Cholesterol is commonly treated by the medical industry as the source of heart disease and other conditions. However, high cholesterol is usually the symptom of a much deeper imbalance. Cholesterol is a fatty molecule found in the blood that is necessary for the body to function. There are several different forms and the most commonly known are HDL, VLDL, and LDL. High levels of total cholesterol have been linked to cardiovascular conditions. HDL, high density lipoprotein,

Thyroid issues can be frustrating and difficult to navigate. Many people are not aware of the role of thyroid hormone conversion. The pituitary gland releases TSH, which signals the thyroid to produce T4 and T3 (Walker, 2024). 94% of the hormones produced by the thyroid are T4, and only 6% are T3 (Redd, n.d.). Cells require T3, the active form of thyroid hormone, to carry out vital functions (Walker, 2024). When the conversion of T4 to T3 is not operating properly, you may ex

Basal body temperature (BBT) is your body temperature upon waking. It is the lowest temperature that your body will be at during the day (Columbia University, n.d.). Measuring your BBT can help you uncover patterns in your menstrual cycle and potential thyroid hormone imbalances. To measure your BBT, you need to take your temperature every morning at the same time before you get out of bed. Record the reading on a graph designed for BBT tracking. Make sure the thermometer you

Many people regularly take NSAIDs and antacids to calm symptoms. These medications may relieve symptoms, but they do not address the underlying cause of those symptoms and may lead to other health issues. A large concern about regular use of these medications is their impact on gut health. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce pain and inflammation. Common OTC NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. NSAIDs have been shown to cause gut dysbiosi

The HPA axis is the communication system between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. Its main purpose is to manage the body’s stress response through the release of cortisol and adrenaline. This system also affects mood, digestion, reproductive hormones, immune function, and metabolism (Guy-Evans, 2025). Prolonged or intense periods of stress can lead to HPA axis dysfunction. When this system is dysregulated, it can have wide-reaching effects on all of the

The $10 billion dollar antacid market (Carter, 2019) may be addressing the wrong issue. Many people take antacids to address heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion, which are commonly assumed to be caused by the production of too much stomach acid. However, in many cases, these common pills simply mask symptoms while contributing to the deeper issue of low stomach acid. Symptoms that are common for both low stomach acid and high stomach acid are acid reflux, heartburn, pain,

Tired and looking for more energy? Check the produce aisle. Your body requires many nutrients to produce energy, which are found in nutrient dense whole foods. The most important nutrients for energy production are B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc. Iron dysregulation, which occurs because of insufficient magnesium and copper, and sleep also play a role in fatigue and low energy. The best source of natural energy is from an organic whole food diet. Foods rich in B v

As women, so many of us struggle with health issues we feel uncomfortable talking about. Maybe it’s because they’ve been dismissed, misunderstood, or made to feel embarrassing. But the truth is, you are not alone. Listen Here: Or on YouTube: In this episode, Happy Spurling is joined by Dr. Kinsey Worley, who has been treating underserved women and children in the pelvic health niche since graduating with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Because many of her patients often ha

We spend the vast majority of our days indoors. The lack of natural light combined with the prolonged exposure to artificial light can lead to significant health effects, including increased risks for sleep issues, depression, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and cancer. There are ways we can reduce these negative effects while living our daily lives. The spectrum of light emitted by the sun shifts throughout the day. Morning sunlight contains the full spectrum of light, but

Homemade strawberry coconut ice cream we made using simple, whole-food ingredients…no added sugar and it's dairy-free! Watch video here - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYPQxpsKSL3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Recipe: • 2 cups frozen strawberries • 1 can full-fat coconut milk • 1-2tsp raw honey (adjust to taste) • Juice of 1 fresh lime • Zest of 1 lime • 1 tsp vanilla extract • Pinch of sea salt Directions: Blend until thick, creamy, and smooth. Enjoy ri

It’s no surprise to hear we are facing a sugar epidemic. Sugar is addictive, and it’s added to everything we eat, from extreme amounts in soda and sweets to added sugar in ketchup. Listen Here: Or on YouTube: In this episode, Happy Spurling is joined by Dr. Carolyn Dean, MD (the Magnesium Queen), a leading expert in integrative health, with over 35 books and publications to her name, including her book, The Complete Guide to Mental Health. Dr. Dean’s expertise goes beyond tra

Spinach + Sausage Egg Muffins (High-Protein + Blood Sugar Balanced) Ingredients • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 lb pork sausage (or turkey/chicken) • 2 cups spinach, chopped • 16 eggs • 1/2 cup water or milk of choice • 1/2 tsp sea salt • 2 green onions, chopped Directions Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a muffin tray. In a pan over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed, then add spinach and cook u

Hair loss is a common complaint among both men and women, especially as we age. The cause of hair loss can be different for men and women, so an individualized approach is key to supporting hair growth. Some factors, like genetics, cannot be controlled, but other factors can be altered to improve outcomes. These include things like nutrition, stress, hair care practices, and even exercise. Making habit changes can prevent, and in some cases reverse, hair loss. Common causes

We all wear shoes, but how are they affecting our bodies? Your feet are the foundation of your body and how your feet move impacts the entire kinetic chain from your foot all the way up your spine. Choosing shoes that best support natural movement can support your overall physical health. First, let's define the general categories of shoes. Conventional (or normal) shoes have lots of cushioning, elevated heels (known as drop), arch support, narrow toe boxes, motion altering

Most of us take supplements regularly and understand that supplementation can help us achieve health goals. According to 2023 research, 55% of Americans regularly use supplements and consider them to be essential (Council for Responsible Nutrition). Common supplements include: calcium fish oil iron magnesium multivitamins vitamin B12 vitamin D While the nutrients found in these supplements are essential, supplementation should be approached carefully due to nutrient cofactor

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Chicken Pesto High Protein Flatbread! Watch video here - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWy5yPEDlo2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Ingredients Chicken Crust: • 1 lb ground chicken • 1 egg • 2 tbsp almond flour (or coconut flour) • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp Italian seasoning • Salt + pepper Coconut Pesto Sauce: • ½ cup unsweetened coconut yogurt • 2–3 tbsp pesto • Squeeze fresh lemon • Pinch of salt Toppings: • 3 servings tofu (

Maybe Mom was right when she said “clean your room.” Our environment directly impacts our health. From organization and cleanliness, to toxin exposure and air quality, the spaces in which we live and work can change the way we feel physically and mentally. Have you ever walked into a messy house after a stressful day at work and felt your stress level creep up a bit higher? This wasn’t just in your head. A cluttered space has been linked to increased stress, reduced focus, co

Tropical nourishment, layered simply. Watch video here - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV826RUikJz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Creamy coconut chia pudding layered with fresh mango and passion fruit — simple ingredients that fuel the body and taste like sunshine. Recipe: 1 can full-fat coconut milk 4 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp raw honey ½ tsp vanilla 1 passion fruit (pulp + seeds) Whisk together coconut milk, chia seeds, honey, vanilla, and passion fruit. L

The organic food market has been growing rapidly and has outpaced the overall marketplace so far in 2025. There are many reasons why people choose organic over conventional food. Understanding the benefits of organic produce can help you make the best decision for your health and the health of your family. The primary benefit of organically farmed food is that it contains a much lower level of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Many of the chemicals that are authorized f

Bright, refreshing, and full of antioxidants. This Dragon Fruit & Kiwi Smoothie is packed with vitamin C, gut-supportive enzymes, and collagen to support skin, digestion, and natural energy. Perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout nourishment. Dragon Fruit & Kiwi Smoothie Ingredients • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk • 4 oz dragon fruit (fresh or frozen) • ½ kiwi, peeled • ½ lime, juiced • 1 tsp pure maple syrup (optional) • ⅔ oz collagen powder • 5 ice cubes Instruction