A recent 6 month controlled trial involving 57 women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) adhering to a high protein diet (40% of daily calories) was associated with greater weight loss and body fat loss compared to standard protein diets (less than 15% of daily calories).  In addition the researchers found that the high protein diet resulted in better blood glucose control - even after adjusting for weight loss. They concluded that a high protein diet benefits women with PCOS, independent of weight loss by improving glucose metabolism.

Visit your local Naturopathic Doctor to find out more about how naturopathic treatment can improve PCOS and other women's health concerns.

Yours in health,
Dr. Tara Andresen ND

Dr. Tara Andresen is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine , incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.

A recent 8 week clinical study found that 1/2 cup of walnuts per day (containing 6.8mg of ALA) given to young adults significantly improved their critical thinking skills. Walnuts contain a number of nutrients that are important for our nervous system to function well. More specifically, walnuts are the only nuts that contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The researchers believe that ALA may be the nutrient that contributed to the observed increase in critical thinking. ALA helps to make DHA - an omega-3 fatty acid that is important for neural function and cognition.

To find out more about how naturopathic can therapies work to support the nervous system, contact your local Naturopathic Doctor.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tara Andresen ND

A recent case-control study in Norway looked at whether lower Vitamin D levels in mothers during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. They saw a trend toward a higher risk of Type 1 Diabetes in the offspring from of women with lower Vitamin D levels. The odds of Type 1 Diabetes in offspring was 2 X higher for women with the lowest Vitamin D levels relative to the women with the highest Vitamin D levels.

These results suggest that enhancing maternal Vitamin D levels during pregnancy may help to prevent Type 1 Diabetes in offspring.

To find out more about natural support for fertility and pregnancy, contact your local Naturopathic Doctor.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND
Naturopathic Doctor

A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry concluded that EPA - one of the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil - improves depression. This study reviewed the results of relevant research studies conducted over the past 50 years and found that EPA is the critical component in fish oil that improves mood. They concluded that to be effective, fish oils should contain more than 60% EPA (vs. DHA - the other omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil).

To find out more about natural treatment support for mood, contact your naturopathic doctor.

Yours in health,
Dr. Tara Andresen, ND
Naturopathic Doctor

The results of a recent study out of Australia suggest that acupuncture may be effective for reducing infertility-related stress. The women involved in the study had been unsuccessful in trying to conceive for 12 months or more. They received 6 acupuncture sessions over 8 weeks. The Fertility Problem Inventory was used to assess outcomes. The results showed that the women who received acupuncture experienced a reduction in infertility stress and an increase in selgf-efficacy.  They also described the experience and impact of acupuncture as positive, specifically related to a sense of relaxation and improved perspective on coping. Researchers concluded that acupuncture may be a useful intervention for women experiencing infertility-related stress.

For more information on how naturopathic medicine and acupuncture can improve fertility concerns, please see your naturopathic doctor.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND
Naturopathic Doctor

A new meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessed the effects of probiotics consumption (good gut bacteria that can be found in yogurt) on blood cholesterol levels.  Results showed that a diet rich in probiotics decreases unhealthy cholesterol levels in people with high, borderline high and normal cholesterol levels.

Another reason to include plain organic yogurt in your diet. For more on how to naturally lower your cholesterol levels, book an appointment with your Naturopathic Doctor.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND
Naturopathic Doctor

A Norwegian study recently analyzed data involving over 33,000 pregnant women who consumed dairy products with probiotics. They found that regular consumption of milk-based probiotics could result in a 20% decreased risk of developing high blood pressure in pregnancy (ie. preeclampsia).

Plain organic yogurt is the best source of probiotics from food. Higher doses of probiotics in capsule or powder form may be prescribed by a qualified health practitioner.  See your Naturopathic Doctor for additional natural health support during pregnancy.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND
Naturopathic Doctor

A recent study out of Belgium examined the relationship between sun exposure and disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.  Those participants with MS who had experienced more sun in the past 10 years scored lower on the disability status scale than those of the same age who did not experience sun exposure as frequently.  The researchers concluded that higher sun exposure may be associated with better outcomes in MS patients.

Naturopathic medicine can help those who suffer from MS.  Book an appointment with your local Naturopath to find out more.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND
Naturopathic Doctor

A recent Cochrane Database Review found that the use of probiotics reduced the number of upper respiratory tract infections and decreased the need for antibiotics. The review looked at the results from 14 randomized controlled studies that included a total of 3451 participants.  The participants included children and adults. The authors concluded that probiotics may reduce the occurrence of upper respiratory tract infections.

There are a number of effectively natural treatment strategies to prevent upper respiratory tract infections. Book an appointment with your local Naturopathic Doctor to find out which treaments are best for you.

Yours in health,
Dr. Tara Andresen, ND
Naturopathic Doctor

A recent study in the Journal of Child Health Care concluded that low Omega-3 fatty acid levels may contribute to learning disabilities related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  In this study, 75 ADHD children provided blood samples and underwent cognitive assessments. The ADHD children with learning difficulties (LD) had lower Omega-3 levels than the ADHD children without LD.   In addition, the children with higher Omega-3 levels reported less anxiety and better word recall.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold water fish, fish oil, flaxseed oil, walnuts and almonds. To find out more about how naturopathic medicine can help children with ADHD, see your Naturopathic Doctor.

Researchers recently found that supplementation with vitamin B5 significantly lowered Total Cholesterol (TC) and LDL Cholesterol (LDL-C) over and above the effects of diet changes alone.  The trial lasted 4 months and required the participants to take 600-900mg of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). This is a relatively high dose of B5 so you should consult with your Naturopathic Doctor before trying this out.

For more information on how to lower your cholesterol naturally, see you local Naturopath.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND

Dr. Tara Andresen is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.

A recent study out of China involving 63 patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), acupuncture treatment received every other day for 3 courses of 10 treatments was found to significantly an inflammatory marker called TNF-alpha and also decreased excess fluid in the affected joints. Additional benefit was found with electrostimulation of the acupuncture points.

In addition to acupuncture, naturopathic medicine offers a wide variety of effective treatments for arthritis. Contact your naturopathic doctor to find out more.

Yours in Health,
Dr. Tara Andresen, ND
Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Tara Andresen is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.

A recent systematic review looked at the results of 13 previous randomized controlled trials to examine the effects of zinc lozenges on the duration of the common cold.  They found a 42% reduction in the duration of the common cold associated with use of zinc acetate in daily doses over 75 mg.   It was noted that the trials that used less than this dose did not see a beneficial effect.  Therefore, the study concluded that zinc is effective in shortening colds only when administered at an adequate dose.

While high dose zinc is helpful for short term use, over the long term it can actually have the opposite effect and begin to deplete the immune system.  Consult with Naturopathic Doctor to find out more.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND

Dr. Tara Andresen is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.

A recent study involving mice found that a probiotic strain called Lactobacillus Rhamnosus (ie. good bacteria that line the digestive tract) reduced cortisol levels (the hormone that increases with anxiety and stress). The authors discovered that consumption of this particular probiotic reduced anxiety and depression-related behavior. Futher studies in humans are still required but these findings further illustrate the connection between gut function and brain function.

For more information on natural therapies to support mood, consult with your naturopathic doctor.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND

Dr. Tara Andresen is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.

A recent study involiving over 12,000 people in the US found that higher sodium intake was associated with increased mortality from cardiovascular disease.  In contrast, higher potassium intake was associated with lower mortality risk.

In general, the average sodium: potassium ratio in North America is 5:1 ie. 5 times more salt than potassium, but the optimal intake is 1:2 (twice as much potassium as sodium).

So what does this mean for you?  Try to limit sodium intake to 2400mg per day (about 1 tsp), less if you have high blood pressure.  Also, aim for 5-6 servings of fruit and vegetables per day.  Fruit and vegetables are the main source of potassium in our diet (ex. bananas, cantaloupe and avocado).

Yours in Health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND

Dr. Tara Andresen is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.

Yes, it's true! Dark chocolate can help improve eyesight and memory.  Researchers in England recently conducted a study that found daily consumption of a single dose of dark chocolate containing 720mg of cocoa flavanols was associated with improvements in visual and cognitive function.  It turns out that cocoa flavanols can increase blood flow to the brain and the eyes.

To find out more about preventing vision deterioration and cognitive decline, see your naturopathic doctor. A Nauropath can put together an individualized treatment plan that meets your health goals.

Yours in Health,
Dr. Tara Andresen, ND

Dr. Tara Andresen is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology recently published a systematic review of studies investigating the impact of dietary factors on the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD includes Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. The researchers found that total dietary fat consumption was much higher in people who developed Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis. Conversely, they found that people who consumed more fibre and fruit were less likely to develop IBD.  More specifically, those who ate more fruit were at a lower risk of developing Crohn's disease and those who ate more vegetables were at a lower risk of developing Ulcerative Colitis.

To find out more about effective strategies to prevent and treat IBD, see your local Naturopathic Doctor. A Naturopath can help put together an individualized plan that meets your health goals.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND

Dr. Tara Andresen is a registered Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.

In a recent randomized controlled trial involving 104 young women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), low omega-3 levels were associated with higher circulating androgens ie. testoterone. Elevated testosterone is associated with PCOS. The authors concluded that supplementation with omega-3 oils (ex. fish oil, flax oil, etc) modulated testosterone levels. The Omega-3s in fish oil have also been shown to modulate lipid profiles and improve cholesterol.  Women with PCOS are at higher risk for heart disease associated with elevated blood lipid levels.

To find out more about effective strategies to treat PCOS and other women's health concerns, see your Naturopathic Doctor. A Naturopath can help put together an individualized plan that meets your health goals.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND

Dr. Tara Andresen is a registered Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.

A randomized controlled trial has found olive leaf extract supplementation to be as effective as an anti-hypertensive drug called Captopril (ACE Inhibitior). Patients with Stage I Hypertension (mild to moderate) were either given olive leaf extract capsules twice daily or Captropril twice daily. After 8 weeks of treatment both groups experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure, with no significant difference in the amount of reduction between the two groups.  In addition, the olive leaf group experienced a decrease in triglycerides that was not found in the Captopril group.

To find out more about effective strategies to treat high blood pressure see your Naturopathic Doctor. A Naturopath can help put together an individualized plan that meets your health goals.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND

Dr. Tara Andresen is a registered Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.

A study published this month in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine looked at the effectiveness of acupuncture for menstrual cramps (aka. dysmenorrhea). The randomized study involved 80 women who were followed over the course of 3 menstrual cycles. Treatment with acupuncture prior to the menstrual period ("preconditioning acupuncture") was found to significantly reduce symptoms and the duration of symptoms more effectively than either "immediate acupuncture" during menstrual cramps or no acupuncture.  The results confirm that acupuncture can be an effective modality for treating menstrual cramps, and that treating before the menstrual period is more effective than only treating while the symptoms are presenting.

To find out more about effective strategies to improve menstrual cramping see your Naturopathic Doctor. A Naturopath can help put together an individualized plan that meets your health goals.

Dr. Tara Andresen is a registered Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.

 

Here is some additional evidence that drinking green tea helps with weight loss.  The results of a recent randomized control trial published in the November edition of the Nutrition Journal suggest that drinking green tea helps people feel more full after a meal, and consequently, consume fewer calories.  The non-control participants in this study drank 300ml of green tea with breakfast. This group experienced a significant increase in "satiety" compared to the placebo group.  In addition, the particpants in the green tea group reported having a less strong desire to eat their favourit food and found it less pleasant to eat another mouthful of the same food.

To find out more about effective weight loss strategies, see your Naturopathic Doctor. A Naturopath can help put together an individualized plan that meets your health goals.

Dr. Tara Andresen is a registered Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.

A prospective study was recently published that followed 80 people with Type I Diabetes and low vitamin D levels.  The patients were given Vitamin D3 daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the intervention, the researchers found that Vitamin D supplementation improved blood glucose control in the patients. It is important to note that these patients were low in Vitamin D to begin with and so more studies are required, but nonetheless, it does show that Vitamin D can be helpful for those with Type I Diabetes.

Dr. Tara Andresen is a registered Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.

The Journal of Skin Pharmacology and Physiology just published the results of a randomized control trial that found oral supplementation with raw flaxseed oil may reduce skin sensitivity and improve skin barrier function and overall condition.  The subjects received either flaxseed oil or sunflower oil daily for 3 months. Flaxseed oil was associated with a significant decrease in skin roughness and scaling, as well as a significant increase in skin hydration and smoothness. The authors concluded that flaxseed oil supplementation modulates skin condition.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed 14,807 women over a decade and found that following a Mediterranean Diet* was associated with a statistically significant inverse association with breast cancer among postmenopausal women. The authors of this study conclude that this could in part explain the lower incidence of breast cancer in Mediterranean countries.

To find out more about reducing risk factors for breast cancer, see your Naturopathic Doctor. A Naturopath can help put together an individualized treatment and prevention plan that meets your health goals.

A recently published study (July 2010) following over 35,000 postmenopausal women living in the USA found that the use of daily fish oil supplementation reduced the risk of ductal breast cancer (not lobular). Women who had been using fish oil for over 10 years experienced the greatest benefit. The authors concluded that fish oil may be inversely related to breast cancer risk, but they say additional research is required to further investigate the mechanism by which fish oil may protect against breast cancer.

To find out more about reducing your breast cancer risk, visit your Naturopath.  They can put together a comprehensive prevention plan that meets your specific health goals.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Tara Andresen is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.

A recent study soon to be published in Psychiatry Research (2010) involving 42 people with Major Depressive Disorder, found that 1000mg of EPA (found in fish oil) exerted beneficial effects on mood equal to that of 20mg of a well known anti-depressant medication, Prozac. This study built on a 2008 study that also found 1000mg of EPA had equal therapeutic effects to 20mg of Prozac. Interestingly,  the 2008 study also found that EPA from fish oil, in combination with Prozac had a superior effect to either EPA or Prozac alone.

Treatment of depression often requires an integrated approach involving both naturopathic and allopathic treatment modalities.  Naturopathic Doctors often work with MDs to provide a more comprehensive model of care for those with mood disorders like depression. Contact your ND to find out more about how naturopathic medicine can help you.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND 

Dr. Tara Andresen is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective individualized treatment plans for a wide variety of health conditions.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (April 2010) published a study last month that showed supplementing your diet with zinc can help protect you from atherosclerosis.  Atherosclerosis is the thickening and hardening of arteries that can occur in some individuals and lead to a heart attack, a stroke or angina. The authors of the study concluded that zinc may have a protective effect because of its antiinflammatory and antioxidant functions.

It is important to note that while zinc can offer some protection, additional steps are required to minimize the risk of heart disease. There are many risk factors for atherosclerosis, including high blood pressure, diabetes, genetics, high levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and smoking.  All of these factors need to be addressed in order to effectively prevent atherosclerosis. Your Naturopathic Doctor can work with you to put together an individualized risk prevention plan to meet your specific health needs.

Yours in heath,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND

Dr. Tara Andresen is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective individualized treatment plans for a wide variety of health conditions.

 

 

 

Folic acid supplementation has been commonly known to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in the first 22-28 days of pregancy.  This means that women should be taking folic acid prior to conceiving since neural tube defects can occur in a fetus before a woman may know that she is pregnant.

In addition to preventing neural tube defects, a new study in the February issue of the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests that it may be important to continue supplementing with folic acid through to the end of pregnancy. This study followed 14,000 women and found that taking folic acid significantly reduced the risk of preterm births in those who continued to supplement with folic acid in their third trimester. 

To find out more about folic acid supplementation and natural fertility support, contact a licensed naturopathic doctor.  They can put together an individualized treatment program to help you improve your health both before and during pregnancy.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND

Dr. Tara Andresen is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective individualized treatment plans for a wide variety of health conditions.

 

Yes, it's true. A study published earlier this month in  the Journal of Nutrition found that supplementation with whey protein powder for 12 weeks in overweight individuals significantly decreased LDL (the bad cholesterol), total cholesterol and triglycerides (fat). In addition, whey protein also decreased insulin levels. Cool! Another reason to start the day with a tasty protein shake!

To find out more, contact a licensed naturopathic doctor.  They can put together an individualized treatment program to help lower cholesterol and improve weight management.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND

Dr. Tara Andresen is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective individualized treatment plans for a wide variety of health conditions.

 

Typical presenting symptoms of people who are “stressed out” include: insomnia, depression, fatigue, headaches, upset stomach, digestive disturbances, irritability. 

While stress is useful to a certain degree to motivate us and help us achieve our goals, chronic elevated stress levels adversely affect us on a physical and emotional level.

The stress response in the body is well documented and involves the release of a hormone called cortisol from the adrenal glands that sit on top of our kidneys. With long term stress, excess cortisol is regularly released into the bloodstream by overworked adrenal glands.

Naturopathic medicine offers a multitude of effective treatment options to help you manage stress and support your adrenal glands, including:

1. Changing the diet to balance blood sugar and support energy building in the body.
2. Supporting the adrenal glands and balancing cortisol with botanical and dietary supplements.
3. Counseling on lifestyle changes to mitigate the stress response.
4. Counseling on techniques to calm the mind and promote positive thinking.
5. Exercise to balance blood sugar and improve energy.
6. Acupuncture to calm the mind and mitigate the stress response.

Your naturopathic doctor can put together an effective stress management treatment program to meet your individual needs.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND

Dr. Tara Andresen is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective individualized treatment plans for a wide variety of health conditions.

Often we hear about the perils of eating fat – and don’t get me wrong – there is certainly no shortage of artery-clogging saturated fats available to eat. There are, however, some healthy fats that improve heart health. 

In particular, research has shown that moderate amounts of daily olive oil consumption supports heart health by lowering blood pressure, lowering bad cholesterol (LDL and triglycerides) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL). 

The dosage of olive oil is 2 tablespoons per day, but the oil must be raw, not heated, to obtain health benefits.  Heating oils changes the composition and generates free radicals (oxidants) that harm cells in the body.  Also, make sure you choose an extra virgin, cold pressed olive oil that is stored in a dark bottle to prevent fermentation, and if possible, keep it in the refrigerator once opened.

Olive oil is only one of many natural therapies available to treat and prevent heart disease. You naturopathic doctor can help you understand which options are best for you.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND

Dr. Tara Andresen is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective individualized treatment plans for a wide variety of health conditions.

Did you know that taking Vitamin D3 on a regular basis can help improve your body’s ability to ward off influenza?

First things first - What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is actually not a vitamin – it’s a precursor to steroid hormones.  Vitamin D is made by our skin from exposure to UV light from the sun. Decreased exposure to sunlight in the fall and winter months in Toronto means that our bodies are producing less Vitamin D naturally. There are multiple forms of Vitamin D, but the one that is best used in the body is Vitamin D3 (aka. Cholecalciferol)

Getting healthy - How can Vitamin D help with the flu?

Recent resarch supports the theory that low sunlight exposure and secondary deficiencies of vitamin D underlie susuceptibility to colds and influenza. It turns out that the anti-microbial cells that line the respiratory tract are dependent on Vitamin D.  As a result, by acting on these immune cells, Vitamin D prevents lung infections associated with influenza.  

What’s next – How much should I take?

Individual Vitamin D3 requirements can vary considerably so it’s best to have your Vitamin D levels tested through a simple blood test done by either your Naturopathic or Medical Doctor.  The best lab test is 25-hydroxy-Vitamin D.  Based on your blood testing and medical history, your Naturopathic Doctor can assess and make recommendations to meet your individual Vitamin D3 needs. Those people who are on high levels of calcium supplementation need to be monitored and have their D3 dosing adjusted accordingly to prevent excessive calcium deposits in the body. Additionally, any digestive concerns need to be taken into account (ie. problems with breaking down fats), so that Vitamin D3 absorption can be optimized.

Vitamin D3 is only one of many natural therapies available for flu prevention. Your naturopathic doctor can help you understand which options are best for you.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tara Andresen, ND

Dr.  is a licensed naturopathic doctor in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to , incorporating the latest scientific research into effective individualized treatment plans for a wide variety of .