Abnormal Pap smear. HPV infection. Now what?

A Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. It alerts doctors to the presence of suspicious cells on your cervix. Women who have an abnormal Pap smear such as ASCUS are often told to wait and repeat the Pap in 6 to 12 months’ time. But what if you can do more than just “wait”? WhatContinue reading “Abnormal Pap smear. HPV infection. Now what?”

Autism, depression, brain health- linked to gut bacteria

There is now strong evidence that links conditions such as autism and depression to the the gut microbiome, i.e. the microorganisms that live in the gut. Recently, neuroscientists presented evidence for this link in a symposium at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Washington DC called “Gut Microbes and the Brain: Paradigm Shift in Neuroscience”. Earlier this year, Dr.Continue reading “Autism, depression, brain health- linked to gut bacteria”

Harvard: environmental chemicals linked to brain disorders (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc.)

The recent increase in childhood neurodevelopmental delays and disabilities may be triggered by toxic chemicals in our environment, according to a new study released by Harvard School of Public Health and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The study, released a few weeks ago online in Lancet Neurology, indicates that children’s exposure to certain chemicals, includingContinue reading “Harvard: environmental chemicals linked to brain disorders (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc.)”

Five worst ingredients in food

Buying processed food may be more convenient than making wholesome meals from scratch, but are you aware of the hidden ingredients lurking in foods that may wreak havoc on your health? There are literally thousands of food additives out there, and a lot of them are at the root of many health problems. Here areContinue reading “Five worst ingredients in food”

Autism (and other health conditions) linked to the gut?

New research published in December 2013’s Cell has revealed a possible link between the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the gut. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition often marked by decreased social interaction or impaired social skills. Researchers have found that changes in gut bacteria affected autism-like behaviour in mice. Many of the behavioural abnormalities, including anxiety-likeContinue reading “Autism (and other health conditions) linked to the gut?”

Bad breath? Bloated? Gassy? Time to heal your gut.

Many people take breath mints regularly in hopes to cover foul breath. Others experience bloating and discomfort after meals, but never wonder why their body is sending them this message. Loose or unformed stool (diarrhea) alternating with periods of constipation is rather common for busy people living in Hong Kong and other metropolitan cities. IfContinue reading “Bad breath? Bloated? Gassy? Time to heal your gut.”

Happy new year? Understanding depression and what you can do about it

The promise of a new year brings optimism and hope to many, but throws others into abject misery. Whether or not you’re aware, someone you know is suffering from depression. Depression is a common but serious illness. People with depression (also known as clinical depression, major depression or major depressive disorder) find that their state interferes with daily life. DepressedContinue reading “Happy new year? Understanding depression and what you can do about it”

Tips for a thinner Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend, Canada! Below are a few tips for an enjoyable and healthier Thanksgiving. 1) Are there any foods we should avoid during the festive season? As a general guideline, foods that are deep fried, batter-coated, starchy (such as breads, pasta, rice, potatoes) or drenched in a cream sauce or gravy should be avoided.Continue reading “Tips for a thinner Thanksgiving”

Hair loss: possible causes and what you can do about it

Your hair doesn’t just affect your looks- it’s also often an indicator of your health. The average person loses 50 to 100 hairs a day as part of the normal hair growth cycle, and with around 100,000 hairs on your head, this amount of hair loss should not be noticeable. Noticeable hair loss or thinningContinue reading “Hair loss: possible causes and what you can do about it”

PCOS and fertility- how natural medicine can help

The problem with PCOS Women with PCOS don’t ovulate regularly, resulting in irregular periods or amenorrhea (absence of period) and infertility. They may have high levels of testosterone which lead to acne, excessive facial/ body hair growth and head hair loss. On their pelvic ultrasound, ovarian cysts resembling a “string of pearls” can be seen. They alsoContinue reading “PCOS and fertility- how natural medicine can help”