Get to know us better! Each month we interview one member of our wonderful team of practitioners to glean wisdom from their personal experiences. This month we will be talking with Dr. Angelina Riopel, co-founder and naturopathic doctor at Innate Wellness about a topic near and dear to her heart, travel! Dr. Riopel has travelled extensively through Central America, Central & Eastern Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.
What is your favourite naturopathic travel tip?
Having just returned from a beach vacation, I will have to say sun protection. The concern being, how to enjoy the sun, get our vitamin D but avoid skin damage and the nasty toxins in sunscreen?
In order to minimize the need for sunscreens avoid the direct sun for long periods of time. Wear a hat and try to stay under an umbrella while at the beach. Thankfully there are now many effective, natural and toxin-free sunscreens available.
Drink Your Sunscreen!
A diet high in plant nutrients and anti-oxidants have been found to protect the skin from burning and sun damage. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) one of the main active compounds in green tea has been found to not only protect skin from sun damage, but it has been found to heal sun damaged DNA, having an anti-cancer effect.
- Drink vegetable juice (fresh is preferable)
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Drink green tea
- Take green tea extract EGCG leading up and during your trip
You have travelled the world quite a bit. What trip has been your most inspiration and why?
I had the privilege to spend time working and studying in a hospital in Vietnam. There they combined western medicine and traditional medicine including acupuncture, herbal medicine and diet. They treated many disorders including high blood pressure, shingles and gangrene with this combination of medicine. Patients may receive up to two acupuncture treatments per day, fresh herbal medicines and if necessary prescription medication. What was most impressive though, was a daily class they offered called Vitality Preservation. Patients would gather in a large room where they were instructed on stretches, acupressure points and lifestyle that will help to improve vitality and overall health. It was such a wonderful example of holistic medicine and amazing patient care.
What are the 3 natural remedies you won’t leave home without when travelling?
1) Melatonin
2) Greens powder
3) Probiotics
Where is your next destination?
Germany for business and I am not sure when, but I cannot wait to get to Sri Lanka!
