Dr. Melissa Bingeman ND

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Canada
Kitchener, ON
Dr. Melissa Bingeman ND

Offering virtual naturopathic consultations. Please contact at MelissaBingeman.nd@gmail.com

I believe that achieving optimal health is about finding balance in all key areas of your life. I have special interests in hormonal health, fertility, pediatrics, menopause, thyroid, stress/anxiety management and gastrointestinal health. Using a variety of natural treatment modalities and a holistic approach, I can help you find your balance in a busy world.

12/13/2022

Seasonal depression, aka SAD. 😐
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If you suffer from it, you likely already know.
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It’s common to start feeling your mood and energy levels slip in November, but it can start as early as October or September. You feel moody, irritable, exhausted, antisocial and unmotivated. You crave carbs, you sleep more and may lose interest in activities you once enjoyed. These symptoms and feelings resolve in the spring and summer.
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The 4 major research driven treatments for SAD are:
😌 light therapy - 30 minutes exposure to a sun lamp daily
😌 counselling
😌 vitamin D
😌 antidepressant medications
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I’d include regular exercise/movement, social connection and a protein rich/lower carb/sugar diet to the list.
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Everybody reacts differently to darkness and less light exposure during the fall and winter months. Escaping on a tropical getaway might be a valid option but if you want help sooner than later, try some of these tips or get in touch for a consult. ☀️ 😃

11/23/2022

One of the hardest parts about anxiety for me is sitting still and doing nothing. My mind is constantly multi tasking, with a million tabs open and a constant to-do list that grows longer and longer. Sometimes I make my family late for events because I feel I need to have everything “just right” before we leave. Chaos is uncomfortable.
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One technique I use to snap myself out of this is to put away my phone, close my eyes, and focus on the present moment. What matters right now.
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I also like to use the 5x5 rule: if it won’t matter to you in 5 years, don’t spend more than 5 minutes thinking about it. 🤯
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How do you snap yourself out of anxious chaos?

11/18/2022

Red Flags you might have high cortisol levels and are heading towards burn out.
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🚩 You are more irritable than usual
🚩 You feel tired all day and wired at night
🚩 You have had a high stress level for longer than 2 weeks
🚩 You are gaining weight, especially in your abdomen
🚩 Your periods have become unpredictable and more intense
🚩 You feel overwhelmed, anxious and just not yourself
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My favourite way to evaluate adrenal function and cortisol dysregulation is through the DUTCH hormone test. It shows estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, melatonin, serotonin, dopamine, inflammation, dysbioisis as well as 24 hour cortisol pattern. Phew!!
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It is the most comprehensive overview of your hormone and adrenal health and directs my treatment plan. We know exactly how to support you next!
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DM me for more info!

11/16/2022

I love my job 🥰 if I wasn’t a Naturopathic Doctor, I truly don’t know what I would do. My life mission is to inspire others 🩺 🌿
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And as a Naturopathic Doctor, I love sharing with all my patients the importance of daily health rituals. It’s our commitment to the little rituals we do every day that add up to true health and wellness over time! 👏💪
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Here are a few of my favourite rituals:
✨ Morning collagen powder in my coffee ☕️
✨ Intermittent fasting with a mid morning protein shake
✨ Tea, tea and more tea - hot or cold - all day long! 🫖
✨ Daily movement - walking outdoors, playing with my kids or my favourite Peloton spin class 🚴 🤸🧘🏼‍♀️
✨ My vitamin regime 💊 (specific to my health goals at the time)
✨ 5-10 minutes of meditation, self reflection or alone time 🙏
✨ Nightly cuddle time with my boys 🥰
✨ Playing my favourite playlists according to my mood 🎶
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🤙 Commitment and consistency (not perfection) are key when it comes to achieving health and wellness. 🏆 What are your daily health rituals that you can’t live without? Please share below👇

11/11/2022

Taking a necessary self care break this weekend. I’m off to a spa with some of my ND girlfriends 👯‍♀️ 💛💆‍♀️
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As excited as I am, mom guilt still has its way of sneaking in. It’s been a long week of solo parenting. I was overwhelmed, more short and irritable with the kids and less present. I feel like I failed as a mom, trying to juggle it all.
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However both my husband and my mom reminded me that the kids “are alive, are happy and are loved and that’s all that matters”. 👩‍👦‍👦
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So I’m cutting myself some slack and leaving my guilt behind. I’m taking my own advice; breaks are a necessary part of our health and self care routine. I’m making it a priority and enjoying every minute. 🥰

11/05/2022

Life doesn't require perfection - this is something I am unlearning everyday as a recovering “perfectionist”.
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But it does require commitment and for us to show up with the best that we have to give that day. Our "best" fluctuates, and that's not only normal, but expected!
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Show yourself grace and hold space for all versions of your best, today and always. 😘

11/02/2022

Do something today to support your future self 💕
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Lately I’ve found myself getting lost in the hustle and bustle of life. My to-do list feels miles long and I just can’t seem to get ahead. The overwhelm has been creeping in.
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I know if I continue at this pace I’m going to lose stamina and burn out. I’ve been thinking about my mindset and ways I can help my future self. Here are a few things I’ve come up with.
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✨ Do a 5 minute mini meditation. Turn on a song, close your eyes and ask yourself what your mind and body needs to feel supported. Listen to your inner voice.
✨ Declutter your living space for mental clarity
✨ Get in some simple movement or stretching to keep your energy up and tension out of your body
✨ Check in on your to-do list priorities; disregard anything that is a “nice to do” versus a “must do”.
✨ Eat a healthy serving of good fat and protein. We need omegas and amino acids to have healthy serotonin and dopamine balance.
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What are you doing for future YOU today?

10/26/2022

Day 3 of sick kiddos at home while hubby is away on a work trip. I’ve been juggling it all and starting to feel a bit burnt out. 🤪😫 Thank goodness for grandparents who can help! ❤️
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Here are a few of my go-to’s when the kids are sick. All are available in your local grocery store or online. I also use OTC meds for symptom control when they are uncomfortable or need to sleep. I love a best of both worlds approach ☺️
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It is completely normal for our kids to get sick this time of year, and after speaking with a paediatrician recently, she confirmed my suspicion that the viruses out there are bigger and badder these days. 🦠
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However, there are a lot of underlying causes that can lead to frequent colds or runny noses, colds that turn into ear infections and coughs that linger or turn bronchial. Consider reaching out if you are interested in a personalized plan for your child that addresses their underlying root causes. Every plan is different, there isn’t a one size fits all approach using naturopathic medicine. 🍃 🏥

10/20/2022

Motherhood is the greatest refining fire of my life. Some days I feel like a great mom. Some days I feel depleted and guilty. Some days I feel like no one cares about all my sacrifices. Some days I feel like I have nothing left. And some days I cry because I love my kids so darn much. All aboard the motherhood rollercoaster, am I right?! 🤪😉
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BUT here’s 5 lessons I’ve learned over the past 5 years. I know I’ll learn a lot more as my kids grow but this is where I’m at right now ❤️
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1. It's okay to do things differently than other parents. It doesn't mean I'm wrong or they’re wrong.
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2. Letting your kids help you with things is empowering for them, even though it might take you three times as long. Slow down and appreciate the small moments.
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3. I was chosen to mother my kids. No one else could do it better and no one else knows them better.
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4. Kids want to be good and to make you proud. They don’t act out or misbehave because they are inherently bad. There is always an underlying cause (hunger, fatigue, need for attention, etc). Slow down and meet them where they are at.
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5. I am not, nor will I ever be a perfect parent. When the mom-guilt kicks in, I remind myself that I’m only human and at the end of the day, I love my kids and that’s the only thing that matters to them. ❤️
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Sending some love and encouragement to those of you in the thick of motherhood right now, I'm here with you!

10/18/2022

I am often asked, what does a Naturopath do? 🤷‍♀️
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As a Naturopathic Doctor (ND), I don't just treat symptoms. Our holistic focus allows us to look at your physical and emotional symptoms, environment and lifestyle - all keys to unlocking the underlying cause of illness. An ND spends time listening and understanding your concerns to ensure you feel empowered, informed and motivated about your health. NDs can also order lab testing when required, to understand your deeper physiology and assess your current health status.
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When it comes down to it, a Naturopathic Doctor provides individualized care, using evidence-based strategies, because there is no one-size-fits all when it comes to your health!
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What questions do you have about Naturopathic medicine?

10/13/2022

Feeling all the cozy vibes lately 🧡
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During the fall - as the seasons begin to change - it is really good for your immune system and for body temperature regulation to introduce herbs, flavours, and foods that are warming to the body. Think chilis, soups, stews, curries... 😋😍
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You can find recipes for some of my favourite fall meals in my Fine Fettle Health Reset eBook - link in the bio!
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10/09/2022

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours. 🧡💛🍂
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I hope you find some space this weekend to slow down, laugh, breathe deeply, enjoy the beauty of nature, and savour all that life has provided.

Address

Kitchener, ON

Website

https://finefettlecollaborative.janeapp.com/

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