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 onNovember 9, 2020
A perfect Fall or Winter salad with so much flavor! Ingredients For the Salad: 1 bunch of kale, de-stemmed and chopped 1/2 cup chopped cilantro 2 cups butternut squash, diced (time saver- buy the bags of pre-cut butternut squash) 3 TBSP avocado… 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
This salad has all the tastes of Fall- roasted root vegetables, maple syrup, and apples. It is a perfect salad for entertaining, but it is easy enough to whip up for a week night dinner. I am always one to bring a hearty salad like… 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
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 31, 2020
We aim to eat salmon once a week. I find it helps to keep the day we eat salmon consistent to ensure we get it in once weekly. Meal planning is key! In our house, we have “Salmon Mondays.” I go to the store over… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 31, 2020
Shredding beets and sauteing them on the stove-top makes for a fast and easy veggie side dish. Don’t discard those beet greens- they are food for your liver!… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 28, 2020
Sometimes you just need a creamy dressing. Oil and vinegar gets boring so this is where tahini comes in. Tahini is sesame seed butter (often a main ingredient in hummus). Tahini is a great source of calcium (yes, despite what the USDA would like you… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 14, 2020
Dr. Axtell shares the benefits of turmeric and curcumin, especially today. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 9, 2020
Sleep deprivation or insomnia can lead to: Memory and cognitive dysfunction: Your brain cleans itself at night. Think of your brain taking the garbage out. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) washes in and out in wave-like motions to eliminate accumulated metabolic “trash” in the brain. In… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 9, 2020
Ever notice that when you are eating poorly that your PMS symptoms seem out of control? Do you experience “period poops”? Abdominal bloating or “PMS bloat”? You’ve heard about the gut-brain connection, but did you know that there is intimate connection between your gut and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 8, 2020
So many women struggle with PMS, debilitating menopausal symptoms, weight gain, breast tenderness, and cramps. While these are common symptoms, they are not normal or optimal. Rather than simply take the pill to mask the symptoms, our goal as NDs is to identify and address… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 5, 2020
I eat these pumpkin muffins year-round as they are reminiscent of my favorite dessert: pumpkin pie. Not only are they delicious and moist, but they are packed full of nutrients. The pumpkin provides the immune-supporting Vitamin A. The almond flour and the ground seeds… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 5, 2020
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 4, 2020
Here is the recipe. Enjoy!… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 4, 2020
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 1, 2020
In honor of Mother’s Day, this post is for all you tired ladies out there that need a natural boost! Maca is a plant native to the Andes, revered for its many nutritional and medicinal properties. Maca is a true super-food, for it is an… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 23, 2020
I call this “Detox Pesto” thanks to the cleansing dandelion greens and cilantro. We tend to think of dandelion greens as a pesky weed, but they are actually quite medicinal, especially to our liver and digestive tract. Dandelion simulates phase 1 and phase 2 pathways… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 23, 2020
Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family. Cruciferous vegetable consumption has been implicated in the prevention of many different cancers, including lymphoma, breast, prostate, bladder, and lung cancer. Cruciferous vegetables contain the anti-cancer and liver-supportive substances, sulforophane and indole-3-carbinol. Indole-3-carbinol induces phase 1… Read More