Dr. Natasha Nitsopoulos, ND
9 Mill Street M5A 3R6 Toronto, ON, Canada

MEDITATION As part of my 2021 New Year resolutions, I want to make morning meditation a priority. I’m not sure about you but my mind is racing all day long and I often forget to just enjoy the present. If anyone has used the brain sensing headband, @muse, I have trouble getting 1 bird... which means I didn’t have a deep restful moment in the 20 minutes I was actively trying to relax. Clearly I have a lot of work to do! BENEFITS OF MEDITATION:... Changes the brain’s structure and function that’s been linked to rational decision making, greater emotional control, enhanced memory and longer attention span. Enhances high-amplitude gamma brainwave activity that correlates with heightened awareness and bliss. Reduces stress & anxiety Fostering a positive mindset May decrease risk of age-related memory loss @headspace, @calm and @insighttimer are great places to start! Please share your favourite meditation apps or resources below

What is in your cupboard? OILS TO AVOID: Vegetable... Canola Corn Cottonseed Peanut Safflower Soybean Sunflower WHY SHOULD THEY BE AVOIDED: * High in omega-6 fatty acids = inflammatory * Contain unstable fats that are easily oxidized and produce free radicals in the body = premature aging * High level of processing with chemical solvents (hexane = neurotoxin), neutralizers, de-waxers, bleach and deodorizers. My favourite oils to use are: Avocado Oil - high smoke point (~520F) which is great for cooking, and high in omega-3 (anti-inflammatory and great for glowing skin!) Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Great source of omega-3’s but a lower smoke point so use on salads or roasting with low/moderate heat (~350F). Look for 1. Cold-pressed: retains a high nutrient value 2. Organic: grown without the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other artificial agents 3. Dark coloured bottle: ensures the oil will not oxidize and go rancid Like, share, save!

NEW HOURS ADDED: Saturdays at @lemon_water_wellness! Prioritize your health and use those benefits while you still can! Available for in-person and virtual appointments.

Did you know intestinal permeability, otherwise known as leaky gut, can wreak havoc on your skin? What is intestinal permeability? Essentially, it means that there are holes in the gut lining that should be sealed shut by tight junctions. This leads to partially digested foods, toxins, and pathogens being able to enter the blood stream and cause inflammation in the body. ... Some research shows that leaky gut may be associated with many chronic conditions such as autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies, asthma, arthritis, acne, obesity, and mental illness. Some possible causes of intestinal permeability include: Standard American Diet high sugar/low fiber Food sensitivities constant insults on the intestinal lining Alcohol acetaldehyde and alcohol-induced generation of nitric oxide damage the intestinal barrier Certain medications specifically chronic use of NSAIDs Pathogenic infections or bacterial overgrowth causing inflammation in the GI tract Stress alters the gut ecology via changes in the inflammatory response and increasing intestinal permeability Excess inflammation in the body caused by leaky gut can manifest as acne, eczema, and premature aging. Resources: Harvard Health: Leaky gut Institute of Functional Medicine PMID:18504085

CLEAN SWAPS: Sustainable Edition Here are a few easy swaps for living a more sustainable lifestyle at home! Click the link in my bio for my Amazon Reusable Favourites and treat your loved ones (or yourself ) with a sustainable holiday gift!