By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 5, 2023
Did you know that a cup of red peppers has almost 3x more vitamin C than an orange?! This soup is a delicious way to incorporate more immune-supportive vitamin C in your diet AND sneak in some other nutrient-packed veggies as well. I use jarred… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 1, 2023
This Butternut Squash Hummus is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Tahini makes it creamy (and full of satiating fat and bone-building calcium) and miso gives it an umami punch while also supporting your microbiome. I roast the squash with smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 27, 2023
We know alcohol is not good for us on a regular basis- its hard on the liver, increases the risk of cancer, negatively impacts the gut microbiome, triggers hot flashes and night sweats, promotes weight loss resistance, ramps up anxiety, disrupts sleep….the list can go… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 24, 2023
As estrogen declines, the body is not as good at building muscle. This is why lifting weights and eating adequate protein is crucial during perimenopause. Combining strength training with increased protein intake is the best way to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and thus boost metabolism. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 20, 2023
A battery of scientific evidence shows that if you want success in changing something, you should meet with groups of people doing the same. Approximately 12% of Americans are considered “metabolically healthy.” That means the other 88% of us aren’t meeting basic medical guidelines for… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 15, 2023
This 3-Ingredient Hearts of Palm “pasta” recipe is a staple of mine when I am in a hurry. Unlike most dried pastas, it does not need to be boiled (making it ready in a flash!), is low in carbs, and is packed full of fiber. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 5, 2023
This apple crisp has all the tastes of apple pie but without the fuss. And it’s gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and full of fiber! Apple Filling Ingredients: 5-7 apples, chopped (I use Honeycrisp) 2 TBSP maple syrup 1 TBSP lemon juice 1 TBSP arrowroot starch… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 28, 2023
I love lightly cooking spinach. It makes it slightly less bitter and more appetizing, especially on a cold day. Ingredients: Warm Maple Dressing: ¼ cup olive oil 2 TBSP balsamic vinegar 1 TBSP maple syrup 1 tsp Dijon mustard ¼ tsp smoked paprika Salt and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 28, 2023
The crispy chickpeas on this salad are like croutons only more nutrient-dense, adding fiber and protein to the salad. Forbidden rice is a black rice from Asia rich in both taste and nutritional value. It is so named because it was considered the Chinese Emperor’s… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 28, 2023
This hearty and healthy salad is made with turmeric-roasted sweet potatoes, lentils, arugula, feta, and candied pecans. Lentils provide soluble fiber- the type your microbiome love. You get an initial blunting of blood sugar just after eating beans. Then, hours later, after your gut… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 28, 2023
I encourage all of my patients with osteoporosis to eat collards regularly as they are full of bone-building minerals, notably calcium. One cup of collards provides about 300 mg calcium- the same amount in a cup of milk! Tahini (found in the dressing of this… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 21, 2023
A battery of scientific evidence shows that if you want success in changing something, you should meet with groups of people doing the same. My goal with this Perimenopause/Menopause Group Visit is to facilitate a support network among women and give women better tools to… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 14, 2023
I got turnips in my CSA box this week and was inspired to make turnip fries. Thank goodness for CSAs to inspire me to branch out of my typical “broccoli, green beans, and spinach” routine. The American Gut Study, the largest published study to date… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 13, 2023
Papaya is one of my favorite fruits. For one, it is such a vibrant, beautiful orange hue, adding a pop of color to your plate. After all, we first eat with our eyes. And not to mention its sweet (but not too sweet) flavor and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 7, 2023
I’m a big fan of smoothies. They are a great way to pack in superfoods: greens, flax, chia, berries, matcha, avocados, and maca. The possibilities are endless. But for a smoothie to keep your blood sugar stable and keep you feeling full for hours, it… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 5, 2023
This Creamy Green Basil Smoothie is bursting with a sweet herby flavor of summer. Strawberries are a relatively low sugar fruit and are packed full of antioxidants and fiber. While many smoothies are full of higher-sugar fruits (such as bananas, mango, and pineapple), this smoothie… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 1, 2023
IBS is a BS diagnosis. I don’t want to discredit the symptoms associated with IBS because they are absolutely real…the abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation, and/or diarrhea can be debilitating. I know all too well the significance of these symptoms because I myself have suffered,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 21, 2023
This 5-Ingredient Spaghetti Squash recipe is a staple of mine when I am in a hurry. It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and is packed full of fiber and protein. The spaghetti squash nests at Trader Joe’s have been pre-cooked and spaghetti-fied, then… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 18, 2023
So many women walk through our clinic doors complaining of fatigue, weakness, hair loss, and anxiety. My goal as a naturopathic doctor is to determine the WHY. These symptoms are often due to low ferritin. Ferritin is the storage form of iron. It’s the… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 12, 2023
Best sweeteners if you are metabolically healthy (ie. do not have insulin resistance, high blood sugar, obesity). Small amounts of the following natural sweeteners are ok since they are minimally processed: Maple syrup Honey Coconut sugar *These sweeteners will still spike your blood… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 12, 2023
Ashwagandha is one of the most common herbs we recommend here at Lakeside. It is one of my favorite adaptogenic herbs. In layman’s terms, adaptogens, such as Ashwagandha, make everyone in your life become less annoying! Here are some clinical applications of this rejuvenating herb:… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 21, 2023
These Chocolate Chip Tahini Blondies are a fiber-fueled, mineral-rich chocolatey treat. Tahini (or sesame seed paste) is one of the most nutrient dense foods. We typically think of it as an all- star ingredient in hummus, but there are so many… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 20, 2023
This is a staple in our house. Whether it’s taco Tuesday or you just need a quick and easy weeknight dinner, these Crockpot Chicken Tacos are sure to please the whole family. Super easy and super delicious! Ingredients: 1.5-2 lbs chicken breasts 1 jar… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 6, 2023
Matcha and smoothies are two of my favorite things. Why not combine them?! This recipe is on the thicker side thanks to the nourishing avocado and almond butter, therefore I turned it into a bowl. It will keep you full for hours! Ingredients: ¾ cup… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 6, 2023
Menopause is a medical condition. Simply not true! Menopause is the natural change in your hormones, specifically a decline in estrogen and progesterone. It is also a transitional time in your life where you can speak your truth, honor your wisdom, and nurture yourself. Weight… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 2, 2023
Vitex (or chaste tree berry) is one of my go-to herbs for women struggling with PMS, PMDD, irregular periods, painful periods, and breast tenderness. It can also enhance fertility. How does vitex work? Vitex has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 2, 2023
This is a bright yellow, super creamy turmeric ginger sauce that will brighten up your day. It is delicious drizzled over your favorite salads, bowls, or used as a dip for raw veggies. Ingredients: 1 cup raw cashews 2 garlic cloves 1 tsp turmeric 1… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 16, 2023
Manuka honey is made from bees in New Zealand and Australia where the nectar is harvested from Manuka flowers. Manuka honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are what set it apart from traditional honey. Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the active ingredient, which is… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 10, 2023
Here are 3 ways to boost your metabolism: 1. Drink green tea- EGCG, the bioactive constituent of green tea, can reduce body weight by decreasing fat cell differentiation and proliferation. One study has demonstrated that green tea extracts and drinks could reduce body weight and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 1, 2023
When it’s cold outside, it can be hard to get in your daily green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, arugula, chard, collards). I admit in the cold winter months, salads and smoothies just aren’t as appetizing. But there is no excuse- we must find warming ways… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 1, 2023
Gut-Healing Carrot Turmeric Ginger Soup Serves 6 Soup is a great meal option on days when your stomach is upset as it gives your digestive tract a break from having to work hard to break down cold, raw foods. This soup in particular helps reduce… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 27, 2023
This is such a nourishing winter dish. It contains the Holy Trinity of Immunity- garlic, ginger, and onion. High in fiber and packed full of cleansing greens- you can’t go wrong with this stew. Ingredients: 1 medium onion, chopped 2 plum tomatoes, chopped 3… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 14, 2023
Inflammation is at the root cause of heart disease. Elevated insulin, elevated blood sugar, inflammatory trans fats, and homocysteine (an inflammatory protein in the blood) irritate and inflame the lining of our blood vessels, or the endothelium. This initiates the process of coronary artery disease. Recent… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 5, 2023
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom that is often referred to the “mushroom of immortality” as it has traditionally been used to promote longevity and support overall health and vitality. Here are some benefits Reishi: Immune support: This study shows… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 5, 2023
These are the foods I try not to go a day without: Walnuts– rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which support a healthy brain. Turmeric– has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. I literally add it to everything!… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 5, 2023
1. Stick to whole foods with minimal ingredient lists. If you are buying food out of a package, immediately turn it around and read the ingredients. A food may only be 100 calories but it may contain a whole host of inflammatory ingredients, such… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 23, 2022
Feelings of burnout are common this time of year- fewer daylight hours, holidays hustle and bustle, and work deadlines. Burnout can lead to a sense of exhaustion, stress, and brain fog. One of the most effective ways to address burnout is to support a healthy… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 22, 2022
Trying a period of sobriety can be incredibly empowering. Avoidance of alcohol for 30 days (ie. “Dry January”) can give you a sense of achievement and not to mention the physical health benefits- improved sleep, weight loss, better blood sugar control, decreased blood pressure, and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 22, 2022
There’s no doubt that we live in a toxic environment. Chemicals are found in house-hold cleaners, pesticides and fungicides, tap water, car exhaust fumes, pharmaceuticals, beauty products, and cigarette smoke. This places an incredible burden on our bodies, especially the liver, our main organ of… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 20, 2022
I am a big fan of seed (and oil) cycling for women to balance hormones using “food as medicine.” Here are some previous posts if you have not yet heard of seed cycling: Dr. Axtell explains seed cycling… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 14, 2022
This Brazil nut “parmesan” makes for a delicious crispy crust for fish, chicken, or tofu. The brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium, which is “food for your thyroid.” The nutritional yeast has a savory, cheesy flavor and is a good source of energizing-B12. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 14, 2022
Maca is a plant native to the Andes, revered for its many nutritional and medicinal properties. Maca is a true superfood, for it is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, plant sterols, protein, and essential fatty acids. Maca provides support for hot flashes, vaginal dryness,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 14, 2022
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts, shift the metabolism of estrogen, reducing the cancer-promoting potency of estrogen. Cruciferous vegetables contain Indole-3-carbinol which turns into Diindolylmethane (DIM). DIM is an enzyme that helps to clear excess estrogen out of circulation properly… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 9, 2022
The external use of castor oil supports the body’s detoxification and elimination functions, enhances liver metabolism, balances the immune system, and improves lymphatic circulation. The castor oil pack costs next to nothing, only asking a bit of your time and your openness to its detoxification… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 5, 2022
This is a new twist on an old favorite. I make pumpkin muffins year round. They are a nutrient-dense snack or an easy breakfast that the whole family enjoys. I was inspired to add ground ginger and molasses to my trusty… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 26, 2022
This one is for your brain! Studies show Lion’s mane, a type of mushroom, significantly improves scores on cognitive function scales. It also boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is like “miracle grow for the brain.” In addition, lion’s mane has been shown to be… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 17, 2022
Do you ever wonder why some people always tend to get sick but others who are exposed to the same virus or bacteria can successfully ward off illness? Exposure to a microbe isn’t always a guaranteed illness. Why? It boils down to the health of… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 10, 2022
Magnesium is the top nutrient deficiency among Americans. It is a natural muscle relaxant. It relaxes our skeletal muscles, providing relief from headaches, muscle pain, cramps and tremors. Magnesium also relaxes our muscles lining our intestines and can draw water into the intestines, providing for… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 9, 2022
Though we all want a strong immune system, boosting your immune system can be problematic. If you are in a state of chronic inflammation, boosting your immune system could exacerbate that inflammatory state. With autoimmune diseases, boosting your immune system can trigger a flare. In… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 20, 2022
Tahini (or sesame seed paste) is one of the most nutrient dense foods. Here are 5 reasons to include tahini as part of your diet: Sesame seeds/tahini are a good source of protein– 20% protein by weight.Tahini also helps to stabilize blood sugar thanks to… Read More