Dr. Deidre Macdonald, ND

10/12/2024

When it comes to healthy aging, protein is like the unsung hero of nutrition—always there, quietly working behind the scenes to keep your muscles strong, your brain sharp, and your body resilient. But how much protein do you really need, and is it possible to have too much of a good thing? As a naturopathic physician with a focus on nutrition and healthy aging, these are questions I commonly get from my patients. So, let’s dive into the science and myths of protein and how it can help you stay fit and vibrant at any age.
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Posted on December 9, 2024By getwellIn Nutrition Tips, Senior's Health, Uncategorized, Weight Loss, Women's Health When it comes to healthy aging, protein is like the unsung hero of nutrition—always there, quietly working behind the scenes to keep your muscles strong, your brain sharp, and your bo...

21/06/2024

Women: Pap smears are no longer the first line screening test for cervical cancer! Yeah! We can do an at home swab for HPV to see if we really need a Pap as the next step. To learn more and get links to order your kit, read this blog post.

Posted on June 20, 2024By getwellIn Women's Health As a naturopathic physician, I am deeply committed to keeping my patients informed about the latest advancements in women’s health. Recently, during a trip to Tanzania, I met with a local female doctor who shared the stark reality faced by the man...

10/11/2023

Hormones are an integral part of a woman's health and vitality, influencing everything from mood and energy levels to reproductive function and overall well-being. As a naturopathic doctor with a focus on women's health, I emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy hormones throughout a woman's lifespan. Check out my new blog post to learn about balancing hormones naturally throughout life with the help of naturopathic medicine. https://getwellhere.com/hormone-health-for-women-naturally/

Dr. Deidre Macdonald, BA, ND is a naturopathic physician who has helped thousands of people with to reach their health goals.

12/10/2023

Ready to make a fresh start this fall? Menu planning isn't just about meals; it's a powerful tool to boost your nutrition, save time and money, and bring your family together in the kitchen. As a naturopathic physician, I wholeheartedly endorse this practice for your well-being. Learn how to get started and unlock a world of benefits in our latest article.

Posted on September 29, 2023By getwellIn Digestive Health, Nutrition TipsLeave a comment It’s never to late too embark on new healthy habits, especially regarding nutrition and menu planning – a concept I wholeheartedly support in my practice as a naturopathic physician. Menu planning might soun...

06/10/2023

Do you love outdoor swimming in the Comox Valley in the summer, but put away your trunks in the winter? Check out this info on the benefits of cold water swimming... and the risks, of course. It just might be the boost you need to keep your health and vitality fired up over the coming months. Share YOUR experience in the comments below.
https://getwellhere.com/chilling-adventures-cold-water-immersion-for-health/

02/08/2023

Why do I use it? 🌿🌿🌿
I use it often to improve digestion by calming the nervous system, reducing the impact of stress on digestion. It is excellent to support stress and mental health concerns, like anxiety and depression.

What does the research show? 🧐🧐🧐
Constituents have demonstrated various activities, such as reducing inflammation, reducing digestive spasming, and having anxiolytic activity (i.e. reducing anxiety).

How do I use it? 🥼🥼🥼
Skullcap has traditional use in naturopathic medicine alongside gentian to improve digestion. Slightly bitter and calming to the nervous system, it helps support indigestion and intestinal hyperpermeability (“leaky gut”).

24/07/2023

Good intestinal health is one of the cornerstones of our well-being. It’s where we absorb nutrients and eliminate waste. But what happens when the delicate lining of the intestines breaks down? Check out this article on Leaky Gut Syndrome by Dr. Shawn Peters, my associate naturopathic physician at MCNM.

Posted on July 23, 2023By getwellIn Digestive Health, General Health, UncategorizedLeave a comment The prevalence of intestinal hyperpermeability, also known as “leaky gut,” has gained attention in recent years. Normally the small intestine aids in digestion of foods and absorption of nutrients,...

21/06/2023

On National Indigenous People's Day I celebrate the herbal knowledge that has been shared by Indigenous people. As a naturopathic doctor and herbalist, we honor the traditional use of herbs as well as the scientific knowledge about them. Herbs like nettles, dandelion and Oregon grape have been used for thousands of years by our local Indigenous people and stand the test of time today.

15/06/2023

PhilosophyIn my professional life, I strive to practice patience, authenticity, and non-judgement. My philosophy is that we all deserve to be empowered to make choices that enrich our lives, whether those choices are related to health, work, family, friends, or otherwise. My drive is to listen, unde...

12/06/2023

Many of the patients in my naturopathic medical practice suffer from chronic pain and are looking for solutions that don’t damage their bodies or create addiction. PEA or palmitoylethanolamide is one of the most exciting natural medicines I’ve seen in a long time. It has pain-blocking effects and can reduce neural inflammation, a feature of many chronic pain conditions... read more here:

Posted on June 12, 2023By getwellIn Pain Relief, Senior's HealthLeave a comment Chronic pain affects the lives of over eight million Canadians. Opiates seemed to be the humane choice in the short run, but because their addictive potential has contributed to the op**te crisis, they are now rarely off...

12/04/2023

Spring is upon us! Many plants have both medicinal and nutritional value. Come learn which healing medicinal plants you can grow yourself.

19/03/2023

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/spring-detox-tickets-567349296017