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Conventional Medicine vs. Naturopathic Treatment: Understanding the Difference and Choosing the Best for You

headshot of Dr. Linda Khoshaba on a white background

Dr. Khoshaba

August 30, 2024

Imagine you're navigating a health challenge and facing a choice between two paths: Naturopathic Medicine and Conventional Treatment. At Natural Endocrinology Specialists (NES), we recognize the importance of understanding these options. 

Naturopathic medicine takes a holistic approach, aiming to address the root causes of your condition and enhance your overall well-being. On the other hand, conventional treatment tends to focus on managing symptoms through medications and procedures. Knowing the differences between these approaches can guide you in making the best decision for your health journey.

What is Conventional Medicine and How It Works?

What is Conventional Medicine  and How It Works

Conventional Medicine, also known as Western medicine, is what you usually get when you visit the doctor’s office or a hospital. It’s the type of medicine that most people know and use. 

Doctors in conventional medicine focus on finding out what’s wrong with your body by looking at your symptoms (like a sore throat or stomach ache) and then giving you treatments like medicines or surgeries to help you feel better.

Advantages of Conventional Medicine

  1. Quick Fixes for Big Problems: If you break your arm, need surgery, or have a serious infection, conventional medicine is super helpful. It can act fast and save lives.
  2. Advanced Tools and Technology: Doctors use amazing machines and tests to find out exactly what’s going on inside your body. This helps them figure out the best way to treat you.
  3. Clear and Tested Treatments: The medicines and surgeries used in conventional medicine are usually tested on many people to make sure they work well.

Disadvantages of Conventional Medicine

  1. Focus on Symptoms, Not the Whole Person: Sometimes, doctors in conventional medicine might just focus on fixing the symptom (like a headache) without figuring out why you got the headache in the first place.
  2. Side Effects from Medicines: Some medicines might help you feel better, but they can also cause side effects, like making you feel tired or giving you a stomachache.
  3. Not Always About Prevention: Conventional medicine is great for treating problems after they happen, but it doesn’t always focus on keeping you healthy in the first place.

Example: Thyroid Health

For thyroid problems, conventional medicine might give you synthetic hormones (like a pill you take every day) to help manage your thyroid function. This can be very effective, but it might not always address why your thyroid isn’t working properly.

What is Naturopathy/Naturopathic Treatment?

Naturopathy, also known as naturopathic medicine, is a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasizes the use of natural and non-invasive methods to promote healing and prevent disease. It is based on the belief that the body has an innate ability to heal itself when given the right support.

Key principles of naturopathy include:

  1. Holistic Care: Naturopathy considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than focusing solely on symptoms or specific diseases.
  2. Prevention: Naturopaths emphasize the importance of preventing illness through lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and stress management.
  3. Natural Therapies: Treatment methods often include nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, physical therapy, and counseling, all aimed at supporting the body's natural healing processes.
  4. Root Cause Focus: Instead of just treating symptoms, naturopathy seeks to identify and address the underlying causes of illness.
  5. Patient Education: Naturopaths prioritize educating patients about their health and empowering them to take an active role in their wellness journey.

Naturopathy can be used on its own or alongside conventional medicine, offering a complementary approach to health care that supports overall well-being.

What is Naturopathic Treatment

Advantages of Naturopathic Treatment

  1. Focus on the Whole Person: Naturopathic doctors take the time to understand your entire life—what you eat, how you sleep, your stress levels—and how all these things affect your health.
  2. Natural and Gentle Treatments: Instead of using strong medicines that might have side effects, naturopathic doctors use natural therapies like herbs, healthy foods, and acupuncture to help your body heal naturally.
  3. Great for Long-Term Health: Naturopathic treatment doesn’t just fix problems; it helps keep you healthy so that you don’t get sick in the first place. It’s all about prevention and wellness.
  4. Personalized Care: Naturopathic doctors create a treatment plan just for you, based on your unique needs. This can make the treatment more effective and help you feel better faster.

Disadvantages of Naturopathic Treatment

  1. Takes Time: Natural treatments can sometimes take longer to work than conventional medicines. You might need to be patient and stick with your treatment plan to see results.
  2. May Not Be Covered by Insurance: In some places, naturopathic treatments might not be covered by your health insurance, which can make them more expensive.
  3. Not Always Suitable for Emergencies: For serious emergencies, like a broken bone or a severe infection, you might need conventional medicine first to stabilize your condition.

Example: Hormone Health

For hormone health, naturopathic doctors may recommend dietary changes that include foods rich in nutrients that support hormonal balance, incorporating herbal supplements, and implementing stress management techniques. This holistic approach helps your body naturally regulate hormone levels, leading to improved overall health and well-being over time.

Do Conventional Medicine and Naturopathic Treatment Can Work Together?

You might wonder, "Can I use both conventional medicine and naturopathic treatment?" The answer is absolutely yes! In fact, combining both approaches can be incredibly powerful for your health.

Managing Thyroid, Adrenal, Hormone, and Metabolic Health

When it comes to your health, conventional doctors might prescribe medication to manage hormone levels or metabolic issues, providing essential and immediate support. This helps control symptoms and maintain balance in your body.

At NES, we complement this with naturopathic treatments that focus on long-term health. We might suggest dietary changes, herbal supplements, and stress management to support your thyroid, adrenal, hormone, and metabolic health.

By combining conventional medicine with naturopathic care, you get a well-rounded approach that not only addresses symptoms but also boosts your overall health, helping you feel better and stay healthy longer.

What Are the Benefits of Naturopathic Treatment for Endocrine Health?

What Are the Benefits of Naturopathic Treatment for Endocrine Health

Your endocrine system is made up of glands that produce hormones, which are super important for your body’s functions. For example, your thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system, and it helps control your metabolism.

Naturopathic treatment is especially helpful for endocrine health because it focuses on the whole person and aims to balance your body’s natural functions. Here’s how it helps:

Naturopathic doctors use natural therapies to help balance your hormones. This might include dietary changes, herbal supplements, and stress management techniques. By doing this, they help your endocrine system work better without the need for synthetic hormones or medications.

  • Reducing Stress

Stress can mess with your hormones and make you feel really bad. Naturopathic treatment often includes ways to reduce stress, like meditation, acupuncture, or yoga. This helps your body’s endocrine system work more smoothly.

  • Supporting Overall Wellness

Because naturopathic treatment looks at the whole person, it doesn’t just focus on one gland or hormone. It helps improve your overall health, which in turn supports your endocrine system. This holistic approach can lead to better energy levels, improved mood, and a healthier body overall.

Why do people choose alternative medicine over conventional medicine?

People choose alternative medicine over conventional medicine for various reasons, including:

  1. Desire for Natural Treatments: Many people prefer natural, holistic approaches to health that align with their beliefs and lifestyles, avoiding synthetic medications and invasive procedures.
  2. Focus on Prevention and Wellness: Alternative medicine often emphasizes preventive care and overall wellness, addressing the root causes of illness rather than just treating symptoms.
  3. Tailored and Personalized Care: Alternative medicine practitioners often spend more time with patients, offering individualized treatment plans that consider the whole person, including their physical, emotional, and mental health.
  4. Fewer Side Effects: Some individuals seek alternative treatments because they perceive them to have fewer side effects compared to conventional medications.
  5. Complementary Approach: Some people use alternative medicine alongside conventional treatments to enhance overall effectiveness, manage side effects, or support recovery.
  6. Dissatisfaction with Conventional Medicine: Experiences of frustration or dissatisfaction with conventional healthcare, such as feeling unheard or experiencing inadequate results, can lead individuals to explore alternative options.
  7. Cultural or Traditional Beliefs: In some cultures, traditional healing practices are deeply rooted and are preferred or trusted over modern medical practices.
  8. Control and Empowerment: Alternative medicine often encourages active participation in one’s health care, giving individuals a greater sense of control and empowerment over their health decisions.

Why Choose NES? 

At Natural Endocrinology Specialists (NES), we think the best way to take care of your health is to use a mix of both conventional medicine and naturopathic treatment. Here’s why this works so well:

  1. Personalized Care

We know that every person is different. That’s why we take the time to listen to you and understand everything about your health. We create a plan that’s just right for you, whether it includes conventional medicine, naturopathic treatment, or a combination of both.

  1. Natural and Clean Practices

At NES, we believe in using safe, effective, and natural treatments whenever possible. We focus on treatments that are gentle on your body and work with your body’s natural healing processes.

  1. Integrated Approach

At NES, we believe that the most effective way to achieve optimal health is through a blend of conventional medicine and naturopathic treatment—an approach we call the Integrated Approach. By using conventional medicine to address urgent health issues quickly, and following up with naturopathic treatments to support your body’s natural healing and long-term wellness, we provide a well-rounded path to better health.

Our commitment to collaborative care further strengthens this approach. We work closely with specialists from various healthcare fields to ensure every aspect of your health is thoroughly addressed. This team-based method allows us to deliver comprehensive, personalized care that supports your health journey by combining the best of both conventional and naturopathic practices.

Your health journey is unique. Let us help you navigate it with compassion and expertise. 

Ready to Take Control of Your Health?

If you’re ready to explore a balanced approach to healthcare that combines the strengths of both conventional medicine and naturopathic treatment, we’re here to help.

Take the first step towards getting your thyroid back on track. 
Book now to start your journey to better health!

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Dr. Linda Khoshaba is the Leading Integrative Health and Hormone Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona. She has extensive experience working in the field as a Hormone Specialist and Natural Endocrinologist.

Phone: 480-687-0054
Fax: 833-605-1101
Email: contact@nesaz.com
Address: 
Suite A 109
7500 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. 
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Hours of Operation:
Mon: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tue: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wed: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thu: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Fri: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
This Site may include a variety of features, such as health tips and videos, services provided at Natural Endocrinology Specialists™, our online Supplement store, NESAZ Programs, email, and patient portal services. DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These programs and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information contained herein is for informational purposes. Please be sure to consult your doctor before taking this or any other product/program. Consult your doctor for any health problems or before starting a new program.
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