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Dr. Amali Firhoj, ND
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What We Can Learn From the European Lifestyle About Health and Digestion
Euro summer is in full force for many of us! As a naturopathic doctor, one of the most common things patients tell me after traveling is some version of this: “I ate bread, pasta, cheese, and desserts every day in Europe… and I felt better than I do at home.” This is not your imagination- and it’s not because desserts every day are secretly a health practice. There are meaningful differences in food quality, lifestyle, and daily habits that can have a real impact on digestion
Jul 22


Melatonin and Sun exposure
Melatonin is widely known as the hormone that helps us fall asleep, but its influence on health goes far beyond bedtime. Its production is closely linked to our exposure to light, particularly natural sunlight, and understanding this connection is essential for improving sleep, mood, and overall wellbeing. Many people rely on supplements or late-night routines without realizing that sunlight during the day is a powerful regulator of the body’s internal clock. How Sunlight Aff
Jul 3


From NAFLD to MASLD: Why Fatty Liver Disease Deserves Your Attention
If you’ve ever been told you have “fatty liver,” it may have been brushed off as a minor or incidental finding. For years, this condition was known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)- a name that defined it mostly by what it wasn’t: alcoholic. Recently, however, experts have renamed it Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). This new name is more than a technical update. It reflects a deeper understanding of the condition- and it sends an i
Jun 26


Do You Actually Need a Detox?
Detox programs are popular in wellness culture. Many people turn to juice cleanses, supplements, or special diets to remove toxins from the body. Despite their popularity, the question remains: do you actually need a detox? Understanding the mechanisms behind detoxification can help you make informed decisions that support long-term health. Detoxes and cleanses are a hotly debated topic among the Naturopathic and Health Professional community, because they are not technically
Jun 2


My non-negotiables in times of chronic stress
Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but unmanaged chronic stress can take a toll on your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It can be very challenging to incorporate any wellness practices when we are so physically, mentally or emotionally spent. In both my personal experiences with stress and through clinical practice, I’ve identified 4 Non‑Negotiable Habits that support resilience, reduce burnout, and preserve long‑term health: Up Your Protein Intake: There are
May 27


How your physical health affects anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression are often thought of as purely emotional or mental challenges, but the connection between physical health and mood disorders is powerful and undeniable. As a naturopathic doctor, I work with patients who are surprised to learn how deeply their physical wellbeing affects their mental state and vice versa. Mental health is not isolated in the brain, it is integrated throughout the entire body. Inflammation, gut health, immune function, and hormone balance
May 2


Top Signs Your Gut is Mad at You (and How to Make Peace)
Your gut is remarkably patient. But when it reaches its limit, it does not send a polite message- it sends symptoms. In recent years, we are finally recognizing that gut health affects far more than digestion alone. The gut communicates with the immune system, the brain, and hormonal pathways, which means that when the digestive system is struggling, many parts of the body can feel off. Common digestive signs of gut distress include bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and
Apr 22


Probiotics vs. Fermented Foods: Who is Winning in 2026?
Gut health has officially entered its main-character era. From kombucha on tap to probiotic gummies at the pharmacy, it’s clear that people are thinking more about their microbiome than ever before. In 2026 though, the question is getting more nuanced. Instead of simply asking whether they should take a probiotic, many of my patients are now wondering if they should be focusing on fermented foods instead- or whether they need both. Probiotics are live microorganisms , usuall
Apr 9


Why Exercise Looks Different in Menopause
Many women notice that the exercise routine that worked in their 30s suddenly feels much harder in their 40s and 50s. Workouts that once boosted energy now lead to exhaustion, injuries seem to appear more easily, and weight becomes harder to manage despite consistent effort. These changes are not a sign of laziness or loss of willpower, although many of my patients come in to appointments describing it this way! They are the result of real physiological shifts that occur duri
Mar 20


Will Cycle Syncing Actually Benefit Me?
Cycle syncing has become a popular way for women to structure their lifestyle around their hormones. At its core, cycle syncing means adjusting nutrition, movement, and daily demands based on where you are in your menstrual cycle. Instead of expecting the same energy and motivation every day, cycle syncing recognizes that hormones naturally rise and fall across the month and that these shifts influence how we feel, think, and perform. In a typical reproductive cycle, estrogen
Mar 3


Roasted Tomato and Feta Toast
Tomato Season is upon us! This has got to be hands down, my favourite way to eat tomatoes. It is my go-to savoury breakfast option and I...
Aug 21, 2025


What Social Media Gets Wrong About Cortisol
Cortisol is often labeled the “stress hormone,” and while it plays a critical role in your body’s response to stress, there’s a lot of...
Jul 2, 2025


When Health Anxiety Strikes
If you have ever experienced health anxiety before, you have probably felt some degree of powerlessness or lack of control over your...
Jul 21, 2024


Why Muscle Mass Matters
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I often see patients who are concerned about their weight and body composition. For years, so much emphasis has...
Jul 17, 2024


4 Myths About Naturopathic Medicine, Debunked
Regardless of where you are at in your health journey, you are either being asked questions about naturopathic medicine or may have some...
Jul 16, 2024


Why This Year's Winter Blues Are Especially Hard-Hitting
Every year, the fresh Jan 1st start can bring a lot of good-intentioned motivation. New Year's resolutions can be so helpful in driving...
Feb 2, 2024


What to Expect from Your First Naturopathic Appointment
Whether you have booked in already and are waiting for your first consult, or are still considering naturopathic medicine, welcome to the...
Nov 13, 2023


5 Things You Can Do Today to Make the Most Out of Your Fertility Appointments
Affecting approximately 1 in 6 Canadian adults, infertility has become a growing health concern for many people coming into my office. I...
Oct 25, 2023
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