Bellevue Natural Health Clinic
22-285 17th Street V7V3S6 West Vancouver, BC, Canada

Science has found a new, potentially groundbreaking way to measure the relationship between stress and your overal health. It's called heart rate variability (HRV). Basically, HRV is a measure of the variation in time between each heartbeat, which is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. As Harvard Health explains: "Tracking HRV may be a great tool to motivate behavioral change for some. [It] can help create more awareness of how you live and think, and how your behavio...r affects your nervous system and bodily functions." Do you have favourite strategies for managing stress? Let us know in the comments!

Don't resist resistance. A study published earlier this year found that among almost 12,000 adult participants, those who engaged in regular resistance exercise presented a lower risk of obesity than those who only did aerobic exercise. And those who did both fared even better! What is resistance exercise? Well, it's basically any exercise that requires the muscles to work against a weight or force, like...... weightlifting using resistance bands working out with a medicine ball push-ups, chin-ups and squats If you're already doing aerobic exercise, great! But to experience even better results, introduce a little resistance into the mix.

Mark Manson, author of the 8-million-selling "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fk: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life," believes that mistakes and failure aren't things to be feared or regretted. On the contrary, he says, it's through our "misses" that we become better peoplewiser, more worldly and better primed for future success. Do you agree with Manson's philosophy? Share with us in the comments.

Does the arrival of fall seem to automatically sap your energy? It's perfectly natural. Cooler temperatures and less daylight compel many of us to slow down, retreat indoors, and find solace in rich foods and other unhealthy comforts. But just a few simple strategies can not only strengthen your immunity at this time of year. They can help make fall and winter a happier, altogether more VITAL time of year.... We offer solutions that can play an important part in your seasonal wellness strategy. Click here to learn more about us and to book an appointment: https://bit.ly/3wg5CKi

Cold weather and dark skies make it tempting to lay on the couch and not move until spring! But you can still remain active without stepping outdoors. Introduce one or more of these activities into your daily routine. Believe usyou'll feel so much better for doing so!... Push-ups Jumping jacks Lunges Planks Walking in place Lifting a medicine ball (or any other object you can safely and comfortably lift) What are your favourite indoor exercises? Share with us in the comments!

Taking care of your pearly whites does more than just give you a confident smile. Studies show that not taking proper care of your teeth could lead to more serious health problems. Take a closer look at how good hygiene habits can affect your overall health: https://bit.ly/36ZkfI2

Mind and body are more connected than you know. The steps you take to improve your mental health play a role in your physical wellness toowhich makes them even more important.

Happy holidays to you and your family from ours! Our team sends our warmest wishes that your day is merry, bright and full of love.

The holidays are centered around sharing food with friends and family, not around food guilt. Indulging in some sweet treats with loved ones should be a pleasure, not a stress. If you tend to feel guilty over a day off feasting and treating, try to reframe your mindset. Aim to mindfully enjoy the foods you love this season, eat them slowly and happilyand then stop when you feel full (not stuffed). ... Book a nutritional counselling appointment to learn more about mindful eating: https://bit.ly/39KmVrQ

Listen to your gutit listens to you! A new study explores how stress plays a role in autoimmune disorders through our intestinal barriers. Learn more about how psychological stress impacts our intestinal barrier functions: https://bit.ly/3dzvWqj

Let is snow, let it snow, let it snow! We don't often get a white Christmas, but we can't help dreaming. Not only does it make our world a little more magical, but it also makes exercising out of doors that much more fun. What's your favourite winter activity (weather-permitting)? ... Book a naturopathic medicine appointment to empower your fitness journey with mindful movement activities: https://bit.ly/39vJ1OH

Let's be honest here"working from home" is usually "working from couch." When you have poor posture (especially for 8+ hours at a time), you might find you've got a few aches when you finally get up. Regular exercise and stretching, as well as ergonomic furniture, are both good ways to prevent long-term pain. Massage therapy can not only relieve tense muscles but can also help get your body back on track.... Learn more about our massage services: https://bit.ly/3lpPArA

Here's an unexpected home remedy for your healthhome cooking! When you cook your own meals, you have control over what goes into each and every dish. Studies even show that people who cook at home are more likely to eat healthier ingredients, eat less calories and feel more energized. If you're not sure where to start, wellthat's what Dr. Sara is here for!... Get in touch with us to book a naturopathic medicine appointment to learn more about how nutrition can empower you and your family's wellness: https://bit.ly/39KmVrQ

Not really sure what to expect now that you're expecting? Bring your questions to Dr. Sara! As a Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Sara can guide you through your unique pregnancy journey from pre-conception to post-natal care. ... Book your first appointment today: https://bit.ly/2WUCTdz

Cozy days can be just as good for us as active ones. We all need time to reset our minds and our bodies will thank us for the fuzzy socks, warm blankets and cups of herbal tea! How are you getting cozy this fall and winter?... Learn more about what you can do to restore the body’s natural ability to heal itself through self-care by booking a naturopathic appointment with Dr. Sara: https://bit.ly/38z8mWt

It starts as a child. Building a strong foundation of mental health in childhood can lead to healthy and happy life, stronger relationships and help build resilience to trauma and other mental health issues. And the best way to build this foundation? Through you as parents. Here are a few ways to help promote mental and emotional health in your children:... Give your time, your words, your presenceit means so much more than you think Connect with them through talking and listening to their feelings and experiences Be active together by building physical activity into family time Take notice, encourage and praise your children's positive behaviours and choices Keep learning and encourage your child to do the same from both positive and negative experiences

What exactly is Cupping Therapy? Just like acupuncture, cupping has practiced for thousands of years as a way of encouraging the body's own healing power. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin and creating suctionwhich increases blood circulation to the area. This may help relieve muscle tension, improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair, as well as help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue.... Learn more about our Traditional Chinese Medicine practices: https://bit.ly/36NyrUO

Walk the walk AND talk the talk. Walking and talking is a power combination that can elevate your mental health to new levels. Socializing with friends, family and partners can boost your mood, and so does getting physical exercise. Together? Well, you'll feel good inside and out.... And for when you feel like a little more talking? Book an appointment with our counsellor: https://bit.ly/3gcT7GC

It's not how you eatit's what you eat. Calorie restrictive diets aren't just hard to follow, they can be hard on your body as well. Denying yourself calories can lead to a lower metabolic rate and could mean a decrease in the crucial lean tissue your body needs to function. This study looks at changing the idea of how people eat to what people eat as a healthier way to manage weight: https://bit.ly/3cDbtjZ

No pain, all gain. Massage therapy doesn't just help you feel better, it can help your body recover from injury. It not only relaxes painful muscles, tendons and joints, but also helps relieve stress and anxiety, which improves your mental health during your recovery journey.... Learn more about how massage therapy can help sports injuries, muscle strains, whiplash and chronic pain: https://bit.ly/32ZLL66

When did temporary working from home become permanent? When did little aches from working at the kitchen table become long-term pain? If you're feeling the effects of a less-than-ideal work set-up, acupuncture can help counter the mental and physical load you might be feeling by: Decreasing stress... Reducing back pain and neck tension Relieving joint pain in the hands and arms Improving the immune system Relieving headaches Decreasing eye strain Get in touch to learn more: https://bit.ly/3hXJa0M

When it comes to women's health tests, a pregnancy test is often the first thing that comes to mind but women's health is so much more than reproductive health and doesn't always get the focus it deserves. Dr. Sara works with her patients to expand their understanding of their own health. Find out more about how Naturopathic Medicine can help empower your health by making a virtual or in-person appointment: https://bit.ly/2Vv8WRu

Do you tick any of these boxes after certain meals? You get a stuffy nose, irritated, watery eyes or have difficulty breathing. You get unexplained headaches, anxiety or a racing heart after meals. You break out in hives after eating certain meals.... You're left with unbearable digestive symptoms. The differences between histamine reactions and allergies is subtle, but can make a world of difference when it comes to prevention and treatment. Take a closer look at this article to learn more about how you can distinguish and prevent histamine reactions: https://bit.ly/2DKe0fj

The more you practice gratitude, the more you discover things to be grateful for. What are you thankful for today?

Does your do-to list ever get any shorter? It's easy to say "take time to take care of you" but a lot harder in practice. Your health is worth it though, both physical and mental. Find out how Naturopathic Medicine can empower your wellness journey and help you feel more capable in every aspect of your life: https://bit.ly/2JeGoFi

Stress on stress on stress. Mental or emotional stress doesn't just impact the way you think, it has a profound effect on your body as well, including reproductive health. Take a closer look at this article on how stress plays a role in female reproductive health: https://bit.ly/32s0JAi... And if you're stressing about the stress right now, take a moment to try some of these stress-busting techniques: Exercise regularly Reduce caffeine intake Explore journaling Spend time with your support network Practice mindfulness Find a cuddle buddy Listen to music Practice deep breathing

We will be closed Monday October 12th 2020 to celebrate and eat turkey!We will be closed Monday October 12th 2020 to celebrate and eat turkey!

We're warding off the cold and flu season by eating nutrient-dense foods that boost the immune system. A favourite for us is broccoli, which is packed with vitamins A, C and E. What's your favourite broccoli recipe?