Mineral Deficiencies
Minerals are defined as those elements on the earth and thus found in foods that our bodies need to develop and function normally. Those essential for health include, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, chromosomes, copper, fluoride, molybdenum, manganese’s, and selenium. What does this have to do with mental health? Minerals fulfil […]
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be debilitating for some. Obsessions are recurrent and intrusive thoughts, which can occur with or without compulsions. These thoughts induce anxiety, discomfort, or distress regarding unlikely consequences (an example is contracting a disease or hurting someone) and are not simply typical worries about real-life problems (e.g. friends, school). Common obsessions […]
Negative Thinking
Often, I have clients who are plagued by negative thinking. I define negative thinking as thoughts about yourself, others, or the world in general that are characterized by negative perceptions, expectations, and attributions. These thoughts can be associated with unpleasant emotions and adverse behavioural, physiological and health outcomes. Literally you can make yourself sick from […]
Anxiety
Anxiety, the feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Psychiatry defines anxiety as excessive apprehensiveness about real or perceived threats, typically easing to avoidance behaviours and often leading to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and muscle tension. We all have experienced anxiety, as […]
Depression and Biotype
Depression is characterized by a pervasive low mood, usually accompanied by low self-esteem and loss of interest or pleasure in normal enjoyable activities. Depression exists in all cultures and ethnic groups throughout the world. It strikes about one-sixth of Americans, but only about 50% of those seek medical treatment. In the 1900’s the predominant belief […]
What is ADHD?
What is ADHD- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? It is a condition where a person has differences in brain development and brain activity that affect attention, the ability to sit sill, and self-control. ADHD can affect a child (or adult) at school, at home, business and in friendships. Often females go undiagnosed, and many people are […]
Rest
The importance of rest, if we practice taking time in our day for rest there are many positive benefits. It prevents stress, prevents injury, boosts creativity, enhances mood, better mental health, more energy, improves your sleep, increases productivity, assist with body recovery, relief of chronic pain, stronger cardiovascular system, muscle repair, increases immune health etc. […]
Temperance
The term temperance is defined as moderation or voluntary self-restraint. It is typically described in terms of what a person voluntarily refrains from doing. This includes restraint from revenge by practicing mercy and forgiveness, restraint from arrogance by practicing humility and modesty, restraint from excesses such as extravagant luxury or splurging, restraint from overindulgence in […]
How Does Fear Affect My Body?
I have talked extensively on fear in past blogs. This blog is about the body’s response to fear and how it changes our bodies chemical makeup. There are over 200 chemicals (hormones) that react when we experience a stressful event, perceived as a threat. In an acute stressful event, there is a cascade of changes […]
May is Mental Health Month:
May is mental health month! What does that mean? May is designated as Mental Health Awareness month in Canada, a time for fostering understanding, promoting resilience, and raising awareness about the importance of mental well-being for all Canadians. this social movement is meant to increase awareness and improve understanding of mental illness, reduce the stigma […]
Fat and Depression Link
Depression can be described as a mood, a state of being, or energy level that includes a lack of motivation, a sense of hopelessness, and a lack of physical energy. Depression can be associated with a variety of nutritional deficiencies; there are common symptom and they occur in both young or old. It is not […]
Fat and Brain Link
Did you know that your brain is comprised of over 50% fat? I have seen research that quotes 70%. Fat got a dirty name in the 1980’s and I am not sure why. But here is what you need to know about fat and how it operates for your brain and in the body. Lipids […]