At Boise Natural Health Clinic, many of our patients’ stories are inspiring—here is my latest one. A 13-year-old teen came to me this past fall, struggling with persistent fatigue, low weight, and a sense that they just weren’t thriving the way a kid should.
The Early Struggles
Even with ten hours of sleep, they woke up tired most mornings. They participated in sports—running cross country 1–2 miles a day—but despite eating what seemed like enough, the teen couldn’t gain weight. They craved Asian foods like chicken pho and dumplings, enjoyed rice and potatoes, and loved sweets when they could get them. Digestive issues didn’t seem to be the problem: they had regular, healthy bowel movements and only mild bloating when they ate a lot.
The teen’s parents were concerned about their ongoing low energy and wondered if something like low vitamin D could be at play. They also had a history of frequent nosebleeds, occasional chest flutters, and mild but persistent anxiety and irritability. This teen was hardworking, a little shy, not distractible, and tended to feel cold and somewhat malcontent.
Searching for Answers
They had never had bloodwork before coming to see me. Initial labs showed their vitamin D was good, but ferritin (iron stores) was low. We started a children’s multivitamin, probiotics, and eventually iron supplementation, both oral and with patches. Other interventions included gentle liver support, hydrocortisone for adrenal support, and I recommended acupuncture, which the teen ended up enjoying.
Despite these efforts, energy only improved slowly and incrementally. Anxiety and chest flutters got better, but they still felt tired. So, I recommended a comprehensive stool test.
The Breakthrough
The stool test revealed two parasites: Blastocystis hominis and Entamoeba coli. While often considered non-harmful, these organisms can contribute to fatigue, poor nutrient absorption, and difficulty gaining weight—even when eating enough. Their beneficial gut bacteria were also low, and short-chain fatty acids (important for gut health) were at the low end of normal.
With a targeted anti-parasitic protocol—including natural botanicals, prescription medication, and probiotics—this teen’s transformation was remarkable. Within a month, they gained 9 pounds—something the teen and their family had struggled to achieve for years! Their energy soared, chest flutters resolved, and their anxiety dropped by 70%. This teen finally felt like themself again.
A Message for Parents
This story is a powerful reminder: Sometimes, the root cause of your child’s low energy, poor growth, or “just not quite right” feeling isn’t obvious. Mild but persistent symptoms—fatigue, anxiety, trouble with weight, or regular digestive issues—can be clues that something deeper is going on.
If your child seems to be struggling, even in subtle ways, don’t accept “they’ll grow out of it” as the only answer. I’m Dr. Nicole Maxwell, naturopathic medical doctor at Boise Natural Health Clinic. My passion is digging deeper to find the root cause—so your child can thrive, just like this young teen did.
Ready to help your child feel their best?
Contact Dr. Nicole Maxwell at Boise Natural Health and let’s find the answers together.