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Journal
Welcome to our integrative health journal, where our team of holistic practitioners shares their expertise to help you achieve optimal well-being. Each month, we delve into a new theme, providing you with insightful articles, practical tips, and the latest in holistic health trends. Whether you're interested in nutrition, natural remedies, mental health, or physical fitness, our diverse team of experts offers a wealth of knowledge to support your wellness journey. Join us as we explore the multifaceted world of holistic health and empower you to live your healthiest life.
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Your Skin Is What You Eat: The Gut-Skin Connection Behind Eczema & Inflammation
Deadlines are approaching, bills are due, and summer schedules are filling up fast. During stressful seasons of life, many people naturally reach for comfort foods like pastries, soft drinks, candy, or ice cream. While these foods may provide temporary relief, consistently consuming excess added sugar can negatively impact the gut microbiome and contribute to inflammation throughout the body — including the skin. When the gut microbiome becomes imbalanced, a condition known a
Melanie Baughman, BS
5 days ago3 min read
Why Acne Often Returns After Antibiotics: A Root-Cause Approach to Clearer Skin
Acne is often treated as a surface-level skin condition, but from a naturopathic and functional medicine perspective, acne is rarely just about the skin. While topical treatments, antibiotics, and skincare products may temporarily reduce breakouts, they often fail to address the deeper imbalances contributing to chronic inflammation, hormonal disruption, and immune dysfunction. As a result, many people experience acne that repeatedly returns despite trying multiple products a
Dr. Stephanie Hendershot, ND
Jun 13 min read
Can a Gluten-Free Diet Help Parkinson’s Symptoms? The Gut-Brain Connection Explained
Over the years, many clinicians working with individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease have observed a recurring theme: diet can significantly influence daily symptoms. In particular, high intake of gluten and sugar has been associated with increased inflammation, digestive issues, and fluctuations in energy and cognition. While more large-scale research is needed, clinical observations and emerging studies suggest that reducing gluten may support both motor and non-moto
Dr. Sarah Kingsley, PT, DPT, RYT
May 263 min read
This Is Your Gut Microbiome: How Alcohol and Tobacco Affect Gut Health
The human gut microbiome is often referred to as the body’s “second brain” — and for good reason. This vast ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms influences digestion, immunity, inflammation, metabolism, hormone balance, and even mental health. But everyday lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption and tobacco use can significantly disrupt this delicate balance. Understanding how smoking and alcohol affect the gut microbiome may help explain why these habits are linked to
Dr. Kellyann Tomko, ND
May 193 min read
The Whole Body Approach to Fertility
How to Optimize Fertility Naturally: A Whole-Body Approach to Hormone Balance When most people think about fertility, they imagine a narrow window for conception or focus on hitting specific hormone levels—like needing progesterone to reach a certain number to get pregnant. In reality, fertility is much more complex. It’s a reflection of your body’s overall health and its ability to adapt. From a naturopathic perspective, conception isn’t just about ovulation or perfectly ti
Dr. Stephanie Hendershot, ND
Apr 214 min read
The Aging Immune System and the Rise of Adult-Onset Food Allergies
Adult-onset food allergies are on the rise as the immune system ages. Learn how immunosenescence, gut health, and lifestyle factors contribute to new food sensitivities in adults and seniors.
Dr. Kellyann Tomko, ND
Mar 233 min read
Rethinking Allergies: Exposure, Environment, and the Power of Food
Allergies are fascinating—and often misunderstood. No one wants to feel sick, so congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes frequently get labeled as “just allergies.” Sometimes that’s true. Other times, what begins as allergic inflammation can lower resilience and make us more susceptible to recurrent illness, especially with prolonged exposure to triggers. My own journey with allergies reshaped how I understand the immune system, environment, and nutrition—and ultimately led me d
Dr. Sarah Kingsley, PT, DPT, RYT
Mar 164 min read
The Gut–Skin Connection: How a GI Map Can Reveal the Root Causes of Eczema
While eczema can have a variety of contributing factors, gut health remains a pivotal component to consider. An overactive immune system, poor microbial diversity, and underlying infections have all been correlated with eczema. Since 70–80% of the immune system originates in the gastrointestinal lining, utilizing a GI Map can be a valuable tool in managing eczema. Intestinal dysbiosis—an imbalance or disruption of gut microorganisms—can lead to infections within the gastroint
Dr. Caitlan Readhead, ND
Nov 11, 20252 min read
The Gut-Skin Connection: A Naturopathic Approach to Healing Eczema from Within
Eczema, or more precisely atopic dermatitis , is more than just dry, itchy skin—it’s a chronic inflammatory condition that often reflects what’s happening inside the body. Characterized by itching, redness, dryness, and sometimes thickened or oozing skin, eczema is conventionally understood as a multifactorial condition influenced by genetics, immune dysregulation, and environmental triggers. From a naturopathic perspective, however, the skin acts as a mirror of the internal.
Dr. Stephanie Hendershot, ND
Nov 3, 20254 min read
Gut Health 101: Understanding the Microbiome, Risk Factors, and How to Improve Digestion Naturally
Gut Health Gut health has become increasingly popular on social media. Most people have a general understanding of gut health, but the...
Dr. Mièka Bryan, PT, DPT
Aug 4, 20253 min read
The Healing Power of Gardening: A Science-Backed Path to Health
In a world that often pulls us indoors and away from the rhythms of nature, gardening stands as a powerful and accessible antidote....
Chelsea Birch, ND, RH (AHG), CBHT
Jul 14, 20253 min read
Why Gut Health Is the Key to Whole-Body Wellness: A Naturopathic Doctor Explains
If you’ve been a patient of mine, you’ve likely heard me talk about gut health. Although you might be coming to see me for acne or even...
Dr. Stephanie Hendershot, ND
Jun 30, 20253 min read
How Stress Wrecks Your Gut—and How Naturopathic Medicine Can Heal It
Introduction Gut health is more than just digestion. It’s a critical part of your mental, immune, and hormonal well-being. In a world...
Dr. Marissa Boyd, ND
Jun 16, 20254 min read
Struggling with Bloating, Constipation, or Hunger? Here’s Why Fiber Could Be Your Missing Link
If you're struggling with bloating, constipation, or constant hunger, you might be tempted to reach for quick fixes—laxatives, digestive...
Dr. Yelena Okhotin, ND, LAc
Jun 9, 20256 min read
Gut Health Is Whole-Body Health: How Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Support Your Microbiome
Chinese Medicine and acupuncture have long been used to treat the root causes of indigestion, constipation, bloating, and other digestive...
Ashley Paraiso, LAc, DiplOM
Jun 2, 20254 min read
Navigating a Restful Sleep: The Crucial Link Between Blood Sugar Balance and Quality Sleep
Sleep is a fundamental pillar of our overall health and well-being, yet so many of us struggle to achieve a restful night's sleep. I...
Dr. Stephanie Hendershot, ND
Apr 5, 20243 min read
Two Fundamentals to Radiant Skin
Did you know that your skin health is directly related to your gut health? The gut microbiome plays a critical role in digesting food,...
Dr. Jenna Scott, ND
Mar 25, 20242 min read
Understanding Your Skin: The Body's Largest Organ
Do you know what the largest organ of the body is? If you've just finished a big meal, you might be inclined to say the stomach. But if...
Dr. Evan Snow, DACM, L.Ac, DIPL O.M.
Mar 23, 20244 min read
Unveiling the Harmony: Hormonal Balance and Skin Health Explained by Naturopathic Insights
The skin serves as a vibrant canvas, reflecting the harmony or discord within the human body. Naturopathic doctors recognize the profound...
Dr. Stephanie Hendershot, ND
Mar 14, 20243 min read
Unveiling the Truth: The Rise of Inflamed Skin Issues and the Holistic Solution
It's not just you—there does seem to be an increase in cases of people suffering from inflamed skin issues. As a skincare provider, I...
Bynisha Myers, LE
Mar 8, 20242 min read
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