The Caruso Homeopathy Blog

Some people who try to cut down on calories by drinking diet beverages could be negating their dieting efforts by eating more food, a new study suggests.

Researchers analyzed information from nearly 24,000 U.S. adults who reported the food and beverages they consumed in a 24-hour period as part of a survey. Read on

MONDAY, Feb. 3, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Doctors have long thought extra sugar in a person's diet is harmful to heart health because it promotes chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

But the added sugar Americans consume as part of their daily diet can -- on its own, regardless of other health problems -- more than double the risk of death from heart disease, a new study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found. Read on

Reuters Health) - An at-home test that reacts to blood in a person's stool can identify most colon cancers, according to a fresh look at some previous studies.

Researchers found the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is able to detect 79 percent of colorectal cancers without making people change their diets or stop taking their medications, as some other screening tests require. Read on

An interesting study of 1865 elderly women and men found that a healthy diet and good sleep was linked to longevity. In men a good night's sleep seemed most important and in women a diet high in B6 was key.

In the clinic we notice that folks that have poor sleep tend to crave a lot more junk food and carry weight around their midsection. If people have poor sleep habits, such as sleeping in a room that is not dark enough, keeping unusual sleeping hours, having noises or computers or tvs on, we recommend they change those habits. If that is not enough we use an interesting little survey to ascertain whether stress if affecting their sleep and how to deal with their unique symptoms. Some folks feel wired and restless, others are worried, some improve with melatonin, some don't. Everyone is different but I have this sleep remedy working quite well for my patients now.

Read more.

When we see folks in our clinic who have a family history of heart disease or do suffer from heart disease, we usually put them on a modified mediterrean diet. People who benefit from this type of program tend to gain weight around their midsection, suffer from his cholesterol, hypertension, insomnia, weight gain and blood sugar issues. Research shows that in women, even a moderate weight loss has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. If you have a lot of weight to lose, don't worry, everyone has to start somewhere.

Our gastrointestinal flora has many affects on our body and health. Researchers have found that probiotics help babies with acid reflux, constipation and colic, read on

As you may know, we offer weight loss programs to people in our clinic. I am not a fan of 100 calories junk food snacks, fat free frankenfoods or anything with aspartame. My feeling is that why so many people are struggling with their weight is that folks have gotten away from eating whole foods balanced with proteins, carbs and fats which in turn makes them hungry for more nutrition but they are not getting it from what they are eating. Research has found that diet drinks actually make us eat more. A while back I read that aspartame actually interferes with the beta cells somehow in the pancreas which can lead to blood sugar instability. I don't agree that people shold drink regular pop or diet pop. How about good old thirst quenching water? Need flavor? Add a bit of lemon, lime or unsweetened juice to it. People cannot out smart nature with frankenfoods, it will only leave us fatter and sicker. Read more about diet drinks and our increased food intake whilst consuming them.

I do feel quite sorry for these mice suffering with all of our research. However, researchers have found that plant fiber may protect against asthma. Asthma is characterized by constriction of the airways due to a variety of triggers. It appears that plant phytochemicals, especially dietary fiber seems to aid in reducing asthmatic attacks, read on

IBD sufferers, those with ulcerative colitis and crohn's disease may benefit from using tricylcic antidepressants. It makes sense because neurotransmitters such as serotonin and tryptophan are produced in the gastrointestinal tract. What about the side effects from these drugs? One may know there are pages of potential side effects with their use. We treat folks with IBD and tailor their treatment to their specific needs. Some people find that 5HTP from griffonia seed extract may be of use with very limited side effects. The main problem that  IBD sufferers should focus on is why they are not making these neurotransmitters properly? Could it be due to their bowel flora, a lack of nutrients or proper diet? It is always best to treat the root cause, the person and in turn symptoms often improve. Read more about this study here.

In the clinic we see a wide variety of people who are seeking natural digestive support for acid reflux. It amazes me how many people take antacid drugs for years without a break. Research reports that chronic use of antacids deplete the body of calcium, iron, folic acid and B12. Thus folks are more apt to suffer with anemia and osteoporosis if they use these medications ongoing. B vitamins especially b12 helps to support the nervous system and has been linked to improved cognitive health and reduced incidence of dementia. Research now shows that the elderly taking antacids may be at risk for dementia, read on.

We all want our kids to do well in school and in life. Children are being diagnosed at an alarming rate with adult like mental disorders such as anxiety and depressive disorders. There are more labels for kids with social and learning disabilities as well as attention deficit disorder, autism, pervasive developmental disorder, spatial processing disorder, central auditory processing disorder and dyslexia. As parents we worry about their future and naturally want the best for our children.

In clinical practice, we use a whole food approach to both learning, neurological and psychological disorders because most of our bodies neurotransmitters (hormone messengers for our brain and nervous system) are made in our gastrointestinal tract. Diet is looked at but also food sensitivities and nutritional deficiencies play a huge role in health. One of these deficiencies most commonly found in kids suffering with these disorders is omega 3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA. Aside from eating fatty fish such as salmon, arctic char, sardines or trout, supplementation may be required to increase levels. Have a look at the latest research on omega three fatty acids, read on

In the clinic, for a variety of clients we tend to use a modified version of the Mediterrean diet. It has so much research on its efficacy in preventing diseases almost everyone has heard of it. Before you think it is just pasta, olive oil and wine think again! We focus on heart healthy fruits and low glycemic vegetables, lean proteins (such as fish, chicken, turkey, game), legumes, heart healthy oils, nuts and seeds and minimal grains for each person and their unique caloric and energy requirements. Studies have shown this diet to help prevent alzheimers, parkinsons, heart disease, cancer and now it has been shown to reduce peripheral artery disease or PAD. PAD is a disease where they vessels in the legs do not provide adequate blood supply and a person can suffer from swollen joints, varicose veins, limping and pain. It is a precursor to heart disease. Read on.

It is well known that plant based foods contain a variety of beneficial antioxidants and phytochemicals that provide protection against cancer. Those who eat the most fruits and vegetables seem to suffer less from colon cancer. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulceration of the lower colon. People who suffer with this disease tend to also contract colon cancer more often then the general public. There are a few things that those with ulcerative colitis can do to help support themselves through diet and supplements to reduce the inflammatory response against their intestinal tract. Those who seek the help of the clinic are set up on such a protocol to maximize their health potential. In the news, an interesting study done on mice found that black raspberries actually reduce abnormal cell behaviour in the colon in rats who have ulcerative colitis. We believe that most plant foods have a benefit in reducing all types of cancer, but this study is on just one berry. Read on

If you know anyone with fibromyalgia, you can understand how devastating this hidden disease is to someone's quality of life. Pain, fatigue, irritable bowel and sleep disturbances are often found with this disease. In the clinic we treat fibromyalgia by addressing the individual's unique needs. Some patients do well by supporting a variety of interconnected underlying rather than masking symptoms. The areas that we often see as needing support are the following:

• The adrenals and the HPA axis.
• The gastrointestinal flora and digestive support through enhancing absorption, reducing bad bacteria and increasing good flora
• Improving hormonal balance such as supporting the thyroid and other neurotransmitters that aid in proper sleep and mood
• Addressing chronic inflammation

In the news, researchers have reported something that many holistic practitioners already know. That fish oil reduces inflammation and vitamin D helps to modulate pain receptors and also helps to repair a damaged gut, read on.

In the clinic, we run weight loss programs both private and in groups. Each person has a unique biochemistry and what helps one lose, does not always help another. We screen people for issues such as subclinical hypothyroidism, blood sugar imbalances, sleep disturbances, adrenal, cortisol and hormonal imbalances. We also have found that those with an overgrowth of bad bacteria in their gut can lead to an increase in food cravings and binging. Research has just validated our beliefs by showing that administering certain probiotics have proven useful in those trying to lose weight, read on.

If you are like many new parents, having a colicky baby can tax the quality of your life. In some little ones gripe water does not help. In the clinic I have found that often colicky babies are sensitive to something they are taking in their formulas or getting through their mother's breast milk. Homeopathic remedies are safe and gentle and can help to quell that cramping that these wee ones suffer with. New research shows that certain types of probiotics, good bacteria can have a positive effect on colic. It has been known that babies put on infant probiotics do have less incidence of allergies and skin eruptions. Great news for the probiotics market is that lactobacillus reuteri, is helpful for the symptoms of colic, read on.

Vitamin D3 has so many positive studies on it, one of the more exciting effects of vitamin D is that it helps prevent colorectal cancer. This is one the top types of cancers that North Americans suffer from. Read on

More and more research is finding that our unique biochemistry is influenced by our flora, a balance of good and bad bacteria, that resides in our sinuses, lungs, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, genital urinary tract and on our skin. Researchers have now found a link between using antiseptic mouth wash which kills off good bacteria and heart disease. Read on

Although I always have to laugh when a study comes out that analyses food, and claims one food can influence one's risk of developing breast cancer, I thought I would share this information with folks who want to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Each week that I read all the latest research on food and health, one will notice a distinct trend. That it is always a whole food, plant, seed or nut that promotes good health. One will never read that a food dye or preservative will be found as the panacea to good health. We look at each client individually and recommend dietary shifts based on their unique needs and also their disease pattern to ensure the best health and nutrition considering the circumstances. Tomatoes contain lycopene which has great benefit in preventing prostate cancer. Have a look at the latest news on breast cancer and the modest tomato having great benefit, read on

Many of us have first hand experience with family members who suffer with dementia and alzheimer's disease. Did you know that nutritional supplements do have some benefit in helping to quell the inflammatory signals to the brain in those with alzheimer's? In the clinic we do a nutritional analysis on each patient, which involves indepth screening for nutritional deficiencies and dietary shortfalls. Each person is put on a unique regime for their needs. Have a look at the latest research stating that vitamin E in high doses can help delay the progression of this devastating disease. Read on.