Bloating …. It is uncomfortable, our pants don’t fit, and frankly isn’t fun. And did you know….Bloating is NOT normal!

Bloating can be especially frustrating as it often coincides with hormonal changes, such as those occurring during the menstrual cycle. This type of bloating is usually temporary but can significantly impact how you feel and function. The fluctuating hormones can lead to water retention, weight gain, and a sense of fullness and tightness in the abdomen. This hormonal bloating can be directly linked to gut health and dysbiosis. Dysbiosis and poor gut health can lead to the recirculation of estrogens, estrogen dominance, and all of the problems that follow.

Yet the effects of bloating don’t stop there….apart from hormonal changes, bloating can also make you feel lethargic and generally unwell. This uncomfortable swelling of the abdomen is often accompanied by other digestive issues such as gas, belching, and irregular bowel movements, further contributing to the feeling of discomfort.

The Profound Influence of the Gut Biome

Our gut is a foundation to a healthier and happier version of you. Whether you’re wanting better digestion, clearer skin, more energy, or a more balanced mood, none of this will happen without a happy gut.

You need those trillions of microorganisms for nutrient synthesis (like B vitamins & vitamin K), neurotransmitter production (like dopamine & serotonin), detoxification (of drugs, estrogen, & toxins), immune function, & more!

The Naturopathic Approach – No Duct Tape Needed!

What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

Let’s first define a ‘cleanse’ vs ‘detox’. A ‘cleanse’ or ‘detox’ is not the same thing as everyday detoxification.

A cleanse is a few days to a few weeks of following a strict protocol under physician guidance. It’s like a reset.

Everyday detoxification are the action steps that you can do at home to help reduce the buildup to toxins in your body by supporting safe and effective detox habits.

In our modern world, we are constantly bombarded with toxins from the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the products we use. Thankfully, our bodies are equipped with diverse detoxification systems designed to eliminate these harmful substances, to keep our body functioning well. The concern is growing around the sheer number of toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis, the effects that those toxins have on our body as they build up in the tissue, and our sometimes inability to sufficiently clear out and eliminate the toxic burden.

Where are we exposed?

We encounter a wide range of toxins in our water (e.g. chlorine, heavy metals), air (e.g. pollution, off-gassing from materials), homes (e.g. cleaning products, mold), and food (e.g. pesticides, food additives). It's impossible to avoid toxins entirely in the modern world, but we can take steps to minimize exposure.

If you have not already done so, check out EWG.org as a great resource to start understanding your exposure risk.

Why should we be concerned anyways?

Many toxins are capable of damaging DNA. Detoxification helps protect DNA integrity and supports the expression of helpful genes related to anti-aging, disease prevention, and longevity. A buildup of toxins, on the other hand, can contribute to DNA instability and increase disease risk. This is the center of epigenetic function.

Think of this more simply as the buildup of toxins, impedes or breaks our cellular biochemistry pathways, accelerating aging. For those patients of mine who are using the Organic Acids Test with me, you can see the mitochondrial function markers start to become impeded with toxin buildup.

If you're feeling drained and weary, struggling to find the energy to tackle your day-to-day tasks, you're not alone. Fatigue can be a complex issue, influenced by various factors including lifestyle, stress, and yes, even your body's vitamin D levels. Today, we're delving into the fascinating world of vitamin D and how it impacts not just your energy levels, but also your genetic pathways, immune system, methylation cycles, and sex hormones.

Ladies, it's time to have a heart-to-heart about your liver. This unsung hero works tirelessly to keep you healthy, but when it's struggling, it sends out subtle distress signals that are easy to miss and making you just feel off.

Fatigue that won't quit, unexplained weight gain, brain fog, hormonal chaos - sound familiar? These could be your liver's way of begging for a reset.

The good news - you don't need fancy detoxes or supplements to show your liver some love. Simple, natural strategies can work wonders.

Unlocking Heart Health: 7 facts every woman must know for cardiovascular wellness

Did you know your heart holds the key to a longer, fuller life?

Let’s pause for a moment, health and medicine should not just be about extending life, but improving the quality of life. As I watch my father battle Alzheimer’s Disease, I know that this is where medicine needs to shine - how to not just extend life, but improve the quality of life.

In order to improve our later years vitality, so that we can life to our fullest potential, we want to look at heart health and what that really means. You might be thinking, "Heart disease prevention sounds vital, but where do I even start?" It can be challenging to weed through the information online, the medical jargon, and conflicting advice to know what actually we need to do for improving our cardiovascular health. I promise you clarity, actionable insights, data backed information, and a path towards a healthier heart.

Unlocking the Secrets: How Hormones Shape Women's Heart Health

In today's fast-paced world, prioritizing cardiovascular well-being is crucial as we navigate different life stages. Cardiovascular disease remains silent until it manifests, making early intervention paramount. This article aims to shed light on the critical intersection of hormones and women's heart health, debunking misconceptions and providing actionable insights for optimal wellness.

Are you feeling anxious about cervical dysplasia and HPV? It's a common concern, but you're not alone in this journey. While these words might evoke fear of it turning into something worse, let's confront them together. Take a breath; it's alright to feel scared when it comes to your health. You're not powerless. There's hope, there's knowledge, and there's a community here to support you through it all.

Let's debunk myths, explore treatments, and seek alternative care options. Because knowledge is power.

Unmasking Stage 2 Adrenal Fatigue: The Unending Cycle of Over-Exertion

In our fast-paced, modern world, it's not uncommon for people to push their limits in pursuit of success, often neglecting the subtle signals their bodies send. It's alarmingly easy to overlook the silent cries of our bodies, until they scream out for attention. One such consequence of chronic over-exertion is adrenal fatigue. It's a condition that's often overlooked and misunderstood, but it can have a profound impact on your physical and mental health. In this blog, we will explore the mysterious and debilitating stage 2 adrenal fatigue, which manifests when a disrupted cortisol cycle becomes the new normal, triggering a vicious cycle of insomnia, restless sleep, fatigue, and anxiety

Imagine a life where every morning brings boundless energy, where your hormones harmonize like a symphony, where restful sleep is your nightly companion, and your mind is a razor-sharp tool, ready to conquer the world.

🌟 It may sound like a dream, but it can be your reality too 🌟

I see so many women who are juggling a hectic life, battling stress, and yearning for that elusive balance and harmony. They feel fatigued, out of tune with their bodies, and are trying to reclaim their vibrant self. Herbal adaptogens can be a key to helping your nervous system (let’s be honest, we all have some degree of a dysfunctional nervous system) regulate and harmonize with your hormones and adrenal system.

Are you just plain tired . . . of being tired?

Do you find yourself struggling to get through the day, experiencing mood swings, trouble focusing, or feel like your hormones are just irritable?

It’s time to address that hidden root issue of adrenal fatigue, and learn how to tap into a deeper well of energy and vitality.

As we have been discussing, in our most recent Thrive Live micro series, the progression and complete realm of adrenal fatigue, I want to dig deeper into the first phase. Stage 1 is an early, but crucial phase to recognize. This is when the lights start flashing and we want to address it before it progresses further. By recognizing the symptoms, setting treatment goals, and adopting lifestyle interventions, you can take control of your adrenal health and be set to engage with life and thrive.

Stage 1 Adrenal Fatigue

Stage 1 is the Overstimulation phase. Your adrenals are on wired hyperdrive shooting out too much cortisol and DHEA. This can trigger difficulty sleeping, hypertension, headaches, high blood sugar, palpitations, agitation, irritable bowels, imbalanced hormones (think more hot flashes, PMS, breast tenderness, cramps . . the hormonal works), fatigue, energy crashes, and brain fog.

As we dive into this phase, stress management and bringing the body out of hyperdrive become the key focus.

Balancing Hormonal Weight With Natural Treatments

Do you find yourself gaining weight easily, or struggling to balance your weight alongside your hormones?

Are you frustrated with trying to exercise and eat well, but not seeing any results?

Weight and metabolic health is a dynamic system, an orchestra, and key players in maintaining overall health and well-being. Beyond weight, the studies abound linking metabolic inflammation to increased rates of heart disease, dementia, fatigue, disrupted sleep, hormonal disruption, cancer propagation, and cellular aging.

Too often, the focus on weight loss and metabolic health completely misses the target. Losing weight and reducing metabolic inflammation is more than just calories and exercise. It is about balancing the background hormones (like insulin, estrogen, thyroid), detoxification, gut health, diet, and lifestyle.

Myths, Metabolism, and Stress in PCOS

PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, but the name does not tell the whole story. It’s one of the most common conditions to affect the menstrual cycle and reproductive health, yet it’s also frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed. So, first let’s clear up some common misconceptions about this condition and then look at how naturopathic medicine can help.

5 Myths About PCOS

Myth 1: Everyone with PCOS has ovarian cysts.

Nope. It’s possible to have PCOS with no ovarian cysts, and it’s possible to have ovarian cysts without PCOS. To be diagnosed with PCOS, a woman only needs to meet 2 out of 3 conditions: ovarian cysts, irregular periods, or androgen excess.

Myth 2: Everyone with PCOS should take the birth control pill.

Nope. The pill is commonly prescribed to women with PCOS, but it is far from the only option and does not address the whole picture. Whole-body strategies that rely on nutrition, lifestyle, and stress management can also be powerful ways to manage PCOS.

Myth 3️: Everyone with PCOS is overweight.

Nope. While it’s true that PCOS causes many women to gain weight, this is not an absolute. Also, weight loss becomes easier when we address the deeper metabolic patterns of PCOS, like changes in cortisol and insulin resistance.

Myth 4: You can’t get pregnant with PCOS.

Wrong. Even though PCOS is a common cause of infertility, it does not mean that pregnancy is impossible—particularly if you work to support your hormones and reproductive health through diet, lifestyle, and functional medicine.

Myth 5️: PCOS will go away at menopause.

Nope. PCOS disrupts far more than the menstrual cycle. Its effects on insulin resistance, cortisol, inflammation, and weight gain continue (and may even worsen) after menopause.

A Naturopathic Approach to Fatigue

Is it normal to be tired all the time?

Clients come to me because of menstrual issues, digestive problems, sleep struggles, or weight gain…but the vast majority also struggle with fatigue. Here are some common things they struggle with:

Some battle the snooze button every morning, only to drag themselves out of bed with their mind set on one thing—coffee.

Others crash in the afternoon with brain fog and trouble concentrating, pushing through until they can go home to their couch.

Most know they’d feel better with more exercise and healthier foods but can’t find the motivation to do it.

Fatigue is so common that it can seem to be the norm.

But it’s not normal.

Keep reading because I’m about to unpack what might be causing fatigue (even if all your tests have come back normal) and what you can do to regain your energy.

10 Root Causes of Fatigue

Men’s Health & Hormones

In the natural health space, women’s hormones get a lot more attention than men’s. But guess what? Men can struggle with hormonal imbalances too!

Hormonal changes in men can cause:

Abdominal weight gain

Sugar cravings

Lack of motivation

Tiredness

Low libido

Infertility

Moodiness

Irritability

Brain fog

Even though men don’t have periods or go through menopause, their hormones DO change over time, respond to lifestyle, and play a huge role in health and well-being.

So if you’re a man struggling with any of the symptoms above (or if you have a man in your life struggling with these things), keep reading. This post will break down everything from estrogen dominance in men to foods and exercises that keep men’s hormones healthy.

How would you like to sleep BETTER? Sleep is the key to more energy, hormone balance, peak brain performance, and just feeling good.

While everyone is talking about how important sleep is for overall health, I want to ask another question: What about the other way around? The truth is that if you’re not doing things throughout the day that support your physical health, even the best bedtime routine will never help you sleep.

So, first let’s lay the groundwork with some ways to support your physical body for better sleep. Read this list and make a mental note of which ones you may need to pay more attention to.

“Why am I so bloated?”

It’s a question I hear a lot when new patients come to me trying to make sense of their digestion. Bloating is one of the most aggravating symptoms because of how uncomfortable and embarrassing it can be!

When the usual attempts to avoid beans, broccoli, salt, and greasy foods fail, it’s time to get to the root cause. I use functional medicine testing to look under the hood, and here are some of the top root causes I look for:

Food Reactions

It’s not only beans that can cause the bloat! Some people are reactive to gluten, dairy, or other foods they eat every day without even thinking about it.

Gut Dysbiosis

That’s a fancy word to say the gut microbiome is out of balance. There could be an overgrowth of yeast or unwanted bacteria to blame.

Hormones

Hormonal changes can cause fluid retention and bloating—sometimes leading people to believe they have a digestive problem when it’s actually hormones!

SIBO or IBS

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and irritable bowel syndrome are two common diagnoses that cause bloating. Keep reading to learn how to know the difference!