Blog | Wellness Insights and Naturopathic Advice

The Healing Sun

By Dr. Jon Cartile DC I would say that the majority of articles written today about the sun are designed to put the fear of God into you. Our modern science has proven that the sun’s radiation can be harmful to the human body. In such general terms, this statement is a disservice to you and your health. The sun is vital to our health, period. We have evolved over of millions of years to utilize the sun and flourish with the energy it provides. One of the biggest problems with sun-related diseases has to do with the global world we live in. We used to only travel on foot and be confined to certain areas of the world. Now we hop on a plane and can live in an area of the world that our body isn’t genetically suited for. One prime example is the colonization of Australia by the British. There were boatloads of British people, who for generations lived in an area of low sun exposure, that were suddenly exposed to the intense Australian sun. Statistically, Australians have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the modern world. This is compared to the aboriginals of Australia who have much darker skin and conversely, much lower rates of skin cancer. The intensity of the sun is the same for both skin types, so it is premature to solely blame the sun for this problem. What does the sun do for you?? […]

By Dr. Jon Cartile DC|2024-07-22T08:37:04-04:00June 24th, 2014|Chiropractic Medicine, Self Care|Comments Off

Get Exposed to Sun Smart Tips!

The sun can be harmful but it is also healing. The benefits of sun exposure often get overlooked due to the risks. This why we need to be sun smart and treat our skin with a balance of skin supportive diet tips, healthy sun exposure, and toxin-free sun protection. We have been told for the last century about the hazards of sun exposure. UVA radiation penetrates deeply into the skin, where it can contribute to skin cancer by promoting DNA damage. Sunburn is caused by too much UVB radiation; this directly damages DNA and can promote various skin cancers. Both forms can damage collagen fibers, destroy vitamin A in skin, accelerate aging of the skin, and increase the risk of skin cancers. However, excessive ultraviolet ration exposure accounts for only 0.1% of the total global burden of disease in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), according to the 2006 World Health Organization (WHO) report The Global Burden of Disease Due to Ultraviolet Radiation. In contrast, the same WHO report noted that the annual disease burden of 3.3 billion worldwide might result from very low levels of ultraviolet radiation exposure. What are the Benefits of Sun Exposure??? […]

By Dr. Kathleen Regan ND|2024-06-19T02:59:54-04:00June 3rd, 2014|Nutrition, Skin Hair & Nails|Comments Off

How to Prepare for Allergy Season

By Dr. Angelina Riopel, NDAllergy Season is Here!If you’re wondering how to prepare for allergy season, understanding the triggers like mould, pollens, and dust is the first step. These allergens stimulate an immune response, causing histamine levels to rise and resulting in symptoms such as itchy eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure. Seasonal allergies and hay fever symptoms make the arrival of spring unpleasant for many.High pollen levels during spring can aggravate allergy symptoms, with exposure to pollen from trees, grass, or weeds often leading to allergic reactions. Recognizing and managing symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes is essential for improving comfort during allergy season.So, how can you manage seasonal allergy symptoms and reduce pollen exposure effectively? Explore these natural remedies for allergies to stay ahead of spring allergies this season.So what is the solution? […]

By Dr. Angelina Riopel ND|2025-02-11T03:40:07-05:00May 3rd, 2014|Allergies|Comments Off

DETOX @ HOME

By Lisa Holowaychuk, Holistic Health Coach + Life Stylist Spring is here and summer is fast approaching, and with that EVERYONE wants to find their glow, ditch the winter blues (and for many those holiday pounds that aren’t budging) and overall just feel lighter, more energized and happy. You can start doing some very simple things now, so when the temperatures start to rise you are feeling your best, inside and out. Never forget it’s the little things that you do every. single. day. Not the big things that you embark on. Feel the compassion, love and gratitude for each step along your journey as your body and self will thank you. Whip out the juicer. Aim for at least one alkalizing green juice daily (minimize fruit). If you only have a blender handy, green smoothies can be a tasty little vessel for an abundance of green veggies and superfoods (some of my favorites – maca, chia seeds, Vitamineral Greens, spirulina, camu camu, goji berries, raw cocao…) Dust off the spice rack. Turmeric, cayenne, rosemary and cumin are abundant in antioxidant compounds. It will set your metabolism on fire and will help you stay away from salt (which can give you bloating and major water retention) Get fermenting. Chop some cabbage, rub in a little salt, add a probiotic capsule and pop it in a jar for a few days. Tending to your inner garden is a vital part of a gently cleansing diet! Sauerkraut, kimchi, are incredible additions to your kitchen. Get a water alkalizer. Then bump up the hydration with at least two liters daily, with a wee pinch of sea salt added for extra minerals. I use this santevia model and absolutely [...]

By Innate Wellness|2014-04-26T12:32:25-04:00April 26th, 2014|Detoxification/Cleanse, Mind Body Medicine, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Green Detox Liver Juice Recipe

By: Lisa Holowaychuk, Holistic Health Coach + Life Stylist This recipe is amazing for the liver because of the dandelion leaves. The sour taste of a Granny Smith Apple will also help to stimulate liver function. While from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, cucumber and celery are cooling which helps to drain heat and inflammation that builds up in the liver. This juice is perfect first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. A week of this and you will feel amazing!! One huge bunch of dandelion leaves One apple One large cucumber 4-5 Stalks of celery For best results, use organic and local where possible.

By Innate Wellness|2024-07-22T08:34:47-04:00April 26th, 2014|Detoxification/Cleanse, Recipes|Comments Off

Detox Demystified Part 1

Article By: Dr. Nadia Kumentas ND Although you may be familiar with the term “detoxification” do you really know what it entails? Most people link doing a detox with weight loss and while this isn’t necessarily false, there is a lot more to consider when we want to partake in a full body detox.To start off, is doing a “detox” even necessary? The short answer is YES. In today’s world we encounter around 2.5 billion pounds of toxic chemicals (including 6 million pounds of mercury alone) each year. Did you know that the average newborn baby has 287 known toxins in his or her umbilical cord blood? You can only imagine how many toxins you have been exposed to by this point in your life if we started with that level of toxic load! Here are some, but not all, of the factors that can contribute to your total toxic load (i.e. total amount of accumulated toxins in the body): Heavy metal exposure ex. Mercury, lead, petrochemicals, residues, pesticides, and fertilizers Allergies ex. Food allergies, environmental allergies, molds Poor diet ex. Eating a standard American diet that includes processed, high fat, high sugar, high salt foods Medications ex. Remember what goes into the body has to get processed; most pharmaceuticals have a toxic load on the body Internal toxins ex. bacteria, fungus, and yeast inside our own systems and intestines as well as hormonal and metabolic toxins that we need to eliminate Mental, emotional, and spiritual toxins ex. stress, anger, loneliness, irritability, hostility, etc. all have a profound effect on our body chemistry and all of which translate into toxins in our system A little scary right? The good news is our bodies are well equipped to eliminate toxins on a [...]

By Innate Wellness|2024-07-22T08:36:12-04:00April 26th, 2014|Detoxification/Cleanse, Digestion, Nutrition, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Ginger and Cinnamon Winter Tonic – Recipe + Health Benefits

By: Andrea Sarjeant, CNP Here’s a great recipe for a winter tonic that will warm you up wherever you take it! If you read Dr. Kathleen’s last post, you know that plenty of warming and immune boosting spices already live in your kitchen cupboard. Here’s a recipe for a steeped tea that you can make with simple ingredients. It will keep you warm and healthy during this cold weather: Ginger is a peripheral circulatory stimulant, which means that it’s great for people with cold hands or feet. Adding ginger to your food or sipping on ginger tea can even increase nutrient absorption. Cinnamon is a warming spice that will help to keep you from getting sick, thanks to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. And cinnamon can help to boost your mood. Ancient folklore says that the smell of cinnamon helps to ward off the winter blues. Ginger and Cinnamon Winter Tonic In a large mason jar or teapot, combine: 1” piece of ginger, sliced (peel it if it’s not organic) 1 cinnamon stick Honey, maple syrup or stevia to taste (although I don’t find that it needs it) Cover with boiling water and allow to steep until cool enough to drink. You can continue to top up with boiling water for several steeps. Enjoy!

By Andrea Sarjeant CNP|2024-06-19T03:07:31-04:00February 3rd, 2014|Cold and Flu Season, Nutrition, Recipes|Comments Off

Baby… It’s Cold Outside! Try these herbs and spices to stay warm…

By Dr. Kathleen Regan, ND 1. Cardamom: You may know the taste of cardamom from chai tea. It is a member of the ginger family long used as a warming stimulant. It is specific for damp weather. Grab a chai tea to start your day off on a warm note. 2. Cayenne: Hot, hot, hot! This spicy herb can be added to curries, stews or soups. It will increase circulation and facilitate the flow of blood to the hands and feet… keeping you warm. It is also excellent at fighting sore throats, colds and chest infections. But a caution – too much cayenne can cause sweating which will cool you down in the long-run. It is no surprise that this plant is native to the hotter climate of Central America. 3. Cinnamon: This sweet spice helps with tiredness, chilliness and poor immunity. A great herb to be using all winter long – it also helps to balance blood sugar and fight depression. Add this to your morning oatmeal or smoothie. 4. Fennel: Mildly warming but easily accessible and excellent taste. Fennel is not as strong as ginger but can still help to keep you on the warm side. It also helps to heal stubborn cases of bronchitis and chest infection that are common in the winter. 5. Ginger: Warming and Stimulating, the fresh root of ginger is suited to people who feel chilly. Add this to your soup or tea. Ginger can also help to calm an upset stomach – bonus! Additional Tips: Remember the winter is a time for warming and well-cooked foods such as spiced oatmeal, soups, stews and curries. A surplus of raw food, cooling juices or fresh salads will cool you down. [...]

By Dr. Kathleen Regan ND|2024-06-26T07:16:38-04:00January 8th, 2014|Cold and Flu Season, Nutrition, Recipes|Comments Off

Five Tips To Help You Survive The Holidays

By Dr. Angelina Riopel, ND ‘Tis the season where rich foods, cocktails and late nights are aplenty, yet we still need to look and feel our best! Stay hydrated Skip the morning coffee and try drinking plenty of lemon water or the Re-Hydrating Drink to wake you up. The dreaded hang-over is largely due to lack of sleep and dehydration. Sleep well Take advantage of early nights when you can and nap if you need to. This does help to make up for the late ones! Increase consumption of green and antioxidant rich foods Consume plenty of deep dark colored fruits and vegetables. If you have a juicer this is a great time to put it to use. Fruits and vegetables will help to keep your liver and digestion healthy, and anti-oxidants help to battle those free radicals that accumulate from the seasonal indulgences. Try not to over do it There are many events and family functions that will demand your time. Choose ones that will be enjoyable and won’t add unwanted stress to this busy time of year. Have fun! Enjoy the all deliciousness of this season - family, friends and holiday soul food! The new year will be here soon enough. Re-Hydrating Drink: Blend 2 sticks of celery ½ cup of spinach ½ cup of fresh pineapple A coin size piece of fresh ginger ½ of a lemon juiced 1 cup of water

By Dr. Angelina Riopel ND|2024-06-19T03:21:13-04:00December 10th, 2013|Uncategorized|Comments Off

Festive Clementine, Olive and Mint Salad

by Andrea Sarjeant, CNP Here’s a recipe for a great salad that you can bring to your next holiday party. The olives will help to support your adrenal glands, which need some extra love during this busy (and often stressful) season. The clementines are a good source of vitamin C, and the greens are super alkalizing and detoxifying! 1 container of mixed greens 4 clementines, peeled and sliced into rounds 1 cup black, oil cured olives, pitted ¼ cup mint leaves, packed ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil Tip the mixed greens into a big salad bowl. Scatter the clementines overtop, squishing them a little to release their delicious juice onto the greens. Roughly chop the mint leaves and olives and scatter overtop as well, and top with the extra virgin olive oil.

By Andrea Sarjeant CNP|2024-06-19T03:22:27-04:00December 10th, 2013|Nutrition, Recipes|Comments Off