Product Focus: DHA+ by Ascenta Professional

At The Health Loft, one of our goals is to make our King West community healthier through natural means of health care.  


One of those ways is by stocking premium products and supplements for offer. 




We are happy to introduce DHA+, a high concentration of DHA (an essential omega 3 fatty acid), derived from sustainably caught wild squid (from the calamari industry).


The DHA+ formula is a high DHA oil derived from wild squid. Unlike other naturally occurring high DHA species (such as tuna and cod), wild squid is an abundant and sustainable source. 

Our DHA+ formula is suitable for general omega-3 use, because it contains both EPA and DHA.  

However, its primary benefit targets cognitive health (e.g., memory and concentration), neural protection, and specific life stages: pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood and senior adulthood.  So, new moms, this product is excellent for "mommy brain", and if you are breastfeeding, it helps in the brain development of your baby.  

In addition, the beauty benefits of this DHA + supplement include healthier hair and nails, and that natural dewy glow to the skin.  

Product features:

• 800 mg DHA and 400 mg EPA per serving 

• Natural triglyceride form 

• Exceptional taste and purity 

• Stabilized with proprietary mixed phospholipid extract 

• Every lot is tested for quality, purity and label claims

• Delicious natural citrus flavour 

Superior quality

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) fish oil monograph has become the  international standard for quality fish oils. Ascenta Profesional omega-3 fish oils surpass the CRN quality and purity standards.

Triglycerides

Natural fish oils are comprised of molecules called triglycerides (TG), however most  concentrated fish oils are converted into an alternate form called an ethyl ester (EE) used as  an inexpensive way to concentrate the oil. Natural TG fish oils have three fatty acids linked  to a glycerol backbone whereas EE fish oils have one fatty acid linked to one molecule of  ethanol (alcohol). A number of studies have demonstrated that TG fish oils are more stable  and absorbed 2–3 times better than their EE counterpart. All Ascenta products are in a  natural triglyceride form.

Volatile Compounds

The oxidation (breakdown) of oils is a complex process that occurs in many stages. Volatile  Compounds (VC) are an important marker of oil oxidation. The formation of VCs in oils  results in an unpleasant taste and smell. Through the use of sophisticated processing  methods and proprietary antioxidants, Ascenta’s oils have extremely low VC levels and  maintain a fresh taste and smell throughout its shelf life.

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Be Healthy.


Dr. Stephanie

Sustainable Weight Loss

Sustainable Weight Loss

If you had the option to lose 20 pounds in 30 days and likely gain it back, or lose 20 pounds over 10 weeks and be more likely to maintain it for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

It's officially one month into the New Year and like most people, we've all made New Years resolutions. There's one that never seems to fail making it into the top 5: “lose weight”.

Our society seems to be fixated on finding a quick and easy way of losing weight. In fact, today I read  “How to lose 20 pounds in 30 days (without exercise)” on the back cover of a top selling book. Advertisements seem to be selling their secret formula to weight loss everywhere you look! 

The truth of the matter is that not everyone needs to lose weight even if they don't fit the stereotypical mold, and there is no secret, quick, and easy weight loss formula. Even if there was, there are a number of downfalls to losing weight quickly including gaining the weight back rapidly. 

Would you be surprised to hear that the ideal rate of weight-loss that is sustainable is 2 pounds per week?

Everyone has a unique body, with it's own optimal weight, shape, and size. Being healthy isn't about losing weight, it's about being at the weight that is right for you. 

I propose that the goal be changed from “lose weight” to “achieve and maintain a healthy weight”. 

There are many different factors that cause us to stray away from our optimal weight, whether it be hormones, emotional conflicts and stress, our metabolism, smoking, mental illness, exercise, diet, food sensitivities... just to name a few. 

For this reason, I suggest that the task be approached in a way that is tailored to fit each of us as unique individuals.

I believe that achieving a healthy weight is simply one of many side-effects of optimizing your health. 

By optimizing your health, you can achieve your healthy weight and experience it's many benefits. Maintaining a healthy weight is linked to a positive self-image, and is preventative against a number of  conditions including depression and other psychiatric disorders, high cholesterol, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disorders, sleep disorders, osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal disorders, and cancer. 

If you are looking to lose weight, you should consider working with a professional that can help you develop a personalized plan. Some important principles that work for most people include the basics: a healthy diet (suited to your body), not eating while on the run, and an individualized exercise plan at least 3 times a week. 

Whether achieving your healthy weight requires a loss of 5 pounds or 105 pounds, naturopathic medicine can support you. Naturopathic medicine can help you identify the cause and contributing factors of your excess weight and develop the best treatment plan that suits both your means and lifestyle. 

It is important to remember that achieving your healthy weight is not a quick and easy fix. It is an individualized lifestyle change that is an investment in your health and can impact your health for a lifetime!

Dr. Cristina, ND

Meet Dr. Cristina, Naturopathic Doctor at The Health Loft

I would like to introduce our newest addition at The Health Loft - Dr. Cristina Allen, Naturopathic Doctor.  Dr. Cristina has joined our team and is now accepting new patients.  She will be holding patient hours during the following times:


Mondays 2pm-8pm
Tuesdays 8am - 2pm
Wednesdays 8am - 2pm


Here is a brief bio and background on her:


Dr. Cristina Allen was granted acceptance early into the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario after competing three years of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at the University of Calgary. She graduated from the Naturopathic Doctor program as one of the youngest graduates with training in a subspecialty in pediatrics.  

She is dedicated to a lifetime of continuing education, focusing on her particular interests in pregnancy and pediatrics, as well as the impact of diet and nutrition on health. Dr. Cristina sees both paediatric and adult patients regularly and has experience treating a wide range of conditions including autism, ADHD, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure, stress management, and multiple sclerosis. 

During her time at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Cristina had the opportunity to work at Anishnawbe Health Toronto, a multidisciplinary healthcare centre providing care for the Aboriginal community. This opportunity allowed her to learn first hand, the importance of basic and healthcare.

Her approach to healthcare is therefore simple: to treat conditions as least invasive as possible, while looking at the individual as a whole. Prevention is the key, and is achieved by optimizing the individuals health.

Currently, Dr. Cristina is writing a cookbook focused on gourmet hypoallergenic recipes to share her knowledge and passion for healthy eating without the sacrifice of quality. This passion has become known amongst her friends and colleagues by her toothsome cupcakes, that manage to be vegan, gluten-free, and at times, even sugar-free, without even knowing it! 

Dr. Cristina is proud to welcome patients to a practice where empathy combine with education and experience to provide the best health care. Her philosophy of service to the patient creates excellence in both patient care and clinical results. 


You can click on the button below to book in to see any of our practitioners.  Looking forward to seeing you soon!




Be Healthy,


Dr. Stephanie