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WENDY WELLS, NMD When I see a patient who has allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and watery and itchy eyes, I consider all of the possible factors that laid the foundation for their symptoms. The underlying causes can include 1 or more conditions in the body that make histamine levels high enough to cause symptoms of allergy. The primary causes I have found in my patients include cortisol insufficiency (or adrenal fatigue), an over-burdened liver and/or genetic variations that impede the detoxification […]
VIRENDER SODHI, ND, MD (AYURVEDA) BK, a 32-year-old female at the time, presented to my office with a previously established diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She had been diagnosed 2+ years prior by her physician, at which point she began the standard of care for her condition: steroid drugs and the immunosuppressive drug azathioprine. One of the patient’s chief concerns was skin changes […]
FRASER SMITH, MATD, ND No matter the obstacles they place, the truth of our medicine will win out. (John Bastyr)1 If we take the phrase “modern world” to denote the advent of a society using technology at a higher level than ever seen, based on an explosion in the growth of pure and applied sciences, […]
JAMES SENSENIG, ND This column is transcribed from a weekly live conversation produced by the Naturopathic Medical Institute (NMI). The goal of NMI is to preserve and promote the principles of naturopathic philosophy through clinical application, in your offices and in your communities, every day. On October 11, 2017, Dr Jim Sensenig spoke on the importance of gut health. In this lightly edited transcript […]
LAURIE MENK OTTO, ND, MPH Allergy is a leading chronic health condition throughout the world and is especially prevalent in westernized societies. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis and asthma in the US population is 7-8% for all ages.1,2 Allergy accounts for upwards of $20 billion per year in healthcare expenses in the United States alone,3 leading world expenditures for this condition. Environmental allergy is characterized by rhinorrhea, […]
CHRIS D. MELETIS, ND Autoimmune diseases afflict a considerable portion of the population, with recent numbers indicating that 15.9% of the US population, or 41 million people, suffer from an autoimmune condition.1 Although autoimmune diseases are more common among women, the number of men with this type of condition is increasing, according to a study conducted by scientists at the National Institutes of Health.1 At the […]
KARLY MCMASTER, ND While the standard of care following a diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) is to prescribe a gluten-free diet (GFD), the recommended long-term management and monitoring of the condition is poorly understood. Too often, patients with CD are given a diagnosis, told to follow a GFD, and never further monitored. Assessment of a patient’s gluten-free lifestyle […]
TANYA LEE, ND The circadian system is a powerful regulatory system that guides the physiology of living organisms through synchronizing physiological processes to the external environment. This system of ultimate homeostatic regulation has evolved over time and gives organisms a competitive advantage by allowing them to predictably adapt to external fluctuations within physiological range.1 The 12-hour diurnal pattern, contained within […]
MICHAËL FRIEDMAN, ND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). It is estimated that MS affects 2.8 million people globally,1 including approximately 1 million people in the United States.2,3 The etiology of MS is poorly understood, but is likely the result of a complex interplay between genetic polymorphisms and environmental exposures, […]
JAKE F. FELICE, ND, LMP Autoimmune conditions and diseases of the nervous system are typically chronic, often have an early age of onset, and frequently cause significant pain, debility, and suffering. Autoimmunity is an arena of medicine that remains largely misunderstood, given that the immune system and immune regulation are still relatively new areas of medicine, since the late 20th century. The mainstay of conventional therapy for autoimmune diseases is […]
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Jacob Schor, ND, FABNO During our time at home this past spring, I took up 2 new hobbies: chair caning and basket making. I can’t claim to be particularly accomplished at either. If you want to joke about me being a basket case, don’t feel too clever; the suggestion has already been made. In the process of acquiring these skills, I ended up learning […]
Iva Lloyd, BScH, RPP, ND Now is the time for naturopathic medicine to soar. The profession has the potential to truly own a key place in healthcare – locally, nationally, and on the global stage. The decisions we make as a profession in the next few months and years will either make or break us as a profession. The […]
Nazanin Vassighi, ND Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest public health challenges of our time, due to the rising prevalence of “superbugs,” or drug-resistant organisms (DROs). DROs may be responsible for an estimated 10 million deaths per year by 2050, surpassing cancer deaths.1 In addition to the increased risk of mortality, treatment of these infections generates a costly burden on the world economy, exceeding upwards […]
Sharum Sharif, ND In Part 1 of this article, I covered how and why epidemics are on the rise; how conventional medical approaches alone (including drugs and vaccination) are insufficient in meeting the needs of our species; and how homeopathy is the alternative solution that is so desperately needed. Homeopathy is a solid solution that has passed the test of time and has a high degree of reliability during […]
#TRENDING NEWS
Harmful Chemicals in Toys
NODE SMITH, ND It has long been known that several chemicals used in plastic toys in different parts of the world can be harmful to human health. However, it is difficult for parents to figure out how to avoid plastic toys containing chemicals that may cause possible health risks to their children. Regulations and labelling […]
Genetic Mutations Influencing Schizophrenia
NODE SMITH, ND Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that disrupts brain activity producing hallucinations, delusions, and other cognitive disturbances. Researchers have long searched for genetic influences in the disease, but genetic mutations have been identified in only a small fraction — fewer than a quarter — of sequenced patients. A new study now shows that […]
Some Factors that Influence Resilience Under Stress/Trauma
NODE SMITH, ND The unpredictable nature of life during the coronavirus pandemic is particularly challenging for many people. Not everyone can cope equally well with the uncertainty and loss of control. Research has shown that while a large segment of the population turns out to be resilient in times of stress and potentially traumatic events, […]
Mental Health Concerns Among Healthcare Workers Due To Pandemic
NODE SMITH, ND A new systematic review of 65 studies from around the world involves a total of 97,333 health care workers and finds that 1 in 5 have experienced depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Yufei Li, Nathaniel Scherer, and colleagues at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, U.K., […]
Dr. Elroy Vojdani Joins Clinical Expert Team at Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center
WOODSTOCK, IL—The team at Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center is thrilled to welcome Dr. Elroy Vojdani to their panel of Clinical Experts. Dr. Vojdani is the founder of Regenera Medical, a boutique functional medicine practice in Los Angeles, CA. He is also an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP) and a certified Bredesen ReCODE Practitioner. Dr. Vojdani’s […]
Gene Therapy Solution to Chronic Pain?
NODE SMITH, ND A gene therapy for chronic pain could offer a safer, non-addictive alternative to opioids. Researchers at the University of California San Diego developed the new therapy, which works by temporarily repressing a gene involved in sensing pain. It increased pain tolerance in mice, lowered their sensitivity to pain and provided months of […]
Catnip as a Bug Repellant
NODE SMITH, ND New collaborative research from Northwestern University and Lund University may have people heading to their backyard instead of the store at the outset of this year’s mosquito season. Often used as an additive for cat toys and treats due to its euphoric and hallucinogenic effects on cats, catnip has also long been […]
How to Improve the Way you ‘Daydream’
NODE SMITH, ND Did you daydream as a kid, maybe even get in trouble for it? If you find it harder to be pleasantly lost in your thoughts these days, you’re not alone. “This is part of our cognitive toolkit that’s underdeveloped, and it’s kind of sad,” said Erin Westgate, Ph.D., a University of Florida […]
PRACTICE BUILDING SERIES
FRASER SMITH, MATD, ND Working in integrative practice settings is an increasingly relevant possibility for naturopathic graduates. Last month we discussed the phenomenon of allopathic practitioners adopting therapeutic modalities that have been traditionally part of naturopathic practice. This month, we look at the opportunities to prepare our students for entering an integrative setting. What’s in a Name […]
FRASER SMITH, MATD, ND There are many differences between natural products/natural therapies, and prescription drugs/surgery, but one in particular is important for professional formation. That is the exclusive right to use or prescribe pharmaceuticals and to perform surgery. In some but not all jurisdictions, naturopathic doctors have the right to prescribe pharmaceuticals and perform in-office procedures. However, any medical […]
CHEN YEN Naturopathic doctors and other holistic health practitioners often ask me, “I have an online course but people aren’t purchasing it. What can I do to get more people to sign up?” Having an online course to offer the public (or other practitioners) can help you educate and reach more people at once. Keep in mind that people can benefit from your […]
FRASER SMITH, MATD, ND The old saw that “doctors are terrible business people” has some truth to it.1 The tremendous focus required to achieve proficiency in biomedical sciences, diagnosis, and therapeutics comes at a price. That singular focus can preclude learning other important skills. Wrapping all of those skills together and then effectively delivering naturopathic care to a patient is another great […]
VENDOR NEWS
WOODSTOCK, IL—Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center (LMRC), a hub of clinical tools and resources for functional medicine practitioners, is thrilled to announce the newly revamped Pillars of GI Health Program. As new research continues to build around functional medicine approaches to gastrointestinal health, the program has been updated to reflect these findings in clinically relevant ways. […]
MegaMycoBalance is a powerful natural formula that supports healthy yeast and fungal balance in the body.Yeasts are a natural part of a healthy and well-balanced gut microbiome. However, they can quickly grow out of control if this careful balance is thrown off by diet or medications. Formulated with undecylenic acid and bee propolis, MegaMycoBalance can support a […]
Hilma, a natural remedies brand known for its clinically researched alternatives to OTC brands, introduced a new Gas Relief product on February 23rd. Hilma’s Gas Relief is a capsule that relieves gas and bloating with a blend of soothing herbs. Created by Hilma’s board of doctors, PhDs, and herbalists, Gas Relief combines 5 natural ingredients […]
#PHYSCIAN'SCHOICE

The NDNR Physician’s Choice Award is bestowed upon companies that embrace naturopathic medicine and support naturopathic physicians, their practices and patients. Characteristics of a nominee should include, but are not limited to: quality products, superior customer service, community outreach, and social/environmental impact.