The discovery of GLP-1 agonists brought a revolutionary change to the management of diabetes, offering a non-invasive approach to help insulin, produced by your pancreas, effectively do its job in regulating glucose levels in the blood. This also prevents rapid deterioration of your pancreas due to diabetes, thereby minimizing your risks of becoming dependent on insulin injections for life. Interestingly, one of the side effects of GLP-1 agonists is weight loss, making this medication an appealing regimen in people who are aiming for a specific goal weight. Although with several properties promoting weight loss, GLP-1 agonists should not be used for the sole purpose of losing weight. Aside from putting yourself at risk of experiencing adverse health effects, GLP-1 agonists must be taken for life to maintain the weight you have previously lost. This means that GLP1-agonists are not efficient, long-term solutions to achieving your weight goals!
What are GLP-1 agonists?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, such as semaglutide (famously known as Ozempic) or liraglutide, are a type of medication used to regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These medications help stimulate the secretion of insulin after eating a meal rich in glucose, thereby preventing too much buildup of glucose in the blood through effectively facilitating its delivery into the cells for energy.1 Additionally, GLP-1 agonists prevent your pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for secreting insulin, from self-destruction, thereby helping to maintain the amount of insulin needed to prevent build-up of sugars in the blood. However, GLP-1 agonists can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, or headaches, which can affect the quality of life in people using these medications.
How do GLP-1 agonists promote weight loss?
GLP-1 agonists cause weight loss by reducing your appetite and promoting early feelings of satiety.2 This means that taking GLP-1 agonists will make you feel full quickly compared to when you are not including these medications in your regimen. Interestingly, appetite reduction associated with GLP-1 agonists may be due to their effects on the receptors in your brain that are responsible for maintaining energy balance and regulating food intake.2 Additionally, experiencing nausea and vomiting while taking these medications will inevitably affect your desire to eat. Once your eating habits are affected, nutritional deficiencies due to lack of food intake may occur! This can affect your body’s regulatory processes and may lead to weakness and fatigue due to problems with energy production, brittle bones from calcium deficiency, and weakened immune system that will put you at risk of infections. Hence, the use of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss is not without health consequences. Liraglutide, for instance, can increase your risks of developing cancer or pancreatitis and have severe implications on your mental well-being.2
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Intuitive Eating
Being aware of what you eat every day and understanding the different impacts of food on your blood glucose levels is important in effectively managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Rather than restricting yourself to a specific diet, intuitive eating practices help you choose the best and accessible food choices for your optimal health without having to feel guilty of what you actually eat. This may sound a bit tricky! Your naturopathic doctors will help you recognize your body’s natural hunger signals and discover ways on how you can indulge in your favorite foods and take care of your health at the same time.
Nutrient Supplementation
Supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals is an effective approach to help your body fight off the imbalance associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Vitamin C. Vitamin C is important in stimulating the release of insulin after eating glucose. Taking vitamin C supplements every day is helpful in supporting this regulatory process. Additionally, vitamin C contains antioxidant properties that can help regulate your blood pressure levels and protect your blood vessels from damage that may occur after prolonged hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).
- Chromium. Chromium is a mineral that enhances insulin activity and promotes its uptake, thereby allowing the entry of glucose into the cells. Hence, chromium helps cells receive their fuel for them to function optimally! Additionally, chromium helps prevent the build-up of glucose in the blood and manage hyperglycemia.
- Zinc. Zinc is another essential nutrient that is important in preventing the complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Supplementing your diet with zinc helps metabolize insulin and nurtures your cells’ abilities to produce their own antioxidants.
And many more!
With different supplements available for type 2 diabetes mellitus, finding the best types for your health and preference is important! Not to worry, your naturopathic team at Natural Path to Wellness will help you discover the best supplements for your optimal health and well-being.
Botanical Medicine
- Galega (Galega officinalis). This powerful herb helps promote insulin secretion and nurtures your pancreas at the same time. Galega protects your pancreas by preventing the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevent the formation of inflammatory products, both of which cause unwanted cell damage.3 Galegine, its active ingredient, was actually used as a prototype for metformin!3
- Cow's Paw (Bauhinia forficata). Also known as vegetable insulin, this herb has been used in Brazilian folk medicine to manage diabetes mellitus. It contains anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, and antioxidant properties that help maintain balance within.4
- Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre). Commonly considered a sugar destroyer, gumar is an effective herbal remedy to help improve your glycemic control by increasing the sensitivity of your body tissues to insulin.5 Additionally, this plant helps lower lipid levels in the blood, preventing health risks associated with cholesterol build-up.
And many more!
Nurturing Your Metabolic Health
It is important to remember that the use of certain herbal medications is contraindicated in special populations, especially in pregnant and lactating women. Additionally, incorporating herbal remedies into your daily regimen should be monitored and regulated to ensure that you are able to receive the full benefits of their natural healing properties. Discovering the right herbal remedies for your case and preferences is done with the guidance of your naturopathic doctors, who are experts in the field of natural and holistic healing.
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:
- Yedjou CG, Grigsby J, Mbemi A, et al. The Management of Diabetes Mellitus Using Medicinal Plants and Vitamins. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(10):9085. Published 2023 May 22. doi:10.3390/ijms24109085
- Ganesan K, Rana MBM, Sultan S. Oral Hypoglycemic Medications. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482386/
- Hachkova H, Nagalievska M, Soliljak Z, et al. Medicinal Plants Galega officinalis L. and Yacon Leaves as Potential Sources of Antidiabetic Drugs. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021;10(9):1362. Published 2021 Aug 26. doi:10.3390/antiox10091362
- Tonelli CA, de Oliveira SQ, Silva Vieira AAD, et al. Clinical efficacy of capsules containing standardized extract of Bauhinia forficata Link (pata-de-vaca) as adjuvant treatment in type 2 diabetes patients: A randomized, double blind clinical trial. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022;282:114616. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114616
Understanding Ulcerative Colitis
Signs and Symptoms
Allopathic Options
The Naturopathic Approach
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Botanical Medicine
- Curcumin (Curcuma longa). With rich historical roots in managing inflammatory, infectious, and digestive problems, curcumin helps regulate the factors that activate inflammatory processes in the body, while nurturing healthy intestinal microbiota and structure. Curcumin does this by targeting inflammatory enzymes in the body, effectively decreasing the progression of ulcerative colitis.2
- Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller). This herb doesn’t just give you smooth and silky hair! It has actually been used for centuries to manage stomach ulcers, burns, wounds, and inflammation. Its wonders in managing ulcerative colitis comes from its abilities to inhibit the secretion of inflammatory markers and exert antimicrobial effects that promote a healthy, normal intestinal flora.3
- Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata). The extract of this wonderful herb helps prevent diarrhea and regulate the movement of food in the intestines. Its ability to improve tissue repair and healing helps restore damaged intestinal barrier integrity associated with ulcerative colitis.4
- Pomegranate (Punica granatum). This fruit is not only delicious, but also contains wonderful health benefits that nurtures your optimal well-being and prevents the development of diseases. Its wonders in managing ulcerative colitis comes from ellagitannins, which are active ingredients found in different parts of the plant that exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, in addition to preventing the development of intestinal inflammation.5
And many more!
Probiotics
The role that the normal microbiota in your intestines play is complex. This generally protects your body from infections and maintains balance that regulates the processes keeping the body healthy and strong. However, your intestinal microbiota can also induce and maintain inflammation once dysbiosis occurs, so it is very important to nurture the balance between these inhabitants to prevent dysregulation of key body processes. Simply put, any problems in the intestinal microbiota that can alter the balance between the amount of protective and harmful bacteria play a significant role in the development of ulcerative colitis. Probiotics prevent this from happening by nurturing intestinal microbial balance, ultimately nurturing a healthy gut barrier and immune system.
Nurturing Your Intestinal Health
Before using herbal remedies for your optimal health, it is important to consult with your primary care providers and naturopathic doctors to prevent any unwanted or adverse effects that may cause more harm than good to your body. Additionally, most herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, so it is vital to check whether your choice of herbs could not cause harm to you and your baby.
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:
- Feuerstein JD, Moss AC, Farraye FA. Ulcerative Colitis [published correction appears in Mayo Clin Proc. 2019 Oct;94(10):2149. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.08.008]. Mayo Clin Proc. 2019;94(7):1357-1373. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.01.018
- Lin Y, Liu H, Bu L, Chen C, Ye X. Review of the Effects and Mechanism of Curcumin in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:908077. Published 2022 Jun 20. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.908077
- Kweon DY, Song HJ, Kim JE, et al. Therapeutic Effects of Aloe saponaria against Ulcerative Colitis Induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2023;45(2):1483-1499. Published 2023 Feb 9. doi:10.3390/cimb45020096
- Laudadio I, Leter B, Palone F, et al. Inhibition of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis by Scutellaria Baicalensis georgi and Boswellia serrata in human epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Immun Inflamm Dis. 2024;12(10):e70036. doi:10.1002/iid3.70036
- Li H, Ruan J, Huang J, et al. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and Its Rich Ellagitannins as Potential Inhibitors in Ulcerative Colitis. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(24):17538. Published 2023 Dec 16. doi:10.3390/ijms242417538

The Importance of Your Intestinal Lining
Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome
how Diet can affect your Gut Microbiota
High-Fat Diet
High-Carbohydrate Diet
Health Issues Associated With Leaky Gut
Diabetes
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Brain Dysfunction
The 4R Protocol
- Remove: To regain what was lost, it is important to remove harmful pathogens or stressors that may have triggered the imbalance! This step is crucial in helping your body as it heals itself.
- Replace: Replacing the bad with good is another important step to reduce inflammation and reestablish optimal gut health. This can be done through making conscious decisions about the food you eat and taking supplements that help maintain healthy vitamin levels in the body.
- Reinoculate: Introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut is the third step in reestablishing balance. This step ensures that your gut microbiome is within healthy numbers and prevents opportunistic microorganisms in your gut from causing disease. But remember, too much of the wrong kinds of probiotics can lead to uncomfortable side effects.
- Repair: The final step is fixing your intestinal barrier with safe and effective natural options that will help reduce inflammation and intestinal permeability. Talking with your naturopathic medicine advisors will help you discover which natural option is best for your optimal health!
The Naturopathic Approach for Optimal Gut Health
Intestine-Supporting Herbs |
Support Intestinal Function |
Reestablish a Healthy Microbiome |
Intuitive Eating
Botanical Medicine
At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to assisting you in making informed and conscious decisions about your health. We do this through the healing power of nature, allowing you to improve your nutrition and lifestyle choices based on your body’s responses, leading to optimal gut health. Through a balanced, personalized, and mindful approach, we work hand-in-hand in recognizing and addressing your body’s needs. Discover the naturopathic approach to improving your gut health today!
Author
Kate Nemenzo studied in nursing school as an academic scholar. Her passion for holistic health has led her to become a registered nurse who promotes optimal care throughout her patient’s therapeutic journey. When not writing, she spends her time crocheting, watching Korean dramas, and playing the guitar!
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.
- Aleman RS, Moncada M, Aryana KJ. Leaky Gut and the Ingredients That Help Treat It: A Review. Molecules. 2023;28(2):619. Published 2023 Jan 7. doi:10.3390/molecules28020619
- Chae YR, Lee YR, Kim YS, Park HY. Diet-Induced Gut Dysbiosis and Leaky Gut Syndrome. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2024;34(4):747-756. doi:10.4014/jmb.2312.12031
- Barraclough EL, Hay-Smith EJC, Boucher SE, Tylka TL, Horwath CC. Learning to eat intuitively: A qualitative exploration of the experience of mid-age women. Health Psychol Open. 2019;6(1):2055102918824064. Published 2019 Feb 1. doi:10.1177/2055102918824064
And how do we cope?
Physiological Response to Stress

- Alarm: The alarm phase incorporates the fight, flight, or freeze response through release of hormones, such as epinephrine and cortisol. This can cause symptoms such as fear, rapid heart beat, and anxiety.
- Resistance: If the body cannot recover due to the continued presence of the stressor, the resistance phase increases hormone production to maintain high stress levels. This puts physical stress on the body and, over time, can exhaust its ability to be able to respond to stress appropriately. This phase may include feelings of frustration and limited concentration.
- Exhaustion: The exhaustion stage occurs when the stressor continues to alarm the body systems leading to chronic stress which weakens the body’s ability to fight off illness. In the exhaustion stage, one may experience depression, fatigue, anxiety, or burnout. Disease states related to chronic stress include stroke, coronary artery disease, stomach ulcers, type 2 diabetes, and Cushing syndrome.1
Managing Stress
Promote Resilience |
Relax & Focus |
Stress & Gentle Energy |
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- You don’t have to be a competitive athlete to reap the benefits of physical activity for stress relief. Any type of physical activity serves to release endorphins (the “feel-good” hormones). Examples of exercise include walking, biking, taking the stairs, or practicing yoga.
- Meditation and breathing exercises are beneficial in regaining a sense of calm. These practices can be done as you sit at your desk or while waiting in line. Several apps provide guided meditation or breathing!
- Taking time for positive social connection promotes stress relief. Volunteering in your community or getting coffee with friends can offer opportunities for support and encouragement.
- In the midst of a stressful schedule, sleep is often left on the backburner, but it is critical in managing the body’s stress response. Typically, an adult requires 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly. If you’re tossing and turning thinking about your to-do list, creating a bedtime routine can help signal your body to prepare for sleep. Create a quiet, dark atmosphere and avoid using technology in the hour or two prior to sleep. Instead, pick up some light reading or listen to calming music.
- Creativity is an excellent outlet for stress, even if you don’t consider yourself to be a very creative person. Try making something with your hands! Cook a new recipe, read an interesting novel, or doodle in a notebook.
- Ever heard that laughter is the best medicine? It really does help to alleviate the body’s response to stress. Watching a funny go-to show or spending time with friends who always get you laughing could truly benefit your health. Check out this video for laughter yoga, too!
- Working with a therapist could be a great idea if you feel overwhelmed by stress despite trying different coping measures. A professional could help you identify the source of your stress clearly and provide alternative measures to manage it in daily life.
- Working with a naturopathic physician is beneficial for balancing hormones, including those involved in the stress response. A naturopathic doctor can also recommend supplementation and ways to support mood and nourish the adrenal glands so your body is better equipped to handle stress.
Author
Daelyn Quinn is a graduate of the University of South Florida, Class of 2024. She studied Cell and Molecular Biology, as well as Spanish, and has been accepted into a nationally accredited Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. Outside of academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys exploring cities with friends and family, running outdoors, and reading next to one of Florida’s many bodies of water.
Edited by Kate Nemenzo.
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.
- Chu B, Marwaha K, Sanvictores T, et al. Physiology, Stress Reaction. StatPearls [Internet]. Updated 2022 Sept 12. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541120/
- Yaribeygi H, Panahi Y, Sahraei H, et al. The impact of stress on body function: A review. EXCLI J. 2017; 16: 1057-1072. Published 2017 Jul 21. doi.org/10.17179/exceli2017-480
10/10/2023
A Holistic Approach to Mental Health: Embracing Naturopathic & Natural Medicine Options
Read Now

If you have ever struggled with mental health issues, you may have received a prescription from your medical or mental health provider. Pharmaceuticals serve as the main and sometimes only treatment of these issues in a conventional model. They can be absolutely necessary and lifesaving in certain situations. But there is more to consider. Have you ever wondered why we have mental illnesses? What factors contribute to them? Have you ever thought, “There has to be more to this picture?”
There are a multitude of factors that affect our mental health. Factors including genetics and environmental exposures play a role. Some things that can affect a person’s mental health are:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Injury or trauma
- Gut Health & the intestinal microbiome
- Stress
- Poor sleep habits
- Toxins
- Infections
- Inflammation
- Hormonal imbalances
- Genetics
- Systemic disparities and generational trauma
Each mental illness can look very different. Remember we are all bio-individuals! Here are some signs you or someone you know could use some support:
- Extensive fear and worrying
- Hyper-vigilance
- Low mood for long stretches of time
- Changes in eating habits
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Extreme mood changes
- Physical ailments with no obvious cause
- Avoiding people or normal activities
- Numbing with or overusing drugs or alcohol
- Thinking about harming self or others
- Trouble thinking or concentrating
- Changes in sex drive
It's important to consider the root cause, rather than just masking the symptoms, when it comes to both physical and mental health. Used in combination with treatment provided by mental health counselors and other providers, the Naturopathic approach to integrative mental health examines many factors that contribute to your whole-person well-being. It supports your natural healing ability, promotes physical health, encourages healthy habits, and, when pharmaceutical intervention is necessary, helps to minimize medication side effects. When you work with qualified practitioners and address underlying issues, you can help support your body’s and mind’s optimal functioning. There are numerous treatment options available, and I encourage you to explore an integrative approach to your mental health. To support mental wellness, factors such as nutrition, exercise, relationships, spirituality, life stressors, and sleep need to be examined.
Areas of focus to increase mental well-being naturally:
- Nutritional and supplemental interventions
- Counseling
- Self-care
- Lifestyle and habit upgrades
- Homeopathy
- Herbal remedies
- Breath and bodywork
- Movement and exercises like yoga and Qi Gong
Need to talk?
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Text or Call 988
NAMI: The National Alliance on Mental Illness
Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Text “helpline” to 62640
NAMI: Teen & Young Adult Helpline
Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Text “Friend” to 62640
SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
National Helpline
1-800-662-help
National Eating Disorders Association
Call 988
Text “NEDA” to 741741
Wishing you peace and vitality,
Vanessa S., contributor
Remember folks, this blog is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician! Always consult your licensed healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen.
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.
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