IVY Integrative / About IVY / Journal

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.

Macro of a tick on a white daisy petal beside the yellow center, with a soft green background.

Why Some People Don't Fully Recover from Lyme Disease

For some individuals, symptoms continue long after a tick bite or even after completing multiple rounds of treatment. Persistent fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, headaches, and other ongoing symptoms are often associated with chronic Lyme disease or Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). When symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment, it's important to look beyond Lyme disease alone. One commonly overlooked factor is the presence of co-infections. What Are Lyme Co-

Dr. Caitlan Readhead, ND

Jul 63 min read

Person lounging on a yellow inflatable ring in turquoise water, arms outstretched and legs raised.

Why Does Eczema Flare in the Summer? The Science Behind Summer Eczema and Natural Support Strategies

What Is Eczema? Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and irritated skin. While it appears on the surface, eczema is much more than a skin-deep issue. It develops through a complex interaction between genetics, immune function, environmental exposures, and the skin barrier itself. Healthy skin acts as a protective shield, keeping moisture in and irritants out. In individuals with eczema, this barrier is

Dr. Chelsea Birch, ND, RH (AHG), CBHT

Jun 226 min read

Moldy, peeling wall with six faded white circular patches in a row, creating a grim, weathered texture.

Importance of Detox Pathways with Mold Illness

Why Supporting Detoxification Matters During Mold Recovery Exposure to toxic mold can have a significant impact on overall health. Certain species of mold produce mycotoxins, harmful compounds that can trigger a wide range of symptoms and contribute to both acute and chronic illness. People experiencing mold illness often report symptoms such as: Chronic fatigue Brain fog Headaches Digestive concerns Skin issues Mood changes Poor sleep Allergy-like symptoms While reducing mol

Dr. Caitlan Readhead, ND

Jun 192 min read

Cooked lobster on a white plate against a bright yellow background. The lobster's red-orange color contrasts with the vivid setting.

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

Golden retriever sits on a stone path holding a tulip in its mouth. Cloudy sky and trees in the background create a serene mood.

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

Two images of a baby with a bare belly. Left: Rash on abdomen, striped garment. Right: Rash-free, hand lifting gray shirt, neutral mood.

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

Avocado and boiled egg on toast with spinach on a dark plate. Cookies and pink flowers in the rustic background. Cozy and appetizing.

The Gut–Autoimmune Connection: How Nutrition Can Heal Inflammation from the Inside Out

This is a short blog linking nutrition with autoimmune conditions and applying the optimum diet and nutrients needed to overcome autoimmune conditions.

Elena DiPerri, CNS, LN

Aug 25, 20255 min read

Person in white shirt holding glasses, covering face with the other hand, against a brick wall. Appears frustrated or tired.

Managing Long COVID with Functional Medicine: Personalized Lab Testing & Treatment Approaches

If you are someone who has struggled to return to your “normal” self after a COVID-19 infection, you are not alone. Long COVID, also known as long-haul COVID, is a chronic illness that can affect multiple organ systems...

Dr. Caitlan Readhead, ND

Aug 25, 20252 min read

Yellow swivel chair and potted plants in a bright room with white brick walls and wooden flooring, under natural light from large windows.

Is Your Immune System Burned Out? Signs of Dysfunction and How to Reset It Naturally

If you think your immune system operates like a polished, well-oiled machine, think again. It’s more like a dysfunctional office filled with burned-out staff, passive-aggressive emails, and immune cells throwing shade at the water cooler. Let’s take a tour behind the scenes—and learn how to catch the dysfunction before it becomes a full-on HR disaster.