Health Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil

Your skin is your body's largest organ, and when you have a skin condition it can be unsightly, and uncomfortable.

Visible skin conditions can impact your self-confidence.

While there are many ways to hide a rash or excessive redness, a naturopathic doctor can help to provide natural skin conditions treatment which help to ease the itch and get to the root of the issue.

Keep reading to learn about tea tree oil, a popular natural treatment for skin conditions.

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil originates from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree in Australia.

Used topically, or inhaled, however, tea tree oil has a wide range of beneficial uses, which indigenous Australians have been using for thousands of years.

Keep reading to learn more about what this powerful plant can do.

Health Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains compounds which make it anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and antiviral.

It also contains properties which stimulate the activity of white blood cells to promote faster wound healing.

Here are some of the top health benefits of tea tree oil.

1. Natural Antiseptic & Wound Treatment

The skin is a barrier which prevents bacteria from entering the bloodstream.

When you have a wound which breaks the skin, it’s important to keep the area clean, and disinfect it to kill bacteria.

You can use a blend of tea tree oil and coconut oil to prevent small cuts and wounds from becoming infected - use one drop of tea tree oil to one teaspoon of coconut oil.

2. Acne Treatment

Tea tree oil can be used as a treatment for acne.

Applying a gel made with tea tree oil to acne spots was found to be more effective than a placebo for reducing them.

When a gel combining 5% tea tree oil was applied to the skin, it was three times better at reducing the number of acne lesions, and six times as effective in reducing their severity.

It has been found to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide, the main ingredient in many common acne medications.

3. All-Purpose Cleaner

Due to its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil can be used as an all-purpose cleaner

It’s also much safer than harsh chemical cleaners which you might buy at the store. Many of these cleaners contain endocrine disrupting chemicals which can cause a variety
of hormonal issues.

Here is a simple recipe for a natural, all-purpose cleaner:

● 20 drops of tea tree oil
● ¾ cup water
● ½ cup apple cider vinegar

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle, and shake well.

Because this mixture will settle, make sure you shake it up each time you use it.

4. May Reduce Skin Inflammation

One form of skin irritation is caused when the skin comes in contact with an allergen.

This exposure can leave skin red, itchy, and painful.

Applying tea tree oil to the skin can help to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Use a mixture of 10 drops of tea tree oil, combined with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and one tablespoon of coconut oil.

Use this mixture up to two times per day, until symptoms subside.

5. May Help With Psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterized by red, itchy, and scaly skin.

It’s an autoimmune condition, and although there is no cure, topical treatments such as tea tree oil can help to ease the symptoms.

Use a mixture of tea tree oil and coconut oil on the affected area, up to three times per day as required.

Risks Of Using Tea Tree Oil

Overall, tea tree oil is relatively safe to use, however as with any substance there are some cautions to take note of.

Tea tree oil should never be taken orally, as it may be toxic if swallowed.

Additionally, some people may have an adverse skin reaction to it.

If you’re not sure, try a patch test.

Use a small amount on part of your skin, then wait 24 hours. If you don’t see a reaction, you’re probably safe.

It’s also important to use a carrier oil such as coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil alongside essential oils such as tea tree oil.

This is especially important for people with sensitive skin.

Finally, keep your tea tree oil away from your pets, as it can cause adverse reactions in cats and dogs.

Book an Appointment at Annex Naturopathic

Are you interested in tea tree oil, or other natural ways to treat common ailments?

Do you want to reduce your use of drugstore remedies used to treat a skin condition?

Perhaps you are just looking for a natural way to keep your skin healthy.

Annex Naturopathic can help - contact us today and we will help you regain your healthy skin.

 

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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Find additional information on health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: naturopathic doctors in Toronto

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The Truth About Sprouted Grains

An important part of overall health, is healthy digestion, and there are many ways to address this.

Eating foods which are easier to digest means more of the nutrients in food will be absorbed by the body, rather than simply passing through.

One type of food which has many benefits, aside from just being easy to digest, are sprouted grains.

Keep reading while we take a look at why you should consider adding sprouted grains to your diet.

What Is A Sprouted Grain?

Sprouted grains are exactly what they sound like - grains which have just began to sprout.

Not just a seed anymore, but not quite yet a full new plant, these grains fall somewhere in the middle.

They carry the nutritional benefits of whole grains, however, are also much easier for your system to absorb.

Are Sprouted Grains Healthier Than Regular Grains?

So you’ve probably heard of whole grain bread.

And you likely know that whole grain bread is considered healthier than white bread.

But where do sprouted grains fall?

Containing many of the same nutrients as regular grains, including B vitamins, folate, fibre, and vitamin C, sprouted grains are very nutritious.

However they do much more than regular grains.

For people who have allergies or sensitivities to grains, sprouted grains may be easier for the body to handle.

Additionally, through the sprouting process, certain vitamins become more bioavailable - namely vitamin C.

Health Benefits Of Sprouted Grains

There are many benefits to choosing sprouted grain bread over other types of bread on the store shelf.

Keep reading to learn more about some of the many great reasons to choose sprouted grains.

1. Higher Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of sprouted grains are higher than grains which have not sprouted, and there is a lot of science to back up this claim.

An article in the journal Critical Reviews in Food and Science Nutrition found sprouting grains increases the amounts of enzymes, essential amino acids, and B-vitamins.

Additionally, sprouting decreases starches.

Another study, this one in 2013, showed than when germinated, brown rice is higher in protein and fibre.

Sprouted grains have also been shown to have higher levels of folate, and more antioxidants, according to articles in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and the Internal Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, respectively.

2. Lower Antinutrient Value

So you probably have a decent idea of what a nutrient is - substances our bodies use to survive and grow.

Antinutrients, on the other hand, diminish the absorption of nutrients and minerals in our bodies.

Too many antinutrients in our systems can lead to deficiencies.

Phytate is an antinutrient found in plant seeds.

When seeds are sprouted, the phytate is degraded, reducing the antinutrients in seeds.

3. Lower Gluten Levels

Gluten-free diets seem to be trendy these days.

For people with Celiac disease, avoiding gluten is a must.

Many people who don’t have Celiac, however, are making the choice to reduce the amount of gluten in their diets.

Sprouting grains can lower the gluten content in wheat by as much as 47%, which means they may be easier for people with gluten sensitivity to tolerate.

4. May Aid In Weight Loss

Due to the breakdown of starch in grains caused by sprouting, sprouted grains are lower in carbohydrates than other types of breads.

A 2012 study in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism looked at the response of glucose and insulin levels in overweight men who ate various types of bread.

In this study, consuming sprouted grain breads was found to lower blood glucose levels, as they are lower on the glycemic index than other varieties of bread.

Based on this research, replacing other types of bread with sprouted grain bread may help you to lose weight.

5. Easier To Digest

When grains or seeds are sprouted, the process breaks down starches in the grains, making them more digestible.

Additionally, sprouted grains have higher enzyme levels, which help your body digest foods.

They are also lower in lectins. Lectins are an organic protein naturally occurring in many plants, which is a part of their natural defense mechanism.

Research is revealing the presence of lectins in your body may lead to inflammation, and have been linked with a number of chronic health conditions. This includes celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.

When a seed sprouts the plant metabolizes lectins, which makes them easier to digest.

Book An Appointment At Annex Naturopathic

Do you have concerns about your digestive health?

Are you worried that you might have a disorder which is affecting your digestion?

Perhaps you are developing reactions to foods which have never bothered you in the past.

Whatever your issue, Annex Naturopathic is here to help.

Contact us today and y our naturopathic doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan to get you feeling your best again.

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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Get more information about health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: naturopath in Toronto

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How To Maintain A Healthy Diet In Winter

It can be hard to eat well in the winter time.

Many of the major holidays and important dates which fall during this time of year come with large meals that tend to promote over-indulgence. At the same time, cold weather leaves us craving “comfort foods” which are full of sugars and starches.

Our ancestors ate more food during the colder months because the extra calories helped keep them warm, but with the advent of modern heating systems we no longer need this.

Eating and drinking more, along with inactivity that comes with winter months, can lead to cardiometabolic health issues - keep reading to learn how to stay healthy during the chilly winter months.

1. Include Omega 3 In Your Diet

There are many reasons to add Omega 3 fatty acids to your diet.

They have been shown to help lower levels of depression, which is important in the winter when people are more likely to be feeling low due to the shorter days and lack of sunlight.

They can also help reduce joint pain and stiffness, as well as help to improve skin health, which doesn’t have to do with diet, but is a nice bonus during cold, harsh, and often skin-drying Canadian winters.

2. Supplement With Vitamin D

According to Statistic Canada, nearly a third of Canadians have low levels of vitamin D in their blood, with this number going up to 40% during the winter months.

Vitamin D is vital for bone growth, and during the summer, the body converts sunlight to vitamin D. However during the winter months, when there is less sun (and our skin is covered up anyways), it’s much harder to get enough of this essential nutrient.

There are a number of ways to add vitamin D to your diet, including:

● Krill oil
● Egg yolks
● Fish, including salmon, trout, and tuna
● Fortified milk
● Cod liver oil
● Pork ribs, and
● Vitamin D supplements

3. Resist Your Urge to Scarf down Carbs

Why do we love carbs so much?

Eating them causes serotonin levels to rise, resulting in feelings of happiness.

Resisting the urge to “scarf” your carbs doesn’t mean you have to entirely pass on the stuffing at Christmas dinner, or your nana’s famous cinnamon buns.

Starting the day with a protein-rich breakfast can help calm your cravings, and when it comes time to indulge in those tasty treats, do so in moderation.

4. Don't Forget Your Leafy Greens

You might not be seeing much green when you look out your window, but you definitely want to ensure you’re getting enough greens on your plate.

Veggies which are dark green and leafy such as kale, Swiss chard, and spinach are full of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

Increased fibre intake can help decrease inflammation, boost the immune system, and reduce cholesterol levels.

5. Enjoy The Vegetables In Season

Getting fresh vegetables in your diet is a good idea year-round, however it can be harder to remember to do this when it doesn’t seem like much is growing outside.

Winter is a great time for Brussels sprouts, squash, potatoes, onions, beets, and carrots - just reading this list makes me want to make a nice hearty stew.

6. Use Mushrooms In Your Meals

Mushrooms are bursting with immune-boosters and health benefits.

They’re full of antioxidants such as selenium and vitamins C and D, as well as B vitamins including riboflavin, folate, thiamine, and niacin.

They also contain naturally-occurring antibiotics, giving them medicinal properties which can help to stave-off illness.

Try adding shiitake or white button mushrooms to your next meal.

Book an Appointment at Annex Naturopathic

Are you worried about maintaining healthy eating habits during the cold winter months?

Are you concerned about your vitamin levels during these cold months where fresh fruit and veggies are less readily available?

Or do you want to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D on those dark days of winter when you forget what the sun looks like?

Annex Naturopathic can help.

Contact us today for a consultation, we’ll listen to your health concerns and work with you to come up with a plan which is right for you.

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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Find more ideas about health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: naturopathic clinic

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Naturopathic Solutions For Insomnia, Part 2: Improving Your Sleep Hygiene

In our last article, we looked at some of the reasons why you might be having trouble sleeping.

It might be due to a medical condition, or perhaps your prescription medication.

If you’re having trouble with sleep, today we’ll look at some tips for improving your sleep hygiene and helping you get back to getting enough rest.

What Is Sleep Hygiene?

Most people associate the term “hygiene” with cleanliness - washing your hands, showering regularly, that sort of thing.

Sleep hygiene is practices and habits which can help maximize the length and quality of sleep.

Proper sleep hygiene can help overcome lack of sleep due to insomnia, shift work, or even jet lag.

Keep reading to learn more.

Improving Your Sleep Hygiene

There are a number of things you can do to improve the quality and length of your sleep.

Some have to do with the environment you sleep in, others are related to your habits.

Keep reading for our top tips for a good night’s sleep.

1. Avoid Blue-Tinged Light

A 2013 study in the journal Applied Ergonomics showed exposure to blue light suppressed the levels of melatonin significantly.

Melatonin is a hormone which signals to the body that it is time to sleep, so reduced levels can be problematic when trying to fall asleep.

This is the reason some people take melatonin supplements before bed. More on that later in this article.

Anyway, to avoid this effect, switch off your phones, tablets, and television close to bedtime.

If you must use these devices, consider a blue light filter. There are several programs available that can help depending on what device you’re using. One of the more popular ones is f.lux, which automatically decreases the blue light from your screens depending on the time of day.

2. Keep Your Bedroom Cool

Have you ever tried to get to sleep in the middle of the summer, in an un-air-conditioned room?

It’s not so easy is it?

Studies have shown the ideal temperature for falling asleep is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius (60 to 68 Fahrenheit).

It is thought that a cooler sleep environment mimics your body's natural drop in temperature at night.

3. Sleep In Complete Darkness

Light can be a cue to your body that it’s time to wake up.

Think about how hard it is to get out of bed in the winter when it’s still dark when your alarm goes off, versus in the summer when you can get out of bed as the sun is coming up.

Even a bit of light glowing from your phone or a digital alarm clock can disrupt your sleep.

If you have a lot of light pollution coming in through the window, consider investing in blackout curtains, or a sleep mask.

4. Avoid Caffeine Before Bed

This tip should not come as a surprise to anyone who needs coffee to help get them through their mornings.

But it’s not just coffee which is the culprit when it comes to caffeine - tea, chocolate, pop, and some medications can contain this ingredient which will keep you awake.

Avoid consuming these things six hours before bedtime, to be safe.

5. Maintain A Healthy Weight

Being overweight can affect sleep quality, as it increases the risk of sleep apnea.

Additionally, a 2010 study from the University of Chicago Medical Centre showed not getting enough sleep can reduce the benefits of dieting.

This can turn into a cycle - being overweight can affect sleep quality, and not getting enough sleep hinders the ability to lose weight.

6. Go To Sleep When You're Tired

Have you ever gone to bed at a specific time, because you thought you should?

Perhaps you’ve bought into the idea of “early to bed, early to rise, makes one healthy, wealthy, and wise”

And then laid there unable to actually fall asleep?

Staying in bed when you’re not ready to sleep can just lead to frustration - take some time to read, or listen to some music to help yourself fully relax and go back to bed when you’re ready.

7. Avoid Fluids For 2 Hours Before Bed

There’s nothing worse than finally falling asleep, only to wake up needing to use the bathroom (okay, there are worse things, but this is pretty annoying).

Avoid fluid intake too close to bedtime, in order to avoid those late-night bathroom trips.

Most experts say it’s best to avoid food or drink two or three hours before it’s time to crawl under the covers.

8. Establish A Bedtime Routine

You probably had a bedtime routine as a kid.

Perhaps a light snack, followed by a bath, and then a story, or reading time.

Maintaining a bedtime routine as an adult can help signal to your body it’s time to get ready for sleep.

Taking a bath or shower, reading a book, or doing relaxation exercises each night before bedtime can help you get in the right mindset for sleep.

9. Avoid Evening Meals

Eating in the evening can hinder your ability to fall asleep, and heavy meals which cause indigestion are even worse.

Keeping this in mind, eating certain carbohydrates can help boost the levels of tryptophan and serotonin, both of which are chemicals which can help promote sleep.

Tubers, wild rice, and fruit may help increase these chemicals and promote sleep.

10. Consider Herbal Sleep Aids

There are a number of supplements and sleep aids which can help promote relaxation which makes falling asleep easier.

Let’s look at some of these.

Valerian Root

Valerian root is often used as a treatment for anxiety and depression.

Taking valerian root before bed has resulted in reported improvements of sleep quality.

A meta-analysis by Bent Et Al found that while studies were lacking in quality, valerian root shows strong promise for aiding in sleep issues.

It can come with side effects though, so it’s a good idea to consult with a naturopathic doctor before beginning supplementation.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone which is produced naturally by the body in the evening - it sends the signal to your body it’s time to sleep.

Because it’s tied to the time of day, melatonin supplements are often used in cases where the sleep cycle has been disrupted, for instance to combat jet lag.

Lavender

The lavender plant produces purple flowers with a very soothing scent, which many people believe can help to enhance sleep.

Some studies have shown smelling lavender oil for 30 minutes prior to bedtime can help to improve sleep quality.

Magnesium

The mineral magnesium is used in many processes which occur in the body, and is important for brain function and heart health.

It is also shown to have relaxing effects, and aids in regulating the production of melatonin and also increases levels of GABA which is a neurotransmitter with calming effects.

Other Herbs

Other herbal remedies which can help with sleep include:

● Passion flower
● Ginkgo biloba
● L-Theanine.
● Kava

Book An Appointment With Annex Naturopathic

Are you having difficulty sleeping?

Have you tried some of the suggestions above, but are still struggling to get enough shut-eye?

Annex Naturopathic can help.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us develop a plan to help get your sleep back on track.

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 info on health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: naturopathic doctors in Toronto

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