Like family doctors, many naturopathic doctors (NDs) serve as primary care providers, trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases at all stages of life. NDs complete an intensive four-year program at an accredited naturopathic medical school and intern in clinical care settings with other medical professionals. Increasingly, NDs are enrolling in specialty and integrative medicine residencies, where they gain practical experience alongside conventionally trained MDs.
NDs provide evidence-based, whole-person care for patients of all ages, customizing treatment recommendations to meet the diverse needs of different populations.
The Lifelong Health Continuum
Over the past 30 years, primary care has adopted a life-course approach to health that begins in gestation and continues through late adulthood. Each stage brings its own set of health conditions and concerns. Adolescents often experience acne and hormone issues, while people in midlife may face metabolic, heart, and musculoskeletal challenges. Cognitive decline typically starts in older age.
Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of death and disability globally, affect people of all ages, and place undue strain on healthcare systems.1Naturopathic Workforce and Non-Communicable Diseases. World Naturopathic Federation. Published June 2022. Accessed May 20, 2024. https://worldnaturopathicfederation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Non-communicable-Diseases-NCDs.pdf
According to the World Naturopathic Federation, naturopathic medicine excels in preventing and treating NCDs.1Naturopathic Workforce and Non-Communicable Diseases. World Naturopathic Federation. Published June 2022. Accessed May 20, 2024. https://worldnaturopathicfederation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Non-communicable-Diseases-NCDs.pdf These diseases have modifiable risk factors such as lifestyle behaviors, physical activity, dietary choices, and environmental exposure. Naturopathic care addresses changeable factors as a primary step in treatment.
Three of four naturopathic patients have an NCD—the most common of which are musculoskeletal conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, behavioral health issues, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and endocrine disorders.
Children and Youth (Age 0–18)
Although preventive practices benefit patients of all ages, they are particularly valuable for children. A healthy childhood is a key predictor of lifelong health.2Solomonian L. Scope of practice and principles of care of naturopathic medicine in North America: a commentary. Children (Basel). 2021;9(1):8. doi:10.3390/children9010008
More than 40 percent of school-aged children have at least one chronic health condition, such as asthma, food allergies, diabetes, or obesity.3Managing Chronic Health Conditions in Schools. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published August 19, 2022. Accessed May 20, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/chronicconditions.htm
Naturopathic doctors support child and adolescent health, educating families about lifestyle practices that promote growth and development2Solomonian L. Scope of practice and principles of care of naturopathic medicine in North America: a commentary. Children (Basel). 2021;9(1):8. doi:10.3390/children9010008:
- Eating a whole-food diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Improving sleep quality
- Reducing exposure to environmental contaminants
- Minimizing stress
Children are especially vulnerable to environmental toxins and stress. In areas where toxic exposure runs high, families are particularly susceptible to the harmful health effects of climate change, like wildfire smoke and extreme heat. NDs work closely with these families to develop practical, affordable, and effective treatment plans tailored to their unique needs.2Solomonian L. Scope of practice and principles of care of naturopathic medicine in North America: a commentary. Children (Basel). 2021;9(1):8. doi:10.3390/children9010008
Many parents are also concerned about medication safety and look for a range of treatment options. Prescription medicines can have serious side effects for kids. A naturopathic approach is gentler and less invasive. For example, conventional therapy for inflammatory skin issues, such as acne, often involves steroids and antibiotics. Naturopathic treatment for cystic acne might begin with an assessment of the gut microbiome. Restoring internal balance can resolve inflammation and help with other childhood and adolescent conditions, like psoriasis and asthma.4Steel A. Naturopathic patient care during different life stages: an international observational study of naturopathic practitioners and their patients. BMC Health Serv Res. 2022;22(1):947. doi:10.1186/s12913-022-08344-0
Early Adulthood (Age 18 to Mid–30s)
Early adulthood is the time when prevention can change long-term health outcomes. In 2019, about 54 percent of young adults had at least one chronic condition, and more than 22 percent had multiple conditions. More than 25 percent were obese, over 21 percent reported depression, and nearly 11 percent were struggling with high blood pressure.5Watson KB. Chronic conditions among adults aged 18─34 years — United States, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2022;71. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7130a3
Naturopathic medicine promotes healthy weight by supporting metabolism, diet, and physical activity. To address common early adulthood concerns such as hypertension, insomnia, and anxiety, naturopathic doctors focus on fortifying the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation, restoring hormone balance, and enhancing immunity.
Young adulthood is also a time when many people seek fertility support and care. With infertility affecting one in eight couples trying to conceive, many are turning to naturopathic preconception strategies—such as personalized meal plans, herbal supplements, and stress reduction—to increase their chances of pregnancy. NDs provide essential support throughout pregnancy and after birth, when postpartum depression risk runs high.
Middle Adulthood (Mid–30s to Mid–60s)
Many people are still in their physical prime as they reach middle age but may begin to experience aches and pains and a decline in energy. Hormone-related conditions are common during this time, particularly for women and gender-diverse individuals. Perimenopause typically affects women in their 40s to early 50s with symptoms including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, low energy, and mood swings. Naturopathic medicine seeks to alleviate perimenopause symptoms with medicinal herbs, supplements, and lifestyle recommendations—like meditation and yoga.
Perimenopause elevates a woman’s risk for conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis. To reduce this risk, naturopathic doctors take a holistic approach. They may recommend increasing vitamin D and calcium intake to support bone health. For arthritis pain, NDs often suggest anti-inflammatory herbs, probiotics, and omega–3 fatty acids.
Many NDs complete training in conventional hormone replacement therapies and specialized hormone formulations. They offer valuable guidance in managing perimenopause symptoms and improving overall health, helping women to navigate menopause.
Throughout menopause, NDs focus on addressing symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances while also working to prevent conditions like heart disease, cognitive decline, and osteoporosis. Their recommendations often include aerobic exercise, weight or resistance training, and stretching to support heart, bone, and mental health. Medicinal herbs like saffron and St. John’s Wort can improve mood, while reducing alcohol consumption can improve sleep, relieve hot flashes, and help women maintain a healthy weight.
Late Adulthood (Age 65 and Up)
More people are maintaining a healthy lifestyle into late adulthood with regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and solid social connections. At this stage, heart, bone, and joint health are the priorities. It’s essential for older adults to maintain their blood pressure and weight to lessen stress on the body.
Naturopathic care for older adults also centers on preventing and treating cognitive decline, which can be a precursor to dementia and possibly Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to using specific nutrients to support brain health and exploring genetic factors, naturopathic doctors assess the gut microbiome, mitochondria, and neurotransmitters. NDs help patients make simple lifestyle changes that improve cognitive health, such as socializing more often, deepening community engagement, and ensuring a strong, supportive network.
Naturopathic Doctors Never Stop Learning
Naturopathic doctors receive evidence-based medical training comparable to MDs, but their training doesn’t stop there. They pursue opportunities to expand their knowledge, fulfill continuing education requirements, and keep their license in good standing. International naturopathic organizations (like the World Naturopathic Federation), national organizations (the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors), and state/provincial organizations in Washington, Oregon, Arizona, California, and Ontario offer conferences, webinars, and other clinical learning opportunities.
While some organizations help NDs support patients in specific life stages, such as the Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians and American Association of Naturopathic Midwives, others offer courses, resources, and certifications for lifelong care, including the Naturopathic Academy of Primary Care Physicians, Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Psychiatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians, British Columbia Naturopathic Doctors, and Alberta Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
Naturopathic doctors regularly work with other healthcare professionals to treat patients across the lifespan. Practitioners learn from each other, and patients benefit from expanded treatment options. For example, oncologists may facilitate chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, while NDs support healing and reduce the adverse effects of conventional treatments.
To learn more about how naturopathic medicine can enhance healthcare systems with evidence-based approaches for managing chronic disease throughout life, download Naturopathic Physicians as Whole Health Specialists, The Future is Whole Person Health Care.
Footnotes
- 1Naturopathic Workforce and Non-Communicable Diseases. World Naturopathic Federation. Published June 2022. Accessed May 20, 2024. https://worldnaturopathicfederation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Non-communicable-Diseases-NCDs.pdf
- 2Solomonian L. Scope of practice and principles of care of naturopathic medicine in North America: a commentary. Children (Basel). 2021;9(1):8. doi:10.3390/children9010008
- 3Managing Chronic Health Conditions in Schools. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published August 19, 2022. Accessed May 20, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/chronicconditions.htm
- 4Steel A. Naturopathic patient care during different life stages: an international observational study of naturopathic practitioners and their patients. BMC Health Serv Res. 2022;22(1):947. doi:10.1186/s12913-022-08344-0
- 5Watson KB. Chronic conditions among adults aged 18─34 years — United States, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2022;71. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7130a3
