hormone balance

The Most Common Reasons Why Your “Healthy Diet” Isn’t Working

Addressing your diet is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health. There is nothing more we do on a regular basis (except breathing, I guess) that has such profound impact on your cognition, immunity, mental/emotional health, and overall wellness.

“Every time we eat, we send our body a signal towards health or illness”

There is power in this quote. This means that our journey towards health can start as early as the next time we take a bite. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Whether you’ve thought about going on a “healthy diet”, or have done so unsuccessfully before, the following list can be reasons why you aren’t getting the results you want:

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By Dr. Priscilla Tang, Naturopathic Doctor, ago

Pap Smears, Breast Screening, STIs, and More – Female Screening Guide

A screening test is defined as: “The examination of a group of usually asymptomatic individuals to detect those with a high probability of having or developing a given disease”. In other words, screening tests are done to assess risk, NOT for already symptomatic individuals.

A good screening test has the following attributes:

  • Investigates an important health problem
  • Effective and acceptable treatment is available
  • The screening test itself is accurate and acceptable to patients
  • Natural history of the condition should be adequately understood
  • Overall benefits of screening outweigh harm
  • Ensures informed choice, confidentiality and respect for autonomy for the patient
 
Naturopathic medicine is all about prevention and being pro-active in your health. Screening tests are a big part of this, and while not all are worthwhile to do (e.g. for some, the cons outweigh the pros), there are some that you should be including as part of your routine check-ups.

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By Dr. Priscilla Tang, Naturopathic Doctor, ago

Periods – What’s “Normal” Anyway?

While I’m not particularly a big fan of the word “normal” in medicine, it does seem to be a word thrown around a lot as a level to attain. However, even being in the “normal” range in your blood work doesn’t mean you are in the clear. That’s why I prefer using the word “optimal” – optimal levels, optimal symptoms, optimal health, and so forth. While a “normal” period doesn’t actually exist (our bodies are incredibly complex and beautiful), there is optimal measures for your menses (short form for menstruation aka your period).

Now, I want you to keep in mind that just because your menses doesn’t follow all of these criteria, it doesn’t mean there’s reason for concern. As always, the definition of health and optimal is individual to you. It is advised to speak to a naturopathic doctor before jumping to any conclusions and to discuss your healthcare concerns.

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By Dr. Priscilla Tang, Naturopathic Doctor, ago