Weight Gain
Stubborn weight loss is very common, specifically for women over the age of 35. Hormonal shifts begin to take place and the body becomes more sensitive to not just how much food one is consuming (calories in vs out) but also the quality of food leads to further worsening resistant weight gain. As estrogen begins is decline lean body mass and muscle begin to decline as well. This can lead to an increase in both fat mass and visceral fat, the dangerous fat that surround the organs.
A metabolic assessment is taken looking into all aspects of ones lifestyle to create a protocol specifically tailored to ones individual needs. There is no quick fix in this area but once the underlying issues related to inflammation, gut dysbiosis, hormones and other factors related to ensuring target weight goals are met positive outcomes are achieved.

Pre-diabetes/Diabetes
Prediabetes indicates an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It also raises the risk of other health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. However, the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes is not inevitable. Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Certain herbal constituents, tailored movement routine, reduction of inflammatory markers and nutritional guidance can reverse pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes

High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common condition and often referred to as the “silent killer” because it usually does not cause noticeable symptoms. If left uncontrolled or untreated, it can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and damage to other organ. Managing high blood pressure typically involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and, in some cases, medication. Here are some general recommendations for controlling blood pressure:
Treatment usually requires medication but can be addressed through lifestyle changes such as diet, lifestyle and stress management modifications.

Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a class of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is also commonly known as heart disease. CVD encompasses various conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and peripheral artery disease, among others. These conditions can lead to serious health complications and are a leading cause of death worldwide.
Women tend to increase their risk of cardiovascular disease as they enter menopause. Estrogen has a protective effect on the heart and the decline in estrogen creates a hosts of problems related to the heart. Lifestyle modification, inflammatory markers and other labs are assessed to create a treatment plan for supporting cardiovascular health.

High Cholesterol
High cholesterol tends to become problematic after the age of 40 as your body’s metabolism changes and your liver is unable to efficiently remove the “bad” cholesterol. The conventional cholesterol panel is not the most efficient way to assess cholesterol. Primary care physicians focus on assessing two lab values, LDL known as ‘bad cholesterol,’ and HDL the supposed ‘good cholesterol.’
A better marker to assess cholesterol is Apo B and LDL-C. Some people have a “normal” amount of LDL-C, but a high concentration of Apo B particles which means they are at greater risk. But conventional cholesterol panels don’t catch those patients.
Cholesterol changes are also indicative of thyroid problems and other hormonal changes. Whether you are over 40 and male (higher risk for elevated cholesterol) or a young female of childbearing age with hormonal concerns it is important to look for the underlying cause of abnormal cholesterol markers.

Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome (also known as Syndrome X) is a multifactorial disease with multiple risk factors that arises from insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome is a variation of abnormal blood markers such as elevated blood sugar (diabetes), elevated cholesterol markers and high blood pressure.
Abdominal obesity leading to excessive discrepancies in waist to hip ratio is highly predictive of metabolic syndrome. Markers that are elevated include LDL, HbA1c, Triglycerides, Blood pressure readings all of which can progress to kidney failure, heart disease , stroke and even Cancer.
Naturopathic medicine provides guidance for lifestyle changes, specifically weight loss. Weight management is the most crucial step in the progression of Metabolic Syndrome. Dietary changes, stress management exercise guidance all have the ability to reverse Metabolic markers to baseline.


Frequently Ask Questions?
Cardio-metabolic parameters are assessed based on lab markers, imaging reports, lifestyle factors and a physical examination. Based on the severity of cardiovascular disease a plan is devised in order to manage or reverse the progression of disease.
Preventative medicine is a key component of Naturopathic Medicine. If lab markers indicate high end of normal, then appropriate steps are taken to ensure there is a halt in the progression of those numbers. Lifestyle factors, nutrition, movement, stress management and nutraceuticals all play a vital role in decreasing those numbers. With the care and support of your ND labs are assessed alongside treatment protocols.
Medications can be added and removed by the care and supervision of your primary care physician. In Ontario Naturopaths may support you while you are on medication but adjusting the dose
Physical assessment:
- Blood pressure
- Heart auscultation
- Vitals
Full metabolic blood work panel: including but not limited to
- Blood sugar panel + HbA1c
- Full Cholesterol panel
- Blood pressure assessment
- Liver and Kidney function
- Inflammatory markers