By Alane Palmer, ND, CNC and Annah Gillette
www.NutritionallyYours.net
A Naturopathic nutritionist uses the wisdom of nature. Naturopathy focuses on holistic, proactive prevention and comprehensive testing (as needed) to come up with the perfect support protocol to enable health and healing. By using natural protocols that minimize the risk of harm, a naturopath can help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health. It is the naturopath’s role to identify and remove barriers to good health by helping to create a healing internal and external environment.
Naturopaths find the underlying causes of illness rather than just treating the symptoms of a disease. Symptoms are an external manifestation of an internal imbalance due to any combination of physical, mental, or emotional causes. Symptom management may be necessary, but it is more important not to disregard the underlying cause of disease.
In a very simplistic example, traditionally you may go to a doctor and say “I have a headache that won’t go away.” He may recommend an OTC pain reliever. You are sent on your way, and weeks later your headaches have not improved. After returning, he may prescribe something stronger.
On the other hand, going to a naturopath, a different series of questions would be asked to reveal you are experiencing headaches because you are dehydrated or have an underlying infection or food reaction. Consuming enough water, removing the trigger food or getting rid of an infection and then you headaches are gone.
While both your MD and Naturopath ask you very similar questions a more natural approach is going to come first from your naturopath before an introduction of pharmaceuticals may be needed or a referral to our MD on staff.
Naturopathy is a science-based tradition that promotes wellness by identifying the unique aspects of each patient and then employing non-toxic natural therapies to restore his or her physiological, psychological, and structural balance.
Naturopaths are often successful at improving chronic conditions that don’t respond to conventional medicine. This includes, but is not limited to fatigue, pain, weakness, brain fog, sleep disturbance, and digestive disorders. They can respond to the individual needs of patients and develop a supportive protocol or plan that includes nutritional supplements, botanical medicine, and diet therapy.
Some naturopaths use comprehensive laboratory tests and other objective data in combination with the patient’s personal story to determine the most effective plan. A naturopath is like a tailor, trying to find the best fit for the patient. This is a genuine practice of holistic medicine, requiring trial and error, along with patience and good communication. This process culminates in an individually tailored protocol that actively engages the patient in his or her health. The protocol will vary depending on the expertise of the clinician, but ample time is afforded at the end of the visit to discuss the plan and answer any questions. Follow-up visits are common to assess how well the program fits and to make any necessary changes.
Want to learn how our Naturopath can help you? Call TODAY!
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Medical disclaimer: Nutritionally Yours is not a medical clinic. Testing cannot be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All test results are to be used as educational materials and as a guide to help support your overall health and wellness. Always discuss health concerns with your medical doctor. We have a nutritionist, naturopath and a medical doctor on staff to help you feel your best.
