Functional lab tests are performed to diagnose the root cause of the health issue whereas conventional lab tests are typically performed to diagnose or evaluate progression of disease. Functional lab tests help evaluate if the organ system is functioning optimally by looking for “optimal values” rather than “normal values”. These advanced lab tests are appropriate for patients who have been told they do not have a disease or diagnosed with one condition, but they have other symptoms that are not explained by the diagnosis provided.  In other words if you do not feel and function your best, further investigation is necessary in spite of whether the conventional lab test results are concluded to be “normal”. Functional lab tests provide information on metabolic function, body’s ability to detoxify, identifying foods that may not be tolerated, environmental factors affecting health, even genetic predisposition to not absorb certain nutrients. Results from these tests combined with a thoroughly analyzed health history can help individualize the Naturopathic medicine plan.

Botanical medicine is a system of medicine that uses plant based nutrients in various consumable forms including tincture, extracts, fresh or dried in the forms of capsules to restore health. 

In botanical medicine, the whole plant or part of a plant containing several active and inert constituents is used. They work together compounding the medicinal effect as well as reducing adverse effects. Naturopathic Physicians are trained to select safe and appropriate herbs and delivery method to help you, at the right dosage, ensuring there is no herb-drug or herb-herb interaction.

Vitamins, minerals, amino acids and many other vital nutrients are present in food. When these nutrients are needed in large therapeutic quantities to help certain health issues, they are to be taken in the form of nutritional supplements.  

Many patients I see in practice take several supplements because they read about them online or in a magazine without really evaluating if they need it or understanding how they work. In Naturopathic medical practice, if nutritional supplements are indicated, they are individualized to the patient and integrated with a proper diet and lifestyle plan.  

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that has been in use over 200 years, using highly diluted natural substance from plant, animal or mineral sources, to stimulate the healing process. Homeopathy is based on the principle of “like cures like”. Homeopathic remedy selection is done by matching the remedy picture “Materia Medica” to the patient’s “totality of symptoms”. 

Homeopathic practice approach ranges widely from selecting and using a single remedy as in classical homeopathy to using a combination of different remedies. At JC Naturopathic Wellness, we select the right homeopathic practice approach based on the needs and goals of the patient.

Food and nutrition should be the first and foremost part of any effective Naturopathic health approach. Good nutrition can help your body fight disease and recover quickly. Healthy diet habits can help correct imbalances in your body that may have created the environment for disease to occur in the first place.  In addition to eating the “right foods”, it is imperative to identify and avoid the foods that can be making your symptoms worse.