The most common thyroid disorder we address at Naturopathic Family Health is hypothyroidism. Patients commonly recognize typical symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and depression, but are often unaware of the different types of hypothyroidism. Understanding the specific type of hypothyroidism is crucial for effective treatment and setting realistic expectations. Hypothyroid: the Basics Hypothyroidism is a medical condition describing someone who produces lower than normal amounts of thyroid hormone.  People who have hypothyroidism can experience: fatigue depression hair lo ..read more

Our team at NFH occasionally teases me about the unexpected shrieks from my office during lunch breaks. It is a habit of mine to watch bouldering and lead climbing competitions during my breaks.  It is hard to contain my admiration of these amazing athletes when they send a really challenging route on their first tries.   I have been rock climbing on and off for about 5 years.  This sport is fun and easy to pick up, but as you move up the grade, it quickly becomes quite challenging, and you learn that it’s more about using your body position and coordination rather than str ..read more

Perimenopause is a natural phase that ushers in significant changes in a woman’s body. It’s a transition that’s often shrouded in misconceptions, yet significant for its potential to impact your health and well-being in the long term. Amidst the hormonal symphony playing within, the adrenal glands emerge as unsung heroes, playing a crucial role in managing this stage of change. In this blog post, we’ll unravel the essential functions of the adrenals and their relationship to perimenopause while providing actionable insights for you to support these vital glands. The adrenal glands, located at ..read more

Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones, supporting brain function, and regulating muscle mass and tissue repair. For women, estrogen is indispensable for various bodily functions. There are two primary types of estrogen, estradiol, and estrone, which require a delicate balance to ensure optimal health and normal bodily functions. Disruption in this equilibrium can lead to a wide range of issues. Estrone Estrone, which we refer to as ‘bossy’ estrogen, offers numerous benefits when maintained in balance. However, excessive production or imbalance of estrone and estradiol can n ..read more

Should You Start Hormone Replacement Therapy? Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, signifying the conclusion of her reproductive years. The journey through menopause is diverse, with symptoms and adjustments varying widely. For some, it’s a mere blip on the radar, while for others, it’s a pivotal moment reshaping their health landscape.   Navigating menopause effectively is highly individualized and should be tailored to each patient’s unique experiences and risk profiles. As naturopathic doctors, our objective is to thoroughly understand our patient’s starting point, educ ..read more

As the days grow longer and the frost of winter fades, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your summer garden. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a novice gardener excited to cultivate your first plot, planning is key. Now is the opportune moment to start seeds indoors or plan for seedlings that will be transplanted into your garden come spring. Growing your own fruits and vegetables is not only a rewarding endeavor but also an excellent way to ensure you have fresh, nutritious produce throughout the summer. By starting your seeds now, you’re setting the stage for a bountiful h ..read more

Exploring the Connection Between Perimenopause and Weight Gain Navigating the turbulent waters of perimenopause can be challenging, particularly when it comes to understanding its correlation with weight gain. As the precursor to menopause, perimenopause is a phase marked by significant hormonal fluctuations that can impact various aspects of your health, including weight. Perimenopause signifies the transition period leading up to menopause, during which a range of symptoms may emerge as your hormone levels shift in your body. These symptoms can include weight gain, mood changes, sleep distur ..read more

Spring asparagus soup is one of my favorites.  Quick, simple, packed with nutrients and so delicious!  The key is to cook the asparagus just right – it should be bright green and easy to pierce with a fork.  Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits, pumpkin and hemp seeds and a dollop of ricotta cheese (dairy or almond based) for a light, satisfying meal! Ingredients 1 small white or yellow onion, chopped 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves 1 lb asparagus, hard ends trimmed and chopped into 1-2” pieces 3 Tbsp uncooked rice (optional – this adds the creamy texture) 4 cups bone broth or vegetable br ..read more

A Holistic Approach for Preventing Bacterial Vaginosis Three years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Wendy. Despite her initial shyness due to English not being her first language, her beautiful smile and easygoing nature made it effortless to connect with her. What struck me the most was her remarkable level of organization. She carried a sketchbook filled with meticulously taped pharmacy papers and cutout boxes, chronicling the various medications she had tried over the past year to combat her recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). When she sought my help, she had just completed her fourth rou ..read more

I have a confession to make – I absolutely love indulging in sugar cookies from time to time. However, it’s surprisingly difficult to find a gluten and dairy-free version that meets my expectations. Luckily, last year I discovered a recipe that uses freeze-dried strawberries to enhance both the color and flavor of the frosting. What a revolutionary idea! With a few adjustments and substitutions, we now have an incredibly delicious go-to sugar cookie recipe. We don’t make these cookies often, mainly because they disappear incredibly quickly between me and our two kids. However, on Valentine’s D ..read more