Early Cancer Testing You Should Know About

Part of being a health-conscious person is being aware of the early signs of cancer and taking advantage of cancer screening. Cancers caught early are often treatable. An estimated two in five Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and about one in four will die from cancer, making it the leading cause of death in Canada. Having a relationship with a doctor who can provide regular checkups, blood work, and cancer screening simply saves lives. But because fewer people in the Comox Valley have a family doctor, these non-urgent conversations happen less often. People without a family doctor often only use the walk-in clinics for urgent concerns and miss out on regular screening. And what woman wants to go to a stranger at a walk-in clinic for intimate exams? As a naturopathic physician, more of my patients are accessing my services for basic medical screening tests and exams and I’m glad they have options. Here I’ll remind you of the key symptoms you should watch for and tests you should do regularly to screen for cancer. 

Paying attention to changes in your body and not ignoring them is important. It’s better to have a symptom checked out and found to be normal than ignore it and have it progress into overt issues. Symptoms that warrant investigation include unexplained: fatigue or weight loss, persistent lymph node enlargement, persistent hoarseness or coughing, bladder changes, any vaginal bleeding after menopause, easy bleeding or bruising, difficulty swallowing, unusual lumps, digestive issues, night sweats, neurological symptoms, changes to moles, white areas in the mouth and more.

Regular testing offers the chance to pick up cancer before it becomes serious. For women, PAP smears test the cervix for abnormal cells that can be or become cervical cancer. Current guidelines are for women aged 25-69 to do a PAP smear every three years. MDs or NDs can offer this service. Only about 75% of eligible Canadian women are up to date on this important test. 

Mammograms save lives. Women can just call the Comox Valley North Island Hospital. They can use an MD or an ND as the doctor who receives the results. Since one in five cases of breast cancer is found in women under 50, I agree that women in their 40s should be screened every two years.

The FIT test is a simple stool test that picks up invisible blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colon cancer. About one in 17 Canadians will get colon cancer, so it makes sense to regularly screen for it. Your MD or ND can provide the requisition for this test.

Prostate cancer screening is controversial because the harms associated with testing for and treating prostate cancer can outweigh the benefits. That said, research shows that screening blood tests do save lives, especially for high-risk populations.

I regularly provide skin cancer checks as part of a yearly physical exam, especially a patient has light-coloured skin, eyes and hair, has many moles or freckles, or report having had several blistering sunburns as a child. MDs can refer patients to dermatologists or skin specialists for diligent tracking or treatment of suspicious spots. 

I also recommend an annual full basic blood work-up, physical exam and discussion of any health issues that may be cropping up. It’s not possible to do good cancer screening when patients can only bring up one symptom, since it is often the constellation of symptoms that provides the clues needed to suspect cancer. Plus we want to be discussing healthy lifestyle practices to increase the chances of living long and well.

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician who has practiced in downtown Courtenay since 1997. 250 897-0235 or www.getwellhere.com

Mediterranean Diet

February is not just for Valentine’s Day.  It is also Heart Month here in Canada.  With 2.6 million Canadians having a common type of heart disease, the question remains is there a role for diet in preventing heart disease.  The Mediterranean Diet is arguably the diet that gets us closest to that answer.  As a naturopathic doctor, a foundational conversation I have with most of my patients is one of what do we eat.

The Mediterranean Diet is almost certainly the most researched way of eating in the world.  It is based on patterns of eating habits observed in peoples living along the Mediterranean Sea, especially the European side.  Most of the research has focused on how healthy it is for heart and blood sugar health.

The Mediterranean diet is not a diet in the weight loss sense.  Rather, it is a way of eating focused on whole foods that are rich in nutrients.  Whole foods are those that are fresh or cooked but unprocessed.  Plant foods are the stars, rich in phytonutrients, foods like colourful fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts/seeds, and whole grains.  While typically lower in red meat, poultry and fish are both good sources of protein and some fish have heart-healthy omega 3’s.

 

Multiple studies show the Mediterranean Diet has benefits for heart health, blood sugar regulation, mood and mental health, autoimmune conditions, prostate concerns, and more…

 

Here are some tips and tricks to incorporate this way of eating into your everyday life

 

Everyday Meals should contain:

  • Protein source – Seafood, Poultry, Legumes (beans, lentils), Eggs, Cheese, Yogurt
  • Healthy Fats – Olive oil, Nuts, Seeds, Olives
  • Vegetables – All the colourful vegetables you like (salads, greens, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, broccoli…). For example, each meal you can aim to have a salad.
  • Whole Grains – Brown/Wild rice, Quinoa, Couscous, Barley, Farro, whole grain pasta
  • Herbs & Spices
 

Imagine your plate to be 50% Vegetables, 25% Protein, 25% Whole Grain, 1-2 Tbsp Healthy Fat

 

Weekly Meals:

  • Aim to have 3 servings of fish & 3 servings of lentils or beans weekly
  • Keep red meat to 2 servings a week
 

Try to Reduce:

  • Replace sugary sodas and juice with water
  • Replace sugary desserts with fresh fruit (save desserts for special occasions)
  • Moderate alcohol consumption

 

Dr. Shawn Peters, ND is a naturopathic doctor practicing in downtown Courtenay.

Book in a Complimentary 15-minute, no obligation appointment with Dr. Shawn to see if Naturopathic Medicine is right for you!

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (Cosmetic Acupuncture)

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (also called Cosmetic Acupuncture) is a safe, effective, and natural way to reduce the signs of aging!  The goal is to promote skin health by harnessing the body’s own resources to create sustainable changes in the skin. 

The health of the body can be seen in the health of the face.  That is why Facial Acupuncture is a holistic approach.  We use body acupuncture points alongside facial points to promote healthy changes in the skin. 

The aging process results in changes to facial skin and tissues.  This leads to characteristic skin texture changes and loss of facial volume.

Over the course of 5-10 sessions, you can expect to see:

  • Improved circulation
  • Brightened and smoothed complexion
  • Reduced puffiness
  • Reduced fine lines
  • Toned facial muscles and sagging jowls
  • Nourishment of facial tissues

Facial Acupuncture may be ideal for you, if you are:

  • Looking for natural results
  • Looking for a holistic approach to anti-aging 
  • Looking for alternatives to conventional techniques
  • Looking for preventative ways to preserve and promote skin health

 

Dr. Shawn Peters, ND is a naturopathic doctor practicing in downtown Courtenay.

Book in a Complimentary 15-minute, no obligation appointment with Dr. Shawn to see if Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is right for you!

Stellar Smoothies

Stellar smoothies can be a staple part of our diet for a lot of us.  Of course, summertime is the best time for fresh fruit and light eating.  But even in winter, smoothies can be a great way to have a light, nutritious, and most importantly, delicious meal.

Whether you are looking for an easy-to-digest meal, extra protein in your day, or a way to get those greens in, smoothies have your back!  It is easy to make a delicious smoothie that is also jam packed with greens and other nutritious foods.  Smoothies take only a minute to make, have easy clean up, and allow you the convenience to have your breakfast anywhere.

It helps if you have a high-powered blender to make it smooth, but it isn’t required.  Any blender will do!

Below are building blocks of my favourite smoothie recipe, which you can adapt as you like.  Happy blending!

Basic building blocks:

Step 1: Start it off with Liquid & Ice (3/4 – 1 cup)

Water, coconut water, dairy-free milk (almond, hemp, soy, coconut, cashew, rice), herbal tea

Step 2: Add in Green Veggies (1 – 2 cups) – should make up the bulk of your smoothie for added nutrition

Spinach, kale, swiss chard, lettuce, etc.

Step 3: Add Fruit (1/2 cup)

Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, pear, banana

Step 4: Add Protein (1 – 2 Scoops or Tbsp)

Hemp seeds, protein powder, collagen, nut/seed butter (almond, cashew, hazelnut, sunflower)

Step 5: Add healthy Fat (1 – 2 Tbsp)

Flax oil, chia oil, hemp oil, coconut oil, MCT oil, hemp seeds, avocado

 

Dr. Shawn Peters, ND is a naturopathic doctor practicing in downtown Courtenay.

Contact Dr. Shawn for a free “meet the doctor” visit to see if naturopathic medicine is right for you.

PCOS – Androgen Excess

I’m a naturopathic physician, but I’m also a woman who had a hormonal imbalance called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and who comes from a family of women with PCOS. I’ve spent decades learning about this hormonal imbalance and treating women who have it. If women want to really turn PCOS around there are strategies that can improve symptoms, improve fertility, and set them up for better mental and physical health long term. There have been three major breakthroughs in our understanding of PCOS that have come about since I was diagnosed 30 years ago. Naturopathic physicians are leading the way to find real solutions to this issue, which is the number one cause of infertility in North America. 

Firstly, I have to say that the name Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a lousy name.  Women with PCOS don’t even have to have cysts on their ovaries to get a diagnosis! A better name being proposed by experts in the field is Anovulatory Androgen Excess, meaning that these women have too many of the “male” hormones, or androgens, which can hijack the menstrual cycle so that it slows or stops, and ovulation is less likely. There are also receptors for androgens in the skin, which can result in acne and excess hair growth on the face and body. Lesser-known symptoms of PCOS are anxiety, depression, brain fog and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

Secondly, there are several different types of women that can have these symptoms which we call PCOS, depending on what’s driving the issues. In women who may be slim and have inherited the issue the root of the problem is in the pituitary gland.  These women tend to have normal blood sugar metabolism. In contrast, for some women, PCOS is very closely related to adult-onset or type 2 diabetes in that they have high insulin levels which drive up testosterone.  The good news for these women is that normalizing body weight, eating a low-carb diet, and having regular exercise can make a real difference in their hormones. 

The third breakthrough is that we’ve expanded the ideas around treating PCOS. It used to be that the only treatment was oral contraceptives.  Yes, “the pill” can help control some symptoms.  But it does nothing to restore fertility, reverse dark hair growth or teach women how to balance their hormones in a real and lasting way.  My goal in working with women with PCOS is to engage them in a program that can do all those things and set them up for good long-term health.   Firstly, I run blood tests to dig deeply into their hormones and blood sugar to see which type of PCOS they may have. Then we create an individualized program with diet, exercise, and stress management at its core.  There are also herbs and natural medicines shown in clinical studies to balance hormones, reduce symptoms and help fertility.  There are times when pharmaceuticals can help, especially when excess dark hair growth is the issue. When women with PCOS go off “the pill”, their symptoms come back. But with these other medications, the positive effects can remain after the pills have been stopped. I am so grateful that a naturopathic physician helped me get a handle on my PCOS 30 years ago and I have learned so much in helping my own daughter and many other women manage their PCOS with the help of our modern understanding of this complex condition. 

Sun Protection: Keeping your Skin Vital & Healthy

For many of us, young and old, summer is the time where we soak up the sun and spend more time outdoors.  Whether we are camping, enjoying time with family outside, or spending the day with friends at the beach, it is important to understand that sun exposure affects our skin. 

Sunlight has its benefits.  Many folks feel their mood improve after a long grey winter.  Sun exposure leads to vitamin D production in the body.  Some people with eczema or psoriasis can see improvements to sunlight.  While sunlight has benefits, it is important to take care to avoid sunburn and prolonged exposure to the sun.  This is because UV rays from the sun can cause damage to our skin.

Prolonged sun exposure can exacerbate the effects of aging and is associated with various skin cancers.  Effects from the sun on aging can include worsened skin wrinkling and loose skin, or broken blood vessels near the skin.  Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and approximately 1 in 6 Canadians get skin cancer.  No matter your age or skin tone, whether you are concerned with the look or health (or both!) of your skin, it is important to apply appropriate sun protection.

Basic skin care includes reducing UV exposure from both the sun and tanning beds.  The sun is the strongest between 11-3pm so it is best to reduce our time in the sun then.  While in the sun, keep hydrated, make sure to cover up (skin, face, eyes), and use a broad-spectrum natural sunscreen of at least SPF 30.  Chemical vs mineral sunscreens both have their advantages and disadvantages.  Natural formulas can contain extra ingredients to nourish your skin.

Frequently checking your skin can help you stay on top of your skin health.  As a naturopathic doctor, we can educate on how to check your own skin & we can provide physical exams should you have any skin concerns, sun-related or otherwise. 

We can help formulate a sun care plan to consider include how antioxidants (from diet or supplements) and advanced sunscreen formulas can help protect your skin even further.  Naturopathic doctors can help you determine which medications or herbs make your skin sensitive to the sun.  We can even answer questions about which supplements help protect your skin the most from sun damage. 

 

Dr. Shawn Peters, ND is a naturopathic doctor practicing in downtown Courtenay.

Contact Dr. Peters for a free “meet the doctor” visit to see if naturopathic medicine is right for you.

Smoothies vs Juicing

What is a smoothie?

A smoothie is a drink mixed of frozen or fresh fruit and/or vegetables blended to a desired consistency.  Anything else can be added to a smoothie to change the flavor or incorporate nutrient-dense foods in a fun and delicious way.

What is a juice?

Essentially a juice is a concentrated version of a smoothie, though often with nothing else added other than fruits and vegetables.  Typically, a juice is made by using a juicer and juicing any fruit or vegetable on their own or in combination.  Meghan Telpner suggests an inventive way to get around not having a juicer by blending the same fruit or vegetable combinations in a blender then straining them through a fine sieve or nut-milk bag (cheese cloth).1

How does a smoothie differ from a juice?

A smoothie is a thicker, blended drink that is larger in volume and often high in the macronutrients (protein, fats, and carbohydrates) as well as the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and enzymes, etc.  A big distinction is that a smoothie retains all of the fiber.  Much of the protein and fat in a smoothie comes from the added nutrient-dense ingredients, like hemp seeds, nut butter, and protein powder, or flax seeds, chia seeds, and various healthy oils.

A juice, on the other hand, is smaller, less thick, drink that is high in the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) as well as enzymes2, naturally-occurring sugars, and other phytonutrients.  A juice does not retain any of the fiber and tends to be lower in protein and fat.  Juicing is often very good for producing enzyme-rich juices.

When to use a smoothie or a juice?

A smoothie is a quick and easy way to jam pack nutrition in to an easy and, most importantly, delicious drink.  Because one can add almost any food or powder, such as those containing protein, healthy fats, fiber, and crucial phytonutrients, in to a base of fruits and vegetables, anyone can tailor a smoothie to what they need and like.

A juice (using a juicer, particularly) is more time consuming but concentrates most of the important nutrients and enzymes from fruits and vegetables in to a small volume.  Essentially, juicing is an extremely efficient way to consume more fruits and vegetables in a small serving. 

Concentrated amounts of phytonutrients obtained from juicing different fruits and vegetables is supportive of optimal function for many body organs.3  Also, juicing can be used in conjunction with other treatments for conditions such as arthritis, allergies, and osteoporosis3, as well as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and high cholesterol.2

What it all comes down to is not the difference of smoothies versus juices as if they are a competing pair, but how can one incorporate more fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods in to one’s diet for optimal health.  Both smoothies and juices are a fantastic way to do this.

 

Contact Dr. Peters for a free “meet the doctor” visit to see if naturopathic medicine is right for you.

 

References

1.     Meghan Telpner Inc. (2013). Smoothie on up, juice it on down [Brochure]. Author. Retrieved January 31, 2016, from MeghanTelpner.com

2.     Cichoke, A. J. (1999). Maximizing enzymes in your diet. In The complete book of enzyme therapy (p. 30). Garden City Park, NY: Avery Pub.

3.     Haas, E. M., & Levin, B. (2006). Detoxification and cleansing programs. In Staying healthy with nutrition: The complete guide to diet and nutritional medicine (pp. 779-780). Berkeley: Celestial Arts.

Chronic Pain: Four Legs of a Stool

Every day in my naturopathic medical practice, I see people who have chronic pain from conditions arising from their back, nerves, muscles, joints, digestive system, autoimmune disease and more.  In fact one in five Canadians over 18 suffer with chronic pain. Optimal treatment plans are more complex than those for acute pain. For chronic pain, the best treatment involves “four legs of a stool”.  Each leg provides important support in the journey of living with chronic pain while working towards real solutions.

One leg of that stool may be pain management with pharmaceutical drugs.  Living with chronic pain can affect mood, sleep, the immune system, the nervous system and more and sometimes the humane choice is to help dull the pain. But medications for pain all come at some cost when used long term.  Extended use of anti-inflammatory drugs is hard on the gastrointestinal system, kidneys and ears.  Tylenol in excess can damage the liver. Opiate pain killers are of course a last resort due to their highly addictive nature. Meds for nerve pain have a long list of side effects and have limited benefits.  There is a place for pain management, but the goal is to use as little as possible for the shortest time possible. Cannabis may provide some relief for pain sufferers, and I look forward to the day when we have the research and quality control necessary for doctors to effectively guide patients in the best use of this medicine.

The second leg of the stool is what I call passive treatments.  There is a place for surgery, however there is always the risk of complications so often more conservative treatments are preferential.  Physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, injection therapy such as prolotherapy, PRP, and stem cells can all be helpful.  The form of physical therapy that has impressed me most is low level laser therapy.  This painless, safe treatment uses therapeutic wavelengths of light to stimulate rapid growth and repair of tissues, resulting in resolution of pain.  Hundreds of  human, placebo controlled clinical trials have been done on laser therapy and it has been shown to be effective in the treatment of many conditions including arthritis (to which I can personally attest), back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, neck pain, nerve impingement and more. This is the treatment that I have used in my clinic for 12 years on over 1,000 patients with mostly good to excellent results.

The third leg of the stool is to work towards creating a body that is balanced and vital so that it can heal itself.  When a person is full of inflammation, high blood sugar, nutrient deprived, lacks exercise, and suffers from stress and poor sleep, their cells simply don’t have what it takes to heal.  As a naturopathic physician, I coach my patients to better understand what they can do for themselves to reduce inflammation, promote healing and improve vitality.

The fourth leg of the stool in treating chronic pain is addressing the mind-body connection.  The body naturally sends alarm bells to the brain and nervous system in response to pain.  That makes sense for acute pain, as it helps us to remove ourselves from dangerous situations or protect injured areas.  To live well with chronic pain, we have to deliberately learn how to be with the pain without sending out panic signals.  Teaching my patients skills to address the emotions and thoughts around the pain helps them to experience the painful sensations without all the distress and suffering.  I also encourage them to be curious about any unhealed emotional issues that may be causing tension or energy blocks in the body.  In Chinese medicine, they say that emotional issues can block chi, and wherever chi is blocked pain or disease can occur. In Western medicine we understand that the body’s natural healing mechanisms are activated when the nervous system is in a more relaxed state. With chronic stress we can get stuck in a state of “fight or flight” instead of being able to go into the more relaxed, healing state of a calm nervous system. 

People with chronic pain do well to consider engaging in a comprehensive plan to reduce the stress of chronic pain while working actively to promote healing and resolution of the causes of their pain.  ss

The Many Faces of Food Intolerances

We all know that eating healthy food is essential to maintaining our health. But sometimes, what is healthy food for one person, can be a cause of physical distress for another. Deciphering which foods are causing problems can be a frustrating task. But in my 24 years of practicing naturopathic medicine, I’ve found that helping my patients to identify and eliminate food intolerances can often be a powerful key to unlocking better health. 

 The trouble is that often, people’s food intolerances don’t fit the usual stereotype of a person who has an immediate and dramatic reaction to certain foods like peanuts or shellfish.  Those immediate hypersensitivity reactions are usually easy to identify and can be tested. But there are about 15 different ways that people can react to foods, and only a few of them can be tested through conventional lab tests. 

 The most common food reaction I see is delayed hypersensitivity reactions. I have helped countless people overcome eczema by identifying food reactions. Sinus or mucous-related conditions are often aggravated by food reactions, as are many digestive issues. Chronic fatigue and “brain fog” are red flags that food sensitivities may be at play. There are tests available through naturopathic physicians that can begin the process of elimination and reintroduction needed to pin down the culprits. 

 Celiac disease is actually an autoimmune disease in which gluten triggers a variety of symptoms that are digestive, neurological, psychiatric and autoimmune. A blood test or upper intestinal biopsy can diagnose this often overlooked condition. 

 In some people, the issue isn’t so much allergies as it is an inability to digest certain foods properly. For instance, people with a (fixable) microbiome imbalance in the small intestine can have excessive fermentation of certain starches which then creates gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and more. The foods most likely to ferment have been categorized under the acronym FODMAP foods, which include lactose-containing dairy products, onions and garlic, beans, cabbage family vegetables and more. 

For my patients with chronic hives, flushing, digestive issues, headaches, anxiety and more, we also look at the possibility of a histamine intolerance. There are certain foods that contain histamine, which is normally broken down by the body. Foods that are aged or fermented like deli meats, yogurt, beer, wine and others can be especially triggering. 





Oxalates are naturally high in spinach, strawberries, rhubarb and more.  For people with chronic bladder pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and kidney stones oxalates can be a trigger. The intestinal microbiome is supposed to metabolize the oxalates in our foods, but an imbalance in the microbiome can prevent that process, causing a building up of oxalates in the blood and urine. 

Food additives can cause an incredible range of symptoms from temper tantrums, hives, swelling, migraines and more.  Key culprits to consider are MSG (there are many ways food manufacturers hide MSG on food labels), sulphites (used as a preservative in dried fruit, wine, vinegar, commercial baking) and nitrates (found in deli meats, bacon, ham, and food dyes. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame can create issues for some, as can the sweeteners called sugar alcohols like sorbitol and maltitol. I especially see the latter causing gas and diarrhea.  





 Acidic foods can trigger irritation of already sensitive tissues. For instance, excessive orange juice intake can trigger bladder issues, and acid reflux can be triggered by caffeine, alcohol, tomatoes and more.  

 Salicylates are naturally occurring chemicals in fruits, vegetables, spices and some medicines. But for some people, they can trigger asthma and allergies as well as digestive distress and headaches. 

 So if you have a dead-end diagnosis like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, chronic headaches, asthma or Chronic Fatigue syndrome or you just don’t feel your best, consider investigating the array of food intolerances as a possible way to unlock some of your health and vitality. 

Naturopathic physicians have extensive training in nutrition and regularly use custom nutrition plans as medicine.  We make sure that you know what you CAN eat as well as help you pin down specific foods to avoid.

5 Things to Know about Infertility

More and more couples are starting families later in life and thus the number of people experiencing infertility has gone up significantly over the last two decades. People can have trouble having their first child, but equally heartbreaking is the inability to conceive or carry a second or third child. Naturopathic physicians are in a unique position to help couples uncover the cause of their infertility and enhance their health to increase the chances of becoming and staying pregnant. Depending on the cause, treatment strategies can incorporate healthy options like lifestyle changes and natural medicines to enhance male and female fertility. There are five things you should consider if you are trying to conceive. 

 

  1. Don’t wait to get help.  Medical workup for infertility usually begins after a year of unsuccessfully “trying.” But for women who are over 35 it is recommended to start investigations after 6 months, or sooner if they are approaching 40. Anyone with very irregular cycles shouldn’t wait at all. With my patients, I usually start with a thorough history and physical exam to look for clues. Then I recommend comprehensive lab work to look for the cause. Gynecologists can do imaging to help find anatomical issues. 


  1. Don’t forget the guy. Almost half the time, infertility is due to the “male factor”. Semen analysis can identify issues. For male infertility, once we rule out anatomical problems, there are science-backed lifestyle factors and natural medicines to improve sperm quality and quantity. For instance, the herb Ashwagandha was shown in a placebo-controlled study to increase sperm count by 167% and to increase sperm motility by 57% in three months.

  2. If a woman isn’t cycling regularly, she may not be ovulating, or may not be able to support a pregnancy. Hormone imbalance can be caused by many issues, including excess stress, weight loss, over-exercising, toxin exposure and more. In addition, PCOS is a pituitary disorder that causes excess androgens (“male” hormones). Menstruation can be less frequent or non-existent and ovulation is sporadic. Naturopathic medicine has excellent strategies to address these types of hormone issues safely and effectively. For instance, Chaste tree helps balance the pituitary gland while N-acetyl cysteine can safely enhance ovulation. Most conventional medicines for PCOS and irregular menstruation are contraindicated in pregnancy, so they are not helpful for women trying to conceive. 



  1. Heavy or painful periods can be a clue. Endometriosis can cause very painful periods and can affect fertility. Fibroid tumours are a common cause of heavy periods and can affect conception or increase miscarriages. Naturopathic physicians seek to address the underlying causes of these issues in safe ways (see my blog article and video about endometriosis). 


  1. Remember to check for autoimmune conditions.  Low thyroid can affect other hormones, anti-sperm antibodies can prevent conception, and autoimmune blood clotting disorders like anti-phospholipid syndrome can be a cause of recurrent miscarriages. 

For couples who want to take an active role in enhancing their fertility, there are ways to narrow down any issues and use safe naturopathic strategies to get on track. There’s nothing more satisfying as a doctor than helping a couple to get pregnant, and providing them adjunctive naturopathic medical care during pregnancy and beyond.