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
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 15, 2022
Serves 2 This Brain Bowl contains the following brain-healthy super-foods: Forbidden rice: Forbidden rice is a nutritional power house. When cooked, it turns a deep purple color, revealing its anthocyanin content. Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoids, or plant pigments, that have been found to… 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 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
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 30, 2022
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, high fiber foods may reduce cancer risk. Here is why: High fiber foods are generally low-calorie and keep you full, thus resulting in a healthy body weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 27, 2022
The first step to achieving hormone balance is to optimize your blood sugar with good nutrition. Eating foods high in refined carbohydrates and sugar can lead to a major spike in blood sugar. Your body then secretes insulin to address elevated blood sugar, which… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 25, 2022
A supercharged brain-boosting mushroom smoothie to keep you focused and energized Mushrooms are a functional food. Functional foods are foods that go well beyond simply providing calories and good nutrition. They have disease-fighting properties. In other words, they are medicinal, which we get pretty excited… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 25, 2022
Mushrooms are a prime example of a functional food. Functional foods are foods that go well beyond simply providing calories and good nutrition. They have disease-fighting properties. In other words, they are medicinal, which we get pretty excited about here at Lakeside! Mushrooms have a… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 24, 2022
This quinoa salad has so much flavor! And it couldn’t be easier! Gut Health Tip: Sometimes quinoa can be difficult to digest, resulting in bloating. Soak your quinoa in water and 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar for at least an hour (I often soak… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 23, 2022
Any wild plant will possess more vigor than its farmed (or cultivated) counterpart. Wild blueberries, for example, develop more antioxidants and phytonutrients in order to survive compared to their cultivated counterparts. This resiliency or “anti-fragility” of these wild plants gets passed down to you when… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 6, 2022
Blue Zones are places in the world that not only have high concentrations of people aged 100 and above, but also high numbers of people that have grown old without diseases like diabetes or heart disease. I recently traveled to the Blue Zone region of… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 26, 2022
Feeling run down, depleted, or burned out? Try these 5 energy boosters: Start the day with protein. According to our natural circadian rhythm, morning is a time when we should feel most energized…but that is not the case for a lot of people. If you… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 26, 2022
Papayas are a dietary staple in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica- a Blue Zone. They are rich in papain, an enzyme that aids in digestion and reduces inflammation. Papayas are also a good source of the vitamins A, C, and E. In addition to the… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 25, 2022
Beets are one of the healthiest vegetables. They are a good dietary source of nitrates, which can be converted to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide enhances exercise performance, improves brain function, and lowers blood pressure. Nitric oxide is essential for optimal blood flow. In order to… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 25, 2022
Intermittent fasting is a pattern of eating in which individuals go an extended period of time (approximately 16 hours) without food. Research shows that the timing of when we fast is actually more important than the total amount of time we… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 9, 2022
Purple corn flour is a dietary staple in the Blue Zone region of Nicoya, Costa Rica. Purple corn is rich in anthocyanins- antioxidants that have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Research also shows that the anthocyanins found in purple corn may also be beneficial for helping… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 9, 2022
Inspired by the Blue Zone regions of Sardinia, Ikaria, and Loma Linda Beans are a dietary staple of every Blue Zone. Blue Zones are regions around the world where people live the longest and are the healthiest. This recipe includes white beans, or cannellini beans,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 15, 2022
Here are Lakeside we are passionate about disease prevention. This preventative medicine study recently published in the journal, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, suggests that managing cholesterol and blood sugar in early adulthood can decrease Alzheimer’s risk. Low HDL levels (“good cholesterol”) and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 13, 2022
This 4-ingredient cabbage slaw makes for a quick veggie side for tacos. Or add chicken or beans for an easy weekday lunch. Cabbage is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family. Cruciferous vegetables are rich in sulfur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates which support detoxification… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 2, 2022
I recently traveled to the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, to research the lifestyle of these vital people. Nicoya is a Blue Zone, or a longevity hot spot. In Nicoya, they have the lowest rates of middle-age mortatlity and the second highest concentration of male centenarians… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 30, 2022
It is well established that calorie restriction can slow the aging process. When we digest food, calories are converted into energy within the mitochondria of our cells. A by-product of this process is free radical production. Excess free radicals in the body can damage proteins,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 13, 2022
These cookie bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! I always add ground flax to baked good to boost the gut-loving fiber, anti-inflammatory essential fats, and satiating protein. And not to mention the hormone-balancing effects of flax! Have I mentioned I love flax?!… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 9, 2022
In the Press: This recipe was published in Natural Awakenings Magazine in 2022 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these sweet spinach muffins. Thanks to the ground flaxseeds and almond flour, they are packed with gut-healthy fiber, satiating protein, and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Dry… Read More