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
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 17, 2017
IN THE PRESS: This recipe was featured in Natural Awakenings Magazine in 2021 This is one of the easiest soups you’ll make. Like most of my soups, I included turmeric and ginger- the two anti-inflammatory super-spices. Soups are a great vehicle to include these… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 11, 2017
Antacids, H2 blockers and PPI’s (Proton pump inhibitors) are my least favorite medications. Nexium, Prilosec, Pepcid and Zantac are examples of these medications. Long-term use can come with serious side effects: Vitamin B12 Deficiency: B12 supports the mylein sheath around nerves that allows for… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 10, 2017
While it may seem like a “cure-all” to your hormonal woes, the pill does not come without side effects. Side effects include low libido, weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, brain fog, breast tenderness, and altered mood, such as depression and anxiety. If this isn’t… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 17, 2017
When: Saturday, January 21st, 2017 Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm Description: This nutrition workshop led by Sarah Axtell, ND encompasses a whole-body, non-fasting approach to cleansing. Benefits include increased energy, weight loss, healthier skin, improved digestion. Cost: $50 plus the cost of professional-grade… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 27, 2016
As a naturopathic doctor, I frequently ask people if they have any food cravings. Food cravings can reveal a lot about your health. Food cravings can be both emotionally based, but they can also tie into your physical health. Like physical symptoms, food cravings give… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 27, 2016
In this study 64% of children who followed an elimination diet for 4-9 weeks experienced significant improvement of ADHD symptoms and oppositional defiant disorder as compared with the control group. An elimination diet is a restrictive diet that eliminates allergenic foods. In this study, the… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 27, 2016
A bitter herb known as Berberine has been shown to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. This study compared Berberine with a popular diabetes drug, Metformin. Berberine proved to be just as effective as Metformin in lowering Hemoglobin A1C, fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 27, 2016
This study showed that early antibiotic use (by 6 months of age) was associated with asthma and allergies at the age of 6 years. To me, this makes sense. By eradicating all of the normal flora (“good bugs”) in the gut, the body is more… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 27, 2016
The human life span has been documented to reach about 120 years, and the maximum life span is potentially 150 years or more. Those that reach ages over 100 have been found to lead active and productive lives. These people age more slowly and typically… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 27, 2016
Both Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity are becoming more prominent these days. This is likely due to over-consumption of wheat, which is now genetically modified to have a higher concentration of gluten. It also may be due to early introduction of wheat to an infant’s… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 27, 2016
This study highlights the importance of vitamin D and cancer, specifically breast cancer. Monitoring vitamin D levels and appropriate supplementation in breast cancer patients is a MUST. Supplement with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), the most effective and bioavailable form of vitamin D. If you’ve never done so… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 27, 2016
Weight loss is a complex subject. No two individuals gain weight for the same reason and no two individuals lose it the same way. That is why an individualized approach is ideal. My approach to weight loss is not calorie counting nor is it implementing… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 27, 2016
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 excellent source of vitamins, minerals, plant sterols, protein, and essential fatty acids. Both men and women can benefit from maca’s… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 27, 2016
Constipated? Bloated? Nauseated? Diarrhea? Gas? Fatigue? Feeling blah? Poor immunity? Eczema? Acne? Migraines? Do these words ring true to you? If so, your GI systems needs some attention. 60-90% of your immune system is concentrated in your gut mucosa. Trust your… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 12, 2016
Winter is a time to nourish yourself. Winter does not have to weaken you if you know how to prepare accordingly. Boosting your immune system starts with your diet. Here are the top 5 foods that support your immune system during the winter months:… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 27, 2016
Fall is here, and I am a big fan of Eating with the Seasons. Pumpkin is a seasonal food that can be easily added to baked goods, soups, cookies and smoothies. These Pumpkin Bars are easy and delicious- truly a taste… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 20, 2016
Fibromyalgia is theorized to be an unusually strong response by the nervous system to physical and/or emotional trauma. Traumatic events, such as a car accident, work-related injury, surgery, physical or emotional abuse, can lead to a heightened and prolonged pain response to stimuli, such as… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 18, 2016
Think beyond guacamole! The uses for avocado are endless. I’ve made it into chocolate mousse, and I frequently add it to smoothies to make it extra creamy and filling. This smoothie contains not only avocado but also peanut butter. The good fat content… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 11, 2016
Buckwheat is rich in minerals (particularly magnesium), vitamins, and antioxidants. In fact, when compared to quinoa, buckwheat has almost 10 times more antioxidants. Like quinoa, buckwheat is not actually a true grain, but it is a seed rich in protein. Buckwheat is considered… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 14, 2016
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a whole body condition, not just limited to the ovaries. Many women are affected with this condition and can result in a wide variety of not-so-pleasant symptoms, such as male-pattern hair growth, acne and even infertility. While these symptoms can… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 1, 2016
Sign up When levels of just one of your hormones are out of balance, the shift can have significant consequences on your mental, emotional and physical health. The endocrine system is an intricate triad of adrenal, thyroid and sex hormones, and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 14, 2016
IN THE PRESS: This article was featured in Natural Awakenings Magazine in 2016. We have ten times more bacterial cells in our body than we do human cells. These microorganisms cover us head to toe and are major players in our current and future… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 10, 2016
The incidence of Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is on the rise. It is estimated at this ASD may affect as many as 1 in 45 children in the US. Recent research indicates that ASD may begin in the womb, and chemical exposures during… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 10, 2016
Inflammation is a healthy immune response to bacteria, viruses, and injuries. In an acute situation, such as a sprained ankle, inflammation is an important healing process. If left unchecked, however, inflammation can lead to chronic pain and swelling and even chronic diseases, such as… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 10, 2016
IN THE PRESS: This recipe was featured in Natural Awakenings Magazine in 2021 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… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 25, 2016
It is normal for adults to get 1-2 colds per year. A baby 0-2 should get 6 colds a year, and a child 2-12 years old should have 4 colds a year. Any more than this can be a sign that something deeper is… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 17, 2016
I created this recipe on a whim- you know, one of those “How can I get rid of the remaining items in my fridge” recipes. And it turned out to be so delicious and especially aesthetically pleasing. I love purple cabbage because it contains anthocyanins,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 9, 2016
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 properties. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 2, 2016
This is a perfect summer salad. Sometimes I get sick of green salads and need to spice it up. And nutritionally, you cannot go wrong with this salad as it is packed full of cancer-fighting, free radical- scavenging antioxidants. Ingredients 2 tbsp orange juice… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 6, 2016
This delicious and nutritious dish is a game-changer for bone health, with collard greens packing a whopping 350mg of calcium per serving – that’s more than a cup of milk! Plus, as a cruciferous superfood, collards contain sulforaphane, a potent anti-cancer compound. A deliciously easy… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 6, 2016
Why not add broccoli to your favorite guac recipe? Broccoli is part of the cruciferous vegetable family and contains potent anti-cancer compounds. It is also a powerful detoxifying food. The fat in the avocados helps with the absorption of many of the vitamins and minerals… Read More