What is Naturopathic Medicine?

“Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process.  The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific and empirical methods.” [1]

In other words, naturopathic medicine focuses on looking at the root causes of health issues and holistic healing.  This style of medicine is more concerned with examining the patient as a whole rather than just putting a bandage on symptoms as they pop-up.

Naturopathic Medicine focuses on looking at the root causes of health issues and holistic healing.

In this episode of Sassy AF TV, Dr. Rachel Alioto talks to us about our overall health and wellness and how she works with her patients as a naturopathic doctor.

Gut health: Is celery juice the answer?

You might have heard a lot of talk lately about gut health, including the latest trends such as drinking celery juice.  As Dr. Alioto shares in this interview, celery juice can be a great nutritional element to include in your routines, but there is so much more to gut health than just what you are eating.

In fact, gut health is closely related to our mental health as we discussed in our interview with Jennifer Bitner about anxiety.  The connection between our brain and our gut vis-à-vis the vegus nerve means that it is even more important to focus on our mental health if we want to see improvements in our gut health.

Dr. Alioto talks about how it is increasingly important for women especially, who tend to “do all the things“, to spend time focusing on self-care.  She advocates for consistent self-care actions such as getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night, implementing a journaling practice and practicing gratitude.

Self-care… including sleep, journaling and practicing gratitude can be a great remedy for many physical ailments!

Therefore, while celery juice may be the latest craze populating your Instagram and Twitter feed, Dr. Alioto suggests you are more likely to improve your gut health and hormonal health through an elevated self-care practice.

Why a naturopathic doctor might be the right fit for you

Are you wondering how everything is connected in your body?  Are you struggling with your energy levels?  Do you worry about weight gain and wonder what you should be eating?

If you answered yes and haven’t been able to find the answers you are seeking, WATCH THIS VIDEO!, and then decide if seeing a doctor like Dr. Alioto might benefit you.

As Dr. Alioto says, you have to focus on what makes you happy.  You have to be willing to have open communication with yourself and ask yourself what you need.  And she also suggests being comfortable with the fact that sometimes you feel like crap…and that is OK!

More about Dr. Rachel Alioto

Dr. Rachel Alioto is a Licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD) who specializes in Pediatrics, Gastrointestinal and Skin Health, Adjunctive Oncology and Hormone Imbalances. She earned her 4-year doctorate degree in Naturopathic Medicine at National University of Health Sciences in Illinois, one of seven accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America.

She takes the time to listen and understand each patient’s unique condition in order to create a personalized treatment plan and treat by addressing the whole body. Her goal is to heal, teach and inspire each person to be an advocate for his or her own health.

Dr. Alioto has a special passion for helping people reach an optimal level of health and working with patients of all ages, including infants. As a doctor, coach and athlete, she loves to stay physically active outdoors, in the gym and swimming pool as well as be educated about the latest research in medical science and nutrition.

The medical world and caring for others had always intrigued her, however, throughout high school and college she struggled with severe stomachaches and weight loss that, despite all the testing, no medical doctor could figure out. Through her setback, she was inspired to find a more individualized and wholesome way of healing. This experience led her to Naturopathic Medicine, which soon became her passion.

You can connect with Dr. Alioto on Instagram @dralioto_nmd or at Regenerate Health Medical Center 805.620.7122 info@regeneratehealthmc.com  www.regeneratehealthmc.com.

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