Your Natural Path To Health Clinic

03/06/2026

Consumer Reports recently tested a number of protein powders for lead and cadmium. This is what you should know:

Vegan protein powders carry the risk of much higher heavy metal content than animal-based products. One of the products tested contained 1572% of safe lead levels!
Consider using whole food-based protein sources such as tofu, nuts, seeds, beans, and animal proteins.
Check the Clean Label Project website or Consumer Reports article for clean options if you need to use added protein powders.

https://www.consumerreports.org/lead/protein-powders-and-shakes-contain-high-levels-of-lead-a4206364640/
https://cleanlabelproject.org/protein-powder-v2-category-tested-products/

CR tests of 23 popular protein powders and shakes found that most contain high levels of lead.

03/03/2026

A new study published in the journal Lipid Research looks at why the consumption of soybean oil (more than any other fat) is linked with rising obesity rates.

While this study was performed on mice, it is notable that the single component that has changed the most in the diets of Americans over the last hundred years is the consumption of large amounts of polyunsaturated fats from soybean oil.

It is worthwhile to look at processed foods in your fridge and pantry and try to substitute those made with inflammatory fats (soybean, corn, canola, sunflower seed oils) with those made with anti-inflammatory fats (such as olive oil, avocado oil, and even a little coconut oil and butter or ghee).

02/26/2026

If you’re trying to increase physical activity in the new year, take heart from 2 new studies that show that we need even less activity than previously thought to make a very profound impact on health:

~The study in Lancet Public Health found that 7000 steps a day reduced death from all causes by a whopping 47% (compared with not walking).
~The British Journal of Sports Medicine found that just 4000 steps a day reduced all-cause mortality by 25-40%, depending on how often you do that walking.

Bottom line: Just get started! Any movement is much better than no movement!

02/24/2026

NICE Guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), based in England, put out this fantastic infographic summarizing breast cancer incidence and risk factors.

A couple of notes:
The baseline case rate for women aged 50-59 is 23 per 1000 women.
Clearly, smoking, high alcohol consumption, and using oral contraceptives increase the risk of breast cancer.
Combined estrogen and synthetic progestins increase the risk of breast cancer (the same risk does not apply to bioidentical progesterone).
The most substantial increase in risk comes from being obese.
Exercise significantly reduces your risk.

See the infographic here:https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/01-NEW-INFOGRAPHICS-NOV2025-C.pdf

02/19/2026

Alzheimer’s disease is very common, affecting about 10% of adults in the US above the age of 65.
Unfortunately, the brain changes that lead to Alzheimer’s dementia start decades prior to symptoms and diagnosis.

New lab tests available through most major labs can help to assess the pathological changes in the brain that point to Alzheimer’s disease. If you, or a loved one, have symptoms of MCI, ask your doctor about assessing the marker p-tau in the blood so you can get an early diagnosis!

02/17/2026

Really good white bean soup: absolutely worth the extra few steps, absolutely “Really Good!"
Recipe here: https://rainbowplantlife.com/white-bean-soup/ -recipe-container-42763

A couple of notes:
My bouquet garni (so fancy!!) fell apart! Next time, I would either finely chop the herbs or put them in a cheese cloth.
I also used an immersion blender to briefly blend a small amount of the soup, which resulted in a creamy base with lots of texture.

02/15/2026

Did you know that much of our fish is high in mercury and arsenic?

Albacore (“white”) tuna is the biggest offender in terms of both of these heavy metals. Skipjack (“light”) tuna tests somewhat cleaner. But even smaller fish such as sardines and mackerel sometimes contain appreciable levels of arsenic. What’s a health-conscious consumer looking to load up on Omega-3 fats and avoid BPA and heavy metals while enjoying the convenience of canned fish to do???

My recommendations for clean tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel:

Tuna:
Wild Planet (even albacore tuna is low in heavy metals)
Safe Catch (contains undetectable levels of mercury and low arsenic)

Salmon:
Trader Joe’s wild caught Sockeye salmon
Wild Planet Sockeye Salmon
Kirkland (Costco) Pink Salmon
Safe Catch Pacific Pink Salmon

Sardines:
King Oscar Sardines
Seasons Sardine Fillets

Mackerel:
King Oscar Mackerel (extra high in Omega 3 content)
Wild Planet Mackerel

02/10/2026

If you are experiencing knee pain, start moving. Your knees will thank you later!

A study published in the journal "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage" found that people who initiate exercise within the first year of knee pain experience significantly better short and long-term results, for both pain relief and function.

While the American College of Rheumatology strongly recommends exercise as a cornerstone of management, I often see patients told to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meds and given steroid injections instead of a referral to physical therapy or an exercise prescription.

Yes, steroid injections can reduce pain and improve function temporarily – but the effect diminishes over time and only lasts about 3 months. Even more troubling, they may actually accelerate joint deterioration over time.

Lead author Dr Marienke van Middelkoop put it perfectly: "Exercise should be encouraged as early as possible once symptoms emerge in the disease process to take advantage of its effects in potentially [slowing] disease progression within the suggested 'window of opportunity,'".

This is exactly why I focus on addressing root causes rather than masking symptoms. Movement is medicine – it’s one of our most powerful tools for healing and preventing further joint damage.

02/06/2026

Are you overlooking these 6 warning signs your body needs more iron?

Iron deficiency affects millions, yet these symptoms are often dismissed or misunderstood. As a naturopathic physician, I see patients every day who’ve been struggling with these issues for months and sometimes years, without connecting them to their iron levels.

If you’re experiencing any combination of these symptoms, it’s worth getting a comprehensive iron panel. Not just ferritin, but a complete assessment including serum iron, TIBC, and transferrin saturation.

02/03/2026

We have left January’s motivation behind us, and research suggests that 70+ percent of us have abandoned our New Year’s resolutions.

What can you commit to doing consistently?
~5 minutes of deep breathing
~5 minutes of stretching
~10 sit-ups, 10 push-ups, 10 jumping squats
~5K steps
~1 extra serving of veggies
~10 minutes of extra sleep
~1 additional cup of water

01/30/2026

The H3N2 “subclade K” variant of Influenza A is this year’s predominant flu strain, and it's packing a bigger punch than usual.

I highly recommend trying elderberry syrup to reduce flu duration and severity. Ask your naturopath if it’s a good fit for keeping you healthy this winter!

01/27/2026

The U.S. ranked 24th in the 2025 World Happiness Report -- our lowest ever ranking.

Two of the keys to personal happiness that are within individual control are gratitude and connection.
In 2026, join me in focusing on all we have to be grateful for, regardless of our challenges. Let’s strive to prioritize real connections with others (not just on social media).

May 2026 be a year of Health and Happiness for us all!