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
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 Joanne Aponte, ND onApril 20, 2018
If you experience painful menstrual cramps, irregular cycles, heavy menstrual bleeding, acne, or worsening depression and anxiety around the time of menses, the root of the problem is likely a hormone imbalance. Medical treatment for these symptoms usually involves birth control pills which prevent the… 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 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 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 Joanne Aponte, ND onFebruary 12, 2018
Heart disease (including stroke and heart attack) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. And it is completely preventable!! Start early and take care of your heart. You will be doing yourself and your family a favor by incorporating some… Read More
By lakesidend onJanuary 17, 2018
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Sarah Axtell, ND was named Best Naturopathic Doctor in Milwaukee. Also, Lakeside Natural Medicine was named Best Alternative Medical Clinic in Milwaukee. Dr. Joanne Aponte, ND of Lakeside Natural Medicine was a finalist for Best Naturopathic Doctor in… 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 lakesidend onNovember 3, 2017
Vote Today! ShepherdExpress.com Best of Milwaukee 2017 Finalists Best Naturopathic Doctor (ND) ->Dr. Sarah Axtell, ND or ->Dr. Joanne Aponte, ND Finalists Best Alternative Medicine Clinic ->Lakeside Natural Medicine… 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 Joanne Aponte, ND onSeptember 13, 2017
The changing season is the perfect time to cleanse and “wipe your slate clean” so to speak. Cleansing in the fall is helpful as the body prepares for the winter – a time of rest, energy conservation and turning inward. There is no doubt… 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 Joanne Aponte, ND onSeptember 10, 2017
Keys to building healthy snacks: Include all the 3 main food groups to make a complete wholesome snack or meal. For example, avoid giving carbohydrate alone (crackers, cookies, cereal, pasta etc). All 3 food groups are needed to meet your child’s energy demands whether for… 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 Joanne Aponte, ND onJuly 24, 2017
Cravings for sugar can be pretty intense for people on special diets whether it is the Anti-candida diet, a weight loss diet or when switching to a paleo diet for example. There are several dietary principles that can help ease these cravings. While you must… 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 Joanne Aponte, ND onJune 19, 2017
Having a baby is no simple thing. Growing a baby, birthing a baby, and then feeding and caring for that baby 24/7 is a major demand on a mother both physically and emotionally. While this is one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences in… 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 Joanne Aponte, ND onApril 17, 2017
Eczema (aka atopic dermatitis) is a condition of the skin that makes it red and itchy. The red, itchy rash is a result of inflammation and immune cell activity in the skin. Conventional medicine usually involves the use of cortisone creams to suppress the immune… 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 Joanne Aponte, ND onFebruary 14, 2017
What is leaky gut? Leaky gut, also called intestinal permeability, is when the tight junctions that hold the cells of the gastrointestinal tract together, lose integrity. In other words, the spaces between the GI cells widen and open. The digestive tract is an… 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 Joanne Aponte, ND onJanuary 27, 2017
Many people suffer from the winter blues or a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder. Sunlight is essential for maintaining a healthy mood, so the darkness of the winter months can take its toll on us. Low mood can become even more severe as… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onJanuary 15, 2017
It’s the new year and many of us are starting our diet and wondering “Should I do a cleanse?” A cleanse or detoxification is a great way to start with a clean slate, improve overall health and jump start a weight loss program. When it… 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 Joanne Aponte, ND onDecember 12, 2016
The holiday season is here, and with all its beauty and joy tends to come stress for many of us. There is the stress of “so much to do” and the stress that comes with busy schedules and the expense of gift giving. Here are… Read More
By lakesidend onNovember 21, 2016
It’s no secret that resistance training is an important part of any exercise regimen for health and fitness. The question in most of our minds is, why? Here are a few reasons why sprinkling occasional weight training exercises into your routine will improve… 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 Diana Milling onNovember 6, 2016
Many of you are likely familiar with melatonin and its usefulness to help with insomnia or other sleep issues. Research is proving it may a play a significant role in other ailments we frequently hear about: cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, Parkinson’s, GERD, migraine headaches, tinnitus,… 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 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 Diana Milling onSeptember 14, 2016
Choosing between the numerous brands of probiotics available on the market can certainly be overwhelming and at times, confusing. It’s important to have some basic knowledge about the various benefits and qualities of probiotics before making the best selection for you or your… Read More
By Diana Milling onSeptember 14, 2016
When it comes to choosing the best probiotic for a specific ailment you may be facing, it’s important to note that there are many different strains and types of probiotics. Just like any other medication or supplement, one type of probiotic may… Read More