Treating YOU, not your condition

By Dr. Leena Athparia, ND

As a naturopathic doctor, I am constantly approached with people asking questions about their health.  There is increased interest in healthy living and people are trying to take their health into their own hands now. However, sometimes you need proper guidance for what is best for YOU.

Questions such as: 

I have arthritis - what can I take?  
Dr. OZ was talking about Garcinia, can I take it for my weight?

I have a cold - How much Vitamin C should I take?

I heard turmeric is good for you - can I put it in my smoothies?

Which B vitamins should I take for my stress?

It is wonderful to see that people are shifting their perspective and wanting to try natural options, rather than jumping to pharmaceuticals.  However, as a naturopathic doctor, even though we use natural therapies, we always want to address the person - not just treat their condition. We want to understand the root of the cause, how & why the condition is manifesting as it is.

For example, there are numerous herbs & supplements which have been beneficial for arthritis such as: turmeric, fish oil, glucosamine, collagen etc. In someone who has arthritis, there are many ways that the arthritis has developed and numerous contributing factors.  In one individual, there could be wear & tear of the joints from overuse. In another person, it could be due to a Vata dosha imbalance (according to Ayurveda) which leads to dryness in the joints. Arthritis could also have an autoimmune component where the body's own cells are attacking the joint area, or the arthritis could be due to a "leaky gut" where undigested food particles travel and deposit in the joint.

All these manifestations may be labelled as "arthritis", however the root cause could be entirely different. In one person, addressing weakened digestion due to eating on-the-go may be the root cause, and in another individual, constant jogging without proper self-care may be the root cause. Based on the causal factor, treatment will need to be customized for each person. Treatment for that person, and not just the condition. 

Conditions come up for many different reasons - some of which are purely physical, and many of which have a mental/emotional component.  When we look at the eastern systems of medicine such as Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda, the concept of balance is prevalent. We look at elements and qualities that are dominant in your constitution and give suggestions to balance them.  

An example that might be easier to relate to is the concept of "heating" and "cooling" found in TCM, Ayurveda and other eastern systems of healing. Some individuals have a constitution where they always feel cold and some always feel warm, or they may also have a specific health condition which is more "heating" such as fevers, or hot flashes for example.  To help address this, certain foods, lifestyle & herb recommendations that have the opposite quality will be made to help restore balance.  

With the advent of Google, it is very easy to search for "natural remedies for.......such and such condition" and find an abundance of suggestions instantly.  However, this is not necessarily the safest or most effective way, and some individuals may be causing harm by self-prescribing products over long term. For each individual, food, herbs or natural therapies can be customized by time of administration, duration (do you take it for 1 week? 3 months?), or frequency.  Considerations are made about other medications or natural medicines you are on.  Just because something is "natural", doesn't mean that it is always safe for you, or that you can take it long term.  

So when I hear someone ask causally "what should I take for my arthritis?", I usually answer "well, it depends what is causing it." "Yes I know, but what is good to take - fish oil, turmeric? My friend took fish oil capsules that his naturopath gave and it helped him. You're a doctor, you should know what's good for arthritis". "Yes, there are many things, but it depends on the cause."

We are used to quick fix solutions and want fast results. Or we see that something works for a friend and they suggest it to us to try. Conventional medicine can often provide faster relief, however, if you want to try a natural approach with results that last, it is important to treat the root cause, and not just the condition. This is one of the 6 foundational principles of Naturopathic Medicine.

Below are the 6 principles of Naturopathic Medicine which guide naturopathic doctors:

•          FIRST DO NO HARM (PRIMUM NON NOCERE)
•      THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE (VIS MEDICATRIX NATURAE)
•          IDENTIFY AND TREAT THE CAUSES (TOLLE CAUSAM)
•         TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON (TOLLE TOTUM)
•         DOCTOR AS TEACHER (DOCERE)
•         PREVENTION (PRAEVENIRE)

If you have health concerns or if you are interested in prevention, find a naturopathic doctor or practitioner that is willing to work with you to help diagnose your condition, treat the root cause, help you regain balance and restore balance.

If you are interested in a naturopathic and ayurvedic assessment with Dr. Leena Athparia, ND contact Naturopathic Foundations at 905-940-2727 (Markham) or Yuri's Village at 416-466-5773 (Danforth).  A complimentary 15 min meet n greet is available to learn more how Naturopathy and Ayurveda can help you.

Oral Health - Turmeric Salt Gargle

Does an apple a day keep the dentist away? If only it were that easy to maintain oral health. Brushing, flossing & eating healthy are important steps to preventing cavities, gum disease and other conditions that affect the mouth, teeth and gums. Yet, in today’s world, maintaining optimum oral health is becoming more challenging despite daily oral hygiene.


The mouth is, quite literally, the opening to the entire digestive tract. What you put into your mouth, chew and swallow is what will be passed through the metres of digestive tract – through the esophagus, stomach, small & large intestines and to the rectum. A healthy oral cavity sets the environment for a healthy digestive tract, which in turn is linked to all the systems in the body.


Click here to read the full article about Oral Health - 5 Common concerns

Ayurveda has placed a lot of importance on oral health and highlights the significance of dinacharya, or daily routine, related to oral health care. Brushing the teeth, scraping the tongue, gargling and swishing with oil or natural mouth washes are all part of daily oral hygiene. (Read more here about: Tongue cleaning)


The mouth is the primary location of bodhaka kapha - one of the subtypes of kapha. When bodhaka kapha is imbalanced, our oral health may get compromised as have repercussions in other bodily systems, so it is important to maintain a healthy mouth. Especially if you have a tendency towards kapha imbalances, the oral cavity and respiratory tract needs extra care.


In the spring, when the weather is warming up but the air is still crisp, and allergy season is budding, it is crucial to take care of oral hygiene as well as the respiratory passage. Below is a simple home-made mouthwash recipe you can make:

Turmeric Salt Water Gargle

This mouth wash recipe is great to prevent sore throats & infections, help kills germs and reduce excess mucous in the mouth. Turmeric & salt have natural antimicrobial properties.
1 c. water
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 salt (natural sea salt, himalayan or mineral salt)
Herbs such as ginger or triphala can be added if advised by your ayurvedic practitioner.


Boil the mixture briefly and let it cool down. Gargle and swish with the mixture morning and evening during change of seasons for prevention.

If you have specific health concerns, it is always best to seek guidance of practitioner to address your concerns and customize treatments. Mouthwash can even be customized based on the person's constitution (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and their symptoms.  A persistent sore throat that is not improving should be checked by a Doctor.

To learn more about oral health, join Dr. Leena Athparia's workshop - Oral Health. If you are interested in a naturopathic and ayurvedic assessment related to oral health or other concerns with Dr. Leena Athparia, ND contact Naturopathic Foundations at 905-940-2727 (Markham) or Yuri's Village at 416-466-5773 (Danforth).  A complimentary 15 min meet n greet is available to learn more how Naturopathy and Ayurveda can help you.

Hot Chocolate - for your dosha type!

With the holiday season and frosty winter months, chocolate treats are a favourite...so why not try a healthier hot chocolate option suited to your body type?

According to Ayurveda, diet & lifestyle choices need to be in line with your dosha type - Vata, Pitta, Kapha.  When you eat according to your constitution and live in tune with the seasons, it is easier to find balance, and divert breeding health issues.

Hot chocolate is an all-time favourite for adults & kids alike.  Try customizing this warm comforting drink according to your dosha type.  If you're not sure what your dosha type is, there are various online quizzes such as: www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/prakriti-quiz/

Of course it is best to have a thorough assessment with an Ayurvedic practitioner to understand the subtleties of your dosha type - your current state (vikruti), your original constitution (prakruti) and everything in between.  You may be born as a Kapha type, but be manifesting Vata dosha currently. Or you may be a Vata-Pitta type manifesting strong Pitta symptoms for example.

You can still enjoy hot chocolate without knowing your dosha type, however understanding your dosha will allow you to customize it just the way your body likes ! Try the recipes below and tell us what you think:

Hot Chocolate - Basic Recipe

• 1/3 c. water + 2/3 c. organic milk (or almond, coconut, rice, cashew, soy milk etc.)
• 1 Tbsp organic cacao powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or scrape of vanilla bean (optional)
• organic cane sugar, honey, maple syrup to taste

Bring the water and milk to a boil, and add the cacao powder and simmer until well mixed. Turn off the heat and add sweetener.  Make variations according to your ayurvedic dosha type.

Hot Chocolate - Vata variations

Vata individuals do well with warmth, a little spice and healthy oils. They generally tolerate dairy well, unless there is a dairy sensitivity in which case almond milk is a great option.  Since they generally have sensitive nervous systems and may not tolerate caffeine, carob powder can replace cacao.

• Basic hot chocolate recipe (milk or almond milk)
• 1/2 tsp ghee (optional)
• Sprinkle of nutmeg, or cinnamon or clove (warming spices)
• Dash of cardamom (supports digestion)
• Whip cream (optional)
• Sweetener: honey

Hot Chocolate - Pitta variations

Pitta individuals tend to have too much heat in their system and don't do well with excessive heating spice. They need options that are cooling (not necessarily in temperature, but in quality of foods). Mint and coconut are two variations that are cooling and blend well with hot chocolate.

• Basic hot chocolate recipe (milk, almond or coconut milk)
• 1/2 tsp dried mint leaves  (boil in the basic recipe and strain)
• 1/2 tsp of coconut oil (optional)
• Sweetener: maple syrup

Hot Chocolate - Kapha variations

Kapha types do not tolerate dairy well as it leads to increased congestion. They do well with warming food and drinks, including spices. Sweets should be limited - honey is a suitable sweetener as it has warming properties. Kaphas should avoid dairy or sweets during the Kapha time of the day (6am-10pm and 6pm-10pm).

• Basic hot chocolate recipe (alternate milk or smaller proportion of milk to water)
• A pinch of cinnamon or clove powder to warm Kapha
• A pinch of ginger powder (optional)
• Sweetener: honey

If you have any other suggestions of hot chocolate variations, please write your comments below !

To learn more about Dr. Leena Athparia, ND contact Naturopathic Foundations at 905-940-2727 (Markham) or Yuri's Village at 416-466-5773 (Danforth).  A complimentary 15 min meet n greet is available to learn more how Naturopathy and Ayurveda can help you.

Do you have toxic "ama"?

Have you ever noticed that thick white coating on your tongue when you wake up?

According to Ayurveda, that coating is one of the many symptoms considered as ama - internal toxins.  Ama results from undigested and unabsorbed food that accumulates in the digestive tract, turning into a sticky substance with unpleasant odour. It is waste material that is neither excreted nor used by the body. Small amounts of ama are normal in the digestive tract - it becomes a concern when ama is not eliminated efficiently, building up in the system and spreading deeper into the tissues.

Symptoms of ama include:

• tongue coating (can be different colours depending if Vata, Pitta, Kapha are imbalanced)
• bad breath
• body odour
• congestion
• flatulence
• excess weight
• joint stiffness
• loss of appetite
• lethargy
• mental fogginess
• depression
• dull or heavy pulse
• and more

When ama accumulates in the body over time, it can become a breeding ground for colds, flu, chronic diseases and cancer. It is important to clear out am on a regular basis to maintain health.  There are many methods to support detoxification and clearing of am.  Which method depends on your constitution and requires assessment and customized treatment by your ayurvedic practitioner or naturopathic doctor.

Some tips to detoxify ama include:

• Tongue cleaning
• Proper food combining & diet for your constitution
• Avoid overeating, excessive snacking or eating when upset
• Herbal teas with spices such as cumin, ginger, coriander or herbs such as triphala
• Sweating (saunas & exercise)
• Meditation & yoga
• Restful sleep
• Abhyanga massage

Spring is the perfect time for detox though timings can be fine tuned for your constitution. Kapha types respond well to cleanses in early spring whereas Vata types respond better to cleanses in the later spring when the weather has warmed up or in the fall. When blood cleansing is needed for Pitta types, late summer is the ideal to detox excess Pitta in the blood before fall.

There is a lot of hype about detox these days.  How often to do you hear your friends talking about doing a detox or detoxing to lose weight? How often do you see ads of products for "liver detox"?  In spring, (or after holidays of indulgent eating) many people go to the health food store to pick up "detox kits".  Though these kits contain herbs & products that may contain herbs that detoxify the liver and other organs, you want to make sure you are doing the right kind of detox that you need. A liver detox in someone who has constipation will not be as effective as the toxins are not being eliminated properly.  A detox with laxatives could aggravate you if you have a sensitive digestive tract. If you are on medications, liver detoxification using herbs could impact the dose and effectiveness therefore, a detox with food or saunas may be advised.

According to ayurveda, toxic ama must be detoxified by making changes to our diet, lifestyle and supporting our channels of elimination (sweat, urination & defecation). The amount of ama increases as agni decreases.  Agni is a concept in Ayurveda which literally means "fire" and can be considered as the vitality of the body. When agni is balanced, am can easily be eliminated. When doing detoxifying, balancing the agni is central to detoxification according to ayurveda. Everyone has a different balance of am and agni, so determining what kind of detoxification for you with a qualified health practitioner is crucial for a healthy body & mind.

Tomorrow morning, as soon as you wake up, stick out your tongue in the mirror and observe. Notice if there is a coating at the back of the tongue - it may be grey, white or yellowish.  If you have that coating regularly, then you have am in your system, and it might be a time for a detox this spring!

If you have health concerns or would like to learn about what detoxification is suitable, you can book a consultation with Dr. Leena Athparia, ND or contact Naturopathic Foundations at 905-940-2727 (Markham) or Yuri's Village at 416-466-5773 (Danforth).  A complimentary 15 min meet n greet is available to learn more how Naturopathy and Ayurveda can help you.

Kapha - how to keep your energy up this winter

By Dr. Leena Athparia, ND

According to Ayurveda, there are 3 doshas, or bio-energies that make up your constitution: Vata, Pitta, Kapha.  Kapha is made up of the earth & water elements and is not only found in each individual, but also around us.  In the winter season, with the cold and snow, Kapha is at it's highest.

If your constitution is dominant in Kapha, winter may be the most challenging season.  When Kapha becomes imbalanced, tendencies such as sluggishness, laziness, fatigue, depression can set in.  You may find it difficult to get moving in the morning, or find it challenging to be motivated.  Weight gain, asthma or lung issues, sinus congestion can set in during the winter, particularly in Kapha individuals.

Do you relate to any of the qualities of Kapha?

• Heavy
• Slow
• Solid
• Cold
• Soft 
• Oily

However, kapha is not necessarily a bad thing.  Only when it becomes imbalanced, does it lead to issues in the body and mind.  Kapha individuals are often compassionate, loving and caring people who bring stability and commitment to those around them.  Maintaining balance is essential in feeling healthy and happy on a daily basis.

Kapha Management

Winter is the time when you need to play a close check on Kapha.  The good news is that if you take care of Kapha balancing, you can prevent the winter blues and minimize health concerns such as coughs and colds.

To balance the qualities of Kapha (listed above), Kapha management is centered around:

• Warming
• Drying 
• Lightening

Tips for balancing Kapha 

• Eat food with flavours that are pungent (spicy), bitter and astringent (these tastes are drying and lightening in nature)
• Stay warm and avoid dampness
• Schedule exercise daily - ideally early in the morning (this helps move Kapha)
• Drink warm fluids, avoiding cold food. Try ginger tea.
• Use warming spices such as : ginger, clove, cinnamon, marjoram, thyme
• Favour light and dry foods over heavy foods such as dairy, cheese, red meat, deep fried food.
• Dry dressing with bright colours (red, orange, yellow)
• Get creative and motivated. Start a new project or a hobby.
• Clear the space. Declutter by removing old stuff. Move furniture around for a fresh start.
• Try garshana, or ayurvedic dry herb massage

If your constitution is dominant in Kapha, try making some changes this winter and you will notice more energy and vitality!  Kapha diet and lifestyle should be lively, full of energy and stimulation - this is the time to beat the winter blues, start exercising, wearing bright colours, adding spices to your food and staying warm.

Not sure if you're Kapha is unbalanced? 

There are quizzes you can do online to give a rough idea, however, it is always best to have a thorough assessment by a qualified practitioner to assess your current state of health (full intake, tongue and pulse assessment) and contributing factors to your health.  What you should eat, and when you should eat, along with daily routine suggestions can all be customized based on your unique constitution. Ayurvedic herbs and therapies such as nasya and massages can also support balancing you.

If you have health concerns or would like to understand your constitution to prevent developing health issues, you can book a consultation with Dr. Leena Athparia, ND or contact Naturopathic Foundations at 905-940-2727.  A complimentary 15 min meet n greet is available to learn more how Naturopathy and Ayurveda can help you.