Christy Soto-Johnson, NMD & Shanna Bayrd, NMD

Homeopathic Physician

301 E Bethany Home Rd A-207 Phoenix AZ, 85012 Show map

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About

Dr. Christy Soto-Johnson is a naturopathic physician practicing in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Christy specializes in proactive prevention and treatment of the body, mind, emotions and spirit. She also devotes much time to providing patient education and helping patients to be their best health advocate. Dr. Christy provides a unique blend of the latest modern medical and scientific advances with long-standing, effective ancient techniques. Providing both individual and family care, the most common ailments treated are allergies, environmental toxicity, poor immune system function, PTSD, anxiety/depression, chronic pain, brain fog and fertility. Dr. Christy's dedication to the success of the whole-person and whole-family's health extends beyond medical and spiritual health, to include financial health. The medical center which Dr. Christy co-founded integrates professional financial health education and wealth management resources to all who seek it, regardless of location in the US, FREE of cost. She truly and whole-heartedly believes that top-notch medical care and financial literacy are essential for the maximum well-being of individuals, communities and the world. Naturopathic Physicians place a strong emphasis on natural remedies that increase the body's own ability to heal and reduce the need for more invasive treatments.

Education and Training

SCNM NMD 2016

Board Certification

Naturopathic Medicine

Minor Surgery

Acupuncture

Provider Details

Female English, Spanish

Christy Soto-Johnson, NMD & Shanna Bayrd, NMD

Christy Soto-Johnson, NMD & Shanna Bayrd, NMD's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Is the Keto diet healthy?
Hi! The keto diet works great for some but is a disaster for others. For example my husband lost weight pretty quickly on it and I gained weight! We literally ate the same food and followed the recipe / diet book. Before going to keto I usually have people try something like Whole 30 or the anti-inflammatory diet by Dr Jessica Black first. I also would recommend checking for food sensitivities and allergies since for many, they're reacting to foods leading to increased inflammation which is perceived as weight. Yes, you can always try keto any time. There are several versions out there you can choose from. Just don't get discouraged if it doesn't work for you. That simply means your body needs something else! There is a solution for everyone. READ MORE
Are there any homeopathic medicines to prevent mono?
Hi, Homeopathics are not used for prevention of illness, but for treatment of illness. The best way to prevent mono is by not sharing water bottles, straws, no kissing, the sick person should cover their mouth when coughing and sneezing, wash hands often, well basically avoid exposure to the saliva of anyone with mono. You can take vitamins that help boost your immune system but it's not a guarantee you won't get sick. Vitamins A, C, D, and zinc are good support. But again, avoiding contact while the person is infectious is the best way to prevent getting mono from them. READ MORE
What are the foods that can lead to kidney stones?
Hello, I'm sorry to hear about your son - ouch! Poor guy. There are several types of kidney stones so the best way to know which foods to avoid or eat more of to prevent future stone formation is to know which type he had. If his doctor was able to test the stones they s/he can give you this info along with a foods list. Regardless of the type, a few key dietary recommendations can help lower the chance of stone formation. 1) Stay well hydrated. This means drink water! Soda pop is notorious for contributing to almost all stone types forming due to its high chemical content and many also are dehydrating, concentrating chemical /crystals into stones. Anything with caffeine also can dehydrate and have a similar effect. 2) Reduce red meat consumption. Eating too much protein, especially red meat, can also contribute to some of the more common types of stones. 3) Reduce the amount of sugar and processed foods in the diet. Between the inflammation they create and the large amount of chemicals they contain, these items contribute to several stone types. Ideally, we should all avoid sugar and processed food for many reasons! In general, the most common type of kidney stone is calcium oxalate, and articles like this one can really help with the diet component for self-care: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11066-kidney-stones-oxalate-controlled-diet Again, reach out to your son's doctor to find out which exact stone type he had to get a more accurate list of foods to avoid or to eat more of. Best wishes for his good health! Other types of stones are calcium phosphate. READ MORE
Is chyavanprash safe to be given for small kids?
Hello, I recommend speaking to an Ayurvedic practitioner for a more definitive answer. However, from what I do know of it, it's safety depends on its ingredients. Most of the chayavanprash products only have a few herbs in common and the rest are unique to the family or brand who make it. In general, most of the herbs I have seen in some blends are safe for a 3 year old, but not safe for a child 1 year or younger as it usually has raw honey. If there is a specific chayavanprash blend you are interested in using, I suggest showing that ingredient list to an Ayurvedic practitioner to see if it is suitable for a 3 year old. READ MORE
Is stevia recommended for diabetics?
Thank you for your question. To be clear, stevia is a sugar alternative, not a supplement like most herbs are considered to be. Most refined sugar is made from either sugar cane or sugar beets and they spike a person's blood sugar, which is harmful for everyone, even more so for diabetics. Stevia is made from a plant called stevia rebaudiana and by itself doesn't spike blood sugar. HOWEVER, many stevia sweetener brands blend the stevia with other things, like maltodextrin and dextrose, which studies show can raise blood sugar. Those blends may not be good for diabetics. When shopping for a stevia product to use as a sweetener, read the ingredients label and look for one that has little to no added ingredients, especially the two items listed above. READ MORE
Is there a way to treat high blood pressure naturally?
Hi! Yes, there are ways to treat high blood pressure naturally and without prescriptions. However, the exact way(s) depends on the cause and the severity of his condition. I recommend reaching out to a local naturopathic or functional medicine doctor for your husband to get help with his specific situation. READ MORE
How should I prepare my body for a naturopathy detox?
There are many types of naturopathy detox, from simple/gentle food or supplement cleanses, to very intensive and strong IV therapy and other forms of chelation. The specific program you're doing would determine the prep recommended. The best route to take is to talk to the naturopath overseeing your detox to provide you with the best prep steps for your specific program and goals. READ MORE
Can food poisoning be treated at home?
I'm glad you've never had it; it's no fun. Sometimes food poisoning can be treated at home very easily, and sometimes more intensive care and professional intervention is needed. If you have a pretty mild case, sometimes our body can deal with it on it's own but sometimes it can still benefit from supplements like activated charcoal pills (orally or topically as described in this video https://youtu.be/0WpbJY2NOG4) or certain types/grade of colloidal silver, like SmartSilver by Des Bio. If you have a moderate to severe case and can't keep any fluids or food down, or you are getting dehydrated from diarrhea, or have fever, definitely seek medical care right away. READ MORE
What is the natural remedy for stomach cramps?
Sorry your mother in law is having this issue. There are some herbs that can potentially help calm stomach cramps. Of course to know if these will help or if there’s a different treatment she actually needs would mean knowing why she getting cramps/what’s the cause of her pain so she should go see a naturopathic doctor or similar practitioner. Generally speaking, some herbs that have helped many with stomach cramps are a category of herbs called carminatives and antispasmodics. This is a fancy way of saying herbs that get rid of excess gas, relieve discomfort and reduce intestinal cramping/spasms. There are lots of tea blends you can find at local health food stores and online that are labeled as carminative. I prefer to give teas for this as they’re usually cheaper and work well but they also come in tinctures and pill forms. They include herbs like fennel seed, anise, chamomile, peppermint, cinnamon, ginger, and they might even include something like marshmallow or slippery elm or okra which are demulcents (soothe irritated lining of the gut). Sometimes if a blend isn’t available, just getting a tea of one of these herbs can help too. The blend is best but not always necessary. READ MORE
How do I treat rashes on my legs naturally?
Hi, unfortunately I cannot answer your question here. This is a medical question that would require me to have much more information and a physical exam of your rash to provide a recommendation. I highly suggest you go to see a doctor when you actively have the rash so they can determine what it is and what’s causing it. Best wishes for you! READ MORE
Can consuming fennel seeds after eating cause relief from bloating and gas?
Yes! Fennel seeds are part of a group of herbs called carminatives. They reduce gas, bloating, stomach/intestinal cramps and can bring general gut relief. Other herbs that can do this are things like peppermint, chamomile, and cinnamon. There are many more. Fennel is a good one for this function. Nice job mom! READ MORE
Are mushrooms bad for your health?
If she’s buying them at the store or farmers market, it’s safe to eat. If she’s foraging wild mushrooms, she needs to know very well what she is picking as some wild mushrooms are poisonous. Generally speaking, mushrooms are good for your health. They’re an excellent source of vitamin D. In fact, chanterelle and maitake mushrooms have some of the highest vitamin D levels you can find in a plant source! Mushrooms also have other important nutrients like potassium and several B vitamins as well. READ MORE
What is the best way to improve my lactation naturally?
Here are a couple of options that have been very useful for many women, and I’ve even used myself: Mother’s Milk tea by Traditional Medicinals is a great daily addition to support healthy lactation and supply, and making lactation cookies or brownies can help too! I have some examples here below, but if you use another recipe you find online, make sure they include whole oats, flax seeds, and brewers yeast which is great for boosting milk supply. Also, make sure you are WELL hydrated, and eating enough makes a positive difference in milk supply. (Not drinking enough *water* is a common reason for the low milk amount produced. Poor diet quality or not eating enough commonly leads to poor milk quality.) Finally, keep in mind that if you’re stressing out a lot over this or overly stressed in general, that can also have a negative effect on lactation. https://www.medela.us/breastfeeding/articles/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-lactation-cookie-recipe https://www.sugarandsoul.co/lactation-brownies/ READ MORE
Is there a natural remedy to treat hair loss?
Hello! Hair loss in women and men is a common problem. Remember, it’s totally normal to lose 100-200 hairs a day! If you’re losing more than that, here are some things that may help: There are several different causes for hair loss on nutrient and systemic levels (not including medical conditions that cause hair loss). A naturopath mixed doctor or functional medicine doctor can help you determine which of these might be where the issue(s) is. The most common nutrient causes are deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, B vitamins, zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin C. The most common systemic causes are excessive stress, hormone imbalance (ex: post-partum, making too much DHT hormone, adrenal-thyroid system fatigue, reduced scalp blood circulation, and more). Taking a high quality, high bioavailability (i.e. you can absorb the majority of the ingredients) prenatal or multivitamin helps get most of these but sometimes extra supplements are needed, like a separate vitamin D or biotin, and others. “Supplements” can also be adding foods rich in these nutrients, or tinctures/herbs. I suggest starting with food as they contain more than just the needed items to maximize absorption. The list of these foods is extensive so it’s easier to just do a quick internet search for food rich in the above nutrients. Topicals can help too. I’ve had good success with biotin-rich shampoos and DHT-blocking serums with my patients. Examples include Biotin B-complex Thickening Shampoo by Avalon Organics Therapy and Vegamour Gro Hair Serum. There are others out there too. Just make sure they don’t have lots of chemicals since often those alcohols and other chemicals work against your goal! The above products are free of that garbage. Scalp massage! Decreased blood flow to the scalp can also contribute so don’t be afraid to get your fingers in there and massage your scalp for a good 5-10 minutes. If you in a pinch, put 3-4 drops of rosemary essential oil in 1 teaspoon of black Jamaican castor oil and use that to massage into your scalp a few mi Jets, let it rest 10 minutes then wash out with your biotin-rich shampoo. The Rosemary helps increase blood flow locally and the black Jamaican castor oil is said to help stimulate hair growth (though I’ve not tried this specific oil, just read about it). READ MORE
Why and when is mud therapy recommended?
Mud packs, or clay packs, can have multiple purposes. The most common reasons naturopathic doctors use them in treatment are for drawing out toxins from the body, reducing inflammation/irritations/pain, when the packs are warm or hot they also help relaxing the muscles and other body tissue. READ MORE
I am on a naturopathic weight loss program and passing a lot of gas. Is it normal?
Hello, this may be an indication that you need support with digestive enzymes. There are many digestive enzymes out there, depending on the type of nutrient or food your need help breaking down. I’d suggest reaching out to the naturopathic doctor who is overseeing your program to see which type would be better for you and to check for other causes of gas as well. READ MORE
Can naturopathic medicine help with depression?
Hi, I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling right now. You’re not alone! There are many wonderful natural treatments out there that can both improve and potentially even resolve depression. I highly recommend naturopathic care for this! READ MORE
Have you heard of eating neem leaves for blood disorders?
Hi, while short-term use of neem leaf tea and eating neem leaves have been known to have many benefits, including blood sugar balance, skin health, and more, taking too many or taking it for too long has potential for negative effects such as affecting the kidneys. If you do want to take neem leaf as a treatment, I suggest doing it under the supervision of an herbalist or naturopath. They can provide you with specific instructions on dosing based on your particular treatment goal. READ MORE
Is there a natural medicine for treating migraines?
Hello! Ouch, migraines are no fun. Yes, there are several natural medicines out there for treatment. Often times, they include herbs like feverfew and extracts from cayenne, rosemary and more. Some even include key vitamins and minerals that can relieve pain or, if they’re low in your body may actual trigger migraines. Also, there are homeopathics that can be useful and treatments like acupuncture and Chinese herbs can also be very effective. READ MORE
I have been recommended Satavarex for better lactation. Is it safe?
Hello! Ayurvedic medicine is, unfortunately, not my area of expertise. I would recommend speaking to an Ayurvedic practitioner to better answer that. However, as a naturopath, I have a background in western herbs and nutrition. Here are a couple of options that have been very useful for many women, and I’ve even used myself: Mother’s Milk tea by Traditional Medicinals is a great daily addition, and making lactation cookies or brownies! I have some examples here below, but if you use another recipe you find online, make sure they include whole oats, flax seeds and brewers yeast which are great for boosting milk supply. Also, making sure you are WELL hydrated and eating enough also makes a positive difference in milk supply. (Not drinking enough *water* is a common reason for low milk production.) Finally, keep in mind that if you’re stressing out a lot over this or overly stressed in general, that can also have a negative effect on lactation. https://www.medela.us/breastfeeding/articles/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-lactation-cookie-recipe https://www.sugarandsoul.co/lactation-brownies/ READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

CranioSacral TherapyMayan Abdominal MassageGemstone Meridian Therapy / Medical Gemstone TherapyHerbal MedicineNutritional Medicine / Functional Nutrition

Faculty Titles & Positions

Medical Director Guiding Elements Medical Center 2021 - Present

Christy Soto-Johnson, NMD & Shanna Bayrd, NMD's Practice location

301 E Bethany Home Rd A-207 -
Phoenix, AZ 85012

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New patients: 602-600-4355

Mon:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tue:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wed:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thu:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fri:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

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Get to know Naturopathic Physician Dr. Christy Soto-Johnson, who serves patients in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dr. Christy is a well-respected naturopathic physician serving as the Co-Founder of Guiding Elements Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. She works alongside Dr. Shanna Bayrd, NMD, providing a myriad of natural, holistic, vibrational, and traditional medicine therapies.

Born out of love, hope and service, the doctor-duo sought to create a place that is more than a clinic, a place where the shortcomings and injustices they witnessed over their years of medical and life experiences could be addressed. Guiding Elements Medical Center is a judgement-free community hub where people can come together to heal, be empowered, transform their mind, body and spirit, and grow beyond their current conscious awareness.

Passionate about true, full-life health, Dr. Christy maximizes all facets and all forms of health. She goes beyond the body, mind and spirit to include free professional financial health-literacy and education, as financial health can directly impact physical and mental health, quality of life and life expectancy. Her primary goal is to empower her patients to become their happiest, healthiest, most successful selves and teaching them how to bring this joy and freedom to their families and communities. She takes a hands-on approach to her healing practice and enjoys working closely with her patients to help them exceed their personal health goals and discover their true life potential.

Since childhood, Dr. Christy’s grandmothers impressed upon her the importance of nature, cultural traditions, folk medicine, and faith. Her keen interest in the human experience prompted her undergraduate studies in anthropological cultural, linguistic, and biological evolution at the University of California, Davis. After exploring professional opportunities in race relations and communications within the California Community College system, she transitioned to the Sutter Health Institute for Research and Education and began working in the field of public health. It was here that her childhood passion for natural medicine was rekindled. This, combined with the shortcomings of conventional medicine in her own family’s health ailments, Dr. Christy left her budding career to pursue a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona.

With a keen interest in aiding indigent, homeless, and veteran populations as well as women and children who have survived some of life’s most traumatic experiences, she sought every internship and clinical rotation possible at various community clinics, domestic violence shelter clinics, and at the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS where she focused on acute illness, mental/emotional recovery, and pain management. During medical school, she obtained outside training and certifications in the areas of Mayan Abdominal Massage, Pranic Healing Therapy, Gemstone Meridian Therapy, and Applied Kinesiology.

After graduating from medical school in 2016, Dr. Christy completed a rigorous residency program in McMinnville, Oregon at the clinic, A Family Healing Center. There, she received specialized training focused on pediatrics, family medicine, women’s health, pain management, and nutritional management of pyroluria disorder.

Board-certified in naturopathic medicine, minor surgery, and acupuncture, she holds additional certifications in craniosacral therapy for physical, emotional, and energetic health restoration. Supporting the body’s own healing process, she provides a unique blend of the latest modern medical and scientific advances with long-standing, effective ancient techniques.

As a woman of faith, Dr. Christy attributes her passion for her work and success in life to the grace of God, the support of her husband, and the love of and for her family.

The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct health care profession, emphasizing prevention, management, and optimal health through the use of natural therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process first. Pharmaceuticals and other conventional interventions are only prescribed when absolutely necessary. Naturopathic physicians focus on prevention and root cause identification of acute and chronic imbalances to understand, restore, and establish optimal health.

In 2020, Dr. Christy was selected by Women In Medicine Magazine as one of Phoenix’s Top Doctors in Naturopathic Medicine.