Dr. Elizabeth Stimson - Naturopathic Doctor Victoria BC

09/19/2019

It is that time of year again. The weather is slowly getting cooler, fall is approaching and so is cold and flu season. It is time to boost your immune system to help you navigate safely through to spring with minimal down time. Today I am going to talk about probiotics (good bacteria that help us get and stay healthy). Many people don’t realize how important they are to all forms of life. The benefits are great and they have a huge impact on your immune system. Taking probiotics can also help bowel function and related illness, improve mental health, help to maximize athletic performance and have an impact on your skin to name a few. Plants even rely on essential microorganisms or EM (plant probiotics) to do well. It is amazing to see a plant that was not thriving for most of the summer practically double in size in just a few days, producing new foliage and continue to do well after some EM was given to it. I am talking about people not plants here but the above result with my plants is an amazing example of the power of probiotics.
I prefer to use human micro flora (HMF) as it is more compatible with our bodies vs those derived from cow or goat flora. There are many strains of probiotics available, a familiar one being Lactobacillis acidophilus. What probiotic and the various strain combinations you use depends on whether you are just supporting gut health and immune system or you are trying to achieve something in particular, healing skin, mental health or improving athletic performance for example. As there are many choices it is a good idea to talk to your Naturopathic Doctor for recommendations.

Here is an article that explains some of the benefits of probiotics. Please note: I am not endorsing the specific probiotics or supplements recommended in this article.

https://chopra.com/articles/5-health-benefits-of-probiotics

In health

Dr Stimson

Probiotics may sound a little scary, but they’re just a type of microorganism that provides health benefits! There are good reasons to be sure your diet includes them, and it may be easier than you think.

06/18/2019

Motivation to keep going in new life goals can be a challenge, especially if it is something you find difficult. It doesn't matter if it is sticking to a particular diet or to an exercise routine or studying for an exam -- having a buddy, a coach or teacher to keep you going is a big part of any successful journey. With summer just around the corner, setting fitness, dietary and healthy living goals is often easier than in the winter months...here are a few good reasons to get and stay motivated on your health journey. https://www.mountaintrek.com/top-7-reasons-work-friend/

03/02/2019

I am reposting this seed cycling article as seeds are such an easy addition to your day and it is so important to have balanced hormones. The seeds will also provide some essential fats and protein. Menopausal women can cycle on and off the estrogen and progesterone phases 2 weeks on one then change to the other. Menopausal women and those with an irregular cycle may find it helpful to use the moon to start and switch your seeds. Start estrogen seeds on new moon for 14 days change to the progesterone supportive seeds on day 15 (the full moon). Also there are 2 recipes to check out for seed crackers that support hormone balance using seeds. One recipe suggests using an oven at 120 to 150 degrees F (or your ovens lowest temp) and keep oven door cracked open slightly with a metal utensil for best results and temperature control...alternatively you can use a dehydrator if you like set at 115 degrees F for 8 hours. Don’t forget to read directions for the crackers and allow time (12 hours) for the seeds to soak prior to dehydrating

Enjoy!

https://theherbalacademy.com/seed-cycling-for-hormonal-balance/

http://www.bridgitdanner.com/womens-wellness-blog/estrogen-crackers

http://www.bridgitdanner.com/womens-wellness-blog/2016/6/15/seed-cycling-challenge-progesterone-boosting-recipe

We build nutritional support through seed cycling, using different seeds to provide our bodies with the raw elements it needs to maintain hormonal balance.

01/05/2019

Happy New Year!
It's a brand new fabulous year! It is the time when all things start fresh. A time for you to forget past failings, to set yourself a goal or two and and get back on track. For many it is a time to start a fitness routine. For others it is a time to just start moving in anyway you can - A walk around the block, Tai Chi, Qi gong or yoga. Whether you are an avid runner or cyclist or currently just thinking about whether you can go for that walk around the block or two or even get out of bed in the morning, one of the things that can hinder our progress is motivation. It is hard even for the exercise enthusiast to get up and get moving some days. What keeps them going and how can you do it? A few ideas are: start slow especially if you haven't exercised for a while. Reward yourself for the effort you made and taking the first steps towards a healthier you. Ensure your goals are realistic and doable in the time frame you have to achieve them. Buddy up so you have someone to make you accountable and schedule in your fitness time. For those already doing a fitness routine set yourself a goal and sign up to run a 10K or a "tri it" triathalon (novice) or the like to help keep you on task.

Here's to you!!

Keeping up with exercise requires discipline, commitment, and motivation, but it's normal for motivation to come and go. Use the tips here to keep going with your routine and stay driven.

11/28/2018

Just because it is that time of year...a few suggestions to fight off colds and flu.

General Wellness, Immune Health 9 Healthy Habits to Keep Cold & Flu at Bay This post is also available in: French Simple, Healthy Habits You Can Start Today It’s still that time of year: cold weather, cozy nights, hot cocoa…and the dreaded seasonal plague. Okay, maybe it’s not the plague, but ...

10/20/2018

It's the time of year when the weather is unpredictable. Sometimes the body has a hard time adjusting to the shift between warm days and cold days. In order to help the body with this change in the seasons it is a good idea to make up some change of season soup. You use 4 Chinese herbs (60 g of each herb: Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis Pilosula, Dioscorea sinensis and Lyciium barbarum (gogi berries)) and boil them (glass pot preferred) in 2 to 4L of water for 2-4 hours. You can drink the soup like a tea (1 cup of the soup daily for 2 weeks at the beginning of the season change). Children 2-10 years old can drink it too but cut the dose in half (drinking 1/2 a cup daily for 1 week). A tasty alternative would be to make a soup with chicken and vegetables and the above herbs. You can buy Chinese herbs at a Chinese herbal dispensary such as K & A herbs on Fisgard Street in Victoria, BC.
Here is one recipe that uses these herbs and is loaded with other goodness to help you fight colds and flus this winter.
https://traditionalroots.org/build-your-immune-power-with-change-of-season-soup/

Stay healthy and enjoy!!

By Dr. Mahalia Freed This herbal formula is a great harmonizer, helping to balance the body and mind in times of stress, especially during the change of seasons. It enhances the immune system and increases the body’s own adaptive energies. Thus, it is also excellent for those involved in active sp...

08/10/2018

This little splash of refreshment is a favorite around our house! Berry ice tea is a cool inexpensive sip for those big and small.
While there are many herbal teas to choose from, my favorite combination is "Black Cherry Berry" mixed with "Wild Berry Zinger" or "True Blueberry" (Celestial Seasonings). Use four bags per tea pot (two bags of each) and pour on boiling water. Let is sit for a couple of hours to bring out the fabulous berry flavors and cool. Then pour it over ice and enjoy! It makes a great substitute for the sugary beverages you find out on the market (Koolaid, juice etc...).
Happy summer!

07/31/2018

I love the heat of summer, however, many people have found it a little too hot lately. Here are some suggestions to help you stay cool and comfy this summer.

Baby, it's hot outside―and inside, too. Here, no-sweat ways to cool off.