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
By Diana Milling onSeptember 14, 2016
The majority of bacteria inhabiting our bodies outnumber our human cells by approximately 10 to 1. It is crucial to maintain this microbial balance within our systems. When this delicate balance becomes disrupted, many of our biological systems are affected. Unfortunately, this disruption… 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 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 Diana Milling onJune 28, 2016
By: Diana Milling, ND Many are familiar with the term autoimmunity and likely know someone affected by an autoimmune disorder. With more than 24 million Americans suffering from autoimmune conditions, it makes it the third largest class of illness in the United… Read More
By Diana Milling onJune 23, 2016
Summer is here and it’s that time of year where most of us are trying to soak up as much sun as possible. With this comes lathering on the sunscreen to prevent that painful dreaded sunburn that often accompanies outdoor summer activities. We have… Read More
By Diana Milling onJune 22, 2016
Boswellia, commonly known as Indian Frankincense, is an ayurvedic herb derived from trees of the Sapindales order. The bark of the plant is generally used, specifically the gum resin, which is known for its sweet, citrus, balsamic fresh aroma with a hint of spice. The… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 8, 2016
Are you gaining weight despite your exercise and diet regimen? Packing on extra pounds in the midsection? Do you have weight loss resistance? If so, the answer to your weight loss may be getting better quality sleep and getting more sleep. We need… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 8, 2016
We need between 7-8.5 hours sleep per night. If you get any less than this, the consequences of sleep deprivation can be significant: Fatigue Poor memory Depression Decreased motivation and mood Decreased perception of pain Decreased immunity Increased tension and stress Increased blood… Read More
By Diana Milling onMarch 21, 2016
With today’s busy and fast-paced lifestyles, stress is virtually constant. Many are over worked and under rested. This continual state of stress disrupts the negative feed back loop resulting in a constant pumping out of cortisol. Chronic elevated levels of cortisol are linked to: a… Read More
By Diana Milling onMarch 21, 2016
The first step in overcoming adrenal fatigue is to be self aware and cognizant of your health. Pay attention to your bodies reactions to everyday stressors and the way in which you handle them. Listed below are helpful strategies to help balance cortisol. Stress management Be… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 18, 2016
Today we are inundated with anti-aging quick-fixes, such as botox, fillers, and anti-aging topical serums. But truly a radiant, youthful and glowy complexion starts in the kitchen. And most importantly these foods have disease-fighting antioxidants to prevent disease and ultimately lengthen your lifespan. Top… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 26, 2016
Hair loss can be devastating. While hair loss is a normal process (especially after pregnancy or while breastfeeding and during menopause), there are some ways to address it if it persists. Normal hair loss is shedding up to 100 hairs per day. Here are… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 3, 2016
When levels of just one of your hormones fluctuate, 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 when one system is out of balance, mood, sex… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 21, 2016
Zinc is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies I see. Zinc is an essential nutrient required for optimal health, DNA repair, immune function and brain function. Signs of Zinc Deficiency: Delayed growth and development in… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 23, 2015
You are hopefully used to reading nutrition labels, but do you also scrutinize your personal care products? There are over 10,000 chemical ingredients that go into personal care products. And the government does not require health studies, safety testing or FDA approval… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 21, 2015
Thyroid disorders are among the most common conditions I see in my practice. The thyroid is the organ with the highest selenium content per gram of tissue because it expresses specific selenoproteins. It is well established that selenium status correlates with the development of thyroid… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 22, 2015
Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. Here are reasons why you should incorporate green tea or green tea extract as part of your daily regimen. 1. Anti-Cancer Benefits Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the bioactive constituent of green tea… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 3, 2015
According to a study published in the British Medical Journal in 2011, women who supplement with calcium to prevent osteoporosis are at a higher risk of atherosclerosis (formation of calcium plaques in the arteries), heart attack and stroke than those who don’t supplement with… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 3, 2015
Alzheimer’s is on the rise, with 5.4 million people in the US affected. Like heart disease and diabetes, Alzheimer’s is lifestyle preventable. Here is my approach to preventing and reversing cognitive decline. It is never too early to start preventing this chronic, degenerative… Read More