Dr. Bethany Mattson, ND

Dr. Bethany Mattson, ND Naturopathic Doctor focusing on reproductive health, menstrual disorders, and postpartum care.

In Awe I am a mother and I am always in awe of what mothers can do, of what women can do. As a working mom I constantly ...
03/12/2026

In Awe

I am a mother and I am always in awe of what mothers can do, of what women can do.

As a working mom I constantly feel the pull between my family and my work, always feeling like I’m doing too much and not enough at the same time. But when I really stop and think about how much I am holding, I am in awe of what we are all carrying in a society designed by men for men.

My daughter tugs at my clothes and asks me to play dolls, and I start to say yes, but then I remember I still have open charts and patients waiting on lab orders and unanswered questions, and then my husband asks me what he should make for dinner, (somehow we always forget we have to make dinner every night) and then I pick up my phone and feel the wave of despair at the state of the world and can’t help but wonder what the mothers in Iran are feeling as they put their children to bed, if they are lucky enough to put their children to bed. If any of us are luckily enough to put our children to bed. And all at once my heart swells and breaks and is in awe of this broken but magnificent world.

How do we hold it all? How do we witness death and corruption and cruelty and turn around and go to work and play with our children as if any of this is normal? How do we hold rage and fear and hope and joy all at once? Somehow we do it, and I am in awe of that, day after day.

There is profound darkness, but there is also light. And as I play dolls with my daughter and hear her giggles and celebrate my patient’s wins with them and feel connection with others and hug my family I am in awe of just how much light there really is.

We cannot forget the light.

The matriarchy is awakening, I can feel it somewhere deep inside, and I am in awe of what She will bring us. ✨

6 ways to prevent adrenal imbalance:➀Stress management.This is the most important factor in preventing adrenal imbalance...
03/02/2024

6 ways to prevent adrenal imbalance:

➀Stress management.
This is the most important factor in preventing adrenal imbalance. Pay attention to what your body is telling you, and keep your stress levels under control through natural stress-relieving techniques such as:

✨Meditation
✨Exercise
✨Yoga
✨And social interaction.

➁Sleep.
Sleep plays an important role in keeping your hormones in check as well as your stress levels. Aim to sleep for around 8 hours per night and avoid staying up late regularly.

➂Blood sugar management.
A typical symptom of adrenal fatigue is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels with symptoms such as dizziness and irritability). Keep your blood sugar levels in check by:

✅Eating enough fiber and protein
✅Limiting carbohydrates
✅And staying hydrated.

➃Reduce caffeine intake.
Caffeine can disrupt your sleep pattern and make it difficult for your adrenal glands to recuperate. If you must have coffee or a caffeinated beverage, limit yourself to a small amount before midday.

➄Avoid certain foods.
Your diet is a key factor in keeping your adrenals healthy. Eliminate any difficult-to-digest foods as well as foods that cause inflammation. This includes the following:

🙅‍♀️Sugars and sweeteners
🙅‍♀️Hydrogenated oils
🙅‍♀️Carbohydrates
🙅‍♀️Processed meats
🙅‍♀️And other processed foods.

➅Engage in the right amount of exercise (not too much, not too little).
Exercise has been proven to help reduce stress levels. The key here is to exercise the right amount of time so that your adrenals aren’t getting depleted. This could mean doing some yoga, or even walking!

📌If you strive for a balanced lifestyle that includes adequate sleep, exercise, a healthy diet and environment, your adrenal system is likely to remain healthy.

Which of these tips are you going to try this week? Comment below!

❌Brain fog❌Hair loss❌Weight gain❌Chronic fatigueSound familiar? These are all symptoms of HPA axis dysregulation. Let’s ...
03/01/2024

❌Brain fog
❌Hair loss
❌Weight gain
❌Chronic fatigue

Sound familiar? These are all symptoms of HPA axis dysregulation. Let’s chat! 👇

HPA axis dysregulation, or “adrenal burnout” as you might know it, is a condition in which the adrenal glands become unable to cope with high levels of prolonged stress.

Acute stress or long-term stress can cause the adrenal glands to become overwhelmed, causing cortisol to be released incorrectly. Root causes of adrenal imbalance include:

✴️Prolonged stress
✴️Emotional trauma
✴️Lack of sleep
✴️Food sensitivities
✴️Depression
✴️Rheumatoid arthritis
✴️Adverse events in childhood
✴️Diabetes/impaired glucose levels
✴️Dependency on caffeine or energy drinks
✴️Exposure to environmental toxins and pollution.

When the adrenal glands stop generating hormones effectively, every physical function in the body becomes impacted.

As you might have guessed, this means that the symptoms of adrenal imbalance can resemble many of the symptoms of other common diseases. Symptoms of adrenal fatigue can include:

✳️Autoimmune conditions
✳️Hormone imbalances
✳️Insulin resistance
✳️Decreased s*x drive
✳️Moodiness and irritability
✳️Depression
✳️Muscle or bone loss
✳️Skin ailments
✳️Sleep disturbances
✳️Sweet and salty food cravings
✳️And a loss of appetite.

Are you experiencing some of these symptoms and aren’t sure where to turn next? If so, my DM’s are always open. 💌

🙅‍♀️ 10 symptoms you should STOP accepting as normal 🙅‍♀️You don't have to settle for feeling less than your best! Your ...
02/29/2024

🙅‍♀️ 10 symptoms you should STOP accepting as normal 🙅‍♀️

You don't have to settle for feeling less than your best! Your body is designed for wellness and resilience, but sometimes it sends signals that something isn't quite right:

🚫 Chronic Fatigue: Feeling exhausted day in and day out isn't normal.
🚫 Brain Fog: Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating shouldn't be your constant companions.
🚫 Digestive Discomfort: Frequent bloating or gas can indicate a health issue.
🚫 Persistent Pain: That nagging headache or joint pain shouldn't be shrugged off.
🚫 Mood Swings: Unexplained mood swings can be related to hormonal imbalances or stress.
🚫 Skin Troubles: Acne may be your body's way of showing that something needs attention.
🚫 Sleep Troubles: Regularly struggling to fall or stay asleep can lead to various health issues.
🚫 Weight fluctuations: Constant weight gain / loss could be a sign of an underlying issue.
🚫 Low Libido: A decreased interest in intimacy should not be impacting your quality of life.
🚫 Frequent Illness: If you're constantly getting sick, it's time to address the root cause.

These are all symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored! Your body's symptoms are its way of communicating with you, they're not just "normal" inconveniences to be endured.

Start listening, and take action to address these issues. ⤵

Schedule a consultation with me to start feeling like you again. Link in bio! 📲

The 8 most COMMON root causes of a sluggish liver:1️⃣✴️ Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):NAFLD is the accumulat...
02/14/2024

The 8 most COMMON root causes of a sluggish liver:

1️⃣✴️ Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
NAFLD is the accumulation of fat in liver cells, leading to liver dysfunction. It is often associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance, and abnormal lipid metabolism.

2️⃣✴️ Alcohol-Related Liver Disease:
Chronic alcohol consumption can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to liver cells. This can lead to conditions such as alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and eventually cirrhosis.

3️⃣✴️ Hepatitis:
Viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, etc.) can cause inflammation and damage to liver cells. Chronic hepatitis can result in persistent liver dysfunction and lead to a sluggish liver.

4️⃣✴️ Medication and Toxin Exposure:
Certain medications, toxins, and environmental pollutants can adversely affect the liver. The liver's detoxification function may be overwhelmed, leading to impaired liver performance.

5️⃣✴️ Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome:
Insulin resistance, often associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, can contribute to the development of fatty liver disease. Insulin resistance interferes with normal glucose and lipid metabolism in liver cells.

6️⃣✴️ Genetic Factors:
Genetic factors can predispose individuals to liver diseases. Certain genetic variations may affect the metabolism of fats, toxins, or other substances processed by the liver, leading to impaired liver function.

7️⃣✴️ Autoimmune Liver Diseases:
Conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis involve the immune system mistakenly attacking liver cells or bile ducts, resulting in inflammation and liver damage.

8️⃣✴️ Diet and Nutrition:
A diet high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can contribute to the development of fatty liver disease.

If you’re interested in learning more about how naturopathic medicine can help with your symptoms, comment YES below to get the process started. 👇

We’re back at it with some liver love! Support your liver with these 7 powerful supplements:⭐ Silymarin (Milk Thistle Ex...
02/12/2024

We’re back at it with some liver love! Support your liver with these 7 powerful supplements:

⭐ Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract):
Silymarin is a flavonoid complex derived from the milk thistle plant. Studies suggest that silymarin may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially protecting liver cells from damage.

⭐ N-Acetylcysteine (NAC):
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) supports liver health by serving as a precursor to glutathione, a crucial antioxidant involved in detoxification processes and protection against oxidative stress.

⭐ Curcumin:
Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric. Some studies suggest that curcumin may have protective effects on the liver by modulating inflammatory pathways.

⭐ Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Omega-3 fatty acids support liver health by reducing inflammation, improving lipid metabolism, and potentially preventing liver diseases through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

*Fish oil, flaxseed and walnuts are great sources of omega-3s!

⭐ Vitamin E:
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that plays a role in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage. Some studies have explored the potential benefits of vitamin E in protecting the liver from oxidative stress.

⭐ Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is involved in various metabolic processes, and its deficiency has been associated with liver diseases. Research suggests that adequate vitamin D levels may be important for liver health.

⭐ Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA):
ALA is a powerful antioxidant that may help regenerate other antioxidants, such as glutathione. Studies have explored ALA's potential in protecting the liver from oxidative damage.

You should always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, and ensure that any supplements you do decide to take are of the highest quality available!

Have you ever taken any of these supplements before? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!

❓Always tired?❓Suffer from digestive issues?❓How about abdominal pain and discomfort?These are ALL signs of a sluggish l...
02/09/2024

❓Always tired?
❓Suffer from digestive issues?
❓How about abdominal pain and discomfort?

These are ALL signs of a sluggish liver… 🐌

The liver is a vital organ that performs numerous functions essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body. When the liver is not functioning optimally, it can manifest various symptoms.

These are some of the most common signs that your liver could use a little love! ⤵

👉 Jaundice:
Impaired liver function can lead to a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, the liver processes and excretes bilirubin, but a sluggish liver may struggle with this process.

👉 Fatigue:
The liver plays a crucial role in energy metabolism by converting nutrients into usable forms. A sluggish liver may impact this process, leading to reduced energy production and fatigue.

👉 Abdominal Pain and Discomfort:
Enlargement of the liver or inflammation may result in pressure and discomfort in the abdominal region. Conditions like fatty liver disease or hepatitis can contribute to this symptom.

👉 Digestive Issues:
The liver produces bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. Impaired liver function can disrupt the production and secretion of bile, leading to digestive issues.

👉 Changes in Bowel Movements:
Liver dysfunction can affect the processing of substances that contribute to bowel regularity. Changes in bile production may influence stool consistency and bowel habits.

👉 Weight Gain:
A sluggish liver can contribute to metabolic imbalances, insulin resistance, and the accumulation of abdominal fat, leading to weight gain.

👉 Fluid Retention:
Impaired liver function may lead to decreased production of albumin, a protein that helps maintain fluid balance. This can result in fluid retention and swelling in the extremities.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you, then let's chat! Link in bio to schedule a discovery call with me. I’m here to help! 💗

One year ago was my due date. I remember the anxiety I felt that day realizing I was going to be late, and entering the ...
01/16/2024

One year ago was my due date. I remember the anxiety I felt that day realizing I was going to be late, and entering the period of unknown waiting for baby boy to make his appearance. Little did I know that as I went to sleep that night it would end up being our last night as a family of 3!

Only 1 hour and 15 minutes after my due date, my water broke in bed! I remember as we were packing up and getting ready to leave, my husband and I laid in bed with my daughter to help her get back to sleep. I started to cry in that moment, partially due to the uncertainty of what was about to unfold, but also due to grieving the last time laying in bed with my daughter as my only baby.

Lucas was born only about 4.5 hours (!!) later. When my daughter came to hospital to meet him she instantly seemed so big and grown up. Now as I prepare for my second baby’s first birthday tomorrow I am in awe of how much has changed this year but also how much has changed in our lives since Ellie turned one (swipe for a trip down memory lane to 2020!). 2023 was the most wonderful but also the most challenging year we have had as a family and although we are still finding our footing, I am so proud of how much we have all grown. 💗

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