Dr. Amanda Fey, ND

Dr. Amanda Fey, ND Alternative medical clinic where natural therapies are utilized to restore and optimize health.

Menopause can bring intimate changes like dryness, irritation, and bladder symptoms, known as genitourinary syndrome. Wh...
02/17/2026

Menopause can bring intimate changes like dryness, irritation, and bladder symptoms, known as genitourinary syndrome. While vaginal estrogen is common, not everyone feels comfortable using hormones. Research shows Vitamin E suppositories may offer a gentle, effective alternative for relieving vaginal atrophy symptoms, supporting comfort and confidence at any stage.

Ashwagandha, also called Indian ginseng, is a powerful herb from Ayurvedic tradition that has been used for centuries in...
02/15/2026

Ashwagandha, also called Indian ginseng, is a powerful herb from Ayurvedic tradition that has been used for centuries in Asia and Africa 🌿

Known for helping the body handle stress, ashwagandha has long been used to support sleep, calm anxiety, and promote healthy aging. Its natural plant compounds may help relax the mind, support healthy blood pressure, and balance immune function.

👩‍⚕️ If you have an immune condition or take immune suppressing medication, always consult a qualified health professional before using it.

Ashwagandha has gained attention for its potential support of thyroid health. Many people experience symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, or constipation even when thyroid tests appear normal, which can be frustrating and confusing.

Research suggests ashwagandha may help with mild or subclinical hypothyroid symptoms. One study found that taking 600 mg daily for 8 weeks improved both symptoms and thyroid markers. Another study showed that 300 mg twice daily for 60 days significantly reduced cortisol levels, important because long term stress and high cortisol can suppress thyroid function.

More research is still needed, but ashwagandha may offer gentle, natural support for stress, hormones, and overall balance 💚

What is the best form of calcium to take for bone health? This is a common question I’m asked in my office and many peop...
02/11/2026

What is the best form of calcium to take for bone health? This is a common question I’m asked in my office and many people have been misinformed on this topic. First of all, the topic of calcium absorption for bone health is very complicated and requires many other minerals and vitamins to achieve optimal absorption INTO the bone not just the blood stream. But in regards to this blog post, I will only discuss the absorption of calcium itself and which forms are the best.

The two most common forms available over the counter are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. Most people have been told that calcium citrate is the better supplement but that is not necessarily true. Some positives to taking calcium citrate supplements are: they are more easily absorbed and they can be taken on an empty stomach. However, calcium citrate is only 21% elemental calcium which requires people to take more supplementally to reach their recommended daily intake.

Calcium carbonate tends to be the best value when it comes to supplementing with calcium because it has the highest amount of elemental calcium (40% by weight). The downside to taking calcium carbonate supplements is that it requires stomach acid to be absorbed well which is why I always require my patients to take their calcium carbonate supplements with food. Be aware: this poses a problem for the many people who are on stomach acid lowering medications like proton pump inhibitors for heartburn/GERD.

Also, be aware on how much calcium you take at one time. The recommended daily intake may be 1000-1200 mg per day. But because your body has difficulty absorbing more than 500 mg of calcium at one time you, will need to take pills multiple times a day to achieve optimal absorption. So, while you may think that you’ve met your daily requirements by taking one 1,000-mg calcium pill, you may actually be only halfway to your target.

Insulin resistance happens when the body’s cells don’t respond as well to insulin, the hormone made by the pancreas that...
02/08/2026

Insulin resistance happens when the body’s cells don’t respond as well to insulin, the hormone made by the pancreas that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into your cells. When sensitivity drops, blood sugar can stay higher for longer, and over time that can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain 🫀😳

The good news is that insulin resistance can often improve, and a nutrient-dense, balanced diet is one of the most powerful tools 🐟🫐🥬

What to eat? 👉🏼 Salmon, Lentils, Blueberries, Chia Seeds, Avocado, Broccoli.

Why these work so well:
• Lean protein, salmon and lentils, helps with fullness and steadier blood sugar
• Healthy fats, omega-3s in salmon and MUFAs in avocado, support insulin sensitivity and inflammation balance
• High fiber, chia, berries, broccoli, and legumes, helps slow the “blast” of sugar absorption

Aim for meals built around protein + fiber + healthy fat, and choose more low GI, complex carbs instead of refined flour.

Save this for your next grocery run 🛒

Castor oil has been used for centuries as a natural healing remedy, valued in ancient cultures (Egypt and India) for its...
02/04/2026

Castor oil has been used for centuries as a natural healing remedy, valued in ancient cultures (Egypt and India) for its restorative and anti-inflammatory properties. Extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid believed to support circulation, lymphatic flow, and the body’s natural detoxification processes.

In this post, you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to make and use a castor oil pack, along with guidance on when and why this traditional remedy may be beneficial.

Here is a link with options for castor oil (roll-on or glass bottle) and flannel (wool or cotton). You can choose your preference: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/afey/store-start

What is berberine? 💭Berberine is a plant extract found in a variety of plants such as Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Tree...
01/30/2026

What is berberine? 💭

Berberine is a plant extract found in a variety of plants such as Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Tree tumeric (Berberis aristata), Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), and California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) to name a few. Berberine is usually found in the roots of the plant. Due to its yellow color it has been used historically as a natural dye for wool, leather, and wood. And interestingly, under UV light it has a fluorescent glow making it useful histologically for identifying mast cells, etc.

Berberine and glucose control 🌱

In 2008, a study showed that berberine (500mg 3x/day) was as effective as metformin in lowering blood glucose in a 3 month trial. Average levels of hemoglobin A1C dropped from 9.5% to 7.5% vs 9.1% to 7.7% in the metformin group. In another study looking at the hypoglycemic effects of berberine the average levels of hemoglobin A1C dropped from 8.1% to 7.3% proving berberine to be an effective alternative to metformin in Type 2 Diabetes.

Observations 👀

Berberine has long been used to treat gastrointestinal infections in China, and in 1988 was observed to have a hypoglycemic effect as well. The exact mechanism of its glucose metabolism effects is still unknown. It seems as if it has an insulin sensitizing effect in vivo and in vitro. In addition, berberine has been shown to also lower triglyceride, serum cholesterol, and LDL. Making it a very exciting alternative to conventional medications for both diabetes and high cholesterol!

Daily exposure to phthalates, chemicals used in many plastics and personal care products, may be linked to increased ris...
01/28/2026

Daily exposure to phthalates, chemicals used in many plastics and personal care products, may be linked to increased risk of premature death, especially from heart disease‼️ Small changes can help reduce exposure, choose glass or stainless steel for food storage, avoid heating plastic, and check ingredient labels in everyday products ✅

References https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749121016031

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969715001576

In my practice, I see how important diet is for health. Unfortunately, in mainstream medicine, diet is often overlooked ...
01/25/2026

In my practice, I see how important diet is for health. Unfortunately, in mainstream medicine, diet is often overlooked when treatment plans are discussed 🍉🍊🍎

What I find even more baffling is that when treating gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, patients are often told that what they eat does not matter. I am here to tell you that it absolutely does!

A study published in Nutrients in December 2020 looked at pediatric patients with mild to moderate Crohn’s disease. Participants followed either a specific carbohydrate diet, a modified version of this diet, or a whole foods diet.

After just 12 weeks, all patients achieved clinical remission. Inflammatory markers like C reactive protein significantly decreased, and the gut microbiome shifted in every patient.

These findings highlight the powerful role diet and nutrients play in Crohn’s disease. The more restrictive diets were associated with the greatest reductions in inflammation.

So next time someone tells you that diet does not impact your health, feel free to share this research 😌

If you’ve been curious about which supplements can support insulin resistance, this is a great place to start! 🌱 Simple,...
01/21/2026

If you’ve been curious about which supplements can support insulin resistance, this is a great place to start! 🌱 Simple, supportive tools that can make a real difference when paired with the right lifestyle habits.

Here’s my Fullscript link where I’ve saved all my favorites: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/afey

You’ll receive 15% off, and everything there is something I personally use or recommend to clients ❤️

The top 5 supplements I suggest for insulin resistance 💚1) Chromium. An essential mineral involved in blood sugar regula...
01/19/2026

The top 5 supplements I suggest for insulin resistance 💚

1) Chromium. An essential mineral involved in blood sugar regulation by enhancing insulin activity and carbohydrate metabolism. Chromium levels decline with age. Typical dose: 500 to 1000 mcg daily.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15208835/

2) Magnesium. Higher magnesium levels are associated with reduced diabetes risk. Magnesium supports insulin sensitivity at a cellular level, and deficiency is common in individuals with diabetes. Typical dose: 200 to 600 mg daily.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9850798/

3) Alpha lipoic acid. A natural antioxidant that supports glucose metabolism, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity. It may also help improve diabetic neuropathy. Typical dose: 300 mg twice daily.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9824456/

4) Inositol. Plays a key role in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Commonly used in patients with PCOS. Myo-inositol has been shown to significantly reduce insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome. Typical dose: 2 to 4 g daily.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7346495/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29980312/

5) Ginseng. Shown to lower fasting glucose, support weight management, and improve insulin regulation. Ginsenosides may enhance insulin receptor activity, supporting blood sugar control. Typical dose: 500 mg twice daily.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92776/

Note: Supplements may interact with prescription medications. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use 🧑‍⚕️

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I actually practice the preventive medicine I preach 💚 Here’s my simple, year round protocol f...
01/15/2026

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I actually practice the preventive medicine I preach 💚 Here’s my simple, year round protocol for keeping me and my family well, especially when things feel uncertain. If you’re already a patient of mine, some of this will sound familiar 😉

DIET 🥑🥙
We eat whole, real, clean food. Not strictly vegan, paleo, keto, etc. Mostly lower carb because our carbs are usually starchy veggies or whole grains, not lots of pasta and bread (we still eat bread, just not daily).

I cook enough dinner so we have lunch the next day, it keeps us from making rushed choices. We all eat the same meals, lamb stew, Greek salad with feta, quiche, you name it.

I plan dinners for the week (yes, really) so we don’t have to think at the end of a long day, and my husband knows what to start if he’s home first.

I also try not to eat after dinner and aim for a 12 hour overnight fast. And I keep added sugar low (around 25g or less).

EXERCISE 🏃‍♂️🧘🏽‍♀️
Movement is my stress relief. I usually take one rest day a week.

Running: about 15 to 25 miles per week, always outdoors. For me it’s meditation.
Yoga: two classes a week when I can, and I love hot yoga in winter. If I can’t make it, I do an at home flow.
Toning: short arm and ab sessions a few times a week.

SUPPLEMENTS 💊🌱
I’m honestly not the best at taking pills, I do more herbal tinctures, but here’s our general routine.

For me: a women’s multi essentials pack, vitamin D3 in winter, methylated B support (MTHFR), plus immune and adrenal support tinctures (like astragalus, elderberry, ashwagandha, rhodiola).
For my husband: a men’s multi essentials pack.
For our family: vitamin D3, a probiotic, and vitamin C in the winter months. At the first sign of illness, we add immune herbs and zinc.

OTHER DAILY NON NEGOTIABLES ❤️
We laugh a lot, protect our sleep (7 to 9 hours), set boundaries with screens, hydrate daily, and take real breaks as a family.

Wishing you and your family steady health now and in the years to come!

“From the bitterness of disease man learns the sweetness of health.” Catalan proverb

❄️🌚 Seasonal changes can significantly affect mood, energy, and sleep by disrupting circadian rhythms and brain chemical...
01/12/2026

❄️🌚 Seasonal changes can significantly affect mood, energy, and sleep by disrupting circadian rhythms and brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Research shows that light exposure, nutrition, and supplements can help counteract Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and support mental well-being during the darker months. Here are some of my clinical favorites ❤️

1) Light Therapy
The strongest non-pharmacological treatment for SAD. Use a 10,000 lux light box for 20 to 30 minutes every morning, ideally within 1 hour of waking. Results are often seen within 1 to 2 weeks.

2) Vitamin D3
Low sunlight means low vitamin D, which is linked to depressive symptoms. Most people in our area need 2,000 to 4,000 IU during winter. Choose an oil-based supplement or take it with fat for better absorption.

3) Start Your Day With Exercise
Exercise boosts serotonin and dopamine, our “happy hormones.” Aim for at least 20 to 30 minutes per day, 4 to 6 days per week, to help ease SAD symptoms.

4) Saffron Extract
Research shows saffron can be as effective as SSRIs for mild to moderate depression, without the side effects. Typical dose is 30 mg daily. Clinical favorites include Mood Stasis by Design for Health and Serotonin Mood Support by Brain MD.

5) Stabilize Blood Sugar
Blood sugar swings worsen mood and energy. Prioritize protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats at every meal. Avoid refined sugar, flours, and ultra-processed foods.

Address

31 Adams Avenue, Suite 4
Endicott, NY
13760

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm

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