It's Not the Time to Watch and Wait

For certain, you or someone you know has been told to "watch and wait":

• Blood sugar (HbA1C) that falls into the prediabetic range
• Kidney function (eGFR) that is declining
• Iron stores (Ferritin) that are just slightly above the iron deficiency category
• Fatty liver (found on ultrasound and/or bloodwork)
• Osteopenia (found on bone scan)

There are numerous examples. What this really means is that you are not a candidate for pharmaceutical or surgical intervention... yet. Great!  That's wonderful news!   (But you will be if nothing changes). 

As you know, chronic disease is a big concern for Canadians.  In 2019, stats showed that 44% of adults over 20 years old had one of ten prevalent chronic diseases:  high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, mood or anxiety challenges, osteoporosis, diabetes, asthma, COPD, heart disease, cancer, dementia. (1)  And it's not just adults anymore, unfortunately many children also experience chronic illness as well.

Ultimately, I care about you.  (But, we also know that a population that struggles with their health causes decline and burden in all of our systems.)

So now what?  Sometimes there are suggestions and support around nutritional and lifestyle changes given in the interim.  Often these recommendations are vague or unsuccessfully implemented.  This is the best time to consult a different member of your health team, because it's also the ideal opportunity to change the trajectory of your health (before there's a big problem).

• Prediabetes
  - implement a nutritional approach that works for your body (Mediterranean, Keto, Intermittent Fasting, Grain-free, etc), often including more protein and fibre
  - support insulin, liver, stress/cortisol function
  - use herbs, vitamins, and homeopathics that encourage healing
  - build muscle to "mop" up blood sugar, and walk to lower blood sugar after meals
  
  
• Kidney Function
  - kidneys are sensitive, discover if any toxins are impacting them (Heavy Metals, Mold, Glyphosate, EMFs, Medications like NSAIDs - each require a different strategy)
  - utilize herbs, acupuncture and homeopathics to support and improve function
  - address the underlying cause of impaired kidney health
  
  
• Iron Stores
  - new reference ranges have helped to ensure people with suboptimal iron levels are being supported, ideally I like to see ferritin above 50 (however, ferritin that is too high can indicate inflammation)
  - intake, absorption, blood loss, infections and inflammation need to be considered
  
  
• Fatty Liver
  - nutritional adjustments might be considered, but also exposures like: painkillers, alcohol, plastics, chemicals
  - the liver has tremendous regenerative capacity, with extra support by adding herbs, homeopathics, and acupuncture to move healing along
  - castor oil packs are very helpful as well
  
  
• Osteopenia
  - choosing more whole foods and including calcium-rich sources
  - optimizing vitamin D3, vitamin K2 and bone minerals like calcium, magnesium, boron, strontium, and utilizing plants that are high in these nutrients
  - strength training, jumping force activities, balance exercises
  - reinforce digestive function and absorption of nutrients, and consider other options for medications that interfere with absorption (like antacids)

As you can see from this short list of examples, your body is a wonderful healer!  Just imagine how impactful it would be to our own wellness, and the health of our society in general, if we took early action.  

Now, I've implied that you discover these imbalances through bloodwork and other testing, which is true.  However, there are other clues to what might be going on inside your body, without visiting the lab.  These are some of the things I'm looking for and noticing when we meet: 

• Blood sugar dysregulation:  skin tags, afternoon energy crashes, feeling "hangry", glossy eyes
• Kidney function:  concentrated or smelly urine, thirst, hearing issues and tinnitus, sore back, fear
• Low iron:  pale skin, pale pink tongue, dark circles under eyes, hair loss, low energy, feeling chilly, dizzy or lightheaded when standing up
• Liver function:  any skin concern, eye issues, abdominal tenderness under the right ribcage, digestive issues, anger
• Bone health:  history of or recent broken bones, stability, grip strength, posture, skeletal frame

Our bodies are always speaking to us, but we might need help decoding the messages.  As you know, I am always carefully observing and compiling information to fully understand how you feel and what might be causing you to feel that way.  Then, together we work on a path to healing and staying well.

I encourage you to book a visit once per season to stay on track; there are unique considerations for each time of year that I like to address.  If you can't make it into the office with this snowy weather, or because you live too far from Orangeville, I'm happy to "see" you virtually or check-in on the phone.

In my last email, I showed you how I've been utilizing red light as part of my routine.  This week, though, I'm excited to see blue skies and sunshine, which has taken me outside more, as you can see from the photo above.  My friend generously loaned me a pair of snowshoes and I've been bundling up for light, fresh air, nature and a full body workout (I'm literally sweating after).  What a difference it makes!

The evenings are brighter, the days are lighter, here's to a healthy winter!Happy healing,
Dr Christa


1.  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/prevalence-canadian-adults-infographic-2019.html
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