Category: Articles and Recipes

It’s Time to Stop Taking your Extra Zinc

By - Food and Nutrition

During covid, many of us started taking zinc supplements to help our immunity.  But now, many are overdoing it!  It’s common for me to see people taking a high dose such as 50 mg or more daily for years on end! 

Functions of Zinc:

  • Part of immune system to fight off invading bacteria and viruses
  • Helps make DNA and proteins
  • Speeds wound healing
  • Part of thyroid function
  • Maintains a healthy prostate
  • Important for proper sense of taste and smell

Zinc can be Harmful:

  • Too much for too long can LOWER your immunity
  • An excess can lower copper levels
  • GI symptoms – nausea, dizziness, headaches, upset stomach, vomiting, and loss of appetite
  • Can cause low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol
  • Too much can make prostate cancer worse

Copper Deficiency Caused by high Zinc Levels

Low copper can cause symptoms of anemia, low body temperature, bone fractures and osteoporosis, low white blood cell count, irregular heartbeat, loss of pigment from the skin and thyroid problems.  Copper needs to be balanced with not only zinc but also manganese.  If you are taking zinc, you should be taking copper and a multimineral too! Adults need about 900 mcg of copper daily.  1 – 2 mg daily is a common daily dose when supplementing.    

How Much Zinc do Adults Need?

Adult females 8 mg

Adult males 11 mg

(see Resources below)

Worried you’ve Overdone it? 3 Options for Testing

  1. Your doctor can order blood tests and you can see if insurance will cover. 
  2. You can order your own zinc and copper blood tests at https://www.ultalabtests.com/.  Inexpensive tests but no insurance coverage.  Individual mineral tests run $10 – $60

While you are testing – consider running a couple more important mineral tests:  ferritin, mercury, and lead.   Ask your doctor to make a list for you if you want to add others.

Look for Zinc in your Diet

Whole foods have zinc and other minerals – beef, chicken, nuts, dark leafy greens, whole grains, beans.  It takes at least 4 cups of plant foods per day to meet your minimum requirements. 

A great article about foods rich in zinc: https://www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/best-food-sources-zinc/

When to Add more Zinc

  • When considering a multivitamin, look for one that contains no more than 15 mg/zinc/day.
  • If you are coming down with an infection or recovering from an injury or surgery, extra zinc might makes sense.  Check your multi first and take that amount into account for your daily total. Adults can consider taking total of 25 – 50 mg once a day for a about 1 month.  Take a low dose copper supplement  – again, check your multi first. 
  • Take zinc supplements WITH FOOD due to nausea which is a common complaint. 

Resources:

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/#:~:text=Signs%20of%20too%20much%20zinc,cholesterol%2C%20and%20low%20copper%20levels.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/foods-high-in-zinc

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/copper#:~:text=Many%20people%20do%20not%20get,the%20skin%2C%20and%20thyroid%20problems.

Methylene Blue – The Oldest New Med: for Energy, Chronic Infections, and More!

By - Miscellaneous

Methylene blue is one of the oldest synthesized medications to exist. It was originally made in 1876 for malaria. It was approved by the FDA for a condition called methemoglobinemia, which is a relatively rare condition. In simplest terms, methylene blue helps increase the oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells.

So, what can methylene blue be used for?

– We have found that not only is methylene blue great for saving lives and fighting malaria (its official uses), but it’s an amazing mitochondrial support that also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant uses. Methylene blue has been in the news recently for these “anti-aging” actions. By boosting the mitochondria (remember in 8th grade biology- “mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell” – it generates the energy currency our bodies run on), we increase energy production in the body.

– We also use methylene blue for neurological protection and health, including for concussions, dementia, depression, chronic fatigue, and long COVID neurological symptoms. Methylene blue is especially good for chronic fatigue due to its anti-inflammatory effects, its mitochondrial support (it enables us to skip steps in energy production!), and its ability to also boost mood.

– Lastly, we can combine methylene blue with other meds and supplements to better treat difficult infections like mold, babesia, bartonella, viruses (including potential for long COVID and EBV), and even pain.

We can give Methylene Blue both orally and IV. Unusually, methylene blue is well absorbed and crosses the blood brain barrier easily orally. However, side effects can include nausea (much better with lots of water), headaches, fast heart rate, and blue/green urine and/or saliva.

Methylene blue has a long history of use for various conditions safely. We can use this as another tool to enhance brain function, energy, mood, and fatigue!

Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder During Menopause: Herbal and Hormonal Treatments

By - Women's Health and Hormones

Introduction

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically occurring in her late 40s or early 50s. However, for many women, this transition is not just about physical changes but also emotional ones. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or seasonal depression can compound the emotional challenges faced during menopause.

Understanding SAD and Menopause

SAD is a subtype of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, usually during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Its symptoms include low energy, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating. Menopause, on the other hand, brings about hormonal fluctuations that can affect mood and emotional well-being. Combining the two can be particularly challenging, as hormonal changes can exacerbate SAD symptoms.

Herbal Remedies for SAD and Menopause

1. St. John’s Wort: This herbal supplement is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression, including those associated with SAD. It may help regulate mood and improve overall emotional well-being, including feeling physically attractive. It may take 8 weeks to notice effect. It may also help with hot flash frequency.

2. Saffron: Saffron is a spice known for its mood-enhancing properties. Studies have shown that saffron supplements may reduce SAD symptoms and improve mood during menopause while also reducing hot flashes.

3. Black Cohosh: Often used to manage menopausal symptoms, black cohosh may also help alleviate mild depression and anxiety. It’s believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system. There is an even more powerful effect when combined with St. John’s Wort.

Hormonal and Other Treatments for SAD and Menopause

1. Exercise: Multiple studies have shown that physical activity alleviates SAD symptoms and improves mood! 

2. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT involves replacing the needed hormones (thyroid, estrogen, progesterone and sometimes testosterone) that decline during menopause. Some women find that HRT can help stabilize mood swings and reduce the emotional impact of menopause, which can indirectly alleviate SAD symptoms.   Read more about hormones here.

3. Light Therapy: When natural sunlight isn’t available, light therapy is a simple, non-invasive treatment for SAD. Intentional exposure to bright, artificial light can help regulate circadian rhythms and reduce SAD symptoms.  During the day use bright Daylight bulbs for working.  Then at night use warmer Soft White for a more relaxing experience.  You can also use more directed light for 20 – 30 minutes using a light box – look for one with 10,000 lux of light that produces as little UV light as possible.

4. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These are prescription antidepressants that can be effective in treating SAD. SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms. SSRIs can help with hot flashes too. 

Combining Approaches

It’s important to note that treatment effectiveness can vary from person to person. Some individuals may find relief through herbal remedies, while others may require hormonal treatments or a combination of therapies. Always consult a healthcare provider, like myself, before starting any treatment regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Conclusion

Menopause can be a challenging phase in a woman’s life, and when combined with Seasonal Affective Disorder, it can lead to emotional upheaval. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available, including herbal remedies and hormonal therapies, that can help alleviate the symptoms of both conditions. Finding the right treatment plan may require some trial and error, so it’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized approach that suits your unique needs and preferences. With the right support, women can navigate menopause and SAD with greater ease and improved emotional well-being.

Dairy 101

By - Food and Nutrition

Trouble digesting dairy is not really a disorder, it’s just a natural variation in how our digestive system works. Most people in the world have trouble digesting dairy past infancy and symptoms can get worse with age.

Here are some tips and tricks to survive in a dairy filled world.  

Learn Your Dairy Vocabulary

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose is a sugar in milk that requires our body to make lactase, a digestive enzyme to breakdown and absorb lactose.  About 65% of adults worldwide can’t breakdown and absorb lactose. 

Secondary lactose intolerance, which is often caused by damage to your intestines, might be reversible after your small intestine recovers.  The damage can be sudden, often caused by radiation therapy, celiac disease, inflammation in colon, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, infections in the intestines, and other food intolerances. 

Dairy allergy

A true allergy to dairy food is rare.  These sudden and sometimes extreme reactions are mediated by IgE antibodies, which can be tested for.   May need to carry an Epi Pen. 

Dairy sensitivity or intolerance (milk protein intolerance)

This is a common intolerance to milk proteins such as casein and whey (as opposed to intolerance to the sugars with lactose intolerance).  It can be measured by immune marker IgG. 

Symptoms are often gastrointestinal related but can also show up in other body systems such as headaches, fatigue, frequent infections, respiratory problems and more.

For more information about food testing, here’s another BNHC article:

Are Foods Causing Your Symptoms? Understanding Testing Options – Boise Natural Health Clinic

Pareve or Parve

If a label says Pareve or Parve, it is milk-free to conform to Jewish food laws.

Whey, casein, caseinate, lactalbumin, lactose

These are all forms of dairy that are added to foods for flavor or to improve nutritional content.

Ingredients that do not contain dairy (but sound like they do)

Calcium lactate, calcium stearoyl lactylate, cocoa butter, cream of tartar, lactic acid, oleoresin, sodium lactate, sodium stearoyl lactylate. 

Hidden Sources of Dairy

Battered fried foods, biscuits, breads, breakfast cereals, cakes, chewing gum, chocolate, cookies, cream sauces, cream soups, custard, deli meat, ghee, gravies, hot dogs, ice cream, imitation sour cream, instant mashed potatoes, malted milk, margarine, muesli, muffins, nougat, packaged soups, paneer,  pies, puddings, sausages, sherbet, soy cheese, tuna fish (canned), soup mixes. 

Another source: restaurants may put butter on steaks after grilling to add flavor. 

Dairy Substitutes

  • Dairy free cheese, milk, creamer, sour cream –We are in the hey-day of dairy free products, and they have improved so much in recent years.
  • Avocado – the texture and fat make it a great pretend cheese
  • Look for the word “vegan” on packaging as an easy way to tell if dairy free.
  • The Treasure Valley has some awesome creamy, non-dairy options for ice cream:

https://www.stellaicecream.com/boise

https://ilovethestil.com/

https://www.lovejoysicecream.com/

When You Want to Indulge – some kinds of dairy may be better

People generally do worse on milk, soft cheese, and especially ice cream.  However, there is less lactose and you are likely to have less symptoms with drier, aged cheeses (such as parmesan), fermented dairy such as yogurt, and goat or sheep milk products (instead of cow). 

If you do have dairy, choose smaller servings and eat with other food to help digestion.

Lactase & Enzyme Supplements

These are tablets or drops you take before consuming lactose that provide the enzyme to break lactose down.  Potentially worth a try if you are just lactose intolerant.  Won’t help with a dairy protein sensitivity. 

We recommend Enzymedica Digest Spectrum which has high-potency enzymes to support digestion of foods containing both gluten and dairy, as well as vegetables and beans.  You can shop on your BNHC Fullscript account:

https://us.fullscript.com/protocols/boisenaturalhealth-dairy-and-or-gluten-sensitivity-digestive-enzymes

Link to Fullscript – Digest Spectrum Enzymedica

Is Dairy Addictive?

It’s not just cravings, we can get hooked.  A protein found in cheese comes from casein which, during digestion, releases casomorphins, a substance chemically similar to opioids.  These casomorphins can attach themselves to the same receptors in our brains as heroin and other narcotics resulting in a little hit of dopamine and increased cravings.

PPIs and Dementia Risk

By - Digestion

Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are a common heartburn relief medicine.  Some examples are Omeprazole (Prilosec), Famotidine (Pepcid) and Pantoprazole (Protonix). While they can be helpful in the short-term, long-term use can throw a wrench in the digestive process. PPIs don’t correct the original problem but mask it while the underlying destructive processes continues.

New Link with Dementia

And now, a new study[1] found that people who used proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for more than 4.4 cumulative years were at a 33% higher risk of developing dementia than those reporting no use.

Previous studies showed mixed results in regards to PPIs and dementia but didn’t study cumulative use. This study used 5,712 dementia-free participants (58% were women) and the median follow up was 5.5 years and studied cumulative use. There were no significant associations for shorter times of PPI use.

While we need more studies to understand what the relationship is between dementia and cumulative PPI use, it is important to heal your gut now and help prevent this occurring to you or a loved one that may be on chronic PPI use.

What are Some Causes of Heartburn?

Naturopathic medicine shines at correcting underlying issues and can help you address the cause of your symptoms.

Eating an improper diet, having a hiatal hernia which allows acid to be where it’s not meant to be, stress, lack of optimal GI health (lack of enzymes, acid, chewing food, etc.), etc.

Read More

Here is another article on our web page from with helpful information:

Heartburn -Get relief with naturopathic medicine on our web page.

Feel free to contact Boise Natural Health for a free 15 min consult or to set up your appointment with Dr. Nicole Maxwell.   

[1] Northuis C, Bell E, Lutsey P, George KM, Gottesman RF, Mosley TH, Whitsel EA, Lakshminarayan K. Cumulative Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk of Dementia: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Neurology. 2023 Aug 9:10.1212/WNL.0000000000207747. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207747. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37558503.

Long COVID

By - Immune System


Covid is Here to Stay

It’s pretty clear that COVID is here to stay. It continues to not only infect new cases but continues to wreak havoc in the already infected longer than the traditional medical model previously considered possible. Long COVID is a poorly understood constellation of symptoms (both mental and physical) that persist for more than 2 months after infection of COVID that significantly impacts a person’s life and isn’t explained by an alternative diagnosis (Mikkelsen & Abramoff, 2023).

Long Covid Symptoms

The most common symptoms in long COVID are fatigue, difficulty breathing, joint pain, chest pain, and cough (Sudre & Et.al, 2020), but we are often seeing brain fog, anxiety, dizziness, and difficulty in regulating heart rate and blood pressure. Symptoms can also change day to day. We don’t know what causes long COVID and its unclear who is at most risk of developing long COVID due to conflicting reports. What we do know is 87% of patients hospitalized with COVID will still experience symptoms after 2 months (Carfi, Bernabei, & Landi, 2020), so this is not an uncommon issue. Meanwhile, most patients do start to see improvement in their symptoms in 4-9 months (Mikkelsen & Abramoff, 2023) even without intervention.

Why Do Some People Get It?

So, what is causing long COVID? We aren’t sure. There are a few ideas, but it boils down to the following themes: reactivation/reemergence of COVID or other viral illnesses like Epstein Barr virus (Gold, Okyay, Licht, & Hurley, 2021).  Other contributing factors are immune system dysregulation, energy metabolism defects, and imbalances of pro and anti-inflammatory processes.  

Treatment Options

Fortunately, as naturopathic physicians, we are very used to treating many of these proposed causes of chronic viral infections naturally. Data shows glutathione/NAC, antioxidants, quercetin, curcumin, magnesium all have potential to balance inflammation and treat spike protein related pathologies (Halma & Plothe, 2023). We can also use Ozone IVs and rectal insufflations to modulate inflammation and help the immune system to kill COVID viral particles (Cenci, Macchia, & ET.al, 2022). We can also use antiviral herbs like cat’s claw, lemon balm, and licorice that have evidence of very robust antiviral properties. We can use nutrients like acetyl l carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, vitamin C to help restore the energy metabolism defects.

Ultimately, treatment isn’t (and shouldn’t) be once size fits all.  Often we are supporting multiple body systems for overall improved health – helping the body to heal itself.   We customize our approach of testing and treatments to help address your long COVID symptoms and support your healing.

References

Carfi, A., Bernabei, R., & Landi, F. (2020, July 9). Persistent Symptoms in Patients After Acute COVID-19. Retrieved from JAMA Network: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2768351

Cenci, A., Macchia, I., & ET.al. (2022, April 21). Mechanisms of Action of Ozone Therapy in Emerging Viral Diseases: Immunomodulatory Effects and Therapeutic Advantages With Reference to SARS-CoV-2. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35531273/

Gold, J. E., Okyay, R. A., Licht, W. E., & Hurley, D. J. (2021, June 17). Investigation of Long COVID Prevalence and Its Relationship to Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8233978/

Halma, M. T., & Plothe, C. (2023, May 17). Strategies for the Management of Spike Protein-Related Pathology. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37317282/ Mikkelsen, M. E., & Abramoff, B. (2023, June 19). COVID-19: Evaluation and management of adults with persistent symptoms following acute illness (“Long COVID”). Retrieved from UpToDate: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/covid-19-evaluation-and-management-of-adults-with-persistent-symptoms-following-acute-illness-long-covid/print

Sudre, C. H., & Et.al. (2020, June 16). Symptom clusters in Covid19: A potential clinical prediction tool from the COVID Symptom study app. Retrieved from MedRxiv: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.12.20129056v1.full

Mitochondrial Damage and Chronic Illness

By - Miscellaneous

In late May, I attended the 13th Advanced Applications for Medical Practice (AAMP)’s conference on Mitochondrial Medicine: Healing in Chronic and Post Infectious Illness. It is a 3-day conference that is packed with amazing information that I’ve been attending for the last three years.

The Cell’s Mitochondria – damage creates long-term symptoms

As some of us remember from school biology, mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell.  Inside them, complex processes occur to create ATP, which is the currency of energy for the body. These processes (anyone remember the Kreb’s cycle or Electron Transport Chain?) are very delicate and highly dependent on multiple nutrients to work correctly.

There is new information that chronic inflammation as well as chronic and acute infections (including Epstein Barr virus, COVID 19, etc), and even medications and toxins can damage our mitochondria and may contribute to post-infectious illness (such as Long Covid), chronic fatigue from other diseases like cancer, Lyme, and autoimmune disease, and other dysfunctions in the body.

So, when you treat the illness or source of inflammation, but still don’t feel better, you may need to address damaged mitochondria.  By giving more nutrients and also by removing obstacles to healing. 

Nutrients power energy production

The main nutrients needed to power mitochondrial production of energy include carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, multiple B vitamins, CoQ10, PQQ, selenium, zinc, and multiple other antioxidants. We also use phosphatidylcholine to help replace the delicate membrane of the mitochondria as well to allow better diffusion of nutrients in and energy out from both the cells and mitochondria. Here at Boise Natural Health Clinic, for broad spectrum mitochondrial support, we like MitoNRG, MitoCore, and BioPC Pro.

Are your Mitochondria Working?

We can indirectly test the function of mitochondria with a urine test called an Organic Acid Test (OAT). The OAT test is a nice 10,000 foot view of overall health. The test can give general information about the health of the mitochondria and Kreb’s cycle, gastrointestinal infections and health, indirect neurotransmitter measurements, vitamin levels, and detox abilities. I often use this test when I’m not sure where to start with a case or am suspicious of mitochondrial dysfunction, GI dysfunction, and nutrient deficiency. Contact us if you’d like to get an Organic Acid Test by Mosaic Diagnostics and get a glimpse of your mitochondrial health!

Report from Women’s Hormone Boot Camp Continuing Education Weekend

By - Women's Health and Hormones

A few weeks ago, I attended a 3 day, multi speaker conference known as “Hormone Boot Camp” that was attended by over 250 health care providers from around the country.  I’ve attended these hormone conferences many times before, usually every other year since med school.  I am a hormone user myself and have many patients on hormone therapy and want to be sure I’m keeping us all safe while we take advantage of the many benefits of bioidentical replacement.   I also want to keep up on new studies, new medications, and new delivery systems. 

10 things I want my patients to know:

  1. Starting hormone replacement at an earlier age is better.   There is little effect and potential harm if started > 10 years after menopause or if > 60 yo.  They now refer to it as the “Critical Window” of the optimal time to start.
  2. In most cases, you do not need to stop hormones until you want to. You don’t need to come off due to an imagined increased risk.   There are many long-term benefits of remaining on hormones beyond controlling symptoms such as hot flashes and insomnia including reduced heart disease, stronger bones, better cognition, less symptoms of aging and more.
  3.  If you start hormones too late, it can increase the risk of dementia.  But if started earlier it can prevent or delay the onset. 
  4. All forms of hormone testing (blood, urine, saliva) are valid for a baseline test, but salivary testing might be best evaluating hormone therapy.   If you are using serum (blood) tests for checking doses, serum estradiol with show up in a lower range. 
  5. Breast cancer risk from estrogen therapy is minimal and some studies even show that taking estrogen may decrease your risk of breast cancer.  Daily alcohol creates a greater risk than estrogen does. 
  6. Even if you have breast cancer, you are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Only 1 out of 31 American women die from breast cancer, while heart disease causes 1 of every 3 deaths.  75% of patients (men and women) hospitalized for a heart attack had cholesterol levels that would indicate they were not at high risk for a cardiovascular event.  At BNHC we can run expanded lipid tests to show much more helpful information to help modify your risk.  Read more in Dr. Nicole Maxwell’s article https://boisenaturalhealth.com/the-low-down-on-lipids/
  7. In women with a family history of breast cancer or BRCA 1 & 2 mutations, hormone therapy does not increase risk of getting cancer.  If personal history of breast cancer, some forms of hormones may be useful for symptom control with little risk. 
  8. Estrogen and progesterone may not be enough to increase libido.  Testosterone is often needed and can sometimes work wonders. *
  9. If you had your ovaries removed, replacing those lost hormones is very important to reduce the risk of bone loss, dementia, and other diseases of aging.  25% of women who have a hysterectomy only (kept their ovaries) will lose ovarian function after the surgery and have an earlier menopause.
  10. One of the speakers Tori Hudson, ND a former professor of mine and the author of books herself says that the book Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming, MD and Carol Tavris, PhD is the only book she recommends for both patients and providers! 

* Big News – I now have a DEA number which means I can prescribe testosterone now.    Come see me if your estrogen and progesterone aren’t doing enough to help with libido!

Spring Allergies – tools for symptoms and prevention

By - Sinus and Allergies

With the blooming of another spring (even though it’s late this year), many of us can expect itchy eyes, postnasal drip, sneezing, and itchy noses. Allergies affect up to 26% of adults, according to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. The symptoms don’t just cause discomfort, but can also come with fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and even tooth pain which can make day to day life uncomfortable.

Let’s look at options to blunt the effects of allergies on our lives:

Lifestyle

  • Use HEPA filters in your appliances like your vacuum, air conditioning, and air purifier.
  • Wear a mask when outside. Masks can help decrease the ability of pollen to contact your nose and lungs which can decrease allergy symptoms. Bonus points for washing your face, hair, or body after being outside as well.
  • Use natural cleaners to avoid irritating your sinuses, lungs, and eyes further.
  • Reduce eating your foods sensitivities and pro-inflammatory foods.

Over the Counter Options

  • Natural Options
    • Look for ingredients like stinging nettle, NAC, vitamin C, quercitin to help with allergies.
    • You can shop in Fullscript for natural options such as:
      • AllQlear – this egg-based supplement (not ok for egg allergies and vegans) is a delicious chewable that can help decrease inflammation in the respiratory tract.
      • D-Hist – we call this one “natural Benadryl.”
      • Aller-C – A blend of vitamin C, quercetin, and bromelain all help to stabilize mast cells (allergy cells) and decrease histamine.
      • Xlear nasal spray – this has xylitol and grapefruit seed extract to prohibit adherence of pollen and allergens to the nasal mucosa.
    • Nasal Rinses – rinsing sinuses with saline solution will help to decrease symptoms of allergies. Look for NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit available at most drug stores.
  • Over The Counter Medications
    • Certain anti histamines are safer in the long term than others. Some medications, like Benadryl, have been found to have a high anticholinergic burden score, which can contribute to risk of dementia later in life (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2736353). See how your OTC antihistamine stacks up here: https://www.acbcalc.com/

Desensitization Prescription Options:

  • Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
    • For severe allergies, BNHC can prescribe a medication called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). This therapy is similar to allergy shots in that we help your immune system to become tolerant to ever increasing amounts of the allergen. We can tailor this prescription to your individual allergens, which we test through a blood test (no itchy skin scratch test here!). For more information look at https://www.allergychoices.com/ and you can schedule with Dr. Michaela Falkner if you’re interested!

Symptoms and Testing for Hormone Imbalances: The Big Six

By - Women's Health and Hormones

By Joan Haynes, NMD

Hormone imbalances is something we see a lot of at Boise Natural Health. Listed below are symptoms of deficiency and excess of different hormones. Because there is such an overlap between the symptoms of the hormone imbalances, testing takes the guess work out.

Estrogens

Deficiency

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Foggy thinking
  • Memory Lapses
  • Incontinence
  • Tearful
  • Depressed
  • Insomnia
  • Heart palpitations
  • Bone loss
  • Aches/pains

Excess

  • Mood swings
  • Tender breasts
  • Water retention
  • Nervousness
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Fibrocystic breast
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Weight gain hips
  • Bleeding changes
  • Headaches
  • PMS

Progesterone

Deficiency

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Foggy thinking
  • Memory lapses
  • Incontinence
  • Tearful/Anxiety
  • Depressed
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Heart palpitations
  • Bone loss
  • Irritability
  • PMS
  • Infertility

Excess

  • Sleepiness
  • Breast swelling
  • Breast tenderness
  • Decreased libido
  • Mild depression
  • Candida infections
  • Water retention

Androgens (DHEA and Testosterone)

Deficiency

  • Low libido
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Foggy thinking
  • Foggy thinking
  • Fatigue
  • Aches/pains
  • Memory lapses
  • Incontinence
  • Depressed
  • Insomnia
  • Bone loss
  • Decreased muscle mass
  • Thinning skin

Excess

  • Excess facial hair
  • Excess body hair
  • Loss of scalp hair
  • Increased acne
  • Oily Skin

Cortisol (Adrenal Gland)

Deficiency

  • Fatigue
  • Sugar cravings
  • Allergies
  • Chemical sensitivity
  • Stress
  • Cold body temperature
  • Heart palpitations
  • Aches/pains
  • Arthritis

Excess

  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Bone Loss
  • Tired and wired
  • Weight gain in waist
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Thinning skin

Thyroid

Deficiency

  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Goiter
  • Constipation
  • Low body temperature
  • Dry hair
  • Hair loss
  • Dry skin
  • Achy joints
  • Infertility

Excess

  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Goiter
  • Increased hunger
  • Racing heart
  • Diarrhea
  • Excess energy
  • Bulging eyeballs
  • Mood swings

Insulin

Low blood sugar

  • Anxiety or irritability
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Shaking
  • Sweating
  • Irritability of confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Hunger
  • Nausea
  • Sugar cravings

High blood sugar

  • Increased thirst and a dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • Tiredness
  • Blurred vision
  • Recurrent infections
  • Patches of darker skin
  • Skin heals slowly
  • Weight loss or weight gain

Testing Options

Some factors that determine which tests to order are symptoms, chronic health issues, family history, cost and insurance coverage.

Sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA) can be measured in saliva, blood, or urine. For menstruating women, collection is best near day 20 of their cycle. (Day 1 is the first day of bleeding). For non-menstruating women and men, the test can be run any day of the month.

Thyroid (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Thyroid antibodies, Reverse T3) can only be measured in blood.  It is important to avoid biotin for 48 hours prior to testing and time the blood draw about 4 – 6 hours after taking thyroid hormone.

Adrenal (Cortisol and DHEA) can be measured in blood or saliva.  Cortisol starts off high in the morning and lowers in the evening

For current prices and more information – call Boise Natural Health Clinic 208-338-0405.  You can schedule a free brief consult with one of our doctors to see if we can meet your needs.