Surprising Benefit from Elderberry!

🔥 Looking for natural boosts for your metabolism?

We usually think about elderberry 🫐 for immune support during the cold and flu season, but a new study shows it may also benefit metabolic health.

After drinking 12 ounces of elderberry juice daily for a week, participants experienced:

1️⃣ Improved gut health

Elderberry juice increased beneficial gut bacteria and decreased harmful ones. A healthy gut microbiome is closely linked to better metabolic health.

2️⃣ Better blood sugar control:

Participants had a 24% decrease in blood glucose levels and a 9% decrease in insulin levels, showing improved sugar metabolism.

3️⃣ Enhanced fat burning:

Elderberry juice improved the body’s ability to oxidize fat, especially after carb-heavy meals and during exercise.

What makes elderberries so great?

Anthocyanins ✨

Anthocyanins are phytonutrients (plant compounds) with powerful antioxidant and health-promoting properties, and elderberries contain them in much higher concentrations than most other berries.

It’s all about nutrient density.

As with all supplements, it’s essential to consult a practitioner who can evaluate your unique situation. Even natural options like elderberry juice may not be right for everyone.

👉🏽 Looking for tailored support for metabolic health?

We specialize in personalized care, helping you understand what works for your unique body and goals.

Get started with your personalized health plan by scheduling your first visit today! 💜

#drelizabethcantrell #elderberry #metabolismboost #immuneboost #guthealth #naturalmedicine #naturopath #naturopathic #functionalmedicine #functionalmedicinetesting #colga #columbusga #auburnal #opelikaalabama #personalizedhealthcare

🫚💛 Golden Milk Recipe 💛🫚

It’s National Nutrition Month, and I’m going deep into the benefits of whole-food nutrition and phytonutrients.

One of the most overlooked health foods? SPICES.

Spices are highly concentrated in antioxidants and phytonutrients that support everything from a healthy inflammatory response to immune function, energy, and mood.

Golden milk is a delicious way to warm up while getting the unique benefits of these healing spices.

It’s simple to make and easy to customize:

1️⃣ Warm 1 cup of milk (or your favorite milk alternative) in a saucepan over low heat.

2️⃣ Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener (optional) and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

3️⃣ Add your choice of warming spices: cinnamon (½ tsp), ginger (¼ tsp), turmeric (¼ tsp), and/or cayenne pepper (dash).

4️⃣ Whisk everything together until smooth and steamy, then pour into your favorite mug.

You’ll get a concentrated dose of phytonutrients from spices that support healthy circulation and quell inflammation.

Have you tried golden milk before?

Let me know your favorite add-ins or variations in the comments ⤵️

#elementsnatmed #drelizabethcantrell #drelizabethcantrellnd #naturopath #naturopathic #naturalmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #functionalmedicine #foodismedicine #foodasmedicine #antioxidants #antiinflammatory #colga #columbusga

Nutrients Over Calories!

All calories are not created equal 💥

Let’s take salmon vs. hot dogs:

For the same number of calories, salmon is loaded with healthy omega-3s and B vitamins, but the hot dog? Mostly sodium.

This is exactly what we mean by ✨nutrient density.

Nutrient-dense foods deliver more vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds per calorie, compared to “empty-calorie” foods.

It’s like…

🫐 Blueberries vs. Gummies

For the same number of calories blueberries are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Gummies? Pure sugar.

🍠 Sweet Potatoes vs. Potato Chips

For the same number of calories, sweet potatoes give you beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium.

Potato chips? Processed oils, sodium, and empty carbs.

Whereas any calories will fill you up, nutrient-dense foods actually fuel your health.

They lower inflammation, balance hormones, support digestion, and even reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

✨ That’s why we do things differently around here ✨

We don’t believe in just counting calories. We help our clients transition to nutrient-dense foods that support long-term health.

We’re here to support anyone ready to take their health seriously.

#elementsnatmed #naturalmedicine #columbusga #colga #nutrients #omega3s #bvitamins #nutrition #foodisfuel #fuelyourbody #foodismedicine #foodasmedicine #vitamins #vitaminrich #nutrientdense

Feeling Tired, Moody, or Just Off? 🤔

Feeling tired, moody, or off? 🤔

Read this ⬇️ for 5 common nutrient deficiencies and how they show up.

Modern food systems, lifestyle habits, and even stress can deplete nutrients from our bodies.

Plus, things like gut health or medications can interfere with how we absorb the nutrients we eat.

For example:

✨Magnesium

Magnesium is known as the ‘great relaxer,’ but nearly 50% of people don’t get enough.

Low magnesium can contribute to muscle cramps, anxiety, or restless nights.

✨ Vitamin B12

Needed for energy and brain health, those following a vegan diet or with gut health issues are at risk of low levels.

Low vitamin B12 can contribute to fatigue, numbness, or memory problems.

✨ Iron

Iron carries oxygen through your blood. It can be depleted by heavy or frequent periods.

Low iron can cause anemia, leaving you pale, tired, or short of breath.

✨Vitamin D

Although your body can synthesize vitamin D when exposed to sunshine ☀️, low levels are common.

Low vitamin D can contribute to thinning bones, compromised immune function, and low mood.

✨Zinc

Zinc is needed for immune health and wound healing.

Low zinc can show up as frequent colds, slow healing, or even changes in taste or smell.

So, what’s next?

These are just a few examples of how nutrient deficiencies can impact your health. But everyone’s needs are different.

That’s why we take a personalized approach 🙌🏽

With advanced labs and individualized guidance, we help uncover what’s missing so you can feel your best.

Ready to get started? Schedule a new patient visit with Dr. Cantrell!

HIIT it! :)

New research shows women can benefit in a big way from as little as 3 minutes of high-intensity exercise a day ⬇️

Think activities like: ✨Running up the stairs ✨ Racing to catch a bus ✨Quickly carrying groceries up the stairs

The study analyzed data from thousands of men and women aged 40-69. Participants wore accelerometers for a week to measure daily activity (more reliable than surveys), and then researchers tracked their heart health for more than 8 years.

Results showed:

▪️ Short bursts of movement (even 20-30 seconds) throughout the day added up to big benefits

▪️ Women who performed a total of about 3 minutes of these activities per day had a lower risk of heart attack, heart failure, and other cardiovascular events.

▪️ The benefits were less significant in men.

(PMID: 39467622)

Why does this work?

High-intensity exercise stresses the heart just enough to trigger healthy adaptations ❤️

Here are some ways to get 30-second bursts of activity:

💥 Fast jumping jacks

💥 Run in place with high knees

💥 Race up and down the stairs

💥 Plyometric jumps (up and down on a box or step)

Moving our bodies is so important for overall health. We always encourage our patients to find ways to move that bring them joy. It’s exciting to see research confirm that even small efforts yield big results—without long hours at the gym!

What’s your favorite way to move? Share below!