Fibromyalgia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are two conditions that, on the surface, might seem unrelated – one primarily causes pain sensation in the muscles and soft tissues, while the other targets the digestive system. However, a closer examination reveals a surprising link between the two, shedding light on the complexities of how our bodies can react to chronic conditions.
Read MoreFibromyalgia can sound like a complex word, but it refers to a health condition that's more common than many people realize. In this blog post, we'll explore what fibromyalgia is, the types of symptoms it can cause, and how you can get support if you or someone you know is affected by it.
Read MoreIBS is far from a rare disorder. It's estimated that about 10-15% of the global population is affected by IBS, though the actual numbers may be higher due to underreporting. Despite the discomfort and inconvenience it can cause, IBS is still widely misunderstood and often not openly discussed, leading to feelings of isolation and embarrassment among those who suffer from it.
Read MorePMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and refers to an extreme collection of symptoms that occur in the 1-2 weeks leading up to our periods, making us feel like a different person. It is hard to imagine that our hormones can cause such extreme symptoms and changes in our personality. The reason this can happen is because PMDD is much more than a hormonal condition. It is actually a whole-body experience.
Read MoreImagine your body as a complex machine where every component must work perfectly. Methylation is one of those vital processes, akin to a set of on-off switches, that controls various functions within this machine. It involves the addition of a methyl group (a carbon atom linked to three hydrogen atoms) to different molecules in our bodies. This simple chemical modification can dramatically change how these molecules behave and interact, akin to a conductor in an orchestra ensuring every instrument plays its part at the right time.
Read MoreSmall Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) might sound complicated, but it's a condition we can easily understand with a simple analogy. Think of your small intestine as a garden. Just like a garden needs a balanced ecosystem to thrive, so does your small intestine. SIBO occurs when there are too many bacteria in this "garden," disrupting the delicate balance needed for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
Read MoreThe holiday season is over and the New Year is upon us. This is the time of year for new health resolutions. Some of you may be trying to find more time for exercise or maybe a little more time for yourself, and others may be looking for ways to restore their gut health. The holiday season is full of sweets and indulgent foods. Lots of foods that, while delicious, can have a huge impact on gut health. If you're looking for a few tips to get your gut back to baseline and reduce your bloating, here are a few things you can do:
Read MoreOne aspect that is frequently emphasized as a challenge during the holidays is food. While many people tend to feel stressed and overwhelmed by the food to consume, we want to take a step back and explore how we can promote mental and physical well-being when engaging with it during the holidays. Here are some ways we can approach holiday food to help us feel good instead of fostering fear, anxiety, and being overwhelmed.
Read MoreFall is here. The days are getting shorter (don't forget your vitamin D) and soon winter fatigue will begin to settle in. While life is getting more hectic and the holiday season is right around the corner, it's a good idea to start supporting your adrenals to keep lethargy at bay. So let's talk about the 3 most important compounds that feed the adrenal glands: Vitamin C, Magnesium, and B Vitamins.
Read MoreOne of the lesser-discussed aspects of breast surgery is the removal of one or several lymph nodes, which can have a profound effect on comfort, shoulder mobility, and the development of scar tissue in the surgical area. Lymphatic drainage massage and scar tissue work can be invaluable tools for recovery, helping to reduce complications and improve the overall quality of life post-surgery.
Read MoreThe connection between inflammation and cancer is complex, and like everything in the body, intertwined with a number of other health issues. The biggest concern when it comes to breast cancer is chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation results in a persistent change in the body that can start to damage DNA and result in the formation of abnormal cells. This persistent inflammatory state can damage your healthy cells and tissue, as well as weaken your immune system.
Read MoreWhile many women worry about hormones and their risk of breast cancer, drinking alcohol regularly can increase a woman’s breast cancer risk more than hormone replacement therapy or using the birth control pill. In fact, alcohol consumption is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors when it comes to breast cancer. Over 100 studies have been done looking at the impact of alcohol consumption on breast cancer risk in women and they have all consistently found an increased risk.
Read MoreWhile most people diagnosed with breast cancer will be over the age of 50, we’re seeing more women (and those assigned female at birth) receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer in their 40s, 30s, and even 20s. Instead of panicking, more than ever it’s important to be aware of your own breast health and your personal risk factors to be as proactive in a way that makes sense for you.
Read MoreDuring perimenopause and menopause, women experience physical and emotional changes, which can be overwhelming. These changes often trigger the "Fight or Flight" response. To counter these challenges and support the immune system, it is essential to foster a "rest and digest" mode. Lymphatic Massage Therapy is a holistic approach gaining recognition for its potential benefits in this phase.
Read MoreOne of the hardest years in my own recovery was when I stopped looking anorexic. It seemed like it happened overnight. One night I was okay – I was coasting. I was doing all the things - showing up, eating the food, in recovery and then suddenly something changed. I woke up and my whole body felt different.
Read MoreUnlike other addictions such as drug addiction or alcoholism, a person with an eating disorder cannot avoid the trigger of all of their mental and physical pain. They have to eat. No matter how much pain it causes them – they have to eat. So what do you do if you’re struggling?
Read More
