12 Keys to a Healthier Body and Mind This Year

These days staying healthy isn’t just about avoiding illness – it’s about actively cultivating health and balance in an increasingly complex world. We’re seeing more people struggling with hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue, and anxiety than ever before. Nutrient deficiencies are widespread, often masked by calorie-rich but nutrient-poor diets. Meanwhile, the near-constant stimulation from digital devices and our always-on culture leaves many of us feeling depleted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from our bodies.

We want to share 12 wellness practices that are making a real difference in people’s lives. These are not quick fixes or fads but sustainable habits grounded in science and experience. Each of these practices can help you take back control of your health, starting right now.

1 – Hydrate and Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods

This one should be a no-brainer. Food is medicine and hydration is foundational. Drinking clean, filtered water throughout the day supports digestion, detoxification, and energy. Pair that with a nutrient-dense diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins to nourish your body at the cellular level. Avoid processed foods as much as possible and aim for colorful, whole-food meals that stabilize blood sugar and fuel your metabolism.

2 – Support Natural Detoxification

Our bodies are designed to detoxify constantly, but modern life adds a significant burden. Dry brushing, infrared saunas, and herbal detox teas can support lymphatic flow and elimination pathways. Eating cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauli and kale) and incorporating herbs like milk thistle or dandelion tea can help support liver function and overall detox efficiency.

3 – Exercise with Intention

Movement is non-negotiable. A well-rounded exercise routine includes strength training (2-3 times per week), cardiovascular workouts (like brisk walking or cycling), and flexibility exercises (like yoga or stretching). This mix supports metabolic health, muscle tone, cardiovascular function, and mobility. Maintaining muscle tone not only enhances physical strength and posture but also improves insulin sensitivity and supports healthy aging.

4 – Prioritize Restorative Sleep

Sleep is when your body repairs, your brain detoxifies, and your hormones reset. Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep nightly. Inadequate sleep is strongly associated with increased levels of anxiety, irritability, and emotional reactivity the following day. Create a consistent bedtime routine, dim the lights in the evening, and limit screen use before bed to improve melatonin production and sleep quality. 

5 – Manage Stress Daily

Stress isn’t just emotional, it’s physiological. Chronic stress increases cortisol and disrupts hormone balance, immunity, and digestion. Incorporate practices like meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness journaling daily. Even 5-10 minutes a day can reduce stress and improve resilience.

6 – Supplement To Make Up For Deficiencies

Nutrient deficiencies are on the rise, affecting energy, mood, and hormone balance. Most people can benefit from a few core supplements: vitamin D (especially if you’re indoors often), magnesium (for muscle and nerve health), a quality probiotic (to support gut flora), and omega-3s (for inflammation and brain health). Be sure to get guidance on dosing based on your needs.

7 – Support Gut Health

Your gut influences everything from immunity to mood. Eat fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, and yogurt regularly. Consider digestive enzymes if you experience bloating or sluggish digestion. Limit sugar and processed foods that disrupt the gut microbiome.

8 – Try Time-Restricted Eating

Time-Restricted Eating or Intermittent Fasting doesn’t need to be a short window to eat everything in a day. Eating within a 10-12 hour window each day (such as 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) is enough to give your digestive system time to rest and can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and support weight management. Listen to your body and ease into it gradually.

9 – Reduce Environmental Toxins

Our homes and care products are often sources of chemical exposure. Choose natural cleaning products, cosmetics and soaps, avoid plastic food containers, and improve indoor air with ventilation or HEPA filters. These small changes can lower your body’s toxic burden and support hormonal balance.

10 – Make Time for Self-Care

Self-care isn’t selfish. Whether it’s journaling, walking in nature, seeing friends, or engaging in a hobby you love, intentional time for yourself boosts mood, lowers cortisol, and improves your capacity to care for others.

11 – Track Your Health with Regular Testing

Routine labs can catch imbalances early. Annual blood work that includes key nutrients, thyroid function, inflammation markers, and hormones is key. You can also look at advanced testing to assess gut health, adrenal function, or metabolic markers when needed.

12 – Personalize Your Health Plan

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. By understanding your unique health history, symptoms, and goals, we can develop a personalized wellness strategy that evolves with you over time. Health is a journey, and it should be tailored to fit your life.

Remember: Small, consistent actions create momentum. 

If you need support, we are here to help you navigate and personalize these tools so they make sense for your body and lifestyle.

It’s not too late to make 2025 your healthiest year yet!

Coming Off the Pill? What to Expect and How to Support Your Body

Hormonal birth control has transformed reproductive health, offering women more autonomy and choice than ever before. But while it’s widely used and often helpful for preventing pregnancy and managing menstrual symptoms, its broader effects on hormone balance are often overlooked. This is where a more personalized, root-cause lens becomes invaluable.

Understanding Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal contraceptives come in many forms – pills, patches, injections, implants, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Most contain synthetic versions of estrogen and/or progestin that suppress ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining. These mechanisms are effective for birth control, but they also interrupt the body’s natural hormonal rhythms.

Think of it like putting your body’s hormonal rhythm on pause. The external hormones do the conducting, while your ovaries take a backseat. This approach can help manage symptoms like heavy periods or endometriosis, but it may also lead to unintended imbalances.

How Hormonal Birth Control Alters Hormone Balance

While hormonal birth control can be useful in certain contexts, it isn’t without its downsides. For some women, these include:

  • Suppressed natural hormone production: By turning off the communication between the brain and ovaries, the body stops its normal production of estrogen and progesterone.
  • Disrupted menstrual cycles: The “period” experienced on the pill in on is not a true menstrual cycle. It’s a withdrawal bleed triggered by a drop in synthetic hormones during the placebo week.
  • Mood changes: It’s not uncommon for women to feel emotionally different—more anxious, low, or irritable—while on hormonal birth control. These shifts may be related to how synthetic hormones influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
  • Nutrient depletion: Birth control has been linked to lower levels of several key nutrients, including B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and selenium—critical players in hormone production and detoxification.
  • Impact on the thyroid and adrenal glands: Long-term use can strain the broader endocrine system, especially in women already under chronic stress or with underlying thyroid concerns.

Supporting Hormone Balance Naturally

We often work with women to dig deeper into symptoms and uncover the real story beneath the surface. For those using or coming off hormonal birth control, personalized care often includes thorough lab testing, nutritional support, and lifestyle adjustments.

Hormone panels like DUTCH testing or salivary assays can give a detailed snapshot of estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and other key hormones, helping create a care plan that meets each woman where she is.

Steps to Restore Hormonal Health After Birth Control

Coming off hormonal birth control can feel like a hormonal roller coaster. For some, symptoms like acne, fatigue, mood swings, or irregular cycles resurface. The good news? There are supportive steps that can make the transition smoother:

  • Nourish the body deeply: A colorful, nutrient-rich diet lays the foundation for hormonal healing. Leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, healthy fats, and quality proteins support hormone production and metabolism.
  • Rebuild nutrient stores: Targeted supplementation with a B-complex, magnesium, and zinc can help replenish what may have been depleted over time.
  • Liver love: The liver plays a starring role in processing both synthetic and natural hormones. Foods like beets, artichokes, dandelion root, and plenty of water help it function optimally.
  • Blood sugar balance: Blood sugar roller coasters can wreak havoc on hormones. Prioritizing balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps keep insulin and energy stable.
  • Gentle stress management: Chronic stress is a hormone disruptor in disguise. Incorporating stress-reducing rituals—whether it’s yoga, forest walks, or a few minutes of deep breathing—can support the adrenal glands and overall hormone resilience.
  • Track your cycle: Tuning into your natural rhythm with a journal or tracking app helps identify patterns and supports cycle awareness and ovulatory health.

Additional Considerations Post-Birth Control

Some women experience what’s called post-birth control syndrome, a collection of symptoms that can pop up after stopping hormonal contraception. These can include acne, digestive troubles, mood imbalances, and cycle irregularities.

Gut health often plays a central role here. Hormonal birth control can impact the gut microbiome and even increase intestinal permeability, contributing to systemic inflammation and sluggish hormone clearance. Supporting the gut with probiotic foods, fiber, and gut-healing nutrients like glutamine and zinc carnosine can make a real difference.

Another key area is hormone detoxification. If hormones aren’t effectively metabolized and eliminated, they can recirculate and cause symptoms. Regular bowel movements, a fiber-rich diet, and daily movement help keep detox pathways flowing.

Clinical Tools and Testing Options

To craft an effective, personalized plan, functional practitioners may use a variety of tests, including:

  • DUTCH hormone testing for detailed insights into hormone levels and their breakdown pathways
  • Salivary cortisol testing to understand adrenal health and daily stress patterns
  • Comprehensive stool testing to assess gut flora, inflammation, and digestive health
  • Micronutrient analysis to reveal deficiencies that may be affecting hormonal and mental well-being

These tools, paired with a patient’s health history and symptoms, allow for a nuanced understanding of what’s happening beneath the surface.

For some, coming off birth control is a breeze. For others, symptoms can feel overwhelming. Whether a woman is transitioning off the pill, struggling with side effects, or considering whether hormonal birth control is the right choice in the first place, 

With the right tools, education, and care, restoring balance after birth control is absolutely possible. Book your consultation to get started! 

Sources:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Hormonal Contraception. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org 

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Bitzer PEJ. Effects of hormonal contraception on mood and sexuality. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2024 Dec;97:102560. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102560. Epub 2024 Oct 10. PMID: 39424518.

Saldanha N, Fisher M. Menstrual disorders in adolescents and young adults with eating disorders. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2022 Aug;52(8):101240. doi: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2022.101240. Epub 2022 Jul 28. PMID: 35909056.

Briden, L. (2015). Period Repair Manual. Pan Macmillan.

Burrows, L. J., & Basha, M. (2011). Adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives. Open Access Journal of Contraception, 2, 115–123.