Dr. Elizabeth Stimson - Naturopathic Doctor Victoria BC

08/17/2020

09/19/2019

It is that time of year again. The weather is slowly getting cooler, fall is approaching and so is cold and flu season. It is time to boost your immune system to help you navigate safely through to spring with minimal down time. Today I am going to talk about probiotics (good bacteria that help us get and stay healthy). Many people don’t realize how important they are to all forms of life. The benefits are great and they have a huge impact on your immune system. Taking probiotics can also help bowel function and related illness, improve mental health, help to maximize athletic performance and have an impact on your skin to name a few. Plants even rely on essential microorganisms or EM (plant probiotics) to do well. It is amazing to see a plant that was not thriving for most of the summer practically double in size in just a few days, producing new foliage and continue to do well after some EM was given to it. I am talking about people not plants here but the above result with my plants is an amazing example of the power of probiotics.
I prefer to use human micro flora (HMF) as it is more compatible with our bodies vs those derived from cow or goat flora. There are many strains of probiotics available, a familiar one being Lactobacillis acidophilus. What probiotic and the various strain combinations you use depends on whether you are just supporting gut health and immune system or you are trying to achieve something in particular, healing skin, mental health or improving athletic performance for example. As there are many choices it is a good idea to talk to your Naturopathic Doctor for recommendations.

Here is an article that explains some of the benefits of probiotics. Please note: I am not endorsing the specific probiotics or supplements recommended in this article.

https://chopra.com/articles/5-health-benefits-of-probiotics

In health

Dr Stimson

Probiotics may sound a little scary, but they’re just a type of microorganism that provides health benefits! There are good reasons to be sure your diet includes them, and it may be easier than you think.

06/18/2019

Motivation to keep going in new life goals can be a challenge, especially if it is something you find difficult. It doesn't matter if it is sticking to a particular diet or to an exercise routine or studying for an exam -- having a buddy, a coach or teacher to keep you going is a big part of any successful journey. With summer just around the corner, setting fitness, dietary and healthy living goals is often easier than in the winter months...here are a few good reasons to get and stay motivated on your health journey. https://www.mountaintrek.com/top-7-reasons-work-friend/

03/02/2019

I am reposting this seed cycling article as seeds are such an easy addition to your day and it is so important to have balanced hormones. The seeds will also provide some essential fats and protein. Menopausal women can cycle on and off the estrogen and progesterone phases 2 weeks on one then change to the other. Menopausal women and those with an irregular cycle may find it helpful to use the moon to start and switch your seeds. Start estrogen seeds on new moon for 14 days change to the progesterone supportive seeds on day 15 (the full moon). Also there are 2 recipes to check out for seed crackers that support hormone balance using seeds. One recipe suggests using an oven at 120 to 150 degrees F (or your ovens lowest temp) and keep oven door cracked open slightly with a metal utensil for best results and temperature control...alternatively you can use a dehydrator if you like set at 115 degrees F for 8 hours. Don’t forget to read directions for the crackers and allow time (12 hours) for the seeds to soak prior to dehydrating

Enjoy!

https://theherbalacademy.com/seed-cycling-for-hormonal-balance/

http://www.bridgitdanner.com/womens-wellness-blog/estrogen-crackers

http://www.bridgitdanner.com/womens-wellness-blog/2016/6/15/seed-cycling-challenge-progesterone-boosting-recipe

We build nutritional support through seed cycling, using different seeds to provide our bodies with the raw elements it needs to maintain hormonal balance.

01/05/2019

Happy New Year!
It's a brand new fabulous year! It is the time when all things start fresh. A time for you to forget past failings, to set yourself a goal or two and and get back on track. For many it is a time to start a fitness routine. For others it is a time to just start moving in anyway you can - A walk around the block, Tai Chi, Qi gong or yoga. Whether you are an avid runner or cyclist or currently just thinking about whether you can go for that walk around the block or two or even get out of bed in the morning, one of the things that can hinder our progress is motivation. It is hard even for the exercise enthusiast to get up and get moving some days. What keeps them going and how can you do it? A few ideas are: start slow especially if you haven't exercised for a while. Reward yourself for the effort you made and taking the first steps towards a healthier you. Ensure your goals are realistic and doable in the time frame you have to achieve them. Buddy up so you have someone to make you accountable and schedule in your fitness time. For those already doing a fitness routine set yourself a goal and sign up to run a 10K or a "tri it" triathalon (novice) or the like to help keep you on task.

Here's to you!!

https://www.verywellfit.com/fitness-motivation-4157145

Keeping up with exercise requires discipline, commitment, and motivation, but it's normal for motivation to come and go. Use the tips here to keep going with your routine and stay driven.

12/28/2018

11/28/2018

Just because it is that time of year...a few suggestions to fight off colds and flu.

https://blog.metagenicscanada.com/post/2018/10/30/9-healthy-habits-to-keep-cold-flu-at-bay/

General Wellness, Immune Health 9 Healthy Habits to Keep Cold & Flu at Bay This post is also available in: French Simple, Healthy Habits You Can Start Today It’s still that time of year: cold weather, cozy nights, hot cocoa…and the dreaded seasonal plague. Okay, maybe it’s not the plague, but ...

10/20/2018

It's the time of year when the weather is unpredictable. Sometimes the body has a hard time adjusting to the shift between warm days and cold days. In order to help the body with this change in the seasons it is a good idea to make up some change of season soup. You use 4 Chinese herbs (60 g of each herb: Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis Pilosula, Dioscorea sinensis and Lyciium barbarum (gogi berries)) and boil them (glass pot preferred) in 2 to 4L of water for 2-4 hours. You can drink the soup like a tea (1 cup of the soup daily for 2 weeks at the beginning of the season change). Children 2-10 years old can drink it too but cut the dose in half (drinking 1/2 a cup daily for 1 week). A tasty alternative would be to make a soup with chicken and vegetables and the above herbs. You can buy Chinese herbs at a Chinese herbal dispensary such as K & A herbs on Fisgard Street in Victoria, BC.
Here is one recipe that uses these herbs and is loaded with other goodness to help you fight colds and flus this winter.
https://traditionalroots.org/build-your-immune-power-with-change-of-season-soup/

Stay healthy and enjoy!!

By Dr. Mahalia Freed This herbal formula is a great harmonizer, helping to balance the body and mind in times of stress, especially during the change of seasons. It enhances the immune system and increases the body’s own adaptive energies. Thus, it is also excellent for those involved in active sp...

08/10/2018

This little splash of refreshment is a favorite around our house! Berry ice tea is a cool inexpensive sip for those big and small.
While there are many herbal teas to choose from, my favorite combination is "Black Cherry Berry" mixed with "Wild Berry Zinger" or "True Blueberry" (Celestial Seasonings). Use four bags per tea pot (two bags of each) and pour on boiling water. Let is sit for a couple of hours to bring out the fabulous berry flavors and cool. Then pour it over ice and enjoy! It makes a great substitute for the sugary beverages you find out on the market (Koolaid, juice etc...).
Happy summer!

07/31/2018

I love the heat of summer, however, many people have found it a little too hot lately. Here are some suggestions to help you stay cool and comfy this summer.
https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/23-ways-to-beat-heat

Baby, it's hot outside―and inside, too. Here, no-sweat ways to cool off.

06/21/2018

It is the first day of Summer! Here is a nice light recipe I found that checks all the boxes for a warm summer night dinner. It is originally meant to be an appetizer using large prawns. I would serve it over some mixed greens (arugula and baby kale are nice) and perhaps add some chunks of avocado. You could probably use the marinade on white fish instead of prawns to switch it up a bit. This and a nice glass of Kombucha...yum!

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/grilled-shrimp-with-mango-lime-and-radish-salsa-recipe-1942436

Enjoy!

Get Grilled Shrimp with Mango, Lime and Radish Salsa Recipe from Food Network

06/19/2018

The first day of Summer is just around the corner...this Thursday in fact (June 21). I am always amazed at how fast the year goes by but am very happy when summer arrives every year. Here are a few great things about summer:

http://superheroyou.com/health-summer/

Try to focus on getting out there moving in this fabulous weather and also adding more greens and healthy foods to your diet.

Enjoy!

It’s almost summer, which is an exciting statement for most people. But did you know that the season can be good for your health too? Here are 8 reasons why. 1. It’s easier to eat healthier. When it’s cold out, we crave comfort foods – especially on holidays like Thanksgiving. But there are ...

05/15/2018

This is a very cool product. Helps get plastic out of our lives and biodegradable. Check this food wrap out at:

https://www.shopetee.com/pages/about-etee

They also have a great product video here:

https://www.shopetee.com/

The day I landed in a massive pile of plastic garbage - kayaking my favourite local river - is the day etee was born... most plastic is thrown out after one use, only 6% is recycled and plastic doesn’t decompose or biodegrade, it just becomes smaller and smaller plastic particles.

05/14/2018

The BCNA had a contest going on for Naturopathic medicine week. Find out details here:

http://www.bcna.ca/daily-contests-naturopathic-medicine-week-2018/

05/09/2018

Did you know that I offer a free 15 minute consultation. For Naturopathic Medicine week I can also take your a blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rate during this visit. You can book your complementary appointment here:
https://drstimson.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php

For more information about me and my practice please go to my website:
http://www.interactiveflexmassage.ca/wp/dr-elizabeth-stimson-nd/

05/09/2018

Next week is Naturopathic Medicine week. Naturopathic Doctors all over the country are making themselves available to answer the questions you may have about Naturopathic Medicine. Take this time to find out more about how a Naturopathic Doctor can help you reach your health and wellness goals.

04/25/2018

Dr. Elizabeth Stimson - Naturopathic Doctor Victoria BC
With the warmer weather here on the West coast, many of you are starting to eat more fruits and veggies. Here is the 2018 list of produce that has high pesticide residues (Dirty Dozen). This list is published every year by this organization. It is a good idea to buy organic for those foods on the Dirty Dozen list. The Clean 15 is a list of produce with minimal or no pesticide residue found in conventional produce.
Happy Munching!

https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php

https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php

Check out EWG's Dirty Dozen list to help decide when you should splurge for organic produce – part of our annual Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™

03/30/2018

I like the idea of this filling for Easter treats, however I would consider cutting back the maple syrup and use a good quality dark chocolate dip or stuff a chocolate shell egg ( like the one in previous post ) instead of the white chocolate. Add minimal sprinkles or sugary decorations.

https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/vegan-gluten-free-rice-krispies-easter-eggs/

These Vegan Gluten Free Rice Krispies Easter Eggs are coated in a Homemade Vegan White Chocolate that is easy for the whole family to decorate with different colours, sprinkles and candies!

03/30/2018

Here is a funny little video with some great alternatives to the sugar laden treats on the market...if you have the time to get them made before Easter. I believe they emphasize good quality chocolate.
Enjoy!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9FRZDxUbdBA

Here is the recipe for three of our favourite chocolate eggs - Bounty Egg, Caramel Egg and the ultimate Creme Egg! They are gluten free, dairy free and a sup...

03/17/2018

Hooray! Spring is just around the corner. It is hard to believe that winter is pretty much behind us here on the West coast of Canada. Today I am enjoying a beautiful sunny day and it is 9° C outside. This weather is ideal to go for a walk, run, hike or bike ride, or head outside and spend some peaceful time doing a little gardening. All of these activities are excellent ways to distress your body and reconnect to nature and yourself. Choose things that feed your soul and help you unwind…while you are at it why not nourish your body and soul with some healthy food. Warmer weather brings on the desire for some fresh flavors and it is a good time to add a few raw foods back into your diet after a winter of warming soups and stews. Here are a few ideas of things to add to salads to make them delectable:
• Try different greens in your salads like fresh arugula or baby kale.
• Add nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower or pumpkin seeds to give it a boost of protein and essential fats.
• Sprouts are always a nice addition – bean sprouts, mixed sprouts (chickpea, lentil, radish) or broccoli sprouts are excellent and these are loaded with nutrients.
• Grated raw beets or carrots give a nice crisp liver loving sweetness to salads.
• The addition of a few juice sweetened preservative free dried cranberries, or some grilled zucchini is always a welcome treat at my house.
• Finally adding some crumbled goat’s cheese or a protein like grilled tofu, fish or chicken can make it a meal and that is the pièce de résistance.
Here’s to the sun, the warmth and the freshness of Spring…Enjoy!

03/06/2018

Turmeric is a fabulous herb. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial in many conditions. Unfortunately its active components (mainly curcumin) are not readily absorbed in humans. You can, however, add black pepper to the turmeric rich foods to increase the absorption of curcumin (2000% (1)), and eating it with fatty foods, as it is fat soluble, will also help (eg: cooking it with some oil in a curry or other dish or blending it a smoothie with avocado and other healthful foods berries, flax seeds etc…). I like to use the fresh root, which can be found in the produce section of many stores - finely grating it into smoothies or other foods. Using fresh you get all the components of the whole plant…the powder, bought in a grocery store, has been boiled and dried before grinding so it may have lost some of the healing properties. Be careful using fresh though - it will stain most things due to its rich orange color and oils. If you are dealing with yellow hands and utensils a good wash with hot soapy and water will remedy this.
Enjoy!

References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9619120
2. https://www.livestrong.com/article/512847-how-to-eat-turmeric-root/

When dried and ground up, turmeric root produces a spice commonly used in Indian and Asian cooking. The knobby, orange-yellow root can be used fresh; when thinly sliced or chopped, it adds a slight yellow tinge to foods as well as a general sense of richness. Whether eaten cooked, raw or as a powder...

02/10/2018

Here is a picture of my table at the Autism fair last weekend. It was a great event -- allowing parents to tap into resources from all over Vancouver Island. Here is a link to the guide which lists all the vendors information and contacts:

https://victoriaautismfair.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Victoria-Autism-Expo-2018-handout.pdf

Also those oh so popular de-Stress balls...Here is a link to the instructions to make them:

http://www.teenthinktank.net/uploads/9/1/5/6/91562964/how_to_make_a_balloon_stress_ball.pdf

02/10/2018

Parents often struggle to get their kids to eat vegetables. I suggest hiding healthy foods in smoothies (avocados work well and cucumbers, or kale and parsley if you have a good blender and start off with a small amount). Another way is to add them to tomato sauce...which is something I have been doing for a long time with my family. Jamie Oliver has the same idea and here is a link to his 7-veg tomato sauce:

https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/pasta-recipes/seven-veg-tomato-sauce/

Enjoy!!

Jam-packed with nutritious veg, this recipe has to be one of the easiest ways to get extra veggie portions into your diet!

01/30/2018

Here is an article explaining the benefits of CranioSacral therapy with respect to Autism Spectrum disorder.

http://massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=13656

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) has been shown to help the autistic individual find greater ease, both within themselves and in the world around them, by decreasing structural stress and strain on their central nervous system.

01/23/2018

I found this article interesting and I had listened to the CBC show when it aired. The strains of flu bugs are getting tougher to deal with every year but C. Difficile (an opportunistic bacteria)can be even tougher to deal with when it is allowed to flourish. The elderly, immune compromised, and young children are especially at risk. This article shows there may be some evidence that C. Difficile may become more virulent when exposed to trehalose a form of sugar that has now become more available to the food industry due to it's reduced price. Worth a read and perhaps avoid it in your food purchases.

http://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/how-an-oddly-large-beetle-pen*s-is-inspiring-new-medical-technology-and-more-1.4470178/this-food-additive-is-hard-to-avoid-and-could-make-hospital-superbugs-more-deadly-1.4470200

Researchers find a new reason for why C. difficile became so common and severe so quickly.

01/10/2018

This is a great time to drop by and meet us, say hello and see the office. Hope you can make it.
Dr. Stimson

12/13/2017

With Christmas coming many of you are having people over for brunch or will have relaxed mornings yourself with your cup of herbal tea over the winter break. Here is a great little recipe for gluten free muffins. I make them and they disapear quickly. There are a few options in the recipe...This is what I use: butter instead of earth balance, although I am sure coconut oil would be a good alternative, tapioca starch is my preference over potato starch, I cut down on the sugar somewhat and make sure to avoid refined white sugar, I use rice milk instead of almond milk but any milk will do here, for the mix-ins I use some gluten free oats, dried cranberries (apple juice sweetened), nuts and/or seeds (walnuts, pumpkin or sunflower seeds), and some frozen berries (blueberries or raspberries work well here)...add them as to your preference all to equal the total of 1 1/2 cups mix-ins. I do add the cinnamon and maybe a bit (2x) more than the recipe calls for.
Enjoy!
Happy Holidays!!

http://www.naturalcomfortkitchen.com/the-best-gluten-free-muffins/

Or, as Steve fondly refers to them, “love muffins”. I featured these in last week’s post on easy, meatless, make ahead breakfasts, but after taking some proper photos that finally, I think, do their perfection justice, I have to give them their own post. Now, I could milk this for about ten di...

11/04/2017

This is a great way to give your body a little nutritional and hormonal support. It is best to grind the raw seeds fresh daily in a herb/coffee grinder with a top bowl and blade (not one that passes the items to be ground through the mill). If you grind too much, you can put the extra in an airtight container and store in the fridge for a day or two. It is a good idea to have a grinder just for your seeds...don't use the same one for grinding coffee. Enjoy!

https://theherbalacademy.com/seed-cycling-for-hormonal-balance/

We build nutritional support through seed cycling, using different seeds to provide our bodies with the raw elements it needs to maintain hormonal balance.

11/02/2017

There are definately many factors that can affect your sleep. Take a look at this article and try to incorporate at least some of the suggestions into your life. Some of the tips that stand out for me include: Sleep in complete darkness; keep cell phones and electronics away from your bedside; avoid caffeine and journal before bed to clear your mind of tasks that need to be done or worrisome thoughts.

http://mammalive.net/mind-body-practices/sleep-affects-melatonin-levels/

“…the wind hums low with sweet exultation, sings its lullaby, while you sleep …” – John Geddes Sleep is vital for our longevity, our physical and emotional well-being, and is one of the most important and inexpensive treatments for health restoration. Best seller sleep-help books are … Continued