By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 15, 2019
“Eat the colors of the rainbow” is a mantra I frequently say to my family and patients. And I always strive to practice what I preach! This salad is EASY and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, as it is deconstructed and allows… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 15, 2019
There is a growing interest in the use of probiotics for gastrointestinal issues and women’s health issues, such as UTI’s and vaginal yeast infections. Confused on which particular probiotic to take for these issues? Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) is a strain of bacteria… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 5, 2019
Fat is good for you…but NOT when combined with carbs (ie. French fries, chocolate cake and doughnuts). This dangerous combination can raise ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” telling you to pick up your fork. Combining carbs and fat can also induce a temporary state of… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 16, 2019
If you have been diagnosed with IBS and/or SIBO and your symptoms continue to recur, your migrating motor complex (MMC) may need some support. The migrating motor complex is often referred to as the “housekeeper wave.” It is the quick, intense… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 16, 2019
If I could only use one herb for the rest of my life, it would be turmeric. It really is a “cure-all.” Turmeric is the spice that gives Indian curry it’s yellow hue. The active ingredient is curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 1, 2019
If you are a fan of creamy dressings, this Dill Avocado Dressing is a must! This can be used as a dip with veggies or as a salad dressing. It is full of good fat, which keeps you full and satisfied. Ingredients 1/4… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 6, 2019
If you or someone you know suffers from migraines, you know that they significantly affect quality of life. In fact, the World Health Organization ranks migraines among the world’s most disabling medical illnesses. They can send you straight to bed and may be associated with… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 5, 2019
I often sound like a broken record, advising my patients and my own family to “Eat the colors of the rainbow.” Purple sweet potatoes are an excellent way to include the color purple and thus a hefty dose of antioxidants in your diet. Anthocyanins are… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 21, 2018
Fibrocystic breast disease is a benign disorder of the breasts that results in lumpiness, nodules and pain. It is not associated with breast cancer risk. However, it can be quite painful and bothersome for many women. Supplements for Breast Health A… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 2, 2018
Weight loss is not as easy as cutting calories and increasing exercise. Certainly, increasing your activity level and prioritizing a healthy diet is important. After all, my passion is FOOD AS MEDICINE! But time and time again I see women struggle with weight loss,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 18, 2018
This veggie side dish is super tasty and ultra-cleansing thanks to the parsley, brussels and lemon juice (all foods that support the liver). This recipe also includes Pecorino Romano cheese- sheep’s cheese, which is easier to digest than dairy that comes from cows. If you… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 12, 2018
The consensus is that olive oil is healthy BUT buyer beware! Recent studies show low quality oils, such as soy or canola oil, and artificial coloring are labeled as extra-virgin olive oils to the American public. In the United States, the FDA does not routinely… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 6, 2018
Returning back to school after summer vacation can be exciting but also stressful. A change in the routine from Summer to Fall can trigger anxiety, difficulty focusing, and behavioral challenges for some. Here are some ways to beat the back-to-school jitters and optimize your… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 3, 2018
My daughters, Cece and Lulu, made up this recipe. They make a batch weekly on Sunday, and we store them in the freezer. I find that getting kids involved in cooking leads to a more adventurous, healthy eater. These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Bites… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 3, 2018
Weight loss is more complex than the “calories in, calories out” model. Simply counting calories and working out at the gym often does not cut it. Balancing hormones (thyroid, adrenal and sex hormones) along with reducing inflammation are key factors for effective, sustainable weight… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 2, 2018
I often encourage my patients to drink green tea, not only for the antioxidants it provides, but also because it is a natural dose of L-theanine. L-theanine is an amino acid that promotes GABA production, our calming neurotransmitter. Benefits of L-theanine: Improved sleep Relaxation and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 19, 2018
This is one of the easiest and quickest side dishes. I serve it with Coconut Turmeric Crusted Fish as a topping for fish tacos. I like to lightly steam the cabbage as it is easier to digest when cooked. In addition… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 12, 2018
Do you have difficult focusing? Struggle with poor mental clarity? Worried about your memory or recall? You are likely dealing with brain fog. Brain fog is a sign that something is out of balance. Here are common causes of this all-too-common condition. 1. Blood… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 30, 2018
While grilling with friends and family in the summertime can be healthy for your soul, it does come with some risks! Exposing food (notably meat) to high temperatures produces cancer-causing chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCAs). HCAs have been found to be mutagenic, causing changes to… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 18, 2018
I made these Mini Spinach Quinoa Hemp Bites recently, and they were a hit with my kids. I find my kids like patties or individual “bites”- things they can dip in ketchup really! I’m not a huge fan of ketchup due to the sugar… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 18, 2018
Unfortunately, we cannot vanish stress. It’s part of life- the endless deadlines, the tending to a sick child or parent, relationship woes, etc. But what we can do is adapt to stress more appropriately with plenty of self-care (exercise, clean diet, meditation) and adaptogenic… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 29, 2018
I try to avoid store bought salad dressing. First, they are typically full of inflammatory vegetable oils and sugar. Secondly, they just don’t taste very good. Dress up your salads, roasted or steamed veggies, fish or chicken with this Green Goddess Dressing. It doesn’t… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 20, 2018
Walnuts are by far my favorite nut. I like them for their dynamic taste and health benefits. Here is why you should be eating walnuts daily: 1. A Healthy Brain. Walnuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which supports brain function. To promote… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 20, 2018
This is a quick and easy pancake (or waffle) recipe using Simple Mills Pancake and Waffle mix. My girls love pancakes, but traditional box mixes are full of empty carbs. The Simple Mills box mix is pretty clean but still not enough protein, fiber… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 19, 2018
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. Production declines with age, leading to wrinkles, weak joint cartilage (osteoarthritis), saggy skin and cracked nails. To Protect Collagen: Minimize exposure to sun! Wear sunscreen and hats. Oral and topical use of antioxidants. Look for skin-care… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 17, 2018
Arugula is a member of the super-food cruciferous vegetable family. Cruciferous vegetables (think broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and arugula) are among the healthiest vegetables thanks to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying properties. We typically think to eat arugula raw in salads, but it is delicious… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 12, 2018
These make for a quick midday pick-me-up when you are craving something sweet. The collagen powder will help stabilize your blood sugar, keeping you full and energized all afternoon. And not to mention the collagen will do wonders for your hair, skin, and joints. Enjoy!… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 22, 2018
Telomeres are timekeepers in your cells. They are end caps of DNA strands that protect our genetic information. Picture the plastic ends of your shoelaces. In the same way, these plastic ends protect your shoelaces from fraying, telomeres protect genetic information. They allow cells… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 21, 2018
The adrenal glands are the organs that sit just above the kidneys that regulate stress and energy patterns. The adrenal glands can become impaired after periods of prolonged stress, resulting in a deficiency of important hormones, such as cortisol. This is often referred to as… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 21, 2018
This is a healthy twist on an all-time favorite- Pad Thai. Traditional pad thai is laden with sugar and carbs. This is a guilt-free version that the whole family will enjoy (not spicy so it’s kid-friendly!) Enjoy! Ingredients 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized (time saver-… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 11, 2018
“To age well, we must eat well.” This salad is one of the recipes I included in my “Anti-Aging” workshop. It is packed full of antioxidants. The ruby red grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, which promotes collagen production. In addition… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 11, 2018
This dip is a bright lift to a dark and wintry day. Avocados are a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats as well as vitamin E, one of the most important nutrients for the skin, protecting it from oxidative damage. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 17, 2018
Anti-Aging from the Inside Out When: Saturday, February 10th, 2018 Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm To register: visit Tosa Yoga’s website to sign up today! Pre-registration is required Where: Tosa Yoga, 6734 W. North Ave,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 9, 2018
Try parsnips as a lower carb and more nutrient-dense alternative to potatoes. Parsnips are good source of fiber, folate, potassium and vitamin C. Parsnip Fries with Rosemary Ingredients: 2 pounds of parsnips, cut into 3 inch strips 3 tablespoons of avocado oil… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 5, 2017
Winter squash and pesto are my favorites and this recipe combines them! This dip has so much flavor. I like to put a dollop on my salad in place of dressing or top it over zucchini noodles or “zoodles.” Or dip raw veggies in it… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 3, 2017
Mitochondria are the power plants that keep our cells going and perform many of the functions that are vital to health. They are tiny compartments inside our cells that are in essence the “engine” to our lives. Functions of mitochrondria include: Detoxification– mitochondria detoxify… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 20, 2017
You’ve heard fish oil is healthy but confused on which one to take? Fish oil contains two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Many fish oil varieties concentrate EPA over DHA or vice versa. Here are the indications: Indications for a Higher DHA Fish… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 20, 2017
IN THE PRESS: This recipe was featured in Natural Awakenings Magazine in 2021. Dahl is an Indian lentil soup recipe. This dahl recipe makes for a warming, hearty Autumn meal. Diet is one of the most powerful ways you can reduce… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 12, 2017
You’ve likely heard vegetable oils are “heart-healthy” and that butter is bad. Here is why this is all wrong: 1. Inflammation Vegetable oils (canola, corn, soy, peanut, sunflower and safflower) used to be considered healthy, but they are in fact the most toxic cooking… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 11, 2017
This veggie side dish is nourishing and cleansing. And it could not be easier! Enjoy! Sauteed Beets, Carrots and Greens ¼ cup coconut oil 1 small onion 2-3 cloves of garlic – pressed or finely chopped Bunch of beets (red… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 12, 2017
In addition to fiber and water, there are certain hormones that put the digestive process into motion, thus keeping you regular. These hormones run on a regular rhythm or bio-time. This is often referred to as the “gut clock.” Melatonin is a key hormone… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 28, 2017
When you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs, your need for essential vitamins and minerals increases. This can be especially concerning when your diet is lacking as well. Diets heavy in processed foods and the overuse of prescription drugs have left Americans overfed yet undernourished. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 21, 2017
One of the most common food sensitivities I see is dairy sensitivity, commonly causing brain fog, joint pain, digestive distress (gas, bloating, constipation), seasonal allergies and nasal congestion. This is different than lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance refers to the inability to digest the sugar… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 21, 2017
Humans evolved in environments where food was often scarce, and therefore we developed many adaptations that enabled us to function at a high level, both physically and cognitively, when in a food-deprived or fasted state. This is where intermittent fasting (IF) comes to play. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 21, 2017
Colostrum is not only baby’s first food but it is also considered a super-food for children and adults, especially those with a leaky gut. Colostrum, often termed “liquid gold,” is the secretion that mammals produce just prior to birth and right after birth to provide… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 21, 2017
The ritual of drinking a hot cup of tea can be a form of meditation, a ritual and a way of life for many cultures around the world. Next to water, tea is the second most consumed beverage around the world. As I write… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 3, 2017
This is a healthy twist on an all-time favorite- fish sticks! You can use any kind of white fish- halibut, tilapia, cod, sole, or pollock. Buy wild caught if possible! Serve on top of a taco salad or along side this… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 20, 2017
This pesto is like running a little cellular vacuum through the body to tidy everything up. The parsley and cilantro in particular are excellent detoxifiers; parsley works on the blood and kidneys, while cilantro cleans up the liver. Mint, cumin and paprika make this an… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 19, 2017
Despite its bad press, salt is critical to maintain optimal health. Sodium is essential for many biological processes, including blood pressure control, transportation of nutrients in and out of cells, and the maintenance of proper nerve transmission. Here is what you should know about this… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 25, 2017
Ladies, does your sex drive need a boost? If you’re like many people women, sex is the last thing on your mind after a long day. But of course we know sex is a vital component of a relationship- the ultimate connection. Without it, your… Read More