Dr. Meghan Dougan, ND

Don’t let those clouds prevent you from getting that sweet sweet fresh air! Among the many benefits of spending time in nature is the ability to improve mental wellbeing. Do you struggle to make time in your day to get outside? Even spending just 20-30 minutes outside in an area that brings a sense of contact with nature may decrease cortisol levels (one of your body’s main stress hormones). ... So here is your nature prescription to get outside, breath in some fresh air, and surround yourself with the beauty we are so fortunate to live in. PMID: 31019479 #getoutside #vitaminnature #naturetherapy #healingpowerofnature #naturopath #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #natmed #naturopathy #victorianaturopathy #yyj #yyjhealth #yyjhealthcare #victoriabc #vancouverisland #yvrnaturopath #yvr #mentalhealth #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealthmatters #physicaldistancing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthsupport #anxiety #cortisol #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #stresshormones #stressreduction

Empathy vs Sympathy with Brené Brown

Looking to get educated/entertained while you #stayathome? KWENCH has come up with an incredible online space "The Craic" providing a variety of discussions and events (almost anything you could imagine!). On Wednesday morning I'll be talking all things hormones and how you can support them during stressful times. I'll also be offering a Q&A period at the end. Follow the link for details! Check out what other events are planned here: https://www.clubkwench.com/en/page/the-craic

One of the advantages of telemedicine is that our naturopathic doctors can see you from anywhere in beautiful British Columbia while you stay safe in the comfor...t of your home. WHAT YOU NEED: 1. A phone or computer 2. A health concern / health goal WHAT TO EXPECT: Choose either a phone or video consultation with one of our naturopathic doctors. For video consults you will be sent a link at the time of booking to your naturopathic doctors online waiting room to be used at your appointment time. At the time of your consult, your naturopathic doctor will start the video session or call you for a phone consult. The video platform we use is secure and simple to use allowing you to speak face to face with your naturopathic doctor. After your consult, we will direct bill for any extended health insurance and deliver you any supplements or testing recommended. We are accepting both NEW and pre-existing patients by telemedicine from anywhere in B.C., so you can continue caring for your health with the guidance of our naturopathic doctors. Booking is available by phone, email, or online through our website (https://www.smartnd.ca/online-booking/774). We look forward to virtually seeing you! 778-265-8340 [email protected]

Bandwagon alert! I jumped in with two feet and made my first sourdough This is by no means gluten free... but I do find sourdough easier on my digestion than other breads.... The fermentation process may help breakdown the gluten content making it easier to digest. Plus it contains prebiotics to feed healthy gut bacteria. Hit me up with any tips and tricks for a sourdough trainee! Shout out to my starter dealers @ashleey_mcg and @lhancack PMID: 19747602 #sourdough #sourdoughbread #sourdoughbaking #quarantinebaking #nutrition #foodasmedicine #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #bakinglife #sourdoughnutrition #prebiotics #gluten #fermentedfoods #fermentedbread #probiotics #guthealth #naturopath #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #natmed #naturopathy #naturalhealth #realfood #nutritiontips #naturalhealthcare #holistichealth #gutbrainconnection #gutbrainaxis #yyj #yvr

How are you doing? Have you checked in with yourself lately? I’ll be honest I’ve fallen out of my morning meditation routine. I’ve been spending so much time keeping up with the constant change that I haven’t taken advantage of the downtime to hang out with me. A note about virtual consultations... this is me trying to rock double monitor telemedicine like a technology boss.... As much as I prefer in-person consultations to build trust and rapport, one of the advantages of telemedicine is I can talk to people anywhere in BC! #silverlinings Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re in need of health care services and support. Call Juniper Family Health 778-265-8340 Online booking: https://www.smartnd.ca/online-booking/774/MeghanDougan

To support my community from a naturopathic and public health standpoint, I will continue to provide virtual consultations via telemedicine. New and preexisting clients can still book for appointments that will be carried out by phone or secure video consultation. These changes are in place to encourage social distancing and #flattenthecurve.... Although not everyone is at risk of severe disease from COVID-19, there are members of our society including elderly and immunocompromised that we have a duty to protect. If you have any questions or health concerns you wish to address, please contact Juniper Family Health and consider booking for a telemedicine consultation. 778-265-8340 [email protected] Online booking available here: https://www.smartnd.ca/online-booking/774/MeghanDougan

Postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 10 new moms. Recognizing the symptoms and reaching out for help is so important during this time so that both mom and baby can feel supported. Take a read to learn more! The inspiration behind this article comes from the growing population I'm seeing in need of fertility and pregnancy support, and the incorporation of my passion for promoting mental health to better serve my new moms and mamas-to-be.

I am so looking forward to speaking at this thoughtfully cultivated wellness retreat at the beginning of February. Along with exploring meditation and movement to help connect the body and mind, and nourishing food and elixirs from local producers, I will be speaking on the importance of sleep and what "best practices you can adopt to ensure quality sleep. There are limited spots so reserve now on the event page below!

Knowing the link between gut and mental health (through the gut-brain axis), optimizing digestion is influential in regaining whole body health. IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a common diagnosis for many people, but it doesn't tell the whole story. So what is the whole story? Check out my most recent article to learn what factors may contribute to IBS.... Hint: have you heard of SIBO? See more

TOMORROW! Join my lovely colleague Dr. Courtenay Boer, ND to learn all things immune health! Check out the link below for more information and to book your spot!

Curious about what you can keep on hand for common menstrual concerns? Check out this free event next week at Juniper Family Health with my lovely colleague Dr. Chelsea Cole, ND

Women's midlife health matters. A B.C.-based group Menopause Chicks is "cracking open" the discussion on menopause and demanding better health services for midl...ife women. Menopause Chicks has offered a place online for women to ask questions and discuss their health for more than a decade, amid a perceived shortfall in care by providers. A recent report indicates women in B.C. feel they're not getting the health care they need and doctors "diminish" their concerns, including the symptoms of menopause. "The one thing I really want women to know is that they deserve quality of life," says Shirley Weir, founder of Menopause Chicks, which also organizes Q&A sessions with experts. "It's not something to sweep under the carpet, to pretend it doesn't exist, to put off getting informed, because the best way we can empower women is to give them quality education and information."

Today is World Mental Health Day Mental health is important. Above all else. Because if your mental health suffers, everything else in your life suffers. And it’s common. Too common. Too many people go through life accepting their struggle as the new norm.... But it doesn’t have to be that way. We can do better to support those dealing with mental illness or those going through a tough time. We can talk about it. A common misconception is that talking about suicide will encourage it. But this isn’t true. Bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly can actually be very helpful. Do you or someone you know struggle with mental health? Reach out. Connect. Ask for help. You’d be surprised at the number of people on your side.

Next week I'm hosting a free talk on Herbal Medicine and it's use in various mood concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, and more. Check out the event for more details!

Want to know what you can expect from your first visit with a naturopathic doctor? Give it a watch :)

In honour of World Suicide Awareness Week, Mysterious Barricades Concert Society will be here in Victoria this Saturday Sept 14th providing a free concert to promote suicide awareness, prevention, and hope. From the Mysterious Barricades website: "Imagine a day when the barricades erected around the subjects of suicide and mental illness start to come down.... Imagine a day when hundreds of Canada’s finest musicians across the country join together to offer music of healing and hope to those in jeopardy, and to those left behind. Imagine a day when even one life might be saved as a result." For more information, check out the link here: https://www.tourismvictoria.com//mysterious-barricades-con

Mental health is multifactorial. . Dr. Meghan Dougan, ND works to uncover what individualized factors are at play in each person’s mental health concerns. . In ...order to best tackle mental and emotional aspects, Dr. Dougan works to optimize hormonal imbalances, digestive concerns and other physiological factors that contribute to mental health. . Her practice covers a variety of mental health concerns including stress management, anxiety, depression, and sleep concerns. . If you or someone you know is looking to optimize their mental health, give us a call or book online: https://www.smartnd.ca/online-booking/774 778-265-8340 . . . . . #mentalhealth #yyjmentalhealth #anxiety #depression #stress #sleepmanagement #yyj #victoriabc #naturopathvictoria #victorianaturopath #yyjnaturopath #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #naturopath #healthandwellness #wellness #optimalhealth #yyjhealth #integrativemedicine #functionalmedicine #individualizedmedicine #sustainablehealth See more

The proposed mechanism behind Matcha's Anxiolytic properties.. Nothing ground breaking but I think it's so cool how these ancient herbs and traditions keep comi...ng to light as science catches up and we finally figure out WHY they have been used for so many years. We are a curious bunch but our 'elders' were pretty dang smart too. See more

I wrote an article for Juniper Family Health on my favourite herb and its use in anxiety. Check it out to learn about the historical use of lavender, as well as WHY and HOW it can be used. Let me know what you think!

Imperfect action is greater than perfect inaction. When it comes to health, it’s not an all or nothing. Every small step you take towards healthier habits has a positive impact. Sometimes the changes that need to be made feel daunting. But even one small change is better than giving up.... Health is a journey. So be kind to yourself. Honour the small changes. And never forget where you started. . . . . . #imperfectaction #sustainablehealth #babysteps #inspiration #healthandwellness #wellness #healthcare #yyj #yyjhealthcare #yyjhealth #yyjnaturopath #yyjnaturopathy #victorianaturopathy #victorianaturopath #victoriabc #vancouverisland #naturopathicdoctor #naturopathicmedicine #naturopath #naturopathvictoria #mentalhealth #anxiety #yyjmentalhealth #yyjanxiety #depression #stress #stressmanagement See more

Next Thursday July 25th at Juniper Family Health join my colleague Dr. Chelsea Cole, ND to learn how to ease your PMS. Just because symptoms of PMS are common, does not mean they have to be the norm!

My most recent article on how I approach anxiety as a Naturopathic Doctor. Have a read to learn about contributing factors to anxiety and the various therapies I use.

GABA = a calming neurotransmitter . Anxiety disorders arise not from a hard-wired defect in the brain but rather from a dysfunction in the modulation of brain circuits that regulate the emotional response to potentially threatening stimuli . Neural circuits involved in anxiety include those with GABA activity.... . Many anxiolytic medications target GABA activity to decrease feelings of anxiety. . But did you know that hormonal imbalances may be reducing your GABA activity? . Progesterone, when broken down in the body, produces a metabolite that stimulates GABA activity. . Therefore, supporting progesterone may decrease feelings of anxiety. . Naturopathic medicine also uses various nutrients and herbs to promote GABA activity. . Anxiety is a multifactorial condition. As a naturopathic doctor, my goal is to figure out each person’s why . To learn if hormone imbalances may be contributing to your anxiety and how you can support neurotransmitter function, give us a call @juniperclinic 778-265-8350 Online booking available: https://www.smartnd.ca/online-booking/774 . Reference: Nuss, P. (2015). Anxiety disorders and GABA neurotransmission: a disturbance of modulation. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 11, 165-175. . . . . . #gaba #neurotransmitters #mentalhealth #anxiety #yyjmentalhealth #yyjnaturopath #yyjhealthcare #yyj #lifestylemedicine #naturopath #naturopathvictoria #victorianaturopathy #victorianaturopath #naturopathicmedicine #naturalhealth #functionalmedicine #hormones #progesterone #victoriabccanada #victoriabc #naturopathicdoctor See more

Clinically, I see that regulating and stabilizing glucose levels positively impacts mental health. This study talks about how glucose dysregulation is affected by chronic stress. A mouse model was used in this study to demonstrate how chronic stress induces hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels). More studies are needed to better understand this connection in humans, but as we can see... stress strikes again!

Menopause may be a triggering time for many women when it comes to mental health concerns. In my latest article learn WHY this happens, and WHAT you can do about it.

Hey Victoria! On Thursday June 27th, I will be sharing my passion for both sustainable health and mental wellness. Come learn how to approach stress and anxiety from a nutritional perspective. Sustainable Health is the creation of sustainable, day-to-day habits allowing for the integration of health and wellness into your life. At this FREE event, I will be sharing what nutritional approaches are appropriate for regulating mood, as well as nutritionally dense, delicious recip...es to try at home. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday June 27th!

Mindfulness, Gratitude, and Connection: 3 pillars that I believe to be important contributors to mental wellness. In this article I'll talk about what the research says about their benefits and how you can incorporate each one into your day to day. . .... . . . #mindfulness #gratitude #connection #socialconnection #mentalhealth #mentalwellness #naturopath #naturopathicdoctor #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathvictoria #victorianaturopath #wellness #healthyliving #lifestylemedicine #integrativemedicine #yyj #victoriabc #victoria #vancouverisland #viccity #victoriabuzz #healthandwellness #mindful #meditation See more

Foundations of Health #NatMedWeek Naturopathic Doctors focus on what we call the Foundations of Health including:... 1. Air: do you get enough clean, fresh air and oxygen? Do you take time to breathe deeply? 2. Water: over 50% of your body is made up of water. Are your cells hydrated enough to function optimally? 3. Food: everything in your body is made up of what you put into it. Are you getting the nutrition your body needs? 4. Sleep: do you allow enough sleep for your body to heal and restore itself? 5. Exercise: do you get enough movement to keep your body functioning physically? 6. Emotions: are you aware of your emotions? Do you hold them in or do you take time to process them? Often times the root cause of a health concern lies in one or more of these foundations of health. By using this ground up approach, we aim to create sustainable long term changes for your health. Happy Naturopathic Medicine Week! In honour of this week, the BC Naturopathic Association has created a daily contest where you can enter to win $175 towards a naturopathic visit. Check out the contest here: https://www.bcna.ca//daily-contests-british-columbia-6-20/ . . . . . #NatMedWeek2019 #naturopathicmedicineweek #naturopath #naturopathvictoria #victorianaturopath #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #foundationsofhealth #nutrition #healthyliving #lifestylemedicine #preventativemedicine #integrativemedicine #natmed #yyj #victoria #victoriabc #vancouverisland #victoriabuzz #viccity #wellness #healthandwellness #health

EDUCATION is a Core Principle of Naturopathic Medicine #NatMedWeek The Naturopathic Principle Doctor as Teacher means that education is an integral part of a naturopathic visit.... Naturopathic Doctors love sharing their knowledge. We want you to feel empowered and in charge of your health journey. By better understanding your body, you can make a more informed decision about your health. The extended time that a naturopathic visit offers allows for this educational process, and gives a chance to have all your questions answered. If you have questions about your health, consider seeing a Naturopathic Doctor. https://www.victorianaturopathy.com/ . . . . . #natmedweek #natmedweek2019 #naturopathicmedicineweek #naturopathicmedicine #naturopath #naturopathvictoria #victorianaturopath #victoriabc #victoria #vancouverisland #viccity #victoriabuzz #lifestylemedicine #healthandwellness #education #knowledgeispower #doctorasteacher #naturopathicdoctor #wellness #integrativemedicine

Naturopathic Doctors can order Lab Testing #NatMedWeek Lab values are an important part of the information gathering process that helps us determine the underlying cause of your concerns.... Lab testing may include standard blood work or general health screening, hormone testing, cardiovascular risk screening, food sensitivity testing, and more. Lab results are evaluated on a FUNCTIONAL basis. This means they are interpreted in relation to one another. We look at whether or not a value is on the higher or lower end of 'normal' and what this might mean in relation to other values. By catching these values before they fall out of 'normal' range, this allows for a more preventative approach. For more information on Naturopathic Medicine visit https://www.victorianaturopathy.com/naturopathic-medicine . . . . . #natmedweek #natmedweek2019 #naturopath #naturopathvictoria #victorianaturopath #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #mentalhealth #digestivehealth #hormonalhealth #healthandwellness #lifestylemedicine #preventativemedicine #labtesting #hormonetesting #foodsensitivitytesting #cardiovasculardisease #hearthealth #yyj #viccity #victoriabuzz #victoriabc #victoria #vancouverisland

Naturopathic Medicine is INTEGRATIVE #NatMedWeek Naturopathic medicine is not an alternative to other forms of healthcare, it is complementary.... As a Naturopathic Doctor, I work with medical doctors and other health care practitioners to ensure the best care for my patients. This means referring to other practitioners when necessary, as well as being communicative and transparent to keep all of your health team on the same page. For frequently asked questions about Naturopathic Medicine, check out Juniper Family Health's website: https://juniperfamilyhealth.com//frequently-asked-question . . . . . #natmedweek2019 #naturopath #naturopathvictoria #victorianaturopath #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #healthandwellness #integrativemedicine #evidencebasedmedicine #healthyliving #proactivemedicine #preventativemedicine #mentalhealth #digestivehealth #hormonalhealth #healthyhormones #lifestylemedicine #yyj #victoria #victoriabc #vancouverisland #victoriabuzz #viccity

#NatMedWeek Fun Fact! Did you know that most extended health care benefits include coverage for Naturopathic Medicine? Your benefits may cover anywhere from $200-500 or more of Naturopathic care.... Check with your insurance provider for your coverage. Juniper Family Health fee schedule can be found on our website: https://juniperfamilyhealth.com/fee-schedule . . . . . #natmedweek2019 #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #naturopath #naturopathvictoria #victorianaturopath #preventativemedicine #lifestylemedicine #healthandwellness #yyj #victoriabc #victoria #vancouverisland #victoriabuzz #viccity #evidencebasedmedicine #mentalhealth #digestivehealth #hormonalhealth

Naturopathic Medicine Week 2019 To celebrate this incredible, growing profession, I'll be sharing a fun fact about Naturopathic Medicine each day this week. Follow along to learn how Naturopathic Doctors are an essential part of our healthcare today. #NatMedWeek... Today's fun fact... PREVENTION Prevention is one of the core 6 principles that guides the philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine. Prevention in healthcare involves detecting and treating a tendency towards disease before it shows its ugly face. By promoting prevention, Naturopathic Medicine is able to take a load off of our conventional medical system, aiming to decrease disease prevalence. Prevention also allows people to feel empowered to take charge of their own health. Prevention is proactive healthcare. Learn more about Naturopathic Medicine here: https://www.victorianaturopathy.com/naturopathic-medicine . . . . . #natmedweek2019 #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #naturopath #naturopathvictoria #victorianaturopath #prevention #proactivehealthcare #healthcare #healthandwellness #preventativemedicine

Sugar consumption may be an important link between digestive health, inflammation, and mental health. Check out my recent article to learn more about how sugar intake affects the gut microbiome and intestinal inflammation. And how these can relate to mental health concerns like depression. #mentalhealth #sugar #depression #anxiety #inflammation #gutbrainaxis #naturopath #nutrition #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #naturalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #microbiome #yyj #victorianaturopath #naturopathvictoria #victoriabc #vancouverisland #victoriabuzz #viccity