By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 27, 2022
Here at Lakeside, we are passionate about “food as medicine.” But what about “cooking as medicine” (aka culinary medicine)? Yes, cooking itself can be therapeutic! Here are some benefits: –Connectedness– When you cook with real, whole foods, we connect with nature. Cooking also connects us… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 13, 2022
You likely have many of these “medicines” in your kitchen cabinet. Season your food liberally with these herbs and spices to not only deepen the flavor of your cuisine, but to also prevent chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, alzheimer’s and cancer. Here are… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 2, 2022
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 can then lead to a drop in blood sugar (this is termed “reactive hypoglycemia”). When levels drop,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 1, 2022
It is estimated that our paleo ancestors got 100 grams of fiber daily from fruits and vegetables. Most Americans are only getting about 15 grams per day! Types of Fiber: Soluble Fiber– attracts water and turns to gel during digestion, slowing digestion… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 30, 2022
Kale and cabbage are members of the cruciferous vegetable family. Cruciferous vegetables are rich in sulfur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates which support detoxification pathways and help prevent cancer, notably hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer. Cruciferous vegetables help metabolize and balance hormones such as estrogen. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 30, 2022
This Curried Chicken Salad makes for a perfect weekday lunch. Serve over salad greens or inside a lettuce wrap. I use Primal Kitchen mayo in this recipe because it is avocado oil-based rather than inflammatory canola oil. Avocado oil is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Ingredients:… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 24, 2021
This Avocado Chocolate Mousse (aka “Chocolate Mousse of the Gods”) is simply divine! Yep, that’s right, the main ingredient is heart-healthy AVOCADO! But no one will be able to tell… It’s deceptively delicious! Ingredients: 3 ripe avocados 1/2 cup maple syrupor 1-1/4 cup soft… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 2, 2021
As we are still dealing with a global pandemic and are now in the midst of cold and flu season, there is no better time to be proactive with your health. We know that comorbidities, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease worsen outcomes of… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 29, 2021
Yes- that is correct. I’ll say it again- 88% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy. What does this mean and how do we address this? Let’s unpack this: What is metabolism? Simply stated, metabolism is how the body converts food that we eat into energy… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 28, 2021
I use laboratory assessment a lot in my practice to help prevent disease and identify the root cause of a health condition. We know that inflammation is at the root cause of most chronic diseases. Here are 3 common lab markers of inflammation:… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 21, 2021
I see a lot of patients for high cholesterol. If total cholesterol is above 200, the conventional approach to to simply take a statin. This is frustrating because this is a rudimentary approach. There is so much nuance to interpreting cholesterol or lipids. A… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 9, 2021
As a naturopathic doctor, I am always asking patients about their bowel movements. Bowel movements are a window into the state of health of your whole body. In fact, according to the International Institute of Nutrition Research, the health of your colon is a major… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 6, 2021
This recipe was inspired by the Green Goddess seasoning I recently picked up at Trader Joe’s. Serve with spaghetti squash and marinara. Or these make for a great protein on a salad with green goddess dressing. Consider doubling the recipe and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 3, 2021
Purple sweet potatoes are an excellent way to include a hefty dose of antioxidants in your diet. They are a dietary staple in Okinawa, Japan- a blue zone region where individuals have one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world. Avocados are a… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 3, 2021
Evidence suggests that individuals that eat 1-2 servings of fish per week are more than 1/3 less likely to die of heart disease, our nation’s top killer. This Superfood Spiced Salmon recipe is not only heart healthy, but it is also supportive for your joints… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 14, 2021
This salad is perfect for summer. The sweet strawberries and honey mustard dressing is a nice balance to the bitter taste of kale. Ingredients: Salad: 2 bunches of lacinato kale, de-stemmed and chopped 2 TBSP olive oil 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 12, 2021
These cauliflower fritters are so easy and sure to be a family favorite. Eat them as a side for dinner or as a low carb alternative to hashbrowns for breakfast. My kids like to dip them in ketchup. I like to dip them in this… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 24, 2021
We classically think of melatonin as a trusty sleep-aid. And it is! But there are so many other benefits, notably improving ovarian function, supporting gut function, and acting as a potent antioxidant. Melatonin and the Reproductive System Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 15, 2021
Ashwagandha is one of the most common herbs we recommend here at Lakeside. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 3000 years to rejuvenate and revitalize the body. It is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps the body adapt by normalizing physiological… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 3, 2021
If you are a woman in your 40’s or 50’s and experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, low libido, and/or debilitating changes in your menstrual cycle…suffer no more! These changes are due to a drop in progesterone and estrogen, and this hormonal shift can… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 21, 2021
You are what you eat…but you are also what you absorb! Below are easy food pairings that will improve your absorption of nutrients and enhance the effectiveness of antioxidants. Optimize your nutrition with these 5 easy food pairings. Plant-Based Iron and Vitamin C Spinach and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 7, 2021
These are my kids’ favorite! I often double the recipe because they go quickly! They are relatively low in sugar and high in fiber thanks to the oats and ground flaxseeds. Ingredients: Dry Ingredients 1 cup oat flour (simply process gluten-free oats in your… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 1, 2021
IN THE PRESS: This recipe was featured in Natural Awakenings Magazine in 2021. Crisps are often laden with sugar. This one is perfectly sweet without all of the refined sugar. It also contains ground seeds (because my kids don’t like them whole…my sneaky little… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 30, 2021
The endocannabinoid system is your body’s master regulator and plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. Simply put, this system promotes whole body balance. It is the system in your body that is composed of endocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids made naturally within… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 29, 2021
Low levels of serotonin can lead to depression, anxiety, PMS, pain, fatigue, binge eating, hot flashes, low sex drive, and IBS (constipation and/or diarrhea). The most common conventional treatment is antidepressants (such as SSRIs). But there are many natural ways to get your body making… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 29, 2021
If you feel like you are a slave to food you may be metabolically inflexible. Your body may be so dependent on getting fuel and energy from carbs that you constantly feel the need to snack. If you can’t go longer than 4 hours without… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 22, 2021
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 onApril 22, 2021
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 onApril 22, 2021
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 onApril 22, 2021
Supplementing with liquid chlorophyll drops seems to be all the rage right now. Let’s unpack whether or not this “green blood of plants” is worth adding to your water. First, let’s discuss what it is and its health benefits. Chlorophyll is the pigment that… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 1, 2021
These sweet and spicy energy bites are an easy way to incorporate more anti-inflammatory spices in your diet, such as ginger and turmeric. Coconut is also an all-star in this recipe. Coconut is rich in medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can promote ketone body… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 28, 2021
IN THE PRESS: This recipe was featured in Natural Awakenings Magazine in 2021. Ditch the artificial green food coloring this St Patrick’s Day! The combination of sunflower seeds (rich in chlorophyll) and baking soda in these cookies results in a natural green hue. Enjoy!… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 18, 2021
Delicata squash is my favorite. The flesh is sweet and creamy. The skin is edible, making this squash particularly easy to prepare! And not to mention the health benefits…squash is full of gut-loving fiber and immune-supportive nutrients such as vitamin A and vitamin C. You… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 5, 2021
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 4, 2021
Boost Energy and Mood with B12…But Supplement Wisely!… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 4, 2021
I have written on the health benefits of walnuts in the past (“Why You Should Be Eating Walnuts Daily“), and I just came across another study highlighting yet another health benefit of this super-nut: Gut health! This study published in the Journal of… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 9, 2021
These vegetables can be prepared ahead of time for healthy meal prepping during the week. The turmeric lemon sauce gives the vegetables a nice anti-inflammatory zing! You can choose any vegetables to roast. The ones I chose in this recipe support liver detoxification. Ingredients: 1… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 9, 2021
These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps make for an easy dinner the whole family will love. The almond butter sauce makes the ground chicken SO flavorful. Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken (or ground turkey; or if you are vegetarian, tried chopped walnuts, organic tofu or… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 10, 2020
IN THE PRESS: This recipe was featured in Natural Awakenings Magazine in 2021. This smoothie combines so many superfoods: beets, avocados, flax, and cacao. Beets and beet greens support liver detoxification and are an excellent source of antioxidants (thanks to the deep pigments). Beets… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 23, 2020
Beets are the ultimate food for your liver. Pair this hummus with raw veggies or Flackers (flaxseed cracker). This hummus is bean-free making it easy on digestion. If you can tolerate beans, however, feel free to add ½ can garbanzo beans for added protein. Ingredients:•… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 20, 2020
Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common menopausal symptoms I see. And not to mention the depression and anxiety that can accompany menopause. This all can of course significantly affect your quality of life. Good news ladies, we have some great natural tools… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 28, 2020
These Mediterranean-inspired turkey burgers make for a quick and easy protein for dinner. I serve them over salad or in lettuce wraps (skip the bun!). Enjoy! Ingredients: 1 lb organic ground turkey1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley (can also use fresh chopped basil)1/4 tsp garlic… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 22, 2020
This is a healthy twist on an all time favorite- avocado toast. Ditch the bread and use sweet potatoes instead! Sweet potatoes can be sliced thinly and popped in your toaster just as you would bread. You can get creative with sweet potato toast….consider topping… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 18, 2020
Nutty almond flour, anti-inflammatory turmeric, and smoky paprika join forces to create a crispy breading for chicken- though you can also use it on fish or tofu. This dish is family-friendly. If you or your kids like chicken tenders, these will be a hit. Ingredients… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 18, 2020
With just 5 ingredients, these no bake brownie bites are the perfect healthy treat. They are a great way to incorporate anti-inflammatory walnuts, thyroid-supportive brazil nuts, and magnesium-rich cacao powder in your diet. Ingredients 1 cup pitted… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 15, 2020
Intestinal transit is the time it takes food to pass through the entire digestive tract. An optimal transit time is between 18-24 hours. A slow transit time is associated with constipation and increases the likelihood of bowel toxemia and dysbiosis. I find SIBO is… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 12, 2020
This recipe is reminiscent of a traditional African peanut stew. I add my own healthy twist by including turmeric and ginger, two anti-inflammatory super spices. It is perfect for a cool Fall evening. I double the recipe so I can freeze half for an easy… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 25, 2020
Zucchini is so versatile. It can be made into noodles, muffins, lasagna, and now cookies! These Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft and chewy, full of fiber, and just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 19, 2020
We planted collard greens in our garden this year, and they have flourished over the past couple months. My go-to recipe for these greens are collard wraps. I’ve been experimenting with different fillings, and I especially like this one (see below). The basic idea is… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 31, 2020
Quinoa bowls make for a super healthy, filling, AND easy lunch or dinner. The concept is simple: Make a big batch of quinoa and then top with roasted veggies, nuts/seeds/protein of your choice, and your favorite dressing. I often make a big batch of quinoa… Read More