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Monday 9am - 1pm Tuesday 9am - 4pm Wednesday 12pm - 6pm Thursday 9am - 4pm

Healthy Foundations Naturopathic Clinic

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Peterborough, ON
Healthy Foundations Naturopathic Clinic

Dispensary Hours. Dr. Joyce,ND, Dr. Graham, ND, and Dr. McLaren, ND, see patients both during and outside of these hours.

Monday: 9-1
Tuesday: 9-4
Wednesday: 12-6
Thursday: 9-4
Friday: CLOSED
*Drop box will be provided for after hour pick-ups

07/15/2025

Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms during menopause and while HRT is often the most effective option, it’s not the only way to find relief.

Here are a few other ways research has shown to support hot flashes;
• A Mediterranean-style diet (rich in olive oil, fiber, omega-3s, and lean protein)
• Sage capsules
• Soy isoflavones
• Omega-3 supplements
• Mind-body approaches like hypnosis
• Reducing alcohol
• Movement

None of these are guaranteed but they might offer support depending on the person.

Not medical advice, just sharing what the research says. Check with your provider if you’re exploring something new.

07/02/2025

This article makes our brains feel like Inception .. endometriosis and early menopause both increase cardiovascular risk, but they’re also linked to each other? 🤯.

Heart health monitoring and attention to menopause timing can be so powerful In terms of supporting BOTH populations! An increase in cardiovascular risk is just reason to support one’s health, by no means is thing to be fearful of 💛.

Endometriosis and cardiovascular risk:
➡️Women with endometriosis have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances associated with endometriosis can impair blood vessel function and contribute to heart disease.

Early endometriosis–early menopause connection:
➡️ Endometriosis is linked to earlier natural menopause. Early menopause means less lifetime exposure to estrogen, a hormone that protects blood vessels and supports heart health. This shorter estrogen exposure significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Early menopause and heart disease:
➡️ Even without endometriosis, early menopause (before age 45) is a known risk factor for heart disease. The earlier loss of estrogen, which supports vascular health, increases lifetime cardiovascular risk.

Role of treatments:
➡️ Surgical removal of ovarian cysts can reduce ovarian reserve and may further speed up menopause, adding to cardiovascular risk.

06/26/2025

The TG/HDL ratio;

This simple calculation - your triglycerides divided by your HDL cholesterol - can quietly reveal insulin resistance, long before your blood sugar or A1C goes up.

Why does that matter? Because insulin resistance is the root of so many health concerns: fatigue, weight changes, PCOS, inflammation, high blood pressure, and even increased cardiovascular risk.

Research shows that even when A1C is the same, people with a higher TG/HDL ratio:
• Need more medications
• Experience more complications
• Have a higher risk of cardiovascular events

A ratio above 3.0 (mg/dL) or 1.8 (SI units) is a signal - it may not mean something is wrong yet, but it tells us your metabolism is under strain.

The LOOK AHEAD trial found that over 40% of participants had high TG and low HDL at baseline and those with both were far more likely to experience events like stroke or heart attack.

This is why I love using TG/HDL as a practical marker:
✔️ It’s part of basic bloodwork
✔️ It’s affordable and accessible
✔️ It reflects real metabolic function
✔️ It gives us a head start—so we can act before disease develops

Sometimes the best medicine is early detection, education, and steady support.

06/25/2025

We’re excited to introduce our Perimenopause & Menopause Guide — a free resource to help you understand what’s happening in your body—and why—so you can move through this stage with knowledge.

Whether you’re noticing changes or just want to be prepared, this guide offers evidence-based info and practical tips to support you every step of the way.

👉 Grab your free copy here: https://golden-forest-25236.myflodesk.com/fyepgjxg8b

06/23/2025

Hi everyone! The dispensary will be closed for a summer holiday next week, June 30th to July 4th. Dr. Meagan McLaren is available for appointments, so please visit our website to book online. Thanks and have a great day. :)

06/09/2025

Pregnancy is more than a milestone, it’s a window into your future health.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) occurs when your body can’t regulate blood sugar well during pregnancy. While many think it’s just a temporary issue, GDM actually reveals how your metabolism is functioning under stress and it’s one of the earliest signs that your body might be at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease down the road.

Studies show that women with a history of GDM are 8 to 10 times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes later in life. Plus, the risk of heart disease is also significantly higher.

The encouraging part? GDM is a powerful early warning that allows us to intervene with targeted postpartum care, lifestyle changes like balanced nutrition and regular physical activity, and ongoing health monitoring.

This means you can take steps today to reduce your risk and protect your long-term health.

If you or someone you know has experienced GDM, please remember it’s not “just a pregnancy thing.” It’s a valuable opportunity to advocate for your health and make meaningful changes for your future.

✨ You deserve support and guidance on this journey — and that’s what we’re here for.

06/04/2025

Hormone Therapy & Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know During Menopause

Many people worry about starting hormone therapy (HT) if they have high blood pressure—but what does the evidence say?

🩺 Here’s the current understanding:

Oral estrogen can cause a small but statistically significant rise in blood pressure (about 1–2 mmHg), especially when combined with certain progestins.

Transdermal estrogen (patch, gel, spray) is associated with lower risk of developing high blood pressure and has a neutral effect on blood pressure in most studies.

Starting HT within 10 years of menopause and using transdermal forms is often safer for cardiovascular health.

📊 One study found that women using transdermal estradiol had a lower risk of developing hypertension than those using oral forms.

So, for those navigating menopause with elevated blood pressure or a history of hypertension, route and timing matter.

👉 Always work with a provider to assess your cardiovascular risk (like using the ASCVD calculator) before starting HT.

06/02/2025

Let’s talk about fiber — your gut’s unsung hero.

It’s not the trendiest nutrient, but it might be one of the most important.

Fiber supports:
✔️ Regular bowel movements
✔️ Stable blood sugar + energy
✔️ Hormone regulation (yes, really!)
✔️ Feeling full and satisfied after meals
✔️ A healthy gut microbiome

Most people aren’t getting enough — but it’s easier to add in than you might think.

Try including more:
🥬 Leafy greens + cruciferous veggies
🍓 Berries + pears (leave the skin on!)
🌾 Oats, chia seeds, flax
🥑 Avocados + legumes
🍠 Sweet potatoes

💡 Small additions over the day add up — a sprinkle of chia here, an extra handful of veggies there.

Your gut (and hormones) will thank you.

05/16/2025

WOW. What an evening.

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to our M-Factor event! We’re feeling so grateful for the energy, curiosity, and openness you brought to the room. These conversations around menopause are so needed—and they absolutely do not stop here.

The M-Factor was about so much more than symptoms—it was about empowerment. About changing the narrative. About recognizing that this phase of life is not the beginning of the end, but the beginning of something powerful.

To every person who showed up: thank you for being part of this shift. You remind us that community is medicine.

We’re walking away from this event with full hearts, deeper knowledge, and an even stronger commitment to continuing the conversation—loudly, proudly, and with evidence-backed support.

Here’s to redefining menopause.

Here’s to showing up for ourselves and each other.

Here’s to menopause. 💫

05/12/2025

Coming to see us for perimenopause or menopause support? 💛

Here’s what we might chat about in your visit:

🔥 Hot flashes & night sweats (vasomotor symptoms)
😴 Sleep struggles
💭 Brain fog or mood shifts
🦴 Bone density & fracture prevention
💓 Changes in metabolism, blood sugar, or cholesterol
📈 Long-term health & prevention goals

Menopause is a major transition—and support should be as individualized as you are.

Whether you’re curious about hormone therapy, nutrition, or natural options, we’ll work together to find what fits you best.

📍Appointments available in-person or virtual in Ontario

05/01/2025

How to Survive PMS: Your Four-Step Checklist

1️⃣ Track Your Cycle
Know when your symptoms tend to hit—logging mood, energy and flow helps you anticipate discomfort and plan gentle self-care ahead of time.

2️⃣ Boost Nutrition
Focus on nourishing meals that stabilize blood sugar and support mood—think colourful veggies, quality protein and healthy fats to keep you feeling steady.

3️⃣ Vitamin D Check
Low levels can worsen cramps, fatigue and blues. A quick blood spot or lab test every few months ensures you’re topped up for optimal mood and muscle support.

4️⃣ Rule Out Other Causes
Sometimes PMS-like symptoms point to thyroid, iron or blood sugar imbalances. Simple blood work can uncover hidden factors so you get the right help at the right time.

Address

Peterborough, ON

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 1pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	12pm - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm

Telephone

+17052435163

Website

http://www.healthyfoundations.ca/

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