Dr. Tannaz Mokhtari: Naturopathic Blog

Tea is a wonder drink, you can drink it on a cold day to warm up, drink it hot or cold in a warm day to cool off, drink it for comfort or as a means for social outing! It is the second most consumed drink in the world after water. Recent studies show benefits of tea in many health conditions.

Tea has therapeutic potential in weight management, glucose control, and skin health.

The specific catechin known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea has been identified as the constituent responsible for reducing fat mass, fat absorption, adipocyte differentiation and proliferation and lipogenesis. Some studies have shown the benefits of green tea use to increase thermogenesis in obese individuals. 

There is also some evidence that green tea and to a lesser degree black tea may have a role in improving glucose control and enhancing insulin activity.  This is useful for people with diabetes.

Tea polyphenols may protect against skin cancer and photo-aging.  Tea protects skin against UV radiation damage and green tea is now being used in many skin care products. Oral and topical use of green tea can improve skin health and provide protection due to their antioxidants countering free-radicals, as well as immune modulating and anti-inflammatory actions.

I often recommend green tea use to my patients – it’s a great way to relax and boost your fat metabolism!

So go ahead drink your tea and enjoy its many benefits.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that start approximately 7-14days before a woman gets her period.  The symptoms can include: acne, trouble sleeping, mood changes, weight gain, change in bowel habit, change in appetite and increased hunger, breast swelling and tenderness and headache.  The symptoms are due to some hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances.  PMS symptoms have been divided into four categories; PMA-A (for anxiety), PMS-C (for cravings), PMS-D (for depression), and PMS-H (for water retention).  Women generally do not fit snugly into once category but exhibit a variety of symptoms.

Healthy lifestyle choices can significantly improve the severity of your symptoms. 

Dietary modifications

·         Low fat

·         High fiber

·         Low sodium

·         Low sugar

·         Low caffeine

·         No alcohol

·         No  smoking

Physical activity & lifestyle

·         Aerobic exercise can improve anxiety and depression

·         Aerobic exercise helps control hunger and food cravings

·         Deep breathing exercises helps mental clarity and increase oxygenation

·         Proper sleep for 7-8hours per night is essential

·         Avoid stressful events and schedule important events after period

Beneficial  Treatments

·         Liver and bowel detoxification

·         Thyroid and adrenal support

·         Flaxseed and Evening primrose oil alternation during the month

·         Supplementing with B6, Ginseng, 5-HTP, St. John’s wort, chromium and fish oil

·         Acupuncture  and herbal treatment

·         Homeopathic treatment and drainage therapy

·         Ask yourself where in your life your energy is stuck-in your relationship, in your work, in addictive eating habits- and take steps to move that energy

Plan some fun activities, massage and relaxation time