Category: Articles and Recipes

What is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor?

Naturopathic Medical Doctors or Naturopathic Physicians (NMD) are the only licensed naturopathic providers in Idaho who are educated and trained in accredited naturopathic medical colleges recognized by the US Dept of Education. They diagnose, prevent, and treat acute and chronic illness to restore and establish optimal health by supporting the person’s inherent self-healing process. While naturopathic physicians can prescribe medications, they prefer to work to identify underlying causes of illness, and develop personalized, whole-body treatment plans to address them.

In addition to practicing many natural modalities, NMDs can prescribe medications, order lab tests and imaging, and are licensed as Primary Care Providers in Idaho.

How are an ND and an NMD different?

The terms “ND” and “Naturopathic Doctor” and “naturopath” can be used in other states to denote licensed naturopathic physicians but these titles remain unregulated in Idaho and can be used by anyone – with or without any training. In Idaho, only the title “NMD” is used by licensed naturopathic physicians.

What is Functional Medicine?

Many kinds of licensed and unlicensed providers use the term “functional medicine” to describe the services they offer, but there is no standardized training or requirements of education to use the term. Functional medicine providers sometimes have conventional training first and then add holistic training later, on their own or through a certification program.

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Navigating the Sodium-Potassium Debate: A Layperson’s Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure summarized by Dr. Nicole Maxwell, NMD

By Nicole Maxwell, NMD - Heart Disease & Diabetes

This overview encapsulates the insights from Christopher Labos, MD CM, MSc’s January 29th, 2024 commentary entitled “Sodium vs Potassium for Lowering Blood Pressure.”

When it comes to maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, there’s often a tug-of-war between sodium and its lesser-discussed counterpart, potassium. Should we be slashing our sodium intake or upping our potassium consumption? It’s a complex question that delves into the depths of renal physiology, but fear not, we’re here to break it down for you.

The Case for Sodium Restriction

Dr. Stephen Juraschek, along with many others, advocates for the reduction of sodium in our diets. Countless studies have highlighted the correlation between high sodium intake and elevated blood pressure. From the famous DASH diet to extensive intervention trials, evidence overwhelmingly suggests that cutting back on sodium can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure.

However, not all studies align perfectly. The PURE study raised eyebrows when it hinted that extreme sodium restriction might increase cardiovascular mortality. But upon closer examination, methodological issues emerged, casting doubt on its findings. Regardless, the consensus remains: excess sodium isn’t doing our hearts any favors.

The Case for Potassium Supplementation

Dr. Swapnil Hiremath presents a compelling argument for potassium supplementation. While the evidence may not be as robust as that for sodium restriction, studies suggest that increasing potassium intake can play a vital role in blood pressure regulation. Potassium works hand in hand with sodium in the kidneys, influencing how our bodies manage fluid and electrolyte balance.

The DASH diet, celebrated for its blood pressure-lowering effects, emphasizes potassium-rich fruits and vegetables. Similarly, studies like the SSaSS trial have explored the benefits of salt substitutes containing potassium. The challenge lies in finding practical ways to integrate these dietary changes into our daily lives.

Realistic Diets and Taste Issues

Encouraging a diet rich in fruits and vegetables seems like a no-brainer, but economic barriers and taste preferences often stand in the way. Potassium supplements might sound like an easy fix, but some folks worry about issues like too much potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia) and the not-so-great taste. Similarly, salt substitutes that contain potassium seem like a good idea, but they might not catch on everywhere because people have different tastes and cooking habits.

You can naturally increase your potassium levels by adding certain foods to your diet. Foods like potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, avocados, and oranges are excellent sources of potassium. Incorporating these tasty options into your meals can help you get the potassium your body needs without any concerns about supplements or substitutes.

Remember, continuing to reduce sodium intake is essential for managing blood pressure effectively. By combining a potassium-rich diet with reduced sodium consumption, you can take proactive steps towards better cardiovascular health.

Looking Ahead

At Boise Natural Health, I and the other practitioners can assist you in achieving blood pressure balance. Both Dr. Juraschek and Dr. Hiremath converge on the need for practical interventions, and our team is dedicated to providing holistic support tailored to your individual needs. While policy changes like the recent proposal by the US Food and Drug Administration to label salt substitutes as salt are steps in the right direction, our personalized approach ensures that you receive comprehensive care to optimize your cardiovascular health.

Contact Dr. Nicole Maxwell at Boise Natural Health Clinic for a complimentary 15-minute consultation, or schedule an appointment to receive the assistance you need promptly. We’re here to support you on your journey to better health and well-being.

Ways Ozone Can Benefit the Body

By Michaela Falkner, NMD - Medical Ozone, IV and Injection Therapies

Ozone is created by exposing 100% pure oxygen to a spark of electricity in a special generator which adds an extra electron onto the oxygen molecule.

Ozone therapies have been used since its discovery in 1840 and ozone is used all over the world safely. Boise Natural Health Clinic is proud to contribute this important therapy to the Treasure Valley. Here are some of the amazing things that ozone does for us:

1) Ozone kills infectious microbes like viruses, bacteria, fungi.

We use ozone in a variety of ways to kill infectious microbes. It can directly kill almost all ‘bugs’. Ozone gas has direct killing effect by using ozone infused olive oil or a process called insufflation. Insufflation is allowing ozone gas to come into direct contact with various tissues, including nasal passages, ear canals, vaginas, and rectums.

2) Ozone increases the delivery and use of oxygen in the cells.

Energy production runs most efficiently with oxygen. If we inject ozone into damaged joint spaces or tissues, we can focus that oxygenation into the injured area and promote healing. By increasing oxygen in the cells, we can increase our energy production, healing capabilities, and support our immune system.

3) Ozone helps stimulate and improve our antioxidant and detoxification pathways.

Ozone therapies increase our antioxidant production by up to 300% in some studies. Antioxidants help with slowing down the aging process, decreasing some cancer risks, decreasing inflammation, and promoting movement of waste products. Rectally, ozone has been shown to improve our bodies’ own production of the most potent antioxidant, glutathione. Glutathione is often referred to as the master antioxidant and helps the liver to detoxify, is anti-aging, and is used in the immune system to combat infections.

4) Ozone can modulate the immune system.

Immune system modulation means increasing immunity in the presence of an infectious agent or decreasing immunity when the immune system is out of control, like in an autoimmune disease. Ozone mediates some of our cell signaling messengers, called cytokines, to help turn the immune system up or down depending on our needs. Ask your BNHC naturopathic physician if they think ozone therapy may be right for you!

Are Your Medications Causing Nutrient Deficiencies?

By Dr. Amanda Grischow, NMD - Miscellaneous

Could your symptoms be nutritional deficiencies? Medications can have many potential side effects that patients often aren’t aware of when they start a new prescription. Are you aware of all the possible side effects of your medications and the nutrient deficiencies they can cause?

Medications can cause nutrient deficiencies by:

Decreasing the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals
Increasing excretion of nutrients
Increasing the amount of a nutrient needed to help break down the drug

Common medications and the nutrients that are affected:

Oral Contraceptives

Magnesium
Folic Acid, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Proton Pump Inhibitors (omeprazole/Priloscec, pantoprazole)

Magnesium
Vitamin B12
Iron

Statins
(atorvastatin/Lipitor, simvastatin, rosuvastatin

Co Q 10
Vitamin E

Diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide/HCTZ, chlorthalidone)

Zinc
Potassium
Calcium
Magnesium

Metformin

Vitamin B12
Folic Acid

What should you do if you’re taking nutrient-depleting medications?

Do NOT stop your medications abruptly without talking to your healthcare provider. Some medications may require tapering and some medications should not be stopped at all.
Consider getting your nutrient levels tested or talk to your doctor about possible symptoms of nutrient deficiency.
Consider supplementing to prevent deficiency with high-quality, third-party tested supplements.

Cortney M. Mospan. (2019, December 17). Drug-induced nutrient depletions: What pharmacists need to know. U.S. Pharmacist – The Leading Journal in Pharmacy. https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/druginduced-nutrient-depletions-what-pharmacists-need-to-know

https://mytavin.com/

Heartburn and Discontinuing Acid Blocking Medication

By Joan Haynes, NMD - Digestion

Why Do We Need Strong Stomach Acid?

Essential in absorbing certain nutrients, such as protein, vitamin B-12, and minerals
Kills bacteria and other pathogens in the stomach to prevent infection
Acid blocking medication increases risk of osteoporosis and fractures, pneumonia, Clostridium difficile and other gastrointestinal infections, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, chronic kidney disease, and dementia.

Five steps to fixing your heartburn:

Manage symptoms
Identify causes of heartburn
Change diet and lifestyle factors
Repair stomach lining, look for infection, and support a healthy microbiome
Wean medication slowly

Step 1 – Manage symptoms

At first, if you are on an acid blocking medicine stay on the lowest dose you can tolerate. To treat occasional breakthrough heartburn symptoms, choose one at time from this list:

Chew 2 DGL wafers (this black licorice wafer also helps heal stomach so its good to chew 2 three times a day regardless of symptoms)
Chew two Tums
Drink 2 dissolved Alka-Seltzer
Drink baking soda in water (1 teaspoon baking soda in 4 ounces of room temperature water) or plain seltzer water

Step 2 – Identify causes of heartburn

Hiatal hernia (diaphragm dysfunction, belly fat)
Infection – H. Pylori
Gastric acid over-secretion and under-secretion both can create heartburn
Hypersensitivity to a normal amount of acid (lack of mucus in stomach)
Pancreatic insufficiency (digestive enzymes)
SIBO – Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Stress, improper breathing, posture, spinal alignment
Diet and Lifestyle – see step 3

Step 3 – Change diet and lifestyle

Start with “low hanging fruit” – things that are relatively easy. Eliminate as many of these as you can.

Acid foods such as citrus and tomatoes
Alcohol
Caffeinated products
Chocolate
Dehydration
Eating quickly and unconsciously, not chewing
Eating too close to bedtime
Fatty foods
Food sensitivities – Consider testing (wheat & dairy?)
Overeating
Raw vegetables in excessive amounts
Smoking
Spicy foods
Sugar are refined carbohydrates
Tannins in black tea
Wearing restrictive clothing

Step 4 – Repair the stomach lining, look for infection, support a healthy microbiome

Your doctor will create an individualized protocol based on your symptoms, history, and lab testing.

Step 5 – Weaning medication slowly

Go slow – this process will take weeks or months and depends a lot on steps 1 – 4. Stopping your medication abruptly can cause rebound acid hypersecretion.

If you are on a PPI, in collaboration with your doctor, you will wean the dose and frequency of the PPI first, then you’ll switch to an H2 blocker then wean it slowly.

H2 Blockers – partially stop stomach acid secretion
– nizatidine (Axid)
– famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC)
– cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)
– ranitidine (Zantac)

PPI – almost completely stop stomach acid secretion
– omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC, Zegerid)
– lansoprazole (Prevacid)
– pantoprazole (Protonix)
– rabeprazole (Aciphex)
– esomeprazole (Nexium)
– dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)

When your digestive enzymes and/or hydrochloric acid are low

Heartburn symptoms can happen from having low digestive juices – both hydrochloric acid from your stomach, digestive enzymes from your small intestines and pancreas, and bile from the gallbladder. People low in digestive juices can have not only heartburn but often bloating, feeling overly full, abdominal pain, and other digestive symptoms.

Your doctor can test for and explore the use of digestive enzymes, bile, hydrochloric acid capsules, and the proper use of apple cider vinegar and digestive bitters.

Relaxation Therapy with Deep Breathing Reduces Heartburn Symptoms

Do not underestimate the impact of stress on your digestive tract!

Your Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), the muscle at the top of the stomach that closes when the stomach is digesting is affected by stress. When it doesn’t close at the right time (during digestion), it allows acid to reflux up into the esophagus. In a study, deep breathing exercises decreased severity and frequency of reflux episodes.

The LES, and the rest of your digestion, is controlled by the vagus nerve, an important part of the gut-brain connection. The vagus nerve controls the rest-and-digest side of your nervous system which in turn balances the flight-and-flight part of our nervous system.

Take many moments each day to check in with your breathing. Work on only breathing through your nose. Practice a slightly slower exhale to calm your vagus nerve. Check in with your posture’s effect on your breathing and diaphragm. Get up, stretch your ribs and back. Do a few twists or even better take a yoga class!

Read more about heartburn from Dr. Haynes:

Heartburn – Get Relief with Naturopathic Medicine

Reflux: Could You Have LOW Stomach Acid?

PPIs and Dementia Risk

Unveiling the Surprising Side Effects of Cardiovascular Disease

By Nicole Maxwell, NMD - Heart Disease & Diabetes

When we think of cardiovascular disease (CVD), we often picture heart attacks and strokes. But did you know there are hidden consequences that can quietly impact your life in unexpected ways? Let’s dive into these lesser-known effects that go beyond the heart and explore how a holistic approach, including a visit to a naturopathic physician, might be beneficial.

Mind and Memory Matters
It turns out that your heart health can affect your brain. Cardiovascular disease may increase the risk of memory problems and conditions like Alzheimer’s. If you find yourself forgetting things more often or feeling mentally foggy, it could be related to your heart.
Emotional Rollercoaster
Heart issues can bring more than just physical challenges; they can take a toll on your mood. Stress, anxiety, and even depression can become unwelcome companions on your health journey. Don’t ignore your emotional well-being—addressing it is as crucial as taking care of your heart.
Sleep Snags
Ever noticed that heart problems can disrupt your sleep? Conditions like heart failure might cause shortness of breath at night, affecting your rest. Poor sleep can then worsen your heart health, creating a loop. If you’re struggling with sleep, your heart might be trying to tell you something.
Intimacy Interruptions
Surprisingly, heart conditions can impact your love life. Reduced blood flow can lead to sexual difficulties, and medications may add to the challenges. It’s an aspect often overlooked but important to address for a full picture of your well-being.
Tired All the Time
If you’re feeling persistently tired, it might not just be a lack of sleep. Heart problems can lead to chronic fatigue, leaving you drained both physically and mentally. Don’t ignore this symptom—your heart could be working harder than it should.
Kidney Connections
Your heart and kidneys are team players, and when one isn’t doing well, the other can suffer. Heart issues can harm your kidneys, and kidney problems can worsen heart conditions. It’s a tandem act that emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to your health.
Painful Legs
Cardiovascular disease isn’t just about the heart—it can affect your limbs too. Peripheral Artery Disease can cause pain and cramping in your legs, impacting your ability to move comfortably. It’s another way your body signals that something might be off with your heart.
The Cost of Health
Lastly, the impact of heart issues goes beyond you—it affects economies too. Treating heart problems, coupled with lost productivity due to illness, puts a financial strain on healthcare systems and societies.

Considering these hidden consequences, it’s essential to approach heart health holistically. A naturopathic physician can be a valuable partner in your journey, offering natural and comprehensive approaches to complement traditional treatments. From dietary adjustments to stress management, they focus on your overall well-being.

In essence, don’t just listen to your heart; pay attention to how it’s affecting the rest of you. Taking a holistic approach, with the guidance of a naturopathic physician like Dr. Nicole Maxwell, can make a significant difference in managing the lesser-known consequences of cardiovascular disease and promoting your overall health and happiness.

We can add links to other articles like the cardio labs one

The Far-Reaching Effects of Hormones on Your Body

By Michaela Falkner, NMD - Women's Health and Hormones

Many people are aware that sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA influence more than just reproduction and menstrual cycles. While common knowledge acknowledges their impact on bone density, brain health, and cardiovascular risk, emerging medical perspectives recognize that these hormones have even broader effects.

Our Changing Brain Architecture Throughout the Menstrual Cycle

Recent studies have revealed intriguing insights into how the architecture of our brains changes during different phases of the menstrual cycle. These hormonal brain differences could potentially explain the increased incidence of early-onset dementia in women who experience early menopause. These new studies suggest that our thought processes may also vary depending on the cycle phase, potentially influencing behavior. Hormonal fluctuations and physical changes in the brain may contribute to reported instances of “brain fog” at specific points in the menstrual cycle. Although some studies indicate no difference in task performance, patients often report changes in effort. Animal models also suggest increased brain connections before ovulation, aligning with women’s experiences of feeling their best during this period. This research opens new avenues for exploring the validation of reported brain changes throughout the menstrual cycle.

The Impact of Menstrual Cycles on Immunity

Surprisingly, a Long COVID study delved into the sex differences and hormonal influences on the immune system. Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, early follicular phase, and PMS (end luteal phase) favor the TH1 immune pathway, which is effective against viruses but can escalate inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer risk. This phase also leaves individuals susceptible to bacterial and parasitic infections. Conversely, during the late follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase (higher estrogen and progesterone levels), women favor the TH2 immune pathway. While this pathway protects against parasites and bacteria and is anti-inflammatory, it may enable stealth viruses to replicate. These immune system changes potentially explain the higher incidence of autoimmune diseases in women, with patients often reporting flares of symptoms around ovulation.

In summary, we are entering an exciting era of research that focuses on the monthly changes experienced by females, recognizing that these changes extend beyond reproduction to impact the entire body. The evolving understanding of these hormonal dynamics is poised to reshape the field of medicine.

References:

Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail and How to Make Them Last All Year

By Dr. Amanda Grischow, NMD - Miscellaneous

As the New Year begins, people set intentions for self-improvement through the time-honored tradition of New Year’s resolutions. Among the most prevalent resolutions are those related to health. These resolutions reflect a genuine desire for better well-being and understanding the pitfalls can help navigate the journey to success. The unfortunate truth is that many of these resolutions fall by the wayside within a few weeks. Because of this, many people have given up on making their resolutions all together. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon and explore effective strategies to make your resolutions stick this year.

Why Resolutions Often Fail

Lack of Specificity: One of the primary reasons resolutions falter is their lack of specificity. Vague goals like “eat healthier” or “exercise more” lack a clear roadmap, making it easier to lose focus and motivation.
Overambitious Targets: Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to burnout and frustration. Rapid, drastic changes are often unsustainable. Gradual changes are more likely to become lifelong habits.
Lack of Planning: Failing to plan is planning to fail. Without a well-thought-out strategy, it’s easy to succumb to old habits. Planning ahead minimizes the reliance on willpower alone, making it easier to adhere to the chosen path.
Unrealistic Expectations: Unrealistic expectations can quickly lead to disappointment. Weight loss, for instance, is a gradual process, and expecting rapid results may result in discouragement. Instead, celebrate small victories and appreciate the overall improvement in well-being, not just the numbers on a scale.
Lack of Accountability: Going it alone can be challenging. Sharing resolutions with a friend, family member, or health care provider creates a sense of accountability. Having a support system can offer encouragement during challenging times and provide an avenue for sharing successes and setbacks.

Strategies for Success: Turning Resolutions into Habits

Set SMART Goals: Make resolutions Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). For instance, a SMART goal would be to “lose 10 pounds in three months by walking 30 minutes five times a week and eating one additional serving of vegetables daily.”
Start Small and Build: Begin with manageable changes and gradually build upon them. Small victories create momentum and instill confidence, paving the way for more significant adjustments over time.
Create a Plan: Develop a detailed plan outlining how the resolution will be achieved. This might involve creating a weekly meal plan, scheduling specific workout times, or seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or fitness expert. Be flexible with yourself and willing to adjust the plan if the first attempt isn’t working for you.
Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: Shift the focus from immediate results to the process of self-improvement. Celebrate the journey, acknowledging the positive changes in habits and behaviors, even if the end goal is not yet reached.
Build a Support System: Share resolutions with friends or family who can provide encouragement and support. Joining a fitness class, online community, or partnering with a workout buddy enhances accountability and motivation.
If at first you don’t succeed – try, try again: Many resolutions are often abandoned after “falling off the wagon.” If you feel that you haven’t been successful when first attempting to achieve your goals, give yourself some grace. Improvement is the goal, not perfection.

Navigating Common Health Resolutions: A Practical Guide

Weight Loss: Instead of fixating on a specific number on the scale, aim to adopt a balanced, sustainable approach to nutrition and physical activity. If you already have healthy habits in place, consider seeing your healthcare provider to investigate non-lifestyle causes of weight gain. Celebrate non-scale victories like increased energy levels and improved mood.
Exercise More: Rather than committing to intense daily workouts, establish a realistic exercise routine that aligns with personal preferences. This could include activities like walking, cycling, or dancing. Consistency is key, so find enjoyable activities that can be sustained over time. If you don’t know what you enjoy yet, consider taking a few different types of exercises classes to see what they’re like.
Healthy Eating: Shift the focus from strict diets to creating a balanced, varied, and enjoyable meal plan. Gradually introduce more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while minimizing processed foods. Experiment with new recipes to keep meals interesting and satisfying.
Quit Smoking: Quitting smoking is a significant achievement that often requires professional support. Explore smoking cessation programs, counseling, and alternative therapies like herbal medicine and acupuncture to help curb cravings. Enlist the support of friends and family and focus on the numerous health benefits of quitting.

A Journey, Not a Destination

As the New Year unfolds, health-related resolutions can transform from fleeting aspirations into lasting habits by embracing realistic goals, cultivating patience, and building a supportive environment. Remember, the journey to improved health is ongoing, and each day offers an opportunity for positive choices.

Boise Natural Health Clinic now Carries Beyond Balance Product Line!

By Michaela Falkner, NMD - Miscellaneous

Boise Natural Health Clinic is now partnered with Beyond Balance Inc to provide gentle herbal formulations for our chronic complex patients.

Chronic complex illness is complicated

As many of my patients know, chronic complex illness can not only be difficult to recognize and diagnose, but also difficult to treat. There are so many different factors that play into a body’s ability to tolerate various herbal, nutritional, and even pharmaceutical products. Oftentimes, patients’ bodies are very sensitive and what is well tolerated in one person (or even at one time in a single person’s life!) can’t be tolerated in another person (or time!). This is where Beyond Balance comes in.

We need products to use in sensitive patients

Beyond Balance https://beyondbalanceinc.com/ was created and formulated by an herbalist, Susan McCamish, and is used comprehensively throughout the US, Europe, Canada, and Australia. Her formulations are targeted at supporting the body’s abilities to detox and heal at a cellular level using herbs. These supplements are formulated to be used at very low doses and tend to be very well tolerated in even the most sensitive patients. I typically use Beyond Balance in my Lyme, mold, and co-infection treatment plans.

Successful case study of patient with severe allergic reactions

Over the years, I have used multiple of their formulations, but my most significant response was in a VERY sensitive patient who would have a sensation of a severe allergic reaction to multiple everyday odors/environments. We had tried multiple detox supportive supplements, which all caused the same reaction in her. We even tried using food as medicine and found she reacted to adding a tablespoon of cilantro to her diet! We decided to try Tox-Ease GL, which is a very gentle detox formulation by Beyond Balance. We started at 1 drop once a week and, as she could tolerate it, she increased her dose. I’m happy to report that now she can live her life relatively unbothered by her symptoms (they are almost completely gone!) and even engage in activities that would previously trigger her! She’s not even on the supplement anymore. These products are easy to take and effective!

If you are struggling with chronic complex illness, call for a free phone consultation with Dr. Falkner to see if she might be able to help.

Unlocking the Power of Pregnenolone for a Better Life

By Nicole Maxwell, NMD - Aging

Are you feeling tired, stressed, and overwhelmed by the challenges of life? You might be experiencing the effects of adrenal fatigue and hormone imbalances. But don’t worry; there is a natural solution that can help you feel smarter, happier, and more energetic – pregnenolone.

Pregnenolone, the hormone precursor you may not have heard of, is like the conductor of an orchestra, orchestrating the harmonious performance of your body’s hormones. Let’s dive into the world of pregnenolone, its incredible benefits, and how it might just be the key to rejuvenating your quality of life.

Pregnenolone: The Unsung Hero

Pregnenolone, much like its sibling hormone DHEA, is a steroidal hormone produced within your body. It’s synthesized from cholesterol and primarily produced in the adrenal glands, but you can also find it in the liver, skin, brain, testicles, ovaries, and even in the retinas of your eyes.

Now, you may have heard the word “steroid” and associated it with bodybuilding or athletes, but steroids are a large family of biochemicals that play vital roles in determining your sex, managing inflammation, and regulating growth. In this family of hormones, pregnenolone is the grand precursor from which most other steroids are derived, including DHEA, progesterone, testosterone, estrogens, and cortisol. Remarkably, pregnenolone comes with little to no significant side effects, making it a safe choice.

A Memory Boosting Miracle

If you thought pregnenolone was only about hormones, think again. This incredible hormone is like a secret weapon for your brain. In fact, in laboratory mice, pregnenolone has been found to be a whopping 100 times more effective at enhancing memory than other steroid or steroid-precursors. It’s like a memory enhancer on steroids (pun intended).

But it doesn’t stop there. Pregnenolone isn’t just about memory; it’s about making you smarter and happier. It enhances your ability to perform at your best, whether at work or in daily life, while boosting your overall sense of well-being. Plus, it’s a stress-buster. When high stress-induced fatigue is getting the best of you, pregnenolone steps in to save the day.

The Age-Defying Hormone

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and one significant shift is the decline in hormone levels, including pregnenolone. By the time you reach the age of 75, your body produces a staggering 60% less pregnenolone than in your mid-thirties. This decline makes pregnenolone a key biomarker of aging – it’s like counting the rings of a tree, but for your body.

But pregnenolone isn’t alone in this hormonal decline. Other essential hormones, such as DHEA, estrogens, testosterone, progesterone, and growth hormone, also experience a similar decrease with age. This hormonal decline is often accompanied by a decline in your quality of life. You may notice a decrease in energy, memory issues, changes in your vision and hearing, joint problems, heart issues, and even a decrease in your libido.

However, there’s hope. By supplementing small amounts of hormones like pregnenolone, you can slow down these age-related processes, effectively rejuvenating your body’s functions and improving your overall quality of life.

The History of Pregnenolone

The fascinating history of pregnenolone dates back to the 1930s, with research and usage becoming more prevalent over the years. In the 1940s, human studies were conducted on factory workers, testing the effects of pregnenolone on anti-fatigue and autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The results were remarkable – improvements were observed, and safety was confirmed.

However, pregnenolone’s journey took a different turn when a pharmaceutical agent named cortisone, introduced by Merck in 1949, was touted as a cure-all for rheumatoid arthritis. Soon after, more potent synthetic steroids like dexamethasone and prednisone were developed, overshadowing pregnenolone.

Despite the initial successes of pregnenolone, research came to a halt in the 1950s due to the popularity of these synthetic alternatives. These steroids, while fast-acting, brought about serious downsides, including compromising the immune system and inducing conditions like osteoporosis.

Where Pregnenolone Resides

It’s fascinating to note that pregnenolone is much more abundant in nervous tissue than in the bloodstream. In animal studies, it was found in the brain in concentrations ten times larger than other stress-related hormones, including DHEA.

The Promise of Pregnenolone

In a world where we’re all seeking ways to improve our quality of life and combat the challenges of aging, pregnenolone emerges as a potent ally. It’s a safe and natural way to enhance memory, reduce stress, and potentially balance other hormones in your body. Its fascinating history, incredible benefits, and untapped potential make it an exciting avenue for further exploration.

If you’re seeking a brighter, healthier future and a more vibrant you, discover the hidden power of pregnenolone. It could be the key to revitalizing your life. For personalized insights into your hormone levels and the potential benefits of supplementation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nicole Maxwell at Boise Natural Health Clinic. Your journey to enhanced well-being begins here.