APPROACH TO CHRONIC DISEASES
Restore integrity and support damaged systems
Some conditions are likely to be around for the long term. In these cases, it is best to keep information organized, set up attainable goals, and measure progress.
I strive to help people reach their optimum health with the minimum level of intervention. You don't always have to take 15 pills a day, (although you might for a little while). I am comfortable and experienced treating and tracking difficult diseases:
Chronic Fatigue
Type II Diabetes
Multiple Sclerosis
Celiac Disease, IBS, Ulcerative Colitis
SLE/MCTD/Rheumatoid Arthritis
Hypo/Hyperthyroidism
Hypertension and Heart Disease
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE &
NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
Nutritional biochemistry is the study of the nutrients that are necessary for daily cellular and enzymatic functions and what role they play. I love nutritional biochemistry because it is an area that all doctors can agree upon. The body simply works how it works; whether you are a conventional or naturopathic doctor does not change the fact that we need magnesium to break down blood sugar for energy.
This is one of the reasons why I often think about nutrition first when designing a treatment plan. Many conditions can benefit from a targeted approach with therapeutic doses of particular vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are key to maintaining the body's optimal structure and function. Often, amounts needed to affect change, heal, and obtain health are much greater than the amounts needed to maintain health once it is achieved. This functional approach is essential to the success of nutrients as therapy.
GENETIC TESTING
The data obtained with genetic testing, like 23andme, pairs well with a functional medicine approach to healing.
I have sought additional training in interpreting genetic tests and implementing treatment to address concerns that are uncovered. In a few extra steps, we can obtain information about how your DNA might be building enzymes that do not always function optimally and that might be contributing to your symptoms. Now we know, there is more to address than MTHFR, and sometimes, that is not the right place to start. With the knowledge of which nutrient supplies are needed for these processes to work normally and how to prioritize systems functioning, a custom built nutrient plan may be built for your unique genetic predisposition.