We’ve heard plenty about taking vitamin therapies, such as vitamin B complex and vitamin C for optimal functioning. But what about vitamin A? To many people’s disbelief, vitamin A is necessary, especially for eye health. In fact, IV therapy Toronto patients may have already had discussions about this essential vitamin with naturopathic doctors. What is Vitamin A? Vitamin A is a cluster of fat-soluble compounds called retinoids. Vitamin A should be considered due to its beneficial effects, such as:
A vitamin A deficiency is a concern in third-world countries. But surveys have shown that American adults “… are not meeting dietary requirements for vitamin A,” says Oregon State University. In particular, 51% of these adults surveyed consume less than the estimated average requirement for vitamin A. Canadian adults are also lacking this essential vitamin. Health Canada has reported that numerous Canadians are lacking vitamin A, vitamin D and calcium from their diet. How much do you know about vitamin A? Learn about it below, then reach us to check your vitamin A levels and improve cellular functioning. Vitamin A Facts for Toronto IV Therapy Patients
Recommendations from Functional Medicine Naturopathic Doctors Do you think you need to increase your vitamin A intake? First, consult a Toronto health care practitioner or your family doctor. This is because consuming excessive vitamin A can cause birth defects, nausea, blurry vision, headache, pain and damage to the liver. Additionally, vitamin A supplements can interact with some medications (i.e. anticoagulants and retinoids). Also, speak to a functional medicine naturopathic doctor about testing. For example, functional medicine clinic offers blood tests to pinpoint what you’re deficient in. Blood tests will also help us determine which beneficial ingredients to include for supporting your health needs. After a thorough blood work review, you’ll learn from your health care practitioner how to elevate your vitamin A intake. This may include:
Vitamin A should be considered for vitamin treatments, including vitamin IV therapy – after all, it helps keep our blood cells healthy. Do you feel unsure about your vitamin A levels? Don’t hesitate to reach us! The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre can guide you on your journey towards optimal functioning. How to Contact the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre can help you learn what you’re deficient in, and even if you’re sensitive to certain foods. Our clinic of integrative medicine practitioners focuses on functional medicine and naturopathy. Our menu of infusion therapy/IV vitamin drip treatments includes beneficial ingredients such as vitamin A, and high-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid), additional B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin D, Myers Cocktail, a medley of amino acids, and other key vitamins. Take note: an initial consultation is mandatory prior to your first intravenous infusion procedure. The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre also treats these conditions and others: thyroid conditions, mineral deficiencies, high blood pressure, adrenal function, chronic fatigue, tissue repair, DNA repair, infertility, skin rejuvenation/skin vitality, and cellular damage. Let’s find out if you’re lacking vitamin A – call the TFMC at (416) 968-6861 to reserve a consultation for functional medicine blood tests and IV therapy in Toronto. Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.
References: Chakravarty I. Food-Based Strategies to Control Vitamin A Deficiency. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. 2000;21(2):135-143. doi:10.1177/156482650002100205 “Do Canadian Adults Meet Their Nutrient Requirements Through Food Intake Alone?” Government of Canada, Health Canada, modified March 15, 2012, viewed on Dec. 13, 2021. Hodge C, Taylor C. Vitamin A Deficiency. [Updated 2021 Jul 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://ift.tt/wRnkodS “Micronutrient Facts” by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, reviewed June 28, 2021, viewed on December 3, 2021. “Micronutrient Inadequacies in the US Population: an Overview” Oregon State University, Reviewed in March 2018 by: Balz Frei, Ph.D., Former Director, Linus Pauling Institute, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, viewed on Dec. 13, 2021. “Vitamin A” by Oregon State University, reviewed in March 2015 by: Libo Tan, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Human Nutrition The University of Alabama, viewed on Dec. 11, 2021. “Vitamin A” by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, viewed on Dec. 5, 2021.“Vitamin A – Uses, Side Effects, and More” by WebMD, viewed on Dec. 14, 2021. Original Source: Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Website: https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/
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What happens when you hear about anxiety? For many Toronto functional medicine patients, that specific ‘A-word’ can trigger worrisome thoughts! Anxiety is a reaction to stress or something that is new or hazardous, and it can happen from new experiences or everyday tasks. Unfortunately, excessive anxiety can hinder daily lives, causing interference in problem solving and decision-making. Excessive anxiety can also trigger changes to your body’s condition by altering mood and digestion, even facilitating the appearance of cardiovascular disease. Here, we highlight facts about anxiety and the supplements that may deliver some relief. Understanding Anxiety: Functional Medicine Approach
Supplements to Consider for Anxiety We should keep anxiety top-of-mind to prevent chronic issues. With that, our integrative medicine practitioners discuss below some supplements, which may contribute to relieving anxiety. (Take note: the following supplements are not always available in Toronto health stores; we advise consulting with a functional medicine doctor first to rule out medication interactions and avoidable side effects.)
More about Tryptophan: 3 Must-Know Facts About Tryptophan: A Quick Guide for Toronto Functional Medicine Patients Lighten Your Anxiety at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Unquestionably, anxiety can trigger emotional and physical effects. If left untreated, anxiety can impact chronic conditions. Thankfully, there are treatments to consider and the TFMC is here to help. At our center for functional medicine, our approaches in treatment consist of integrative medicine with an emphasis on naturopathy. We also adhere to evidence-based functional medicine practices, with treatments such as: medically-supervised IV therapy, acupuncture for pain relief, herbal medicine, hormone optimization programs, allopathic/western medicine and functional medicine testing. Anxiety should not get in the way of living a fulfilled life, so let’s help treat your anxiety today. Send us a message to arrange a meeting with our Toronto functional medicine practitioner. Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. References: “5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) for Anxiety”, Psychology Today, Reviewed by Gary Drevitch, posted October 18, 2018, viewed on November 29, 2021. Katzman, M.A., Bleau, P., Blier, P. et al. Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, posttraumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders. BMC Psychiatry 14, S1 (2014). https://ift.tt/Bq491Co Lindseth G, Helland B, Caspers J. The effects of dietary tryptophan on affective disorders. Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2015;29(2):102-107. doi:10.1016/j.apnu.2014.11.008 Manganyi MC, Bezuidenhout CC, Regnier T, Ateba CN. A Chewable Cure “Kanna”: Biological and Pharmaceutical Properties of Sceletium tortuosum. Molecules. 2021;26(9):2557. Published 2021 Apr 28. doi:10.3390/molecules26092557 Mojtaba Shafiee, Soheil Arekhi, Alireza Omranzadeh, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Saffron in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders: Current evidence and potential mechanisms of action, Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 227, 2018, Pages 330-337, ISSN 0165-0327, https://ift.tt/Vlw9QWn. Steimer T. The biology of fear- and anxiety-related behaviors. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2002;4(3):231-249. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2002.4.3/tsteimer Original Source: Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Website: https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/ It’s hard to believe that many Canadians, especially patients of IV therapy in Toronto, need to be treated for a vitamin D deficiency. But this isn’t a surprise to integrative functional medicine practitioners and naturopathic doctors. Because depending on where you live, geography impacts your vitamin D levels. As Canadians, we need vitamin D to maintain optimal functioning, during those harsh winter months! But according to Statistics Canada, countries in the northern hemisphere, including Canada, have “fewer ultraviolet B (UVB) photons reaching the earth. This means that very little, if any, vitamin D is produced by the body in the winter.” Vitamin D is a key component of calcium absorption, bone maintenance, and nerve and cellular functioning. It also has beneficial effects for fighting off viruses. Below, we emphasize the importance of this essential vitamin and how to supplement it through food, oral vitamins, intravenous drip injection therapies or intramuscular injections. Vitamin D Facts for Toronto Intravenous Therapy Patients
Treating a Toronto Vitamin D Deficiency People who don’t supplement with vitamin D tend to have double the rate of getting a vitamin D deficiency. So how can we supplement? First, have functional medicine blood tests done to thoroughly check all nutrient levels. Functional medicine naturopathic doctors then may recommend dietary changes, oral vitamins, vitamin IV therapy or intramuscular shots. You can eat vitamin D-rich foods, such as egg yolks, red meat, salmon, mushrooms and fortified foods. Naturopathic doctors may also recommend a high-quality daily supplement and suitable dosages for your health goals. If you dislike pills or suffer from malabsorption, IV drip therapy is suggested to promote the absorption of nutrients. These specific vitamin treatments can help patients correct deficiencies, such as folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, or vitamin D, while promoting blood cell production. Intravenous drip therapy inserts a mixture of vitamins, like major minerals or vitamin D, into an IV that is inserted into the blood vessels. Another option is an intramuscular injection: therapeutic doses of vitamin D are inserted into the muscle and progressively released to the blood flow. Keep in mind that IV therapy and intramuscular shots must be discussed with a health care practitioner to rule out allergic reactions or medication interactions. Improving Vitamin D Levels at Our Integrative Center for Functional Medicine The amounts of nutrients we consume matter. And clearly, vitamin D should be a priority for all ages. If you need to heighten your vitamin D intake, energy levels and immune function, or you need to know about basic vitamin needs, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre is here to help. Our Toronto-based clinic adheres to integrative medicine, with a focus on functional medicine, allopathic medicine, and naturopathy. Our roster of vitamin drip treatments includes high-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid), a medley of amino acids, Myers Cocktail, additional b vitamins, and other essential vitamins. Conditions we address include: mineral deficiencies, body stress, skin rejuvenation, thyroid conditions, chronic fatigue, cellular damage, tissue repair, adrenal fatigue/adrenal function, oxidative stress, athletic recovery, fertility issues, hormonal imbalances, brain function concerns, and other health issues. Our integrative and functional medicine treatments may be applied to both in-person and virtual visits. Let’s steer you towards optimal health and improve your nutrient absorption. Click here to contact us for vitamin D supplements or IV therapy in Toronto. See you soon! References: Aranow C. Vitamin D and the immune system. J Investig Med. 2011;59(6):881-886. doi:10.2310/JIM.0b013e31821b8755 Calder PC, Carr AC, Gombart AF, Eggersdorfer M. Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections. Nutrients. 2020; 12(4):1181. https://ift.tt/tcOhTkE3l “Micronutrient Facts” by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, reviewed June 28, 2021, viewed on December 3, 2021. “Vitamin D” Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, updated March 2020, viewed on Dec. 7, 2021. “Vitamin D” by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) updated Aug. 17, 2021, viewed on Dec. 6, 2021. Vitamin D and the Immune System, NICOLA MARUOTTI, FRANCESCO PAOLO CANTATORE, The Journal of Rheumatology Mar 2010, 37 (3) 491-495; DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.090797 “Vitamin D blood levels of Canadians” by Statistics Canada, Teresa Janz and Caryn Pearson, modified November 27, 2015, viewed on December 6, 2021. Original Source: Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Website: https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/
Toronto, Ontario -
Toronto Functional Medicine Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada, has explained that through IV therapy Toronto residents may be able to alleviate their nutritional deficiencies. This was discussed in a new blog post that explains how intravenous drip therapy may benefit those who have deficiencies in nutrition, such as vitamins and minerals. With the vitamins and other nutrients inserted directly into the blood vessels, the body will be able to absorb them as compared to taking vitamins and other nutrients orally. The human body needs certain amounts of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to be able to achieve optimal health and for helping increase energy. The problem is that most micronutrients are not produced in the body, which means that people need to get these nutrients from their diet. Unfortunately, the North American diet may not always be sufficient in these nutrients as a result of soil depletion, processing, pesticides, and preservatives. Thus, a naturopathic functional medicine doctor may suggest some changes to a person’s diet, some supplements, or the IV vitamin drip therapy to manage nutritional deficiencies. The article points out that there are six vital micronutrients. First is iron, which is essential for cognition. Also, deficiency in iron is known to result in anemia. Second, vitamin A is essential because it supports the immune function and it may help in promoting the health of the eyes. Next is vitamin D, which supports the muscles, bone health, immune function, brain health, and calcium absorption. And vitamin D also helps in preventing rickets. Iodine is another important nutrient as it is required for thyroid function, cognitive development in babies, and in supporting the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women. Folate is another important nutrient since it supports nervous system function, homocysteine metabolism, and hormone metabolism. It is also essential for fetal growth and DNA synthesis. And it may help in reducing the risk of neural tube defects. And finally, there is zinc, which is a component of a number of enzymes in the body that have to do with metabolism, energy, and bone health. Zinc also plays a vital role in helping fight infections, male reproductive health, and may contribute to tissue health and the immune function. It is also important to note that if nutritional deficiencies are left untreated, this may result in various chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and type-2 diabetes. And because the North American diet usually contains “empty calories,” it’s possible for people to have micronutrient-related malnutrition. Furthermore, insufficient micronutrient levels can result in DNA damage, premature aging, and cellular damage. Micronutrient deficiencies may also be the result of certain agricultural practices. In a food composition study, it was found that the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables has declined by almost 40 percent for the period of 1950 to 1999. This included reductions in riboflavin, vitamin C, and calcium. The use of pesticides has been linked to this nutritional decline. At Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, they provide a combination of vitamin drip treatments (high-dose vitamin C, Myers cocktail, amino acids), including naturopathic and allopathic treatments, including acupuncture and herbal medicine. Functional medicine blood tests may also be recommended. Some of the health issues they address include: cellular function, brain function, adrenal function/adrenal fatigue, digestive health, hormonal health, skin rejuvenation, oxidative stress, chronic fatigue, body stress, blood pressure issues, athletic recovery, and thyroid conditions. The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre was established to use integrative naturopathic functional medicine. They integrate the functional medicine approach with alternative medicine, such as herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine or Eastern medicine, homeopathic medicine, IV therapy, bio-identical hormone replacement, and others. In addition, the clinic uses functional medicine and alternative therapies for a range of health issues, including: hormone imbalances, neuropathic pain, nutritional health, acute health issues, postmenopausal health, chronic disease, and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmcAqwIAJY0&list=PLHA1Dz6hPw_3V-_L9G5PzCeSKrRZiCSMK People who would like to know more about IV therapy in Toronto can visit the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website, or contact them through the telephone (416) 968-6961 or via email at [email protected]. from Press Releases https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/49341-toronto-functional-medicine-centre-explains-how-iv-therapy-in-toronto-may-be-used-for-nutritional-de Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Press Room Toronto Functional Medicine Centre 162 Cumberland St 222 A Toronto, ON M5R 1A8 (416) 968-6961 https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/ Visit us at our Toronto Functional Medicine Clinic Other resources: Facebook |
AuthorToronto Functional Medicine Centre is dedicated to helping each patient shift towards balanced, wholesome wellness. Whether your aim is to relieve pain, boost energy levels, or infuse vitality into your life, we welcome new patients with an array of health goals. Our team believes in working alongside each patient, which allows us to assess the services that may fit individual needs. We are proud to offer several therapies in one location. Each one of our practitioners has a passion for integrative functional medicine healing. Archives
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