According to the World Health Organization 2018, Breast Cancer is the leading form of cancer worldwide along with Lung Cancer. Breast cancer begins in mammary cells (breast tissue cells) and depending on the type of tumour, stage at diagnosis and aggressive nature of the tumour, the cancer may metastasize (or spread) to other parts of the body. The most common types of breast cancer include invasive ductal carcinoma (beginning in the ductal cells of the breast) and lobular

This article is not just for all the women out there. Men, you will also realize at some point in your life, that your loved ones might be struggling with PMS and/or PMDD. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) , commonly referred to as PMS, includes mental-emotional and physical symptoms that a woman may experience 7-14 days prior to a menstrual period, or in more severe cases, all month long. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is the presence of PMS symptoms (see below), with

Do you feel tired ALL the time? Do you find it hard to wake up in the morning? Do you experience a dip in energy in the early afternoon? Do you feel like hanging out on the couch all day long? Do you feel tired at certain points in your menstrual cycle? Do you “crash” right when you get home from work? Do you get that “second wind” of energy at night? Do you have less energy than the people around you? Here are the 3 potential reasons behind fatigue: 1. Vitamin-Mineral Defi

We have all experienced life– the ups & downs; the grief; the joys; the desires and needs of what we think will make us happy and more. What truly does make us happy? Do we try to do what we think will make others happy? How much of what we do is for us? Do we live in the here and now? Why do things that other people do affect us? Are you content? What do you need to achieve to make you happy? Why do we always want more? We live in a society that really emphasizes the impor

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition involving chronic inflammation of the joints (Araki et al 2016). Symptoms of RA include: joint stiffness particularly worse in the morning, joint inflammation (red & hot & swollen joints) leading to severe joint pain and fatigue. We know that genetics may or may not play a role in autoimmune disease. RA may require biologic medications such as DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) to help modulate inflammation, re

Estrogen metabolism is the process by which estrogen is broken down and eliminated from our bodies in both males & females. There are more protective and less protective metabolites of estrogen available from the breakdown of the various forms of estrogen. Ideally, more harmful forms of estrogen would be detoxified in the liver. These forms may pose a risk for cancer and inflammatory disease. Depending on what factors are affecting our lives, estrogen metabolism may also be i

Let's talk HEART HEALTH! Cardiovascular health is important. Sometimes, it takes an event in our lives or in the lives of our loved ones to understand the importance of our health. Cardiovascular disease is an incredibly common chronic disease that may occur at any point or multiple points in our lives. It is also a disease that with a family history, especially, may magnify consequences in the future. In some cases, there is potential to change the environment in which genes

New Years Resolutions. Goals are great! Especially, if they follow the SMART theory of goal-setting: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant & Time-Based. This theory helps to prevent short-term disappointment, while promoting long-term motivation. At the beginning of every year we often refer to these goals as “Resolutio ns”. We often say “New Year, New Me!”. My question to you is, what is there to RESOLVE? What are these issues that we face, that require these resoluti

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. During the holidays, it is easy to become engulfed in the long list of things to do (for others)! It’s a fabulous feeling to help and do for others. Remember to take time to fill your own cup, too. MAKE REALISTIC GOALS AND SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. Remember why the holiday season is important to you and the ones you love and how spending the day(s) with them might be more valuable than preparing for it. DON’T BREAK THE BANK. Make a plan so that you

Hormone imbalance is a non-specific and broad term; it is also not a diagnosis. Hormones are produced, used as signalling messengers and then broken down. All of the many hormones and their roles make up the endocrine system. Hormones work in relativity to one another and may impact one another, which is why often focusing on one hormone or hormone group may not necessarily help address the root cause of symptoms. There is a relativity that is considered from case to case ver

This stir-fried dish can be made with 2 ways...easy meal prep that won't be boring. Batch cooking is helpful to ensure meals are ready to go on the busiest of days. Add avocado oil and water in a wok to stir-fry the following: - carrots - green beans (cut in half) - lean chicken breast (5) I added some lemon, salt and pepper in the wok as well with some cayenne pepper flakes. You can essentially add any spices and change it up as well each time. Separate the chicken & vege

Smoothies can be packed with nutrients! They're quick, easy and DELICIOUS! This smoothie has 5 servings of fruits & vegetables and includes fibre, protein, carbohydrates & healthy fats. Here's what went into this green smoothie: 4 heaping handfuls of fresh organic leafy greens (vegetables - fibre) 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries including: blueberries, raspberries, cherries and blackberries (carbohydrates & fibre) 1 tbsp chia seeds (fibre, omega-3, protein source) 1/4 avoca

Stress is one of those things that we all experience. But, we all cope with stress in different ways! From an evolutionary perspective, we require stress. For example, if I see a bear, I would be stressed. This is the "fight or flight" part of the nervous system that begins to kick in. But, if I had the stress of meeting a deadline in 1 week - hopefully that same "fight or flight" response wouldn't also be kicking in at that time - as that is a long time to be in that "fight

What is autoimmune disease? An autoimmune disease is defined as a condition in which the immune system acts as though it's own healthy cells are foreign. In other words, the immune system is acts on itself. Although autoimmune conditions may have genetic tendency, they may also be acquired over one’s lifetime through epigenetic factors. An endless number of autoimmune conditions have been identified; some more common than others and some with medical treatment options and som

Summer is here! For most people, the summer brings a different outlook on life – seasonal fruits (yummy!), lots of sunshine, more fun activities outdoors with friends and family, picnics on the beach, festivals & events, and SO MUCH MORE. Although living in a place like Calgary may teach us to enjoy the winter months, many of us look forward to the summer months for a variety of reasons. Our summer months typically come with more sunshine and smiles! Here are some summer we

This is an all-time favourite in my (humble) opinion. This protein ball recipe is great as a pre-workout snack or a balanced sweet treat as a "date delight"! ** Allergy Alert: Avoid using nuts or other allergens if you or loved ones have allergies! Ingredients: Pitted dates (14) Sunflower seeds Pumpkin Seeds Chia seeds Nuts of choice (if you are not allergic) Nut or Seed Butter Coconut chips unsweetened Cocao powder or cacao nibs​​​​​ Gluten free oats Olive oil and/or Avocad

A Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree program is 4 years in duration. There are two accredited naturopathic medical schools in Canada – The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Ontario and Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) in British Columbia. The training of a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) includes basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, etc.), pathophysiology, diagnostic/physical examination, pharmacology and laboratory assessment &