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
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 12, 2015
This is one of my favorite winter soups. First, it is absolutely delicious and satisfying on a cold winter day. Secondly, it is full of immune boosting nutrients, such as vitamin C. And lastly, it contains powerful anti-cancer compounds, such as indole-3-carbinol found in cauliflower,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 11, 2015
Many creamy soups are thickened with flour and filled with cream. When it comes to soup, always be sure to ask about ingredients when dining out and read labels carefully at the store. Just because you have a gluten or dairy sensitivity does not mean… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 4, 2015
This is my go-to recipe in the winter for cooking those green leafy nutrition power houses: kale, collard greens, rainbow chard, and/or spinach. This recipe is warming, easy and detoxing. What more could you ask for?!I typically double this recipe so I can have an… 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 onOctober 15, 2014
Try this figure-friendly alternative to traditionally high carb rice. Packed with nutrients, this recipe is particularly effective for its anti-cancer benefits. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are high in Indole 3 carbinol (I3C), a vegetable component known for its anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant and anti-atherogenic effects. … Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 15, 2014
Try this super healthy fall treat as an alternative to sugary desserts. Pumpkin and chia seeds pack a punch in this recipe chock full of dietary fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins A, C and E. Ingredients: 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 15, 2014
You can use this recipe as a template for any cream-style soup. For a whole new taste, try substituting spinach, parsnips, or cannellini beans for the broccoli. Ingredients: 2 garlic cloves, peeled 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 10, 2014
Serves 4 Pumpkin and cumin work so well together, and the addition of salty feta makes these fritters quite irresistible. Eat them just as they are, or serve them with salad and plain yogurt for dipping. Ingredients 1 can organic pumpkin… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 3, 2014
Teff is my favorite gluten-free, whole grain baking flour. Teff is an ancient Ethiopian grain, tiny in size, but packed with nutrients. It’s higher in protein than wheat, and has a high amount of calcium and thiamin (a b vitamin). AND it has 2X the… 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
Searching for new ways to get veggies into your little one? Let’s get bakin… Buckwheat Zucchini Muffins (suitable for 12 mos and beyond) While buckwheat is commonly referred to as a cereal grain, it is actually a fruit seed. It is in… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
This recipe has the taste of a slow cooked stew, but it only takes about 35-40 mins. I used red lentils, which are very small, making them fast to cook and very soft. I make a double batch so I have some left over… 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 24, 2014
Forbidden rice is a black rice from Asia rich in both taste and nutritional value. It is so named because it was considered the Chinese Emperor’s rice, and anyone else was forbidden to eat it. It has a rich, nutty flavor. Forbidden rice is a… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
These vegetable pancakes are like hash browns, but are filled with so much goodness. Unlike potatoes, these patties will not spike your glucose (ie. lower on the glycemic index). They are colorful, meaning they are rich in antioxidants. Always aim to eat lots of colorful… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
Need a boost? Top your food with these items and turn your food from just so-so to super! 1. Ground flax seed- Add 1-2 tbsps to your favorite soups, salads, sauces, yogurt, oatmeal and cereal. Grind them in a coffee grinder to… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
It is best to introduce solid food at 6 months. It is optimal to avoid grains and cow dairy for the first year of your child’s life. Why, you ask? It really comes down to human physiology and anatomical (intestinal) development. Babies GI systems are… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
Is your little one hungry before bed? Maybe he didn’t get enough protein today… Or it was a challenge to get him to eat his veggies today…if so, a green smoothie is the perfect “last snack.” Try a smoothie packed full of… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
Baking with nut flours adds lots of satisfying protein and heart healthy fat to your baked goods in addition to cutting down on carbs. These muffins are low on the glycemic index (ie. diabetic friendly) and gluten-free! And one more bonus- they… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
One of my favorite sayings, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” is getting renewed interest lately. Functional foods are defined as any healthy food claimed to have health-promoting or disease-preventing properties beyond the basic function of supplying energy or calories. Today,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
A gluten-free, dairy-free (cow dairy, that is) lifestyle does not have to mean bare cabinets. Here are some essentials to help you and your family stay healthy without going hungry. Veggies Any fresh veggie is a healthy one- my favorites include… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
Heart Disease is the number one cause of death. And it’s preventable! The most common heart disease in the US is coronary artery disease presenting as a heart attack. February is National Heart Month so it’s time to take steps to prevent… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
Just because you want to lead a healthy organic lifestyle does not mean that you can’t indulge in something sweet every once in awhile. Growing up my mom always had cookies or brownies baking in the oven. There is nothing wrong with… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
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 onJuly 24, 2014
Cece and I made these today after I picked her up from daycare. They were celebrating a birthday at daycare with chocolate cupcakes, and since Cece couldn’t have one (we are trying to be strictly gluten-free with her lately), I told her we’d make some… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
In honor of Mother’s Day, this post is for all you tired mamas out there that need a an natural boost! Maca is a plant native to the Andes, revered for its many nutritional and medicinal properties. Maca is a true super-food, for it… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
I recently discovered a recipe for “Vanilla Pops” in Cece’s Highlights magazine. Usually these recipes are not even worth glancing at, but this one looked decently healthy (once manipulated a bit) and delicious. Popsicles are an obvious favorite when its hot outside… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
These nut and seed balls are a great vehicle to pack in nutrients. They are full of protein and essential nutrients, such as vitamin E, zinc (good for the immune system), and magnesium. They are also full of essential fatty acids, particularly… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
Sometimes you just have a craving for some tasty comfort food…like lasagna. But if you are like me, you want a dish high in protein and veggies and not high in gluten, or empty carbs for that matter. So here is a delicious recipe that… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
Pesto is my favorite summer spread. And it does not need to contain dairy to be delicious. Follow this recipe below for a quick and easy dairy-free pesto. The nutritional yeast is in place of cheese, giving it a creamy (and not to mention a… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 24, 2014
It’s FALL! This means our favorite fresh berries and tomatoes are no longer readily available. But the good news is is that they are replaced with other delicious harvest goodies, such as pumpkins, squash, yams, and sweet potatoes. These foods are nutritional… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 16, 2014
Coconut is a super-food. It is not only delicious, but it also has many health promoting properties. Here are 5 reasons to indulge in the tropical fruit. 1. In the past, coconut has gotten a bad rap due to its saturated fat intake. Saturated fat… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 16, 2014
This soup is divine. I whipped it up in less than an hour, and the whole family devoured it. Cece kept saying, “mmmm….this is good, mama!” That kind of response to a healthy meal makes my day. It is a complete meal,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 16, 2014
My brother called me and wanted to know some healthy snack ideas ideal for people on-the-go and for the not-so-skilled in the kitchen. So here ya have it- power snacks appropriate for all ages and all lifestyles. A healthy snack always includes protein. This will… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 16, 2014
After a lot of traveling and the usual hustle-and-bustle of the holidays, my family is feeling a bit under the weather. My 3-year-old daughter and husband have a cough and a cold, and I am feeling a tickle in my throat on the verge of… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 16, 2014
If you and your family have a hankering for something sweet, You MUST try these. Including strange yet healthy items in baked goods/sweets and then knocking people’s socks off when they taste it and you reveal the secret ingredient makes my day. 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 16, 2014
Ginger root is one of my most favorite herbs. It adds pungency and spice to foods; it is a nutrition all-star; and I think I am partial to it because of my 3 beloved gingers at home- Chris, Cecelia and Louisa! It’s very… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 16, 2014
This is the easiest and most desired dinner dish at our house. Cece commonly requests “pink lentils” for dinner. Red lentils (or to cece, pink) are one of my most favorite to cook with because they are quick-cooking and kids seem to love them. I… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 16, 2014
I’ve been baking more with blackstrap molasses. I like it because it is a natural sweetener rich in minerals, especially iron. I included pumpkin seeds and raisins in this recipe too- other iron-rich foods. So with the combination of the molasses, raisins and pumpkin seeds… Read More