Gateway Natural Medicine and Diagnostic Center

08/10/2026

Meta Monday!!!!!

Can nattokinase support cardiovascular health?

Nattokinase is an enzyme produced during the fermentation of soybeans to make natto, a traditional Japanese food. It has attracted attention because of its effects on blood clotting, circulation, blood pressure, and potentially cardiovascular risk.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11266782/

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials looked at 6 studies involving 546 participants and found some interesting results.

Blood Pressure
Nattokinase supplementation was associated with an average reduction of approximately:
3.45 mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure
2.32 mmHg decrease in diastolic blood pressure

Blood Clotting & Circulation
Nattokinase has fibrinolytic activity, meaning it can help break down fibrin—the protein involved in blood clot formation. Research suggests it may also influence platelet aggregation and blood viscosity, potentially supporting healthy blood flow.

What about cholesterol?
This is where the research gets more complicated. The meta-analysis did not find consistent lipid-lowering benefits, and some lower-dose studies actually showed small increases in LDL and total cholesterol. Higher-dose studies showed more promising trends, but the evidence is still insufficient to consider nattokinase a cholesterol-lowering treatment.

The takeaway:
Nattokinase appears most promising as a potential adjunct for blood pressure and cardiovascular health, but it should not replace established treatments for hypertension, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease.

And remember—because nattokinase can affect fibrinolysis and blood clotting, it may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly people taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.

Cardiovascular health is about more than cholesterol alone. Blood pressure, inflammation, blood sugar, vascular function, clotting, and overall metabolic health all matter.

Dr. Jackson McKeehan
Clinical Director
Gateway Natural Medicine (South)

7615 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

08/07/2026

FEEL GOOD PHYSIOLOGY FRIDAY!!!

Inflammation isn’t always obvious—but your bloodwork can give you clues.
In this video, I break down three commonly used inflammatory markers: hs-CRP, ESR, and ferritin—and what each one can tell us about what may be happening beneath the surface.

hs-CRP — a sensitive marker that can help identify low-grade systemic inflammation.

ESR — a broader, nonspecific marker that can increase when inflammation is present, but needs to be interpreted in the context of the rest of the patient’s history and labs.

Ferritin — best known as an iron-storage marker, but it also acts as an acute-phase reactant, meaning elevated levels can sometimes reflect inflammation, infection, metabolic dysfunction, or other underlying processes.

The key takeaway? No single inflammatory marker tells the whole story. These labs are most useful when interpreted together with symptoms, history, and other objective findings.

If you want to understand why your inflammatory markers are elevated—not just whether they are elevated—this is an important place to start.



Dr. Jackson McKeehan
Clinical Director
Gateway Natural Medicine (South)

7615 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

08/05/2026

Wellness Wednesday!!

Sauna therapy is more than just relaxation, it's a powerful tool for long-term health.

Regular sauna use has been associated with numerous health benefits, including:

Cardiovascular Health
-May help lower blood pressure
-Improves circulation and blood vessel function
-Increases blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart and muscles
-Research has linked regular sauna use with a lower risk of heart attack and stroke

Recovery & Inflammation
-Helps reduce muscle soreness after exercise
-Supports muscle recovery
-May decrease joint pain and chronic inflammation

Mental Health
-Promotes relaxation and stress reduction
-May lower cortisol levels
-Can improve mood and overall well-being

Metabolism & Longevity
-Increases heart rate similar to moderate aerobic exercise
-Supports metabolic health
-Associated with improved longevity and reduced all-cause mortality in long-term studies

Sweating & Detoxification
-Sweating helps eliminate small amounts of certain substances through the skin while the liver and kidneys remain the body's primary detoxification organs. Staying well hydrated before and after a sauna session is essential.

Wellness Tip: Aim for 15–20 minutes, 3–5 times per week (if medically appropriate), and always replace fluids and electrolytes afterward.

Small habits done consistently can have a big impact on your health.

Dr. Jackson McKeehan
Clinical Director
Gateway Natural Medicine (South)

7615 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

08/03/2026

Meta Monday!

Important Update for Patients Taking Levothyroxine!!

The FDA has issued a nationwide Class II recall for specific lots of levothyroxine sodium tablets after stability testing found some tablets contained less active thyroid hormone than labeled (subpotent).

Why does this matter?
Even a small decrease in levothyroxine potency can lead to worsening hypothyroid symptoms, including:
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Brain fog
• Cold intolerance
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Hair loss

Affected Strengths & Lot Numbers:

25 mcg (Exp. 07/2026)
• N02212
• N02212A/B

50 mcg (Exp. 10/2026)
• N02200
• N02200A/B

75 mcg (Exp. 07/2026 or 12/2026)
• N02172
• N02296
• N02288
• N02172A/B
• N02288A/B

88 mcg (Exp. 01/2027)
• N02310

112 mcg (Exp. 09/2026)
• N02203

125 mcg (Exp. 11/2026)
• N02266
• N02266A/B

150 mcg (Exp. 07/2026)
• N02167
• N02167A

What should you do?
-Do NOT stop taking your medication without speaking to your healthcare provider.
-Check your prescription bottle for the affected lot number and expiration date.
-Contact your pharmacist or prescribing provider if your medication is part of the recall so they can arrange a replacement.
-After switching to a new batch, keep track of your symptoms and have your thyroid labs rechecked 4–6 weeks later, as that is typically how long it takes for TSH to reflect a dose change.

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience severe symptoms such as confusion, extreme weakness, difficulty breathing, significant swelling, or a very slow heart rate.

Clinical takeaway:
Thyroid hormone is one of the most tightly regulated medications in medicine. Even small changes in potency can significantly affect metabolism, energy, cognitive function, and overall health. If you're taking levothyroxine, take a few minutes today to check your medication bottle.

Dr. Jackson McKeehan
Clinical Director
Gateway Natural Medicine (South)

7615 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

07/29/2026

Wellness Wednesday

Movement is medicine and so is keeping your spine moving well.

Routine chiropractic care may help support your body's natural movement and recovery by:

-Reducing muscle tension and post-workout soreness
-Improving joint mobility and range of motion
-Supporting healthy posture and spinal mechanics
-Helping decrease joint stiffness and inflammation
-Improving overall function so you can stay active

When appropriate and combined with exercise, mobility work, and rehabilitation, conservative treatments like chiropractic care may also help some patients manage neck and back pain, potentially reducing the need for more invasive procedures such as spinal fusions or discectomies. However, some conditions do require surgery, and the right treatment depends on the individual diagnosis.

Your spine was designed to move. Keeping it healthy is an investment in your long-term quality of life.

Dr. Jackson McKeehan
Clinical Director
Gateway Natural Medicine (South)

7615 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

07/27/2026

Meta Monday

Asthma isn't always "just allergies." One of the most important parts of treatment is identifying your specific trigger, because it isn't always caused by histamine or an IgE allergy.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7726317/

Research shows that people with asthma can have alterations in their airway microbiome, making them more susceptible to bacterial and fungal colonization. In some individuals, fungi such as Aspergillus can contribute to persistent airway inflammation and asthma symptoms, especially in those with severe or difficult-to-control asthma.

Potential asthma triggers include:
• Fungal exposure or colonization (mold, Aspergillus, other environmental fungi)
• Viral infections
• Chronic sinus infections
• Air pollution and smoke
• Cold or dry air
• Exercise
• Acid reflux (GERD)
• Stress and anxiety
• Allergens (only one of many possible triggers)

The clinical takeaway:
If asthma isn't improving despite standard treatment, it may be time to ask why. Is it truly an allergy flare... or is there another underlying trigger?

For some patients, evaluating:
Chronic sinus infections
Environmental mold exposure
Fungal sensitization or colonization
The airway and gut microbiome

can provide important clues to why inflammation continues.

Remember:
Not every wheeze is driven by histamine. Identifying the root cause of airway inflammation allows for a more personalized approach and can lead to better long-term asthma control.

07/23/2026

Do you have low iron (Anemia)?

Iron’s main purpose is to carry oxygen in the hemoglobin of red blood cells throughout your body so your cells can produce energy.

Symptoms of low iron may include:
•Fatigue and faintness
•brain fog
•lowered immunity
•easy bruising
•muscle cramps/joint pain
•breathlessness
•decreased appetite
•cravings for ice or dirt
•pale skin
•cold hands and feet
•changes in weight

Iron deficiency anemia is most commonly due to menstrual loss, gut loss, poor absorption of iron due to bowel diseases like celiac sprue, and/or poor intake.

As a general rule of thumb, men over 18 should absorb 8.7mg every day. The same applies to women over 50. Menstruating women aged 19 to 50, however, should absorb 14.8mg a day. The most bang for your buck is consuming red meat. Spinach is a great non-meat source. Consuming with a food high in vitamin C such as red pepper or tomato helps iron absorption. Spaghetti sauce is an excellent combo. If levels are too low, supplementation is crucial.

A simple blood test to assess your Iron panels is easy and inexpensive. “Test, don’t guess.”

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, call to schedule a consult for labs.

07/22/2026

Wellness Wednesday!!

Try a daily 12–16 hour overnight fast.

Giving your digestive system a break each day can provide benefits that go beyond weight management.

Benefits of a consistent overnight fast:
-Supports your body's natural cellular repair and recycling processes (autophagy)
-Helps remove older, damaged cells while promoting healthy cellular renewal
-Improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation
-Helps regulate appetite and reduce unnecessary snacking
-Encourages the body to become more metabolically flexible (burning both fat and carbohydrates efficiently)
-May reduce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress
-Supports digestive health by allowing the gut time to rest
-Can promote deeper, more restorative sleep when your last meal is several hours before bedtime

An easy way to start:
Finish dinner by 7:00 PM and wait until 7:00–11:00 AM the next morning for your first meal. Stay hydrated with water, black coffee, or unsweetened tea during your fasting window.

Small daily habits create long-term health. Consistency beats perfection.

Dr. Jackson McKeehan
Clinical Director
Gateway Natural Medicine (South)

7615 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

07/21/2026

Meta Monday!! (another Tuesday post)

Have you heard of endotoxins? They may be one of the missing links between poor gut health and chronic inflammation.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12258786/

What are endotoxins?
Endotoxins, also called lipopolysaccharides (LPS), are molecules found on the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. When the gut barrier becomes compromised ("leaky gut"), LPS can enter the bloodstream and activate the immune system, leading to chronic, low-grade inflammation.

Symptoms that may be associated with elevated inflammatory burden from LPS include:
• Brain fog
• Chronic fatigue
• Joint and muscle aches
• Bloating and digestive issues
• Insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction
• Difficulty losing weight
• Persistent, unexplained inflammation

How can we evaluate it?
-Comprehensive stool analysis to identify gut dysbiosis and Gram-negative bacterial overgrowth
-Intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") testing
-Inflammatory markers such as hs-CRP and other clinical biomarkers to evaluate the body's inflammatory burden

The takeaway:
The goal isn't to eliminate all bacteria—many are essential for good health. The key is maintaining a healthy microbiome and an intact gut barrier so bacterial endotoxins stay where they belong: inside the gut, not circulating throughout the body.

A healthy gut is one of the foundations of a healthy immune system, metabolism, and brain.

Dr. Jackson McKeehan
Clinical Director
Gateway Natural Medicine (South)

7615 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

07/21/2026

🌟 WE ARE GROWING! 🌟
Our family-owned and operated practice, proudly serving our community for over 30 years, is looking for a Front Desk team member at our Berthoud Office to join us!

📋 What You'll Bring:
Exceptional customer service skills
Dependability and a strong work ethic
Basic admin/computer skills (email, Word, digital fax, etc.)
Good at multi-tasking
Lifting requirement up to 25lbs (for unloading shipments)
Previous clinic experience is a bonus, but NOT required — we're happy to train the right person!

💼 What We Offer:
In-office benefits
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Bonus potential
A supportive, family-oriented work environment
Additional hours available after the training period

🗓️ Tentative Schedule (25-30hrs per week):
Monday & Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (1-hour lunch) *May stay 15-20min after depending on patient flow
Saturday: 7:45 AM – 12:00 PM *May stay 15-20min after depending on patient flow

If you're dependable, personable, and ready to be part of a team that feels like family, we'd love to hear from you!
📩 Apply via email or in-person ONLY: [email protected]
or
1211 Lake Ave., Ste 101
www.Gatewaynaturalmedicine.com

A natural medicine clinic for integrative, holistic healthcare such as diagnostic labs, primary care, chiropractic, esthetician & acupuncture.