Author Archives: Dr. Sacha

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

I’m a huge proponent of the medicine that I practice, which involves healing the body and mind using the gifts of nature. This can be as simple as a whole foods diet, clean water, regular body movement, healthy sleep habits, solid stress management techniques, and herbs.

However, for some, this just isn’t enough. Hormone imbalance can be a tricky thing to deal with as hormones are susceptible to the smallest of changes in our environment, they fluctuate readily, and are tightly interwoven in a delicate balance – so that an issue with one hormone gland (adrenals, thyroid or ovaries) tends to throw the other hormone glands off kilter too.

The conventional solution is to prescribe HRT –Hormone Replacement Therapy; made from synthetic chemicals that are close in structure to what our own bodies make, but not identical.

Welcome BHRT – Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy! They are derived from completely natural sources, are identical to our body’s natural hormones, and therefore cannot be patented. Because of this, there is limited profit in manufacturing and selling BHRT and even less reason to perform clinical trials that compare the effectiveness of these natural sources of hormones to conventional HRT. However, the studies that have been done show the effectiveness and safety profile of BHRT.

A common pattern I see in clinical practice is estrogen dominance. Due to an overwhelming amount of exogenous estrogen intake (pesticides, herbicides, birth control pill, plastics with BPA, HRT, non-organic meat and dairy, etc.) estrogen becomes the dominant hormone and causes a rift in the healthy ratio of estrogen to progesterone.

Estrogen dominance typically appears with symptoms of high estrogen and low progesterone: PMS, fibrocystic breasts and breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, spotting between periods, menstrual cramping, abdominal weight gain, and hypothyroid symptoms.

Generally I diagnose and treat estrogen dominance by collaborating salivary hormone testing with reported symptoms. Testing the saliva for hormones differs from testing the blood – it has a higher rate of accuracy as it’s testing the hormones that are actually acting on the cells, whereas blood hormone testing measures active and inactive hormones that are free floating and bound to proteins in the blood rather than those that have bound to and acted on the cells.

I prefer to treat using nutrition as medicine, lifestyle changes, herbs and supplements, but in certain circumstances I will also add bioidentical hormones to help the body normalize hormones levels quicker. In the case of estrogen dominance, the most typical bioidentical protocol would be to prescribe progesterone cream, in the lowest dose necessary, while aiding the liver to detoxify estrogens properly into their healthy metabolites.

For further information on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and salivary hormone testing drop me a line!

Hypoglycemia

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Both low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) are stepping stones toward diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that for those children born after 2000, 1 in 3 will become diabetic.

Although frightening, hope comes with the fact that most cases of diabetes can be prevented through healthy diet and movement (…you know – exercise!)

I’m starting here with education on hypoglycemia. When the pancreas pumps out too much insulin due to eating foods high in sugar, white flour products, drinking caffeine in order to function, and skipping meals (a-HEM…breakfast!), the blood sugar can swing from high to low. This causes what we call a reactive hypoglycemia; reactive because it happens several hours after eating. The person who experiences this tends to space out easy, have a poor short-term memory, can get irritable and grouchy between meals, and has afternoon energy crashes, usually between 2 – 4 pm.

Reactive hypoglycemia is a beginning stage of diabetes and can be fully corrected through eating a low glycemic index diet. Symptoms that suggest hypoglycemia include:

Sugar cravings and carb binges
Irritability, grouchiness or anger when going periods without eating
Depending on caffeine for energy
Experiencing light-headedness when skipping meals
Needing to eat to relieve fatigue
Feeling shaky, jittery, anxious or agitated between meals
Having a poor memory, lack of concentration or focus
Blurry vision

When you recognize yourself in the above list of symptoms, steps should be taken immediately to work towards controlling your blood sugar – I use a lifestyle program with my patients called First Line Therapy which focuses on low glycemic index eating, medical food, exercise, and stress reduction to prevent diabetes and heart disease

Breast Cancer Nutrition

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Breast cancer. Just the thought can make us shudder. As more women are becoming diagnosed with breast cancer it is imperative that we take matters into our own hands and seek out prevention as a means to avoid this disease.

When it comes to your health, eating a nutritious diet and avoiding foods that promote illness is your first defense. When I treat breast cancer patients or those who wish to prevent a reoccurrence, I always start by educating on the cancer-fighting diet guidelines listed below.

The best diet to follow is one our grandparents ate many years ago: whole foods in their most natural state without the additives, preservatives, dyes and sweeteners that are commonly found in processed foods today.
50% of your meal should be made up of vegetables. The other half can be a combination of lean protein (fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, beans, peas) and whole grain starches (brown rice, quinoa, millet, etc.)
Green leafy vegetables and colourful fruits and veggies should be eaten on a daily basis. Cruciferous veg (kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower) have important cancer-fighting phytonutrients and should be rotated throughout the week.
Ensure you’re getting a healthy fat in your diet on a daily basis. This is often overlooked yet vital for every cell in our body. Especially important are omega 3’s (found in cold water fish like salmon and in flax seeds and walnuts) as they moderate inflammation in our body (cancer is an inflammatory process).
Raw onions, garlic, and leeks have powerful constituents that help upregulate the immune system to stay vigilant for cancerous cells.
Grinding raw flax seeds on a daily basis is a good idea for several reasons: the fiber ensures waste products don’t build up in the colon, they increase a protein in the blood which binds and removes extra hormones, and they are a healthy source of fatty acids, essential for brain function, skin and cell signalling.
Avoid sugar at all costs – it can wreak havoc on your blood sugar and subdues the fighting-potential of your immune cells. Also important to avoid are caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, and white flour products.

Visit your naturopathic doctor or book an appointment with me today to ensure you live a long, cancer-free life. Sign up for my free E-Newsletter for tips to feel better, look younger, and live longer!

Foundation Support for Hypothryoidism

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The thyroid controls the body’s metabolism, so symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

Fatigue, lethargy, weakness
Depression, irritability, anxiety, insomnia
Poor memory & concentration
Weight gain, trouble losing weight
Sensitivity to cold, joint/muscle aches
Constipation, sluggish digestion
Recurring infections, poor immune function
High cholesterol
Hair thinning/loss, dry hair & skin
Brittle, peeling nails
Anemia, easy bruising
PMS, irregular periods, infertility, low libido

For more general information on the thyroid gland and to read a list of symptoms of hyperthyroidism, see my previous blog post on the thyroid.

Most common causes:

Hashimoto’s disease – an autoimmune disorder. Rule out by testing TPO and TGB antibodies.
Stress – test cortisol and DHEA levels; support adrenal glands and learn stress-reduction techniques.
Nutrient deficiencies – check for intestinal permeability through a urine test and for digestive function through microbe/parasite/candida testing; optimize digestive function with gut-healing protocol.
Blood sugar imbalance – check your fasting blood sugar and insulin levels; eat low-glycemic index foods and take blood-sugar balancing nutrients.
Inactivity – create a moderate exercise regime to increase blood flow to thyroid.
Certain medications (ie. birth control pill or hormone replacement therapy) – look at alternatives to help support the body naturally.
Hormonal fluctuations – check hormones through saliva, blood or urine testing (DHEA, cortisol, testosterone, IGF-1, estrogen, progesterone, insulin); pregnancy and estrogen dominance can trigger an autoimmune attack.
Heavy metal toxicity – do a hair or urine metal toxic test to rule out heavy metal involvement.

(all testing can be done by Dr. Elliott or another naturopathic doctor)

Basic treatment for everybody:

Dietary changes to support healthy digestive function, reduce food allergies/sensitivities and decrease inflammation (which keeps the immune system hyperactive); increase kelp and omega 3 fatty acids and reduce consumption of goitrogens (see Dr. Elliott’s nutritional support hand out for hypothyroidism)
Exercise program – benefits thyroid and all organs in the body; increase nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues and helps excrete wastes
Stress-reducing techniques to help balance cortisol and DHEA levels (cortisol adversely impacts immune system and lowered DHEA creates a greater susceptibility to hypothyroidism)
General hormone balancing (including insulin, estrogen, progesterone) through the use of herbs, acupuncture, diet, and supplements

Treatment will be specifically tailored to you based on the causes of your hypothyroidism. If you suspect thyroid issues, book an appointment today to start your journey toward better health.

An excellent resource for those dealing with hypothyroidism, specifically, Hashimoto’s disease: “Why do I still have thyroid symptoms” by Datis Kharrazian.

Germ-a-phobes – Triclosan

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What is it? The germ theory, which became the cornerstone of modern medicine and influenced the recent massive push for antibiotic use, proposes that microorganisms are the cause of many diseases. I, and many others since, have argued that this is only one part of the equation. One must also take into account the biological terrain – referring to the state of health of the environment in which these microorganisms inhabit, namely, our bodies. To put this in simpler terms: if our bodies are unhealthy, microorganisms can and will flourish, but if our immune systems are powerful and functioning at full capacity, the “bugs” stand no chance!

Why it is bad for you: Triclosan, although the name may be unfamiliar, is an antibiotic contained in many products that we use on a daily basis. “What’s wrong with a little antimicrobial action?” you may ask. Well, several things. For starters, mounting evidence is pointing to the fact that the products that contain triclosan work no better than those that do not. The American Medical Association (AMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have reviewed studies that show there is no evidence to suggest that using antibacterial soap works any more effectively than soap without to reduce bacteria or limit disease. Secondly, triclosan is building up in animal’s and human’s fat tissue (fat stores all types of things!) and has even been found in umbilical cord blood in infants and in that of women’s breast milk. Equally disturbing is the fact that 95% of products that contain triclosan end up going down the drain and infiltrating our water systems. While much of the triclosan is removed in sewage stations, not all is removed from our water – it was one of the most commonly detected compounds in a U.S. Geological Survey of American streams. This is where I refrain from ranting about the toxic impact it has on our ecosystem (algae and aquatic life)!! Thirdly, if that’s not enough, we have the looming issue of “superbugs” in which the overuse of antibiotics is contributing to antibiotic resistance. The AMA has now recommended that we refrain from using antibacterial products in our houses in order to avoid antimicrobial resistance.

What to do about it: Simple. Avoid products that are labeled “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial”. Read the ingredients, and avoid those with triclosan (it is sometimes included on ingredient lists using its chemical name: 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol). Cutting boards, J cloths, knives, aprons, household cleaning products, and of course, hand soaps, may all contain triclosan. Avoid products that contain Microban – triclosan is sometimes marketed under this brand. Some examples of products containing triclosan are Colgate Total toothpaste, Gilette shave gel, Right Guard deodorant, and Clean & Clear foaming facial cleanser. DO wash your hands with good ol’ regular soap and hot water, being cognizant to scrub well for 30 seconds. Keep in mind – it isn’t about the germs, but more about the biological terrain – keeping a healthy body and healthy mind allows for a fully functioning immune system to take care of any germs before we even know they were there.

Environmental Defense recommends mandatory ban to protect Canadians & our environment (June 2012)
What’s the Deal With Triclosan? (fitsugar.com)
Dr. Joseph Mercola: 4 Dangerous Myths About Hand Washing (huffingtonpost.com)
Debate over triclosan poses risk to makers of antimicrobial handsoap (New York Times)

Toxic Overload – Phthalates

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What are they? They are a class of chemicals used in many household products. They’re very prevalent because of their usefulness: 1) they act as a plasticizer to keep substances soft and rubbery, 2) they act as a lubricant to help substances flow together well, 3) they allow lotions to penetrate the skin effectively, and 4) they keep fragrances lasting longer. They are commonly found around the home in cleaning supplies, shampoos, air fresheners, and happen to be the cause of that new car smell. In addition, many vinyl products also contain phthalates such as kid’s toys, shower curtains and raincoats. Even our food isn’t safe! Phthalates are found highest in fatty foods such as dairy (including infant formulas), fish, meat and oils. They enter the dairy food chain because they’re used in the flexible vinyl tubing which drains milk from the milking machines into holding vessels. We’re ingesting, inhaling and absorbing phthalates constantly!

Why they are bad for you: Research indicates they are messing up males’ testicular function. Rodent studies linked fetal exposure with a shortening of the distance between the anus and the base of the penis, improper testicular descent, and a penile defect called hypospadias in which the opening of the urethra is not located in the proper place on the tip of the penis. When phthalates were studied for the effect they had on humans, they found a similar response which they termed “testicular dysgenesis syndrome” (TDS). This includes hypospadias, poor sperm quality, cryptorchidism (absence of one or both of the testes in the scrotum) and testicular cancer. One study assessing the exposure rate in children found that over 80% of 163 infants studied had phthalates detectable in their urine. Not good!

What to do about them: At risk for stating the obvious, read labels! Often phthalates will not be directly on the label; instead they’ll be hidden behind terms such as “fragrance” or “parfum”. Avoid personal care products with these listed as ingredients. Remove your old polyvinyl chloride (PVC) shower curtain (the off-gassing of phthalates is particularly strong when you first remove the shower curtain from the packaging) and instead choose one made from natural ingredients such as organic cotton and hemp, or from recycled polyester. Forgo the use of air fresheners! Instead, open windows, burn natural incense, or use the highly-absorptive properties of baking soda to remove odors. If you are concerned about what your children are handling and placing in their mouths, use the invaluable database provided at HealthyStuff.org to rank over 8,300 toys based on levels of PVCs and other heavy metals. Lastly, by reducing your fat consumption of foods such as dairy and meat, you’re able to reduce exposure to not only phthalates, but also antibiotics and hormones (in non-organic foods).

Moving in the right direction: As a testament to their toxicity, the Canadian government recognized the plight of phthalates on our health and the health of our children and implemented regulation to restrict their use in January 2011.

More info: How Toxic Chemicals in Personal Care Products can Cause Harm (Naturopathic Doctor News and Reviews)

Basal Body Temperature Charting

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Basal Body Temperature Chart (pdf)

If you’ve never heard of basal body temperature (BBT) charting, now’s the time to perk your ears up!

This is a great tool for females to use to learn all sorts of things about their reproductive cycles. You can find a link to my favorite printable chart with instructions at the top of this post.

In simplified terms, your basal body temperature is just that – your resting temperature, taken upon waking in the morning before doing any sort of activity that will increase it. When you chart your temperature over a month, you will see an interesting pattern – the temperatures in the second half of your menstrual cycle will be elevated slightly higher than those in the first half if you are ovulating (see diagram).

Listed below are my top three favorite reasons for taking your basal body temperature:

It allows you to determine if you are ovulating. Plain and simple! This is highly important for women who are trying to get pregnant, and equally important for women who rely on the Fertility Awareness Method of contraception (FAM is centered around using the body’s clues such as cervical fluid, BBT, and cervical position to assess fertility; it’s my favorite method of contraception because it doesn’t require taking exogenous hormones or inserting an IUD).
BBT charting can show hormonal imbalances in the body, such as insufficient progesterone levels that can contribute to gynecological conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and PMS.
Finally, in conjunction with other symptoms you may be experiencing, a BBT chart can aid in the diagnosis of thyroid and adrenal dysfunction.

Using a BBT chart is one of my favorite tools in helping women be in control of their fertility and birth control, naturally. And we know, natural is what it is all about!

For more information on BBT charting (and an excellent resource on the Fertility Awareness Method!) check out Toni Weschler’s Taking Charge of Your Fertility.

Detoxification

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Join us for an informative discussion on DETOXIFICATION!

Feeling fatigued, achy, and looking older than you should? We’re all in need of healthy lifestyle changes!

Come learn from Dr. Sacha Elliott, ND and Rachel Fulmore, RMT as they tap into the importance of detox and share information to help you live a healthier life.

WHERE: Canopy Integrated Health in the Lynn Valley Library Plaza

WHEN: Thursday, July 21, 2011

TIME: 7:45pm – 8:45pm

COST: Suggested $5 donation; all proceeds go to the BC SPCA

Must register as space is limited! Call 604.973.0210 to save your spot.

Sun Safety

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Below is a combination of tips to help you stay safe in the sun and enjoy it all summer long!

Safe Sun Advice:

Get sun! Don’t use a sunscreen unless you are going to have prolonged exposure and are at risk for burning. If you must use a sunscreen follow my sunscreen tips below.
Aim for 15-20 minutes of sun per day, avoiding the peak times for UV ray exposure.
The areas of the body most susceptible to skin damage are the face and neck, so use sunglasses, hats, clothing, and lip balm to protect these areas during longer exposure.
It’s more protective to get daily moderate exposure rather than sporadic exposure. A tan is your body’s natural mechanism to protecting cell’s DNA from free-radical damage.
Increase antioxidant-rich raw fruits and vegetables to quench free radicals. Also, supplement daily with fish oils (omega 3’s) to help decrease inflammation caused by UV rays.
Keep well hydrated in the sun, especially during times of increased activity. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day. For example, for a woman weighing 150 lbs, she should drink 75 ounces per day. Since there are 8 ounces per glass, this works out to be about 9 glasses of water a day.

Sunscreen Tips:

Don’t use it unless you absolutely have to. My rules for “have to” are: a) you’re forced to be in direct sunlight for longer than safe periods, b) you’re not able to protect your skin from sun damage using clothing, and c) you’re subjected to intense rays without the ability to build up protection.
Avoid commercial sunscreens. Over 90% contain octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), the main chemical used to filter UVB rays, which has been shown to kill mouse cells, even in small doses. Studies have shown the toxic chemicals used in sunscreen are absorbed through the skin directly into the blood.
Questionable toxins in sunscreen include: octyl salicyclate, avobenzone, oxybenzone, phenylbenzimidazole, cinoxate, homosalate and trolamine salicyclate, among others.
If you must use sunscreen, purchase a high-quality natural one from a health food store.

For more information, read the Environmental Working Group’s exposé on the 9 Surprising Truths of sun screen.

Skin & Gut Health

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It’s a very familiar concept in naturopathic medicine that the health of the skin is directly linked to the health of the gut. Often, when we’re experiencing skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, and seemingly “random” rashes, we can track the root cause back to the gastrointestinal tract.

Most will agree that what we put into our bodies (food, drink, etc.) will shape our overall health. When we take this a step further, we realize our small and large intestines are a perfect microcosm of balanced flora – naturally occurring bacteria that work in synergy to keep the pathogenic bacterial strains and yeast in check. A multitude of things may imbalance our flora; a few of the most common causes are constipation, eating foods we are sensitive or allergic to, and too often eating on the run.

At the cellular level, inflammation is occurring in the lining of the digestive tract which impacts the immune system – it now is in a state of heightened reaction in order to deal with the inflammation. The link between the gut and the skin is this: immune complexes are formed as the body attempts to repair the inflammation in the gut and it is these complexes that are ultimately deposited in the skin which leads to skin conditions. We are left wondering, “what did I do to cause this eczema??”

The digestive system is one of my favorite areas of focus, as so much can change when we optimize the functioning of the gut: skin rashes disappear, colds become less chronic, lethary fades to a state of healthy, sustainable energy, sleep improves, hormones normalize, moods balance…you get the idea!

Basically, the health of your digestive system greatly impacts the health of your entire body – no one organ system functions independently from the rest.