 What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a complete approach to health care that incorporates diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease using natural therapies. Naturopathic doctors are primary health care professionals trained to treat diverse medical conditions for men, women and children of all ages. Treatment is focused on preventing future illness, and helping patients to improve their overall health and energy. What Conditions can Benefit from Naturopathic Medicine? Naturopathic medicine can benefit people of all ages with a variety of chronic and acute conditions. The most common conditions seen at our clinic include:
What Laboratory Testing is offered? Blood, urine, hair, and saliva analysis are available to investigate a variety of health ailments if needed. This includes food sensitivities and other allergies, hormone imbalances, digestive problems, environmental toxicity, nutrient deficiencies, etc. What can I expect from my first appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor? An initial appointment is approximately 1 hour to allow time for a thorough health assessment. During this visit, current health concerns, as well as relevant medical history, is analyzed. A pertinent physical examination may be performed, and further specialized laboratory or diagnostic testing may be recommended. A personalized treatment plan is then created to help patients achieve their health goals. What are Naturopathic Therapies and Treatment Options? Naturopathic Doctors are licensed to use a range of natural therapeutics that include Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture & herbs), homeopathy, botanical medicine (herbs), hydrotherapy, diet & lifestyle counseling, clinical nutrition. Through their training in these disciplines, a Naturopathic Doctor can draw on all of these fields in providing a custom-tailored treatment plan for patients. How are Naturopathic Doctors trained? A minimum of 7 years of formal post-secondary education is required to receive the designation of "Naturopathic Doctor". This includes 3-4 years of premedical university studies plus completion of an intensive full-time 4-year post-graduate medical program from an accredited Naturopathic medical school, which includes extensive medical education as well as clinical training. Graduates must then pass North American licensing board examinations as well as provincial board examinations. To remain in good standing with the licensing board, Naturopathic doctors must continue their education throughout their careers. All Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario are licensed and regulated Is Naturopathic Medicine Scientific? Yes, Naturopathic doctors are educated in conventional medical sciences in addition to traditional medicine, such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, laboratory diagnosis, clinical & physical diagnosis, radiology, obstetrics, gynecology/women's health, men's health, and pediatrics. More and more researchers are looking to traditional methods of healing to gain insight into modern day illnesses and thousands of modern clinical studies have validated a variety of natural medicines and treatments which are used by Naturopathic Doctors. Is Naturopathic Medicine Safe? Naturopathic medicine has an excellent safety record. The emphasis is on natural sources of medicines that are gentle, non-toxic, and non-invasive. Side effects are rare and Naturopathic doctors are trained about interactions between Naturopathic remedies and conventional medicines. Naturopathic treatments also work well in conjunction with conventional Western treatments. How can Naturopathic Medicine help YOU? Typically patients choose to come to the clinic for one or more of the following reasons:
Book with our Naturopathic Doctor Suzanne Bartolini for an Assessment>>>>>
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 By: Norine Khalil, RD
As an unapologetic feminist, I have focused the majority of the energy I put into my practice on making women feel like the queens that they are. If you ask me what word comes to mind when I think of women, it is strength. Being in the health and fitness industry, the transformation in what we see as ‘healthy’ in women has definitely changed. Women are associating strong with beautiful, which is most definitely a step in the right direction. However, we still have a long way to go in the positive self-talk department. As women, we don’t need to be #girlswholift to see ourselves as strong and capable. We don’t need to fit this new image of “health” to be and feel healthy. How we feel about ourselves should not be measured by the number of squats we did at the gym this morning. We are unique, incredible beings whose bodies each tell a very special story – and that is what we should be focusing on. Feeding the mind and body with love and nutrients that give you the strength to continue feeling your best – putting your energy into you. The real #relationshipgoals. The female body is, in my humble and very bias opinion, the strongest most remarkable creation on this planet. It’s complex, it’s capable, it’s resilient, and it’s beautiful. So while the world is finally beginning to open its eyes to what we are capable of, we need to be ready to take over the world, when that inevitable time comes. And, even though I have zero doubt in my mind that the take over can surely happen even with menstrual cramps and menopause, it doesn’t hurt to dull the cramps and hot flashes with some nutritious goodness, amiright? I’m breaking down some of the best foods to support women’s health for all of the fabulous ladies out there gearing up to take their throne. Flaxseed Ground flaxseed is a source of Omega 3, fibre, and compounds called lignans. Lignans can displace estrogen in the body and mimic it, which can allow for excess estrogen to be cleared through the liver. Why is this important? Well ladies, if you are one of the many who suffer from extremely painful, heavy periods (thank you, Mother Nature), this may be the result of “estrogen dominance”. Including foods such as flaxseed in your diet, that can allow for successful clearing of extra estrogen in the body, may in turn help manage menstrual cramps. Green Tea We all know I’m obsessed with tea…and now I have yet another reason why. While it is often recommended to avoid caffeine if you have difficult “monthly gifts”, the catechins found in green tea (namely EGCG) have been shown to ease menstrual cramps and help with heavy flow. Green tea is also a great source for antioxidants, which are beneficial for uterine health (and overall health). So instead of turning to that cup of coffee when you’re feeling irritable, bloated, and crampy, try ditching the java and putting on a pot of tea instead. You won’t regret it. Brassica Vegetables I just love saying that word. Brassica. Fantastic, isn’t it? Apart from rolling off the tongue, this fabulous family of vegetables contains compounds that aid in the elimination of extra circulating estrogen in the body, which is particularly helpful during the first two weeks of your cycle when estrogen dominance is more prevalent. The most commonly consumed Brassica vegetables include: brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and kale. Limiting these vegetables during the first 14 days of your cycle may be wise if you are prone to painful, heavy periods. Fibre You won’t meet a dietitian who is not a fibre fan. Fibre is the star of the show when it comes to satiety, energy, and blood sugar regulation. For women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and are at higher risk for insulin resistance, fibre is a key piece of puzzle for balancing your blood sugar throughout the day. Including high fibre foods (look for those with at least 3 grams of fibre per serving) at each meal can help balance blood sugar and avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes. Aim for at least 35-40 grams of fibre per day to meet your daily recommendation. Foods that are high in fibre include: nuts, seeds, whole grains like oats, wild rice and buckwheat, vegetables, and legumes such as lentils and beans. Vitamin D Not only is Vitamin D important for the maintenance of strong bones, it also plays a key role in female hormonal balance – namely progesterone and estradiol. Research has shown that higher doses of Vitamin D have had positive effects on estrogen dominance, one possible contributor to infertility. In addition, Vitamin D deficiency has also been shown to be associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a condition that can also cause fertility issues. The best way to absorb Vitamin D is through sunlight – something us Canadians don’t get enough of. Supplementation can be an important piece of the puzzle for women’s health, and it is therefore important to get your Vitamin D levels checked through bloodwork and speak with a healthcare provider to determine the best supplement support strategy for you. There you have it – my favorite foods for women’s health. Embrace the power and strength of the female mind and body, and support one another in your journeys of learning, growth, and love. Keep shining, ladies. Norine is available Thursdays in clinic, book an appointment with her online>> For more personalized recommendations on what types of foods and supplements are beneficial for your health journey, be sure to consult with a health professional. |
AuthorWritten by the team at Rebound Health and Wellness Archives
March 2023
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