by Jami Tanner | Feb 6, 2020
Nearly 30 million Americans will struggle with disordered eating at some point in their lives, and millions of others with food and weight preoccupation. These serious illnesses affect individuals across the spectrum of gender, ethnicity, age, and socioeconomic status. Join the AANMC and Dr. Lily Stokely for an intimate view into the sensitive topic of disordered eating.
Dr. Stokely will cover:
– the role of a naturopathic physician in an integrative outpatient approach to eating disorder treatment
– diagnosis and naturopathic treatment of eating disorders
– eating disorder prevention
– a patient story of overcoming disordered eating
*Webinar does not qualify for CE
*The information you submit in this registration will be used to inform you of updates to this event and will enroll you in the AANMC newsletter. The AANMC values your privacy. Please see how we protect your data in our privacy policy .
To view the archive of past webinar recordings, please click here.
About the Presenter
Dr. Lily Stokely is the founder of One Connection Healthcare, in addition to the serving as lead physician for eating disorder treatment at Rooted Heart Healthcare. She is a licensed primary care naturopathic physician who studied naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University, receiving extra curricular training in intuitive eating, kinesio taping, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, biofeedback, trigger point injection therapy, homeopathy, as well as completion of a two-year counseling internship as a student counselor at the University. She completed a two year residency under the supervision of Dr. Molly Niedermeyer at Emerald City Naturopathic Clinic.
Dr. Stokely holds a bachelors of science degree in dietetics from The University of California, Berkeley where she gained additional training in teaching Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating models. Additionally, she is a yoga teacher with experience instructing private and public classes as well as yoga teacher trainings. Dr. Stokely is a group facilitator for support groups of varying topics including eating disorders, intuitive eating, relationships and movement/exercise.
She lives and practices from the perspective that every individual has their own unique definition of what it means to be healthy. Dr. Stokely is passionate about aiding people in their exploration of health and works from an integrative, whole body, mind, spirit perspective. She believes that it is important to practice what she teaches and does her best to live from a place of self-care, kindness, and compassion as she hopes to help others do the same.
Prior to her work in health, Dr. Stokely grew up in a very small, rural community in the far northern mountains of California. She was raised learning to care for the land through gardening and tending to the farm animals. This childhood allowed her to develop a deep appreciation for nature and a passion for discovering the human connection within it. In her spare time she currently enjoys spending time with family, hiking, camping, skiing, gardening, and playing frisbee with her German Shepherd.
*The information you submit in this registration will be used to inform you of updates to this event and will enroll you in the AANMC newsletter. The AANMC values your privacy. Please see how we protect your data in our privacy policy .
by AANMC | Jan 8, 2020 | Featured Articles, News, Success Stories
“Before discovering naturopathic medicine, I felt a hunger for more information about the human body in both physical and emotional states. I felt torn between more mental/emotional healthcare fields and the physical. It seemed confusing that they were separated in conventional medicine. Naturopathic medicine is the only healthcare profession that I know of that has the ability to fully support all aspects of health. I wanted a profession that I knew I wouldn’t be bored with. I wanted to feel inspired and to have a foundation of tools that I could continue to learn from.”
Laying the groundwork to become an ND
“I always had an interest in health and medicine. Much of my life I knew I wanted to become a doctor. In college at the University of California, Berkeley, I studied dietetics hoping it would provide a more comprehensive view of health than simply diagnosing and prescribing medications. I knew I wanted to support people from a more holistic perspective and I didn’t feel that medical doctors had all the information. After studying dietetics, I graduated and was reminded again that this field also was only one piece to the holistic health puzzle. I wanted to support people with all determinants of health, not just one through nutrition. At this time, I didn’t know naturopathic medicine existed. I took two gap years and lived in Australia and South East Asia studying and teaching yoga while waitressing and deciding my next career moves. I found naturopathic medicine through the yoga community. After learning more about the naturopathic medical field it felt like everything that had been lacking in other health professions was miraculously combined in one provider. I applied to Bastyr from a beach in Thailand and quickly returned home to interview.”
Bastyr as a springboard
“After traveling through many countries, living in the Bay Area, and growing up in Northern California, I felt slightly ungrounded from a sense of where ‘home’ was. Seattle and the surrounding areas of Bastyr felt like home before I even moved there. In touring the school, the idea of taking breaks to walk on trails and being surrounded by gardens and fresh air felt supportive and needed amongst the intense course load I was about to embark on. The emphasis on research-based medicine and Bastyr’s reputation within the natural healthcare field was also important in my decision. Bastyr was the foundation to the therapeutic tools and philosophy that inspire me in practice. I gained a solid science background and exposure to many healing therapies.
After graduating I finished a two-year naturopathic residency with Emerald City Clinic in Seattle with an emphasis in primary care. In the last six months of residency, I started the process of starting my own clinic, opening a week after finishing my residency. I was fortunate to be able to have the majority of my patients have continuity of care from residency to private practice and opened my doors with a full schedule.
My private practice got busier than expected in the first year. I hired a full-time resident to join me one year into practice with two administrative staff. My husband also joined the practice as a naturopathic doctor. I leave work most days feeling fulfilled. Work days are long, however I’m working with a personal coach to find ways to improve work-life balance and walk the talk of foundations of health.”
Finding fulfillment as an ND
“Life is full, busy, wonderful, and challenging. The aspects I love most about being a naturopathic doctor are the vast amount of tools we have to support individuals. We never have to practice by a ‘one size fits all model.’ Bodies are diverse and naturopathic medicine provides tools to support and respect this diversity. One of my favorite experiences as an ND is when a patient may not tolerate or like the original suggestion of treatment that I provide and I then get to use creativity to provide an option that feels supportive to them individually. I am passionate about supporting people who are underserved in healthcare and providing a compassionate approach to aid in both physical healing, but also trust in the healthcare field.”
Advice for aspiring NDs
“It is important to go in clear on why you are choosing naturopathic medicine. The training and practice is hard, but it is rewarding work. If you are not connected with the why of what you are doing, it will lead to burn out.
I attribute much of my career success to developing skills to remain adaptable, while finding the aspects of the profession that allowed my innate skills to shine. I found a few skills that I knew I wanted to hone in on including eating disorder treatment and physical medicine early in my learning at Bastyr. At the time I may not have known that these would be my ‘specialties’ however in hindsight getting specific with skill development helped me develop a niche that has allowed my practice to thrive. I practice from a concept of Health at Every Size with all of my patients which embraces the idea that people’s bodies can be healthy at any size if given the support needed to respect hunger/fullness cues and step away from a diet centered approach to health. This concept partners with intuitive eating and includes dismantling of weight bias amongst individuals and our culture. These concepts are also the foundation of eating disorder prevention and treatment that I provide in my practice.”
Join Dr. Stokely for a free webinar – Eating Disorders, Naturopathic Care Can Help
“Naturopathic medicine matches every aspect of care that someone with an eating disorder may need such as counseling, nutritional support, treating digestive sequelae, lab analysis, and elongated visits. Although naturopathic doctors are well suited to provide eating disorder care, direct training in eating disorder treatment is limited in the medical field as a whole.”
Join Dr. Stokely for an informative webinar to learn about the need for eating disorder professionals, where to start if interested in becoming an eating disorder provider, and how the support of naturopathic physicians can be essential in eating disorder care. Click here to register.
Learn more about Dr. Stokely:
Website
Embody: Learning to Love Your Unique Body – personal excerpts about body image
Continued education courses on eating disorder treatment
by AANMC | Dec 18, 2019 | Featured Articles, News
A Year of Academics, Scholarship and Community Outreach
Each and every year, the field of naturopathic medical education advances significantly. We are proud to recap the advances our seven accredited naturopathic medical schools made in academics, scholarship and community outreach during 2019. Looking ahead, there is a lot to be excited for as well!
Click the tabs above to read messages from each of the schools.
A Year of Inclusion and Equity
Bastyr University
Campuses in San Diego, California & Seattle, Washington
As Bastyr University concludes its 41st year, we reflect on some of the milestones and achievements that have furthered our mission to create a more healthful world for all:
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training. Bastyr welcomed Dr. Kortet Mensah as the inaugural Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Starting in fall quarter of 2019, all faculty, staff and students at the Kenmore campus participated in DEI trainings, which included community-based conversations about levels of oppression, factors that contribute to and derail oppression, and strategies to advance inclusive diversity and equity at Bastyr and beyond. DEI training at Bastyr University California will begin in winter quarter of 2020.
Health Equity Speaker Series. The Center for Social Justice and Diversity also launched a Health Equity Speaker Series this fall, with its first topic titled “What is Health? The Need for Health Equity.” Students who helped facilitate this event are a part of the Center’s Student Leadership Certificate Program, designed to support students in developing skills in the areas of professional leadership, social justice, and cultural humility. The one-year program complements existing degree programs through its focus on practical and engaged leadership skills
Support for Susan G. Komen. On November 3, the Bastyr University California Sports Medicine Club provided services in the survivor tent at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Students practiced physical medicine modalities such as light massage and stretching, taping, icing, trigger point therapy and cupping. In addition, ND students and residents provided health screenings in the main event area for the 9,000 participants. Students enjoyed giving back to the local community and educating participants about Bastyr University Clinic’s integrative oncology services.
2019 marked 100 years of licensure in the United States — a milestone achieved through the tireless efforts of many individuals. Our 141 newest ND graduates join this great community and look forward to bringing more innovations in naturopathic medicine into the new decade!
To learn more about Bastyr, click here.
A Year of Commitment and Excellence
Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The Boucher Institute would like to once again congratulate its students for outperforming the average NPLEX results by a healthy margin. We credit the ability and commitment of our faculty that continue to be second to none in terms of preparing our students to become excellent, compassionate doctors. BINM would also like to congratulate the school’s team of students who once again, came first at the NMSA cup competition in Portland, OR last August.
Our academic team will be expanding in order to support the school’s growth and new programs. Additionally, we have invested in developing new and exciting fundraising sources to benefit students and ensure that our tuition costs remain as steady as possible over the longer term.
New programs are being built to ensure continued graduate success and employment opportunities for BINM graduates. Our core program will continue to teach our students the benefits of practicing collaborative medicine, and we are in process of creating relationships with other higher education institutions to broaden student opportunities in areas like research and recruitment. Boucher graduates are grounded in the roots of the naturopathic medicine and its supporting science, because it represents the soundest form of sustainable medicine. We look forward to what will be an exciting 2020.
To learn more about BINM, click here.
A Year of Research and Innovation
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
For CCNM, 2019 can be characterized by the terrific strides the College has made in research and innovation. Our efforts this year focused on a few key areas.
The microbiome. More than just a buzzword, the microbiome plays a significant role in maintaining our health and preventing disease. CCNM embarked in a landmark study to explore the interplay between our environment and the microbiome in mothers and newborns; particularly, how exposure to pharmaceutical drugs and environmental toxins affect health outcomes during pregnancy.
Lab testing. CCNM launched a high-quality, evidence-informed webinar series in September to examine the value of laboratory testing in clinical practice, and support NDs and other health-care practitioners in diagnostic decision-making. The first two webinars are on the topics of hematology, kidney and urinalysis.
Student scholarship. Now in its second year, the Student Innovation Fund is a grant competition that nurtures student-led research at CCNM. This year’s winners are currently assessing the impact of naturopathic care being provided to patients with fibromyalgia at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, CCNM’s academic medical centre.
It’s no surprise that CCNM is considered a hub of naturopathic research. We look forward to even more discovery in 2020!
To learn more about CCNM, click here.
A Year of New Opportunities
National University of Health Sciences
Chicago, Illinois
National University of Health Sciences continues to expand its Clinical Clerkship program for naturopathic medicine students. Throughout 2019, NUHS added three new clinical opportunities. These internships at the Aurora Clinic, Salvation Army Clinic in Chicago and the Center for Integral Health in Lombard have unique patient populations that can help students prepare for various types of practice and provide hands-on, real-world experience for our student clinicians. They also have the added benefit of being located in the Chicago area near campus.
As part of a homeopathic rotation at the Center for Integral Health in Lombard, students are able to work alongside Timothy Fior, MD, who is also a lecturer in Clinical Sciences at NUHS and Lisa Krebs, ND, an NUHS alumnae. “Students will come away with the confidence and skills to accurately use this important modality in practice,” Dr. Krebs said.
At the NUHS Whole Health Center in Aurora, NUHS has added a ND faculty clinician who will attend shifts at the clinic each week with ND interns. NUHS also added an ND faculty clinician to supervise students at the Salvation Army clinic in Chicago. This supervision allows interns to provide more naturopathic modalities at the clinic such as basic bloodwork and constitutional hydrotherapy treatments.
Faculty members look forward to working with students as they continue to take advantage of these opportunities in 2020. For more information about clinical internship opportunities visit the NUHS website.
To learn more about NUHS, click here.
A Year of New Leadership and Advancement
National University of Natural Medicine
Portland, Oregon
NUNM welcomed our new president Dr. Christine Girard, a 1997 NUNM graduate who is already building on NUNM’s history of thinking and healing holistically. She’s excited about NUNM’s role in the intersection between naturopathic medicine and public health, and recently shared an update in AANMC’s November newsletter.
Through our 2019 acquisition of IPSL Institute for Global Learning, we have expanded the opportunities for students to participate in service-learning programs as part of their education. We also now offer two international master’s programs, giving current and future students greater opportunities to become advocates for social justice. We’re very excited for what this new partnership has in store for 2020!
Next year, we look forward to our students continuing to bring integrative health care to our local communities through programs at our academic health centers. NUNM’s new shared clinical rotations allow students studying in both the ND and Chinese medicine programs to mix the two approaches in practice, providing patients with more integrative tracks to health. Our newest sites, opening in 2020, will be located in residential facilities in the Portland metro area where access to holistic care is less available. This model of integration has proven to be effective at maintaining patients’ engagement with their care regimens, and we’re excited to enhance patient outcomes and student learning through these new sites!
To learn more about NUNM, click here.
A Year of Transformation and Innovation
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Phoenix, Arizona
In Fall of 2019, SCNM announced plans to launch two 100% online Master of Science in Nutrition degrees – the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition (MSCN) and the Master of Science in Nutrition Business Leadership (MSNBL). Both programs will seat their first class in April of 2020. The MSCN will educate and inspire the next generation of leaders and practitioners in the field of clinical nutrition and the MSNBL will educate and inspire current and future leaders to grow the global natural products industry. Both programs will equip graduates with evidence-based and sustainable practices that safely, ethically, and effectively enhance the health and well-being of the people and communities they serve.
Additionally, SCNM is in the early building stages of The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research. This state-of-the-art molecular biology and phytochemistry laboratory will work in collaboration with the natural products industry and other academic institutions to develop new products and improve existing botanical therapeutics through scientific exploration grounded in herbalism’s rich tradition. Scheduled to open in 2020, the Institute will conduct analytical testing, cellular and molecular biology assays, and metabolomic testing. Furthermore, the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research will expand research opportunities for students.
To learn more about SCNM, click here.
A Year of Change and Celebration
University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine
Bridgeport, Connecticut
In October, the College of Health Sciences hosted more than 150 statewide experts and healthcare leaders for its inaugural symposium, Building Bridges: Implementing Healthcare Solutions to Prevent Opioid Addiction and Chronic Pain in Connecticut.
In March 2019 the University of Bridgeport announced that the School of Naturopathic Medicine will be closing its doors, based on a wide variety of factors, including a restructure of the University. The students enrolled as of the spring semester will complete the teach-out, with the last class graduating in May 2022. In the meantime, however, we are celebrating every success and appreciating all the little things that are often taken for granted. Each event, including the Back to School Barbeque, Philosophy Day, and the Thanksgiving Pot Luck takes on new meaning. We have had so many folks reaching out and helping us to champion our profession and the level of achievement that we have reached in the last few years.
by Jami Tanner | Dec 5, 2019
Millions of people experience depression and anxiety, and often feel their only option is to take medications that may not completely resolve the issues. Studies show that anxiety and depression are related both to our genetic tendencies and our exposure to various stresses in life. We can address our genetic tendencies and help our bodies recover from stress using natural approaches such as mindfulness, dietary changes, nutrients, amino acid therapy, as well as optimizing hormones, blood sugar, and gut bacteria. Naturopathic doctors can serve this population and help people resolve mood-related issues once and for all.
*Webinar does not qualify for CE
*The information you submit in this registration will be used to inform you of updates to this event and will enroll you in the AANMC newsletter. The AANMC values your privacy. Please see how we protect your data in our privacy policy .
To view the archive of past webinar recordings, please click here.
About the Presenter
Donielle (Doni) Wilson, is a doctor of naturopathic medicine (Bastyr University alumna), natural health expert, nutritionist, midwife and author who believes it is possible to be healthy, even when we are stressed. After experiencing and recovering from stress herself, Dr. Doni wrote a book called The Stress Remedy. In that book she redefines stress to include toxins, food sensitivities, and lack of sleep. She explains how stress causes adrenal distress, leaky gut, and blood sugar imbalances. And she offers expert guidance on how to reclaim optimal health with the approach she has used to help thousands of patients. She specializes in gluten sensitivity, intestinal permeability, adrenal stress, insulin resistance, neurotransmitter imbalances, hypothyroidism, women’s health issues, autoimmunity and genetic variations called “SNPs”, such as MTHFR, which can have a profound impact upon your health. For nearly 20 years, she has helped women, men and children overcome their most perplexing health challenges and achieve their wellness goals by crafting individualized strategies that address the whole body and the underlying causes of health issues. Dr. Doni is frequently called upon to discuss her approach in the media, as well as at both public and professional events. She writes a blog that you can find at DrDoni.com.
*The information you submit in this registration will be used to inform you of updates to this event and will enroll you in the AANMC newsletter. The AANMC values your privacy. Please see how we protect your data in our privacy policy .
by AANMC | Dec 4, 2019 | Featured Articles, News
Never leave home without these key items that will keep you healthy while you’re on the road.
For many, the holiday season means it’s time to hit the road to visit far-flung family and friends. Though reuniting with loved ones is wonderful, the long trips can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. While you’re away from home, your body is working twice as hard to cope with circumstances that are outside your daily routine, from dehydration and dietary changes to lack of sleep and stress. This can often result in catching a cold or coming down with something even worse.
To stay healthy and fend off illnesses while traveling, let naturopathic medicine be your co-pilot. We asked several naturopathic experts to explain why travel often makes us sick, reveal how to avoid catching a bug, and share the items that are always on the packing list for their holistic travel kit.
Travel can wear down your immune system for a number of reasons.
During a trip, the risk of getting sick increases greatly because of the close contact with people and bacteria.
“Our odds of being exposed to different pathogens increase tremendously. Pathogens could also be waterborne such E. coli and dysentery; insect-borne such as Lyme and malaria; and food-borne such as salmonella.”
Simona Ciobanu, ND
Graduate, National University of Health Sciences
Lack of sleep—whether it’s caused by an early morning wake-up call or a trip across time zones—can also weaken your defenses. “Without adequate rest, the body loses precious time involved in regenerating and restoring itself,” says Dr. Nazanin Vassighi.
When flying, the recirculated air in plane cabins often has lower oxygen and humidity concentrations. Dr. JoAnn Yanez calls it the “perfect storm for germs to take hold.” It can also dehydrate you quicker, which can make you feel tired and can compromise your ability to flush pathogens from your mucus membrane.
In addition, it’s easy to make poor nutrition choices when you’re out of your normal routine. “Grabbing processed foods to eat on the run so you can catch that flight, or over-indulging in foods you are not typically used to consuming can compromise your gastrointestinal health and deny your body and immune system the nutrients needed to keep infection at bay,” Dr. Vassighi says.
Avoiding these travel pitfalls is challenging, but it can be done if you take extra precautions and plan ahead.
“It goes without saying that basic hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing and keeping hands away from our mouth, nose, and eyes become even more important than usual,” Dr. Ciobanu says.
On an airplane, disinfecting your tray table is always a good idea. “Let’s face it, your tray table has likely been touched by many passengers who probably don’t have ideal hand hygiene. Clean hands and a clean eating surface are extremely important in preventing foodborne illnesses! I disinfect my tray table and armrests before I even sit down on the plane.”
Taylor Arnold, PhD, RDN
Assistant Professor of Nutrition, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
When you arrive after changing time zones, Dr. Vassighi recommends melatonin to reset your body clock. “When we travel eastward, we lose time and therefore affect our body’s natural circadian rhythms of sleeping and waking. Taking several milligrams of melatonin (1 to 5 mg) the first night of your travels in the new time zone will ensure not only a good night’s rest, but re-trains your body to adapt its circadian rhythm to your vacation location so you can avoid feeling jet-lagged for the remainder of your trip,” she says.
“Before you hit the sack, get plenty of sunlight at the new destination to not only train your body to stay awake when it thinks it should be sleeping, but give an added benefit of Vitamin D production which is also an immune system enhancer,” she adds.
“Dehydration can be mitigated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after travel. “Seltzer or flavored water is another good option, as is tea. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as those are further dehydrating, and limit sodium intake.”
JoAnn Yanez, ND, MPH, CAE
Executive Director, Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges
Do some research ahead of time to plan your meals for the duration of your trip. “Hotels or rentals with a kitchenette are ideal, because they allow you the flexibility to prepare meals on the road,” Dr. Arnold says.
Plus, always travel with healthy snacks. “This will help you avoid snacking on convenience food, which can be loaded with salt, saturated fat, and other additives. Bring fruit or pre-cut and bagged veggies for your travel days, but make sure to research TSA rules, because they always seem to change! Bringing instant oats is a great way to save money and have a fiber filled breakfast before starting your day,” she adds.
“Increase your veggie intake and decrease the sugar. Oftentimes we are tempted to ‘cheat’ on our vacation or see travel time as a special occasion to indulge in foods we don’t normally eat. Ensuring at least three to five servings of veggies and fruits a day near the beginning of your travel will contribute antioxidants and vitamins necessary for strong immunity. Sugar is notorious for decreasing our immune response so try to avoid large doses. Moderation is always key.”
Nazanin Vassighi, ND
Assistant Professor , Bastyr University - California
If you plan to dine out, look for healthy meal options at your destination. “Look for naturally colorful, plant-based meals with minimal added sugars. Check the nutrition information online, as menu titles can be deceiving,” Dr. Arnold says.
“Know where your food is coming from and do research about foodborne illness at your destination,” she says. “Are you traveling to a place where street food is off limits? How about a place where you might need to bring your own water to a restaurant? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an app called “Can I Eat This?” that will help you determine if a food is likely to be safe based on the region and type of food.”
“Avoid eating foods that are easily contaminated—water, ice, fruits and vegetables that need to be rinsed in water—especially if traveling to locations where this could be an issue,” Dr. Yanez says.
The best way to fend off illnesses while traveling is to carry a kit full of natural remedies and treatments. Here are the top items to include:
- High-potency multivitamin and mineral formula – “This provides me with those good complex nutrients my body needs to function at optimal speed,” Dr. Ciobanu says.
- Vitamin C – “For several days before your departure date, take 500mg to 1000mg Vitamin C daily,” Dr. Vassighi says.
- Vitamin D – “On travel days or on the day before travel, I usually double my dose of Vitamin D for a little extra boost. Be careful with taking more than 2000 IU/day for an extended period of time without consulting your doctor,” Dr. Arnold says.
- Zinc lozenges – “I like to have zinc lozenges on hand for getting sick on the road. Zinc works best when taken at the very first sign of a cold or scratchy throat,” Dr. Arnold says.
- Antiviral herbal formula – “Different supplement companies have their own formulas, so my best advice is to find one that works for you. My favorite ingredients to look for are herbs such as Echinacea, Astragalus, Andrographis, and Sambucus, along with extra vitamins and minerals such as Zinc, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. When they are put together they make a powerful antiviral combination which stimulates the immune system and increases the production of pathogen fighting lymphocytes and natural killer cells,” Dr. Ciobanu says.
- Probiotics – “A good probiotic formula to look for is one that contains a number (at least eight) of different strains of these gut-friendly bacterias. Probiotics are phenomenal at supporting the immune system, aiding proper digestive function, fighting food-borne pathogens, reducing gut inflammation, and eliminating toxins from our systems. They may aide greatly in cases of constipation and diarrhea, especially those associated with travel,” Dr. Ciobanu says.
- Digestive enzymes – “These can greatly alleviate bloating, gas, and other digestive complaints associated with poor digestion while traveling and indulging on new foods,” Dr. Ciobanu says.
- Homeopathic remedies – “Homeopathy is one of the most powerful tools in naturopathic medicine because of its safe and gentle action on the body. I will usually bring either a pre-made kit that can be purchased online, or a few remedies on hand in case illness strikes,” Dr. Vassighi says.
- Dr. Ciobanu also always travels with a homeopathic kit. Here are her top 10 remedies:
- Arnica montana – traumas, bruises, soreness, aches.
- Arsenicum album – food poisoning scenarios involving diarrhea, vomiting, chilliness.
- Belladonna – high and sudden intense fevers. Dilated pupils, redness, heat with no sweating.
- Ferrum phosphoricum – high fevers with chills, rosy cheeks; may not act or feel acutely sick.
- Nux vomica – digestive upset due to overindulging in foods or alcohol; headaches, constipation.
- Aconitum napellus – any physical or emotional ailments from sudden fright or getting chilled.
- Cantharis – sunburns, UTIs with scalding and bloody drops of urine.
- Cocculus indicus – motion sickness, jet lag, time zone changes, insomnia.
- Ledum – insect bites or blunt trauma, relieved by cold application.
- Apis – insect bites, hives, allergic reactions; with swelling, redness and heat; relieved by cold.
- Water bottles – “Always have a spare BPA-free filter bottle on hand. In addition, bring a BPA-free collapsible water bottle for day trips to avoid carrying a big and bulky empty water bottle by the end of the day. Filter bottles are great to keep if you run out of water. If you ever need to drink tap water or from a drinking fountain, having a filter water bottle is a nice way to clean your water and improve the taste,” Dr. Arnold says.
- Woolen socks – “Warming sock therapy is a great way to decrease fever without using medications and to decrease areas with congestion, such as sinuses or lungs. Before bed, begin by placing your feet in a tub of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse a pair of cold cotton socks in cold water, wring excess water out as completely as possible, and place on your feet. Next, pull a pair of woolen socks over your cold wet socks on your feet, and head to bed. While you sleep, your body will begin the process of bringing increased circulation and warmth to your feet, drying the wet socks while the wool acts as an insulator. This process of hydrotherapy stimulates the immune system by the pumping action of the blood to the extremities and back to the heart, which is effective as a potent fever-reducer,” Dr. Vassighi says.
- Healthy snacks – Dr. Arnold recommends portable fruit (like bananas, oranges, and apples), pre-cut and bagged veggies, and granola bars with low added sugar and high fiber.
- Fiber supplement – “Many people have trouble with constipation when traveling. A fiber supplement, like psyllium husk, is a great, natural way to help with this. Make sure you are drinking enough water to avoid making the constipation worse,” Dr. Arnold says.
- Tea bags and travel mug – Herbal, green, and medicinal teas are all good choices. Sleep blends and constipation blends can be especially useful. Most airport coffee shops will fill up your cup with hot water if you ask nicely. Some airports also have hot water dispensers.
As with any supplements or remedies, consult with a naturopathic doctor before making drastic changes to your regular routine. Click here to find a naturopathic doctor in the US or Canada. When you plan ahead and have the right naturopathic tools in your travel kit, traveling doesn’t have to result in illness.
