The gut is also known as the “second brain",” and for good reason! Our gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria that regulate much of our hormone production, mood, sleep, energy levels, skin conditions, immune system, atopic conditions and so much more. The gut microbiome plays a vital role in our physiological and psychological health via its own neural network called the enteric nervous system (ENS), a system of nerves found in the lining of our gut. It arises from the same tissues as our central nervous system (CNS) during fetal development, so it has many structural and chemical parallels to the brain, thereby forming the “gut-brain connection.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among American women. All breast cancers arise from genetic mutations in the body but only 5-10% of breast cancers are inherited from your mother or father. 90-95% of breast cancers are due to genetic abnormalities that occur during the natural aging process. Healthy lifestyle choices are important in preventing and reducing the risk of developing breast cancer.

If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, whether it be type 1, type 2, or gestational, the most important thing to do is consult with your doctor or a nutritionist about how to adjust your diet. Although altering your diet may seem like a daunting task, don’t forget that it doesn’t mean you have to completely eliminate all your favorite foods. It’s also your provider’s job to help you through the process and alleviate any hesitancy or anxiety that you may have. Remember that living a nutritious and active lifestyle is super important, in general, because it may even help reverse your type 2 diagnosis! To get a glimpse of what your provider may recommend for you, keep on reading.

Did you know that cases of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) have been steadily increasing over the past couple decades in the United States? Diabetes is becoming a major epidemic in our country that is mainly caused by lack of exercise, nutrition misinformation, overconsumption of unhealthy foods, and stress, just to name a few. Common risk factors of diabetes are family history, recent weight gain, medications, and even pregnancy. Prevention is the number one way to decrease the chances of developing Type 2 DM, which is why it is so important to educate yourself on what diabetes is, proper nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle factors that may prevent you from developing it. Keep reading!

When planning to start a family, fertility testing may be an important consideration for many women, especially if conception is unsuccessful after several months of trying. Diagnosing fertility status requires a very comprehensive first appointment in which many topics are discussed, such as birth control use, partner’s fertility status, menstrual history, sexual practices, surgical history, medications, lifestyle, diet, work and home environment, stress levels, and so much more.

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body by inserting thin needles into the skin. Acupuncture points stimulate Qi, which is believed to be a flow of energy throughout the body responsible for our overall health. If Qi is not in equilibrium, our immune system is weakened, thereby causing sickness and disease. By stimulating certain points, Qi can be restored, improving general wellness and any adverse symptoms that may be experienced during the disruption of energy in the body.

Cupping is an ancient healing therapy that has been used for many centuries, mostly in China and the Middle East, to alleviate pain in the body. Recently, cupping has been made popular in the United States by athletes and celebrities. Cupping is supposed to draw fluid to the area of pain or inflammation, which causes the notorious “bruises” on the skin after the therapy is completed.

Your twenties are most often the time dermatologists and other physicians would recommend you start developing a regular skin care regime. If you suffered with acne throughout your teens, you are probably already used to this and have a good system going. But, if you were blessed with perfect skin your entire life and are used to only splashing water on your face once a day, it may be time to start incorporating serums and lotions into your daily routine.

Aside from being trained as general medical practitioners, Naturopathic Physicians are also trained in a variety of other modalities to further help heal their patients. Naturopathic practice includes the use of any medicinal substances that contain elements which are found in bodily tissues, or can be used by the body for maintenance of life and the repair of tissues. Naturopathic Physicians provide the least invasive, most natural treatments that are determined to be effective and safe.

Summer is officially here, which means people are going on vacations, to the beach, and just hanging out by the pool more than before. Which is great, except for the fact that most people don’t wear sunscreen at all. Make it a summer resolution to change that this year and wear your sunscreen every day! It’s important for your skin, for your body, and I will tell you why. Plus, I share my top 3 favorite sunscreens that I have been using in 2021.

We all know regular exercise is important for us, but why? Whether it’s cardio or strength training, exercising releases tons of neurotransmitters in the brain that make us feel good. Regular exercise has shown to improve mental health, cognitive function, immune function, increase daily productivity, and may even promote some anti-aging effects as well. Read below for some of the awesome effects exercise has on our bodies!

There are tons of contraceptive options on the market right now, which is great because it gives more opportunity for a variety of people to engage in safe sexual activities, without the risk of getting pregnant. Having plenty of options allows for people to choose which form of contraception is the best fit for them based on their lifestyle, as well as the safety, effectiveness, and availability of the contraception method.

This all-natural moisturizer is soothing on the skin, reduces inflammation, and has anti-inflammatory properties that will keep the skin looking youthful and glowing.

Macronutrients, aka “macros,” are the three basic elements of nutrients found in foods that give us energy. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are all equally important for us to consume in order to fuel our bodies for the day, as well as maintain healthy functioning cells, tissues, and organs.

Ever wonder what happens during a woman’s menstrual cycle or how it even works? Read this post to learn more about hormones, periods, and conception!

This salve heals and moisturizes skin, soothes irritation, burns and itching, and can alleviate discomfort from acne, eczema, and scrapes. Not only that, but lavender essence is well-known to ease anxiety, stress, and insomnia, making this the perfect salve to apply on nights you need a little extra comfort.

Worried about what to expect when visiting a Naturopathic Doctor for the first time? Here are 5 things you are likely to experience at your appointment!

Naturopathic Medicine is a form of primary healthcare that incorporates modern Western medicine, scientific knowledge and research, and natural, holistic medicine.