A Shot of Wellness – Episode 1
By Dr. Sanam Arora, ND | November 11, 2025

Clinic Updates

Direct Billing Now Available

 We’re excited to announce that direct billing is now available for most major insurance providers. That means no more waiting for reimbursements; our team will take care of the paperwork for you.

Texting Service Restored
Our texting line is back up and running with a new provider! You can now reach us Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., via call, text, or email.

Why So Many People Are Feeling Bloated

At our Toronto naturopathic clinic, we’ve noticed a growing number of patients dealing with bloating and other digestive wellness concerns. While an unhealthy diet can certainly contribute, we’ve found that many cases are more closely linked to stress, gut-brain imbalances, and nervous system disorders. Supporting gut health is key to finding lasting relief.

If bloating is bothering you, try these simple but effective steps:

1. Identify and limit food sensitivities.
   Dairy and gluten are the most frequent triggers I see in practice.
   
   
2. Add carminative herbs.
   Herbs like peppermint, lemon balm, ginger, fennel, turmeric, and chamomile can help ease digestion and reduce gas.
   
   
3. Activate your “rest and digest” mode.
   Support your parasympathetic nervous system with these daily habits:
   
   
   • Splash cold water on your face in the morning
   • Take a short walk after meals
   • Practice deep belly breathing
   • Gargle water until your eyes tear slightly
   • Prioritize deep, restorative sleep

Recipe: CCFG Tea for Bloating Relief

Try this gentle, natural remedy for bloating to support smoother digestion:

• 1 L of water
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds
• ¼ inch piece of crushed ginger

Bring to a boil, let cool slightly, and enjoy 1–2 cups after meals.

Melatonin & Heart Health

You may have seen headlines suggesting a link between melatonin use and heart failure risk. Before you worry, here’s what the research really says:

• The data came from an abstract, not a peer-reviewed study.
• It was observational, showing correlation, not causation.
• Many long-term melatonin users already have sleep or stress-related conditions that can independently increase cardiovascular risk.

Short-term, low-dose melatonin remains safe for most adults. Always consult your Naturopathic Doctor before starting or adjusting any supplement, especially if you have heart disease, sleep apnea, or other chronic health conditions.

Supplement Spotlight: Melatonin

Melatonin is best known for improving sleep quality, but it also supports:

• Antioxidant activity
• Immune balance
• Healthy circadian rhythm regulation

These benefits have been demonstrated in clinical studies, but supplement needs are individual. Speak to your Naturopathic Doctor to determine if melatonin is right for you and what dosage is best.

Friendly Reminder

We’re approaching the end of the year, a good time to check your insurance coverage. Many benefits reset soon, so book your next naturopathic visit before they expire.

FAQs About Bloating, Melatonin, and Gut Health

1. What causes bloating even when I eat healthy foods?
   Bloating can occur due to food sensitivities, imbalanced gut bacteria, eating too quickly, or stress-related digestive slowdown. Even healthy foods like beans or cruciferous vegetables can trigger bloating if digestion is sluggish.
2. How can I tell if my bloating is from food sensitivities or gut imbalance?
   A Naturopathic Doctor can help identify patterns through diet tracking, elimination protocols, or specialized gut testing to see if bacterial overgrowth, stress, or inflammation is the main cause.
3. Is melatonin safe to take every night?
   Short-term, low-dose melatonin (0.5–3 mg) is safe for most adults. However, long-term use should be monitored by your naturopathic doctor or healthcare provider, especially if you take other medications or have cardiovascular conditions.
4. Can stress really affect digestion and bloating?
   Yes. Chronic stress activates the “fight or flight” response, which slows digestion and can lead to bloating, constipation, or stomach discomfort. Practicing deep breathing and mindfulness supports your parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) system.
5. What are the best natural remedies for bloating relief?
   Carminative herbs like ginger, fennel, peppermint, and chamomile are effective. The CCFG Tea recipe above is a great daily option, along with staying hydrated and eating mindfully.

About Dr. Sanam Arora, ND

Dr. Sanam Arora is a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in digestive wellness, gut health, and hormone balance. He helps patients uncover root causes of chronic symptoms through holistic care and personalized treatment plans with Virtual Naturopath Consultation.

Wishing you a healthy, balanced, and restorative month ahead,
Dr. Sanam Arora, ND
8wellness.ca