Beer & Naturopathic Medicine!!?

Beer & Naturopathic Medicine!!?

Hi, my name is Dr. Jess, Naturopathic Doctor. When I’ve introduced myself as a Naturopath, people often start apologizing for choices they’ve made like: “I don’t always eat like this”, “I swear this is my first coffee”, or “Don’t worry this is light beer!.”

You are an adult capable of making your own decisions. 

I am not the food and drink police. 

This is a common misconception that I encounter all the time. I’m here to set the record straight and explain what naturopathic medicine is, clarify common misconceptions, and give you examples of when to see an ND.

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic Medicine is science-based, traditionally focused medicine. Naturopathic doctors are primary healthcare professionals providing individualized treatment plans that address the root cause and treat the whole person. 

Okay, yes, but what does that actually mean? Let’s break it down:

Naturopathic medicine is science-based and traditionally focused: During my education I have extensively learned about human physiology and how to create treatment plans based on research and scientific knowledge. I also take into consideration traditional therapies, like herbal remedies, when formulating your treatment plan. 

Naturopathic Doctors are primary healthcare providers: I attended an accredited naturopathic medical school where I received my doctorate in naturopathic medicine.  Through this training, I have learned to assess, diagnose, and treat patients effectively. I hold a license with the CNDA (Alberta’s naturopathic provincial governing body) and I operate according to their standards.  

Naturopathic medicine assesses the patient as a whole: I take everything into consideration: your health history, your symptoms, your lab-work, and where you are at in your health journey. 

After considering all of the above, I can formulate an individualized treatment plan that is specific to your health needs. Your concerns are different from the next person’s and your treatment plan will reflect that.

Common Misconceptions:

What Naturopathic Medicine Is…	What Naturopathic Medicine Is NOT…
Working with you to create a realistic treatment plan	Forcing you to go a on restrictive diets or detoxes
Educating you on your own health	Dismissing your thoughts and feelings
Making therapeutic supplement recommendations based on research	Making recommendations based on the latest trend or fad.
Understanding the necessity of various types of medical treatments and working adjunctively with your health team.	Naturopathic and conventional medicine are in opposition, and cannot work together

When should you consider seeing a Naturopath:

• Are you stressed out and burnt out?
• Do you consider bloating after every meal normal?
• Are you sick of waking up at 3am every night?
• Do you consider sneezing all spring to be “fine”?
• Are you anxious, depression, or just feeling off?

If any of these apply to you, seeing a naturopathic doctor can help education you and alleviate these not-so-normal symptoms.  

BOTTOM LINE:

Naturopathic doctors are educated to be objective, non-bias health care professionals whose purpose is to work with you in creating helpful individualized treatment plans. These values brought me to this profession and I strive to uphold them. 

If any of this resonated with you, you can book an initial appointment with me HERE