A Critical THINKING Review of Governor's DeSantis' Veto of CS/SB 688: Naturopathic Medicine |
| Before We Begin... The Governor has a constitutional right to veto legislation and reasonable people can disagree on public policy. This assessment isn't about politics, it's about evaluating whether the reasons given in the official veto letter accurately reflect the bill and logically support the decision. As a professor who teaches critical thinking and a doctor and former researcher who performs expert critical review of scientific and medical research, I ask three questions of every argument:
To that end, I present an assessment (grading, if you will) of Governor DeSantis’ veto letter. I’ll state his claims and evaluate if they are logical, factual, and complete. |  |
claim 1 ❌"Current law allows licensed practitioners such as physicians, doctors of osteopathy, acupuncturists, and dietitians to employ naturopathic methods and recommend natural remedies." |  |
Reality
This is partially true, but it does not answer the question before the Legislature.
Many healthcare professions share therapies; this does not mean they receive equivalent education or practice the same profession.
Shared tools do not eliminate specialized professions, and the way in which they use them will determine outcomes.
CS/SB 688 was not about preventing anyone else from recommending nutrition or botanicals.
It was about licensing a distinct healthcare profession with accredited doctoral education and national board examinations.
In point of fact, healthcare professionals operating under other licenses in Florida have suffered costly and stressful investigations for using the word “naturopathic”, so the governor’s assertion is not entirely accurate.
Many healthcare professions share therapies; this does not mean they receive equivalent education or practice the same profession.
- Family physicians and dermatologists both perform skin biopsies.
- Psychiatrists and psychologists both treat anxiety.
- Physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons both rehabilitate injuries.
Shared tools do not eliminate specialized professions, and the way in which they use them will determine outcomes.
CS/SB 688 was not about preventing anyone else from recommending nutrition or botanicals.
It was about licensing a distinct healthcare profession with accredited doctoral education and national board examinations.
In point of fact, healthcare professionals operating under other licenses in Florida have suffered costly and stressful investigations for using the word “naturopathic”, so the governor’s assertion is not entirely accurate.
semantic sidetrack:Bias Check 🟡Note that the Governor said “physicians, doctors of osteopathy, acupuncturists, and dietitians”. |  |
This is significant.
In 2023, FL Representative Ralph Massullo, MD, and FL Senator Gayle Harrell, sponsored CS/HB 583 which attempted to restrict the use of the word “physician” beyond the established professions recognized in Florida statute, and to severely limit the rights of other doctors to use their earned title of “doctor” in verbal, text, and telehealth communications and in advertising.
To his credit, Governor DeSantis vetoed this bill, but allegedly faced backlash from the Florida Medical Association and some of his major donors from the medical field. Here, the governor may be revealing his allegiance, not to Floridians and their rights to healthcare access, but to big players in allopathic (conventional) medicine.
The use of “physician” to only indicate MDs and the deliberate omission of Florida’s established legal titles of “osteopathic physician” and “acupuncture physicians”, is not only disrespectful to these healthcare professionals, but seems to suggest the governor’s bias and to be designed to make them appear lesser in comparison to his idea of “physicians”.
In 2023, FL Representative Ralph Massullo, MD, and FL Senator Gayle Harrell, sponsored CS/HB 583 which attempted to restrict the use of the word “physician” beyond the established professions recognized in Florida statute, and to severely limit the rights of other doctors to use their earned title of “doctor” in verbal, text, and telehealth communications and in advertising.
To his credit, Governor DeSantis vetoed this bill, but allegedly faced backlash from the Florida Medical Association and some of his major donors from the medical field. Here, the governor may be revealing his allegiance, not to Floridians and their rights to healthcare access, but to big players in allopathic (conventional) medicine.
The use of “physician” to only indicate MDs and the deliberate omission of Florida’s established legal titles of “osteopathic physician” and “acupuncture physicians”, is not only disrespectful to these healthcare professionals, but seems to suggest the governor’s bias and to be designed to make them appear lesser in comparison to his idea of “physicians”.
Claim 2 ❌"Floridians can already access natural remedy treatments because they do not require a prescription or U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.” |  |
Reality
This confuses access to products with access to qualified healthcare professionals.
Patients are not asking for permission to buy vitamins, they are seeking clinicians trained to:
Supplements have always been available.
Licensed naturopathic doctors have not.
Patients are not asking for permission to buy vitamins, they are seeking clinicians trained to:
- diagnose illnesses
- determine whether natural therapies are safe and appropriate
- develop comprehensive treatment plans
- identify herb-drug interactions
- recognize contraindications
- coordinate care with other healthcare professionals, etc.
Supplements have always been available.
Licensed naturopathic doctors have not.
claim
“If enacted, this legislation may negatively impact Floridians who currently work in alternative medicine by mandating post-graduate education that cannot be obtained in Florida and require them to pay costly licensure fees to do the work they are already performing.”
There is a lot to unpack here, so let’s break this down.
Claim 3 🟡“…mandating post-graduate education…” reality |  |
This is correct, under the current bill, only naturopathic doctors who attended qualified naturopathic medical schools accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education would be able to be licensed in Florida. But, critically, this is not a restrictive change.
Under current Florida law, only licensed naturopathic doctors can practice naturopathic medicine, but…Florida has not issued a license since 1959. So, while this bill would have regulated the training necessary to obtain a license, it also opened up a career field that has been closed (under penalty of felony charges) for decades.
Under current Florida law, only licensed naturopathic doctors can practice naturopathic medicine, but…Florida has not issued a license since 1959. So, while this bill would have regulated the training necessary to obtain a license, it also opened up a career field that has been closed (under penalty of felony charges) for decades.
Claim 4 ❌“…education that cannot be obtained in Florida…” reality |  |
Florida currently does not have an accredited naturopathic medical school, that part is true. Under Florida law, practicing naturopathic medicine without a license is a felony. Because accredited naturopathic medical education requires supervised clinical training, Florida’s legal framework prevents that clinical education from occurring here.
The absence of a Florida naturopathic medical school is therefore not an independent reason to deny licensure, it is a consequence of the very laws the veto leaves in place.
Additionally, Florida routinely licenses healthcare professionals educated outside the state. In fact, medical education frequently crosses state lines.
The absence of a Florida naturopathic medical school is therefore not an independent reason to deny licensure, it is a consequence of the very laws the veto leaves in place.
Additionally, Florida routinely licenses healthcare professionals educated outside the state. In fact, medical education frequently crosses state lines.
 | In July 2025 the “Graduate Medical Education Committee” annual report was submitted by Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration, and reported on statistics regarding physician training and retention in Florida. It’s noteworthy that Governor DeSantis’ name appears on the cover page of the report that underscores the very statistics that contradict his position on this claim. Here are the relevant highlights: |
- Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability reported in 2023 that:
- Approximately 42% of physicians who completed medical school outside of Florida, but completed their residency and/or fellowship in Florida, remained to practice.
- Approximately 75% of physicians who graduated from a Florida medical school and completed their residency and/or fellowship in Florida remained to practice.
- Overall, they reported an approximated 50% retention rate of any physician who was trained in Florida. This is a typical trend; physicians train where they “match” and then choose to stay or return to their home or other state to practice.
- Association of American Medical Colleges reported in 2024 that:
- 58.6% of doctors who completed residency training stayed to practice in the state where they trained. This means that 41.4% of doctors left the state in which they trained to come to other states…like Florida.
- 66.5% of doctors who completed residency training in Florida stayed to practice.
Florida regularly benefits from the care provided by doctors educated outside the state. Licensure is based on accredited education and demonstrated competency, not the geographic location of a school.
His team also reported on Florida’s desperate need for qualified physicians:
- “Current projections estimate that Florida will face a shortage of nearly 18,000 physicians by 2035 (Iacobucci et al., 2021).”
- “Florida’s physician-to-population ratio remains below the national average, with 262 physicians per 100,000 residents, compared to the national benchmark of 297 per 100,000 (AAMC, 2024).”
Claim 5 ❌“…require them to pay costly licensure fees...” reality |  |
Every licensed healthcare profession pays licensing fees.
Those fees support:
This is not unique to naturopathic doctors, it is how professional licensure protects the public.
This is also flawed reasoning, as reestablishing licensing would allow naturopathic doctors to actually practice their profession. This would almost invariably increase their earning potential, making a licensing fee an investment, not a barrier, to practice.
Furthermore, this assertion treats the “burden” of paying a licensing fee as equivalent to being denied the opportunity to practice, as though these have comparable effects. They do not. Licensure fees confer legal authority and professional opportunities.
Those fees support:
- license verification
- disciplinary oversight
- complaint investigation
- public accountability
This is not unique to naturopathic doctors, it is how professional licensure protects the public.
This is also flawed reasoning, as reestablishing licensing would allow naturopathic doctors to actually practice their profession. This would almost invariably increase their earning potential, making a licensing fee an investment, not a barrier, to practice.
Furthermore, this assertion treats the “burden” of paying a licensing fee as equivalent to being denied the opportunity to practice, as though these have comparable effects. They do not. Licensure fees confer legal authority and professional opportunities.
claim 6 ❌“…to do the work they are already performing.” reality |  |
This statement overlooks why the bill existed.
If qualified naturopathic doctors were already legally able to practice their profession in Florida...there would have been no need for this legislation.
The bill created a pathway for qualified graduates of accredited naturopathic medical schools to become licensed naturopathic doctors under state oversight. It did not simply charge people a fee for something they were already authorized to do.
Since 1959, it has been a felony to practice naturopathic medicine in Florida. And thanks to the governor’s veto, it remains a felony. We are not “already performing” this work…we are denied this work. And the Florida citizens he represents? Their elected representatives who voted overwhelmingly in support of this bill? He denied them.
If qualified naturopathic doctors were already legally able to practice their profession in Florida...there would have been no need for this legislation.
The bill created a pathway for qualified graduates of accredited naturopathic medical schools to become licensed naturopathic doctors under state oversight. It did not simply charge people a fee for something they were already authorized to do.
Since 1959, it has been a felony to practice naturopathic medicine in Florida. And thanks to the governor’s veto, it remains a felony. We are not “already performing” this work…we are denied this work. And the Florida citizens he represents? Their elected representatives who voted overwhelmingly in support of this bill? He denied them.
Claim 7 ❌"There is no need to create additional bureaucratic hurdles." REALITY |  |
Licensure exists for one primary reason: Consumer protection.
Licensure, as outlined in this bill, would have established:
Without licensure, consumers have no straightforward way to distinguish graduates of accredited naturopathic medical schools from individuals with little or no recognized naturopathic medical education.
Licensure creates accountability, not unnecessary bureaucracy.
Licensure, as outlined in this bill, would have established:
- minimum educational standards
- verified credentials
- public accountability
- disciplinary authority
- criminal background checks
- transparency for patients
Without licensure, consumers have no straightforward way to distinguish graduates of accredited naturopathic medical schools from individuals with little or no recognized naturopathic medical education.
Licensure creates accountability, not unnecessary bureaucracy.
CLAIM 8 ❌"Florida leads the nation in advancing medical freedom and access to care." REALITY |  |
On its face, this is an unfounded claim with no clear way to substantiate it; this is merely a value statement.
But more than that, medical freedom includes the freedom to choose among qualified healthcare professionals. Licensing naturopathic doctors would have:
It would not have taken choices away from patients; it would have added another regulated healthcare profession. It would have given patients freedom of choice to receive therapies provided by professionals with an education intentionally designed to support their use. Because, yes, there are currently licensed providers in Florida that have access to “naturopathic methods”, but this in no way means that they are able to apply them as we can.
But more than that, medical freedom includes the freedom to choose among qualified healthcare professionals. Licensing naturopathic doctors would have:
- expanded patient choice
- increased transparency
- established educational standards
- improved accountability
It would not have taken choices away from patients; it would have added another regulated healthcare profession. It would have given patients freedom of choice to receive therapies provided by professionals with an education intentionally designed to support their use. Because, yes, there are currently licensed providers in Florida that have access to “naturopathic methods”, but this in no way means that they are able to apply them as we can.
claim 9 ❌“…without creating excessive regulations.” REALITY |  |
There is no professional regulation more excessive than one in which you can not practice a profession without a license that is not possible to obtain.
what's missing
This veto letter never addresses that naturopathic doctors already appear throughout Florida law, even defining and protecting the scope of practice. The bill had tremendous bipartisan support (33 yeas to 3 nays in the Senate and 85 yeas to 22 nays in the House), clearing all six committees in just three weeks, and would have opened up opportunities for Florida to close its lagging pace with American national statistics on healthcare. All of this work was undone, all of these voices silenced, all these opportunities quashed by one opinion, poorly reasoned.
What CS/SB 688 Actually Would Have Done
Passing this bill would have:
It was not about regulating supplements.
It was not about replacing allopathic physicians.
It was not about limiting patient choice.
It was about recognizing a qualified profession through education, accountability, and public protection.
- Licensed qualified naturopathic doctors without infringing on the practices and rights of other alternative medicine practitioners.
- Created opportunities for professional collaboration and medical referrals between naturopathic doctors and medical and osteopathic doctors.
- Expanded access to another regulated healthcare profession.
- Provided safer, more complete care for patients outside the conventional medical system.
- Verified accredited education.
- Required national board examinations.
- Protected professional title.
- Created state oversight and accountability.
It was not about regulating supplements.
It was not about replacing allopathic physicians.
It was not about limiting patient choice.
It was about recognizing a qualified profession through education, accountability, and public protection.
final thoughts
Whether you supported or opposed CS/SB 688, healthcare policy deserves careful reasoning and accurate information. As healthcare professionals, educators, legislators, and patients, we should expect our public policy discussions to meet the same standards of evidence and critical thinking that we expect in science and medicine.
The bill was vetoed, but the conversation isn't over. Let's continue it with facts, logic, respect, and a shared commitment to do what's best for Florida patients.
The bill was vetoed, but the conversation isn't over. Let's continue it with facts, logic, respect, and a shared commitment to do what's best for Florida patients.
Pregnancy is one of the most miraculous chapters of a mother’s life. It marks the start of emotional and biological transformation that will change you and your loved ones’ lives forever! As you begin your beautiful journey to parenthood, the first major task that you should bear in mind is the initial or first prenatal visit. Prenatal care is an essential preventive health service designed to ensure the total well-being of both you and your growing baby, thereby nurturing a positive pregnancy experience.¹ Scroll down to learn more about what you can expect during your very first prenatal visit!
When Should Your First Prenatal Visit Happen?
The first prenatal visit should ideally be done within 10 weeks of getting pregnant because this not only confirms your pregnancy, but also identifies what you can do best to keep your baby strong and healthy in the upcoming months. Additionally, a major focus of the first prenatal visit is determining social drivers of your health, such as the ability to access healthy food, rigidity of your daily work schedule, and, most importantly, your support system.²
What to Expect
The first prenatal visit, whether conducted virtually through telehealth or in-person, involves a comprehensive assessment into your health. During the session, your healthcare provider will review your complete medical, obstetric, and family history to identify any risk factors that may put you or your baby at risk early on.³
Routine Laboratory Testing
One of the most crucial parts of the first prenatal visit is establishing your clinical baseline (current health status) through performing standard laboratory tests. These include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Check for conditions like anemia, as well as ensuring you have enough healthy red blood cells to support your expanding blood volume.
- Blood Type and Rh Factor: Knowing your Rh status is important to prevent future complications. If you are Rh-negative, and your partner or sperm donor is Rh-positive, your doctor will likely plan to give you medication later in the pregnancy to protect the baby.
- Urinalysis and Urine Culture: Check for urinary tract infections that show no symptoms but need to be treated during pregnancy.
- Infectious Disease Screening: American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends universal screening for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C early in pregnancy to ensure immediate treatment, if necessary, and to begin steps to prevent transfer to your baby. Screenings for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are also standard and early treatment can prevent your baby experiencing complications such as blindness, meningitis, and sepsis .
- Early Glucose Screening: Every pregnant patient should be monitored for blood glucose levels to detect abnormal levels and allow for early intervention to prevent complications like abnormal fetal size and nutrition. If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, in addition with another risk factor (such as a family history of diabetes or high blood pressure), ACOG recommends an early 75-g or 50-g oral glucose tolerance test at this initial visit to check for type 2 diabetes.⁴
Prioritizing Your Mental Health
Pregnancy is as much a psychological journey as it is a physical one. If you are feeling worried, you are absolutely not alone! Approximately 37% to 42% of first-time pregnant mothers experience anxiety, particularly because of the health of the baby, the physical mechanics of labor, and impending lifestyle changes.⁷
Because your emotional well-being directly impacts your baby's development, screening for depression and anxiety should be done during the first initial prenatal visit.⁸ Your prenatal care team should aim to support you holistically, and identifying these feelings at the first visit helps to ensure you get the uplifting, therapeutic support you deserve throughout your entire pregnancy. If your provider is not asking these questions, feel free to volunteer this information! Any question or concern you have is valid and deserving of an answer.
Because your emotional well-being directly impacts your baby's development, screening for depression and anxiety should be done during the first initial prenatal visit.⁸ Your prenatal care team should aim to support you holistically, and identifying these feelings at the first visit helps to ensure you get the uplifting, therapeutic support you deserve throughout your entire pregnancy. If your provider is not asking these questions, feel free to volunteer this information! Any question or concern you have is valid and deserving of an answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do my very first visit online?
Yes! The initial needs assessment can absolutely be completed via telehealth, depending on your provider’s policies, saving you time and reducing travel stress while you are experiencing first-trimester fatigue.² But, there are a number of advantages to an in-person appointment, such as checking growth earlier so that early steps can be taken if any issues are identified.
Will I hear the baby's heartbeat at the first appointment?
It actually depends on exactly how far along you are in your pregnancy. Fetal heart tones are typically checked and heard after 10 to 12 weeks of gestation using a handheld Doppler monitor placed over the abdomen. However, if your visit is earlier than that, you might be able to see the heartbeat on an early transvaginal ultrasound instead. Transvaginal ultrasounds can typically identify the heartbeat by 6 weeks.
Do I have to take all the genetic tests offered?
Genetic screenings are entirely optional. Your provider will offer them to you and help you navigate the information, but the final decision to proceed is always 100% yours.⁶ Genetic testing can offer a lot of valuable information, but it can also create anxiety. Plan on speaking to a genetic counselor if you decide to do the testing.
Yes! The initial needs assessment can absolutely be completed via telehealth, depending on your provider’s policies, saving you time and reducing travel stress while you are experiencing first-trimester fatigue.² But, there are a number of advantages to an in-person appointment, such as checking growth earlier so that early steps can be taken if any issues are identified.
Will I hear the baby's heartbeat at the first appointment?
It actually depends on exactly how far along you are in your pregnancy. Fetal heart tones are typically checked and heard after 10 to 12 weeks of gestation using a handheld Doppler monitor placed over the abdomen. However, if your visit is earlier than that, you might be able to see the heartbeat on an early transvaginal ultrasound instead. Transvaginal ultrasounds can typically identify the heartbeat by 6 weeks.
Do I have to take all the genetic tests offered?
Genetic screenings are entirely optional. Your provider will offer them to you and help you navigate the information, but the final decision to proceed is always 100% yours.⁶ Genetic testing can offer a lot of valuable information, but it can also create anxiety. Plan on speaking to a genetic counselor if you decide to do the testing.
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Essential Tips for a Successful First Visit
TIP #1: Write Everything Down
Keep a running list of questions on your phone in the weeks leading up to your appointment to ensure all your questions and doubts are addressed.
TIP#2: Gather Your Family History
Knowing if there is a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, postpartum depression, pregnancy loss, or genetic conditions is important information that will help your healthcare provider personalize your care.³
TIP#3: Bring a Support Person
Having someone during the first prenatal visit to hold your hand, take notes, and share in the excitement makes the experience special and less intimidating. Debrief with them after so you can be sure you understood and heard everything your provider said.
TIP#4: Advocate for Yourself
If you are feeling anxious, please do not hesitate to share. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and having early, gentle support is transformative.
Keep a running list of questions on your phone in the weeks leading up to your appointment to ensure all your questions and doubts are addressed.
TIP#2: Gather Your Family History
Knowing if there is a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, postpartum depression, pregnancy loss, or genetic conditions is important information that will help your healthcare provider personalize your care.³
TIP#3: Bring a Support Person
Having someone during the first prenatal visit to hold your hand, take notes, and share in the excitement makes the experience special and less intimidating. Debrief with them after so you can be sure you understood and heard everything your provider said.
TIP#4: Advocate for Yourself
If you are feeling anxious, please do not hesitate to share. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and having early, gentle support is transformative.
The Naturopathic Approach
Your first prenatal visit is a beautiful milestone where your pregnancy transitions from a personal secret into a shared journey of holistic and loving care. At Natural Path to Wellness your team will help you nurture your pregnancy through a tailored and personalized approach that compliments that offered by your prenatal care team. Conventional prenatal care can feel incomplete or rushed, but adjunctive naturopathic prenatal care can help you create the pregnancy journey that feels right for you. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- World Health Organization. WHO recommendation on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. NCBI Bookshelf. Published 2016. Accessed May 25, 2026.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Tailored Prenatal Care Delivery for Pregnant Individuals: ACOG Clinical Consensus No. 8. Obstet Gynecol. 2025;145(5):565-577. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000005889
- The OBG Project. Initial Prenatal Needs Assessment and New Recommendations for Prenatal Visits. The OBG Project. Published August 7, 2022. Accessed May 25, 2026.
- StatPearls. Routine early testing for type 2 diabetes at the initial prenatal visit. NCBI Bookshelf. Published 2024.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Screening for Fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 226. Obstet Gynecol. 2020;136(4):e48-e69.
- Farrell RM, et al. Reconsidering the First Prenatal Visit: The Role of Shared Decision-Making in Prenatal Genetic Screening. Prenat Diagn. 2023.
- Răchită AIC, Strete GE, Sălcudean A, et al. Prevalence and risk factors of depression and anxiety among women in the last trimester of pregnancy: a cross-sectional study. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023;59(6):1009.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Screening and Diagnosis of Mental Health Conditions During Pregnancy and Postpartum: ACOG Clinical Practice Guideline No. 4. Obstet Gynecol. 2023;141(6):1232-1261. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000005200
The first few months after giving birth can be daunting, especially for first-time mothers. Your body is in a state of healing after suffering from extreme stress due to childbirth, while at the same time dealing with another wave of stress from sleepless nights to take care of your baby. One of the best routines you can do to support the healing process and reclaim the strength of your pelvic floor muscles are Kegel exercises. Also known as pelvic floor exercises, these comprehensive routines help maintain urinary continence, prevent prolapse, and nurture sexual function, especially during intimate moments.
The Postpartum Pelvic Floor
Your pelvic floor is a layer of muscles and tissues that houses and supports vital organs for reproductive functions and urine flow. Pregnant and postpartum women are at risk of developing pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), which happens when supportive structures keeping your pelvic floor intact weaken, leading to problems with urination, sexual dysfunction, and organ prolapse (meaning your pelvic organs descend into or beyond the vagina).1 These physiological problems can inevitably affect mental health and well-being, stemming from the inability to fully enjoy sexual intercourse because of pain and decreased arousal, the possibility of uncontrollably leaking out urine due to incontinence, and the discomfort brought on by the abnormal physical location of pelvic organs.
The Effects of Childbirth
During vaginal delivery, muscles in the pelvic floor are naturally stretched to help move the baby out into the vagina, which may cause tears or damage on the structures that hold these muscles together and keep them intact.1 On the other hand, because the bladder is naturally located in front of the uterus, the anatomical position of these two vital organs are temporarily shifted during cesarean delivery to facilitate the safe delivery of the baby. Although beneficial, this temporary change can weaken the structures that support the bladder and eventually cause pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.1 Additionally, the stress response that your body becomes subjected to after a cesarean delivery can heighten the release of inflammatory markers, eventually causing the pelvic floor dysfunction to develop.
The Benefits of Postpartum Kegel Exercises
- Physical Recovery. Your body is built with innate abilities to undergo healing and rehabilitation after childbirth. This wonderful process is supplemented by Kegel exercises through its abilities to help improve blood flow, which acts as your very own courier that delivers nutrients to cells to begin and continue the healing activity!
- Pain Management. Postpartum women may experience pelvic girdle pain due to physical stress and trauma that the body experiences during pregnancy and childbirth. Kegel Exercises are especially helpful in reducing this type of chronic stabbing or dull pain, thereby allowing you to enjoy every moment with your baby without bothersome discomfort in the pelvic area.2
- Fecal and Urinary Continence. Vital muscles that support and maintain fecal and urinary continence are affected when you have pelvic floor dysfunction, eventually causing you to experience problems with controlling the urge to defecate and urinate. These muscles are combined into one muscle group, the levator ani, which is located on both sides of the pelvis. Interestingly, Kegel exercises help strengthen this vital muscle group by helping increase their size, thereby nurturing their abilities to support the pelvic floor.2
- Sexual Health. Kegel exercises help boost circulation to the pelvis, giving more energy and nutrients that your reproductive organs need to function optimally. This improved blood flow additionally supports lubrication, sensation, and whole body response to sexual stimulation.2
The Naturopathic Approach
Whether you are planning to get pregnant, preparing for the birth of your child, or already postpartum, your body undergoes a wide array of changes that require well-rounded support. Always remember, you are not alone during this journey. At Natural Path to Wellness, your naturopathic medicine advisor will help you explore holistic regimens that are right for your unique postpartum body. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Gao Q, Wang M, Zhang J, et al. Pelvic floor dysfunction in postpartum women: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One. 2024;19(10):e0308563. Published 2024 Oct 3. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0308563
- Alharbi JH, Abdul Manan NI, Hantira NY. Empowering postpartum women through health education on Kegel exercises: effects on pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and sexual function. Front Reprod Health. 2026;8:1746383. Published 2026 Feb 2. doi:10.3389/frph.2026.1746383
5/27/2026
Naturopathic Support in Peripartum Bleeding: Holistic Strategies for Safer Birth Outcomes
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Postpartum hemorrhage is a dangerous phenomenon that can occur during or after birth and delivery. This may happen due to problems within the uterus or the birth canal. Generally, the most common cause of postpartum bleeding is uterine atony, where the ability of your uterus to contract and compress blood vessels within is impaired, allowing blood to flow out into the vagina. Adequate prevention and timely management are very important in preventing maternal death and fetal demise.
Understanding PERIPARTUM Hemorrhage
During pregnancy, the body’s blood volume significantly increases to accommodate the needs of both the mother and baby, as well as protect the mother during birth and delivery when blood loss is considered inevitable. Naturally, more blood vessels are created inside your uterus to sustain your baby through the placenta. These blood vessels are special because they lack a muscular layer that prevents them from contracting by themselves, which is why adequate uterine contractions are very important to compress these blood vessels and prevent blood from leaking out. Hence, the contractions of your uterus not only help deliver your baby, but also prevent you from bleeding excessively after giving birth. Problems with the integrity of your uterus due to trauma, tone, retained placental tissue, or bleeding disorders can lead to hemorrhage.
Did you know? In most cases of postpartum bleeding, your blood pressure and pulse rates do not significantly change until large amounts of blood have been lost! This is because of a phenomenon called pregnancy-induced hypervolemia, where a woman’s blood volume significantly increases during pregnancy to accommodate fetal needs and potential blood loss during delivery.
Did you know? In most cases of postpartum bleeding, your blood pressure and pulse rates do not significantly change until large amounts of blood have been lost! This is because of a phenomenon called pregnancy-induced hypervolemia, where a woman’s blood volume significantly increases during pregnancy to accommodate fetal needs and potential blood loss during delivery.
Conventional Medical Management
Postpartum bleeding is allopathically managed with pharmaceutical uterotonics, which are considered first in line to manage blood loss. These include oxytocin, misoprostol, methylergonovine, and carboprost. These medications act by facilitating adequate and regular uterine contractions to compress the temporary arteries supplying blood to your uterus and placenta, thereby minimizing blood loss. These medications are important and can be life-saving, but they are not without unpleasant side effects. Carboprost is especially notorious for causing diarrhea, which can cause added stress and discomfort to the new mother. Methylergonovine is contraindicated in mothers with hypertension since it may trigger blood pressure spikes, while carboprost should not be given in mothers with asthma because it can constrict the airways. Other methods to stop bleeding include bimanual uterine compressions and surgical procedures.
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Naturopathic Care in Managing PERIPARTUM Bleeding
Naturopathic care focuses on preparing the body before labor to prevent excess bleeding and to help you have a faster and more complete postpartum recovery. Your naturopathic doctor creates an individualized care plan that strengthens your body for a safer birth while respecting the decisions you have made with regards to your prenatal care team, whether that’s conventional medical care or through a midwife or other birth professional.
While one of the primary goals of naturopathic prenatal care is prevention of birth complications, including maternal hemorrhage, postpartum naturopathic care helps your body recover from these life-threatening events should they occur. One effect of severe hemorrhage is damage to the brain (anoxic or ischemic brain injury) or pituitary gland (Sheehan syndrome) from lack of blood depriving them of oxygen and nutrients. Timely testing is crucial to evaluate for damage and help ensure safe naturopathic and conventional care. From there, a customized plan can help repair damage, support your recovery, manage hormones, and alleviate symptoms.
Nutritional Support
The best way to manage bleeding is by preventing it from happening in the first place, especially for mothers with personal risk factors that may predispose them to have bleeding tendencies during pregnancy. Eating iron-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, can help nurture blood volume during pregnancy and prevent heavy amounts of blood loss that can affect your body’s hemodynamic processes. On the other hand, protein and healthy fats help nurture and strengthen uterine muscle tone. This is important in preventing uterine atony (absence of uterine contractions), which is the leading cause of postpartum bleeding today.
Herbal Support
Most herbal remedies are contraindicated during pregnancy since these may affect both the mother and baby. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, including raspberry leaf. Classified as a member of the Rosaceae family, raspberry leaf has been used for centuries to help tone and strengthen the uterus, thereby coordinating its contractions and preventing bleeding.1 Interestingly, raspberry leaf’s effect on strengthening the tone of the uterus can help facilitate labor and prevent prolonged delivery of the baby, which is a factor that can lead to postpartum bleeding.1
While raspberry leaf is a classic herb of pregnancy used by our ancestors for generations, it also highlights the balance of herb safety during pregnancy. As you’ll hear us say a lot here, “Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe.” Raspberry leaf has the potential to stimulate uterine contractions which could trigger preterm labor. For that reason, responsibly trained naturopathic doctors and clinical herbalists generally recommend not starting this herb until the third trimester.
The use of herbal remedies during pregnancy should be guided and monitored by a healthcare provider, such as your naturopathic doctor. What might be safe before pregnancy could pose significant risks during this delicate time, potentially harming both you and your baby. It is important to seek expert guidance to ensure that your health choices are safe and effective. Consulting with your naturopathic doctor can be a transformative experience, empowering you to discover effective natural solutions tailored specifically for your unique pregnancy journey.
Activity and Rest
Adequate exercise done during pregnancy promotes endurance and strengthens muscle tone. The right, pregnancy-safe exercise regimen promotes uterine contractility, helping produce adequate and coordinated uterine contractions during birth and delivery.2 This may be a result of noradrenaline, a hormone released during exercise that nurtures the contractility of the uterus during pregnancy.2 Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga, are additional therapeutic regimens that can help condition the mind in preparation for the birth of your baby.
While one of the primary goals of naturopathic prenatal care is prevention of birth complications, including maternal hemorrhage, postpartum naturopathic care helps your body recover from these life-threatening events should they occur. One effect of severe hemorrhage is damage to the brain (anoxic or ischemic brain injury) or pituitary gland (Sheehan syndrome) from lack of blood depriving them of oxygen and nutrients. Timely testing is crucial to evaluate for damage and help ensure safe naturopathic and conventional care. From there, a customized plan can help repair damage, support your recovery, manage hormones, and alleviate symptoms.
Nutritional Support
The best way to manage bleeding is by preventing it from happening in the first place, especially for mothers with personal risk factors that may predispose them to have bleeding tendencies during pregnancy. Eating iron-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, can help nurture blood volume during pregnancy and prevent heavy amounts of blood loss that can affect your body’s hemodynamic processes. On the other hand, protein and healthy fats help nurture and strengthen uterine muscle tone. This is important in preventing uterine atony (absence of uterine contractions), which is the leading cause of postpartum bleeding today.
Herbal Support
Most herbal remedies are contraindicated during pregnancy since these may affect both the mother and baby. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, including raspberry leaf. Classified as a member of the Rosaceae family, raspberry leaf has been used for centuries to help tone and strengthen the uterus, thereby coordinating its contractions and preventing bleeding.1 Interestingly, raspberry leaf’s effect on strengthening the tone of the uterus can help facilitate labor and prevent prolonged delivery of the baby, which is a factor that can lead to postpartum bleeding.1
While raspberry leaf is a classic herb of pregnancy used by our ancestors for generations, it also highlights the balance of herb safety during pregnancy. As you’ll hear us say a lot here, “Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe.” Raspberry leaf has the potential to stimulate uterine contractions which could trigger preterm labor. For that reason, responsibly trained naturopathic doctors and clinical herbalists generally recommend not starting this herb until the third trimester.
The use of herbal remedies during pregnancy should be guided and monitored by a healthcare provider, such as your naturopathic doctor. What might be safe before pregnancy could pose significant risks during this delicate time, potentially harming both you and your baby. It is important to seek expert guidance to ensure that your health choices are safe and effective. Consulting with your naturopathic doctor can be a transformative experience, empowering you to discover effective natural solutions tailored specifically for your unique pregnancy journey.
Activity and Rest
Adequate exercise done during pregnancy promotes endurance and strengthens muscle tone. The right, pregnancy-safe exercise regimen promotes uterine contractility, helping produce adequate and coordinated uterine contractions during birth and delivery.2 This may be a result of noradrenaline, a hormone released during exercise that nurtures the contractility of the uterus during pregnancy.2 Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga, are additional therapeutic regimens that can help condition the mind in preparation for the birth of your baby.
The Naturopathic Approach
Each pregnancy journey is unique and unexpected challenges such as unwanted bleeding during birth and delivery can happen. Naturopathic care offers holistic solutions that not only help prevent these issues but also support your body in recovering from them. Your naturopathic doctor works in complement to, not in place of, your prenatal care provider to mitigate risks and promote a healthy recovery for both you and your baby. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Bowman RL, Taylor J, Davis DL. Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) use in pregnancy: a prospective observational study. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2024;24(1):169. Published 2024 Apr 22. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04465-7
- Watkins VY, O'Donnell CM, Perez M, et al. The impact of physical activity during pregnancy on labor and delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021;225(4):437.e1-437.e8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.05.036
The nutritional state of the mother during pregnancy can not only affect her health, but also the growth and nutrition of her baby, even after birth. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals before and during pregnancy, such as folic acid for example, can predispose your child to developing birth anomalies or fetal growth problems.2 Acquiring nutritional deficiency is not only caused by decreasing your intake of food because you feel nauseous or fatigued while being pregnant, but it can also happen if you eat larger amounts of food that are nutritionally deficient!
Evaluating your food choices and coupling your meals with supplements are vital steps in achieving optimal pregnancy outcomes.
Evaluating your food choices and coupling your meals with supplements are vital steps in achieving optimal pregnancy outcomes.
The Importance of Prenatal Nutrient Supplementation
Supplementing your diet with essential vitamins and minerals during pregnancy is important to help your body cope with the different changes that happen within to provide space and nutrients for the growth of your baby. During the early stages of pregnancy, your baby grows by means of hyperplasia, wherein cells in the body of the fetus multiply and increase in number.4 If your baby is deprived of nutrients during this stage, it may have a smaller weight than what is considered normal due to the inadequate number of cells being produced and formed in the body. As the fetus grows inside your uterus, body cells undergo hypertrophy, wherein they enlarge rather than multiplying in numbers.4 Lack of nutrients during this stage can also restrict growth since the cells of your baby are unable to grow to the full extent that they are potentially able.
Do you need to follow a strict diet during pregnancy?
Rather than establishing restrictions associated with the word “diet,” exploring foods that are best for you while you are pregnant holds more importance.
Eating healthy meals that nurture your health, and the growth of your baby feels more encouraging and wholesome than holding yourself back because of unpleasant food rules. After all, pregnancy should be a unique, fulfilling experience that nurtures optimal health.
Eating healthy meals that nurture your health, and the growth of your baby feels more encouraging and wholesome than holding yourself back because of unpleasant food rules. After all, pregnancy should be a unique, fulfilling experience that nurtures optimal health.
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Essential Nutrients During Pregnancy
Protein
Protein is an essential component to help your baby have a strong body framework. This is why protein needs increase during pregnancy compared to non-pregnancy states. Nurturing adequate protein levels is also important because meeting your body’s protein needs may also mean that iron, calcium, and vitamin B levels are adequate, especially when you source your protein from eating meat, fish, eggs, or poultry!
Essential Fatty Acids
Although very important during pregnancy because of their role in the development of the baby’s brain and eye tissues, essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be synthesized by the mother’s body. This means that the baby can only rely on receiving fatty acids from the food you eat and fatty acid supplements you take. Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important to maintain the fluidity and permeability of cell membranes (outer layer of cells made up of phospholipids), as well as the production of enzymes that regulate inflammation.2 Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, can help regulate inflammation and promote vasodilation (widened blood vessels), which can help reduce the mother’s risks of developing hypertension during pregnancy, as well as prevent premature delivery and fetal growth problems.2
Vitamin B Complex
Each subtype of vitamin B plays an important role in the production of essential enzymes that regulate cellular processes in the body.
These include the production of antioxidants, regulation of amino acid levels (which form proteins), and nurture the expression of genes.1 Folate (vitamin B9), in particular, is vital in preventing the development of neural tube defects and growth delay since this nutrient plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis which is important for the optimal growth and replication of cells in the body. Aside from folate, cobalamin (vitamin B12), is an essential nutrient to be supplemented during pregnancy because it also helps in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and myelin production (the outer covering of neurons in the brain that protects them from damage), thereby preventing the development of birth defects, especially on the baby’s nervous system.
Thiamine (vitamin B1), on the other hand, is important in maintaining optimal glucose levels in the blood (normoglycemia) through its role in producing and secreting insulin.2 Another important vitamin is riboflavin (vitamin B2), which is vital in producing immune cells, red blood cells, and thyroid hormones.2 To nurture the healthy growth and development of your baby, niacin (vitamin B3) supplementation is important because this nutrient is needed for normal digestive system, skin, and nervous system development.2 Some neurodevelopmental problems or incidence of cleft lip/palate can also be prevented through appropriate pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) supplementation.2
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps nurture the growth of vital organs in the body, such as the heart, lungs, and eyes.2 During pregnancy, vitamin A supplementation is important to prevent anemia (low hemoglobin levels in the blood), as well as reduce your baby’s risks of having eye disorders (especially vision problems), delayed growth, and birth defects. However, it is important to remember that you should stop using high doses of vitamin A supplements for skin conditions at least 6-12 months before getting pregnant, since prolonged storage of these forms of the vitamin may cause birth defects, or in worse cases, miscarriage.2
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another important antioxidant that is needed by the body during pregnancy to grow and repair collagen, which is a structural protein that strengthens your bones and teeth.2 Supplementation of this essential nutrient during pregnancy can help prevent preeclampsia (high blood pressure levels during pregnancy), urinary tract infections, and preterm birth.2
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential in the body because it supports bone growth and a healthy immune system. During pregnancy, vitamin D is especially important to be supplemented because not only do vitamin D levels decrease as the baby grows, but also deficient levels of this nutrient can cause delayed growth and development of the fetus, as well as increase its risk of having rickets (deformed bones).2 Additionally, vitamin D deficiency increases the mother’s risks of having hypertension or miscarriage.2 Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so you’ll get the most out of your supplement by taking it with a snack or meal that contains fat.
Iron
Iron is a vital component of red blood cells and decreased levels of this nutrient can lead to anemia during pregnancy. Iron deficiency can lead to low birth weight and growth problems of the baby.2 Additionally, iron is important in synthesizing collagen, which provides a framework for most structures in the body.2 During pregnancy, supplementing iron levels is especially important to support higher iron needs to meet the demands of the baby, support adequate production of the mother’s red blood cells, and minimize the effects of unavoidable blood loss during labor and delivery.
Fiber
Fiber is an essential nutrient that helps prevent constipation by promoting the passage of stools through the digestive tract. It also helps nurture the diversity of your gut microbiota. Adding fiber to your diet is especially important when you are pregnant because this can help nurture appropriate gestational weight gain, blood glucose levels, and blood pressure levels.3
Protein is an essential component to help your baby have a strong body framework. This is why protein needs increase during pregnancy compared to non-pregnancy states. Nurturing adequate protein levels is also important because meeting your body’s protein needs may also mean that iron, calcium, and vitamin B levels are adequate, especially when you source your protein from eating meat, fish, eggs, or poultry!
Essential Fatty Acids
Although very important during pregnancy because of their role in the development of the baby’s brain and eye tissues, essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be synthesized by the mother’s body. This means that the baby can only rely on receiving fatty acids from the food you eat and fatty acid supplements you take. Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important to maintain the fluidity and permeability of cell membranes (outer layer of cells made up of phospholipids), as well as the production of enzymes that regulate inflammation.2 Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, can help regulate inflammation and promote vasodilation (widened blood vessels), which can help reduce the mother’s risks of developing hypertension during pregnancy, as well as prevent premature delivery and fetal growth problems.2
Vitamin B Complex
Each subtype of vitamin B plays an important role in the production of essential enzymes that regulate cellular processes in the body.
These include the production of antioxidants, regulation of amino acid levels (which form proteins), and nurture the expression of genes.1 Folate (vitamin B9), in particular, is vital in preventing the development of neural tube defects and growth delay since this nutrient plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis which is important for the optimal growth and replication of cells in the body. Aside from folate, cobalamin (vitamin B12), is an essential nutrient to be supplemented during pregnancy because it also helps in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and myelin production (the outer covering of neurons in the brain that protects them from damage), thereby preventing the development of birth defects, especially on the baby’s nervous system.
Thiamine (vitamin B1), on the other hand, is important in maintaining optimal glucose levels in the blood (normoglycemia) through its role in producing and secreting insulin.2 Another important vitamin is riboflavin (vitamin B2), which is vital in producing immune cells, red blood cells, and thyroid hormones.2 To nurture the healthy growth and development of your baby, niacin (vitamin B3) supplementation is important because this nutrient is needed for normal digestive system, skin, and nervous system development.2 Some neurodevelopmental problems or incidence of cleft lip/palate can also be prevented through appropriate pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) supplementation.2
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps nurture the growth of vital organs in the body, such as the heart, lungs, and eyes.2 During pregnancy, vitamin A supplementation is important to prevent anemia (low hemoglobin levels in the blood), as well as reduce your baby’s risks of having eye disorders (especially vision problems), delayed growth, and birth defects. However, it is important to remember that you should stop using high doses of vitamin A supplements for skin conditions at least 6-12 months before getting pregnant, since prolonged storage of these forms of the vitamin may cause birth defects, or in worse cases, miscarriage.2
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another important antioxidant that is needed by the body during pregnancy to grow and repair collagen, which is a structural protein that strengthens your bones and teeth.2 Supplementation of this essential nutrient during pregnancy can help prevent preeclampsia (high blood pressure levels during pregnancy), urinary tract infections, and preterm birth.2
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential in the body because it supports bone growth and a healthy immune system. During pregnancy, vitamin D is especially important to be supplemented because not only do vitamin D levels decrease as the baby grows, but also deficient levels of this nutrient can cause delayed growth and development of the fetus, as well as increase its risk of having rickets (deformed bones).2 Additionally, vitamin D deficiency increases the mother’s risks of having hypertension or miscarriage.2 Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so you’ll get the most out of your supplement by taking it with a snack or meal that contains fat.
Iron
Iron is a vital component of red blood cells and decreased levels of this nutrient can lead to anemia during pregnancy. Iron deficiency can lead to low birth weight and growth problems of the baby.2 Additionally, iron is important in synthesizing collagen, which provides a framework for most structures in the body.2 During pregnancy, supplementing iron levels is especially important to support higher iron needs to meet the demands of the baby, support adequate production of the mother’s red blood cells, and minimize the effects of unavoidable blood loss during labor and delivery.
Fiber
Fiber is an essential nutrient that helps prevent constipation by promoting the passage of stools through the digestive tract. It also helps nurture the diversity of your gut microbiota. Adding fiber to your diet is especially important when you are pregnant because this can help nurture appropriate gestational weight gain, blood glucose levels, and blood pressure levels.3
Nurturing a Healthy Pregnancy
The well-being of the baby greatly depends on the health of the mother throughout pregnancy, which is why adequate nutrition and nutrient supplementation is crucial during this wonderful time. Although most nutrients are best sources from the food the mother eats, supplementing meals with essential vitamins and minerals promotes a synergistic effect that supplies what the mother needs and nurtures optimal levels of specific nutrients for fetal growth and development.
Because each pregnancy is unique, the first step to having optimal health for both you and your baby is identifying which nutrient and forms of supplement is best suited for your case. At Natural Path to Wellness, we will help you discover the best ways to nurture a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Talk to us today!
Because each pregnancy is unique, the first step to having optimal health for both you and your baby is identifying which nutrient and forms of supplement is best suited for your case. At Natural Path to Wellness, we will help you discover the best ways to nurture a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Li S, Liu D, Kang Y, et al. Associations of B Vitamin-Related Dietary Pattern during Pregnancy with Birth Outcomes: A Population-Based Study in Northwest China. Nutrients. 2022;14(3):600. Published 2022 Jan 29. doi:10.3390/nu14030600
- Adams JB, Kirby JK, Sorensen JC, Pollard EL, Audhya T. Evidence based recommendations for an optimal prenatal supplement for women in the US: vitamins and related nutrients. Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol. 2022;8(1):4. Published 2022 Jul 11. doi:10.1186/s40748-022-00139-9
- Pretorius RA, Palmer DJ. High-Fiber Diet during Pregnancy Characterized by More Fruit and Vegetable Consumption. Nutrients. 2020;13(1):35. Published 2020 Dec 24. doi:10.3390/nu13010035
- Pascual ZN, Langaker MD. Physiology, Pregnancy. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; May 16, 2023.
Pregnancy is a challenging journey filled with risks and vulnerabilities that affect the health of the mother and development of the child. This is precisely why supporting the mother throughout this period is very important and care should not be stopped even after birth. Postpartum depression (PPD), a common problem faced by many mothers in the world, needs proper recognition and care to nurture the health of both mother and child after birth. As the mother embraces a new chapter and responsibility in her life, holistic support that nurtures both mind and body are important in preventing and managing postpartum depression.
Understanding Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a concerning complication of pregnancy that affects mothers all over the world, most of which are undiagnosed or not given adequate treatment. It can happen to mothers within one month of giving birth and may last up to a whole year. The development of PPD is influenced by a variety of factors, such as hormonal changes and emotional state during pregnancy. The mother’s nutrition throughout this period is especially crucial and can contribute to the development of PPD.2 Additionally, changes in progesterone and estrogen levels during childbirth may decrease the mother’s serotonin and dopamine levels, affecting her mood, focus, and motivation.4 Low serotonin levels have been associated with mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Signs and Symptoms
Mothers with postpartum depression may have low and unpleasant moods, lack of interest to her surroundings, problems with appetite and sleep, trouble concentrating, and guilty feelings towards her child.1 These mothers may also feel a lack of interest towards caring for her baby. In severe cases, mothers with postpartum depression may have suicidal thoughts and ideation. Mothers who were previously diagnosed with depression, have problems with their self-esteem, have unsupportive and problematic partners, and experienced complications during pregnancy are more likely to develop postpartum depression.4
Early Recognition and Care
Early detection of postpartum depression is important for timely, holistic care.
This is precisely why building trust with your healthcare provider is important throughout your pregnancy. Follow-up visits to your healthcare provider even after giving birth helps address your concerns and recognize symptoms you may be feeling that can distinguish the thin line between postpartum depression and postpartum blues, a phenomenon that mothers commonly experience after giving birth. Postpartum depression can actually affect 1 in 7 women after giving birth.5 Postpartum blues, on the other hand, may cause mothers to be irritable, have unhappy moods, and cry easily lasting for less than two weeks.1 Although normal, this phenomenon needs to be recognized and monitored as it can develop into postpartum depression without adequate support.
This is precisely why building trust with your healthcare provider is important throughout your pregnancy. Follow-up visits to your healthcare provider even after giving birth helps address your concerns and recognize symptoms you may be feeling that can distinguish the thin line between postpartum depression and postpartum blues, a phenomenon that mothers commonly experience after giving birth. Postpartum depression can actually affect 1 in 7 women after giving birth.5 Postpartum blues, on the other hand, may cause mothers to be irritable, have unhappy moods, and cry easily lasting for less than two weeks.1 Although normal, this phenomenon needs to be recognized and monitored as it can develop into postpartum depression without adequate support.
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The Naturopathic Approach
Naturopathic care for postpartum depression aims to nurture the connection between the mind and body through holistic and integrated care. These therapeutic interventions support your body’s natural abilities to heal and nurture itself throughout your childbearing and childrearing years.
Nutrition and Supplementation
Pregnancy and lactation both cause severe stress on the body because these are when the mother sustains another human being instead of just her own. In fact, the mother’s nutritional needs greatly increase during these periods as the baby grows and develops. Hence, following a nutritious and well-balanced diet that targets your specific needs is important to prevent nutrient deficiencies that may cause harm to you and your baby.
Adequate nutrition can also help lower your risks of developing postpartum depression, since the food you eat nurtures your brain’s optimal functioning.2
Just as importantly, eating healthy boosts and protects your baby’s health! Supporting your meals with nutritional supplements, such as vitamin D can help nurture your bones and at the same time support your body’s ability to carry and protect your baby. Taking omega-3 supplements, on the other hand, supports fetal brain and eye health by nurturing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels.2
Mind-Body Care
A healthy body requires a healthy mind, and a healthy mind requires a healthy body.
This statement is especially important with childbearing and childrearing. Mind-body interventions, such as meditation, muscle relaxation activities, and yoga, are techniques that are generally safe to perform during pregnancy and can help with pain, blood pressure levels, anxious thoughts, stress, depressive feelings, and mood disturbances throughout these crucial events in your life.3 Additionally, these therapeutic techniques nurture the connection between your mind and body, supporting balance within.
Lifestyle and Physical Support
Exercise is a simple, cost-free, and effective regimen that can help nurture your mental and physical state. Once your doctor clears you to exercise, doing at least 150 minutes of moderate physical exercises per week can already help regulate your blood circulation to prevent harmful clots and blood pressure levels, strengthen your muscles to support the baby’s growth and development, increase your milk supply, and improve your mental state.4 Your levels of postpartum depression can be greatly reduced through a simple walk!4
Nutrition and Supplementation
Pregnancy and lactation both cause severe stress on the body because these are when the mother sustains another human being instead of just her own. In fact, the mother’s nutritional needs greatly increase during these periods as the baby grows and develops. Hence, following a nutritious and well-balanced diet that targets your specific needs is important to prevent nutrient deficiencies that may cause harm to you and your baby.
Adequate nutrition can also help lower your risks of developing postpartum depression, since the food you eat nurtures your brain’s optimal functioning.2
Just as importantly, eating healthy boosts and protects your baby’s health! Supporting your meals with nutritional supplements, such as vitamin D can help nurture your bones and at the same time support your body’s ability to carry and protect your baby. Taking omega-3 supplements, on the other hand, supports fetal brain and eye health by nurturing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels.2
Mind-Body Care
A healthy body requires a healthy mind, and a healthy mind requires a healthy body.
This statement is especially important with childbearing and childrearing. Mind-body interventions, such as meditation, muscle relaxation activities, and yoga, are techniques that are generally safe to perform during pregnancy and can help with pain, blood pressure levels, anxious thoughts, stress, depressive feelings, and mood disturbances throughout these crucial events in your life.3 Additionally, these therapeutic techniques nurture the connection between your mind and body, supporting balance within.
Lifestyle and Physical Support
Exercise is a simple, cost-free, and effective regimen that can help nurture your mental and physical state. Once your doctor clears you to exercise, doing at least 150 minutes of moderate physical exercises per week can already help regulate your blood circulation to prevent harmful clots and blood pressure levels, strengthen your muscles to support the baby’s growth and development, increase your milk supply, and improve your mental state.4 Your levels of postpartum depression can be greatly reduced through a simple walk!4
Nurturing mind and body health
Your naturopathic doctor can help support your mood and physical recovery, but it’s important to seek out this professional help and to talk to your primary care provider before beginning any kind of herbs, supplements, or other medications, because many of these substances are released into breast milk and may not be safe for your baby. Likewise, physical activity, nutrition, and other lifestyle changes need to be calibrated to your own recovery journey.
At Natural Path to Wellness, your team of naturopathic medicine advisors are committed to supporting you as your body goes through a wonderful period in your life. We will help you discover the best natural options for your unique case, helping to nurture hormone levels, nutrition, and emotional wellness for your optimal health. Talk to us today!
At Natural Path to Wellness, your team of naturopathic medicine advisors are committed to supporting you as your body goes through a wonderful period in your life. We will help you discover the best natural options for your unique case, helping to nurture hormone levels, nutrition, and emotional wellness for your optimal health. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Stewart DE, Vigod SN. Postpartum Depression: Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Emerging Therapeutics. Annu Rev Med. 2019;70:183-196. doi:10.1146/annurev-med-041217-011106
- Gould JF, Best K, Makrides M. Perinatal nutrition interventions and post-partum depressive symptoms. J Affect Disord. 2017;224:2-9. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.014
- Oyarzabal EA, Seuferling B, Babbar S, Lawton-O'Boyle S, Babbar S. Mind-Body Techniques in Pregnancy and Postpartum. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2021;64(3):683-703. doi:10.1097/GRF.0000000000000641
- Kołomańska-Bogucka D, Mazur-Bialy AI. Physical Activity and the Occurrence of Postnatal Depression-A Systematic Review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2019;55(9):560. Published 2019 Sep 2. doi:10.3390/medicina55090560
- Amer SA, Zaitoun NA, Abdelsalam HA, et al. Exploring predictors and prevalence of postpartum depression among mothers: Multinational study. BMC Public Health. 2024;24(1):1308. Published 2024 May 14. doi:10.1186/s12889-024-18502-0
The importance of nurturing sexual health cannot be understated, especially since it is a vital part of your well-being. It does not only mean having a pain-free and comfortable sexual intercourse, but also having harmony between your mind and body. Problems with sexual functioning can ultimately affect confidence towards one’s own body, affecting how you treat yourself and interact with other people. That being said, finding solutions that address problems with sexual functioning and nurturing your sexual health at the same time is very important.
Yoga is a holistic regimen that should be added to your daily routine to help nurture and boost sexual function.
Yoga is a holistic regimen that should be added to your daily routine to help nurture and boost sexual function.
Understanding Sexual Health
Sexual function plays a vital part in achieving optimal wellness and quality of life. It is affected by different factors during sexual intercourse, such as comfort, satisfaction, absence of physiologic abnormalities, desire, arousal, and orgasm. Problems in any of these factors can alter a person’s sexual health and self-esteem, eventually disrupting relationships, control, expression, and judgment.
Yoga for Mind-Body Connection
Yoga is a holistic approach to health that makes use of physical postures, mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, and relaxation to nurture different body systems and their connection with one another, especially the mind and body. Each lesson is carefully tailored to help nurture a healthy body and soul. The benefits of yoga for both mental and physical health are deeply connected to its foundational belief that stress is the root of all diseases.3 Originating from India, this integrative method of healing is especially helpful in nurturing sexual health through its abilities to strengthen muscles and bones, improve control, and regulate important processes that keep the body strong and healthy.2
Yoga for Women’s Health
Yoga is rooted in its holistic approach to health, boosting physical well-being while enhancing intimate relationships by nurturing sexual function.
In women, yoga helps:
Additionally, yoga helps nurture the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which plays a crucial role in promoting arousal and response during sexual intercourse.1 This means that yoga is also effective in fostering intimate relationships between people through nurturing one’s sexual experience.
Physically, yoga actually helps strengthen your pelvic floor for stronger orgasms!
Coupled with Kegel exercises, which involve repetitive movements of contracting and relaxing your pelvic floor muscle, can help nurture both strength and endurance. To learn more about the wonders of Kegel exercises for your health, we have the perfect blog post for you!
In women, yoga helps:
- regulate breathing1
- promote relaxation1
- nurture a calmer mental state1
- create a more responsive and enjoyable sexual experience1
Additionally, yoga helps nurture the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which plays a crucial role in promoting arousal and response during sexual intercourse.1 This means that yoga is also effective in fostering intimate relationships between people through nurturing one’s sexual experience.
Physically, yoga actually helps strengthen your pelvic floor for stronger orgasms!
Coupled with Kegel exercises, which involve repetitive movements of contracting and relaxing your pelvic floor muscle, can help nurture both strength and endurance. To learn more about the wonders of Kegel exercises for your health, we have the perfect blog post for you!
Yoga for Men’s Health
Two of the most common problems that affect sexual function in men are erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Erectile dysfunction (ED) happens when there is a recurrent problem in achieving or maintaining erection during sexual acts, eventually causing feelings of stress and anxiety.2 Premature ejaculation, on the other hand, happens when a man regularly ejaculates within just a minute of having sexual intercourse.2 Caused by different factors, such as hormonal imbalances, nerve problems, alcohol abuse, or blood vessel insufficiencies, these conditions are primarily treated with sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra. Although beneficial in temporarily addressing the symptom of ED, the use of sildenafil carries serious health risks, such as vision problems, hearing loss, cardiovascular disease, and painful erections. Most critically, these meds don’t address the underlying problem causing ED.
Yoga offers a safe and effective approach that holistically manages erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in men, which in turn, help nurture confidence and self-esteem during intimate moments.2
In men, yoga helps:
Yoga offers a safe and effective approach that holistically manages erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in men, which in turn, help nurture confidence and self-esteem during intimate moments.2
In men, yoga helps:
- strengthen pelvic and perineal muscles which support reproductive organs in place2
- nurture blood flow to help maintain erection and achieve orgasm2
- enhance contractions during the sexual response cycle2
- regulate hormonal balance and nurture fertility2
- reduce stress and anxiety2
- enhance sexual stamina2
- boost sperm count and motility2
The Naturopathic Approach
Sexual health is a vital part of your well-being that should always be considered and taken care of. It not only affects your physical health, but also alters your self-confidence and self-esteem. The ability of yoga in nurturing your sexual health is a perfect example of how natural connections can be built and rebuilt with holistic regimens that target the root causes of your problems, instead of just focusing on treating your symptoms.
Naturopathic medicine combines clinical understanding of hormonal balance and your physiology, lifestyle and stress management, and tools such as yoga, herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, supplements, and more to help you achieve all of your health and wellness goals. At Natural Path to Wellness, your team of naturopathic medicine advisors will help you discover the power of nature for your health, talk to us today!
Naturopathic medicine combines clinical understanding of hormonal balance and your physiology, lifestyle and stress management, and tools such as yoga, herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, supplements, and more to help you achieve all of your health and wellness goals. At Natural Path to Wellness, your team of naturopathic medicine advisors will help you discover the power of nature for your health, talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Tabatabaie NS, Rasti Borujeni F, Tavakol Z, Raeisi Shahraki H. The Effect of Yoga and Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise on Sexual Function and Sexual Self-esteem of Reproductive-age Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Community Based Nurs Midwifery. 2024;12(3):188-198. Published 2024 Jul 1. doi:10.30476/IJCBNM.2024.101743.2441
- Bhat S, Pandey MK, K U, Gokani N, Rao TSS. A Scoping Review: Is Yoga an Effective Intervention for Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation?. Cureus. 2024;16(1):e53265. Published 2024 Jan 30. doi:10.7759/cureus.53265
- Estevao C. The role of yoga in inflammatory markers. Brain Behav Immun Health. 2022;20:100421. Published 2022 Feb 1. doi:10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100421
Are you interested in exploring the wonders of natural supplements for your health, but you are still unsure whether or not these may interact badly with your current prescription medications? Worry not, we are here to help! Herbal medications and supplements are often safe and nourishing for the body, but these also contain potent biochemical ingredients that you should keep in mind, especially when you are already taking prescription medications for long-term health problems. That being said, herbal and synthetic medications may use the same pathways in the body for metabolism, binding competitively to receptors and exert their effects. This may eventually lead to too much or too little levels of the medication in the body, eventually causing it to be toxic or ineffective.
Here is the catch: we can prevent these dangerous drug interactions from happening through learning which herb, when combined with certain prescription medications, can potentially cause more harm than good!
Here is the catch: we can prevent these dangerous drug interactions from happening through learning which herb, when combined with certain prescription medications, can potentially cause more harm than good!
How Herb-Drug Interactions Happen
Compared to conventional medications, herbal medicines are rich in biologically active ingredients. When both are taken concurrently, these biological activities can change how conventional medications are being absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body, causing what we term “herb-drug interaction.”1 This phenomenon means that the effects of your prescription medications are altered because of the presence of a specific herb or herbal compound.1 In some cases, herbs can support your present health routine by boosting the conventional drug so that it is more effective or by helping reduce side effects of the drug.But, when used in excess or the wrong combination, it can cause your therapeutic regimen to fail or cause your body to experience toxic effects that put your overall health at risk. As such, taking an herb and drug with similar effects to the body at the same time can be similar to double-dosing one medication! Let’s take a look at some wonderful herbs that are common offenders in herb-drug interactions.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a famous herbal supplement used all over the world to nurture brain and heart health. Its anti-inflammatory, organ-protective, and antioxidative effects make it a staple in many households. Ginkgo biloba, when taken concurrently with blood thinners, such as warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin, and even non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase the effects of these medications in the body and potentially cause bleeding.1 Additionally, taking ginkgo biloba and calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine, can cause dizziness and severe hot flashes.1
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is a natural antidepressant that has been proven effective in managing mental exhaustion. Its active ingredients nurture serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels in the brain. St. John’s Wort also contains anti-inflammatory properties that make it a good natural treatment for sunburns and minor wounds. However, taking St. John’s Wort together with immunosuppressants, antivirals, and anticoagulants are contraindicated because the herb can decrease the potency and effectiveness of these medications.1 Additionally, St. John’s Wort should not be used with oral contraceptives because doing so can lead to bleeding episodes in between periods, as well as failure of the pill’s contraceptive effects.1 Importantly, St. John’s Wort should not be used concurrently with other antidepressants that target serotonin because their interaction may lead to serotonin syndrome, which is a life-threatening condition causing confusion, tremors, hypertension, hallucinations, hyperactive reflexes, and coma.1
Valerian Root
Valerian Root (Valerianae radix) has been used for centuries to promote sleep and relaxation by helping to nurture the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. It can also help regulate mood through supporting serotonin and norepinephrine activities in the brain. However, the sedative effects of valerian root may be negated when taken together with caffeine, due to the latter’s powerful stimulant effects.1 Additionally, using valerian root and benzodiazepine together cause a synergistic effect in managing anxiety.1 This means combining the effects of two different drugs, creating more potency and power!
The Naturopathic Guidance
With the variety of herbal medications and conventional drugs present in the market today, knowing which combination can be harmful to your health is very important. This is precisely why consulting with your naturopathic doctor should come first before using any herbal preparation, especially when you already have prescription medications at the bedside. Additionally, there are specific herbs that are contraindicated for use in special populations due to their potency or adverse effects, which is why professional guidance is needed in every step of your journey to wellness.
The Naturopathic Approach
At Natural Path to Wellness, your team of naturopathic medicine advisors will help you discover the wonders of naturopathic medicine for your optimal health, whether you are at the start of your wellness journey or fighting a disease diagnosis. Through holistic and integrated treatment regimens that focus on targeting the root causes of your health issues instead of just alleviating symptoms, your naturopathic team is committed to helping your body regain and nurture its innate balance. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Czigle S, Nagy M, Mladěnka P, Tóth J; OEMONOM.. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic herb-drug interactions-part I. Herbal medicines of the central nervous system. PeerJ. 2023;11:e16149. Published 2023 Nov 15. doi:10.7717/peerj.16149
Not all mushrooms are poisonous. In fact, quite a lot of famous dishes all over the world use mushrooms (the edible type) to add texture and flavor people cannot resist! The best part: mushrooms can do wonders for your health too! Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is especially famous for being rich in healing compounds that help protect the body against dysbiosis, neurodegeneration, and inflammation!
Historical Background
Lion’s mane is a type of mushroom that is predominantly found in Asia. It can be easily distinguished from other members of the mushroom family through its white-colored spines that are long and dangling, resembling the hair of a lion’s mane.1 This unique form of mushroom can grow both on alive and dead hardwood trees! With centuries-worth of healing testimonials, Lion’s mane was a staple in traditional Eastern medicine because of its neuroprotective and immunoprotective properties. The vast majority of lion mane’s healing properties are due to two active compounds: hericenones and erinacines.
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Therapeutic Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane mushroom is rich in bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides and proteins, that help protect the brain and regulate the immune system. Its wonders in nurturing brain health comes from its abilities in generating new brain cells, improving concentration, maintaining memory, and protecting you against chronic conditions caused by neurodegeneration.2 Additionally, lion’s mane mushroom contains powerful antioxidant properties that help fight off stress and inflammation, protecting your body against health consequences stemming from these imbalances.
Protection Against Neurodegeneration
The nervous system, which is responsible for sending and receiving signals throughout the body, is divided into two major components: the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. The major organ that houses the central nervous system is the brain, while the spinal cord is the major component of the peripheral nervous system. Problems affecting the brain have been a major cause of disease worldwide. Unlike neurons in the brain, cells in the peripheral nervous system can re-enter the growth cycle and partly regenerate when damaged.3 The unique distinction exists because of the vital need to prevent any problematic growth that could affect the complex connections that occur inside the brain.3 Because cells in the brain have limited abilities to regenerate, conditions affecting this major organ are mostly irreversible and permanent.3 This is why protecting your brain cells from degeneration is very important, especially as you grow older. The bioactive compounds hericenones and erinacines present in lion’s mane mushroom help nurture the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is a special protein for neuronal growth and survival.2 Additionally, hericenones can help improve memory and cognition, thereby supporting optimal brain health.2
Fight Against Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response that your body makes when it senses a problem, making it a normal and essential mechanism for your body to stay strong and healthy. However, prolonged and unregulated inflammation can cause damage to your cells instead of healing. This is why nurturing your body’s inflammatory response is important in keeping your health in check. Lion’s mane mushroom is especially helpful in managing this inflammatory response, through its abilities to regulate the various mechanisms that drive inflammation, such as enzyme production and microbial balance.2
Gut Microbial Support
Lion’s mane mushroom, aside from its abilities to calm down inflammation, can also help heal your gut lining and nurture the population of your gut microbiota.2 This powerful fungus can therefore nurture your gut-brain axis and prevent diseases in the gastrointestinal lining caused by chronic inflammation.
The nervous system, which is responsible for sending and receiving signals throughout the body, is divided into two major components: the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. The major organ that houses the central nervous system is the brain, while the spinal cord is the major component of the peripheral nervous system. Problems affecting the brain have been a major cause of disease worldwide. Unlike neurons in the brain, cells in the peripheral nervous system can re-enter the growth cycle and partly regenerate when damaged.3 The unique distinction exists because of the vital need to prevent any problematic growth that could affect the complex connections that occur inside the brain.3 Because cells in the brain have limited abilities to regenerate, conditions affecting this major organ are mostly irreversible and permanent.3 This is why protecting your brain cells from degeneration is very important, especially as you grow older. The bioactive compounds hericenones and erinacines present in lion’s mane mushroom help nurture the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is a special protein for neuronal growth and survival.2 Additionally, hericenones can help improve memory and cognition, thereby supporting optimal brain health.2
Fight Against Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response that your body makes when it senses a problem, making it a normal and essential mechanism for your body to stay strong and healthy. However, prolonged and unregulated inflammation can cause damage to your cells instead of healing. This is why nurturing your body’s inflammatory response is important in keeping your health in check. Lion’s mane mushroom is especially helpful in managing this inflammatory response, through its abilities to regulate the various mechanisms that drive inflammation, such as enzyme production and microbial balance.2
Gut Microbial Support
Lion’s mane mushroom, aside from its abilities to calm down inflammation, can also help heal your gut lining and nurture the population of your gut microbiota.2 This powerful fungus can therefore nurture your gut-brain axis and prevent diseases in the gastrointestinal lining caused by chronic inflammation.
Safety and Considerations
Lion’s mane mushroom has wonderful healing properties for your health when used with the right guidance. Although it is generally considered safe for use, individuals with allergic reactions to mushrooms should avoid it. Exploring the wonders of lion’s mane mushroom, as well as other herbal remedies, should be done with the guidance of a naturopathic doctor whose expertise will help you in assessing whether or not this herbal medicine is for you. Additionally, most herbal medicines and preparations are contraindicated in special populations, such as those with chronic disease or pregnancy. Hence, consulting with your healthcare provider or naturopathic doctor should be done first to ensure that this will not cause harm to you or your baby.
The Naturopathic Approach
Lion’s mane mushroom is a whole package that targets and heals both your mind and body. Its effects are best seen when integrated with holistic regimens that consider nutrition, lifestyle, and body-mind connection. At Natural Path to Wellness, your team of naturopathic medicine providers will help you discover the best natural and holistic options for your optimal health. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF. The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2023;15(22):4842. Published 2023 Nov 20. doi:10.3390/nu15224842
- Contato AG, Conte-Junior CA. Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): A Neuroprotective Fungus with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Potential-A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2025;17(8):1307. Published 2025 Apr 9. doi:10.3390/nu17081307
- Kvistad CE, Kråkenes T, Gavasso S, Bø L. Neural regeneration in the human central nervous system-from understanding the underlying mechanisms to developing treatments. Where do we stand today?. Front Neurol. 2024;15:1398089. Published 2024 May 9. doi:10.3389/fneur.2024.1398089
Having to experience persistent symptoms of hormonal dysfunction, such as persistent fatigue, menstrual migraines, unexplained weight gain, menstrual cramps, acne, or brain fog, and undergo staggering amounts of conventional blood tests to determine the problem can be quite frustrating, especially when results come back indeterminate or vague. While laboratory blood tests can detect levels of certain hormones in real-time, such as thyroxine (a thyroid hormone), assessing hormonal imbalances may need a more comprehensive and proactive test that is able to examine how hormones are being secreted, metabolized, and cleared from the body. The Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH) Test is a revolutionary method of hormone testing that illustrates a complete picture of the life cycle of your hormones, thereby providing answers to your questions without having to undergo a complex cycle of testing!
What is the DUTCH Test?
The DUTCH test is a non-invasive and convenient method of assessing hormone production and metabolism through the use of dried urine samples collected for at least 24 hours.
It uses mass spectrometry technology which is highly sensitive and precise in assessing steroid hormones even with small sample volumes, thereby showing complete and comprehensive hormone profiles.1 The DUTCH test specifically measures sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and organic acids that play essential roles in keeping the body strong and healthy. The best part is that you can take the test at home! Urine samples are obtained through filter papers, which are dried and sent to the laboratory after an elapsed time. The DUTCH test includes different collection rounds and intervals throughout the day, helping capture different hormonal variations that happen on a day-to-day basis.1 Additionally, it helps assess how your body produces and metabolizes hormones, helping understand the mechanisms behind imbalances, such as estrogen dominance. The DUTCH test is more comprehensive than a single laboratory test, because it is able to assess the daily pattern of your hormones instead of a static amount captured during medical laboratory testing.
Click here to learn more about the DUTCH test.
It uses mass spectrometry technology which is highly sensitive and precise in assessing steroid hormones even with small sample volumes, thereby showing complete and comprehensive hormone profiles.1 The DUTCH test specifically measures sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and organic acids that play essential roles in keeping the body strong and healthy. The best part is that you can take the test at home! Urine samples are obtained through filter papers, which are dried and sent to the laboratory after an elapsed time. The DUTCH test includes different collection rounds and intervals throughout the day, helping capture different hormonal variations that happen on a day-to-day basis.1 Additionally, it helps assess how your body produces and metabolizes hormones, helping understand the mechanisms behind imbalances, such as estrogen dominance. The DUTCH test is more comprehensive than a single laboratory test, because it is able to assess the daily pattern of your hormones instead of a static amount captured during medical laboratory testing.
Click here to learn more about the DUTCH test.
Signs You Might Need a DUTCH Test
The DUTCH test will help you uncover the presence and degree of hormonal imbalance no matter your gender. Hormone problems may present with:
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain, or difficulty losing weight
- Chronic fatigue or feelings of burnout
- Brain fog or difficulties focusing on tasks
- Skin issues such as acne, dryness, or rashes
- Irregular, painful, or heavy periods
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Mood swings or emotional outbursts
- Feelings of anxiety or depression
- Infertility
- Changes in libido (sex drive)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis and osteopenia)
- Perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms
How the Testing Process Works
The whole testing process begins by ordering a kit through us at Natural Path to Wellness once you thoroughly discuss your care plan with our naturopathic medicine advisors. Afterwards, you will then receive your test kit in the mail with detailed instructions to show you how to effectively obtain adequate samples. Once you have completed the kit, you may then mail the specimens back and visit us again to discuss your test results! A detailed instruction guide is included in your test kits. If you have not received any, you may check out these instructions to help you understand what to do before, during, and after collecting your own samples.
The Naturopathic Approach
The DUTCH test may be requested by your naturopathic doctor to help identify the root causes of hormonal imbalance. Your test results will serve as a guide to your naturopathic treatment plan, which includes targeted supplements according to your unique health needs, herbal medicine to support your body’s natural abilities to heal itself, and nutritional and lifestyle changes to help nurture balance within!
At Natural Path to Wellness, your team of naturopathic medicine advisors will help you nurture your optimal health through intensive and holistic care. Talk to us today!
At Natural Path to Wellness, your team of naturopathic medicine advisors will help you nurture your optimal health through intensive and holistic care. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCE:
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCE:
- Newman M, Curran DA. Reliability of a dried urine test for comprehensive assessment of urine hormones and metabolites. BMC Chem. 2021;15(1):18. Published 2021 Mar 15. doi:10.1186/s13065-021-00744-3
THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESS
AuthorS
Natural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more.
Medical Reviewer:
Marney Johnson, ND, MSCI-TS is a Naturopathic Doctor and Naturopathic Medicine Advisor with a background in allopathic (standard American medicine) medical research, Dr. Johnson, is uniquely qualified to evaluate current scientific research and offer insight to help you make sense of how you can integrate natural medicine into your health plan. She is passionate about the roles of Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Nature in health and constantly seeks new ways to make these accessible through food as medicine, encouraging new, healthy habits, and promoting interaction with Nature in its many forms.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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