Unless you've missed my previous posts, you probably know that I had a baby this summer. She and I are doing great and enjoying getting to know one another. I have restarted seeing patients and have switched my practice to being solely telemedicine. Changes abound in my life and I thought it would be useful to record a few thoughts and share them.

First of all, the human body is amazing and I am so grateful for mine! My labor and delivery was amazing  - I had my baby with a group of midwives here in Utah. It was, of course, hard work - but it was also like a dream. I feel incredibly empowered now having gone through that experience. I am so grateful for the folks at Wasatch Midwifery and Wellness for keeping me and baby safe and caring for us so well - and believing in me/us! Our midwife Adrienne and birth assistants and my doula Kylee (owner of Utah Valley Doulas) were our biggest cheerleaders. 

Second of all, I don't recommend suddenly getting Covid one month into being a new parent. It was really, truly awful. I was even triple vaccinated and still felt terrible. It turns out that severe sleep deprivation, healing from birth and increase in stress are a bad comb... and then when you add in a novel virus, it's just a mess. My husband Peter and I were down for the count for just about two weeks. The good news? Our baby did great! She was wondering why we were laying down so much, I think. My insight: sleep is even more important now than it was before. Even just 20 minute naps are worth the effort for me because I know they help me maintain my mental health and my immune system health!

Third, I haven't mentioned in my blog but have been wanting to write a post about this  - I finally got hearing aids and it has changed my life! I have known for quite some time that I have some moderate healing loss. I had my hearing evaluated at the University in May and was diagnosed with a "cookie bite" hearing loss pattern - I have lost hearing in the mid range - but can still hear high and low frequencies pretty well. It finally explained why I couldn't hear Peter's voice! Anyway, I knew I wanted to be able to hear our daughter so I decided to get hearing aids and it has been great. I can hear so much more - plus it makes for easy hands-free calling and listening to music and podcasts while baby is sleeping on me. There is a stigma around treating hearing loss  - especially for older generations. I hope that stigma is disappearing! Being able to hear and communicate effectively is awesome!

So there's a few thoughts from a 11+ year Naturopath and 4.5 month mom. Hope you are well wherever you are and happy Thanksgiving!

I am pro choice. As a healthcare provider I don’t think that would come as a surprise to you. Autonomy over our bodies, including our reproductive systems, is essential to overall physical health and mental health. 

The news of the overturning of Roe at the Supreme Court last Friday June 24 was upsetting for me as it was for so many. As a woman. As a pregnant person and soon-to-be mother. As a citizen of the US but, more troubling, a citizen of the state of Utah…. I feel fear and anger about the ruling. Here in Utah our lawmakers have created a “trigger law” to go into effect after Roe which will greatly limit access to abortion but also potentially have ripple affects not yet even considered. 

So, you could have gotten all of that information from a news post— what makes my take different? Well, first of all I’m a uterus owner and those of us with uteruses know the fear and concern over the health and well-being of our reproductive organs. Having safe choices about the care of about my body parts is really important! Being a healthcare provider I am acutely aware of the importance of access to proper healthcare for my patients and the population at large. Second of all I am pregnant and as a pregnant person I would never, ever wish an unwanted pregnancy on someone. This is HARD work and being pregnant does not magically turn someone into a loving parent. There’s a lot that goes into it beyond the baby developing over 40 weeks…. Money, time, MONEY, healthcare access, safety, housing, access to food, support of family and community, etc. That doesn't even touch on the resources necessary to raise that child. Third of all my husband and I used assistive reproductive technology (ART) to get pregnant. I hope to share more of this story in the future, but for now I’d like to say - it’s tough and these new restrictions could make awesome outcomes like our little girl more difficult, impossible or even life-threatening for those trying to conceive. That includes me if we decide we want to try to get pregnant again in the future. That is absolutely heartbreaking. 

So back to Friday. I was upset for me, my unborn daughter, for other women, for other folks with uteruses, for poor folks, for partners, for men, for children… for everyone who has benefited from birth control, abortion and the right to bodily control (that's pretty much everyone!). I made a sign and went to a rally at the Utah state capitol. It felt so good to stand in solidarity with other people who felt the same way. It felt good to cry and shout and show this is important to me. 

What now? Well things are a little shaky right now in Utah. As of yesterday 6/27 the courts have granted a stay for the next two weeks on abortions and then after that - I don’t know. But, I do know that there are many local organizations which could use additional financial support -- here the best option is the  Utah Abortion Fund 

Thanks for reading and considering how abortion = healthcare. Abortion is a healthcare option and should always be available for you, me and future generations.

I have some exciting news! My husband and I are expecting a little baby (a girl) this Summer 2022! I am overjoyed to finally share the news with my practice. Having worked with so many amazing moms, I am delighted to also be going through this experience myself. I am so inspired by you all!

Transitioning into motherhood when you're a solo business owner is a tricky endeavor! I have wanted to share the news for so long but have hesitated while I created a plan for how I would continue to care for patients while I am on maternity leave.

So what's the plan for maternity leave?

• I have temporarily suspended new patient visits and free discovery calls for the time being in order to focus on existing patients only. 
• I will be out of the office starting July 11, 2022.
• My plan is to remain on maternity leave for around 3 months (until mid to late October). If plans change, I will, of course, let you know.
• While I am out of the office my virtual assistant will continue to answer the phone and attend to basic needs, forwarding anything more urgent directly to me. 
• Lab orders and medication refills for existing patients will be taken care of well in advance of my leave. Understand that refilling medications is always most efficiently handled by calling your pharmacy who will contact me. For other questions/issues on these topics call the office or send a message to me on charm. 
• I will be answering messages and attending to patient business at least once per week starting September 1. Between mid-July and September 1, understand communication with me will probably be spotty and slow.
• My intention with my plan is to give myself plenty of time to start the transition into my new role, take care of myself and our new daughter while also not losing track of you! 
• Please understand that reality may differ from this plan, but I will do my best!
• For patients wishing to work with an alternative provider in my absence, I am happy to refer to Dr. Erin Carner and Dr. Kate Miyagi. I trust both of these providers. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I am excited and nervous for this new chapter, but I have received so much amazing support from my patients already.... so, thank you all! 

​-Dr. Katie

 Close on the heels of my last supplement release are 6 more products I am sure you will love. The F series is all about the foundation of a healthy supplement regimen. I created each of these with my patients’ needs in mind because we all need a good foundation in order to be our most vital. 

Click here to buy the F Series! Continue reading to learn more...

F1 - Pre-Natal Multivitamin - This pre-natal multivitamin contains many of the nutrients someone preparing to become pregnant, someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding needs. In my practice I will often prescribe this to patients who may not be pregnant or preparing to become pregnant because of the high levels of vitamins and minerals in their bioavailable forms which can be helpful in many conditions. It’s important to know this multivitamin does contain iron, which should not be taken by everyone.  


F2 - Ancestral Multivitamin - This multivitamin is a nutrient powerhouse, formulated with both food based and extremely highly bioavailable vitamins and minerals. This product also contains a wide array of beneficial plant constituents such as carotenoids and citrus bioflavonoids. I prescribe this to patients seeking a high quality multivitamin which is easily absorbed and right for their age and stage. 


F3 - B Complex - B vitamins are used in just about every biochemical reaction in your body and they are water soluble. Because of your body’s high requirement for these vitamins especially during times of illness or stress, supplementation with extra Bs is a frequent need. This formula contains activated B vitamins only, meaning they are easier for your body to assimilate. I will frequently prescribe this product to my patients under chronic stress or those working to detox hormones or other chemicals. 


F5 - Fat soluble vitamins DEA&K - Fat soluble vitamins are frequently deficient in the standard American diet. Vitamin D, synthesized in the skin from sunlight exposure and cholesterol, is responsible for helping us maintain healthy immunity and strong bones. Vitamin A is also an immune powerhouse. Vitamin K helps with clotting and also contributes to healthy bones. 


F7 - Omega 3 fatty acids - This potent and pure omega 3 fatty acid supplement is awesome for nervous system and brain health. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential - meaning our bodies cannot make them and must get them from foods or supplements. I prescribe this omega supplement for patients with skin and inflammatory issues. 


F9 - Chelated iron - Iron deficiency is astoundingly common. Whether due to lack of dietary intake, poor absorption or heavy menstrual bleeding - l see iron deficiency in my practice frequently. This iron supplement is formulated especially to prevent digestive upset (constipation is common with iron supplementation) and maximize absorption.

Click here to buy the F Series!

After what felt like a very long Winter, here I am peeping the first signs of Spring! I am excited to report I just saw my first crocus flowers of the season in our yard!

With the arrival of a new season, I am excited to announce the arrival of a new supplement line: The A Series is now available for orders through my website. Why A series, you ask? Well, the most common complaint I see in my office is fatigue and a huge contributor of our energy production is found in our adrenal glands - Hence the "A".  We can thank our adrenal glands for creating our "fight or flight" hormones - epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol (just to name a few of the hormones our adrenals produce). When it comes to our ability to get things done, the adrenal glands truly go the extra mile every day for us. 

When we ask too much of our adrenal glands and for too long (ex: due to prolonged pandemic stress, financial strain, reading the news, etc), our adrenals can have a difficult time adapting... which is where the A Series comes in. Feeling like your energy has bottomed out? I designed this series with your needs in mind.

The A Series is made up of 3 products - A1, A3 & A5. Each product has unique features. To learn more about them, read on!

A1 - Fortified Adrenal Complex: A glandular-based adrenal support product with additional nutrients. I often prescribe this to my patients who experience ongoing tiredness, waking tired, sugar cravings and inability to recovery easily from exercise or physical injuries. I recommend this product is only taken in the morning or, at the latest, at lunchtime. 

A3 - Blend of Ashwagandha Extracts: A potent blend of the adaptogenic herb ashwagandha to support sleep, mood and our ability to withstand frequent stress. I often prescribe this to my patients who are under chronic stress and when a botanically based solution is indicated. 

​A5 - GABA, L-Theanine, 5-HTP and Chamomile: A product formulated to calm the nervous system with a combination of herbs and vitamins. One of A5's ingredients, GABA, is a calming neurotransmitter which may play a role in helping with anxiety. I often prescribe this supplement to patients who have difficulty unwinding from stressful days or "shutting off" their minds when they need to improve attention.

The last time I saw a dentist was in December 2019, I'm ashamed to admit. I am so consistent with every other aspect of my health, but I had really let my oral healthcare lapse. Well, when I finally give myself a much needed kick in the butt, I ended up scheduling with a biologic dentist here in Salt Lake City.  The visit went so well and I was so pleased with my experience, I thought I would an overview of my experience and, perhaps, give you reason to see a biologic dentist instead of a conventional one.

What is a biologic dentist?
I am by no means an expert on this topic, but from what I have learned, biologic dentistry is a specialty within conventional dentistry that strives to decrease levels of chemical and heavy metal exposure in patient care. Dentists who practice biologic or natural dentistry are trained in the conventional manner and then get additional training to become specialized in this area.

What are the benefits of seeing a biologic dentist? 
Seeing a dentist in a practice that is biologic or natural means you're less likely to be exposed to toxic chemicals and heavy metals, fluoride and less likely to undergo unnecessary or less safe or healthy procedures. Biologic dentists understand that oral health impacts the entire body.

How was your visit different from your typical dentist?
The first thing I noticed during my visit was that the dental assistant was knowledgeable in the latest techniques when it comes to safe x-ray taking. The office I visited uses a special type of x-ray for exams which results in 70% less exposure to radiation - which is important to me. I was then pleased that my dental hygienist talked to me about every step of the exam and cleaning, allowed me to ask questions and answered each one thoroughly. 

During the cleaning, the procedure was the same as I've experienced before, except they do not use fluoride treatments in this office - basing this decision on research. Instead, they use ozone therapy - which I am quite familiar with (because I use it in my practice!). They applied ozone just under my gum-line at the end of the cleaning which can reduce the chance for infection and improve tissue health and strength.

Thankfully I did not have any oral issues that needed addressing beyond a cleaning, but I'm sure that I would feel perfectly happy going back to this office for check ups and any oral health issues which may arise.

The great thing about my visit is it was covered by my insurance (with the exception of the ozone treatment) just as well as when I was seeing a conventional dentist. I was so happy about that! I walked out of the office with super clean teeth as well as an herbal mouthwash they sell full of herbal tincture ingredients I would prescribe to my patients. 

Overall my experience with a biologic dentist was awesome. Just FYI, here is the link to their office - Synergy Dental.

If you didn't already know it, giving is great for your health. Giving can help decrease your blood pressure and it can improve your mental health by increasing self-esteem and lowering depression. "Giving" can mean many different things - giving time, like volunteering, or donating money or other resources. Of course we don't have to give to get something in return - but it's a great bonus.

This time of the year I tend to think more about giving, but this year in particular I cannot help but think about how much need exists in my community right now. In a state of a little over 3 million, 511,000 Utahns are estimated to be currently food insecure. An astounding 1 in 5 children in Utah may go to bed hungry tonight. 

Thanks to you and our community, 2021 was the best year for my business yet. Thanks to the growth of my business, I now have the good fortune to be able to give back. 

I strongly believe that nutrition is the basis of health and well being and that food is a basic necessity and human right. To help my community access food, I am hosting a fund drive to raise money for Utah Food Bank until the end of the year. With your help, my goal is to raise $1000 by the end of 2021. And as an extra bonus, my practice will be matching all money donated up to $1,000 - so we have the potential to raise up to $2,000 for Utah Food Bank.

Help me reach my goal and help get food to those in my local community who need it most! 

Visit my fund drive for Utah Food Bank here - which will be active until Jan 1, 2022. Thanks for donating!

As many of you are already aware, my business has continued to grow every month and I have had to adjust my business practices as I go. In response to increasing costs, I will be making some adjustments to my fees. As of Nov 5, 2021, new patient visits will be $300 and follow up visits will vary from $90 - $240. For more information about this, please call the office. 
Keep in mind that I will be honoring my current pricing for any appointments scheduled on or before Nov 5th. 
Bundle Pricing:
In the case that you'd like to take advantage of my current pricing, I am offering two package deals for appointments through the end of 2022.

•  For new patients, I am offering a New Patient Bundle (includes 1 new patient visit and two 30 minute follow ups) - for $450.  That's $100 off the regular price, and $210 off the new price.  
• For existing patients, I am offering a Follow Up Bundle (includes three 30 minute follow up visits visits) for $400.  That's $50 off the regular price, and $140 off the new price.

If you'd like to purchase either bundle or have more questions, call my office or send me a message in charm (for existing patients). 

So, you've scheduled your first visit with me, now what? You're in the right place because I wrote this post especially for you! 

There are a few things you can do which will make our time together most productive!

1. Complete your new patient questionnaires on Charm. There are 3 documents called "questionnaires" which are my new patient paperwork. These documents are best filled out and signed on a desktop computer rather than a phone. The answers to these questions help me get familiar with your case before we meet and allows me to legally treat you. Remember to complete each section as best as you can.
2. Leave your card information to hold your appointment. To ensure new patients show up for their appointments, I ask that you leave credit card information with my assistant. Please know I have a 24 hour cancellation policy which means if you cancel within 24 hours before your appt you will be charged a late cancellation fee of $50. 
3. Download the Spruce app if this is a telemedicine visit. Spruce is a HIPAA compliant (secure) video app which works on your phone or your computer. Download it to your phone to create an account first. Link to Spruce.
4. Upload labs from the last 12 months. If you upload the labs to Charm, be sure to also "share to" me so I may see them. 

I look forward to meeting you! Please call my office if you have any questions about any of this information or your appointment. 

To your health,
Dr. Katie

During the summertime, I catch myself thinking about my drinking days. I stopped drinking alcohol June 2018, but as it is a part of almost every event in modern life I continually have to revisit my reasons for stopping. As a young person I drank almost as much as my friends - I could never drink quite as much just due to my genetic makeup - but I tried! I drank at parties, on weekends, week nights. I enjoyed visiting the bars and going dancing while drinking. It was just a normal thing for me. Once I was in Naturopathic school, the drinking didn't end. It's funny/sad -- but in some parts us ND students were known around town for our heavy drinking! I rolled with it and continued drinking socially. It wasn't until I was living in Seattle that I realized (a) drinking feels awful for me and (b) it was not helping my mental health. 

Fast forward to June 2018 - I was doing a cleanse/detox-type diet with my partner. We were both eating healthy foods, juicing and just "getting our health on". We stopped drinking and I cannot even describe the relief I felt! I wasn't waking up on Sundays hungover and massively depressed. Other improvements occurred: my skin cleared up, I lost weight, I gained time that wasn't spent nursing a hangover, I saved money and healed some of my relationship with myself.

I now wake up on Sundays feeling good - sometimes even early to exercise or just have a peaceful morning. 

So now, let me share with you a few things I have learned about alcohol which might be helpful for you, in your journey: 

1. Alcohol and Social Time Are Not Mutually Exclusive - Even if it seems impossible, let me tell you it's within your reach to have a healthy and normal social life without alcohol. I like to drink sparkling water with a lime when I'm out - it's delicious and keeps me hydrated. The unspoken pressure to drink goes away once you determine your "why" when it comes to not drinking. Say it to the folks you're with if it helps - even if it makes them squirm.
2. Alcohol Kills Cells and Tissues - Alcohol is actually cytotoxic - meaning it kills tissues and cells. Sure, in small amounts your body can deal with it efficiently and get rid of alcohol before it does any real damage. I just like to think about all of the work I do to keep my gut healthy - drinking alcohol can literally reverse much of that, and it's not worth it for me.
3. Mental Health and Alcohol Use May Be At Odds - If you're like me and have experienced anxiety and depression, you know what a rollercoaster ride that can be. Add alcohol into the mix of any mental health challenges and you can sometimes find yourself in over your head. Alcohol has a tendency to change our natural production of neurotransmitters - which can be confusing when one is working on their mental health. I found this particularly challenging when, like I said, I used to wake up feeling awful and depressed on a Sunday morning. I would ask if that was really "me" or just the hangover speaking -- and it was usually impossible to differentiate.
4. Is It Fun or Is It Coping? Another thing that I've learned through my own journey and working with patients is that in some cases we use alcohol as simple stress reduction and sometimes we use it as a coping mechanism. Using an addictive substance for a coping mechanism gets tricky because it can easily become a dependent relationship --- and it can block our ability to strengthen our own innate coping strategies. 

If you are thinking about your relationship with alcohol and whether it's serving you, consider taking a break. If you have medically related questions about any of what I wrote above ask your GP or shoot me a message. I would love to hear from you!