Archives

Categories

Recent Issues

mobile-logo
Top

Issue 2

CJNM / Volume 1  / Issue 2

Vitamin D: Focus on Immune Modulation

16/12/2021
0
0
Issue 2

Abstract Vitamin D supplementation is not strictly for healthy bone metabolism. There is a significant expression of vitamin D receptors (VDRs) in specific target cells and tissues. Vitamin D deficiency is very common around the world, being affected by latitude/winter season, melanin production, pharmaceutical side effects, obesity, and fat malabsorption disorders. Deficient serum vitamin D levels modulate VDR expression which influences expression of downstream genes and induces protein cascades in different tissues to elicit disease symptoms. The common theme in all of the studies reviewed is the role vitamin D plays in the immune response. Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in not only immune related conditions, but chronic medical conditions as well. While the mechanism of action of vitamin D in these conditions has not...

Share

Issue 2 September 2021

16/09/2021
0
0
Issue 2, Volume 1

The issue begins with an Invited Commentary from Bob Bernhardt, the current President of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). Bob showcases some very interesting changes to the training of ND’s and practice itself over his 17 years in the profession. Rebecca Word delivers a wonderful summary of human evidence in relation to the herb Melissa officinalis. I was unaware of how far human evidence has progressed regarding this herb, and was grateful for being brought up-to-speed. ...

Share

Melissa officinalis: Review of Published Evidence in Humans by Rebecca R Word, ND

15/09/2021
0
0
Issue 2

Abstract Melissa officinalis (MO) is broadly distributed across the globe, and as a member of the mint family can grow in seemingly inhospitable conditions. In addition to a rich history as a revered medicinal plant, a large and growing body of human level evidence has emerged evaluating MO for a very broad range of applications. Human evidence has emerged for a role of MO in neurodegeneration, mental health, and cardiovascular health. There is also evidence supporting a role of MO for use in children, dysmenorrhea, and a selection of other indications with limited yet existing human level evidence. The herb is administered in a variety of forms (crude herb, tea, aqueous or ethanolic extracts) as well as in a variety of methods (topical, aromatherapy, oral ingestion)....

Share

Grief and Sickness Behaviour in Naturopathic Practice: Standards of Care for Screening and Support by Aoife Earls, MSc, ND

15/09/2021
0
0
Issue 2

Abstract Lifestyle counselling is a part of practice scope for naturopathic doctors, however, the identification of grief management is not well reviewed or identified for screening in practice. Acute grief has many physical attributes that are similar to sickness behaviour, and when identified properly, can be supported as part of a general health care plan and are within naturopathic care strengths, including herbal medicine and lifestyle resources such as forest bathing, journaling, and creativity. In addition, complicated grief or prolonged grief disorder should be identified and referred to appropriate care as many individuals benefit from complicated grief therapy, and will also have numerous health concerns that will not improve when not getting adequate support. Standards of care for different aspects of grief therapy in therapeutic practice...

Share

Critical Appraisal of Approved Chemotherapy Regimens for Advanced Colon Cancer in Ontario, Canada by Akbar Khan, MD, IMD, DHS, FAAO

15/09/2021
0
0
Issue 2

Abstract Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is a term often used to describe allopathic medical therapies. Best evidence for a therapy was felt to be obtained by randomized clinical trials which remain the “gold standard” today. Many well-established chemotherapy regimens for metastatic colon cancer claim to be evidence-based, and are government approved and funded in Ontario, Canada. Conversely, natural therapies, off-label non-toxic therapies, and metabolic therapies for cancer remain unproven due to lack of large-scale clinical trials. Many such therapies are backed by lower levels of evidence that suggests they prolong life or enhance quality of life, yet they are not considered evidence-based by the oncology community. A careful analysis of the actual evidence underlying approved regimens for metastatic colorectal cancer raises important questions about the application of...

Share

The Thyroid – SIBO Connection by Polina Mak, ND

15/09/2021
0
0
Issue 2

Abstract The purpose of this review is to explore the evidence for a causal link between hypothyroidism and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Upon reading the paper, the clinician will have a good understanding of when to assess a hypothyroid patient for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and the hypothesized pathophysiology behind this link. Introduction Hypothyroidism, prevalent in women, the elderly, and certain ethnic groups, is the result of inadequate production of thyroid hormone or the inadequate action of thyroid hormone in target tissues. Primary hypothyroidism is the principal manifestation of hypothyroidism, but other causes include central deficiency of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) or thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), or consumptive hypothyroidism from excessive inactivation of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is defined as either clinical (elevation in the TSH and low levels...

Share

Intraarticular Injection of Hyaluronic Acid for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Review

15/09/2021
0
0
Issue 2

By Philip Rouchotas, MSc, ND, Siobhan Egan, BSc, Rachael O’Connell, ND, Jordan Morton, ND, MJ Atkins, ND, Alex Del Duca, ND Abstract Hyaluronic acid (HA) represents a safe, minimally invasive intervention known to provide significant symptomatic relief for individuals suffering with osteoarthritis. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) practicing in several jurisdictions across North America are provided scope of practice that allows for clinical application of this important tool. The goal of this review is two-fold; to familiarize ND’s with this intervention in regions where its use is permitted, and to encourage ND’s in regions currently excluded from this medicine to pursue its inclusion as an allowed substance for administration by injection. There are several hundred human intervention trials of injectable HA. To establish an evidence base manageable for the...

Share

Drawing Attention to Omega-3 Supplements in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by Rochelle Fernandes, MSc, ND (Cand), PhD (Cand)

15/06/2021
0
0
Issue 2

Abstract Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a common challenge among children, adolescents, and adults. Parents, especially, remain cautious in utilizing medications as a first line therapy for their young children who have been diagnosed with ADHD, hence creating an expanding need for natural therapeutics. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been effective at alleviating symptoms in various diagnoses (neurological, cardiovascular, endocrine and more) due to their anti-inflammatory nature. Omega-3 PUFAs would be a good option for children with ADHD due to their moderate efficacy and lower level of side effects. This article comments on studies that address this efficacy by focusing on which subtype of ADHD patients would benefit the most, as well as the best dosage, duration, age range, and symptom profile that show...

Share