Real Integrative Medicine with Dr. Jordan Robertson ND
Welcome to Real Integrative Medicine, where we break down the barriers between evidence and integrative practice. Hosted by Dr. Jordan Robertson, ND, our mission is to empower both patients and clinicians to make confident, evidence-informed decisions with integrative medicine. What's real? What does evidence mean? How should research change our day-to-day health choices? The show will cover the intersection between health, habit change and mindset to help you make confident and science-backed decisions in your health care. The podcast is the sister to our Youtube channel, Real Integrative Medicine, which is geared towards practitioners who want to make evidence-informed recommendations for their patients, without having to dig into the research themselves. You can find out more here: http://www.youtube.com/@RealIntegrativeMed
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My celiac diagnosis and "kitchen sink" requisitions
10/17/2024
My celiac diagnosis and "kitchen sink" requisitions
In this compelling episode of the Real Integrative Medicine podcast, host Dr. Jordan Robertson dives into her personal battle with a mysterious skin condition that eluded diagnosis for weeks. Dr. Robertson recounts experiencing severe allergic reactions characterized by hives, welts, and blistering rashes on her forearms. When traditional treatments like antihistamines, prednisone, and cortisone creams failed to provide relief, Dr. Robertson's journey took a complex turn. Amid diagnoses ranging from hives to severe poison ivy, she found herself at a frustrating standstill. Highlighting the complexities of diagnosing skin conditions (or any medical condition) and the mental toll it can take, Dr. Robertson eventually adopted a "wait and see" approach. But against initial advice, her persistence led to comprehensive lab testing, resulting in a surprising diagnosis: celiac disease presenting as dermatitis herpetiformis. This episode provides an insightful look into the diagnostic challenges in healthcare, the importance of self-advocacy, and the delicate balance integrative medicine practitioners must maintain between patient expectations and clinical evidence. Dr. Robertson’s story underscores the significance of patience, follow-up, and adopting a broad yet evidence-based approach to uncover the root causes of elusive medical conditions. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the strategies behind watchful waiting, the value of reassessment, and the consumer-driven aspects of integrative healthcare. Tune in for an inspiring journey from uncertainty to resolution and get a unique perspective on the interconnections between skin reactions and systemic health issues like celiac disease.
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We're back. And we're different.
10/10/2024
We're back. And we're different.
Welcome to Real Integrative Medicine, formerly known as Women's Health Unplugged, hosted by Dr. Jordan Robertson. This podcast delves into the intricate intersection of behavior change, mindset, and traditional medical therapies, providing both patients and clinicians with the tools they need for healthcare success. In a world crowded with conflicting health information, Real Integrative Medicine aims to demystify and deconstruct these complexities, offering evidence-based insights and practical strategies. Each episode explores pivotal themes such as behavioral modification, mindset shifts, goal setting, and compliance in medicine. We tackle the toughest questions, confront cognitive biases, and discuss the real-world challenges faced by both practitioners and patients. Our rebranding to Real Integrative Medicine reflects a broader focus on holistic health management, moving beyond hormonal health to address a wider array of medical topics. Dr. Robertson brings her expertise in integrative medicine to the forefront, critiquing the lack of standardized care and advocating for a universal playbook to guide practitioners in delivering consistent, patient-centered treatment. Listeners are invited to join Dr. Robertson in an intimate and motivational dialogue that covers innovative health strategies, the latest trends in medical literature, and personal wellness practices such as gratitude and journaling. By integrating behavior change, mindset, and medical therapy, Real Integrative Medicine provides a comprehensive approach to achieve optimal health outcomes. Tune in to Real Integrative Medicine to stay informed, inspired, and empowered on your health journey. Join us in both audio and video formats as we share valuable insights and engage in meaningful conversations over the coming weeks.
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Get in the damn picture
04/25/2024
Get in the damn picture
I promise. You need to get your picture taken. In this episode I share the mic with my photographer, Laura Benn. We share an intimate conversation about how to get comfortable getting your picture taken and why it’s so important that you do. Whether you’re in business and need photos for your branding, you’ve avoid family photography or you just need to create more memories, this episode will help you reframe how to think about each picture. I share my own personal journey with professional photography and how I felt getting my picture taken years ago compared to now and how I’ve changed my perspective. We give you real tips on how to have a great picture taken and how to think about this snapshot in time in your life (and why you’ll want to capture it). Laura works with women who are looking for professional and branding photography, and I can say, she’s amazing. You can find her on Instagram (@gooseberrystudios) and at her website ( PS: I tell a story of a “kids say the darndest things” moment that does include some swearing in this episode. Just an FYI.
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New Ideas About Habit Change and Perimenopause. Making Change For Good
04/18/2024
New Ideas About Habit Change and Perimenopause. Making Change For Good
There are a few things that would happen in a one-to-one appointment with patients that change how successful they are. Your health hinges on your ability to execute your habits, and yet we have such difficulty making change. Here are some new ideas. In this episode, we talk about my first course, , which is a habit change challenge slash educational program to help you actually change and equip you to have a better health experience in your 40s and 50s. You can , and then we can all start together as a group. My takeaways for habit change? You need to have a new conversation in your head about your habits and I'll give you the script that will turn everything around. You need to understand the MVP (minimum viable products) for your habits. You need to eliminate tension and move the "line" you've drawn around your self-investment. It's currently 50% off and has a few fun bonus offers for our first cohort.
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Should you be treating the “root cause” or treat your symptoms with bandaids?
04/11/2024
Should you be treating the “root cause” or treat your symptoms with bandaids?
In this week’s episode, we discuss where ‘root cause’ medicine comes from and where things have gone wrong. I share my insights for how treating the root cause can look like Addressing the risk factors that set you up for a chronic condition Treating co-morbidities to help improve your health status Making changes to your lifestyle to reduce your future need for medication or the need for increased medication Co-supporting long term medication prescriptions to help you get the most out of your prescription. What root cause medicine isn’t is the relentless pursuit of the one thing that’s gone wrong in your life and health that, if you reverse it, will cause all your health problems to go away. The inspiration for this episode came after a national news article about how Naturopathic Doctors in Canada are “not” a solution to the healthcare crisis. One of the things the article pointed out is that we search for the root cause, which is harmful. We break down that phrase, and when root cause medicine is important and valuable, and when to let the goal go.
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how to be a good “buyer” in the world of women's health
04/04/2024
how to be a good “buyer” in the world of women's health
As the youngest of 8 kids, Dr. Sharon Malone watched her mother navigate the world with good old common sense. When she became a gynecologist, author and the health-advocate for thousands of women she took the exact same approach. Cited as the “first person I turn to for a whole host of issues, especially my health” by Michelle Obama, Sharon has a mission of taking information that used to “belong” to doctors and make it accessible and available to every woman. In her book, Grown Woman Talk, she covers conditions from fibroids to endometriosis and how to navigate midlife with confidence and health. In this podcast episode, we talk about how women have more choices than ever in their health care journey and how to be a good “buyer” in the world of health. She shares her advice on how to get a second opinion, and why you are the person with the greatest continuity in your own health journey (and thus should be listened to!). You can get a copy of Sharon’s here.
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The biggest missed opportunity in women’s health (and it’s not your hormones for once).
03/28/2024
The biggest missed opportunity in women’s health (and it’s not your hormones for once).
If we ask a room full of women what their greatest health risk is they either can’t answer, or answer breast cancer. If we ask people what a typical heart patient looks like, they often have an immediate vision of a man. If we cram women’s health into a 7-minute health appointment, we probably aren’t asking her about her pregnancy history. This, is the bad news of women’s heart health. The good news is, we can change your path. If you listen to this conversation. Heart health is a woman’s number one health risk, and oftentimes, she’s carrying around sex-specific risk factors (like pregnancy history) that influence her status. In this episode, I’m joined by Cardiac Nurse and Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Olivia Greenspan who shares her experience on both ends of the spectrum, and why she’s so passionate about teaching you the basics about heart health. We cover the risk factors nobody has asked you about, how to approach your health care appointments and why you need to start making changes today. Olivia practices in Ontario and you can find her on her website or on Instagram where she shares practical and pragmatic advice about women’s heart health, especially around menopause. IG - @droliviand
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Biohacking and who we haven’t had on the podcast
03/21/2024
Biohacking and who we haven’t had on the podcast
We’ve had a lot of opportunities to do an episode on biohacking. We probably get asked 4-5 times per week to host someone on the show who has a product, supplement, lab test or wearable that they want to talk about. We’ve pretty much always said no. Why? Biohacking falls into this weird category of health and wellness that isn’t really evidence-based. It’s so “cutting edge” and so “ahead of the curve” that we don’t know if it works. In this episode, I share how to think about biohacking from wearables to supplements and the questions to ask yourself (good and bad) before you consider biohacking. If you’re ready for a more pragmatic approach to your hormonal health, you can still get a free ticket to our menopause summit called Modern Menopause. .
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The way we diagnose AND treat heartburn has changed.
03/14/2024
The way we diagnose AND treat heartburn has changed.
If you’ve ever been told you have heartburn, have been medicated for heartburn (and maybe still are) or have wondered if you have heartburn - this episode was recorded just for you. I’m joined by my colleague and friend, Dr. Dominique Vanier, ND who has been an instrumental part of the education team at The Confident Clinician in the last year, educating more than 700 clinicians about reflux, heartburn and other digestive conditions that feel a lot like heartburn (but might not be!). In this episode, we’re sharing Heartburn myths and realities GERD diagnostic challenges Diet's impact on reflux Gut-brain interaction complexities Misdiagnosis and treatment issues Proton pump inhibitors and alternatives What individualized health care looks like (you can improve your symptoms!) If you’re ready for a new perspective on your digestive health, Dr. Vanier is accepting new patients at Clarity Health in Burlington servicing patients in person and virtually all across Ontario. You can find and f
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Should you listen to your body? Maybe no.
03/07/2024
Should you listen to your body? Maybe no.
In today’s episode, we talk about an important phrase in women’s health “Listen to your body” We’re going to break down when you should actually listen to your body and when listening to your body is actually getting in your way of progress. Exercise is an amazing example, given that when we study exercise, we actually make the participants do the exercise. We don’t ask them if they are too tired or if they “feel like it”. The benefits they get come from the doing. Not from doing it if they want to. Before you listen to your body, we need to ask a few questions (and we cover them all in the episode).
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Grab a mirror. Get ready to understand your body.
02/29/2024
Grab a mirror. Get ready to understand your body.
Today’s episode was brought to you by the Modern Menopause Summit. With over 40 topics covered, you need to be there!. In today’s episode, I share the mic with my friend and colleague, Dr. Dolores Fernandez, a Naturopathic Doctor and the owner of Iris personal care products (lube and vaginal moisturizer!) We talk about the importance of getting connected with vulvovaginal health, how skin is skin is skin and why you need to understand “normal” so you can pay attention to changes. IRIS is offering 20% off to women's health unplugged listeners for 1 month after the podcast airs. Use code WHU20 at checkout at . IRIS is one of our sponsors for the Modern Menopause summit and Dolores shares even MORE information about vaginal health in this special online event. Here’s a summary of what we discussed: Diagnosing and Treating Gynecological Dermatology Conditions Takeaway: There is a gap in the healthcare field between gynecology and dermatology, leading to challenges in diagnosing and treating conditions specifically related to vulvar and vaginal health. Specialists often focus narrowly on their area, which can result in missed or misdiagnosed conditions that require a broader interdisciplinary understanding. Importance of Vaginal Health Awareness Takeaway: There is a notable deficiency in the general awareness of vaginal health issues across different life stages. Education and open discussion are crucial in recognizing symptoms, avoiding misdiagnosis, and promoting overall vaginal health to ensure proper care and treatment. Education on Lubricant Products Takeaway: Lubricants vary widely in quality, and there is a lack of regulation and standardization, which underscores the need for education on the chemistry and quality of personal care products. Understanding key aspects like pH balance, preservatives, osmolarity, and ingredients contribute to making informed choices and preventing adverse reactions. The Evolving Needs of Vaginal Care Takeaway: Women should consider the evolving nature of their vaginal care needs as they age and stay informed about the latest science and product developments. It is imperative for women to adapt their care regimen in response to changes in their bodies to maintain optimal vaginal health. Normalization and Stigma Reduction in Vulvar Health Takeaway: Breaking down the stigma and fostering an environment where conversations about vulval health are normalized is essential. Knowledge of one's own anatomy, being vigilant to symptoms, and discussing experiences can encourage a supportive atmosphere, leading to better healthcare outcomes and advancements in research and education related to vulval and vaginal health.
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Experience Modern Menopause.
02/22/2024
Experience Modern Menopause.
Everyone is touched by Menopause in one way or another. It might be you, your partner or your mother. Over the last year, I've been working on a project with 25 of the industry's best menopause practitioners to bring you a week-long, completely free event to help you learn about the most recent science around supporting people in menopause. We'll be covering concepts from HRT to weight gain, from mood and sleep to cardiovascular health. It will be a complete one-stop experience to help you gain confidence (and feel hopeful) about this stage of life. I'm incredibly proud to host these women who are standing up for better menopause care (that extends beyond a prescription). If you have a friend in this stage of life, forward them this email. Seeing each of these practitioners individually wouldn't even be possible! We've brought them together to share their expertise and gift you the resources you need to have a healthy menopause transition. Whether you're in your 40s and wondering what's coming or in your 60s and wondering what's next, this event will support you to have the most Modern Menopause possible. I hope you are well and look forward to
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The Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Have Changed. Should You Follow Them?
02/15/2024
The Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Have Changed. Should You Follow Them?
In today's podcast, we discuss the evidence for changing mammogram guidelines to include women in their 4th decade (40-50). I open with a new promise to bring you more authentic conversations on evidence (and more calling out of the bs online). We also talk about how to make decisions about screening for yourself (and why we are in favour of the breast cancer screening guidelines). I hope you enjoy the episode. Remember to leave a review after listening so we can reach more women like you. Here's an AI-Generated summary of what we talked about in today's episode: Understanding Screening Tests: Screening tests aim to detect diseases early in large populations. Effective screening tests must find diseases at a time when intervention can significantly alter outcomes. Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines: Recent guideline changes focus on early detection, especially in younger women. The new age bracket (40-50 years) is targeted due to the aggressive nature of breast cancer in premenopausal women. Addressing Misconceptions and Fears: Common myths about mammograms causing breast cancer are debunked. Emphasis on the goal of screening: early detection to save lives, not to cause harm. The Role of Mammograms: Mammograms are selected for breast cancer screening due to their accessibility and safety. The podcast clarifies the difference between diagnostic tests and screening tests. Critiquing Alternative Screening Methods: Discussion on the lack of evidence supporting alternative methods like thermography. Stress on the importance of relying on scientifically proven screening methods. Importance of Evidence-Based Screening: Screening is based on population statistics and the greater good, not individual cases. Encouragement to view public health recommendations within the context of overall population benefit. What to do next: Listeners are encouraged to critically assess health information, especially regarding breast cancer screening. Importance of making health decisions based on scientific evidence and personal values.
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The Supplements I Take (Not Clickbait)
02/08/2024
The Supplements I Take (Not Clickbait)
"What supplements do you take, Jordan?" This is one of the most common questions I get asked on social media. I will give you the answer, but we will also talk about why you're asking in the first place. Wellness behaviours and nutrition have this weird space in medicine where we expect to get our answers online, our advice from friends or our hairstylist and personalized recommendations from an Instagram post. We're going to dive into this and look at why we want validation, hope, and an illusion of safety when we see someone else doing something. I also share with you my current and past list of supplements. I share how I made the decision to take them, what I expect the outcomes to be and what I've taken in the past. The episode's purpose is to help you feel hope that you can have a list curated for you that may help your symptoms. If you listen and realize you need help, our team of Doctors at Clarity Health is always ready to help residents of Ontario choose the 1-2 supplements that they need to support their health journey. You can submit a web inquiry at www.clarityhealthburlington.ca, and one of our team members will call you back.
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Treating your PMS on a budget.
02/01/2024
Treating your PMS on a budget.
In this episode, we talk about 5 really simple strategies to improve your PMS that are absolutely FREE. Hormonal health is an important area that is often poorly addressed in conventional care. Understanding and supporting your own PMS symptoms can give you back quality of life. In the episode we talk about What it means if you suddenly get PMS in your 40s. The biggest pressure on your PMS in your life. 5 free solutions that you can start today. My personal strategies for dealing with PMS. If you loved the episode, share it with a friend and be sure to write us a review.
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That first period. Equipping you for the teen experience.
01/18/2024
That first period. Equipping you for the teen experience.
This episode is about the first period. Many of you have young pre-menstruators and menstruators in your life who would benefit from you knowing the ins and outs of puberty and what to look for around that first period. Teens, unfortunately, often have their symptoms chalked up to a "normal teen experience," whether they have a delayed first period, significant acne or rapid changes to body weight. This isn't true, and rapid or extreme development of hormone symptoms often have an underlying hormone condition that should be assessed. Young people deserve an assessment if They are 15 with no period (whether they have breast development or not) They are 13 with no secondary sex characteristics at all. They have rapid changes to their androgen symptoms (acne, body hair growth, body weight changes). They miss their first period and play competitive sports, are petite or maybe eating below their energy needs. We cover how to think about each of these areas of health and when to push for assessment in your teen. If you need support and live in Ontario, reach out to us at and submit a web inquiry. Our clinicians work with all types of hormonal concerns in young people and run evidence-based testing (blood work).
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Things I'm no longer tolerating from myself (It's also my birthday!)
01/11/2024
Things I'm no longer tolerating from myself (It's also my birthday!)
In this birthday episode, I'm sharing the things I'm noticing about myself as I turn 42 (like how sore I am every day mostly) and talking about the things I'm no longer tolerating about myself this year. We often hear the narrative of people over 40 "not tolerating any more bs" from others, but in my opinion, the buck needs to stop with me first. So I've created a list of things that I'm no longer doing. The list includes things like Judging Christmas lights Having fear about AI Not giving 100% in a few areas Being apologetic for quitting something I'm really good at (this one will surprise you). I hope you enjoy the episode and it sparks some ideas for your own journey this year. I'm excited to be 42 and excited to keep working on my health. Thanks for being here along for the ride. I have a very exciting announcement coming up for those of you over 40 who are interested in hormone health. Stay tuned to the podcast. The announcement comes in February.
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We need to be obsessed with our goals. Taking back the word and actually making progress next year.
12/21/2023
We need to be obsessed with our goals. Taking back the word and actually making progress next year.
This episode is about goal setting for 2024 and taking back the word "obsession" as a positive and aspirational trait that helps people actually achieve what they desire. Since the pandemic, we've had to create such high degrees of self-compassion that we've lost the ability to pursue a goal relentlessly. Is it bad if you miss a kid's event to stay the course on your gym goals? Is it negative for your mental health if you choose a salad? Is it a slippery slope to be obsessed with your goals? In this episode, we take back the word "obsession" to mean something much more positive and talk through how to get obsessed with your health so you can get somewhere. This is our last episode of 2023. We wanted to leave you on a "goal-setting" track for the holiday season and to help you consider how you want your 2024 to turn out. See you in 2024!
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Hormone Imbalance. Why this term isn't true (and causes harm).
12/14/2023
Hormone Imbalance. Why this term isn't true (and causes harm).
Today's podcast episode is broadcast on both of our podcast platforms, Women's Health Unplugged, which is our public-facing podcast. It has over 500,000 downloads and has covered many women's health topics over the last few years. Our clinician-facing podcast, The Confident Clinician Podcast, focuses on clinical topics and studies that are changing our practices in integrative care. Today's topic is for everyone. We're talking about the term "hormone imbalance" and how damaging this term can actually be. We cover concepts such as Why accurate diagnosis is the first step towards getting treatment. Why universal language is an important bridge to connect practitioners. Why using vague terms (like your 'private parts') does a disservice to patients. Which "buckets" of hormone concerns you might fall into, and why we need to accurately label you. Where we go from here. If you're a patient and are looking for an evidence based clinician in Ontario, you can find our clinic at If you're a practitioner, be sure to get on the wait list for The Confident Clinician at to ensure you're the first to access our hormone assessment module in 2024 when our doors open.
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The women you admire have help. Lots of it.
12/07/2023
The women you admire have help. Lots of it.
I'm joined today by a guest, Lexi Miles Corrin, who's the owner of WAXON wax bars, a female-only franchise helping women achieve their financial and entrepreneurial goals with over 20 locations expanding all over Canada next year. Lexi is also a mother of 4 under 5. There's nobody better to talk to us about getting help, showing up with intention in your own life and chasing your dreams than a mother of 4 who is leading other women to pursue their business goals. We share so many helpful "get started" points on this podcast and keep the conversation relatable and accessible, regardless of where you are in your journey. Lexi talks about the small 'nudges' that we need and the importance of getting clear on what you actually want out of your life to be able to take the next right step. Feminine leaders have a special place in my heart. They show up with vulnerability and empathy and ALSO make hard decisions and lead tough conversations. We share how valuable it is to let others into your "workspace" (both at home and at work) who can support you in achieving your goals. We discuss "letting go" of the outcomes and how we've had our hearts broken (but wouldn't want it any other way). Enjoy the episode.
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ADHD in Adult Women. My personal journey and how to start yours.
11/30/2023
ADHD in Adult Women. My personal journey and how to start yours.
I've only really known about my ADHD diagnosis for a few years. I had joked about it for years and had friends joke about it for years, but it wasn't until my kids were assessed that I really leaned into identifying as a person with ADHD. Working with women for the last 15 years has gifted me the opportunity to help identify ADHD in my patients, and to help them make decisions on how to support themselves. In today's episode, we're joined by Dr. Kate Henry, a Naturopathic Doctor whom I connected with over the research on ADHD and our personal experiences. This episode will help you understand your own brain a little better, and give you the first few steps you need to take to get assessed and taken care of. We tackle topics such as The role of diet (how your ADHD chooses your foods and how your foods worsen your symptoms). The role of medication. The role of accurate diagnosis (especially if you've never been flagged before). How to get help (even with the small things). If you want to read Kate's free resources and get connected with her, you can
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The ROI (return on investment) when you invest in yourself.
11/18/2023
The ROI (return on investment) when you invest in yourself.
In today's episode, I'm joined by my colleague, Dr. Andrea Gri, who is one of the NDs in my office in Ontario. We started this conversation one day in the hallway of the office (where so many magical conversations happen). If we asked you to invest money that had a guaranteed return on investment, it would probably feel like a no-brainer. Why? Partly because we value money. So do you value your health the same way? In today's episode, we talk about the small investments you can make in yourself to take steps forward in your health journey. We share the things that our most successful patients have in common and what the research says about the disconnect between "knowing" and "doing". Andrea and I share our personal choices to help ourselves stay well as working moms and give you some ideas for how you can get started. Andrea is running a free community event Thursday, November 23 at 7 pm on hormonal health and metabolism. The event requires registration. You can register here to get access to both the workbook and the live event (or recording if you can't make it). Register here: Andrea also works at our office in Burlington and you can reach out to her at if you're ready to start your health journey.
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The lab test you've never heard of that you'll want to get done.
11/09/2023
The lab test you've never heard of that you'll want to get done.
Today's episode calls out a new application for an old lab test that you've probably never heard of, or had run on your physical exam. We're talking about Urate. If you HAVE heard of this test, you probably have gout, or know someone with gout. That's because this lab test (historically) has only been used to assess people for gout. In today's episode, we talk about the "new" use for urate testing that will surprise you, and why I'd advocate for the following changes for how we decide to test urate. We should be testing women for uric acid levels if they have no other obvious cardiovascular risks. We should be testing women for uric acid if they have a family history of gout, but don't have gout themselves. We should be re-testing uric acid in women after they transition into menopause. We shouldn't tolerate the current reference range in both Canada and the US, because the reference range is focused on gout. I know that talking about cardiovascular disease isn't exciting, but what IS exciting is finding a lab test that helps us predict your future risk of disease. Given that cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer of women, any hints about your risk are important to me. I'd love it if it was important to you too.
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My love affair with coffee (and how caffeine affects your health).
11/02/2023
My love affair with coffee (and how caffeine affects your health).
I love coffee. But I've also tried to quit about 100 times in my 20s because I was worried about the effect of coffee on my health and hormones. In today's episode, we talk about the actual research (and lack of) for caffeine on female sex hormones and why you can guilt-free have a cup of coffee. We also talk about how to manage your caffeine intake to help support your day to prevent anxiety, and sleep disturbance or to use your coffee as a cover-up for your poor nutrition. I share what my personal coffee situation looks like these days, what machines I need in my life to help me with my coffee and what you should put in your coffee to have the best cup. If you don't follow me on Instagram, most of the memes I post are about coffee and health. You should follow me there to laugh along with me about how much we love coffee. You can find me at
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Bladder Health Over 40. UTIs and More.
10/26/2023
Bladder Health Over 40. UTIs and More.
In this solo episode, I give you the knowledge and understanding of your bladder changes over the age of 40, and the things you can do to reduce the frequency of UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections). The bladder changes when hormones change. The microbiome changes, bladder tone changes and our sensations in our bladder change. This perfect storm can make women more susceptible to infections (UTIs) and increase symptoms such as overactive bladder and painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis). We talk about what to do if you get an acute UTI (and then repeat the answer about 10 times to really hit this one home), what to eat to avoid getting a UTI (it's not what you think) and how hormone therapy supports our bladder. If you're in Ontario and you're struggling with bladder symptoms, my team at Clarity Health can support people in menopause all across Ontario. Fill in a web inquiry at One of our patient care coordinators will call you and set you up with the doctor of your dreams.
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We’ve never been this disconnected. And it’s hurting us.
10/19/2023
We’ve never been this disconnected. And it’s hurting us.
Just as an FYI, we swear a lot in this one. Totally unapologetically. The discussion requires swearing. Today I have the pleasure of gifting you this incredibly important and raw conversation with Dr. Jody Carrington. A psychologist who is changing the world by teaching us about empathy, connection and true friendship. We cut through some important topics such as motherhood, generational roles, friendships that end and feminine leadership. The entire time we recorded I wasn’t sure if I was going to laugh or cry from feeling seen. We talked about my office anti-harassment voicemail, my “failed” friendships, our partners taking over “mom roles,” and how frigging hard it is being a leader. Dr. Jody’s newest book (coincidentally named Feeling Seen) is about creating connections as the path to health and how to build resiliency in yourself through emotional regulation. In Jody’s words, “We need the big people to be okay. And we’re not”. Jody also has a , an amazing account and you can learn more about her on her .
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Your doctor doesn't need to believe you for you to get better.
10/12/2023
Your doctor doesn't need to believe you for you to get better.
When I opened my clinic, 15 years ago, my tagline was "Be open to the possibility of change." I felt like my role was to help people think differently about their health, to get out of their own way and to be curious about what health care could be like. In today's podcast, we talk about whether or not your doctor has to believe you in order for you to get better. My argument is that for the most part, they don't need to agree with you or believe you for you to get care. I also introduce the uncomfortable idea that sometimes, our doctors are right. And when we've carried around beliefs for a long time, it can be hard to hear their perspectives. If you've ever felt like your doctor's bedside manner or delivery were a major barrier to you getting better, or if you've ever felt like your story fell flat when you shared it, tune in. I think I'll change your mind about how to think about your health care visits. If you're a health care practitioner who wants to get better at communication with your patients, our Practice Negotiator course is open for enrollment until November 9th, 2023. You can register here:
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Treating your thyroid won't cause weight loss. Understanding the thyroid/metabolism link.
10/05/2023
Treating your thyroid won't cause weight loss. Understanding the thyroid/metabolism link.
If you've ever wondered if your thyroid is getting in the way of your metabolism and weight goals, this episode is for you. Whether you've struggled with hypothyroidism, or have just been curious about your thyroid, I'm sure you've come across many claims that treating your thyroid will "solve" your metabolism or weight problems. In today's episode, we break down: What's real and what's myth (and what's water weight) and whether treating your thyroid will actually help your metabolism or not. Which lab tests you should have if you're suspicious of your thyroid. What to expect from thyroid medication if you need it. How we need to think about the thyroid in the bigger picture of your health. People with low thyroid have a myriad of challenges in managing their metabolism. When patients don't feel well, their ability to manage their nutrition and movement is impaired. This episode will help you feel like your thyroid is more connected to your overall health (and not the sole cause of how you feel).
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Not everything is perimenopause. What else could it be?
09/28/2023
Not everything is perimenopause. What else could it be?
There is nobody happier than I am that the knowledge about perimenopause is starting to permeate pop culture and general health information. But like every pendulum, we often swing things WAY WAY too far. What I mean is that every person with ovaries who has learned about perimenopause now thinks that every single symptom that is happening to them is hormonal and that they are knocking on menopause's door. This podcast episode is going to help balance out that pendulum and teach you "what else it could be" if you're experiencing fatigue, brain fog, cycle changes or other symptoms. Not everything is perimenopause and I want you to know the "other" possibilities so you can have great conversations with your practitioner rather than feeling like your feelings fall on deaf ears. If you're struggling with symptoms over 40 I am a BIG advocate of you having a hormonally-literate practitioner, but also, there are specific blood tests and considerations that need to happen to ensure that we've ruled out everything else. If you live in Ontario and are in need of support from a health team that understands hormonal transitions, reach out to us at Clarity Health. Fill in a web inquiry at and reference the podcast. It will help us place you with a practitioner that excels in the areas that you need support.
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Wearables. Are they helpful? What I wear now.
09/21/2023
Wearables. Are they helpful? What I wear now.
Do you wear a "wearable"? This is one of the most common questions I get asked on Instagram (and if you don't follow me, head over to to follow along. In this episode we cover The Apple Watch Whoop The Oura ring Fitbit I share my experience with each of them (yes I've tried them all) what I loved or hated about each of them and whether or not they actually helped me meet my goals. We talk about what you're tracking, why you're tracking it and how to be thoughtful about the choice. Before you open your wallet, have a listen and see whether or not you need to get yourself a wearable to meet your goals. I do have a referral link for an Oura ring (I don't get a kickback or any compensation from the company) that gives you $40 off.
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