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
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 19, 2014
Conventional lab ranges are based on the average of what is found in the general public, not necessarily healthy individuals. We all know that the average American is overweight, sick and tired. It is not optimal to simply be “in range.” As a naturopathic doctor,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 4, 2014
It is summer-time and you are likely looking forward to backyard barbeques with your family and friends. However, eating grilled meat comes with consequences. This is not to say that you cannot enjoy an occasional grilled burger (grass-fed of course!). It is important to first… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 25, 2014
If you suffer from chronic constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, headaches, acne, eczema, psoriasis, anxiety (really, the list could go on and on), you may have an underlying food sensitivity. Most people know if they are allergic to a food, such as peanuts or shellfish. But… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 5, 2014
Hemp hearts are my new favorite plant-based protein source. Hemp contains all 10 essential amino acids. Hemp also provides a nice balance of essential fats. Hemp hearts (or seeds) are a complete protein, providing 10 grams protein per 3 tbsp. Adding hemp hearts… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 15, 2014
Have you noticed that your allergies have worsened over the years? Maybe you did not have allergies as a kid but now you dread Spring due to the influx of the common allergens in the air. This can be due to poor adaptation to… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 21, 2014
IBS is the most common gastrointestinal disorder in the US. In fact, 15% of the population has IBS. IBS is a disorder characterized by abdominal pain, change in bowel function (constipation and.or diarrhea), and bloating. Until recently, the “It’s all in your head approach” to… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 1, 2014
If your child wets the bed, you know this can be an embarrassing issue especially if your child is older. Enuresis is tbe medical term for nighttime wetting, and it is defined as the involuntary urination at night in a child after age 5. It… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 30, 2013
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that by the year 2020, depression will be the second largest cause of suffering (second to heart disease). As a naturopathic doctor, my role is to identify and address the underlying cause of one’s illness. In the case of… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 29, 2013
During the dry, cool winter months, warm, moist, spiced foods are recommended to ground and replenish the body. Since there is less moisture in the air, your body requires more moisture from food. Eating soups and stews with warming spics, such as ginger and turmeric,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 29, 2013
Thanksgiving is approaching, and I have had many people ask, “How do I maintain my (gluten-free-), (anti-inflammatory-), (dairy-free-, etc) diet over the holidays?” You do not have to sabotage your diet and your gains in health during Thanksgiving. Here are some basics for eating well… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 22, 2013
This time of year you are likely bombarded with information regarding the flu vaccine. Deciding whether or not to get the vaccine should be a well-informed decision and should not be a fear- or panic-based decision ignited by the media. It is important to weigh… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 23, 2013
Early Development of ADHD– Addressing the Root Cause Stress management starts in the womb. During pregnancy, if mom is stressed and not managing her stress effectively, her adrenal glands produce excess amounts of cortisol (ie. “stress hormone”). That cortisol can be passed onto her… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 12, 2013
“About 80% of the food on shelves of supermarkets today didn’t exist 100 years ago.”- Larry McCleary As a general rule of thumb, it is healthiest to stick to the perimeter of the grocery store, where you can find real, whole foods. where food is… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 8, 2013
We live in a world of tension. Mentally, emotionally we are tense with anxiety, insomnia, depression and stress ever-so-present. And physically we are tense evidenced by muscle aches, restless legs, tremors, back pain, migraines or headaches, high blood pressure, and constipation. These symptoms may be… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 8, 2013
All disease begins in the gut. -Hippocrates Food allergens in the diet may contribute to the “leaky gut” syndrome. This means that the intestinal lining has become more porous. One of the functions of the gut is to be a barrier to the… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 3, 2013
Top Reasons to See a Naturopathic Doctor You want your support to be the best for YOU as a person, not a disease. You want your doctor to seek other recommendations besides drugs. You want to make informed decisions about your health and not just take… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 21, 2013
In preparation for allergy season, follow theses guidelines below for a healthy immune response to allergens. Increase your intake of flavonoids. Flavonoids are plant pigments that help to strengthen your mucous membranes and protect your body from oxidative damage. They are found in blueberries, cherries,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 1, 2013
A recent study at the University of Massachusetts medical school evaluated the role of an anti-inflammatory diet and Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis). Results: 100% of the patients had symptom reduction and were able to reduce their medication. Conclusion: Diet change must be… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 3, 2013
As a naturopathic doctor, I talk a lot about poop. The status of your bowel movements reveals a lot about the status of your overall health. In fact, according to the International Institute of Nutrition Research, the health of your colon is a major… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 11, 2012
This review of a meta-analysis study highlights the benefits of the medicinal mushroom, Coriolus versicolor. Cancer patients that took Coriolus had a 9% absolulte reduction in 5-year mortality. The findings were most significant in patients with breast, colorectal and gastric cancers. Coriolus supports the… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 12, 2012
Elderberry is a must-have herb in your medicine cabinet during cold and flu season! Here are some fun facts regarding Elderberry: Excellent anti-viral Elderberry has been found to reduce the duration of the flu by inactivating flu virus replication. A study published in the Journal… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 11, 2012
Coping with the holiday hustle and bustle… Feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed during the holidays? Be sure to nourish yourself with these diet and lifestyle tips. Foods: -Kale- high in magnesium, an essential nutrient for the adrenal glands, organs that regulate energy and stress patterns. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 11, 2012
Natural Solutions for a happy, healthy gut during the holidays Maybe you’ve overindulged in a rich food or you’ve eaten something that you are intolerant to or you’ve helped yourself to seconds or thirds at a holiday party. If any of these scenarios sound all… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 30, 2012
Do you ever wonder why some people always tend to get sick but others who are exposed to the same microbes can successfully ward off illness? This is because those individuals who do not get sick have a healthy terrain. An alternative view of illness… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 11, 2012
Collard greens belong to the cruciferous vegetable family. Cruciferous vegetable consumption has been implicated in the prevention of many different cancers, including lymphoma, breast, prostate, bladder, and lung cancer. Cruciferous vegetables contain the anti-cancer substances, sulforophane and indole-3-carbinol. Sources of cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, broccoli… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 11, 2012
When was the last time you had a gut-wrenching laugh? Surround yourself with people that make you laugh to reap all the healthy benefits… Laughter relaxes the whole body Laughter boosts the immune system, decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells, thus improving your resistance… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 16, 2012
Hypothyroidism is on the rise, and conventional management of the condition is typically Synthroid or other thyroid hormone replacement therapy. For some, this may make you feel better in the short term; however, you may notice that your doctor continues to increase your dose each… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 7, 2012
The majority of people associate high cholesterol with high fat diets and an increased risk of heart disease. This has given eggs and saturated fat a bad reputation. Lipitor and other cholesterol-lowering medications are routinely prescribed, and some researchers even joke that they should be… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 14, 2012
Apple cider vinegar is one of the oldest foods used as medicines. It is formed from the fermentation of apple juice to hard apple cider, followed by a second fermentation to apple cider vinegar. It retains all the nutritional benefits of the apples from which… Read More