Ask Kadeja

The most asked questions to Kadeja Lefebvre, ND, Naturopathic Doctor

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic Medicine is a unique and comprehensive approach to improving health, preventing disease and treating illness or malaise. Focusing on prevention, and using natural substances and treatments, naturopathic doctors (NDs) support and stimulate the body's ability to heal itself.

The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illness, rather than simply treat or suppress symptoms. The naturopathic doctor considers the patient's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual make-up when determining the cause of illness or malaise, so as to develop a treatment plan that takes the whole being into consideration.

How are naturopathic doctors trained?

NDs have a minimum of three years premedical studies at university, followed by four years at an accredited college of naturopathic medicine. The education includes basic medical sciences (for instance. anatomy and dissection, diagnosis, pathology, biochemistry and pharmacology), naturopathic principles and therapeutics, as well as 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience.

What can you expect when you visit me?

My goal is to understand you and all the factors which impact your health. Your first visit lasts about 90 min, includes an in-depth health history, a physical examination and may request certain laboratory tests to further assist in making an assessment of your health. I then propose a personalized treatment plan to facilitate the healing process. The second visit lasts about 45 min and subsequent visits are about 30 min sometimes more. I will review your progress and modify your treatment plan as appropriate at that time.

What kinds of therapies are used?

Nutrition: Clinical nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. A diet adjustment may be recommended, and treatment may include nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, glandular extracts and enzymes.

  • Lifestyle counseling / stress management: Physical, emotional, nutritional, and environmental factors affect health, whereby the importance of achieving a proper psycho-physiological balance.
  • Botanical medicine: Plant substances are used for their healing effects and nutritional value.
  • Homeopathic medicine: Homeopathic medicine uses minute amounts of natural substances to stimulate the body's self-healing abilities. Developed in the 1700s, Homeopathic medicine is currently practiced worldwide, especially in Europe, Latin America and Asia.
  • Hydrotherapy: The therapeutic use of hot or cold water (immersion, compresses, wrapping, etc.) for the treatment of some disorders such as Crohn's, bronchitis, infections, etc.
  • Lymphatic Drainage: Soft tissue manipulation on the lymphatic system of the body to aid fluid circulation and help remove toxins.

Who benefits from seeing a Naturopathic Doctor?

A person of any age, from infancy to the elderly, with any health concern can benefit from Naturopathic Medical care. I see people of all ages - babies, children, teens, adults, pregnant women, and the elderly. These people see me for various reasons:

  1. Are healthy, but looking to improve their present and future state of health and well-being.
  2. Are suffering from an acute illness and want to kick-start their own healing processes naturally.
  3. Have chronic or degenerative illness, and are either looking for alternatives, or are looking for a more natural approach to their treatments which can work in conjunction with their conventional medical treatment.

Do you, as a Naturopathic Doctor, work with other health care professionals?

Yes. I believe strongly in integrative medicine. As I believe a team approach is the most beneficial for my patients, upon obtaining consent, I frequently contact their other health care providers. Referral to other health care practitioners such as medical doctors, osteopaths, physiotherapists, chiropractors, psychologists, acupuncturists, massage, etc., when necessary, enables a holistic effective treatment approach to your specific health concerns.

What is the difference between a Homeopath and a Naturopathic Doctor?

A Homeopath uses homeopathy exclusively by using active ingredients in minute dosage in order to kick-start the body to heal itself. A Naturopathic Doctor uses homeopathy as one of the many therapies that may be integrated into a total treatment plan. Naturopathic Doctors are trained in homeopathy as part of their standard educational program and are examined in homeopathy for licensing purposes.

Are you, as a Naturopathic Doctor, covered by Medicare?

While Naturopathic Medical care is not covered by the Medicare card, it is covered by many extended health-care plans, private or group insurance plans. My patients are encouraged to request that their policy include coverage of all Naturopathic services.

Do I need a referral to see you?

No. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I am a primary health-care provider. That means that anyone can see me at any time.

What is the difference between a food allergy and an intolerance or sensitivity?

A true food allergy is an immediate immune reaction to a food causing swelling, itchiness or airway constriction, known as an anaphylactic reaction. A food sensitivity or intolerance is a loosely used term to describe a reaction by a different part of the immune system that does not cause any overt symptoms. This is a delayed type immune reaction and symptoms may take up to 72 hrs. A food intolerance may also be due to the lack of a particular enzyme such as Lactase which is needed to breakdown the milk sugar lactose.