5 Reasons Why You Should See a Naturopathic Doctor

I often get asked the question, what is a Naturopathic Doctor and what do you do? I also often receive the comment “I didn’t know you could do that.” To help answer that question I listed below 5 reasons why patients come to see me; and also what I can do to help them.

1. You are pregnant or planning on getting pregnant

I work with my patients before they get pregnant, letting them know what supplements they should be taking and what foods they should be eating. I also coach them on helpful ways to understand their bodies and fertility. I use acupuncture to help increase the likelihood of pregnancy; even for IUI and IVF treatments. With my patients that are pregnant I prepare them for each trimester. Letting them know about the changes they are going through, as well as the changes that are happening to their babies and what supplements they should be on during each trimester.

2. You want to start a new exercise routine, are a competitive/amateur athlete or are training for a marathon

I love working with athletes. I focused on sports therapy and sports nutrition during my naturopathic internship. I really enjoy teaching patients about how they can improve their strength, endurance and recovery. As well as treating their injuries with acupuncture and manual therapies that may result from the activities they are engaging in.

3. You are debating on whether or not to start a spring detox to jump -start a new weight loss regime

There are healthy ways to lose weight and unhealthy ways to lose weight. Some detoxes are safe and others are just not healthy at all. For example eating a well balanced diet and exercising is a healthy way to lose weight. But, doing a popular weight loss fad like Isagenix is not healthy. So please ask myself, or a Nutritionist before starting a detox.

4. You are confused about all the diet and nutrition information out there, including which supplements you should or should not be taking

Just because something is natural does not mean its safe. A lot of herbs and supplements are contraindicated with medications, medical conditions and in pregnancy. So please consult with your
medical doctor or myself before self prescribing supplements.

5. You are stressed with work, family, school, life and possibly having difficulty sleeping because of it

Believe it or not a combination of acupuncture, supplements, meditation and certain herbs/teas can help with sleep. I also work with patients in identifying their stressors and develop plans and work on techniques to help manage them.

Always remember that we never know what life can bring us, but if we can dedicate our minds to living a healthy lifestyle, there isn’t anything wrong with that!

Author: Melissa Giangioppo graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine as a Naturopathic Doctor in 2014 and received an honours degree in Biology at York University in 2006. As an intern at the Naturopathic college, she dedicated a quarter of her shifts to treating athletes. Helping them better their athletic performance, with nutrition advice and sports therapy.