naturopath

“Is This a Good Supplement?”

“Is this a good supplement?”


If I could have a dollar for every time I’ve heard that one…💸


Seriously, so many people come to me with a bag of supplements they’ve accumulated because their best friend, aunt, or favorite podcast host recommended them. 🙃


Most are a waste of money.


This post isn’t to sell you supplements or to recommend anything specific. (We reserve that service for our clients.)


What this post IS for is to educate you on supplement quality and what to look for on labels.


1️⃣Look for third-party certifications.

Check for labels like NSF Certified or USP Verified, which ensure the product has been tested for purity and potency. These certifications mean what’s on the label is actually in the bottle—something you cannot always count on with all supplements!


2️⃣ Choose bioavailable forms.

Every vitamin and mineral has specific forms listed on the label. The better forms are easier for your body to absorb and use.

✨For vitamin B12, look for methylcobalamin (not cyanocobalamin).

✨For folate, look for methylfolate (rather than the synthetic folic acid).

✨Chelated minerals (like magnesium glycinate) are typically better absorbed than mineral salts.


3️⃣ Avoid fillers, dyes, and additives.

The shorter the list of “other ingredients” the better.


But most important?


Just because a supplement helped your friend or neighbor does not mean it will help you.


Your nutrient needs are unique to you.


👉🏽 We can help you figure out what your body truly needs and create a tailored plan that delivers the most benefits with the fewest pills.


Schedule an initial visit with Dr. Cantrell to get started with your personalized healthcare protocol! 🔗


#elementnatmed #supplements #naturalmedicine #functionalmedicine #plantbasedsupplements #customhealthcare #naturopath #naturopathicmedicine

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!

Are You Getting Enough Magnesium?

💥 Only 48% of Americans consume the recommended amount of magnesium, but it’s essential for:


✔️ Healthy blood pressure

✔️ Stress management

✔️ Better sleep


Low magnesium can also up your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and migraines 😬


Here are some magnesium-packed meal ideas:


⭐️ Power Snack: pumpkin seeds + almonds + chocolate + banana

⭐️ Salmon Dinner: Salmon + brown rice + spinach + avocado

⭐️ Veggie Bowl: Black beans + sweet potato + cashews + avocado


It’s hard to get the recommended 320 mg for women and 420 mg for men with processed foods but easy with healthy, whole foods!

Are You Making These Heart Health Mistakes?

Sometimes what seems healthy might not be helping. Here are 3 common heart health mistakes:


1️⃣ Only Doing Cardio

Cardio is great, but mix it up! Strength training boosts blood sugar control, and high-intensity bursts are linked to better heart health.


2️⃣ Low-Fat Diet

Low-fat diets aren’t the answer. Healthy fats (like avocado and olive oil) fight inflammation and support cholesterol levels. Plus, “low-fat” foods are often packed with extra sugar.


3️⃣ Stressing Out

Stress is not a badge of honor. It triggers cortisol release and can raise blood pressure over time.


Want better ways to support heart health?

✨ Mix up your workouts with strength, cardio, and HIIT

✨ Add heart-loving fats like avocado and salmon

✨ Find ways to de-stress and prioritize sleep


How do you support your heart health?