Dr. Mashael Mawji, ND

The power of support . It’s been an especially unpredictable time, and remember behind every business are people. The business owners, the staff, and the people who frequent that business. . I’ve been in the habit of connecting with businesses I like. Supporting and referring within my network. Writing reviews or shouting out to those people who are doing their best.... . Tag a business below that you want to shoutout. It’s not limited to one, and if you want to take it a step further say why or give a recommendation on an item, service or person to interact with at that place. . #itsfree #supportsmallbusiness #supporteachother #karma #givetogive See more

Your body operates differently in a state of inflammation. . Inflammation can show up in a variety of ways: brain fog, bad breath, acne, constipation/bloating, excess weight, feeling puffy, achy body, elevated blood sugars, stress, over exercising, painful menses, skin that pigments/scars easily, eczema. The list goes on . Most chronic conditions have some level of inflammation at the core. ... . Are your habits or symptoms pointing to signs of inflammation? . @drdavidhatton . #inflammation #aging #longevity #acne #guthealth #brainhealth #anxiety #skinhealth #autoimmunity See more

Fibrocystic Breasts . Many women experience cyclical changes to their breast tissue through the month. This may include heaviness, a lumpy texture, and/or pain/tenderness. . Most of the women I see will describe it as swelling in the breasts generally pre menstrual even needing to hold their breast tissue walking up stairs (if they are not wearing a bra.)... . There are a few reasons you may be experiencing this but commonly stress and diet play a large role. . Factors such as supporting estrogen metabolism, thyroid health, stress management to balance hormones and dietary adjustments can be largely supportive! . You can start with reducing/eliminating caffeine, consuming more ground flax, and using tools such as walking, meditation or yoga for stress management. If you need support, talk to your Naturopathic Doctor . #breasthealth #estrogendominance #thyroid #stress #fibrocysticbreasts #pms #inflammation #micronutrients #flaxseed #cutthecoffee See more

It’s an inside out approach . There is no doubt that the beauty industry is huge. We’re sold stuff daily whether it’s a product, a service or even an idea when it comes to beauty. . But beauty starts from inside. And this is key because your standard of beauty needs to come from you. ... . I think about the days when chunky highlights and pencil thin brows were cute. Small mouths. Hourglass shapes. The thigh gap. Brazilian butt lifts. Full cheeks. Cheek bones. Shoulder pads. Silver eyeliner. . What doesn’t ever follow trend because it’s always beautiful: healthy skin, radiance from a healthy lifestyle, self love, confidence and aging gracefully. . I’m committed to the feel good look good approach. . #anothertakeonbeauty #beauty #beautyblog #insideoutbeauty #agewell #feelgoodlookgood #gutheath #acne #vitality #skintexture #ivtherapy See more

Can you guess what I’m holding? It’s Vitamin D . Most people I see are low, and the ones who aren’t have generally been supplementing for quite some time. . We see Vitamin D deficiency play a role in a variety of concerns including auto immunity, fertility and risk factors in pregnancy, immune function, thyroid disease, seasonal affective disorder and more.... . The actions of Vitamin D in the body really indicate that it is a pro hormone rather than a vitamin. VDR’s or Vitamin D Receptors are present in many tissues in the body and it plays a larger role in overall health and positive health outcomes than previously thought. . I test this a lot. Mostly because in patients who are low, it can be a contributing factor to why they are not well or other concerns are getting flagged. . Have you had your Vitamin D tested? . #vitamind #vitaminddeficiency #fertility #pcos #thyroiddisease #autoimmunedisease #nutrients #nutritionaldeficiencies #seasonalaffectivedisorder #vitaminshot See more

Healthy . Such a simple term that is so specific to you and inclusive to many practices in your life. What really makes us healthy? . Two groups of individuals that come to mind when evaluating health are: my couples trying to conceive and my younger female patients who want to take control of how they live.... (Not limited you but a large portion of my patients who come in specifically for this) . The conversation is never just about one thing but it includes addressing: - nutrition and diet - exercise - their lab work - sleep quality and hygiene - stress management, problem solving and coping - energy levels - life goals including longevity and sustainable practice for their career goals - fertility and hormone awareness - growth in relationships - cognition and brain health . It’s a goal oriented approach to be their best and recognizing that the health practices they have will not only affect them but their future family. . What’s your motivation to be your best? . #healthoutcomes #healthylifestyle #fertility #healthyfamily #nutrition #mentalhealth #environment #keepitreal #settinganexample #naturopathicdoctor #mindsetiseverything See more

Always learning . This field never stops amazing me. There is always something to learn, brush up on, research or improve. It’s a lifelong situation. . I’m a total student at heart. I actually loved school. I was that person who sat in the same spot, front left side because I didn’t want any distractions, and I wanted to be fully engaged.... . So if I’m not reading, I’m watching a webinar or listening to a podcast. Shoutout to @avivaromm for this gem of a book and @doctorsaf for lending it to me! . #nerdalert #thebodyisamazing #cantknowenough #foreverstudent #teachothers #naturopathicdoctor See more

The Plan . I get a lot of tricky cases in my practice. And sometimes, often times, this means they’ve tried the things that should have worked, they’ve seen other docs, they are in health care and nothing obvious is showing up, but they have symptoms that affect their life. . So sometimes this requires revisiting the plan, whether it was mine or someone else’s. Sometimes the plan they we’re put on wasn’t explained and so compliance was the issue. Sometimes the plan wasn’t tho...ughtful. Sometimes the plan is exactly what I would have done but it just wasn’t getting the results it should. And sometimes it’s a combination of testing, more evaluation with some thoughtful trial and error. . The main thing is that sometimes the first few times you begin to address your concerns you might not get a full resolution. You’re complicated, it’s chronic and you bet it might take a bit more thought and structure to figure out exactly what’s going on. . So if you’ve been on a plan for awhile, committed and it’s not going where it should, it’s not a waste, it’s telling you that we just haven’t hit the mark. Likely, that plan still encouraged healthful habits, understanding what your body likes, doesn’t like and is impartial to, and a bit more awareness about your health. . The plan might need revision, but it wasn’t a waste. It’s still valuable information on where to go next . #mindset #selfinvestment #selfproject #youareyourgreatestinvestment #healthylifestyle #healthawareness #hormones #guthealth #chronicillness #holistichealth See more

Healthy . It’s a conversation I have with women a lot. What it means to be healthy isn’t determined by one factor or a few that fit you into the beauty box that many of us don’t naturally fit in. . It’s not determined by size. It’s not determined by only thinking positive. It’s not determined by your body fat %. It’s not determined by how clean you eat. Or that you practice yoga.... . Health is a mindset that is specific to you, your body, your needs and your story. . It’s feeling good in your skin, enjoying your food, being able to cry, laugh and sometimes stress (because that is part of life) admire your features, celebrate your brains, humour and interests and adapt to normal life changes. . Healthy is not a resistance. It’s not a resistance to your body’s needs and processes for an ideal. Your healthy is not your friends, your moms, your partners or an industry idea of health. . So check yourself and the language of those around you. When we talk about health, food, fitness, or even positivity- is it realistic? Health- it’s not a club. It’s individual. . Vicki Rowlin #jusysayin #keepinitreal #itreatrealpeople #realpeople #beauty #standards #holistichealth #individuality #healthadvocate See more

0.01 . It might seem small. Unpromising. Negligible. . But it isn’t.... . Progress and effort, no matter how small, add up. . Stay committed . #growthmindset #itsamindset #smallthingsaddup #consistencyiskey #healthylifestyle #lifestyle #business #youdoyou See more

Magic . When it comes to health outcomes, transformation takes time. It often takes more time than you think. Large changes get things going, incremental modifications tailor the plan and check ins are a must to ensure what’s happening on the inside supports the goals for the outside. . Even in the times of change and progress, your results may seem negligible compared to the amount of work you are putting in. This can be especially true if you’ve been dealing with a concern ...for a number of years, it’s weight or hormone related, or chronic. . Even in these times of feeling like the progress is not what you want or expect, it’s part of the necessary shifts that are moving you in the right direction. . Only you can decide what you want to do. You’ve got to be bought in. Invested. And trust that each positive change, is exactly that, a positive change. . There’s no magic formula. There are great plans. Life changing therapies. And fantastic heath care providers. But only you can determine the commitment level to your goals. . You’ve got the power to choose what your health looks like for you . #naturopathicmedicine #integrativemedicine #patientcenteredcare #healthcoach #weightlossmotivation #guthealth #mentalhealth #fertility #pcos #chronicillness See more

You are unique . We celebrate individuality in so many areas of life but often don’t pay attention to it when it comes to health. . Reference ranges can miss a large proportion of people having symptoms or concerns. Sometimes the testing hasn’t been complete or you’re within the range.... . Just because size 6-10 are the average shoe size doesn’t mean if you are a size 8, a size 7 will be comfortable, supportive, let you move etc. We would never tell that person that their discomfort was within the normal range. . Sometimes with starting your journey your friend might be doing great really quick but your results are taking longer or the cause hasn’t been fully identified yet. Because you are both different, your journeys may not match. . You are you. Sometimes finding out what’s going on can take time, but if you’re not feeling great in your body despite everything looking normal well that’s not really normal either. . You are your greatest project, and remember there is no one else who is you! . #individualizedmedicine #patient #healthjourney #normalisrelative #thyroid #fertility #ibs #proactivehealth See more

You Can. I’m cheering you on . I’m unfailingly optimistic. I like to focus on the potential. I’m realistic. There are always short term goals to help support the long term vision. If you fall out of love with an idea because your experience guides you elsewhere; that’s ok because there’s growth in that. . I’m that person 99.9% of the time.... . You are in your mind every day. How do you train it yo be a kind place to be? . #positiveoutlook #mindbodyspirit #stressresponse #optimism #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #choice #mood See more

Not to Bragg . Finishing up chart notes at the end of my day and sipping on an Apple Cider Vinegar drink. After a busy day in clinic, my gut sometimes needs a bit more support. I find this refreshing, energizing and gut supportive. . Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) works on the bitter principle. This means you’ve got to taste the bitter to get the benefits. This is great for improving digestion by increasing digestive enzymes, encouraging stomach acid production, and generating mov...ement (peristalsis) in the digestive tract. . Some of my favourite bitters: - gentian (the most bitter and my most favourite) - chamomile (steeped for long as a tea) - dandelion leaves (sauté or add to salad) - bitter melon (great for blood sugar) - Campari found in negroni (a great pre meal beverage) . Do you have a favourite bitter? . #bitters #applecidervinegar #bitterprinciple #digestion #guthealth #herbs #nutrition See more

Expectations . Whenever we start something new that should be a positive change, we also expect results. . But the longer you’ve been experiencing a concern, the likelihood that there are layers to it. Progress doesn’t always show results immediately, it takes time and there are often steps involved to understand all the pieces.... . Setting realistic expectations and recognizing that the longer you’ve felt this way, or the more complex the concern, the more layers there can be to it. . We often measure progress. And sometimes part of the missing measurement is commitment to it. Consistency is a pattern our body likes, particularly healthy consistency. Staying on your program, and avoiding starting and stopping frequently is the key. . You got this. It may not be easy, but you’re doing great . See more

Daily Lineup . Stress is associated with so many diseases. So if we focus on daily stress reduction you might notice that the medications you are taking might be removed or dose adjusted. . Difficulty coping, burn out, mid day crashes, low energy, wired but tired, sugar or salt cravings, headaches, IBS, hives - these are just some common stress responses by the body.... . What are you doing daily to give yourself a dose of feel good hormones for you mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being? . What habits are destructive and not supportive to your health? . Image by @positivelypresent #wellbeing #behappy #goodvibes #stressrelief #stressmanagement #dailyhabits #hypertension #depressionawareness #lonely #chronicpain See more

Be Honest with yourself . What’s your level of commitment to your goals? If you’ve started something are you putting the obstacles in your way? . With many of my mental health patients we work on goal setting because feeling anxious can come from feeling stuck, but the anxiety can make it difficult to create a plan.... . And sometimes feeling stuck is the anxiety, but it isn’t recognized as being the cause until we start exploring it. . 1. Where do you want to live? 2. How do you relieve stress? 3. How does loneliness show up for you? Do you prefer noise or quiet? 4. Do you have a place you belong? 5. Are you able to live the lifestyle you prefer with your current position? 6. Do you laugh daily? 7. Have you identified the people in your life that lift you up and fill your cup? 8. Have you identified the habits, people and environments that are not good for your wellbeing? And why? 9. Are you happy with your current life? 10. Do you want to change things? How? . Part of anxiety is fear, and fear isn’t always bad. We need fear to signal that things are not right, or change is happening or needs to and it’s scary. Tap into that and explore it. . Image by @bossbabe.inc #mentalhealth #stuck #behonest #growthmindset #anxiety #qualityoflife #forwardthinking See more

If you’re like me your days can be busy . When clinic is busy you’ll always see me with a protein shake. I don’t always have time to sit down and eat. . Most people choose pastries, granola bars, coffee, chips, popcorn, cookies or energy drinks. If you’ve got energy concerns, run anxious, are trying to manage your weight or sit in meetings or at a desk- these habits are not helpful.... . Here are some tips if you’ve got busy days and need some quick fuel: 1. Protein shakes I love this because I adjust my protein, can load it with greens and berries and change the flavours 2. Boiled eggs 3. Seed mix: pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts, gogi berries 4. Apple with nut butter or a piece of cheese 5. Hummus with radishes, cucumber, carrots 6. 1/2 an avocado with some herbamare . I love my pastries, but if I’m going to have one it’ll be later in the day. It’s important to maintain good blood sugar control during the day- starting your day with something sweet can make it difficult to make healthy decisions later. . What are some snacks that you like when you’re busy or on the run?? . PS. You can create a little snack pack with the foods listed above! . #fuelyourbody #eatwell #glycemicload #protein #proteinshake #energy #nutrition #healthyeating #balanceddiet #weight #naturopathicdoctor See more

Education is a huge part of my practice. When you leave my office you should always leave knowing a little bit more about your health. . What a fun morning of talking health and wellness! I’ll share the segments when they’re ready. . #media #wellnesstalks #healthinfluencer #naturopathicdoctor #vancouver #newwestminster #healtheducation #intermittentfasting #leakygut #foodsensitivities

#challengeaccepted . If there is one thing I know it is that we must stick together and stand up for what is right. The current treatment of women in Turkey is not right. It’s not cultural. It’s sexist. It breaks up families. It tolerates violence against women. . Globally we see the positive influence that women have in the home, in politics, in the economy and in social change. Women inspire change.... . We see the power of women in micro loans in developing countries. We see it in government and healthcare. We’ve seen it in many of the movements and activism for marginalized groups or in areas of inequality. We see it in the family structure. . These photos are more than just a collage of beautiful women in black and white, from around the world. . #empoweredwomenempowerwomen Thanks for the nomination @shenifa.rehmat @dr.yalda_g @zahra.tejpar @cndiss . #blackandwhitephotochallenge See more

Resting on Vacation . Going with the flow, reducing expectation, listening to your body, and spending time connecting with the company you are with,are all top of mind for me on holidays. . I’ll try to incorporate movement when I go away, but I’m not regimented.... . If we travel, there’s often a lot of walking and exploring. This is my movement. . If it’s a more low key getaway, I’ll listen to my body, and I’ll tell you the workouts are always 30-45 minutes, and if I’m not feeling it, that’s important too. . Just as important as movement and exercise are, it’s equally important to rest. You don’t need to maintain your at home routine on holidays entirely. . There’s something very peaceful about being on tune with your self. It’s all about balance. . #vacaymode #getaway #relax #stayingsafe #stayhealthy #movementismedicine #relaxation #kelowna #lakecountry See more