Dr. Karen Wallace, ND

06/01/2026

Big news for us NDs in NS!

05/04/2026

It’s Naturopathic medicine week! Check out the events happening online and in person throughout the week.

05/02/2026

Its Naturopathic medicine week coming up!! This is a great opportunity to listen to some excellent NDs (online) and join us in spreading what we all love to do.

Naturopathic Medicine Week 2026 is almost here!

May 3rd-9th 2026 Naturoapthic Medicine Week Aims to spread awareness of Naturopathic Medicine - Helping people understand what it is and how it can fit into your health care!

Sunday May 3rd at 6:30 pm Join me and other Members of the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors for a Kick Off Panel Discussion!

This Event is FREE and Virtual!

Registration can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/naturopathic-medicine-week-kick-off-panel-tickets-1988249014324?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/13/2026

IBS Awareness Month 💛

IBS is so much more than “just a sensitive stomach.”
Studies show many people with IBS would give up 10–15 years of their life for an instant cure.

It’s the 2nd most common reason for missed work and school, affects up to 20% of Canadians, and disproportionately impacts women.

If you’re struggling - you’re not alone. Check out my blog post shedding more light on IBS—link in bio.

04/09/2026

Costco haul done! 🛒 As a busy mom and naturopathic doctor, I stock up on protein, fiber, and healthy carbs to keep the family fueled and my week stress-free. 🥦🍗🍠

03/30/2026

When do I think about SIBO testing? 🤔

I start considering SIBO when someone notices:
• Inconsistent bowel movements: diarrhea, constipation, or going back and forth
• Bloating and excess gas 💨
• Feeling better on a typical lower-fibre diet (SAD)
• Feeling worse when trying to eat more “healthy” foods like high-fibre veggies or whole grains 🥦

If these signs aren’t present, I usually explore other causes first.

SIBO isn’t the first thing I test for—it’s about the pattern of symptoms. Listening to your gut (literally!) helps guide the next steps. 🩺💛

03/30/2026

http://drkarenwallace.com/blog-drkaren-naturopathic-dartmouth/understanding-diverticulosis-vs-diverticulitis Understanding Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis

What you need to know about prevention, risks, and treatment If you’ve ever been told you have “diverticula” or experienced a sudden bout of unexplained abdominal pain, you may have come across the terms  diverticulosis  and  diverticulitis . While they sound similar, th

03/03/2026

http://drkarenwallace.com/blog-drkaren-naturopathic-dartmouth/2026/3/3/perineural-injection Perineural Injection Therapy: A New Tool for Chronic Pain Management at Symmetry Wellness Centre

I'm excited to share that Dr. Paige Weatherbee-Sakr has expanded her therapeutic offerings to include Perineural Injection Therapy (PIT)—a specialized treatment approach for chronic nerve-related pain. As naturopathic physicians, we're always seeking evidence-informed therapies that address the ro...

03/02/2026

Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis — what’s the difference?

These two terms are often used interchangeably… but they are not the same.

Diverticulosis
Small pouches (diverticula) form in the wall of the colon — most commonly in the sigmoid colon.
✔️ Very common (especially over 40)
✔️ Often no symptoms
✔️ Usually found incidentally on colonoscopy

Think of it as a structural change.

Diverticulitis
This happens when one or more of those pouches become inflamed or infected.
❗ Abdominal pain (often lower left side)
❗ Fever
❗ Digestive upset
❗ Sometimes requires antibiotics or hospitalization

This is the inflammatory/infectious complication.

⸻

From a naturopathic perspective, our goals are:

🌿 Support healthy bowel motility
🌿 Optimize fibre intake (individualized — especially post-flare)
🌿 Reduce inflammation
🌿 Support the integrity of the gut lining
🌿 Encourage hydration and regular movement

And importantly…

🦠 Explore potential gut microbial imbalances.
Emerging research suggests changes in the gut microbiome may play a role in inflammation risk. Assessing digestive function and bacterial balance can help guide prevention strategies and long-term support.

Prevention is key once diverticulosis is present.

If you’ve been told you have diverticulosis — it doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop diverticulitis. But it is an opportunity to be proactive.

Have you been diagnosed with either? Let’s talk about what prevention could look like for you.

02/13/2026

http://drkarenwallace.com/blog-drkaren-naturopathic-dartmouth/perimenopausetracking How Your Menstrual Cycle Changes in Perimenopause - and Why tracking It Matters

Perimenopause is not a single moment—it’s a multi-year hormonal transition that unfolds in stages. One of the earliest and most reliable clues that you’ve entered this phase is a change in your menstrual cycle.