Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach that seeks to treat the root cause of illness through the use of natural therapies and non-invasive methods. The goal is not to suppress symptoms, but to investigate what is causing these symptoms in the first place. This is achieved by obtaining a comprehensive health history that includes nutrition, circadian rhythm, stress levels, among other health determinants, as well as implementing standard and specialized laboratory tests. The philosophy of this medicine is that the body has the ability to heal itself when the right conditions are provided. Chiefly, one of the main goals of naturopathic medicine is to educate the patient and emphasize their responsibility in their health.

A Naturopathic Doctor’s role is to treat the individual, not just the diagnosis. This means that two patients with the same condition may have different treatment protocols.

We approach treatment holistically, considering the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of the person. We focus on addressing the root cause of the imbalance (disease) that leads to symptoms. This means they do not just focus on suppressing symptoms, as this does not resolve the underlying problem but rather “silences” it temporarily, potentially creating another series of imbalances in the body.

Naturopathic medicine is not covered by insurance in the state of Florida, as naturopathic doctors are not licensed in this state. For more information on states with licensed naturopathic medicine, visit www.naturopathic.org/regulated-states. If you would like to support the licensing of naturopathic doctors in Florida, visit www.fnpa.org.

No. As mentioned in the previous question, Florida is not yet a licensed state for naturopathic doctors. This means they cannot function as your primary healthcare provider under Florida law. However,

you do not need to stop seeing your primary doctor if you wish naturopathic care. In fact, it is recommended that you continue to see your primary care physician while also consulting with a naturopathic doctor if you choose to. Both types of healthcare providers can complement each other in supporting your overall health, but in Florida, your primary care physician would be your main point of contact for medical issues requiring licensed care.

Naturopathic doctors are currently licensed in 26 U.S. states, as well as in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and 5 Canadian provinces. In these states and provinces, naturopathic doctors must graduate from a naturopathic medical school in a four-year program and pass an extensive postdoctoral exam called NPLEX (Part 1 and Part 2) to receive their license. There are five accredited naturopathic medical schools in the U.S. and two in Canada currently.

The philosophy of Naturopathy is based on the idea that the body has the ability to self-regulate and heal itself. For instance, if you cut your skin with a knife, the body immediately focuses on healing the wound without your conscious control.

To restore health, we must support and create the right conditions for it. When we do this, unless degeneration is too advanced, we can bring the body back to a state of balance. In this way, symptoms are seen as the result of some imbalance in one of the determinants of health.

Treatment, therefore, is based on addressing the determinants of health, which include nutrition, sleep, proper hydration, accumulation of environmental toxins, stress levels, circadian rhythm, proper digestion, movement, and “Vitamin O” (rest, recreation, laughing, hugging, connecting with others, etc.). Some of the strategies used in naturopathic medicine to bring the body back to a state of balance include lifestyle modifications, prescription of certain vitamins, minerals, or medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and homeopathic medicine, among other modalities.

No. While naturopathic medicine can be very effective in managing many chronic conditions, naturopathic doctors recognize that some conditions are degenerative or too advanced to promise a cure. In such cases, the focus is on improving quality of life, managing symptoms, and supporting the body as much as possible.

I am a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of North Dakota. While I hold this licensure, please note that in the state of Florida, I operate as a Natural Health Consultant. The services I provide in Florida are based on my extensive knowledge in naturopathic medicine and holistic health; however, they do not replace the care provided by a licensed physician in the state of Florida. My role as a Natural Health Consultant in Florida is to guide and educate clients on natural health practices and lifestyle modifications.

Here are some common scenarios and symptoms where a DUTCH test might be recommended:

• Menstrual Cycle Irregularities: Women experiencing irregular, heavy, or painful periods, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can benefit from the DUTCH test to assess their estrogen and progesterone levels.
• Menopause and Perimenopause: For women going through perimenopause or menopause, the test can help evaluate hormonal changes and imbalances, aiding in the management of symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
• Fertility Issues: Couples facing fertility challenges can use the test to check for hormonal factors that might be affecting conception.
• Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms: Symptoms like chronic fatigue, mood swings, depression, anxiety, weight gain or loss, and changes in libido may indicate hormonal imbalances that the DUTCH test can help identify.
• Adrenal Health Concerns: Individuals experiencing symptoms of chronic stress, exhaustion, or adrenal dysfunction can gain valuable insights from the DUTCH test’s detailed analysis of cortisol and cortisone rhythms.
• Excess or Deficiency of Androgens: Conditions like hirsutism (excessive hair growth) in women or low testosterone symptoms in men can be evaluated with this test.
• Thyroid Disorders: Although it doesn’t directly measure thyroid hormones, the DUTCH test can help understand the broader hormonal context in which thyroid issues occur.
• Sleep Disorders: Since the test includes an analysis of the circadian rhythm, it can be useful for individuals struggling with sleep issues, as these might be related to cortisol levels.
• Suspected Hormonal Contribution to Chronic Conditions: Conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and certain autoimmune diseases, where hormonal imbalances may play a role, can be assessed through the DUTCH test.

• Chronic Digestive Issues: Those suffering from persistent symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and acid reflux can gain valuable insights into the underlying causes of their digestive problems.
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Individuals diagnosed with conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can use the GI-MAP test to analyze their gut microbiome and identify pathogens that may be exacerbating their condition.
• Immune System Problems: Since a significant portion of the immune system is located in the gut, about 70%, people with immune issues or autoimmune diseases can benefit from the test to identify microbial imbalances affecting their immune health.
• Mental Health Issues: Those experiencing anxiety, depression, or mood disorders can benefit from evaluating their gut health, as there is a known connection between the gut and brain (the gut-brain axis).
• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and celiac disease can use this test to detect gut imbalances that may be contributing to their autoimmune conditions.
• Skin Problems: Individuals with chronic skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis.
• Chronic Fatigue or Energy Problems: gut health can affect nutrient absorption and overall energy.
• Food Allergies or Intolerances: People who experience adverse reactions to certain foods can use the test to identify gut imbalances or infections that might be affecting their ability to tolerate specific foods.
• Recurrent Infections: Individuals with frequent infections, such as urinary tract infections or respiratory infections, can identify intestinal pathogens that might be compromising their immune system.
• Preventive Health: Even those without severe symptoms can benefit from the GI-MAP test as a preventive tool to monitor and maintain optimal gut health.