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
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 8, 2015
You are not only what you eat, but you are also what the animal eats. You are likely aware that choosing hormone-free, antibiotic-free meat, dairy and eggs is the way to go. But it turns out “Grass-fed” is the most important distinction. Grass-fed ensures… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 27, 2015
In today’s world, there is little free time. Between working, picking up kids, running errands, it seems like every minute is accounted for. Unfortunately, one of the first things that busy people let go of is cooking. This results in eating on the… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 27, 2015
Healthy Meal and Snack Ideas for a Busy Lifestyle Healthy breakfast ideas: -Nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter) and fruit (apples, pears, bananas) -2 hard-boiled eggs and leftover cooked vegetables from dinner -Green smoothie -Oatmeal with… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 25, 2015
Keep your family safe this summer with these quick tips on tick safety: -Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants when going into tick country. Light colors are best so ticks can be easily seen. -Tuck pants into socks and spray the clothes… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 18, 2015
Many patients come to me on a multivitamin. I am actually not a big fan of supplementing with multivitamins because they contain small amounts (and often poorly absorbed forms) of vitamins and minerals. Rather than supplement with multivitamin, I am an advocate of a… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 14, 2015
Sugar is one of the most toxic, addictive substances in our diets. It’s not just diabetics that need to avoid sugar. If you are looking to lose weight, reduce your blood pressure, fight cancer or balance your hormones, think twice about eating the sweet stuff. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 7, 2015
Hormonal imbalance among women is far too common. The most common hormonal imbalance I see is estrogen dominance. In a world where xenoestrogens (endocrine disrupting compounds that mimic estrogen) are ubiquitous, it is no wonder so many women are struggling with the effects of too… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 7, 2015
Carrageenan is a food additive derived from red seaweed. It is a common additive to dairy products, such as yogurt, cream cheese, ice cream, cottage cheese, as well as dairy milk alternatives (soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk) and infant formulas. It is used as… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 22, 2015
Have you noticed after eliminating a certain food for some time and then adding it back into your diet that you are more sensitive than ever before? Maybe you seemingly were able to eat pizza without any noticeable effects a few months back but… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 9, 2015
In honor of Mother’s Day, I thought I’d write about a condition I commonly see amongst my patients that are women, especially busy mothers. In today’s world, women are doing it all. We play roles such as mother, partner, employee, housekeeper, daughter, sister, supportive friend,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 3, 2015
It is well established that cultures that eat a diet rich in spices are healthier. A spice is defined as an edible, concentrated source of phytonutrients. You likely have many of these “medicines” in your kitchen cabinet. Season your food liberally with these… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 1, 2015
Cilantro is rich in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the “green blood of plants.” Chlorophyll closely resembles a component of our red blood cells, hemoglobin. The hemoglobin in our blood is virtually identical to the molecular structure of chlorophyll. This means that it is a powerful… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 14, 2015
You’ve heard the old adage, “You are what you eat,” which is absolutely true. But we are also HOW we eat. In today’s world, we are inundated with distractions while we eat- whether it be eating in front of the tv, eating in the… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 8, 2015
If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and are not feeling much different on your Synthroid or Levothyroxine, I urge you to ask your doctor to test you for the autoimmune thyroid condition, Hashimoto’s. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition that results in destruction of the… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 16, 2015
Cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts, collard greens, and broccoli, are packed full of nutrients. They contain powerful anti-cancer nutrients, such as indole-3-carbinol. But what about its effect on the thyroid? I have many patients that say because they have hypothyroidism,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 22, 2014
For many people, coffee is a part of life. Perhaps you drink your morning cup of joe for a morning pick-me up, an afternoon treat or simply out of habit as a morning ritual. More than half of all Americans drink a cup or more… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 6, 2014
Got Milk? Sure…almond, hemp, coconut or goat. Or even better, grab some collard greens for your calcium source. For years, we have been inundated with the Got Milk campaign. Conventional wisdom advises people, women in particular, to up their calcium intake, particularly… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 1, 2014
You may have been told by your doctor that you have too much stomach acid and that you need to take an antacid. Overproduction of stomach acid is far less common than low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) or no stomach acid (achlorhydria). Hypochlorhydria is a serious… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
In the past, eggs have gotten a bad rap for being too high in cholesterol. People started eating egg whites, making chemical-laden egg beater omelettes or avoiding them all together. However, eggs can be one of the healthiest foods you feed yourself… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 16, 2014
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 are feeling sluggish in the AM and are relying a bit too heavily on… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 11, 2014
There’s no doubt that we live in a toxic environment. Chemicals are found in house-hold cleaners, pesticides and fungicides, tap water, car exhaust fumes, pharmaceuticals, beauty products, and cigarette smoke. This places an incredible burden on our bodies, especially the liver, our main organ of… Read More