The research is clear: there really are foods that can hinder your chances of getting pregnant. The Nurses’ Health Study followed thousands of women, including a sub-group who had difficulty with their fertility – in particular, problems with ovulation. Women who had problems with ovulation resulting in a harder time getting pregnant consumed certain foods more often. These anti-fertility foods are the focus of this post. Why Does Food Affect Fertility? Put simply, the food you eat literally becomes your body as old cells die and are replaced by new cells. Your diet also provides nutrients that nurture your body, including creating the environment of your reproductive system which fosters and matures your eggs. (Similarly, food quality and nutrient intake has … Read More
Why a Raw Diet May NOT Be Good for You
One of the questions I receive most often from folks doing cleanses is: “Why am I still bloated?” This week, my Fresh Cleanse group is heading into Phase 3 of our 21-Day program. If you’re doing a cleanse, and you’re well into it and still dealing with gas, bloating, indigestion or belching, let’s solve this here and now! It’s quite likely that you need to emphasize less raw, cold food and more warm, cooked food. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we recognize that it takes more energy from the body to digest food when it comes in cold and raw. The digestive system is seen like a fire that needs to be fuelled in order to keep breaking down and dispersing all those … Read More
Fertility Boosters: Go Beyond Your Basic Prenatal With These 3 Nutrients
One of the questions I’m asked most about is supplements for fertility. As a naturopathic doctor, creating treatment plans including clinical nutrition plans, supplements and herbs is an individualized discussion based on your symptoms, history, diet and blood work. My oath as a doctor includes the responsibility to teach the principles of healthy living. I take this further in my work with patients and clients because I want to teach you enough to help you empower yourself in your own health journey – including with your fertility. This is because I recognize the healing potential in you, and I know that evidence-based natural medicine along with your daily self-care and the work that you do on your mindset is what … Read More
Can Hallowe’en Be Fun AND Healthy?
Boo! This time of year, parents of kids with foods sensitivities have more to be frightened of than the ghouls and goblins haunting their neighbourhoods. I got a scare myself when I heard on a CBC news report that our American neighbours spend over $4 billion on Hallowe’en candy every year – that’s more than they spend on costumes and decorations! That’s the annual GDP of Prince Edward Island (our country’s smallest province, but still – all the money generated by an entire province in a year!) Considering that candy is dirt-cheap, that’s one creepy, very expensive mountain of high-fructose corn syrup and plastic packaging. We can’t be too proud up here in Canada as we celebrate Hallowe’en in exactly the … Read More
#1 Superfood: Matcha, The Refresher
Continued from #2 Superfood: Gelatin, The Youthmaker Matcha: The Refresher Matcha is a powder made from grinding green tea leaves with a stone mill. It is rich in epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (EGCG), a high-potency antioxidant that promotes weight loss, liver health and reverses the process of aging. Green tea is an effective natural antiviral medicine and has been shown to reduce the risk of infection with influenza and other viruses (Cherevaty 2012). Dr. Alaina’s Green Go-Getter Smoothie This refreshing, hydrating beverage is both awakening and calming due to the small amount of caffeine balanced by the relaxing theanine from the green tea matcha. Try it after a workout, when you’re craving an afternoon pick-me-up, or even when you’re convalescing after feeling … Read More
#2 Superfood: Gelatin, The Youthmaker
Gelatin: The Youthmaker The wiggly stuff behind “Jello”, gelatin is a fibrous protein made of amino acids, the building blocks of about a third of the protein in your body. It gives resiliency to our bones, ligaments, joints and muscles. It helps keep our skin wrinkle-free and our hair and nails healthy. Gelatin also heals the gut wall and improves digestion since it naturally binds to water and helps food move more easily. If you’re focusing on anti-aging, gelatin is a great source of collagen. Choose plain, unsweetened gelatin derived from grass-fed beef and use natural fruit and fruit juices to sweeten your gelatin-based treats. Gelatin “jellies” are a great way to serve medicinal herbs and teas to kids, such … Read More
#3 Superfood: Cacao, The Rejuvenator
Continued from #4 Superfood: Flax, The Regulator Cacao: The Rejuvenator Raw cacao is one of the most nutrient-dense foods out there. It’s rich in antioxidants, iron and magnesium. In fact, many women who crave chocolate are actually needing the magnesium that’s found in chocolate – but only if it’s made from raw cacao (not Dutch- or alkali-processed), and the key mineral that gives raw chocolate its relaxation-promoting qualities. Raw cacao is also energizing because of the antioxidants and caffeine naturally present in this “Food of the Gods”. Try using raw cacao powder in your recipes that call for cocoa powder, and blend raw cacao nibs into smoothies using a high-powered blender for a delicious rich flavour. I created these two … Read More