Although eczema is found on the outside of the body (i.e. the skin), the best way to treat it is from within. Most often eczema is associated with an allergic reaction. Approximately 80 percent of sufferers also show signs of allergies such as a runny nose or asthma. During this process excess histamines are produced resulting in a decline in the body’s ability to fight off bacterial infections. Inflammation also occurs in the body and the skin becomes less able to hold water. While topical creams can temporarily soothe the skin and relieve itching, they do not get to the root of the problem, and therefore the eczema will come back when you stop using the cream.

While there are many possible treatments available, the best place to start is with the foods your son is eating. These are the building blocks of the body and can have a profound effect on skin health. Food intolerances and allergies tend to be a major cause of eczema, so working with a health care provider to determine your son’s sensitivities can be of great benefit in the healing process. While elimination diets are very helpful, it is important to work with someone who can guide you in this process in order to ensure adequate nutritional support.

Specific vitamins and minerals are necessary for making and repairing skin tissue. Essential fatty acids, in particular one called EPA (found in cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and cod), help decrease inflammation and promote skin hydration. GLA is another good fat (found in evening primrose oil and borage oil) which is also useful in this respect. While they are very effective when taken internally, they also have a soothing effect topically and can safely be applied to the skin. In order for the body to use these oils efficiently certain vitamins and minerals (called co-factors) are needed. Zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin B3, beta carotene, vitamin E, magnesium and vitamin C may be required as they promote proper enzyme function and cell membrane health. Vitamin C and a bioflavonoid called quercitin are natural antihistamines and can be taken to help relieve the itching while the body is healing.

There are many herbs which are also useful in this process. Licorice root (not the store candy), gingko biloba and burdock have been shown to be very helpful in supporting the skin. In particular licorice root also helps the body handle times of emotional stress which can contribute to flare ups in people with eczema. Comfrey and calendula creams are available and promote skin healing as well. Use goats milk soaps, oat bath products and aloe with caution. Although they are helpful in some cases, if your child has a sensitivity to casein (found in dairy products), gluten (found in grains related to wheat), or latex (related families include kiwi, banana, pineapple and aloe) these may make the eczema worse. Be sure to always consult with your health care provider before starting any new program to ensure it is right and best for you.

Dr. Val N.D is a nutritionist, Naturopathic Doctor and hypnotist who has been in practice for 7 years. Along with her general practice, she offers courses in naturopathic nutrition, sports nutrition and meditation. For more information please feel free to contact her office in Newmarket at 905-898-6644 or her office in Markham at 905-201-6497.

A Detox Is A Detox Is A Detox... Right?
Wrong. While some cleanses contain natural remedies that flush the liver, others may affect the kidneys, colon, lungs or even lymphatic system. As well some are specifically designed for getting rid of parasites. There are also products on the market that only contain herbs with a laxative and diuretic affect. While these may be beneficial for short-term use in certain individuals, they are generally not useful for safe, healthy and permanent weight loss. Especially in a teenager.

So How Do I Know Which Detox Is Right For Me?
There are many reasons to do cleanses. Detoxification can be helpful in alleviating conditions such as; allergies, asthma, headaches, arthritis, mood disorders, bowel problems, food cravings and diabetes.

It can also be useful in maintaining vibrant energy and optimum health. Although many people may lose weight during a detox it is important to note that a cleanse is not an effective weight loss solution. The purpose of a detox is to rest the body, rid it of toxins and allow it to heal in order to improve organ function and overall health.

If you go back to unhealthy habits or do not address the underlying cause of the weight, you will be disappointed by your long term results.

While a gentle cleanse may be helpful in jump starting the system, first your daughter needs to ensure her diet program is tailored specifically to her and supports her exercise requirements.

For example her needs for protein will be much higher than the average individuals and if they are not met she may be breaking down her muscle tissue for fuel. This can impair her ability to burn off calories and cause weight to build up around the midsection. She also should be assessed to ensure her hormone levels are balanced and that she is getting enough sleep.

Again imbalances in these areas can contribute to the weight.

Once you have had these assessed there are many ways of detoxing. A diet that focuses on beans, rice, fresh fruits and vegetables and other whole foods is the gentlest way of cleansing. Freshly squeezed lemon juice in water each morning is also generally a safe and effective way of stimulating the liver. Milk thistle, dandelion, turmeric and artichoke are also very useful in targeting this organ.

In teenagers try to avoid herbs such as senna and juniper which have laxative and diuretic effects only. There are many good homeopathic detoxes (my favorite is the Detox Kit by Heel) which are safe for healthy individuals and very effective. Always be sure you check with your health care provider.

Dr. Val N.D is a nutritionist, Naturopathic Doctor and hypnotist who has been in practice for 7 years. Along with her general practice, she offers courses in naturopathic nutrition, sports nutrition and meditation. For more information please feel free to contact her office in Newmarket at 905-898-6644 or her office in Markham at 905-201-6497.

The reason for this is that new research has found NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) and anti-inflammatory drugs called COX 2 Inhibitors increase the risk of heart attack and strokes.

This is what led the pharmaceutical company Merk to announce a world wide recall of Vioxx in 2004. Shortly after the FDA followed up with warnings about other COX 2 inhibitors such as Bextra (valdecoxib) and the National Institute of Health stopped the use of Celebrex (celecoxib) and Naproxen in all clinical trials.

According to the AHA 'regulatory authorities in several regions of the world have introduced warning statements and advisories to both health care professionals and the lay public about the use of various NSAIDs'. This includes medications such as asprin, Tylenol, ASA, salicylic acid, sulfsalazine, acetominephen, indomethacin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, oxaprozin, oxicam, phenylbutazone, tolmetin and nabumetone.

While these medications have been found to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, several other side effects have been noted as well. Specifically they have been shown to increase blood clots, cause water retention and raise blood pressure. They can also cause damage to the kidneys and intestinal tract resulting in increased intestinal bleeding, ulceration and in severe cases can cause perforation of the stomach or intestines.

Although this can occur at any time and without warning, elderly patients seem to be at the greatest risk. As a result the European Medicine Agency recommends these drugs not be used in anyone who has suffered from heart disease or stroke and avoided as much as possible in people who are at risk of developing these conditions.

As well in their updated guidelines the AHA advises doctors to focus on drug-free approaches first when treating pain, using medication only when no other alternative exists.

Don’t give up on golf just yet! There are many safe, effective and proven natural remedies which help relief pain and heal joint and muscle tissue. While glucosamine and chondroitin are probably the most well known, they can be more difficult to digest.

If you have stomach problems you may not be able to absorb them properly and therefore should try to find a liquid form. These can also raise blood pressure so it is important to have yours monitored on a regular basis. Fish oils, devils’ claw Harpagophytum procumbens) and ginger have also been proven to decrease inflammation and can help with both joint pain and inflammation of tendons.

Topical ointments which contain cayenne pepper and white willow bark or the homeopathic combination called Traumeel are also very effect and can easily be applied before and after exercise to keep the pain at bay. While acupuncture can help heal the tissue long term and relieve pain, it is also important to consult with an expert to check your form and posture during the golf swing.

Proper posture and stretching can go along way in preventing injury to the muscles and tendons and helping them heal.

Food For Thought: What’s In Your Cupboard?
Over the years many studies have shown that allergies and food sensitivities play a big part in ADHD and behavior disorders, and therefore can affect your child’s learning potential (J Clin Pediart Dent 2001; Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2003).

In his research Dr. Benjamin Feingold M.D. found that 40% to 50 % of children experiencing learning difficulties improved their grades by removing chemicals and allergens including; artificial flavours, artificial sweeteners, food colourings, caffeine, sugar and chocolate.

More recent research supports this showing changes to the diet (along with supplementation of essential nutrients) may be as effective as Ritalin (Alt Med Review 2003). Energy drinks may play a large role in learning problems in teens as they can have up to 5 teaspoons of sugar along with caffeine!

You Are What You Absorb.
While eating a healthy diet is vital, a lack of essential nutrients (i.e. vitamins and minerals) can also contribute to learning problems such as poor memory, difficulty focusing and hyperactivity. Maintaining the correct balance of good fats (omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9) in the brain is the key to optimizing learning potential (Can J Psychiatry 2003).

In particular children with learning and attention difficulties have been shown to use more of the essential fat known as DHA (J Mol. Neurosci 2001). Supplementing with zinc and magnesium may also be helpful in improving concentration and memory and may give your children a greater sense of calm (J Child Adolesc. Psychopharmacol 2000).

Scientific Opinion Weighs In
We often hear about the increased risk of diabetes and heart disease associated with being overweight, however it contributes to learning difficulties too! In fact the more overweight a child is, the more likely her or she is to have learning and behavior problems (BMC Psychiarty 2002).

In a review of 40 years of nutrition, Dr. Frank Hu and others at the Harvard School of Public Health found soft drinks and the sweetener high-fructose corn syrup to be particularly bad, as even one can of soda a day can cause a child to put on 15 lbs in a year (Am J Clin Nut 2006)!

For the best start on the new school year, a healthy diet that is high in whole and natural foods and low in sugars and chemicals is best. Check with your child’s health care provider to determine which supplements are right for him or her.

Valerie Franc completed her training as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2000. She has an undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences and is a Board Certified Hypnotherapist.

Firmly Committed to communicating naturopathic principles and philosophies, she regularly offers personal development courses and public lectures. Currently she is expanding her practice and can be contacted at M&Y Chiropractic at (905)-898-6644.