Next-Level Health with an ND

As it is now estimated that 1 in 5 Canadians do not have a family doctor,[i] naturopathic doctors are poised to play an essential role in our health-care system. As experts in the area of natural and preventative medicine, naturopathic doctors primarily operate within private practices and multidisciplinary clinics throughout Canada. In certain provinces, they can also be found working in hospitals. NDs offer treatment and support for health concerns as diverse as the common cold, IBS, or fibromyalgia, and they can also assist with physical exams, lab testing, and so much more. Their services are not covered under provincial health plans yet, but they are covered under most extended health-care benefits.

The pandemic really highlighted the struggles of our current health-care system. Fortunately, there are over 3,000 naturopathic doctors in Canada who can be consulted by patients to support them with their health needs and goals.

During the pandemic, I realized from my own practice how essential our services became. We had patients who were not able to see their family doctor for timely appointments and as a result opted for our services. Most days, we were able to provide same-day services either in person or via telemedicine. During that time, our clinic had requisitioned so many lab tests, more than we ever have before. We had more tests being performed in a single week than we would normally see in a month.

With lengthy consultations, NDs could listen and provide that essential counselling or make referrals when necessary.

Besides access to timely appointments, we were able to support individuals really struggling with mental concerns such as anxiety and depression. With lengthy consultations, NDs could listen and provide essential counselling or make referrals when necessary. NDs support clients in the self-healing process by incorporating counselling and other mind-body techniques. Acupuncture is another tool used by some NDs that can support overall wellbeing.

I do not write prescriptions for pharmaceutical drugs, but I can help evaluate my patient’s health status and identify many chronic diseases such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes.

The pandemic really highlighted the struggles of our current health-care system. Fortunately, there are over 3,000 naturopathic doctors in Canada that can be consulted by patients to support them with their health needs and goals.[ii] NDs are well positioned to support our overburdened health-care system.

As a naturopathic doctor, I do not write prescriptions for pharmaceutical drugs, but I can help evaluate my patient’s health status and identify many chronic diseases such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes. NDs can offer nutritional support via diet therapy and recommendations as well as vitamin and nutritional supplementation. Some NDs also have the ability to provide vitamin injections or intravenous therapy. The goal is simple: Identify health concerns and treat with natural supportive therapies, and address these concerns from a holistic perspective.

Prevention is key. NDs will look for trends in bloodwork by comparing previous test results to current lab reports. If there is an increase in cholesterol levels, a treatment protocol will focus on prevention. If there is a family member with a chronic illness or an uncle with an autoimmune condition, your ND can recommend appropriate testing to see if this may be a concern for you.

As most visits are 30 minutes to 1 hour in length, most NDs get to know their patients on a more personal level.

Optimal health is so important. Why go through the day feeling tired or awaking still fatigued? What could be the cause? Is it perhaps a vitamin deficiency—a B₁₂ or iron deficiency, maybe? Naturopathic doctors search for the possible cause to explain these symptoms. There is no limit in age for aspiring towards optimal health.

If you are interested in finding a health-care practitioner who is dedicated to helping you achieve your best health, a naturopathic doctor may be exactly who you are looking for.

As most visits are 30 minutes to 1 hour in length, most NDs get to know their patients on a more personal level. A lengthier consult allows an ND to learn about a patient’s journey—their past medical history, their current stressors, diet and level of activity, their family’s health history, etc. All these are factors contribute to an individual’s health status.

With so many individuals turning to Dr. Google for answers, this means that now, more than ever before, patients are actively interested in increasing their knowledge about their health. They want to understand their symptoms and they want options. With such an increased demand for more natural approaches to health care, NDs can act as a guide on this journey working towards better health.

Whether you are looking to treat a current health concern or work towards specific health goals, your ND can be that perfect partner you have been looking for.

How do we do this? One of the most powerful tools available to NDs is lab testing. In most provinces, NDs have the ability to run all blood tests, like the ones recommended by family doctors. At this time, most patients pay out of pocket for this additional service, but some patients are able to have testing covered through extended health insurance. These labs are the same used by family doctors, such as Gamma Dynacare, LifeLabs, or Biron. In addition to routine testing, NDs can also do more unique tests such as food-sensitivity testing, hormone testing, and stool testing (as they search for inflammatory gastrointestinal markers.) These tests are unique to naturopathic practitioners and they can identify other health markers too. NDs can review which lab testing would be the most appropriate for each patient’s needs.

If you have never experienced the benefit of seeing a naturopathic doctor, it may be time for you to take your health care to the next level. Whether you are looking to treat a current health concern or work towards specific health goals, your ND can be that perfect partner you have been looking for.

Dr. Odessa Gill, ND

Dr. Gill has been in practice for 20 years and is the co-owner of a naturopathic clinic in Bloor West Village, Toronto. She has a focus on stress management, fertility, and hormonal health.

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