by Dr. Nicole van Peolgeest, ND

Establishing a healthy and happy digestive system is a foundation of naturopathic medicine. Our gut health is intimately connected to the rest of our body. Did you know approximately 70% of our immune system is located in the gut? The majority of your immune cells reside here and are hugely influenced by our microbiome and digestive function. This means that how well our immune systems fights viruses or regulates against autoimmunity is significantly aided by a balanced digestive system!

By Dr. Hannah Webb, ND

One concern I frequently hear from patients is “my GP says all my tests are normal but I feel terrible, how can that be?”. I know many patients feel dismissed and unsupported at this point.

First of all – we must always remember that when we say everything is normal on your labs…. we mean everything is normal that we tested. Meaning, if we don’t test for the thing that is off we won’t know it’s a problem. This is often forgotten when we talk about basic blood work – it’s easy to assume that it is a complete and comprehensive assessment, which isn’t the case. Basic blood work is just that – it’s the basics, not a list of EVERYTHING that can possibly be tested.

By Registered Physiotherapist, Rob Cosma

As a physiotherapist, one of the most common things I hear when the temperature drops is, “My joints just don’t like the cold.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people living with arthritis notice more stiffness, aches, or reduced movement during colder months. There are plenty of simple, practical ways to stay comfortable and keep moving when winter rolls in.

By Naturopathic Doctor, Hannah Webb

When we think about cardiovascular disease, we tend to think about cholesterol, blood pressure, exercise, and diet. These things matter, of course. But there is another risk factor that is quieter, harder to measure, and often overlooked: loneliness.

By Naturopathic Intern, Sarah Demaré

Some of the top neurodegenerative researchers are now calling Alzheimer’s Disease, Type 3 Diabetes. While Type 3 Diabetes is not an official term yet, it is used as a concept by researchers to explain the link between Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease. Those with Type 2 Diabetes are at a 59% higher likelihood of developing dementia.

by ND, Hannah Webb

The number one most frequent prescription I write in my practice is vaginal estrogen. Why? Because many people in menopause experience vaginal dryness and discomfort or pain with intercourse. This happens because with the transition into menopause estrogen levels drop, which has a significant impact on the entire pelvic floor region. 

by ND, Hannah Webb & ND, Patrick Callas

Did you see the recent Consumer Reports investigation about lead contamination in protein powders? It made waves because many popular brands contained measurable amounts of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. These were mostly American products, but given that most ingredients are sourced internationally, it’s fair to assume the products on the Canadian market are similar.

So — should you be worried? Unfortunately, yes.