Dr. Denise Clark ND brings a distinctive experience to NatureMed and her patients. After completing undergraduate studies in Chemistry and Engineering at Pennsylvania State University and the University of Colorado, Dr. Clark embarked on a distinguished career of twenty years with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She received many awards for leading environmental programs and initiatives in Colorado, Washington and the District of Columbia.
After experiencing debilitating symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) for many years and receiving no diagnosis, a Naturopathic Physician identified an active Epstein Barr viral infection as the cause of CFS. Through the use of natural means she made a long, slow recovery. Dr. Clark’s experience drove a passion that inspired her to help others with difficult to diagnose or complicated illnesses and lead her to obtain a degree in Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Clark received her Doctorate Degree from Bastyr University, in Kenmore, WA, 2002.
Dr. Clark is a past President of The Colorado Association of Naturopathic Doctors, served as the Association Legislative Chairperson and received the distinctive award, “Doctor of the Year” from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians in 2013. She is a member of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Throughout her 16 year practice, Dr. Clark developed a focus on complicated cases of immune deficiency and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. This includes Mold Toxin Illness, Heavy Metal Toxicity, Mast Cell Activation, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, digestive disorders and notably, Acute and Chronic Lyme Disease and Post Lyme Syndrome.
Dr. Clark has been practicing integrative oncology since the beginning of her naturopathic career. She has attended several integrative oncology conferences through the AAMP and is a member of the OncANP. She has received training in the use of IV and subcutaneous mistletoe for cancer patients through a one day seminar with Nasha Winters, ND.
Dr. Clark first encountered Lyme Disease while working at a Fibromyalgia Center in Lafayette, CO. She had a three year mentorship with a regional Lyme-literate physician and former board member of the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS); of which Dr. Clark is an associate member. This knowledge allowed her to develop nationally-recognized expertise and practice in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic Lyme Disease as well as co-infections. Dr. Clark takes a naturopathic approach by ordering blood tests and recommending herbal antimicrobials or antibiotics when needed. Dr. Clark’s approach to chronic, persistent Lyme disease will typically include testing for mold illness and heavy metals toxicity. Dr. Clark takes a comprehensive approach to treatment that ensures quality of care for the patient.
Since the start of her career as a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Clark has helped patients with acute and chronic GI conditions ranging from dysbiosis, heartburn, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, eosinophilic esophagitis, small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO), gastro-paresis, chronic diarrhea and constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis.
Naturopathic medicine has a strong focus on the GI system. When something goes wrong during the process of digestion, it often affects not just your gut, but also your immune, hormonal and nervous systems. Even if you eat an ideal diet, you may have impaired nutrient absorption and energy production and digestive issues can lead to the development of chronic inflammation and allergies.
Naturopathic approach involves testing and treatment for food allergies and sensitivities, imbalances in the colon microbiome, intestinal permeability, SIBO, among others, and treatment using diet, herbs and nutrients specifically focused on restoring good GI health.
If you have been diagnosed with auto immune condition, are suffering from memory loss or cognitive decline, failing to respond well to your hormone therapies, have low testosterone, suffering from the inability to lose weight despite your efforts, have high cortisol or have been diagnosed with cancer or are a cancer survivor, evaluation of environmental toxins can help to get your health moving in the right direction.
Dr. Clark has been diagnosing and treating CIRS for many years. Toxic mold exposure, Lyme Disease, post-Lyme syndrome, excess histamine response, and chronic sinus infections can all precipitate a difficult experience of dysfunction. Patients’ immune systems respond by causing widespread and sometimes debilitating symptoms. Dr. Clark gave a talk to the Colorado Chapter of Neurological Surgeons on the diagnosis and treatment of neurotoxin illness in 2017. Dr. Clark is a Member of the International Society for Environmental Acquired Illnesses (ISEAI). She participated in the Inaugural Conference in May 2019.
Environmentally Acquired Illness (EAI) refers to serious chronic health problems caused by exposure to mold and other biotoxins, Lyme and other persistent infections, toxic chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, air pollution – indoor and outdoor, dust, and other irritants found in the environment.
Infections that are not completely cleared and remain in persistent forms or are reactivated are a second, significant cause of EAI. Just as the chicken pox virus can be reactivated and cause shingles, these infections can flare when a person’s immune system is already impaired by mold and the other biotoxins found in water-damaged buildings. The combination of infections and mold can lead to chronic illness.
Dr. Clark is a member of the International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness and has helped patients with the following conditions associated with EAI:
Integrative oncology provides a working relationship between all providers in the pursuit of optimal patient outcomes. Goals include improving quality of life, managing side effects, aiding in recovery, preventing recurrence, and providing education for a healthy lifestyle.