Protocols in naturopathic practice are designed to help increase health span while taking into consideration the extent of disease, a variety of modalities or tools of applicability, and patient choice and values; however, exercise prescriptions stand out as part of a foundational approach nearly ubiquitous and necessary for almost everyone.

Acupuncture is a traditional therapy that has been used for thousands of years for the treatment of various ailments such as pain, fertility concerns, low energy, mood swings, and even colds and flu. It involves the insertion of very fine needles at specific points on the body to promote healing through the stimulation and circulation of “Qi.”

Bone is our main structural support system. It allows us to protect our vital organs, facilitates movement, and creates a scaffold for blood vessels and nerves. In additional to the structural functions, bone has important metabolic and endocrine functions as well.

Many of us are aware that exercise is an important part of creating a healthy and balanced life. And yet, many more of us are so quick to create excuses and avoid the effort it takes to get our bodies moving. The truth of the matter is, there is no pill that can replicate what exercise can do for the human body. And like everything else that we do to occupy our time, if it is important enough to us, we will make it a priority. Exercise is an important part of managing every health concern, and here are three of my favourites.

We know that exercise is good for us. It helps with our heart health, our blood sugar, our thyroid, our sleep, and our ability to manage stress. It helps with almost everything relating to our health and is probably one of the most important factors for good health, if not the most important.

Magnesium is the fourth most-abundant mineral in the human body, and is essential for the hundreds of metabolic and hormonal reactions occurring daily. It is generally known to be a component of bone formation (partnered with calcium), and is gaining more interest as a sleep aid due to its natural muscle relaxant properties.

We’ve all seen the commercials on TV telling us to drink milk to keep our bones strong. We know that we hit peak bone mass before the age of 30, and as we age, our bone mass starts to decline. Depending on our genetics and lifestyle, some of us may decline faster than others. Osteoporosis is the age-related decline in bone density that men and women may experience after 50 years old.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative condition that affects the motor neurons of the cerebral cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord. It afflicts patients 55–75 years of age, and is slightly more common in men than women.

Collagen peptides have seemingly appeared out of nowhere. They are being advertised on social media, can be found on the covers of magazines… even my hairdresser has been talking about how she adds collagen peptides to her smoothie! But what are collagen peptides? Why is everyone adding this powder to their coffee, smoothies, or breakfast oatmeal bowl? And the real question is: Should you be adding collagen peptides to your diet as well?

The most common condition of the bones, by far, is osteoporosis. As you likely know, osteoporosis is characterized by a decreased bone mass and deterioration of the bone tissues. You can think of your bones like a bridge over a body of water: They are both supported by a fine crosshatched matrix that keeps them strong. If there is any compromise to this structure of the bridge, it is likely to break due to stress. And thus, osteoporosis or loss of bone density is a problem because it can lead to an increased risk of fracture. The most common areas of fracture are the spine, the wrist, and—most dangerously—the hip.