In the conventional medicine paradigm laboratory test values
are evaluated for abnormalities that are far out of the normal range. Most of
the time, this is when disease has set in. This causes a reactive approach and you are prescribed medications with a number
of undesirable side effects.
The naturopathic medicine paradigm, on the other hand, takes
a different approach. While considering pathology, values that are considered “normal”
but on the high or low end of normal are looked at. This information guides treatment
protocols aimed at disease prevention. Lab tests also offer a baseline by which
treatment outcome is measured 6 or 12 months later.
Consider serum Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 tests.
Interestingly,
most of the population is moderately deficient in either or both. Even
deficiencies considered within normal range are treated using the naturopathic
framework of prevention. Lack of sunlight and vegetarian diets are some causal
factors although we now know that the use of certain medications deplete us of
essential vitamins. A vitamin D deficiency can have a negative impact on the
immune system and bone health. A lack of adequate vitamin B12 can cause
neurological symptoms and severe depression. Treating these deficiencies and
even preventing their deficiency with
simple blood work can be a step towards being healthier.
What you have to gain (knowledge and preventive health plan) far outweighs the risks (time for a blood draw and cost).
About the author
Dr Jilla Kahrobaei, Naturopathic Doctor, is passionate about her work. She focuses on stress, fatigue, digestive issues and hormone health, and believes that one of the most important roles of a naturopath is to identify and resolve issues before they create health problems.
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