By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 17, 2022
Do you ever wonder why some people always tend to get sick but others who are exposed to the same virus or bacteria can successfully ward off illness? Exposure to a microbe isn’t always a guaranteed illness. Why? It boils down to the health of… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onOctober 25, 2022
Enjoying your fall favorites doesn’t have to come at the expense of dysregulated blood sugar! Try one of my favorites- Rutabaga Shepherd’s Pie. You might be wondering, “Why Rutabaga?” Compared to potatoes, rutabagas are lower in total carbohydrates and higher in fiber. This means it… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onOctober 23, 2022
Are you struggling to get through your day? Perhaps you need to nap, are having trouble focusing, and are unable to keep up with you daily responsibilities (family, work etc). You’ve probably been told by your medical doctor that your bloodwork is “normal” and that… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onOctober 12, 2022
The liver is the 2nd largest organ in the body! It performs over 500 functions and is one of our main organs of detoxification. The liver is responsible for detoxing drugs, alcohol, fatty acids, steroid hormones, ammonia, environmental toxins and allergens. Toxins are ubiquitous- from… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 10, 2022
Magnesium is the top nutrient deficiency among Americans. It is a natural muscle relaxant. It relaxes our skeletal muscles, providing relief from headaches, muscle pain, cramps and tremors. Magnesium also relaxes our muscles lining our intestines and can draw water into the intestines, providing for… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 9, 2022
Though we all want a strong immune system, boosting your immune system can be problematic. If you are in a state of chronic inflammation, boosting your immune system could exacerbate that inflammatory state. With autoimmune diseases, boosting your immune system can trigger a flare. In… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onSeptember 30, 2022
Are you struggling with a bloated belly? Perhaps your belly is distended, you can’t fit into your pants, or maybe you look pregnant towards the end of the day. This bloating can get so bad that your abdomen is hard. You might be in so… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onSeptember 29, 2022
To cut to the chase, overall soy is good with many health benefits. It is a great addition to a healthy diet. But not all kinds of soy are good, it depends on the source of soy and how you eat it. Good forms of… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onSeptember 28, 2022
CBD (cannabidiol) is a phyto-cannabinoid, a plant cannabinoid that supports our internal endocannabinoid system (ECS). I frequently get asked, “Are hemp and marijuana the same?” The answer is NO, but they are derived from the same plant Cannabis sativa. To be considered hemp, the amount… Read More
By Mackenzie Prentice, DNP, APNP onSeptember 22, 2022
The thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating our body’s metabolic function. Thyroid hormones help the body use energy appropriately, which can regulate body temperature and manage weight. Thyroid hormones also provide energy for proper functioning of the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 20, 2022
Tahini (or sesame seed paste) is one of the most nutrient dense foods. Here are 5 reasons to include tahini as part of your diet: Sesame seeds/tahini are a good source of protein– 20% protein by weight.Tahini also helps to stabilize blood sugar thanks to… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onSeptember 18, 2022
One of our most commonly recommended immune supportive supplements at Lakeside is EHB. EHB stands for “Echinacea, Hydrastis, and Berberine.” This supplement contains antiviral and antibacterial herbs along with immune supportive micronutrients. It is indicated for colds and flu. EHB also helps to reduce a fever… Read More
By Mackenzie Prentice, DNP, APNP onSeptember 17, 2022
I commonly see patients on medications for blood pressure or other cardiovascular conditions. These medications may be necessary for at least the short-term and sometimes long-term. Whichever the case, it is always important to optimize the body by reducing risks to the potential side effects. Read More
By Mackenzie Prentice, DNP, APNP onSeptember 15, 2022
Optimal Health. This is my goal for you as a provider. There are many factors that contribute to and move the needle toward optimal health. As a Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner, I recommend annual bloodwork to most of my patients. Annual blood work is one… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onSeptember 13, 2022
The gut microbiota maintains various functions vital to living a healthy life. A person’s microbiota is unique and specific to their lifestyle, environment, and nutrition choices.[i] The colonization of a newborn’s gastrointestinal tract is complete around the first week of life, but the… Read More
By Mackenzie Prentice, DNP, APNP onSeptember 12, 2022
Cholesterol is a lipid, which is another name for fat. Cholesterol, or fat, is an essential nutrient. Our liver can make cholesterol and we can also get it from certain food sources. Cholesterol is important for the following reasons: Every cell in the body needs… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 30, 2022
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, high fiber foods may reduce cancer risk. Here is why: High fiber foods are generally low-calorie and keep you full, thus resulting in a healthy body weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important… Read More
By Mackenzie Prentice, DNP, APNP onAugust 29, 2022
In the post it was noted that it is not only important to understand the number of LDL cholesterol particles, but also the SIZE of the particles. If you have been told you have high cholesterol and have not yet had the NMR lipid profile test… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 27, 2022
The first step to achieving hormone balance is to optimize your blood sugar with good nutrition. 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… Read More
By Mackenzie Prentice, DNP, APNP onAugust 26, 2022
Cold weather doesn’t have to mean getting sick. On a daily basis, we are exposed to microbes that may cause us to become ill. Fortunately, our body’s immune system is smart enough to recognize these foreign intruders and creates antibodies to protect us against future… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 25, 2022
Mushrooms are a prime example of a functional food. Functional foods are foods that go well beyond simply providing calories and good nutrition. They have disease-fighting properties. In other words, they are medicinal, which we get pretty excited about here at Lakeside! Mushrooms have a… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onJuly 1, 2022
PCOS has a unique footprint for each individual that suffers from this hormone imbalance.Symptoms can range from impaired fertility, lack of menstruation, irregular menstruation,masculine pattern hair growth or loss, anger/irritation/mood swings, and cystic acne.Additionally, women can struggle with obesity, weight loss resistance, and type II… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 23, 2022
Any wild plant will possess more vigor than its farmed (or cultivated) counterpart. Wild blueberries, for example, develop more antioxidants and phytonutrients in order to survive compared to their cultivated counterparts. This resiliency or “anti-fragility” of these wild plants gets passed down to you when… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onJune 20, 2022
A good night’s sleep is one of our main pillars of health. Insomnia during perimenopause and menopause can lead to many issues such as fatigue and weight gain. There are several factors that can lead to sleep difficulties during this hormonal transition, such as hormone… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onJune 19, 2022
The hormones estrogen and progesterone are both GOOD hormones. We need both of these hormones to be at the right level and in balance with each other to feel our best. These hormones fluctuate all cycle long in a rhythmical pattern and things can be… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onJune 18, 2022
Natural therapies can help with not only improving our skin’s elasticity and appearance of wrinkles, but they can also help prevent DNA damage and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Skin is the body’s largest organ! Skin aging results in changes in pigmentation, decreased skin… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onMay 28, 2022
Our hair can be a symbol of our overall health and wellbeing. The growing hair follicle, a hair follicle in the anagen phase, requires a substantial amount of nutrients to sustain the rapid production of new cells, and thus is highly vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 26, 2022
Feeling run down, depleted, or burned out? Try these 5 energy boosters: Start the day with protein. According to our natural circadian rhythm, morning is a time when we should feel most energized…but that is not the case for a lot of people. If you… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 25, 2022
Beets are one of the healthiest vegetables. They are a good dietary source of nitrates, which can be converted to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide enhances exercise performance, improves brain function, and lowers blood pressure. Nitric oxide is essential for optimal blood flow. In order to… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 25, 2022
Intermittent fasting is a pattern of eating in which individuals go an extended period of time (approximately 16 hours) without food. Research shows that the timing of when we fast is actually more important than the total amount of time we… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onApril 27, 2022
Bile is a substance made by the liver and then stored in the gallbladder. When we eat fat bile is released from the gallbladder. Bile’s main job is to help us absorb fat from our intestines, but it does not end there. Bile plays a very… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 15, 2022
Here are Lakeside we are passionate about disease prevention. This preventative medicine study recently published in the journal, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, suggests that managing cholesterol and blood sugar in early adulthood can decrease Alzheimer’s risk. Low HDL levels (“good cholesterol”) and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 2, 2022
I recently traveled to the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, to research the lifestyle of these vital people. Nicoya is a Blue Zone, or a longevity hot spot. In Nicoya, they have the lowest rates of middle-age mortatlity and the second highest concentration of male centenarians… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 30, 2022
It is well established that calorie restriction can slow the aging process. When we digest food, calories are converted into energy within the mitochondria of our cells. A by-product of this process is free radical production. Excess free radicals in the body can damage proteins,… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onMarch 4, 2022
Regular or long-term use of certain medications can put you at risk for SIBO, otherwise known as small intestine bacterial overgrowth, as well as LIBO (large intestine bacterial overgrowth), IBS and other gut health issues. It is important to note that about 60-80% of people… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onMarch 4, 2022
Often the culprit to adrenal fatigue, chronic stress, and weight loss resistance is due to improper utilization of movement! Every day we need to be working towards our movement goals (see below). It is so easy to get in the habit of watching TV after… Read More
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 Joanne Aponte, ND onFebruary 16, 2022
The more diverse the microbes are in your gut, the healthier you are! To achieve diversity of gut microbes you need to eat a diverse diet. Data from the American Gut Project conducted by researchers at University of California San Diego School Medicine found that… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onFebruary 15, 2022
These gut healthy foods increase the diversity of bacteria in your gut (which is a really really good thing), reduce inflammation in both the gut and body, and promote SCFA’s (short chain fatty acids). SCFA’s have many positive benefits for our body including improving energy… 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 Joanne Aponte, ND onJanuary 12, 2022
Wisconsin naturopathic doctors, patients and State Representative Jessie Rodriguez just after testifying at the State Capitol to the Assembly Committee on Health in support the bill to license ND’s in Wisconsin. Naturopathic doctors in Wisconsin are on the verge of licensure and we need your… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onJanuary 6, 2022
Struggling with the winter blues? Feeling fatigued, low mood, and socially withdrawn? You may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). You’re not alone. There are more than 3 million cases of seasonal affective disorder per year in the US. It is important to note that… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onDecember 6, 2021
Dandelion Root, Milk thistle and Artichoke are 3 of the most important herbs to help support your liver and your body’s ability to detoxify. They do this by working on the essential organs of detoxification – this includes your digestive tract , liver, gallbladder, and… Read More
By Katarina Meister, ND onDecember 5, 2021
1. Drink plenty of water. During social gatherings try alternating between an alcoholic beverage and a glass of water to stay hydrated and minimize hangover symptoms. If you struggle to meet your daily water needs, you may find it easier to drink a sparkling mineral… 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 Joanne Aponte, ND onNovember 3, 2021
Residing in our mouths are a variety of organisms including bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa. These organisms make up our oral microbiome. Some of these organisms however, are disease causing and potential triggers of systemic illness, inflammation and immune dysregulation. An unhealthy oral microbiome in… 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