What Are Trans Fats?

Transfats are a byproduct of liquid oils turning into solid fats through a process called hydrogenation. The hydrogeneration process was developed mainly to replace saturated fats and extend the preservation storage time of baked goods. That in itself is not a bad thing however the process alters the healthy unsaturated fatty acids by making them saturated. As of 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required food manufacturers to display the amount of trans fats on all of their product labels.

Where do you find TRANSFATS?

Unfortunately, those ‘yummy’ foods alternatively called “comfort food” that we like to eat contain the most transfats.  These include some brands of popcorn,chips, crackers, cookies, pies and cakes.  Yes. They are yummy but it’s best to eat them in moderation.  Why? Eating too much transfats can lead to unhealthy situations that could show up immediately or in later years. What we should strive for is to eat healthier foods containing healthy fats such as canola oils and extra-virgin olive oils.

How Do Trans Fats Affect My Health?

There are two kind of cholesterols:
1) LDL (bad cholesterol)
2)HDL (good cholesterol).
Transfats RAISE your bad cholesterol level while LOWERING your good cholesterol. Conditions such as metabolic problems, infertility, obesity, heart problems and many other health conditions are linked to excessive transfat consumption.

Where Can I Find the Trans-Fat Number on a Nutrition Facts panel?
The trans-fat number is listed on the Nutrition Facts panel after Total Fat and Saturated Fat, but only if the product contains 0.5 grams or more per serving. This means that the product can claim it has 0% trans fats if it contains less than 0.5 grams per serving, so be sure to check for hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils in the ingredients list if you trying to avoid ALL transfats in your diet.

How Do I Avoid These Health Risks?

It’s pretty easy! Eat more vegetables and fruits, lean protein, legumes, reduced fat-dairy and whole grains. Have a balanced diet and avoid chips and baked goods. You can find all sorts of yummy recipes on the internet that give you an assortment of taste and good nutrition. Give it a try and see what you think?

I came across the following article on the “South Beach Diet” website, and found it extremely helpful.

We understand that “life happens”, however effective immediately we will be implementing a zero tolerance policy on missed appointments. Please let us  know if you are unable to attend your appointment. A 24 cancellation notice is required.

Your co-operation is appreciated.

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A Short Case Presentation on Bowen Therapy and Jaw Pain

by Dr. Leila Sahabi

Last February, I met a 35 year-old female in my office who had been suffering from chronic headaches and jaw pain. Let’s call her Nelly for the purpose of this article.

Upon inquiry into her medical concerns, it became apparent that Nelly had had pain in the left side of her jaw for five years, following a very traumatic wisdom teeth extraction. The pain started from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and radiated along the left jaw line into the left side of the neck, as well as into the left trapezius muscle. She described the pain as a typical nerve type sensation — shooting and sharp. Nothing seemed to alleviate it except for applying mild to moderate pressure on the left side of the face. This led Nelly to practice continuous ‘jaw clenching’ to help mitigate the pain.

Six months after the extraction, Nelly started to experience severe tension headaches, starting from the back of the neck and going up the back of the head. She described the pain as a dull pressing ache, which was relieved by applying pressure on the skull, such as tightly wrapping the head in a towel. Nelly’s overall health began to decline at this point, as the jaw pain and the headaches became increasingly more frequent and began to interrupt her sleep.

On the day of our initial visit, Nelly stated that she had been having constant jaw pain for five days prior. She felt that an episode of intense headache was imminent. An assessment of suboccipital and neck muscles revealed great tension and hypertonicity. The jaw also opened with a slight lateral shift and an audible click. Nelly said that her entire body, especially her abdomen, seemed to be in great tension.

I chose to address this case primarily using Bowen Therapy. The Bowen Technique is a type of soft-tissue manipulation developed in Geelong, Australia by Thomas A. Bowen (1916- 1982). Bowen believed that the underlying cause of most musculoskeletal problems could be found in the soft tissue. Each treatment of this gentle, yet powerful technique involves a set of hands-on maneuvers on tendons, muscles, and nerves, interrupted by short pauses allow the body to integrate the stimulus received, and to encourage the body to reset and rebalance itself.

The Bowen Technique has a wide variety of indications from acute sports traumas to chronic conditions. In essence, it allows the body’s self-healing energy to thrive, often improving joint mobility and increasing venous and lymphatic circulation. This non-invasive and gentle technique can be used on everyone from infants to the elderly. Nelly’s initial Bowen treatment comprised of a series of maneuvers to relax the entire body, in this case, especially the upper back and the head and neck regions.

At the one week follow-up, she reported an increase of tension in the neck muscles and a slight increase in the intensity of the headache on the day of the treatment, which dramatically subsided the next morning. Nelly felt a 40% percent improvement in the headache and jaw pain within 24 hours.

In the second treatment, I performed the more specific moves on the anterior and posterior neck muscles (sternocleidomastoid and scalenes) and TMJ. This treatment elicited a 60% improvement in intensity of the jaw tension and headache.

A third treatment followed two weeks later, which further improved the TMJ tension and headache by 80%. When I met with Nelly three months after her treatments, and she stated that her jaw pain and clenching were entirely resolved and that she no longer suffered from frequent tension headaches.

She was also able to sleep better as pain did not keep her awake. It is common for tension in the upper trapezius and neck muscles to lead to headaches.These muscles pull on the suboccipital muscles, which in turn pull on the ‘epicranial aponeurosis’ (the broad tendinous layer that covers the top of the scalp extending from the back of the cranium to the forehead).Tension in this tendinous layer contributes to tension headaches.

The Bowen technique helps alleviate headaches by releasing the tension. In Nelly’s case, just three treatments of the Bowen technique were enough to effectively ease her various pains, which were all inter-related and seemingly caused by the trauma to the jaw during the teeth extraction procedure.

So, next time you encounter a patient in your practice with chronic headaches, it may be helpful to assess the TMJ and watch for any lateral deviation or audible sounds while opening or closing the jaw. It is also important to assess the state of the upper body and neck muscles, which often triggers headaches.

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Dr. Leila Sahabi, BSc, ND, received her undergraduate degree in Science and Psychology from the University of British Columbia and her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. She currently practices at the Richmond Alternative Medical Clinic Inc. in Richmond, BC, with special interests in women’s health and musculoskeletal problems. Besides naturopathy, Dr. Sahabi often incorporates acupuncture, homeopathy, First Line Therapy,™ and Bowen therapy in her patient care. Her website can be found at www.hhnaturopathic.com

Great News for the Chocolate Lovers!

A recent study reveals that chocolate is the most commonly craved food item amongst North Americans (especially women) compared to any other food.  Although chocolate is very high in calories and fat, it does have great health benefits.

The Cocoa bean has a high concentration of a plant compound called ‘flavanol’ and is especially rich in a specific type of flavanol called ‘proanthocyanidins’.  Although all flavanol compounds have antioxidant properties, proanthocyanidins are the strongest antioxidants with the greatest ability to protect body cells against damage.

Flavanols are found in red wine, tea, certain fruits and vegetables, whereas proanthocyanidins are found in cinnamon, kidney beans, blueberries, cranberries, and apples.

Is Chocolate Truly Good for me?

And the answer is…………… YES!  Here is an excerpt that will make you smile from ear to ear as you dive into that chocolate feast.

ODE to CHOCOLATE

The cocoa bean, the mother of all things chocolate, contains a great amount of a healthy compound called “proanthocyanidin” (a member of the “flavanol” family).  These compounds are simply one of the strongest plant-based antioxidants and protect the heart though different mechanisms, including reducing inflammation and ‘stickiness’ of the blood.  Recent studies reveal the remarkable effect of dark chocolate on reducing blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.

It’s important to know that 90% of the healthy flavanols are eliminated during the processing of cocoa.  So, the higher the cocoa % of your chocolate bar, the more of these healthy flavanols you’ll be getting.

Although 1/2 ounce of dark chocolate contains 80 calories and 5 grams of fat, it contains more antioxidants than 1/2 cup of blueberries, black tea, or green tea.  So next time you’re craving chocolate, keep in mind that those calories are loaded with antioxidants.

Now doesn’t that tidbit  bring some ‘joy’ to your day?

HAPPY VALENTINES’S DAY!

“how did i find out about naturopathic medicine?

… It wasn’t long before I was convinced that alternative medicines could help me. So I started drilling through google in search of a naturopathic clinic that would offer me the best treatment for my symptoms. The world of naturopathy seemed strange to me and yet there was something comfortable and ‘right’ about the attention paid to mind/body/spirit. In this world of ‘separateness’ and individualized treatment, wholistic medicine seemed like the most rational choice.”

” A typical 20 minute visit to a doctor representing western medicine did not offer me any clues as to why my problem persisted. After speaking to a  naturopath in particular Dr. Leila Sahabi, the doctor helped me to realize that my condition was symptomatic of something very different than the initial physical problem. Stress affects the body in so many different ways and the oftentimes the cause and affect is not easy to pinpoint. My experience with Dr. Sahabi helped me to determine how past relationships, present day financial situations and future worries have all construed to upset my entire system, not just the one part of me that led to my affliction.”

More thoughts from her ‘journal’.

“…It is freeing to discover a course of action that involves a wholistic approach. I understand that my symptoms will not disappear as quickly as my western doctor promised, however my search for a long term solution that incorporates a change of lifestyle will ensure me a much better future.” It is reassuring that I will not be alone on my journey toward good health nor will I be viewed as a ‘number’ on a bill.”

Corey M.

Through it all, she has treated over a hundred people for ailments spanning the common cough to heart disease and of course pain-related conditions. She has also dedicated a great amount of time educating people on various  afflictions along with their corresponding treatments. While her focus is on overall health care, Dr. Sahabi shows a real talent for administering a gentle technique called Bowen Therapy. It is said that many are able to administer it effectively, but none with the enormous amount of care and dedication that Dr. Leila Sahabi demonstrates.

As 2011  moves forward, we anticipate good things for Dr. Sahabi and her patients. And of course we also wish the very best for our patients, some of whom are celebrating the Chinese New Year!  Year of the Rabbit!

High Praise from Dr. Sahabi

“What a great experience!  They were so creative in writing about my feature.  I’ve met some really great people that purchased my ‘deal’ and am looking forward to helping them with their health concerns.”