By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 26, 2025
Eat…. Almonds for your skin because they are high in vitamin E. Pistachios for your eyes because they are high in lutein and for your metabolism because they are high in protein and fiber. Walnuts for your brain because they are high in omega-3 fats. Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onApril 23, 2025
Based on the studies, I say yes! I was pleasantly surprised to see that there are actually a lot of studies (approx. 60) on collagen for bones, joints and skin. As I read through the research reviews, the researchers are consistently concluding that… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 22, 2025
While everyone’s obsessed with protein (and yes, it’s absolutely important!), let’s also give FIBER the spotlight it deserves. Why fiber is essential: Lowers cholesterol (say goodbye to heart disease risk) Helps with weight loss (keeps you full and boosts your natural GLP-1 production… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 22, 2025
Think you have to choose between natural and conventional medicine? Think again! As Naturopathic Doctors (NDs), we’ve received rigorous training in both pharmaceuticals and natural therapies. We consider: Your unique needs and health goals Potential interactions between meds, herbs, and supplements Side effects and how… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 20, 2025
Quercetin is a flavonoid polyphenol abundant in apples, grapes, onions, tea, tomatoes, and capers. In addition to incorporating quercetin-rich foods in the diet, quercetin can also be taken as an effective supplement for moderating allergic responses and respiratory concerns. In fact, quercetin’s ability to… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 19, 2025
The alternative milk market has exploded, leaving many feeling overwhelmed. With so many options, it’s hard to know which one to choose. Nutritional content, allergies, environmental impact, and taste all come into play. So, to help you cut through the confusion, I’m breaking down the… Read More
By Lakeside ND onMarch 18, 2025
I might as well be the official spokesperson for collard greens—I can’t stop raving about them! These nutrient-packed leafy greens deserve a spot on your plate, and I’m here to spread the word. Not only are collards a powerhouse for bone health (a single serving… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 3, 2025
If you feel like your hangovers have gotten worse with age, you aren’t imagining things. Here are 3 physiologic reasons why. Liver metabolism: Liver metabolism naturally slows as we age. As you get older, your liver has fewer enzymes to break down alcohol, meaning alcohol… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 28, 2025
Floating– The silence and weightlessness of floating calms my nervous system and relaxes my muscles (thanks to the 1000 lbs of epsom salt in the tank!). I find meditating difficult in the real world, but it comes easy in the floating pod. I go to… Read More
By Lakeside ND onFebruary 25, 2025
You all likely know Trader Joe’s is my go-to store. I love that they offer relatively affordable health food options, a consistently cheerful staff, and a range of one-of-a-kind products. I also love that they don’t allow artificial food dyes, high fructose corn syrup, artificial… Read More
By Lakeside ND onFebruary 21, 2025
“My goal with this Osteopenia/Osteoporosis Group Visit Series is to facilitate a support network among women and give women better tools to optimize bone density. Good bone health starts with good nutrition“ – Dr. Sarah Axtell, ND Whether you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 20, 2025
Wearing a weighted vest might make you look like an FBI agent, but the only mission you’ll be on is to strengthen your bones. One in two women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. And if you break your… Read More
By Lakeside ND onFebruary 19, 2025
Reishi mushroom can be helpful for cancer-related fatigue While chemo and radiation can be lifesaving, they often come with a host of side effects that can be debilitating. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to just suffer through these side effects. There are many… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 16, 2025
Levels of progesterone are the first to decline in women, usually from around the age of 35 and typically before estrogen. Estrogen levels can wildly fluctuate (highs and lows) throughout perimenopause with an eventual decline. In a healthy menstrual cycle, progesterone rises after ovulation… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 5, 2025
Let’s cut through the noise and focus on what really matters. Research shows that eating an abundance of plants and walking at least 7,000 steps per day can significantly reduce all-cause mortality (the risk of death from all causes). In the world of nutrition and… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onJanuary 21, 2025
Cold therapy has been used for centuries, as far back as 3500BC with Edwin Smith Papyrus, the Ancient Greeks and Hippocrates. One of the most prominent forefathers of naturopathic medicine was Sebastian Kneipp, also known as the “water doctor.” In 1849, Kneipp had become… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 21, 2025
Get the most bang for your bite! Learn how to select the most nutrient-dense greens with these 3 easy tips: Choose red, purple, and dark green leaves. The more vibrant the color, the more nutrition it is going to have. Red, purple and reddish brown… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onJanuary 14, 2025
Elevated insulin levels are associated with a long list of chronic health issues. Too much insulin in the body is highly inflammatory and it can lead to diabetes, increase brain aging and dementia risk, mess up hormones and make menopause symptoms worse. High insulin also… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 3, 2025
The liver is the second largest organ in the body and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. It performs over 500 essential functions, including being one of the body’s primary organs of detoxification. This vital organ is responsible for metabolizing drugs, alcohol, fatty… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 20, 2024
Beans are a dietary staple of every Blue Zone (regions around the world where people live the longest and are the healthiest) because they are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, and fiber. Due to their fiber content, beans are helpful in stabilizing blood sugar… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 12, 2024
Tired of feeling hungry all the time? Sick of snagging snacks between meals, only to feel unsatisfied? Difficulty losing weight? Maintaining a healthy weight and managing blood sugar levels can be challenging, but research suggests that incorporating high-fiber foods into your diet can make a… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 11, 2024
Healthy doesn’t have to be hard and can taste good too! Try these EASY metabolically healthy dinners. They are all rich in fiber and protein and are ready in a flash. 1. Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Ground chicken with crunchy veggies and a… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 2, 2024
As your naturopathic doctor, my role is rooted in the word “docere,” which means “to teach.” This is undoubtedly my favorite part of my job- teaching and inspiring you to live your best life. 2025 is almost here, which means many people will make resolutions,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 1, 2024
Long-term weight loss requires thinking of your diet as a lifestyle not a quick fix. Mindset, planning, and eating satisfying and satiating foods are all key to sustainable weight loss. Here is what I share with patients: Love what you eatIt’s all about balance. Eat… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 1, 2024
If you are feeling bogged down by all of the nutrition information out there and are finding yourself fearful of seed oils, GMOs, heavy metals, toxins, and pesticides in our food, I feel you. There is so much fear mongering out there when it comes… Read More
By Mackenzie Prentice, DNP, APNP onNovember 20, 2024
What is Semaglutide? In recent years, semaglutide (Ozempic, Weygovy) has gained attention as a treatment for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide is a medication that mimics the action of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a natural hormone in your body. It’s often used to treat… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 17, 2024
Want to kick-start your metabolism? Drink green tea! Green tea contains the following metabolic powerhouse compounds: Catechins: The catechin, EGCG, in green tea inhibits fat storage and boosts metabolism. Caffeine: Enhances fat burning and increases energy expenditure. Green tea differs than coffee in that… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onNovember 12, 2024
Tap drinking water can contain a number of contaminants that are associated with increased risk of multiple health problems including cancer, infertility and hormone disruption. When you choose a water filter it is very important to make sure it’s getting out the right things. For… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onNovember 11, 2024
Normal Period: Regular periods every 25-32 days 3-7 days of bleeding Minimal PMS symptoms Skipping a period here and there A period that starts a few days late or a few days early after acute illness or high stress Mild menstrual cramps that do not… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 29, 2024
Nature has a solution for acid reflux and stomach pain: aloe gel! This natural remedy has not only been proven to soothe gut inflammation, but it also promotes skin renewal and accelerates wound healing. Understanding Aloe’s Components: Aloe Gel The gel is the soothing, inner… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 24, 2024
Historically, doctors were not just medical professionals; they were family friends—trusted confidants who guided us through health challenges and provided valuable insights into our well-being. They were the ones you turned to when you felt lost, the voice of reason when faced with tough decisions… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 8, 2024
Imagine a cancer treatment plan tailored specifically to you- your genes, your lifestyle, and your unique cancer diagnosis. That’s precision medicine. Precision medicine is a personalized approach to healthcare that tailors treatment to an individual’s unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 4, 2024
Castor oil packs have been traditionally used to support various health conditions, primarily related to digestive, hormonal, and inflammatory issues. In the world of natural remedies, few are as tried, tested, and timeless as castor oil packs. Soothe your body and calm your mind with… Read More
By Lakeside ND onSeptember 18, 2024
Cholesterol itself isn’t bad. It’s actually vital for you to live! Unfortunately, the conventional medical model for addressing high cholesterol is lacking. Most often the one size fits all solution is to prescribe statin medications. While statin medications will decrease the amount of cholesterol in… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onAugust 15, 2024
When it comes to testing your hormones, timing is everything! So often my patients ask their doctors to test their hormones but it is done during the wrong part of the menstrual cycle. Hormones need to be tested at specific times during your menstrual cycle… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 6, 2024
While abstaining from alcohol is ideal for our health, sharing a drink can sometimes foster connections with friends and family. Light drinking (1-3 servings per week) is probably not going to significantly impact your health…though any alcohol does increase breast cancer risk. This is especially… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onJuly 29, 2024
As a doctor, I understand how frustrating and heartbreaking it can be to see your child in pain due to constipation. While Miralax is often recommended, it may not be the best long-term solution because it doesn’t address the underlying causes. Let’s explore what might… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onJuly 29, 2024
Here are my top food as medicine recommendations and recipes to help with children’s constipation: Adequate Water Kids need: 1 eight-ounce cup of water per year of age (e.g., a 3-year-old needs 3 eight-ounce cups or 24 ounces per day). Older children (8+ years): Should… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onJuly 22, 2024
We have two parts of our autonomic nervous system – the sympathetic nervous system (“Fight or Flight”) and the parasympathetic nervous system (“Rest & Digest”). When your sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system is activated, it can trigger a cascade of events that can either adversely… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 18, 2024
Each of us respond to stress differently. Some people get exhausted, some get anxious, some feel “wired but tired,” and some fall into depression. Adaptogenic herbs, or adaptogens, can be help the body adapt by normalizing physiological processes in times of high stress. In layman’s… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 18, 2024
Let’s talk about finding your tribe. Or moai. In Japan they refer to it as a moai. Essentially it’s a social support network that gathers for common purposes. It’s the Japanese concept of connection. I recently had someone reach out to do a private group… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 14, 2024
You can’t out supplement a bad diet. With that said, the nutritional content of vitamins and minerals in food has declined significantly in the past 50+ years. Fertilizers, pesticides, and breeding plants for higher yields have reduced the overall nutritional content of food, and vitamin… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 13, 2024
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is arguably one of the most nutrient-dense greens on the planet. It offers numerous health benefits: Lowers cholesterol Aids in weight loss Good source of vitamin B12,… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onJune 11, 2024
The widely known genetic polymorphism or snp is the MTHFR enzyme. Methylene-tetra-hydro-folate reductase (MTHFR) is an enzyme that converts folic acid into the active form of folate (methyl-folate). This process is called methylation, where the body adds a methyl group to folate creating methyl-folate, or… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onMay 16, 2024
DO DON’TEat in a calm, relaxed stateEat on the run, mindlesslyBe mindful – Turn off the TV, put down the book, focus on eatingBe distracted or overstimulatedSit at the dining tableEat in your bed or your car3 meals per day with space in-betweenAlways snacking and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 26, 2024
Ditch dieting. Make it a lifestyle! Feeling full is more than just eating. It’s about choosing the right foods. Let’s break down satiation and satiety and the best foods to promote long-lasting fullness. Satiation is the main process that determines when we stop eating. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 24, 2024
In the current allopathic medical model, patient visits are short with very little time for questions and discussion. Patients may feel unheard, rushed, and disempowered. This is what I call “passive medicine,” because the patient plays almost no active role in the healing process. Naturopathic doctors… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 4, 2024
Your eating environment affects your eating habits. In a world where processed food is ubiquitous, the kitchen is one of the only eating environments consumers are in control of. Keeping healthy food out on the counter, such as a fruit bowl, is correlated with… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onMarch 28, 2024
Perimenopause is a natural transition and a normal process. But as many of us 40+ women know, it can be a difficult transition. During perimenopause our hormones are changing. First Estrogen levels climb (up to 3 times higher!) and can fluctuate drastically. At the same… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onMarch 18, 2024
Magnesium glycinate I think every woman over 40 should take extra magnesium, this is the #1 thing to take! Magnesium helps stabilize the HPA axis and calms and balances our nervous systems and helps your body metabolize excess estrogen. The typical dose is 400mg per… Read More