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.

Walking into a room and forgetting why? Struggling to find the right words? Your brain fog might actually be a gut probl...
03/26/2026

Walking into a room and forgetting why? Struggling to find the right words? Your brain fog might actually be a gut problem. 🧠

We tend to think of the brain and the digestive system as two totally separate departments. But biologically, they are in constant communication via a massive superhighway called the Vagus Nerve.

When your gut is inflamed, your brain hears about it immediately. Here is how the cycle of Neuro-Inflammation works:

1. The "Leaky Gut" Phase:
Due to stress, processed foods, or an imbalance in your microbiome, the tight junctions in your intestinal lining can become compromised (intestinal permeability).

2. Systemic Inflammation:
Undigested food particles and bacterial toxins slip through these gaps into your bloodstream, setting off systemic, whole-body inflammation.

3. The Brain Barrier:
These inflammatory signals travel up the Vagus Nerve and can cross the blood-brain barrier, causing inflammation in the brain itself.

The Result?
You feel it as "Brain Fog"—that heavy, sluggish, disconnected feeling where you just can't seem to focus or remember small details.

🌿You cannot out-caffeinate neuro-inflammation. Treating brain fog means starting at the source: cooling the fire in the digestive tract, sealing the gut lining, and restoring a healthy microbiome. Once the gut heals, the fog lifts.

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

Curious to see my recommended supplements for Leaky Gut? Find them here on my online dispensary: https://us.fullscript.com/u/plans/TXVsdGlQYXRpZW50UGxhbi0yNjgxMg==

Trying to conceive in your 40s usually comes with a lot of noise. Different timelines, different biological consideratio...
03/24/2026

Trying to conceive in your 40s usually comes with a lot of noise. Different timelines, different biological considerations, and unfortunately, a lot of unnecessary pressure.

I’m thrilled to finally announce my new evidence-based ecourse: Fertility in your 40s. 🗺️🔬

As someone who has walked this path personally and professionally, I know you don’t need more "quick fixes." You need a structured roadmap.

This course is for you if:
✨ You’re in your late 30s or 40s preparing for pregnancy.
✨ You’re currently trying and looking for clinical clarity.
✨ You’re navigating IUI or IVF and want to optimize your body for treatment.
✨ You want a shared, evidence-based approach for you and your partner.

From egg quality and hormone balance to male fertility and nervous system support, we are bridging the gap between natural optimization and medical care. No guesswork—just clear, medically grounded guidance.

The doors officially open April 1st. Be the first to get access and receive exclusive early-bird details. 👉 Join the waitlist on my website! https://www.simplicityhealthassociates.com/

"Should I stop eating fruit because it has too much sugar?" 🍎🥤No! The chemical structure of the sugar might look similar...
03/23/2026

"Should I stop eating fruit because it has too much sugar?" 🍎🥤

No! The chemical structure of the sugar might look similar under a microscope, but how your body processes it is completely different.

If you have been avoiding whole fruits because you are worried about your blood sugar or weight, it is time to drop the fear. Here is the biological difference between an apple and a can of soda:

✨The Soda Effect (Isolated Sugar):
When you drink a soda or eat a candy bar, you are consuming naked, isolated sugar. With no fiber to slow it down, it hits your bloodstream instantly. Your pancreas panics, releases a massive surge of insulin to clear the sugar, and leaves you with an energy crash and more cravings two hours later. 📉

✨The Apple Effect (The Fiber Matrix):
When you eat a whole apple, the sugar is bound up in a complex "matrix" of fiber, water, vitamins, and cellular walls. Your digestive system has to work hard to break this matrix down. The sugar is released slowly and steadily into your bloodstream. No panic, no massive insulin spike, just sustained energy and healthy digestion. 📈

You do not need to fear whole, unprocessed fruit. To make it even more blood-sugar friendly, pair your fruit with a protein or healthy fat (like an apple with almond butter, or berries with Greek yogurt) to slow absorption even further.

03/22/2026

Why are so many women in their 30s and 40s just now being diagnosed with ADHD? 🧠✨

For decades, the medical criteria for ADHD was based almost entirely on how it presents in young boys: hyperactive, disruptive, and bouncing off the walls.

But for many women, ADHD looks completely different.

In this sit-down interview, myself and Neurofeedback Trainer Alexis Pace discuss why so many women slip through the cracks of the medical system.

The truth? Many women have the Inattentive Type of ADHD. Instead of external hyperactivity, the hyperactivity is happening inside their brains.

It often looks like:
💭 Chronic daydreaming or zoning out during conversations.
💭 Severe burnout from "masking" (pretending to have it all together).
💭 A brain that feels like a browser with 100 tabs open, playing music from an unknown source.
💭 Being misdiagnosed with just anxiety or depression.

You aren't broken, and you aren't lazy. Your brain is just wired differently, and neurofeedback can be a powerful tool to help regulate it.

Were you diagnosed with ADHD later in life? Drop a 🙋‍♀️ in the comments if this resonates with your story!

👇 Watch the Full Interview:
Head to our YouTube channel for the complete discussion on Women & ADHD!
https://www.youtube.com/live/vyFVIcNGUQM?si=FN87Acbx6nIH94mV

https://arianeurofeedback.com/about

If your period leaves you incapacitated, missing work, or canceling your life... it is not "just a bad period." 🛑For far...
03/19/2026

If your period leaves you incapacitated, missing work, or canceling your life... it is not "just a bad period." 🛑

For far too long, women have been told that severe pelvic pain is simply the price of being a woman. You are told to take pain medication, use a heating pad, and push through.

But here is the truth: Common does not equal normal.

Statistically, it takes an average of 7 to 10 years for a woman to receive a proper diagnosis for Endometriosis. That is a decade of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told the pain is "all in your head."

Endo is not just "bad cramps." It is a systemic, whole-body inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can affect the bowels, the bladder, and the pelvic floor. It is complex, and it requires a comprehensive approach.

With our naturopathic approach, we don't just offer you a birth control pill to mask the symptoms. We look for the root cause—addressing estrogen dominance, systemic inflammation, liver detoxification, and gut health to help cool the fire in your pelvis.

You know your body better than anyone else. If you feel like something is wrong, keep advocating for yourself.💛

https://www.simplicityhealthassociates.com/nyc-holistic-dr-women-health-hormones

Curious to know my recommended supplements for Endometriosis? You can find it here on my online dispensary: https://us.fullscript.com/u/plans/TXVsdGlQYXRpZW50UGxhbi0yNjg2OQ==

What if your child’s meltdowns, brain fog, or hyperactivity aren't just "acting out"? What if they are a message from th...
03/16/2026

What if your child’s meltdowns, brain fog, or hyperactivity aren't just "acting out"? What if they are a message from their gut? 🧩

Parenting a child who struggles with focus, mood regulation, or developmental differences can feel overwhelming. We are often told it is just behavioral, but in functional medicine, we look at the biology.

Enter: The Gut-Brain Axis.

There is a physical superhighway (the Vagus Nerve) connecting your child's digestive tract directly to their brain.

Here is why that matters:
🧠 Serotonin: Up to 90% of your child’s serotonin (the "happy, calm" neurotransmitter) is manufactured in their gut, not their brain.
🔥 Inflammation: If the gut is inflamed from processed foods, hidden sugars, or food sensitivities, that inflammation travels directly to the brain, presenting as brain fog, irritability, or hyperactivity.

Food is Information.
Every meal is sending a signal to your child's nervous system.
By focusing on nutrient-dense, whole foods (and identifying potential triggers like gluten, dairy, or artificial dyes), we can change the information their brain is receiving.

We don't believe in impossible, restrictive diets that make dinner time a battleground. We believe in strategic, gentle shifts to heal the gut lining, balance the microbiome, and give your child's brain the exact nutrients it needs to thrive.

https://www.simplicityhealthassociates.com/pediatric-naturopathic-doctor-bend-oregon

Have you noticed a connection between what your child eats and how they behave? Share your experience below. 👇

Stop feeling guilty about that square of dark chocolate. Your body is likely asking for medicine. 🍫Do you crave chocolat...
03/15/2026

Stop feeling guilty about that square of dark chocolate. Your body is likely asking for medicine. 🍫

Do you crave chocolate right before your period or during high-stress weeks? That usually isn't just a "sugar craving"—it is a biological signal.

Cacao is one of the highest plant-based sources of Magnesium, the mineral your body burns through rapidly when you are stressed, cramping, or anxious.

But here is the catch: The medicine is in the Cacao, not the sugar.

To get the therapeutic benefits (without the insulin spike), you need to aim for 85% Dark Chocolate or higher.

Why the 85% Rule matters:
📉 Low Sugar: At this percentage, the sugar content is minimal, preventing the energy "crash" that comes after a milk chocolate bar.
🌿 High Antioxidants: It is packed with flavonoids that support blood flow and lower inflammation.
🧠 Theobromine: Unlike the jittery spike of caffeine, cacao contains Theobromine, a gentle stimulant that improves focus and mood without the anxiety.

Treat it like a supplement. Enjoy 1-2 squares of high-quality, organic 85% dark chocolate after dinner.

Savor it slowly. Let it melt. It’s good for the soul and your cellular biology.

https://www.simplicityhealthassociates.com/blog/say-goodbye-to-pms-natural-relief-recommendations

We call it the "Love Hormone," but it is actually a powerful anxiety-reducer. ❤️Oxytocin is famous for its role in bondi...
03/12/2026

We call it the "Love Hormone," but it is actually a powerful anxiety-reducer. ❤️

Oxytocin is famous for its role in bonding and childbirth. But biologically, it serves a much more immediate purpose for your mental health: It is the antidote to Cortisol.

Think of your nervous system like a see-saw. When stress (Cortisol) is high, your body feels unsafe. The quickest way to lower that side of the see-saw is to add weight to the other side—by boosting Oxytocin.

The best part? You don't need a pill to get it. You can "manufacture" this hormone yourself using simple, daily actions.

Swipe through for 3 science-backed ways to get a dose right now. 👉

(And yes, your pet is technically a medical device for stress relief! 🐶)

Which one of these do you need today?

Sometimes, the first sign of a gut problem isn't in your stomach. It's on your skin. 🪞We often think of Crohn's Disease ...
03/09/2026

Sometimes, the first sign of a gut problem isn't in your stomach. It's on your skin. 🪞

We often think of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis purely as digestive issues. We expect pain, bloating, or irregularity.But for many patients, the inflammation shows up externally before it fully manifests internally.

Because the skin and the gut lining share similar embryonic origins and immune functions, they often mirror each other. When the gut is inflamed ("on fire"), the skin often flares up too.

Common "Red Flags" we look for:
🔴 Erythema Nodosum: Painful, red nodules, usually on the shins. This is a classic "extraintestinal" sign of IBD.
🔴 Psoriasis: There is a significant genetic overlap between psoriasis and Crohn's.
🔴 Aphthous Stomatitis: Recurring mouth ulcers (canker sores) can be an early indicator of malabsorption or inflammation in the GI tract.

Treating the skin with creams is like painting over a crack in the wall without fixing the foundation.
To clear the skin, we have to cool the fire in the gut. This means identifying food triggers, managing the autoimmune response, and repairing the intestinal barrier.

Your body is always talking to you. Are you listening to what your skin is saying?

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

03/08/2026

Why do we recommend Prenatal Yoga? It isn't just to stay flexible.

In this conversation, we dive into how yoga mimics the intensity of birth. Holding a challenging pose (like Warrior II) when your legs are burning teaches your brain how to stay calm comfortably uncomfortable.

It trains the "Coping Muscle." When you learn to breathe through the sensation on the mat through repetition, you are wiring your nervous system to breathe through the surges of labor.

Did you practice yoga during your pregnancy? Did it help you on the big day?

Thank you Deb Flashenberg for sharing all this valuable information!

Prenatal Yoga Center

https://youtube.com/live/wfpI4BJH6DA

You wouldn’t take an espresso to go to sleep. So why are you taking the wrong adaptogen? 🌿"Adaptogens" are in our lattes...
03/05/2026

You wouldn’t take an espresso to go to sleep. So why are you taking the wrong adaptogen? 🌿

"Adaptogens" are in our lattes, our smoothies, and our energy bars.But treating them all the same is a mistake.

While they all help the body regulate stress, they have very different "personalities." Taking the wrong one for your specific type of burnout can actually make you feel more off-balance.

Here is the simple breakdown:

1️⃣Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
The Vibe: Calming, grounding, heavy.
Who it's for: The "Tired but Wired" woman. You are exhausted, but your brain won't shut off at 2 AM. Your cortisol is spiking when it should be dropping.
The Goal: To lower the volume on your nervous system and support deep rest.

2️⃣Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
The Vibe: Uplifting, clarifying, energizing.
Who it's for: The "Flatlined" woman. You drag yourself out of bed, rely on coffee to function, and struggle with brain fog by 3 PM.
The Goal: To give you a mental and physical spark without the jitters of caffeine.

Think of it this way: Ashwagandha is a warm hug. Rhodiola is a breath of fresh mountain air.

Herbs are powerful medicine and they can interact with medications (especially thyroid and blood pressure meds). Always check with a Naturopathic Doctor before starting a new regimen.

Which one does your nervous system need right now?

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

What if the burning isn't caused by too much acid, but too little? 🔥If you struggle with heartburn or GERD, your instinc...
03/02/2026

What if the burning isn't caused by too much acid, but too little? 🔥

If you struggle with heartburn or GERD, your instinct (and often your prescription) tells you to lower your stomach acid.

But here is the physiological paradox: You actually need acid to keep the fire down.

🌿How "The Valve" works:
Between your esophagus and your stomach, there is a small muscle called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). Think of it like a trap door. This door is pH-sensitive. It is designed to snap shut tightly when it detects high acidity in the stomach.

The "Low Acid" Cycle:
1️⃣ Stress, age, or nutrient deficiencies cause your stomach acid levels to drop (Hypochlorhydria).
2️⃣ Because the environment isn't acidic enough, the LES valve gets "lazy" and stays partially open.
3️⃣ Even a small amount of weak acid splashes up into the esophagus.
4️⃣ You feel the burn. ❤️‍🔥

🌿The Trap:
When you take an acid blocker, you neutralize the stomach even further. This might provide temporary symptom relief, but it keeps the valve open, creating a chronic cycle of reflux and poor digestion.

Before reaching for the acid blocker, we need to ask why the reflux is happening. In many cases, supporting natural acid production (with Zinc, Apple Cider Vinegar, or HCL) creates the signal the valve needs to close properly.

Are you treating the symptom or the cause?

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

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New York, NY

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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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