What does a Toronto naturopath do? What can this health care practitioner offer to patients in reaching optimal health?
A Toronto Naturopath, such as Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, is a healthcare professional with a special interest in a form of medicine, called naturopathic medicine, to reinvigorate your health. As health care practitioners, naturopathic doctors have extensive training in illness prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. With this training, they can help manage a wide variety of diseases and health concerns, like type 2 diabetes, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue, while providing holistic treatments for illnesses. A naturopathic doctor may also be able to help with illness prevention by teaching you about healthy diet choices and lifestyle habits. Here, we highlight 9 reasons why you should consider seeing a naturopath for the maintenance of your health and well-being. 1. Holistic ApproachNaturopaths use a holistic approach to health to address the causes of your health concern. Their treatment modality takes into account diet, stress levels and personal history. This approach – which includes natural solutions – is different from conventional medicine, which usually focuses on a medical doctor treating the immediate problem with prescription medication. When using naturopathic therapy, all aspects of lifestyle are taken into consideration; this encompasses nutrition, exercise habits and mental well-being, as these can also affect our overall health status. 2. Diet And Lifestyle ModificationIn order for the human body to reach a healthy state, it is important to adopt a diet with fresh organic fruits and vegetables because they’re rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for augmenting your health. The types of food you eat should also reflect on your individual needs (low saturated fat/low simple carbs/low sugar, etc.), without neglecting the importance of physical activity. Thus, it’s not uncommon for a naturopathic doctor to stress the importance of diet in the human body. For example, Toronto naturopath Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, often shares his knowledge on the importance of diet and lifestyle modifications, which may assist individuals with a chronic or serious health condition. 3. Disease PreventionImproving your health and preventing illnesses may occur through a wide range of methods, such as diet, lifestyle modification, supplements (if necessary), and naturopathic medicine. One way to prevent disease is by seeing a naturopath who deals with various approaches (i.e. natural or traditional medicine) to help those struggling with chronic diseases. Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, works closely with his patients in order for them to be able to live healthily while taking control of lifestyle choices – which includes what to eat and when! 4. Chronic Diseases ManagementNaturopathic doctors employ natural care therapies in managing chronic diseases. They believe that epigenetics – the study of how behaviours and our environment can cause physical health changes that impact your genes – and modifications to epigenetics can impact your wellness. For instance, changes to epigenetics could contribute to an unresolved faulty inflammatory response, which may lead to damage to the tissues and chronic inflammatory disease. This is all caused by the body’s inability to heal itself due to epigenetics modifications. So in order to practice disease management, naturopaths may conduct the following: a naturopathic medical history interview, physical examination, diagnosis of illness (lab testing), and a treatment plan. This plan may include diagnostic procedures with nutraceutical ( herbs, vitamins, supplements ) for acute or chronic health conditions. 5. Integrative Functional MedicineNaturopathic medicine emphasizes prevention, holistic health principles, and the body’s self-healing abilities with natural therapies. In turn, these treatments may aid in managing chronic diseases and other illnesses (i.e. infections or acute problems). A Toronto naturopath may use a synergistic approach to help improve bodily function, thereby reducing symptoms that interfere with the quality of life. Natural approaches may include: diet therapy; botanical medicines; physical medicine (cold laser, shockwave and hydrotherapy); exercise prescriptions for general wellness; meditation and acupuncture treatments for relaxation. But when naturopaths also practice functional medicine, patients and naturopaths work hand-in-hand in planning and adhering to a natural treatment and lifestyle changes. Consequently, a patient’s participation empowers them to consider how their everyday life choices have an impact on health. 6. IV Therapy Vitamin SupplementationIntravenous vitamin therapy is a speedy method for delivering essential nutrients and minerals. A naturopath or IV therapist may prescribe intravenous vitamin therapy for patients who are not responding to oral supplements. IV therapy is usually used in the treatment of chronic fatigue, impaired immune function and other conditions that result from nutrient deficiencies or toxic overloads (i.e. anemia, intestinal malabsorption syndrome). People with gastrointestinal problems may also benefit from IV vitamin supplementation. This treatment may be used as a preventive measure for those at risk of nutrient deficiencies from a chronic disease or diminished absorption from other medical treatments (i.e. surgical removal of parts the stomach and intestines, etc.) Patients are screened at an initial consultation before an IV vitamin therapy course to determine which nutrients they may be deficient in. Screening may include blood tests, stool analysis, urine mineral analysis and food sensitivity testing. Truly, IV therapy is one way that naturopathic doctors and/or IV therapists help people overcome illness-causing health problems. Take note that Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, is both a Toronto Naturopath and a licensed IV therapist. 7. DetoxificationDetoxification may encourage the elimination of toxins, replenish nutrients, and foster disease prevention. A naturopathic doctor may offer a natural detox program to patients as a naturopathic solution. There are many ways to detoxify the body and a naturopath can help you understand how your body responds. The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre offers a holistic, nutritious diet approach that may help improve metabolism and promote detoxification. For heavy metal toxicities, chelation therapy may be recommended to help rid the body of heavy metals. 8. Food SensitivitiesSome food sensitivities may not be accurately identified through traditional medical skin allergy tests; instead, they may manifest as other symptoms such as skin rashes, stomach cramps, diarrhea, etc. A naturopathic doctor will analyze the foods that might cause these reactions and recommend avoiding allergenic substances if possible. This may be accomplished with an IgG food antibody assessment lab test. 9. Pain reliefPain management with natural medicines alongside traditional methods may encourage optimal health and help relieve chronic pain. A naturopath can assess your condition and offer a customized plan; this could include acupuncture, herbal remedies, cold laser therapy, or naturopathic manipulation. The naturopath’s goal is to get your body back into balance with natural therapies rather than medications, as they may house synthetic chemicals or result in unpleasant side effects. A naturopath will also provide you with naturopathic medicine education and a comprehensive treatment plan for living a positive lifestyle. Next Steps for Visiting a Toronto Naturopath We hope you’ll consider seeing a Toronto naturopathic doctor for your wellness goal or integrative and functional medicine treatments. This type of health care practitioner may offer you various physical, emotional and spiritual care with a naturopathic body of knowledge. How can we help you reach your health goal with naturopathic care? At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, we’re passionate about helping patients augment their well-being with a holistic approach. FYI: our naturopathic clinic also provides a variety of health treatments, including lifestyle counseling, stress management, nutritional counseling, Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, botanical medicine, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and functional medicine. We can help upgrade your quality of life with a natural approach to healing. Call (416) 968-6961 to book an appointment with our Toronto naturopath. The blog post "9 Reasons Why to Consider Seeing a Toronto Naturopath" was first published on Toronto Functional Medicine Centre websites.
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According to our clinic’s Toronto Naturopath, mold is a health issue to keep top of mind as it can have an impact on health.
Mold comes with the territory of living in a wet climate, whether it’s seasonal or year-round. From between your bathroom tiles to damp fabric or old bread, mold can seemingly appear anywhere. Maybe you’re already wondering if mold is, in fact, making you sick. So what are the symptoms of mold toxicity? How can we get tested for it? And what can the naturopathic approach and its naturopathic doctors offer in mold treatments? In this article, our naturopathic doctor, Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, explains. Mold Toxicity Symptoms: Naturopathic Medicine Perspective If you were to visit a Toronto naturopath for a holistic approach to mold concerns, you might be informed that mold toxicity is often overlooked. This is because symptoms can be diverse in the human body. An Archives of Environmental Health study of 100 people exposed to toxic mold found that all participants tested positive in some way to mold toxicity, such as immune cell abnormalities or antibodies. The most common mold species identified included Aspergillus, Penicillium, Myxomycetes, Fusarium and Cladosporium. In particular, all 100 people in the study were found to have objective neurological problems in their autonomic nervous systems, which controls unconscious processes (i.e. heart rate, breathing, and digestion). Seventy percent of participants had other physical neurological problems, including short-term memory loss and difficulty walking straight with eyes closed. Almost two-thirds had respiratory problems, such as wheezing, runny nose, and inflamed sinuses. While some participants had temporarily left their homes for deep cleaning to occur, others moved permanently because they didn’t have other options. Also, long-term exposure to mold might contribute to illness later in life. An article published in Brain Research explained that Finland’s high dementia rate is thought to be partly due to toxic mold, as the country has a cold, humid climate. Humidity provides optimal conditions for mold growth, and so do enclosed spaces, which are near-universal for keeping the cold out of homes. Who Gets Sick From Toxic Mold? Any Toronto naturopath would tell you that some people have a high sensitivity to mold, and some people don’t; this may be noticeable if you’re severely affected, yet your family members aren’t. It is possible to have an HLA-DR/DQ genetic vulnerability to inflammatory triggers, including mold. In fact, mold-related illnesses appear in people who are genetically vulnerable but have no history of chronic disease. For example, an American Journal Case Reports case study describes the successful resolution of chronic fatigue syndrome and ulcerative colitis in a previously healthy (but genetically vulnerable) young man, after prompt and correct treatment. As explained by a Frontiers in Immunology review, if you’re susceptible to mold-related illnesses, you may likely experience sinusitis or brain fog flare-ups upon entering mold-infested buildings. In fact, sensitivity to chemicals, including conventional deodorants, paint, detergent, and gasoline, is also associated with an advanced risk of mold toxicity. Even natural substances, like spices, can be irritating in some serious cases. You may notice smells easily compared to others too, especially if you smell mold. Long periods of mold exposure are linked with increased illness severity and lengthened recovery times; this is why mold toxicity in the body should be addressed as soon as possible. Where To Get Tested for Mold If you think you’ve been exposed to toxic mold, we advise getting tested to find a suitable treatment. Lab tests for mold toxicity are available. In fact, our Toronto naturopathic clinic uses Great Plains Laboratory, which offers a mold exposure profile that tests 40 species of mold, even detecting them at low levels. A positive test result means you know the cause of your illness; a negative test result means your illness may have other causes, or a species of mold that is not covered is responsible. As for genetic testing, Quest Diagnostics provides HLA gene profiling to determine if you’re at risk of chronic mold-related illness. Toxic mold and the illnesses it can cause are nothing to sneeze at (sorry, no pun intended!). Respiratory, neurological, and other problems are real consequences of mold toxicity, and they can worsen your physical health if left untreated. But appropriate testing and treatment can make a world of difference – and naturopathy and naturopathic doctors may offer you a new approach to health and everyday life. Where Can I Find a Naturopathic Doctor Near Me? Do you suspect that mold is playing a role in your health? Where can you find a Toronto naturopath to test you for mold toxicity? We’re ready to support your well-being and healing journey. Our naturopathic clinic is located in Yorkville, a neighbourhood of Downtown Toronto that is easily accessible for patients across the Greater Toronto Area. You’re welcome to visit Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, and Arv Buttar, NP, who are eager to provide patients with mold testing and many treatment recommendations, such as botanical medicines, herbal medicine, supplement recommendations, pain management, clinical nutrition, lifestyle counseling, stress management, and more. Their mold treatments and natural therapies have been designed to help recover your quality of life and heighten longevity. FYI: Did you know that naturopathic medicine can also be applied to other health conditions? Our natural solutions may also be applied to a wide variety of health conditions, including digestive concerns (irritable bowel syndrome), blood sugar issues, autoimmune diseases, nutrient deficiency, chronic pain, skin rashes, stress, adrenal fatigue, hair loss/hair thinning, weight loss/weight gain, blood pressure concerns, hormone imbalances, and other health concerns and chronic health conditions. Take note that our naturopathic clinic also offers IV therapies and functional medicine testing, such as the DUTCH test, SIBO test, food sensitivity and more. Book your consultations with a naturopath in Toronto by calling (416) 968-6961 or send us a message here. Let’s help you reach your wellness goals and optimal health – see you soon! References: Eiser, A. R. (2017). Why does Finland have the highest dementia mortality rate? Environmental factors may be generalizable. Brain Research, 1671, 14–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2017.06.032 Gunn, S. R., Gunn, G. G., & Mueller, F. W. (2016). Reversal of Refractory Ulcerative Colitis and Severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms Arising from Immune Disturbance in an HLA-DR/DQ Genetically Susceptible Individual with Multiple Biotoxin Exposures. The American Journal of Case Reports, 17, 320–325. https://doi.org/10.12659/ajcr.896949 Rea WJ, Didriksen N, Simon TR, Pan Y, Fenyves EJ, Griffiths B. (2003). Effects of toxic exposure to molds and mycotoxins in building-related illnesses. Archives of Environmental Health. 58(7):399-405. https://doi.org/10.1080/00039896.2003.11879140 Valtonen V. (2017). Clinical Diagnosis of the Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome: Review of the Literature and Suggested Diagnostic Criteria. Frontiers in Immunology, 8, 951. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2017.00951 https://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/gplmycotox https://testdirectory.questdiagnostics.com/test/test-detail/17394/?cc=AMD The article “ A Toronto Naturopath’s View on Why You Should Worry About Mold ” was appeared first on .Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website. Toronto Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, of the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, highlights the top 6 benefits of getting Vitamin D supplementation through naturopathic medicine. You’ve heard countless health influencers praise the advantages of vitamin D. So what’s the big deal with getting extra vitamin D anyway?
Well, especially during frigid Canadian winters, there’s no better time than now to start vitamin D supplementation. Read below to learn about this “sunshine vitamin” and its impact on the human body. What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is both a hormone that we produce and a vitamin we must consume. It supports the bones and regulates calcium in the body. When we unveil any bare skin to the sun, our skin begins to construct vitamin D for the body. But during winters in Canada, there’s a shortage of sunlight from the dark skies. People who are not frequently exposed to sunlight – including many Canadians – may lack vitamin D, which may cause a deficiency of this vitamin. Naturopathic doctors recommend getting supplementation to avoid this. Some of the individuals who are at risk of a vitamin D deficiency include: – those with dark skin pigmentations – people with digestive health or malabsorption issues (i.e. Crohn’s disease, celiac, etc.) – those with limited sun exposure from extra coverings, robes, etc. – seniors – and those who are pregnant and/or obese. Unfortunately, a vitamin D deficiency is repeatedly overlooked because the symptoms are not always apparent. So how can vitamin D supplementation impact your well-being? As verified by Naturopathic Doctors and by Toronto Functional Medicine Centre’s very own Naturopath, Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, here are some benefits vitamin D may deliver to the body: Vitamin D may sustain your immune system. Did you know that when you’re deficient in vitamin D, you could be susceptible to chronic diseases or illnesses such as respiratory tract infections? Many studies have observed connections between vitamin D status and immune protection against several viruses. Perhaps a vitamin D supplement may help rally immunity during cold-and-flu seasons, and may help improve quality of life. Sleepy? Vitamin D may help lessen fatigue. Another sign of a vitamin D deficiency is fatigue. This is because vitamin D assists with cellular energy by giving mitochondria a helping hand with oxygen use. Vitamin D also provides energy to numerous body parts, including the muscles. Thus, boosting vitamin D levels in the body through naturopathic practice may improve cellular energy, thereby possibly producing a positive impact on health such as improved energy levels. Here at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, our team of health care providers led by our Toronto Naturopathic Doctor, work with patients to improve health through education on the relationship between nutrition and vitamin supplementation. Physical health concerns such as feeling fatigued may be alleviated. Vitamin D may help minimize the winter blues. Since vitamin D is affiliated with brain function, researchers reckon that low vitamin D levels may have an impact on health and may contribute to affecting mental illness or emotional health. But more research must be conducted on this because it’s not clear if depression is directly caused by a vitamin D shortage: “Subjects with depression may be more likely to develop low vitamin D because of lower outdoor activity or reduced nutrients intake,” postulates a Neuropsychiatry article. Nevertheless, scientists concur that studying vitamin D may unveil further knowledge about mental health conditions or mental health status and the winter blues. Achy muscles? Vitamin D may bring some relief. According to Frontiers in Immunology, “[t]here now exists several clinical studies and some animal studies, mostly in rodents, that show that vitamin D deficiency leads to a worsening of pain whereas appropriate vitamin D supplementation leads to better outcomes relating to pain.” Accordingly, vitamin D supplements and intramuscular shots may have potential in alleviating muscle aches. Naturopathic Doctors such as Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, who is also licensed to practice IV therapy in Toronto, may render a vitamin D IV treatment. You may schedule an appointment if you want to learn more on how to get started with vitamin d IV therapy. Note: an initial consultation may be required for people with complex health concerns or health issues. Dr. Amauri works with his health care team, and applies an integrative functional medicine approach using a combination of naturopathic medicine, IV therapy, lifestyle modification, food counseling and nutrition, among other natural care modalities, so patients may possibly achieve optimal health. If you’re worried about bone loss, vitamin D may help prevent this. Vitamin D heavily participates in calcium absorption and bone metabolism. When your bone mineral density is low, this may hint that calcium (and perhaps other minerals) may be lacking in the body. Older individuals diagnosed with bone loss assume they need to augment only their calcium intake; but there’s a chance they may be lacking vitamin D, too. With that, supplemental vitamin D may aid in preserving bone mass as you age. Vitamin D and cancer prevention may be linked. According to the National Cancer Institute (NIH), it’s been suggested that vitamin D and cancer risk are potentially related: “In studies of cancer cells and of tumors in mice, vitamin D has been found to have several activities that might slow or prevent the development of cancer, including promoting cellular differentiation, decreasing cancer cell growth, stimulating cell death (apoptosis), and reducing tumor blood vessel formation (angiogenesis),” explains the NIH. Nevertheless, further research on the link between vitamin D deficiency and certain cancers must be conducted for additional analysis. Naturopathic medicine may be used as an adjunct cancer therapy. Consult with your primary health care provider on how this may fit into your treatment regimen. Naturopathic doctors may offer helpful information on what type of naturopathic treatments may be used that fits your current health needs. What’s Next? How to Treat a Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency include: – mood changes – bone and muscle pain – weakness – cramping – fatigue. If you think you’re lacking vitamin D, speak to your family doctor. There are various treatments available, such as food and dietary changes, vitamin D supplements, and vitamin D booster shots, which are administered directly into the muscle. Which vitamin D treatment is suitable for you? Let our Toronto naturopathic doctor assist you. At Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, we recommend natural therapies that are adapted to your personal health goals and biology. Have other health complaints? You are welcome to contact us anytime. We are currently booking appointments for new patients – call (416) 968-6961 or leave a message here. References Bikle DD. Vitamin D metabolism, mechanism of action, and clinical applications. Chem Biol. 2014;21(3):319-329. doi:10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.12.016 Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Dawson-Hughes B, Staehelin HB, Orav JE, Stuck AE, Theiler R, Wong JB, Egli A, Kiel DP, Henschkowski J. Fall prevention with supplemental and active forms of vitamin D: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2009 Oct 1;339:b3692. doi: 10.1136/bmj.b3692. PMID: 19797342; PMCID: PMC2755728. Christakos, S.; Ajibade, D.V.; Dhawan, P.; Fechner, A.J.; Mady, L.J. Vitamin D: Metabolism. Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. N. Am. 2010, 39, 243–253. Cuomo, Alessandro & Giordano, Nicola & Goracci, Arianna & Fagiolini, Andrea. (2017). Depression and Vitamin D Deficiency: Causality, Assessment, and Clinical Practice Implications. Neuropsychiatry. 07. 10.4172/Neuropsychiatry.1000255. de la Puente Yagüe M, Collado Yurrita L, Ciudad Cabañas MJ, Cuadrado Cenzual MA. Role of Vitamin D in Athletes and Their Performance: Current Concepts and New Trends. Nutrients. 2020;12(2):579. Published 2020 Feb 23. doi:10.3390/nu12020579 Dzik, K.P., Kaczor, J.J. Mechanisms of vitamin D on skeletal muscle function: oxidative stress, energy metabolism and anabolic state. Eur J Appl Physiol 119, 825–839 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04104-x Ecemis GC, Atmaca A. Quality of life is impaired not only in vitamin D deficient but also in vitamin D-insufficient pre-menopausal women. J Endocrinol Invest. 2013 Sep;36(8):622-7. doi: 10.3275/8898. Epub 2013 Mar 19. PMID: 23511484. Forrest, K.Y.; Stuhldreher, W.L. Prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency in US adults. Nutr. Res. 2011, 31, 48–54. Habib AM, Nagi K, Thillaiappan NB, Sukumaran V, Akhtar S. Vitamin D and Its Potential Interplay With Pain Signaling Pathways. Front Immunol. 2020;11:820. Published 2020 May 28. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.00820 Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency: what a pain it is. Mayo Clin Proc. 2003 Dec;78(12):1457-9. doi: 10.4065/78.12.1457. PMID: 14661673. L Bishop, E., Ismailova, A., Dimeloe, S., Hewison, M. and White, J.H. (2021), Vitamin D and Immune Regulation: Antibacterial, Antiviral, Anti‐Inflammatory. JBMR Plus, 5: e10405. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm4.10405 Montenegro KR, Cruzat V, Carlessi R, Newsholme P. Mechanisms of vitamin D action in skeletal muscle. Nutr Res Rev. 2019 Dec;32(2):192-204. doi: 10.1017/S0954422419000064. Epub 2019 Jun 17. PMID: 31203824. Norman, A.W. From vitamin D to hormone D: Fundamentals of the vitamin D endocrine system essential for good health. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2008, 88, 491S–499S. Nowak, A., Boesch, L., Andres, E., Battegay, E., Hornemann, T., Schmid, C., Bischoff-Ferrari, H. A., Suter, P. M., & Krayenbuehl, P. A. (2016). Effect of vitamin D3 on self-perceived fatigue: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Medicine, 95(52), e5353. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000005353 Verstuyf A, Carmeliet G, Bouillon R, Mathieu C. Vitamin D: a pleiotropic hormone. Kidney Int. 2010 Jul;78(2):140-5. doi: 10.1038/ki.2010.17. Epub 2010 Feb 24. PMID: 20182414. Vitamin D and Cancer Prevention. National Cancer Institute. Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2013, viewed on Feb. 11, 2021. Zittermann A. Vitamin D in preventive medicine: Are we ignoring the evidence? Br J Nutr 2003;89:552-72. The article " Toronto Naturopathic Doctor Highlights Top 6 Benefits of Vitamin D" was originally seen via .Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website. Our clinic’s naturopathic doctor in Toronto advises Canadians on why they need to consider vitamin D supplementation in the wintertime. It is because the body can produce vitamin D efficiently during the summer months. But with grey skies during the wintertime, Canadians need to pay attention to their vitamin D levels. A vitamin D deficiency may cause various side effects, including depression, bone and muscle pain, cramping and/or weakness.
Below are some relevant facts about Vitamin D and its impact on health, as well as recommendations from our Toronto Naturopath on how you may find alternative supplementation. Why is vitamin D called the “sunshine vitamin”? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally obtained from exposing uncovered skin to sunlight. In particular, ultraviolet B (UVB) rays shine onto the skin; the skin then generates a precursor that is altered into an active vitamin D form in the kidneys and liver. Vitamin D supports bone health; it also helps with the absorption and retention of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Many tissues and organs in the human body have vitamin D receptors, denoting the vitamin’s critical roles in insulin regulation, fertility support, cardiovascular health, and immune, brain, and nervous system support. Vitamin D may bring additional support to the immune system Did you know that studies have linked vitamin D deficiencies to respiratory tract infections, including the common cold, bronchitis and pneumonia? It’s safe to say that vitamin D supplements may impact your health during cold and flu season and beyond. One of the roles of this vitamin includes keeping your immune system strong to ward off viruses and bacteria. Vitamin D interacts with the body’s antimicrobial activity in our innate immune cells, prompting the fight against infections. Vitamin D has also been shown to enhance antimicrobial peptides, molecules that defend our cells from bacterial “invaders”. Hence, it’s suggested that there’s a molecular basis for vitamin D protecting the body against bacteria and viruses. Vitamin D may help you deal with the “winter blues” Suffering from the winter blues? Some Canadians experience this from a lack of sun exposure, resulting in prolonged sadness. Seasonal changes in vitamin D levels suggest the possibility that supplementation may help with issues such as seasonal mood disorders. In fact, “Several studies showed a significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency and late-life depression in northern latitudes,” explains an article in Neuropsychiatry. The article goes on to say, “In further assessment of an older population-based cohort living at northern latitudes, a moderate inverse relationship between vitamin D serum level and depressive symptoms was observed among both genders.” However, additional studies need to be conducted on specifically preventing or treating depression with vitamin D. Meanwhile, research continues to suggest that depression and vitamin D deficiencies are connected. Vitamin D may help reduce muscle and back pain from a vitamin D deficiency Did you know that bone, leg, shin and/or low back pain, combined with fatigue, may be a sign of insufficient vitamin D levels in the blood? In one controlled study, participants deficient in vitamin D were almost twice as likely to have achy joints, ribs or legs in comparison to those with normal-range blood levels. If you’re indoors during most of the winter season and you have body pain, you may want to discuss vitamin D therapy with your naturopathic doctor in Toronto. According to Frontiers in Immunology, “Several studies indicate that vitamin D supplementation and/or deficiency changes the gut microbiota profile; as such, this can potentially modulate visceral pain.” Many are surprised to learn that muscle pain may be related to vitamin D deficiencies. Some health care practitioners believe this may be common for patients with muscle knots (also known as “trigger points”). More research needs to be shepherded on this thought, but vitamin D may help scientists understand this further. On the plus side, vitamin D supplementation may help improve muscle strength. As reported by Nutrients, “Studies have demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation can improve muscle strength which in turn contributes to a decrease in incidence of falls, one of the largest contributors to fracture incidence.” Where to find vitamin D sources It’s possible to improve your vitamin D levels. Naturopathic doctors would suggest eating D-rich foods, such as fatty fish (i.e. salmon and arctic char), fish oil, fortified milk, egg yolks, and fortified breakfast cereals. Nevertheless, vitamin D isn’t always accessible through diet, especially if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant. So vitamin D liquid or gel capsules are recommended. Unlike tablets, liquid or gel capsules are efficient for bodily absorption. When choosing a vitamin D supplement, look at the product’s certificate of analysis. This ensures that third-party groups have tested the product for safety and that your product is free of contaminants. If you can’t find the certificate of analysis, call the supplement company to request this. Finally, ask your naturopathic doctor in Toronto about vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D supplementation is also available via intramuscular injections, which are available at Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, a naturopathic medicine clinic located at the heart of Toronto, Ontario. High-dose vitamin D may be injected into the muscle, which gradually releases the vitamin through the bloodstream. Are you at risk of a vitamin D deficiency? Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common. Unfortunately, it’s hard to pinpoint when it’s an issue, especially since symptoms may feel minimal by those who are affected. If you have health concerns or is concerned about a vitamin D deficiency, please speak to your health care practitioner. Currently, our naturopathic doctor in Toronto is accepting new patients; strict COVID-19 protocols are in place. By applying integrative functional medicine, our clinic embraces individuality; all of our natural treatments take your lifestyle and biology into consideration. Do you have questions about our other services? Our Toronto Naturopathic clinic is open from Mondays to Saturdays. If you have health goals and in need of assistance in achieving optimal health, our naturopathic therapies may be able to help you. Please call (416) 968-6961 to book your appointment. References: Bikle DD. Vitamin D metabolism, mechanism of action, and clinical applications. Chem Biol. 2014;21(3):319-329. doi:10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.12.016 Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Dawson-Hughes B, Staehelin HB, Orav JE, Stuck AE, Theiler R, Wong JB, Egli A, Kiel DP, Henschkowski J. Fall prevention with supplemental and active forms of vitamin D: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2009 Oct 1;339:b3692. doi: 10.1136/bmj.b3692. PMID: 19797342; PMCID: PMC2755728. Christakos, S.; Ajibade, D.V.; Dhawan, P.; Fechner, A.J.; Mady, L.J. Vitamin D: Metabolism. Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. N. Am. 2010, 39, 243–253. Cuomo, Alessandro & Giordano, Nicola & Goracci, Arianna & Fagiolini, Andrea. (2017). Depression and Vitamin D Deficiency: Causality, Assessment, and Clinical Practice Implications. Neuropsychiatry. 07. 10.4172/Neuropsychiatry.1000255. de la Puente Yagüe M, Collado Yurrita L, Ciudad Cabañas MJ, Cuadrado Cenzual MA. Role of Vitamin D in Athletes and Their Performance: Current Concepts and New Trends. Nutrients. 2020;12(2):579. Published 2020 Feb 23. doi:10.3390/nu12020579 Dzik, K.P., Kaczor, J.J. Mechanisms of vitamin D on skeletal muscle function: oxidative stress, energy metabolism and anabolic state. Eur J Appl Physiol 119, 825–839 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04104-x Ecemis GC, Atmaca A. Quality of life is impaired not only in vitamin D deficient but also in vitamin D-insufficient pre-menopausal women. J Endocrinol Invest. 2013 Sep;36(8):622-7. doi: 10.3275/8898. Epub 2013 Mar 19. PMID: 23511484. Forrest, K.Y.; Stuhldreher, W.L. Prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency in US adults. Nutr. Res. 2011, 31, 48–54. Habib AM, Nagi K, Thillaiappan NB, Sukumaran V, Akhtar S. Vitamin D and Its Potential Interplay With Pain Signaling Pathways. Front Immunol. 2020;11:820. Published 2020 May 28. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.00820 Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency: what a pain it is. Mayo Clin Proc. 2003 Dec;78(12):1457-9. doi: 10.4065/78.12.1457. PMID: 14661673. L Bishop, E., Ismailova, A., Dimeloe, S., Hewison, M. and White, J.H. (2021), Vitamin D and Immune Regulation: Antibacterial, Antiviral, Anti‐Inflammatory. JBMR Plus, 5: e10405. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm4.10405 Laird E, Ward M, McSorley E, Strain JJ, Wallace J. Vitamin D and bone health: potential mechanisms. 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