What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
Think of your Naturopathic Doctor as your personal health researcher. Someone who understands your full body health, and puts all the pieces of the puzzle together that may not have been answered by the conventional medical system. Your Naturopathic Doctor will gather data from lab testing, nutritional calculators, and an intensive intake to understand the root cause of your health concerns. They will then use the wisdom of natural medicine alongside modern research to give you an individualized treatment to reach your health goals.
What is the typical visit structure?
The first visit involves a thorough intake to understand your full body health and lifestyle. Your ND will ask you many questions about your symptoms, diet, lifestyle, mental health, and each body system to get all the details. From here your Naturopathic Doctor may order additional lab tests, or use health data you already have from your medical doctor. At the end of the first visit your ND will put together a preliminary plan that may include nutrient tracking tools, lab tests, diet and lifestyle modifications, and potentially supplements or herbs. They will also provide you with a detailed roadmap of how they will help you achieve your health goals while working together with you.
The second visit will either be after your Naturopathic Doctor has received any additional lab results, or 2-4 weeks after starting the initial treatment plan. If you completed any blood work, your ND will provide you with a more comprehensive treatment plan to give you the most individualized treatment. Usually, 3-5 visits is all that you should need to achieve your initial health goals working with your naturopathic doctor.
