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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.
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Natural Travel Wellness Tips for Better Digestion, Energy & Immune Support
Vacation is meant to be a time to relax, recharge, and create lasting memories—but travel can also challenge your health. Long flights, disrupted sleep schedules, unfamiliar foods, dehydration, and changes in routine can leave you feeling tired, bloated, constipated, or even sick before your vacation truly begins. The good news? With a little preparation and a few simple habits, you can support your body naturally while traveling and return home feeling refreshed instead of n
Dr. Katrina Robinson, NDM, PMNHP-MFT, CHN
19 hours ago4 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
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 225 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
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
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
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
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 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
Nervous System Healing & Stress Recovery: Why Rest, Somatic Work, and Parasympathetic Balance Matter
Our nervous system has two main modes that often act like opposing pedals on a car: the accelerator and the brake. These are driven by the two branches of the autonomic nervous system: The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) — our “fight, flight, or freeze” system The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) — our “rest, digest, repair, and restore” system What’s the Difference? When the SNS is activated: Heart rate increases, breathing speeds up, and muscles tense. Digestion and
Dr. Sarah Kingsley, PT, DPT, RYT
Jan 195 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 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
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
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
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. While conventional treatment approaches to autoimmune diseases often focus solely on symptom management, functional medicine strives to address the root causes of these conditions. Common signs and symptoms of autoimmune conditions can include chronic fatigue, joint and muscle pain, digestive issues, skin changes or rashes, brain fog, swollen g
Dr. Caitlan Readhead, ND
Aug 4, 20252 min read
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