The Complete IBS Health and Diet Guide: Includes Nutrition Information, Meal Plans and Over 100 Recipes for Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Dr. Maitreyi Raman MD MSc FRCPC, Angela Sirounis BSc RD, Jennifer Shrubsole BSc RD. This comprehensive book provides all the current information on the disorder’s possible underlying causes as well as its symptoms, clinical features and effective treatments and therapies, including both complementary and non-drug therapies.
Community News
Clean Eating Recipe
Healthy Detox Salad. Roast 3 cups cubed butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, ¼ tsp turmeric, ¼ tsp cumin, salt, and pepper at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes, stirring halfway. Whisk ¼ cup grapeseed oil, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 minced shallot for dressing. Toss 1 bunch kale, 1 pint Brussels sprouts, roasted squash, and 1 oz. toasted pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with dressing, mix, then fold in 1 diced avocado.
Living Without Regret
Holding onto regret is like dragging around the weight of the past wherever you go. It drains our energy and makes us less available for living life tin the present because we are constantly looking behind us to the past. When we continue to feed this endless pattern, it weighs us down. When we can choose to move into applying what we have learned instead of becoming stuck, we transfer our energy into something constructive and creative that gives us back our life force and sets us free. Regret when released becomes a learning that allows us to grow.
Wellness Expo April 26 FREE to Attend
Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® is thrilled to present the 1st Annual Wellness Expo on April 26 at Filberg Centre in Courtenay. The Expo is FREE to attend. It will be a day to explore various approaches to health, nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being. Explore, transform, escape, and shop! In support of the Senior Support North Vancouver Island. Check the Wellness Expo website for a list of exhibitors, presentations, and door prizes.
Yoga Therapy for Gut Health and IBS
Yoga therapy is a powerful tool for improving digestion and managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Specific simple movements stimulate digestion, relieve bloating, and ease constipation. Deep breathing techniques (pranayama) calm the nervous system, reducing stress—a major IBS trigger. Gentle yoga practices support the gut-brain connection, alleviating symptoms like cramping and irregular bowel movements. Regular practice enhances circulation to abdominal organs, improving gut motility and microbiome balance. Combining yoga with a fiber-rich diet, hydration, and mindful eating can help manage IBS symptoms and promote overall digestive wellness.
Take Care of Seasonal Allergies
Spring is the worst season for allergies, according to the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds is the biggest trigger, causing allergic reactions when inhaled or contacting the eyes. To reduce exposure, keep windows and doors closed and wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors. If pollen affects you, ask our pharmacists about the best allergy medications to manage symptoms while avoiding side effects like drowsiness and confusion. With the right precautions and treatment, you can enjoy spring with fewer allergy disruptions. Visit us today for expert advice on effective allergy relief.
Ask The Expert
Q: My eyes are dry all the time but I’m worried about using eyedrops too much. Aren’t they addictive?
A: It might seem excessive, but lubrication is necessary for the health of the eyes, even if it means using eyedrops to help. To make an analogy, a car engine won’t run better if you decide to stop using motor oil. Better eyedrops are designed not only to lubricate but to enhance the quality of your tears. Make sure to ask about this at your next eye exam! At Mosaic, we will gladly help with concerns such as this.
Easter Smiles Need Care!
April is Oral Health Month, the perfect reminder for parents to schedule a dental checkup for their kids—especially after Easter treats! Sugary chocolates and candies can increase the risk of cavities, making it essential to reinforce good oral hygiene. Encourage brushing twice daily, flossing, and drinking water to rinse away sugar. A post-Easter dental visit helps catch any early signs of tooth decay and keeps smiles healthy. Use this month to build strong habits for lifelong oral health. Book your child’s checkup today and keep their teeth shining bright!
Pet Dental Health
White Fang Dental offers non-sedation, ultrasonic dental cleaning for pets, providing white smiles, fresh breath, and improved health. Our dental specialist, Nataliia Lishchinska, brings over 25 years of experience as a Veterinarian specializing in pet dentistry in Ukraine. From complex surgeries to thousands of ultrasonic cleanings, Nataliia has the expertise to safely clean your pet’s teeth. Her gentle approach and calm energy help put pets at ease during their cleaning. Affordable dental care without the risks of anesthesia.
Shockwave Therapy for Hip Pain
If you experience a deep, aching pain on the outside of the hip or in the groin that worsens with prolonged sitting, walking, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side, you might have hip tendinopathy. Bursitis can accompany tendinopathy and cause tenderness and swelling, making even simple activities uncomfortable. The treatment of choice for this is the combination of shockwave and laser therapy. Shockwave therapy stimulates tissue regeneration and breaks down scar tissue, while Class 4 laser therapy increases blood flow and speeds up healing at a cellular level. Together, they offer a powerful, non-invasive solution for chronic hip pain.
Advancing IBS Diagnosis
IBS is diagnosed using the Rome Criteria, based on symptom patterns rather than inflammation. Unlike Crohn’s or colitis, IBS lacks inflammatory markers, making it a diagnosis of exclusion. New tests, like anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin antibodies, link IBS to past infections. Breath tests and stool analysis detect microbial imbalances and enzyme deficiencies. These advancements shift IBS care from symptom management to root-cause treatment, enabling personalized, targeted therapies for lasting relief.
