NATUROPATHIC CARE FOR SKIN HEALTH IN TORONTO

Yes, we offer IgG Food Sensitivity testing which can be done via a blood test. You may be interested in IgG antibody testing if you think you may be reacting to certain foods you’re eating, but find it very difficult to pinpoint which ones. Often the symptoms may not appear for hours or even days afterwards and these are called delayed hypersensitivity reactions. If you’ve been experiencing hives, acne, eczema, psoriasis or other signs of itchy, irritated skin, a food sensitivity test may be extremely helpful in identifying triggers in your diet. To complete the blood test, your naturopath will send you to a Toronto LifeLabs location and the final report will reveal your levels of IgG antibodies to 200+ different foods. When your digestive tract breaks down food into smaller particles, sometimes these particles can be considered foreign or antigenic by the immune system which triggers the production of antibodies. The food sensitivity test will be assessing the levels of antibodies produced in reaction to each of the 200+ foods being tested.

There are many factors that can contribute to acne breakouts, and elevated testosterone is certainly one of them. In both men and women, high levels of androgen hormones, such as DHEA, testosterone and androstenedione, can lead to overproduction of sebum and thus result in sebaceous gland inflammation and acne. Diet, lifestyle and emotional well-being are also important factors to consider and optimize. Our naturopaths can work with you to assess for hormone imbalance, as well as addressing specific nutrient deficiencies and daily habits that may be worsening inflammation and preventing efficient healing of acne.

You may think cortisone cream is the only option for treating eczema, but in many cases there are underlying issues causing eczema flare ups, such as food sensitivities, vitamin deficiencies, or an imbalance in macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats) in the diet. To heal eczema, you have to get to the root of the problem and identify where the diet is lacking, and what foods or environmental factors may be aggravating the immune system and creating an inflammatory response. Acute or chronic stress can also play a major role in triggering or worsening eczema. Our naturopaths can help you identify what aspects of your diet and lifestyle need to be addressed and also design a supplement plan to support efficient skin healing.

Yes, often there is a connection between poor elimination of toxins and increased inflammation in the skin. It is extremely common for our patients to say they remember having difficult bowel movements or only 2-3 per week for most of their childhood and it has carried into their adult-life. Although this is common, it is certainly not ideal for optimal digestion or skin health. Using naturopathic techniques, including specific diet modifications and supportive supplements, the goal is always to see our patients heal from the inside out, as we know healthy skin starts with a healthy gut. Ideally, you want to have at least 1-2 bowel movements per day for efficient elimination and detox.