Join Dr. Janna Schmidt and Kristy Morrell for a discussion on navigating medication and lifestyle. Discover GoldCare's collaborative approach, integrating health coaches, dietitians, and natural health practitioners to address medication concerns and guide towards natural solutions. Hear real stories of transforming lives through nutrition and lifestyle changes. Gain valuable insights into making informed decisions about your health.

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The journey to wellness often involves a mix of nutrition, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. However, there is a growing interest in natural approaches to health, especially when it comes to reducing or eliminating the need for medications. In a recent class, Dr. Janna Schmidt, Wellness Director at GoldCare, and Kristy Morrell, a Registered Dietitian and Director of New Services, discussed the complexities of medication use and natural alternatives to achieving lasting health.

The GoldCare Approach: Collaboration and Integration

GoldCare offers a unique blend of wellness providers, including health coaches, ministers, integrated health practitioners, registered dietitians, and naturopaths. This diverse team collaborates closely to provide holistic care that goes beyond traditional medication-based treatments. Unlike many conventional systems where natural and medical providers seldom work together, GoldCare bridges this gap, offering a seamless approach to patient care.

The Challenge of Medications

When patients come to GoldCare seeking to reduce or eliminate medications, the process begins with understanding why the medication was prescribed in the first place. Often, medications are prescribed as a quick fix, without exploring natural solutions that could address the root cause of health issues. For example, headaches might be treated with pain relievers when dehydration or poor sleep could be the actual culprits.

Kristy Morrell shared her approach to working with patients on medication, focusing on diet and lifestyle adjustments. She highlighted how changes in nutrition, exercise, and daily habits can significantly impact conditions like high cholesterol, blood pressure, and even prediabetes.

The Problem with the Medical Industrial Complex

A significant barrier to natural wellness is the current medical system, often referred to as the Medical Industrial Complex. Many patients feel stuck between traditional medicine and natural approaches, with the burden placed on them to navigate this divide. GoldCare offers a solution by providing access to both natural and clinical experts who collaborate on patient care.

Real-Life Success Stories The class included stories of success with natural wellness approaches. One young man in his early thirties managed to control his blood pressure through diet and lifestyle changes, reducing his dependence on medication. Another story involved a diabetic patient who, through consistent lifestyle changes, no longer needed diabetes medication.

Dr. Schmidt also shared a story about cholesterol management. She emphasized the importance of understanding why the body produces cholesterol and how natural interventions, such as a diet rich in dark berries, can help maintain healthy levels without the need for statins.

Supplements: A Cautionary Tale

While natural supplements can be beneficial, not all are created equal. Dr. Schmidt and Morrell cautioned against overuse of supplements, particularly during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when some practitioners recommended excessive zinc intake. Such practices can lead to nutrient imbalances and health issues.

GoldCare is preparing to launch a supplement shop where all products are thoroughly vetted to ensure quality and safety. This initiative aims to help patients choose supplements that truly benefit their health.

The Power of Natural Remedies

The discussion also touched on natural alternatives to psychiatric medications. For example, getting outdoors and interacting with soil can have profound mental health benefits. Studies show that exposure to soil microbes can naturally boost serotonin and dopamine levels, offering a natural alternative to medications like Prozac.

Conclusion

GoldCare's approach to wellness highlights the potential of natural remedies and lifestyle changes to reduce dependence on medications. By fostering collaboration between natural and clinical providers, GoldCare offers patients a balanced and effective path to health. This class with Dr. Schmidt and Kristy Morrell underscores the importance of exploring natural options before resorting to medication, ultimately helping patients achieve true and lasting wellness.