Dupont Naturopathic Family Centre

My kids are teens now so it won't be such a heartbreak for them not to go out trick or treating this Saturday. I do have lots of little ones who live on my street though and I felt inspired to do something small for them. My old nursery school teacher-wayside came out of hiding and I decided to reverse Halloween by dropping off treats in their mailbox. The packages will have a small toy or activity from my favourite toy store @playful.minds.toronto , a Halloween riddle and a ...delicious treat @newmooncookies It's a little special something BTW just in case you were wondering, the answer to the riddle in the photo is: Trombone! Here a few spooktacular tips by @rachels_nd on keeping Halloween sugar intake under control this year... Read Labels I am all for good things in moderation. Thing is, those conventional treats are not only packed with sugar, but hydrogenated oils, food colouring, MSG, aspartame and high fructose corn syrup. These food additives come with side effects that can affect mood, disrupt blood sugar regulation, affect the nervous system with headaches, and contribute to obesity. Go for Dark Chocolate It contains antioxidants, iron, magnesium and zinc. Zinc is an important trace mineral that supports immune function, making chocolate an immune boosting food. Boost Your Fruit and Vegetable Intake Make sure you (or your child) are having several servings per day. I would aim for 4-5; half cup servings per day. Think of eating the rainbow daily. This group of coloured foods are loaded with immune boosting phytonutrients, such as vitamin C and beta carotene. Maintain Your Microflora If you don’t already, think about supplementing with a good probiotic. These are the friendly bacteria that reside in our guts, and are key players in keeping an immune system strong. You can add a small amount to your food (usually tsp of powder) or take 1 capsule daily. Look for Better Alternatives So many great Brands with less junk: @middaysquares @smartsweets @newmooncookies @yumearth @madegoodfoods For Rachel’s full blog post visit 789dupontclinic.ca Happy Halloween!

LOL! I can relate! I definitely could drink more water during the day. How about you? Here's some great tips by Dr Dori Skye Engel, Naturopathic Doctor & Doula on keeping hydrated during this time. For years I have gone on and on about how low level dehydration is a huge contributor to chronic headaches, constipation, brain fog, bladder infections and dry skin.... I'm seeing a huge influx of patients with issues related to hidden dehydration. Why the sudden increase? MASKS. When the mask is on you can't hydrate properly. No access to your drinking hole. Like it or not the masks are here to stay for a while, so how do we deal? What to do? Mindful drinking of larger quantities of water. Before you go in somewhere you will need to wear a mask - DRINK. Not a sip, a chug. Guzzle back an entire bottle or glass. Two if you can hack it. You may not get the opportunity again for a while. When you take the mask off - wash hands, and CHUG. Another full bottle or glass. Before you leave the house DRINK When you get home DRINK Wake up in the morning DRINK You get the idea? Create new habits around when to hydrate since opportunities can be scarce. Simple changes providing drastic results. Good luck out there! for more info on Dori's services, go to 789dupont.janeapp.com PS check out my friend Po’s amazing mask @thesippomask that lets you drink with a mask on!!

Caffeine and Sleep @mamadoll If you don't have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or feeling well rested in the morning - great. Then this post is not for you. If you do struggle with any aspect of sleeping optimally - here's something to think about.... ... Note: This is not an anti-coffee post. I love coffee. I drink a cup most days. Yup, I'm a Naturopathic Doctor who drinks coffee. We're not that rare actually. Caffeine, when used wisely, by certain people, can be an excellent tool. However.... it is a stimulant. The most widely used stimulant in the world. Which is why it comes as quite a shock for people that it can have some potentially negative side effects such as anxiety, heart palpitations and - insomnia Caffeine affects people differently for a variety of reasons - genetics, weight, medication use, even altitude. The half life of caffeine in the bloodstream, meaning how long it takes for your body to rid itself of the effects, can range from 1 to 10 hours. That's a big range! That's why some people can literally fall asleep snoring with a cup of coffee in their hands (not recommended) and others have a cup at noon and won't be able to sleep all night long. So... If you are having any trouble at all falling asleep or staying asleep, try removing coffee, or not having any past 10am. That includes decaf coffee, black and green tea, energy drinks, yerba mate, colas, etc. For added relaxation try a soothing, relaxing tea in the evening to harness the power of the hot drink. My favourites are Chamomile, Passionflower, Valerian and Lavender. We’ve got some great combos at the clinic if you’re looking for a new hot evening drink - reach out Top 10 Sleep Hygiene Tips on the blog this week. Link in bio -@mamadoll #insomniasucks #insomnia #covidinsomnia #covidanxiety #sleepdisorder #sleephygeine #sleephelp #sleeptips #sleep #anxiety #naturopathicdoctor #naturopath #naturopathtoronto #healthyfoundations #topten #coffee #caffeine #sleepandcoffee #hiddencaffeine #torontonaturopath See more

Wasn't sure about this in the beginning but then she totally filled my heart. I hope it does the same for you. <3

Why + How to Dry Brush Growing up with a Finnish father, dry brushing was part of the family routine along with a good shvitz in the sauna. Who knew my dad was on to something? Dry brushing is thought to help the body release toxins through sweat. The course bristles on the brush stimulate the pores and open them up. This makes it easier for the body to sweat, which in turns reduces the amount of toxins flowing through the lymphatic system.... Dry brushing has amazing wellness benefits including: Exfoliating dead skin Stimulating the lymphatic system to remove toxins from your body Uncloging pores Relieving stress (something we could all use right now) It’s easiest to incorporate into your routine before a shower or bath, or when you're changing in the morning or evening. How do I do it? You always start on dry skin using a natural bristled brush. Start from the feet/ankles and work your way upward in long fluid strokes on limbs and circular motions on torso and back. Move in an upward direction towards the heart. It can be sensitive on the abdomen, breasts and neck, so apply gentler pressure as needed. Once you have brushed your entire body, step into the shower or sauna! You can apply rosehip, olive or coconut oil to moisturize and seal after your shower. We have dry brushes in stock @789dupontclinic while they last. Curb side pick up available. 416 588 7789

Best facial ever.

Osteopathic care is perfect for little ones also. This sweet baby is getting a treatment from the brilliant Cassia Rocha doctor of osteopathic medicine. Cassia treats newborns to adults in her beautiful office @789dupontclinic Benefits for newborns + babies include: treatment for #colic #constipation latching/feeding difficulties, #reflux ... treatment for ear, nose and throat concerns sleeping concerns treatment for #plagiocephaly #torticollis + limited neck mobility And for older children Cassia treats: injuries including #concussion postural problems difficulties focusing or concentration sleeping difficulties For more information about Cassia and to book an appointment visit our website 789dupontclinic.ca

Hope: aspiration, desire, wish, expectation, dream, longing, a feeling of trust. This small, shiny accessory and the person that wore it inspired my mood and outlook for the whole week. It's easy to give in to the bleakness and uncertainty that we are faced with every day and although hope might not fix our predicament, it is always helpful. To be hopeful is a choice and one that I see our patients making all the time. They have faced incredible adversity and yet hope gives ...them the courage to move forward through the darkest moments. I love this little clinic of ours and the amazing people in it. @cassia rocha d.o

Benefits of postpartum massage with @lisafalla #registeredmassagetherapist Regular appointments can help make sure your health is prioritized in a time where new parents are often the last to be cared for or forgotten about. Massage can help:... decrease tension and increase circulation to the upper back neck and shoulders which become strained from the demands of nursing/feeding your new baby. (probably the number one complaint of a new parent). Soothe aches and pains of a healing postpartum body. Breast massage can help with milk flow and congestion. Treatment of other common problems that occur post baby like frozen shoulder, tendonitis/tenosynovitis. Lisa treats with core assessments, massage and remedial exercise to assess and treat diastasis rectus abdominus and other signs of core dysfunction like pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, low back and pelvic girdle pain. For more information visit 789dupontclinic.ca

It's been 6 weeks that I have been receiving treatments from Osteopath, Cassia Rocha. I came in with a chronic pain condition, anxiety and PTSD. The treatments are very responsive to what my body needs. Cassia is knowledgeable, compassionate and focused in supporting me through my healing.... For me it's one step at a time and Cassia honours this process. The treatments are strengthening my ability to cope with the challenges I am facing and I am so grateful to be able to benefit from Cassias vast experience and care. For more information on Osteopathic services with Cassia please visit our website: www.789dupontclinic.ca 416 588-7789