Beauty Chat With Melanie Reidl, Nd
Please welcome Melanie Reidl, ND to our blog! Melanie is a practicing Naturopathic Doctor in Waterloo who truly understands the connection between health and beauty. We sat down with Melanie to learn more about naturopathy, how poor endocrine health affects our skin, and how Melanie defines beauty!
To learn more about the link between internal health + glowing skin, make sure to join us at our Waterloo Spa on July 14th at 7pm, where Dr. Melanie will be hosting a talk titled “Beautify Your Skin, Naturally: Top Foods & Lifestyle Changes for Clear, Glowing, & Younger-Looking Skin.” Call 226.647.5042 to RSVP today!
1. What led you on the path to become a Naturopathic Doctor?
I have always had an interest in medicine, health, and wellness, and for this reason I always thought I would become a Medical Doctor. However when I was in University, I discovered Naturopathic Medicine and was instantly drawn to the profession. It embodied all of the principles that I believed that medicine should be: treat the root causes of the disease, treat the whole person (physical, mental, emotional health), focus on preventative medicine, and more natural, individualized treatment. Fast forward 7 years, and here I am as a practicing ND, and I absolutely love my job & profession.
2. What is a common misconception about NDs? Why is it a misconception?
Naturopathic Doctors are sometimes perceived as a profession using non-science/evidence-based medicine/therapies. While there are some ND’s that use such alternative therapies, most ND’s practice evidence-based medicine, meaning that we use natural therapies/treatments backed by research or science, such as specific nutritional & lifestyle interventions, vitamins and other nutraceuticals (nutritional supplements), and botanical (plant-based) medicines.
3. You have a special focus in endocrine health. How does poor endocrine health affect our skin?
Endocrine (hormonal) health has a significant impact on skin health. Poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and stress can lead to imbalances in the hormones cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone, which creates a hormonal environment that promotes unhealthy skin, premature skin aging, and conditions such as acne. Ultimately, we need balanced hormones for healthy & glowing skin!
4. What is one thing we shouldn’t do when trying to restore balance to our endocrine system?
When trying to restore balance to the endocrine system, it is important not to lose sleep. Lack of sleep causes imbalances in cortisol, which has a cascade effect on other hormones in the body and ultimately leads to oxidative stress, premature aging, and in some individuals, the appearance or recurrence of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
5. You mentioned that nutrition plays a part in skin health. What are your favourite beautifying foods and rituals?
My favourite beautifying foods include the following: fresh green juices, lots of leafy green vegetables (ie. kale), avocados, dark berries, wild salmon, and nuts & seeds (ie. raw almonds). I also recommend drinking lemon water upon waking in the morning and throughout the day (2-3L in total) for a gentle detoxifying effect and to promote digestive and skin health. My complexion appears clearer & more radiant since including these foods often in my diet!
6. How do you personally define beauty?
Beauty is feeling confident in your skin and loving yourself, inside and out. When you love & accept yourself even with your imperfections, and feel happy and healthy, you will naturally radiate beauty and positive energy which is attractive to those around you!
7. What is your favourite Pure + simple product?
My favourite product is the Holistic Vanity line’s Comforting Camellia Oil (for sensitive skin). It calms any signs of skin inflammation and gives it a beautiful, healthy glow. After using it (among other Pure + simple products) for several months now, my skin has never looked better!
About Melanie Reidl:
As a Naturopathic Doctor that specializes in Fertility & Hormonal Health, Weight Management, Skin Health, and Digestive Health, Dr. Melanie Reidl addresses her patients’ health concerns by looking deeper and addressing the root causes, in order to restore balance in the body. She inspires her patients to become their healthiest, happiest, most vital selves with Naturopathic Medicine. Check out her website, facebook page, and twitter feed for articles on the most current health topics as well as tips on how to live a natural, healthy, and fulfilling life.
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