We are in the middle of an evolution around health.  More and more people are striving for wellness in body and mind and are searching for ways to feel great so they can do the great things they want in their lives. 

Health matters for all you want to do in your life.   You need a great team of health professionals to keep you on track for your health goals.

 

Is naturopathic medicine for you?  If you are looking for a medicine that offers you a fresh perspective on your health, if you are looking for a more natural way to tackle those nagging symptoms you are having or if you suspect there might be some deeper underlying cause of your health issues, naturopathic medicine is for you.

 

What is naturopathic medicine? Naturopathic medicine is a form of evidence-based primary medical care. It combines the latest medical research with natural therapies that support the body’s own healing abilities. It treats the body when there is dis-ease but is also used to correct concerns before they lead to illness.   One of the primary goals of Naturopathic Medicine is to address the fundamental causes of health concerns rather than merely covering up symptoms.

 

What is it like to work with me as your naturopathic doctor?  Working with a naturopathic doctor is like working with a coach. First, we thoroughly examine where you are at with your current health (with thorough questioning, physical examination and lab testing, where indicated). Then, through gentle instruction and guidance I help you develop health-supporting habits as well as give you personalized supplementation and/or remedies to reach your health goals.  I coach patients on dietary and lifestyle changes while receiving naturopathic treatments and guidance. Appointments can be conducted in person or by telemedicine (with some exceptions).

 

Our “Getting Started” Introductory Naturopathic Consultation is provided at our Edmonton Naturopathic Clinic and is divided into two steps:

 

The first step is a 75-minute appointment with Lorraine and is focused on thorough information gathering about your health goals, current and past health details, and diet, as well as a naturopathic physical exam and review of lab results (when indicated).   Key recommendations will be made at this visit.  If warranted, lab testing such as food sensitivity testing, vitamin D or hormone testing  can be done or given as well. 

The recommended second appointment would occur 3-4 weeks later to continue coaching you towards your health goals.  This visit will include other detailed diet and lifestyle recommendations, new or continuing natural medicine prescriptions, and education about why these suggestions are important for you. 
 
Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, your best health outcomes will result from dedicated effort and attention over an extended period.  After the first two visits, follow-up appointments are often about 6-8 weeks apart.   There is no set protocol; patients are treated as individuals. Some take longer to achieve their goals, some shorter

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TESTING AVAILABLE 

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While naturopathic care does not have to involve testing on a regular basis, sometimes testing is a very useful tool and important to help guide treatment.  Some patients simply find it helpful and inspiring to use tests to observe how their body is functioning by seeing it on paper.  Some find it easier to make changes when a test report has indicated areas of focus.

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Food Sensitivity Testing - Tests immune reactions to varying numbers of foods.  This test is important if you'd like a quick and easy answer about which foods may be contributing to symptoms you are having.  Note that this is different than the food allergy (hypersensitivity) testing that a medical doctor would order.

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Enviro-Tox Testing - Screens for the presence of 172 different toxic non-metal chemicals including organophosphate pesticides, phthalates, benzene, xylene, vinyl chloride, and others.  This test is important if you are wondering what your toxic load is and how it might be contributing to symptoms you are having.

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Nutritional and Metabolic Assessments - Organic Acid Testing offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of one's overall health with 75 markers.  It also includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter levels. 

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Vitamin D Testing - Measures 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels.  A good test for establishing what dose of vitamin D you should be taking.  It is especially important heading into winter when individuals receive less sunlight and therefore less natural vitamin D.

 

Stool Test  - This is an important test to determine how well your gut is functioning and what critters might be hiding out there.  It assesses levels of beneficial and pathogenic organisms, as well as markers for intestinal permeability, intestinal inflammation and fat digestion abilities.

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Adrenal Function Test - Assesses cortisol levels from your adrenal gland.  This test is important to determine how your body is responding to stress on a daily basis.  Problems regulating cortisol (the major adrenal hormone) rhythms can negatively affect sleep, energy, allergies, ability to handle stress, blood sugar levels and other symptoms.

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Female and Male Hormone Testing - Tests for hormonal imbalances by measuring levels of cortisol, DHEAs, estradiol, progesterone and testosterone.  This test is very informative because it gives a full picture of how the overall hormones are performing in the body.  

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