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A New Member of the Polo Health Family

We are used to welcoming new practitioners to our professional team, but this summer we welcome a smaller sweeter addition: a new baby in our family.

Dr. Allana Polo is expecting her first child this August, and will be leaving for maternity leave on July 20th.

During her absence, which at this time will be through the fall, Dr. Safia Kassam will take over working with all of Dr. Polo’s patients and any new weight loss referrals.

If you would like to see Dr. Polo for an appointment about your health, before she leaves to have a baby, please book your appointment now (they are filling up fast).

After July 20th, Dr. Kassam looks forward to working with you to meet all of your health needs. The rest of the team is also available, and while Dr. Polo takes care of her family, others will be taking care of patients and the clinic. Business is as usual, with our regular hours and services being offered.

Please join us all in congratulating Dr. Polo and her husband on this impending arrival!

To make an appointment with Dr. Polo, Dr. Kassam or another team member, call our office, or use the button below to book your appointment online. 604-544-7656.

** Dr. Safia Kassam, Naturopath

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Dr. Safia Kassam is a licensed Naturopathic Physician certified in intravenous therapy, Bowen therapy, acupuncture, and holds pharmaceutical prescription rights in BC. At present, Dr. Kassam has a focus in digestive disorders, including SIBO, as well as hormone imbalances, and weight management. Dr. Kassam is a professional member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and BC Naturopathic Physicians Association (BCNA). Dr. Kassam is a sports enthusiast. She grew up playing competitive fastpitch softball, floor hockey, and basketball and is an avid Vancouver Canucks and Seattle Seahawks fan. She also enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, and traveling.

Grains Making You Gain? Why These Superfood Grains Are Making You Gain Weight

Most people have heard it: “Stay away from gluten!” The rise in gluten-free products, and mainstream accommodation of this common food allergy, sensitivity and now life choice, has us all aware of how gluten can be harmful for some, and cause discomfort and repercussions for others.  In our world today, gluten has been given a bad name. I am not at all surprised or disappointed gluten has a bad rap: I think many people show signs of gluten-intolerance, undetectable on even our most sensitive tests of intolerance. For example, people who show unexplained weight gain, or difficulty losing weight, have seen a lot of improvement on a gluten-free diet. Gluten intolerances may show no symptoms, but cause water retention and bloating.

Move over wheat, thanks to your demise there are other grains enjoying time in the spotlight. And not to rain on this grain parade, but I do want to point out that these so-called super grains may not be all good, for all people.  

I’m talking quinoa. I’m talking rice (white, whole grain or wild).

These grains have been called superfoods, and they are healthy for many people. Quinoa is the only grain that is also a complete protein, making it a balanced choice for vegetarians or those who wish to have less meat in their diet. And rice has been a staple in cultures around the world for centuries. Both of these grains, however, can create digestive difficulties for some people. And this really isn’t talked about, like it should be.

People who are unable to properly digest gluten may find they are also unable to properly digest quinoa and rice. The inability for the body to break down these foods can cause conditions like leaky gut - where a worn-down then porous gut lining allows food particles to escape into the bloodstream. The body’s response to foreign particles is to launch into attack mode. People with leaky gut can develop auto-immune conditions.

Those people who experience leaky gut are also likely to show digestive upset from many foods, which they were otherwise able to eat with ease. We know that the body’s inability to break down certain foods leads to water retention and bloating. This excess water looks and feels like weight gain, leaving many people puzzled why their “healthy” diet means they are gaining weight, or can’t shed the excess pounds.

If you suspect your body is not tolerating quinoa or rice - either because of chronic digestive upset, unexplained weight gain, a difficulty losing weight or auto-immune symptoms, switch to a paleo diet, which includes meat, vegetables and fruit. Give your body at least 6 weeks to show improvement. If this does the trick, it’s best to stay away from grains and adopt a diet that better suits your body. If you don’t see any improvement, go ahead and enjoy your quinoa. It might just be your superfood. Learn more about weight loss.