Healthy Foundations Naturopathic Clinic

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

APOE4 is a genetic marker that some people carry, and it’s talked about because it’s linked to a higher risk of developi...
12/01/2025

APOE4 is a genetic marker that some people carry, and it’s talked about because it’s linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.

But APOE4 is not a diagnosis, and it does not mean you will get Alzheimer’s.

We all have a gene called APOE that helps the brain move fats, repair cells, and clear out waste. There are different versions of this gene; APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4.

APOE4 is just one version, but it’s a bit less efficient at the cleanup and repair work, which is why it’s associated with increased risk over time.

People with APOE4 often benefit even more from habits that protect the brain, like:
• Regular movement and aerobic exercise
• Supporting heart, metabolic, and blood sugar health
• Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods
• Prioritizing good sleep
• Staying mentally active and socially connected

Think of APOE4 as a risk factor, not a destiny.

APOE4 🧠APOE4 is a genetic marker that some people carry, and it’s talked about because it’s linked to a higher risk of d...
12/01/2025

APOE4 🧠

APOE4 is a genetic marker that some people carry, and it’s talked about because it’s linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.

BUT APOE4 is not a diagnosis, and it does not mean you will get Alzheimer’s.

We all have a gene called APOE that helps the brain move fats, repair cells, and clear out waste. There are different versions of this gene, APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4.

APOE4 is just one version, but it’s a bit less efficient at the cleanup and repair work, which is why it’s associated with increased risk over time.

People with APOE4 often benefit even more from habits that protect the brain, like:
• Regular movement and aerobic exercise
• Supporting heart, metabolic, and blood sugar health
• Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods
• Prioritizing good sleep
• Staying mentally active and socially connected

Think of APOE4 as a risk factor, not a destiny. 💛

When we talk about preventative medicine, this is exactly what we mean.We have strong research showing that many of the ...
11/18/2025

When we talk about preventative medicine, this is exactly what we mean.

We have strong research showing that many of the same factors that increase cardiovascular risk also increase long-term risk for cognitive decline, including mild cognitive impairment and dementia. AND most of these factors are modifiable.

Here’s what we know:

• Consistently elevated BP can damage the small vessels that supply the brain. Studies show that midlife hypertension is one of the strongest predictors of cognitive decline later on.

• Cholesterol doesn’t just affect the heart. Higher ApoB and LDL levels contribute to atherosclerosis everywhere, including the vessels that nourish the brain. Improved lipid profiles are linked with lower vascular dementia risk.

• Constant hyperglycemia increases inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular injury, all of which impact brain health. Insulin resistance is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to cognitive changes over time.

• Smoking & low physical activity reduce circulation and oxygen delivery. Regular movement improves blood flow to the brain, supports neuroplasticity, and helps regulate BP, glucose, and lipids simultaneously.

• Poor sleep…sleep is when the brain clears metabolic waste through the glymphatic system. When sleep is consistently disrupted, this clearing system is less effective, and it shows up in research as worse cognition over time.

This is why early action matters. We don’t wait for symptoms to appear before supporting your heart, brain, and metabolic health because the changes start decades earlier.

Preventative care lets us identify risks, make small sustainable changes, and protect long-term wellbeing before problems develop.

11/14/2025

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, and the menopause transition is a critical period where risk begins to rise. This paper highlights how blood pressure, LDL, ApoB, Lp(a), insulin resistance, and visceral fat all increase during menopause, contributing to accelerated atherosclerosis.

The review also reinforces that menopause hormone therapy (MHT) has a nuanced cardiovascular profile. Older synthetic oral formulations were associated with higher coronary and stroke risk, particularly when started later in life. In contrast, modern low-dose transdermal estrogen paired with micronized progesterone appears to have a more favourable cardiovascular risk profile, especially when initiated within 10 years of menopause onset.

A key takeaway: MHT is not a cardiovascular prevention strategy.

Instead, the transition through menopause is an important window to screen for cardiovascular risk using blood pressure, lipids, ApoB, Lp(a), glucose/insulin markers.

The more we recognize menopause as a cardiovascular turning point, the earlier we can support women in protecting long-term heart health.

11/04/2025

It’s time to talk about the gap in menopause care 😞.

Too many are being told “it’s just aging,” “your labs are normal,” or worse, that nothing can be done.

That simply isn’t true.

We now have decades of high-quality research and clear clinical guidelines from organizations like the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), that identify the specific means of support, that can offer the greatest benefit in this population.

And yet, many women are still receiving advice that’s outdated, incomplete or well has potential to do harm.

If you’ve felt dismissed, confused, or unsure where to turn, please know this: you’re not imagining it, and you deserve better care.

At Healthy Foundations, all of us, Meagan, Kristi, and I are certified menopause practitioners. We’ve completed advanced training, stay current with the latest guidelines, and are passionate about giving women the evidence-based, individualized care they should have always received.

Perimenopause and menopause are not the end of vitality, they’re a new chapter, and the right care can make all the difference. 💛

Every stage of life deserves care that feels supportive, informed, and empowering.At Healthy Foundations, every practiti...
10/27/2025

Every stage of life deserves care that feels supportive, informed, and empowering.

At Healthy Foundations, every practitioner on our team is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) through The Menopause Society (formerly NAMS).

This MSCP certification represents additional training and examination in menopause medicine allowing us to stay current with the latest research and clinical recommendations so we can better support you through perimenopause and menopause.

We know this chapter can come with change, sometimes confusing, sometimes empowering, but we’re here to help you understand what’s happening in your body, explore safe options, and feel supported along the way.

💛 - The Healthy Foundations Team

10/21/2025

Last week we had the lovely deliver this to our office for the day. We are thankful for you 💛. It brightened up not only our days but all of the lovely individuals who came into our office.

Our favourite one was Happy, what was yours?

10/16/2025

One thing we wish everyone knew, midlife marks a powerful transition, not just hormonally, but across multiple systems in the body.

During this stage, estrogen levels shift, influencing everything from how our blood vessels function to how we store fat and maintain bone density. Cardiovascular risk begins to rise, muscle mass and metabolism can change, and even how our bodies regulate temperature and sleep evolves.

Yet, so few people are taught what’s happening beneath the surface 💛.

Understanding these behind-the-scenes changes is about empowerment.

Because when we understand the physiology, we can take charge of our long-term health, supporting our hearts, bones, brains, and overall vitality through this next chapter. 💛

With some new faces around here, we thought it was the perfect time to reintroduce ourselves and share our vision.Health...
10/02/2025

With some new faces around here, we thought it was the perfect time to reintroduce ourselves and share our vision.

Healthy Foundations began with a simple belief: that by providing the right tools and guidance, we could empower people in our community to feel their best. While that remains at our core, over time our focus has shifted.

Through countless conversations with women of all ages, we’ve learned something important: women’s health has not received the attention, research, or care it deserves. And we knew it was time for a change.

Today, Healthy Foundations has grown into a team of naturopathic doctors dedicated to women’s health supporting everything from period health, PCOS, and endometriosis, to fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and beyond.

Our team is passionate about evidence-based medicine, and about listening, supporting, and guiding women through every stage of life. 💛

With love, the HFNC team

💤 Estrogen & Sleep Estrogen helps regulate serotonin and melatonin, brain chemicals that influence how easily you fall a...
09/24/2025

💤 Estrogen & Sleep

Estrogen helps regulate serotonin and melatonin, brain chemicals that influence how easily you fall asleep, how often you wake in the night, and how refreshed you feel in the morning.

This is why sleep issues often show up during:
📍 Puberty (temporary hormone shifts)
📍 Perimenopause (hot flashes + night sweats)
📍 Menopause (lighter, less restorative sleep)

If sleep has become more difficult, it isn’t “just aging” or “all in your head.” Hormonal shifts, including estrogen, can play a real role.

Better sleep is possible. If restless nights are affecting you, your healthcare team can help you explore your options.

Did you know that as we age, our muscles don’t respond to protein the same way they did in our 20s?This is called anabol...
09/08/2025

Did you know that as we age, our muscles don’t respond to protein the same way they did in our 20s?

This is called anabolic resistance and it means that one gram of protein has less impact on muscle growth and repair in midlife compared to early adulthood.

The result?
It’s harder to build muscle and easier to lose it as we move through our 40s, 50s, and beyond.

However…one is not doomed in midlife ( it is a beautiful transition ). We just always say strength training + adequate protein = your best tools to protect muscle. 😊

Having muscle truly is imperative for long term health, for so many reasons including but not limited to;
🦴 Support bone density
❤️ Protect cardiovascular health
🧠 Maintain cognitive function
⚡ Boost metabolism and energy

This is why lifting weights in midlife isn’t just “nice to have”…it’s essential for protecting your long-term health.

✨

✨ When supporting male fertility, one of the key nutrition patterns we emphasize is the Mediterranean diet.🍅🥬🍇 This way ...
08/28/2025

✨ When supporting male fertility, one of the key nutrition patterns we emphasize is the Mediterranean diet.

🍅🥬🍇 This way of eating focuses on:
• Fruits & vegetables
• Whole grains & legumes
• Olive oil, nuts, & seeds
• Fish & lean proteins
• Limiting processed foods, red meat & added sugars

📊 What the research shows:
Men who follow the Mediterranean diet tend to have higher s***m count, better motility (movement), and healthier morphology (shape).

These benefits are thought to come from nutrients like omega-3s, antioxidants (vitamins C & E, selenium, zinc), and fiber, which support s***m development and protect against oxidative stress.

While improvements in pregnancy/IVF outcomes aren’t yet proven, the evidence is strong for improving semen quality.

📖 Reference:
Agarwal R, Salas-Salvadó J, Davila-Cordova E, et al. Mediterranean Diet, Semen Quality, and Medically Assisted Reproductive Outcomes in the Male Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Nutr. 2025;16:100454. doi:10.1016/j.advnut.2025.100454. PMID: 40334480

***m

Address

1054 Monaghan Road, Unit LL04
Peterborough, ON
K9J5L3

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+17052435163

Website

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