Category: Naturopathic Medicine

A Functional medicine doctor seeks to develop a treatment plan using natural remedies based upon the patient's history, elaborate ‘functional’ lab testing and evaluation. They may examine the genetic and epigenetic factors for each patient to develop an individualized therapeutic approach that addresses these underlying factors. Do I Need a Naturopathic Doctor if my Medical Doctor Offers Functional Medicine? Yes! A Naturopathic Doctor (ND) takes a deeper look at the overall health of the patient and takes the time to find the underlying cause of a disease. ND’s do not only look at lab values and then recommend supplements or foods. A ND will take into account the patient's current health history, past history, family history and genetics, as well as comprehensive dietary evaluation and lab test results. Naturopathic doctors are considered the experts in alternatives to prescription drugs. NDs know all of the contraindications and indications for combining alternative treatments and prescriptions. They seek to balance the whole person, not just the physical body, by taking time to spend with patients. The scope of practice for ND’s varies across the USA, so it may be necessary to employ an Medical Doctor (MD) for care that the ND cannot provide...

Dr. Sasha Fluss, ND at NatureMed Clinic Boulder/Denver Thousands of people search “thyroid” each day on Google. What comes up is a confusing assortment of chat groups, conventional treatments, alternative treatments, a mix of symptoms and in general a lot of information but no real answers. The question is: Why are so many people searching for info on their thyroid health? Aren't they being treated? Cured? Shouldn't they feel better? What is the Thyroid? The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland that sits behind the trachea in the lower part of the neck. The thyroid is stimulated to release thyroid hormone; T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) by the pituitary gland through TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). T3 and T4 are essential for the function of every single cell in the body. T4 is the main circulating hormone and it is converted to T3 (active thyroid hormone) in the peripheral tissues. No wonder you don't feel well when your thyroid gland is malfunctioning: These thyroid hormones regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, metabolism and the rate at which food is converted into energy. Now lets define some terms: Hypothyroidism: a "low" functioning and sluggish thyroid gland. Less thyroid hormone is being released leading to: Fatigue and sluggishness Weight gain...