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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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GLP-1 Therapy: What It Actually Does to Your Hormones, Gut, and Metabolism
Why This Conversation Matters Right Now If you're considering or already taking a GLP-1 medication such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), you've probably heard plenty about weight loss—and much less about everything else these medications affect. GLP-1 therapy interacts with multiple systems throughout the body, including the gut, muscle mass, micronutrient status, hormones, and metabolism. These effects matter whether you're a woman naviga
Dr. Marissa Boyd, ND
Sep 306 min read
10 Signs Your Nervous System Is Stuck in Survival Mode (And What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You)
Many people think stress only affects their mood, but chronic stress can impact nearly every system in the body. When your nervous system becomes stuck in "survival mode," it can influence your hormones, digestion, immune system, metabolism, sleep, skin, and overall well-being. Over time, your body may begin responding as though it's facing a constant threat—even when no immediate danger exists. At IVY Integrative, we often remind patients that your body isn't working against
Dr. Megan Ding, ND
Sep 2310 min read
Cold & Flu Season: How to Support Your Body Before You Get Sick
Every year, as the weather gets cooler and the days get shorter, I start hearing the same thing from patients: “Everyone around me is getting sick, and I really don't want to be next.” Maybe you have children bringing home every bug from school, you're traveling for the holidays, or you're simply feeling run down after a busy year. While there is no magic supplement or perfect immune-boosting routine that can guarantee you won't get sick, there are simple things you can do ev
Dr. Katrina Robinson, NDM, PMNHP-MFT, CHN
Sep 234 min read
Seasonal Changes and Sleep: How Sunlight and Temperature Affect Your Sleep Cycle
With September in full swing, seasonal changes are right around the corner. As summer transitions into fall, you may notice subtle changes in your sleep—even before the end of Daylight Saving Time. Earlier sunsets, changing temperatures, and shifts in daily sunlight exposure can all influence your circadian rhythm, the internal biological clock that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. So, if you feel like your sleep habits change with the seasons, you're probably not imagin
Dr. Kellyann Tomko, ND
Sep 165 min read
The Cortisol-Insulin Connection
How Chronic Stress Affects Blood Sugar, Weight & Hormone Health Have you ever felt like you're eating healthy, exercising consistently, and still struggling with stubborn weight gain, sugar cravings, or low energy? If so, the missing piece may not be your diet—it may be your stress. When we think about improving blood sugar or losing weight, we often focus on calories, carbohydrates, or exercise. While those factors certainly matter, one of the most overlooked influences on m
Dr. Katrina Robinson, NDM, PMNHP-MFT, CHN
Sep 54 min read
Nervous System Dysregulation: Is Your Body Stuck in Survival Mode?
A Natural Back-to-Routine Health Reset for Better Sleep, Less Stress & More Energy As summer winds down and routines begin to shift, many people notice increased stress, fatigue, poor sleep, digestive issues, and anxiety. If you've been feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, your body may be experiencing nervous system dysregulation, often called being "stuck in survival mode." The transition from summer to fall is the perfect opportunity for a health reset. By supporting your ner
Dr. Katrina Robinson, NDM, PMNHP-MFT, CHN
Aug 265 min read
Back-to-School Immune Support: Simple Ways to Keep Your Family Healthy This School Year
As a new school year begins, families settle back into routines, classrooms fill up, and schedules become busier. Unfortunately, this time of year also marks the beginning of cold and flu season. While it's impossible to avoid every illness, there are simple habits you can start now that help strengthen your immune system and support your family's overall health throughout the school year. At IVY Integrative, we believe that a healthy immune system starts with a strong founda
Dr. Megan Ding, ND
Aug 103 min read
Chronic Fatigue and Infections: Could an Underlying Infection Be the Root Cause?
Chronic Fatigue: Looking Beyond Lack of Sleep Do you constantly feel exhausted, even after a full night's sleep? Chronic fatigue is more than simply feeling tired after a busy week. It is persistent, excessive fatigue that does not improve with adequate rest and can significantly impact your daily life. Chronic fatigue can be associated with a variety of medical conditions. When no clear cause can be identified, it may be diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic
Dr. Caitlan Readhead, ND
Jul 283 min read
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
Natural Ways to Support Gut Health During Seasonal Changes
Simple Tips to Reduce Bloating, Improve Digestion & Support Your Gut Microbiome Naturally As the seasons change, most of us expect shifts in the weather, allergies, and even our mood—but many people are surprised to find that their digestion changes too. If you've noticed more bloating, constipation, food sensitivities, sluggish digestion, or changes in your energy during the transition from one season to the next, you're certainly not alone. Our digestive system is incredibl
Dr. Katrina Robinson, NDM, PMNHP-MFT, CHN
Jun 295 min read
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
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
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
When Should You Consider a GI-MAP Test?
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing digestive issues, fatigue, or unexplained symptoms, you may have heard about comprehensive stool testing in functional medicine. One of the most advanced options is the GI-MAP test—but what exactly is it, and when should you consider it? What Is a GI-MAP Test? A GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is a comprehensive stool analysis that evaluates the health of your gut microbiome and digestive function. Unlike standard stool tests
Dr. Caitlan Readhead, ND
May 112 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
Is It Allergies or MCAS? Understanding the Key Differences
If you struggle with symptoms that seem like allergies but don’t improve with typical treatments, there may be another explanation. While allergies and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) can look very similar, they are actually two different immune responses with different causes and treatment approaches. Understanding the difference between allergies and MCAS can help you determine whether your symptoms require a deeper evaluation. What Are Allergies? Allergies are IgE-med
Dr. Caitlan Readhead, ND
Apr 63 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
The Surprising Link Between Bile Flow and Allergies
Struggling with allergies, histamine intolerance, or hormonal flares? Discover how bile flow, liver detoxification, and gut health influence histamine levels and systemic inflammation.
Dr. Stephanie Hendershot, ND
Mar 24 min read
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