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naturopathic doctor news & review
Table of Contents | 2007 | March
Nutrition in Athletes: Dietary considerations of overreaching and overtraining
As naturopathic physicians, I think we can agree that the general state of the American diet is pretty dismal. The majority of people we see, whether or not they are athletes, could benefit from the same basic nutritional advice … avoid refined fats and sugars; eat...
Naturopathic Protocol for Podiatric Procedures
As a practicing podiatric physician and surgeon for more than 30 years, I have been exposed to many forms of therapy for common foot conditions that were mostly allopathic in nature. Not until I was trained as a naturopathic physician at NCNM in...
Aconite: A Powerful Tool, or an Agent to Avoid?
Eric Yarnell, ND, RH(AHG) Though various species of aconite have been considered important medicinal plants by most traditions in areas where it grows, it has become a feared agent to avoid in much of the West. This is unfortunate, because in appropriate doses aconite...
Where Do Naturopathic Colleges Fit in the Higher Education Landscape?
David J. Schleich, PhD CNME-accredited schools (and programs) do not always fit neatly into a typology of higher education institutions, nor of institutions located in the non-profit sector of higher education, especially professional preparation within that group...
Naturopathic Protocol for Podiatric Procedures
John Hahn, DPM, ND As a practicing podiatric physician and surgeon for more than 30 years, I have been exposed to many forms of therapy for common foot conditions that were mostly allopathic in nature. Not until I was trained as a naturopathic physician at NCNM...
Treatment of Plantar Fasciosis
Glenn Ingram, Jr., ND and Ray McClanahan, DPM Plantar fasciosis is an extremely painful disorder of the foot affecting 10% of the population at some point in their lives (DeMaio, 1993). To date, most treatment among naturopathic physicians and other healthcare...
Nutrition in Athletes: Dietary Considerations of Overreaching and Overtraining
Chris Spooner, ND As naturopathic physicians, I think we can agree that the general state of the American diet is pretty dismal. The majority of people we see, whether or not they are athletes, could benefit from the same basic nutritional advice … avoid refined fats...
Can Pollution Cause Weight Gain?
Mitch Kennedy, ND Evidence is coming to light to add industrial toxins to the list of causes of obesity. Evidence implicating organotins, a class of persistent compounds containing at least one tin carbon bond, has been published recently. Researchers found both in...
Sarcoidosis and Environmental Toxins
Mitch Kennedy, ND A case-control study published in the Dec. 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine suggests environmental and occupational risk factors for sarcoidosis. At 10 centers, the investigators recruited and interviewed 706...
Homeopathic Treatment for Chronic Knee Pain
Joe Kellerstein, DC, ND Teaching is, without question, the best way to learn. About once a month I conduct a live clinic where students observe my case-taking and follow-up technique. It really is a unique opportunity to practice self-criticism out loud and tune up...
Naturopathic Physical Medicine Treatments for General Practice
Eric Blake, ND, Dipl. Ac. Naturopathic physical medicine has played a long and vital role in the healing arts. Hippocrates, in addition to recognizing his patients’ essential need for adequate rest, a quality diet, fresh air and hygiene, extensively advocated and...
Clinical Pearl: A Case of Frozen Shoulder
Aubrey Rickford, ND and Derek Cook, 5th year at CCNM RM, a 55-year-old female, complained of right-sided muscle pain and joint stiffness of the neck, shoulder and elbow. Her main goal was to regain shoulder use (mobility and strength), as she is a potter. While...
The Art of Collecting Your Due
Monte Zwang It sometimes is the elephant in the room with you and your patient: money. You provide a service, and you should be paid for your professionalism, expertise and time. However, collecting the money you’re due is often not easy, and too often, months go by...
An Introvert’s Guide to Networking
Carolyn Campbell I recently read that 95% of people feel intimidated by networking events. If you are an introvert or shy away from networking, you are not alone. Other styles of connecting exist, such as joining groups with a common cause, taking classes and...
Regenerative Injection Therapy of the Knee: Case No. 2
David A. Tallman, DC, NMD The Baker's cyst (BC) was named after English surgeon William Baker, who practiced in the mid- to late-19th century (Baker, 1877). BCs are joint fluid-filled sacs arising from the gastrocnemius-semimembranosus (GS) bursa. They are the most...
Archived Case Studies and Featured Content
Childhood Trauma and Mental Health: A Systems Biology Approach to Treatment-Resistant Anxiety and OCD
Childhood adversity may leave lasting physiological effects that extend beyond psychological symptoms. Through a case of a 19-year-old woman with persistent anxiety, OCD, emotional eating, and hyperandrogenic metabolic dysfunction, this article examines how neuroendocrine, metabolic, immune, nutritional, and gut-brain pathways may interact—and how a systems biology approach can complement conventional psychiatric care.
Observation Over Interpretation: A Homeopathic Case of Phosphorus in an 8-Month-Old
When an 8-month-old developed sudden distress whenever his mother left the room, the choice between Phosphorus and Pulsatilla initially appeared uncertain. Through direct observation, a previously overlooked response to physical touch became the defining symptom guiding a Phosphorus prescription, followed by reported improvement within one week.
Listening Beyond Language: A Narrative Medicine Case Study for Neurodivergent Children
For neurodivergent children, communication extends beyond spoken language. Through a composite pediatric case, this article explores how narrative medicine, creative expression, sensory-aware facilitation, and caregiver co-regulation can support emotional communication, self-advocacy, and connection in children with autism, ADHD, and related developmental differences.
First, Do No Harm: Managing Pediatric Klebsiella Dysbiosis Without Delaying Diagnosis
A young child with recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, sleep disturbances, and behavioral changes experienced repeated symptom improvement during integrative treatment targeting intestinal dysbiosis. This case examines the challenges of managing suspected Klebsiella-associated symptoms while navigating inconsistent treatment across two households, parental hesitation toward additional testing, and the possibility of an underlying inflammatory bowel disorder.
Medication-Induced Kidney Injury: Mechanisms, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Medications may account for an estimated 20% of community- and hospital-acquired acute kidney injury, with risk amplified by CKD, older age, chronic disease, dehydration, and polypharmacy. This review examines the major mechanisms of drug-induced nephrotoxicity and practical strategies for medication review, hydration, renal monitoring, and prevention.
Low Testosterone and Cardiovascular Disease: Risk Marker, Mediator, or Both?
Low testosterone is consistently associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but whether it is a cause of vascular disease or a marker of underlying metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction remains unresolved. This review examines the epidemiology, vascular mechanisms, hypertension and atherosclerosis data, TRAVERSE findings, and the cardiovascular implications of TRT-induced erythrocytosis.
Male Infertility and Pain Medication: When Analgesic Exposure Becomes a Fertility Clue
Could overlooked pain-medication use provide an important clue in male infertility? This case follows a 40-year-old man with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia whose total motile sperm count increased from 2.72 million to 26.5 million over 111 days following analgesic discontinuation and a multicomponent integrative fertility plan.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Men: A Naturopathic Cardiology Perspective
Cardiovascular risk extends beyond LDL cholesterol and the standard lipid panel. This review explores how plaque biology, inflammation, oxidation, metabolic and hormonal health, advanced biomarkers, CGM, and cardiovascular imaging can complement established therapies to create a more individualized approach to cardiovascular risk assessment in men.
The Role of Hormonal Changes in the Etiology and Treatment of Paternal Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Approximately 1 in 10 fathers experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, yet paternal PMADs remain frequently overlooked. This review explores the hormonal and psychosocial changes accompanying fatherhood and their implications for recognizing, screening, and supporting paternal mental health.
Oral Curcumin and Artesunate Protocol in Prostatic Carcinoma: Case Study Series in PSA and Pathology Outcomes
Can curcumin and artesunate play a role in integrative prostate cancer care? This two-patient case series examines PSA trajectories and pathology during an oral botanical protocol incorporating curcumin and artesunate, while highlighting potential mechanisms, iron-related adverse effects, and the need for further clinical investigation.
A New Chapter in Pain Pharmacology: Suzetrigine, NaV1.8 Inhibition, and the Future of Non-Opioid Analgesia
Suzetrigine introduces a novel mechanism for treating moderate to severe acute pain by selectively inhibiting NaV1.8 channels on peripheral nociceptors. This review examines its mechanism, clinical efficacy, safety, and potential role within multimodal naturopathic and integrative pain management.
Beyond the Tumor: A Whole-Person Approach to Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance
Active surveillance does not have to mean simply “watching and waiting.” This case follows a man with localized intermediate-risk prostate cancer over approximately 20 months, integrating conventional oncologic monitoring with serial assessment and individualized management of metabolic health, inflammation, gastrointestinal dysbiosis, environmental exposures, nutrition, and lifestyle.
Breath of Fresh Air for the Profession: Reflections from AANP 2026 in Madison
The 2026 American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) Convention arrived in Madison, Wisconsin, under unusual skies. Wildfire smoke had drifted across the region, leaving the city enveloped in smoke and fog as naturopathic physicians, students, educators,...
Daraxonrasib and Pancreatic Cancer: A Breakthrough for Precision and Integrative and Naturopathic Oncology
Daraxonrasib is reshaping the therapeutic landscape of RAS-driven pancreatic cancer and raising new considerations for integrative clinicians. This article explores pan-RAS inhibition alongside practical strategies for nutrition, exercise, symptom management, and careful evaluation of botanical and nutrient interactions within a precision integrative oncology framework.
Oral Curcumin and Artesunate Protocol in Prostatic Carcinoma: Case Study Series in PSA and Pathology Outcomes
Can curcumin and artesunate play a role in integrative prostate cancer care? This two-patient case series examines PSA trajectories and pathology during an oral botanical protocol incorporating curcumin and artesunate, while highlighting potential mechanisms, iron-related adverse effects, and the need for further clinical investigation.
A New Chapter in Pain Pharmacology: Suzetrigine, NaV1.8 Inhibition, and the Future of Non-Opioid Analgesia
Suzetrigine introduces a novel mechanism for treating moderate to severe acute pain by selectively inhibiting NaV1.8 channels on peripheral nociceptors. This review examines its mechanism, clinical efficacy, safety, and potential role within multimodal naturopathic and integrative pain management.
Beyond the Tumor: A Whole-Person Approach to Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance
Active surveillance does not have to mean simply “watching and waiting.” This case follows a man with localized intermediate-risk prostate cancer over approximately 20 months, integrating conventional oncologic monitoring with serial assessment and individualized management of metabolic health, inflammation, gastrointestinal dysbiosis, environmental exposures, nutrition, and lifestyle.
Breath of Fresh Air for the Profession: Reflections from AANP 2026 in Madison
The 2026 American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) Convention arrived in Madison, Wisconsin, under unusual skies. Wildfire smoke had drifted across the region, leaving the city enveloped in smoke and fog as naturopathic physicians, students, educators,...
Daraxonrasib and Pancreatic Cancer: A Breakthrough for Precision and Integrative and Naturopathic Oncology
Daraxonrasib is reshaping the therapeutic landscape of RAS-driven pancreatic cancer and raising new considerations for integrative clinicians. This article explores pan-RAS inhibition alongside practical strategies for nutrition, exercise, symptom management, and careful evaluation of botanical and nutrient interactions within a precision integrative oncology framework.
Advanced Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Complete Response with Naturopathic and Immuno-Oncology Treatment
This case follows a 44-year-old woman with inflammatory breast cancer that progressed to osseous metastatic disease and was managed through a multimodal naturopathic, immune-directed, and conventional oncology strategy. Serial imaging and molecular surveillance ultimately demonstrated complete metabolic response, zero circulating tumor cells, and repeatedly undetectable ctDNA, highlighting the potential value of adaptive, interdisciplinary integrative oncology care.
Ketogenic Diet in Metastatic Breast Cancer: An Integrative Oncology Case Study
Can a ketogenic diet play a supportive role during treatment for advanced breast cancer? This case follows a 34-year-old woman with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who adopted a ketogenic diet and broader lifestyle changes alongside chemotherapy and HER2-targeted therapy, while examining the evolving evidence, potential metabolic benefits, and limitations of ketogenic diets in cancer care.
How to Get the Most from Your Cancer Doctor Visits: A Guide for Patients and Survivors
Cancer care can be complex and overwhelming, but preparation can make medical appointments more productive and less stressful. This practical checklist offers 18 strategies to help patients communicate effectively with providers, organize their care, explore treatment options, and build a collaborative medical “dream team.”
Botanical Immunomodulation for Pancreatic Neoplasia: An Integrative Medicine Case Report
Can botanical immunomodulation play a supportive role in patients with pancreatic neoplasia? This case report describes the clinical course of a patient who declined surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation and pursued a physician-directed botanical regimen alongside nutrition, exercise, meditation, and other lifestyle measures, with subsequent imaging reportedly demonstrating stabilization followed by reduction in lesion size.
Serial ctDNA in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: Bridging Naturopathic and Conventional Oncology Care
Serial ctDNA testing provided an evolving molecular picture of advanced ovarian cancer, helping inform treatment decisions as the patient moved between naturopathic and conventional care. This case illustrates how multiple liquid-biopsy platforms can complement CA-125 while adding molecular detail relevant to treatment response and progression.
Custom Publishing
Clinical Application of Essential Oils for Microbiome Balance Across Three Mucosal Systems
Essential oils contain complex compounds with antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, and other biological activities. Dr. Sarah LoBisco explores how essential oil chemistry, formulation, and route of administration inform targeted applications for microbiome balance across the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary systems.
Co-Prescribing Probiotics with Antibiotics: The Case for Omni-Biotic AB 10
Omni-Biotic Human clinical trials demonstrate that functionally targeted Omni-Biotic AB 10 prevents diarrhea, reduces C. difficile risk, and eliminates multidrug resistant organism colonization in the gut. Introduction Antibiotics are among the most...
Quantum Energy Effects on Cell Recovery Rates
Robert Sheaff, PhD, and Ian Mitchell This study investigated whether quantum field exposure generated by Leela Quantum Bloc Technology influences cell recovery rates in human cell lines. A series of double-blind experiments were conducted using Human Dermal...
Featured News
ClarityTx Launches Clinical Decision-Support Platform for Integrative Medicine
ClarityTx, a healthcare technology company, announced the launch of its clinical decision-support platform designed specifically for integrative and functional medicine practitioners. Created by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, the platform helps practitioners...
Naturopathic Medical Education: A Comprehensive Curriculum
Colleen Huber, NMD April 9 2026 The following is a comparison of my conventional medical education and subsequent naturopathic medical education. I wrote this in 2015, and now update it in April 2026, only with updated curriculum links and screenshots from the various...
























