By Village Health Clinic Doctors on January 20, 2012
Stroke is a sudden loss of brain function caused by the disruption of blood flow. The disruption of blood flow to the brain causes brain cells to die resulting in symptoms such as impaired ability to move, speak, see, think or feel. The most common type of stroke, ischemic stroke, is caused by disruption in blood flow from a blood clot. The risk of ischemic stroke, like other forms of cardiovascular disease such as heart disease, is largely influenced by dietary, nutritional and lifestyle factors.
A recent review of seven studies involving 250,000 participants found a significant association between the risk of ischemic stroke and the amount of magnesium consumed. Higher intakes of magnesium resulted in reduced risk of stroke and the higher the intake, the lower the risk. In these studies, magnesium was consumed only from dietary sources, not supplements. It’s possible that other factors may have contributed to the reduced stroke risk such as dietary fibre, which is found in foods naturally high in magnesium. But, it is reasonable to assume that magnesium is largely responsible for this positive outcome. Many studies have shown that magnesium reduces blood pressure, improves blood sugar control in diabetics and potentially reduces inflammation and all of these are factors play an important role in increasing risk for stroke. Based on this study, it seems reasonable to increase dietary sources of magnesium and supplement with additional magnesium to ensure optimal intake.
Am J Clin Nutr February 2012 ajcn.022376
Posted in Latest Research, Nutrition Tips
By Village Health Clinic Doctors on January 18, 2012
Now that cold and flu season is upon us, it’s time to revisit the role of certain nutrients in reducing cold symptoms. There have been many studies showing the benefit of zinc in reducing cold symptoms. But, there are still skeptics because some studies have failed to show a positive effect. A recent review of these studies conducted by researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland have found that there was an important difference between the studies showing a benefit compared to those showing no benefit – the daily dose of zinc. The daily dose of zinc in the positive studies was 75 mg of zinc per day or greater. Anything less did not yield any significant reduction in cold symptoms.
Open Respir Med J 2011;5:51-8.
Posted in Latest Research, Nutrition Tips
By Village Health Clinic Doctors on January 18, 2012
The positive benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in mood disorders such as depression and anxiety and its role in preventing heart disease have been extensively studied. A recent study may have revealed yet another benefit – reduced frequency and duration of upper respiratory tract infections. This study involved about 600 children aged 6-10 years that were receiving supplementation with varying amounts omega-3 fatty acids. It was the higher doses of omega-3 fatty acids, 1000 mg or more, that lead to a significantly reduced episodes and duration of upper respiratory tract symptoms.
The study was conducted in an impoverished area of India so it is likely these children were deficient in this important nutrient. Based on the context of the study, children who consume a well balanced diet with regular sources of omega-3 fatty acids (nuts, flax seed, seafood) will probably not receive the same immune enhancing benefits of extra omega-3 fatty acids as the children did in this study. On the other hand, children with very poor diets stand to benefit the most from daily omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.
Eur J Clin Nutr. 19 Oct, 2011; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2011.17
Posted in Latest Research, Nutrition Tips
By Village Health Clinic Doctors on January 18, 2012
With the holidays past and the winter in our midst, some are prone to experience symptoms of depression. Fortunately, there are some important nutritional considerations for the treatment of depression. One very well studied nutritional factor is omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), specifically the fatty acid ecosapentinoic acid (EPA). A recent review of 15 well done (randomized and placebo controlled) studies showed significant benefits with PUFAs supplementation for mild and moderate depression. The dose found to be effective was 1 gram or more of EPA per day. This is particularly exciting since these milder forms of depression do not respond well to antidepressant medications. Sources of PUFAs include seafood, nuts and seeds.
Sublette ME et al. Meta-analysis of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in clinical trials in depression. J Clin Psychiatry 2011 Sep 6
Posted in Latest Research
By Village Health Clinic Doctors on January 16, 2012
To celebrate Heart Smart month, Dr. Brian Gluvic a Naturopathic Physician with the Village Health Clinic would like to invite parents to an informative an interactive evening discussion focused on Healthy Eating, Healthy Kids.
Dr. Gluvic will present participants with interesting information, tips and resources, and provide an opportunity to ask plenty of questions to inspire healthy habits in our children.
The workshop will take place at Woodward Hill Elementary on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
Pre-registration is requested so please send an email to workshops@woodwardhillpac.ca to confirm your seat.
Child minding will be made available so please indicate if child minding is required and for how many children.
Posted in News & Events
By Village Health Clinic Doctors on November 18, 2011
Come meet Dr. Gluvic to learn more about Building Healthy Kids, specifically looking at how to get children to eat a healthy diet!
Date: Wednesday, November 23rd at 7pm
Overview: Dr. Brian Gluvic will discuss the current epidemic of childhood obesity and diabetes and its contributing dietary factors. The components of a healthy diet for children will be presented along with strategies to improve children’s dietary intake of healthy foods.
Location: Choices Markets South Surrey, 3248 King George Boulevard, South Surrey, BC
Registration: Please call 604-541-3902, Monday to Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm, or visit the customer service counter at our South Surrey store. $5 will be collected at the door with net proceeds going to charity.
Posted in News & Events
By Village Health Clinic Doctors on November 3, 2011
If you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, you may be concerned about having a successful pregnancy. To reduce your risk of miscarriage carefully review your use of pharmaceutical drugs while pregnant. A recent Canadian study revealed that women who take either antidepressants or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen, ibuprofen or diclofenac) while pregnant have a significantly higher rate of miscarriage. Women taking an antidepressant while pregnant had up to twice the abortion rate of those who did not take antidepressants. Paroxetine, venlafaxine or the combined use of different classes of antidepressants were the most risky. Women taking NSAIDs during the early stages of pregnancy had 2.4 times the risk of miscarriage compared to women who did not take NSAIDs.
We all have little aches and pains at times. This is usually caused by inflammation. You can actually reduce chronic inflammation by improving your diet. There are also many natural herbs, antioxidants and other natural products you can take as well. None of these have the side effects that NSAIDs have.
As soon as you become pregnant or even before, consult your naturopathic or medical doctor about the benefits and risks of every pharmaceutical drug you take.
Posted in Latest Research
By Village Health Clinic Doctors on October 28, 2011
Are you planning on getting pregnant? If you are, consider the benefits of folic acid supplementation before you get pregnant. The evidence for the protective effects of taking folic acid against birth defects involving the spinal cord (neural tube defects) is well established. However, there may even be additional benefits to folic supplementation beyond birth defects.
In a large study in Norway, where they do not fortify foods with folic acid, 39,000 mothers and infants were followed for folic acid supplementation and language development, specifically delays in language. Language delay was defined as limitation to speaking single words, or less, at age 3 years.
This study found that women who supplemented with folic acid starting 4 weeks before and 8 weeks into their pregnancy had children with a much less likelihood of experiencing language delay compared to children whose mothers did not supplement.
This study stresses the importance of folic acid supplementation even before pregnancy. Folic acid plays a vital role in nervous system development in the fetus starting shortly after the baby is conceived. This is often a time period when many mothers do not suspect that they are pregnant and delay starting their prenatal or folic acid supplement until their pregnancy is confirmed. Potentially, the fetus’s nervous system is left to develop for this time period without this vital nutrient.
To learn more about preconception nutritional and dietary factors, and to develop a nutritional and dietary plan to optimize the mothers and infant’s health, please schedule a consultation with a Village Health Clinic Doctor by contacting us at 640-575-7275!
Posted in Latest Research
By Village Health Clinic Doctors on October 17, 2011
Nasal discharge, congestion and itching of the eyes and nose (hay fever) affects about one quarter of people in the western world. Treatments consist of avoiding or limiting exposure to the suspected allergens (pollens, dust mites, cat dander, mold spores), medications (antihistamines), and allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy). These treatments are often inconvenient, poorly tolerated and invasive. We now have an effective alternative.
A recent European study involving 633 patients that were treated for 3 years with either placebo or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SLIT involves taking oral drops of the diluted allergen on a daily basis. The treatments were started 2 to 4 months prior to pollen season. There was improvement in symptom scores within the first season and those improvements continued to increase at year three.
Posted in Latest Research
By Village Health Clinic Doctors on October 11, 2011
Dr. Brian Gluvic will be speaking about “How to Get Children to Eat a Healthy Diet” at the Tri-City Health Day. He will discuss the current epidemic of childhood obesity and diabetes and its contributing dietary factors. The components of a healthy diet for children will be presented along with strategies to improve children’s dietary intake of healthy foods.
Date: Saturday, October 15th at 2:40 until 3:45
Location: Coquitlam Public Library Poirier Branch, 575 Poirier Street
Registration: please visit http://www.amberheart.net/healthfair.html
Cost: Free (please register as space is limited)
Posted in News & Events
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