Dr. Beth John

09/03/2026

Lagom – The Swedish Secret to Happiness

Life in the Fast Lane

The morning alarm blares, and you’re off. First comes the meticulous multi-step skincare routine, followed by a fleeting attempt at stretching, and then climbing into a perfectly coordinated suit all while taking a bite of cold, leftover gluten-free pizza. Fast forward to the office: ceremonial shot of matcha in hand, you stare down 30 new emails and a mounting to-do list. Meanwhile, your phone vibrates with alerts for a meeting in two hours, a networking event at 6:00 p.m., and a text from your partner asking to catch a movie tonight.

You have the career, the apartment, the ambition, and the goals. Yet, at the end of the day, you feel empty and burned out. The world feels like it is moving faster every day, and despite the protein drinks, you don't have the energy to keep up.

For professionals in New York, this is a familiar scene. Many of my patients come to my office complaining of overwhelm, sensory overload, and even "wellness guilt." They are health-minded individuals trying to do everything right, but they never quite hit the mark. Instead, they feel overextended and, ultimately, shut down.

The Swedish Secret to Balance

Being of Swedish descent, I recently found myself discussing the relentless demands of New York life with my cousins in Stockholm. Although we all share demanding jobs and lofty ambitions, they and their colleagues seemed far more grounded and calm. They attributed much of their peace to the Swedish concept of lagom (pronounced LAH-gom), a philosophy that helps mitigate the negative effects of a high-pressure lifestyle. Lagom translates to "not too little, not too much, but just enough," and it is applied to nearly every area of Swedish life.

Monotasking is In, Multitasking is Out

At work, many of us juggle several things at once in a misguided attempt to be more productive. In fact, many people pride themselves on their ability to multitask and actively strive to do more of it. However, the physical and mental toll is steep. Multiple scientific studies show that multitasking actually decreases your ability to focus, drains you emotionally, and causes physical stress.

Chronic multitasking keeps the body in a constant state of fight-or-flight. This neurological strain can trigger elevated heart rates, high blood pressure, chronic tightness in the neck, shoulders, and jaw, gastrointestinal distress, brain fog, insomnia, and overall exhaustion.

The lagom perspective encourages monotasking, taking one task at a time and giving it your full attention. This actually sharpens your focus, increases productivity, and yields better-quality work. This is not a suggestion to do less in your day. Rather, immersing yourself in one task instead of dividing your attention creates greater natural efficiency and a calmer, more centered mind.

The Lesson of the Woodcutter

As my cousins and I discussed the benefits of lagom, I was reminded of an old parable about an ambitious woodcutter. Wanting to maximize his daily sales, he chopped wood for hours without stopping. As time went on, his axe became increasingly dull, making it harder and harder to chop each log. This put immense strain on his muscles, requiring double the effort for half the result. His production dropped, but his physical stress skyrocketed. Sometimes, the most productive thing a woodcutter can do is stop long enough to sharpen the axe.

The philosophy of lagom suggests that taking a short break or making time for a nutritious lunch, instead of scarfing down fast food at your desk, gives your mind and nervous system the reset it needs to boost afternoon productivity. This small pause makes a massive difference in your daily energy. Similarly, a quick five-minute brisk walk through the halls or up the stairs converts mental stress into physical energy, calms your nervous system, and helps you return to your desk with a sharpened axe.

Applying Lagom to Exercise

Lagom can be applied to exercise as well. I have seen many patients come into my clinic injured simply from overextending themselves at the gym or during physical activities. While most of us could benefit from moving more, knowing when to stop before a workout reaches the point of strain or injury is the true lagom way.

Applying Lagom to Socializing

Applying lagom to your social life often means embracing the power of declining invitations. Turning down an event that does not truly appeal to you can bring far more peace and satisfaction than maintaining a packed social calendar. Going out just for the sake of going out can often feel more draining than fulfilling. Conversely, if your social calendar has become too quiet, seek out an activity or event that genuinely interests you. Choosing something uplifting will help counter the stresses of daily life.

Monotasking can also transform our social interactions. Checking your phone or texting during a dinner or social gathering alienates the people around you. Try turning off your notifications and giving your friends, family, or date the same focused attention you would dedicate to an important project at work. Being fully present allows for deeper conversations and more meaningful connections, ultimately leading to happier relationships and a more satisfying life.

Lagom är bäst

There is a Swedish proverb that says, "Lagom är bäst." The literal translation is "The right amount is best," or simply, "Enough is as good as a feast."

When entertaining, aim to make just enough food—not too much, and not too little—so you can truly enjoy your evening and your guests. Lowering your stress levels and savoring the company is just as important as feeding your friends, and it drastically reduces hosting anxiety.

Ultimately, a lagom lifestyle means maintaining your ambitions and working hard, but knowing when to step back.

• Close the laptop at 6:00 p.m. without guilt.
• Give your friends and family your full, undivided focus.
• Enjoy socializing, but protect your energy from burnout.
• Buy less, but choose more thoughtfully.
• Find joy in "enough" rather than chasing extremes.
• Choose a quiet walk in the neighborhood over an exhausting, grueling workout.

By giving up the relentless chase for "more," we open up the mental space to appreciate what is already right in front of us. During this season of change, step out of the fast lane, take a deep breath, and remember that you do not need an excess of everything to live a full life. Sometimes, not too little and not too much, but exactly enough, is the greatest luxury of all, and the best thing you can do for both your physical and mental health.

About the Author:

Dr. Beth John is a chiropractor and Functional Nutrition practitioner dedicated to helping patients find their personal version of a lagom life. With over 30 years of clinical experience, she helps patients increase energy, enhance brain function, balance cholesterol and blood sugar, and elevate their overall quality of life. Her individualized nutritional programs complement conventional medical care, while her unique, gentle approach to chiropractic adjustments is "not too hard, and not too gentle." By avoiding heavy cracking, she delivers the exact right amount of care to resolve back pain, melt tension, and bring the body back into alignment.

04/01/2026

“I just don’t feel like myself anymore.”

That’s how she described it.

Not sick.
Not in crisis.
Just… off.

She said she had lost her mojo — her motivation, her inspiration, her energy.

She felt disconnected and couldn’t quite put it into words.

As we talked more, other things started to surface:

• Trouble finding words
• Short-term memory slipping
• Holding the railing on stairs and escalators when she never used to
• A subtle loss of confidence in her body
Nothing dramatic.
But enough that she knew something wasn’t right.
We put together a targeted, nutritional program just for her.

Two months later:

✔ “I have my mojo back!”
✔ Energy is back — and with it, motivation and inspiration
✔ “I feel like myself again.”
✔ Memory is sharp — words come easily again
✔ Balance restored — no more hesitation on stairs or escalators
✔“I feel more at peace than I have in a long time, even with ongoing life stress.”
✔ Feels strong and resilient, less colds, even under stress

This is something I see more often than people realize.

Not a clear diagnosis.

Not something easily measured on a lab test.

Just a quiet sense of:
“Something isn’t right anymore.”

And then…
"I feel like myself again.”
—
If you’ve been feeling off — low energy, disconnected, not quite yourself —
there may be more going on than you’ve been told.

And there may be more you can do.

Curious what your body might be trying to tell you?

Comment below or send me a private message.
— Dr. Beth John
631-414-7575
Functional Nutrition Practitioner

03/26/2026

If you saw my recent post about improving cholesterol naturally, here’s an update…

A woman came to me who had been on statins for 7 years for high cholesterol. She wanted to know if there was anything she could do nutritionally to reduce her need for medication.

Her medical doctor agreed to take her off her medication and after 3 months on a structured nutritional program (while continuing to work with her doctor), her results were:

✔ Total cholesterol ↓ 35 points
✔ LDL ↓ 32 points
✔ Non-HDL ↓ 41 points
✔ Triglycerides ↓ 43 points
✔ Liver enzymes: ALT/SGPT dropped 51 points, AST/SGOT dropped 25 points

We recently repeated her labs again a month later.

Her liver enzymes have now improved even further — both are now fully within normal range. (dropped another 8 points).

This is something I see often:

When you support the body properly, the changes don’t just happen once — they continue.

Her care remains coordinated with her physicians, and her labs are being monitored. But this is what’s possible when physiology is supported in a structured way.

If you’ve been told your numbers are “borderline,” “creeping up,” or heading in the wrong direction, there may be more you can do than you’ve been told.

Curious what your numbers might look like with a targeted approach? Comment below or send me a private message.

— Dr. Beth John
631-414-7575
Functional Nutrition Practitioner

02/18/2026

“Your cholesterol is high. You’ll probably need medication.”

That’s what many people are told.

A woman recently came to me and asked,
“Is there anything I can do nutritionally before I accept that as my only option?”

With her cardiologist’s supervision, she stopped her statin and had baseline labs drawn. Her numbers were elevated.

We created a structured 3-month plan focused on:
• Supporting liver function
• Improving fat metabolism
• Reducing inflammation
• Strategic dietary shifts

Three months later:

✔ Total cholesterol ↓ 35 points
✔ LDL ↓ 32 points
✔ Non-HDL ↓ 41 points
✔ Triglycerides ↓ 43 points
✔ Liver enzymes significantly improved

Her numbers are still being monitored, and she remains under her doctor’s care — but the direction of change was powerful.

This is what happens when we work with physiology instead of against it.

If you’ve been told your labs are “borderline,” “creeping up,” or “not ideal,” there may be more you can do than you’ve been told.

Curious what your numbers might look like with a structured approach?
Comment below or send me a private message.

— Dr. Beth John 631-414-7575
Functional Nutrition Practitioner

01/27/2026

⚠️ Important Health Update: Please Check Your Vitamin Sources ⚠️
A colleague recently shared something disturbing: they ordered a standard vitamin bottle from a major online retailer, only to receive a notification later that it was a fraudulent/counterfeit product.

As a doctor, I cannot stress this enough: Not all supplements are created equal. When buying online, it is easy to accidentally purchase counterfeit products that are ineffective or, worse, harmful.

My advice:
1️⃣ Only buy from trusted, reputable sources such as a doctor. They have their reputation on the line, Amazon does not.
2️⃣ Ensure the seller is authorized by the manufacturer.
3️⃣ If a price seems too good to be true, it likely is.
Protecting your health starts with knowing exactly what you are taking. Please be vigilant about where you source your supplements!

03/18/2025

Vitamins for Memory and Brain Health

More and more people are looking for vitamins for brain function and vitamins for memory. There has been a lot of study around this hot topic. I recently had a patient that received great benefits from using vitamins to help improve his brain function. Here is his story.

Tom is 82 years old and was diagnosed with both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. When his wife passed his brother, David, helped him move into assisted living. During conversation Tom would put his head in his hands and stop talking. His speech was hesitant and he would say things that didn’t make sense and sometimes things that were inappropriate. He could not handle his own finances or other personal matters. At night he was found wandering the halls and walking into the wrong room.

It was around this time that David came to me asking if there were vitamins for brain health that could help his brother. After reviewing his records, I put together a personalized program using specific brain vitamins that would help support the health of his nervous system.

After about 5 weeks David sent me a video that he had received from an aide of his brother dancing at an event at the assisted living facility. What was remarkable was to see this man get up out of his wheel chair so quickly and easily. His dancing was well coordinated, flexible and you could see he was enjoying himself. His face looked alert and present. That far off look was gone.

After three months of being on the program David came for a follow up visit to discuss his brother’s case. The first words David said were “WOW!”. He went on to explain he had just seen his brother before coming to our meeting and was amazed at his transformation. David had gone to pick up Tom’s tax papers to bring to his accountant for him. Tom had a notebook ready where he kept all his papers and notes organized. Everything was in there and Tom explained it all to David in a completely coherent manner. Tom even noted that they were doing this a little late demonstrating he was clearly aware of time and dates.

Their sister joined them and together they reminisced about their youth. David said Tom was coherent and clearly spoke about his memories as a child. David was amazed that the hesitancy in his speech was gone and he didn’t once put his head in his hands.
David shared that periodically he would still search for words but the improvement was startling.

David reported that even the aide was amazed. She had told him that something was working because she saw a big difference in Tom with the vitamins and memory issues. She also noticed he was more coherent, spoke more clearly, and hadn’t been getting up to wander the halls at night.

A few days after this meeting I was sent a picture of Tom (see below) sitting at his old drafting table he worked at as an architect, working on a new drawing. When Tom had retired he had taken up painting and drawing as an art form. When the symptoms of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's began to set in he no longer had the mind, dexterity, or desire to create and paint. David was thrilled to see Tom's creativity coming through again and see him mentally able to create an image and have the dexterity and ambition to execute it into a drawing and painting.

Periodically Tom still searches for a word but his symptoms are much improved. The supplements have significantly improved his life. It is the difference between being able to live in Assisted Living versus being moved into a memory care unit. It is the difference between being able to have a conversation with your family and holding your head in your hands. It's the difference between getting up to dance and sitting aside not talking to anyone. It's the difference between being able to create, draw, and paint versus sitting and staring blankly at a TV. It's the difference between being "here" versus in a state of confusion. That is worth the cost of vitamins!

Before taking the supplement program the Assisted Living administrators were pressuring the family to have Tom moved to a memory unit due to his wandering the halls and into others rooms at night. Now they are fine keeping him at the Assisted Living place.

Vitamins for brain function can be an easy start to help improve ones memory. Call 631-414-7575 today for a consult to see if your loved one could benefit. Check out our website for more information at www.drbethjohn.com

02/27/2025

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01/20/2025

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06/26/2024

Research Shows Vitamins Can Help Prevent Skin Cancer and Sun Damage.

Love the beach and sun but worried about premature aging, lines, and worse yet, skin cancer? An article published by the Skin Cancer Foundation in 2022 stated “Growing evidence shows that food high in certain nutrients may indeed help prevent skin cancer.”

The sun wreaks havoc on skin by creating free radicals that produce inflammation and damage cell function and your skin’s DNA. This DNA damage can cause changes in your genes called mutations that lead to skin cancer. It can also lead to pre-mature aging, lines, and wrinkles.

Studies show that antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients, help fight off free radicals and prevent damage that can result in skin cancer. Therefore, it makes sense that replacing these protective substances could bolster the weakened defenses.

Sun exposure converts skin oil to Vitamin D. When a person has too much vitamin D in their skin but lacks essential fatty acids, then calcium will move out of the skin and into the blood. This leaves the skin with too much vitamin D and not enough calcium. This can cause itchy skin, hives, welts, cold sores, a shingle outbreak, prone to sunburn, fatigue and ultimately skin cancer.

Studies show skin cancer patients have an increase in vitamin D levels in their skin. The problem is actually not enough essential fatty acids and calcium to balance the excess vitamin D.

A 45-year-old woman came for a nutritional consult complaining that every time she went in the sun, she would get terribly itchy. I developed a program for her of tissue calcium and an essential fatty acid supplement. She took them and went to the beach for a long weekend of sun bathing. When she returned, she said she did not get itchy once. She was amazed at how quickly it worked and hasn’t had a problem since.

A 35-year-old male life guard came to me complaining of fatigue whenever he is in the sun. He said he often doesn’t move from the life guard chair all day yet he comes home exhausted. If he works inside, he doesn’t tire. I recommended tissue calcium and essential fatty acids and two weeks later he reported that the fatigue was gone. He also said he didn’t burn as easily and his skin healed much faster when he did get burned.

The body is much like a symphony in that it not only needs vitamins and minerals but they need to be in a proper balance, just like a symphony needs instruments but needs them all playing their part in a balanced harmonious way. The proper balance and orchestration of vitamins is as important as the vitamins themselves.

Call now if you would like to know how to protect your skin from aging and the damaging effects of the sun.

If you are just interested in receiving the products mentioned in this article, give a call. We ship anywhere in the U.S.

You do not need to be a patient to order vitamins and herbs from us!

The products mentioned are not intended to take the place of medical care that you can get from a licensed medical physician. These products are to help support the structure and function of your body. None of this information has been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nutrition is an individual process and each person is unique.