When seeing a licensed naturopathic doctor in Canada it’s less about choosing natural treatments versus pharmaceuticals, and it’s more about choosing private versus publicly funded care. With an ND you’re investing your time and money (link to fees) to do a much more thorough assessment than is normally accessible via your family physician. We have the privilege of taking 90 minutes in the first visit to chat and really address all of the nooks and crannies of your case. We then have access to more extensive lab testing than is usually covered, and it is totally in your control as to what we decide to test. Many family doctors have the know-how and expertise to properly investigate these concerns, but they are confined by the funding model and time as well as resource constraints therein. With naturopathic medicine comes autonomy and patient empowerment, and ultimately answers and wellness!

The primary difference between a nutritionist and a naturopath is that naturopaths are more extensively trained in assessment, and in Ontario and other provinces and states legally have the ability to diagnose (a protected act). Naturopathic doctors have access to laboratory testing such as blood work, as well as stool, saliva and urine testing. Seeing a naturopath is more akin to seeing a medical doctor, rather than a diet consultant. Nutrition is an aspect of a proper naturopathic treatment plan, but naturopathic doctors also use other modalities such as botanicals, supplements, bioidentical hormones, etc.