Published Work
Articles and Press
April 30, 2019
Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) tend to struggle with insulin sensitivity, blood-sugar dysregulation, high androgen hormone levels, and high body-fat percentage (not in every case). Therefore, women in this category are at a particular disadvantage when it comes to liver health.
Even though we often associate Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with obesity, this isn’t always the case in women with PCOS. Non-obese NAFLD is actually more prevalent in women with PCOS than in those without. So the risk of NAFLD is more so linked to the high levels of androgens in lean PCOS women.
November 08, 2018
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe and distinct disorder recognized for its intense cognitive-affective symptoms including depressed mood, marked anxiety, marked affective lability (tearful or increased sensitivity), and persistent anger/irritability.
The serotonin system seems to be most connected, though other neurotransmitters, such as GABA, may also contribute. Therefore considering our current evidence, supplementation with key cofactors required for neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism may provide benefit in cases of PMDD-associated depression and mood dysfunction.
Autoimmune conditions, and the immune reaction pathways that lead their symptoms, can be triggered by both food sensitivities and gut dysbiosis. Foods, medications and other consumables can contribute to inflammation and exacerbate the condition. Therefore the Autoimmune paleo diet, or variations thereof, may help starve off these reactions.
July 30, 2018
Feel like you’re dragging your heels lately? Are you noticing a slump in your energy each afternoon? A lot of us could use extra energy support. We’re working longer hours, getting less amounts of sleep, and are constantly stimulated.
Here are 6 easy ways to help support your energy levels, if you can make them part of your routine and lifestyle.
June 30, 2018
There are things every woman should know when deciding if using hormonal birth control is right for her. There are things to consider such as: How long do you foresee yourself using it? Would any side effects deter your use of them? Is there an alternative for what you’re looking for? There are pros and cons to each option, depending on a woman’s unique situation.
June 30, 2018
Personal lubricants are commonly used for sexual comfort. For women it can help decrease the discomfort and pain associated with dyspareunia and can also be used to enhance sexual pleasure.
For couples who are attempting to conceive, however, these lubricants may impede sperm motility and may actually decrease the odds of implantation...
May 30, 2018
About 40% of pregnant women will be affected by lower leg swelling and varicose veins. Symptoms can show as early as the first trimester but may be more prominent by the third trimester. Lower leg cramping or pain is common, especially if standing or on the feet most of the day...
March 16, 2018
Thinking you have a yeast infection because of new vaginal itching, irritation, possibly odour, and discharge, could be misleading. We’ve become so accustomed to quick fixes for vaginal infections that we use them without being properly assessed. In reality, these symptoms may not be a yeast infection at all, but one of many other types of vaginal infections that may not resolve with fluconazole or other typical anti-fungal treatments.
March 10, 2018
Prenatal genetic testing is used to determine if a fetus has, or is at risk of developing, a genetic disorder. Two main types of testing often performed are screening and diagnosis...
... here's what you should know; which tests are available, what they look for, and what they mean for you and your pregnancy.
Preconception: Health Practices for Both Partners
A healthy pregnancy starts before conception and needs to include both partners. The health of a mother who nourishes a fetus is critical, but so is the health of the partner whose sperm, and therefore DNA, that will be incorporated into making an embryo.
February 20, 2018
Sleep problems are very common in children. Those between the ages of 2-8 years-old often exhibit snoring or breathing difficulties, which can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)...
January 16, 2018
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) can be used as a tool to help alleviate symptoms stemming from stressors and past traumas. It's a psychological therapy based on the meridians of traditional Chinese medicine.
Many studies have shown its effectiveness and reducing symptoms of headaches, depression, anxiety, phobias, insomnia, and intense emotional reactions from past trauma.
December 21, 2017
Acupuncture is an excellent alternative for cosmetic surgery, and other potentially dangerous procedures. Not just localized to the face, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is extremely thorough, considering the whole body and choosing acupuncture points appropriate for the individual and their specific needs.
December 18, 2017
l-Theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found exclusively in tea leaves. The calming and anxiolytic effect of l-theanine has been well-documented; meanwhile, other studies are investigating its effects on cognitive function, including learning and memory
November 17, 2017
Without structural support in the pelvis, women, especially, are at risk of developing pelvic floor disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse, overactive bladder syndrome, stress urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence. Damage or weakening of these muscles can occur as a result of childbirth, aging, repetitive bouncing or jumping, and previous “non-use” or non-strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles. Specialized physiotherapy for the pelvic muscles may be able to provide muscle training and strengthening to reduce prolapse, and other common bladder symptoms that women experience.
November 09, 2017
We can characterize PMS as including symptoms such as breast tenderness, bloating, fatigue, headaches, mood swings, and changes in appetite or cravings. Up to 80% of women report one or more of these symptoms without it disrupting their normal daily functioning. However, for about 3–8% of these women, mental and emotional symptoms are so severe that multiple aspects of their lives are negatively impacted
October 25, 2017
Understanding the principles to detect your fertile window on a monthly basis. These methods which include combining Basal Body Temperature measurements and cervical fluid monitoring, can be used for couples looking to conceive, for women who want to avoid getting pregnant, and as a means of any woman to know when she is ovulating.
October 10, 2017
Probiotic supplementation, using specific strains, may help prevent a pregnant mother's risk of Gestational diabetes.
September 21, 2017
Certain psychological ailments, medication use, and genetic variations may alter coffee and caffeine’s effects on an individual. As well, women should fully understand the effects of coffee and caffeine during changes in liver detoxification. This occurs with hormonal contraceptive use, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
September 18, 2017
Researchers have been analyzing the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, with some promising results for its pain-related medical applications. Although not conventionally prescribed for pain in Western medicine, ginger may be a novel treatment for dysmenorrhea (painful periods) in women who are unable to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and oral contraceptive drugs.
August 18, 2017
Research studies within the last 5 years have suggested that compounds from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), including oleocanthal and oleuropein aglycone (OLE), have the capacity to decrease and possibly prevent the pathologies that lead to AD and its neurodegenerative symptoms.
July 17, 2017
Would it surprise you to know that the human colon contains about 3 pounds of bacteria? Our diet governs which bacteria stick around and which ones die out. Read on for more about how your gut health can affect every aspect of your well-being and how to modify it.
June 16, 2017
When couples are attempting to conceive, we often put the weight of nutritional and overall health status on women. This is largely attributed to the fact that post-conception a woman’s body must provide the energy, sustenance, blood supply, and nutrition for the growing fetus. But what about in our pre-conception stage? Women generally tend to take a more active role in fertility support measures, however, for couples deciding to conceive, the health status of male partners cannot be overlooked.
June 08, 2017
Understanding your menstrual cycle involves more than just estimating your next period. Knowing your body and tracking your menstrual cycles can provide insight into your hormonal and reproductive health. You might be experiencing symptoms that we usually label as “normal,” when we should be calling them “common.” These symptoms could be signs of a hormonal imbalance, a nutrient deficiency, too little or too high body-fat percentage, or a result of stress.
May 24, 2017
When it comes to women’s cervical health, the Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, is significantly important in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer.1 But with so many different stages of atypical or abnormal cells, even before the progression to cancer, it can be easily confusing for women to discern what their Pap results mean and what to do next to improve cervical health.
May 18, 2017
There are many controversies in health-care regarding the proper amount of dietary protein needed for optimal health. Previous concerns of high-protein diets are speculative in nature, and our current recommendations have been based on less accurate forms of statistical analysis. As such, our actual dietary protein requirements may have been underestimated. Additionally, protein requirements during pregnancy and aging into our senior years are much higher than current recommendations.
April 18, 2017
For those who experience a social jet lag, naturally falling asleep later and waking later, new research shows that for some “night owls” their delayed clock may be caused by a genetic polymorphism in circadian clock genes
March 16, 2017
Narrative writing strategies and how they can help heal from past emotional trauma
February 13, 2017
Mindful Practices that fit into your everyday routine - with activities you're already doing!
February 20, 2017
Being mindful is truly a control over the attention, and thus leads to improved self-regulation, including emotional regulation and self-awareness.[1] In addition to reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD,[4] studies have shown that this cognitive awareness can also reduce pain severity
January 24, 2017
Thinking you have a yeast infection because of new vaginal itching, possibly odour, and discharge could be misleading. We’ve become so accustomed to these quick fixes for vaginal infections that many women go straight to their pharmacy without being properly assessed. In reality, these symptoms may not be a yeast infection at all, but one of many other types of vaginal infections that may not resolve with a typical antifungal treatment.
January 17, 2017
Previously, we had thought that delaying exposure to certain substances would help prevent sensitivity and subsequent allergies and illnesses in childhood. However, these guidelines may not be accurate, and instead, may have led to an increase in the incidence of childhood allergies
December 23, 2016
The gut-brain axis essentially is the connection between the enteric nervous system and the central nervous system, Gut microbiota plays a critical role in the function of this axis as well as: inflammatory control, immune responses, gut barrier integrity, and permeability.
December 31, 2016
The changing of weather and seasons can be tough on many of us. Depending on where you live, you might be experiencing frigid cold temperatures, snow fall and freezing rain. But regardless of this temperature shift, if you’re in the Northern hemisphere, you get to experience the shortening of days as we lose daylight hours over the winter months.
So how does this impact our health and lifestyle? For many of us, it means the increased risk of low vitamin D levels, but losing our daylight also has implications on our mental health and our daily routine.
December 23, 2016
Acute inflammation is a normal response to tissue damage, typically associated with pain, redness, and swelling; all things that interfere in physical movement. So, naturally, it’s something we want to get rid of so we can return to play and feel more comfortable. But inflammation has a purpose and a place in the short-term
November 28, 2016
We attribute PMS moodiness with “hormones” but we rarely address it as something we can change. However, there are many tools and much information that we as women should share about how to possibly shift our hormones and change how we experience our cycles and even the days leading up to menstruation.
October 20, 2016
Sauna bathing, when timed appropriately and paired with cold water exposure, can be beneficial for athletes, but also those who may be more sedentary with certain metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Apart from the ability of thermotherapy to relax muscles, its effects on our brain are most interesting as it may provide an additional treatment for depression and, potentially, hyperactivity.
September 20, 2016
Apart from dental flossing, positive outcomes in gingival health have been seen from a practice known as “oil pulling”. Oil pulling is a traditional Indian folk remedy consisting of swishing coconut, sesame or sunflower oil around the oral cavity as a means to strengthen teeth and gums. Additionally its benefits extend to improving halitosis (bad breath), treating and preventing bleeding gums, and mouth dryness.
August 19, 2016
Over the past few years, “alkaline” has become a health buzz word. Alkaline diets, and now new brands of alkaline water, are said to promote a healthier state in the body. But what is the evidence actually showing?
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