Woman and Child Wellness with Dr Gayle Maguire ND

07/31/2026

07/20/2026

07/15/2026

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07/14/2026

🌿 Is Quercetin Nature's Anti-Histamine?

As a naturopathic doctor who treats kids, I'm often asked about natural ways to help support children during allergy season.

One supplement that has been studied extensively is Quercetin, a naturally occurring plant compound (called a flavonoid) found in foods like:
🍎 Apples
🫐 Berries
🧅 Red onions
🥦 Broccoli
🍇 Grapes

Quercetin has been studied for its potential to:
✅ Support a healthy inflammatory response
✅ Help stabilize mast cells (cells involved in allergic reactions)
✅ Reduce the release of histamine, one of the chemicals responsible for allergy symptoms
✅ Provide antioxidant support by helping protect cells from oxidative stress

While research is promising, quercetin is not a cure for allergies, and results can vary from person to person.

# # # Can children take quercetin?

In some cases, quercetin may be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan for children, particularly during allergy season. However, it is **not appropriate for every child**, and dosing should always be based on factors such as age, weight, medical history, and any medications they may be be taking.

Before starting any supplement, it's important to speak with your child's healthcare provider to determine whether it is appropriate.

Supporting children with allergies isn't just about supplements. I also focus on:

🌱 Nutritious, anti-inflammatory eating patterns
😴 Healthy sleep habits
💧 Good hydration
🏃 Regular physical activity
🌿 Reducing environmental triggers when possible
🦠 Supporting overall gut and immune health

When we support the whole child, we often help build greater resilience—not just during allergy season, but throughout the year.

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**⚠️ Educational Disclaimer:** This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially for children.

07/09/2026

🧠💚 Did you know your child's gut and brain are constantly talking to each other?

This connection—often called the **gut-brain axis**—means that digestive health can influence much more than tummy troubles.

Sometimes, children with gut imbalances may also experience:
✨ Difficulty focusing
✨ Mood changes
✨ Anxiety
✨ Irritability
✨ Low energy
✨ Poor sleep

This doesn't mean that every behavioural concern starts in the gut, but it does remind us that the body works as one connected system.

When I work with children, I look beyond individual symptoms to better understand the bigger picture. That may include exploring nutrition, digestive health, sleep, stress, movement, and other lifestyle factors that can influence overall wellbeing.

Supporting healthy habits like balanced meals, adequate fibre, hydration, physical activity, and good sleep can help lay a strong foundation for growing bodies and minds.

Every child is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution—but understanding these connections can be an important first step.

💬 Have you noticed changes in your child's mood or energy when their digestion is off? I'd love to hear your experience in the comments.

📍Dr. Gayle Maguire | Naturopathic Doctor treating children since 2006

⚠️ **Disclaimer:** This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

07/03/2026

Walk through any pharmacy and you'll see shelves filled with vitamins promising to boost immunity, improve focus, support growth, and help kids thrive.

It's no wonder parents ask me every day:

"Should my child be taking supplements?"

The answer isn't always yes—and it isn't always no.

While some children can benefit from targeted supplementation, others may already be getting what they need through a balanced diet. Age, eating habits, activity level, medical history, and individual health concerns all play a role.

The goal isn't to put every child on supplements—it's to understand what your child needs.

👉 Swipe through to learn when supplements may be helpful, which nutrients deserve attention, and why individualized care matters. For information purposes only, see a healthcare provider for best advice.

07/01/2026

Violent online groups manipulate youth into participating in acts of violence like self-harm, torturing and killing animals, creating child sexual abuse and exploitation materials and more.

Learn more about the warning signs and help kids before they get trapped in this cycle: https://ow.ly/OEk650Zegs9

06/25/2026

🚨 5 Rash Red Flags Every Parent Should Know. When in doubt, Check it out!

For educational purposes only. This content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace individualized medical advice. If your child is experiencing concerning symptoms, seek appropriate medical care.

Eczema HealthyKids NaturalHealth DrGayleMaguireND YYCParents AlbertaFamilies PediatricCare ChildhoodWellness

06/23/2026

🌿 Is Your Child’s Rash Trying to Tell You Something?

Rashes are one of the most common reasons parents seek healthcare for their children. While many rashes are temporary and harmless, others can be a sign that the body is responding to something deeper.

As a naturopathic doctor, I don’t just look at the rash—I look at the whole child.

When assessing skin concerns, I consider questions such as:
✨ When did the rash start?
✨ Is it itchy, painful, or spreading?
✨ Has there been a recent illness or infection?
✨ Are there possible food, environmental, or contact triggers?
✨ How are digestion, sleep, and stress levels?

Common childhood skin concerns may include:
🌱 Eczema
🌱 Hives
🌱 Contact dermatitis
🌱 Viral rashes
🌱 Heat rash
🌱 Dry, irritated skin

A naturopathic approach focuses on identifying contributing factors while supporting the skin’s natural healing processes through:
✔️ Nutrition and dietary assessment
✔️ Skin barrier support
✔️ Environmental trigger reduction
✔️ Gut health optimization
✔️ Stress and immune system support
✔️ Safe, evidence-informed natural therapies when appropriate

🚨 Not all rashes should be managed at home. Seek prompt medical attention if your child has a fever, difficulty breathing, severe swelling, appears unwell, or develops a rapidly spreading rash.

Healthy skin starts from the inside out, and every child deserves an individualized approach.

Have questions about your child’s skin health? I’d be happy to help guide you toward the next steps.

👇 What skin concerns have you noticed most often in your children?

This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for individualized medical advice.

SkinHealth ParentingTips ChildhoodWellness NaturalHealth DrGayleMaguireND YYCParents AlbertaFamilies