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The Skinny on Fat
By Meera Dossa, Bsc, ND 
In a society consumed with the obsession of “being thin,” fat has been flagged as the “bad guy.” But has fat indeed received an ill-fated label? Jurors have been deliberating over the fat controversy for some time now and the verdict has yet to be delivered. Are fats really bad for you? The debate over healthy and unhealthy fats dates back at least a decade and continues to be a hot topic.
Fats have been touted as the bad guys, whose ingestion has lead to an increase in the incidence of obesity in our society. Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils constitute a significant portion of commonly consumed products such as margarine, baked goods, candies, chocolates and potato chips. The consequence of increased intake of foods of this nature is an increased exposure to unhealthy trans fats and more importantly, the addition of extra pounds! More and more, ailments linked to obesity such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease are becoming prevalent. Add to that the esthetic appeal of a thin frame, and it is easy to understand why fats have gained such an unfavourable review. But in an attempt to steer clear of all fats, the fact that some fats heal has been forgotten in the process.
The Fats of Life
Some fats, considered healing fats, are helpful to the body and can play a crucial role in reversing conditions such as arthritis, allergies, obesity and eczema. All of these conditions occur as a result of an essential fatty acid imbalance. As our bodies cannot manufacture these healing fats, they must be obtained through our diet and so are appropriately termed, essential fatty acids (EFAs). Comprised of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, EFAs serve a number of vital functions in our bodies. These range from being the essential building blocks of every cell, to acting as precursors for hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, to increasing the rate of metabolic reactions in our bodies.
With a reduced intake of these EFAs due to fat avoidance in our diets, symptoms of deficiency are prone to develop over time. Some of these symptoms may include:
- hair loss
- dry skin
- intensified pre-menstrual symptoms
- heart and circulatory problems (such as high blood pressure)
- inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis)
Seeing as a deficiency can cause the aforementioned symptoms (and many others), it is clear that the addition of EFAs into the diet can work to alleviate these symptoms of deficiency.
Weight Watchers
In theory, the mathematical equation (less fat = less weight) seems sound. Why then, don’t low fat diets work? Generally, when any type of diet is implemented, the total amount of calories consumed is decreased. More often than not, meal frequency is also decreased. Research has shown that as meal frequency is decreased, the incidence of obesity is increased. When meals are eaten fewer and farther apart, the body kick starts itself into “starvation” mode, depositing any calories consumed as fat. These can later be used as a source of energy.
Inevitably, on a low fat diet, there will be a low intake of EFAs (especially omega 3s). This can affect weight loss in 3 ways:
- As discussed earlier, EFAs serve as precursors for prostaglandins. Specific prostaglandins (series 3 prostaglandins) aid the kidneys in flushing excess water that is held in the tissues. An EFA deficiency, leading to a decrease in these specific prostaglandins can result in water retention and increased weight.
- EFAs increase the metabolic rate, burning more fat and glucose resulting in less fat deposition.
- EFAs increase energy production. With increased energy levels, we are more likely to be active. Increased activity enhances metabolic rate, burning more fat.
The Verdict is in!
Clearly, fats play a critical role in the complex functioning of our bodies and avoiding them completely could do more harm than good. Eating the right kinds of fats in the right amounts is the key to good health!
Meera Dossa, a licensed naturopathic doctor has been practicing at The Pacific Wellness Institute. To book an appointment for body composition analysis, dietary assessment, and naturopathic treatment with Dr. Dossa, please contact The Pacific Wellness Institute at 416-929-6958.
Success Story: Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Treated by Acupuncture
A 23 year old university student visited Dr. Tanaka at The Pacific Wellness Institute seeking acupuncture treatment for his chronic skin condition, atopic dermatitis. He had been suffering from atopic dermatitis for most of his life, since age 3. He tried a variety of treatments including UV treatment, dietary modifications and other natural treatments in the past, all of which provided no noticeable changes in his symptoms.
His condition had been fluctuating with periodic flare-ups. When he visited us for the first time it was during one of the worst flare-ups (see the before picture, taken at the first visit in February 2006). He had been using corticosteroid creams and ointments on a regular basis (even between the flare-up periods) to control his symptoms. He like many other sufferers developed dependency to cortisone over the many years.
He received acupuncture one to two times a week. His skin further worsened initially then several weeks later the skin appearance started to show drastic improvements and his itchiness also significantly decreased (see the after picture which was taken after 3 months at his 11th treatment in May 2006). He has continued to receive acupuncture on a maintenance basis every few weeks. As of May 2007, he has not experienced any flare-ups and his skin remains virtually normal in appearance. According to the patient, this is by far the longest remission of any skin flare-up and also the longest he has been free from any use of cortisone medication.
Acupuncture combined with HRV based breathing exercise was used to balance his autonomic nervous system and help normalize his white blood cell distributions and immune function. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (managing stress, quality sleep and balanced diet) is an important factor for continuous long term success of the program.
Visit http://www.pacificwellness.ca/skinproblems.html to learn the comprehensive approach offered for various skin conditions at The Pacific Wellness Institute.
Did you know?
Besides massage therapy, acupuncture, shiatsu, reflexology, naturopathy and nutrition counseling are frequently covered by employee benefits.*
Treatment fees can be deductible from income tax returns. Even vitamins or supplements from our dispensary can be tax deductible when recommended by our practitioners. So be sure to obtain receipts and keep them. **
* Type of coverage varies depending on your insurance package. Check with your insurance company for details. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any assistance.
** Each tax situation may vary. Please check with your accountant.
Acupuncture Regulation Update 
We are pleased to inform you that The Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006 received Royal Assent on December 20, 2006 and the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario was created. Eventually all acupuncturists and TCM practitioners must join the new regulatory college in order to practice the modality. It will however, take some time for the new college to function and until then, acupuncture will continuously be provided by practitioners with a wide variety of educational background and training.
One of the exemptions of this act is allowing licensed health care practitioners who are members of selected regulatory college such as chiropractors, physiotherapists, and registered massage therapists to provide acupuncture within their scope of practice to their patients. Dr. Tanaka, director of The Pacific Wellness Institute, assisted the Quality Assurance Committee of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario to create their acupuncture standard of practice. The new standard was approved by CMTO council in May, 2007.
As acupuncture becomes formally recognized in Ontario, it will enhance the overall quality of acupuncturists and hopefully lead to more expanded insurance coverage for patients. We will keep you updated on the issue.
Summer Sitting
By Tony Ho-Tong, B.Kin., RMT
What does summer mean to you? Sunshine? Cottage? Travelling? All in all, we are trying to enjoy the warm weather that allows us to move about and visit places. Be it abroad or across the city, there are lots of things that pique our interest. Like the majority of the working folks, we try to squeeze everything into a few precious weekends of summer.
We want to go here, we want to do that. We want to get away from our weekday routine, to get away for new experiences. We will sit in cars, we will sit in planes. We will sit in trains, we will sit in boats. We will sit to get there after sitting all week in our chairs. We will sit and wait till we get there. Then when we get there, we may sit some more.
As you may have noticed, we may sit as much as during the colder months. Chances are that we do not always sit with proper posture, and that will take a toll on our back, hips, shoulders and neck. When we sit, our pelvis is rotated and the curvature of our low back flattens out. This puts extra pressure on the muscles keeping you upright. When we stay sedentary for prolonged time, our muscles get tired. Which leads to stiffness and achiness.
So what can we do to help ourselves? We can keep in mind to take breaks from sitting. Stand up and move about. Hip rotation, stretches and hydration will contribute to a healthy back. This is important for all you “Weekend Warriors” out there.
Remember that health does not take a summer break. Our therapists will be able to provide the attention your body needs. This will contribute to the enjoyment of your activities and experiences.
Take care and have fun.
Tony Ho-Tong holds a bachelor degree in kinesiology from McMaster University and completed the Registered Massage Therapy program at the Canadian College of Hydrotherapy. To arrange a therapeutic massage session with Tony, call the Pacific Wellness Institute at 416-929-6958.
Success Stories: Infertility
Congratulations to Angelika and Dirk and thank you for the photo of your beautiful babies and letting us share your card.
Thank You for Your Comments
Here are some of the comments we received recently from our clients. We would like to express our special thanks for their comments and kind permission to display them.
Pacific Wellness is a healing oasis in the city. Wonderful atmosphere, professional, exquisitely courteous and welcoming. Thanks Claudia! I had the privilege of 2 wonderful therapists – Noah and Emily since the beginning of 2007. Thank you both very much.
Patricia Brown
My first time experience at The Pacific Wellness Institute was an extraordinary one. After completing my session of massage with Emily, I can say that here I was in really good hands. I want to thank Claudia for booking my appointments and Emily for using her best techniques in my massages. Thank you!
Adina T.
The therapist (Rahel Kay) was very good, knowledgeable and had excellent grace and sense of relaxation. I would appreciate and recommend her for the same.
Subhankar Ghosh
I was extremely pleased with the acupuncture treatments I received from the clinic. Not only did I find the staff to be professional, but genuinely attentive and very pleasant. Ultimately the treatment I received from Dr. Tanaka was amazing and very successful. I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone interested in alternative treatments. I can not express my thanks enough to Dr, Tanaka for the successful treatment, the wonderful experience, and what I learned. I know that I will return and be incorporating treatments from the clinic on a yearly basis for managing my overall health and well-being for many years to come.
L Trimble
Any suggestions and comments are always appreciated. We would like to hear what you liked (or did not like) best about our therapists, facilities and the treatment you received. Please fill in a survey card available at the reception and place it in the black comment return box. You may also send any comments to: manager@pacificwellness.ca. Your feedback will ensure the highest standards here at The Pacific Wellness Institute. Thank you for helping us create a great healing environment!
Recipe: Blueberry Tabouleh
EeVon Ling BSc, ND
Summer is the season for salads!
But if you are bored with the usual lettuce or spinach salad, turn your attention to parsley. This salad, which is inspired by traditional tabouleh salad, takes advantage of fresh summer produce and results in a delicious mix of bitter, tangy, sweet and spicy. Ingredients can be adjusted for personal taste.
1 large bunch of curly parsley finely chopped
2/3 cup of grape tomatoes cut into halves
1/2 cup of blueberries
1/4 cup of raw sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
1/2 tbsp of sesame oil
1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
1 tsp of freshly and coarsely ground black pepper
In a large container that can be closed with a lid, add all ingredients. Close container and shake vigorously until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
Makes about 4 - 6 cups of salad.
Serving suggestions: Great on its own, in a pita with falafel or tuna, with rice and fish or grilled chicken kebobs.
Nutritional information:
This salad is high in antioxidants (flavinoids, lycopene, anthrocyanidins, vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, piperine), minerals (potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, calcium), fiber, omega 6 and 9 oils, and provides some protein.
This salad is very low in sodium and saturated fats.
This salad would be a good addition to your diet if you are concerned about blood pressure, water retention, cholesterol, eyesight, prostate health and your general health.
Eevon Ling, is a licensed naturopathic doctor at The Pacific Wellness Institute. She is available for food allergy testing, nutritional consultations, and naturopathic treatments. Contact The Pacific Wellness Institute at 416-929-6958 for an appointment.
PUBLISHER The Pacific Wellness Institute, Tim H. Tanaka Ph.D., Director
CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS ISSUE Meera Dossa, Bsc, ND, Tony Ho-Tong, B.Kin., RMT, EeVon Ling BSc, ND
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Noah Bunnett ST
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yayoi Mizuno
THE PACIFIC WELLNESS INSTITUTE
80 Bloor Street West, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2V1
T.416 929 6958 F.416 929 6365
info@pacificwellness.ca
www.pacificwellness.ca
