News From Heather,

Does Halloween Candy Turn Children Into Demons?

Kids love Halloween almost as much as Christmas. What other time of year does one get dressed up and receive free candies from the neighbours? As an adult one may love to go out and receive wine door to door, but alas we don't celebrate Hallo-wine. Perhaps a letter to our MP would change that to a civic holiday. All kidding aside, the repercussion of over eating Halloween treats can be a problem for children who suffer from food allergies, a weak immune system and behavioral issues like ADHD.

Lets talk about the immune system aspect first. Do you notice when you or your child overeats candy they get a cold or some other kind of bug? It is a result of sugar depressing their immune system. Sugar and refined carbohydrates (white bread, white rice and white flour) feed bad microbes like fungus, viruses and bacteria in our bodies. It is important if your child tends to suffer from a weak immune system, where they get more than two colds a year, ear infections, flu or asthma, to limit the amount of sweets they eat.

Kids with certain cognitive disorders such as autism, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) or Asperger's disease may be sensitive to certain foods like nuts, sugar, dairy products, wheat gluten or chocolate. Food dyes are another substance that are a typical irritant for kids with cognitive disordes. In the 1970's Dr. Benjamin Feingold discovered that food dyes had a negative affect on people with ADHD.

Aside from food allergies, eating an excess of sugar and refined carbohydrates cause people to suffer a rise and then a drop in blood sugar. It is a natural blood reaction when eating in this manner. However, the rise may increase a child's energy and the drop may lead to him or her becoming a moody mess. People who have hypoglycemia will tell of how they suffer from a headache, feel shaky or irritable when they are hungry, missing a meal and their blood sugar is low. Oftentimes in the clinic we obsverve that children who eat primarly starchy foods and sweets have behavioural issues, mood swings and/or ADHD. To combat this blood sugar swing, balance the child's diet with adequate lean protein for one quarter of the plate (light cheese, yogurt, chicken, turkey or smoothies), lots of fruits and veggies for one half of the plate and only one quarter of the plate being a whole grain starch (brown rice, potatoes, whole wheat pasta, whole grain bread). Unfortunately many children have nut allergies and they have to stay out of the schools. They are a super healthy fat, contain fibre and many minerals for brain food especially walnuts and almonds. Nuts are a super healthy fat, they contain fibre and healthy snacks at home as long as no one has allergies.

What can one do this season to avert a dietary devil disaster? Fill children up with a healthy snack before they head out trick or treating so that they don't have much room to eat lots of candy. Look through their bags and save only the candies that do not contain food dye and allergens. Limit the child to one or two treats a day or some on the weekend. Another great idea is to have a party at home for Halloween so that you can control what is eaten. Make some healthy cupcakes or muffins and sweeten them with applesauce. Kids love decorating them! Use your local health food store or ask in the grocery store for their natural food section. You can use applesauce, stevia or honey for a sweetener for baking. Check out some recipes online for healthy treats for kids. Here is an interesting link for healthy Halloween treats, http://startcooking.com/blog/275/9-Healthy-Halloween-Treats. Another idea to save your child from a dietary disaster is to ask their teacher to let you know when they are having parties so you can bring treats along for your child and the others so they do not feel left out.

Teenage Depression is On the Rise

Teens are being medicated more and more with antidepressant drugs. It is frightening to know that their developing brains are exposed to neurologically altering drugs. Many parents are at a loss as to what to do with them when they can see their teen is not happy. Often teenage depression goes unnoticed because it is associated with being the proverbial "moody teenager". An interesting study that was published in the USA Today News found that teens who are getting fewer than 7 hours sleep were 24 percent more likely to suffer from depression. Those with less than five hours sleep were at 71% more likely to suffer. Other studies have shown sleep deprived teens may engage in risky behaviours such as fist fights, alcohol consumption, drug use, overeating and promiscuity. There has been a correlation with a poor quality diet and a teen's mood and cognition, read more.

Some signs and symptoms (for more symptoms click here) that your teen may be depressed are as follows:

• poor concentration, failing or falling grades
• extreme fatigue
• excessive or lack of sleep
• irresponsible behaviour
• wanting to be alone
• irritability

Upcoming Weight Loss Group Starting Wednesday Oct 12th

• Five weeks weight loss groups
• Small groups of five participants for one on one counselling.
• Includes free BIA testing that tests body fat percentage, water balance, cellular health, how many calories you burn daily and how many you need to consume to achieve your goal.
• NEW plan for those who want to lose the last ten pounds and are willing to do what it takes to get them off!
• NEW testing to see if you are burning fat and keeping your diet tight enough to reach your goals
• A healthy eating pattern that aids in lasting weight loss, good health and longevity based on proven dietary research.
• Weekly meeting topics always include group support, healthy cooking, recipe shares, wrapping your mind around weight loss, moving your body and staying on track.

Cost for newcomers $250.00. For those returning $150.00

Are Your Friends or Family Feeling as Well as They Should?

We know you want your friends and family to be healthy and some of them just don't feel as well as they should. For the month of October and November, if you refer a friend to the clinic for an initial appointment, you will receive a free live cell test with your next visit (coupon value of 70.00). We will email or mail you a coupon after your referral has had their appointment.

Packages for Regular Clients

For a few months we have offered coupons for live cell tests and visits. We now have new packages that save you even more money on your visits, live cell tests and your supplements. For more information click here.