Getting an X-ray? You need Vitamin C

I was recently at the dentist and given the option of having my teeth radiographed.  Although I visit the dentist annually, I do not always get my teeth radiographed for the simple fact that x-rays and gamma rays are known human carcinogens (cancer-causing agents).  You have the option of asking your dentist to X-ray your teeth every other year or perhaps as little as every 5 years.  Luckily, my dentist is very understanding when it comes to my concerns and, since I have never had a cavity under his care, is happy to space out my X-rays.

So, do X-rays cause cancer?  The American Cancer Society (at www.cancer.org) quotes on their website:

Yes. X-rays and gamma rays are known human carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). The evidence for this comes from many different sources, including studies of atomic bomb survivors in Japan, people exposed during the Chernobyl nuclear accident, people treated with high doses of radiation for cancer and other conditions, and people exposed to high levels of radiation at work, such as uranium miners.

 ....

Still, most scientists and regulatory agencies agree that even small doses of gamma and x-radiation increase cancer risk, although by a very small amount. In general, the risk of cancer from radiation exposure increases as the dose of radiation increases. Likewise, the lower the exposure is, the smaller the increase in risk. But there is no threshold below which this kind of radiation is thought to be totally safe.

What can we do to protect ourselves?  Other than spacing out voluntary exposure to X-rays, we can take vitamin C everyday.  A study from the Journal of Research Comminications in Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology [PMID:9029674] showed that mice, when given a diet high in vitamin C, were able to mitigate any free radical damage caused by the X-ray both in the initial stages of radical scavenging but also in the cellular redox processes.  This means that having high levels of vitamin C in the body can help protect you against both acute X-ray assault as well as long lasting oxidative stress.

Some dietary sources of vitamin C (in order of highest content to lowest)

• Red bell peppers
• Guavas (note: you may want to avoid this if you have Type 2 Diabetes due to its high sugar content)
• Kale
• Kiwi
• Broccoli
• Strawberries
• Oranges
• Tomatoes (cooked)
• Papaya (note: you may want to avoid this if you have Type 2 Diabetes due to its high sugar content)

What about taking a Vitamin C supplement?

Due to modern day farming practices and longer food storage times, the vitamin C content was a lot higher in an orange picked in the 1950s compared to an orange picked in 2014.  With this being said, many people find it necessary to supplement their diets with vitamins and minerals.  When it comes to vitamin C, I'm happy to report that any brand will do.  The reason behind this is that ascorbic acid (the molecular name for vitamin C) is incredibly easy to compound, thus making it inexpensive for many companies to make.  Therefore, it's ok to buy this brand from any supplement company, not just a professional brand.  The only time I would look into buying vitamin C from a professional brand is if you have many food allergies or sensitivities, as generally only the professional brands ensure they make their products gluten, dairy, soy, corn and egg free.

If you are unsure about dosing, ask your Naturopathic Doctor or an Integrative Medical Doctor.  Click here to find a list of practitioners of Integrative MDs and NDs in Canada.

Yours in health,
Jasmine

Reversing Diabetes: How You Can Protect Yourself

I've finally finished my clinical component on the journey to becoming an ND and am preparing to write a very large, 3 day examination called NPLEX that will allow me to practice as an ND in North America (also known as, the "final step").

As I study, I also listen to informative podcasts and would like to share a recent find: The Reversing Diabetes Summit 2014, which can be accessed by typing the following into your search bar: http://thediabetessummit.com/

Although this conference talks about all interventions that pertain to Diabetes Mellitus, all the experts agree that the best prevention includes dietary and lifestyle changes.  Some simple dietary approaches that NDs use are diets that follow a low glycemic load and maximize foods that are high in fiber and rich in micronutrients (think vegetables, vegetables, vegetables).

Some of my favourite things to do on a daily basis to prevent diabetes and optimize health?

• sprinkle 2 tbsp of ground flaxseed on your salad or in your Magical Morning Smoothie
• eat 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen berries 
• eat 1 square of 70% or above dark chocolate
• eat at least 1 serving of fermented food (organic kefir, organic goats milk yogurt, unpasteurized sauerkraut, miso soup, kimchi, sugar-free kombucha tea) 
• add garlic and fresh ginger to your cooking
• aim for 5 servings of vegetables (a serving is the size of your fist)

In terms of nutraceutical and herbal interventions, there are a number of vitamins and herbs that are extremely helpful to reverse and prevent diabetes and working with a Naturopathic Doctor or an Integrative Medical Doctor to assess your individual nutritional needs is best.  Click here to find a list of practitioners of Integrative MDs and NDs in Canada. 

Best Advice Ever

Have a healthy day!
Jasmine

Resources for Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Fibromyalgia effects 6% of the total Canadian population.  Since Heart Disease only effects 3%, you can appreciate how many people that actually is.  It's estimated that people know at least one person that suffers from the disease characterized by chronic pain and, unfortunately, that number is steadily increasing.

As an intern on the Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis shift at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic that is supervised by Louise McCrindle, ND, I am fortunate enough to learn effective techniques to deal with this painful and debilitating condition.  Louise McCrindle worked with Dr. Alison Bested, an expert in the field, and they wrote an incredible book that is bringing relief to thousands of suffering individuals across North America.  Not surprisingly, diet seems to have an enormous impact on the presentation of symptoms associated with this illness and they have included recipes that are easy to prepare but still manage to be tasty.

If you know someone with either of these conditions, send them the name of this book so they can start living a better quality of life.

 Have a wonderful, pain-free day!

Invite Gratitude Into Your Life

This is a great video to watch every morning before you start your day because living in gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

Enjoy

Happy Love Day!

I'm kind of a romantic.  So is F. Scott Fitzgerald.  We both wish you a Happy Valentine.

A day dedicated to reminding your family and friends about how much you love them is kind of awesome, so take full advantage of it!

Valentine's Day

I have this one friend who is hilarious.  A few years ago, she was working as a server for Valentine's Day and she had the following conversation with her boyfriend.

Her: "And all night they were playing that sappy love trumpet."

Him: "You mean the saxophone?" 

Happy (early) Valentine's Day to you all!  Hug a stranger and spread the love.