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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.

Woman walks past a red stone wall, eating a popsicle, with a black backpack; grassy strip and sidewalk in front.

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

Close-up of a woman applying a white under-eye patch, with her finger on her cheek and a calm, focused expression.

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

Child in a blue polka-dot hoodie holds a magnifying glass to their eye, looking curious. Blurred outdoor background.

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

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Eczema Treatment: Effective, Evidence-Based Approaches

The itch that rashes. The endless cycle. The never ending plague. #Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, affects millions worldwide, causing red, itchy, inflamed skin, sleep disturbances, and a reduced quality of life. If you’re searching for effective eczema treatment, it’s important to focus on evidence-backed approaches rather than quick fixes. In my realm of naturopathic medicine, the three (currently) most studied strategies to address the never-ending itch are topical

Chelsea Birch, ND, RH (AHG), CBHT

Nov 24, 20254 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

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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

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