by Dr. Taggy Bensaïd | General Health, Immune System Blog Articles | Immune System and Health
Keeping kids healthy through the colder months can feel like a full-time job, especially with travel, family gatherings, and constantly changing routines. But the goal isn’t to shield them from every germ. Part of building a strong immune system is allowing them to develop antibodies naturally, while also providing the support their bodies need so that illnesses are less severe and recovery is faster.
I often explain the concept of a collective immune system to parents. Children benefit when their immune systems encounter common viruses in measured ways, building a library of defenses that prepares them to respond more efficiently in the future. The idea isn’t to prevent exposure completely, but to ensure their bodies have the tools to respond effectively.
This time of year, kids are commonly exposed to colds, flu, RSV, sinus infections, and stomach viruses. Travel and stays in hotels or unfamiliar homes can add hidden challenges, including exposure to mold or allergens in spaces whose histories are unknown. Frequent weather changes, dry indoor air, and the hustle of holiday activities can further strain their immune systems.
Supporting kids through these challenges can be both simple and strategic. Vitamin D is essential for immune modulation, especially in months with limited sunlight, and using a humidifier helps keep nasal passages moist and less susceptible to infections. Thoughtful snacking is another easy support; even if kids are indulging in sweets, choose options that are free from artificial dyes, sweeteners, and high-fructose corn syrup to reduce unnecessary chemical stress.
When it comes to supplements, there are several options that I often recommend for seasonal support. For digestive and gastrointestinal balance, products like GB-Tone and Bioplasma can be helpful. For environmental allergens, Natural D-hist Jr can help them with histamine reaction.
Immune support can be enhanced with grapefruit seed extract and ACS silver. To help support the body’s natural drainage pathways, homeopathic options such as Drainage Tone or Lymph Tones can be considered.
Definitely ask their practitioner for guidance on which products and dosages are appropriate for your child’s unique needs.
Lifestyle habits remain foundational. Encourage hand hygiene without creating fear, make sure children get adequate sleep, and maintain balanced nutrition. Let them have natural exposures in controlled ways so their immune systems can build memory and strength over time.
Supporting kids’ immune systems is about balance and intentional choices. With the right nutrition, thoughtful supplementation, and practical lifestyle habits, children can stay healthier, recover more quickly, and develop the immune resilience they need to thrive through the winter season.
Wishing you a happy and healthy new year
Dr. Taggy
by Dr. Taggy Bensaïd | General Health, Hormones
The holidays are meant to be joyful, but hormonally, they can be one of the most challenging times of the year. I see this every season in practice. Extra commitments, disrupted routines, travel, richer foods, later nights, more sugar and alcohol, and increased chemical exposure all place additional demands on the body. Even people who are generally doing well can notice fatigue, mood changes, sleep disruption, digestive issues, or a return of hormonal symptoms they thought were under control.
What I want clients to understand is that this is not a failure of willpower or discipline. It is a predictable physiological response.
When stress increases, the body shifts its focus toward producing cortisol, our primary stress hormone. Cortisol is necessary and protective in the short term, but when it stays elevated, it begins to affect other hormonal systems. Progesterone can drop, estrogen balance can shift, thyroid hormone conversion may slow, and blood sugar becomes more unstable.
Nutrients are also burned through more quickly. This is why during the holidays I often see more PMS symptoms, cycle changes, anxiety, sleep issues, and that familiar wired‑but‑tired feeling.
At the same time, the liver is working overtime. One of the liver’s key jobs is to metabolize and clear hormones, especially estrogen. During the holidays, that workload increases from richer foods, alcohol, and more processed ingredients. On top of that, there is usually a noticeable rise in chemical exposure from fragranced candles, air fresheners, perfumes, personal care products, cleaning products used for hosting, and plastics from packaged foods and takeout. Many of these chemicals act as endocrine disruptors and can interfere with hormone signaling. When the liver becomes overwhelmed, hormones that should be broken down and eliminated can recirculate, contributing to bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, irritability, and estrogen‑dominant patterns.
Sugar adds another layer. Holiday treats and frequent snacking create blood sugar highs and lows, which place extra demand on insulin and trigger more cortisol release. Over time, this worsens fatigue, cravings, mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disruption. From a hormonal perspective, stabilizing blood sugar is one of the most effective things you can do during this season.
One of the simplest ways to support blood sugar and hormones is to prioritize protein. Especially animal protein providing the full range of amino acids, the building blocks for hormones, neurotransmitters, and detoxification enzymes, and it helps keep blood sugar steady.
During the holidays, meals tend to skew heavier on carbohydrates, so being intentional about including protein at meals can make a noticeable difference in energy, mood, and cravings.
I am also a strong advocate for starting the day with breakfast, especially for women. Skipping breakfast often acts as a stress signal to the body by pushing cortisol higher in the morning. A balanced breakfast with protein, healthy fats, and fiber helps regulate cortisol for the rest of the day and often leads to fewer cravings and better energy later on.
If intermittent fasting is something you are considering, many women do better shifting that fasting window to the evening. Finishing dinner earlier or occasionally skipping dinner between holiday events can give the digestive system and insulin pathways a break without overstressing the adrenals. Cortisol is naturally higher in the morning and is better buffered with food, while evening fasting supports insulin sensitivity and aligns more closely with the body’s natural overnight repair and detoxification processes.
A simple tool I often recommend during the holidays is the use of castor oil packs over the liver and adrenal area. Castor oil packs can support lymphatic flow, encourage liver detoxification, calm the nervous system, and promote deeper rest. Even using them a few evenings per week can feel surprisingly grounding during a busy season.
When food and lifestyle supports are not quite enough, targeted supplementation can be very helpful. Here are some of my favorites for this time of year that address liver and gallbladder support, stress resilience, blood sugar balance, and hormonal health. AF Betafood is commonly used to support bile flow and liver detoxification, especially when meals are richer. Vitamin B1 and inositol can support carbohydrate metabolism, blood sugar regulation, and nervous system function.
For stress and adrenal support, my favorites are Inositol, Drenamin, Cataplex B, and Cataplex B2.
Additional support, such as methylated B’s or NAC, may be appropriate to enhance detoxification capacity and support healthy methylation pathways.
For hormonal glandular support, Symplex F or Orchic may be considered when indicated.
These supports are never one‑size‑fits‑all. Ask your practitioner for further information so dosing and combinations can be tailored to your individual needs and current care plan.
The holidays do not require perfection. They require support. When we nourish the body, stabilize blood sugar, reduce toxic load, and respect hormonal rhythms, we build resilience. If the holidays have historically been hard on your hormones, this season can feel different with the right tools and thoughtful guidance.
Happy Holidays
Dr. Taggy Bensaïd
by Kerry Cradit | Detoxification, General Health
Health is a work in progress. I’m 19 years in and still working. A big part of the reason why we have to keep trying to improve our own health is that we live in an environment that is filled with toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis. That is the toxic soup that we are swimming through every single day.
Symptoms possibly related to toxicity are: Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Cancer, Fatigue, Infertility, Allergies, Behavior and/or Mood Disorders, Neurological Conditions (tremors), Headaches, Skin Issues (eczema, breakouts), Digestive Problems (bloating, diarrhea, GERD), Cognitive Difficulties, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Brain Fog, and Sinus Congestion.
There are toxins in our air, water, food, homes, and products we use on our bodies.
Amalgam fillings that contain mercury, silver, and tin are in many mouths. Aluminum from cans, anti-perspirants, and antacids. Lead can come from old construction/paint, water (lead pipes), and firearms/bullets.
Some environmental chemical toxins that can disrupt hormones are :
- Phthalates: Plastic and personal care products. Disrupt testosterone synthesis.
- Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, firefighting foam, aka “forever chemicals”.
- Pesticides: Agricultural chemicals like DDT and atrazine, which can mimic or block hormones.
- Bisphenol A (BPA): Plastic bottles and food can linings. Mimic estrogen and bind to estrogen receptors.
I tell clients, you can’t live in a bubble. I want to go out and enjoy life on this earth. But we can do some things to try to minimize exposure whenever we can. It may not be possible to be toxin-free. But making some small changes can decrease our toxic load.
Here are some ways you can support your detoxification pathways:
- Make sure you are having healthy bowel movements 2 – 3 times per day. A healthy gut is most important to help with the elimination of toxins from the body.
- Filter your water and drink an adequate quantity to support your kidneys. Distilled water is a good option, or Mountain Valley bottled water, which comes in glass bottles.
- Drink some warm water with lemon in the morning (maybe instead of coffee).
- Consider a shower filter or whole whole-house filter to reduce toxic load.
- Use healthy bath and body and skin care products. A good resource for this is ewg.org.
- Avoid using anti-perspirants that have aluminum. Humble is a great option that we carry in the office.
- Use glass instead of plastic whenever possible. Glass water bottles. Glass dishes for food storage. And, don’t reheat in plastic in a microwave.
- Cookware should be stainless steel, ceramic, or glass.
- Use castor oil packs on the liver to help that pathway of drainage.
- Dry skin brushing can help with lymphatic flow.
- Make exercise/movement a daily habit.
- Use a sauna to sweat out toxins and improve circulation.
- Ask your Practitioner about binders and other supplements to help with your individual detox needs.
Start making some changes today that can greatly, positively impact your future health (and the health of your family/kids/grandkids, too). We’re here to help you on your journey.
Yours in health,
Kerry Cradit, B.S. Nutrition and Food Science.
Reference: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/13/10/1347 – Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds: An Overview on Their Occurrence in the Aquatic Environment and Human Exposure
by Dr. Kaila Piekarski | General Health
With the winter months just ahead of us, we’re about to see a shift in immune function from person to person based on how burdened their system is and how prepared it is to fight incoming invaders. The immune system can only protect us at maximum capacity if its current pathogen count and overall toxicity load is at a “systems low”. The more your body is working to clean up messes and focusing on already unwelcome guests, the less it has to give to the given stresses of seasonal change and common person-to-person illnesses. So, what if staying healthy through the cold months was less about flu shots and actually more about cleaning up your body as a whole, systemic detox, head to toe. The best way to do this, is to take care of and give lots of loving attention to your great lymphatic system.
Your lymphatic system, the river of life, quietly flows beneath the surface, supporting immunity, detoxification, and over-all well being. It cleans up metabolic and biological debris, takes up an active role in the inflammatory response, helps to prevent swelling, and keeps us resilient against infections and foreign invaders.
We often hear our lymphatic system referred to as “the sewer system” of the body. But it’s more like a recycling and sanitation center, intricately connected as one long drain where wastes are collected and immune cells are released to arrest threats, acting as the “neighborhood watch” and defending you against any threat that comes for your well being. It helps with fluid balance, digestion and elimination, and gives your skin its radiant, healthful glow. Inside the lymphatic system we find lymph fluid, a translucent and somewhat milky-white water-like substance that nourishes and cleanses every cell and system of the body. Like a warm, herbal, spa-inspired milk bath, but for our insides. Our entire body literally bathes in lymph fluid. And just as bath water needs to be refreshed for each next bath, your lymph fluid, too, needs flushing and refreshing. It requires daily self care and maintenance to help eliminate toxic wastes from building up and backing up the body’s systems.
There are many ways you can take care of your lymphatic system, but the very first step is to do the Big 6 Lymph Reset (from Dr. Perry Nickleston at Stop Chasing Pain). Like a vast network of rivers and tributaries, your lymphatic system flows in one direction and reaches from head to toe, your outermost extremities to your deepest organs and tissues. You have twice as many lymphatic vessels as the circulatory system, and many lymph nodes concentrated in areas of the body like the armpits, breasts, groin, and posterior knees, the brain, gut, sinuses and even the mouth. The Big 6 focuses on the six areas of the body where the lymph nodes are larger and deeper than the rest of the lymph nodes in the body. Think of these as lymphatic “hubs”, like large reservoirs that collect lymph fluid to inspect and clean before it gets pushed out to its next cleansing and sanitation site. These reservoirs need to be flushed and drained every day in order to prevent stagnation and potential clogging of the system, resulting in poor flow that backs up the detoxification process and eventually causes swelling.
Now that you’ve refreshed your reservoirs, all the lymph you move after that will have somewhere to go. Unlike your circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump to keep fluid moving. That means you are the pump and by moving and breathing, we are creating tiny contractions and pulsations that push the lymph fluid through its network of vessels. While these involuntary movements (movement and breathing) are occurring all throughout the day, we still want to be a bit more intentional about actively supporting and taking care of our lymphatic system. Make it a priority to create a lymphatic self care routine that works for you. Here are some simple ways you can support your lymphatic health every day. You don’t have to do everything, but the more you can do, the better you will feel.
Daily Self-Care Ideas for Taking Care of Your Lymphatic System:
- A daily movement practice like rebounding, swimming, yoga and pilates are excellent activities that stimulate lymph flow naturally.
- Sweating by means of sauna or activity to support detox and movement of lymphatic fluid.
- Dry brushing and light touch, lymphatic massage direct lymph fluid and flow, supporting natural detox pathways.
- Deep breathing and other forms of breathwork expand and open the chest, diaphragmatic breathing helps lymph in this area to move along, encouraging clearing and relaxation.
- Stay hydrated. “Lymph” in Greek translates to “water”, so keep your rivers of immunity flowing with good quality, clean water. Ideally pure H2O in the form of steam distilled water. A well hydrated body keeps lymph fluid flowing effortlessly.
- Eat hydrating fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and high quality fats. Everything else contributes to toxic wastes your lymphatic system needs to clean up and remove.
- Include anti-inflammatory herbs and spices into your diet. Herbs like turmeric, ginger, and garlic have known medicinal properties and anti-inflammatory contributions. Dandelion root tea, red clover, cleavers, chlorophyll and concentrated greens are all great for cleansing the liver and blood.
If you found this information to be helpful, be sure to tune in over at the Holistic Health Academy where I’ll be hosting a Love Your Lymph challenge and minicourse where we will go more in-depth on this incredible system.
Now, go show your lymph some love!
Dr. Kaila Piekarski, ND
by Mikaela Cradit | General Health, Immune System Blog Articles | Immune System and Health
Every year, right around October, we hear the same phrase on repeat: “It’s flu season.”
Pharmacies, commercials, and even grocery stores all warn us that the flu is lurking and that the
solution is simple—line up for your vaccine. But here’s the truth: there isn’t a magical “flu
season” when a virus suddenly becomes more powerful. Instead, our environment and habits
shift in ways that make us more vulnerable to illness.
So, what’s really happening this time of year?
- Cold weather drives us indoors- Less fresh air and more time in close quarters.
- Sugar overload- Halloween kicks off months of candy, baked goods, and holiday treats.
- Sugar suppresses the immune system for hours after we eat it, leaving us more prone to catching bugs.
- Less sunshine = less vitamin D- As days shorten, our natural vitamin D production drops, weakening immune resilience.
- Dry air- Cold, dry air dries out our nasal passages, which are part of our body’s first line of defense against pathogens.
- Stress and schedule shifts- Back-to-school, holiday planning, and end-of-year pressures take a toll on rest and circadian balance, making it harder for the body to defend itself.
The combination of these factors—not an aggressive virus—explains why more people get sick
this time of year.
In my opinion, the term flu season is more about marketing than medicine. By labeling a time of
year as “dangerous,” industries can push flu shots, over-the-counter cold remedies, and
immune-boosting products in one sweep. It’s not that prevention tools are bad, but the narrative
often oversimplifies the real root causes of illness. Instead of focusing on the
immune-weakening lifestyle shifts of fall and winter, the spotlight is put on one single virus.
You don’t have to feel doomed to get sick once the leaves change color. Here are some natural
ways to stay resilient:
- Prioritize Vitamin D- Get outside daily when possible, and consider supplementation.
- Cut down on sugar- Enjoy treats mindfully, but balance them with whole, nutrient-dense meals.
- Stay hydrated- Moist nasal passages and a well-hydrated body are less susceptible to infections. Consider a nasal rinse daily.
- Boost your immune system naturally- Herbs like elderberry, echinacea, and astragalus can help, along with foods rich in vitamin C and zinc.
- Keep moving- Exercise keeps the lymphatic system flowing and drains out toxins.
- Rest well- Prioritize sleep—your immune system does its best repair work while you’re resting.
- Fresh air & circulation- Open windows when you can, or use air purifiers to keep indoor air clean.
Next time you start to see “flu season” ads everywhere, remember: what’s really
happening is a season of lifestyle shifts. The good news is that by being proactive, you can
strengthen your body’s defenses and stay vibrant all season long.
With health,
Mikaela Cradit, CNHP
by Crystal Gordy | Pet Health
As a holistic pet health coach, I believe true wellness starts in the bowl. More and more pet parents are waking up to the fact that commercial pet food—especially highly processed kibble—isn’t the gold standard it was once marketed to be. Instead of providing nourishment, many of these foods silently contribute to chronic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, skin issues, and premature aging. One of the least talked about but most harmful culprits? AGE’s – Advanced Glycation End Products. Let’s dig in.
What Are AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products)?
AGEs are compounds formed when proteins or fats react with sugars during high-temperature cooking—such as baking, roasting, and frying. They’re found in large amounts in dry kibble and canned pet foods due to the manufacturing process (called extrusion). This creates food that may be shelf-stable—but not biologically nourishing. In pets, AGEs can: accelerate cognitive decline, increase systemic inflammation, damage cardiovascular and kidney tissues, weaken joints, and connective tissue. While the body can handle a small amount of AGEs, chronic ingestion over time—especially in animals that eat the same processed meal every day—can overwhelm natural detox pathways and contribute to chronic disease and early aging.
The holistic approach to pet nutrition as a holistic pet coach isn’t just to eliminate what’s harmful—it’s to restore balance, build vitality, and support the body’s natural healing intelligence. Nutrition is the cornerstone. Here’s what I emphasize in my practice. Focus on feeding your pet fresh, whole foods. These foods are rich in natural enzymes, moisture, and unaltered amino acids that pets can actually utilize. Include plenty of muscle meats (chicken, beef, turkey, lamb), organs (liver, kidney, heart) in small amounts, healthy fats (omega-3s from sardines, flax, krill), and bone broth for some good gut support
You’ll want to make sure you are rotating your pets’ protein sources. Variety prevents food sensitivities and gives your pet access to a broader spectrum of amino acids and micronutrients. Limit or eliminate highly processed kibble- even “premium” brands often undergo extreme heat treatment, which denatures nutrients and ramps up AGE formation. Lastly, you want to balance your pet’s meals. If you are home-cooking or preparing raw meals, make sure the calcium-phosphorus ratio is right and micronutrients are properly supplemented.
Our pets rely on us to make the best decisions for their health. Choosing food that’s alive, clean, and close to nature gives them the best shot at a long, vibrant life. Avoiding AGEs is just one part of the puzzle—but it’s a powerful one. By shifting toward fresh, low-heat meals and nutrient-dense ingredients, we create the foundation for true holistic healing. You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Start by adding just 10% fresh food to your pet’s current diet and notice the difference—in their coat, energy, digestion, and overall mood. Because when we feed the body what it truly needs, healing becomes the natural state.
Need help designing a custom holistic meal plan for your pet? Book a wellness visit with me at our office— let’s craft a plan that supports your animal’s unique needs, naturally.
Crystal Gordy, Certified Holistic Pet Health Coach
by Kerry Cradit | General Health
In case you haven’t heard Dr. Schmidt talking about the latest greatest test, the MVX Plus, here is some information about it. This is a test that isn’t like any other lab test.
Metabolic Vulnerability Index (MVX) measures metabolic health by assessing the levels of specific biomarkers in the blood related to both metabolic dysfunction and inflammation. These biomarkers, measured using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, are then used to calculate a composite score that reflects a person’s overall metabolic vulnerability and risk of mortality.
Initially, when I tell people about this test and that it shows risk of mortality, some people don’t want to have it done. But what I would say about that is: this test can direct us how to lower that risk. It can show us things we haven’t uncovered that need to be addressed. It can help us look at things differently. We have solutions to help improve the numbers if that is needed. It can tell you if you are on the right path.
The markers:
- Metabolic Vulnerability Index (MVX) relates to the overall score on the test. We tell people we want your score under 35.
- Inflammation Vulnerability Index (IVX) – if this is high, it can indicate a possible infection in the body. We can’t diagnose. But this number can indicate the need to support the immune system.
- GlycA is another marker that primarily relates to the immune system and inflammation.
- Small HDL Particles – if this is too low, this can mean there is toxic overload in the body.
- A citrate level out of range can indicate the need for detoxification and provides information about the function of the mitochondria and cellular energy production.
- Metabolic Malnutrition Index helps us look at your nutritional status. It can tell us if you need B vitamins (B1 specifically) and your levels of amino acids (valine, leucine, and isoleucine). A person can be malnourished because they aren’t getting enough of a nutrient, or if they aren’t absorbing or digesting their nutrients well.
This test is a tool to help us focus on the correct area of concern in your body. We have learned a great deal by using this test on hundreds of clients so far. Ask your Practitioner if this might be a good test for you to assess your overall health and see what you should work on.
For more information on this test check out Dr. Schmidt’s YouTube or TikTok to find out more.
Looking forward to seeing you soon and helping you more with your health.
Yours in health,
Kerry Cradit, B.S. Nutrition and Food Science
by Dr. Taggy Bensaïd | Health & Wellness Tips
If you’re doing everything “right” — following your food plan, staying active, getting adjusted — but your weight just isn’t budging… it might be time to focus on one of the most overlooked systems in the body: the lymphatic system.
At the Nutritional Healing Center, we often refer to it as the “sewer system” of the body. It’s responsible for carrying away toxins, infections, excess fluid, and waste. When this system becomes sluggish, it can result in weight retention, bloating, fatigue, and chronic inflammation — even if you’re doing all the right things.
Let’s take a deeper look at what might be causing a backed-up lymphatic system — and what you can do about it.
🧬 What Causes a Sluggish Lymphatic System?
We often find that lymphatic stagnation doesn’t have a single cause — it’s usually the result of a combination of stressors that we regularly test for in the office:
1. Hidden Infections
Chronic infections — whether viral, bacterial, mold-related, or even from past dental work — can overload the lymphatic system. These infections might not cause acute symptoms but can still quietly tax your immune system and drainage pathways.
2. Toxic Load
Everyday exposures from pesticides, plastics, cleaning products, and processed food ingredients can create toxic buildup. If your detox systems — including your lymph — are overwhelmed, toxins stay in circulation longer than they should.
3. Lack of Movement
Unlike the heart, the lymph system doesn’t have a built-in pump. It relies on muscle contraction to move. Sitting too much or not moving enough can lead to pooling of lymph — especially in the legs, hips, and abdomen.
4. Dehydration and Mineral Deficiency
Lymph is made mostly of water. If you’re not properly hydrated — or lacking essential minerals — your lymph can become thick and sluggish, making drainage more difficult.
🚨 Common Signs of Lymph Stagnation
You may benefit from lymphatic support if you notice:
- Swelling or puffiness (especially in the face, ankles, or hands)
- Bloating that doesn’t resolve with diet changes
- Brain fog or sluggish thinking
- Chronic fatigue or “heaviness”
- Stubborn weight, even with effort
✅ Simple Ways to Support Your Lymphatic System
Here at NHCAA, we’ve found that patients respond extremely well to the following at-home and in-office tools:
1. Dry Brushing
Use a natural-bristle brush on dry skin before your shower. Brush toward the heart using light, sweeping motions. This helps stimulate lymph flow and exfoliates the skin.
2. Vibration Plate or Rebounding
We offer whole-body vibration therapy in the office, which stimulates lymph flow through subtle muscle contractions. If you have a mini-trampoline (rebounder) at home, a few minutes daily can also help.
3. Contrast Showers
Alternate between hot and cold water at the end of your shower. The temperature shift stimulates blood and lymph circulation — and many patients feel more energized afterward.
4. Use the Sauna
We offer infrared sauna sessions at the practice, which support lymphatic flow, circulation, and detoxification. Sweating is one of your body’s most natural (and effective) ways to release toxins.
💧 Stay Hydrated — But Add Minerals
It’s not just about drinking water — it’s about absorbing it effectively.
We recommend adding Celtic sea salt to your daily routine:
- Aim for up to 2 teaspoons per day, spread out
- Add a pinch to each glass of water or sprinkle over food
- This helps your cells retain hydration and supports healthy lymph flow
Ask your practitioner if you should be tested for mineral deficiencies. Many patients we see are low in essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium , all of which play key roles in detox and hydration.
🌿 Ask About Targeted Supplement Support
Your practitioner may also recommend herbal formulas that test well for your body. These are some of my favorite for lymph stagnation along with immune system support
- Lymphonest and Lappa are both gentle purifiers to support lymph drainage, blood and immune defense
- Lymph-tone, a gentle homeopathic blend that can easily be taken by kids and adults
- LymphActiv, a botanical blend for stimulating lymphatic movement and reducing inflammation
Remember, supplements should always be tested and customized to your individual needs. Don’t guess — ask!
If you’re still feeling stuck, ask your practitioner about running the MVX+ blood test. This panel gives insight into:
- Inflammation levels
- Possible hidden infections
- Toxic burden
- Immune system status
This testing gives us real, objective data to identify the deeper causes behind your symptoms, and guides a more precise, effective plan.
At the Nutritional Healing Center, our goal is always to find the root cause behind symptoms like weight retention, fatigue, and inflammation. Often, the lymphatic system plays a much bigger role than people realize — and the good news is, it’s something we can support naturally.
Whether it’s through daily dry brushing, sauna sessions, vibration therapy, proper hydration, or targeted supplements , there are simple, powerful tools you can use to feel better and move forward on your health journey.
Bring it up at your next visit. We’ll work together to assess where your lymph system stands — and create a plan that supports detox, energy, and sustainable weight release.
Call the office or ask at your next appointment to learn more about sauna sessions, lymph testing, or the MVX+ blood panel. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Dr. Taggy Bensaïd, ND
by Kerry Cradit | General Health
I want to help you be the best version of yourself.
Symptoms are warning signs. They are a red flag that something is not right or out of balance in your body. They are not “normal” things you have to live with. Pain, headaches, swelling, congestion, mood disturbances, digestive problems, and many other symptoms are signals that something in your body needs attention. The good news is your body has amazing potential to repair and thrive given the right support.
Given the correct nutrient rich foods, adequate sleep, and exercise your body can function well. Supporting your organs, detoxification pathways, and immune system with supplements can help with the body’s ability to improve, too.
Steps to take to feel your best:
Find your why.
- Why do you want to feel better? Your “why” is what will help you stay motivated.
- What do you want to change?
- Why does something need to change?
- I want to feel better or I want to lose weight are a good start. But, often you need to be more specific with your why. Better “whys” might be: I want to have more energy to keep up with my grandson. Or, I want to wake up without pain. Or, I want look fantastic in the perfect dress for my daughter’s wedding.
Set Targets and Goals.
- Set long and shorter term goals. Big changes can take time and setting interim targets can help get to the overall goal more easily.
- Short term goals could be 7 days of no sugar or 30 days of meal prepping or exercising three days per week.
- Longer term goals could be things like three months of no sugar, 30 minutes of exercise every day, weight loss, less inflammation, better energy.
- Having a specific goal will give you direction and purpose.
- Reward yourself (not with food) for achieving the goals.
Plan for change.
- Determine how you can implement the changes and how you can make the changes happen in your busy day.
- Prepare meal ideas and recipes for the week or month ahead.
- Make lists of go-to meals and find easy, healthy recipes to use.
- Meal prep ahead of time.
- Schedule time for exercise.
Feeling your best is about progress, not perfection. Take small, intentional steps to lead to big, lasting change and improvement. Be strong and persevere in the face of challenges.
Be well in your body and mind. Be able to learn and experience new things.
Be hopeful and know you can create a future for yourself and your family that is healthy and happy.
Yours in health,
Kerry Cradit, B.S. Nutrition and Food Science
by Mikaela Cradit | General Health
We’re surrounded by products and environments that, whether we realize it or not, influence our hormones—from the plastics in our kitchen to the scent in our laundry soap. Over time, this exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can contribute to imbalances like PMS, thyroid issues, infertility, adrenal fatigue, estrogen dominance, and more.
The good news? You can make simple, holistic changes to create a hormone-safe home that supports your body’s natural rhythm and resilience. Here are a few things to consider if you’re trying to improve the influence your home has on your health.
Clean up your personal care products
Your skin absorbs what you put on it, and many mainstream beauty products contain hormone-disrupting ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
What to Do:
- Switch to fragrance-free or naturally scented lotions, shampoos, deodorants, and makeup.
- Look for certifications like EWG Verified.
- Use apps like Think Dirty or Yuka to scan for clean products.
Detox your cleaning supplies
Household cleaners are one of the biggest sources of indoor toxins. Many include ammonia, chlorine, and synthetic scents that can mimic or block hormones.
What to Do:
- Replace harsh cleaners with natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, or castile soap.
- Use essential oils (tea tree, lemon, eucalyptus) for antimicrobial effects and fresh scent.
- Choose non-toxic brands like Branch Basics, Dr. Bronners, Puracy, or Blueland.
Ditch plastic in your kitchen
Plastics, especially when heated, release xenoestrogens—chemical compounds that mimic estrogen in the body.
What to Do:
- Store food in glass or stainless steel containers.
- Cook with ceramic, stainless steel, or cast iron instead of Teflon/non-stick cookware.
- Avoid microwaving food in plastic, be picky about what you’re storing food in.
- Choose beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap.
- Swap out plastic water bottles for glass or stainless steel.
Freshen the air naturally
Air fresheners, candles, and synthetic scents can contain phthalates—known to disrupt hormone signaling.
What to Do:
- Open windows as much as you’re able for fresh air. Consider checking the air quality in your area first.
- Diffuse pure essential oils for scent (avoid “fragrance oils”).
- Use beeswax or coconut wax candles with natural wicks (like cotton or wood).
- Add plants like peace lilies, ferns, or spider plants to naturally purify air.
You don’t need to change everything in your life overnight. Start small—swap out one product at a time and notice how your body responds. Since we spend so much time there, our homes should be our sanctuary—a space that supports the body’s natural cycles and invites hormonal harmony. Be sure to reach out to your practitioner to see what brands and DIY things that they incorporate into their lifestyle.
Mikaela Cradit, CNHP
