Dr. Erica Volk, ND

09/11/2025

This is a strange post from me but one I felt compelled to put together in light of recent political events, followed by a debate I found myself in regarding the topic of "free speech," which I understand many are particularly passionate about right now.

It's baffling to me that, despite so many historical events in which words and rhetoric directly led to hate, violence, and genocide, there is now such a strong desire to reject the concept of "hate speech" and declare it "just free speech." Have we learned nothing about the power of words? How is it that so many people don't seem to care?

Where free speech may be a "right," don't we also have a responsibility to protect our fellow human and do what we can to NOT harm others? I have vowed to do this as part of my profession.

What do you think––should "first, do no harm with words" become a civic oath we all must pledge? What do you think this would this do for society and for the current political and cultural climate we all experience?

05/23/2025

🌱 This Month’s Health Focus: Imperfect Action 🌱

How many times have you told yourself…

🗓️ “I’ll start after my trip.”
🎓 “Once school’s done, I’ll focus on my health.”
🥦 “I’ll change my diet after I use up these groceries.”

Here’s the truth: there will never be a “perfect” time.
Life is full of events, visitors, deadlines, and distractions.

But guess what?
👉 One imperfect action is still progress.
👉 One veggie today is better than none.
👉 One walk, one stretch, one good sleep—all wins.

✨ Your health doesn’t require perfection. It just needs consistency and compassion. ✨

🖐️ Celebrate your small wins.
💚 Honour your imperfect efforts.
📈 Keep showing up anyway.

What’s one small, healthy action you can take today—even if life isn’t perfect?

PSST! This month's newsletter is full of info and tips on taking imperfect action! Plus a personal story about my own imperfection 🙊. To get in the loop for next month's edition, sign up for my monthly newsletter here:
https://www.okanagannaturopath.com/newsletter-sign-up.html

To see this month's edition, go here:
https://ckarchive.com/b/4zuvhehpn6z7vs6ovveola64mvm77h5

04/08/2025

✨Hello, friend! What a nice surprise to learn that I’ve once again been nominated for Best Naturopathic Doctor in Kelowna! 💛

I’ll admit—“popularity contests” aren’t really my thing, but getting that email on Friday genuinely made my day. It’s rare to receive feedback in this line of work, so THANK YOU to the kind soul who nominated me. It means more than you know. 🙏

Now here’s the fun part: if 10 or more people nominate me by April 14, I get to move on to the official voting round! 🎉

If I’ve helped you or someone you love feel heard, cared for, or healthier—this is such an easy way to help spread the word. (And of course, you can nominate all your other favourite Okanagan businesses too!)

👉 Just DM me " " and I’ll send you the nomination link straight to your inbox.
Big love and endless thanks 💛

04/08/2025

✨Totally caught me by surprise, but... I’ve once again been nominated for Best Naturopathic Doctor in Kelowna! 💛

“Popularity contests” aren’t really my thing, but getting that email on Friday was a great way to end the week! It’s rare to receive feedback in this line of work, so THANK YOU to the kind soul who nominated me. It means more than you know. 🙏

Now here’s the fun part: if 10 or more people nominate me by April 14, I get to move on to the official voting round! 🎉

If I’ve helped you or someone you love feel heard, cared for, or healthier—this is such an easy way to help spread the word. (And of course, you can nominate all your other favourite Okanagan businesses too!)

👉 Here's the link to nominate your picks:
https://bestof.kelownanow.com/nominations/

Love and endless thanks 💛

04/07/2025

✨Totally unexpected, but… I’ve been nominated for Best Naturopathic Doctor in Kelowna! 😲💛

I’ll admit—“popularity contests” aren’t really my thing, but getting that email on Friday genuinely made my day. It’s rare to receive feedback in this line of work, so THANK YOU to the kind soul who nominated me. It means more than you know. 🙏

Now here’s the fun part: if 10 or more people nominate me by April 14, I get to move on to the official voting round! 🎉

If I’ve helped you or someone you love feel heard, cared for, or healthier—this is such an easy way to help spread the word. (And of course, you can nominate all your other fave Kelowna businesses too!)

👉 Just click this link below to go straight to the nomination form: https://bestof.kelownanow.com/nominations/
You could add my name to the Naturopathic Practitioner and/or Alternative medicine categories :)
Big love and endless thanks 💛

03/27/2025

📸✨ Having some fun today taking new pics for my website as I approach 10 years in practice—so here are some fun facts about me!

1️⃣ Caregiving mode always on 🌷
I am the guardian for my older brother who has Down syndrome. My first ever job as an ND was providing naturopathic medicine / functional medicine support for individuals with Down syndrome around the world.

2️⃣ From book nerd to health nerd 📚
Before becoming a naturopathic doctor, I worked in libraries and completed an English degree, where I wrote my honours thesis on Harry Potter!⚡️

3️⃣ My own health journey led me here 🌿 I came to this medicine due to my own health challenges, which were mainly digestive health and chronically terrible immune system. Since then I’ve had to navigate many challenges like PTSD, chronic adrenal problems, uterine fibroids (and related symptoms), mold illness & mast cell activation, to name just a few. I like to think that this all has enabled me to be more compassionate with my patients as a result.

4️⃣ Currently trying to out-read myself 🤓 My goal? Beat my 2024 record of 36 books! Drop your must-read recommendations below! ⬇️

5️⃣ Voted "Most Opinionated" in high school (out of 600 students) 😆
I’ve always had strong convictions & a passion for social justice. I'm honoured to still be speaking up & advocating for my patients!

💡 Now practicing naturopathic medicine in Kelowna, BC & via telemedicine across BC!
My clinical passions:
🌿 Digestive health (IBS, candida, SIBO, Crohn’s, food sensitivities)
🌿 Mold illness & histamine intolerance
🌿 Mental health (PTSD, anxiety, burnout, depression, anxiety, grief...)
🌿 Hormones (PMS, PMDD, menopause)
… and more!

If you’re in BC & need an ND who digs deep into complex health concerns, I got you. 💙 Feel free to send this along to a friend in need of a health detective!
Message me to book a call or go here to learn more --> https://www.okanagannaturopath.com/welcome.html

03/26/2025

"Is mold testing really necessary?" 🤔

I get this question all the time. If you've been obviously exposed to mold, live in a moldy environment, and have symptoms… do you really need to test?

Mold is a known toxin that can cause a wide range of health issues, including:
🔹 Asthma & allergies
🔹 Chronic sinus congestion
🔹 Frequent yeast infections
🔹 Mood issues & fatigue
🔹 Skin rashes & hormone imbalances (PMDD, endometriosis)
🔹 Poor immune function & digestive problems

I might have tunnel vision 👀, but I can’t help but see mold as a huge obstacle to healing in so many of my patients!

Even if exposure is obvious, I still recommend mycotoxin testing for 3 key reasons:
1️⃣ It confirms if mold is a problem, helping you stay committed to treatment.
2️⃣ It identifies which mycotoxins are high, helping track and avoid ongoing exposure.
3️⃣ It ensures the right treatment based on your specific mycotoxin load.

💬 Got questions about mold illness, testing, or treatment? Drop them in the comments or send me a message!

If you're in BC and need help recovering from mold, please contact me to set up an appointment.

03/19/2025

🌿Allow me to introduce you to your new bestie in the kitchen — walnut oil!  🥜✨ I didn’t even know this existed until recently!

Did you know that walnut oil is packed with omega-3s, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats? 💖 It supports brain function, lowers inflammation, and nourishes skin & hair—all while adding a delicious nutty flavour to your meals! 🍽️ Literally !

Just some of the benefits of walnut oil:
✅ Lower in inflammatory fats than many other cooking oils
✅ Perfect low-heat cooking & drizzling over salads, grains & roasted veggies. This product by is extra filtered making it safe for high-heat cooking up to 425 degrees F!
✅ Supports heart & brain health with ALA omega-3s (lower inflammation!)

Swap your usual cooking oil for walnut oil and taste and feel the difference! 🌿💛

Have you tried it? Let me know what you think in the comments! 👇

So much gratitude for for introducing me to their organic walnut oil and letting me try their product for free! You can get yours on Amazon Canada or Healthy Planet - Links in bio!

02/12/2025

08/15/2024

My partner laughed when he snapped this pic, but adding a sauna to my routine has been one of the best decisions for my health and happiness! 🌿 Here’s why I’m obsessed:

1. Detox Powerhouse: Saunas are a fantastic way to flush out chemicals, heavy metals, and toxins through sweat. 🧖‍♀️✨

2. Me-Time Bliss: Sauna time is my sacred space. I usually dive into a good book, making it both relaxing and rejuvenating. 📚💆‍♀️

3. Post-Sauna Glow: I always feel refreshed and recharged after a sauna session (and a shower, of course — that’s non-negotiable!). 🚿💧

As a naturopathic doctor, I often recommend sweating for a variety of health concerns, including:

Hormonal imbalances 🌸
Stubborn weight loss 🏋️‍♀️
Skin issues 🌟
Toxin-related conditions like mold exposure, heavy metals, or chemical sensitivities 🌱

Quick Tip: Sauna sessions can deplete beneficial minerals and electrolytes, so make sure to replenish them regularly. And for those with low blood pressure or adrenal insufficiency, sweating should be done cautiously with proper mineral support. 💧

P.S. I got this sauna on Amazon for about $100. It’s not top-tier, but it works! Someday I’ll treat myself to a high-end sauna, but until then, this does the trick. 💰

Other ways to break a sweat:

High-intensity exercise 💪
Hot yoga 🧘‍♀️
Dressing warm while working out 🧣
Soaking in a hot bath until you start sweating 🛁

07/04/2024

Hello Kelowna! ☀️

Welcome to my tranquil new office space complete with the sound of the creek and birdsong. 🏞️

I’m delighted to have moved my humble naturopathic clinic right onto the Mission Creek Greenway off Springfield Rd in Rutland.

Serving residents of the Okanagan and all of British Columbia through in-person and virtual appointments.

Parking is always FREE.

Pro tip: before or after your appointment you can hop on the Greenway to take a lovely nature walk. 🍃

About me:
I offer general naturopathic health services with a special focus on digestion, mental health, hormones, fatigue, stress, cardiovascular health, blood sugar issues, immune system dysfunction and so much more.

Got extended health? I offer direct billing through most extended health providers.

More updates to come but come visit me in my new space soon! 👋

01/16/2024

Do you have but feel like your doctor can’t (or won’t) help you? I’m a huge proponent of educating yourself about the different ways your doctor CAN help figure out why you have . Having some of this background knowledge really does help you advocate for yourself and help your doctor help you!

In part one of this new series, I’m getting into all the different lab tests that your MD or ND could order for you to help figure out WHY you have digestive symptoms so you can stop spending money on expensive and ineffective supplements, stop wasting time doing cleanses or signing up for a lifetime of restrictive diets, and instead find out what’s going on so you can treat the issue and move on!

To vote in my poll, please go here:
https://take.quiz-maker.com/poll4743330x9Fac4293-147

Please be sure to follow me so you catch the entire series!