WELLNESS

Weight loss:

Losing weight is difficult but maintaining weight loss is even more difficult. Long term diet and lifestyle changes represent the foundation of my approach to weight loss along with an evaluation and correction of any physiological obstacles to weight loss. These obstacles typically include thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, poor sleep, poor dietary habits and increased cortisol levels. My goal is to help patients achieve slow and steady declines in weight of 1-2 lbs per week and maintain that weight loss over the long term.

Digestion:

Good health starts with good digestion. Your digestive system is responsible for properly breaking down nutrients, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste products. Digestive issues do not only impact the gut but can impact other systems as well including the immune system, hormones, and the nervous system. Proper gut function is essential to addressing many conditions, even ones that may seem unrelated.

Stress Management:

The effects of chronic stress are numerous; you may feel irritable, have difficulty focusing, or suffer from fatigue. Stress may make existing health conditions worse or even create new ones. New diseases may be caused by the physiologic changes that stress causes to the body, or to poor lifestyle habits that occur when people are stressed – overeating, smoking, poor sleep, etc. Naturopathic medicine strives to increase the body’s resilience to stress. This begins with dietary and lifestyle changes, the replenishment of certain vitamins and minerals, and support from botanicals.

Fatigue:

Are you tired of being tired? Fatigue is a very common medical complaint as it can be caused by almost any chronic health condition. There are an endless possibility of causes to be investigated, however some of the more common ones include chronic stress / burnout, hypothyroidism, low iron, vitamin B12 deficiency, blood sugar balance, food intolerances, poor quality or quantity of sleep, yeast overgrowth, and depression. An advantage of naturopathic medicine is that your ND will be able to perform a lengthy initial intake in order to help determine what might be the source of your fatigue. Lab testing is often necessary to help determine a diagnosis and treatment options will vary based on the cause of the fatigue.

Anxiety & Depression:

Feeling anxious or depressed does not have to be your normal. With all my patients complaining of mood disorders, we evaluate underlying factors which could be worsening symptoms: thyroid dysfunction, blood sugar imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and medications. Once ruled out or corrected, additional support is provided through supplements, dietary and lifestyle changes.

Thyroid Conditions:

Thyroid abnormalities can lead to thyroid hormone levels which are too low or too high, known as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

HYPOTHYROIDISM: Symptoms include weight gain (or difficulty losing weight), constipation, fatigue, hair loss, memory loss, irregular periods, heavy periods, depression, feeling cold, and dry skin.

HYPERTHYROIDISM: Symptoms include weight loss, anxiety, fine tremors, rapid heart rate, irregular periods, scant periods. If thyroid abnormalities are suspected, I typically suggest running a full thyroid hormone panel with TSH, Free T4, and Free T3 hormones. Dietary changes and supplements can be particularly effective at treating thyroid conditions however medication is necessary at times. For hypothyroid patients, some naturopathic doctors (including myself) are licensed to prescribe a natural type of thyroid medication known as desiccated thyroid.