Dr Dawn May ND

27/08/2025

Ladies, cold plunging can be incredible, but it’s important to approach it wisely! Here are the risks to understand for a safe and effective experience.

What to Watch For ⚠️
1. Cardiovascular Considerations
Cold water can increase heart rate and blood pressure, so consult your doctor if you have heart-related concerns.

2. Hypothermia Risk
Prolonged exposure may lead to hypothermia. Keep plunges brief (1-3 minutes) and pay attention to how your body feels. It’s important your body warms up easily afterwards. If you struggle to warm up, talk to your doctor about what else might be going on.

3. Hormonal Balance
Excessive cold might elevate cortisol, potentially affecting thyroid function or menstrual cycles, especially for those with hormonal sensitivities. Keep it short and not too cold.

4. Not Suitable for All
If you’re pregnant, have hypothyroidism, Raynaud’s, or cardiovascular issues, cold plunging may not be appropriate—check with a healthcare provider.

5. Stress Management
For those under high stress or with adrenal fatigue, cold plunges could increase cortisol. Prioritize balance and moderation.

Pro Tip 🌟
Begin with 1-2 minute sessions at 12-14°C, ideally during your follicular phase (first half of your cycle), and warm up naturally afterward. Consider pairing with heat therapy and consult a naturopathic doctor to tailor it to your needs.

❓ Have you tried cold plunging? Share your thoughts below!

27/08/2025

Hello, amazing women! Curious about cold plunging? This chilly practice can be a fantastic addition to your wellness routine. Here’s why it’s worth considering!

Fabulous Benefits ✨

1. Relieves Muscle Soreness & Inflammation
Cold plunges help reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles, making them a great recovery tool for active women.

2. Boosts Your Mood
The cold triggers a surge of dopamine and norepinephrine, lifting your spirits and helping you manage stress with confidence.

3. Supports Menstrual Comfort
Struggling with period cramps or bloating? Cold plunging may ease discomfort by calming inflammation before and during your cycle.

4. Fires Up Metabolism
Cold water activates brown fat, which can boost your metabolism—especially helpful for women navigating perimenopause.

5. Strengthens Immunity
Regular cold exposure may increase white blood cells, giving your immune system a gentle nudge for overall vitality.

6. Enhances Circulation & Skin Glow
Cold plunges improve blood flow, supporting detoxification and leaving your skin radiant and energized.

❓ Excited to try cold plunging? Share your favorite wellness tips in the comments!

Check out my next post for important safety considerations.

20/08/2025

Is cold plugging good for women's health?

19/08/2025

Because of some recent changes in Alberta for naturopathic doctors, I've switched my 10 Pass Ozone Therapy to IV Ozonated Saline for the time being.

To book visit elevatedhealthcare.ca or call 403-243-6695

10/04/2025

Last time, I said fats are your friend—but not all fats. Highly processed seed oils are the ones to ditch. Think canola, soybean, corn, sunflower, safflower, grapeseed, and ‘vegetable’ oil. Here’s why:

🔴 They spark inflammation.

🔴 Processing strips nutrients and adds toxins.

🔴 They throw your hormones and brain health off balance.

These hide in fried foods, packaged snacks, salad dressings, and restaurant meals—check those labels!

Swap them for olive oil, coconut oil, or ghee instead. Your body will thank you. Want to cut the junk and boost vitality? My webinar’s got the full scoop [link in bio].

Which oil are you kicking out first? 👇

26/02/2025

So, you’re thinking about having a baby? 🍼💛 Whether it’s someday soon or right now, there’s so much you can do to set yourself up for a healthy pregnancy before you even start trying.

The amazing thing is that your body is always adapting, and with the right support, you can create the best possible environment for conception. Balancing hormones, nourishing egg & s***m health, and optimizing overall wellness can make a big difference—not just for getting pregnant, but for a healthy pregnancy and baby, too!

Swipe through to see when it’s a good time to check in with a naturopathic doctor—and why each stage matters.

Curious about your fertility health? Let’s chat! Drop a 💕 if you’re on this journey, or send me a DM with any questions!

06/02/2025

The Secret to Getting Ahead is Getting Started
- Mark Twain

Even small steps get you where you want to be. Take one step at a time and you’ll be surprised how far you go.

22/01/2025

💪 Perimenopause doesn’t mean you have to lose strength—building muscle during this phase is empowering and essential for your health!

Here’s how to naturally support muscle building during perimenopause:

1️⃣ Prioritize Protein:
Aim for 30–50g of protein per meal to fuel muscle repair and growth. Add foods like eggs, meat, lentils, nuts, salmon, and Greek yogurt.

2️⃣ Strength Train Twice a Week:
Incorporate resistance exercises like squats, lunges, and weightlifting. Focus on fatiguing muscles to stimulate growth.

3️⃣ Balance Hormones Naturally:
Fluctuating estrogen levels can impact muscle recovery and strength. Support your hormones with balancing herbs herbs like black cohosh, wild yam and licorice, but always consult a healthcare provider first.

4️⃣ Get Enough Sleep:
Muscle growth happens during deep sleep. Create a calming bedtime routine with magnesium-rich foods (e.g., almonds) or a warm Epsom salt bath.

5️⃣ Fuel Recovery:
Don’t skip post-workout nutrition! A smoothie with protein powder, spinach, almond butter, and berries provides the nutrients you need to rebuild muscle.

✨ Remember: Building muscle in perimenopause is about staying strong, protecting your bones, and boosting energy. It’s never too late to start! 🌱

21/01/2025

Winter Weight Loss Program 💪

I’m looking for 5 women who want to lose 10 lbs in 3 months.

Only $499 (nearly 30% savings)

Free bonus Body Composition Scans to track your progress

DM me for more information

13/04/2023

I love these wise words from the late Maya Angelou 💜

Dr Dawn May ND () on Instagram: "I love these wise words from the late Maya Angelou 💜 .calgary ..."

17/12/2021

Today's gentle reminder is to stay hydrated with water💧

Water is essential in delivering oxygen throughout your body, keeping your body functioning and well hydrated. Water aids digestion, removes waste, regulates your body temperature, boosts your energy, maintains blood pressure and so much more.

How much water a day are you drinking?

23/11/2021

What's for breakfast? When you hear people say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it's true, and for good reason. Breakfast helps replenish the stores of energy and nutrients in your body. It improves your energy, mood and ability to concentrate. Breakfast also helps with weight management, and reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses. By making breakfast part of your daily routine, you are more likely to meet the recommended daily intake of fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Some great breakfast ideas include rolled oats, wholegrain cereals, yoghurt, fresh fruits, wholemeal, wholegrain or sourdough toast, poached or boiled eggs, raw nuts, nut butters (like peanut or almond butter) and smoothies made from fresh fruit or vegetables. There is so much variety and a lot to love about breakfast!

Learn more about what you can do for your personal health and wellbeing with your naturopathic doctor. Visit drdawnmay.ca or email contact@drdawnmay.ca to book an appointment.