Naturopathic doctors have been a part of our family for many years; we find the approach to holistic healthcare appealing as we are all about treating the source, not just the symptoms. Or, put another way, why take medicine if it's just covering up your symptoms? Discover what the real key is so you can conquer your malady for good.

Balance is necessary, so on your health journey, consult with a wide range of healthcare specialists, naturopathic doctors, medical doctors, immunologists, functional medicine doctors, chiropractors, and more. It is your health journey, and you must do what is best for you and your health. Allow this guide to help you navigate if a naturopathic doctor might be a great addition to your journey.

A naturopathic doctor (ND) is a primary care provider who practices naturopathic medicine, a system of medicine that emphasizes natural remedies and a holistic approach to health. 

Naturopathic Doctors vs. Medical Doctors (MDs): Understanding the Philosophy

Medical doctors (MDs) are the cornerstone of conventional medicine in the U.S., focusing on treating illnesses primarily through medications and surgery. Naturopathic doctors, on the other hand, take a more holistic approach. They view the body as a connected system and believe in treating the root cause of illness, not just the symptoms.

The Power of Finding the Source: Why Naturopaths Dig Deeper

Imagine a leaky faucet. An MD might focus on stopping the dripping with a patch (medication), while an ND would investigate why the faucet is leaking in the first place (worn parts, high water pressure). This philosophy extends to naturopathic medicine. They consider factors like diet, lifestyle, and stress to identify the underlying cause of your health concerns.

Natural Therapies: A Toolbox for Wellness

Naturopathic doctors have a unique toolbox of therapies at their disposal. These may include:

• Dietary and lifestyle counseling: This could involve recommending changes in diet, exercise, and sleep habits to promote overall health. 
• Herbal medicine: NDs are trained in the safe and effective use of plants to address various health concerns.
• Nutritional supplements: They may recommend specific vitamins, minerals, or other supplements to address deficiencies. For me, my ND recommended betaine hydrochloride acid so I would get all the nutrional benefits out of the food I was eating.
• Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine practice uses thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body, promoting healing and pain relief.

Who Can Benefit from Seeing a Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathic doctors can be a valuable resource for people with a wide range of health concerns, including:

Digestive Issues:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): NDs can assess dietary triggers, recommend gut-healing protocols like bone broth or fermented foods, and suggest herbal remedies to improve gut flora and manage symptoms.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): NDs can provide dietary and lifestyle modifications to reduce inflammation and support gut health alongside conventional treatment.
• Constipation or Diarrhea: Through dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and addressing underlying causes like stress or dehydration, NDs can help you regulate your bowel movements.

Chronic Pain:

• Headaches and Migraines: NDs can identify dietary triggers, recommend supplements like magnesium, and suggest stress management techniques to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
• Arthritis pain: Alongside conventional pain management, NDs can recommend anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric or boswellia, and advise on joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.
• Chronic Back Pain: NDs may utilize acupuncture, massage therapy, and physical therapy techniques to manage pain and improve mobility.

Mental Health:

• Anxiety and Depression: NDs can recommend stress management techniques, advise on nutritional interventions for neurotransmitter balance, and suggest herbal remedies like chamomile or St. John's Wort to support emotional well-being. Depression is real and if their suggestions aren't working for you, you could consider conventional treatments.
• Sleep Disorders: By identifying underlying causes like stress or hormonal imbalances, NDs can recommend natural sleep aids like melatonin, suggest relaxation techniques, and offer guidance on sleep hygiene practices.

Women's Health:

• PMS and Menopause: NDs can offer natural solutions like herbal remedies (evening primrose oil for PMS, black cohosh for menopause) and dietary adjustments to manage hormonal fluctuations and alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia. In some states they can offer bio identical horomones to help manage menopause.
• Fertility Issues: Through dietary and lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, and herbal remedies to support hormonal balance, NDs can work alongside conventional fertility treatments.

Other Conditions:

• Allergies and Skin Conditions: NDs can identify food triggers and environmental allergens, recommend detoxification programs, and suggest herbal remedies to manage symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and allergies.
• Autoimmune Conditions: NDs can provide nutritional support to manage symptoms, recommend anti-inflammatory herbs, and offer guidance on stress management to improve overall well-being.

Working Together: Integrating Naturopathic Care with Conventional Medicine

In some cases, medications or surgery may be necessary. The best approach is often a collaborative one, where NDs and MDs work together to provide you with the most comprehensive care possible.

Considering a Naturopathic Doctor? Here's What to Do

• Research: Look for licensed NDs in your area. You can find them through organizations like the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AAND).
• Understanding Cost: Since naturopathic doctors are not treated the same as regular MDs, most naturopathic doctors might not work with your insurance, so they will charge a per-cost visit fee, which could range from a hundred to a few hundred dollars per visit. Normally, the first visit is more extended and more expensive as they try to understand your health journey.
• Check if your state allows Naturopathic Doctors: Naturopathic medicine is only practiced in certain states. As of 2023, only 23 states allow ND's.
• Online vs In Person: Some Naturopathic doctors can see you over the internet, also known as telehealth.
• Schedule a Consultation: During your first visit, don't be shy. Discuss your health concerns and your goals with your naturopathic doctor. They will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs.
• Bloodwork: Naturopathic doctors might ask for regular bloodwork to help determine what exactly your body is missing. It could be everything from food allergies to hormone support and thyroid panels. Check with your insurance first to see if bloodwork could be covered. If your blood work isn't covered, ask your ND if they know of other companies (like Life Extension) that keep the cost low for blood tests.

Taking charge of your health is your journey, so only you can decide what's best for you.

If naturopathic doctors are not your cup of tea, talk to your medical doctor about working to treat the source of your symptoms; after all, they are there to support you on your health journey. In today's world, do some research before you talk to your MD if you have concerns about your health issue.