Naturopathic Solutions For Insomnia, Part 1: What’s Causing Your Insomnia?

Sleep.

We all need it.

When we’re young we seem to think we don’t, and as we get older it can get harder to get a full night’s rest.

If you’re struggling with sleep, a Toronto naturopathic doctor from Annex Naturopathic can help you figure out what the issue is. From there, we’ll offer sleep solutions to help you get a good night's rest.

Keep reading to learn more about why sleep is important, and why you might not be getting enough. In our next article, we’ll look at what you can do about it.

What Does Sleep Do, Exactly?

There’s no question that when we're tired and sleep deprived it’s hard to feel our best. And waking up from a restful night’s sleep? This leaves us feeling refreshed and ready to face the day ahead.

But why? What exactly is it doing for our bodies?

Oddly, though we spend a third of our life sleeping, we don't fully know why. Scientists don’t have a clear-cut answer to this question, but they have some theories.

Keep reading to learn more.

Energy Conservation Theory

According to this theory, the reason we sleep is to conserve energy. Metabolism slows down by as much as ten percent when we sleep. As your body conserves energy, you don’t have to consume calories during this time to keep going.

Of course, this isn’t as important in today's world, where food is abundant. However, this would have been great for our hunter-and-gatherer ancestors.

Restorative Theory

Another theory of why we sleep is it restores and rejuvenates us.

This is backed-up by studies which have shown animals who are sleep-deprived lose immune function.

Additionally, some processes, such as muscle growth and repair occur primarily during sleep.

Sleeping can also restore cognitive function. During sleep, adenosine, which builds up in our brain during wakefulness has a chance to clear out.

Adenosine build-up can lead to a perception of tiredness. Flushing it out helps us feel more alert after having slept.

Inactivity Theory

The Inactivity theory goes back to the days where we lived in caves and had to steer clear of larger predators. It states inactivity during nighttime keeps us out of harm’s way when we're most vulnerable.

But if the goal is to remain safe, it seems like a better strategy would be to remain awake and alert, not asleep.

Brain Plasticity Theory

The Brain Plasticity theory says sleep correlates to changes of structure in the brain. Sleep has been shown to play an important role in brain development in infants.

In adults, sleep deprivation has been shown to impact the ability to learn and perform various tasks.

What's Causing Your Insomnia?

Now that we’ve looked at the reasons why sleep is important, let’s investigate why you might not be sleeping as well as you’d like to.

1. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid is overactive and producing too many hormones.

This can lead to the nervous system being overstimulated, making it difficult to sleep. Additionally, hyperthyroidism can cause night sweats, which can make it harder to stay asleep.

2. Anxiety & Depression

Sometimes, you can't sleep because you're nervous about an important job interview, or feeling depressed after the loss of a loved one.

But these feelings generally pass.

However, if you have chronic anxiety or depression, these can affect the length and quality of your sleep. Anxiety symptoms which can affect sleep include:

● Mulling over past events
● Worry about the future
● Feelings of being overwhelmed
● Being overstimulated
● Tension

Sleep issues can also show up as a symptom of depression, and insomnia can make changes in mood during depression more severe.

3. Poor Lifestyle Habits

If shouldn’t come as a surprise that consuming too much caffeine can affect your ability to sleep. It’s a stimulant which many people rely on to help them get through the day.

You don’t have to give up your morning cup of coffee or tea, but try to limit your intake, and not drink it within eight hours of bedtime.

As well, alcohol as a sleep disruptor may come as a surprise to some people.

It's a depressant and can make you feel sleepy. But although it might help you to fall asleep, drinking close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep later in the night.

Sometimes, we forget we haven’t drank water in a while because we’ve drank some coffee, tea, or alcohol. But while they are “wet”, they also contribute to dehydrating you. So make sure you’re drinking a lot of water.

Other lifestyle factors which can impede sleep include nicotine, which is a stimulant, and eating too much, too close to bedtime. Heavy meals can cause discomfort and make relaxing difficult.

4. Certain Prescription Drugs

Some prescription drugs can interfere with sleep.

These include antidepressants, and medications for asthma and blood pressure.

Certain medications may also include stimulants. These include some allergy medications, as well as weight-loss products. Always read the labels, and when in doubt, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist the best time to take medications.

5. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which the airway becomes blocked during sleep.

This will result in a person waking up repeatedly through the night for brief periods of time.

6. Heart Disease

The medication used for heart disease can lead to loss of sleep and insomnia.

However it’s a two-way street, as insomnia is also linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

7. Digestive Disorders

Gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome and GERD can cause discomfort. This often makes falling asleep and staying asleep more difficult.

People who experience insomnia are more likely to report GI issues than those who do not.

8. Menstrual Irregularities

Shifts in hormones during menstruation can play a role in how much sleep you get.

As well, night sweats and hot flashes during menopause can be disruptive to sleep, and insomnia is common during pregnancy.

9. Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can cause pain and muscle stiffness throughout the joints and muscles. For people with fibromyalgia, the pain can make sleep more difficult to come by, but the lack of sleep then makes the pain worse.

People with fibromyalgia may use sleep aids, however their effectiveness over the long term has yet to be looked at.

10. Other Causes

Other factors which can affect sleep include:

• Your work schedule (for instance, shift work)
• Changes in sleep patterns as you age
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease

Book an Appointment with Annex Naturopathic

Are you having trouble getting enough sleep? Have you tried changing lifestyle factors, like no caffeine in the afternoon or not drinking alcohol close to bedtime, but you’re still having trouble falling or staying asleep? Annex Naturopathic can help.

Contact us for a consultation today - we can help you determine the reasons for you inability to get enough sleep, and work with you to find natural ways to help you get your Zzz’s.

 

If you’re curious to learn more about this subject or would like to consult with one of our NDs feel free to book a visit or contact us.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Tanya Lee, N.D

Annex Naturopathic Clinic

572 Bloor St W #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1
-https://goo.gl/maps/uVRBvcyoUa62

Annex Naturopathic Clinic is a clinic in Toronto that offers integrative healthcare solutions from Drs. Marnie Luck, ND, and Tanya Lee, ND

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Naturopathic Treatments For Men’s Fertility

We don’t talk about male reproductive health as often as we should, considering how crucial it is for a man's emotional and physical well-being.

Thankfully, there are naturopathic treatments for men that work to improve your fertility by ensuring the overall health of your reproductive system.

But what are common male fertility issues, and what steps can you take from home to improve your fertility?

Let's dive into all there is to know about men's fertility, and the naturopathic solutions for your reproductive well-being.

Male Infertility By The Numbers

Infertility is known to affect approximately 15% of couples worldwide, with male infertility contributing to about 50% of cases.

Some of the important factors we look at when it comes to men's fertility include sperm quality and quantity.

Overall sperm counts are reported to have fallen almost 50% since the 1930s – although the exact number is impossible to know for sure, it's accepted that sperm counts have declined over the past few decades.

Potential Causes Of Fertility Issues In Men

Infertility can be a frustrating issue to solve, due to its emotional (and sometimes physical) toll.

In general, if your overall health is lacking, then your reproductive health may be lacking too.

Let's look at some of the most common causes of fertility issues in men.

1. A Thyroid Disorder

Thyroid disorders are indeed more common in women, but they can also affect men – and may be the cause of your issues with fertility.

The thyroid gland, located at the base of your neck, is responsible for producing the hormones that control your metabolism.

Hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) and hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) are two common thyroid malfunctions, but there are other conditions that affect how your thyroid gland produces and regulates hormones.

In fact, one third of all hypothyroidism cases are male patients, and can lead to male infertility if left untreated.

Hypothyroidism can lead to infertility because of how it affects your semen quality and sperm count; plus, it can cause erectile dysfunction and reduced testicular function.

Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, mood and energy level issues, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, cold sensitivity, insomnia, and constipation.

On the other hand, hyperthyroidism manifests in similar yet different ways: symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland often cause anxiety, increased appetite, rapid heart rate, heat sensitivity, and weight loss.

If you think you may have a thyroid condition impacting your infertility and your overall well-being, consider talking to your health provider about getting your hormone levels checked.

2. Low Sperm Count

Sperm count, or the average number of sperm per semen sample, is an important factor for male fertility

The World Health Organization states a healthy sperm count is 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen, or at least 39 million sperm per semen sample.

The reason why experts believe sperm counts are drastically declining across the world is ultimately unknown, but we do know some factors that impact sperm count and quality.

3. Certain Prescription Drugs

Some prescription drugs can affect how your body produces sperm, from quantity to quality.

These effects are not necessarily permanent, however – once you stop taking the drug in question, your sperm counts may go back to normal.

Some of these drugs include:
• Anti-androgens
• Anti-inflammatories
• Some antibiotics
• Anabolic steroids
• Antipsychotics
• Methadone
• Corticosteroids

If you are currently taking one of these drugs, it may be the culprit causing your fertility issues – make sure to consult with your doctor if you are having issues conceiving.

4. Poor Nutrition

Nutrition is another big factor that can interfere with healthy sperm production.

If you aren't eating a balanced diet of whole foods, your reproductive health may suffer the consequences.

Unhealthy fats are important to avoid – this 2014 study shows how the consumption of unhealthy fatty acids is linked to a proportionate decrease in sperm count.

Also, you should consider avoiding foods high in phytoestrogens such as soy products. These may reduce sperm production and testosterone bonding.

Plastics and canned foods are often high in synthetic estrogen, so eating a healthy diet of whole foods and avoiding prepackaged foods is a great way to set yourself up for success.

5. Emotional Stress

There are countless benefits to reducing stress, and fertility is no exception.

Stress causes your body to act defensively and direct energy away from reproduction.

You can reduce stress by exercising, sleeping well and enough, and participating in mindfulness techniques – but in general, how you manage your stress is up to you.

For natural tips on stress relief, talk to your naturopathic doctor.

Lifestyle Changes For Male Fertility

Some of the most important steps you can take to improve your fertility can be taken at home.

Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference when you're struggling to conceive.

1. Eat A Healthier Diet

Proper nutrition is incredibly important for your overall health, and it will have an impact on your reproductive health.

It's especially important to consume antioxidants because they help remove toxins, slow tissue damage, and have an effect on your sperm quantity and quality.

To ensure your sperm is bountiful and healthy, consider adding some of these antioxidant-rich foods to your diet:
• Fish and seafood
• Nuts and seeds
• Foods high in vitamin C (citrus, leafy greens, nightshades)
• Foods high in vitamin E (nuts, vegetable oils)
• Cruciferous vegetables

Healthy fats are also a great addition to your diet, including omega-3 and omega-6 fats.

They have a very positive effect on sperm development, and healthy fats actually contribute to the healthy development of the sperm membrane.

Other foods known to improve sperm count include:
• Dark chocolate
• Whole wheat and grains
• Bananas
• Vitamin D enhanced milk products
• Aromatics such as ginseng and turmeric
• Fermented nuts and seeds

2. Start Exercising

From stress relief to weight loss, exercise can positively affect your fertility in a number of ways.

Plus, regular exercise will help improve your sleep quality, which contributes to overall health and well-being.

Even light exercise, like walking instead of driving to work one day a week, can work to improve your sperm count and quality.

3. Supplement With Vitamin D

Approximately 32% of Canadians are deficient in vitamin D, and men typically have less vitamin D in their blood than women.

These numbers get even lower in the winter, when you're spending much less time outside in the sun.

There are a number of factors that contribute to our country-wide deficiency, from skin colour to dietary habits to sun position.

This deficiency is especially problematic if you’re trying to conceive, because low vitamin D intake affects healthy sperm development.

Although we know vitamin D is responsible for bone health, it also plays a big role in fertility.

This 2012 study shows the importance of vitamin D for reproductive health, highlighting the immense diversity of how this vitamin impacts your body.

4. Avoid Alcohol And Tobacco

We all know alcohol and tobacco are substances that can have negative impacts on our health.

However, those impacts can be easier to ignore if you aren't trying to conceive.

Cutting out smoking and drinking (or drinking in moderation) can have a great impact on your sperm count.

Alcohol in particular can affect your reproductive health in a number of ways, from a lowered libido to sperm quality to impotence.

Smoking is obviously terrible for your body in countless ways, but it’s especially damaging when it comes to fertility.

Talk to your medical provider for tips on how to cut these habits from your lifestyle at least a couple of months before trying to conceive.

5. Address The Root Cause Of Your Fertility Issues

The struggle for conception can be immensely frustrating when you don't know what is causing your fertility issues.

However, there are natural solutions that can help improve your fertility and give you a positive start on the path to fatherhood.

For more information and resources on men's fertility, contact us at Annex Naturopathic.

Our experienced naturopathic doctors will work with you to determine any potential causes or factors that may be impacting your ability to conceive.

If you have any questions about how naturopathic medicine can be a powerful tool in your quest to conceive, we would love to hear from you.

Contact Annex Naturopathic today.

If you’re curious to learn more about this subject or would like to consult with one of our NDs feel free to book a visit or contact us.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Marnie Luck, N.D

Annex Naturopathic Clinic
572 Bloor St W #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1

-https://goo.gl/maps/uVRBvcyoUa62

Annex Naturopathic Clinic is a clinic in Toronto that offers integrative healthcare solutions from Drs. Marnie Luck, ND, and Tanya Lee, ND

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Discover more tips about health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: naturopathic clinic Toronto

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Naturopathic Solutions For Women’s Fertility

Some women have dreamed their whole life of being a parent.

The feeling of creating life, making a mini version of yourself, and raising your new baby to be its own person.

However, naturally conceiving a child doesn’t come as easy for some and is often discovered after months or years for trying with no avail.

Luckily there are a number ofnaturopathic solutions for women which can help to optimize fertility, and make the dream of starting a family a reality.

Keep reading to learn more about the reasons for infertility, and what you can do about it.

Women's Infertility

When you’re trying to conceive and are seemingly unable, it can be frustrating and you might feel alone.

However the fact is that 1 in 6 Canadian couples are experiencing the same thing.

About 40% of the time it is because of the women, and there are many reasons for this. That's what we'll explore in this article.

Potential Causes of Fertility Issues in Women

Some of the reasons you might be experiencing infertility are due to factors beyond your control.

But not all of them.

Keep reading to learn more.

1. Age

One of the biggest factors for whether a woman is able to get pregnant is her age. Women under age 35 have a much higher likelihood of conceiving than those who are older.

As a woman ages, so do her eggs, which become less viable over time.

2. PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) creates a hormone imbalance which can impact ovulation. PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility, with features such as high levels of insulin and androgens (“male hormones”) being a major contributor to hormonal imbalance and infertility.

3. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is when tissue normally found in the uterus grows in other locations. This growth can lead to scarring that blocks the fallopian tubes. It can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus, and can cause damage to the sperm or egg.

4. A Thyroid Disorder

Sometimes having an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can affect your fertility.
This means that your body isn’t producing enough thyroid hormone, and can thus interfere with the release of eggs from your ovaries.

There are several different reasons for hypothyroidism, some of which have been linked with infertility on their own.

5. Hormonal Imbalance

An imbalance of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) can affect fertility.

These hormones are responsible for stimulating ovulation, and if they are out of balance it can mean an inability to conceive.

6. Male Infertility

Sometimes it’s not you, it’s him.

Next month, we'll have a closer look at hormonal imbalances in men which can lead to infertility.

However if you’re trying to conceive and have ruled out the above potential causes, it might be due to infertility of your partner.

Lifestyle Tips for Women to Improve Fertility

In some cases, you can improve your fertility by changing lifestyle factors. Let’s review some changes you might want to consider if you are looking to see a baby in your future.

1. Eat Foods Rich In Antioxidants

A 2007 study in the journal Human Reproduction Update found a positive link between antioxidant consumption (specifically folate) and oocyte quality and maturation, implantation, and placenta formation.

Additionally, it was found that zinc, which also has antioxidant properties, plays a role in ovulation and the menstrual cycle.

2. Reduce Your Weight

Being overweight can affect ovulation.

In particular, excess fat in the abdomen is linked with insulin resistance. This is a condition where your body has to work harder than normal to keep your blood sugar at normal levels. It's also linked with a decrease in a protein that regulates your sex hormones.

Among other issues, this can lead to irregular menstrual issues, which negatively impacts fertility.

One study found that obese women are significantly less likely to conceive a child after a year of stopping birth control than those of a healthy body weight.

As well, obese women are more likely to deal with anovulation, a disorder where your ovaries don't release eggs at all.

In addition, starting at a healthy weight can reduce complications once you do become pregnant.

3. Limit Your Tobacco, Caffeine, And Alcohol Intake

Alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine intake can all have negative impacts on your ability to get pregnant.

Additionally, these negatively impact your baby's health once you do manage to conceive. It's a good idea for prospective mothers to limit consumption of these substances.

If you're having trouble ditching the cigarettes, the Ontario Government offers free programs to help.

4. Reduce Your Stress

Couples who have high amounts of psychological stress often have difficulty becoming pregnant.

Finding strategies to reduce day-to-day stressors can go a long way in preparing your body to carry a baby.

5. Address The Root Cause Of Your Fertility Issues

Are you reading these and still struggling to determine why you might not be able to conceive?

Are you looking for natural ways to deal with health concerns such as PCOS or endometriosis which might be impacting your ability to get pregnant?

Contact Annex Naturopathic today to book a free consultation.

We will help you get to the root cause of your infertility, and offer natural treatments to help make your dream of parenthood a reality.

 

If you’re curious to learn more about this subject or would like to consult with one of our NDs feel free to book a visit or contact us.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Tanya Lee, N.D

Annex Naturopathic Clinic

572 Bloor St W #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1
-https://goo.gl/maps/uVRBvcyoUa62

Annex Naturopathic Clinic is a clinic in Toronto that offers integrative healthcare solutions from Drs. Marnie Luck, ND, and Tanya Lee, ND

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Get additional info on health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: https://citynaturopathic.ca

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Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Right For You?

It's incredible how the different systems in our bodies can communicate with one another, and it's all due to the important work of hormones.

Hormones are like messengers that travel through your bloodstream to different parts of your body, and they affect every single system, from immune to reproductive.

This important purpose is why it's very dangerous to have an imbalance of hormone levels.

Hormone imbalances can cause all sorts of uncomfortable and painful symptoms, from chronic fatigue to skin issues to weight gain.

This myriad of symptoms can make hormone imbalances difficult to diagnose.

If you're showing signs of hypothyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormone, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be a beneficial treatment option for you.

Today, we're going to dive into what this therapy is and how it can help your hormone imbalance.

For more information, contact us here at Annex Naturopathic to learn more about bioidentical hormones for women's health.

In the meantime, let's start with the basics: what is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Everyone knows your body produces many different hormones in different amounts, and they are necessary for your body to function.

However, this is really just the tip of the iceberg. Hormones control most of your body's basic functions.

They’re how your cells and internal systems communicate.

From your brain to your stomach to your immune system, hormones are responsible for their coordination and smooth operation.

So, when your hormone levels are out of whack, your health may be impacted in many different ways.

Hormone therapy has grown in popularity over the past few years for those who are experiencing imbalanced hormone levels.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT, is a treatment that comes in a variety of forms including injections, topicals (creams, gels), or patches – whatever is best for you and your lifestyle.

This kind of therapy is used to help your body regulate its hormone levels to achieve balance and minimize the symptoms often associated with imbalanced hormones.

Let's look at the difference between traditional and bioidentical hormones, and what makes the latter form of hormones particularly effective.

Traditional Vs. Bioidentical Hormones

You may be wondering what “bioidentical” means, and how these hormones are different from others used in similar treatments.

Bioidentical hormones are created to be chemically identical to the hormones naturally produced by your body.

They are usually compounded from plant estrogens, as opposed to the synthetic hormones used in traditional hormone replacement therapy.

As for how these hormones differ in terms of effectiveness – this 2006 study compares the disparities between synthetic and bioidentical hormones, and finds the latter tend to be more effective in addressing menopausal symptoms.

In fact, it concludes that “there is currently sufficient evidence to support their preferred use over that of their synthetic cousins”.

BHRT was also found to be not only more effective but also safer, with a lower risk of side effects.

Benefits Of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Due to the important role hormone balance plays in your health, there are many potential benefits to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Let's look at a few of the most common uses for BHRT.

1. May Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a relatively common bone disorder in those over 40 years of age.

In fact, Osteoporosis Canada states that at least 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will suffer from a fracture due to osteoporosis during their lifetime.

This is why it’s so important to address your musculoskeletal health as early as possible, to prevent as much bone density loss as possible.

A healthy bone is filled with little pockets, akin to a honeycomb, and osteoporosis causes these tiny spaces to enlarge.

This results in weak, thin bones, which are prone to painful fractures.

Osteoporosis may be caused by age, menopause, or a thyroid condition such as hyperthyroidism.

Menopause can be particularly problematic because of fluctuating hormone levels that cause you to lose bone mass very quickly over a short period of time.

Estrogen replacement therapy is approved for osteoporosis prevention, so if you're over the age of 40 or experiencing menopause, this kind of hormone therapy may help ensure your bones stay strong and healthy.

Although there is no ideal treatment for osteoporosis, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has been shown to be effective in preventing bone loss and preventing fractures.

2. May Be Used As A Treatment For Fibromyalgia

For those suffering from fibromyalgia, you know firsthand how difficult it can be to find treatments that actually work.

Fibromyalgia is largely misunderstood, and we don't yet know exactly what causes it.

Part of this confusion stems from the wide variety of symptoms, including pain, sleep issues, memory loss, fatigue, and mood issues.

Something we do suspect about fibromyalgia is that it amplifies how your brain processes pain, which makes this disorder even more difficult to cope with.

Many individuals with fibro have turned to bioidential hormone replacement therapy for symptom relief, particularly for pain and fatigue.

Hormones such as progesterone have been used to minimize inflammation, which may affect your overall pain levels.

Your naturopath can work with you to formulate a specific treatment plan designed specifically for you and your body with the goal of lessening the uncomfortable symptoms of fibromyalgia.

3. May Help Reduce Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a condition that often flies under the radar for many years, due to its lack of noticeable symptoms.

When you're insulin resistant, the communication between the hormone insulin and the cells in your muscles and fat tissue fails.

This results in your cells leaving glucose in your bloodstream, rather than taking it and using it as fuel.

Signs of insulin resistance include high triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, and being overweight – but the surest way to know is to have your blood glucose levels regularly checked.

BHRT can be a powerful tool in your toolbox if you're dealing with insulin resistance, as it helps your body regulate hormone levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Hormone therapy, specifically estrogen therapy, has been proven to positively affect insulin resistance and balance your hormones.

4. May Reduce The Symptoms Of Menopause

If you're a woman over the age of 40, you may already be experiencing symptoms of perimenopause.

Menopause is obviously not something that can be cured, but its often uncomfortable symptoms can be eased with certain natural therapies.

BHRT is a great treatment option if you're experiencing menopause and looking for relief from symptoms such as hot flashes, chills, sleep issues, mood changes, weight gain, vaginal dryness or discomfort, or thinning hair.

Regulating and balancing your hormone levels can have a big impact on your health, especially during a time when your body is drastically changing its production of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help ease your transition into this new period of your life, through menopause and beyond.

Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Right For You?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a natural treatment option with a variety of different benefits, especially if you're suffering from a condition that impacts your body's hormone production.

When your hormones are imbalanced, you will feel the repercussions in numerous ways, from your brain to your musculoskeletal, immune, and reproductive systems.

For more information on if BHRT is right for you, contact Annex Naturopathic today.

Our experienced naturopathic doctors would love to talk to you about your specific health concerns, and formulate a specific plan for you and your health.

We can show you how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be an easy and effective part of your lifestyle.

Contact us at Annex Naturopathic – we can help.

 

If you’re curious to learn more about this subject or would like to consult with one of our NDs feel free to book a visit or contact us.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Tanya Lee, N.D

Annex Naturopathic Clinic

572 Bloor St W #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1
-https://goo.gl/maps/uVRBvcyoUa62

Annex Naturopathic Clinic is a clinic in Toronto that offers integrative healthcare solutions from Drs. Marnie Luck, ND, and Tanya Lee, ND

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Learn more tips on health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: Toronto naturopathic clinic

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Natural Solutions For Colicky Babies

New moms are extremely resourceful, because they have to be. It's why moms lean so heavily on each other for information and support.

Many moms nowadays are looking to natural infant care to complement traditional medicine.

There are many different reasons for this. One we sometimes hear from our patients is that they would prefer non-pharmaceutical strategies to help their babies and their symptoms.

Colic is one of those afflictions where parents are often presented with pharmaceuticals by their medical doctor. As a result, we have many parents turn to us for help finding alternatives to this recommendation.

One of these strategies includes finding out the reason WHY the baby is colicky.

Where does colic come from? Is a crying baby necessarily colicky? And what can you do about it?

Keep reading to find out more.

What Is Colic?

Everybody knows babies cry when they're upset. Whether they're cold, hungry, need their diaper changed, or just need some attention, babies cry. It's what they do.

Colic is the name given to an infant who cries despite there being no obvious reason.

Sometimes, usually in the first few months of life, a baby will cry furiously, despite being well taken care of.

Some people think that it can be a response to the unfamiliarity and overly-stimulating “outside” world. Often, they grow out of it as they acclimatize to life outside the womb.

However, there is no real evidence to measure this effect.

Is A Crying Baby Necessarily Colicky?

Not necessarily. It could be that they need a visit to the doctor to establish if there’s an internal issue. This could be a blockage, an internal injury, or another issue that isn’t readily observable.

However, if your doctor runs tests and can't find anything wrong, they may diagnose colic.

But just because they are crying without obvious reason doesn’t mean there isn’t something to cry about.

It could be that they are experiencing acid reflux (GERD), or gas that refuses to pass, making them feel bloated and exerting painful pressure on their little bodies.

Symptoms Of Infant Colic

A baby who is colicky is one who will cry loudly, ferociously, and often for quite some time.

Bouts of crying often happen in the latter half of the day and evening.

Infants with colic will cry so hard their faces may get red and flushed. They may also ball their hands into fists that shake as they exert themselves.

As well, their bodies can go quite rigid, with a tense stomach, and often their legs will be fully extended and locked straight.

What Causes Colic?

Because colic is the absence of recognizable symptoms, it’s hard to say what causes colic.

It's likely discomfort or pain in the gastro-intestinal system. But since your infant can’t describe it or tell you, they cry instead.

Don’t panic though: colic usually only lasts a few weeks, so you won’t have to deal with this forever.

Stay focused on finding out what the triggers are, trying different treatment options, take note of what works, and build a plan around that.

Natural Solutions For Colic

To help you out, since you may be reading this at 2am after hours of dealing with such a situation, we’ve put together some things you can do.

Some of these are quick solutions, and some are long-term, but knowing about them can help you understand what might be the problem.

1. An Elimination Diet

Moms who breastfeed are well aware that what they eat ends up in their breast milk.

That’s true for the coffee you finally caved and ordered, but also the milk in that extra-hot, no-foam latte.

Lactose intolerance is fairly common in infants, which means every time you cut another slice of brie, baby is more likely to feel it later.

By starting an elimination diet, you can cut out all possible allergens. From there, you can slowly reintroduce them to figure out which one is causing the problem.

Some new moms discover they need to go dairy-free for the duration. This may be a drag if you're a cheese lover, but it's worth the extra sleep and reduced stress.

One warning about this solution: make sure you speak to your naturopathic doctor before starting. Altering your diet and caloric intake as a breastfeeding mom can be problematic without the proper guidance.

As well, your infant depends on the nutrients delivered through your diet, so you need to make sure you're eating a well-balanced diet.

2. Hold Them Upright After You Feed Them

Holding babies upright in general seems to be favourable, but this is especially important after a feeding.

During feeding, babies tend to swallow less air if they're upright versus lying down. However, this position while feeding can be difficult to manage.

After they finish, hold them upright and help them burp. The easiest way to do this is usually by holding them against your chest with their chin on your shoulder.

Rubbing their back in a gentle motion with the occasional gentle tap will help to release the gas from their tummies.

They may need more than one burp, so if your baby is prone to colic, keep going until you’re sure they’re done.

3. Use A White Noise Machine

White noise machines are great for infants and adults alike, especially when it comes time to fall asleep.

However, for babies, a white noise machine can produce sounds that mimic what they heard inside the womb. This includes waves, which sound like the muffled noise from outside, and mama’s heartbeat.

For an immediate solution, you can always ‘shush’ into your baby’s ear gently, in a rhythmic fashion. This mimics the sound of your heart pumping blood through your body, which baby would have heard.

There are some great YouTube videos for white noise as well. Take a look at this one below - it's 10 hours straight of white noise.

Peep the comments while you're at it. There are loads of parents chatting with each other while they're awake at 3 am because they can't fall asleep and they can't close the video.

Maybe you’ll join in on their chat?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oewj_XEM1js

4. Try A Different Formula

If you’re using formula to feed your infant, then the problem could be the brand and its ingredients.

Try picking up a lactose-free formula, an elemental formula, or one with a different protein source.

Keep in mind that it will take at least two days to notice a change, so you’ll have to have patience to determine success for this remedy.

Another formula trick is to add a little bit of cereal to thicken the formula. This can prevent acid reflux. However you may then need a nipple with a larger hole for the thicker liquid.

Take note that this tip comes with a caveat: speak to your doctor first.

Giving infants cereal too early can cause them to get full too fast and not get enough of the nutrients in the formula that they need to grow.

There will be a delicate balance, and your doctor should first check out your child to ensure they’re healthy enough to proceed with this option.

5. Hold Them Close

Babies love to be held, for the most part. They're almost always happier when snuggled in someone’s arms than when they’re left alone.

It’s part of how they become socialized, develop emotions and learn.

However, some babies are born with a natural separation anxiety. This means if you put them down, they get uncomfortable with being alone.

If your baby is being particularly colicky, try holding them to stop the crying.

As well, anecdotal reports suggest that spending more time holding a baby in the early part of the day can help them be more settled at night.

Contact Annex Naturopathic

We know that being a new mom is a trying, exhausting, wonderful affair that can bring unusual challenges such as colic.

Call now to book a consultation with Annex Naturopathic to discuss your diet, how it’s affecting your infant, and how we can help.

If you’re curious to learn more about this subject or would like to consult with one of our NDs feel free to book a visit or contact us.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Marnie Luck, N.D

Annex Naturopathic Clinic
572 Bloor St W #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1

-https://goo.gl/maps/uVRBvcyoUa62

Annex Naturopathic Clinic is a clinic in Toronto that offers integrative healthcare solutions from Drs. Marnie Luck, ND, and Tanya Lee, ND

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Read more ideas on health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: naturopathic doctors

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