Category: Articles and Recipes

The Carroll Food Intolerance Test

By - Digestion, Food and Nutrition

By Nicole Maxwell, NMD

The Carroll Food Intolerance test, also known as FIT, helps us to understand the digestive and metabolic capacity of a patient’s body by identifying foods that are not compatible with their system.  

The History: Dr. Carroll practiced from 1917 to 1962 in Spokane, WA.  He was a busy and successful naturopath, however he couldn’t help his chronically ill son Bill.  In his search for better treatment methods, he learned about the work of Stanford physician, Dr. Albert Abrams who had been experimenting with new diagnostic techniques.  Dr. Carroll modified Dr. Abrams’ work to devise the FIT. Dr. Carroll discovered that his son was intolerant to fruit, removed fruit from his son’s diet, and for the first time his son recovered.  The FIT as devised by Dr. Carroll is similar, in some respects, to the bioelectronics testing of Voll, from which many biofeedback mechanisms have evolved.

What is it testing? This new method evaluates foods that are not well digested or metabolized by the body.  Those foods become a source of dysbiosis and can lead to inadequate breakdown of food, intestinal toxemia, and chronic irritation of the body tissues.  Dysbiosis means an imbalance between the types of organisms present in a person’s natural microflora, especially that of the gut, thought to contribute to a range of conditions of ill health.

Diagnosis? The Carroll test does not diagnose a disease, nor does it diagnose an allergy.  It is a determination of a patient’s incompatibility with food groups or combinations of those food groups.

The nitty gritty: A sample of blood is collected and evaluation is done using a specific electric circuit exposed to various foods in contact with a reagent. Fluctuations in the current are detected. Most people evaluated intolerant to one of the following foods or food categories: milk, egg, meat, sugar, fruit, grain and potato. In addition, he discovered that most people had a problem with one or more combinations of food, similarly not well tolerated.*

It works! I have used the Carroll food intolerance test for the last 17 years and have had great success.  I estimate 95% of my patients experience significant improvement when following their results. Do you experience a variety of health complaints and are unable to figure out why?  Do you seem to have multiple food intolerances from other food sensitivity testing or from observation? The Carroll Food Intolerance Test is often the game changer for people to help resolve a variety of complaints, heal their gut to be able to eat more foods, or lessen the load on the body so that the body can move toward health more easily.

We over this modality at Boise Natural Health Clinic to help you have optimal digestion and health.

*http://www.songofhealth.com/carrollhistory.html

Tis the Season … To Overindulge?

By - Food and Nutrition

By Nicole Maxwell, NMD

During this joyful and sometimes stressful season of office parties, family get-togethers and general celebration, it is possible one might overindulge in food and/or alcohol.  What can one do to help mitigate the effects?

  1. Drink lots of water to get things moving through the kidneys and out of the system.  Target 64oz a day of filtered water. If the overindulgence is alcohol, take commercial electrolytes (Nuun Sport is a good one), coconut water, or diluted juice and table salt.  
  1. When eating foods you normally avoid, take a digestive enzyme that works for your issue.  For example, if you avoid gluten and dairy then consider GFCF by Integrative Therapeutics to help digest those items.  We have many types of digestive enzymes and your provider can help you select the best one for your situation.  
  1. Homeopathic Nux Vomica 30c is great for that post party hangover. The morning after the over-indulgence, take five pellets under the tongue every 15 minutes up to three doses.
  1. Sign up for my 4-Week Clinical Detoxification Program the end of February – we’ll do a thorough clean-up of the system getting you ready to start the new year right. 

I hope this season treats you well and wish you the best of health.

– Dr. Nicole

Tired and Overstressed? Consider Daily Adaptogenic Herbs & Mushrooms

By - Miscellaneous

by Joan Haynes, NMD

A lot on your plate? Not coping as well as you’d like? Adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms can help. I’ve personally been taking some form of adaptogens to help me cope with the pressures of my busy life for over 20 years. I find them very useful and recommend them frequently to patients.

Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that act to provide energy and balance to the body. Some of these plants enhance mental performance, others make our stress response calmer and more efficient. They support the natural circadian rhythms and promote restful sleep. Many also support immune health and others impact digestion.

Each adaptogenic herb or mushroom has a slightly different action. Here’s a list of the most commonly used:

Rhodiola
(Rhodiola Rosea)
  • Ashwagandha
  • Schisandra
  • Holy Basil
  • Rhodiola
  • Eleuthero
  • Licorice

Mushrooms:

  • Reishi
  • Turkey Tail
  • Chaga
  • Lions Mane
  • Cordyceps
  • Maitake
  • Shitake

Here is a link to one of our vendors Gaia Herbs that explains the actions of the different herbs:
https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/seeds-of-knowledge/5-amazing-adaptogenic-herbs-for-adrenal-fatigue

Another one of our vendors, Wholesun Wellness, provides top-notch mushrooms to our clinic.
Here’s some great info to learn more. https://www.wholesunwellness.com/

Catching Too Many Colds?

By - Immune System

by Nicole Maxwell, NMD

Teachers, school-aged kids, frequent travelers, and those under chronic stress may be more susceptible to getting every cold that passes.  Here are some things to do to stop the trend.

First and foremost, it is important to maintain a Whole Foods Diet, which means to eat foods in their least-processed state.  Nutrient-rich foods include foods in their unrefined state, such as: apples instead of applesauce, eggs instead of Egg Beaters, oatmeal instead of a granola bar with oatmeal in it.

And let’s Review the Basics that you hopefully already know about and follow: get plenty of sleep, decrease or eliminate simple carbohydrates, drink plenty of fluids, and get your exercise.

Frequent illnesses can also be a sign of an underlying Food Intolerance.  We offer a variety of food intolerance testing at the office.  Here are some ways food negatively affects the immune system.  

  • The continuous intake of reactive substances causes local micro-inflammation in the intestinal tissue, which spreads insidiously and can manifest itself in other tissues, including reduced immune status against infections.
  • The gut contains an estimated 70-80% of the immune system.  With almost 400m ² (or 4,300sq feet – a very large house!) it is the largest contact area with the external world. There is extensive lymphoid tissue around the intestine and forms the largest immune organ in our body.

Here Are Some Therapies That May Be Helpful:

Oscillococcinum (Boiron) is a homeopathic, can be used for prevention and treatment.  I recommend one dose per week starting now, and going through the flu season, for prevention.

Probiotics are in the news a lot these days and for good reason.  Here’s the conclusion of one study; “Daily dietary probiotic supplementation for 6 months was a safe effective way to reduce fever, rhinorrhea, and cough incidence and duration and antibiotic prescription incidence, as well as the number of missed school days attributable to illness, for children 3 to 5 years of age.” 1

We carry a variety of formulas and can find the best fit for you.  

Colostrum is the first form of milk rich in antibodies and has been shown in a study to be 4 times more effective than the flu vaccine.  Colostrum was 3 times more effective than no vaccine. The vaccine + colostrum group did equally well as colostrum alone. In this prevention study they took 1 capsule a day containing 400 mg of colostrum away from food. 2

Wet Socks Treatment is a time-tested treatment that acts reflexively to increase the circulation and decrease congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat. It has a sedating action, and many patients report that they sleep much better during the treatment. The treatment is effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infections. https://boisenaturalhealth.com/warming-sock-treatment/

There are many tools in our toolbox to help you and your immune system be in tip top shape.  To make an appointment, contact us at www.boisenaturalhealth.com.

1. Probiotic effects on cold and influenza-like symptom incidence and duration in children. Leyer GJ, Li S, Mubasher ME, Reifer C, Ouwehand AC. Pediatrics. 2009 Aug; 124(2):e172-9. Epub 2009 Jul 27.

OBJECTIVE: Probiotic consumption effects on cold and influenza-like symptom incidence and duration were evaluated in healthy children during the winter season. METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 326 eligible children (3-5 years of age) CONCLUSION: Daily dietary probiotic supplementation for 6 months was a safe effective way to reduce fever, rhinorrhea, and cough incidence and duration and antibiotic prescription incidence, as well as the number of missed school days attributable to illness, for children 3 to 5 years of age.

2. Prevention of influenza episodes with colostrum compared with vaccination in healthy and high-risk cardiovascular subjects: the epidemiologic study in San Valentino.  Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Di Renzo A, Dugall M, Cacchio M, Ruffini I, Pellegrini L, Del Boccio G, Fano F, Ledda A, Bottari A, Ricci A, Stuard S, Vinciguerra G. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. 2007 Apr;13(2):130-6.

When the Immune System Overreacts: Naturopathic Treatment of Autoimmune Disease

By - Immune System

by Joan Haynes, NMD

One in twelve people and one in nine women will be diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in their lifetime.  Because of our whole-body approach, naturopathic physicians have a lot to offer patients with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.  

Reducing the “Total Load”

In order to return to better health, we need to identify and correct the different stress factors that started and are keeping the disease process going.  Here are 4 areas I often start with in the first appointment:

Digestion

The first order of business is a well-functioning digestive system.  Recent research points to intestinal inflammation as a primary trigger for the dysregulation of our immune system in autoimmune disease.  

Pathogens, Toxins, Heavy Metals

Evaluation for microbial and environmental exposures for that are thought to trigger autoimmune disease.

Hormones

Evaluation of thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormones to identify imbalances that affect the quality of life and our healing capacity.  

Nutrition

Encourage overall anti-inflammatory effect with an organic, paleo, whole-food diet.  We also test for food sensitivities (a primary source of inflammation) and correct underlying nutritional deficiencies.  

Returning to good health takes time.  Naturopathic physicians offer our patients longer appointments and the integration of the best of medical science with a more natural approach to treatment.   Call for a free consult to see how we can help.

Understanding The Role of Testosterone in Men – Options for Testing and Treatment

By - Men's Health

by Nicole Maxwell, NMD

Are you or a loved one curious about testosterone replacement therapy, also known as TRT? Testosterone naturally begins declining in men between 30 and 40 years of age. Fortunately, age related testosterone decline can be treated in a variety of ways. With proper testing and guidance, men can experience normal levels of testosterone providing energy and stamina well into advanced age. 

I’ve provided some of my favorite links to reliable information to consider if you are thinking about a testosterone prescription. 

Overview of Testosterone

Here is a very thorough article exploring symptoms, causes, and treatment of low testosterone:
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/low-testosterone 

Labs

Appropriate labs that must to be done before starting TRT and are available at our office. Here is a link that talks about appropriate lab markers: https://ndnr.com/mens-health/testosterone-drops-anti-aging-for-male-baby-boomers/# 

Many wonder what method of testing to choose. I prefer serum and saliva testing. 

The risks and benefits of testosterone replacement therapy

PROS: Numerous studies show the benefits of TRT with reducing cardiovascular disease risk, improving metabolic dysfunction, improving glycemic control and body composition. https://ndnr.com/naturopathic-news/testosterone-therapy-could-increase-risk-of-heart-attack-and-stroke/ We do, however, need more long-term studies as the next bullet demonstrates. 

CONS: There has been one study showing that there may be a 21% increased risk of a cardiovascular event especially in the first two years of TRT and then it seems to be cardioprotective.
https://ndnr.com/mens-health/testosterone-cv-risk-in-men/ 

Testosterone Modifiers

Many things we do daily affect our hormones. Testosterone modifiers are crucial to address. Your naturopathic physician can review diet, lifestyle, medication, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar, and hormonally active chemicals in our environment. Here’s a great article exploring this topic: https://ndnr.com/mens-health/testosterone-modifiers/ 

I’d Love to Help

I have been working with men’s health for 17 years and would be happy to assist you or a loved one with anti-aging medicine. Please contact us at www.boisenaturalhealth.com. 

Kids and Sleep

By - Pediatrics

By Nicole Maxwell, NMD

Sleep problems affect 20-30% of children and in many cases it can be addressed with naturopathic care.

Symptoms of insomnia include:

  • Sleep problems – difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep or waking up too early in the morning.
  • Tension/worry about going to bed and being able to fall asleep.
  • Being sleepy during the day.
  • School or disciplinary problems.
  • Irritability/mood swings.
  • Depression.
  • Hyperactivity.
  • Decreased attention span.
  • Aggression.
  • Memory problems.
  • Making errors or having accidents.

One issue is if we expect the child to be sleeping more than they need to or if they are in their bed longer than needed.  Reduce the sleep window to match the sleep needs to alleviate this possible bedtime struggle.  

How much sleep does each age group ideally need?

  • Preschoolers (3-5yo): 10-13 hours, no less than 8 and no more than 14.
  • School-aged Children (6-13yo): 9-11 hours, no less than 7 and no more than 12.
  • Teenagers (14-17yo): 8-10, no less than 7, no more than 11.

Some possible causes of insomnia include:

Stress: kids can suffer from stress just like adults.  Any school issues?  Bullying?  How’s family life?  Sibling relationships?  Any changes like recently moving?  Letting your child share their feelings can work wonders.  Naturopathically, we can treat this with adaptive herbs that are gentle for their system.  Consider ashwagandha: it has calming and focusing effects for students and helps calm the mind for restful sleep.

Use of caffeine or other stimulants: besides the obvious ones, many clear sodas and energy drinks have caffeine.

Medication side effects: drugs that treat ADHD, antidepressants, and others may cause insomnia.  We can help manage those side effects through nutrient guidance.

Other medical disorders: Growing pains, thyroid issues, heartburn and muscle cramps may cause insomnia.  We offer physical exams and many lab options to help rule these issues out or in and treat accordingly.  Magnesium is great for muscle cramps and growing pains. Magnesium is also an easy item you can try safely at home.  Food sensitivities may be linked to nightmares and sleep issues.  We offer food sensitivity testing at our office.  Blood sugar dysregulation often causes middle of the night insomnia.  Try a bedtime snack like a couple slices of apple with a nut butter on top or a hard boiled egg.

Environmental factors: Perhaps the room is too hot or too cold, not dark enough, or it’s too noisy.  These can be addressed with the appropriate mattress, bedding and curtains.  Another environmental factor includes restricting electronic usage in the bedroom and turning off Wifi at night.

I am happy to help you and your child/children uncover the source of the sleep difficulty and guide you to a safe and effective plan.  I work with herbs, nutrients, homeopathy, and diet. Contact Boise Natural Health Clinic at (208) 338-0405.

L-Theanine A Supplement for Children (and Adults) with Anxiety and Trouble Focusing

By - Mental Health

by Joan Haynes, NMD

Adjusting to the classroom can be challenging.  L-Theanine is a simple supplement that families can try with their children to help them relax, focus and learn.  I’ve been using it with kids and adults for over 20 years and find it a gentle and effective supplement.  Along with dietary support (whole food, blood sugar regulation, avoiding food sensitivities, quality multivitamin), L-theanine can help kids make the most out of their day.

L-Theanine is an amino acid from green tea which fosters a state of calm, attentive wakefulness.  It helps restless & anxious students by lowering levels of the stress hormone corticosterone.  When stress levels are high, it interferes with memory and learning.

How L-theanine Works

From a recent Psychology Today article. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/201708/what-you-need-know-about-l-theanine

L-theanine promotes relaxation and facilitates sleep by contributing to a number of changes in the brain:

  • Boosts levels of GABA and other calming brain chemicals. L-theanine elevates levels of GABA, as well as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters, and they work in the brain to regulate emotions, mood, concentration, alertness, and sleep, as well as appetite, energy, and other cognitive skills. Increasing levels of these calming brain chemicals promotes relaxation and can help with sleep.
  • Lowers levels of “excitatory” brain chemicals. At the same time it is increasing chemicals that promote feelings of calm, L-theanine also reduces levels of chemicals in the brain that are linked to stress and anxiety. This may also be a way that L-theanine can protect brain cells against stress and age-related damage.
  • Enhances alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves are associated with a state of “wakeful relaxation.” That’s the state of mind you experience when meditating, being creative, or letting your mind wander in daydreaming. Alpha waves are also present during REM sleep. L-theanine appears to trigger the release of alpha-waves, which enhances relaxation, focus, and creativity. One of the appealing aspects of L-theanine is that it works to relax without sedating. That can make L-theanine a good choice for people who are looking to enhance their “wakeful relaxation,” without worrying about becoming sleepy and fatigued during the day.

Dosing  *

At Boise Natural Health Clinic, we find these amounts helpful:

50 mg is a starting dose for elementary school children. 

100 -200 mg may be more appropriate for high school children and adults.

L-Theanine can be given each morning and if needed a second time at the end of the day to promote relaxation, focus, and eventually sleep. 

* L-Theanine may not be appropriate with certain medical conditions or medications, so check with your provider before giving it to your child or taking it yourself. 

Using L-Theanine is an example of Targeted Amino Acid Therapy which is used to treat many common disorders such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, inattentiveness and more.  For more information, call for a free consult. 

How to Decrease Jet Lag

By - Miscellaneous

By Dr. Nicole Maxwell

Planning to travel?  Want to take advantage of every minute?  Learn how to decrease the symptoms of jet lag so you can enjoy your time instead of wanting to sleep the day away.

Jet lag symptoms include: 

  • Disturbed sleep — such as difficulty falling asleep, early waking or excessive sleepiness.
  • Daytime tiredness.
  • Difficulty functioning at your usual level.
  • Stomach problems, constipation or diarrhea.
  • A general feeling of not being well.
  • Mood changes.

Hydration: dehydration worsens symptoms of jet lag and airplane travel promotes dehydration.  Make sure to hydrate well before, during and after your flight.  Avoid alcohol, soda and caffeine as those promote dehydration as well.  Choose an aisle seat so you can take bathroom breaks as needed.  Consider drinking a glass of water every waking hour on your flight.

Melatonin: Melatonin is related to light – light suppresses melatonin secretion.  Crossing time zones disrupts the melatonin cycle.  Consider taking melatonin upon arrival one hour before the new bedtime.  If you arrive in the morning, wait until that evening to supplement.  1-3mg should be plenty.

Homeopathic combination remedies like No Jet Lag can be very helpful for recovering from jet lag.  No Jet Lag directions: chew 1 upon take off, one in the middle of flight, one upon landing and one before bed, local time. May also chew 1 three times a day the next day if needed.

Acupressure can also be helpful for jet lag and it’s free!  Check out this link by physical therapist, Mary Golob for the acupressure points and the associated times.  https://www.scribd.com/document/383612283/How-to-fix-Jet-Lag

Fasting hasn’t been tested in clinical trials yet and the theory, extrapolated from mice, is that the body’s circadian clock gets suspended when fasting to conserve energy.  When you eat soon after landing, the clock starts again.  The doctors who did the mice research recommend fasting 12-16 hours before and during the flight then eat a healthy meal once you land, as soon as is convenient.  Drink lots of water during the flight though!  If you want to eat on plane pre-order “low sodium” meal to prevent dehydration.

Earthing: walk outside on a natural surface for 20 – 30 minutes with bare feet.  The theory here is that the earth has a rhythm and by grounding yourself in the new time zone, your rhythm will match the earth’s rhythm in the new time zone.  I have colleagues who swear by this.  I think it sounds lovely to squish your toes in the sand or lay on the grass and become present to the new surroundings.

Supplements: An adrenal support in the morning of new time zone can help increase morning cortisol.  Then take phosphatidyl serine 3 hours before the new bedtime and again at the new bedtime to help decrease nighttime cortisol.  This resets the cortisol rhythm to the new time zone.  These are available at Boise Natural Health Clinic.

May you have wonderful travels with little jet lag interference.  Feel free to come in for a tune up as well to prepare for your best trip yet.

Citations

1. https://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-jet-lag?fbclid=IwAR0doaU7dGY-haoLuLOZ6xukPtRUyI2mxnYIC8TI7LntKyxiInr_piWD2J8

 2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/resetting-your-circadian-clock-to-minimize-jet-lag-2016090810279

Well-Prepared Natural Travel Kit

By - Miscellaneous

by Joan Haynes, NMD

Buy a basic first-aid travel kit and add your own natural medicines

Additional natural remedies to add:  (products mentioned by name available at BNHC)

For gastrointestinal illness:

Arsenicum 30C  A homeopathic remedy that treats vomiting or diarrhea. At the first sign of getting ill, let 3 pellets dissolve under your tongue. Use every hour or two when awake until symptoms resolve.

Charcoal caps  Charcoal absorbs toxins in your digestive tract. If you feel you ate or drank something that upset your system, take 2 caps (for a child) or 4 caps (for an adult). You can take 2 more capsules in another 1-2 hours. The charcoal will turn your stool black.

Botanifuge (Professional Formulas)   These capsules contain several different herbs that kill off parasites and pathogenic bacteria. They can also be used as a preventative measure (1-2 caps per day) as well as to treat an acute infection (1-2 caps 3-4x/day).

Probiotics Take 1cap with each meal to ensure healthy gut bacteria. BNHC has a variety to choose from.

For physical injuries – bruises and minor trauma:

Arnica 30C homeopathic remedy that treats acute injuries by helping to reduce pain, swelling and bruising. Take 3 pellets under the tongue as soon after the injury as possible. This can be repeated every hour until symptoms subside.

Homeopathic antiinflammatory topical A homeopathic topical gel that works similarly to arnica. Apply to affected areas every 2-3 hours as needed for pain and swelling. Great for sore muscles.

For sunburn:

Aloe gel Soothing and healing to the skin following a burn. Do not apply to blistering or broken skin.

For sleep/ jet lag:

Melatonin Take 1-3 mg at bedtime in your new time zone.

Magnesium – 150 mg caps, take 1 – 2 after dinner to help sleeps. Can also combat constipation.

For more about how to decrease jet lag, see Dr. Maxwell’s article.
https://boisenaturalhealth.com/how-to-decrease-jet-lag/

For colds/flu or general immune support:

Biovegetarian (Priority One) (a multi-ingredient general immune support) 2 caps per day as preventative, 2 caps 3-4 x/day for acute illness.

For constipation

Most people experience constipation while traveling. Instead of waiting till you are uncomfortable, consider taking 1 cap of a combination herbal laxative before bed each night. You could also take 150 – 300 mg of Magnesium

For anxiety

Rescue Remedy 5 – 10 drops under your tongue. Great for fear of flying, crowds, too much family. Can also put dropperful in a water bottle and sip on as frequently as you want. Safe for children.

Lavela (Integrative Therapeutics) Great for flying and driving anxiety as well as family stress!) – this is a concentrated oral lavender capsule that works for stronger, longer anxiety relief. Can get burp a little lavender, but it’s not unpleasant. 1 cap twice daily.

Lemon Balm tea – bring your own tea bags with you when you need to calm your nerves. Sweeten with a dash of honey if you wish. Great for adults and children, tastes good.

Homeopathy

Consider purchasing a homeopathic first aid kit and book for other illnesses and injuries such as sunburn, insect bites, earaches etc.

Happy and Safe Travels!