Author: Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND

Dr. Sonya Nobbe is a Naturopathic Doctor and Director of Kingston Integrated Healthcare Inc. She has been practicing in the Kingston area since 2007. Dr. Sonya maintains a family practice, with a clinical focus on complex chronic disease, including Lyme disease and Fibromyalgia.

Avoid Sunscreen Hazards

Written by Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND on .

skin care and sunscreenNot only is your skin your largest organ, but it is metabolically active, which means that it works hard to protect you from harmful external influences. Your skin contains many of the same enzymes present in your liver for chemical detoxification, and it houses immune cells that ward off harmful (pathogenic) bacteria. Further, up to 65% of what you put on your skin may be absorbed into your bloodstream and lymph system. It’s important to choose your sunscreen carefully so that you can apply it liberally and often without concerns for your safety.  Follow these quick tips to protect you and your family this summer:

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Lyme Disease Prevention Plan

Written by Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND on .

Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND

KFL&A Public Health reports that in 2013, 23% of the ticks brought in for testing were positive for B. Burgdorferi, the infectious agent of Lyme disease. Our region is considered high risk for Lyme disease. Additional infections carried by ticks (collectively known as Lyme co-infections), were not evaluated. Please educate yourself, friends, and family members about tick-bite prevention and treatment. I’ve thoroughly researched and summarized some guidelines to keep in mind this season:

1. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing with pants tucked into socks, when outdoors in tall grasses and wooded areas so that ticks are more visible.

2. A product containing 30% DEET is officially recommended for adults. For children younger than 12 years, Health Canada recommends using a product with 10% DEET. However, the repelling effects at this concentration may only last for 1 to 2 hours. Alternate approved chemicals for children or sensitive individuals include products with Icaridin (e.g. Avon Skin So Soft, some MEC and OFF! brand products).

3. Non-approved but well researched natural repellants include Lemon Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus citriodora), Labrador tea oil (Rhododendron tomentosum), Juniper (Juniperus virginia), and Marjoram (Origanum majorana). These can be mixed in a ratio of 12 parts pure grain alcohol (95% if available), to 1 part oil combination, and applied liberally with a dark glass spritzer bottle over clothing.

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Immune System Mystery

Written by Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND on .

I find the immune system to be one of the most fascinating areas in medicine. We live in an era of incredibly advanced science and technology, and still the immune system harbours many mysteries: How have we not yet solved the common cold? What causes autoimmune disease? Why do we not yet have a good test for the bugs that contribute to chronic illness? It’s sometimes easier to blame our genetics or bad luck instead of acknowledging our poor understanding of these things. Fortunately, many traditional medicines, with thousands of years of experience, offer priceless insight that can help us stay healthy through application of immune supporting and balancing strategies.

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10 Strategies To Improve Brain Function and Preserve Brain Health

Written by Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND on .

Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND

People often ask me for a supplement or herb that preserves brain health and treats changes in brain function, such as decreased word recall or concentration. However, well before an effective supplement support can be chosen, the following basic principles must be addressed, as changes in brain function are commonly a consequence of the body compensating for some other disturbance.

1. Eat fresh, local, organic produce, when possible. Organic vegetables produce their own pesticide chemicals that protect our bodies from inflammation and damage. Some of these chemicals, generally called phytochemicals, are directly linked to optimal brain function and nerve protection.

2. Figure out why you’re so tired all the time! Many of the underlying mechanisms of chronic fatigue also cause poor brain function. For example, thyroid hormones are also brain hormones

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Easy Soup Recipes

Written by Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND on .

Celeriac Apple SoupMoving into winter, I find it challenging to eat enough veggies. Blended soups are a simple solution! They’re quite forgiving when you need to substitute ingredients or eyeball quantities. They freeze well (fill mason jars only 2/3 full to avoid breaking), and become a quick work lunch or dinner first course when you’re short of time. Better yet, they work well for families with food allergies, since they’re naturally free of dairy, gluten, egg, and nuts.

I prefer to make these with a hand blender over a food processor because the texture is lovely and the clean-up is incredibly quick.

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Meaningful Holiday Gift Ideas

Written by Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND on .

Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND

We’ve put our heads together to come up with some gift ideas that we hope you can feel really good about! These gifts are environmentally friendly and, in many cases, have the additional benefit of supporting our community.

1. Local food or drinks. We’re fortunate to have some incredibly creative food artisans in our area, whose product lends charm to the sometimes boring and colourless starches of winter cooking. Consider making a little gift basket of some unique preserves or pantry item (e.g. kettle beans, spelt flour, organic garlic, infused oils, pickled asparagus or carrots), healing herbal teas, or locally roasted coffee, available at the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market (open until December 21st), Wendy’s Country Market, Old Farm Fine Foods, and even Farm Boy (e.g. Dharani Teas and Herb Haven products).

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The Flu Shot: Is It Worth It?

Written by Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND on .

Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND

Vaccines are an incredible public health accomplishment. They save lives. However, there remains some debate over just how effective the influenza (flu) vaccine is, and this information is lost in the strong marketing campaign that all but shames individuals choosing not to acquire the vaccine. If you’re savvy enough to hear the conflicting messages, then choosing whether or not to receive the vaccination can be difficult. And regardless of your decision, there are reasonable steps you can take to prevent a variety of flus and colds this season.

According to a review of recent research by the Cochrane Collaboration published in March 2014, 71 healthy people would need to be vaccinated to prevent 1 case of influenza. Furthermore, “vaccination shows no appreciable effect on working days lost or hospitalisation”.

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Bacteria Controlling your Behaviour

Written by Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND on .

Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND

Though integrative medicine professionals have educated patients about the bacteria in their digestive tract for decades, a recent explosion of research and media attention is bringing this medical game-changing understanding to public light: Our lives depend on these bacteria. We’re neglecting to care for them and now our healthcare system is overwhelmed by epidemics of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, obesity, and cancer, all of which are scientifically linked to unhealthy gut bacteria. We’ve acknowledged that this “gut microbiome” is directly linked to our immune system, thereby triggering autoimmune diseases, allergies, and asthma, when unbalanced. It’s also linked to our brain, thereby influencing our behaviour and possibly even triggering mood disorders. Though this science remains a few years ahead of current conventional medical practice, traditional medical systems such as Asian medicine, adapted by Western Integrative Medicine practitioners, have much experience and wisdom to share with us about protecting our gut bacteria, and our health.

Our bodies are composed of 10 times more bacteria than cells. The majority of these bacteria exist in our gut alongside where about 70% of our immune system function resides. They generate chemicals that teach our immune cells how to function and target harmful microbes. We’ve evolved with these bacteria so that disturbing them at critical points in our lives causes serious immune system shifts that we’re only beginning to understand. Therefore, immune imbalances such as asthma, allergies, or inflammation (e.g. some chronic pain conditions, heart disease, and some skin disorders), are a key sign that the gut microbiome may not be healthy. Gastrointestinal diseases or symptoms of poor digestive function (e.g. bloating, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea), are also common signs that the gut microbiome requires some extra protection.

Protecting your Gut Microbiome

First,

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Good Vibrations

Written by Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND on .

Please view our entire online May issue of Integrated Roots, here.

Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR), such as what cell phones and WiFi internet routers emit, is a serious health risk. Rigorous scientific studies on the human health effects of chronic EMR exposure suggest significant impact on health ranging from mild sleep disturbances to increased rates of certain rare cancers and health conditions that mimic neurological illness and Lyme disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) as a genuine health condition and in 2011 their International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) listed EMR as a potential human carcinogen. Other nationalities, including Switzerland, China, Italy, and Russia, have set acceptable exposure limits to at least 1/100th of what Health Canada insists is safe in its well debated Safety Code 6. In fact, Health Canada does not recognize EHS as a health condition and states that their policies are based on current scientific studies that demonstrate “no effect” from EMR exposure. Clearly the safety of EMR lacks scientific consensus, yet WiFi continues to be installed in our elementary schools, cell phone towers continue to be erected in high-density residential areas, and hydro Smart Meters continue to be installed on many homes and businesses. Has Health Canada failed to adequately balance economic and health interests of Canadians?

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Reducing Sugar Intake Without Dieting!

Written by Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND on .

Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND

Are sugar alternatives safe? Most of us are aware of the negative health consequences of sugar, but what about their chemical replacements in the variety of “sugar-free” food choices? A recent study by Washington University researchers published in the journal Diabetes Care, suggests that ingestion of sucralose (Splenda) may increase insulin levels by up to 20%, thereby promoting diabetes and weight gain. Aspartame is another common sugar alternative with known health risks, such as migraines and seizures, when consumed in high quantities or by sensitive people. Fructose can cause a diabetes-like disease in the liver called “fatty liver”. The science that links both sugar and its replacements to chronic disease symptoms is quite extensive. Here are some practical tips to help you reduce these ingredients in your daily routine, without going on a diet!

1. Stevia is an herbal sugar replacement (i.e. not artificial) that is chemically dis-similar to sugar. This means that it’s metabolized safely by other mechanisms that don’t disturb normal sugar metabolism and weight management.

2. Add a bit of salt! Salt can actually enhance your perception of the sweetness of some dishes, and if you balance this with addition of high-potassium foods, the dish is far less likely to affect blood pressure. (See our article on blood pressure and salt, here.)

3. Enhance the natural sweetness

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We respectfully acknowledge that Kingston Integrated Healthcare is situated on ancestral Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory. Since time immemorial they have cared for these lands and waters, and we are grateful. We recognize that a healthy environment is essential to the wellbeing of all people and all life.

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