THE FIRSTLINE THERAPY PROGRAM

The FirstLine Therapy program is a Nutrition and Lifestyle program targeting the treatment of:

• Elevated Cholesterol
• Elevated Blood Pressure
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Insulin Resistance or Metabolic Syndrome
• Overweight/Obesity
  
  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the Canada. These illnesses are responsible for 7 of every 10 deaths, and consume 78% of all health care expenditures. Because a wide variety of these conditions are caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits, national clinical guidelines for their management advocate a multifactorial lifestyle approach designated “therapeutic lifestyle changes” or “TLC.”

What Makes the FirstLine Therapy Program Different?

• It’s not just a weight loss program. While most programs are focused on weight, FLT is a comprehensive TLC program, best used as a first line treatment for common, chronic health problems. The FLT program is the perfect prescription for conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and many others. It works because it addresses the underlying causes of these conditions, such as unhealthy body composition (lean mass to fat mass ratio), insulin resistance, hormone imbalance, inflammation, and other physiological issues.

• The FLT dietary plan is different. FLT uses a low-glycemic-load diet that is consistent with current research. New research has shown that low-glycemic diets are more effective than lowfat diets in treating obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Patients report less hunger, more energy, and higher compliance with the FLT diet than with commonly recommended lowfat diets.

• FLT incorporates medical foods and nutraceuticals. Medical foods are designed to address the unique nutritional needs of patients with specific health problems. Nutraceuticals provide targeted nutritional support for specific functions, such as supporting insulin sensitivity, managing blood lipids, slowing glucose uptake, etc. Their appropriate use can improve patient compliance, enhance program effectiveness, and shorten the time it takes to achieve risk reduction goals.

• FLT has been demonstrated to be effective in controlled clinical trials. Most other diets have not.

INTRAVENOUS THERAPY

A treatment consists of an injection into a site on the arm, with the patient either lying on the treatment table or sitting on a chair, depending on preference.  Nutrients are delivered directly into the vein.  This method bypasses the digestive system and allows for higher concentrations of nutrients to be delivered directly to the cells.  A typical treatment lasts for approximately 30 minutes.  Aside from the initial prick, a sensation of warmth is most commonly experienced.  As well, a general feeling of relaxation or an increase in energy can be expected depending on the formulation used.  Further details on what you can expect to experience can be discussed with your naturopathic doctor during the initial consultation.

An initial consultation appointment, along with relevant bloodwork (such as kidney function and the presence of specific enzymes) along with a detailed medical history is required to ensure that you are a good candidate for this treatment.  Generally, a series of treatments are required to notice positive improvements.  The frequency of treatments is determined depending on each individual case. 
Various intravenous vitamin therapies are available. 

Myers’ Cocktail

This formulation of vitamins and minerals consists of vitamin C, B-complex, vitamins B5, B6 and B12, calcium and magnesium.  It has long been used for conditions such as: fatigue, fibromyalgia, migraines, chronic sinusitis, asthma and immune enhancement.

Migraine IV

This formulation consists of various B-vitamins, high dose magnesium and vitamin C.  Magnesium has been widely used for the treatment of migraine headaches.  Although magnesium is found in a host of food sources and is also readily available in supplement form, supplying magnesium intravenously allows for greater levels to be achieved without the unpleasant side effects, such as diarrhea, of high dose oral supplementation.

PMS IV

This formulation consists of B-vitamins (specifically B5, B6, B12 and B-complex) and magnesium.  Magnesium, sometimes referred to as an “anti-stress” mineral, has long been known for its ability to relax muscles and calm the nerves, with some patients noticing an almost immediate decrease in the intensity of cramping.  B-vitamins, especially B6, also play roles in reducing breast tenderness and water retention and have been shown to elevate mood.

Glutathione IV

A potent antioxidant that has been used to treat many conditions.  Preliminary work has shown great promise in the treatment of PD (Parkinson’s Disease) and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).  Glutathione has also been shown to aid in the management of heavy metal toxicity.  Because it is digested so rapidly through oral supplementation, intravenous administration of glutathione would be considered more effective in order for therapeutic doses to be achieved.

Anti-viral IV Drip/High Dose Vitamin C Drip

Similar to the Myers’ Cocktail in terms of formulation, but much higher doses of vitamin C can be achieved in this formula.  Oral supplementation with these doses would cause side effects, most notably in the gastrointestinal system (such as diarrhea).  Vitamin C is best known for its immune enhancing properties, decreasing the duration of the common cold in populations supplementing with vitamin C.  This infusion takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to administer.

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FACIAL REJUVENATION ACUPUNCTURE

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (sometimes referred to as Cosmetic Acupuncture) is a safe, effective, non-surgical treatment to help reduce the signs of aging.

Benefits of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture:

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture can help...

• Minimize or eliminate fine lines

• Reduce frown lines

• Lift sagging skin, puffy or droopy eyelids

• Make your face look 5-10 years younger

• Tighten the pores and brightens the eyes

• Even facial colour and tone

• Improve muscle tone

• Reduce a double chin

• Keep acne under control

• Soften scars

• Nourish the skin, giving you a healthy complexion with a natural glowing

• Moisturize the skin from the inside and gives rosy cheeks to people with dull, tired looking
   skin.

• Make you feel refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated.

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INFRARED SAUNA THERAPY

Infrared light, which is not visible to the human eye, raises the body temperature and stimulates the breakdown of fat cells. Many environmental toxins are locked away in our fatty tissue making it difficult for our bodies to eliminate them. Infrared Sauna Therapy promotes the release of toxins and improves circulation in the body.

Traditional saunas heat up to, and over, 170 degrees Fahrenheit making it uncomfortable for any prolonged length of time.

MEDICALLY SUPERVISED CLEANSING PROGRAM

• Feeling tired or sluggish?
• Having trouble losing weight?
• Suffering from gas, bloating or constipation?
• Preparing for pregnancy?

A medically supervised cleansing program can help. This program is a detoxification program that will revitalize your body and clear your mind.

SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAM

This 30-day program is designed to help you become a non-smoker with the help of Naturopathic Medicine.

We realize that quitting smoking is a daunting task. It involves breaking firm habits, overcoming addiction and strengthening willpower. Naturopathic Doctors utilize several techniques to help you through this challenging transformation.

The first session involves gathering information and one week following the initial visit is the first day of being a