Perimenopause is the window of time where the body gradually undergoes the transition to menopause, or the end of the menstrual cycle. Reproductive hormone levels will fluctuate as they work towards an overall decline in production. Walk confidently into menopause knowing that your sex life need not suffer - there are supports available to help maintain the health and hydration of vaginal tissue, and to support a robust libido after menopause.
The misery of PMS is avoidable! We are not irrational, unreliable, or hysterical by virtue of our monthly cycle. PMS doesn’t have to be something to dread. It doesn’t have to feel like we’re out of control. PMS doesn’t have to ruin your month. We can help.
The most common recommendations for PCOS within conventional medicine are to regulate menstrual cycles with hormonal birth control and to lose weight. The real issue and what we should be treating is the metabolic mis-firing, not the number on a scale. Weight loss is often used as a goalpost to reach even though it may not directly affect outcomes. Unfortunately, the quick recommendation in the case of most PCOS patients that they lose weight is rooted in medicalized fat-phobia rather than supported by best practices and patient outcomes.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common gynecological conditions diagnosed, and is frequently associated with lowered fertility. PCOS need not be a reason to give up on your pregnancy hopes. There is plenty of support available, and several effective treatment approaches to explore.
Unlike conventional approaches to treatment, Naturopathic Medicine takes into consideration the multi-faceted and inter-related characteristics of endometriosis, in order to find effective and lasting treatment options for managing the symptoms associated with endometriosis, including reduced pelvic pain, improved fertility outcomes, and fostering an enhanced sense of agency in one’s state of well-being.
Goldenrod leaves and flowers can be enjoyed fresh in salads or other dishes, infused in a tea, made into a tincture, or used topically. The herb is known to clear sinus congestion, cleanse the urinary tract, and heal minor wounds. It can also be used to support minor digestive discomfort or as a mouth rinse to support oral health.
Hype your Day with a Contrast Shower using the healing power of water + the science of temperature control. This technique is ideal to use when we’re feeling vulnerable to illness. The increased flow and clearance actually boosts immune function, promotes circulation & lymphatic drainage & eases inflammation.
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), is commonly found on trees and logs in Ontario. It’s packed with antioxidants which makes it a great support for heart health and for fighting inflammation. It’s also known to improve the function of the immune system, and may enhance certain cancer treatments. It can improve gut health by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the microbiome.
This year is bringing new dimensions to back-to-school season, including uncertainties and potentially greater anxieties. With the added concerns that come with emerging from our bubbles and suddenly re-immersing ourselves and our children back into (previously normal) social interaction, there’s even more reason to make sure we’re doing our best to support our health this fall.
Commonly known as Chicken of the Woods, or Sulphur Shelf, Laetiporus sulphureus is a mushroom that is known to grow on hardwood stumps. It’s named for its chicken-like texture, but also happens to be pack with protein (21g in 2 cups, or 14g in 100g). It’s also a good source of potassium, vitamin C and other antioxidants like quercetin.
St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a powerful local medicine that can support our healing from without and within. St John’s wort has been found to be as effective as commonly prescribed anti-depressant drugs at improving symptoms of mild and moderate depression, and to carry a lower risk of adverse side effects. The flowers can be extracted in oil and used to help speed the healing of minor wounds (cuts, scrapes, burns, myalgia) and skin irritations (rash, dry skin, eczema).
We all make mistakes. When we expect a lot of ourselves, sometimes we can get wrapped up in the pursuit of perfection. It’s great to aim high, however no one gets everything right on the first try. If we’re striving for perfection or even to be better, we need to be okay with making mistakes along the way. And when these mistakes happen, we need to own them.
This year has brought a wave of challenges in every area of life – every person, business, and community has been affected. Fatigue, frustration and anger are common and normal reactions to the upheavals we’ve experienced over these past few months. So yes, most of us are exhausted. And yet the demands to adapt, produce, and care for continue.
We need to focus on what is within our power to do and change, and let go of what is not. So be clear on your needs and boundaries. Articulate these for yourself, and for those in your bubble. And respect the needs and boundaries of others.
By taking the lead in fostering a wellness first lifestyle, you are committing an act of kindness for yourself, but you are also supporting your ability to contribute care and support to your family, community, and the world, and to create and achieve what matters most to you.
It's Naturopathic Medicine Week - a time to remind you who we are and what we do.
So what is a Naturopathic Doctor?
Simply put, naturopathic doctors are medically trained and naturally focused. We're here to listen to your story, to see you as a whole person, to help you understand your body, and to support you on your path to wellness.
Seasonal allergies can be an unwelcome gift of Spring. They can disrupt your regular activities, make it harder to sleep, work and play, drain the pleasure from eating a delicious meal, and cause others to cast leery looks your way wondering it if it really is ‘just allergies’. There are many alternatives from foods and dietary supplements, to botanical medicines to homeopathic remedies that may relieve your seasonal suffering, and offer you a chance to experience the joy of stopping to smell the roses.
I love lavender – it is one of my go-to herbs for calm and comfort. It is gentle yet powerful, aromatically delightful and instantly soothing. It calms the mind and supports relaxation. The essential oil is something I always have in the cupboard, great for diffusing alone or in combination with other soothing aromas.
Lavender has been clinically shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety, depression with anxiety, postpartum depression, and disturbed sleep.
Although a sense of disempowerment can easily seep in as we lose some of the freedom and sense of purpose we’re accustomed to, there’s much we can do for ourselves and each other under the difficult circumstances we find ourselves in. In addition to following the public health spread prevention recommendations, let’s consider a few of the many ways that we can build our strength and resilience as we face these challenges both alone and together.
