top of page
IVY Integrative / About IVY / Blog
Blog
Welcome to our integrative health blog, 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.
Search


Inflammation And Cardiovascular Disease: Key Markers To Test
Identifying Inflammation’s Role in Cardiovascular Disease Inflammation is a natural and essential part of the body’s immune response to infection, injury, or exposure to toxins. In the short term, inflammation is protective and necessary for healing. However, when inflammation becomes chronic and unresolved, it can quietly damage tissues and significantly increase the risk of chronic disease—particularly cardiovascular disease. Chronic inflammation within the cardiovascular s

Dr. Caitlan Readhead, ND
4 days ago3 min read


Hawthorn for Heart Health: A Natural Ally Backed by Science
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of illness worldwide. While medications and medical procedures play an important role in treatment, many people are looking for safe, research-supported ways to support cardiovascular health naturally . One botanical that has gained significant scientific attention is Crataegus , more commonly known as hawthorn . Used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine, hawthorn is now supported by modern research showing it may help i

Chelsea Birch, ND, RH (AHG), CBHT
Feb 34 min read


How to Reset Your Nervous System: Lower Cortisol, Calm Stress, and Improve Vagal Tone
Recently, I’ve been running more cortisol tests on patients, and levels are consistently coming back elevated. Many patients’ nervous systems are persistently activated in a chronic “fight-or-flight” state. While short bursts of stress are a normal and adaptive evolutionary response, prolonged sympathetic dominance can contribute to anxiety, sleep disruption, digestive dysfunction, and an overall diminished quality of life. To understand why this happens, it helps to review t

Dr. Stephanie Hendershot, ND
Jan 123 min read


The Hidden Link Between Blood Sugar Imbalance and Chronic Migraines
Migraines are part of a complex disease process that continues to be rigorously studied in terms of both physiology and therapeutic interventions. While the dilation of blood vessels in the head and neuroinflammation are well-known factors, one less discussed avenue is the role metabolic dysfunction may play in the development of migraines. For many individuals, migraines are utterly debilitating—affecting quality of life, impairing work productivity, disrupting social activi

Dr. Kellyann Tomko, ND
Dec 15, 20253 min read


Eczema Healing Journey: How Diet, Gut Health, and Genetics Shape Skin Recovery
Eczema is a topic that hits close to home for me—born and raised with arms and legs smothered in steroid creams and endless itch. My mother had no choice at the time; few alternative treatments were offered. I remember the stinging, the scratching until I bled, especially during every sports season when shin guards and sweat made my legs erupt in pain. As I entered adulthood, the frequency of flare-ups eased, but the condition quietly lingered. It wasn’t until college—when my

Dr. Sarah Kingsley, PT, DPT, RYT
Nov 17, 20254 min read


The Root Cause of Anxiety: A Naturopathic Guide to Healing the Mind and Body Naturally
Anxiety isn’t just mental—it’s often a physiological reaction to an internal imbalance. In my clinical experience, addressing these imbalances is where true healing begins.

Dr. Marissa Boyd, ND
Oct 28, 20254 min read


Beyond the Cookie: Surprising Ways Blood Sugar Fluctuates (and How a Naturopathic Doctor Can Help You Stay Balanced)
Picture glucose as the VIP of your bloodstream—your body’s all-access energy pass. It’s the essential fuel for your brain, muscles, and organs, keeping everything running smoothly. But keeping blood sugar “just right”—not too high, not too low—is where the real magic happens.

Dr. Marissa Boyd, ND
Sep 6, 20254 min read


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


Endometriosis Explained: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors & Treatment Options
This is a brief accurate overview on endometriosis and the holistic and conventional treatments available.

Dr. Mièka Bryan, PT, DPT
Aug 19, 20253 min read


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.

Dr. Marissa Boyd, ND
Aug 11, 20254 min read


Why Sleep Is the Missing Link in Healing and Immune Health: A Naturopathic Perspective
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I have the unique privilege of observing how everyday lifestyle habits impact the body’s ability to heal. From...

Dr. Stephanie Hendershot, ND
Aug 11, 20253 min read


How Heavy Metals Disrupt the Immune System: The Hidden Link to Autoimmunity and Chronic Infections
The immune system in the human body is composed of various types of cells that protect against harmful pathogens. While it is designed to...

Dr. Kellyann Tomko, ND
Aug 5, 20253 min read


Understanding Autoimmune Disease: How Functional Medicine Targets Root Causes for Better Management
Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy cells as foreign and attacks otherwise healthy tissue....

Dr. Caitlan Readhead, ND
Aug 4, 20252 min read


Adrenal Fatigue Recovery: A Physical Therapist’s Journey from Burnout to Balance
I've always been a Type A, energetic person—maybe you can relate. Highly athletic, organized, and achievement-driven, I thrived on...

Dr. Sarah Kingsley, PT, DPT, RYT
May 12, 20253 min read


How Mindfulness Can Help You Age Gracefully: Enhancing Physical, Mental, and Emotional Well-being
We have been aging since we were born; it is inevitable. But how we age can significantly impact our quality of life. While genetics,...

Dr. Marissa Boyd, ND
Sep 3, 20243 min read


Naturopathic Lifestyle Modifications to Help Prevent Cancer
Oh, the big "C word." It's scary, I get it. Many of my patients feel the same way and seek additional screenings to ensure they are...

Chelsea Birch, ND, RH (AHG), CBHT
Aug 26, 20244 min read


Understanding Cancer Treatment and Rehabilitation: A Physical Therapist's Guide to Recovery
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. It encompasses a range of diseases where normal cells transform into cancerous...

Dr. Mièka Bryan, PT, DPT
Aug 12, 20243 min read


Exploring Histamine's Role in Cancer: Implications for Future Therapies
DISCLAIMER: if you are actively receiving immunotherapy or other cancer treatments, please speak with your oncology team before making...

Dr. Kellyann Tomko, ND
Aug 5, 20243 min read


The Infiltration of Microplastics: A Growing Concern for Human Health
Plastic pollution has become an ever-present concern, infiltrating our environment from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans....

Dr. Sarah Kingsley, PT, DPT, RYT
Jul 1, 20243 min read


Embracing the Chill: The Benefits of Cold Water Therapy
Cold water therapy, an age-old practice that has recently surged in popularity, offers numerous health benefits that are both fascinating...

Dr. Marissa Boyd, ND
May 28, 20243 min read
bottom of page
