Fibromyalgia

by Joan Haynes, NMD Fibromyalgia is characterized by wide-spread pain and chronic fatigue, there is no known single cause.  However, investigating and treating contributing factors often brings relief.   Here are some ideas we can help you explore: Hormones Hormones involving the thyroid, ovaries and adrenal glands are essential in regulating energy, mood, appetite, sleep, behavior, … Read more

Calcium . . . Friend or Foe?  A Fresh Look at Bone Health and Osteoporosis

by Joan Haynes, NMD Still think 1200 mg of calcium daily will build good bone?  Think again.  That much calcium might only not help, but actually harm.  Excessive calcium might compromise cardiac and kidney health.  Here’s a fresh look at osteoporosis and the host of minerals, cofactors, diet and lifestyle recommendations that are necessary for … Read more

How Your Poor Digestion is Preventing You from Losing Weight

by Joan Haynes, NMD Often people suffer from digestive problems for years without realizing how it’s affecting their other problem, their inability to lose weight. Metabolism and food cravings are seriously impacted by a poorly working digestive tract and treating gut problems can be the missing link for successful weight loss. Instead of going on … Read more

Harboring Bad Bacteria, Parasites or other Pathogens?

By Joan Haynes, NMD I’ve been trying out a new test on patients for that last year with great results. I’ve helped diagnose Giardia in a 2-year case of diarrhea after cancer treatment, a little boy with failure to thrive with C. diff, and a Lyme patient with Microsporidia. These results are exciting because when … Read more

Not Coping Well With Stress? You Might Have a Progesterone Deficiency.

by Joan Haynes, NMD Women with low progesterone often have symptoms of insomnia, PMS, anxiety, irritability, breast tenderness, food cravings, hot flashes, irregular menses, infertility, uterine fibroid, low thyroid, low adrenal function and a host of other symptoms. Progesterone’s main job during child bearing years is to prepare and maintain the uterus for pregnancy. Progesterone … Read more

Tired? You Might Have Low Iron

By Joan Haynes, NMD Fatigue can have many causes, but a fairly easy cause to figure out and treat involves iron. Iron deficiency is an under-recognized cause of fatigue and can be missed on standard lab work. Symptoms which may be linked to iron depletion are: Fatigue Poor work productivity Poor attention and memory Sore … Read more

Could Your Symptoms be Due to a Lack of Water?  Sometimes it’s That Easy!

Joan Haynes, NMD Did you know that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated?    Here are 5 warning signs and symptoms of chronic dehydration, and tips on optimizing your water intake so you can feel your best all year long.   FatigueDehydration is the number one cause of daytime fatigue. Dehydration of the tissues causes enzymatic activity … Read more

What is a “Leaky Gut”?

By Dr. Joan Haynes, NMD “Leaky gut” is also known as “increased intestinal permeability”.  Our intestinal tract is a semipermeable membrane, allowing very small molecules through in order to absorb nutrients.  Inflammation causes more permeability in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and incompletely digested food particles, toxins, and waste get through into the blood … Read more

Recommended Thyroid Book by Wentz

by Joan Haynes, NMD Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP Hypothyroidism is one of the most common health conditions we see at Boise Natural Health.  In 20 years of treating this condition, I’ve attended my share of classes and read numerous books and professional articles about … Read more

Useful Cancer Resources

Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians: This resource explains naturopathic medicine and oncology and how it can help fight against cancer. Dr. Haynes is a member of OncANP and attends continuing education seminars sponsored by the association.  Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center:  This is one of the best places to look up supplements for efficacy and interactions.