Thrive Naturali

09/11/2022

For the Next Week, We are giving away 50 Spots For a FREE 15-Min Gut Health Relief Discovery Call, to learn more about what you are experiencing and how we can help you to Break Free and start living a Peaceful & Fulfilled life!⁣⁣

10/20/2021

Top 5 Reasons Why Health is An Investment:

1. Less Slugish = More Energy
2. Less sick days = Productivity
3. Healthy Mind = Motivation
4. Healthy Body = Confidence
5. Healthy Emotions = Feeling Good

Health is Investment, not an Expense. - John Quelch

09/24/2021

FLY AGARIC, American Eastern Yellow Variety (Amanitamuscaria var. guessowii)

About this time in September last year when a group of us went hiking and foraging for mushrooms, I came across some of the most beautiful poisonous mushrooms I had ever seen. I had studied and known quite well about Amanita Muscaria a.k.a Fly Agaric, but this was the first time I had come across it in multiple stages where it was still intact and thriving, and in so much abundance.

Did you know the earliest written reference to the consumption of fungi as a medicine, rather than a food, is within the Sanskrit hymns contained in Rig veda, which forms a part of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, the Vedas. In one of the hymns (Book 8, hymn 4, stanza 3) 'Soma' is described as an inebriating ritual drink. The toxic fungi Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric, was used to prepare the soma. The feelings of euphoria or invincibility experienced by those who drank it were eventually attributed to a group of isoxazoles centuries later. Two of these - ibotenic acid and muscimol - were first isolated from the Japanese mushroom Amanita ibotengutake  in the 1960s, but found in abundance in all Amanita mushrooms around the world.  - Stuart et al, Drink of the Gods

Despite its scary appearance, poisonous and hallucinogenic properties, these fungi have been traditionally used by local peoples from Siberia to North America as medicines, food, and ceremonial applications. Boiling the mushroom and/or soaking in vinegar neutralizes the unwanted chemical components and makes amanita eatable. Modern science has also made many strides in isolating and studying the various components for use in many chronic conditions varying from mental health conditions to afflictions of the nervous system.

Have you come across these mushrooms? How scary do you find them?


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07/01/2021

NO PRIDE IN GENOCIDE 

Today we mourn rather than celebrate Canada Day for the countless discoveries and yet to be found unmarked Indigenous childrens' graves, and the way this country was founded by a culture of genocide. I wanted to take a moment to reflect and share how much we owe to the generosity and goodwill of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada for our ability to thrive on these lands. For if it wasn't for their humanity, the first European settlers could not have survived the harsh winters of these lands and their settlements would have failed.

One of the major obstacles to the first European settlers in these lands was the illness known as scurvy, a debilitating and ultimately deadly condition caused by a deficiency in Vitamin C. This nutrient is abundant in fresh citrus fruits and other foods for which early settlers could not preserve or store enough of to bring on their travels from Europe. Early settlers found reprieve when Maritime and Eastern Canadian Indigenous Peoples extended their humanity and shared their knowledge for the scurvy cure allowing settlers to remain permanently through the winters when their food stocks depleted and scurvy was rampant.

"One of the first documented uses of indigenous medicine in North America was the cure in the winter of 1536 of Jacques Cartier's crew from a disease he called "Scorbut"(scurvy). Cartier's second voyage (1535–1536) was undertaken at the command of King François 1er to complete the discovery of the western lands under the same climate and parallels as in France. At Stadaconna, now Quebec City, Cartier's crew was cured of scurvy by ascorbic acid (vitamin C) obtained as a decoction from the Iroquois. In the winter, scurvy was the most prevalent disease among the Iroquois as their food stores also depleted. It was prepared by boiling winter leaves and the bark from an evergreen tree. The tree, identified as "Annedda", became known as the "tree of life" or "Arbre de vie" because of its remarkable curative effects, later identified as the Eastern white cedar or arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis L.)." - Don J Durzan

Continued in Intagram comments....

06/30/2021

A life without health is like a river without water. Keep your Vitality ! - Maxime Lagace

Health drives productivity, motivation, secures the mind, and keeps our body strong - the vessel that retains our spirit. The flow of energy within dictates the flow of life and the pursuits that we seek. To muddy the waters is to slow this river flow causing stagnation and ultimately its flow leading to a dry river bed.

As such illness is simply the slowing of this energy flow within our bodies, and its arrest marks the end of life. Thus, there is no life without the constant flow of a vibrant mind and body, allowing us to thrive in an ultimately energetic world. As water is to a river, vitality and health are to us as humans !

06/04/2021

On gloomy days when I am missing the sun, I like to make a warming vegetable Thai green curry so I can eat the sun's rays through these beautiful bright-colored veggies to brighten up my taste buds and my day!

This recipe serves up to 8 people, but I like to make a large batch as part of my meal prep for the next few days.

Stir Fry:
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Half Red Onion diced
- 6 Garlic Cloves diced

Bring to Boil the following:
- 3 cups Vegetable Broth
- 4 tablespoons of Geen Curry Paste
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped quarters
- 2 Carrots sliced
- 2 Lemon Grass, halved
- 4 Stalks of Celery, large slices
- Half Red Onion, sliced
- Half Ginger K**b, sliced thin
- 1 cup of Coconut Cream / 2 Cups Milk
*Lightly cooking is enough, no more than 10min boiling. You want to retain the bright colours in the veggies.

After turning off the stove add:
- 4 Shangai Bok Choi, split into pieces
- 1 Zucchini, sliced
- 4 Green Onions, chopped thin
*Let rest with lid uncovered, these veggies will cook in the remaining heat, they are tender and best when they are not overcooked

Serve in a bowl with:
- Handful of Cilantro
- Diced Granny Smith Green apple
- Side of white rice or freshly baked bread

And oh did I mention this recipe is choked full of vitamins, minerals, and loads of antioxidants while still tasting heavenly !!!

Enjoy !!! 🤤🤤🤤

05/21/2021

Read captions for full meaning below:
Vis Medicatrix Naturae - the healing power of nature, one of the core philosophies and science that guides Naturopathic Medicine and its practitioners to treat the root cause of disease and respect nature's inherent ability to self organize, heal, and recover when we remove obstacles to cure and support the life force with the resources to thrive in the physical and spiritual spheres.

This week is Naturopathic Medicine Week (NMW), and in honor of nature and this inherent core philosophy, I would like to make an honest request to you to help us create more awareness about natural medicines and their practitioners. One of the challenges that Narturopath's face in an overwhelmingly crowded healthcare model that skewed towards one form of medicine is that there exists so much interest and need for nature-based healthcare in the general public but often they do not know or have access to the practitioners who can guide them on their wellness journeys.

With the power of community and with the hope that you feel Naturopathy can help people in your network, I humbly request that you share this post, or any one of my posts on my page and do the following in honor of creating awareness for Naturopathic Medicine Week:

Share this post in your stories feed, and tag

Comment below on how natural medicines, therapists, or treatments have helped you

Tag a friend in the post that you feel could benefit from Naturopathy

Thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

05/18/2021

Warning: Long reflective post, but I promise you it is an insightful one!

Today marks a special confluence of major events that deeply affect me and have shaped me into the person I am today. Today marks Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day (MRD), Tamil Genocide Education Week (TGEW), and Naturopathic Medicine Week (NMW). I never thought these major events would line up so beautifully, but they depict clearly the driving forces behind my purpose in this life and the motivations behind the things that I do.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, my journey to becoming a health professional was not dictated by a major personal illness or a family member affected by a tragic illness that motivated me to become a doctor and a Naturopath at that. Although my own health journey played a role, it was the lived experience as a Tamil, an activist at heart fighting for freedom and liberation from oppression, discrimination, and injustice that inevitably lead me to Naturopathic Medicine.

At its heart, Naturopathic Medicine has been a medicine of the common folk and a part of any culture or community in any place you travel to in the world. Through a series of discriminatory policies, doctors practicing natural therapies were sidelined in western nations to make room for big pharma and a conventional system of medicine promulgated by a capitalist ideology. Though weakened, the movement to continue the teachings of naturopathic medicines by dedicated Naturopaths eventually led to a resurgence as public awareness and the value of natural therapies blossomed in the recent past.

It was only natural for me to be drawn to a profession that in itself was a minority discriminated against by a larger entity, an ideology and way of doing things that were just and good for the greater society but suppressed and almost destroyed. It was only natural for me to fight alongside another just cause, to bring the fire that was nurtured in me as a Tamil activist and help propagate a service to humanity that was more needed than ever.

Continued in comments...

05/07/2021

Mother's Day Challenge ! Are you planning on gifting flowers for mother's day?

I challenge you to gift this year for mother's day a potted herbal/flowering plant such as Lavender as opposed to just flowers.

Comment and Tag @ friend on this challenge, share a pic of your potted herbal/flowering plant gift, and pass on this positive healing plant karma !!!

Potted herbal flowering plants can not only be beautiful and smell great when gifted, they can continue to keep giving much more well after the flowers fall off. Unlike typical flower gifts that may last a few weeks at max, potted herbal flowers will bloom and bring beauty and fragrance multiple times a year.

This makes potted flowers a more sustainable way to gift this mother's day, reducing plastic wrapping and over-intensive fertilizer use, extensive energy use aand pollution from overseas transport and storage of flowers. The flowers can be planted outdoors too, which promote pollinators and safeguard bees and repel unwanted pests in your yard.

Especially lavender which will continue to bloom most of the summer season, it can be kept indoors or planted outdoors because the roots can survive the winter. The leaves of the lavender are also fragrant, and you can dry the leaves during the winter and use as fragrant bathroom or bedroom deodorizers.

Here are some other health benefits of Lavender, a gift that keeps on giving:

- Natural Bug Repellent
- Aroma Helps with Improving Sleep
- Calms the Nervous System, Curbs Anxiety
- Oil is Soothing for Skin Conditions
- Reduces Respiratory symptoms
- Alleviates cramps/PMS symptoms
- Great for hair loss
- Reduces Stress and Calms the Mind
- Alleviates Fatigue and Exhaustion
- Improves Circulation
- Clears Sinuses
- Alleviates Migraines and Headaches
- Antibacterial deodorant

Happy Mother's Day ! 🙏

04/26/2021

Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease. - Hippocrates

The multitude of self organizing systems within our inner universe : the physical body, mind, and spirit are always striving to get to an equilibrium where all things work in harmony and are at peace.

This harmonious system innately heals wounds of both the body and mind when it is left to its devices. It is our job to support it rather than to hinder it and to remove obstacles that impede these natural processes.

Therein lays the miracles of healing and wellness. We'd do well to heed these basic principles and enjoy the fruits of longevity and thrive as beings in a natural world!

- Naturopathic Musings, Dr. Mayu Kana, ND


# fitness

04/21/2021

Another massive mushroom find, can anyone identify this one. It was growing on a fully healthy tree high up above the ground. Never came across something like this one!

04/15/2021

“It is health that is the real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver.” – Mahatma Gandhi

04/05/2021

TOP 4 Natural Health Tips with Dr. MAYU KANA, Naturopathic Doctor

03/08/2021

First episode of the Thrive Naturali show out now! Check it out !!

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMKjWl3Bjug/?igshid=eu1uq6zfa9wh

02/23/2021

Hi there, I thought I’d introduce myself and give you a quick background for those of you who are new followers and those of you who have been following me the past year. My name is Dr. Mayu Kana, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. I developed a passion for natural health in my late teens due to my own challenges with personal health. My self-healing journey eventually led me to undertake a 4-year intensive post-graduate Doctor of Naturopathy degree at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) right here in Toronto. I am a huge proponent of nutrition and lifestyle medicine, and support a mainly whole foods plant based diet. Prevention and wellness education are key components of what I do, and use many natural therapies to treat the root cause of illness and help people thrive.

I enjoy global health initiatives and trained internationally on various occasions, such as providing access to Naturopathic Medicine to rural communities in Nicaragua, learned mindfulness and meditation techniques while living with Buddhist monks in Thailand, and completed an intensive 6-month natural medicine training in Mumbai, India. Currently, I am working on a community health initiative in rural Jamaica. 

While current conditions limit my physical presence at my uptown Toronto clinic, it has rather opened up my ability to serve a larger patient base in Ontario. My online virtual care has provided access to residents anywhere in Ontario looking for a holistic approach to health by treating the whole person including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness. 

I am also excited to share that I will be launching a new health show and podcast on Youtube, Spotify, and Instagram to reveal all that Naturopathic Medicine has to offer and how you can thrive naturally! So keep an eye out for that real soon and follow along, and feel free to share this page with any friends you feel may benefit from what I have to share.

Cheers!

11/23/2020

Missing the greenery already !

Photo (3 of 3)

11/23/2020

Missing the greenery already !

Photo (2 of 3)

11/23/2020

Missing the greenery already !

Photo (1 of 3)

09/28/2020

All the more season for you to be supplementing with Vit D this winter if you aren't doing so already !

https://www.forbes.com/sites/marlamilling/2020/09/26/adequate-vitamin-d-levels-cuts-risk-of-dying-from-covid-19-in-half-study-finds/amp/

Are you getting enough vitamin D? Research suggests it could help protect you from an adverse Covid-19 outcome, though more study is needed.

07/29/2020

As Above, As Below !

Nature vs Humans, the Sky vs the Earth, the Physical Body vs the Spirit, they are all constituent parts that reflect the larger whole.

By dealing with the small-scale problems of any system, we discover how to solve the same issues in the more extensive network.

By living our own life, having our own experiences and making our own mistakes.

By doing this ourselves, we learn how to heal ourselves and bring the self closer to optimal wellness.

You are the microcosm, the smaller part of the larger whole. By learning to heal yourself, you have also learned how to heal humanity, and thus the world around you.

Today, choose to heal Yourself and the World too shall heal !

Happy Wellness Wednesday !!!

07/28/2020

Soy making some positive research gains ! It's protective against negative effects of estrogen, reduces DHEA, and does not lower testosterone! Win win for women and men !!!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470182/

Objective: This study is a post-hoc analysis of steroid hormones before and after administration of pharmacological doses of soy isoflavones in a large cohort of men and women from two independent studies. Isoflavones are reported to inhibit mineralo- ...

07/22/2020

Now this is something i can stand by !

"Community Food Centres Canada's Market Greens initiative provides access to fruits and vegetables from local low-cost markets"

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-supports-initiative-to-help-canadians-with-low-incomes-access-fresh-produce-808817347.html?utm_source=CHFA+Newsletters&utm_campaign=39c01dd5c1-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_eWeekly_July_22&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_db7ce2bf76-39c01dd5c1-72073941

07/22/2020

Recently ran into some giant Bracket Fungi, aka Artist's Conk (Ganoderma Applatanum).

Not many medicinal uses, but used as a medium for art work by some artists.

Just amazed at the sheer size and distribution of these, what a beauty! They are definetly thriving on this decaying yet still standing tree stump !!

# @ Lanark Highlands

07/22/2020

THRIVE NATURALI !

https://www.naturopathicmedicineinstitute.org/

06/09/2020

Facts !

Take the Daily Dozen Challenge and fill your plate with nutrient-dense, plant-based foods: http://bit.ly/DailyDozenChallenge

05/27/2020

https://www.naturopathicmedicineinstitute.org/

05/01/2020

To Drink Coffee OR Not to Drink Coffee, I personally can't touch the stuff, gets me way to wired. But for those considering their options, this a good look at some studies on benefits vs risks for a few common health conditions. I for one can't get enough of Jasmine green tea, best flavour/aroma and caffeine levels full of antioxidants and brain supporting chemicals that are way better for focus and attention then caffeine or coffee !

04/29/2020

Health is a state of Body, Wellness is a State of Being !

These are two different ways to look at overall healthcare; health as the state of the body being free from disease, and wellness as a state of well being. Our recent past and current systems of healthcare see health as the state of the body. Wellness on the other hand sees it as a state of well being, it is the direction we are going in and ought to move towards much faster.

It is a new paradigm that many are beginning to understand and implement in their daily lives. Wellness, is a concept beyond just the physical health of the body, it is about the being as a whole including the body, mind, and spirit. It is our relationships with each other and other beings on this planet including other animals and plants. Our well being includes our belief systems and attitudes, our overall happiness in life, and the multitude of other factors that contribute to our ability to thrive as human beings in this world.

The awareness to know the difference can empower us to take charge of our own health and a play a pivotal role in directing our own journey in life, not just as a healthy body but as a healthy being who thrives within this wonderful world !

Tag a friend, family, or significant other who deserves to feel more empowered with their own health today !

Happy Wellness Wednesday !!!


# wellnessgoals

04/18/2020

We can change poor health statistics with good nutrition guidance, it's good science !

Lifestyle changes are often more effective in reducing the rates of heart disease, hypertension, heart failure, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and premature death than almost any other medical…

04/14/2020

Oldie but still Gold. Evidence based research into the human factor in pandemics !

Bringing you another one of my older presentations on pandemics as bonus video this week. This is about 9 years old, and provides good background on what we ...

04/14/2020

Oyster Mushroom Stir Fry !

Simple vegan morning stir fry to compliment any breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Simply toss chopped spring onions and oyster mushrooms in a little salt and pepper and stir fry in 1 tsp of cold pressed sesame oil for 5 min !

Enjoy !!!

04/08/2020

Pineapple Ramen !

One of my go to quick recipes for something tropical yet warming and savoury during change of seasons. Pineapple ramen just hits all the flavours; its spicy and sour with a hint of salt and sweetness, all rounded a with a savoury base and pineapple aroma. It's just a wholesome feeling ! Try it out !!

Ingredients:

1. Choice of Instant Noodles with (Veggie Flavour Pack)
3. Baked Sweet Potatoe Diced
4. Green Onions Chopped (Scallions)
5. Fresh Ripened Pineapple Diced
6. 1 Tsp Japanese Sesame Oil
7. 1 Tbsp Chinese Crispy Chilli Oil
8. 1 Tbsp Japanese Rice Vinegar

Start with the instant noodles, add the flavour pouch, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp of rice vinegar and crispy chilli oil. Top off with the scallions, baked sweet potatoe. Then add piping hot water to drown all the ingredients and cover with a lid for 5 min. Then add pineapple at the end, this ensures the freshness of the pineapple remains, as we don't want to cook it. All of this is done under 10 min, instant Pineapple Ramen! Enjoy !!!
#ラーメン #麺スタグラム

03/04/2020

Incredible new discoveries showing how a plant based diet can cure a whole host of new conditions and symptoms not generally associated to a plant based diet !

https://theconversation.com/amp/five-surprising-benefits-of-a-plant-based-diet-130902

Research shows a wider impact than you might think, including on mental health and pain.

02/17/2020

Chickpea Nachos !

These have been a regular hit whenever I've got guests over. Even meat lovers will fall in love with this vegan starter offered up at any social you are having. Packed full of protein, veggies, flavour, and colours, its bound to get your guests excited!

Simply toss your favourite nachos on a baking pan, spread on a choice of pasta sauce, preferably roasted garlic/red pepper sauce. Finely chop 1 celery stick, half of a green pepper, sliced cherry tomatoes (optional) and spread evenly on nachos.

Precook the chickpeas in a pressure cooker, or boil till tender. Then drain and toss in crispy chilli oil or tobasco sauce, spread on nachos and toss in some green olives. Then bake for 10 min on medium heat. Bring out and serve, optionally garnish with sliced green onions, and serve some vegan sour cream and salsa on the side.

Enjoy !

@ Toronto, Ontario

02/06/2020

Check out my recent interview on Tarik Bibi Podcast !
Topic: Treating the Root Cause !

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-the-tarek-bibi-podcast-54095975/episode/dr-mayu-kana-on-treating-the-55988058/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlrnCcLfhL0

This week on the Tarek Bibi podcast we're talking with Dr. Mayu Kana on health and Naturopathic Medicine. Check out this interview to learn how disease manif...