At a time when isolation and feeling distant from loved ones is at its peak, the understanding of a trained practitioner who offers an empathetic ear is vital. One of the most revered aspects to naturopathic care is the focus on building a healing, therapeutic relationship. In an interview printed in the Integrative Medicine Journal, Dr. Stargrove discusses the impact that the doctor-patient relationship has on achieving overall health, not just emotional wellbeing: “In my observation, the single most important influence in therapeutic success is the self-healing, self-organizing processes within every living organism. The second most important thing is the therapeutic relationship. Ultimately, that is the one that the clinician has the most effect on.”(R) In other words, it’s the honoring of the body’s innate ability to heal and the physician’s role in empowering and educating the patient in the care and treatment of their body, mind, and soul that is most important for achieving wellness goals. The modality chosen is third, as there are many means to get to the same objective. - Dr Sarah LoBisco, ND, IFCMP (Link in bio to read: Mind-Body Support with Naturopathic Medicine in full) . . . . #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #mindbodyhealth

Students, teachers, and parents have had an unprecedented start to the new school year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Everyone is facing new challenges and new sources of stress. Some kids are struggling with distance learning and separation from friends while others are adjusting to social distancing inside schools, wearing masks all day long, and undergoing daily temperature checks by strangers wearing head-to-toe personal protective equipment. Stress affects us emotionally as well as physically and in children it can manifest as stomach pain, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, changes in mood or behavior, and problems with focus and concentration. Stress management is regularly recommended for adults but it’s equally important for kids. #2 Play Every Day Exercise is well known for improving physical health but it improves mental health as well. Regular physical activity helps us manage stress and studies show that, specifically in children, it can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression while improving concentration, academic performance, and self-esteem. Kids also need down time to manage stress, so find activities that are fun and playful instead of competitive or focused on achieving a specific result. Get them outside for at least an hour every day, year round and weather permitting, to do something they enjoy, whether it’s playing in the park, riding a bike, or throwing around a ball or Frisbee. - Dr Sarah Cimperman, ND (link in bio to read: Stress Management: 6 Strategies Just for Kids) . . . . #stressless #stresslessforkids #kidsstresslessyoga #kidsstressless #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor

Getting a better night’s sleep can require correcting sleep habits, decreasing stress, or rebalancing hormones but after an initial period of improvement, patients often relapse. . Melatonin has a lot more functions than just regulating our sleep. It enhances the immune system, and at higher doses, is a very strong antioxidant. . It is a neuroprotector implicated in the aging process that is often associated with mental decline and dementia-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s. . It also decreases secretion of sex hormones LH and FSH, playing a role in sexual development. . Pineal calcification was first demonstrated in 1918 by Schüller on autopsy. Since then, countless studies have demonstrated that pineal calcification increases with age. . Pineal calcification occurs from the death or degeneration of pinealocytes; therefore, decreasing melatonin production. . In light of all the functions of melatonin, it’s important to consider the implications of decreased melatonin. . Pineal calcification has been associated with a number of serious conditions including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, hormone related cancer, migraines, GERD, gastrointestinal ulcers, and studies are now looking at a possible link between pineal gland calcification, lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration and abnormal aorta calcification. - Dr Olisa Mak, ND (link in bio to read: The unseen implications of excessive flouride on your health in full at naturalpath.net) . . . . #pinealgland #pinealcalcification #melatonin #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor

Oil pulling is a process of swishing oil in the mouth for a period of time and spitting it out to pull out toxins from the mouth. . This technique, which claims to originate from Ayurvedic medicine is a modern adaptation of some of the traditional Ayurvedic methods of daily self care known as gandusa and kavala. . Substances such as ghee, oil, milk or herbal decoctions are gargled, swished or retained in the mouth for a specific duration and a specific time of the day. . The type of treatment and the kind of oil used is always customized to your constitution for maximum benefit. . The term oil pulling is a modern term that was likely adapted by modern practitioners and spread into more mainstream in the last decade to the point where even dentists are starting to advocate the technique as part of a daily health routine. . In Ayurveda, oils are used therapeutically topically and internally. Oil has a lubricating and grounding quality and is beneficial for imbalances related to vata (air and ether element). Externally, specific oils are used for massages and therapies, and internally, they are beneficial for lubricating the digestive tract and tissues. - Dr. Leena Athparia, ND (link in bio to read: Oral health; what is oil pulling? on naturalpath.net) . . . #oilpulling #oilpullingbenefits #oilpullingworks #naturopathicmedicine #aryuveda #naturopathicdoctor

At a time when ninety percent of people in the United States believe that the cannabis plant has medical benefits, CBD product sales are surging. . Market researchers predict that U.S sales will go from 1.9 billion dollars in 2018 to 20 billion dollars by 2024. . CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, commonly known as marijuana and hemp. It belongs to a family of compounds called cannabinoids. . Cannabinoids are also made by the body. Cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors as part of the body’s endocannabinoid system or ECS. . The ECS plays an important role in appetite, digestion, metabolism, mood, memory, sleep, hormones, and even cardiovascular function. . It helps regulate the immune system and maintain homeostasis, the ideal internal conditions that allow the body to function optimally. . The ECS is activated when cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors, which are found all over the body, notably in the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, bones, muscles, digestive tract, cardiovascular system, and reproductive systems. . CBD can bind to cannabinoid receptors, eliciting the same effects. . CBD is popular but scientists are still learning about its applications and misinformation is widespread. Here are five common myths about CBD and where they went wrong. . #1 CBD can make you high . More than a hundred cannabinoids have been identified in the cannabis plant. These include THC (also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which is psychoactive, and CBD, which is not. . “Full-spectrum” or “whole plant” products contain an array of cannabinoids including CBD and trace amounts of THC along with other compounds like aromatic oils called terpenes and antioxidants called flavonoids. . “Broad spectrum” products also contain an array of compounds including CBD and other cannabinoids, but no THC. . “CBD Isolate” contains only CBD, no other compounds or cannabinoids. Alone, CBD does not cause intoxication. - Dr Sarah Cimperman, ND (link in bio to read: 5 myths about CBD debunked on naturalpath.net) . . . #CBD #cbdhealth #cannabidiol #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) comes from an area of therapy called Energy Psychology. . Used as a tool to help alleviate symptoms stemming from stressors and past traumas, it is 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 traumas. . Recent studies have shown that the types of patients who can use EFT also varies. From veterans with PTSD, to children and students with test anxiety, and anxiety in general; Researchers are seeing positive results from patient-reported subjective scorings. . The goal is to decrease the emotional intensity of a reaction from a past event or trauma by reducing the body’s stress response when an individual becomes “triggered.” . In this way, it can be used to help individuals deal with past adverse childhood experiences, current pain they are experiencing (physical or mental/emotional), anxiety from particular stimuli, and even phobias. - Dr Sarah Zadek, ND (link in bio to read: Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): Reducing anxiety, depression, and more on naturalpath.net) . . . . #EFT #efttapping #energypsychology #energyhealing #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor

Coming back from a 30-day sabbatical, I am filled with new awareness, more vitality, and much more clarity about my life in general. I have a deeper sense of ease and feel more spaciousness in my day-to-day life. . My ever-present mind wants to know, “How are we going to maintain this? Not fall into the same pitfalls of disconnection from myself, from Nature, and busy-ness?” . And the answer simply came: find it all in the pauses. The Pause is what allows me to truly be present to this moment – whatever it is. The Pause is what calls me to embrace what is right in front of me – even when it feels difficult or messy. The Pause is what brings me back to my center which allows me to choose from my Knowing rather than reacting or accommodating everyone else. The Pause embraces the importance of slowing down and the importance of quiet reflection. . When compassion, understanding and Love are cultivated from within you, there’s never a lack – there’s always an abundance. You won’t have to perform a certain way to get your needs met. You simply see yourself as you are, and welcome it (all of it, as is!) into your heart. . This week can you notice the places in your day when things seem to speed up? . Invite in the Pause – maybe that is 3 deep breaths or getting a glass of water or simply stopping what you’re doing for a moment and noticing what’s present within you. Your mind might tell you there’s “no time” to slow down – I invite you to question that truth. Or check out pausing anyway and just see what happens. A little curiosity goes a long way on this journey. - Dr. Nicola Dehlinger, ND (link in bio to read Finding the Pause on naturalpath.net) . . . #pause #pauseresetreflect #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #holistichealth

Herbs are a wonderful and nourishing addition throughout a woman’s pregnancy. . Pregnant women not only need more vitamins and minerals during pregnancy due to the nature of it, but also lose more. . For example, “kidney function changes to handle the clearance of both fetal and maternal metabolic waste, which is associated with increased urinary excretion of water-soluble vitamins (eg, folate)”. . There are many safe and suitable options that pregnant women should consider to achieve a healthy and peaceful pregnancy. . Raspberry leaf tea is a very popular traditional tea to take after a woman’s first trimester of pregnancy. For good reason! It strengthens the uterus, helps to make contractions efficient when the time comes, and supports optimal hormonal patterns during pregnancy. 1 cup per day in the second trimester, and increase to 2 cups per day in the third. (Read: 5 Awesome Herbs to Take During Pregnancy -- click thru link in bio to access) -- Dr Donata Girolamo, ND . . . . #herbs #nutrients #herbalpregnancy #herbalpregnancytea #naturopathicmedicine

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is a reflection of the sugar level in your blood stream. . If you eat something sugary or starchy, your blood sugar level will rise, prompting the release of insulin to bring the blood sugar back to normal or a happy medium. . Insulin allows sugar to flow from the blood into muscle and other tissues where it can be used for fuel. . However, if you have a sedentary lifestyle and you aren’t physically active, once in the tissue, that sugar will be turned into fat. . Insulin’s other job is to turn on the fat production factory. . If your body does not respond well to insulin you are deemed insulin resistant. . How would you know if you are insulin resistant? You wouldn’t without certain specific blood tests, it’s not something you could feel or be aware of other than if you are struggling with weight. . Diet Tips to Stabilize Blood Sugar . *Limit or avoid sugary drinks.Water and unsweetened herbal teas are ideal to drink. . *Diluted fruit juice is ok on occasion. . *Cut back on bread, pasta, cereal, rice and potatoes.These provide little in the way of nutrition and pack a big blood sugar spike. . *Eat protein with each meal.Whether you choose plant or animal protein, try to have a little with each meal. Too much can cause problems too, but a little protein helps keep blood sugar stable. Choose lean, preferably naturally raised beef, chicken, fish, lamb, turkey about the size of the palm of your hand or tofu, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds. . *Eat lots of fiber. Fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes help provide fiber that helps you feel full and slows down digestion. Broccoli is great for fiber and supplies dietary chromium that can help with blood sugar and insulin, so eat your broccoli! . *Eat foods that are low glycemic index and low glycemic load.My favorite list to check these is http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm. Look for foods that have a glycemic index of less than 55 and glycemic load of less than 10. -- Dr Pamela Frank, BSc (Hons), ND (Read: Comprehensive Naturopathic Weight Loss: Stabilize Blood Sugar and Improve Insulin Sensitivity -- click thru link in bio to access) . . . . #insulinsensitivity #bloodsugarbalance

Do you suffer from gas, bloating or indigestion? After you eat, does the food just sit in your stomach and feel like a burden? Or maybe you pop tums after each meal to get rid of the heart burn. Sometimes, your body gives these physical symptoms that you are having trouble with digestion, but a lot of times it doesn’t! . Case Study: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis . I recently saw a female patient, who looks extremely healthy and feels great. She has good energy, exercises regularly and makes sensible food choices. . She had labs done and was positive for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Her thyroid antibodies were off the charts. She was shocked since she does not have a single symptom related to that diagnosis. . I was surprised myself, since patients who get diagnosed with Hashimoto’s usually complain of many symptoms, some of which are fatigue, hair loss, weight gain & depressed moods. . I explained to her that this was an autoimmune condition where her thyroid antibodies are attacking her thyroid gland and causing inflammation. If this inflammation goes untreated, it can eventually chew up the thyroid gland. . Together we started our journey to find the cause of her problem. . I ordered 3 tests for her: 1. Micronutrient Test 2. GI MAP Test 3. Food Sensitivity Test . Actually, I did not order them at the same-time, but it really helps to look at all of the results together to find the correlation between them. . The point of sharing this example with you is that sometimes we can prevent certain chronic, or autoimmune diseases, by looking into the health of our gut. How is this done? By ordering some functional medicine testing which can help pin point the root cause of the problem. - Dr Meghna Thacker, ND (Read: How does your gut feel? click thru link in bio to read in full) . . . #healthygut #hashimotosthyroiditis #gutinflammation #healthyguthappylife #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to change our lives completely. We’ve been staying home. We’ve been struggling with fear, anxiety, depression, and isolation. We’ve been spending more time in front of screens and less time outside. We’ve been eating more comfort food and exercising less. It’s a perfect recipe for weight gain. (read: 5 ways to lose the #quarantine15 -- link in bio) . #2 Be physically active every day. Regular physical activity contributes to weight loss by improving metabolism and increasing the sensitivity of insulin receptors which can help lower high insulin levels in the blood. Exercise also improves sleep and increases levels of serotonin which can reduce food cravings. . As long we’re healthy, we can exercise at home. There are plenty of activities to choose from like callisthenic exercises—including push-ups, squats, burpees, and abdominal crunches—and the use of devices like jump ropes, resistance bands, medicine balls, kettlebells, dumbbells, and barbells. . Online fitness videos, many free, are especially good options for people who want inspiration or instruction. Anyone who can safely go outside should consider walking, running, hiking, biking, and/or gardening. . #3 Sleep seven or eight hours every night. . Lack of sleep raises levels of insulin, which increases fat storage, and ghrelin, a hunger inducing hormone. And it causes levels of leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite, to go down. . One study showed that short sleep cycles (five to six hours) contributed as much to weight gain as long sleep cycles (nine to ten hours). . People in both of these groups were more likely to experience weight gain and had an increased risk of obesity compared to individuals who slept seven or eight hours per night. . To support weight loss, adults should sleep seven to eight hours per night. Kids need more sleep: ten to twelve hours before the age of eight and eight to ten hours between the ages of eight and eighteen. -- @thenaturopathicgourmet Dr Sarah Cimperman, ND (read: 5 ways to lose the Quarantine 15 --> link in bio) . . . . #losethequarantine15 #quarantine #quarantinelife #losethequarantineweight #naturopathicmedicine

Whether or not produce was ripe when harvested is another source of nutrient loss. . Some crops, such as tomatoes, will attain their full color after picking but not their highest nutrient levels. . Research has shown that specific nutrients, such as Vitamin C, are higher when produce is picked ripe from the plant. . Growing your own food or sourcing goodies from the local farmers market is your best bet for nutrient-dense flavorful additions! . Enzymes are alive in foods as they are growing and can deplete in as little as 5 minute after picking! . These seedlings can be up to 40 times more nutrient dense than their full-grown counterparts. . With live microgreens, you just cut what you need as you need it, just before eating. Growing your own microgreens can be really rewarding or find a local business that cultivates and delivers them for you. . Microgreens are jam-packed with nutrients and require much less water than adult plants. - Dr Nicola Dehlinger, ND (Read: Nourishing Yourself and Your Community -- link in bio) . . . #microgreens #moremicrogreens #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #naturopathy #shoplocal #buylocal