Rooted In The Wild

02/19/2026

Women’s hormonal testing requires more than estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels.

It needs to encompass DHEA, the building block of s*x hormones.

We need to understand the estrogen metabolism pathway to know if the liver, glutathione levels, or gut microbiome need support to process estrogen.

How are the adrenal glands and stress impacting s*x hormones? Is your body stealing all of your DHEA to make cortisol instead of s*x hormones?

DUTCH testing offers answers. We can learn about s*x hormone production, metabolism, and methylation all in one test.

Are you making enough?

Do you have the building blocks to make enough?

Are you experiencing Adrenal stealing of s*x hormone building blocks?

Are you metabolizing estrogen properly or is estrogen it headed toward a destructive path (estrogenic cancers, DNA damaging)?

Is your gut microbiome healthy enough to process the second stage of hormone breakdown?

Blood tests for hormone levels are not enough. These metrics let us know what the body has in the blood, not how it’s being used.

I would be honored to work with you on normalizing hormones. One test, many answers.

www.rootedinthewild.org

02/13/2026

My kids adore daredevil sports - like ski terrain parks, black diamonds, and jumping horses over rails. My inner former traumatic brain and spinal cord injury nurse self longs to look the other way.

Last week, one of my adventurous sweethearts hit his head on a mogul run, resulting in a concussion.

Here’s what we are doing:

Low stimulation environment, as much as possible for a teen (no screens, low lights, quiet sounds)

Hand-eye coordination projects (all the Legos!)

Omega-3 fatty acids for the brain structure

Vitamin B-complex for neurochemicals

Vitamin C and D to lower inflammation

Neuro-Pregnenlone for neuro plasticity

10g of Creatine for improved brain function

Asura Brain for resetting the glympatic system

Pineal Code homeopathic to establish circadian rhythm

Ginkgo to drive oxygen to the brain

CellCore IFC to lower inflammation

Electrolytes and minerals to rehydrate

Red light therapy, chiropractic care, and acupressure

We’ve got one brain. And this kid is absolutely headed back out to the ski hill and football field for another round of “scare his mama”.

01/27/2026

Genetic variant testing for methylation. An affordable cheek swab test with an information-packed punch.

What is MTHFR (also endearingly called the mother-f* gene)?

MTHFR is a necessary enzyme for utilizing B vitamins for detoxification, neurotransmitter production (think serotonin, dopamine, GABA otherwise known as our feel good, rest well, and mood stabilizing helpers), as well as gene activation.

When there is a genetic variant in MTHFR we can feel sluggish due to low levels of the master antioxidant glutathione. The body struggles to detoxify from everyday pollutants such as pesticides, herbicides, PFAS, heavy metals, mold, opportunistic infections, etc.

MTHFR testing is a lifelong answer. The result never changes like traditional labs that vary week-to-week. Simple changes to supplementation and diet offer a lifetime of protection and health.

Prevention over chasing.

MTHFR testing by cheek swab is $115 through Rooted in the Wild. The test is sent to your home with thorough instructions for collection. We’ll set up a virtual appointment to discuss results and create a plan together to suit your lifestyle and health goals.

To pursue testing, email Dr. Mel at mel@rootedinthewild.org

01/22/2026

Hey friends! The Rooted In The Wild Podcast is back with a new episode - Healthy Skepticism. So often, we take advice from medical professionals at face value. Skepticism often gets a bad wrap - but what if a healthy bu****it meter is a good thing?

Dr. Mel and Jase return to the pod with stories of their own skepticism in the world of alternative healing, as well as the patterns and experiences with naturopathy, homeopathy, herbs, energy work and more that have opened their minds. Perhaps the best medicine - for practitioners and patients alike - is the combination of healthy skepticism - and an open mind.

Listen Here:

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gsK2108qOy5DisnSuC9ID?si=QxnYFRkdQL6QeNoF38P7cw

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-the-wild/id1667142396?i=1000746207716

Podbean
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-95hiz-1a26c62

01/21/2026

Grip strength is an indicator of longevity. And not the kind of grip strength from silly little devices you squeeze with your palm, but the kind of grip strength that comes from lifting heavy weights or holding your own weight up on a pull-up bar.

Tonight I completely ripped calluses off my hand at CrossFit between a barbell and a pull-up bar.

We all have an opportunity to choose our hard. Not for the sake of living forever, but for the sake of living well into advanced years. It’s hard to go to the gym when it’s brutally cold and ripped up hands are of consequence.

And I have a pretty good feeling it’s worth it.

-Dr. Mel
www.rootedinthewild.org

01/18/2026

Mold and mycotoxicity impacts brain, kidneys, liver, immune function, nervous system, reproductive organs, and is considered a class 1 carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agent. Yikes.

And if you are a research nerd like me, you can read more PubMed mold studies here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38176924/, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11954124/, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8982061/

Testing your home is simple here: https://microbalancehealthproducts.com/?rfsn=8938866.a6ac31

Testing mycotoxin (mold) exposure levels can be done by a simple urine test. Email me at mel@rootedinthewild.org if you would like to pursue this testing.

Products to fight mold illness and mold exposure - proven, non-toxic products, homeopathic formulations, and professional-grade supplements designed to help you fight mold in your home and body.

01/13/2026

“It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.”
- Jiddu Krishnamurtu

12/30/2025

When my kids get ahold of my phone while waiting for me to finish my CrossFit workout 🤪

This December has been challenging for me to find motivation to get to the gym. I really love lifting heavy and the challenge of a prescriptive workout, but in the midst of a cold, dreary winter, I want nothing more than the comfort of a living room fire and a good book.

It only takes 5 minutes of discomfort in rain/snow/freezing cold to get into my car and drive to the gym. And I can come up with a million excuses and jusifications for turning the car around in 5 minutes.

There is no supplement or easy button for motivation, but that would be awesome, wouldn’t it?

Keep going. I’ll be cheering you on. And you give me a shove out the door 😂.


www.rootedinthewild.org

12/29/2025

As a nurse, I have seen my fair share of abdominal x-rays, loaded with backed-up poo. And it’s not good. Fermenting stool leading to gut infections, colitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and cancers. I can spare you the details of further graphic description.

This detox program is simple: eat 3 clean, organic meals per day. Drink one packet of CleanStart twice daily prior to meals. Take one packet of supplements twice daily with meals.

Eat clean. Hydrate. Move. Clean your gut.

https://www.naturessunshine.com/product/cleanstart-cleanse?referrer=60788918&offer=NSP

If you have a sensitive gut or this is your first cleanse, use the mild detox kit:

https://www.naturessunshine.com/product/cleanstart-mild-cleanse?referrer=60788918&offer=NSP

I will be starting on January 1. Join me, or decide when the timing is right for you. But do your gut a solid and tend it.

12/16/2025

It's cold and flu season and I've probably had at least 10 messages per day asking about my top go-to supplements to prevent or combat winter viruses.

I like to have these on hand BEFORE we are exposed, and right now you can get them 20% off using the code: NEW20. https://www.naturessunshine.com/recommended-products/60788918/b37b664b37b664e?sid=60788918&offer=NSP

If you would like to purchase practitioner-access only Viracid from Ortho Molecular (comes in children's and adult's formulas) or Cat's Claw V-max from QuickSilver, send me an email at mel@rootedinthewild.org.

Pictured below is my sweet daughter sipping chlorophyll in lemon lime flavor. I'm so grateful for yummy tasting healthy drinks that my kids will ASK for!

12/04/2025

I am a big proponent of regular toxicity testing. Every year I test myself for the big toxins - heavy metals, mycotoxins (mold), and environmental toxins. And I'm always surprised. Just before detox, my PFAS (forever chemicals) are high despite reverse osmosis water. Sometimes it's cadmium, a heavy metal that can contribute to cancers, respiratory issues, and kidney problems. Sometimes it's gliotoxins, a mold linked to fatigue, brain fog, skin problems, and anxiety. Glyphosate (Round-Up) contributes to leaky gut and leaky blood-brain barrier.

It's VITAL to detox on a regular basis. Our precious livers and kidneys cannot keep up with the onslaught of toxins present today.

This detox program is simple, affordable, and EFFECTIVE. Two drinks per day, 2 packets of capsules per day. Whole, organic, clean food in-between.

Join me for a 14-day reset detox beginning January 1. We'll be walking alongside you with daily check-in's and encouragement as we remove environmental toxins from these beautiful temples of the soul that we call bodies.

Purchase yours today here and prepare for the New Year:
https://www.naturessunshine.com/product/cleanstart-cleanse?referrer=60788918&offer=NSP

If you are interested in testing your Total Toxin Burden, please email Dr. Mel at mel@rootedinthewild.org.

Looking for a cleanse to boost your body's detox process? Try Nature's Sunshine CleanStart to naturally cleanse waste from the body and boost energy levels.

12/02/2025

Grand Rapids area men - join Jase and the WILD MEN Community as they kick off PATHFINDER on 12/11. This 6-month program meets monthly in Rockford as part of the men’s community. It’s designed to help men find mission, set goals and strategize - while also helping men find community, accountability and fun along the way. Read below to learn more and register!

www.rootedinthewild.org/events/pathfinder