Food is the best medicine for both prevention and treatment of diseases and is a cornerstone of our naturopathic practice. Many medical conditions can be treated more effectively with proper nutrition and targeted nutritional supplements than they can by other means, with fewer complications and side effects. We examine each patient’s diet in conjunction with their symptoms and suggest healthy changes. Though we do not believe there is one optimal diet plan that will fit everyone’s needs, we do promote whole, nutrient-dense food.
Food sensitivity testing may be considered when symptoms are not alleviated by upgrading the diet alone. A blood sample is sent to a specialty lab and results will show what foods are causing inflammation. We may also suggest testing to evaluate digestive function, intestinal health, or nutritional status.
Cleansing and fasting are other nutrition-based therapies that may be considered at the clinic with certain individuals. These involve eliminating many or most foods generally considered inflammatory for a specific amount of time, then slowly reintroducing them and tracking symptoms.
You are what you eat—and what you assimilate. If your digestion is not optimal, symptoms as varied as constipation and bloating to extreme fatigue may occur. Eating foods that are inflammatory in nature can lead to or aggravate pain syndromes or cause immune reactions.
When dietary recommendations are made, we often suggest the changes be instituted for the entire family so as to normalize the “new” diet plan.
