By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 6, 2016
Why not add broccoli to your favorite guac recipe? Broccoli is part of the cruciferous vegetable family and contains potent anti-cancer compounds. It is also a powerful detoxifying food. The fat in the avocados helps with the absorption of many of the vitamins and minerals… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 6, 2016
A healthier twist on an old favorite- fried rice! Ingredients 1 head cauliflower, about 2 pounds (or 2 bags of “riced” cauliflower in frozen section at Trader Joe’s) 3 tbsp coconut oil 3 tbsp red curry paste 2 tsps coconut sugar 2 tbsp… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 6, 2016
This sauce can be added to anything and everything to boost nutrient density and flavor in your meal. I like to use it on top of fish and chicken, but it also makes for a nice salad dressing. It contains parsley and lemon, both of… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 10, 2016
Eat more greens! This is yet another way to enjoy kale. I use miso paste in the dressing rather than anchovy paste found in traditional Caesar dressing. Miso is equally flavorful, providing that umami flavor that is classic in a Caesar salad. Miso is… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 8, 2016
This pie is for all of you chocolate lovers out there! It is rich in antioxidants thanks to the cacao powder. And the coconut oil lends a rich creamy texture. Enjoy! Chocolate Mocha Pie For Crust: 1 1/4 cups gluten-free oats 3/4 cup… 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 20, 2016
This quinoa dish is sure to transform all of you quinoa-haters into quinoa- lovers. The key to quinoa is a good dressing to add liveliness to the ever-so-bland, plain super-grain. I like quinoa because it is full of protein and will not spike your blood… 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 28, 2016
When you are sick of salads but yet you still want to consume cleansing green leafies, try this soup! This makes a big batch so you can enjoy during the week for an easy lunch and freeze some for later. Nutrition facts: This soup is… 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 onJanuary 17, 2016
This is a beautiful dish- rich in color and flavor. It is really easy, especially if you already have a pesto handy. I try to keep pesto in the freezer for easy dishes like these. This is a Low-FODMAP diet recipe. 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 28, 2015
Visit Lakeside Natural Medicine YouTube Channel. Subscribe to the Lakeside Natural Medicine YouTube Channel to watch the latest natural health and wellness videos. 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 25, 2015
As Thanksgiving is approaching, you might consider serving this in place of the traditional (and not so healthy!) green bean casserole. This side dish takes 10 minutes max. The Citrus-Sesame Sauce is good on any veggies, but I particularly like it on green beans. You… 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 onAugust 29, 2015
I find it difficult to make a good curry. My ultimate comfort food is Thai take-out- so warming, savory and creamy. I think I have finally mastered a homemade curry. You can make this vegetarian if you like with tofu. Or you can use chicken… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 3, 2015
Not every meal needs to contain meat. I do think “happy meat” (grass-fed, organic) can be included as part of a healthy diet. Eating sustainably-raised, “happy meat” is not likely harmful and can be beneficial by stabilizing blood sugar, increasing HDL (or good cholesterol), decreasing… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 27, 2015
Too busy to cook? Dedicate a Sunday to prepare these freezer-friendly, healthy meals in advance. Simply pull them out in the morning of a busy day and allow to thaw on the counter-top. When you get home, you have a fast and easy meal that… 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 22, 2015
It is officially summer! As the temperature warms up, we tend to gravitate toward fresh, cooling foods, such as salads. This is a new take on a traditional cabbage slaw. Tangy and sweet with lots of crunch. It is a nice way to… 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
My husband often makes these as a treat in our house. They are delicious and could not be easier. Rather than reach for potato chips when craving something savory, try these Curried Nuts. They are also a great way to incorporate the super-spice, turmeric, in… 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 14, 2015
For a play on pesto, try this Green Pea Pesto. It is great as a dip for raw veggies. It also works well on top of fish or chicken. Green Pea Pesto Ingredients 1 16 oz bag of organic frozen peas, thawed… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 10, 2015
INGREDIENTS 1 ripe avocado ¼ c. cocoa powder ½ c. full-fat coconut milk 3 T. honey or maple syrup 1 t. vanilla pinch salt INSTRUCTIONS 1. Process all the ingredients until very smooth (add in a splash or two more of liquid if needed) 2. 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 onJune 7, 2015
I love making hemp milk, by blending raw hemp seeds and water. Hemp milk is a fantastic alternative to dairy, soy and nut milks for those people suffering from food sensitivities. Try making it yourself (trust me- it is SO easy) to reduce your consumption… 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
Creamy Spinach Salmon Ingredients 1- 16 ounce bag of frozen chopped spinach 1 can coconut milk 3 tbsp Gluten-free soy sauce (Tamari) 2 tsp dijon mustartd 2 tsp Italian blend of herbs- oregano, thyme, basil Salt and pepper to taste… 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 onMay 1, 2015
This is a regular in my house as it is SO easy and delicious. I often make it on the weekends and freeze half of it for later meals. It is anti-inflammatory due to the turmeric and ginger and SCD-friendly (adheres… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 3, 2015
Spring is a time to enjoy cleansing asparagus. This recipe contains miso, which is a fermented soy paste available at most health food stores. It adds big flavor and boosts the immune system as it contains gut-healthy probiotics and… 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 onMarch 1, 2015
I often recommend the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) for my patients with IBS or IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), such as Crohn’s and Colitis. The premise of the diet is to limit/avoid complex carbohydrates (ie. disaccharides, such as lactose and sucrose) along with starches, such as… 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