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
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 16, 2014
Nothing is more comforting than pizza! Dinner is never a battle when it’s pizza night! I have been playing around with using veggies as crusts. The zucchini one is AMAZING! It’s sort of like a quiche as the crust, and then when you top it… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 16, 2014
Delicious sauces are a great way to get kids to eat their not-so-favorite vegetables. Cece will eat broccoli, sweet potatoes and spinach plain with no problem. But cabbage and brussel sprouts are a different story. Here are some nice toppers to encourage your little one… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 16, 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… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 16, 2014
Most kids (and adults!) love peanut butter and sweet potato…so why not combine them for a healthy dinner? This recipe is reminiscent of an African peanut stew. It is rich in protein and best of all, flavor! So it is sure to leave you satisfied. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 16, 2014
This quinoa salad is protein-packed, keeping you full and satisfied for hours. It makes for a great lunch. Make a big bowl of it at the beginning of the week and package it up for an easy, delicious on-the-go lunch at work. This salad… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 16, 2014
This pesto is one-of-a-kind! It is packed with flavor AND nutrients- lots of antioxidants, minerals (iron and calcium), chlorophyll (a detoxifying component of green leafies) and omega-3 fatty acids. The pesto is dairy-free, but trust me, you won’t be missing the cheese! I add… 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 onJuly 8, 2014
Curry powder is full of tasty goodness. It has a kick to it, which is complemented by the sweetness of the blueberries and currants. Curry powder contains turmeric, which is a potent anti-inflammatory. And the blueberries are full of cancer-fighting antioxidants. This dish is sure… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 23, 2014
IN THE PRESS: This recipe was featured in Natural Awakenings Magazine in 2022 If you are not familiar with miso, you are missing out! Aside from your traditional miso soup available at sushi restaurants, there are many other uses in your kitchen. It… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 23, 2014
These cookies are grain-free, dairy-free and refined-sugar free. They contain all the goodness of sweet potatoes, including potent antioxidant, Vitamin A. Vitamin A is fat soluble so in order to utilize this beneficial nutrient, you need some fat in your meal or dish. This recipe… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 23, 2014
These make a nice alternative to your everyday beef or veggie burger. They are packed full of protein and best of all FLAVOR! I used the kale walnut pesto to flavor these lean mean lentil machines. If you or your family are not fans… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 23, 2014
These make a great after-lunch snack or desert. I love making fruit and nut/seed balls with my girls. We have fun getting our hands sticky while rolling the mixture into balls, licking the bowl and eating the finished product together. These are packed… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 23, 2014
If you and your family are as big of fans of sweet potatoes as we are, you’ll love this recipe! I am always looking for healthy new twists on how to prepare the antioxidant-rich root vegetable. Cece helped me make these and she termed them… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 23, 2014
This dish is super satisfying. Creamy, savory and sweet all in the same bite. I especially like it because of the nutrition is provides. Lulu, my 9 month old, devoured it (despite it having a bit of a spicy kick to it). The coconut provides… 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 onJune 4, 2014
I have been baking with coconut flour a lot these days. I like it because it is grain-free so it is well-tolerated even by those who have problems digesting and metabolizing grains. And in general, I am a big fan of coconut– coconut flakes, coconut… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 4, 2014
Cece and her grandmother, “Mimi,” planted collard greens this summer. They have flourished over the past couple months, and my go-to recipe for these greens are collard wraps. I’ve been experimenting with different fillings, and I especially like this one (see below). The… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 4, 2014
This takes less than 2 minutes to make. Once you combine the ingredients you chill it for a couple hours and voila-you have a nutrient-packed super pudding! Kids LOVE this! It makes a nice energy-packed breakfast, snack or desert. I often speak about super… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 4, 2014
Healthy Holiday Recipe: Black bean, sweet potato enchiladas This is a delicious entrée ideal for entertaining. It can be made the night before and it travels well, so it’s great for a holiday party or a potluck. It is vegetarian but is sure… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 4, 2014
This recipe was inspired by one of my patients. I always love learning healthy recipes and tips from my patients! This smoothie recipe makes an ideal breakfast- packed full of blood sugar stabilizing protein, antioxidant rich pumpkin, seeds for essential micronutrients and fiber,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 4, 2014
Cruciferous vegetables are part of the bassica genus of plants. They include brusssel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, collard greens, and bok choy. Cruciferous vegetables contain indole-3-carbonol, which has been found to inhibit the development of several cancers, such as bladder, breast, colon,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 4, 2014
These cookies are made with almond flour, making them not only gluten free but also grain-free. Almond flour is packed full of protein and essential fat. For more on cooking with nut flours, see my previous post. I get my almond flour at Trader… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 4, 2014
This smoothie satisfies your chocolate cravings while at the same time providing excellent nutrition. Cece and Lulu know this as “chocolate milk.” It has cacao nibs in it, which provide a nice crunch and a huge burst of nutrition. Cacao is one of the best… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 4, 2014
Cereal is not a healthy breakfast food. As a general rule of thumb, if it comes from a box it is not real food. I am always suggesting my patients (and friends and family!) to eat REAL food. By this I mean substance from the… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 4, 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 to oatmeal… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 4, 2014
The most common thing I hear from people when I ask if they like quinoa is, “Eh…it’s ok.” Rather than boiling a batch of plain old quinoa, try this recipe. It’s something to get you excited about this ancient grain. This recipe makes about 15-20… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 4, 2014
I love flaxseed. I love it for its delicious, nutty taste. And of course, I love it for its health benefits: 1. It is an excellent source of fiber, making your gut healthy. A happy,healthy gut is at the foundation of optimal health. 2. 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
These blondies make a delicious Fall treat or snack. They are a great way to get extra veggies in because they contain squash…yes, squash! The combination of squash and almond butter makes them moist, delicious and super healthy! The almond butter and almond flour provides… 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