During the winter months, the phone rings constantly with people who have “the flu”. Except…they don’t. Do you know the difference between having a cold and having the flu?

The common cold (and boy is it common) develops gradually over several days and can start with a scratchy throat, sneezing and sniffles leading to congestion. Any fever present is mild (in adults). Coughing is generally hacking and can be moist due to congestion.

On the other hand, influenza often starts rather suddenly with fever (usually greater than 101 degrees F and lasting 3-4 days), headache and all over body aches (myalgia).  People with the flu are often exhausted or fatigued. Coughing is usually dry and hacking and can last days or weeks after all other flu symptoms have passed.

Influenza or “the flu” is more of a systemic illness, meaning it affects your entire body, whereas a cold generally just affects the upper body. You can sometimes get a stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat with the flu, but it’s much more common with colds. The flu is more serious because it can lead to other problems, like pneumonia in susceptible adults and young children.

Influenza is caused by a virus. In general, viral illnesses will run their course without a trip to the doctor. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses, so all your doctor can recommend to help you are pain medications, cough suppressants or an anti-pyretic (fever reducers). All of these are available without a prescription from your local drug store to help you deal with flu symptoms.

If you are suffering from cold or flu symptoms, you should also schedule a visit to your naturopath. Naturopathic care can treat the virus directly, and boost your body’s ability to fight the invaders. That’s why regular naturopathic care can reduce the frequency with which you get sick. When your body’s immune system is in peak condition, it can fight off minor intruders with ease.

Book an appointment with our naturopath to learn how you can help prevent and shorten the duration of colds and flus.

800 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 220 Gesund 638 Church Street Toronto, ON M4Y 2G3 (416) 913-5170 gesund - Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Toronto

Massage helps relieve pain in damaged muscles by sending anti-inflammation messages to muscle cells, Canadian researchers have found. For more information follow the link:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/02/01/massage-muscle-repair.html

800 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 220 Gesund 638 Church Street Toronto, ON M4Y 2G3 (416) 913-5170 gesund - Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Toronto

Artificial sweeteners especially aspartame has gotten a bad rap over the years, most likely due to studies showing they cause cancer. But not to worry Ajinomoto the company that makes Aspartame has changed the name to AminoSweet. It has the same toxic ingredients but a nice new sounding name. And if you or your child happens to be allergic to Aspartame, well don’t take it personally it’s just business.

Despite the evidence gained over the years showing that aspartame is a dangerous toxin, it has remained on the global market . It continues to gain approval for use in new types of food despite evidence showing that it causes neurological brain damage, cancerous tumors, and endocrine disruption, among other things.

To learn more follow this link:

http://healthfreedoms.org/2010/02/15/aspartame-has-been-renamed-and-is-now-being-marketed-as-a-natural-sweetener/

800 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 220 Gesund 638 Church Street Toronto, ON M4Y 2G3 (416) 913-5170 gesund - Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Toronto

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has just completed a detailed review of more than 7,000 clinical studies covering links between diet and cancer. Its conclusion is rocking the health world with startling bluntness: Processed meats are too dangerous for human consumption. Consumers should stop buying and eating all processed meat products for the rest of their lives.

For more information follow this link

http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com/2007/12/processed-meats-declared-too-dangerous-for-human-consumption/

800 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 220 Gesund 638 Church Street Toronto, ON M4Y 2G3 (416) 913-5170 gesund - Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Toronto

The results are in from a 30-year side-by-side trial of conventional and organic farming methods at Pennsylvania’s Rodale Institute. Contrary to conventional wisdom, organic farming outperformed conventional farming in every measure.

There are about 1,500 organic farmers in Saskatchewan, at last count. They eschew the synthetic fertilizers and toxic sprays that are the mainstay of conventional farms. Study after study indicates the conventional thinking on farming – that we have to tolerate toxic chemicals because organic farming can’t feed the world – is wrong.

800 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 220 Gesund 638 Church Street Toronto, ON M4Y 2G3 (416) 913-5170 gesund - Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Toronto

Custom orthotics are corrective devices made to assist a foot that fails biomechanically, to function normally. Orthotics are made to control abnormal foot function, re-establish proper weight distribution and improve overall biomechanics. Everyone can benefit from orthotic inserts or orthotic footwear.

For more information on orthotics click here.

800 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 220 Gesund 638 Church Street Toronto, ON M4Y 2G3 (416) 913-5170 gesund - Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Toronto

Please join us in welcoming  Andrei Iliescu, RMT to gesund.  Andrei is a graduate of Centennial college and has experience in a variety of massage techniques as well as a background in physical fitness.

Andrei is available Tuesdays 8am-3pm and Saturdays 10am-6pm.

You can read Andrei’s full bio by clicking here

800 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 220 Gesund 638 Church Street Toronto, ON M4Y 2G3 (416) 913-5170 gesund - Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Toronto

(New July 2011) – By popular request gesund now has Massage Therapy appointments at 8 am on Tuesdays with Andrei Iliscu, RMT and Thursdays with Amanda Bradley, RMT.

Why not get your day off to a good start with a massage? For you convenience you can book online.

800 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 220 Gesund 638 Church Street Toronto, ON M4Y 2G3 (416) 913-5170 gesund - Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Toronto

by: Klaus Ferlow

Were you aware that the cosmetics industry in North America is big business with over $35-40 billion is sales each year? But do you really know what the ingredients are in these products? Even if listed on the product label…do you understand for example what sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, mineral oil mean? It would seem only a chemist would understand their purpose. Further the “flowery” and often misleading language of cosmetics advertising tells you very little about the actual effectiveness. It seems that a large percentage of the population is suffering adverse consequences when using cosmetic products containing many harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients.

The purpose of this article is to offer alternative methods of caring for your hair and skin. I am actively involved in the manufacture of truly natural herbal creams, lotions, shampoos and sprays with premium quality botanical herbal extracts which are certified organic, organic, or wild-crafted without synthetics, artificial colour, scents or preservatives. I will inform you of the various chemicals by name, where they come from, and what they can do to your skin and hair. Be aware that there are over 1000 chemicals available for use in cosmetics, according to The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health many are toxic and are dangerous to your health and well-being.

Large corporations in the personal-care industry are interested in the promotion and profit potential of their products, not your health. They are selling an image, not necessarily a safe and effective product. The consumer is overwhelmed by all the claims made promoting their products as “New & Improved” or “All Natural.” Many of the so-called new and improved products are old formulas in flashy new packaging designed to appeal to today’s consumer, and natural may refer to one small part of the ingredient list. All these claims do is up the price, not the quality.

Companies selling personal care products hide controversial or dangerous ingredients under the label of “trade secrets”. Because of intense competition in the industry, if a company believes it uses an ingredient that is relatively new to the industry or makes their product unique, it can petition the in Canada the HPB (Health Protection Branch)or in the U.S. the FDA to prevent disclosure of that ingredient by granting trade secret status. This spells delight for the company and disaster for you!

Brand name cosmetics companies have developed a large profitable industry selling products that imply non-existing and impossible virtues and cures! Every cosmetic product on the market is formulated for a shelf life of over three years; therefore it contains a large amount of preservatives (usually four synthetic parabens) to prevent spoilage. These preservatives are cellular toxins; this is how they kill microbes. They penetrate the skin and have been shown to cause allergic reactions and dermatitis. Over 90% of all ingredients in commercially available cosmetic products are of synthetic origin many with associated health risks.

In North America literally thousands of people suffer from adverse effects when using cosmetic products and most people don’t associate the burning, reddening, pimples or rashes with a cosmetic product they are using. If a person does identifies a problem he/she simply discontinues its use, but seldom reports it to the HPB (Health Protection Branch – Canada) or FDA (Food and Drug Administration – USA). Moreover, some chemicals used in cosmetics may not cause signs of toxicity on the skin, but rather contain potent systemic toxins that may have serious internal complications.

A list of cosmetic chemicals that have caused adverse effects was first published for the general public in the book “Health Risks in Today’s Cosmetics”. This book contains the surprising results of a survey of an estimated 20,000 different off-the-shelf cosmetic products for sale in the U.S. Over 80% of the products surveyed contained one or more ingredients that have caused documented adverse reactions in humans and animals. The book advises carefully reading the ingredient label of all products, comparing them against a list of reportedly harmful ingredients or contaminants. Only if consumers do just that, will products that contain harmful substances eventually disappear from the marketplace.

As parents we put a lot of effort into protecting our children from the dangers outside, what you may not realize is the dangers in your home are just as likely to harm your children as anything outside. Products that your children use every day may contain ingredients that studies have linked to cancer, blindness, and even death. One of the most widespread of these chemicals is SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) used as a thickener or to create a rich lather. Manufacturers primarily use it because it is inexpensive and readily available. Some products that can contain SLS are: shampoo, soap, toothpaste and lotions. SLS has been shown to irritate the skin of the face with prolonged and constant exposure and was found to cause a significantly high frequency of aphthous ulcers (canker sores).

You are probably aware that your children’s toothpaste contains FLUORIDE because that’s what dentists have recommended for years to prevent cavities. However, most toothpaste contains enough fluoride in four ounces to kill a small child! Why do we need fluoride anyway? In 1990 a study stated that fluoride has been shown to NOT reduce cavities and now scientists are linking fluoride to dental deformity, arthritis, allergic reactions and about 10,000 unnecessary deaths each year from cancer. Fluoride can corrode the tooth enamel and research indicates that it can lead to Crohn’s disease when toothpaste is swallowed.

Some women experience rashes, eczema, and/or acne from using cosmetics loaded with synthetic ingredients. To make matters worse the same irritating ingredient is in the product they use to try to alleviate the problem but they are actually making it worse! When young women start using makeup – many really overdo it and the synthetics in the products are absorbed into their skin drying the skin and changing the pH level. This sets them up for a lifetime of problems. Certain preservatives, artificial fragrances, colours and mineral oils have been linked to itchy rashes, skin damage, and asthma-like symptoms. The origin of a significant portion of dermatological complaints can be traced back to a chemical or non-natural substance applied to the skin.

Most of us use shampoo on our hair anywhere from a weekly to daily basis. Complaints about irritation from shampoo are among the most frequent made to the HPB/FDA and to manufacturers. Complaints often include scalp irritation, hair loss, eye irritation, and severe hair damage. The vast majority of commercially available shampoos are loaded with chemicals that are hazardous to your skin and health! Scientific studies have proven that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) damages protein formation in the eyes and retards the healing process. Kenneth Gree, PH.D., D.Sc. of the Medical College of Georgia warns that eyes affected by SLS take five times as long to heal. SLS can lead to cataract formation and eventually blindness, not only from direct eye contact but also long term skin absorption. It is interesting to note that many varieties of shampoo designed to treat dandruff and flaky scalp conditions contain COAL TAR. However, you won’t find it on the label, it is listed as FD&C or D&C colour.

Recently I checked some of the large chain and drug stores and was amazed that approximately 60-70% of the lotions, creams, shampoos and conditioners had no ingredients listing. The remaining products which did have an ingredient list contained many synthetics and chemicals.

There are alternatives available! Consumers can purchase toxin free natural herbal products. There is a wealth of information and practical knowledge available about NATURAL products which have been used for thousands of years starting with aboriginal and native peoples.

Klaus Ferlow, life-long herbalist, innovator, lecturer, researcher and writer, is the founder and co-owner of FERLOW BOTANICALS in Vancouver Canada, a Canadian owned and operated family business manufacturing and distributing toxin free natural medicinal herbal and personal care products since 1993.

800 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 220 Gesund 638 Church Street Toronto, ON M4Y 2G3 (416) 913-5170 gesund - Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Toronto

The last thing that anyone thinks about in the summer is getting a cold. But, cold viruses don’t know a season so you can still be the victim of one when the weather gets warm. Here are some ways to naturally treat them.

A sniffle or cough can be bothersome in the summertime. The first thought is that it is allergic rhinitis. Consulting a doctor can help you determine if you are suffering from allergies or if you have been bitten by the cold bug. Treatment is different so you want to be sure that you are fighting back in the right way.

What Are the Symptoms of a Summer Cold or Flu?

The symptoms are very similar for a winter cold or flu. You may present with a stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing and/or chest congestion. With the flu, there is also the addition of a possible fever, fatigue and a general malaise that can go on for days.

Before you reach for medicine, try using natural remedies first. For one thing, viruses have no cure. What you are treating are the symptoms and not the disease itself. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses and overuse of them can lower their efficacy.

Treatments

A cold and the flu will resolve itself in several days or a week or two. Treatment options can reduce the severity of the symptoms and the duration of the condition. Boosting the immunity can help also, and helps prevent future colds and flu symptoms.

• Neti pot – Nasal congestion can lead to sore throat and sleepless nights. Using the warm water can wash out bacteria from the nasal passages and help shrink swollen membranes.
• Humidifier – Dry air can make a dry and itchy nose worse. Adding moisture to the air can reduce your cold symptoms. Try a cool mist humidifier.
• Herbal remedies – There are over-the-counter remedies like Zicam and Airborne that contain zinc, Echinacea and vitamin C to help boost your immunity. Take them when you are exposed to cold viruses at work or at home to help you to avoid contracting a cold. Some are used at the first sign of a cold to reduce the duration.
• Wash your hands often – The first line of defense against disease is hand washing. It can reduce germs on your hands that can be transmitted to mucus membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth.
• Rest – Most of us continue to work at present levels when we get sick. Rest like sleep gives the body a chance to recharge and repair itself. Allow yourself a couple more hours to sleep and take breaks during your day to avoid overexertion which can make your symptoms feel worse.

Have you been bitten by the cold bug? There are some ways that you can naturally help yourself to feel better.

800 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 220 Gesund 638 Church Street Toronto, ON M4Y 2G3 (416) 913-5170 gesund - Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Toronto

Some of us are born with a problem called lactose intolerance. It means that we have a tough time eating dairy products. If your child has been diagnosed, here are some ways that they can still enjoy delicious meals.

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance means that the body displays a negative reaction to the sugar lactose. Lactose is found in milk and other dairy products like cheese and yogurt. Because the body lacks the enzymes to break it down, it has to be eliminated. The experience of this can be quite uncomfortable.

Those who are lactose intolerant often find out after repeatedly eating dairy products and suffering the ill effects. This includes diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, bloating and gas. It can occur anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours after eating a dairy product.

If you’ve ever thought about it, this can eliminate a lot of foods from your dietary list. It also means reading a lot of food labels to see what contains any form of dairy and what does not. For children, this can mean watching their friends enjoy pizza and knowing that they can’t have any or it will make them feel really bad.

Healthy Delicious Dinners

But, there is another way. Kids can enjoy some of the same foods that their friends eat but without the lactose sugar that can make them feel sick. It takes a bit of creative thinking, but it will be beneficial to your child and the entire family.

Other members of the family need to watch what they buy when there is a lactose intolerant child in the house. Any dairy products need to be clearly labeled so the child doesn’t eat them.

This is also an opportunity to get your kids involved in cooking in the kitchen. You are not only having fun but showing them how to create meals that they love that won’t hurt them.

Here are some ideas for lactose-free dinner meals.

• Macaroni and cheese – Who doesn’t love Mac and Cheese? Instead of using regular milk to make the cheese sauce, try plain soy milk. There is a product on the market called nutritional yeast. It has a nutty flavor and the consistency of a powder, and can be used as a kind of thickener for sauces instead of cheese. It can also be added to cheese substitutes for better flavor.
• Pizza – Pizza is an incredible food and your children will probably want to eat it. You can use or make your own pizza dough for the crust. Since cheese is out of the question for a topping, create a cheese sauce using soy milk and nutritional yeast. Add pizza sauce to your dough and then cover with your dairy-free cheese sauce. Top with your favorite toppings and bake.
• Lasagna – Your cheese sauce will come in handy again. There is also dairy-free ricotta cheese to add as a filler between the layers. Don’t forget to add your favorite pasta sauce and meat or vegetables to the layers of the lasagna.

Just because your kids can’t eat dairy, doesn’t mean they can’t still eat delicious foods. Try these examples above.

800 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 220 Gesund 638 Church Street Toronto, ON M4Y 2G3 (416) 913-5170 gesund - Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Toronto

We are what we eat, and that includes our children. The food and snacks they put into their bodies each day are what make up their cells and fuel their energy.  Healthy eating aimed at children is designed to increase their energy, their health and their potential for a healthy life as they grow older.

The US Department of Agriculture publishes the Food Guide Pyramid to promote healthy eating in children over six years.  This is a general guideline for daily food choices and not a strict listing.  The main emphasis is on the five major food groups and it emphasizes a decreased amount of fat, oils, sweets and salt.

Many people find the Food Pyramid helpful for standardized guidelines but others find it difficult to understand and follow.  Some theorize that this is the cause of obesity epidemic in children.  However, this is an easy explanation for a much more complex problem that involves a lack of education about the need for good nutrition, adequate exercise and a lower number of television hours for children.

Nutrition and the healthy child requires a few guidelines.  Children should eat a variety of foods.  This includes vegetables and fruits as well as nuts and seeds.  Children usually are able to eat enough processed foods filled with sugar and artificial colors and flavors.

Healthy eating aimed at children also includes balancing the foods they eat with physical activity.  School systems have declining budgets and physical education programs are being drastically slashed.  Even recess is being cut in some areas of the country.  If a child doesn’t participate in a school sport then it’s likely they’ll go from sitting at their school desk all day to sitting and studying and then in front of the television at night.

Nutrition and the healthy child means that parents help to chose a diet that has enough whole wheat grains, vegetables and fruit.  This should be the basis of the foods that they eat.  The majority of their food should consist of those three food groups. And it should be low in fats, saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol.

Sugar is a favorite food group of both children and adults but eaten in moderate to large amounts it can do damage to your health, immune system and weight.  Because sugar and salt is a favorite of children and adults – and because children require good role models in the home – both children and adults should refrain from over eating from these foods.

A healthy child also requires the minerals and vitamins that their growing bodies need – such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and complete proteins.   Another aspect of using the Food Pyramid to judge healthy eating aimed at children is that the serving sizes may be confusing.  A serving of meat is actually 1-2 ounces so with a ¼ pound hamburger they’ve eating 2-3 servings of meat in one meal.

800 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 220 Gesund 638 Church Street Toronto, ON M4Y 2G3 (416) 913-5170 gesund - Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Toronto