iwata, M., & von Andrian, U.H. (2008). Vitamin Effects on the Immune System: Vitamins A and D Take Centre Stage. Nature Reviews Immunology.

 

 

 

Mitochondrial Energy Boost With IV Vitamin Therapy

Hey there! Have you been feeling drained and lacking energy lately? If so, you’re not alone. In the last couple of years, the amount of people coming into our clinic with ‘low energy’ has gone up drastically, and often, the culprit is a tiny yet mighty part of our cells called mitochondria.
If you have not heard of mitochondria before, again, you’re not alone. These microscopic powerhouses are responsible for producing the energy our bodies need to function optimally. But, when they’re not firing on all cylinders, it can leave us feeling fatigued and sluggish.
In this article, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of mitochondria, explore the benefits of IV Vitamin Therapy to help your mitochondria, and discuss why it’s crucial to address mitochondrial dysfunction and low energy. So, grab a cup of tea , or coffee get comfy, and let’s get started!

Mitochondria: The Powerhouses of Our Cells
Mitochondria are often referred to as the “powerhouses” of our cells because they’re responsible for producing the energy currency of life – adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Found in nearly every cell in our bodies, these tiny organelles convert the food we eat into the energy we need to power everything from our muscles to our brains. Think of them as mini energy factories working around the clock to keep us feeling energized and lively.

Why It’s Essential to Address Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Low Energy
When our mitochondria aren’t functioning at their best, it can lead to low energy levels, fatigue, and a whole host of other health issues. Factors such as aging, stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins can all contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction. By addressing these underlying issues and giving our mitochondria the nutrients and support they need, we can potentially improve our energy levels, and achieve vibrant health.

That’s where IV Vitamin Therapy comes into play. This innovative treatment involves infusing a custom blend of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This method allows your body to absorb the nutrients more efficiently and effectively compared to traditional oral supplements.

The result? A fast-acting, targeted approach to nourishing your cells and giving your mitochondria the support and micronutrient fuel they need to thrive.
You might be wondering, “Why IV Vitamin Therapy? What makes it better than just popping a daily multivitamin?” Great question! While oral supplements can be beneficial, IV Vitamin Therapy offers several advantages:

Higher absorption rates: When you take oral supplements, the nutrients must pass through your digestive system before being absorbed into your bloodstream. This process can decrease and limit the absorption rate due to various factors, such as inflammatory gut health factors, general physiological limitations, and/or interactions with other substances in your stomach, intestines and liver.

With IV Vitamin Therapy, nutrients are delivered directly to your bloodstream, ensuring maximum absorption and bioavailability at higher physiological capability. Ie. Our digestive system can only absorb so much, where as our blood stream has much more room for nutrient absorption, and every cell wants nutrient supply. The blood stream has much more accessibility than our digestive system.

Customization: IV Vitamin Therapy allows for personalized formulations tailored to your unique needs and health goals. This means that the cocktail of nutrients can be adjusted to target specific issues, such as mitochondrial support and energy enhancement.
Fast-acting results: Since the nutrients in IV Vitamin Therapy bypass the digestive system, they reach your cells more quickly than oral supplements. This can result in faster, more noticeable improvements in energy levels and overall well-being.
Providing Essential Nutrients Right To Your Mitochondria
Let’s take a look at the key nutrients in your IV Vitamin treatment that play vital role in mitochondrial function and energy production:
B vitamins: These multitaskers help convert the food you eat into usable energy for your cells. They also assist in the production of new mitochondria and support overall mitochondrial health, and further act as cofactors for neurotransmitter and hormone production.

Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant not only protects your cells from damage but also repairs and aids in the synthesis of collagen and neurotransmitters, contributing to overall cellular function and energy levels.

Magnesium: This mighty mineral is a cofactor in over 300 enzyme systems, including those responsible for energy production and mitochondrial function. Magnesium is crucial for maintaining your mitochondria’s structure and efficiency.
Other minerals: Minerals like zinc, selenium, potassium, and manganese play essential roles in various aspects of mitochondrial function, including energy production and antioxidant defense.

Antioxidant Support
IV Vitamin Therapy also delivers potent antioxidants to help protect your mitochondria from oxidative stress, which can impair their function and contribute to low energy levels:
Vitamin C: As mentioned earlier, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize harmful free radicals and protects your cells, including your mitochondria, from oxidative damage and inflammation.
Glutathione: Often called the “master antioxidant,” glutathione is critical for maintaining the delicate balance of oxidative stress within your cells, thereby promoting healthy mitochondrial function.
Alpha-lipoic acid: This versatile antioxidant supports energy production, helps protect mitochondria, and has been shown to improve mitochondrial function in some studies.
Cellular Energy Support
IV Vitamin Therapy also provides nutrients that directly support cellular energy production, ensuring your mitochondria are working at their best:
L-carnitine: This amino acid is responsible for transporting fatty acids into your mitochondria, where they can be used to produce energy, ensuring optimal fuel supply for your cellular powerhouses.
Taurine: Taurine is a simple but unique sulfur-containing amino acid that has multiple physiological functions, including the maintenance of mitochondria health, oxidative stress and mitophagy which is the process of clearing damaged cells.

Reducing Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can have a negative impact on mitochondrial function. IV Vitamin Therapy may include anti-inflammatory nutrients to help combat inflammation and support mitochondrial health:
Omega-3 fatty acids: These essential fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation, improve mitochondrial function, and increase energy production.

Curcumin: Derived from turmeric, curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that has been shown to protect against mitochondrial dysfunction and promote healthy cellular energy production.
By targeting these various aspects of mitochondrial health, IV Vitamin Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to supporting your cellular powerhouses and boosting your energy levels.

Now that we’ve delved into the details, let’s discuss some factors that can affect the effectiveness of IV Vitamin Therapy and the importance of a personalized approach to treatment.

You Individual Health Needs and Circumstances
One of the main factors affecting the effectiveness of IV Vitamin Therapy is your unique health needs and circumstances. Factors such as age, genetics, lifestyle, nutrition, sleep quality and existing health conditions can all play a role in how your body responds to treatment.
For example, someone with a nutrient deficiency may see more significant improvements in energy levels after IV Vitamin Therapy compared to someone with a well-balanced diet and no deficiencies. It’s essential to work closely with a healthcare professional to assess your individual needs and determine the best course of action for you.

Another important consideration is addressing the underlying causes of low energy and mitochondrial dysfunction. While IV Vitamin Therapy can provide valuable support for your mitochondria, it’s crucial to tackle any underlying issues that may be contributing to your low energy levels.
This may include lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep. In some cases, additional medical treatments or therapies may be necessary to address specific health conditions that could be impacting your energy levels and mitochondrial function.

While IV Vitamin Therapy can provide valuable support for your mitochondria, it’s essential to remember the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing your energy levels and overall health. This includes working with a healthcare professional to assess your individual needs, tackle any underlying causes of low energy, and develop a personalized treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes, additional therapies, and ongoing monitoring of your progress.

Next Steps
If you’re intrigued by the potential of IV Vitamin Therapy and eager to discover whether it could be the right solution for you, we encourage you to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. By working closely with a professional, you can develop a customized plan to support your mitochondria, boost your energy levels, and improve your overall well-being.

And now, it’s time for action! If you’re ready to take the first step towards a more energetic and vibrant life, book your free IV Vitamin Therapy consultation today.
This is your opportunity to ask questions with an IV certified Naturopathic doctor, discuss your specific needs, and explore how IV Vitamin Therapy can help you get back to feeling your best. Don’t wait – take charge of your health and book your consultation now!

Click here to Book Your Free Consultation.

Resources:
Gaby, A. R. (2002). Intravenous Nutrient Therapy: The “Myers’ Cocktail”. Alternative Medicine Review, 7(5), 389-403.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12410623/

Parcell, S. (2002). Sulfur in human nutrition and applications in medicine. Alternative Medicine Review, 7(1), 22-44.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11896744/

Wallace, D. C. (2018). Mitochondria and cancer. Nature Reviews Cancer, 18(10), 685-698.
Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/nrc3365
Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/
Ames, B. N. (2004). A role for supplements in optimizing health: the metabolic tune-up. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 423(1), 227-234.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14989256/
Laires, M. J., & Monteiro, C. (2008). Exercise, magnesium and immune function. Magnesium Research, 21(2), 92-96.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18705536/

These sources provide information on IV Vitamin Therapy, the role of various nutrients in mitochondrial function and energy production, and the importance of addressing inflammation and other underlying

IV Therapy for Athletic Performance

IV Vitamin Therapy offers a unique and efficient solution for athletes looking to optimize their nutrition and hydration status, ultimately enhancing their performance and speeding up recovery. In this blog post, we will explore the specific benefits of IV Vitamin Therapy for athletes, including faster nutrient delivery, improved energy levels and endurance, accelerated recovery, and reduced muscle soreness. We will also discuss how customized IV Vitamin Therapy can be tailored to meet the individual needs of athletes and considerations for safety and efficacy.

How IV Vitamin Therapy Benefits Athletes

Athletes, we understand that you’re always on the lookout for ways to level up your performance. IV Vitamin Therapy is a game-changer because it bypasses the digestive system, delivering essential nutrients directly into your bloodstream. This method eliminates the need for your body to break down and absorb vitamins and minerals from food or oral supplements, making the process faster and more efficient.

Higher bioavailability of nutrients
What sets IV Vitamin Therapy apart is its ability to provide a higher bioavailability of nutrients compared to oral supplements. Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient that your body can absorb and use effectively. With IV Vitamin Therapy, you can be confident that you’re getting the most out of every drop of goodness, maximizing the benefits for your athletic performance and recovery.
Improved energy levels and endurance

The role of vitamins and minerals in athletic energy production

Vitamins and minerals are the unsung heroes of athletic performance, playing a crucial role in energy production. B vitamins, for example, are essential for converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy, while minerals like magnesium and potassium help maintain proper muscle function.
With IV Vitamin Therapy, you’ll receive a concentrated dose of these vital nutrients, ensuring your body has the fuel it needs to power through your workouts and competitions.

How IV Vitamin Therapy Can Enhance Stamina And Performance

Imagine being able to push harder, run faster, and stay stronger for longer. That’s the power of IV Vitamin Therapy. By providing your body with a potent blend of energy-boosting vitamins and minerals, IV Vitamin Therapy can help enhance your stamina and performance. Experience the difference yourself, and watch your athletic achievements soar to new heights.

Accelerated recovery and reduced muscle soreness
Proper hydration and optimal nutrient intake are key to a speedy recovery after intense exercise. Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and metabolic waste, while essential nutrients like amino acids, vitamins, and minerals support muscle repair and growth. IV Vitamin Therapy ensures your body gets the hydration and nutrients it needs to bounce back faster after a strenuous workout.

The Benefits of IV Vitamin Therapy For Post-Workout Recovery

Nobody enjoys the sore muscles and fatigue that often follow a challenging workout. But with IV Vitamin Therapy, you can accelerate your recovery and reduce muscle soreness. The tailored blend of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids infused directly into your bloodstream helps repair muscle tissue, reduce inflammation, and replenish energy stores, getting you back on track and ready for your next workout or competition in no time.

Tailoring treatment to the athlete’s needs
We know that every athlete is unique, with specific goals, preferences, and nutritional needs. That’s why, at Higher Health, we take a personalized approach to IV Vitamin Therapy. Our experienced naturopathic doctors begin by assessing your nutritional deficiencies and hydration status through a detailed consultation and, if necessary, lab tests. This thorough evaluation helps us identify any gaps in your nutrition and hydration that could be holding you back from your peak performance.

Creating a Personalized IV Vitamin Therapy Plan

Armed with a comprehensive understanding of your individual needs, our healthcare professionals will work with you to create a personalized IV Vitamin Therapy plan. This customized approach ensures that you receive the precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your body requires to excel in your sport and recover more quickly. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to tailored, targeted support for your athletic journey.

Below are few standard IV Therapy drips that Athletes will use. Keep in mind, these are to give you an idea, your IV formula would be completely customized for you.

The Myers’ Cocktail:
The Myers’ Cocktail is a classic IV Vitamin Therapy blend that has been used for decades to support overall wellness and boost energy levels. Packed with essential nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium, this versatile infusion can help improve athletic performance, increase stamina, and promote faster recovery.

High-dose Vitamin C and Glutathione infusion:
For athletes looking to support their immune system and reduce oxidative stress, a high-dose Vitamin C and Glutathione infusion might be the perfect choice. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your body from free radicals, while Glutathione is known as the “master antioxidant,” working to detoxify your body and promote overall cellular health. This potent combination can help keep you in top shape, both on and off the field.

Amino acid infusion for muscle recovery:
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and play a crucial role in muscle repair and growth. Our amino acid infusion is specially designed to support post-workout recovery, providing your body with the essential amino acids it needs to bounce back after intense exercise. This targeted treatment can help reduce muscle soreness, prevent muscle breakdown, and support muscle growth, getting you ready for your next workout or competition in no time.

Here is an example of a custom IV Therapy treatment we do at Higher health.
Performance – Higher Health Naturopathic Centre and IV Lounge (higherhealthcentre.com)

Ensuring proper administration and monitoring

As an athlete, your health and well-being are paramount to your success. When considering IV Vitamin Therapy, it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a naturopathic doctor, who is experienced in administering these treatments. They will evaluate your unique needs and ensure that IV Vitamin Therapy is appropriate for you. By working with a knowledgeable professional, you can trust that you’re in safe hands and receiving the best possible care.

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to your health. At Higher Health, we take all necessary precautions to ensure that IV Vitamin Therapy is administered safely and effectively. This includes using sterile equipment, following strict protocols, and closely monitoring the infusion process. Our skilled healthcare professionals will also be on hand to address any concerns or questions you may have throughout the treatment, putting your mind at ease and ensuring a positive experience.

Final thoughts on the benefits of IV Vitamin Therapy for athletes

In this journey through the world of IV Vitamin Therapy for athletes, we’ve explored the numerous benefits it offers to help you reach new heights in your athletic performance. From faster and more efficient nutrient delivery to improved energy levels and endurance, as well as accelerated recovery and reduced muscle soreness, IV Vitamin Therapy is a powerful tool in your athletic arsenal.
We encourage you to consider IV Vitamin Therapy as a complementary tool to support your training, competitions, and recovery. By tailoring treatments to your unique needs and addressing any nutritional gaps or hydration challenges, you can unlock the full potential of your body and mind, allowing you to excel in your sport and achieve your athletic goals.

Are you ready to elevate your athletic performance and recovery with the help of IV Vitamin Therapy? Don’t hesitate to take the next step in your journey. Book a consultation with one of our experienced naturopathic doctors at Higher Health today.
Together, we’ll create a personalized IV Vitamin Therapy plan designed to fuel your body, optimize your performance, and support your recovery. Let’s work together to help you become the best athlete you can be.

Click here to book your free consultation and find out how IV Vitamin Therapy can help your athletic performance. 

 

References:

Gaby, A. R. (2002). Intravenous nutrient therapy: The “Myers’ cocktail”. Alternative Medicine Review, 7(5), 389-403.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12410623/

Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/

Ali, A., Njike, V. Y., Northrup, V., Sabina, A. B., Williams, A. L., Liberti, L. S., … & Katz, D. L. (2009). Intravenous micronutrient therapy (Myers’ Cocktail) for fibromyalgia: a placebo-controlled pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(3), 247-257.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19250003/

Padayatty, S. J., Sun, H., Wang, Y., Riordan, H. D., Hewitt, S. M., Katz, A., … & Levine, M. (2004). Vitamin C pharmacokinetics: Implications for oral and intravenous use. Annals of Internal Medicine, 140(7), 533-537.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15068981/

Detox

Spring Detox

Spring Detox 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Cleansing Your System! Spring is a season of rejuvenation and renewal. The days are getting longer, the flowers are blooming, and the air is crisp and fresh. It’s the perfect time to clear the cobwebs, cleanse body and mind, and start fresh for the new season.

As Naturopathic doctors we believe that supporting your body’s detox and repair processes is one of the foundations for building higher health.

You see, toxins, inflammation and associated deficiencies can be a root cause of many health problems; which is why supporting your body’s detoxifying pathways is an excellent way to improve your health and well-being. By removing toxins from your body and repairing cellular processes, you can reduce your risk of disease, improve your energy levels, and even lose unwanted weight.

At our Naturopathic clinic, we emphasize the use of natural, non-invasive methods to support the body’s natural detoxification processes.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some natural ways to detoxify your body that you can do at home and one of our favorites that you can do at Higher Health.

Why Detoxify Your Body?

Happy and Detoxed

Your body is constantly exposed to toxins, whether from the air you breathe, the food you eat, or the products you use. For many people that will also include the foods they eat (which would be whole article on its own. So, we won’t be diving into that here.)

Simply living in the GTA amidst the busy main streets and nearby highways will greatly increase your toxic load. There are many papers that have been published about the increased risk of health issues the closer you live to busy roadways.

That being said, we all cannot just pick up and move to Northern Ontario, so it’s important to know how to help your body reduce its toxic load.

Toxins can build up in your body over time and lead to a wide range of health problems, resultant inflammation, blocked detox pathways, and nutrient depletion. Some common symptoms of toxin buildup include fatigue, brain fog, headaches, skin problems, digestive issues, and unwanted weight.

By detoxifying your body, you can remove these toxins, reduce inflammation, repair and restore function, and improve your overall health and well-being.

When it comes to unwanted weight, toxins can disrupt your body’s natural processes, including your metabolism.

By removing toxins from your body, you can help your metabolism function more efficiently, which can help lead to weight loss.

What Are Some Natural Ways to Detoxify Your Body

As Naturopathic doctors, we have many ways to help you detox your system. Here are a few examples you can do at home. They may seem simple, but they are powerful and you can start doing them right away.

A little further down, we’ll get into one of our naturopathic clinic’s preferred treatments.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water is one of the easiest and most effective and simplest ways to flush toxins out of your body.  It also helps keep your body hydrated. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and more if you’re exercising or doing any type of sauna routine.   Quality of water matters, and that is a separate conversation…

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet is another essential part of detoxifying your body, and it is underappreciated!  Focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains (avoiding refined), and lean protein. These foods provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly, and they also help support your body’s natural detoxification processes.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is another important part of detoxifying your body. Exercise helps improve circulation, which can help flush toxins out of your body. It also helps support your body’s natural detoxification processes by improving the function of your liver and kidneys.

Practice Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness can also help detoxify your body. Stress can lead to the buildup of toxins in your body, so finding ways to manage your stress is important for detoxification. Try practicing yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to help reduce your stress levels.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is another essential part of detoxifying your body. Your body does most of its detoxification while you’re asleep, so getting enough sleep is important for this process. Aim to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night.

Lemon Water

Lemon Water Detox

Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning is a great way to stimulate organ systems like your liver to preform it’s natural detoxifying processes. Lemons are rich in antioxidants, which can help remove toxins from your body (I don’t think this is accurate…) They also help alkalize your body, which can help improve digestion and boost your immune system. Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water and drink it first thing in the morning.

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is a technique that involves brushing your skin with a dry brush. This can help stimulate your lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins from your body. Use a natural bristle brush and brush your skin in circular motions, starting at your feet and working your way up. Do this for five to ten minutes before taking a shower.

Epsom Salt Bath

Taking an Epsom salt bath is another natural way to detoxify your body in the spring. It is rich in magnesium and helps to draw out toxins from your body while also improving your sleep, reducing stress, and supporting your digestion. Add two cups of Epsom salt to your bath and soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

At Higher Health we use Ancient Mineral magnesium salts (magnesium chloride) because they are naturally-occurring trace minerals that deliver the fastest, most potent therapeutic benefits. It contains essential elements that no longer exist in ocean water today, and is totally free of any toxic contaminant.

Now we’re going to dive into an actual therapy to help you detoxify your body.

IV Drip bag

Our naturopathic clinic has been offering IV Vitamin Therapy for 13 years. Our naturopathic doctors have literally administered thousands of IV Drips.

While IV Therapy is great for many health benefits, it can also be great as part of a detox protocol.

IV (intravenous) vitamin therapy can help support detoxification in several ways:

  1. Increased hydration: IV vitamin therapy delivers fluids directly into the bloodstream, which can help support hydration and aid in the elimination of toxins and waste products from the body.
  2. Boosted immune system: Certain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, B vitamins, and zinc can help boost immune function and promote the body’s natural detoxification processes.
  3. Antioxidant support: IV vitamin therapy can provide high doses of antioxidants such as vitamin C and glutathione, which can help protect against cellular damage and support the liver’s detoxification processes.
  4. Improved liver function: IV vitamin therapy can provide nutrients such as B vitamins, magnesium, and amino acids, which can support liver function and aid in the elimination of toxins from the body.
  5. Reduced inflammation: Certain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium can help reduce inflammation, which can support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
  6. Improved digestion: IV vitamin therapy can provide nutrients such as vitamin B12 and magnesium, which can help support digestion and aid in the elimination of toxins from the body.
  7. Reduced oxidative stress: Certain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and glutathione can help reduce oxidative stress and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
  8. Better sleep: Certain vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and vitamin B6 can help support the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and melatonin, which can help improve sleep quality.
  9. Hormonal balance: IV vitamin therapy can provide nutrients such as vitamin B6 and magnesium, which act as cofactors for hormone production.
  10. Reduced inflammation: IV vitamin therapy can provide nutrients such as bicarbonate, vitamin C and magnesium, which can help reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Supporting the body’s natural detoxification process is essential for optimal health and wellbeing. With our range of natural therapies, including IV vitamin therapy, we can help support your body’s natural detoxification processes and help you achieve your health goals.

Why Detox in Spring?

Spring is a good time to consider detoxifying your body for several reasons:

Fresh Start

Spring is a season of renewal and fresh starts. Detoxifying your body in the spring can help you start the new season off on the right foot and give you a fresh start for the rest of the year.

Increased Activity

As the weather warms up, you may find yourself more active and spending more time outdoors. Regular exercise is an important part of detoxifying your body, so taking advantage of the warmer weather can help support your body’s natural detoxification processes.

Less Comfort Food

During the winter months, many people tend to indulge in comfort food and may not make the healthiest food choices. Spring is a good time to break this cycle and start eating a healthier, nutrient-dense diet.

Our team of naturopathic doctors are dedicated to helping you feel your best, and we are here to answer any questions you may have about detoxification and health in general.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards a healthier you. We look forward to working with you!

 

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25912765/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23612527/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34347034/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1749210/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33046888/

 

IV Drip bag

Is IV Therapy Safe?

This is one the questions I get asked most when introducing someone to IV therapy for the first time. Is IV therapy safe?

The short answer, after doing thousands of IV drips on clients over the last 12 years of clinical practice, including doing them myself (even during pregnancy) as part of my health routine, the short is yes.

I’m sure if you’re wondering, “Is IV Therapy Safe?” then you’ll want some more detailed info, which I will share in this article.

First off, all the nutrients in the IV Drip bag are water soluble – meaning your body/your cells will take in what they are able to absorb. Much like increased intake of water overtime, your body learns how to absorb the increased supply of nutrients in your blood stream. Water soluble means you pee out whatever your cells do not take in, where fat soluble nutrients can reach excess.

You cannot overdose on water soluble vitamins contained in the IV Drip, but you can overdose on fat soluble nutrients if not monitored properly. IV nutrients are only water soluble.

Additionally, the IV Therapy doses for wellness are actually quite a low dose (5-20g) within your blood stream when compared to other IV treatments.

When people say you pee out IV vitamins, this is true. You also pee out all food and oral based vitamins as well. In fact, you pee out medication. Our bladders and kidneys are constantly working to clear nutrients after our cells have taken in what they need.

Is IV therapy safe when pregnant and when breast feeding?

Is IV Therapy Safe during pregnancy

IV therapy is safe for pregnant women and for women who are breastfeeding. It’s safe because it’s the nutrients you get naturally from your food. There aren’t any drugs or foreign substances going into your bloodstream. You’re just getting more of what’s biologically available anyway. Because the nutrients we use are all water soluble, your cells decide what to take up and how much to let in. The nutrients don’t build up in your body.

I had my baby at 40 and believe doing regular IVs throughout pregnancy not only helped me have a healthy baby, but helped to speed up my recovery after birth.

Is IV Therapy safe when taking medications?

I’ve given IV treatments from teens, to pregnant women (myself included), to 90+ years of age and on multiple medications.  When someone is on medications, we always look at which medications the person is on and the impact that the nutrients in the IV drip bag may have.

For example, I avoid calcium when patients are on calcium channel blocker medication for hypertension or has an arrhythmia.  We avoid potassium when kidney concerns, and we avoid calcium when a patient is on antibiotics.

Before you receive your first IV drip, we have an initial consultation which covers and current medication you are on.

Is IV therapy safe from getting an infection from the needle?

The chance of infection from the needle stick is extremely minimal. There’s so much precaution leading up to inserting a needle into a vein. We’re very careful to use sterile techniques. It goes without saying that we never reuse needles.

On top of that, we are extremely skilled at putting in the needle. After thousands of IVs, I’d challenge anyone to find a team of more veteran vein-finders than we have on staff.

Every once in a while, inserting the needle can cause a slight bruise. Or there might be some slight irritation from the skin. This can be reduced or avoided by being well-hydrated before starting the treatment to dilute the very slight acidity of the IV fluid.

But typically, the most common side effect people feel is a warming sensation, and that’s the B vitamins, which dilate the blood vessels, so that’s a healthy sensation.

While we work with needles, and many of us have baggage when it comes to needles, our process is entirely safe, sterile, and simple.

Does IV Therapy Hurt?

A question I often get asked before someone starts IV therapy is “Does it hurt?” Well, everybody has their own pain threshold, but basically, there’s very, very little discomfort.

We use a butterfly needle at Higher Health, which is the smallest needle possible, so most people barely feel it when it’s inserted.

Butterfly needle. Is IV Therapy Safe
(Inserting a butterfly needle. It’s tiny!)

In fact, even the most needle-phobic people are surprised at how little they feel it. Sometimes these patients, who can’t bear to watch me put the needle in, ask me when I’m going to do it. I have to tell them it’s already in place!

There’s just that initial tiny pinch, and then there’s no discomfort while you’re on the IV. We also have cream that we can put on that desensitizes the area.

You may also have a hospital or blood drawing story where a nurse couldn’t find your vein, poking your arm 15 times to get it right. I’ve heard plenty of those stories, and I can tell you we are vein whisperers.

Where Do the Vitamins Come From?

We receive our vitamins in vials from a highly regulated licensed compounding pharmacy, which follows standardized compounding procedures to make the vitamins from a synthetic base, producing a sterile pharmaceutical grade end product. We also purchase sterile bags of medical-grade solution. The vitamins are pure and contain no preservatives or additives.

Then at our clinic, in an isolated room designated for sterile compounding, our specially trained technicians, wearing sterile gowns and gloves, compound the vitamins and the solution, creating the vitamin infused bags you see in the IV lounge.

A base IV drip bag contains Vitamin C, Magnesium, calcium, minerals, B vitamins, specific amino acids and antioxidants.  Depending on your health goals, we add additional nutrients.

How long has IV therapy been in use for improving health?

The Origins of IV Vitamin Therapy

Most of us are familiar with the IV therapy commonly used in hospital settings, where an IV bag delivers medicine or nutrients into a patient’s bloodstream.

In this case, it’s referred to as “parenteral nutrition” or TPN. A person may need TPN because of a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder (or other) that severely limits the ability of their digestive tract. A person may not be able to swallow food, move the food through the digestive system, or absorb nutrients from the food, conditions common to those with Crohn’s disease, cancer, short bowel syndrome, or ischemic bowel disease.

However, critically ill patients who cannot receive nutrition orally for more than four days are also candidates for TPN

Naturopathic medicine posits that if total parenteral nutrition is good for someone who can’t eat, it can also ‘s good to optimize your health.  It makes sense to think that with improved nutrition, by any means, you can feel better. for you when you’re not feeling your best.

In the 1960s Dr. John Myers, a physician from Baltimore, Maryland, pioneered a treatment of vitamins and minerals delivered intravenously. He noticed the patients he was giving micro-doses of vitamins to were doing better than his other patients who weren’t taking the IV solution. Later dubbed the “Myer’s Cocktail,” it included magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C.

In the years since Dr. Myers, other micronutrients have been found to be effective in treatments. The IV dip has likewise been used to treat a range of illnesses.

While little was known about IV therapy a few decades ago, today an ever-expanding body of research shows its application in a number of studies.

At Higher Health we use IV Therapy to treat many conditions. You can find more on that by clicking here. 

Research also shows that “high dose intravenous vitamin C appears to be remarkably safe. Physicians should inquire about IV vitamin C use in patients with cancer, chronic, untreatable, or intractable conditions and be observant of unexpected harm, drug interactions, or benefit.”

In recent years, most new patients walk in with the understanding they need way more nutrients than those they get from food. Social media has played a big part in increasing the awareness of IV Therapy and its wellness benefits, as celebrities and health-conscious influencers have helped accelerate the prevalence of IV therapies.

I hope this article has helped you decide is IV Therapy safe for you. If you have any questions about IV Therapy or your health in general, you can book a free introductory consultation by clicking here.

Sincerely, Dr. Tara Campbell, ND

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1757963/pdf/v080p00001.pdf

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1503803/

https://ncim.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Myers-Article.pdf

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0011414

https://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/citation/12410623/Intravenous_nutrient_therapy:_the_%22Myers’_cocktail%22_

Adrenal Gland

Adrenal Gland

Adrenal Gland. Do they Need a Little TLC?

In this article we are going to cover…

  • What is a adrenal gland?
  • What is adrenal gland fatigue?
  • The top symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
  • What you can do to improve your adrenal health.

if at anytime you want to talk to one of our Naturopathic Doctors about your adrenal health, you can book a free consultation by clicking here.

We’ve all heard people say these things before, “I wake up tired, and go to bed tired”, or “I feel exhausted, but as soon as my head hits the pillow my mind starts to buzz”.  Our bodies were built to handle stressful events, for example our ancestors needed their stress activated nervous system to be able to run away from predators.

In these acute situations stress is a good thing, it helps us to survive, to fight. Once these acute situations are over, our body is designed to return to harmony in its normal hormonal balance.

However, when we are exposed to ongoing stress, this response doesn’t get shut off as it should be. Our bodies think it is constantly in danger, and hormones shift to respond to these constant perceived stressors. This is what can burn our adrenal glands out.

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Our adrenal gland are tis a tiny gland that sit on each of our kidneys. They are responsible for producing our stress hormones such as epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol. Cortisol is secreted in a very specific manner, lined up with our circadian rhythm. It spikes in the morning to act as our “get up and go” hormone to help with waking, and slowly decreases throughout the day to eventually prepare for sleep.

It has an inverse relationship with melatonin, our “sleep” hormone. This means that in the morning when we wake up, cortisol should be high and melatonin should be low. The opposite is true of in the evening when we go to sleep, cortisol should be low, and melatonin at its highest. The term adrenal fatigue is often used to describe the pattern we see when there is an imbalance in this cortisol rhythm.

For example, we may see cortisol spiking at night leaving individuals with this “tired but wired” feeling, or we may see it low in the morning making it difficult to get out of bed.

The term adrenal fatigue can be confusing, since the problem isn’t isolated to the adrenal glands. The issue is actually along the communication line with something called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

In our brains, the hypothalamus releases a hormone called corticotropin-releasing hormone, which then signals to the anterior pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone, which then signals to our adrenal glands to release cortisol. Our adrenal glands themselves do not alter the production of cortisol because they become “fatigued”, they alter the production of cortisol due to a dysfunction within this communication pathway.

What are the symptoms?

Some of the most common symptoms of HPA axis dysfunction include:

  • Difficulty getting up in the morning, or waking feeling unrested
  • Cravings for salty or sugary foods
  • An afternoon slump or fatigue
  • A second wind in the evening when you should be preparing for sleep
  • Afternoon headaches
  • Difficulty staying asleep throughout the night
  • Lowered libido
  • Changes to mood
  • Difficulty losing weight
  • Other hormonal imbalances

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? You may be experiencing stress-induced HPA axis dysfunction.

How do you get it?

Often times when we talk about stress, people think solely about mental/emotional stress. However, there are all sorts of stress our bodies are continuously processing, handling, and responding to. This includes perceived stress from our environment, blood sugar dysregulation, inflammatory signaling, sleep disturbances, chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, toxin exposure and feedback inhibition problems along that communication pathway.

When our bodies are constantly exposed to these stressors, it can affect how our brain communicates to our adrenal glands.

What can you do about it?

First and foremost we recommend talking to your naturopathic doctor about diagnostic labs that can assess your cortisol levels, at the appropriate times of the day. This can include either a 4-point salivary test, or through dried urine using the DUTCH test.  In addition to this, your doctor may look at additional lab testing to see if other factors are at play, for example inflammation, chronic infections, or food intolerances. It is essential to pinpoint and identify which stressors may be playing a role in your symptoms, so that a treatment plan can be individualized to you.

Nutrition:

  • A focus on real whole foods should be recommended to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs to function properly, while minimizing processed and refined foods. Encouraging the consumption of healthy fats from sources such as olive oil, salmon and avocados, dark leafy green vegetables that are rich in magnesium and b-vitamins, and quality protein sources like grass fed meats are recommended. Your Naturopathic Doctor can further make individualized dietary recommendations for you.

Supplements:

  • Adaptogenic herbs such as: Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Holy Basil, and Schisandra can help our bodies adapt to stress, regulating our cortisol rhythm. Always discuss supplementation with your Naturopathic Doctor before starting these.
  • Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that often gets used up and depleted while exposed to chronic stress. It is important for helping to calm our brain, relax our muscles, and to promote a restful sleep.
  • B-vitamins: B vitamins often become depleted in times of chronic stress, and as a result can often affect our energy, mood, and sleep. In addition, B-vitamins are important for supporting our methylation pathways which play a role in the melatonin-cortisol rhythm.
  • Vitamin D: Optimizing Vitamin D levels helps to support a healthy immune system, balance hormones, support energy, and regulate mood. Most Canadians are deficient so it’s important to test, then target supplementation accordingly.

IV therapy:

  • IV Drip Therapy has targeted nutrients including but not limited to magnesium, B-vitamins, glutathione, NAC, carnitine, zinc and Vitamin C delivered directly into the blood stream, bypassing digestion so that it can directly impact cells can help replenish depleted nutrients, and regulate cortisol imbalances.

Mind-Body therapies:

  • Breathing exercises that help us become aware of our breath, and shifting our nervous system from a sympathetic “fight or flight” to a parasympathetic “rest and digest” can be very powerful for helping to regulate our stress response. Mindful meditation is also a great tool to help activate our parasympathetic nervous system.

Lifestyle:

  • Prioritizing sleep to allow your body to recuperate and recover overnight. Turning off electronics, including your phone a few hours before bed, sleeping in a dark cool room, and trying to sleep and wake at the same time each day are excellent sleep hygiene practices.
  • Exposing ourselves to natural light in the morning helping to regulate that cortisol/melatonin relationship, and spending more time in nature to help stimulate our parasympathetic nervous system and de-stress.
  • Learning to say “no” to things when our plates are already full, practice healthy boundaries, and doing things that are going to fill your cup and not empty it.

These small but mighty glands are involved in so many body functions, that supporting our adrenals and our HPA axis is critical for higher health.

Do you feel pressure to always be striving?

Achieving and taking on more?

Do you find it difficult to relax during down time?

It may be time to look at alternative ways to change your lifestyle, support your stress pathways, and provide your body with the support and rest it needs. If you need some help with that, you can always book a free consultation and speak to one of our naturopathic doctors.

References:

https://dutchtest.com/2016/07/05/adrenal-fatigue-is-all-in-your-head-sort-of/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21835188/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25462913/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30079756/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31517876/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32393092/

Fountain of youth sign

Anti-Aging Tips

We all know that we age – but have you ever wondered what you can do to slow down the process, and to live both well and longer?  What if there were therapies and tools that existed that could drastically slow down the aging process, perhaps even reverse it. Reversing aging by removing wrinkles, helping blood vessels and skin become elastic again, and recharging our mitochondria. Intrigued?

Many people believe that we age because our bodies wear out. The theory goes that because our bodies operate 24/7, day in and day out, that eventually this causes wear and tear, degeneration of our cells throughout many organs and body parts, and inevitably death. 

The problem with this theory however, is that it is way too simple. Here is a Toronto Naturopathic Doctor’s perspective on aging and what you can do about it. 

So…What causes aging?

Aging is a natural part of being a living species, but we have come to understand that there are a lot of factors that accelerate and contribute to the aging process. The effects of aging are what most do not look forward to – frailty, immobility, wrinkles, skin damage, and the cascade of chronic and degenerative illnesses. 

While we cannot stop aging process altogether, we most certainly can seek health and vibrancy well beyond the years of what we anticipate. The idea of glowing skin, shiny hair, and a flexible strong body that is capable of what we still want to do.

Here are the top 9 common and leading causes of aging:

  • Shortening of telomeres: Telomeres are protective protein structures found at the ends of chromosomes to help prevent degradation. Shortening of telomeres is associated with aging, but we have research to suggest we can modify how quickly the telomeres actually shorten.
  • Loss of energy production from the mitochondria: One of the main roles of the mitochondria is to produce energy for our cells all throughout our body. As we age, our mitochondria becomes less efficient in producing energy for a variety of reasons. There are a lot of modifiable risk factors we can control to help keep our mitochondria healthy longer!
  • Loss of stem cells: Stem cells are extremely important to help replace lost cells due to turnover, injury and disease. However, as we age their function declines and this factor contributes to degeneration and dysfunction. It’s a fascinating area of up and coming research!
  • Accumulation of senescent cells: Think of senescent cells like “zombie-cells”. They are non-functioning cells that linger in the skin and other tissues. Although they can be protective in some instances, the accumulation of these cells has been linked to aging and preventing healthy cell turnover and repair.
  • Aggregation of proteins: This is the process of misfolded proteins, and causes the proteins to cluster affecting their ability to properly function. This is involved in aging, but also a number of neurodegenerative diseases as well. We have clean-up crews that would help clean up these misfolded proteins, but the older we become the less efficient these clean-up crews work, perhaps our environment is accelerating the amount of misfolded proteins we have, and all of a sudden our body can no longer do its job properly leading to an accumulation of these proteins.

    They have been linked to Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease when accumulated in the brain, slower reflexes in the nerves, heart failure in the heart, strokes when accumulated in the vessels, and decreased elasticity in the lungs.
  • Collagen Breakdown: Both the quality and quantity of collagen plays a major role in the skin’s appearance, the health of your hair and nails, as well as your joints. As we age, the body starts to produce less collagen. This can appear as the skin becoming thinner, drier, and less elastic. Targeting treatment to slow down the breakdown of collagen, and support its quality can help make you look younger again!
  • Glycation: Glycation occurs as a result of too much sugar intake, and these excess glucose (sugar) molecules link to structures like collagen and elastin in the skin. Glycation causes the skins proteins (collagen, elastin) to lose their ability to function normally. The fibers become rigid, and have a reduced ability to regenerative contributing to cracking and thinning skin.
  • Inflammation: Acute inflammation is needed to help fight against foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. However, chronic inflammation has become a hot topic amongst many chronic conditions we see in clinic, including accelerated aging. Chronic inflammation impairs the cells ability to heal and regenerate, it promotes inflammatory pathways and can lead to redness, irritation, sensitivity, and damage to the tissue all which affect the process of aging.
  • Oxidative Stress: Oxidative stress occurs when the amount of free radicals exceeds what are body is able to neutralize via antioxidant pathways. Free radicals are very reactive small molecules, and can damage virtually any molecule or cell in the body. Our bodies have been designed with internal antioxidants, but often due to our environment, and lifestyle it is not enough to protect our skin, mitochondria, and organs from damage. We have the ability to reduce our oxidative stress by making conscious lifestyle decisions, and also supplementing with extra antioxidants to help our body’s defense.

As you can probably guess, although a lot of these processes are a natural part of aging, what we do and what we expose ourselves to can affect the rate at which they happen. 

This is where Naturopathic medicine shines, and can address your internal physiology, lifestyle and environment, to give you the tools to help your anti-aging process.

IV Therapy and Anti-Aging

IV Therapy can be a big help with your anti-aging through two main processes:

  • By Providing a high dose of antioxidants which can have a direct anti-aging benefit

  • IV Therapy Contains several key ingredients which can act as a nutritive for cellular health, slowing down aging and promoting cellular repair. 

Let’s take a look at some of the specific anti-aging ingredients more closely.

Vitamin C : Vitamin C slows down age related telomere shortening in human skin cells. It is a cofactor for elastin and collagen production in blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and skin. Vitamin C helps reduce oxidative damage in the body, which plays an important role in aging. Applying it topically has shown to improve skin elasticity and hydration. 

Magnesium : A deficiency in magnesium has been correlated with accelerated aging of human endothelial cells and fibroblasts (cells that help make collagen and repair the skin). Magnesium helps with cell regeneration and repair, an important component of anti-aging. 

B Vitamins : B vitamins have shown some benefit with skin aging, specifically with age spots and hyperpigmentation. Deficiencies in B vitamins can cause dry skin, acne, and wrinkles. 

NAC : N-acetyl-cysteine is a go-to nutrient for anti-aging, as it helps replenish glutathione levels in the body. Glutathione is considered the master antioxidant. By supporting the antioxidant pathway, it can help reduce aging at the cellular level.

Glutathione : Glutathione helps reduce oxidative damage to brain cells associated with aging. Its detoxification action improves the health of cells helping to slow the process of cell aging. Glutathione helps protect the skin from damage that can cause wrinkles and has shown to improve skin elasticity. 

MSM : MSM helps reduce inflammation which is associated with cellular damage and can cause premature aging. It has shown to reduce visual signs of aging such as wrinkles. MSM plays a role in collagen production and works well when taken alongside vitamin C.

Carnitine : Acetyl-l-carnitine has shown to protect cells in the body from age-related degeneration. Research demonstrates its effects on the brain, where it improves memory, cognition, and mood. Carnitine supports the function of our mitochondria which often declines throughout the aging process.

Lifestyle Modifications and Anti-Aging
Here is a list of things you can start doing today to help with your new anti-aging regiment. 

#1. Don’t smoke, or quit smoking. The chemicals used in making both cigarettes and smoking alternatives such as vaping  damages our cellular DNA, and accelerates the aging process.

#2. Intermittent fasting can help turn on longevity genes. This doesn’t mean skipping meals, or under-eating, but it does include time restricted eating (typically a 8-10 hour eating window) which gives our body time to repair and regenerate instead of using its energy to consistently digest and breakdown food. Make sure to talk with your Naturopathic Doctor first before starting intermittent fasting.

#3. The food we eat and use to fuel our bodies is crucial. A diet rich in healthy fats, anti-oxidants, can help activate our longevity genes, battled oxidative stress and inflammation, and slow down the aging process. This also goes to say that minimizing/avoiding processed foods and refined sugar can also help us achieve the extended vibrant health we seek.

#4. Prioritize a good night’s sleep. Sleep is the time for which our body takes to restore and repair itself. Lacking quantity and quality sleep can severely impact the rate at which we age. If sleep is something you’re struggling with, our team of Naturopathic Doctors can help figure out the root cause, so that you can wake feeling rested and refreshed.

Although we can’t prevent aging altogether, there are lots of tools we have to slow down the aging process. Have you considered adding in IV therapy as part of your anti-aging tool box? We encourage you to book a free consultation with one of our Toronto Naturopathic Doctors at Higher Health to how IV therapy may be beneficial for you.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3370421/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2017.00138/full
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29104718/ 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20388094/ 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26467067/ 

Gut health

Gut

Improve Your GI  Health with IV Vitamin Therapy

Gut health is a critical part of whole body health. As we know, the state of our gut and our body’s microbiome is imperative for overall wellness amongst many systems in the body. It’s fair to say that a healthy gut is a driving factor for a healthy you. Your gut isn’t just your stomach, it’s actually a catch all term referring to your gastrointestinal tract as a whole.

Your gastrointestinal system actually begins in the mouth, and includes your esophagus, stomach, and intestines. All food is ultimately broken down in the gut, making it very important to take care of and ensure it is operating a peak efficiency. In addition, your gut is a driving factor for immune health, metabolic health, mental health and hormones.

Why should you care?

As we continue to learn and as research continues, we are just beginning to understand just how complex gut health and the gut microbiome is, and its relation to systemic health. When we think about gut health we can start with the basics.

All food that we eat is broken down in the gut into molecules that our stomach can absorb, allowing them to enter into the blood stream and be delivered as nutrients throughout or bodies and to cells. In order for this process to work smoothly, a healthy digestive system is necessary.

A healthy gut is one that contains an appropriate proportion of “good” bacteria, immune cells that can protect against infectious agents, one whose protective barrier is preserved so that the tight junctions in the mucosal gut wall can effectively and selectively control what passes through its layers – keeping pathogens and toxins out, while allowing nutrients in.

When healthy, this also allows proper communication with the brain through nerves and hormones which helps support our mood, general health and overall well-being.

What are some signs and symptoms of gut health issues?

Gastrointestinal disorders can wreak havoc on one’s quality of life, especially during flare-ups for disorders such as Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

An unhealthy gut may cause local symptoms such as:

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Acid reflux

other systemic symptoms include:

  • Headaches/ migraines
  • Joint pain
  • Skin conditions
  • Brain fog
  • and Mood disorders

Long term consequences of poor health can include the inability to digest your food properly, food sensitivities, problems sleeping, regulating your mood, altered energy levels, and issues regulating hunger and satiety.

Poor gut health has also been found to be implicated in autoimmune, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases.

You can see why taking care of this is so important.

How does IV therapy help?

IV therapy offers a way to improve your gut health by bypassing oral supplementation. The absorption of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can be impacted when we suffer from digestive disorders.

When trying to supplement by mouth, we are depending on our digestive system to properly absorb it so that it can enter the blood stream and target cells at an appropriate dose to have an effect.

As you can imagine, there are a lot of possible limitations with oral supplementation when things are not working optimally.

In addition, certain nutrients have a maximum dose at which they can be absorbed by the digestive tract when supplemented orally (for example Vitamin C). IV Vitamin therapy bypasses the GI tract altogether, and therefore the challenges that may come with intestinal absorption.

IV Vitamin therapy delivers optimal and carefully selected therapeutic doses of nutrients directly to the bloodstream, and therefore acting as a direct highway to deliver these nutrients where we need them; our cells.

In addition, there are specific vitamins and minerals that can be added to your IV Vitamin bag to enhance nutrient absorption, provide high doses of anti-inflammatory nutrients notably for inflammatory bowel conditions, nutrient specific for gut healing and repair, and nutrients to help reduce pain and cramping. 

Specific IV Nutrients for Gut health

Some key nutrients for digestive health that may be included in your IV bag are:

Glutamine – Glutamine strengthens the barrier that is present in our intestinal tract, and reduces inflammation, both of which helps to prevent leaky gut. It improves the immune function of our GI system which is important for overall health. Glutamine is beneficial for food sensitivities (by addressing inflammation) and is a key ingredient for chronic GI conditions, including IBS, Crohn’s, and ulcerative colitis.

Taurine : Taurine plays a large role in digestion and metabolism. It supports the liver in producing bile salts which break down fatty acids, primarily cholesterol, in the intestine. It improves the digestion and absorption of fats.

Selenium : Selenium can help improve digestion and reduce malabsorption in the GI tract. It strengthens the gut’s response to inflammation, preventing damage to the gut lining. Deficiencies in selenium are correlated to higher oxidative damage in the GI tract, which can lead to different various GI disorders.

Zinc: Zinc is a critical mineral for a healthy gut. It has shown to be beneficial in treating conditions such as diarrhea and leaky gut. It helps to stabilize the gut lining and promote repair of gut tissue.

Bicarbonate : Bicarbonate helps to neutralize acidic environments in our GI tract, which has a protective effect on our gut lining. It is also a key anti-inflammatory nutrient used in your IV treatment.

Amino Acids : Amino acids are fuel for the lining of the small intestine and are the building blocks of our intestinal proteins. There is research to support several amino acids for gut-related diseases, as they support gut lining integrity and overall function. 

While some clients will do an IV Drip as a stand alone treatment, we usually recommend IV Drip Therapy as part of a treatment plan that also includes making the most out of your preferred diet, supplements, and lifestyle choices.

If you’re interested in finding out how our Naturopathic Doctors can help you, click here for a free consultation.

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32302292/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26848182/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29494512/ 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11840007/ 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18670730

Crohn’s disease symptoms

Crohn’s Disease

Understanding Crohn’s disease from a Naturopathic Doctor’s perspective. What are the symptoms and treatments that can actually help.

In this article we will cover the following for Crohn’s Disease:

  • What is Crohn’s Disease
  • What Causes Crohn’s Disease
  • Top Symptoms Of Crohn’s Disease
  • How to Test For Crohn’s Disease
  • What a Naturopathic Doctor Can Do To Help
  • How IV Drip Therapy Can Help Crohn’s Disease

 Before you get into this great article, if at anytime you want to talk to one of our Naturopathic Doctors about how they help with Crohn’s disease, or how IV Drip Therapy can help you can book a free consultation by clicking here.

Crohn’s disease is a lifelong illness and can severely impact one’s quality of life. It can be tricky to manage, and can often leave individuals feeling discouraged and hopeless affecting not only their physical health but also their mental, emotional, and social health.

If you are suffering from Crohn’s disease, please know that you are not alone and that your feelings and emotions are very real. A Naturopathic Doctor approach to medicine is to assess the whole person, and look at how a disease may be affecting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health of an individual.

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing disease which belongs to the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) family. Inflammatory bowel disease includes a group of conditions that inflame and attack the lining of your gastrointestinal tract.

When the gastrointestinal tract in inflamed, it makes it difficult to perform its job of breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.  Crohn’s disease can affect the gastrointestinal tract anywhere starting from the mouth, all the way to the rectum; however, it most commonly affects the terminal ileum (the end of your small intestine that intersects with the large intestine) and portions of your large intestine.

What Causes Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s is a very complicated disease, and unfortunately there is no single cause that we know of yet.

What we do know is that the immune system plays a significant role, and that when your immune system is not working the way it should be, this can make your symptoms and flare ups happen more often, and be more severe.

Many inflammatory markers have been identified in Crohn’s disease, indicating a state of “chronic inflammation” within the GI tract.  Patient’s with Crohn’s disease commonly have an onset of symptoms between the ages of 20-30 years of age, or around the age of 50 years.

Although these are the most common ages we see people being diagnosed, it can occur at any age. There are no significant differences between the occurrence of Crohn’s in males and females; however, there is a strong genetic risk with the strongest risk factor being having a parent or sibling that was also diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

We also see a higher prevalence in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, in those who smoke cigarettes, use NSAIDs frequently, and in those who eat a low fibre/vegetable diet or a westernized diet high in animal meats, dairy, and refined sugar.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?

 Taking a very detailed clinical history is important in diagnosing Crohn’s disease as the presentation varies from individual to individual, and the symptoms can mimic other illnesses or diseases.  Below are some of the signs and symptoms that someone with Crohn’s disease may experience:

  • Abdominal pain, typically in the right lower quadrant. Can be dull or crampy, and mild to severe
  • Urgent Diarrhea
  • Incontinence
  • Nocturnal awakening to use the bathroom
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Extra-intestinal manifestations including but not limited to:
    • Eyes: Painful vision, blurry vision, redness
    • Oral ulcers, mouth or tongue pain
    • Joint aches / arthralgia
    • Skin manifestations including painful and/or purple bumps

 

What Are Some Of The Tests For Crohn’s Disease?

 There are many different tests a doctor may perform to determine whether you may be suffering from Crohn’s disease, and the extent of the disease.

These include:

Blood Tests:

  • CBC with differential
    • White blood cells may be elevated with inflammation or infection
    • Red blood cells/ Hemoglobin may be decreased in anemia
  • Nutritional status:
    • Iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, iron-binding capacity
      • Decreased absorption or increase iron loss to assess for iron deficiency anemia
    • Albumin and prealbumin level
      • Decreased with poor nutritional status and with protein-losing enteropathy
    • Vitamin D status
      • May be decreased secondary to malabsorption, or if your doctor started you on corticosteroid treatments for your Crohn’s to monitor for impaired metabolism
    • Elevated inflammatory markers : erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP)

Stool Test:

  • Markers of inflammation
    • Fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin levels
      • Helpful in determining inflammation within the bowels and gut

Endoscopy/ colonoscopy:

  • Procedure to visually assess the intestines and any presence of disease

Imaging (CT or MRI):

  • May be used as additional tests to rule in/out disease or if bowel complications are suspected

 

How can Naturopathic Medicine help?

As mentioned earlier, naturopathic medicine focuses on a whole body and individualized approach. Both the signs and symptoms and how it impacts one’s quality of life can vary dramatically from person to person, despite having the same disease.

A Naturopathic approach aims to reduce both the severity and frequency of episodes, to reduce the complications of the disease and minimize the need for surgery, to assess and correct any nutritional deficiencies, and support the individual’s mental, emotional, and spiritual health in healing.

Naturopathic treatment can be integrated with your conventional treatments to help optimize outcomes and minimize adverse effects.

Your Naturopathic Doctor will assess any obstacles to cure, and what may be aggravating your immune system for it to be attacking your gastrointestinal tract.

This could include:

  • Dietary changes
  • Eliminating food sensitivities
  • Minimizing environmental toxin exposures
  • Reducing oxidative stress

One notable sensitivity in Crohn’s disease is that to baker’s yeast, and eliminating any sources of this in one’s diet can have profound affects for an individual. Food sensitivity testing may be indicated, and part of a larger discussion within your treatment plan.

Your Naturopathic Doctor will also have a discussion around strategies and tools to reduce inflammation and promote the healing of your gut.

Low dose probiotics may be helpful to lessen symptoms of relapses and lengthen remission times in those with Crohn’s disease. Apoptogenic herbs may be an excellent addition as well to help your body cope with stress, and to buffer the systems that may be depleted by both the disease process and pharmaceuticals.

Mind-body therapies may also be discussed to help support your mental and emotional health, the gut-brain axis, and to encourage empowerment, resiliency, and improve quality of life.

To correct any nutritional deficiencies, your doctor may recommend certain vitamins and minerals or the addition of IV Drip vitamin therapy.

Oral absorption of vitamins and minerals can often be impaired in individuals with Crohn’s disease due to the inflammation of the tissue; IV vitamin therapy is absorbed directly into the blood stream bypassing the gut and any absorption issues there. In addition, several conventional treatments and pharmaceuticals further deplete key nutrients. Important ingredients for the IV vitamin bag may include zinc, selenium, magnesium, trace minerals, B12, and Vitamin C to replenish any deficiencies, reduce inflammation, and to support optimal immune functioning.

An IV drip set up to help digestion would have the goal of:

  • Enhance nutrient absorption (bypass digestive limitations)
  • Provide high does of Anti-inflammatory nutrients
  • Give you nutrients specific for GI healing
  • Help reduce pain and cramping
  • Replenish electrolytes

This IV Drip would include:

Glutamine – Glutamine strengthens the barrier that is present in our intestinal tract, which helps to prevent leaky gut. It improves the immune function of our GI system which is important for overall health. Glutamine is beneficial for food allergies and chronic gut conditions, including IBS, Crohn’s, and colitis.

Taurine – Taurine plays a large role in digestion and metabolism. It supports the liver in producing bile salts which break down fatty acids, primarily cholesterol, in the intestine. It improves the digestion and absorption of fats.

Selenium – Selenium can help improve digestion and reduce malabsorption in the GI tract. It strengthens the gut’s response to inflammation, preventing damage to the gut lining. Deficiencies in selenium are correlated to higher oxidative damage in the GI tract, which can lead to different GI disorders.

Zinc – Zinc is a critical mineral for a healthy gut. It has shown to be beneficial in treating conditions such as diarrhea and leaky gut. It helps to stabilize the gut lining and promote repair of gut tissue.

Bicarbonate – Bicarbonate helps to neutralize acidic environments in our GI tract, which has a protective effect on our gut lining.

Amino Acids – Amino acids are fuel for the lining of the small intestine and are the building blocks of our intestinal proteins. There is research to support several amino acids for gut-related diseases, as they support gut lining integrity and overall function.

Find out how naturopathic medicine can help you with your Crohn’s disease. You can book a free consultation and speak to one of our Naturopathic Doctors by clicking here.

References:

https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11840007/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29494512/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18670730/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29688466/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28573652/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32872272/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353304
https://www.sfadvancedhealth.com/blog/integrative-treatment-crohns-disease-symptoms