Ottawa Naturopath – Graham Beaton BHSc, ND – Ottawa Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Archive for category Uncategorized Archives

Upcoming Health Seminar – Prostate Health

Jan 2

Posted by Graham Beaton in Uncategorized Archives | Comments off

Description:
Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in Canadian men, accounting for approximately a quarter of all cancer diagnoses. Given that approximately 25,500 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in Canada in 2011, it has a great impact on the health of many Canadian men and their families. Please join us to learn more about prostate health, including prostate cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Topics of this seminar will include:

  • Anatomy of the prostate
  • Description of benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer
  • Risk factors for benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer
  • Assessment and diagnostic tools
  • Description of management

Presenter:
Graham Beaton BHSc, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Common Ground Collaborative Care

Date and Time:
Tuesday March 19th at 7 pm.

Registration:
To register for this free event, please contact the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group or call 613-290-6115.

Tags: , , , , ,

Upcoming Health Seminar – Arthritis and Joint Health

Jan 2

Posted by Graham Beaton in Uncategorized Archives | Comments off

Description:
Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability amongst Canadian adults. Osteoarthritis causes pain, restrictions in movement and for many sufferers, limits normal activities of daily living. If you are concerned about osteoarthritis, come and join us for this free seminar.

This seminar will explore the following:

  • Description of arthritis
  • Anatomy and biomechanics of joints
  • Methods of evaluation and diagnosis
  • Risk factors
  • Description of management

Presenter:
Graham Beaton BHSc, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Common Ground Collaborative Care

Date and Time:
Tuesday January 15th at 7 pm.

Registration:
To register for this free event, please contact the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group or call 613-290-6115.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Upcoming Health Seminar – Osteoporosis and Bone Health

Jan 2

Posted by Graham Beaton in Uncategorized Archives | Comments off

Description:
Osteoporosis is a bone disease resulting in a loss of bone mass. A significant portion of elderly Canadian adults suffer from osteoporosis, leading to increases in their risk of suffering bone fractures. Specifically, more than a third of women and one fifth of Canadian men will suffer an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime. These fractures cause significant disabilities and loss of independence. Please join us for this free seminar to learn more about osteoporosis and the risks of osteoporosis related fractures.

This seminar will focus on the following:

  • Description of osteopenia and osteoporosis
  • Methods of evaluation and diagnosis
  • Risk factors
  • Description of management

Presenter:
Graham Beaton BHSc, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Common Ground Collaborative Care

Date and Time:
Tuesday February 5th at 7 pm

Registration:
To register for this free event, please contact the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group or call 613-290-6115.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Upcoming Health Seminar – Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control

Jan 2

Posted by Graham Beaton in Uncategorized Archives | Comments off

Description:
Diabetes and impaired blood sugar control are significant health concerns affecting more than 9 million Canadians. If untreated or improperly controlled, diabetes can lead to disease of the heart, kidneys and eyes, as well as nerve damage. Come and join us for this free seminar to learn more about diabetes, diabetic health complications and treatment strategies.

Topics of this seminar will include:

  • Physiology of blood sugar control
  • Methods of evaluation and diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and high blood sugar
  • Description of management

Presenter:
Graham Beaton BHSc, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Common Ground Collaborative Care

Date and Time:
Thursday December 4th, 2014 – 7 pm

Location:
1049 Bank St, Ottawa ON

Registration:
To register for this free event, please contact the the Sunnyside branch of the Ottawa Public Library or call 613-290-6115.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Diabetes and the Brain – Increased risk of Cognitive Dysfunction and Alzheimer’s Disease

Jan 2

Posted by Graham Beaton in Uncategorized Archives | Comments off

Graham Beaton BHSc, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Diabetes is a prevalent chronic disease amongst Canadians. Currently in Canada there are approximately 1.8 million people diagnosed with diabetes. Moreover, it is expected that with demographic changes, such as an aging population and increasing obesity rates, the number of those diagnosed with diabetes in Canada will increase to 2.4 million in 20161.

Diabetes can cause damage to many organs in the body. For example, it is the leading cause of blindness, kidney failure and non trauma related amputations in Canadian adults. As well, diabetes dramatically increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, increases the risk of osteoporosis, affects thyroid function, digestive health, damages nerves and may increase the risk of depression. Additionally, diabetes appears to have an impact on the brain, increasing the risks of cognitive dysfunction (characterized by changes in memory, attention, processing speed, executive function (e.g., conceptualization, reasoning and memory tasks), and general intelligence scores), dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a group of disorders that are characterized by impaired glucose control, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. This impairment is caused by insufficient production of insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar) by the pancreas, insulin resistance, or both.

Diabetes, Cognitive Dysfunction and Dementia
Diabetes has shown to be a risk factor for changes in cognitive function and for increased risk of dementia2. While the exact mechanisms that cause cognitive dysfunction are not fully understood, there are several mechanisms that are proposed to play a role. High glucose levels cause damage to the brain, as they have toxic effects on nerve cells, causing injury. Furthermore, high glucose levels stimulate an unregulated immune response in the brain which damages nerve cells, affecting brain function3.

In addition to blood glucose levels causing damage to the brain, insulin resistance can affect cognitive function and memory. The transmission of information between nerve cells is impaired with elevated glucose levels, further affecting memory. Moreover, blood vessels in the body, including in the brain, are affected by high glucose levels, which impairs the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells in the brain, causing damage4.

While diabetes has been shown to play a role in cognitive dysfunction and dementia, an important factor that mitigates the risk is achieving proper glucose control. In fact, for diabetic patients who are able to maintain glucose control, cognitive function is typically preserved5.

Diabetes and Alzheimers’s Disease
Diabetes has also been linked with increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease6. While a full understanding of this relationship is not known, it has been shown that there are changes in glucose utilization in the brain during initial stages of Alzheimer’s disease. These changes are exacerbated in diabetics who do not have proper blood glucose control and who have insulin resistance. In these individuals, elevated glucose and insulin resistance leads to further degeneration in the brain, causing Alzheimer’s symptoms to be apparent earlier, and prompting a faster rate of cognitive decline compared to non-diabetics (or diabetics with adequate blood glucose control).

As with cognitive dysfunction, proper glucose control has been suggested to lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease7.

If you diabetic, or if you are at risk of developing diabetes, it is important that you ensure that your blood glucose levels are properly controlled. Blood glucose control will not only decrease the risk of developing cognitive deficits associated with diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, but will also help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, blindness and other diabetes complications. As a naturopathic doctor, I work with individuals who are diabetic or at risk of developing diabetes to establish individual treatment plans that are designed to improve glucose control using nutrition and physical activity.

Graham Beaton is a Naturopathic Doctor in Ottawa.  He is in practice at Ottawa Collaborative Care Centres – 102 Lewis Street (Ottawa, Ontario). If you have questions about diabetes, vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or on how Naturopathic Medicine can help you, please call 613-290-6115.
Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , , ,

Do you know what your extended health insurance coverage is for naturopathic medicine?

Nov 8

Posted by Graham Beaton in Uncategorized Archives | Comments off

People frequently ask me about the coverage of naturopathic medicine by extended health insurance plans. While it is a difficult question to answer in detail, because of the variability between different plans, below are questions that you can ask your insurance provider about coverage to see a naturopathic doctor.

How much naturopathic coverage do I have with my insurance plan?
Most insurance plans provide a certain amount of coverage to see a naturopathic doctor per year (e.g. $500 per year).
Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , ,

Movember for Men’s Health and Prostate Cancer

Nov 5

Posted by Graham Beaton in Uncategorized Archives | Comments off

Graham Beaton BHSc, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

During the month of November, Canadians are likely to see the sprouting of facial hair (both good and bad) on the faces of many Canadian men. This initiative, called Movember, is undertaken to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men’s mental health initiatives.

Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in Canadian men, accounting for approximately a quarter of all cancer diagnoses (an estimated 25,500 men were diagnosed in 2011).

Prostate Gland and Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a walnut sized muscular gland in the male reproductive system. It is located between the bladder and the rectum and surrounds a portion of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. The function of the prostate is to produce semen, the milky fluid that transports sperm, and using its muscular elements, to contract and push semen and sperm through the urethra and out of the body.

Prostate cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of prostate gland cells. This abnormal growth can be slow in some men, while in others it can be more aggressive. Known risk factors for the development of prostate cancer include age (e.g., risk increases after the age of 50, with most prostate cancer diagnosed in men over the age of 65), family history, and race (e.g., those of African and Caribbean descent are at highest risk).

Prevention of Prostate Cancer
Due to the high prevalence of prostate cancer, there has been a great deal of research looking to determine preventative measures that may decrease one’s risk of developing prostate cancer. For example, researchers have studied the link between prostate cancer and obesity, dietary intake of fat and meat, and cooking practices.

Obesity has been postulated to be a risk factor for prostate cancer. Specifically, obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing more aggressive forms of prostate cancer and with poorer outcomes following treatment1–2, as obesity is thought to cause several alterations in gene expression and hormone production, which are believed to facilitate the initiation, growth and progression of cancer cells of the prostate.

Specific types of dietary meat are another factor that has been extensively studied to determine their influence on prostate cancer. While there have been a number of studies showing that the high consumption of red meat increases a man’s risk of prostate cancer3, not all studies have shown this association4. Conflicting results have also been found with fish consumption5–6, which was previously postulated to reduce risk of prostate cancer.

Most recently, the effect of different cooking practices of different types of meat on developing prostate cancer has been studied7. These studies have shown that men who eat a lot of meat that is cooked at high temperatures, and/or cooked for a longer time are at an increased risk for developing prostate cancer. For instance, high consumption of hamburger meat cooked at high temperatures and well done red meat are associated with prostate cancer, while pan fried poultry consumption is marginally associated with increased risk of prostate cancer.

The increased risk of prostate cancer related to the amount, type of meat consumed and cooking practices is likely related to several compounds found in meats that are converted into carcinogens when meat is cooked at high temperatures for long periods of time. These compounds form on the surface of smoked or grilled meat due to the decomposition of fat and the formation of heterocyclic amines, from the interaction of proteins and sugars in meat cooked at high temperatures.

If you are a man over the age of 50, or if you are at high risk of developing prostate cancer, talk to a health professional about being tested for prostate cancer. As a naturopathic doctor, I work with patients to help reduce their risk for the development or recurrence of prostate cancer by using up to date research to identify and address diet and lifestyle factors that influence cancer risk.

Graham Beaton is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine in practice at Ottawa Collaborative Care Centres – 102 Lewis Street in Ottawa. If you have questions about prostate health, prostate cancer, men’s health or how Naturopathic Medicine can help you, please call 613-290-6115.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , ,

Managing Cholesterol Levels for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

Sep 23

Posted by Graham Beaton in Uncategorized Archives | Comments off

Graham Beaton BHSc, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality amongst Canadians, accounting for approximately 30% of deaths in Canada. Despite advancements in medical treatments, deaths from cardiovascular disease (including heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and heart failure) are expected to rise in the coming years due to increases in sedentary lifestyles, obesity and diabetes. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Today, approximately 40% of adult Canadians have elevated cholesterol, leaving them at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Cholesterol – What is it?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced in our bodies and in the bodies of animals. It is an essential component required for many functions, including making and repairing cell membranes, producing hormones, and making vitamin D. While cholesterol is vital for health, having levels that are too high can have negative consequences. Specifically, when cholesterol levels are high, fatty deposits may develop in the walls of arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. This may disrupt normal blood flow, preventing tissues from getting the oxygen and other nutrients they need.

Cholesterol is transported in the blood using carrier proteins, specifically low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to cells of the body that require cholesterol for cellular growth and repair, and to glands that require it for hormone production. While LDL is required for healthy normal function, having too much of it results in cholesterol being deposited in the walls of arteries, affecting blood flow and increasing one’s risk of cardiovascular disease. Thus, LDL is known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol.

In contrast, HDL is known as the ‘good’ cholesterol, as it picks up cholesterol from peripheral tissues and transports it back to the liver for processing or disposal. Furthermore, HDL particles have several different enzymes and protein components that further help to reduce cardiovascular risk by facilitating triglyceride metabolism (a type of fat found in circulation that increases cardiovascular disease risk), reducing oxidative damage, reducing coagulation and inflammation, etc.

Recently, it has been questioned if increasing one’s HDL levels reduces one’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Several large studies (including three pharmaceutical trials in which a drug was given to increase participants’ HDL levels and one genetic study looking at individuals with naturally high HDL levels) have shown that risk of cardiovascular disease does not decrease with high levels of HDL. This finding challenges long standing beliefs about the benefits of HDL cholesterol and suggests that increasing one’s levels of HDL does not necessarily reduce one’s risk. Researchers are now looking to explain these finding by examining if all HDL particles, defined by their size, nature of their protein and enzyme composition, are equally valuable.

While further study is required to determine the influence of increasing HDL levels, low HDL levels remain a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease even in individuals who have low LDL levels.

Cholesterol – What is the test and who should be tested?
A simple blood test, called a lipid panel or a lipid profile, is required to assess cholesterol levels. This test reports total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Men aged 40 and older and women aged 50 and older are recommended to have their cholesterol levels checked yearly. More frequent tests may be necessary depending on one’s cholesterol levels and if one is at increased risk of heart disease.

Cholesterol – Prevention and Treatment
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society currently recommends that individuals with elevated cholesterol levels who are at low to moderate risk of developing cardiovascular disease implement dietary and lifestyle modifications prior to starting medications. Medications along with dietary and lifestyle changes are advised for individuals at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease with elevated cholesterol levels.

As a naturopathic doctor, I work with individuals to assess their risk of developing cardiovascular disease. After assessing risk, my patients and I work together to lower and maintain their cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health. I create individualized diet plans that reduce the intake of unhealthy fats, sodium and simple sugars, as well as increase the intake of healthy fats and fiber. In addition, I work with patients to implement lifestyle changes, including plans to increase exercise, achieve a healthy weight, reduce stress, moderate alcohol consumption and stop smoking.

Graham Beaton is the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine practicing at Ottawa Collaborative Care Centres – 102 Lewis Street, Ottawa Ontario. If you have questions about cholesterol, cardiovascular disease or how Naturopathic Medicine can help you, please call Graham at 613-290-6115 or visit www.ottawand.com.

Tags: , , ,

Neti Pot – FDA Releases Consumer Safety Warning

Sep 13

Posted by Graham Beaton in Uncategorized Archives | Comments off

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a consumer warning in late August regarding the safe use of Neti Pots and other nasal rinsing products (including bulb syringes, squeeze bottles and pulsed water devices), that are designed to rinse out the nasal passages in those who suffer from allergies, sinus congestion and colds.

The warning is related to two deaths in Louisiana in 2011 that may have been related to improper use of Neti Pots. In particular, both individuals contracted brain infections caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, which is thought to have been in the tap water they used in their Neti Pots. This amoeba, which can travel from the nose to the brain, destroys brain tissue and causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis infections are almost always fatal.

In their consumer release the FDA stressed that while nasal rinsing products are generally safe, they must be used and cleaned properly in order to prevent risk of infection. To use them safely the FDA makes recommendations regarding:

    1. Types of water that are safe to use in nasal rinsing products:
    Distilled or sterile water

  • Boiled and cooled tap water (boiled for 3-5 min before cooling).
  • Filtered water can be used as long as the filter has an absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller.

    • 2. Care and use of the nasal rinsing device:

  • Wash hands thoroughly before using
  • Ensure that the device is clean and completely dry before using
  • Use an appropriate type of water (see above) and the recommended saline rinse
  • After using the device, wash it using distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled tap water. Then dry the inside with paper towel or let air dry between uses
  • Do not share the device with other people
  • Follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding proper use

While the risk of infection by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri is rare (it is primarily found in the southern United States), it is important to follow the recommendations listed in the consumer warning because using unsafe water or improperly cleaning nasal irrigation devices increases the risk of chronic nasal/sinus irritation, infection and worsening of allergy symptoms.

Graham Beaton is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing at Commonn Ground Collaborative Care in downtown Ottawa. For an appointment or to find out more about services, please call 613-290-6115.

High Protein-Low Carbohydrate Diets and Heart Disease

Aug 8

Posted by Graham Beaton in Uncategorized Archives | Comments off

Graham Beaton BHSc, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Many individuals are turning to low carbohydrate-high protein diets for weight loss. While a number of studies have noted that these diets may be successful in promoting short term weight loss, there is concern over their overall safety.

A new study published in the June 26 edition of the BMJ (formerly titled the British Medical Journal) by Lagiou et al. (2012) looked to determine if eating a high protein/low carbohydrate diet was associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

In the study, the researchers selected 43,396 women aged 30-49 years and followed for an average of 15.7 years. Over the course of the study the women completed questionnaires that asked about lifestyle habits (smoking and alcohol consumption), health history (including cardiovascular events), physical activity, and diet. Participants were grouped according to their daily carbohydrate and protein intake. Results showed that women who consumed low carbohydrate-high protein diets were at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to the other participants. It should be noted that the researchers did appropriately note that this effect was seen in individuals who ate low carbohydrate high protein diets without considering their type or source.

While many continue to promote a low protein-high carbohydrate diet for weight loss, it is important to remember that they may only offer short term success, and without careful consideration of the type or source of the carbohydrates and protein, these diets also increase one’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

If you are wanting to lose weight safely and effectively, have questions on what a successful weight loss program entails, or would like to know how naturopathic medicine can help you, please call Graham Beaton, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at 613-290-6115. Graham is currently accepting new patients and his office is located in the Glebe neighbourhood of Ottawa.

Tags: , , , ,