5 Quebec Avenue, Toronto

innate-logo-02

Diets and Foods That Can Help With Migraines

by Kathleen Regan, NDWhat are Migraines?Migraine headaches, characterized by intense pain, often come with symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and fatigue. Diet plays a key role in managing these episodes. Research indicates that certain foods can either trigger or help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Identifying and avoiding foods that cause migraines, while incorporating migraine-reducing foods into your diet, can be a proactive approach to minimizing symptoms. This strategy is part of a broader migraine diet plan that aims to identify dietary causes of migraines and employ natural remedies for migraine headaches. […]

By |2024-04-08T03:02:06-04:00June 14th, 2023|Allergies, Digestion, Mental Clarity, Migraines, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutrition, Pain and Fatigue|Comments Off on Diets and Foods That Can Help With Migraines
Read More

How To Test For Insulin Resistance and High Blood Sugar Levels

By Kathleen Regan, NDInsulin resistance is a condition where cells become less sensitive to the hormone insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Tests for insulin resistance and high blood sugar can help potentially avoid metabolic health issues. In this blog, we will explore what insulin resistance and high blood sugar are and what tests are used to detect them.What is ‘Blood Sugar’?Blood is the amount of sugar/glucose found in your bloodstream. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is important for overall health, as high levels can lead to serious complications.Is It Normal To Have Sugar In The Blood?A certain level of blood glucose is normal. However, significantly elevated levels can make it difficult for the body to make enough insulin. Our body has developed ways of controlling sugars so that they aren’t too high or too low. A number of things will cause sugar to be released into the blood including food, drink, exercise, stress, dehydration, illness or infection. We use sugar as an energy source. Any signal that the body requires energy can stimulate the release of glucose from our own bodily supply.How Do I Know If My Blood Sugar Is Too High?There are several signs that blood sugar is too high including:• increased thirst and a dry mouth,• needing to pee frequently,• tiredness,• blurred vision,• headaches,• unintentional weight loss,• recurrent infections, such as yeast infections, bladder infections (cystitis) and skin infections.However, these are signs that blood sugar has been elevated for some time. High levels of sugar in the blood are often diagnosed too late. […]

By |2024-07-09T03:16:32-04:00May 1st, 2023|Diabetes, Fertility, Hormone Health, Naturopathic Medicine|Comments Off on How To Test For Insulin Resistance and High Blood Sugar Levels
Read More

Why Choose a Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are healthcare providers that use natural remedies to support healing and wellness. So, why choose a naturopathic doctor? All licensed NDs in Ontario, including our team of licensed naturopathic doctors, must complete a minimum of three years of university-level training, including pre-medical courses, and four years at an accredited naturopathic medical program. The foundation of naturopathic medicine training is rooted in health sciences, while the therapies include clinical nutrition, supplementation, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle counselling. Benefits of a Naturopathic Doctor for Your Health and Well-BeingHere are the top 4 reasons why you might choose to see a Naturopathic Medicine Doctor. Comprehensive ConsultationsYou are looking for more time to discuss your health concerns in depth with a trained healthcare practitioner. Naturopathic medical doctor visits range in length, but the average appointment time is 45-60 minutes. This allows you to discuss your health concerns at length without feeling like you have to rush and possibly leave something important out of the discussion. The benefits of seeing a naturopath include having a thorough understanding of your health history and current conditions, which is essential for providing individualized care. Holistic ApproachYou are wondering if different types of symptoms may be connected. As holistic practitioners, naturopathic doctors consider all of your health concerns as part of a larger pattern or picture. No matter how seemingly unconnected your symptoms might seem, your ND would like to hear about each concern. A doctor of naturopathy will further explore the details and timing of your concerns in the context of your health history and look to see if there is a common thread. NDs believe in treating the ‘root cause’ and thereby addressing all of the different ‘branches’ or symptoms. [...]

By |2024-06-10T02:19:08-04:00February 8th, 2023|Naturopathic Medicine|Comments Off on Why Choose a Naturopathic Doctor?
Read More

6 Benefits of Naturopathic Medicine

There are many benefits to working with a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and even more benefits of naturopathic medicine. Whether you are looking for general wellness advice or support while working through chronic health concerns, a licensed naturopathic doctor from our team can provide support by recommending individualized lifestyle, nutrition, and natural therapies. The main benefits of naturopathy flow from the guiding principles of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine focuses on holistic approaches that treat the whole person rather than just the symptoms. This system of medicine can help improve your overall health and well-being by incorporating natural treatments and lifestyle changes.Here Are The Naturopathic Medicine Benefits. 1. First to Do No Harm: A naturopath will use the least invasive and least toxic therapies to gently guide you back to wellness. There are circumstances (injury and illness) where stronger medicine is required; NDs are trained to assess and refer for treatments outside their scope of practice. By incorporating naturopathic medicine, you benefit from natural remedies that support your body’s natural ability to heal. This approach contrasts with conventional medicine, which often relies on more aggressive treatments.Benefit: You will receive non-invasive therapies with fewer side effects. 2. Maximize the Healing Wisdom of Nature: The nature of biology is to be self-healing and self-correcting. Many of the body’s innate mechanisms for healing (pain, inflammation, redness, and heat) are signs that the body is attempting to regenerate. An ND from our professional team will look for these signs and work with the body to promote healing where possible with lifestyle recommendations and natural therapies. It is important to understand that these recommendations and naturopathic medicine advantages are designed to support your body’s capacity to heal. This means that while the [...]

By |2024-06-10T02:28:01-04:00February 1st, 2023|Naturopathic Medicine|Comments Off on 6 Benefits of Naturopathic Medicine
Read More

A Guide to Naturopathic Medicine

There are many naturopathic medicine guides online, but not all of them are created equal. Naturopathic Medicine is a healthcare profession that combines traditional and natural medicine with modern science and research. It is guided by six main principles.  To do no harm. To recognize the healing wisdom of nature. To identify and treat the cause of imbalance.  To teach and provide tools that empower health literacy. To treat the person as a whole by exploring beyond the immediate symptoms. To promote the prevention of disease.  Naturopathic doctors (ND) are trained in the foundations of health sciences, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and pharmacology. Their tools for treatment include lifestyle counseling, nutrition, supplementation, western herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  An ND is in a unique position to understand conventional medicine and play a supportive role or a primary role by using these tools. This means that a naturopathic doctor may play a vital role on your healthcare team, supporting you while you also work with a conventional medical doctor. Or you may choose to seek out a naturopathic doctor to act as your main health care provider.  All licensed naturopathic doctors (ND) come from 1 of 7 schools in North America. Graduation from a naturopathic medicine program that is accredited or is a candidate for accreditation guarantees eligibility to sit for the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX), the passage of which is required to obtain licensure. Licensure is offered by regulated provinces or territories, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario, Northwest Territories. There are 26 states in the United States offering regulation or licensure of Naturopathic Doctors. The scope of practice varies between provinces, territories, and states.  Naturopathic medicine [...]

By |2023-02-23T09:11:22-05:00January 17th, 2023|Naturopathic Medicine|Comments Off on A Guide to Naturopathic Medicine
Read More

Natural Ways to Help You Sleep with Naturopathic Medicine

Understanding Sleep Problems and Natural SolutionsStruggling with sleep? Natural ways to help you sleep can vary widely. Many adults find their sleep duration decreases with age — from an average of seven hours in early adulthood to about six hours for those over 80. Natural sleep aids and remedies, such as establishing better sleep habits or using herbal sleep aids, may offer relief without the need for prescription sleep medications. Addressing sleep problems early with natural treatment for sleeplessness can prevent long-term sleep disorders.Disrupted sleep may involve:Difficulty falling asleepDifficulty staying asleepFrequent wakingConsistently getting less than 6 hours per nightNon-restorative sleep (waking tired)Naturopathic medicine has several tools used to support sleep, but the most effective types will differ depending on the individual. A naturopathic doctor will consider the following factors when addressing sleep disturbance:Lifestyle & Sleep HygieneUnderlying Medical ConditionsNutritionSupplementationAcupunctureLifestyle & Sleep Hygiene for Improving Sleep QualityMaintaining a physically active lifestyle is a cornerstone of good sleep hygiene. Exercise not only helps you fall asleep faster but also improves the overall quality of your sleep. However, it's just as important to create the right environment for sleep. As bedtime approaches, start by dimming your lights a few hours beforehand, which helps signal to your brain that it's time to wind down. Avoid screens, as their blue light can disrupt sleep signals. Ensure that your sleeping environment is conducive to rest: it should be cool, quiet, and completely dark, optimized for relaxation. Furthermore, following a consistent bedtime, preferably before midnight and no later than 11 PM, aligns with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, facilitating deeper, more restorative sleep.Underlying Medical Conditions That Could Affect Your SleepIf you are having sleep disturbance or low energy, it is important to check [...]

By |2024-05-13T03:08:41-04:00January 10th, 2023|Naturopathic Medicine|Comments Off on Natural Ways to Help You Sleep with Naturopathic Medicine
Read More

Immune Support: A Naturopathic Approach to Boosting Your Immune System Naturally

By Dr. Angelina Riopel, NDExploring how to boost your immune system naturally can significantly reduce infection risks and alleviate symptoms when sick. This process, essential for maintaining health, starts with prevention and includes acute care when needed. By adhering to proven naturopathic practices, you can strengthen the immune system and protect yourself from various ailments. […]

By |2024-05-13T03:03:03-04:00January 16th, 2021|Cold and Flu Season, Naturopathic Medicine|Comments Off on Immune Support: A Naturopathic Approach to Boosting Your Immune System Naturally
Read More

Corona Virus Prevention & Support – A Naturopathic Approach

By Dr. Angelina Riopel, ND Currently the Corona Virus (COVID-19) has become the center piece of every news story. My purpose in this article is to provide you with information on how keep your immune system strong. COVID-19 is classified as a pandemic by the WHO and the number of people infected is rising quickly around the globe. It’s important to recognize that the majority of individuals who are already or will become infected, will experience symptoms of a typical cold or flu. As with any respiratory infection, those at greater risk are the elderly (over 65) and those with underlying health conditions and lowered immunity. Without a known cure or vaccine it’s crucial for individuals to focus on two areas; immune system health and acute care. […]

By |2023-04-28T10:07:54-04:00March 14th, 2020|Cold and Flu Season, Naturopathic Medicine, ND Editorial, Nutrition|Comments Off on Corona Virus Prevention & Support – A Naturopathic Approach
Read More

Cow Dairy Intolerance: The Evidence

By: Dr. Kathleen Regan, ND Humans have been consuming cow dairy for thousands of years. In fact, a recent archaeological dig from Britain showed that prehistoric farmers were consuming dairy products as early as 6,000 years ago – despite being lactose intolerant! And we are still at it! Humans consume dairy in volumes despite it being linked to a number of problematic health issues such as diarrhea, constipation, dermatitis, eczema, respiratory conditions and more. Cow dairy offers a creamy, satiating food that is readily accessible. Its nutritional profile is noteworthy with 1 cup of 2% milk offering 8g of protein, 5g of fat, 30% of daily calcium requirement as well as naturally occurring Vitamin A and B6. However, despite this healthy profile, milk seems to cause a lot of problems for a lot of people. In Canada, close to 7% of the population report a food allergy. At the top of the list of reported food allergens is dairy with 2% of the Canadian population reporting an actual Cow’s Milk Allergy (CMA). This is the highest reported food allergen in Canada! Anecdotally, from my clinical practice, many patients speculate that dairy is a trigger for their health concerns. However, they are often told that ‘there is no evidence’ that milk or dairy-based foods is an inflammatory or immune-triggering food – and so they don’t eliminate dairy. I am always surprised to hear this as there is plenty of evidence that milk is problematic. Here are a few reasons why:  […]

By |2023-04-20T10:31:16-04:00March 11th, 2020|Allergies, Digestion, Naturopathic Medicine, ND Editorial, Nutrition, Pediatric Health|Comments Off on Cow Dairy Intolerance: The Evidence
Read More

Women’s Heart Health

By: Dr. Keara Taylor, ND Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among older post- menopausal women.  As women, the risk of cardiovascular disease is 2-3 times higher after menopause (1).  Statically, men are at a higher risk, however, as women age, their level of risk approaches that of men, and the lifetime risk for women may actually be higher because we live longer (2).  The risk of cardiovascular disease in women should not be underestimated, and because there appears to be a link between hormones and cardiovascular disease – we see rates increase significantly after menopause – we can and should be proactive in managing that risk, especially as we age. The average age of menopause in women is approximately 51, and is often accompanied by the immediate symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. However, longer-term issues can also arise, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cognitive impairment. The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) looked at the correlation between a menopausal woman’s experience of vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes with cardiovascular risk factors.  It found that vascular aging, endothelial dysfunction and large artery stiffening seemed to increase in women during the menopausal transition and that women with hot flushes had higher rates of subclinical cardiovascular disease (1). As women enter menopause, treating symptoms with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be a good option, and should be discussed with a health care practitioner. While the use of BHRT in menopause is beyond the scope of this article, here are some dietary and lifestyle practices that you can implement right now that have been shown in the literature to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events: […]

By |2023-04-28T10:16:01-04:00February 26th, 2020|Cardiovascular Health, Naturopathic Medicine, ND Editorial, Nutrition, Women's Wellness|Comments Off on Women’s Heart Health
Read More
Go to Top