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

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Physical Activity for Cardiovascular Health

Feb 5

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Description:
Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (i.e. heart attack or stroke). Given that the average Canadian is sedentary for approximately 70% of the waking day, many Canadians are at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Being physically active can help to regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and obesity, all of which impact heart health.

Please join us to learn more about how physical activity can benefit cardiovascular health.

Topics of this seminar will include:
-Types of physical activity and their cardiovascular benefits.
-How physical activity benefits blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
-What steps you can take to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by being more physically active.

Presenter:
Graham Beaton, BHSc, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Ottawa Collaborative Care Centres

Date and Time:
Thursday February 6th 2014 at 7 pm.

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

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Concussions and Return to School

Nov 5

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Lately there has been a lot of attention in the media about the long term health effects of concussions in both adolescents and professional athletes. The attention is due to the growing amount of evidence that concussions can have a long term impact on the structure and subsequent function of the brain – affecting mood, memory, cognitive abilities, and motor function. Over the short term, concussions can cause several challenges that can persist for months, including headaches, difficulty concentrating, problems with short term memory, etc.

In practice I have seen several adolescents who have suffered from concussions due to their participation in different sports (e.g., football, rugby, hockey, water skiing, downhill skiing, cycling, speed skating). Each of these children had various symptoms following the concussion, influencing their ability to return to sport and more importantly, influencing their return to normal daily activities including schooling at a level pre-concussion. There are a lot of questions concerning how to know when children/adolescents is ready to return back to normal activity and what steps can be taken to facilitate one’s return. A recent journal article has been published exploring these questions.

In the journal Pediatrics published on Oct 27, 2013, a review titled “Returning to learning following a concussion” gives guidance on how to safely transition a child/adolescent back to school after suffering a concussion. This is important as not only can concussions affect one’s ability to learn, but taxing a concussed brain can worsen symptoms and slow recovery.

Before summarizing the review, it is important to be able to recognize if a person has suffered a concussion. The signs (something that can be seen by another individual) or symptoms (something that is felt by the affected individual) can vary, and may not even be present for a few days following the incident. These signs and symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
  • Amnesia following event
  • Seeing stars
  • Temporary loss of consciousness
  • Ringing in ears
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Speech difficulty
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability or other personality changes
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Sensitivity to motion or difficulty with balance
  • Sleep disturbances

In a learning environment, many of the above symptoms can both affect the ability to learn and can be triggered by a child’s surroundings following a concussion. For instance:

  • Headaches can distract a student: Can be triggered by noise in classroom, by lighting, and the child focusing on tasks.
  • Dizziness: Can be brought on by walking or standing.
  • Light sensitivity, double vision or blurry vision: Can affect attention and can be brought on by using computers and/or a tablet, lighting, etc.
  • Sleep disturbances: Excess fatigue can affect attention, memory, learning, and can affect recovery. Excessive sleeping while trying to recover can affect one’s sleep cycle, further impacting on sleep.

Reintroducing a child back to a learning environment first requires having the student detail what symptoms are present and their severity. If the child’s symptoms are sufficient enough to affect his/her ability to concentrate or tolerate stimulation (noise, lights, movement) for up to 30 minutes, then the child should remain at home. While at home, it is recommended that only light mental activities be done (light reading, interacting with family, limited television watching are allowed as long as symptoms are not triggered), and activities including video games, computer and tablet use, and texting should be kept to a minimum.

When the child/adolescent is able to manage 30 to 45 minutes of stimulation comfortably, then they are free to return to a modified learning environment (school or tutoring). Modifications include taking a 15 minute break for every 30 minutes of instruction time and a reduction in course work. It is important to continue to check in with the student to see if his or her symptoms are persisting or are made worse by studying. If the symptoms are not present, the workload can be gradually increased back to normal levels.

There are several strategies that can also be implemented to reduce signs/symptoms experienced following a concussion. For example, to reduce:
Headaches:

  • Take frequent breaks
  • Identify triggers for headaches (noise, light, etc) and reduce exposure

Dizziness

  • Lie head down if symptoms present
  • Avoid crowded areas in school (hallways)

Visual symptoms:

  • Reduce brightness or exposure to computers, smart boards, videos
  • Wear hat, visor or sunglasses if light sensitive
  • Avoid fluorescent lighting

Noise sensitivity:

  • Avoid noisy areas and take breaks in quiet areas
  • Consider earplugs
  • Avoid busy hallways at school

    • Difficulty concentrating or with memory:

  • Delay, reschedule or have extra time provided for major tests and assignments

Fatigue

  • Take rest breaks
  • Shorten school and study time

There are many factors to consider in helping a child/adolescent to recover from a concussion. It is important for them to not only limit physical activity, but also mental activity as it can affect recovery time. By implementing the above, the majority of children/adolescents are back to their normal routine within 3 weeks of suffering from the concussion.

If your child has suffered from a head injury or concussion, please seek immediate medical care. In addition, consult with a health care provider about the child’s return to normal daily activities, including school and sport.

If you have any questions about concussions, returning to activities or sport following a concussion, or on naturopathic medicine, please contact Graham Beaton at 613-290-6115.

Graham Beaton is a naturopathic doctor practicing in the Centretown neighbourhood of downtown Ottawa.

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Weight Gain – A Challenge to Health

Oct 23

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By Graham Beaton

We are constantly hearing that the number of overweight and obese individuals is rising. The latest estimates suggest that 59% of Canadian adults are overweight and 25% of Canadian adults are obese. This trend for increasing weight gain among Canadians has had, and will continue to have, a dramatic impact on health care costs since being overweight or obese increases one’s risk of developing several chronic diseases. Specifically, increased weight can lead to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, liver and gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, osteoarthritis, and mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.

This article will discuss why being overweight or obese increases the risk of certain diseases and evidence that suggests that weight can influence mood and food choices.

Obesity and the altered function of fat cells
Fat cells (called adipocytes) have several functions. Firstly, they serve as energy stores. They can also influence the amount of food consumed and stored, inflammation, and various metabolic functions through the production and release of various proteins.

Adipocytes in obese individuals behave differently than adipocytes in non-obese individuals. Normally, adipocytes regulate the release of fatty acids when energy is required. In obese individuals, this regulation can be lost, and fatty acid concentrations increase, increasing cardiovascular disease risk1. Moreover, in many overweight and obese individuals, the function of adipocytes is further altered to release proteins that promote inflammation1-2. Normally, inflammation is a function of the immune system that allows our bodies to fight infections and to breakdown and repair cells and tissues of the body. This function is controlled and limited to the time required to make repairs. But, in overweight and obese individuals, the control is lost and there is often a low level of inflammatory cells that remain in the body. These cells may end up targeting healthy cells, which can increase risk of developing certain conditions (cardiovascular disease, arthritis, kidney disease, etc).

The risk of cardiovascular disease is further elevated in overweight and obese individuals due to changes in levels of adiponectin, a type of protein released by adipocytes1. Adiponectin helps regulate blood sugar levels (by increasing the insulin sensitivity of muscle, thus assisting in the uptake of blood sugar), and the uptake of fatty acids for use as an energy source. Normally, adiponectin levels remain consistent, signalling cells to take up and to either store or use sugar and fat for energy. But, in overweight and obese individuals, adiponectin levels decline so that improper signals are sent to fat cells. This results in reduced insulin sensitivity (increased risk of type 2 diabetes) and increased levels of fatty acids in circulation which can lead to plaque formation and higher risk of cardiovascular disease1.

Influence of obesity on mood and food choices
There is an increased prevalence of anxiety and depression amongst overweight and obese individuals. There are many reasons for this, including alteration in one’s mood due to a negative body image, socioeconomic status (Obesity and depression are more prevalent amongst people of lower socioeconomic status) and lack of physical activity. Unfortunately, when many people are depressed they often turn to “comfort food” (i.e. high fat, high sugar foods) to improve their mood. Why does this happen? This happens due to both short- term and long -term effects of high fat, high sugar foods on the brain and subsequently on mood. In the short term, these foods trigger a release of mood enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain, making a person feel good3-4. Feeling better while eating then reinforces one’s desire for comfort food, causing one to continue to eat high fat and high sugar foods.

Over the long term this eating pattern influences mood by changing the reward centres in the brain. When exposed to the consumption of high fat and high sugar foods over the long term, there is decreased function of certain neurotransmitters (specifically dopamine) in the brain4. Altered levels of these neurotransmitters impact mood (anxiety and depression), decrease one’s ability to respond to acute stress and increases one’s desire to use substances (high fat and high sugar foods) that will subsequently stimulate the release of the “pleasurable” neurotransmitters4. Interestingly, the changes in reward centres of overweight and obese individuals are similar to that seen in people with alcohol and drug addiction.

Given these changes within fat cells and in the brain, it is not surprising that losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can be a struggle for many people. If you are trying to lose weight, it is important to address all as the elements that contribute to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. These include eating a healthy diet, being physically active, managing stress and mood, promoting good sleep, and adressing possible medication side effects. These are factors that I address when trying to help a person to achieve a healthy weight.

Graham Beaton is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine in practice at Ottawa Collaborative Care Centres. If you are concerned about your weight, how weight might be influencing your health, or if you would like guidance on how to promote and maintain a healthy weight, please contact Graham at 613-290-6115.

1. Greenberg, A. and Obin, M., Obesity and the role of adipose tissue in inflammation and metabolism. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006; 83(suppl): 461S-465S.
2. Das, U.N., Is obesity an inflammatory condition?. Nutrition. 2001; 17: 953-966
3. Geiger, B.M. et al., Deficits of mesolimbic dopamine neurotransmission in rat dietary obesity. Neurosciences. 2009 April 10; 159(4):1193-1199
4. Sharma, S. and Fulton, S., Diet-induced obesity promotes depressive like behaviour that is associated with neural adaptations in brain reward circuitry. Int J Obes. 2013 March; 37(3): 382-389

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome – A Common Health Concern

Sep 23

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In Canada approximately 5 million people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But what exactly is IBS and why does it occur? To answer these questions, we must first understand the digestive process and the changes that occur in the gut of those who are affected.

Digestion of a meal is a complex process, consisting of many steps to extract nutrients for nourishment. This process begins with the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food in the mouth and stomach before food is passed to the small intestine where it is further broken down and finally absorption of nutrients occurs.

In order to facilitate the passing of food along the digestive tract, muscles found in its walls relax and contract to slowly push food forward. The rate of propulsion of food can be influenced by several factors, including type and amount of food eaten, physical activity, mood, and certain hormones (cortisol, estrogen, etc).

In addition to its role in transport and nourishment, the digestive system also contains a large number of ‘defenses’ to fight off any potentially harmful intruders that are taken in by the mouth. These defenses include the acid found in the stomach and most importantly, immune system cells that line the entire length of the digestive tract. The immune system of the gastrointestinal tract also has the ability to distinguish between healthy bacteria that normally inhabit the tract and potentially harmful bacteria. This distinction is important as it allows us to benefit from the actions of these healthy bacteria, which include the production of certain nutrients (e.g. vitamin K) which aid in the digestion of food (e.g. fermenting fiber), prevention of the growth of harmful bacteria that influence the normal reproduction and growth of intestinal cells and prevention against certain diseases (e.g. Chron’s disease).

Digestive disorders or diseases can be caused by or be the result of an alteration or disruption of normal healthy digestive processes. One such common digestive disorder is IBS, affecting approximately 10-15% of the population. IBS is a disease that can have a great impact on the lives of those affected. It is a disease that is characterized by recurring abdominal discomfort or pain and a change in stool frequency (frequent or delayed bowel movements) and consistency (diarrhea or constipation).

While the exact cause of IBS is not known, the most commonly accepted risk factor is a history of bacterial gastroenteritis (i.e., bacterial infection of the digestive tract) or by an alteration in the normal intestinal bacteria. Specifically, healthy intestinal bacteria can be altered by several factors, including recent antibiotic use, mental/emotional stress, lack of physical activity, and by certain hormones. Other risk factors for developing IBS include food intolerance, mood disorders (anxiety, depression), or genetic predisposition.

The symptoms experienced with IBS are believed to originate from a combination of altered contractions of the muscles in the intestines and from a change in pain sensation in the intestines. With respect to the altered rate of muscular contractions of the intestines, there can be either more frequent and more forceful contractions, causing pain and diarrhea, or slowed non-progressive contractions that lead to constipation. Alterations in the frequency of the contractions may result from ingestion of a fatty meal, mood (stress, anxiety, depression, anger), or the release of certain hormones (estrogen, serotonin, or cholescystokinin, which is a digestive hormone).

People who suffer from IBS are also more likely to have increased pain sensation in their intestines. This altered sensation is triggered by the stretch of the intestinal walls by stool or by gas. This process is often made worse by changes in contraction of the muscles of the smooth intestine, which can cause pain during a contraction or with non-productive contractions which lead to a build up of gas or stool, stretching the walls of the intestine and causing pain. There are several factors that can affect this process, including ingesting certain gas forming foods (beans, cabbage, broccoli, etc.), having an alteration in normal intestinal bacteria (which ferments fiber differently, causing more gas), or mood.

As indicated above psychological factors like anxiety, stress, depression, etc., affect muscular contractions of the small intestines and altered pain sensation. Moreover, these psychological factors can affect the release of secretions that aid with digestion and can alter the function of the immune system. Alterations of immune function then go on to influence the presence of healthy bacteria and can cause an increased release of inflammation producing immune cells.

From a treatment perspective, there are several factors to address in the treatment of IBS. Specifically, one’s diet should be examined, looking to eliminate food sensitivities, and irritants, as well as avoiding gas forming foods. Furthermore, other factors such as mood, sleep, physical activity, intestinal bacteria and any possible damage done to the gut should be considered for their potential contribution to IBS.

If you have questions about IBS, digestive health or how a naturopathic doctor can help you, please call 613-290-6115 or visit www.ottawand.com. Graham Beaton is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine in practice at Ottawa Collaborative Care Centres – 102 Lewis Street, Ottawa.

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Upcoming Health Seminar – Reducing High Blood Pressure

Jan 2

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Description:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Canada today. An important risk factor that contributes to the development of heart disease is high blood pressure. As the majority of Canadians will develop high blood pressure at some point in their lives, it is important to take steps to promote and maintain healthy blood pressure. Come and learn more about blood pressure, and how to reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

This seminar will focus on the following:

  • Description of high blood pressure and hypertension
  • Methods of evaluation and diagnosis
  • Risk factors for developing high blood pressure
  • Description of management

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

Location:
Sunnyside Public Library
1049 Bank Street, Ottawa

Date and Time:
Wednesday January 23rd, 2013 at 2 pm

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

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Upcoming Health Seminar – Arthritis and Joint Health

Jan 2

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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.

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Upcoming Health Seminar – Osteoporosis and Bone Health

Jan 2

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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.

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Upcoming Health Seminar – Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control

Jan 2

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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.

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Movember for Men’s Health and Prostate Cancer

Nov 5

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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.

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Managing Cholesterol Levels for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

Sep 23

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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.

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