Simplicity Health Associates

Simplicity Health Associates We specialize in making you feel great using natural therapies and methods.

Dr Ivy Branin is a naturopathic doctor, who helps a wide variety of conditions naturally. She uses homeopathy, botanical medicine, detoxification, nutritional supplements as well as crucial lifestyle management to get you feeling great.

"Your tests look normal." But you don't feel normal. 🧩Receiving an IBS diagnosis can be one of the most frustrating mome...
02/26/2026

"Your tests look normal." But you don't feel normal. 🧩

Receiving an IBS diagnosis can be one of the most frustrating moments in a health journey. It often translates to: "We know you are in pain, and we know your digestion is off, but we don't know why. Here is a label."

But as naturopathic doctors, we view "IBS" as a starting point, not an ending.

The term Irritable Bowel Syndrome describes what is happening (discomfort, irregularity, bloating), but it fails to explain the mechanism. And if you don't know the mechanism, you can't truly heal it.

Often, "IBS" is actually a specific, treatable condition hiding in plain sight.

Swipe through to see the critical differences:

🌿 SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth): This isn't just "bad digestion." It’s a location issue. Bacteria that belong in the colon have migrated up to the small intestine. "Healthy" foods like salads, apples, garlic, and even probiotics make you feel worse.

🍞 Food Sensitivities: This is an immune response, not just "gas." It triggers inflammation that can affect your whole body. Symptoms are delayed. You might eat dairy on Monday but not feel the brain fog, joint pain, or skin flare-up until Wednesday.

🧠 Nervous System dysregulation: Sometimes, the gut is reacting to a state of chronic "fight or flight," where digestion physically shuts down.

Why does this distinction matter? Because the treatment for each is totally different. Treating SIBO with standard "IBS advice" (like eating more fiber) is like throwing gasoline on a fire.

You deserve to eat without fear. You aren't "just sensitive" or "difficult." Your body is sending you signals, and they are solvable.

https://www.simplicityhealthassociates.com/digestive-health-sibo-ibs-constipation-gerd-nyc-naturopathic-dr

We call Bone Broth "Liquid Gold." Why? Because it is one of the few foods that simultaneously heals the gut lining and s...
02/23/2026

We call Bone Broth "Liquid Gold." Why? Because it is one of the few foods that simultaneously heals the gut lining and supports skin elasticity.

As we age, our natural collagen production slows down. At the same time, stress can cause "leaky gut" (intestinal permeability), leading to systemic inflammation.

🌿The Method: 1. Add all to the slow cooker. 2. Cover with water. 3. Cook on LOW for 12–24 hours. 4. Strain and sip.

Why this specific recipe works: The secret isn't just the bones—it’s the Apple Cider Vinegar. Adding that splash of acid helps pull the minerals and collagen out of the bones and into the broth, making it nutrient-dense and medicinal.

What it does for your body:
✨ Seals the Gut: The gelatin acts like a soothing "spackle" for a leaky gut lining, reducing inflammation and food sensitivities.
✨ Restores Elasticity: It hydrates your skin from the inside out, providing the building blocks for a healthy glow. ✨ Boosts Immunity: Rich in amino acids that support your body's defense system.

🌿Pro Tip: Freeze your broth in ice cube trays! You can pop one into your rice, quinoa, or sauces for an instant nutrient boost without any extra effort.

Save this recipe card for your next grocery run! 📌

02/22/2026

Clench your jaw, tighten your… pelvis? 😬

Did you know that your mouth and your pelvic floor are physiologically connected?

I sat down with Deb Flashenberg and discussed one of the most overlooked tools in labor prep: Relaxing your jaw.

There is a concept in midwifery called "Sphincter Law"—if your throat and jaw are tight and constricted, your pelvic floor will likely follow suit.

Prenatal Yoga Center

https://youtube.com/live/wfpI4BJH6DA

Have you noticed this connection in your own body? Try clenching your jaw right now and see what happens below. 👇

Standing in the supplement aisle can feel overwhelming. You see bottles boasting "50 Billion" or "100 Billion," and natu...
02/19/2026

Standing in the supplement aisle can feel overwhelming. You see bottles boasting "50 Billion" or "100 Billion," and naturally, you reach for the highest number. You want to feel better, and "more" seems like the right answer.

But in clinical practice, we see patients every day who are taking expensive, high-dose probiotics but seeing zero change in their digestion.

Why does this happen? Because probiotics are not just pills; they are living organisms. And like all living things, they need the right environment to survive.

Here is the clinical reality we want you to know:
1️⃣ Viability is Everything (The Fridge Factor)
Many of the most therapeutic strains (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) are heat-sensitive. If a bottle has been sitting in a hot delivery truck or on a shelf for months, those delicate cultures may die off before they ever reach your gut.

2️⃣ Match the Strain to the Symptom
Taking a generic probiotic is like planting a random seed in your garden and hoping for a rose. You need the specific seed for the specific outcome.We use specific strains like Saccharomyces boulardii for antibiotic recovery, or L. rhamnosus for women’s health. Precision matters more than potency.

3️⃣ Purity over Fillers
Your gut is already sensitive. The last thing it needs is inflammation from hidden dairy, gluten, or cheap fillers often found in drugstore brands. You deserve supplements that actually work. The goal isn't to take more pills; it's to provide your body with the exact tools it needs to heal itself.

We have curated a list of temperature-stable, practitioner-grade probiotics that we trust from Fullscript. You can access them directly through our dispensary.

https://www.simplicityhealthassociates.com/blog/essential-supplement-for-gut-vaginal-health

Gallbladder issues are incredibly common during perimenopause, but we often aren't told why.We are just told we fit the ...
02/16/2026

Gallbladder issues are incredibly common during perimenopause, but we often aren't told why.

We are just told we fit the "risk profile" (Female, Over 40).

It comes down to Estrogen Dominance. As hormones shift, excess estrogen can saturate your bile with cholesterol, changing its viscosity. Instead of flowing freely like water, it becomes thick and slow-moving.

When the flow slows down, stagnation occurs. And where there is stagnation, deposits can form.

The goal? Keep things moving. 🌊

Swipe through to learn how to use simple tools—like Digestive Bitters and Lemon Water—to thin your bile and support healthy flow naturally.

Your gallbladder works hard for you. Let’s give it a little love.

02/15/2026

There is no "Superior" way to birth. 🤍

During my YouTube live with Deb Flashenberg, we discussed the importance of Birth Neutrality.

Whether you birth at home in a tub, or in a hospital with a medical team, the goal is a healthy parent, a healthy baby, and a supported experience.

Preparation matters, but so does flexibility. Surrendering to the path your birth takes is not a failure—it is a variation of normal.

Let’s celebrate the outcome, not judge the method. Drop a 🤍 if you agree that all birthing methods are valid.

Prenatal Yoga Center

https://youtube.com/live/wfpI4BJH6DA

If you are looking to support your libido naturally, it helps to have a plan.💌 Low drive is rarely just one thing—it is ...
02/12/2026

If you are looking to support your libido naturally, it helps to have a plan.💌

Low drive is rarely just one thing—it is often a complex mix of fatigue, hormonal shifts, and simply being "too stressed to care."

Here is our simply checklist for waking up a tired system:

✅ Maca Root (The Energy Builder)
This acts as an adaptogen, supporting the hypothalamus (your brain's control center) to balance hormones and boost overall stamina. Maca Root is best for women who feel physically "too tired" to connect.
✅ Damiana Leaf (The Mood Shifter)
It relaxes the nervous system while simultaneously stimulating blood flow to the pelvic area. It bridges the gap between your brain and your body. This herb is best for the women who struggle to get out of her head and into her body.

✅ Consistency (The Secret Ingredient)
Unlike pharmaceutical options, herbal tonics work best when taken daily over time. They build your resilience and vitality from the ground up.

Which one of these is missing from your routine?

https://us.fullscript.com/u/catalog

There is a version of Valentine’s Day that is all chocolates and romance. And then there is the reality for many women: ...
02/09/2026

There is a version of Valentine’s Day that is all chocolates and romance. And then there is the reality for many women: Pain, dryness, and anxiety. 🥀

If the thought of intimacy brings feelings of anxiety or physical discomfort instead of connection, we want you to know: You are not broken.

Painful in*******se (Dyspareunia) and chronic dryness are incredibly common medical concerns, yet they are rarely discussed openly.

Often, women are told to "just use more lubricant" or "relax." But these are temporary solutions that ignore the root cause. Your body isn't trying to reject intimacy; it is signaling a need for support.

The common culprits we see in our practice:

🌿 Hormonal Shifts: Low estrogen (postpartum or perimenopause) thins delicate tissues.
🌿 The Guarding Reflex: Anticipating pain causes the pelvic floor to tighten protectively, creating a cycle of tension.
🌿 Microbiome Imbalance: Chronic low-grade inflammation affecting tissue health.

Naturopathic care offers a path to restoration. We work to: ✨ Restore tissue integrity using hydration and topical nutrients. ✨ Balance hormones to bring natural moisture back. ✨ Calm the nervous system so your body feels safe to connect again.

Intimacy should be a source of joy and closeness, not a source of pain. Let’s reclaim that connection—on your own terms. 🤍

https://www.simplicityhealthassociates.com/blog/painful-sex-menopause-improve-your-sex-life

02/06/2026

You have spent 9 months growing a life. Now, you need to grow into your new self. 🌱

When we talk about "Postpartum Health," the advice usually jumps straight to “Do this,” “Tighten that,” and "Bounce back”

True recovery starts with something else entirely: Compassion.

You cannot separate your physical healing from your emotional well-being. If you are exhausted, depleted, and ignoring your own needs, your body simply cannot repair itself.

You are not returning to who you were before; you are moving forward into who you are now.

The baby is important. But so are you. 🤍

Share this with a mama who needs a reminder that she matters, too. 🕊️

Revitalize Physical Therapy

If one more person tells you to "just relax," you might scream. We get it. 🤍"Just relax and it will happen." It is the m...
02/04/2026

If one more person tells you to "just relax," you might scream. We get it. 🤍

"Just relax and it will happen." It is the most frustrating advice to hear. But let’s look at the biology behind it.

It isn't about "being chill." It’s about safety. 🛡️

When we are chronically stressed, our bodies prioritize survival hormones (cortisol) over reproductive hormones. Your body is smart—it pauses reproduction because it thinks you are physically running from a danger.

Our goal isn't to make you feel guilty for being stressed. Our goal is to help you send a signal of safety to your body.

When we lower cortisol, we tell your hormones: "The danger has passed. It is safe to nourish new life now." 🌱

You are doing a great job.

If you feel that there may be other factors that are impacting your fertility (male or female) - we are here to help and support you!

https://www.simplicityhealthassociates.com/plans-services

Some labels belong in the textbooks of the past. Let’s rewrite this one. ✍️"Geriatric." This term makes pregnancy after ...
02/02/2026

Some labels belong in the textbooks of the past. Let’s rewrite this one. ✍️

"Geriatric." This term makes pregnancy after 35 feel like a clinical diagnosis rather than a joyous journey.

At Simplicity Health Associates, we don't see a "high-risk statistic." We see a woman with financial stability, emotional maturity, and deep wisdom. ✨

Does pregnancy later in life need specific prep? Yes. But as a mom who was pregnant and gave birth in my 40s, we just pay closer attention to:
🥚 Egg Quality
🩸 Blood Sugar
🧘‍♀️ Stress Resilience

But needing prep doesn't mean you are broken. It means you are preparing for a marathon with the wisdom of a seasoned athlete. 🏃‍♀️

As someone who has travelled this journey before, I am here to support you every step of the way.
(For helpful resources & to book an appointment, visit https://www.simplicityhealthassociates.com/)

Your journey is valid, safe, and beautiful.

Treating the cervix without treating the gut? You might be missing half the picture. 🧩It sounds strange at first: What d...
01/30/2026

Treating the cervix without treating the gut? You might be missing half the picture. 🧩

It sounds strange at first: What does my digestion have to do with my gynecological health?
The answer is the Microbiome. 🦠

You have a gut microbiome, and you have a vaginal microbiome. And they talk to each other! It’s called the Gut-Vagina Axis. ↔️

If you have "Leaky Gut" or digestion issues, inflammatory signals can travel down, leading to:
❌ Chronic Yeast or BV
❌ Susceptibility to HPV
❌ Inflammation

We look at the source. Sometimes, the path to a healthy cervix starts with healing the gut first.

Curious if your gut is playing a role? We are here to guide you towards a healthy, and thriving, environment for your microbiome.

https://www.simplicityhealthassociates.com/plans-services

Address

New York, NY

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 8pm
Tuesday 12pm - 8pm
Wednesday 12pm - 8pm
Thursday 12pm - 8pm
Friday 12pm - 3pm

Telephone

+16464708458

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Our Story

Dr Ivy Branin is a Naturopathic Doctor in NYC, who helps a wide variety of conditions naturally. She uses homeopathy, botanical medicine, detoxification, nutritional supplements as well as crucial lifestyle management to get you feeling great.

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