The discovery of GLP-1 agonists brought a revolutionary change to the management of diabetes, offering a non-invasive approach to help insulin, produced by your pancreas, effectively do its job in regulating glucose levels in the blood. This also prevents rapid deterioration of your pancreas due to diabetes, thereby minimizing your risks of becoming dependent on insulin injections for life. Interestingly, one of the side effects of GLP-1 agonists is weight loss, making this medication an appealing regimen in people who are aiming for a specific goal weight. Although with several properties promoting weight loss, GLP-1 agonists should not be used for the sole purpose of losing weight. Aside from putting yourself at risk of experiencing adverse health effects, GLP-1 agonists must be taken for life to maintain the weight you have previously lost. This means that GLP1-agonists are not efficient, long-term solutions to achieving your weight goals!
What are GLP-1 agonists?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, such as semaglutide (famously known as Ozempic) or liraglutide, are a type of medication used to regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These medications help stimulate the secretion of insulin after eating a meal rich in glucose, thereby preventing too much buildup of glucose in the blood through effectively facilitating its delivery into the cells for energy.1 Additionally, GLP-1 agonists prevent your pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for secreting insulin, from self-destruction, thereby helping to maintain the amount of insulin needed to prevent build-up of sugars in the blood. However, GLP-1 agonists can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, or headaches, which can affect the quality of life in people using these medications.
How do GLP-1 agonists promote weight loss?
GLP-1 agonists cause weight loss by reducing your appetite and promoting early feelings of satiety.2 This means that taking GLP-1 agonists will make you feel full quickly compared to when you are not including these medications in your regimen. Interestingly, appetite reduction associated with GLP-1 agonists may be due to their effects on the receptors in your brain that are responsible for maintaining energy balance and regulating food intake.2 Additionally, experiencing nausea and vomiting while taking these medications will inevitably affect your desire to eat. Once your eating habits are affected, nutritional deficiencies due to lack of food intake may occur! This can affect your body’s regulatory processes and may lead to weakness and fatigue due to problems with energy production, brittle bones from calcium deficiency, and weakened immune system that will put you at risk of infections. Hence, the use of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss is not without health consequences. Liraglutide, for instance, can increase your risks of developing cancer or pancreatitis and have severe implications on your mental well-being.2
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Risk Factors
Stress triggers the release of noradrenaline and cortisol, which are hormones that help your body cope up with the increasing demand to maintain balance within. Unfortunately, these hormones can suppress the secretion of your TSH, thereby causing dysfunction in the thyroid gland.3
Iodine Deficiency
The food you eat everyday can actually affect your risks of developing hypothyroidism. Particularly, iodine deficiency has been the leading culprit of hypothyroidism worldwide since millions of people do not get sufficient amounts of iodine in the diet.1 As previously mentioned, iodine is an important element in thyroid hormone synthesis. Hence, lack of this essential element disrupts the essential process in creating thyroid hormones.
One important source of dietary iodine is seaweed and seafood. In the U.S., many people became iodine-deficient due to lacking a diverse diet that included these foods. Because of this, our regular table salt is supplemented with iodine. This means that, more than likely, if you are cooking with standard table salt, or eat a lot of restaurant or processed food, you will not need additional iodine. If, however, most of your foods are cooked at home with mineral-rich sea salt or Himalayan salt, and you are not eating seaweed and seafood regularly, you should ask your health team if you need to supplement since iodine is typically not added to these kinds of salt.
Selenium
Aside from iodine, selenium is another important element that helps convert thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3), which is the active form of thyroid hormone that is used up by your cells.2 Once selenium levels in the body are low, this process cannot be facilitated effectively, and your cells will not be able to receive adequate levels of active thyroid hormones for growth and energy.
One natural source of selenium is the Brazil nut!4 Traditionally, just 3 Brazil nuts per day was sufficient to supplement your needed selenium; however, mono-cropping and other big-food-industry changes have led to the soil being stripped of much of the selenium the tree needs to create selenium-rich nuts. Because of this, your naturopathic doctor may make a recommendation to use a selenium supplement with a standardized dose, rather than relying on Brazil nuts with unstable levels. However, for many people, especially those without autoimmunity, the Brazil nut is still a wonderful source and will typically provide sufficient selenium.
Medications
Certain medications can affect your thyroid hormone levels and increase your risks of developing hypothyroidism. Amiodarone, which is a medication used to regulate heart rate in people with cardiac problems, can cause damage to your thyroid gland. This medication can cause iodine overload, which can block the synthesis of your thyroid hormones.1 You might be wondering why this can happen knowing iodine is needed to synthesize thyroid hormones. The answer is: your body also cuts off thyroid hormone production when too much iodine is present to maintain optimal thyroid hormone levels!1 This helps nurture balance within. Additionally, medications used to manage epilepsy, such as carbamazepine and valproate, can decrease thyroid hormone levels and eventually cause hypothyroidism.8
The Naturopathic Approach
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Chaker L, Bianco AC, Jonklaas J, Peeters RP. Hypothyroidism. Lancet. 2017;390(10101):1550-1562. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30703-1
- Wang F, Li C, Li S, Cui L, Zhao J, Liao L. Selenium and thyroid diseases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023;14:1133000. Published 2023 Mar 24. doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1133000
- Singh M, Narayan J, Thakur R, Bhattacharya S, Sonkar SK, Ali W. Association of stress and primary hypothyroidism. J Family Med Prim Care. 2024;13(3):1073-1078. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_845_23
- Godos J, Giampieri F, Micek A, et al. Effect of Brazil Nuts on Selenium Status, Blood Lipids, and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(2):403. Published 2022 Feb 16. doi:10.3390/antiox11020403
- Kaur J, Jialal I. Hashimoto Thyroiditis. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; February 9, 2025.
- Shahid MA, Ashraf MA, Sharma S. Physiology, Thyroid Hormone. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; June 5, 2023.
- Bowden SA, Goldis M. Congenital Hypothyroidism. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; June 5, 2023.
- Adhimoolam M, Arulmozhi R. Effect of antiepileptic drug therapy on thyroid hormones among adult epileptic patients: An analytical cross-sectional study. J Res Pharm Pract. 2016;5(3):171-174. doi:10.4103/2279-042X.185717
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are actually found in many areas of the body! These essential microorganisms do not only inhabit your stomach and intestines.
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Supporting Gut Health
Dysbiosis happens when balance in your gut’s microbiota is disrupted, contributing to gastrointestinal conditions and immune dysfunction such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or celiac disease.1 Probiotics fight off this imbalance by acting competitively – fighting for space and resources, preventing pathogenic microorganisms from proliferating and infiltrating the bloodstream and surrounding tissues.1 Interestingly, probiotics have been widely used to reestablish the body’s healthy amount of good microbiota, preventing further infections in people who recently used antibiotics.1
Strengthening Oral Health
Nurturing Immunity
The Naturopathic Approach
To learn more about the benefits of probiotics for your health and wellness journey, talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Bodke H, Jogdand S. Role of Probiotics in Human Health. Cureus. 2022;14(11):e31313. Published 2022 Nov 9. doi:10.7759/cureus.31313
- Martinez JE, Kahana DD, Ghuman S, et al. Unhealthy Lifestyle and Gut Dysbiosis: A Better Understanding of the Effects of Poor Diet and Nicotine on the Intestinal Microbiome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021;12:667066. Published 2021 Jun 8. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.667066
- Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F, Torreggiani E, Rotondo JC. Probiotics Mechanism of Action on Immune Cells and Beneficial Effects on Human Health. Cells. 2023;12(1):184. Published 2023 Jan 2. doi:10.3390/cells12010184
Understanding Peptic Ulcer Disease
Signs and Symptoms
Allopathic Options
Naturopathic Options
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Stress Reduction
Exposure to stressful events and environments can affect acid secretion in the stomach and cause unwanted irritation to the lining that eventually results in ulceration. Hence, your stress levels severely affect regulatory processes within the body! Identifying and reducing stressors with your naturopathic doctors not only help nurture balance within the body, but also challenges yourself to become more proactive and conscious in maintaining optimal health.
Botanical Medicine
- Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis). Marshmallow root contains healing properties that help coat the lining of your esophagus and stomach, thereby forming a barrier that protects your gastric wall from acid and damage.1
- Licorice (Radix glycyrrhizae). Licorice can be a safer and effective alternative to bismuth, which is the drug of choice that helps protect your stomach from destructive acid and pepsin secretions by acting as a barrier while enhancing mucus secretion at the same time.1 Licorice root can increase your blood pressure so, as always, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.
- Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra). Aside from its wonders in healing sore throat, slippery elm helps nurture the protective barrier of the stomach by stimulating mucus production, thereby coating irritated or ulcered lining.2 This wonderful plant can also help improve your bowel habits and reduce problems with constipation.1
L-glutamine Supplementation
As the most abundant amino acid that helps maintain regulatory processes in the body, L-glutamine supports the optimal functioning of your gastrointestinal tract. Glutamine helps regulate the production of inflammatory markers and proliferation of white blood cells, thereby nurturing your defenses against infection and irritation.3 Supplementing your diet with L-glutamine also helps meet the metabolic demands of the body during metabolic stress, such as peptic ulcer disease.3
Nurturing Your Gastric Health
Do you want to learn how? Take the Natural Path to Wellness today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Mohiuddin AK. Alternative Treatments for Minor GI Ailments [retracted in: Innov Pharm. 2020 Feb 25;11(1). doi: 10.24926/iip.v11i1.3940]. Innov Pharm. 2019;10(3):10.24926/iip.v10i3.1659. Published 2019 Jul 5. doi:10.24926/iip.v10i3.1659
- Slippery Elm. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; January 5, 2024.
- Perna S, Alalwan TA, Alaali Z, et al. The Role of Glutamine in the Complex Interaction between Gut Microbiota and Health: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(20):5232. Published 2019 Oct 22. doi:10.3390/ijms20205232
- Malik TF, Gnanapandithan K, Singh K. Peptic Ulcer Disease. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; June 5, 2023.
1. It is good for the heart.
2. It is a good diuretic to reduce swelling.
3. It protects your liver.
4. It boosts your immune system.
5. It is a delicious source of prebiotics.
6. It helps you fight against metabolic syndrome.
Dandelion Root Capsules |
Dandelion
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Dandelion
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Safety and Considerations
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Olas B. New Perspectives on the Effect of Dandelion, Its Food Products and Other Preparations on the Cardiovascular System and Its Diseases. Nutrients. 2022;14(7):1350. Published 2022 Mar 24. doi:10.3390/nu14071350
- Kania-Dobrowolska M, Baraniak J. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds Supporting the Therapy of Co-Existing Diseases in Metabolic Syndrome. Foods. 2022;11(18):2858. Published 2022 Sep 15. doi:10.3390/foods11182858
- Di Napoli A, Zucchetti P. A comprehensive review of the benefits of taraxacum officinale on human health. Bulletin of the National Research Centre. 2021;45(1). doi:10.1186/s42269-021-00567-1
- Pfingstgraf IO, Taulescu M, Pop RM, et al. Protective Effects of Taraxacum officinale L. (Dandelion) Root Extract in Experimental Acute on Chronic Liver Failure. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021;10(4):504. Published 2021 Mar 24. doi:10.3390/antiox10040504
- Clare BA, Conroy RS, Spelman K. The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day. J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(8):929-934. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0152
- Taha MM, Abdelwahab SI. Unveiling a century of taraxacum officinale G.H. Weber ex wiggers research: A scientometric analysis and thematically-based Narrative Review. Bulletin of the National Research Centre. 2024;48(1). doi:10.1186/s42269-024-01194-2
Understanding Crohn’s Disease
Signs and Symptoms
Allopathic Options
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The Naturopathic Approach
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Botanical Medicine
- Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum). This natural remedy supports the immune system and regulates metabolism. Its wonders in managing Crohn’s disease comes from its ability to suppress TNF-alpha, which is an inflammatory marker that rises in the condition.4
- Curcumin (Curcuma longa). This kitchen staple is made up of 70% curcuminoids, which are active ingredients that help block and reduce inflammation. Its wonders in Crohn’s disease comes from its ability to reduce oxidative stress in the intestine, regulate the body’s inflammatory process, and support healing of the intestinal lining.2
And many more!
Nurturing Your Gastrointestinal Health
Before using herbal medicine for your health problems, it is important to talk to your primary care providers and naturopathic doctors to make sure it is right for your case and preference. Additionally, most herbs are not allowed during pregnancy and lactation, so seeking professional help prior to using natural formulas helps to ensure that you and your baby are protected from unwanted side effects and potential harm.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Ranasinghe IR, Tian C, Hsu R. Crohn Disease. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; February 24, 2024.
- Lin Y, Liu H, Bu L, Chen C, Ye X. Review of the Effects and Mechanism of Curcumin in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:908077. Published 2022 Jun 20. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.908077
- Lewis JD, Daniel SG, Li H, et al. Surgery for crohn’s disease is associated with a dysbiotic microbiome and metabolome: Results from two prospective cohorts. Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2024;18(3):101357. doi:10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.05.005
- Liu C, Dunkin D, Lai J, et al. Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ganoderma lucidum Triterpenoid in Human Crohn's Disease Associated with Downregulation of NF-κB Signaling. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2015;21(8):1918-1925. doi:10.1097/MIB.0000000000000439
Understanding Addison’s Disease
Signs and Symptoms
Allopathic Options
Naturopathic Care for Addison’s Disease
Intuitive Eating
Botanical Medicine
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).
With wonderful ingredients that regulate the balance of your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, ashwagandha can help prevent the development of an overactive response against stressors, thereby avoiding unwanted inflammation. To learn more about the wonders of ashwagandha for stress relief, we have the perfect blog post for you!

Rich in glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) which forms a shield that protects your red blood cells (RBCs) from destruction, preventing the uncontrolled development of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can cause toxic effects in the body.2 Interestingly, licorice root also help regulate cortisol levels by acting on 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes, increasing the availability of this hormone to different body tissues and processes.3
And many more!
It is important to remember that the use of herbs is not for everyone and should be explored with your naturopathic doctor to identify the best remedy for your health and preferences. Licorice root, for instance, can raise your blood pressure. Its intake should be supervised by your healthcare provider. Since risks on blood pressure control are associated with the use of licorice root, you may have to explore another herbal remedy for your health or take a deglycerrhated supplement rather than the whole herb, all of which should be guided by your naturopathic doctors. Additionally, most herbs should not be taken during pregnancy or lactation. Consulting with your healthcare provider and naturopathic doctor is crucial to evaluate the safety and risk profile of these natural concoctions.
Nurturing your Adrenal Health
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Munir S, Quintanilla Rodriguez BS, Waseem M. Addison Disease. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; January 30, 2024.
- Sabbadin C, Bordin L, Donà G, Manso J, Avruscio G, Armanini D. Licorice: From Pseudohyperaldosteronism to Therapeutic Uses. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019;10:484. Published 2019 Jul 18. doi:10.3389/fendo.2019.00484
- Methlie P, Husebye EE, Hustad S, Lien EA, Løvås K. Grapefruit juice and licorice increase cortisol availability in patients with Addison's disease. Eur J Endocrinol. 2011;165(5):761-769. doi:10.1530/EJE-11-0518
12/13/2024
Naturopathic Care for Grave’s Disease: Effective Natural Strategies for Autoimmune Hyperthyroidism
Read Now

Understanding Autoimmune Hyperthyroidism
Autoimmune hyperthyroidism, or Grave’s disease, occurs due to the presence of autoantibodies, specifically thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI), which are proteins produced by your immune system that attack your own healthy tissues instead of protecting it from harm. These activate your thyroid-stimulating hormones, thereby stimulating the production of your thyroid hormones and increasing the growth of your thyroid gland.1 High levels of thyroid hormones in the blood can disrupt your cell’s abilities to use and consume energy, causing an imbalance that affects any organ system in the body.
Signs and Symptoms
- Intolerance to heat or warm environments
- Sweating
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Palpitations (rapid or pronounced heartbeat)
- Increased frequency of bowel movements
- Palpable lump in the neck (goiter)
- Warm and moist skin
- Hair loss
- Neck fullness
- Bulging eyes (exophthalmos)
- Vision changes
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Allopathic Options
The Naturopathic Approach
- Magnesium. Patients with autoimmune hyperthyroidism often have decreased levels of magnesium in the blood and supplementation may be needed to prevent nutritional deficiency which can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, palpitations, and insomnia.
- Potassium. Reduced levels of potassium can be present in patients with autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Since adequate levels of potassium in the blood are important to protect your heart from arrhythmias causing harm and damage, potassium supplementation may be required. However, since too much or too little potassium can cause a dangerous, or even fatal, arrhythmia, it is vital to speak to your healthcare providers before supplementing.
- L-Carnitine. L-Carnitine prevents entry of thyroid hormones into the nuclei of the cell, thereby opposing the effects of high thyroid hormone levels.
- Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is also beneficial in reducing the adverse effects of your antithyroid medications, such as growth depression.
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Botanical Medicine
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
- Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
- Black Radish (Raphanus sativa var. niger)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Improving Your Thyroid Health
Author
Kate Nemenzo's passion for holistic health has led her to become a registered nurse who promotes optimal care throughout her patient’s therapeutic journey. When not writing, she spends her time crocheting, watching Korean dramas, and playing the guitar!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
- Pokhrel B, Bhusal K. Graves Disease. [Updated 2023 Jun 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448195/
- Shahid MA, Ashraf MA, Sharma S. Physiology, Thyroid Hormone. [Updated 2023 Jun 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500006/
- Gaby A. Nutritional Medicine. Fritz Perlberg Publishing; 2017.
9/26/2024
Honey for the Bones (and a tangential discussion of medical research into traditional remedies)
Read Now
- Proverbs 16:24

- Research takes a great deal of time and money not typically dedicated to things that are not easily patented to ensure profitability.
- Sometimes our technology has not yet advanced to a point where certain studies can be performed or where their results can be accurately interpreted.
- There is an ongoing issue of a lack of communication between medical researchers and those who are educated and trained in the use of traditional medicines. This can lead to poor-quality research or the application of the wrong substance, dose, or form of the natural medicine being studied. In short, inaccurate results.
Why do researchers investigate traditional remedies? Because they work. If the evidence in support of traditional remedies was not so compelling, the research would not be undertaken. Even when we know that a treatment is effective, modern research helps us understand how it works, and that helps us know how else it can be used to our benefit.
It is easy for us to fall into the trap of thinking that we are at the pinnacle of human advancement and that our ancestors lacked knowledge or understanding. But we are only a point in the line of human advancement. Others will come after us and put rest to things we thought fact and prove things we theorized but were unable to prove.
After all, here we are nearly three millennia later conducting research that supports the wisdom espoused by the Israelites of 700 B.C.
A 2019 literature review (an evaluation of available research) described several potential benefits of honey for bone health:1
- “Honey can protect the bone via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties”
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It contains polyphenols that help to stop the destruction of bone and its reabsorption into the bloodstream.
- Darker-colored honey tends to have more of the beneficial phenolic compounds.
- Several included animal studies showed more rapid fracture healing with the use of various types of honey.
- A combination of eating honey and performing jumping exercises (like rebounding!) improved bone density and diameter in animal studies.
- Likewise, honey plus aerobic dance helped improve muscle performance and reduce bone loss in women.
Humorously, the researchers referred to honey as a potential “novel dietary supplement to prevent osteoporosis.” Hmm…it is amusing to me how researchers have a tendency to lay claim to having discovered the medicines we have been using for thousands of years...
The long list of honey’s beneficial properties do not stop here. In fact, honey is a staple ingredient in many people’s skincare routines! Famous for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, honey is a wonderful ingredient to make sure your skin remains protected and nurtured.
HEALING HONEY
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How to find healing honey:
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Buy local, raw, unfiltered honey when possible.
- Local & unfiltered because it will contain small particles of pollen local to your area which may help reduce your environmental allergy symptoms. Most beekeepers will strain the honey (a.k.a. microfiltration) to remove large particles, but we want to avoid ultra-filtered honey which removes the pollen. Plus, buying local reduces the carbon footprint.
- Raw because honey contains enzymes, vitamins & minerals, proteins & amino acids, and beneficial bacteria that are good for your health but are damaged or destroyed when heated. Buy from someone who doesn’t heat their honey at all or past about 95F, the typical temperature inside a beehive.
- Find a reputable beekeeper. Store-bought honey (in addition to usually being heat processed, ultra-filtered, and not local) is often adulterated with corn syrup or sugar syrup. Local farmer’s markets can be a great place to find quality honey. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort to find someone selling 100% pure honey, your tastebuds (and your bones!) will thank you.
Warning: remember, you should never feed honey to a child under the age of one (1) year. Honey can contain botulism toxin at doses small enough not to harm healthy adults and children, but babies under 1 can not fight off this toxin and can die from consuming honey.
Author
Marney Johnson, ND, MSCI-TS, (she/her) received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Certificate of Natural Childbirth from National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM). Following graduation, she completed a CNME-approved Residency in Naturopathic Medicine with NUNM Health Center, a primary care clinic in Portland, Oregon. There she was trained and practiced in a variety of naturopathic and primary care. She is passionate about supporting the body's ability to heal itself with the support of naturopathic modalities and believes that everyone deserves outstanding care and should feel both safe and heard by those entrusted with their health and wellness.
1. Kamaruzzaman MA, Chin KY, Mohd Ramli ES. A Review of Potential Beneficial Effects of Honey on Bone Health. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:8543618. Published 2019 Sep 19. PMID: 31641368

The Importance of Your Intestinal Lining
Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome
how Diet can affect your Gut Microbiota
High-Fat Diet
High-Carbohydrate Diet
Health Issues Associated With Leaky Gut
Diabetes
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Brain Dysfunction
The 4R Protocol
- Remove: To regain what was lost, it is important to remove harmful pathogens or stressors that may have triggered the imbalance! This step is crucial in helping your body as it heals itself.
- Replace: Replacing the bad with good is another important step to reduce inflammation and reestablish optimal gut health. This can be done through making conscious decisions about the food you eat and taking supplements that help maintain healthy vitamin levels in the body.
- Reinoculate: Introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut is the third step in reestablishing balance. This step ensures that your gut microbiome is within healthy numbers and prevents opportunistic microorganisms in your gut from causing disease. But remember, too much of the wrong kinds of probiotics can lead to uncomfortable side effects.
- Repair: The final step is fixing your intestinal barrier with safe and effective natural options that will help reduce inflammation and intestinal permeability. Talking with your naturopathic medicine advisors will help you discover which natural option is best for your optimal health!
The Naturopathic Approach for Optimal Gut Health
Intestine-Supporting Herbs |
Support Intestinal Function |
Reestablish a Healthy Microbiome |
Intuitive Eating
Botanical Medicine
At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to assisting you in making informed and conscious decisions about your health. We do this through the healing power of nature, allowing you to improve your nutrition and lifestyle choices based on your body’s responses, leading to optimal gut health. Through a balanced, personalized, and mindful approach, we work hand-in-hand in recognizing and addressing your body’s needs. Discover the naturopathic approach to improving your gut health today!
Author
Kate Nemenzo studied in nursing school as an academic scholar. Her passion for holistic health has led her to become a registered nurse who promotes optimal care throughout her patient’s therapeutic journey. When not writing, she spends her time crocheting, watching Korean dramas, and playing the guitar!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
- Aleman RS, Moncada M, Aryana KJ. Leaky Gut and the Ingredients That Help Treat It: A Review. Molecules. 2023;28(2):619. Published 2023 Jan 7. doi:10.3390/molecules28020619
- Chae YR, Lee YR, Kim YS, Park HY. Diet-Induced Gut Dysbiosis and Leaky Gut Syndrome. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2024;34(4):747-756. doi:10.4014/jmb.2312.12031
- Barraclough EL, Hay-Smith EJC, Boucher SE, Tylka TL, Horwath CC. Learning to eat intuitively: A qualitative exploration of the experience of mid-age women. Health Psychol Open. 2019;6(1):2055102918824064. Published 2019 Feb 1. doi:10.1177/2055102918824064
THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESS
AuthorS
Natural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more.
Medical Reviewer:
Marney Johnson, ND, MSCI-TS is a Naturopathic Doctor and Naturopathic Medicine Advisor with a background in allopathic (standard American medicine) medical research, Dr. Johnson, is uniquely qualified to evaluate current scientific research and offer insight to help you make sense of how you can integrate natural medicine into your health plan. She is passionate about the roles of Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Nature in health and constantly seeks new ways to make these accessible through food as medicine, encouraging new, healthy habits, and promoting interaction with Nature in its many forms.
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