FamilyNaturopath.ca

03/17/2025

Interesting study showing how dietary factors like magnesium, B-vitamin and bioflavonoid content is associated with lower risk of depression in older adults.

A diet rich in magnesium, polyphenols, and vitamin B is linked to decreased odds of depression in older adults over time.

03/14/2023

March is National Nutrition Month! It's a great opportunity to pick a nutrition goal to focus on for the month.
Having just one clear goal can help you succeed.
Perhaps you want a sugar-free March, or an entire month without takeout, or are going to focus more on plant based meals?
Remember that food is medicine, and what you put in your body is one of the most important decisions you have to make each and every day.

10/03/2022

Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open - John Barrymore

09/26/2022

September is PCOS Awareness Month. Polycystic o***y syndrome, or PCOS, is one of the most common hormonal issues affecting the ovaries, typically showing in your teens or 20s.
While the exact causes of PCOS are unclear, the effects of PCOS on women’s bodies and their fertility are well-known
Women with PCOS create higher levels of androgens. Elevated androgen levels in women will affect the development of eggs and interfere with ovulation therefore affecting fertility. Other signs and symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, polycystic ovaries, hirsutism and commonly acne
A simple cure for PCOS does not yet exist, however, there are ways to help manage symptoms through diet and lifestyle. One of the keys to managing PCOS is to stay active, maintain a healthy weight and follow a low refined carbohydrate diet. By eating less refined carbohydrates and focusing on healthy fats, high protein foods and slow-digesting carbohydrates, our blood sugar remains at a steady level without increasing insulin production (which can throw off ovarian function).
Naturopathic Medicine has been successful in helping women with PCOS manage their health and take back control of their symptoms. If you need help with PCOS, get in touch...you don’t have to go at it alone!
See my article on PCOS for more info: https://familynaturopath.ca/tips-resources/articles/pcos-polycystic-ovarian-syndrom-our-naturopathic-approach/

09/06/2022

Back to school is a little different this year. If you're sending your kid into class with a few unknowns, make sure that their immune system is fully supported.

Here are 4 ways to support your child's immune system:

1 - Stress Management
Unwinding outside of school is crucial, as stress can impact the immune system. Encourage screen-free, unstructured outdoor play time to expend some of that pent-up energy. Exercise is an effective stress buster and immune strengthener, as is meditation (there are a few great guided meditation apps available for your phone).
2 - A Nutritious Diet
A balanced diet includes eating the rainbow of fruits and vegetables throughout the day, limiting sugar and processed foods, and making sure to start the day with a healthy, satiating breakfast. Healthy ideas include full-fat yoghurt with granola, a boiled egg, or a smoothie that includes a source of healthy fat and protein such as h**p hearts...make sure to include fruit or to take for later as a snack.
3 - Immune Support Supplements
A high quality kids' daily multivitamin and probiotic provide a good foundation and are especially important this September. Adding vitamin C, vitamin D and Zinc on top of that can give the immune system more help to fight off infection.

It is well known that children adapt fast to change. We can help them cope with a little extra support, teaching good hand washing techniques, and focusing on gratitude and fun.

08/10/2022

Getting a tick bite can send anyone into a panic! Although not every bite from a tick transmits infection, bites should be evaluated carefully. Early detection and appropriate treatment are critical in effectively treating and preventing severe complications of Lyme disease, the most commonly transmitted disease from ticks.
Check my recent blog to answer questions like:
What does the rash look like? Do I get a blood test, or need antibiotics? What kind of complications can develop if undetected?
https://familynaturopath.ca/ticks-and-lyme-disease-what-you-need-to-know/

07/15/2022

Sometimes when you’re in a dark place you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted - Christine Caine

07/04/2022

As a woman, if you’ve noticed slow and steady weight gain you may be tempted to blame the typical hormonal shifts that come with age. However, insulin resistance could be the cause!

When your body’s cells are no longer able to respond to insulin properly they become “insulin resistant”. This means your blood sugar levels rise higher than they should even if your pancreas is producing a lot of insulin.

Excessively high blood sugar can have many harmful effects that can cause damage throughout the body. So, your body has a back-up plan to protect itself: it stores the extra energy by converting it to fat, often around your midsection.

If you’re wondering how your insulin levels may be affecting your weight, give me a call 905-597-7201. Together we can create a tailored health protocol to bring you back in balance.

06/28/2022

St. John’s wort, a plant with yellow, star-shaped flowers, has been utilized for centuries in everything from wound healing and alleviating insomnia to use in various kidney and lung diseases.

Today, it’s largely prescribed to treat mild to moderate depression and many studies note that short-term use of St. John’s Wort is as effective as some conventional antidepressants! St. John's Wort may also be effective for menopausal symptoms, and short-term memory.

Allergic reactions, dizziness, confusion have been noted as possible side effects and a few particular drug interactions are contraindicated, therefore, always consult with a healthcare practitioner prior to using St. John’s Wort.

10/07/2021

They give so much love....and...are very intelligent: their smell sense can be trained to detect illnesses like Parkinson's disease and cancers...coming to a doctors office near you?

Dogs have and how it protects us on a daily basis. Dogs are used extensively to sniff out explosives, illegal drugs and other contraband.