Natural Health Partners
Working Together Toward Health
 
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

California Naturopathic Doctors Association

Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians

American Academy of Environmental Medicine
 
International & American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists 


Basic Treatment Plan

Optimal Health is supported by a foundation of:


       *  Removal of Toxins
       *  Plenty of Pure Water
       *  Adequate Quality Sleep
       *  Movement or Exercise (preferably outdoors with deep breathing)
       *  Reduce Stress
       *  Eat a Good Diet
       *  Nutritional Support



Remove the Obstacles to Health

It is only logical that the first step is to decrease or remove the toxins that are having a detrimental effect on the mind and body.  This is the opportunity to identify toxins that have become part of our lives --chemicals used in chores, pesticides in the neighborhood, food additives, etc.  (This also includes mental stressors which are addressed in stress reduction.)  

Water

Clean water is an important part of providing the body with the ability to function efficiently.  Dehydration (even chronic slight water deficiency) can cause problems with the transport of nutrients, the ability to detoxify the body, metabolic efficiency, and almost all aspects of health.  

All our chemical processes are designed to take place in a liquid environment.  When you remember that about 60% of our body (and 70% of the brain) is water, it only makes sense to constantly supply this precious liquid from a quality source.  Water should be consumed throughout the day.

Quality Sleep is Crucial

Studies have shown that adequate sleep helps us keep a high level of immune function as well as slow the progression of diseases like diabetes and even cancer.  Sleep is the time when our body heals itself and corrects problems.  The benefits of good sleep are numerous and include improved concentration, better stress management, and improved metabolic and physiological functioning.

Keeping Active

It is only relatively recently that we have had to add "exercise" to the concept of health.  This is because people are no longer active; most of us are lacking the benefits of natural exercise, of being outdoors, and breathing deeply.  

While the benefits of regular exercise are well known (controlling blood sugar, improving sleep, helping to control stress, and optimizing biological functioning), finding ways to keep active definitely improves our outlook and perspective.  

While there are some do's and don'ts concerning getting good results, it is most rewarding and sustainable to find an activity that is interesting and fun.  "Having to" exercise gives the wrong connotation and can build up resentment.  And don't forget to exercise that gray matter between the ears.

Stress Reduction

Stress can affect almost any function of the mind or body:

Reducing stress and calming the mind can be helped through many different techniques: biofeedback, meditation, exercise, yoga, resting or improving the quality of sleep, improving the diet, nutrition, and avoiding stressors as much as possible.  Getting outdoors regularly can be very beneficial and fun.  See this study on the importance of laughter in health!

Diet

The physical problems that are improved by a better diet are legion.  These improvements come from getting rid of foods that are harmful (such as possible allergic foods, too much sugar, too much salt, the wrong type of fats, etc.) as well as eating foods that support the body's functioning (such as liver-supporting vegetables, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, etc.).  

One of the first things that needs to be addressed is terminology.  The word "diet" has such negative connotations, it is like a prison sentence that we try to escape from -- or are waiting to get paroled from.  Even small lifestyle changes in food choices have a more effective long-term effect than ANY diet.  

Simple, common sense goals include eating more nutritious foods, with fewer toxins, lower addictive potential, and lower inflammatory effects.  A major goal is for our foods to have a smaller glycemic effect (thereby stabilizing blood sugar levels), also to slow if not reverse progression of type 2 diabetes, as well as decreasing risk of cardiovascular and other diseases.  

Nutrition
 
We were not born to need nutritional supplementation.  Sadly, the need for nutrients in addition to our diet is a growing reality.  There are many things that have caused a deterioration in the quality of the foods we eat--nutrient-depleted soil, processing, commercial formulations, and contamination of our food, water, and air.  In addition, most of us experience a generally increased level of stress.

All of these creat a demand for addional nutrients.  If possible, this should be accomplished by improving the quality and quantity of food; but it is very common to need some extra nutritional help.  In addition, specific nutrients are often needed to deal with a variety of imbalances that manifest in unhealthy conditions.  Functional analysis lab testing can often show metabolic or nutritional deficiencies that, when balanced or supported, can help the body to heal.
The above health principles (our Basic Treatment Protocol) are reviewed with each patient before additional therapies are added.  Patients need to understand that meaningful change is made more effective by optimizing these basic points.  

Please visit our "Patient Page" to get information on how to make an appointment or you can go back to the "What We Do" page.