Dr. Stephanie Potts, ND

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Dr. Stephanie Potts, ND

Naturopathic Doctor and Certified Doula serving Kitchener-Waterloo at Breslau Chiropractic and Wellness.

Finding evidence based alternative treatments for your health concerns. Women's health, perinatal care, digestive health and more!

14/05/2024

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mothers in our community! We hope everyone has had a great Mother's day weekend!

03/08/2022

She's back!! Dr. Stephanie is returning from maternity leave! She will available for in office and virtual visits on Thursdays and Saturdays. Give us a call at 226-899-2413 or go online to book your appointment!

25/03/2021

Our Naturopath, Dr. Stephanie is available for Vitamin B12 injections at the clinic!

She is also able to give blood work requisitions if you do not have access to a family MD for up to date blood work.

10/12/2020

MIGRAINES -- Thursdays with Dr. Stephanie

Do you suffer from migraines? Migraine medications (triptans, Excedrin, Naproxen) can help symptomatically, but it doesn't tackle the root cause.

What are some common causes?
◦ Muscle tension and neck/spinal alignment
◦ Food sensitivities (gluten, dairy, eggs, nitrites like cured meats and bacon, sulphites)
◦ Stress
◦ Inadequate liquid intake (

19/11/2020

Thursdays with Dr. Stephanie
NORMAL VS OPTIMAL

Have you ever been told that your lab work results are "normal"? Many times, we are told that everything is fine, and to come back in a few years. Sure, your bloodwork might be within the reference range, but is it OPTIMAL?

Naturopathic Doctors look at optimal ranges for bloodwork, to make sure that your levels are sufficient to keep you healthy now and down the road.

For example, the reference range for storage iron (ferritin) is 5-272. The labs are only flagged if your value is under 5, or over 272. As an ND, I want your iron to be at least ~50 (female), 70-80 (for hair loss) or 100-150 (males). Those are optimal ranges. Iron is important for nearly every function in the body, from sustaining your energy, to helping your thyroid function properly.

If you've been told your bloodwork is "normal", and you're still not feeling well, call the clinic and we can talk about your options! I can review your blood work, order additional testing, help you understand your results, and ensure your levels are optimal :)

05/11/2020

THE SEASONAL FLU
Thursdays with Dr. Stephanie

It's that time of year when everyone is talking about cold and flu season, especially during COVID-19. What things can we do to keep our bodies healthy?

1. Continue with good hand hygiene (washing hands, hand sanitizer), avoiding touching face, continue to wear masks etc.

2. Talk with you doctor to see if the flu shot may be right for you. Vulnerable populations (age 65+, health care workers, those with chronic respiratory infections etc) may be good candidates for the vaccine. This is a very individual and informed decision, and must be based on your individual risk factors for contracting the flu.

3. Diet
- Focus on eating easily digestible foods. Soups, stews, bone broth, cooked vegetables. Minimize dairy, and cold/raw foods, since our body has to use extra energy to extract nutrients from those foods!

3. Focus on immune support
- Vitamin C - Use the chewable tablets
- Vitamin D - 1000IU is the CDC recommendation, but depending on who you are, may benefit from doses up to 5000IU.
- Probiotics

What if you catch the flu?
- Rest and sleep!! These are the pillars to allow your body to fight the flu
- Load up on all of the immune boosting supplements (listed above)
- Ask your ND about additional immune and anti-viral herbs (echinacea, andrographis, elderberry) and homeopathic remedies
- Use zinc lozenges

More questions?
Contact the clinic to have them answered!

15/10/2020

Thursdays with Dr. Stephanie

BONE HEALTH

What puts you at risk of osteoporosis?
◦ Smoking
◦ Sedentary lifestyle
◦ Certain medications (ask your doctor)
◦ Decreased exposure to estrogen (early menopause)
◦ Poor diet (high in sodium, caffeine, alcohol and sugar)
◦ Poor absorption of nutrients (due to food sensitivities or gluten sensitivity)

What are the most important things to do?
◦ Get a DEXA bone scan at the appropriate age (mostly age 65+, but may be sooner depending on your risk factors)
◦ Weight bearing exercise daily
◦ Eat a well balanced diet (adequate protein, leafy greens)
◦ Talk with your doctor about supplementation (see below)

Supplements?
◦ Vitamin D, calcium, Vitamin K, magnesium, silicon, boron and many others minerals may be important for strong healthy bones! Ask your ND which may be best for you.

09/10/2020

How are you, really?

This past week was Mental Illness Awareness Week, and I wanted to write a little something for you guys.

Mental health concerns are something I've always seen in practice, and even more so within the past 6 months.

COVID has been an extremely challenging time for everyone. Whether you are homeschooling your children, worrying about your elderly parents, managing your internal anxiety, or just missing your social network (and hugs!)

I hear you. I see you. I understand.

If you are struggling, I encourage you to reach out to others. Friends, family, health professionals etc. Let us support you and help you work through the challenges. Nutrition, self-care, herbals and physical therapies can all help.

Have a great Thanksgiving weekend with those you love. Cherish your small gatherings, and be safe.

Dr. Stephanie

01/10/2020

Season Affective Disorder (SAD)
Thursdays with Dr. Stephanie

Now that we are heading into the fall, it's important to be proactive in preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder, or the winter blues!

Things you can do:
◦ Supplement with Vitamin D -- It's important to supplement year round, and especially during the winter. 4000-5000IU is generally recommended, but check with your ND to see what's right for you!
◦ Get a SAD lamp (light box) -- use for 20-25 minute/day
◦ Do some aerobic exercise -- 10-15 minute walk/day
◦ Eat healthy fats, proteins and whole foods diet.
◦ Help your circadian rhythm through consistent bedtimes, good sleep hygiene, and getting light in the morning when you wake up
◦ Supplements - can be helpful for boosting mood during the winter. 5-HTP, fish oil, St. John's Wort and many other herbs can be helpful!

Be proactive and take care of your mental health this year. Let us help you feel better!

17/09/2020

Thursdays with Dr. Stephanie

GLUTEN - is it really that bad for you?

Not always! Depends on who you are and your current health concerns.

Let's go over the basics

What is it?
◦ Gluten refers to proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye.

What are the typical sources?
◦ Breads, pasta, cereal and beer are the big ones. Gluten can be found in many other foods too.

What conditions may benefit from a gluten free diet?
◦ Celiac disease
◦ Autoimmune conditions (hypothyroidism, IBD, Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis)
◦ Digestive concerns
◦ Chronic nutritional deficiencies (iron or Vitamin D)
◦ Skin conditions (rashes, eczema)
◦ Others: Arthritis, psychiatric problems, weight gain, seasonal allergies, chronic sinus problems, infertility

Can you test for it?
- Yes! Gluten sensitivity can be found through blood work, or by biopsy of the small intestine.

Interested to know if gluten free is right for you? Come chat with me at the office!

Address

2-79 Woolwich Street
ON
N0B1M0

Telephone

+12268992413

Website

https://www.pottsnd.com/

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