Why Fats Don't Make You Fat: My Romance With Coconut Oil

You’ve probably heard of coconut oil and how helpful it is for the overall health. Courtney Toronto naturopath will give you some of the best reasons why you should start using coconut oil immediately.

It is extremely rich in nutrients and does not contain toxins, which is why it is used as a medicine, in the diet, but also in numerous cosmetic treatments. In this blog, we present to you all the benefits of coconut oil. Coconut oil is edible, extracted from the peel or flesh of the ripe fruit of the coconut palm. For centuries, it has been used in many Asian countries as a medicine, in nutrition, but also for skin care. In the last few years, it has become increasingly popular in our country as well.

Because it contains a high level of saturated fatty acids, many health organizations warn of its harmful effects due to excessive use. In the service of health like all other foods, coconut oil should be used in moderation, because only then can it have a positive effect on the human body. It contains almost 90 percent of saturated fatty acids, which are easily metabolized in the body, and thanks to them, coconut oil speeds up metabolism, stimulates calorie burning and helps regulate body weight. In fact, these fats are not deposited in the body, but are broken down, absorbed and sent to the liver, where they are then converted into energy. It is an excellent tool in the fight against many diseases.

It is a real cure for viruses, bacteria and fungi, and prevents the occurrence of various infections. It has a positive effect on the work of the liver, stimulates the expulsion of toxins from the body, and improves digestion. It accelerates cell regeneration, strengthens the immune system, lowers blood cholesterol and supports the absorption of calcium and magnesium. Many studies show that it is especially effective in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's and epilepsy. In addition, recent studies have concluded that the main ingredient in coconut oil, lauric acid, destroys almost 93 percent of colon cancer cells.

Coconut oil is also used in cooking. Thanks to its mild aroma and taste, it is an excellent ingredient in many savory and sweet dishes. It is best to use organic, cold-pressed oil, because processed contains many additives and toxic substances. According to numerous studies, coconut oil should not be fried, because it oxidizes at high temperatures, creating harmful substances, while antioxidants are destroyed in that case.

In cosmetics

The benefits of coconut oil include its antioxidant properties. Thanks to them, it is recommended for care, especially of dry and sensitive skin. Many natural-based cosmetic products contain coconut oil because it perfectly nourishes, nourishes and hydrates the skin, making it soft, smooth and velvety. It is mainly used as a body lotion or lip balm. Because it also reduces the visibility of wrinkles, many women use it instead of cream for daily facial care. It can also be used to remove make-up, but also to fight cellulite. As good as it is for skin care, it is just as effective in hair treatments, because it strengthens the hair follicle, renews it and nourishes it.

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Understanding How Serious Obesity Can Be

So, the term obesity describes a person who is overweight and has a lot of body fat. A very common condition that affects one in four adults and one in five children aged 10/11. There are many ways to correlate a person's health with weight and to classify it according to naturopathic medicine in toronto.

The most commonly used method is to use body mass index (BMI).

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of ideal (healthy) weight in relation to body height. It can be calculated with existing calculators on the Internet.

And the calculation formula is:

BMI = weight in kg / (height in meters) 2 BMI values:

Malnutrition <18.5 Normal weight 18.5-24.9

Overweight 25-29.9 Obesity 30-39.9

Extreme obesity> 40 (+)

BMI is not used in the definitive diagnosis of obesity, because very muscular people can have high BMI values ​​without excess fat. But for most, BMI is a good indicator of whether they are healthy, overweight or obese. For a better assessment of excess body fat, in addition to calculating BMI, it is also used to determine waist circumference, in overweight people (BMI 25-29.9) and in obese people (BMI 40+).

Generally, men with a waist circumference of 94cm (and more), and women with a waist circumference of 80cm (and more) have an increased risk of developing obesity-related health problems. BMI is used worldwide as a simple method to assess a person's healthy weight in relation to height. As mentioned above, high BMI can also occur in very muscular people, in which case a better indicator is waist circumference.

Healthy desirable BMI also depends on ethnicity. The above-mentioned values ​​mostly refer to white people. If it is a person of the other way, the values ​​can be lower, so this should be investigated in more detail. BMI should not be used to determine a healthy weight in children because their bodies are still developing. In that case, you should consult a doctor. If you are overweight or belong to the group of overweight, be sure to consult a doctor for advice on a healthy way to lose weight.

The doctor will ask you the following questions:

Lifestyle - refers primarily to eating habits and physical activity; then on the consumption of cigarettes and alcohol;

Other medical conditions - or medications that may contribute to obesity; Your view of yourself and your attitude towards weight; as well as motivation for losing it;

Family medical history. In addition to determining BMI, additional analyzes include

Blood pressure measurement

Determination of glucose (blood sugar SHUK) and cholesterol in the blood

Waist circumference measurement

Additional analyzes must be performed to assess possible complications of obesity.

Risk factors

Thus, in addition to the visible physical changes that obesity brings with it, there are risks for the development of serious medical conditions, such as:

Type 2 diabetes (diabetes)

Insulin resistance

Coronary artery disease (angina pectoris)

Breast cancer and colon cancer

Stroke (stroke)

Obesity definitely affects a person's daily life. It can lead to serious problems in the socialization of an individual, to depression or low self-confidence.Find our contact information available on iBegin and Yalwa.

Why is Autoimmunity on the Rise?

Over the last century, modern humans have drastically moved away from the way we have lived for thousands of years. While modernization has led to many advances and conveniences allowing us to live longer and healthier lives than ever before, there are consequences for this modernization: autoimmunity. 

What is Autoimmunity? 

In short, autoimmunity is what occurs when the immune system is unable to differentiate between foreign invaders like germs, allergens, viruses and the body’s tissues and cells. The resultant symptoms – fatigue, pain, neurological changes, and inflammation – are the hallmarks of a family of conditions commonly referred to as autoimmune disorders. 

Currently, there are 100 diseases that are categorized as autoimmune disorders, including: 

• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Crohn’s disease 
•  Fibromyalgia 
• Celiac disease 
• Type 1 Diabetes 

Prevalence of Autoimmunity 

Autoimmune disorders affect approximately 8% of the general population, with new cases accounting for an increase of 4-7% each year. Autoimmune disorders are the third most commonly reported maladies, after heart disease and cancer. It is estimated that by 2030, 46 million more people will be diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder.

Causes of Autoimmunity 

While we know that autoimmunity is on the rise, the exact cause is still relatively unknown – due in large part to the multifactorial conditions that can trigger the onset of autoimmunity. There are several factors that can make an individual a likely candidate for developing an autoimmune disorder: 

• Genetics: Your family history may play a role in developing autoimmunity. For instance, if you have a “first degree” relative with the disease – a parent or a sibling – you have a 1 in 5 chance of receiving a similar diagnosis.
• Comorbidity: Many patients who have received a diagnosis of one autoimmune disorder will be diagnosed with another similar disorder. Comorbidity is one of the reasons that diagnosing patients with autoimmunity is challenging, because of the overlapping symptoms of multiple disorders. 
• Environmental Factors: While genetics and preexisting conditions may play a role in the development of autoimmunity, our modern lifestyle may “activate” the condition. For instance, a diet high in wheat and other processed grain products may lead some patients who have a genetic predisposition to develop celiac disease. 

Autoimmunity Intervention and Treatments 

When the immune system is functioning properly, it is able to distinguish between our healthy cells and “foreign invaders.” However, continued exposure to environmental influences can “flip the switch” and cause our immune systems to no longer be able to recognize healthy cells. While genetics are unavoidable, taking preventative steps to minimize our environmental risks to prevent autoimmunity from developing – or slowing the progression of existing disorders. 

• Focus on gut health. Make sure to eat probiotic and prebiotic foods, and take supplements when natural sources are scarce or unavailable. Take antibiotics only when absolutely necessary.
• Avoid using chemical household cleaners. Instead, opt for natural cleaning solutions, such as vinegar.
• Limit the use of or avoid chemically-based skin care products and cosmetics.
• Limit or avoid dairy, gluten, and high-sodium foods.

For more information about autoimmunity and to discuss prevention and treatment options, please feel free to schedule an appointment with Dr. Courtney Homberg, Naturopathic Doctor in Toronto, by calling 647-351-7282 today! 

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3 FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CALORIES AND WEIGHT LOSS

Calories in versus calories out was the de facto weight loss equation for decades. To lose weight, you simply reduce the number of calories consumed while increasing the number of calories used. Yet, that the simple equation that we have adhered to as part of a healthy lifestyle may have been hindering our weight loss efforts. As our understanding of health and nutrition improved, so did what we know about the simple calorie – and this knowledge is changing the plate of the modern diet.

1. Not all calories are created equal. 
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One reason why strictly counting calories can be an ineffective way to lose weight is that not all calories are good calories. While the energy content of calories is essentially the same in that they are a unit of energy, calories derived from whole foods are more effectively processed by the body than those found in processed foods. In other words, where a particular calorie comes from will have varying effects on hunger, hormones, and weight.

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It is not just processed foods that can determine the value of a calorie. Calories obtained through healthy fats, proteins, and whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, can positively impact metabolism, curb hunger, and help optimize hormones. However, the same quantity of calories obtained from processed foods or sugar is metabolized more quickly and less effectively, resulting in increased hunger and hormone imbalance.

 2. Food labels do not tell the whole story.

The second reason that we do not see significant weight loss results from calorie counting comes down to the science of determining caloric content. For instance, in the United States, the Federal Food and Drug Administration allows manufacturers a fair amount of latitude in labeling precision – up to a 20% margin of error. What this means for consumers is that the food we eat may have more calories than is indicated on the label.

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SUPPLEMENTING DIGESTIVE ENZYMES: WHEN ARE THEY TRULY HELPFUL?

The gnawing, unrelenting discomfort and bloating of indigestion. Most have felt it, whether brought on by spicy food, greasy meals, alcohol or just simply overeating. Or maybe its pain after eating. Food comes in, and the stomach begins to cramp, leaving you doubled over in pain.  The occasional occurrence will usually resolve on its own, but if it’s becoming chronic, you’re likely frequenting the pharmacy shelf with little relief. So you head to the natural food aisle or health food store.

Digestive enzymes promise to fix everything from bloating to flatulence to heartburn relief. However, understanding how digestive enzymes work helps narrow down when to use them, and when to avoid wasting your dollars. Read more here…

ADRENAL FATIGUE: WHAT IS IT, AND ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM IT?

Adrenal fatigue is a functional condition which can occur as a result of stressors of the body. We’re quick to identify with emotional stress, but we often forget that stress can also come from physical and environmental stressors. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenals release higher levels of hormones into the body than normal as a response to a continues or persistent stimulus, resulting in an output of these hormones being greater than the production, and ultimate fatigue of the glands. They are considered fatigued since they are essentially drained of their active and stored hormones, and need time to recover.

Yet, recovery is limited and difficult when we continue to lead a busy and stressful lifestyle (which is what ultimately caused the problem in the first place). Rather than slowly starting to recover, the adrenals remain drained and strained. Furthermore, we add aggravators like limited and/or poor quality sleep (which prevents rebuilding and recovery), processed foods, alcohol and cigarettes (which create physical stressors to the system) and high caffeine intake to deal with the fatigue (which creates a further draining of the gland by increase cortisol output).

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