DNA & Microbiome-Based Nutrution

Ever since I was a little girl, I would read Alive magazines at my grandmother's house and be constantly inspired by the pictures of healthy and happy people. Although I was very young, I resonated with what I could read and the pictures I saw. As I got older, I continued to enjoy the the awesome recipes and health tips so much, that over the years I have collected clippings and old issues of some of my favorite articles that encouraged me so much during my own health journey, 20 years ago. It brings me much pleasure to actually have a featured interviewed article in this month's January issue of the Alive magazine. If you are interested, here is the article mentioning some of the answers to questions asked of me during the interview. I am grateful to be mentioned several times and that I had the opportunity to participate in this article! 

The January issue of Alive magazine features my article. Below is some more in-depth questions & answers. ​

I was also interviewed by Patience Lister, and was quoted throughout an article in the January issue of Alive Magazine. This was an honour for me, as the Alive magazine's were what sparked my desire and drive to facilitate a healing centre and to promote health to everyone, especially those suffering from physical, mental and emotional chronic diseases or disorders.

1. Many people are familiar with “eat well, exercise, sleep enough” advice, but why doesn’t the same wellness routine work for everyone?
A wellness routine specifically designed based on individual preferences as well as taking into consideration any conditions or limitations they might have, whether physically, mentally, emotionally or even spiritually or financially, will ensure more consistent success and become more sustainable. Eating well can mean different things to varying cultures and also can be limited for those with food sensitivities or digestive distress, not to mention the cost of food, especially health food, is on the constant rise. People must get creative to eat well and be able to afford it. Regarding sleep, this might be difficult for shift workers, parents of newborns, or those suffering with insomnia, and they may need to incorporate other forms of deep rest if they can’t get enough actual sleep at night. Exercising should be tailored to a person’s physiological needs. Some need more vigorous exercise than others to burn excess cortisol, to maintain or build muscle mass and bone density, however, others may  need to take a more mild to moderate approach to exercise if they have a heart condition, injury, fibromyalgia, cancer or other health situations. There are many other factors to consider as well such as age, stress levels, type of job (ie is the individual sitting all day or in construction) to know which types of exercises will work best for and with the individual.

2. How can people use traditional wellness practices in complement to modern tools like DNA testing and biometric tracking?
While Biometric tracking can be helpful and efficient to determine who an individual is, these are based more on physical attributes from the exterior of the body. DNA testing can also be helpful for determining what health risks you may experience based on genetics as well as information on potential deficiencies you may have on more of a scientific level. Traditional wellness practices generally incorporate a more holistic approach. While still investigating physical attributes and symptoms as well as medical testing to determine what’s going on inside the body, a more holistic approach will also investigate emotional challenges an individual may be experiencing. This is something that cannot be determined with biological testing or tracking but more deep discussion with an individual. Trauma, unresolved emotions, high stress/anxiety and a dysregulated nervous system requires more self awareness or assistance from an experienced health practitioner to diagnose and offer assistance when needed.

3. With wearables, apps, and lab testing offering more data than ever, how can people balance these modern tools and data overload with traditional or holistic practices? (perhaps include mention of restricted environmental stimulus therapies).
All of the above can help you determine where your heart rate is at, whether you need more iron, is your blood pressure high or low or whether you need medication for a new condition and can be helpful in playing a role in our health needs. There are many other ways to simply calm and soothe anxiety, stress and nervous system overload and sometimes doing the above is just another stress to worry about. Think breathwork, walking in the woods, slow mindful movement, yoga or stretching, having a massage, getting out in nature. Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapies such as Sensory Deprivation Therapy (also known as Floatation Therapy), removes the outside stimulus so your nervous system can reset and deeply relax. Whether you fall asleep or not, this treatment increases alpha and theta brainwaves which helps to reduce blood pressure and cortisol and induces you into a sympathetic state, away from fight or flight. The effects are reduced pain, lessens anxiety, a sense of calm, better and deeper sleep and quicker recovery from injury or physical work.

4. I see that Salt Wellness Centre offers Vibroacoustic Massage. How can sound therapy benefit the nervous system and/or sleep quality? Who would be a good candidate for this?
Sound and vibration, even on it’s own, has a deep and profound effect on the nervous system as it can soothe, stimulate or shift our emotional and physiological state. It can be a very effective tool to induce healing, stress relief and nervous system regulation. With the vibroacoustic massage, you are clothed and the therapist is not touching you however the sound bowl is and as the mallot is connecting with the bowl while on the body (various areas including back, stomach, chest, head, arms and legs), the vibrations from the bowl vibrate throughout the person receiving the “vibrational and touch free” massage. The vibrations directly on the body gently stimulates while also deeply relaxing the cells, making them more hydrated, rejuvenated and vibrant. You will notice more sensation in the body, improved circulation and due to the deep restoration of this treatment and positive effects on the nervous system, it improves sleep quality. Anyone enduring much stress and anxiety, insomnia, poor circulation, chronic conditions such as adrenal fatigue, burnout, fibromyalgia, arthritis or even heart conditions, due to the increase in microcirculation and nerve conduction, can benefit from this unique and healing treatment.

5. How can understanding/monitoring changes in the gut microbiome help guide people’s nutrition, supplement choices, or other wellness practices? Alternatively, how does a person's lifestyle and wellness routine affect their microbiome?
Gut microbiome is complex and often misunderstood. Diet, stress levels and environmental exposure can all improve or impact our gut health. Understanding the difference between beneficial bacteria and compromising bacteria and the factors involved that improve or hamper symptoms associated with imbalance or gut dysbiosis, can help us make more informed choices about what we are eating, how and when we are eating and using stress relief practices to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

6. Skincare is often treated as cosmetic, but from a holistic view, how does healthy skin reflect inner health? What holistic practices can complement cosmetic skincare?
Healthy skin is more sustainable and much less expensive when skincare is treated from the inside out. What we put in our bodies will show on the outside of our bodies. If we are well hydrated with good quality water, you will minimize wrinkles and dryness. EFA’s from fish oils are anti-inflammatory and also provide nutritious hydration for us inside and out and combat all types of skin conditions as well as improving skin texture and strength. Eating whole foods provides the nutrients involved to keep skin elastic, healthy and youthful. Detoxification practices help get the toxins out so there is room for nutrients in the skin cells to thrive and be rejuvenated. Practicing relaxing types of activities such as breathwork and stretching help to soften lines and keeps tissues healthy. Oxygen keeps skin cells clean and energized so that they turn over faster keeping a more youthful appearance. Dry Salt Therapy (also known as Halotherapy) is also known to repair skin, whether from damage, skin condition or just for a more youthful appearance. Lastly, you can keep your skin healthy and youthful by using “clean” skin care products, that don’t contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals or toxic fragrances or actives. A simple face wash, hyaluronic serum, EFA serum and a light moisturizer with some SPF will go a long way as  part of a daily routine. Protect from sun damage with a natural zinc oxide SPF or tinted moisturizer.

​7. If you could give one piece of advice to people embracing personalized wellness in 2026, what would it be?
There are so many people suffering from various types of ailments, whether physically, mentally or emotionally. The best advice I can give, is to be empowered to take your health into your own hands as much as possible. Research ways to find alternative support to help manage symptoms, combat illness, be more proactive by making healthy choices for longevity going forward and learn new approaches to better health and wellness. There are so many great modalities, therapies and support available outside of the conventional health care. You just need to research or try out a few to find out which options are best for you!

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