Dr. Nicole Panethere, ND

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Whitby, ON
Dr. Nicole Panethere, ND

Naturopathic doctor | Women's Health | Digestive Support | (Peri)Menopause Care Dr. Panethere is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing at Durham Massage in Whitby.

She provides individualized treatment plans using a variety of modalities, including acupuncture, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, diet and lifestyle counselling and supplementation. She treats many common health conditions and has a particular interest in pain management, digestive health, weight loss and prevention and treatment of chronic disease.

02/09/2026

Hormones rely on nutrients from food to bind to receptors, communicate with cells, and be properly metabolized. These foods help create the conditions for hormones to work as intended:

- High-quality proteins: Eggs, poultry, fish, legumes, and grass-fed meats provide amino acids needed for hormone production and receptor function.
- Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish support cell membrane integrity and hormone signaling.
- Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage support estrogen metabolism and clearance.
- Colourful plants: Berries, leafy greens, and deeply pigmented vegetables provide antioxidants that protect hormone receptors from inflammatory stress.
- Mineral-rich foods: Leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, seafood, beans, and sea vegetables provide magnesium, zinc, selenium, and iodine - key for thyroid and adrenal signaling.
- Anti-inflammatory additions: Garlic, ginger, turmeric, and herbs help reduce inflammation that can interfere with hormone communication.

Save this as a simple guide when planning meals that support hormone function.

My latest blog article breaks down the emerging science of hormone receptors, why normal labs don’t always reflect true hormone function, and what actually helps restore healthy hormone signaling. Check it out at www.nicolepanethere.com/hormone-receptors

02/07/2026

Hormones don't work based on levels alone. They work based on how well your cells can respond to them. If inflammation, chronic stress, metabolic dysfunction, or environmental toxins interfere with hormone receptors, the signal never fully reaches the cell - even when blood work looks "fine."

This missing piece explains why so many people feel dismissed despite persistent symptoms.

My latest blog article breaks down the emerging science of hormone receptors, why normal labs don’t always reflect true hormone function, and what actually helps restore healthy hormone signaling. Check it out at www.nicolepanethere.com/hormone-receptors

02/06/2026

Light, savoury, and grounding, a Brothy Breakfast Bowl is an easy way to start the day without a blood sugar spike. A warm, protein-rich broth in the morning supports hydration, steady energy, digestion, and focus. This is especially good for those who don't feel great starting the day with something sweet or heavy.

Ingredients (1 serving):
2 cups bone broth
1-2 eggs or 3-4 oz cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu
1/2 cup quick-cooking vegetables (spinach, bok choy, mushrooms, zucchini)
1 tsp olive oil or sesame oil
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional add-ins: grated ginger, garlic, turmeric, green onions, fresh herbs

How to make:
Warm bone broth in a small pot until steaming but not boiling.
Add vegetables and simmer 1-2 minutes until just tender.
For eggs: lightly whisk and slowly drizzle into the broth while stirring gently.
For other protein: add pre-cooked protein and warm through.
Remove from heat, stir in oil and seasonings.
Serve hot.

02/05/2026

Factors like digestive health, absorption issues, chronic stress, and certain medications can all reduce nutrient availability over time. Magnesium is a common example where many individuals fall short, and it can be difficult to meet the body's needs through food alone.

Without targeted testing, nutrient deficiencies often go unnoticed. Symptoms like fatigue, muscle tension, poor sleep, or brain fog may be subtle signs of an underlying imbalance rather than isolated issues.

If you're experiencing ongoing symptoms without clear answers, comprehensive testing can help identify what your body may be missing and guide a more personalized plan.

Contact me to learn more about testing and next steps toward restoring balance and supporting your overall health.

02/04/2026

Nitric oxide (NO) is a tiny molecule with a big job. It helps blood vessels relax and widen, supports healthy blood flow, regulates blood pressure, and protects the inner lining of arteries. In many ways, nitric oxide is the heart's signaling system for flexibility and resilience.

The challenge? As we age, nitric oxide production naturally declines. This can contribute to stiffer blood vessels, reduced circulation, higher cardiovascular strain, and lower exercise tolerance.

Ways to support and restore nitric oxide production:

- Move your body regularly - Physical activity stimulates nitric oxide release and improves vascular function
- Eat nitrate-rich foods - Leafy greens, beets, arugula, and celery support natural NO pathways
- Support oral health - Beneficial oral bacteria are essential for nitric oxide production
- Reduce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress - These directly impair NO signaling
- Prioritize sleep and stress regulation - Both play a role in vascular and endothelial health

Supporting NO is one of the most powerful ways to protect long-term cardiovascular function, at any age.

02/03/2026

Reality: Hormonal imbalances can mimic anxiety and depression, especially in women.

Shifts in hormones like progesterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormones can directly affect neurotransmitters, energy levels, sleep, and stress tolerance. When these systems are out of balance, symptoms like feeling on edge, unmotivated, exhausted, or emotionally flat can appear.

Because these symptoms overlap, many women are treated for mood disorders without anyone first asking whether hormones, metabolism, sleep, or stress physiology are contributing.

This doesn't mean mental health support isn't important, it means the full picture matters. When hormonal health and lifestyle factors are evaluated together, it's often easier to understand why symptoms are happening and how to support the body more effectively.

If you've been treating symptoms without lasting relief, it may be time to look deeper than mood alone.

02/02/2026

The soleus muscle, a deep calf muscle, has a unique ability to use glucose for fuel without relying heavily on insulin. Research has shown that gently activating the soleus muscle after eating (through seated or standing calf raises) can dramatically reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes, by up to 50% in some study conditions.

After meals, perform slow, controlled calf raises:
- Seated or standing
- Heels lift, then slowly lower
- Continue for several minutes at a comfortable pace

This isn't a replacement for movement, nutrition, or medical care, but it's a powerful reminder that small, targeted muscle activity can have outsized metabolic effects.

01/30/2026

Gut health doesn't have to be overwhelming. Most people benefit from focusing on just three core areas, the foundations that support everything else:

Motility - This is how well food moves through your digestive tract. Slow motility = bloating, constipation, fullness after small meals. Fast motility = loose stools, nutrient malabsorption. You can support healthy motility with adequate hydration, fibre + balanced meals, daily movement and stress reduction.

Microbial Balance - Your gut houses trillions of microbes that influence digestion, immunity, metabolism, and even mood. When it's off, you may notice gas, bloating, cravings, skin issues, or frequent sickness. You can support microbial balance in the gut with:
- Prebiotic-rich foods (garlic, onions, asparagus, bananas)
- Probiotic foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
- Reducing excess sugar + ultra-processed foods

Mucosal Lining - This lining protects your gut barrier. When it's compromised, inflammation, sensitivities, and systemic symptoms can show up. Support it with:
- Omega-3-rich foods
- Adequate protein
- Colourful fruits + vegetables
- Managing stress and alcohol intake

When you focus on these three pillars, digestion becomes more predictable, symptoms make more sense, and your gut has the foundation it needs to function well.

01/29/2026

Studies show that carrying excess weight in midlife (ages 35-65) is linked to a higher risk of dementia later on.

And here's the part most women feel but rarely talk about: Losing weight in midlife is just harder. Your metabolism shifts, hormones fluctuate, muscle mass naturally declines, and strategies that used to work... suddenly don't.

That doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. It means your body needs a different approach that actually matches this stage of life. This isn't all about appearance anymore. It's about long-term health.

You deserve to feel better. Book your consultation and let's uncover the 'why' behind your symptoms and create a plan that feels doable, personal, and effective.

01/28/2026

Recent research found that people with anxiety disorders tend to have about 8% lower choline levels in key brain regions, especially the prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain governs emotional regulation, decision-making, and stress response.

Choline is a lesser-known but essential nutrient that supports healthy brain cell membranes, helps regulate mood and stress responses and is required for memory, cognitive function, and neural communication.

When choline is low, your brain may react more strongly to stress, making everyday triggers feel overwhelming.

What you can consider doing (with care + support)

- Reassess your diet. Many people don't get enough choline. Foods rich in choline include egg yolks, liver, fish, and certain legumes/beans.
- Support overall brain-nutrient status with healthy fats, balanced meals, blood-sugar stability, and gut health (since nutrient absorption matters).
- If appropriate, and under supervision, consider choline-supportive supplementation or dietary adjustments.
- Combine nutrition with nervous-system support: sleep hygiene, stress-reduction, gentle movement, and lifestyle patterns that support brain resilience.

01/27/2026

So many people feel rushed, unheard, or stuck in a cycle of symptoms without real answers.

What part of the traditional system has felt the most challenging for you?

Is it short appointment times?
Feeling dismissed?
No clear plan?
Only treating the symptom and not the cause?
Missed diagnoses?

Let's talk in the comments!

01/26/2026

A major global review just confirmed what many of us suspect: over 75% of people worldwide get far less of the omega-3 fats (EPA & DHA) than experts recommend.

EPA and DHA are key for heart health, brain function, inflammation regulation, immune balance, and healthy metabolism. For many people, especially those who don't regularly eat fatty fish, diet alone isn't enough to hit healthy omega-3 levels.

If you feel stuck in your health with low energy, brain fog, mood swings, inflammation, or metabolic sluggishness, insufficient omega-3 intake might be a hidden factor. Consider adding sustainably sourced EPA/DHA (or eating more oily fish, when appropriate) to support long-term health across your nervous system, heart, metabolism & immune function.

Address

200-223 Brock Street North
Whitby, ON
L1N4H6

Website

http://nicolepanethere.com/

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Our Story

I’m a Naturopathic Doctor that combines my love of people, my love of medicine and my desire to change the world all into my practice in Whitby, ON. I love treating patients looking for natural pain relief using my 3-Step system that looks at the body in its entirety and ensuring we both eliminate the pain, heal the parts of your system that may be inflamed and set you on a course to healing and long term sustainable results! My individualized treatment plans use a variety of modalities, including acupuncture, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, diet and lifestyle counselling and supplementation. I treat many common health conditions and have a particular interest in pain management, digestive health, weight loss and prevention and treatment of chronic disease.

You can life the healthy life you want, with a little help! Let’s chat about how I can help you back on the road to a balanced, pain free life so you can focus on living YOUR best life!