Dr. Rachel Helferty, ND

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be starting a second practice location in Renfrew in September! Spread the news!

I just finished up a day of phone and video conferencing appointments. Nothing replaces in-person interactions, but I'm grateful to be able to continue offering naturopathic services in this modified manner given the situation. Book online now by following the instructions at this link:

In response to the viral pandemic, I will be conducting all appointments over the phone or via video conferencing until further notice. Please utilize online booking for scheduling appointments:

Wishing everyone a merry Christmas!

Im excited to announce that Ill be starting a second practice location in Renfrew in September! Spread the news!

Food for Thought Protein is one of the most important macronutrients, and most people aren't getting enough. Dietary protein provides the body with the building blocks it needs to make bones, blood, skin, muscles, cartilage, and various other structures, as well as the enzymes needed for energy production. Feeling tired? Maybe you're not getting enough protein! Check out this evidence-based calculator that will help you determine your ideal daily protein intake.

Bot Med Wed Two of my favourite herbs for treating anxiety are passionflower and kava. This research paper highlights the effectiveness of these herbs and concludes: Based on the available evidence, it appears that nutritional and herbal supplementation is an effective method for treating anxiety and anxiety-related conditions without the risk of serious side effects.... Another win for natural medicine!

Happy Victoria Day!

#NatMedWeek Naturopathic Medicine can be a life-changing route for patients with a slew of ailments who otherwise might feel hopeless.

Upcoming I will be speaking with my brother, Fr. Stephen Helferty, at St. Hedwigs Church, Barrys Bay for their Christian Mothers Annual Spring Retreat. The theme of the retreat is Hope for the Loving Mother, spiritual and physical remedies, and it will be held on Saturday, May 11th from 9am-2pm. The day will include Mass, light breakfast, talk, lunch, adoration and confession. Free will offering. All women welcome! RSVP to Mary Anne Kluke at [email protected] or 613-281-6970 by Monday, May 6th.

Bot Med Wed Licorice root is a delicious herb with many medicinal properties. My favourite use of this herb is to help boost the immune system and energy levels, but it can also be used to support repair of the stomach lining. You can find it in the grocery store in tea form, or it can be taken in tincture or capsule form to get a good medicinal dose.

Food for Thought Fructose is a natural sugar found in many plants and fruits in moderate amounts, but also present in high amounts in many processed foods made with sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Excessive fructose consumption is thought to cause addiction, similar to alcohol and other drugs. Particularly in children, fructoholism is a growing concern that is linked to liver disease with a similar progression to alcoholic liver disease. Time to cut back on the pop, cookies and juice?

Fun Fact Friday I was recently looking at a new review article from the British Journal of Sports Medicine that suggests even 10 minutes per WEEK of light or moderate physical activity reduces all-cause mortality (risk of death). Increased benefits were seen with more vigorous activity and more time spent exercising. Now that the weather is getting nicer, its time to get outside and get moving!

Upcoming My next (complementary!) introduction to charting presentation will be on Thursday, May 2nd at 7pm. Check it out!

"NDs do that?" Do you suffer from migraine headaches? Available research suggests acupuncture is superior to medication for reducing migraine frequency and severity, and has fewer adverse effects. Book an acupuncture initial consult to explore this treatment option and start feeling better!

Upcoming Today is Holy Thursday which means Easter is just around the corner. Safe travels to all those who will be on the road this weekend, and wishing you and your family a blessed Easter!

"NDs do that?" Stressful week? Are you carrying that stress as tension in your upper back and shoulders? Are you experiencing tension headaches? Consider trigger point therapy to release those tight muscles and knots. This is one of my favourite techniques for providing immediate relief to my patients. Book in an acupuncture initial consult today to get started!

Food for Thought Fermented foods are part of traditional diets around the world. Some of these foods are making a comeback, for example, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kvass. These foods contain live organisms that are important for healthy digestion. They also present nutrients to our bodies in a way that allows for better absorption.

Fun Fact Friday Did you know that low-income families in Ontario have access to free dental care for children and youth? Happy Friday and healthy smiles!

"NDs do that?" Do you have mercury fillings? Are you experiencing fatigue, poor digestion, memory issues, or mood imbalances? It could be that the mercury in your mouth is the root cause of your health issues. You might also have other heavy metals stored up in your body from exposure over the years. Book an appointment today to get tested for heavy metal toxicity!

Fun Fact Friday Happy IYPT! Whats IYPT? The United Nations declared 2019 the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements to mark the 150th anniversary of the discovery of the Periodic System. What a nerdy thing to celebrate!

Bot Med Wed When a woman notices mood swings, breast tenderness, irritability, cravings, fatigue, or insomnia leading up to her period, she is experiencing PMS (premenstrual syndrome). PMS is common but that doesnt mean it is normal or healthy! Sometimes PMS symptoms can be due to low progesterone. One of my favourite progesterone-boosting herbs that has some great research for providing relief from PMS symptoms is chaste tree berry, also known as Vitex.

"NDs do that?" Magnesium is an important mineral that is needed for energy production, bone health, muscle function, and proper sleep. However, levels of magnesium continue to fall in our food supply and most North Americans arent meeting the daily recommended intake. Deficiency can contribute to muscle cramps, insomnia, constipation, fatigue, high blood pressure, and many other conditions. Are you meeting your daily requirements?

Remembering today the 1957 bumper crop of spaghetti in Ticino, Switzerland:

Getting to know Dr. Rachel

Food for Thought

Fun Fact Friday

"ND's do that?"