Dr. Keila Roesner ND
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How to Improve your Brain Health, Naturally

1/26/2019

2 Comments

 
Tree shaped like a brain
Should you be concerned about  your cognitive health? Consider these facts:

  • Dementia affects between five and eight percent of adults over 60. As the average age of the population rises, that could add up to an astounding 150 million people with dementia worldwide by 2050.

  • Dementia is more complex than most people realize. Although Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, many other diseases can play a role.

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) happens when someone experiences enough impairment to be noticeable, but not enough for a dementia diagnosis. People with MCI are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.


Everyone experiences some moments of “brain fog” from time to time, whether they’re trying to find their keys or are struggling to remember a name. As we age, these little moments of forgetfulness become more worrying. And in fact, the damage from Alzheimer’s can start up to 10 years before symptoms become troublesome. But stress, fatigue, and nutritional deficiencies can all contribute to cognitive issues, even without Alzheimer’s.

The good news is that foggy thinking and poor memory don’t have to be a normal part of aging. Cognitive decline is not inevitable. And the steps to protecting our brain health can also help the rest of our bodies - further evidence that everything is connected when it comes to our optimum health!

So what can you do to maintain peak mental fitness? Here are some of my favorite high-impact strategies:

Get enough sleep. A great deal of research supports a link between brain health and adequate sleep. Scientists think the relationship may work both ways: not getting enough sleep can lead to cognitive decline, but cognitive decline can also cause sleep problems. Either way, the best approach is to be proactive. For example, avoid substances like caffeine or alcohol before bed. Practice insomnia.htmlgood sleep hygiene by sleeping in a cool, quiet room and pay attention to when the body wants to sleep. Your circadian rhythm is your natural sleep cycle, which for many people means unwinding and falling asleep around 10-10:30 pm. Fighting it and staying up later sends an adrenaline rush to your body to keep it awake. Contact our office if sleep issues interfere with daily living. You may also find that following the other tips on this list help with sleep – did I mention that it’s all connected?


Focus on a plant-based diet with plenty of healthy fats. Good nutrition fuels our brain. Processed, low-nutrient foods can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress. The result can be cognitive and mood issues. Up to 95 percent of the serotonin in our bodies is produced in our gut, so what we eat can have a profound impact on our emotions and the way we think. As a result, having adequate “good” bacteria in our gut can reduce the inflammation throughout our bodies, so it’s important to eat with this in mind.

Some important nutrients for brain health include:
  • Vitamin K: Several studies suggest Vitamin K helps prevent cognitive decline. To boost Vitamin K intake, focus on leafy greens, such as spinach or kale.
 
  • Omega 3: This fatty acid has been shown to lower levels of beta amyloids, which are the building blocks of the amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Look for fatty fish and plant-based sources like flax seeds or avocados.
 
  • Flavonoids: These phytonutrients are found in many fruits and vegetables, particularly brightly coloured, flavourful foods like strawberries and blueberries. Flavonoids have been found to play a role in preventing memory decline.


Move to keep your brain active. Exercise is a must when it comes to brain health. Not only can cardio activities like swimming and walking ease stress, but physical activity can also increase the size of the hippocampus. That’s the part of our brain responsible for verbal memory, among other important functions.

Which exercise is best? The best activity is always the one you’re most likely to do, but experts say to strive for 75 minutes of intense activity or 150 minutes of moderate activity every week. As an added bonus, exercise earlier in the day can help you sleep!


Keep learning. You’re never too old to learn something new. In fact, acquiring new knowledge can help keep your brain young. One study found that adults who learned a “complex skill” such as quilting or basic coding had improved memory function after only three months. And knowing a second language (even if you learn it late in life) can help slow memory loss. My favorite is practicing piano.


Relax. You’ve probably noticed that when you’re stressed, your thought process isn’t as clear as it is when you’re relaxed. Scientists confirm that even short-term stress can affect the hippocampus. It’s important to note that most studies refer to a relationship between perceived stress and memory. We all have negative events in our lives and some of these can’t be avoided. But we can change how we react to them and how we deal with daily stress. It’s possible to reframe the stress of daily life and change how we perceive it. Yoga, meditation, tai chi, and cognitive therapy are all effective ways to reduce our feelings of stress.


It’s important to remember that there isn’t necessarily a “magic bullet” solution to protect your brain function. As with all elements of well-being, maximum health is the result of a holistic approach. By taking conscious steps to protect your brain health, you can minimize memory loss.


Proper brain function is also linked to hormonal balance. Having an imbalance of your cortisol levels, estrogen, melatonin, pregnenolone, testosterone or thyroid can all contribute to memory loss, confusion, and issues concentrating. Testing and treatment for imbalances can help get your brain working at peak function again. 

And if you’ve noticed any symptoms that worry you, it’s important to check them out right away.

Please schedule a complimentary Health Discovery session with our office if you have questions about your brain health! We excel at assessing the key building blocks for brain health and helping you create an individualized plan to keep you feeling sharp.

Sources:
  1. The Alzheimer's Association on Mild Cognitive Impairment
  2. Short-term Stress Can Affect Learning And Memory https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311182434.htm
  3. Spira AP, Chen-Edinboro LP, Wu MN, Yaffe K. Impact of sleep on the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2014;27(6):478-83. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4323377/
  4. Stress Increases the Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/alzheimers-disease-and-dementia/stress-increases-risk-mild-cognitive-impairment/article/459497/​




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Dr. Keila Roesner, BHSc ND

Your Health & Wellness Cheerleader
2 Comments

A Naturopathic Doctor’s Perspective: How to Stay Healthy and Happy Over the Holidays

12/20/2018

3 Comments

 
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Are you enjoying the final stretch of the year?

It’s a fantastic and fun time of the year. Unfortunately, it’s also a difficult period for maintaining healthy habits. Check out our list of the top 10 ways to stay healthy and happy over the holiday season.



1. Reframe your holiday expectations. Consider this: If you think of the holidays as an exhausting test of your endurance, and holiday treats as evil temptations to be resisted with all available willpower, how will your body react? That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but many patients come into the office at this time of the year showing signs of anxiety and tension. In fact, one study found that 90 percent of adults feel stressed over the holidays. Isn’t this supposed to be a joyous time?
These high stress levels may be at least partly attributed to the fact that many of us simply have more to do at this time of the year. Because we have more tasks to keep track of (even if those tasks are going to parties, buying gifts, and other fun stuff), our prefrontal cortex (in our brain) is overtaxed. This can affect our memory and overall ability to cope. Add in the extra pressure of maintaining a perfect diet and workout schedule, and you have a recipe for sleep problems, digestive difficulties, and tense muscles - all of which can add to our stress. And when we’re stressed, we tend to overeat. You can probably see why holiday stress can create a vicious cycle of guilt.
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Reframing our expectations that we need have a “perfect” holiday while staying disciplined can end the frustration. So don’t beat yourself up if everything doesn’t go as planned. In the long run, our happiest memories are sometimes the ones when things didn’t go as we’d pictured them, or the times we slowed down to take in the moment. Letting go of expectations of perfection (from ourselves and others) will ultimately help our health.

2. Play games. If you get together with family or friends in the next weeks, why not introduce a low-tech way to have some old-fashioned fun by playing board games? Board games can also offer cognitive benefits - not that you need an excuse to start rolling the dice.


3. Stay mindful. A mindfulness practice has obvious benefits when we’re extremely busy. Even if you’re not a regular meditator, just five minutes a day of meditation can help you cope with holiday stress. And why not share the love? Suggest a short meditation before holiday meals. It can set the tone for a peaceful celebration. Studies show that group meditation can have powerful results. Our office has regular drop in meditation groups!

4. Get moving. Fitting in some exercise can be easier when you mix it up by with physical social activities with loved ones. Snowshoeing, making snowmen, skating for those in the cold climates: there are plenty of options. If you’re not a cold-weather person, try bowling or a trip to the pool. You may not end up with six-pack abs, but might start a new holiday tradition. Suggesting fun activities for social gatherings also helps take the focus off food.

5. Cook up some love. Looking for a unique gift idea? Want to stay away from the mall and its atmosphere of seemingly relentless consumerism? Try baking some holiday gifts. For example, put some homemade sweet and spicy holiday almonds into a fancy jar (you can find a good recipe here: https://mywholefoodlife.com/2012/11/28/sweet-and-spicy-holiday-almonds/). Or wrap up a box of vegan hazelnut cups. (This recipe is amazing! https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16557/like-nutella-try-these-vegan-hazelnut-cups.html) or even start making some natural soaps as gifts, it’s easy, natural and fun!

6. Go green. When you’re thinking about ways to keep your body healthy over the holidays, don’t forget that the planet deserves love too. It’s easy to have a green holiday season (even if it’s snowing). Use recycled wrapping paper, serve food on real plates (not paper), and consider turning the heat down a degree or two for large gatherings (maybe you’ll encourage guests to bring out their tacky holiday sweaters). To conserve electricity, use LED lights only, and defrost your freezer before you load it up with holiday baking.

7. Learn to say no. This is a tough one for many patients who come to the office. However sometimes refusing a social invitation or a request to do work is the healthiest choice for everyone involved. If you find it hard to turn down an invitation or request, remember that you don’t have to apologize. Decline right away and resist the urge to make up an elaborate excuse. Suggest an alternative activity or a later date - but only if you really want to.

8. Keep your gut healthy. Sugar laden holiday treats, cocktails and parties galore can really put a damper on your gut health. Rightfully so an imbalance of extra sugar lowers both your immune system and can lead to an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the gut. Take some high quality probiotics and some digestive enzymes prior to meals to give your gut a healthy boost and some likely much needed assistance!

9. Start some healthy food traditions. The internet is bursting with healthy holiday recipes. Think about your loved ones’ food preferences and find some yummy dishes to bring to gatherings. For example, here are some outstanding vegan dishes: https://minimalistbaker.com/christmas-recipe-roundup/. Other guests might thank you for providing an alternative to Aunt Mary’s special salad! Try replacing carb heavy side dishes with healthy ones like Rutabaga and carrot mash or creamy butternut squash and thyme! Looking up Paleo versions of your favorites is often a good place to start too. Remember it’s OK to say no!

10. Be grateful. The holidays don’t always go as planned. Sometimes we have to go to work instead of eating great meals. Sometimes we miss people who are no longer in our lives. It’s normal to experience sadness at this time of the year. Acknowledge your feelings and be gentle with yourself. Take some time to think of the good things (even if they’re not always picture-perfect). Grateful people experience better sleep, more optimism, and improved relationships. And we could all use a bit of that at this time of the year.
Happy New Year from all of us! We look forward to working with you to create a fulfilling and healthy start to 2019.


Sources
  1. http://neuro.hms.harvard.edu/harvard-mahoney-neuroscience-institute/brain-newsletter/and-brain-series/holiday-stress-and-brain
  2. https://www.healio.com/psychiatry/journals/jpn/2017-12-55-12/%7Ba2fc3f63-4c18-455c-a761-5efae89bb9fb%7D/three-simple-mindfulness-practices-to-manage-holiday-stress#x02793695-20171117-01-bibr26
  3. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/254796
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21075238
  5. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/napping/page/0/1

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Dr. Keila Roesner, BHSc ND

Your Health & Wellness Cheerleader
3 Comments

Is Alcohol Actually Healthy?

12/3/2018

0 Comments

 
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A glass of wine with dinner. A beer after a hard day of work. It’s not hard to integrate an occasional drink with a healthy lifestyle. Whole genres of music are written essentially about drinking (I come from a country music family!).

In recent years, we’ve read that red wine is rich with antioxidants, and that an occasional beer can raise “good” cholesterol or stimulate lactation for breastfeeding mamas. But results from a new study suggest that even moderate alcohol consumption - the kind we tell ourselves is healthy - may actually be detrimental to our health. In other words, the much-heralded health benefits of drinking don’t outweigh the risks. As a result, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.

A recently published research study looks at data collected in almost 700 studies, spanning 195 countries and territories. Some of the findings are startling:
  • Alcohol is the leading risk factor for death in the age 15 through 49 age group.
  • Alcohol use was responsible for 2.8 million deaths worldwide in 2016.
  • For women in particular, the health risks increase with age. Alcohol was responsible for over 27 percent of cancer deaths in women over 50.

The authors of the study are firm in their conclusion: “By evaluating all associated relative risks for alcohol use, we found that consuming zero standard drinks daily minimizes the overall risk to health.”


In other words, the only safe amount of drinks is none at all. This finding differs from many earlier studies, which often concluded that moderate drinking was the best approach.


Why did this study reach a more decisive conclusion than previous examinations of alcohol’s effect on health? Several factors come into play. This study was careful to consider the ways they measured consumption. For example, researchers looked at regional variations in alcohol consumption that could be attributed to things like tourism. In addition, the study looked at alcohol’s impact on 23 different health-related problems. For some of those problems (such as heart disease), mild alcohol consumption had a positive effect. But that positive effect was balanced by a greater negative impact on other health issues (cancer is a strong example).


What does this mean for you? If you drink, should you stop?

Alcohol consumption is a very personal decision. This study looked at the big picture, worldwide. It was not studying individuals, but rather analyzing vast amounts of data previously collected, specifically looking at the risks for the 23 health issues. That data was conclusive. But it’s up to you how you apply it to your own life. This latest study can’t, for example, tell you if it’s OK to have some wine for New Year’s given your own unique genetics and other lifestyle factors.


One thing is clear: If you’ve told yourself that drinking is healthy, you may want to reconsider that rationale. That doesn’t necessarily mean you must immediately quit. However in deciding whether or not alcohol is something you want in your life, it’s best to be realistic about the health risks.


If you’re wondering about alcohol, talk to a healthcare practitioner. And be upfront about your drinking during the visit. Many people underreport how much they drink, but it’s best to be honest. You want to have an open discussion about all of your health concerns. Remember that healthcare providers aren’t looking to judge you: they want to work with you to create your best life.


You also want to look at your own medical history and perhaps check out more specific studies. For example, another recently published study concluded that alcohol is the biggest controllable risk factor for dementia. If you have other dementia risk factors that are out of your control, such as a genetic history, you may want take action on the things you can control.


Similarly, if you have a history of depression, consider alcohol’s impact on mental health. If you are trying to control your weight, the extra calories of alcohol aren’t going to help. Alcohol can also lower your judgment and keep you from making your best decisions.

Alcohol intake may also increase your risk of estrogen dominance, and is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer.

Some patients express frustration at the different results they see in health studies: One minute something is good for you, then suddenly we need to avoid it! Studies on alcohol use can be proof that when we read an eye-catching health-related headline, we need to look beyond the numbers.

​One thing to keep in mind is that the media will typically seize the most dramatic sound bite, although it’s impossible to always convey the nuances of a well-run scientific study in a short headline. For example, a news story doesn’t always mention who funded the study. For the record, the Lancet study on alcohol safety was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, while some others that emphasized alcohol’s benefits were funded by companies who sell alcohol. That doesn’t necessarily mean the studies are false, but we should all remember the funders have a vested interest in how the results are reported. Follow the money!


As well, correlation doesn’t always equal causation. That’s sometimes hard to capture in reporting large studies. In fact there are studies that show that Resveratrol an antioxidant found in red wine is beneficial to your health however if you have other health issues like digestion.htmlpoor gut function, low energy, sleep issues and more, alcohol will likely have negative impacts and could make your health issues worse. One can absolutely gather the benefits of resveratrol by eating organic grapes with the skin on, rather than drinking wine, without negatively affecting other health issues - but that doesn't make for sexy headlines!


Whenever you’re confused about a health issue, the best approach is to consider it from a sample study of one: yourself. That means talking to a healthcare provider about your own personal history and choices and your current health concerns. We can help you sort through all of the information you face every day and figure out what’s best for your unique body, in fact we are experts in doing just that!  

Book your complimentary Health Discovery Consult to discuss YOUR unique health goals.
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References

  1. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(18)30022-7/fulltext
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2874911/
  3. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)31310-2/fulltext

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Dr. Keila Roesner, BHSc ND

Your Health & Wellness Cheerleader
0 Comments

Are you Estrogen Dominant? Here's What to Do Next.

11/4/2018

5 Comments

 
Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen – it’s not a dirty word.

Estrogen plays an important role through the course of our reproductive lives and beyond. It regulates our menstrual cycle, strengthens our bones, controls our cholesterol, and much more. When our estrogen levels go “out of tune” we experience PMS or menopausal symptoms. But even before menopause, varying levels of this vital hormone can wreak havoc. That’s because estrogen requires a delicate balance with other hormones. When that balance is disturbed, we can experience a wide range of frustrating symptoms.

This hormonal imbalance often occurs during a particularly busy time of our lives, the period from about age 25 through to menopause. As a result, our practice sees many women who are dealing with unexplained weight gain, mood swings, and libido problems. But there is help available. A few simple steps can help you restore balanced estrogen levels and feel like yourself again.

How Do You Know if You Have Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance can impact many areas of our lives, with symptoms that range from subtle shifts to major disruptions in wellbeing. Many women in this age group assume these issues are a normal part of aging or a consequence of their busy schedules. Just because it is common, does NOT make it a healthy normal!

Even a slight imbalance in hormone levels can lead to a number of problems.
Symptoms can vary greatly by person, but often include:

  • Depression
  • Brain fog
  • Memory troubles
  • Insomnia and restlessness
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Headaches
  • Foggy brain
  • Water retention (sock lines, puffy fingers and wrists) and bloating
  • Increased weight, especially in the belly, hip and bum area
  • Heavier periods
  • More severe PMS
  • Irregular menstrual cycle
  • Fibrocystic and painful breasts
  • Uterine fibroids
  • An increase in fatigue
  • Loss of libido

Does that list look familiar? I see many women in my practice each month with complaints like these. I totally understand how frustrating they can be, especially when you’re unable to find effective treatment. And, of course, the complex relationship between estrogen and our emotions can only magnify the frustration. Who wants to feel irritated about feeling irritable?

It’s not only women who can experience estrogen dominance. You may be surprised to know that men can suffer an excess of estrogen as well. In men, estrogen dominance can manifest a bit differently, with some of these symptoms being common:
  • Enlarged breasts (Man boobs)
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Infertility
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Midsection fat

What Causes Estrogen Dominance?

To understand estrogen dominance, we have to consider the role of another important hormone, progesterone. Progesterone and estrogen maintain an often tricky seesaw in our bodies. Prior to menopause, the balance shifts at different stages of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen dominance isn’t necessarily a surge of estrogen, but an imbalance in that seesaw. Simply put, estrogen dominance happens when the seesaw tips to one side because there is not enough progesterone to balance out the estrogen. There’s actually no “set” number we can measure that proves an estrogen dominance diagnosis. It’s the overall hormonal profile that is important – the DUTCH test is an extremely valuable tool that I use regularly for assessing this balance.

How does estrogen become dominant? A key factor is the timing. Or, to be more specific, the time of our lives. Consider a normal menstrual cycle during our reproductive years: After we ovulate mid-cycle, our bodies produce progesterone to balance out estrogen.

But as we near menopause, we often have some menstrual cycles when we do not ovulate. As a result, there is not enough progesterone to balance out the estrogen. Enter estrogen dominance -- and its long list of possible symptoms.

To a certain extent, estrogen dominance is a natural part of our aging process. However, recent years have seen a rise in estrogen-dominance complaints, and our busy lifestyle may be a big factor. Environmental and behavior issues can increase estrogen levels, tipping the seesaw even further. What’s to blame? Take a look at this list.

  1. Chronic stress will throw off your hormonal balance, often resulting in excess estrogen. In times of stress, your body produces too much cortisol. Cortisol negatively affects progesterone production, so the result is a shortage of progesterone to balance the body’s estrogen [check out my Calm the F*** Down Self Care Guide here].
  2. Environmental sources of estrogen in our environment, particularly with regard to plastics and pesticides can negatively affect hormone levels.
  3. Excess body fat can increase estrogen levels, since fat cells produce estrogen. Of course, this creates a frustrating cycle for some women, as the fatigue associated with estrogen dominance makes it difficult to lose weight. In men, this excess body fat can convert their testosterone to estrogen... leading to “man boobs”.
  4. When we’re not getting enough sleep, our melatonin levels decrease. And melatonin helps regulate estrogen levels. In other words, if we don’t have enough melatonin to keep estrogen in check, we can end up in a cycle of sleep trouble.
  5. Hormone replacement therapy that doesn’t take all hormones into account and doesn’t treat with customized dosing, can inadvertently create estrogen dominance. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement therapy, when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, however, can be a powerful option.

How Can You Restore Hormone Levels?

Our practice can work with you to re-balance your hormonal havoc. Starting with an accurate diagnosis, we can create a lifestyle plan that works for you. As a starting point, these changes are recommended:
  1. Decrease stress. I realize this is easier said than done! But an estrogen-dominant diagnosis might be the wake-up call you need to take a step back and assess your stress levels. Are you doing too much?
  2. Choose your health and beauty products wisely. Xenoestrogens have a similar molecular structure to estrogen. Bisphenol A (BPA), which is often used in plastics, is an example of an xenoestrogen. When these substances enter our bodies, our system reacts as if they are actual estrogen. Some simple steps, such as avoiding plastic food storage containers and products with artificial scents, can help reduce your exposure to xenoestrogens.
  3. Get moving. Exercise will relieve stress levels and could help reduce body fat. Strength training and yoga are great activities.
  4. Get enough sleep. We know - you’re busy. But sleep will help restore your melatonin levels and, subsequently, your estrogen balance. Check out this article for more on improving your sleep quality.
  5. Increase your intake of fiber. Insoluble fiber can bind with estrogen in our digestive tract. Ground flax is another great option. As a result, excess estrogen is eliminated with a high-fiber diet.
  6. Go organic. Many pesticides have been identified as estrogen disruptors. That means they disturb the natural balance of estrogen. Research is still being done in this area, but the connection is becoming clear. Plus, organic food is delicious!

Do you think you might have a hormonal imbalance?

Do the estrogen dominance symptoms sound a bit too familiar? Please contact
our clinic and we’ll get to the bottom of what’s going on and create a plan of action to bring your body back to good health.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC313802
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10188197
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15276966
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11602005
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12644393

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Dr. Keila Roesner, BHSc ND

Your Health & Wellness Cheerleader

5 Comments

Is PMS ever normal?

8/26/2017

0 Comments

 
PictureIs PMS ever normal?
I had a new patient come into my office this week. A lovely, sweet young woman, she was concerned about her fertility and hormone health because since coming off the Pill, she felt "like a crazy person" 3 weeks of the month. She sat in my office and said "It's not enough. It's not fair that I only get one good week a month. What am I doing wrong?"

She is right. So many women believe they have to put up with their periods. The cramps, the mood swings, the bloating (although in my books, you NEVER need an excuse to wear comfy pants!), the crappy libido... we're often told that we just need to suck it up.

If we're expecting to have an average of 450 menstrual cycles throughout our lifetime (minus pregnancies) it is simply not enough to put up with feeling awful.

The first step is information. Our sex-ed classes often focus so much on STI and pregnancy prevention (thankfully that's changing) and dry biology lessons that fail to teach young girls how to read their body's clues.

Here's what IS normal:
  • a 25-33 ish day menstrual cycle - this will vary woman to woman but should be fairly consistent for each woman
  • Day 1: your period starts, followed by 3-7 days of bleeding, bright red blood that is about the consistency of jello that has not been set. Free from clots or other funky features.
    • Feeling perhaps a little tired Day 1-3 of your period, but NO cramps, headaches or digestive issues
    • A surge of energy towards the end of your period
  • Day 7-10 ish Follicular Phase: your body's priority is producing an egg, along with estrogen, and luteinizing hormone (LH) 
    • Cervical mucous  that is dry and crumbly for a few days 
    • An increase in libido mid-cycle (around Day 10-16)
  • Day 13-17 ish: Ovulation, signified by a "twinge" in your lower abdomen (or not) aka "Middleschmirtz"
    • This should coincide with stretchy white or clear cervical mucous for a few days.
    • Progesterone will cause an increase in your basal body temperature (waking morning temperature) and may make you feel slightly warmer
    • libido is often highest at this point in the cucle
  • Day 16-25 ish Luteal Phase: your body's priority is building up the uterine lining in response to ovulation, along with increasing levels of progesterone that help you feel calm, rested and nurturing. You may feel an urge to nest, stay home in the second half of your cycle 
    • lotion-y, followed by dry or crumbly cervical mucous for a few days
    • free from mood swings, breast tenderness, cramps, constipation, insomnia
  • Day 28-28 ish Premenstrual Phase: your body's progesterone levels will drop, contributing to (slight) moodiness, changes to digestion (constipation or looser stool) and a drop in basal body temperature
    • if cramping is experienced, it should be VERY mild and start a few hours BEFORE your period. 


Hormonal imbalances like low thyroid function, anxiety (YES, this can be caused by hormones!), heavy periods... or periods that have gone MIA or are ridiculously painful, infertility and mood swings from hell are NEVER normal.

These things are common, but certainly not normal. A healthy woman that eats well, exercises the right amount for her body, gets enough rest (this is NOT just Netflix time), quality sleep and generally takes care of her body should not be experiencing these things. And she knows it.

Masking it with medication is not the answer. Nor is powering through it for yet another awful cycle, or being told that she's crazy for asking questions about her ahead or being irrational or a hypochondriac.

The answer is HONESTY. Has "everything" really and truly been tried? Consistently tried? For how long? If she is still drinking coffee like a Gilmore Girl or wine like a leading lady on Sex & The City, staying up too late or pretending that everything is OK because she's on the Pill "to regulate" per periods we're not being honest.

Honesty with your health care provider should look like open communication, a commitment to lifestyle and dietary factors FIRST and if things are not improving, looking at the right tests. Looking outside the box where necessary. Consistent follow up and frank discussions about what is normal, what isn't. A completely personalized approach to fit YOUR needs.

Coming from a 15+ year personal history of hormonal issues that resulted in so many missed periods, crazy hair loss, weight gain and terrible acne, I WISHED a physician back then would have taken this approach with me. Not that anyone was negligent... far from it. Most just didn't have the right tools.

This same progressive approach that I take with women every. single. day. in my practice. The person-centred, I-actually-give-a-damn-about-you approach that helps you get back your cycle, get pregnant, age with grace, keep your sex drive and grow into the (boss) lady you are meant to be... it WORKS.

If you are experiencing anything else, you may have a subtle.. or more obvious.. hormone imbalance. Your period should NOT be a nightmare. 

Let me help. Set up a complimentary Health Discovery Session with me.

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I love this video. Keep in mind that many of the symptoms we consider "normal" like bloating, acne and moodiness CAN be modified with an individualized Naturopathic plan to keep you feeling at the top of your game.
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The Thyroid, Menopause & Stress Connection: what's the deal?

8/26/2017

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​Menopause and thyroid dysfunction: one is inevitable for women (if we are lucky to live that long) while the other is common. Both affect millions of women every year.

The thyroid gland, which sits low in the neck, is considered one of the master hormone glands in the body and affects everything from our metabolism, cardiovascular function, the immune system, digestive health, mood and our body’s stress response. The thyroid especially affects our sex hormones.

Menopause typically occurs for most women in their late 40s to early/mid 50s but can also be surgically or medication induced and involves dramatic changes to our sex hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, and cortisol. As these fluctuate many women start to experience symptoms that we commonly associate with menopause: mood swings, hot flashes, irregular or heavy menses, vaginal dryness and changes in hair and skin. Because these symptoms frequently occur, it is easy to confuse “common” with “normal” and chalk it all up the change. Not so fast.

The thyroid gland acts like the thermostat of the body and is particularly vulnerable under times of stress. Major stressors like giving birth and being post-partum, being a student, mid-life, post-illness or surgery often coincide with major hormonal transitions like pregnancy, puberty, and menopause. When our body is under stress our thyroid gland kicks in to either rev us up or slow us down if we are in danger of burning out. Living a fast-paced life, many of us become susceptible to both sex hormone imbalances and thyroid disturbances.

​If our sex hormones are imbalanced, our thyroid function will be affected and vise versa. For example, depression, weight gain (particularly around the middle), scalp hair loss, body hair growth, menstrual irregularities, poor concentration, osteoporosis, fatigue, insomnia and low libido are common to both hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) and menopause.

Since these patterns tend to be related to stress, it’s crucial to practice stress-reduction techniques and self-care (check out my Calm the F Down Self Care guide here), exercise and eat healthily. More importantly, however, we must determine the cause of these symptoms: poor thyroid function? Sex hormone imbalance? Both? Rather than spending time chasing your tail and taking unnecessary medications, it makes much more sense to determine the root cause of your symptoms.

Getting a proper assessment is critical in establishing YOUR best course of action. In particular, I find the DUTCH Hormone test and a complete thyroid panel especially helpful. You may also want to look into these other tests for fatigue and hormonal imbalance. Often bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be a game-changer for women throughout the peri-menopausal years and beyond to help restore quality sleep, balance moods and reduce heavy bleeding.

Thyroid and hormone imbalances are common and can be improved when working with a Naturopathic Doctor as part of an individualized treatment plan to age gracefully with plenty of energy as you enter this exciting time of life.

Sound like you? Have questions about your thyroid or hormones? Book a complimentary Health Discovery Session with me to chat more about your options.

In health,

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7 Steps for Optimizing Your Vitamin D and Enjoying the Sun (safely)

6/28/2017

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Picture7 Steps for Optimizing Your Vitamin D and Enjoying the Sun (safely). Keila Roesner ND.
​I was on away on a girls’ weekend recently. A gorgeous sunny day exploring Niagara wine country (this ND enjoys a glass of wine too!), laughing our butts off and trying not to fall off our bikes. It was a perfect opportunity to work on my “base tan” for the year.

As a fair-skinned gal of Irish descent… I’m prone to grow freckles and get very very pink. Unlike my husband who gets a gorgeous tan every year, I have to be careful. But I certainly don’t avoid the sun. Ever.

But wait, isn’t the sun the root of all evil? Skin cancer, melanoma and awful peeling skin? If the sun going to kill me… how come my ancestors survived?


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The link here is Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is an essential hormone and we are designed to get lots of it by being outside in the sun, moving around outdoors and enjoying the world around us. The challenge is that many of us spend our days inside working avoiding the sun between 10-2 pm, wearing sunscreen with a high SPF every day under our makeup and long light layers we can become very deficient.

This is a big deal.

Vitamin D is critical for our immune system. Many of us know about Vitamin D for bone health - Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphorus absorption and excretion in the body. This is why many products are fortified with a synthetic version.

Run of the mill health issues like coughs, colds, allergies, flus and other common issues are related to low Vitamin D levels that compromise our immune function. Vitamin D also keeps our immune system communicating so that we reduce our risk of more serious issues like Type 2 Diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, cancers and other autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Low Vitamin D is also related to thyroid disease, mental health issues and hormone health. Adequate vitamin D is essential for digestive health as well, and when we are deficient we get leaky gut.

When we lack Vitamin D our immune system loses touch with itself and we are more likely to get sick.

Who is at risk?
  • Indoor workers and kids spending the best part of the day out of the sun
  • Older adults, who are less efficiently able to generate Vitamin D ​
  • Darker skinned individuals
    • The melanin in dark skin actively blocks Vitamin D conversion in the skin, so the darker your tan, the less efficiently you will be able to absorb Vitamin D. Lighter skinned people and babies absorb much more efficiently. ​
  • Canadians (the geography effect).
    • We are only able to effectively absorb it from May-October in Southern Ontario
    • This is related to the angle of UVB light coming from the sun. Sunny winter days offer no opportunity for vitamin D.
    • A good rule of thumb is if your shadow is longer than you are tall, you’re not making much vitamin D. 
  • Breastfed infants (sometimes)
    • Formula is supplemented with vitamin D so it is thought that breastfed babies are at higher risk of deficiency
    • Mother’s vitamin D status during pregnancy will affect baby’s levels. Mother’s that have excellent vitamin D status and who breastfeed their babies have babies with vitamin D levels similar to that of infants that are supplementing with Vitamin D  
  • Concealing clothing, particularly UV blocking, all the time
    • Long layers can be very helpful, however, once you’ve been outside in the sun to help prevent a burn  
  • Digestive issues eg. Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth (SIBO)
    • 25-OH Vitamin D levels tend to be lower in people with digestive conditions, as Vitamin D helps maintain tight junctions within the intestines. With lower levels suggesting immune compromise, these junction become “leaky” and food sensitivities, inflammation and immune activation result  
  • Magnesium deficiency
    • Nutrients rarely act in isolation. If magnesium is low, vitamin D absorption is impaired. If Vitamin D levels are low, calcium is not well absorbed either.


Where can you get it?
  • Sun – our best source
  • Fatty fish, like canned salmon with bones
  • Egg yolk
  • Mushrooms
  • Beef liver
  • Fortified foods like dairy, and non-dairy alternatives like almond milk
  • *Supplements
 
 
Next Steps:
  1. Test your vitamin D (25-OH) to get a baseline
    • Naturopathic Doctors and family doctors can test, however, OHIP doesn’t cover testing, unless you have osteoporosis. It costs about $36 in Ontario to test blood 25-OH Vitamin D
    • Your levels should ideally be around 100-200 nmol/L. Even lower levels within the normal reference range can put you at increased risk for other health conditions
  2. ​​Get daily sun, outside in nature.
    1. If you can’t get outside, at least sit near a window
    2. Daily sun time for 10-15 minutes with maximal skin exposure, or roughly half the time it would take you to burn
  3. Take a vacation somewhere sunny in the winter
    1. ​Travelling somewhere hot and sunny in the winter months can be helpful, as Vitamin D has a half-life of 2-4 weeks (ie. Your trip to sunny Cancun will help elevate your Vitamin D levels for 4-8 weeks afterwards) 
  4. Track exposure via DMinder, a great free app
    1. Can track blood levels of Vitamin D, skin tone, sun exposure and supplement intake so that you know how much vitamin D you are absorbing each "sun session"
    2. I love this option because you also get burn warnings and sunscreen reminders and notifications for your best sun opportunities where you live
  5. Be sun smart
    • Know your tolerance.
    • Use shade and wear long layers AFTER you've been out in the sun ie. before you start to burn.
  6. ​​Sunscreen should be your LAST line of defense, not your only one!
    1. Use a good quality natural sunscreen that you like using natural blocking ingredients like zinc or titanium oxide.
      1. I like Goddess Garden for beach time, and Cocoon Apothecary Reflector for my face
    2. Avoid sweat-proof, dry touch sunscreens that disrupt hormones, containing ingredients like oxybenzene, retinyl palmitate
      1. High SPF sunscreens do not offer substantially increased protection
    3. Reapply every 1-2 hours and after sweating and swimming
    4. Do your reseach. Check out the Skin Deep Cosmetic Database – a research-driven review of personal care products – publishes an annual sunscreen guide. Check it out to see how yours stack up.
  7. If you choose to supplement KNOW your baseline levels
    1. Vitamin D over 1000 IU per day is a prescription in Ontario and self-prescribing is NOT recommended
    2. Work with a licensed health care provider to help determine your ideal levels based on your blood levels and your lifestyle.
 
Vitamin D keeps your brain sharp, skin glowing, immune system humming along and is an essential part of your life. Practice safe sun, but don't fear it!

Keep on the sunny side,


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​
Resources:
  1. The Vitamin D Council
  2. Skin Deep Cosmetic Database Sun Guides
  3. DMinder for Android and Apple
On Vitamin D supplementation in food: http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/80/6/1710S.full
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The most important tests to run if you have fatigue

6/14/2017

1 Comment

 
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  • ​Fatigue is more than feeling groggy because you stayed up too late watching Netflix and missed your morning coffee.
 
It is a persistent ache-in-your-bones feeling, like walking through mud every day and struggling to do the little things. It is the disorientation of not feeling like yourself for the past few weeks, months or years. It clouds your brain, steals your sense of humour and weighs heavily on your relationships. And then there’s the guilt and self-judgement about why you just can’t seem to get it together.
 
One of the biggest struggles that people with persistent fatigue face is that outwardly they look normal. Coworkers, friends and families may offer “helpful” suggestions about being more organized or going to bed earlier (a great point, but not THE point) or completely fail to understand. Even physicians may struggle to help once the basic blood work comes back “normal”.
 
Lifestyle factors can and do play a massive role, so it is critical to ensure that you are getting enough good quality sleep, eating well, exercising, managing stress and taking good care of yourself. Working with a therapist, registered massage therapist, personal trainer and your health team can be helpful to make sure you’re covering your bases.
 
If you are already addressing these areas and still feel like something is missing, Naturopathic Medicine can be a great solution. The next step is digging deeper and doing a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fatigue and how these factors might be affecting your overall health.
 
Here are some of the most important lab tests that we run to assess the fatigue you’re experiencing.

Ferritin and iron panel – ferritin, % saturation, serum iron and total iron binding
  • Iron is essential as it is required to help our body transport oxygen. Adequate levels are critical for optimal thyroid function. Ferritin is a measurement of stored iron and so can be very useful in seeing what’s in the bank. If you are also dealing with inflammation ferritin becomes less reliable as it will artificially inflate. Running a full iron panel can be helpful to discern whether the issue is actually low iron or inflammation.

Vitamin B12
  • Low vitamin B12 levels are associated with fatigue, anxiety, depression and other mood disorders as well as neurological sensations like pins and needles. B12 deficiency can be caused by acid blocking medications like proton-pump inhibitors and antacids.

Thyroid Panel – a full panel includes TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3 and anti-TPO
  • The thyroid sets the pace for every cell in your body aka your metabolism. If this rate is slowed down, everything is going to feel harder and you will most likely feel fatigued, have brain fog, weight issues as well as many other issues. This is one of the most under-diagnosed and poorly managed areas I see in practice. Getting the FULL panel is critical and the only way to give us the full picture.

DUTCH Hormone Test
  • This is the most comprehensive hormonal evaluation available and gives a big picture view of how your hormones are working. One of the more common imbalances we see is either very high or low cortisol. This can greatly contribute to fatigue, as well as anxiety, insomnia and is a harbinger for other chronic health conditions. Your sex hormones progesterone, estrogen, testosterone and DHEA also play an important role in keeping you going and even small imbalances here can wreak havoc on your energy and mood.

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Markers – hs-CRP, ESR, ANA, rheumatoid factor, tissue transglutaminase IgG and/or IgA
  • Low grade inflammation and undiagnosed autoimmunity as in Celiac disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis as well as chronic pain take a lot of your body’s energy to keep under control. Sometimes fatigue is main presenting sign of autoimmune disease. These markers can also serve as a useful baseline to track your treatment progress.

Organic Acids Test
  • The Organic Acids test gives us an intricate overview of how your body is physically making energy, if there are any bacterial and/yeast overgrowth concerns, and if you are deficient in some of the major nutrients required to keep your body functioning properly. I highly recommend this test for anyone that has been experiencing chronic fatigue, mood disorders, autism, ADHD and chronic pain.
 
Other factors to consider:

 
You know yourself best.
If you feel that something is off, you are probably right. It is better to know where you stand and choose to work with a health care provider that can offer you the evaluations you need to get to the bottom of things.
 
A thorough investigation is important, but it is even more important to have a plan in place to address what you find.
 
Diet and lifestyle factors like how you eat, how you move, how you sleep and managing your stress will ALWAYS need to be a part of any treatment plan you undertake. It can be easy to get caught up in a complicated regimine of supplements and medications, but focusing on a strong foundation is what really determines your outcome.
 
If you have “tried everything”, have you been consistent enough? Being fatigued IS exhausting and it is only natural to get excited about the next newest thing… but nothing will work if you don’t give it a fair shot.
 
You need a team. The support of a partner or friend or online community can make a world of difference when you are suffering from an invisible illness. Work together with your health care providers to get the right assessments and guidance to help you recover. If you feel unsupported, unheard or like you are bothering your provider, find another professional to work with that will take your concerns seriously.
 
Working with a Naturopathic Doctor to address the causes of chronic fatigue can be invaluable to your recovery by helping you systematically address each of the areas above and make a concrete plan based on YOU.

If this sounds like you, I invite you to schedule a complimentary Health Discovery session with me to talk more about your specific concerns. ​ Please share this article with someone you know that is suffering.
In health,
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Click here for more information regarding the tests and services we offer.

References:
  1. Valuck RJ, MJ Ruscin. A case-control study on adverse effects: H2 blocker or proton pump inhibitor use and risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. Volume 57, Issue 4, April 2004, Pages 422-428 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0895435603003834
  2. https://dutchtest.com/
  3. https://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/organic-acids-test/
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Self-Care: the "luxury" you can't afford to be without

5/1/2015

3 Comments

 
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This week a regular patient of mine and I were chatting and she said: "But Keila, I don't have time to exercise, and take my vitamins, meditate, walk, stretch, journal or any of that stuff!".

This also wasn't the first time I'd heard this phrase. Often, it's me saying it in my own head.

Maybe you've got stuck in the "Busy" trap. It sounds something like, "So, what've you been up to?" "I've just been soo busy!". Newsflash: We're all busy! We're all stressed!

This bouncing around from one activity to the next is exhausting. We end up eating on the run, not exercising, becoming sleep deprived and getting short with our loved ones.

It is no big secret that stress is associated with insomnia, anxiety, depression, heart disease and even periodontal disease. Yet, we become addicted to that feeling of being indispensable, needed and useful.

While the notion of "self-care" may seem self-indulgent to some, really, it's a lifeline. Creating a plan for self care is really about creating practices that benefit your well-being, be it socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically, mentally or financially.

Taking time out for yourself allows you to show up more effectively, confidently and rested in the rest of your life. It's about self-preservation.

I like to break down self care into three parts:
1. Physical. This should include some daily movement, regular visits with your health care providers, healthy balanced meals, water, plenty of sleep.
2. Mental. Getting things off your chest via talking to someone, journaling, creating a plan.
3. Emotional. Spending time alone to process, as well as being social. Finding an outlet for our emotions that is constructive.

I often recommend that my patients create a list of activities that they can do to take care of themselves, from each of these categories.. and then schedule some Non-Negotiable Time with themselves to do some of them on a regular basis. Scheduling is key. Treat it like any other commitment and show up on time.

Here are some basics to get you started:
1. Take a 30 minute walk outside, alone or with a friend
2. Turn off the TV, phone and computer
3. Take yourself out for lunch or a coffee
4. Read a book for fun
5. Work out
6. Yoga
7. Call up a friend to catch up
8. Prioritize sleep. Set a regular bedtime and waking time.
9. Spend less time with people that drain you
10. Take a class, join a choir or a team

If we can't set aside time for self-care, then we really have to look at our priorities. What can we delegate, or let go of? Really, if we can't care for ourselves, what's the point?

The question isn't about not having the time or being able to afford to take care of ourselves. It's about using the precious time we have because we can't afford not to take care of ourselves.

Naturopathic Medicine is really all about self care. As a physician, I teach people how to take good care of their bodies and minds, whether it is improving their diet, getting good quality sleep or acting as a sounding board. In many cases, a combination of herbs, supplements and acupuncture can do wonders for that sense of burnout. That same feeling that can drive us towards disease. The bottom line: can you afford to feel sick, tired, and burnt out? I know I can't.

If you are interested in improving your energy, getting a good night's sleep and feeling better, you can schedule a free health strategy session with me here.

In health,
Dr. Keila

Grab your FREE copy of my Calm the F Down Self Care Guide here.
​

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The Best Thing I Ever Did for My Health.

10/7/2014

6 Comments

 
PictureMy cat, hiding from me.
I got home at 6:30pm, after a long day of work. Angry. 
Hungry angry. 
Hangry. 

Even my cat was avoiding me. 

I went straight to the peanut butter jar, dug out the chocolate chips and went to town with my favorite sugar + fat snack. There was no way I could wait to make dinner. I needed a fix.

It's hard to be graceful eating peanut butter out of the jar. 

I'm human, I fully admit it. My eating habits had a long way to go when I first started University, starry-eyed and bound for medical school. Over the first two years, I gained 15 lbs, started losing handfuls of hair, got easily overwhelmed and developed terrible sleeping habits. It was a rough go.

By the time I started my Naturopathic medical training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine I had started making some very significant changes to diet. The biggest changes were cutting out processed crap (like the yellow powdered chicken broth that was previously a staple in my cooking), limiting wheat and increasing fat in my diet.

Two years ago, however, I really hit the nail on the head. A colleague of mine, Dr. Erica Robinson, had been a big proponent of the Paleolithic Diet for quite sometime and it got me thinking. 

The Paleo Diet

The Paleolithic Diet is based whole foods - lot of vegetables, a modest amount of fruit, lots of healthy fats and high quality protein - and is meant to simulate the way our ancient human ancestors during the Paleolithic era might have ate. At the same time, this style of eating limits ALL grains, beans and legumes, dairy, sugars, processed foods and alcohol. 

I know, it does sound drastic at first. Why would you do this to yourself??? 

We, as a species, have evolved over several hundred thousand years eating a certain way - foraging lots of greens, fruits, edible tubers, nuts and seeds, and when we could find it, meat including the higher fat organ meats. We moved a lot more, slept when the sun went down and had a heck of a lot more downtime to rest and play than we do today. It wasn't until the Neolithic era when agriculture really caught on that we started to settle down and dramatically increased the amount of grains and legumes in our diet. We stayed in one place, had a steady diet of grains, legumes and beans in addition to what those ancient ancestors ate. We had food security. 

Yes, that did happen thousands of years ago, however even that amount of time is only a small blip compared to the many years of eating in the hunter-gatherer style. 

The argument is that we are genetically evolved to be eating in this ancient, Paleolithic style, and our genetics are still playing a losing game of catch-up to our agriculture loving ancestor's grain and bean-based diet. 

Our DNA has no hope in hell to catch up with our modern diet full of genetically engineered wheat, corn, soy, processed fats, sodium, alcohol, antibiotic-laden dairy and other "food products". 

The Standard American Diet (SAD, for short) is forcing us to fight a bloody, uphill battle against our genetics... and it is one that we can't win. Numerous scientific studies have detailed that the SAD diet full of convenience but absolutely lacking nourishment are direct contributors to heart disease, diabetes, strokes, obesity and cancers amoung MANY other concerns. Yep, these are our biggest killers and we keep getting sicker, fatter, tired, depressed and miserable.

So what did this peanut butter-loving Naturopath (to be) do? 

I read a LOT of books, including these:
The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram Your Genes for Effortless Weight Loss, Vibrant Health, and Boundless Energy by Mark Sisson
Paleoista: Gain Energy, Get Lean, and Feel Fabulous With the Diet You Were Born to Eat by Nell Stephenson
The Paleo Solution: The Original Human Diet by Robb Wolf
Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo
Make It Paleo: Over 200 Grain Free Recipes for Any Occasion - Bill Staley and Hayley Mason
Well Fed: Paleo Recipes for People Who Love to Eat by Melissa Joulwan

Dr. Loren Cordain's work

and these blogs:
Mark's Daily Apple
NomNomPaleo
Paleo OMG
The Clothes Make the Girl

I got rid of the grains, the sugar, beans, cut out dairy and threw out anything my great-great-great (x50) grandmother would not recognize as food.

I increased the amount of produce I ate, set a limit of max 2 servings of fruit, dramatically increased the healthy fats, had high quality protein with each meal and got to work cooking. I seriously upped the quality of nutrition in my already "healthy" diet. I began to walk everywhere, made yoga a part of my day and allowed myself time to relax.

I lost the 15 pounds of stress fat I put on through university and med school. I completely cured my insomnia. My acne cleared. My periods got more regular. I stopped losing handfuls of hair. I got used to saying "No thank you" to well-meaning friends and relatives offering me foods that made me feel ill. I felt truly empowered, knowing that I choose to take my health in my hands every day, that there are answers and that feeling ill did not have to be a given. 

And I was a heck of a lot more pleasant to be around.

Are you interested? 

Book your free health consultation with me
to start living the healthy life you know you deserve.

“The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.” - Anne Wigmore
Anne, you are right. I choose medicine. Awesome, tasty medicine. Check out how we do it! - Dr. Keila (no makeup Sunday) Xo
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    Dr. Keila Roesner is a Naturopathic Doctor. When not treating patients she is also an enthusiastic barefoot-strolling, music-loving, yoga-doing kitchen wiz - who also happens to be a wrestling fan.

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​Dr. Keila Roesner, BHSc ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Hormone Warrior and Your Wellness Cheerleader


247 Church Street, Stratford ON N5A 2R7
(519) 273-0900
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