Botanical of the Month – Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense)

As a Toronto naturopath, I like to educate my patients on how to incorporate local herbs and foods into their lifestyles for long term health.

Each month I’ll be highlighting a local, seasonal, Ontario herb in order to help you understand and familiarize yourself with useful medical herbs and food that grow right outside your door.

You will be able to recognize these otherwise known “weeds” as powerful medicine that grow in harmony with your everyday surroundings.

We’re seeing Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) everywhere!

My friend and I spotted these flowers earlier this July on one of our hikes and since then I’ve been seeing them on neighbour’s lawns, parks, along the west Toronto railpath, even in one coming up through a sidewalk crack.

This is one of my favourite herbs to use in practice.

Red Clover is a perennial plant originating from Europe, Africa and West Asia, but has been naturalized all over the world.

It’s characterized by its dark pink-purple flowering head, and trifoliate leaves, and grows to be about 20-80cm tall.

This plant is actually considered a legume/bean plant, being part of the Fabaceae/Papilionaceae family, which is home to many commonly known legumes such as peas, chickpeas, lentils and many beans.

Parts Used: Flowers heads

Uses for Red Clover

Edibility

Trifolium pratense flowers can be pulled off and eaten.  The flower parts stimulate the salivary glands, making it great for chewing on when you’re thirsty, or parched and don’t have immediate access to water.

It can also be enjoyed as a sweet tea.

Medicine

Red clover exerts its actions best in females and children.

Detoxification and lymphatic drainage

Traditionally, red clover has been considered a “blood purifier” or “alterative” meaning that it cleans out and regulates the body.

This action refers to the specific ability of red clover to remove unwanted toxins (dead tissue, inflammatory molecules) from the blood through lymphatic stimulation, and breaks up thick blood through anti-coagulant actions.

Basically, it helps fluids to move efficiently throughout the body.  This action makes Red Clover particularly useful in the treatment of chronic skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and acne, particularly in children.

Red clover is also known to be used in coughs and bronchitis, particularly helpful in suppressing uncontrollable coughs, and in aiding the lungs to expectorate stubborn and accumulated mucus (Another pediatric application - is useful in children who catch the dreadfully persistent whooping cough).

It action on the glands of the neck and sinuses also help clear post-nasal drip (stubborn mucus dripping down the throat from the sinuses).

As mentioned above, red clover gently stimulates the salivary glands, making a great remedy for side effects of radiation or any condition where saliva production is compromised.

It’s also great for single swollen lymph nodes

Women’s health

Red clover is useful in the treatment in women’s health conditions with either estrogen deficiency and estrogen excess.

Red clover contains chemical called “phytoestrogens” (isoflavinoids) that actually binds and activates the estrogen receptor.  This make Trifolium pratense useful in mitigating menopausal symptoms, a life-stage for females characterized by declining estrogen.

Symptoms such as hot flashes, sleeplessness, weight gain, vaginal dryness and anxiety, can be directly linked to estrogen deficiency.  However, the small amount of research studies on the effect of Red Clover on menopausal symptoms show mixed results in efficacy.

Maybe it’s because the shape of phytoestrogens in red clover do not exactly fit the receptors in the vasomotor system (system responsible for many symptoms in menopause).  What if it fit perfectly in the other systems of the body with all different types of estrogen receptors? There is almost zero research on this effect of red Clover, but it's a possibility.

Estrogen plays a protective role in many aspects of female health, so when females go through menopause, they are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.

Not only can the phytoestrogenic effect potentially prevent these conditions, but the added antioxidant (flavinoids), and blood-thinning properties (coumarins and salicylates) also help.

Here’s the controversy - if red clover contains phytoestrogens, wouldn’t that increase your risk for estrogen-dependent cancers?

This is the question asked all the time when it comes to plants with phytoestrogen compounds, such as red clover and soy.  The answer isn’t simple, but if you want a simple answer, it’s probably not.

Phytoestrogens do bind to estrogen-receptors, but they’re actually considered protective against estrogen-dependent cancer, such as breast and uterine.  This effective has been found in soy, another phytoestrogenic plant.

This is because phytoestrogens can competitively bind to estrogen receptor, blocking cancer-causing Xenoestrogens (found in plastics, pollution, chemical cleaners, hormone-laden meats) from binding and overstimulating the receptor.

When phytoestrogens bind to the estrogen receptors, the signal is less intense, more regulating (just like our own endogenous estrogens), and some phytoestrogens can actually block the signal, exerting an antagonistic estrogen effect.

There hasn’t been enough research to confirm this clinically, however preliminary research studies has found taking red clover for a year does not seem to increase endometrial growth (leading to uterine cancer).

However, due to the lack of strong evidence, it’s suggested that women with a history of estrogen-positive breast cancer, or uterine cancer, should avoid the use of Red Clover.

Forms

You can get red clover as a standardized capsule in powder form, basically taking it as a pharmaceutical drug.

There are many products on the market that will sell Red Clover in this form for the use of mitigating menopausal symptoms.

Because of the lack of consistent in the evidence of whether red clover helps menopause, the abundance of other herbs that treat these symptoms really well, and the lack evidence on the safety of this herb in estrogen-positive cancers, I don’t generally tend to rely on Red clover to treat these conditions, especially at these higher doses.

I like using Red Clover as a tea or as a low-dose tincture.  With the alterative “regulating” nature of the herb, and the consistent traditional use of Red Clover as a lymphatic stimulator, blood thinner and affinity to the neck and head glands , I generally tend to use Red Clover for these conditions.

In children, teas and low dose tincture have a strong effect but tend to be gentle enough to prevent any unwanted effects.

I do recommend red clover tea to menopausal women as a daily drink/food item, and although there is no strong evidence to support the strong phytoestrogenic, immediate effect on menopausal symptoms, the phytoestrogenic compounds in the herb may still be beneficial as a nutritional food to keep the system healthy and strong post-menopause and prevent long term health problems associated with estrogen-deficiency.

Caution

Do not use Red clover if you have history of estrogen-positive breast cancer or uterine cancer, if you’re on blood thinners, or have a clotting disorder.

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

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Does Gluten Deserve its Bad Reputation?

At our naturopathic clinic in Toronto, in recent years especially, our naturopathic doctors are being asked about gluten more regularly.

"Is it good for me?"

"Is it bad for me?"

The infamous protein explained.

Gluten-free is definitely fashionable- but is it functional? Many people are opting to eliminate gluten from their diets- often with no diagnosis of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Unfortunately, “gluten-free” is not synonymous with “healthy”.

Many gluten-free products are high in sugar, preservatives and unlike wheat flour, they are not fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Nonetheless, many people feel better when they take gluten out of their diet.

What is gluten?

Gluten is substance found in the endosperm of wheat, rye and barley grains. It is comprised of the proteins “Gliadin” and “Glutenin”.

Grains, and how we consume them, differs from that of our ancestral history.

Today grains make up a major part of our diet- remember the food group pyramid you learned in school- where the foundation was grains?

Well, that food pyramid is not something we share in common with our early human ancestors who ate almost no grains at all. The domestication of wheat happened about 10,000 years ago.

In more recent history, composition of wheat has changed due to hybridization of strains which has increased wheat’s gluten content dramatically.

What is it about gluten containing grains that irritates our gut?

Gluten can increase “zonulin”, a protein in the gastrointestinal tract that can cause leaky gut. Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, occurs when the tight junctions (the connection) between intestinal cells open up, allowing larger molecules that shouldn’t cross the intestinal barrier, to go into the blood stream causing inflammation.

It may not be the gluten alone, but the herbicides used in conventional farming are likely contributing to intestinal imbalances.

Glyphosate is a commonly used herbicide used in grain farming. If a substance can kills weeds and bugs- think about what it could do to the microflora in our gut (our healthy bacteria).

Glyphosate is known to kill beneficial bacteria and decrease the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals.

We do not definitively know the reason for the rising prevalence of gluten sensitivity.

It may be that a combination of increased wheat consumption, increased gluten content of wheat, and rising glyphosate residues in conventional grain products are contributing to dysbiosis, intestinal inflammation, and ultimately gluten intolerance.

What should you do?

Recommendations, in terms of complete gluten elimination, need to be made on an individual basis via comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare provider.

However, here are some recommendations that will benefit most individuals:

• Reduce consumption of grains so that your diet favours protein and vegetables.
• Eat organic and ancient varieties of wheat (einkorn or emmer) which would reduce pesticide residues and gluten content.

See a naturopathic doctor to assess if you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity in order to have a comprehensive plan that allows for optimal nutrition and overall health.

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
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Could You Be Gluten Sensitive Without Celiac Disease?

To eat, or not to eat wheat? That is the question.

The avoidance of gluten continues to be a hot topic in the media.

More and more people are opting for a gluten-free diet. For some people, eliminating gluten from their diet may be essential to not only maintaining the integrity of their gastrointestinal tract, but optimizing their overall health.

Digestion is the cornerstone of good health. If a person’s digestive capacity is impaired, many other areas of a person’s health can be adversely affected.

Not everyone who has a bad reaction to gluten has celiac disease. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) also negatively affects on the body, but does not produce the same disease process or complications that celiac disease does.

The naturopathic doctors at Annex Naturopathic Clinic are able to assess, diagnose and treat celiac disease and NCGS.

Dr. Luck and Dr. Lee can help determine whether or not you can include gluten in your diet and what treatment needs to be in place to heal the gut.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat and some other grains including rye and barley.

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition.

Gluten causes the immune system to destroy intestinal cells. When intestinal cells are destroyed they lose their capacity to absorb nutrients causing chronic diarrhea, nutrient deficiencies and weight loss.

Celiac disease is associated with a much more serious risk profile than NCGS including neurologic dysfunction, osteoporosis, infertility, and other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Why does celiac disease happen?

Genetics plays a strong role in whether or not someone will have celiac disease.

How is celiac disease diagnosed?

Serology (blood) testing for the antibodies against the intestinal tissues (endomysial antibodies (IgA EMA) and tissue transglutaminase antibodies (IgA tTG)).

If the antibodies are more than twice the normal limit, the patient likely has celiac disease.

Duodenal biopsy, tissue samples taken from the small intestine (which can only be ordered by a gastroenterologist), can confirm the serology testing.

These tests will only be accurate if the patient has ingested gluten consistently over the past 6 weeks.

What is non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS)?

NCGS is a reaction to gluten that does not involve the immune system and does not cause intestinal cell destruction. Gastrointestinal symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. NCGS can also contribute to joint and muscle pain, skin rash, anemia and depression.

Why does NCGS happen?

The working theory as to the increased prevalence of NCGS is a combination of increased wheat consumption and the hybridized gluten content of wheat- today’s wheat contains far more gluten than it’s ancient ancestor.

How is NCGS diagnosed?

NCGS is a diagnosis of exclusion.

When celiac disease has been ruled out, there are no signs of malabsorption and the individual has improves on a gluten-free diet, a diagnosis of NCGS can be assumed.

If you are experiencing adverse reactions to gluten it is important to have a thorough work-up.

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
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Top 5 Tips To Stay Healthy In The Summer Heat

July and August are much anticipated months in Toronto. The summer season is short- optimizing your health can help you make the most our our short but ever so sweet summer.

Here are the top 5 tips from naturopathic doctors in Toronto to help you stay on your A-game.

1. Continue to supplement with vitamin D

You are probably thinking that because the sun is out longer, you are getting more vitamin D.

However, how much vitamin D your body synthesizes from the sun depends on a few factors: how much time is spent out side and at what time of day, the amount of skin exposed to the sun and the colour of your skin.

In order to get a good dose of vitamin D from the sun you need to be outside, in minimal clothing (bathing suit), when the sun is high in the sky.

You are synthesizing vitamin D in your skin if your shadow cast by the sun is shorter than your height.

If you have darker skin, you require more time in the sun to get the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin.

2. Get lot’s of vitamin “N”

You’ve never heard of vitamin N? It’s vitamin “nature”! Summer is a great time to get outside.

Time spent in natural settings:

• Improves mental health.
• Provides an opportunity for cognitive rejuvenation.
• Reduces blood pressure.
• Reduces cortisol our “stress” hormone.
• Increases our parasympathetic tone- the “rest and restore” part of our nervous system.

3. Hydrate with water

We inherently need more water in the summer. Our bodies lose more water in the warmer months- we sweat more, and for some, consumption increases of diuretics like iced coffee and alcohol (patio season!).

Aim to drink 2-3 litres of water daily with these tips:

• Start each morning with a big glass of water (option to add lemon).
• For every cup of coffee or alcoholic drink have one big glass of water.

 

4. Take advantage of the local harvest

Local produce is in abundance during the summer months. Local food tastes better and it’s better for you and the environment.

Bite into summer by purchasing local food at:

• Farmer’s markets.
• Basket programs.
• Grocery stores.
• Farm stands outside the city.

5. Take it easy

With all of the additional daylight hours summer brings, schedules can fill up as we make the most of our short summer.

It’s important to open up some time to relax and reset.

After a busy weekend or travel make time to take it easy by:

• Working from home (if possible).
• Plan an additional day off as a home reset day.
• Saying “no” when necessary.

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

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6 Ways To Improve Your Liver’s Function For Better Living

Naturopathic doctors recognize that one of the most important organs of the body, but likely least known by their patients for its function, is the super organ - the LIVER.

The liver has so many functions, many of which are not obvious to us physically, unlike other major organs (lung= breathing, or stomach = feeling full/hungry).

When one thinks of the liver, one should think of the term DETOXIFICATION.

What Does The Liver Do?

The liver is a super organ that pretty much cleans out our entire body. The liver is the largest reservoir (storing blood and iron) and filtering system for blood, ridding the blood of impurities, before it is pumped back in to the bloodstream.

It is a major secretory organ, producing and releasing bile, which is necessary for proper digestion and absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, as well as the excretion of waste products. As a metabolic organ, the liver metabolizes and stores our everyday basic macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

The liver also activates/deactivates medication, hormones (such as estrogen), and toxic environmental chemicals (such as pesticides, BPA, food additives), through three stages of detoxification.

The liver is essential for the production of antioxidants, molecules that protect the body from oxidative damage from the toxins listed above.

Many health conditions, such as mood disorders, cardiovascular disease, hormonal disorders, cancer, and inflammatory disorders are started by oxidation, highlighting the importance of liver function to our long term health.

How Does An Unhealthy Liver Impact Me?

There are a number of daily habits that can slow down liver function.  The consumption of large amount of saturated and trans fats, excessive caffeine, sugar, and alcohol use, and foods high in preservatives can overwork the liver, draining the liver of its resources to function.

Also, these types of toxins do not provide anything useful to regenerate and rejuvenate the liver. Our daily exposure to environmental pollutants will do the same thing.  Once the liver function is compromised, many people can experience a number of symptoms such as fatigue, skin eruptions, poor digestion, and headaches.

For example, a congested/sluggish liver can also be related to digestive problems due to the poor production and secretion of bile necessary for digestion and breaking down fat soluble substances; after many years of sluggish bile, that stagnant bile can form in to stones.

The skin is also an organ of elimination and when the liver is unable to process toxins, and metabolic by-products, they will find other routes to be excreted, such as through the skin, manifesting as conditions like eczema and acne.

Poor liver function can also increase cholesterol levels, as regulatory mechanisms to stop endogenous production become compromised.

What Can I Do To Improve My Liver’s Function?

As our exposure to toxic environmental chemicals increases, we will be relying on the strength and health of our liver to keep us healthy and energetic.  Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) we get through our diet are ESSENTIAL for our livers to function optimally.

If we continue to feed our bodies foods that do not possess any use for our bodies other than quick sugars and sustenance, and turn away foods that offer a melange of vitamins, minerals, our livers will not be able to keep up with toxic burden and our health will decline.

Along with a healthy, vegetable-rich diet, here are 6 ways to make sure you liver is functioning at its best.

1. Lemon water

   It enhances liver enzyme function, encourages bile production, and is a good source of the antioxidant, vitamin C. Antioxidants protect oxidative damage of the liver by the very toxins the liver is required to process.

2. B vitamins

   They serve as cofactors for enzymatic/metabolic processes in the liver, allowing the liver to function optimally. Food high in B vitamins include whole grains, legumes and of course veggies.

3. Dark Leafy Greens
   

   Kale, dandelion greens, rapini, collard greens, swisschard, broccoli, are the superfoods for the liver. These vegetables exhibit a number properties that make them essential for optimal liver function.

   They tend to be bitter, a taste that stimulates the secretion of gastric/digestive juices. The general rule of thumb is the more BITTER the veggie is, the BETTER for your liver.

   They are rich in folate, vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, calcium and potassium, micronutrients important for liver function.  Lastly, leafy greens contain a rich amount of fibre, which takes some of the toxic burden off the liver’s back.

4. Castor oil packs

   Applying castor oil over the liver with heat (instructions here) allows the oil to be absorbed through skin, and positively stimulates the liver function.

   It also enhances immune function, and promotes lymphatic drainage, both important in detoxification.

5. Herbal medicine
   

   Sometimes, the toxic burden on the liver may be larger than what you can handle from just a healthy diet.  That’s when herbs come in to play.

   Hepatic herbs such as Milk Thistle, Dandelion root, Artichoke, Schisandra, Chelidonium, and Goldenseal, all have properties to protect the liver from environmental damage, repair damaged liver cells, as well as optimize liver function by directly enhancing metabolic processes of Phase I and II detoxification.

   It is important to consult with your healthcare practitioner before using these herbs.

6. Eat and Be Clean

   At the very least, makes sure to check out the Dirty Dozen, a list of vegetables and fruits recommended to be consumed organic due to the heavy pesticide use in their non-organic farming practices.

   Also, make an attempt to eat hormone and antibiotic-free meats, and reduce your saturated and trans-fat intake by cutting out deep fried and processed foods.

   Try to avoid plastic use, heavy-chemical household cleaners and body products - there are a number of natural, organic and plant-based cleansers on the market these days that a fantastic job.

   This will reduced the daily toxic burdens on your liver, reserving it’s energy for chemical compounds you can’t avoid.

You can encourage optimal liver function by adding these few things in to your daily life.

It’s most important that we consume clean, low-processed, fresh, vegetable-rich diets in order to keep our health in this increasingly toxic world.

The key to health is maintaining optimal liver function as liver function affects every other organ in the body.

If you want to know more about how to clean up your daily lifestyle, and to optimize your liver function, book an appointment with one of our naturopaths and we can guide your way to a longer, healthier and energetic life.

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

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Get your Vitamin D this Summer to Keep Colds and Flus Away in the Fall and Winter

With summer finally here, you have the next 3 months to stock up on the important essential Sunshine vitamin, otherwise known as Vitamin D.

What Is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is actually not a vitamin but is a hormone with beneficial effects on the immune system. It is widely known that we are able to synthesize Vitamin D on our own with the help of the wonderful summer sun, but in the dreary fall and winter months, achieving optimal levels of this “miracle” vitamin is difficult for us living in the Northern Hemisphere.

Vitamin D is commonly known to aid in the absorption of calcium, which leads to optimal bone health and function, but new research demonstrates that this hormone does much more.

Along with calcium regulation, Vitamin D is also a powerful immune and hormone modulator, which makes it useful in treating conditions such as hypertension, cancer, depression (especially seasonal), and prevention of the common cold and flu.

It has been demonstrated that those with low vitamin D levels have a greater risk of catching cold and flu bugs, and with limited amounts of sun exposure during the dark winter months, your levels of D will significantly drop.

Vitamin D helps your body fight off these infections by reinforcing the protective surface barriers of the skin, lungs, and the gastrointestinal tract, preventing unwanted microbes from entering the body through these routes.

This is especially important in those who are most susceptible to infection, such as people with weak lungs, (asthmatics, smokers, etc..) and those with general immune dysfunction, usually stemming from poor diet and lifestyle habits.

Vitamin D also modulates the immune system by activating T-cells, cells which help recognize and promote the destruction of microbes, while decreasing inflammation caused by an over-active immune system.

How Much Vitamin D Should You Take?

So what are adequate amounts of Vitamin D? According to Health Canada, recommended adequate intakes of Vitamin D is set at 200 IU daily (400 – 600 IU for those >50 years of age).

However, recent research has found that 200 IU/day (even up to 800 IU) is ineffective in achieving adequate levels of vitamin D in the bloodstream. Therefore higher dosages of vitamin D (at least 1000 IU) should be recommended by health care professionals to obtain adequate levels in the blood stream.

While sunlight is one of the best ways of achieving optimal vitamin D levels so stock up this summer as optimal levels are difficult to achieve in the winter months, or if you’re stuck in the office all day.

All you need is 10 minutes in the mid-day sun in shorts in a T-shirt (without sunscreen) to get a mighty dose of vitamin D (10 000IU), but make sure to limit your time in the sun without sunblock to prevent skin damage.

For darker skinned individuals, it’s more difficult to produce vitamin D through sun exposure alone, therefore vitamin D should be obtained through diet, longer sun exposure (but not too long to avoid skin damage, likely around 15-20 minutes maximum) and/or though supplementation.

Other Sources Of Vitamin D

For the month with low sun exposure, there are various sources of vitamin D you can obtain through diet, such as though fish, eggs and fortified dairy and soy products.

However, it is recommended to also use high quality vitamin D supplement in conjunction with diet, as diet alone may not reach the optimal dosage and/or some of the fortified foods (dairy and soy) may not agree with your digestive system.

This summer, make sure to spend some much-needed time in the sun to optimize your vitamin D levels for the fall and winter season, when sunlight is sparse and darkness prevails.  This will keep your immune system strong and protect your body from cold and flus.

Talk to a naturopathic doctor if you’re curious about how to supplement vitamin D in the winter.  Vitamin D testing is done in October in order to see what your status is going in to the low-light seasons, and a proper dose of vitamin D supplementation can be recommended based on your serum levels to maintain what you obtained in the summer

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

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References:

1. Health Canada [homepage on the Internet]: [updated 2006 June 29; cited 2010 Feb 2]. Available from: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/vitamin/vita-d-eng.php
2. Rucker D, Allan JA, Fick GH, Hanley DA:Vitamin D insufficiency in a population of healthy western Canadians. CMAJ. 166(12): 1517–1524, 2002
3. Heaney RP, Davies KM, Chen TC, Holick MF, Barger-Lux MJ: Human serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol response to extended oral dosing with cholecalciferol. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 77: 204-210, 2003
4. Schwalfenberg GK. A review of the critical role of vitamin D in the functioning of the immune system and the clinical implications of vitamin D deficiency. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2010 Sep 7. [Epub ahead of print]
5. Harris SS Vitamin D and African Americans.J Nutr. 2006 Apr;136(4):1126-9.

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The Negative Effects of High Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is a commonly known hormone produced in the adrenal gland that sits on top of the kidney. Cortisol follows a daily pattern in which it rises rather rapidly in the first 10-30 minute after waking, increasing energy, then gradually decreases throughout the day so that it is low at night for sleep.

The cycle restarts the following morning.

In addition to being a factor in establishing diurnal rhythm, the production of cortisol is increased when the “fight or flight” response is triggered. This response is triggered in stressful situations.

What does cortisol do?

Cortisol effects metabolism by increasing blood sugar from the body’s stores. It also influences the immune system by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

When individuals are under chronic stress, cortisol can become persistently elevated and lead to symptoms including:

Anxiety, depression, irritability.

• Elevated cortisol influences enzymes and receptors for neurotransmitters which have effects on mood and emotion.

Carbohydrate, fat and/or salt cravings.

• Cortisol is one of the hormones that raises blood pressure, it modulates brain regions that stimulate hunger for sodium and energy rich food. High sugar and high fat foods quiet the stress response because they trigger a dopamine release as a way to self-soothe by making us feel temporarily better.

High blood sugar and insulin resistance.

• Cortisol raises blood sugar by signalling the production of blood sugar by the liver while at the same time opposing the action of insulin. This means that although there is high blood sugar, the body isn’t able to use it.

Weight gain, especially in the abdominal region.

• Cortisol opposes the actions of leptin, the hormone that tells us we are full after eating. At the same time, excess in blood sugaris converted to fat.

High blood pressure.

• Cortisol triggers increased ingestion and retention of salt.

Insomnia and sleep disturbances

• Cortisol can become dysregulated, rising in the evening (“10pm second wind” and difficulty falling asleep) and failing to spike in the morning (struggle getting up in the morning).

Hormonal imbalances and infertility.

• Cortisol can inhibit the production of ovarian estrogen and progesterone. It can also decrease the frequency of ovulation.

Irritable bowel syndrome

• Cortisol can cause decreased intestinal blood flow and altered movement of the gastrointestinal tract which leads to changes in the gut microflora.

If you suffer from any of the above symptoms and have a moderate degree of stress in your life- your cortisol levels may be a contributing factor.

Along with thorough intake, the naturopathic doctors at Annex Naturopathic Clinic use a specialized diagnostic test called an adrenal hormone profile to objectively assess cortisol production and metabolism.

Furthermore, NDs can help restore balance through lifestyle recommendations, herbal medicine and targeted nutritional supplementation.

Related Articles:

• Understanding Your Body’s Stress Response System

 

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