Spring is finally here! As the weather changes, we often get a renewed motivation to make things fresh. It is a great time of year to detoxify – and that can be from anything out there that is making you a lesser version of yourself.

In our living spaces – we can clear out the distractions and only keep what we need.

Emotionally – we can clear out negative thoughts or feelings with simple expression via journaling, music, art, talking, movement – whatever it takes to get them out of our bodies.

Physically – we can clear out our body systems by exercising, taking a break from food and drink we know aren’t good for us, contrast showers, infrared saunas, deep breathing, massage, lemon juice in the morning, cruciferous veggies, onion, garlic, water soluble fibers, drinking plenty of water, etc.

Is there something you’re addicted to? Shopping, the internet, alcohol, food, video games, drugs, work, gambling, your phone? Maybe now is your time to cut yourself free.

Let today be the start of something new. #spring #newbeginnings#detox

Note: before beginning any detox program it is important to make sure all emunctory organs are functioning properly.
​
For a safe and effective detox program specific for your needs, see your ND for info. For an appointment, call 604.534.9121.
@drkatherinemasters #TuesdayMorningTidbit

We talked about Good Sleeps last week, now let’s talk about the second understated factor in the maintenance of good health… Good Poops!

In a time when colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Canada and when an estimated 20 million Canadians are suffering with digestive disorders, it is an entirely relevant and important topic!

Part 2: The significant basics of Good Poops

Did you know your bowel movements can give you insights into what is going on inside your body?
They can give you hints about the health of your gallbladder, liver, pancreas, your gastrointestinal tract and digestive function, your nutritional status, your immune system function, allergies, your stress levels, and more.
Bowel movements are essential for clearing toxins and wastes out of our bodies and keeping you feeling well and your body functioning properly.


What does the perfect poop look like?

• It should be easy to pass, brown, banana shaped, and not too pungent - about 1-3 times per day.

How to have the perfect poop:

1. Go when you feel the urge. Often this requires some stimulation from the top of your digestive tract (i.e. eating) in combination with parasympathetic activation (i.e. relaxing).
   
2. Breath deeply a few times before scarfing down your food. This will notify your body that it can switch to “rest & digest mode” and will allow you to digest your food properly.
   
3. When you eat: sit down, turn off your computer, phone, TV, etc. and enjoy, experience, & chew your food - even better yet, with the company of others!
   
4. Nutrition basics: drink enough water throughout the day (which means less caffeine, pop, & alcohol), eat enough fibre, greens, and probiotics, and avoid a high sugar, high carb, highly processed diet. Some fibre and water before bed and lemon water in the morning is often a helpful combination.
   
5. Don't forget about exercise! Nothing gets your body systems to work like movement.
   
6. While on the porcelain throne: avoid sitting for too long or straining as this can cause damage to the rectum and try lifting your feet up onto a couple thick books (squatting is the ideal posture for bowel movement elimination).

​

There are plenty of supplements, medications, and health concerns that can alter bowel movements. If you are showing some signs that something might be off in your body, have a licensed practitioner help you get back on track.

@drkatherinemasters #TuesdayMorningTidbit 

Two signs of good health are: Good Sleeps & Good Poops!
They are two of the foundation building blocks of our health, and their importance cannot be understated.
Let's talk about the first one. Good Sleeps.

Part 1: The significant basics of Good Sleeps

• Do what you need to do to clear your mind during the day, whether that's journaling, writing things down, having a good chat with someone, praying, keeping a gratitude journal, or expressing yourself in some other way
  
• Use your bed only for sleep or sex, not work or study
  
• Exercise early in the day only
  
• Exercise your brain as well
  
• Eat larger meals early on and a smaller meal for dinner that contains healthy sources of protein and fat, a few hours before bedtime
  
• Habituate yourself to a regular going down and rising up time
  
• Turn all screens off a couple hours before bed and keep them out of the bedroom
  
• Avoid caffeine 4-6 hours before bedtime
  
• Avoid alcohol within at least 3 hours of bedtime
  
• The more hours you can get before midnight, the better
  
• Slow down your life where you can, and/or set a time when the business stops for the day
  
• **Take the time to slow down, unwind, and relax before going to bed. Allow enough time for your body to switch gears from whatever you were doing all day and help the process by physically and mentally doing something different.
  
• Acupuncture, herbal remedies & deep breathing can be excellent adjuncts to your sleep routine.

If you are disciplined in the habits above for at least a month but are seeing no improvements, you may need a health care professional to look into some other areas of your health such as blood sugar/insulin, gastrointestinal health, cortisol levels, endocrine system, neurotransmitters, musculoskeletal system, or nutritive status.

Stay tuned next week for Part 2: The significant basics of Good Poops! ;)

@drkatherinemasters #TuesdayMorningTidbit 

Two ingredients. Effective. Not a drug.

Here's how it works: when applied and absorbed by the skin, it goes about depleting a chemical messenger we all have that is responsible for sending pain signals to our brains. In addition, it augments circulation to the area, bringing blood, nutrients, oxygen and therefore healing ingredients right to where they are needed.

Here's how to make it: mix 1 part glycerin with 1 part Capsicum annuum (cayenne) tincture and shake vigourously. Apply to affected muscles and joints as needed.
A word of caution: do not use over broken skin, on the face, near the eyes, or over sensitive areas. May cause a burning sensation. If too strong, rub olive oil over area prior to application.
​
@drkatherinemasters #TuesdayMorningTidbit