Panka Natural Health

You've heard us mention the Eden Prairie springs before. Since 2021, we've personally tested both springs using mineral analysis, and we know many of you rely on this water as your primary drinking source. So when several people brought a new concern to our attention this week, we wanted to pass it along.

The concern involves herbicide use near Fredrick-Miller Spring as part of buckthorn removal. Buckthorn is an aggressive invasive shrub, and the traditional way of removing it treats the cut stumps with herbicide, which raises understandable questions about what could reach the groundwater that feeds the spring.

A community petition is asking local decision-makers to:

-Avoid herbicide use near Fredrick-Miller Spring and its water source

-Prioritize non-chemical removal methods, such as volunteer trimming and hand-pulling

-Put the protection of clean drinking water first

-Seek community input before approving any herbicide application near the spring

If this resonates with you, we encourage you to read the petition and consider adding your signature in support of a healthier community and environment.

Thank you 💚

It's not only about pollen.

Our latest newsletter covers four things about allergies your allergist probably hasn't told you, including the gut and hormone connections, a phenomenon called Oral Allergy Syndrome, and why daily antihistamines aren't really a long-term answer.

The two of us, in the office where it happens.

We're a husband-and-wife team of naturopathic doctors. Dr. Jacob and Dr. Haley Panka.

We've been practicing medicine since 2018, and running our own Hopkins clinic since 2020.

Curious about holistic family medicine or what personalized care with us looks like? Send us a message. We'd love to talk!

In-person + virtual health services | Free intro call at pankanaturalhealth.com

I wore a CGM for two weeks. Here's what surprised me most as a naturopathic doctor:

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) tracks your blood sugar minute-by-minute, around the clock, and wearing one myself was genuinely eye-opening.

I watched how stress spiked my glucose without a single bite of food. On nights I was putting my kiddo to bed or doing late-night chores, my levels climbed noticeably.

This happens when stress triggers cortisol, which signals your liver to release glucose, breaks down glycogen stores, and temporarily reduces insulin sensitivity. Your body thinks it needs emergency fuel, even when the "threat" is just a busy evening.

I also saw glucose elevations while sleeping, most notable on higher-stress days or when I'd eaten more carbs.

The minute-by-minute data is extremely informative. You can watch how your body actually responds to food, exercise, and stress in real time.

For me, mornings were great especially with a protein-rich breakfast. My afternoons and evenings is where I have room to improve with less mindless snacking, a slower wind-down, and treating stress management as a metabolic strategy.

CGMs aren't just for diabetics. They can be helpful if you're dealing with:
🔹 Prediabetes or blood sugar concerns
🔹 Difficulty losing weight
🔹 PCOS or hormonal imbalances
🔹 Fatigue, brain fog, or mood swings
🔹 Metabolic syndrome or cardiovascular risk
🔹 Plain curiosity about your own metabolism

At Panka Natural Health, we can help you interpret your CGM data, build a dietary strategy around your actual patterns, and support blood sugar balance with naturopathic therapies including targeted nutrition, dietary supplements, botanical medicines, and lifestyle protocols.

DM us if you're curious about trying a CGM or want a 10% discount off code.

If you live in Minnesota, there's a reasonable chance you're low in Vitamin D if you haven't been supplementing, especially coming out of winter. 

Vitamin D isn't just a bone health nutrient. It plays a role in immune regulation, mood, cardiovascular health, inflammation, and more. Research consistently links vitamin D deficiency to increased risk of a range of chronic conditions. 

The optimal range is not the same as the "normal" lab range. Many labs flag deficiency only when levels drop very low. We look at a broader functional picture. 

Vitamin D dosing is not one-size-fits-all. 

Your lab values, genetics, and health goals all factor into what the right supplementation looks like for you. 

Before you grab a bottle off the shelf, it's worth knowing your actual number. We include vitamin D as part of our comprehensive lab testing.