Mitochondria are small structures found within our cells that are often referred to as the “powerhouses” of the cell. They play a crucial role in producing energy for the cell in the form of a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Now, let’s talk about chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are long-term conditions that often progress slowly and can persist for years or even a lifetime. Examples of chronic diseases include heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. So, how are mitochondria and chronic diseases related? Well, research has show ..read more

The gut microbiome is a complex community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that inhabit the digestive tract. These microorganisms play a critical role in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, which is essential for maintaining overall health. In this article, we’ll explore the role of the gut microbiome in digestion and nutrient absorption. Firstly, the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in breaking down complex carbohydrates and fibers that our bodies can’t digest on their own. The bacteria in the gut microbiome ferment these indigestible fibers, producing short-chain fatty acids that t ..read more

Athletic performance is determined by a range of factors, including genetics, training, and nutrition. Recently, researchers have started to investigate the role of the gut microbiome in athletic performance. The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that inhabit the digestive tract. These microorganisms play a critical role in digestion, immune function, and nutrient absorption, all of which are essential for athletic performance. One way that the gut microbiome can influence athletic performance is through the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are produce ..read more

Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, from digestion to immunity. But did you know that it can also have a significant impact on your skin health? Research has shown that the gut-skin axis – the communication network between the gut and the skin – plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. One way the gut microbiome affects skin health is through inflammation. When the gut microbiome is imbalanced, it can lead to chronic inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. This inflammation can cause a range of skin conditions, including acne, eczem ..read more

The link between gut health and mental health has been gaining more attention in recent years, and for good reason. Research has shown that the gut and brain are closely connected, and the health of one can significantly impact the other. In fact, the gut is often referred to as the “second brain” due to the complex network of nerves and neurotransmitters that reside there. One of the primary ways that gut health affects mental health is through the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system that allows the two organs to exchange signals. The gut microbiome, the collection of microor ..read more

For years as an adolescent girl, I was told how easy it is to get pregnant and that birth control was the answer to ensure no “accidents” happened. Over five years ago, my husband and I unlearned what we always thought to be true, and realized just how difficult conceiving can be for some couples.  When I was 33 years old my husband and I had been married for a year, I had started my nurse practitioner career and all of our close friends were calling us with their joyous news, they were welcoming a child (or number two or three) into their lives. Wanting a family of our own, we began our ..read more

Fall and winter are times we all want to stay in, hunker down, and enjoy meals that provide comfort. In our opinion, there is no better comfort food than a good hearty soup. You can easily get protein and vegetables mixed with spices for an abundance of flavor in a soup dish, you just need to find the right one! That was our mission this winter, to find the perfect soup. We searched many of our favorite blogs and found delicious classics, plus a few more fun recipes that really hit the spot. Our providers each chipped in, noting their favorite go-to soup recipes to compile this collective for ..read more

It’s that time of year…pumpkin spice season!! If you are not sick of it yet, we can assure you this healthy version of pumpkin bread will keep you wanting more all year long.  Why do we consider this bread “healthy”. Really it is because this recipe offers a good amount of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids and omits refined sugar. We use 100% pure maple syrup to offer the perfect amount of natural sweetness. Let’s dive into each of these things more… FIBER. This recipe contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which offer the body massive benefit. Both soluble and insolubl ..read more

We are often asked how we approach healing the gut…we’ll folks, the 5 R Protocol is the step by step process we take to help our patients find relief from uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms and improve their gut function long term. While the 5 R Protocol is listed below in “steps”, often we are implementing many of these treatment strategies at the same time. It is the most comprehensive approach for addressing all angles when the gut is not happy, off, or is in need of a health reboot. See for yourself… 5 R ProtocolStep 1: REMOVERemove anything that may be negatively affecting the health ..read more

For anyone who has suffered from allergies, sometimes the beauty of spring and the new blooms and colors are not always welcomed. Even though it signals the end of winter and warmer, longer days ahead, for some of us, it can be the start of many irritating symptoms. Today, there are 30% more people suffering from allergies than 30 years ago.   Why do allergies occur? Our immune system is exposed to many more indoor and outdoor allergens as well as additives in foods than ever before! It is a wonderfully elaborate system designed to protect us from harm but sometimes can overreact to ..read more