Liberation Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

Hope Grows for MS Patients

A hot issue in the MS community since last year, the Liberation Treatment was developed by Dr. Paolo Zamboni M.D., an Italian vascular specialist whose hypothesis that for some individuals with MS, symptoms may be caused by narrowing and torsion of veins that drain blood from the brain - chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency or "CCSVI" - is gaining further clinical support worldwide on a daily basis. The treatment involves surgery to restore appropriate circulation and is being provided at many clinical sites worldwide - but not yet in Canada.

Two streams of thought have developed on the etiology of MS - the conventional being the "neurological", and the emerging school being the "vascular". Physiologically, the neurological system and vascular system are intimately linked, however, research and treatment infrastructure in the MS community has been entrenched in the neurological and autoimmune aspects of the disease, and an emphasis on the vascular aspects is considered by many specialists to be an emerging theory.

Until recently, the screening test to determine whether an individual diagnosed with MS was a a candidate for the Liberation Treatment was covered by OHIP. This past week, the Ontario government's decision to recind OHIP funding for the screening test has had many MS patients and their families concerned. The surgery itself has been conducted by a Barrie physician, however, the physician was required to cease and dessist from providing the treatment on threat of a loss of license to practice medicine. Currently, in the absence of an OHIP-funded screening regime, patients may place themselves on waiting lists to undergo the screening test, which involves an ultrasound of the vasculature of the neck and upper chest, at a number of private clinics offering the test in Ontario; they no longer need to wait for a physician's referral. The direct cost to patients for the screening test is about $250. Individuals who are considered to be candidates for the Liberation Treatment must then select a treatment location outside of Canada, such as in the United States, South America, Europe, etc. and come up with funding for the surgery, post-surgical care, travel, accommodations and personal assistance on their own. Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health appear to be awaiting results from Canadians undergoing these privately paid, internationally-conducted surgeries to determine any future actions on the issue. As part of their upcoming election campaign in New Brunswick, the Conservatives have committed to establishing a $500,000 fund to support those of its 1300 to 1800 inhabitants diagnosed with MS who would undergo the Liberation Treatment (see article here). Ontario's current government has opted out of funding clinical trials for the procedure (see article here). Meanwhile, the government of Saskatchewan is providing funding for clinical trials of the Liberation Treatment for MS patients, and we look forward to reviewing their results.

For more information on Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency in MS and to participate in an active, supportive international online community (nearly 4000 members at the time of writing this post), refer to the CCSVI Locator page at http://ccsvi-ms.ning.com/

Healthy Hot Chocolate

Treats can be Tasty AND Healthy

As a naturopathic doctor, I enjoy finding ways to make favorite indulgences healthier. Here's a quick recipe I've developed for making a healthy hot chocolate that you can enjoy as a 100% guilt-free treat that also satisfies hunger.

26 grams (1 "scoop") vanilla rice protein powder* (altenative: soy would also work well)
1 tbsp organic cocoa powder**
1/4 tsp natural vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1-4 drops stevia extract (or to taste)
Boiling water

In your favorite mug, combine protein and cocao powders and mix well to eliminate any clumps. Add just enough hot water to mix the powders into a paste. Add the almond milk, vanilla extract and stevia extract and mix well. Top up your mug with hot water and stir again.

Each 1-cup serving provides:
Protein: 9.75 g, Carbohydrate: 15.25 g, Fiber: 4.75 g, Fat: 3.75 g, Calories: 115, plus an array of vitamins and minerals from the enriched protein powder.

*I like Metagenics UltraMeal (Rice) Protein powder
**Try Cocoa Camino Fair Trade, Organic 100% Cacao powder (Canadian company!) or pulverize raw cocao nibs into a powder.

Change of Seasons, Anyone?

Tips for Keeping Healthy and Avoiding Illness at the Change of Seasons

Have you ever noticed that you or your kids are more likely to get sick whenever the weather changes? Southern Ontarians are experiencing a dramatic weather change today - a sudden shift from the unrelenting sun, heat and humidity we've had all summer to brisk winds and cold rain (shivers!!). Will we enjoy a final burst of warm, summery weather from now until Thanksgiving? Time will tell, but in the mean time, this sudden change in weather is a big challenge for our immune systems and overall energy levels. This posting provides you with pointers for staying healthy today and through the seasons.

Weathering the Storm - Lessons from Traditional Chinese Medicine

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, the energy that protects us from infections, termed the "Wei Qi" or "Protective Chi", which in Western medicine can be viewed as a part of our immune system, is highly challenged by exposure to weather changes. If you've ever come in from a cold, windy day with a runny nose, achiness and stiffness in your neck and shoulders, you've experienced a compromise of your Protective Chi termed an "invasion" of external wind or cold. These early symptoms are a sign that your body needs prompt immune system support in order to prevent these "invasions" from going from bad to worse - such as a sore throat, fever, cough, headache, or sinus and lung infections.

Supporting Your Immune System - Home Care Basics

With any exposure to change in weather, especially cold, rain or wind, consider taking some of these preventive measures that you can easily do at home:

Cover up - It's scarf time! Wear comfortable layers of breathable clothing and in particular keep your neck and throat, chest, abdomen and lower back warm and covered. In TCM, these areas are considered to be most vulnerable to the attack of cold weather. Also, keep your feet warm and dry with cotton or wool socks, or slippers on bare floors.

Warm up - brew some warming drinks like ginger root and cinnamon bark teas for an anti-microbial and warming boost, or a homemade chicken broth to sip throughout the day. We all know the "plenty of fluids" rule when we feel like we're getting sick, plus, the washing-downward effect of drinking plenty of warm fluids also helps to get viruses and bacteria out of your mouth and throat where they can cause infection, and into your stomach where they can be nicely taken care of by your very own stores of hydrochloric acid.

Change it Up - Change-of-Season-Soup is a time-honored, traditional combination of Chinese herbs used to strengthen the body against potentially infections pathogens. It comes in packets of loose, dried roots and berries that when simmered for a couple of hours brews into a slightly sweet broth that can be enjoyed as a tea or used as a base for making soups and stews. Find it at your local Asian market, TCM practitioner's or Naturopathic Doctors' office. I like to make mine with organic free-range chicken, onions, garlic and other veggies thrown in, or add ginger and cinnamon if I'm going to drink it as a tea. We always keep a fresh supply of Change-of-Season-Soup in our dispensary at the Meridian Wellness Centre.

More Naturopathic Immune Support

Hot and Cold - Believe it or not, cold water can be healing to the body when used appropriately. Try alternating hot and cold showers, always ending with cold. The hot and cold alternation helps to improve the circulation and lymphatic flow, and enhances immunity over time. Ending with cold helps pump blood into your core, to keep you warm from the inside out. Tip: keep hot/warm phases 3-4 times longer than the cold ones in order to avoid getting chilled.

Let the Lymph Flow - In addition to hot and cold showers, a gentle, superficial massage over any areas of lymph node tenderness can help drain that fluid, where our immune cells are active. Try applying castor bean oil, or a bit of Tiger Balm in a carrier oil like olive or almond as a soothing boost for the massage. Also, don't be put off from your regular exercise routine. You might choose to go more gently, keeping in mind that research demonstrates that moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking) supports healthy immunity.

Rest Well - when you're feeling like you're coming down with something, it's important to take the extra time you need to rest, rejuvenate, and take care of yourself. Reschedule activities for when you're feeling back to normal. Have a relaxing epsom salts bath. Turn off the screens, keep the lights low and listen to soothing music. It's a good idea to ask your health care practitioner what extra nutrients or other treatments may be helpful at this earliest stage of illness. Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (sorry for the use of this old cliche - but it's TRUE!).

These are just a few of the many strategies available to you as you strive to keep healthy when the weather goes downhill. Speak with your Naturopathic Doctor or other health care provider for your own individualized plan.

Vaccination and Ontario Public Schools

Back-to-School Tip:

For a variety of reasons, you may have chosen not to have your child vaccinated with one or more vaccines.

If so, please know that a child can NOT legally be refused admission to an Ontario public school on the basis of lack of vaccination. The child's parent or guardian must simply complete the affidavit form available on the Ontario government's web site: http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/GetAttachDocs/014-7470-64E~1/$File/7470-64E.doc

Private schools and daycares, however, may legally refuse to register an unvaccinated child for classes.

Seaworthy Veggies

Getting Our Marine Greens

Those of us living away from the seaside can find many different types of seaweeds available in natural food stores and Asian markets. For their high nutrient value they are relatively lightweight and can be transported and stored in dried form. Great ones to try include arame, spirulina, dulse and wakame. Each seaweed will have its own unique flavor, color, texture, nutrient profile and saltiness. These varied characteristics make sea veggies a fun "food group" to add to soups, stews, rice, legume and vegetable dishes. The sodium in sea vegetables is balanced by a host of other trace minerals, including iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium and selenium, that we require for optimal health. Seaweeds also supply a good proportion of B-vitamins and folic acid, beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin K. Sea veggies are made up of about 25% carbohydrate and 25%-50% protein, with a trace amount of fats. Sea algae provide a non-fish source of the essential fatty acid, DHA (docosahexanoic acid).

Wondering how to incorporate sea vegetables into your diet? Here are a few fun ways to get your marine greens:

• Soak dried seaweeds, such as stringy arame, in water for a few minutes until they soften and plump up. Then add to cooked dishes or sweet-vinagery salads.
• Pulverize dried seaweeds in your blender by simply tearing them into smaller chunks and blending (dry) on medium to high setting. About 4-5 sheets of the typical 8"x10"-ish size sold for rolling sushi will fill a spice jar when pulverized into shakeable flakes. Shake these onto foods as a tasty garnish and a salt alternative.
  
• Mix a few teaspoons of dried sea veggies like chlorella or spirulina into your breakfast smoothie or post-workout protein shake. They give a "green" boost and go great with fresh or frozen fruit blends.
• Use sheet seaweeds as wraps for noodles, veggies, rice, beans or meats, and turn dinner leftovers into nifty next-day lunches.
  

For more sea veggie recipe ideas and info, check out my favorite healthy cookbook, "Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook" by Alissa Segersten and Tom Malterre (featured in my Book Club).

Bowel Basics 1.1: Getting Unstuck from Constipation

Constipation isn't fun.

The straining, the cramping, the frustration. For those who experience constipation, defined as the inability to comfortably pass a complete stool at least once daily, the associated feeling of general malaise, i.e. "yucky all over" will be all too familiar, and signifies the buildup of toxins in the body that aren't being eliminated normally through the stools. When the movement of waste products in the intestines slows to a halt, these toxins are then reabsorbed through the intestinal walls back into the bloodstream. That's why we can feel so ill if we get constipated: we are going through re-toxification! Headaches, nausea, irritability and fatigue are all sufferings that can result from even a few days of constipation.

Constipation + Hormonal Imbalance = Worse Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal conditions in particular are sensitive to constipation, because excess hormones and hormone-like chemicals that our bodies are trying to excrete are readily reabsorbed from the gut into the circulatory system, which allows them to access and re-stimulate hormone receptors on various types of cells.

Constipation and Hemorrhoids

Constipation is a common cause of hemorrhoids because of straining to pass stool. Hemorrhoids are dilated, sore venous blood vessels in the rectum that may protrude outside the body or may rupture and bleed.

Start with Some Basics

To help get your bowels moving regularly again, here are some simple suggestions for daily use:

• Drink 2-3 litres of water daily (sometimes this is all it takes, really!!)
  
• Consume 35-40 g of fibre daily, especially soluble fibre like from apples and oats
• Work your abdominal muscles and get cardiovascular exercise daily
  
• Relax and give yourself a time-out; the digestive system functions in a "rest and digest" state, but shuts down when "fight or flight" dominates.
  
• Avoid foods you may be sensitive to - as a starting point, try replacing cheese and meat with fibre-rich plant protein sources like lentils, beans, nuts and seeds.
• Massage castor bean oil into the abdomen in a counter-clockwise circular direction (up on the right, down on the left) once or twice daily or go to bed with your tummy coated with it.
• Get your daily dose of probiotics through yogurt, fermented foods or a supplement. If you're unsure which one suits you best, ask your ND.
  
• Try a gentle, super-affordable and easy laxative that also provides you with some omega-3 fatty acids and protein: mix 1-2 tbsp. ground raw flax seed in a glass of water; or blend into your breakfast shake or morning cereal, and always drink an extra glass of water or two to allow the gel-like laxative flax fibre to form and do its good work.

When It's Time to Seek Some Help

If you are doing all of the above on a daily basis and are still not having a normal daily bowel movements, then it's a good idea to see a naturopathic doctor or other health care professional to help determine the root cause. We may introduce acupuncture, herbal medicines, homeopathics, specific dietary recommendations and exercises into your individualized program.

Note that cathartic laxatives like senna should only be used on an occasional basis because they irritate the lining of the intestines and can also train the bowels to become dependent on the laxative - which is exactly what people with constipation don't want to happen. Stool softening-suppositories can also be effective, but again, are treating only the symptom rather than clearing away the root cause. Similarly, enemas can be used on occasion to clear out the colon, but are more labor-intensive than you'd like for daily use, and need to be followed up with appropriate probiotics to replenish what they wash out.

Helping patients get on track with healthier digestion is one of my clinical priorities as an ND. Feel free to contact me with any additional questions you may have about how naturopathic medicine can help you develop a healthier digestive system.

Bowel Basics: Introduction to the Importance of Poo

It's a fact: naturopaths talk a LOT about poo. That's because it's important! If you're seeing an ND and have attempted to leave your bowel habits out of the conversation, don't worry, - your good old ND will bring them right in.

• Frequency, urgency?

• Color, consistency, contents?

• Smell, size, shape?

• Float or sink, stick or slide, burn or itch?

You get the picture.

"But why do I have to answer all these questions about my poo?", you ask?

It's because having a clear picture of a person's bowel habits (or lack thereof) gives us really good information about how you are digesting and absorbing nutrients, (i.e. the basis of your health!) what foods you may be intolerant to, how stress may be affecting your digestive system, how your liver, pancreas, gall bladder and nervous system are functioning, what microorganisms may be out of balance, what potentially serious conditions you need to be screened for, and more.

So, we've settled that poo is important. If your stool is routinely something other than a formed, 4-8 inch-long, medium brown, slowly-sinking, minimally stinky, regular (1-3 times daily) occurrence, then see your ND and learn more about how to use your stools as a sign of your health status. IT'S TRUE!

Stay tuned for my next posting: how to get unstuck from constipation.