What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
As a naturopath, I prioritize assisting your body’s natural healing process. Instead of masking symptoms, I aim to identify and treat the root cause for a lasting solution. I consider all mental, emotional, and physical aspects that impact your well-being. My unique approach treats you as a unique individual, not just a symptom or diagnosis. I also educate you about your illness, empowering you to play an active role in your health. Rest assured, as a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (or ND), I only utilize safe, natural remedies to facilitate your healing journey as a primary care provider.
I will conduct any relevant physical examinations, request any necessary lab tests, gather your medical history, analyze your symptoms, and provide you with a diagnosis. I am registered under the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) and am committed to maintaining high standards of practice. I also engage in regular continuing education and undergo regular assessments to keep my registration current under the Regulated Health Professions Act.
What is it like to see a Naturopathic Doctor?
After scheduling your first visit, we will contact you to confirm your appointment date and time. We will provide you with access to online forms for you to fill out before your first visit.
When you arrive in our warm and friendly waiting room, someone will greet you and confirm that your forms are filled in. If you haven’t had a chance to do so, we will provide you with paper forms to fill out.
Dr. Frank will greet you in the waiting area and escort you to her treatment room. There, you privately and confidentially discuss your current health concerns. We’ll discuss your past medical history, family medical history, and any medications and review any previous lab tests and current supplements in detail. Next, if applicable, there may be a brief, non-invasive physical exam. This could include listening to your heart and lungs or checking your blood pressure and heart rate. You are fully clothed throughout this physical exam. There is no internal exam or PAP test.
After that, together, you’ll craft a treatment plan that is doable, practical and makes sense. Your plan will include diet recommendations, lifestyle approaches, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other natural supplements. I welcome your questions and input.
Naturopath Lab Testing:
SIBO or Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth
What is a SIBO Test?
SIBO Breath tests involve consuming a drink and then collecting a breath sample to measure the production of certain gases by bacteria in your small intestine. These are produced through fermentation of the lactulose or glucose by your gut bacteria. This test helps determine whether there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. This is a common condition in people who suffer from IBS.
Digestion – CDSA, CDSA/P, Comprehensive Microbiology, Comprehensive Parasitology Stool Tests
What Stool Tests Check:
I use these stool tests to check all the factors that may impact your digestion. You can check for good bacteria, harmful bacteria, yeast, parasites, how well you digest meat, vegetables, fats, inflammatory markers, pancreatic function, and more. Your naturopath will discuss which would be most appropriate for you.
Zonulin Test
What the Zonulin Test Checks:
The test is looking in your blood for levels of zonulin. Zonulin is a protein that regulates the permeability of your digestive tract by affecting tight junctions. High levels of zonulin are found in someone with a leaky gut.
Food Allergies/Sensitivities/Intolerance
What is Food Sensitivity Testing?
Food allergy blood testing is looking in your blood for antibodies your immune system makes to attack food. When you make these antibodies, they bind to the triggering food, creating an antibody-antigen complex. These complexes then deposit in your body and trigger inflammation and various symptoms.
Female Hormone Testing
What are Female Hormone Blood Tests?
The test is usually a blood test to check your hormone levels. The specific hormones tested will depend on the nature of your symptoms. The tests may include estradiol, progesterone, DHEAs, total testosterone, androstenedione, prolactin, DHT/dihydrotestosterone, LH, FSH, cortisol, TSH, free T3, free T4, anti-thyroid antibodies, and more.
Male Hormone Testing
What are Male Hormone Tests?
The test is a blood test to check your hormone levels. The specific hormones tested will depend on the nature of your symptoms. The tests may include estradiol, progesterone, DHEAs, total testosterone, androstenedione, prolactin, DHT/dihydrotestosterone, LH, FSH, cortisol, TSH, free T3, free T4, anti-thyroid antibodies, and more.
Tests for Adrenal Fatigue or HPA axis dysfunction
What is an Adrenal Fatigue Test or HPA axis dysfunction test?
An adrenal function test or adrenal stress test analyzes four saliva samples that you collect over 24 hours for four cortisol levels and one DHEAs level. It allows us to monitor adrenal function throughout the day. Blood tests for cortisol, DHEAs, and total testosterone can also assess adrenal glands.
Thyroid Tests
What are thyroid blood tests?
Thyroid blood tests help to determine if your thyroid is working correctly, if you can convert thyroid hormone (T4) into its active form (T3), whether you can use T3 properly (reverse T3) and whether you have an autoimmune thyroid condition (thyroid antibodies).
MTHFR Testing
How to access MTHFR testing in Ontario:
Naturopathic doctors in Ontario are not allowed to order genetic testing of any kind, including MTHFR testing. Here’s how to access this information on your own:
Order genetic testing yourself through 23andme.com
After your results return, contact 23andme and ask them for your raw data. Input that information into the Found My Fitness app, Sterling’s app, or Genetic Genie for MTHFR interpretation. Book an appointment for guidance on how to manage the results of your test.
How to Get Lab Tests Through a Naturopath
Book an appointment to find out which tests are most appropriate for you. Don’t see a test that you are interested in? Odds are that we can access it for you. Just email or call the office, and we’ll get back to you with the information.