When a child feels better, the whole family feels better! Recently we had a cold go through our household, the third of the season so far, and it sunk in a little longer for me. I was so relieved to have just restocked our cold and flu care goodies (whew!) and took this as a reminder that other mamas are looking for this very kind of info right now for their kids. **Illness is a normal part of life, and a necessary part of childhood. Our goal is to support the body’s natural ability to heal itself and reduce the frequency, severity, duration, and chances of long-term term sequelae of colds, flu and viral infections.** Here are a few examples … Read More
Good News, Chocolate Lovers: Your Favourite Treat is Fertility-Friendly
Why Chocolate is Fertility-Friendly (+3 Recipes You’ll Want to Try) Adapted from original post: August 18, 2018 by Elizabeth Cherevaty With all this holiday chocolate lying about, you may be wondering whether chocolate fits into a healthy fertility diet? The sweet news: YES, my Well Conceived Fertility Diet I’ve developed for my clients (reflecting dozens of published medical journals, thousands of hours in clinical practice and all the ways I personally nourished myself before naturally conceiving my healthy baby at 39)…includes chocolate! The not-so-sweet news: the SUGAR part of the chocolate needs to be given the boot! The health benefits of dark chocolate and raw cacao beans are due to the minerals and antioxidants these products contain. In fact, raw cocoa … Read More
Herbal Support for Stressful Days – Gentle Nervines
Stress needs no introduction. Holding that ball of stress in our stomachs, chests, or minds sends our bodies into emergency mode – maybe you experience it through shifts in appetite, digestion, butterflies in your stomach, mental and physical exhaustion, loss of sleep, increased PMS – as your body struggles to defend itself. Stress is inevitable, and we’ll always live amongst its waves. Rather than resisting and ignoring the shifts stress causes in our bodies, causing more tension, how can we meet stress’ edges and learn instead to soften and support our bodies? Nervines are herbs that act on the nervous system, either in a relaxing, sedative, or stimulating way. Just like you might turn to coffee as a nervine … Read More
3 Lessons I’ve Learned About Fertility
Looking back on when I first started working with people with infertility as a new naturopathic doctor, there were a few things I didn’t realize would become so relevant to my practice – and my clients’ success. Thank Goodness for Toxicology One: I didn’t realize how grateful I’d be for having (somewhat blindly) chosen Biomedical Toxicology as my major in undergrad. I really didn’t know what it was – only that it was at the U of G, sounded “biology-related”, and had co-op (which my mom encouraged me to go for so that I could put myself through school – it worked!). Thank goodness for toxicology, which taught me that the human body is capable of releasing almost any toxin … Read More
Brain Food: Naturally Nourish Your Mood & Mind
Did your mom ever tell you your least favourite food was “brain food” in hopes you’d eat it in your school lunch? Tuna salad, boiled eggs, oatmeal…Pate??… Liver?? (Your mom was right). Mind Over Grey Matter In fact, many foods offer a rich complement of brain-specific nutrients. The more brain research comes to light, the more we understand that maintaining a healthy brain indeed begins with your lifestyle: the nutrients you take in vs. the toxins you release, the way you move, the way you think. Starting with food is one of the most gratifying and self-empowered, so let’s dig into some brain food together. Make Any Food Brain Food The way to let your day to day meals qualify as … Read More
6 Ways to Stay Healthy for the Holidays
We’re almost there! With all the busyness and extra pressures that come along with the holiday season, I thought I’d share some tips I’m finding helpful in my own health journey in preparation for the festivities coming right up. 1. Take It Slow. This year, I’m trying to stay conscious of the pace at which I’m moving (or driving!) and how many things I’m booking for one day. Errands take up more time than usual in pre-Christmas week, so my husband and I are making lists and taking turns while the other one takes care of things on the home front. It’s also helpful to “make space”. Emotions can come up. We miss those who can’t be with us. Christmas is a … Read More
Fertility Boosters: Go Beyond Your Basic Prenatal With These 3 Nutrients
One of the questions I’m asked most about is supplements for fertility. As a naturopathic doctor, creating treatment plans including clinical nutrition plans, supplements and herbs is an individualized discussion based on your symptoms, history, diet and blood work. My oath as a doctor includes the responsibility to teach the principles of healthy living. I take this further in my work with patients and clients because I want to teach you enough to help you empower yourself in your own health journey – including with your fertility. This is because I recognize the healing potential in you, and I know that evidence-based natural medicine along with your daily self-care and the work that you do on your mindset is what … Read More
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