Fatigue is such a common concern for the women I see in my Naturopathic practice. It is also a marker of health that Naturopathic doctors use as part of a health intake. Being tired is often a catch 22; you know that eating better and exercising would make you feel better, but... you're too tired to do them! With some targeted individualized solutions, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. [...]
Why Are My Hormones a Mess? (And how to fix them naturally) Our hormones can be a beautiful symphony, or they can be like a bull in a china shop. When our hormones are in balance, we feel comfortable in our bodies, centered, intuitive, and can express our true natures. However many women describe that for most of the month, they have hormone related symptoms, making each week a different [...]
Two patients have had a Return of Old Symptoms this month, so I thought I would write about this amazing phenomenon that can happen to naturopathic patients. What is a Return of Old Symptoms? A Return of Old Symptoms is when, while someone is on their healing journey, they get symptoms of something they used to have chronically, many years ago. For example, Mrs. Apple came to her follow up [...]
Surviving Thriving During The Holidays I love the holidays; the parties, the markets, the generosity. All bringing us together to celebrate and enjoy the spirit and each others’ company. And the spirit and company usually come with one or more sides of dairy, sugar, wheat, alcohol, caffeine, overeating, under sleeping, and overfilled schedules! Here are 5 suggestions to help navigate the next month, to keep your metabolism on fire, and to [...]
Dr. Donata Girolamo, N.D. explains in this 5-part series how to build a strong foundation to improve conception rates, labour experiences, and have a healthy baby. Stress is commonly overlooked and not considered as an obstacle to natural conception. I’ve chosen to write about it as part 1 of Foundations of Fertility, because stress is now acknowledged as being the cause for many disease processes.1 Managing stress better and initiating [...]
I recently attended a seminar about women's health and nutrition lead by Dr. Ginger Nash, ND. She really tied together many of the concepts, philosophies, and techniques that I use in practice which made it very inspiring. Namely, Biotherapeutic drainage and the Bio-impedance analysis. One area I had not explored too thoroughly was the blood type diet, originated by Dr. Peter D'adamo. She worked with him and thousands of patients, [...]
Just like all roadblocks in life, dealing with a fertility challenge requires a new strategy, often with your lifestyle. These 3 lifestyle habits are essential to improve your chances of increasing your fertility, and to make this time period more enjoyable. Fertility Enhancer #1 Stress Management – I hear it all the time, “but I love my life, I’m not stressed!” Let’s define stress then; a state of mental [...]
Candida is a very common problem for most people, whether they know it or not. It is an imbalance of bad bacteria relative to good bacteria. Sounds easy enough to correct, right? Just take the probiotic advertised on TV? Not necessarily. Your body is intuitive. It always has a purpose. Candida blocks even worse things from affecting your health – like mercury, or other heavy metals that may be stored [...]
Do you have Dysbiosis (bacterial imbalance) in your Gastro-intestinal tract?Causes of bacterial imbalance:intestinal overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria, parasitic or fungal infectionintestinal mucosal permeability (leaky- gut)history of antibiotic or pharmaceutical useprotein maldigestion (or excessive intake) due to low stomach acid, or enzymesconsumption of foods not recommended for your blood type or food sensitivitiesconstipationbile duct obstructionaccelerated protein decomposition (as seen in septicaemia)Common signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity:bloating, indigestion, excessive flatulenceconstipation, diarrhea, [...]
Passiflora Incarnata (Passion flower) This is my favourite herb to help with stress and anxiety, as it is actually known for its ability to stop mind chatter. I have a personal affinity for it, as I took it every night while studying for my Naturopathic Board Exams. Used when the nervous system is taxed, sleeplessness from overwork, and worry. Sleep induced is peaceful, patient awakes quiet and refreshed. It can help with [...]
