Dr. Laura Brass ND

Dr. Laura Brass ND I'm a Naturopathic Doctor and Functional Medicine Practitioner specializing in digestive health, IBS & SIBO.

I can help you achieve optimal health and guide you back to balanced well-being.

Gut healing is rarely simple — and it’s never one-size-fits-all.In practice, I often see people who have tried “everythi...
02/27/2026

Gut healing is rarely simple — and it’s never one-size-fits-all.

In practice, I often see people who have tried “everything”: supplements, elimination diets, protocols found online — yet symptoms like bloating and discomfort persist. While these approaches may offer temporary relief, they don’t always address why symptoms are happening in the first place.

Symptoms are signals. When we pay attention to details — like when symptoms show up — we gain valuable insight into the underlying physiology driving them. 🩺

That’s where real, lasting change begins.

True gut healing requires careful listening, clinical experience, and an individualized approach.

There are no shortcuts — but there are thoughtful, effective paths forward when care is personalized.

If you’re looking for deeper answers and one-on-one support, book an initial consultation via the link in my bio.🔗

This recipe is a twist on one of Gwyneth Paltrow’s old-school classics.  I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, d...
02/24/2026

This recipe is a twist on one of Gwyneth Paltrow’s old-school classics.

I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, delicious, and genuinely nourishing, and it’s a hit with the whole family. It’s also a huge upgrade from the packaged rotisserie chickens I used to rely on, where toxic plastic compounds can leach into the chicken - no joke.

Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (organic preferred), 3–4 lbs
good-quality coarse sea salt (I like Redmond Real Salt)
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ lemon
- ½ small yellow onion, peeled
- 6–8 cloves garlic

For the roasted vegetables:
- 4–6 cups mixed root vegetables, chopped into similar-sized pieces (sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, parsnips, squash, potatoes, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F–425°F, depending on the strength of your oven. Wash and thoroughly dry the chicken. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper inside the cavity, then rub the entire chicken with olive oil.

Season the underside of the bird with salt and pepper and place breast-side up in a roasting pan. Stuff the lemon, garlic cloves, and onion inside the cavity, and finish by generously seasoning the top of the chicken with salt and pepper. Roast the chicken for 60–90 minutes, basting with pan juices every 20–30 minutes. The thigh should reach at least 165°F; I usually cook it to 175–180°F just to be on the safe side. Let the chicken rest briefly before carving.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the root vegetables by cutting them into rough 2-inch chunks. Place them in a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and a generous pinch of salt. Toss until evenly coated, then spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet (avoid overcrowding). Roast for 30–40 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until tender and nicely caramelized.

I hope you enjoy sharing this delicious meal with those you love 💙

02/20/2026

Most people don’t realize this, but your gut and your brain are in constant communication.

In fact, the majority of your serotonin — a key neurotransmitter involved in mood, motivation, and emotional regulation — is produced in the gut, not the brain. 🧠

So when your gut isn’t functioning well, it’s not just a digestive issue. It can directly impact how your nervous system responds to stress, how resilient you feel emotionally, and how well your body is able to find balance.

This is why supporting gut health is often a foundational step when addressing mood, anxiety, burnout, and overall nervous system health. 🤧

A regulated nervous system starts with a supported gut.
If you’ve been working on your mental health but still feel “off,” it may be time to look a little deeper — and start with the gut.

🔗 Learn more or book a consultation via the link in my bio.

Constipation is rarely the root problem. 🤔More often, it’s your body’s way of signalling that something deeper isn’t qui...
02/17/2026

Constipation is rarely the root problem. 🤔

More often, it’s your body’s way of signalling that something deeper isn’t quite right.

For many people, the advice to “just eat more fibre” misses the mark — and in some cases, can actually make symptoms worse.

That’s because constipation isn’t always driven by diet alone.❌

One common and often overlooked contributor is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), particularly methane-producing bacteria. 🦠

These bacteria can significantly slow intestinal motility, leading to constipation, bloating, and ongoing digestive discomfort — even in people who eat well and do “all the right things.”

This is why addressing constipation effectively means looking for the why, not just managing the symptom.

If you’re curious to learn more about the possible root causes of constipation head to my website to read the full article. 🔗

And if you’re ready for individualized support, let’s explore whether working together might be a good fit. Link in my bio to book your free discovery call. ☎️

Functional medicine is about asking better questions — and taking the time to understand the why behind symptoms, not ju...
02/12/2026

Functional medicine is about asking better questions — and taking the time to understand the why behind symptoms, not just how to manage them.

For many people living with chronic or recurring concerns, the issue isn’t a lack of effort or discipline. It’s that their care hasn’t yet addressed the root causes driving what they’re experiencing.

This approach allows for a deeper understanding of how genetics, lifestyle, environment, and physiology intersect — and how targeted, individualized care can support meaningful, lasting change.

If you’ve ever felt like your symptoms were being managed but not truly understood, functional medicine may offer a different path forward.

🔗 Learn more about my approach or book a consultation through the link in my bio

One of the most important parts of my work is taking the time to really listen.Digestive concerns are rarely just about ...
02/09/2026

One of the most important parts of my work is taking the time to really listen.

Digestive concerns are rarely just about food — they’re complex, personal, and often layered with years of unanswered questions or frustration.

My goal is always to understand the full picture, ask the right questions, and work collaboratively to support meaningful, lasting change.

I’m deeply grateful to my patients for trusting me with their care and for sharing experiences like this. It’s a privilege to walk alongside you as you work toward better gut health and restored energy.

If you’ve been struggling with digestive symptoms and haven’t felt truly heard yet, I’m here to support you.

🔗 Book an appointment through the link in my bio.

02/07/2026

I get asked all the time what I’m doing to support my health as I get older — and this book is a big part of that conversation for me.

Younger You by Dr. Kara Fitzgerald is one of those reads that really stuck. It’s practical, science-based, and grounded in the idea that how we age isn’t just about the number on the calendar — it’s about how we care for our bodies over time.

For context: my biological age currently sits at 35 (despite being 45 😉). That didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of consistent, thoughtful choices around nutrition, movement, stress, and recovery — the same principles I talk about with patients every day.

If you’re curious about supporting your healthspan, energy, and resilience in a way that actually feels doable, this book is a great place to start. ✅

And if you want help applying these ideas in a way that’s personalized to you, I’d love to work together.

🔗 Book a consult with me through the link in our bio

Infrared sauna therapy is more than relaxation—it’s a form of gentle, controlled heat that signals the body to adapt, re...
02/05/2026

Infrared sauna therapy is more than relaxation—it’s a form of gentle, controlled heat that signals the body to adapt, repair, and build resilience.💪

Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air, infrared saunas use light waves to warm tissues directly. This creates a deeper, more tolerable heat that activates important repair pathways, including the production of heat shock proteins—molecules involved in cellular maintenance, mitochondrial health, inflammation regulation, and nervous system resilience.

When used appropriately, infrared sauna therapy may support healthy aging, cognitive function, metabolic balance, recovery, and stress resilience. Like many tools in medicine, it works best when it’s part of a bigger picture—not a shortcut, and not one-size-fits-all. ❌

Health history, medications, and individual tolerance matter, which is why personalization is key.

If you’re looking for a personalized plan you can book an initial consultation using the link in my bio. 🔗

Last week, I shared some botanicals that can be supportive in the very early phase of illness, when the immune system is...
01/27/2026

Last week, I shared some botanicals that can be supportive in the very early phase of illness, when the immune system is mounting its initial response and working to limit viral replication. 🦠

As an infection progresses, the body’s priorities shift.

During active infection and early recovery, symptoms are often driven by mucus buildup, airway and epithelial irritation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and histamine-mediated responses.

Support at this stage isn’t about “boosting” immunity—it’s about helping the body clear, calm, and repair.

Targeted support may include:

❤️ N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to thin mucus, replenish glutathione, and reduce oxidative stress
❤️ Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) to support airway lining integrity and help calm respiratory inflammation
❤️ Ginger (Zingiber officinale) to help relax airways and soothe cough and irritation
❤️ Vitamin C to support histamine breakdown and antioxidant defenses

If you’re looking for a personalized immune or recovery protocol, you can book an initial consultation using the link in my bio. 🔗

When it comes to immune health, timing matters. ⏰The early phase of illness is when the immune system is mounting its in...
01/23/2026

When it comes to immune health, timing matters. ⏰

The early phase of illness is when the immune system is mounting its initial response. 📈

Research suggests that certain botanicals may help shape early immune activity—by supporting innate defenses, influencing immune signaling, and helping regulate inflammation.

This post highlights a few botanicals that are commonly studied in this early window, each with distinct mechanisms of action. They aren’t interchangeable, and they aren’t right for everyone—but understanding how they work helps guide more thoughtful, individualized support.

Of course, botanicals are just one piece of the picture. Other immune-supportive favourites often used alongside them include a healthy overall diet and lifestyle, along with other supplements such as zinc, vitamin C, and probiotics, can all be important for immune function and resilience.

If you’re looking for a personalized immune support approach, book an initial consultation using the link in my bio. 🔗 I’m here to support you.

01/21/2026

One simple way to support digestion during the colder months is through warm, slow-cooked foods and warm beverages.

I’m a big lover of tea—both bagged and loose leaf—and this blend is a winter favourite: ginger, peppermint, and fennel. It’s gently warming, soothing for the gut, and can help ease bloating and digestive discomfort.

Beyond the digestive benefits, there’s something grounding about taking a few minutes to slow down with a warm cup of tea. A small ritual like this can go a long way in supporting gut health—especially in winter, when our bodies often crave warmth and consistency.

A simple, comforting treat you can come back to on a cold day ☕️🌿

If you’re doing Dry January, that’s a great place to start.  🙌Reducing alcohol intake can meaningfully lower liver burde...
01/20/2026

If you’re doing Dry January, that’s a great place to start. 🙌

Reducing alcohol intake can meaningfully lower liver burden and give this hard-working organ a chance to reset.
But liver health is about more than alcohol alone.

Your liver plays a central role in blood sugar regulation, digestion, bile flow, and gut health. When one of these systems is under strain, the others often feel it too—which is why liver stress and gut symptoms so often show up together.

Supporting your liver more fully may also include:
• Eating regular, balanced meals to support blood sugar
• Prioritizing protein and fiber for metabolism and digestion
• Reducing inflammatory load from ultra-processed foods
• Allowing time for rest and recovery, especially during stress

Dry January can be a powerful step—but pairing it with daily habits that support metabolism, digestion, and inflammation can help your liver even more. 💙

If you’re looking for more personalized support, you can book an initial consultation via the link in bio.⬆️

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Toronto, ON

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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