Autism
Spectrum
Disorder
CDC estimates 1 in 59 children have ASD. Conventional medicine has treatment options available only to treat some of the associated behavioral symptoms. Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder are typically more susceptible to having side effects to medication. Hence a multidisciplinary approach that includes Naturopathic medicine can be the best option for your child.
In my practice I have seen parents and family members who are overwhelmed with information from the research they have done on their own or talking to other parents whose children benefited by certain therapies. It is important to remember that ASD is a complex disorder and not everyone with ASD will have the same intensity of symptoms, hence their response to different treatments will vary. There is no one-size-fits-all remedy. I have found a comprehensive yet individualized plan using anti-inflammatory diet, nutritional and detox supplements, GI and sleep support, based on symptoms and functional lab testing to be the most helpful approach.
ADHD
ADHD is an increasing prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with several causal links to diet and environmental factors but no single cause. In addition to ADHD affecting academic performance and social interaction, more than 2/3 of the children also have other coexisting conditions such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorder and learning disabilities, making it more complex for treatment to be effective. A balanced nutrient dense diet free of food sensitivities, refined sugars and food additives should be the first step in the Naturopathic medicine plan. Other recommendations following testing, involves correcting nutrient deficiencies, balancing biochemistry and increasing intake of Omega-3 fatty acid.
Gastrointestinal issues
Good digestion is the gateway to good health. If your digestive system is not functioning well, it can affect other parts of the body and cause a wide range of symptoms from mood issues to hormonal imbalances. So, it is important to make sure that your digestive system which has such a big impact on your overall health is always working optimally. Diet and lifestyle are key in maintaining gut health. If you have any of these common Gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS, GERD, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, diarrhea, gas/bloating symptoms, Naturopathic medicine with focus on not just managing symptoms but addressing root cause may be right for you.
Autoimmune
conditions
Autoimmune disorders whether it affects the thyroid gland as in Hashimotos thyroiditis or joints as in Rheumatoid arthritis occurs due to a common underlying mechanism. The immune system which is designed to protect against foreign invaders in your body, instead attacks its own tissue cells. Did you know that 70-80% of your immune system is present in the gut, acting as a barrier and providing protection against invading bacteria and viruses and toxins? If you have an autoimmune disorder, an anti-inflammatory diet, free of foods that may be responsible for inappropriately activating the immune system should be part of your comprehensive health plan. Specialized lab tests can help you identify what foods to avoid. The most common foods that play a role in autoimmune activation are gluten containing grains, dairy, sugar and nightshades (potato, tomato, peppers and eggplant). In addition to diet recommendation, I can help you with targeted supplements and herbs to reduce inflammation.
Fatigue and
Stress
If you feel run-down due to the every day stresses of life over an extended period, and there is no organic cause, you may be suffering from “HPA axis dysfunction”. Prolonged fatigue is one of the most common complaints I help my patients with. Based on functional cortisol testing and other specialized test results, an individualized approach using adapatogenic herbs and energy support nutrients will be the best approach for you
Mental/emotional well being
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US and almost one half of people diagnosed with depression, also suffer from anxiety disorder. If you suffer from one or both of these mental health issues, and you do not find medications to be 100% effective, a comprehensive approach including Naturopathic medicine in your plan with focus on balancing neurotransmitters and hormones, changing diet habits and correcting nutrients deficiencies, may be more appropriate for you.