Services
Hormone Balance
Hormone balance refers to the optimal levels of various hormones in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate many different bodily functions, including growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, and mood.
When hormone levels are too high or too low, it can lead to a range of health problems. For example, low levels of thyroid hormone can cause fatigue, weight gain, and depression, while high levels of cortisol (the "stress hormone") can lead to anxiety and other mental health issues.
Maintaining hormone balance is important for overall health and wellness. This can be achieved through a combination of lifestyle factors, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep, as well as medical treatments when necessary. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended for individuals with hormonal imbalances, such as menopausal women or those with thyroid disorders.
Digestive Health
I use a biology-based approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease, rather than just treating the symptoms. When it comes to digestion, I take a comprehensive approach that considers not just the gastrointestinal system, but also the entire body and its interconnected systems.
Naturopathic doctors understand that digestion is a complex process that involves not just the gut, but also the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and other organs. They recognize that digestive problems can have a wide range of underlying causes, including inflammation, food intolerances, imbalanced gut flora, stress, and more.
To address digestive issues, I typically start by taking a thorough history and conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the patient. I may order specialized tests to assess the health of the gut, such as stool analysis or breath testing. And may also evaluate the patient's nutrient status and look for signs of inflammation or other imbalances in the body.
Based on this evaluation, I may recommend a personalized treatment plan that includes dietary and lifestyle changes, supplements, and other interventions aimed at restoring optimal gut function and addressing the underlying causes of digestive problems. This may involve a variety of approaches, such as eliminating food allergens, supporting healthy gut flora, reducing stress, and improving nutrient absorption.
Overall, I offer a holistic and personalized approach to digestive health that seeks to address the underlying causes of dysfunction, rather than simply masking symptoms with medication.
Nutrition
Optimizing nutrition using food and nutrients to support the body. This approach takes into account the unique needs and biochemistry of each individual, as well as their lifestyle and environmental factors.
I aim to identify and address the root causes of health imbalances and chronic diseases, rather than just treating the symptoms. They use a variety of tools and techniques, such as dietary changes, supplements, lifestyle modifications, and laboratory testing, to create personalized nutrition plans that support the body's natural healing processes.
The goal of functional nutrition is to help individuals achieve optimal health and wellness, as well as prevent and manage chronic conditions. This approach is often used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments, and can be particularly beneficial for individuals with complex health issues or chronic diseases.
Stress & Adrenal Assessment
Stress assessment typically involves evaluating the level of stress a person is experiencing in their daily life. This can be done through various methods, including:
Self-assessment: A person can evaluate their own stress levels by monitoring their physical, emotional, and behavioral responses to stress.
Psychological assessments: These can involve standardized questionnaires or interviews with a mental health professional to determine the level of stress a person is experiencing.
Biological assessments: These can include measuring levels of stress hormones such as cortisol in saliva or blood, or monitoring heart rate variability and other physiological markers.
Observational assessments: A trained professional can observe a person's behavior, physical symptoms, and emotional responses to determine their stress levels.
It is important to note that stress assessment is just the first step in managing stress. Once stress levels are identified, appropriate interventions such as therapy, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle changes can be recommended to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Thyroid Function
Thyroid function refers to the activity of the thyroid gland, which is responsible for producing and releasing thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and other bodily functions.
As a naturopath I use a variety of approaches to support healthy thyroid function, such as optimizing nutrition, addressing nutrient deficiencies, reducing stress, and identifying and addressing any underlying imbalances that may be affecting thyroid function. These approaches may be using conventional medical treatments and alternative support as necessary.
Reducing Toxin Load
Reducing toxic burden is a key focus of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic doctors believe that environmental toxins, such as pollution, pesticides, and chemicals in household products, can accumulate in the body and contribute to chronic health problems. They promote strategies for minimizing exposure to these toxins and enhancing the body's natural detoxification processes.
Some ways that naturopathic medicine approaches reducing toxic burden include:
Avoiding exposure: Naturopathic doctors may recommend reducing exposure to environmental toxins by using natural cleaning products, choosing organic produce, avoiding processed foods, and minimizing exposure to plastics and other chemicals.
Supporting the body's natural detoxification: Naturopathic doctors may use natural therapies, such as dietary changes, herbal remedies, and supplements, to support the body's natural detoxification processes.
Lifestyle changes: Naturopathic doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as stress reduction techniques, exercise, and improving sleep hygiene, to help reduce toxic burden.
Identifying and addressing underlying health issues: Naturopathic doctors may also investigate and address underlying health issues, such as digestive problems or nutrient deficiencies, that can impact the body's ability to detoxify effectively.
It's important to note that reducing toxic burden is just one aspect of naturopathic medicine, which takes a holistic approach to healthcare and seeks to address the underlying causes of health problems rather than simply treating symptoms.