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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
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Understanding the Link Between Hormones and Mental Health

Hormones and mental health are closely linked, with hormonal imbalances often influencing mood, anxiety, and overall emotional well-being. Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen and progesterone can disrupt neurotransmitter function, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings, especially during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or other hormonal transitions. A naturopathic holistic approach that includes assessing and addressing hormonal health can significantly impact mental health, offering more sustainable improvements by targeting the root causes of hormonal disruptions. This approach often involves dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and natural therapies that support hormone balance, helping individuals manage mood and anxiety more effectively.How Hormone Changes Can Cause Anxiety and Depression During the Menstrual CycleHormones and moods during the menstrual cycle can greatly influence mental health, leading to conditions like PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which includes both physical and psychological symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, and mood swings. These symptoms typically occur two weeks before menstrual bleeding, affecting daily functioning. PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a more severe form, involving intense mood and physical symptoms. (1) Hormones and anxiety are also prevalent in peri- and post-menopausal women (2), highlighting how shifts in hormones, such as a decline in estrogen or a rise in progesterone, can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, GABA, and dopamine (3), ultimately influencing mood and mental health. Understanding hormone balance symptoms is key to managing these changes effectively.What is the Connection Between Hormones and Mental Health?A good way to determine whether hormones are affecting your mood symptoms is to track your symptoms along with your cycle. Hormones and moods during the menstrual cycle can significantly impact how you feel, and tracking your symptoms alongside your cycle can help identify patterns. There are many free apps out there [...]

By |2024-11-15T00:59:14-05:00January 28th, 2020|Hormone Health, Mental Clarity, Mind Body Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, ND Editorial, Nutrition, Post Natal Care, Self Care, Sexual Health, Women's Wellness|Comments Off on Understanding the Link Between Hormones and Mental Health
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Harnessing Energy to Achieve Your Goals in 2020

By: Dr. Kathleen Regan, ND Energy is the fundamental fuel you need to achieve your goals this year. In addition to discipline, focus, vision and other forces required to realize your goals, adequate amounts of energy are essential are essential for the endurance, focus and positivity needed to reach our goals.  The role energy plays in goal setting is paramount. Have you ever failed at a New Year’s resolution and experienced negative self-talk? ‘Lazy’, ‘Unmotivated’, ‘Unfocused’, ‘Depressed’ are some of the words people hear. Does this sound like you? If it does, ask yourself this important question:  […]

By |2024-08-28T03:49:50-04:00January 4th, 2020|Anxiety, Mental Clarity, Mind Body Medicine, Nutrition, Pain and Fatigue, Self Care, Women's Wellness|Comments Off on Harnessing Energy to Achieve Your Goals in 2020
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Hormones to Watch with Weight Loss

By Dr. Keara Taylor, ND Weight gain can be the result of a variety of factors. The foods that we consume and the amount that we move our bodies impacts the capacity of our body to burn or store energy.   However, this is only part of the picture! An incredibly important piece of the weight loss puzzle that is often overlooked is hormonal health. There are a few key hormones that are important to get into balance to support your weight loss goals. Here are three key hormones that we want to consider when it comes to weight management, as well as a few tips on how to balance them! […]

By |2024-07-22T08:38:30-04:00November 13th, 2019|Hormone Health, Naturopathic Medicine, ND Editorial, Weight Loss, Women's Wellness|Comments Off on Hormones to Watch with Weight Loss
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5 Tips to MAINTAIN Weight Loss

By Monica Grainger, MSW, RSW Establish a regular eating schedule. Plan when you are going to eat and what your meals and snacks will be ahead of time. You are less likely to be tempted by unhealthy food. Know your triggers. Do you tend to eat when you are bored, anxious, or excited? Do you succumb to your cravings? Are you in social situations where you are offered food? Do you think about food, imagine having your favourite dessert? Being able to predict what will trigger overeating or grabbing junk food will help you reduce your exposure to it. […]

By |2024-08-28T03:52:43-04:00November 13th, 2019|Anxiety, Detoxification/Cleanse, Mental Clarity, Mind Body Medicine, Nutrition, Self Care, Weight Loss, Women's Wellness|Comments Off on 5 Tips to MAINTAIN Weight Loss
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Traditional Chinese Medicine for PCOS Treatment

By Xianmin Yu, R.Ac, R.TCMPPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common health issue among women of childbearing age, with an incidence as high as 10%. It is characterized by hormonal imbalance and may be accompanied by many other abnormal metabolisms. The ovaries may not be able to develop eggs or release eggs regularly.What are the symptoms of PCOS?Most commonly observed clinical symptoms are:Irregular menstrual period, including prolonged or irregular periods, or even stopped periods.Weight problems, including weight gain and it is very difficult to lose weight.Abnormal hair growth and loss in unwanted areas, including excess facial and body hair which are due to elevated levels of male hormone, and/or hair loss on the head.Acne on face and chest, sometimes upper back. […]

By |2024-04-08T02:09:25-04:00August 16th, 2019|Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Women's Wellness|Comments Off on Traditional Chinese Medicine for PCOS Treatment
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Detoxification with MORA Bioresonance Therapy

By Dr. Angelina Riopel, ND Many common health concerns can be associated with toxin accumulation within the body.  Our everyday lifestyle exposes us too many types of toxins including pesticides and preservatives in food, air pollution, metals and chemicals in our drinking water and a plethora of toxins are found in our cosmetics and body care products. Toxins must be processed and eliminated, but when our exposure becomes more than what our body can deal with and eliminate we develop symptoms from a build up of toxins. Common health concerns that can be associated with toxicity: […]

By |2023-04-20T10:32:58-04:00July 2nd, 2019|Allergies, Detoxification/Cleanse, Digestion, MORA Treatment, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutrition, Pain and Fatigue, Self Care, Skin Hair & Nails, Women's Wellness|Comments Off on Detoxification with MORA Bioresonance Therapy
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Awareness: The Foundation for Happiness & Success

By Alexia Georgousis ND, CPC, Conscious Awareness Coach Emotions are a part of who we are as human beings. They are bundles of energy in motion. The key is to understand emotional energy needs to move through us rather than stay still.  Learning how to feel our emotions, learn from them and let them move through us is an essential life skill. Being emotionally aware is also referred to as waking up or becoming more conscious. More research is also supporting the importance of becoming more consciously aware of our emotions.  According to John Gottman a psychological researcher: “emotional awareness and abilities to handle feelings will determine your success and happiness in all walks of life, including family relationships” […]

By |2024-06-13T02:51:01-04:00June 25th, 2019|Anxiety, Mental Clarity, Mind Body Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, ND Editorial, psychotherapy, Relationships, Self Care, Women's Wellness|Comments Off on Awareness: The Foundation for Happiness & Success
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Sustainable Nutrition Resolutions

By Sonja Smiljanic, BA, NNCP, Holistic Nutritionist As a Nutritionist I often get asked about what people should avoid or restrict in order to feel better. I do think there is an important and necessary place for restriction, but I believe that to implement sustainable change when it comes to nutrition and to feel positive about the changes the lens has to be shifted to what can and should be incorporated, more so than what needs to be restricted. Language plays an integral role in how we think about food, our nutrition goals, and our health in general, and thus I believe it’s important to use positive language as much as possible when talking about our relationship with food. This approach is sustainable, positive, and empowering and supports a sense of trust between a person and their body. I will eat more vegetables Whatever your base line, try and add a little more. Vegetables nurture our bodies so nicely with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and complex carbohydrates that energize us. Whether it’s adding a cup more of frozen veggies to your stir-fry, a handful of spinach to your smoothie in the morning or opting for a salad at lunch time these are little ways to incorporate more vegetables into your personal menu! […]

By |2024-06-26T06:03:45-04:00March 19th, 2019|Detoxification/Cleanse, Digestion, Nutrition, Weight Loss, Women's Wellness|Comments Off on Sustainable Nutrition Resolutions
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The Importance of Thyroid Health

By Dr. Keara Taylor, ND Are you feeling tired or sluggish?  Have you been experiencing a low mood, weight gain or difficulty losing weight?  These are all symptoms that potentially point to an issue with your thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located in the neck and controls many vital functions of the body including energy levels, metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate. The thyroid gland can be overactive (hyperthyroidism), or underactive (hypothyroidism), although hypothyroidism is more common.  Additionally, women are more likely than men to experience a thyroid issue at some point in their life.  Some other symptoms of hypothyroidism include: cold intolerance, constipation, brain fog, irregular periods, heavy periods, infertility, high cholesterol, hair loss, and fluid retention. […]

By |2024-06-26T06:04:04-04:00March 19th, 2019|Anxiety, Fertility, Naturopathic Medicine, ND Editorial, Pain and Fatigue, Post Natal Care, Women's Wellness|Comments Off on The Importance of Thyroid Health
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