Dr. Brenda Gill is a naturopathic physician in British Columbia. She is one of a traditional breed of doctors, committed to responding to the needs of the growing number of people who prefer to take a more natural approach to their health care. Many have tried other approaches and are looking for one tailored for them. The scope of diseases treatable with naturopathic medicine is very broad, from short term problems such as skin infections to chronic, degenerative illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cervical dysplasia, menopause, PMS, depression, allergies and many more.
'Many common problems can be successfully treated with a naturopathic approach. Beth, who had high cholesterol, hot flushes & night sweats and low energy came to me for options. I offered a new approach, which addressed the underlying cause of balancing the hormones. Poor diet choices were not the cause of the high cholesterol, but, a lack of knowledge in supporting the liver to break down the cholesterol. The substitution of certain foods and the addition of herbs and homeopathics minimized the hot flushes & night sweats & lowered her cholesterol to normal. I teach people through clear, simple action steps which often lead to results that even they didn't know were possible.'¯
'The wonderful thing about naturopathic medicine is the many options available, depending on an individual assessment of the person's health risks. For example, women that have menstrual problems are often given drugs that decrease the symptoms, but seldom address the underlying cause. I assess each person individually to manage the symptoms, as well as educating them on how they may reduce or prevent the problems from re-occurring. In all cases, I try to work along with the medical doctor, so that health is always the goal.'¯
The advantages of using naturopathic medicine are: decreased side effects and stress on the body, the prevention of future illness, as well as educating people about what they can do at home, so that people don't have to see us as often. 'One of the comments we hear so often is that people feel that someone is listening, respects their opinion and gives them practical solutions to what is causing the problems, not just treating the symptoms.'¯
Dr. Gill has been practicing medicine for 11 years and writes a weekly column for 3 newspapers in the area. She has also written articles for Alive, a health magazine and other health related magazines. She has given talks to many businesses seeking to minimize health issues at work and actively involved in conferences on women's health.
