CBalance Advanced Therapeutics

05/27/2026

🥕 WHAT TO EAT WEDNESDAY 🌾

- Locally Sourced! -

One of the simplest ways to improve the quality of your nutrition is not always eating “less.” Sometimes it is eating closer to where you live.

Locally sourced foods often spend less time in transport, storage, and processing before reaching your plate. That can mean fresher produce, better texture, and in many cases, higher nutrient density compared to foods travelling thousands of kilometres before they reach grocery store shelves.

Supporting local farms and farmers also keeps food systems connected to communities instead of solely large corporate agribusiness models. 🍓🚜

Some examples include:
• Fresh eggs from nearby farms
• Seasonal vegetables picked days ago instead of weeks ago
• Local meats, root vegetables, berries, and greens grown in your own climate and soil

Nutrition is not solely about calories and macros. From a naturopathic perspective, food quality and sourcing matter too.

Produce grown in richer soils, through natural growing seasons, and with lower chemical exposure may offer stronger micronutrient profiles, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds.

Macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) provide energy, but micronutrients help support biochemical balance, immune function, and overall organ and gland health.

There is far more to nutrition than calorie counting alone.

Local farmers and growers — tag your venture in the comments so the community can discover and support you! 🌾👇

Support local farming, nourish your body, and strengthen local communities. 💪

Amy J Gallant, CEO
Elite Master Personal Trainer
Licensed Naturopathic Practitioner

05/08/2026

People seriously need to slow down before buying into every fear-mongering headline being pushed around online.

From what the research currently shows, hantavirus is still primarily associated with rodent exposure, not widespread human-to-human spread. Even literature published through the Oxford University Press Journal of Infectious Diseases points out that person-to-person transmission is considered extremely rare and limited to very specific circumstances.

Reference: Journal of Infectious Diseases Study:
https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/226/8/1362/6369311

There also hasn’t been evidence showing some newly sequenced “human-adapted” hantavirus variant suddenly circulating through the population.

But as usual, the media fear machine virally spreads fear and facts get left behind in the dust.

What is funny, though, is that research into hantavirus vaccines, including mRNA-related work tied to South Korean researchers and Moderna, has already been in development starting 2 YEARS AGO. They must have a bunch of clairvoyants on staff there, huh? 🤔

Maybe they are time travelers able to predict future epidemics! But Moderna’s timing raises lots of eyebrows for people. Either way, it’s probably worth researching the actual scientific facts before jumping into panic mode.

Amy J Gallant
Licensed Naturopathic Practitioner

05/06/2026

WHAT TO EAT WEDNESDAY 🥩🥬
BIOAVAILABILITY 💊

Not all supplements are created equal.
And neither is the food you build your body from.

A label may say “high in vitamins” or “packed with protein,” but what really matters is what your body can absorb and actually USE. That’s called bioavailability.

The source matters.

Animal-based iron is generally absorbed better than plant-based iron.
Whole food proteins tend to provide a more complete amino acid profile than ultra-processed alternatives.
Even the form of a supplement changes how effective it is.

Magnesium oxide? Cheap and poorly absorbed for many.
Magnesium glycinate? A very different story.

Two products can have identical macros on paper but vastly different nutrient density, digestibility, and physiological impact.

Your body is not just a chemistry set you can add to at will. It’s a living system. Not all nutrient forms are easily recognized or utilized, and synthetic forms are often less bioavailable than naturally sourced alternatives.

Food quality influences:
• Energy production
• Recovery
• Hormone function
• Immune resilience
• Muscle repair
• Cognitive performance

The goal isn’t just to hit macros. But rather it’s to give the body materials it can actually use.

A shiny label means nothing if the body can’t utilize the product. 💥

Bodies also require individualized approaches to supplementation and nutrition for optimal health and performance. Naturopathic and nutrition consultations with Licensed Orthomolecular Naturopathic Practitioner Amy J. Gallant can help guide that process.

Find Your Strength. 💪

03/19/2026

~Keto/Low Carb and Rhabdo~
Well this honestly is no surprise to me. With the insane amount of extremist approaches to diet and exercise these days - it’s much less about health and much more about pursuing change at any cost. Seems it’s time again to bring out the local fitness and diet s**t disturber again. lol

For those of you that don’t know what Rhabdo is; Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where damaged muscle tissue breaks down rapidly and releases proteins (like myoglobin) into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage or failure if not treated.

Basically your body liquidizes your lean muscle mass in as an extreme stress response.

I have been preaching against the unhealthy focus ultra low carb/keto for years - though they don’t cause rhabdo directly… they set the perfect environment to exacerbate the occurrence of it. Certain factors associated with the diet, such as electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, combined with intense exercise, can certainly increase the risk.

So many people focusing on so many extremely unhealthy methods to see change these days it’s actually scary. None of it is about longterm health.

I have seen it all over my 36 years in the health and fitness industry. People need to seriously question the methodologies and influencers they follow who tout extreme approaches not backed by sound science. Rhabdo isn’t something to be messed with - it definitely can kill you.

***𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬***

𝗡𝗟 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗱𝗼𝗺𝘆𝗼𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services advises the public of an increase of cases of rhabdomyolysis and encourages individuals to follow safe exercise practices, including not overexercising, to help prevent this condition. Since October 1, 2025, there have been approximately 20 cases related to intense exercise seen in the Eastern-Urban Zone.

FULL DETAILS: https://nlhealthservices.ca/news/nl-health-services-reports-increase-in-rhabdomyolysis-and-encourages-safe-exercise-practices/

02/06/2026

🌱CLOVE BUD WATER EXTRACT - INFO & RECIPE

How eugenol from hot water clove bud extract fights inflammation and the damage caused by that inflammation:

Inflammation is your body's natural way of defending itself. It activates when harmful agents, such as irritating substances, infections, or injuries, trigger the immune system. This response can be short-lived (acute) or prolonged (chronic). Many of the anti-inflammatory medicines people use today come with unwanted side effects.

Eugenol, a natural compound (derived from cloves), has potent anti-inflammatory effects and appears to cause no significant adverse effects. It also helps protect cells from oxidative stress, an imbalance in which unstable molecules called reactive oxygen species accumulate and damage cells. These reactive oxygen species can injure cells directly and trigger harmful breakdown of fats in cell membranes (a process called lipid peroxidation).

Eugenol inhibits TNF-alpha production and COX-2 enzyme activity. Its ability to fight inflammation comes partly from stopping macrophages from rushing to inflamed spots (a process called chemotaxis) and from reducing the creation of prostaglandins, chemicals that increase swelling and pain. Studies have shown eugenol calms overactive macrophages mainly by interfering with signals from TNF-alpha and COX-2. The effect on COX-2 becomes even stronger when bacterial toxins like LPS are present.

Lastly, eugenol noticeably increases the activity and production of helpful antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase (which breaks down damaging peroxides) and superoxide dismutase (which neutralizes harmful superoxide radicals). This helps the body better handle and repair oxidative damage.

Clove bud extract has been shown in the scientific literature to exhibit:
• Antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
• Antihistamine and mast-cell–regulating actions
• Digestive enzyme stimulation
• Analgesic (pain-relieving) properties
• Circulatory and metabolic support
• Hepatoprotective and insulin-sensitizing effects

Because of these properties, clove water extract is used both internally and topically, depending on the intended purpose.

Clove bud water extract is commonly used for:
• Digestive support, gas reduction, and gut flora balance
• Oral health support (bad breath, gingival health)
• Skin support (acne, wound healing, topical anti-aging use)
• Sleep support when used in low, timed doses
• Metabolic and insulin-sensitivity support
• General antimicrobial and immune-modulating support

Its versatility comes from clove’s ability to act on multiple physiological systems simultaneously, which is why dosing and context matter.

⚠️ Safety & Use Considerations

Clove is not a casual herb. Its strength requires respect.
• Not for children, particularly under 10 years of age
• Do not give to pets (toxic to dogs and cats)
• Avoid during pregnancy and nursing
• Use caution with anticoagulants, blood thinners, and diabetes medications
• Excessive dosing may stress the liver or kidneys, similar to alcohol exposure
• Always start low and increase slowly, observing individual response

More is not better. Appropriate dosing is essential.

Clove bud water extract is best viewed as a functional herbal tool, not a wellness trend or daily beverage. When prepared properly and used intentionally, it can play a meaningful role in digestive, metabolic, oral, and skin-support protocols. Like many traditional remedies, its effectiveness lies in precision, respect for dosage, and informed use.

Educational information only. Not medical advice.

Amy J Gallant
Licensed Orthomolecular Naturotherapist
Goyetche Institute

01/31/2026

Ease-Back Week: complete ✅

After a few rough weeks with a flu that felt never-ending, I’ve finally eased my way back into my normal routine.

For those who may not know, I own and operate a 10,000-square-foot gym and have spent all of my adult life working in the health and fitness field. I work as a Personal Trainer and Post-Rehabilitation Pain Specialist, alongside wearing many other hats across the health and wellness continuum.

Honestly, the hardest part hasn’t been training. It’s been getting my hunger back online. It’s still lagging, so focusing on nutrient density over appetite right now is key.

I’ve always eaten well using an 80/20 approach. Eighty percent real, whole, from-scratch food. Twenty percent flexibility, within reason. That’s not dieting. That’s just how the human body was designed to eat. Buy real food. Cook it. (And I LOVE to cook.) Keep ultra-processed convenience food to a minimum.

One of my intentions for 2026 is simple: eat even more vegetables, every day, wherever possible.

And there’s no better way to do that than starting first thing in the morning with breakfast.

Eggs. Greens. Healthy fats. Fibre. Colour.
Straight out of the gate. 🥑🥬🍅

This isn’t an anomaly for me.
I often add sautéed veggies to breakfast, or work them in creatively theoughout my entire life. Sweet potato pancakes, veggie-loaded omelettes, morning salads, veggie infused smoothies with fresh fruit - whatever fits the day.

Eating well shouldn’t be viewed as restriction.
It’s the foundation - the building blocks for healing, recovery, and growth and it isn’t rocket science.

When you give the body real food, it does what it’s designed to do - repair, adapt & get stronger. 🌱💪🏼

01/18/2026

🌿 I’m excited to share that I’m entering the final 1.5–2 years of my naturopathic studies toward my Doctor of Naturopathy (ND).

I began this journey in 2016, guided by a deep interest in physiology, orthomolecular medicine, and restoring health through foundational, root-cause principles. Like many, my studies were paused during 2020–2023 while navigating significant professional and personal responsibilities.

I’m now fully re-engaged with my public practice since 2024 as an apprentice Naturotherapist and am currently completing the final stages of this path with renewed focus and clarity. I intend to continue practicing but in a slightly reduced capacity to allow for ample work-study-life balance.

This next phase will further deepen my clinical training and expand the scope of evidence-informed, systems-based care I provide — with continued emphasis on dietary mineral/vitamin balance, metabolic health, structural resilience, organotherapy and true root-cause healing.

I appreciate the continued support as I move through this final phase of training and further refine the care I provide in private partnership with the Goyetche Institute.

Amy J Gallant
Licensed Orthomolecular Naturopathy
CounterBalance Wellness Studio

01/18/2026

🤯 Heal the body — and it shows.

These images document a 12-month change in the definition of the lip vermillion line of a 56 year old female client. As we age, the body’s ability to effectively absorb key vitamins and minerals required for tissue repair, proper systemic function and recovery often declines. Loss of lip definition, colour, and fullness is not inherently a normal aging process, but more often reflects impaired nutrient absorption and mineral sufficiency.

What began as a pale, indistinct vermillion border has darkened and regained fullness, reflecting improved circulation, collagen integrity, and cellular vitamin and mineral sufficiency.

No lip blushing. No fillers. No cosmetic procedures.
Her naturopathic plan was not cosmetic in focus — these changes were a natural physiological outcome of systemic healing.

This client (age 56) initially presented with low iron, severe IBS, systemic inflammation, joint pain, and overall malaise. Through targeted orthomolecular naturopathy:

✔ IBS symptoms improved significantly
✔ Systemic inflammation reduced
✔ Iron levels reached the highest sustained range in decades according to her recent bloodwork
✔ Joint resiliency and connective-tissue strength improved

Naturopathy restores the terrain upon which a body naturally self-heals and thrives.

Virtual clients now being accepted. Consultations are covered by most Canadian Private Medicare insurances.

Treating deficiencies. Restoring resilience. Naturally.

🌿 Licensed Orthomolecular Naturopathy
📍 CounterBalance Wellness Studio
📞 DM or call (709)634-4275 to book a consult or for more information.
🌐 CBalanceTraining.com/naturopathy

09/18/2025

☕️ The Coffee & Caffeine Conundrum 🚂💪🏼

I’m full steam ahead on the training grind right now—beat to a snot some days, but pushing through. And let’s be real… on those tough days, should we reach for that extra caffeine fix? According to the latest research, the answer is a resounding YES!

Caffeine as a performance enhancer isn’t new—it’s an evidence-backed practice. Studies show that effective doses lower your perceived exertion (RPE) during aerobic exercise. Translation? You can train harder, last longer, burn more calories, and not even feel the drag as much.

Even better, new research compared caffeine supplements to coffee itself. Subjects were given pure caffeine, caffeinated coffee, a placebo, or decaf. The results? Both caffeine and coffee delivered the same performance boost. Placebo and decaf? Nothing.

👉 If you’re a coffee lover, this means your cup can double as a pre-workout. Drink it before exercise to unlock peak performance and sculpting potential.

Today, I tested out a double espresso infused with niacinamide (B3) and pyridoxamine (B6)—both linked to metabolic and energy support. I’m already the Energizer Bunny on regular days, but this? 🚀 Serious thermogenic effects, clean rush, no crash.

That’s why I always recommend coffee as a natural pre-workout instead of chemical-laden formulas. Research shows caffeine boosts metabolic output by 15% rivaling the traditional pre-workout blends—without the jitters or nasty after-effects.

This new B3 + B6 coffee option? 🔥 Absolute game-changer. Ordering more ASAP.

-Elite Master Trainer & Naturotherapist,
Amy J Gallant

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236189817_The_Metabolic_and_Performance_Effects_of_Caffeine_Compared_to_Coffee_during_Endurance_Exercise

09/02/2025

🌿Gentle Start Wellness Mentorship
✨ Begins Monday, September 15th

Not quite ready to jump into a full fitness program or gym routine?
This 4-week virtual mentorship is your gentle, supportive first step — a preparatory phase to build confidence, balance, and healthy foundations before taking that leap.

What’s Included:
✔️ 4 live Monday evening mentorship sessions (virtual webinars)
✔️ Gentle in-home exercise & cardio guidance with weekly goals
✔️ Holistic nutrition support
✔️ Mental health & stress-care strategies
✔️ An introduction to Naturopathy
✔️ Tools to prepare for long-term fitness and wellness success

Meet Your Mentors:
🟤 Amy J. Gallant — Certified Elite Master Personal Trainer & Licensed Naturotherapist with 25+ years in fitness & wellness.
🟤 Nadine Bonnell — Psychotherapist with 20+ years of Licensed counseling experience, specializing in mental health & support.

💻 100% virtual 🌙 Monday evenings
🌱 Beginner-friendly & supportive group environment 🇨🇦Canadian owned

💲150.00 CAD + tax per registration

👉 Limited spots available — DM us today to reserve your place or for info:
📧 wellness@cbalancetraining.com
🌐cbalancetraining.com/wellness

07/20/2025

💯