Ask Kadeja

ihcmontreal-team-kadeja

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

How are NDs trained?

NDs who are trained outside of Quebec have a minimum of three years university, followed by four years at an accredited college of naturopathic medicine. The education includes basic sciences (for instance. anatomy and dissection, pathology, biochemistry, pharmacology, etc.), naturopathic principles and therapeutics, 4500hrs including 1200 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Naturopaths trained in Quebec have about 1500 hours total, unless they have done the 3rd level doctoral program at the EESNQ and will have done about 4500 hours total.

What kinds of therapies are used?

  • Nutrition: Clinical nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. A diet adjustment may be recommended, and the naturopathic plan may include nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, glandulars 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: Plant substances are used for their healing effects and nutritional value.
  • Homeopathic: Homeopathy, which was developed in the 1700s, is currently practiced worldwide, especially in Europe, Latin America and Asia. Minute amounts of natural substances are used to stimulate the body’s self-healing abilities.
  • Hydrotherapy: The therapeutic use of hot or cold water (immersion, compresses, wrapping, etc.) to stimulate circulation in the body.

Who benefits from seeing a Naturopathic Practitioner ND?

A person of any age, from infancy to the elderly, with any health concern can benefit from Naturopathic care. I see people of all ages – babies, children, teens, adults, pregnant mom’s-to-be, and the elderly. These people see me for various reasons. They may be healthy, but looking to improve their state of health and well-being, in order to prevent any body or system imbalances. Or, they may be suffering from an acute symptom and want to kick-start their own healing processes naturally.

Finally, they may have a chronic symptom and are either looking for alternatives, or are looking for a more natural approach to managing their symptoms which can work in conjunction with their conventional medical treatments.

Do Naturopathic Practitioners 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,  etc., when necessary, enables a holistic effective treatment approach to your specific health concerns.

What is the difference between a Homeopath and a Naturopathic Practitioner ND?

A Naturopathic Practitioner ND uses homeopathy as one of the many therapies that may be integrated into a total treatment plan. Homeopathy is the practice of the use of active ingredients in minute dosage, in order to kick-start the body to heal itself. A Homeopath, on the other hand, uses homeopathy exclusively. Naturopaths are trained in homeopathy as part of their standard educational program and are examined in homeopathy for licensing purposes.

Are you covered by medicare?

While Naturopathy 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.

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 constricting airways; 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, for example Lactase which is needed to breakdown the milk sugar lactose.