Nautilus Integrative Medicine - Dr. Sarah Z, ND, APRN, FNP-C

11/30/2025

PSA: I've been informed that should I decide to leave the integrative health profession, I can start a career as an early 80s/90s hip-hop video dancer. Not everyone appreciates a retro hat and wide-leg jeans, and I'm not ready for a career change yet, but it's good to know I have options.

11/27/2025

When eating turkey isn't really your thing, and you want your kiddo to know that women belong in science and tech (and cockpits!), you pop them into the front seat of an airplane for an awesome ride to your beach combing day...
However you choose to spend your moments today, ENJOY 💜

11/26/2025

Anyone want some GF bread starter?? Holy moly, this stuff has a mind of its own...

11/22/2025

We just saw the second Wicked movie and we are OBSESSED (of course, there were costumes involved for the show - we show up to SLAY in this family)! We also 💗 this line of lip balms that we found in a small shop years ago. This year, we were able to grab some for the office - it's made clean, works great, and the colors of the packages are just *on point*. I'm NOT here to sell products – I only carry and recommend anything that I would use myself. I use these ALLLLL the time. These two, in particular, are were a special release of un-tinted balm that we were able to sn**ch up.

We've got a VERY limited supply and they're available separately or as a set. We've also got a whole lot of other National Park-themed balms, and some gorgeous tinted ones as well. You can check them out in our waiting room, and if you're one of our patients who want a set of these cuties held for you, send me a message through your portal and we'll make sure you can pick them up!

11/17/2025

Little known fact: I wrote my thesis on the potential of psychedelics in medicine. More appropriately called "entheogens", plant medicine has been used in nearly EVERY indigenous culture for thousands of years. Recent research shows the incredible neuroplasticity - or new brain pathways - formed when the medicines are used in the areas of and . Set and setting are EVERYTHING for these potent treatments - having the right guidance, dose, plant, intention, and oversight makes all the difference in outcome.

I saw an incredible movie last night about this and thought I'd share for anyone curious. I'm really hoping that funding is renewed to these studies, as most was withdrawn by the current administration. More about that nonsense another time, but here's a link to the movie:
https://www.netflix.com/title/82047468

In this documentary, three former Navy SEALs with post-combat trauma turn to an unexpected treatment for healing and hope — psychedelic-assisted therapy.

11/06/2025

Time for the health checklist (especially for procrastinators like ME!).

11/02/2025

It's a tough time for a lot of folks, so we're getting ready early for holiday toy drives! This is an organization very close to my heart – Austyn Michael was one of the brightest lights I've ever known. ALWAYS sweetness, fun and laughter. His heart of gold continues to be an inspiration, making ripples bigger than ever imagined. Collected toys are gifted to hospitalized children across Connecticut during the holidays. Toys for all ages are accepted - small or large, and anything from infants to teens - any gift is sure to bring joy!

There are drop off spots throughout East Lyme, and we're happy to take any collections in our office - we will be making the drop off from our office just prior to Thanksgiving. We will be closed this Monday, but our lobby is open otherwise on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. 🩵

11/01/2025

* Please read comments below post* A quick tip on finding lower-cost options for testing when insurance isn't doing what insurance is supposed to do (insert my eye roll here).

10/31/2025

A very fun and safe Halloween for all! Many cultures take this time of the year - with the growing darkness - to honor the ancestors who've passed. Our family takes the season to remind ourselves that love and experiences don't ever go away. We celebrate the days with costumes, candles, fun, honor and reflection. Unexpectedly, we've also got a 3-costume-change weekend, which sure does challenge my creativity! Here's to a Happy Halloween, Samhain, Dia de los Mu***os, All Soul's Day and any other way you choose to celebrate 💜

10/26/2025

In a world of abundance, there is NO excuse for a mom to pretend she's full just to make sure her kids have the food they need. There is no excuse for an elderly person, already frail and on a fixed income, to lose the assistance they use to buy a few cans of stew to carry them through the week. It's inexcusable and we don't shy away from conversations where health, social justice, and humanity are involved. This is an SOS moment for a lot of our friends and neighbors.

We've got an ongoing collection point in our office for non-perishable foods and personal care items to be donated to the Norwich Loft, serving the staff, children, and families in Norwich (where Dr. Z lives, and where resources for assistance are scarce). Any overflow will be donated to East Lyme food pantries. We've already made TWO deliveries in Norwich (YAY! and thank you!) and plan to have another before the end of the month. As many pantries receive items such as pastas, items to consider that are often needed: oil (to make boxed food in place of butter), boxed shelf-stable milk, children's peanut-free snacks, cereals, pet foods (unfortunately, they often lose food first), low-sodium soups (for people with health issues who are on sodium-restricted diets), and trail mixes (make healthy, easy and calorie dense snacks).

Also, if you're doing the clothing swap-outs from summer to winter, any gently-used winter clothing and bedding is accepted. Thank you so much! EVERY bit makes a difference and you never know how big of a ripple YOUR difference will make 💜