Naturopathic medicine Andrew Litchy, ND

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) Registered Naturopathic Doctor in Minnesota Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Oregon

Education Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine National College of Natural Medicine Portland, OR Research focus: designed, conducted several studies on meditation, bodywork with Heart Rate Variability and other outcomes. Shiatsu Certificate School of Classical Chinese Medicine Portland, OR BA, Physiology – University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Four years as an Emergency Room Technician at Regions Level One Trauma Center.

Activities Private practice in Edina, MN Meditation instructor Faculty: University of Minnesota and the National College of Natural Medicine. Lifestyle medicine, Pathophysiology, Life Cycles Nutrition Medical Supervisor at Pillsbury house community clinic

Why naturopathic medicine? While at Regions, I was in pre-med at the University of Minnesota with an intention to become a MD. As an emergency room technician, I saw many aspects of conventional medical care. The best of western medicine Poor chronic disease management. When I discovered naturopathic medicine, I saw that it addressed many of the problems of conventional medicine care.

Synthesis Interest in traditional systems of healing, naturopathic, meditation, Chinese medicine, homeopathy. Interest in research, evidence-based medicine, modern science. Frequently, these disciplines are perceived to be in opposition. It is vital that the strengths and limitations of each discipline be understood, and integrated.

What is a naturopathic medicine? Naturopathic medicine is based on a philosophy of care that emphasizes prevention of illness and the healing capacity of each individual patient.

Naturopathic Doctors Trained in the same diagnosis, pathology, pharmacology etc as conventional doctors (MD, DO). Order and interpret lab tests. Utilize cutting edge tests, and provide very careful interpretation of results. Diagnose disease Incorporate research and science. NDs are expects in drug/herb interactions.

Naturopathic Principles First do no Harm Vis Medicatrix Naturae Identify and Treat the Cause Doctor as Teacher Treat the Whole Person Prevention Wellness

Therapeutic order 1. Identify the conditions for health ID and remove disturbing factors This is about diet, lifestyle, stressors, food allergens, sleep, infections, and toxins of all kinds. Institute a more healthful regimen Diet, lifestyle, stress, sleep.

Therapeutic Order 2. Stimulate the healing power of nature (VMN) Certain supplements, herbs Hydrotherapy Homeopathy Stress reduction - Mind/Body Acupuncture Exercise Nature Cure – sunlight, being in green spaces, being outside.

Therapeutic Order 3. Address weakened or damaged organs or systems Strengthen immune system Decrease toxicity Normalize inflammatory function Optimize metabolic function Balance regulatory systems Enhance regeneration Harmonize with YOUR life-force.

Therapeutic Order 4. Correct structural integrity 5. Address pathology with natural substances, modalities, interventions 6. Address pathology with pharmaceuticals and synthetic substances 7. Suppress or surgically remove pathology.

Basic approach for ICCC Specialty testing. Improve nutrition. GI healing; infection, leaky gut, functional GI conditions. Immune system balance. Detoxification Potentially heavy metals, but I do not like to chelate. Better effects by supporting other systems

Testing Specialty testing. Allergy testing if elimination diet fails or is not desired Organic acids for nutrient status and screening for other issues: heavy metals, biochemical pathways, genetic problems, GI. GI testing Infections, GI function. Immune system function; cytokine levels, NK cells Genetic testing Methylation, detoxification, Hormones

Nutrition Nutrition is core Supplements are for healing, food is for living. Avoid allergens Elimination diet, specific carbohydrate, allergy testing. Sugar? Artificial ingredients? Whole, organic foods. Avoid processed foods

Antioxidents Oxidative stress is common Stress Nutrient def. Metabolic, genetic issues Whole foods, brightly colored veggies Simple. Supplementation Generic supplementation is not recommended.

GI Healing GI takes several months to heal, however benefits are noticed more quickly Avoiding stressors Addressing infection. Addressing digestive enzymes, stomach acid Restoring healthy bacteria Probiotics, prebiotics, whole foods diet

Immune system balance Herbs and other modalities can change the balance of the immune response. Sublingual desensitization. The basics. Addressing nutrient deficiencies Chronic infections, removing intolerances and allergens. GI health Stress

Nervous system Amino acids; based on def. Calming herbs Stress reduction Metabolic support Other members of ICCC will greatly help this area as well. Homeopathy, bodywork, movement therapy

Detoxification Methylation, other detox pathways Reducing exposure Stimulating organs of elimination Various levels of chelation Botanicals, ALA, NAC, modified citrus pectin and more. DMSA and EDTA are last resorts.

Case J. M. 5 yo boy Has right sided tick x4 weeks. Slight hyperactivity, rages, joint pain, difficulty sleeping, multiple colds per year Multiple specialists, full neuro-workup. Initial - Positive Lyme by PCR and ELISA. 3 months later - Food allergies; wheat/gluten, protein, various veggies, dairy.

Case Naturopathic and conventional antimicrobials reduced ticks, but did not fully resolve. With removal of major food intolerances and GI healing protocol ticks and most other symptoms completely resolved. 12 months after initial visit, no symptoms.

Case M. M. 7yo boy Difficulty concentrating, poor digestion, picky eater, multiple mood issues. ADHD? Initial – food allergy testing

Removed major allergens Whole foods diet Basic supplementation Fish oil, multi, probiotics 3 month follow up Mood improved, problems resolved at school, happier home life Noticed definite mood and behavior changes with reintroducing some foods.

Case TJ 45 yo woman Eye lid edema, severe abdominal pain/IBS sx. Unknown cause. Testing: GI panel, allergy panel. Removed allergenic foods, remove sulphites from diet enzymes, probiotics, GI healing protocol After three months, no more symptoms.

Case EL 26 yo male ADHD syx entire life, depression, multiple digestive complaints. Elimination diet, homeopathy (Agaricus M), botanicals, GI healing protocol. Over 9 month period, removed and reintroduced most potential allergens. Could not tolerate gluten. ADHD symptoms, digestion, and mental emotional symptoms were resolved completely.

Others W.T – 50 yo maleright sided abdominal pain: cholesterol went from 240s to 150s in six months. Elimination diet, Go healing. KL – 56 yo female palpitations x6 years, getting problematic. MD, would not take meds. Tincture, magnesium, EFAs. In two months completely resolved, no recurrence. MB – 24 yo male. Eczema, depression, indigestion fatigue. Elimination diet, botanicals, GI healing. Occasional eczema, but energy is great, depression is resolved.

Sun intolerance Anything gastrointestinal Chronic fatigue, fibro, lyme.