I can't tell you how many times I've asked a woman in detail about her periods. I inquire about how how heavy, how many tampons or pads she is using, how much ibuprofen, spotting beforehand, the color, clots, length, PMS symptoms and more. Women are seeking naturopathic treatment because their cycles are disrupting their life or their fertility, and they are looking for relief. So many times women struggle with cyclical symptoms, only because they "just thought that was normal". It is not necessary that you have to experience heavy bleeding, cramps, clots, long or irregula ..read more

Brassica vegetables are some of the healthiest foods to consume regularly. Also known as cruciferous vegetables, the Brassica vegetables include powerfully nutritious foods: broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, collard greens, arugala, bok choi, and various radishes.   Why is this plant family so healthy? These vegetables prevent oxidative stress, induce detoxification enzymes, stimulate immune system, decrease the risk of cancers, inhibit malignant transformation and carcinogenic mutations, as well as reduce proliferation of cancer cells Brassicas vegetables are n ..read more

Food Allergies and Sensitivities Explained Food sensitivities are not the same as food allergies. Food "allergies" are an IgE reaction in which the food causes the release of histamine and an immediate hypersensitivity (sometimes anaphylactic) reaction. However IgG reactions are delayed onset, which means that often you are eating offending foods and unaware of their potential effects!  Sometimes symptoms can appear anywhere from hours to days after eating the food.    Testing for IgG food intolerances/sensitivities is confusing for many doctors, as they not typically trained o ..read more

Mediation has proven to be an effective way to improve anxiety, depression and overall quality of life. There are misconceptions about meditation that often scare people away from trying to incorporate meditation into their lives. A common misconception is the idea that one has to sit still and completely clear their minds. Meditation, which is often referred to as mindfulness, is simply the act of distracting the mind into something simple and away from your stresses. Below are 3 easy ways to incorporate meditation into your schedule.   Turn off your phone. Technology is a constan ..read more

Thousands of sleep aids are on the market today and many of them consist of taking medicines that are often habit forming. There are many ways to improve your quality of sleep without turning to these options. Here are 5 easy sleep tips to increase your quality and quantity of sleep. Set a routine. There is a reason kids and babies all have bed times; it promotes better sleep. For some reason, we tend to throw this idea out the window as adults. Try to reincorporate a bedtime as best possible. Chamomile Tea has calming properties to allow the body to relax. Pour a cup while you are unwinding ..read more

Unexpected Side Effects of Stopping the Pill There are so many reasons that women are placed on the birth-control pill. Many take it for acne, heavy bleeding, painful periods, irregular cycles, endometriosis and PCOS. But the pill doesn't treat the underlying cause of the symptoms. For many women, the main reason for the birth control pill is preventing pregnancy, but lots of women (and teenage girls) take the pill as a way to manage symptoms.  Unfortunately, if you go to your doctor with any period related concern, the pill is often theonly option given. And while these symptoms a ..read more

‘Tis the Season! Holidays are just around the corner, and many of us are hustlin’ to get our Christmas shopping done on time. However, it is also the season of cold winter months. Here are some tips to help lower the chance of catching a cold while out and about. Keep Warm In Chinese medicine, the Wei Qi, or defensive Qi, acts like a shield around your body to protect from outside invaders. This is very much like the immune system. However, that shield is the thinnest at the back of the neck and head. So, one simple way you can protect against colds is to wear a scarf and hat while outside ..read more

Birth Control Pills, Depression, and Natural AlternativesAn unprecedented Danish study confirms what many women already have experienced, linking birth control pills with depression. This large study, collecting data from over 1 million women over 14 years reported up to an 80% relative risk increase of depression.  How can you tell if you have hormonal depression? Other symptoms include: Irritability & Mood swings Insomnia or increased desire for sleep  Headache or Migraines Fatigue Abdominal bloating Breast tenderness Acne flare-ups Anxiety or po ..read more

Inside Scoop on Soy: Myths and Truths Many patients ask me about the consumption of soy, citing “I’ve always heard that it was bad”. However, the truth is much more complex than a simple yes or no. Depending on who you ask, it is either a super-food or a poison. But the truth is, soy-based foods have been shown to improve cholesterol, prevent breast cancer, prostate cancer, decrease osteoporosis and more.  But, yes, it does have some downsides as well. Here’s the breakdown: 1.       Hormone Changes Soy has a reputation of being “estrogenic” and is often avoi ..read more

Since the early 1900’s, heartburn/reflux/GERD has been thought to be caused by stomach acids re-entering the esophagus and irritating it's interior.    In May 2016, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a research paper stating reflux is actually caused by a “reactive immune system.” In a study following 12 men with severe reflux, 2 weeks after discontinued use of proton pump inhibitor medication, 11 of the 12 men were found to have inflammation on the exterior of the esophagus. Biopsies of the affected men revealed a high number of cytokines (proteins) pr ..read more