Most people have no idea what to expect when they see a Naturopathic Doctor (ND). They may visit an ND because they have a medical condition that is not improving or they may want to find a cure that does not involve the use of prescription medicines. An example is a patient who visited me a year ago complaining of depression. Sue (name changed) was 35 years old and had 2 children, 8 and 10. She thought she was going through typical motherhood stress. I recommended that we do some blood tests to determine her thyroid function (TSH) and her iron status (serum ferritin). I told her that St. John’s Wort worked very well for mild to moderate depression when prescribed in the proper form and dosage. I reassured Sue that I was positive she could regain her health through Naturopathic Medicine. I cautioned her that her MD and her pharmacist would probably not agree with the treatment program.

Sue did not return for another year. In the meantime, she had gone to her MD, in order to save money on the blood tests, and he had diagnosed her with depression, explaining that her TSH and CBC (complete blood cell count) were normal. He did not do a ferritin (often shows anemia before CBC does). She was prescribed and was using Paxil, an antidepressant. At Sue’s subsequent visit to me, she said she wanted to discontinue the use of Paxil, and was now ready to deal with her health concerns without the use of prescription medicines.

Naturopathic Medicine, in addition to the use of natural treatments such as herbs, homeopathy and nutrition, includes lengthy consultations, as well as the need for patients to make dietary and lifestyle changes in order to help the body heal. When we are sick, we often hope to find a "magic bullet" cure so that we can get on with our lives. As well, we are used to our MD telling us what to do and we don’t ask questions, thus giving responsibility for our health to our MD, rather than learning what we can do to understand our bodies to regain our health.

Often a patient will visit an ND when conventional medicine has failed to restore their health, or they are interested in a more natural approach to health in order to avoid surgery or the unwanted side affects of prescription medicines. Often during my first hour-long consultation with a patient, they will cry because this has been the first time that they have had the opportunity to tell their whole story. An MSP covered visit to an MD often only provides 5-15 minutes of consultation.

Research (Journal of the American Medical Association 1998) indicated that in-hospital prescription medications were the fourth leading cause of death in North America. This did not include deaths that occurred due to prescription medications taken outside hospital. Ten years ago the medical and pharmaceutical professions said natural medicine was harmless and a waste of money. Now these professions are adding the fear factor to natural medicine and saying it can kill you.

As our medical system continues to deteriorate and we find it difficult to get the care we need from it, know that you have choices. The choice of Naturopathic Medicine will cost you in terms of money, time and energy but as I tell my patients the word doctor means to teach so think of my services as a class in "How to Take Care of Your Body 101".

Sue did have low thyroid function. Her TSH was 3.0 (upper limit of normal is 2.0) and her basal body temperatures were an average of 96.5. (normal is 98.2-98.6) Her ferritin was also low at 10 (normal is 40-50), even though her CBC was normal. I gave Sue natural thyroid support and an iron supplement that does not aggravate the bowels and she felt better within two weeks. Patients who want to discontinue the use of prescription medications need the supervision of their MD in order to avoid adverse affects. As Sue felt better in other ways, getting off the Paxil was made easier for her and she was off it within three months and doing very nicely on the St. John’s Wort.