Frequently Asked Questions

Common signs include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, feeling cold, dry skin, hair thinning, constipation, and brain fog. Because these symptoms overlap with many conditions, a comprehensive thyroid evaluation is the best way to know what is really going on.

It can. A single TSH result does not always tell the full story. A functional workup often looks at Free T4, Free T3, reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies to reveal patterns, such as early autoimmune (Hashimoto's) activity, that a TSH alone may miss.

Our approach looks for the root cause, nutrient status (iodine, selenium, iron, vitamin D), gut health, blood sugar, and stress, and combines targeted nutrition, lifestyle changes and appropriate testing to support healthy thyroid function alongside your existing care.

Fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, low libido, irregular cycles, poor sleep, and brain fog are common signals. Hormones work as a connected system, so symptoms often point to more than one area, thyroid, adrenals and sex hormones together.

Often, yes. Blood sugar stability, stress management, quality sleep, targeted nutrition and correcting nutrient deficiencies can meaningfully improve hormone balance. Care is always individualized and coordinated with appropriate lab testing.

We use comprehensive testing tailored to your symptoms, which may include thyroid, adrenal (cortisol) and sex-hormone markers, so we can address the whole endocrine picture rather than a single number.

The gut influences immunity, mood, hormones, skin and inflammation. Because so much of the immune system lives in the gut, restoring digestive balance often improves symptoms that seem unrelated to digestion.

Bloating, gas, reflux, irregularity, food sensitivities, and IBS-type symptoms are common reasons patients come in, but improving gut function can also support energy, skin and immune resilience.

We look for root causes such as dysbiosis, food triggers and low digestive function, then use whole-food nutrition, fiber and fermented foods, and targeted support to rebuild a resilient gut lining and microbiome.

Rather than only suppressing symptoms, we work to calm the excess inflammation that drives autoimmune activity, addressing gut health, food triggers, stress and nutrient status, as a complement to your medical care.

They can share roots. Both involve an immune system that is over-reacting, and much of that regulation begins in the gut. Identifying and removing triggers often benefits both.

Depending on your history, we may evaluate food sensitivities, inflammatory markers, gut function and nutrient levels to build a targeted, root-cause plan.

Yes, as part of a comprehensive plan. Blood sugar swings, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, sleep and chronic stress all influence mood and mental clarity, and addressing them can meaningfully support brain health alongside any mental-health care you receive.

The gut and brain communicate constantly through the "gut–brain axis." Much of the body's serotonin is made in the gut, so digestive imbalances can affect mood, focus and stress resilience.

Consistent sleep, morning light, steady blood sugar, regular movement, and stress management are foundational. We help you build these habits and correct any underlying nutrient or hormone imbalances.

Metabolic health is one of the most responsive systems to lifestyle. Whole-food nutrition, movement, sleep and stress management can meaningfully improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, ideally coordinated with your physician.

Beyond fasting glucose and HbA1c, fasting insulin can reveal insulin resistance years earlier. A functional review of these markers helps catch trends before they become disease.

We focus on root-cause drivers, diet quality, weight, activity, stress and sleep, with personalized nutrition and lifestyle coaching that complements, and never replaces, your medical treatment.

It describes a pattern of ongoing tiredness, difficulty handling stress, cravings, poor sleep and low energy that many people experience under chronic stress. We evaluate the whole stress-and-hormone picture to understand what is driving your symptoms.

Depending on your case, cortisol patterns and related hormone and nutrient markers can help clarify how your body is handling stress, guiding a personalized plan.

Consistent sleep and morning light, balanced blood sugar, gentle movement, breath-work and adequate magnesium and B-vitamins all support a healthier stress response over time.

Everyday sources can include some seafood, older plumbing and paint, certain cosmetics and imported goods, and environmental pollution. Over time this adds to the body's total toxic load.

Fatigue, brain fog, headaches, digestive issues and stubborn symptoms that don't respond to usual care can prompt an evaluation. Testing helps determine whether metals are a contributing factor.

Safe detoxification is individualized and professionally guided, supporting the liver, kidneys, gut and lymph while using appropriate testing. We never recommend aggressive "cleanses" without proper oversight.

Weight is driven by more than "calories in, calories out." Hormones, thyroid, blood sugar, sleep, stress and gut health all play a role. Addressing these root causes is what makes results sustainable.

We build an individualized, whole-food plan around your metabolism and lab findings, not a one-size-fits-all diet, so changes are realistic, nourishing and lasting.

Yes. We look at hormone and blood-sugar balance, sleep and stress, and gut health so your body is set up to respond, rather than relying on willpower alone.

Nutrition, movement, healthy weight, blood-sugar balance and stress management are foundational to heart health. We help you strengthen these areas as a complement to your cardiologist's care.

A whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet, regular activity, quality sleep, not smoking, and managing stress and blood pressure all meaningfully support cardiovascular wellness.

Very much so. Metabolic health, weight and cardiovascular health are closely linked, which is why we address them together in a personalized plan.

Naturopathic medicine is a whole-person approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness using nutrition, lifestyle and evidence-informed natural therapies to support the body's own ability to heal.

A naturopathic doctor takes a detailed health history, looks at how your body systems connect, may recommend functional testing, and builds a personalized plan, always coordinated with your other healthcare providers.

No. Our care is designed to complement conventional medicine, not replace it. We work alongside your physicians as part of your overall care team.

A naturopathic doctor completes dedicated training in naturopathic medicine. At our clinic, care is provided by Dr. Gail Ravello, ND and is designed to complement, not replace, your conventional medical care.

Common reasons include fatigue, digestive issues, hormone and thyroid concerns, stress, weight, and a desire for prevention and whole-person wellness, always coordinated with your other providers.

We take a thorough health history, look at how your body systems connect, may recommend functional testing, and build a personalized nutrition and lifestyle plan around your goals.

Integrative medicine combines conventional medical care with evidence-informed complementary therapies, treating the whole person, body, mind and lifestyle, rather than isolated symptoms.

It uses the best of both worlds: it keeps the diagnostics and treatments of conventional medicine while adding nutrition, lifestyle and natural approaches that address root causes and support wellbeing.

Yes. Integrative care is meant to work with your existing medical treatment and providers, never in place of them.

Integrative medicine keeps the diagnostics and treatments of conventional care and adds evidence-informed complementary approaches, nutrition, lifestyle and natural therapies, chosen thoughtfully for you.

No. It is designed to work alongside your existing providers and treatment, never to replace them.

We take time to understand your full history and goals, look at how your systems connect, and build a personalized plan blending the best of conventional and natural care.

Homeopathy is a traditional system that uses highly diluted natural substances chosen to match a person's individual symptom picture. It is used as part of a broader, individualized plan of care.

No. We use homeopathy as a complementary approach within a whole-person plan, alongside, not in place of, appropriate medical care.

Selection is highly individualized, based on your specific symptoms, history and constitution, which is why a thorough consultation comes first.

No. Herbal (botanical) medicine uses plant-based remedies, while homeopathy uses highly diluted, individualized preparations. We may use either or both within a personalized plan.

Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted and generally well tolerated. We use them as a complementary approach alongside, not in place of, appropriate medical care.

Expect an in-depth conversation about your symptoms, history and constitution. That detail is what lets a remedy be matched to you as an individual.

Prevention focuses on the foundations of health, nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management and healthy weight, plus catching imbalances early through appropriate testing, so small issues don't become big ones.

Addressing root causes and daily habits early is one of the most effective ways to protect long-term health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

A whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet, regular activity, quality sleep, stress management and not smoking are the highest-impact places to start.

Depending on your history, functional and standard lab markers can reveal imbalances early, before they become problems. We recommend what makes sense for you.

Many people benefit from a seasonal or annual check-in to review nutrition, lifestyle and any new concerns. We suggest a cadence based on your goals.

Yes, nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management and not smoking are among the most powerful, well-supported ways to protect long-term health.

Depending on the cause, approaches such as anti-inflammatory nutrition, targeted movement, bodywork, stress reduction and correcting nutrient imbalances can all play a role in a personalized pain-management plan.

Yes. Natural approaches are meant to complement your existing care and are always coordinated with your other providers.

It depends on the source of your pain. A thorough evaluation helps us understand what is driving your symptoms and which supportive approaches make sense for you.

For some people, addressing root causes and adding supportive therapies helps them rely less on medication. Any changes to prescriptions should always be made with your prescribing provider.

People commonly seek help for musculoskeletal tension, headaches and chronic inflammatory pain. A thorough evaluation helps us understand what is driving your symptoms.

It depends on the cause and approach. Some people feel better quickly with bodywork and lifestyle changes, while root-cause improvements build over time.

Rather than an aggressive "cleanse," our approach supports the body's own detox systems, liver, kidneys, gut and lymph, through targeted nutrition, hydration and professional guidance.

Safe, effective detox support is individualized and professionally supervised. We do not recommend harsh, one-size-fits-all cleanses, which can do more harm than good.

Ongoing fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues and a high everyday toxin exposure are common reasons people ask about detoxification. An evaluation helps determine what is appropriate.

It varies by plan and goals, some people do a short reset over a couple of weeks, others follow a longer, gradual program. We set a realistic timeline at your first consultation.

A gentle, professionally guided program is designed to minimize that. Because we personalize the pace and support your liver, gut and hydration, most people feel steadily better rather than worse.

Rather than a harsh, one-size-fits-all cleanse, ours is individualized and doctor-guided, supporting your body's own detox pathways through nutrition and lifestyle, with safety first.

Colon hydrotherapy gently flushes the colon with warm, filtered water to help remove waste. It is offered as part of a broader digestive-health and detox-support plan.

It is not appropriate for everyone or every condition. A professional health review comes first to make sure it is safe and suitable for you.

Common reasons include constipation, bloating and a desire to support digestive comfort and detoxification, always as part of a whole-person plan.

A typical colonic session lasts about 40 to 50 minutes, including a brief consultation. Many clients feel lighter and more comfortable right afterward.

Most people find it comfortable and relaxing. You may feel mild fullness or pressure as warm water gently enters the colon, but it should not be painful. Your therapist adjusts the session to keep you at ease.

It depends on your goals and health. Some people have a single session, while others do a short series or occasional maintenance visits. We recommend a personalized schedule after your consultation.

Before your visit, stay hydrated and eat lightly, avoiding heavy or gas-forming foods for a few hours. Afterward, drink water, favor gentle whole foods, and consider a probiotic-rich meal to support healthy gut flora.

Yes. We use single-use, disposable supplies and temperature- and pressure-controlled purified water, following a professional protocol aligned with I-ACT standards.

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that uses light touch to help release tension and support the body's natural balance and relaxation.

Sessions are gentle and relaxing. You remain clothed while the practitioner uses very light contact. Many people find it deeply calming.

People often seek it for tension, stress, headaches and general relaxation as part of a broader wellness plan.

Therapeutic massage can help ease muscle tension, support circulation and relaxation, and reduce stress, a helpful complement to a broader wellness or pain-management plan.

People commonly seek massage for muscle tension, stress, and recovery support. We tailor the approach to your needs and coordinate with your other care.

You stay fully clothed. We set the device up for you and agree the intensity, then leave you in privacy for the session. It is device-delivered massage rather than hands-on work.

Acupressure applies gentle, focused pressure to specific points on the body to support relaxation, circulation and comfort, without needles.

Both work with the same traditional pressure points, but acupressure uses touch and pressure instead of needles, making it a gentle option for many people.

People often use it for tension, stress and general comfort as part of a broader, personalized wellness plan.

Botanical medicine uses plant-based remedies, chosen individually, to support the body's health, an approach rooted in traditional use and informed by modern research.

"Natural" does not always mean risk-free, some herbs can interact with medications. That is why professional guidance and a full review of what you take is essential before starting anything new.

Herbs are selected to fit your individual needs and combined with nutrition and lifestyle support as part of a personalized, root-cause plan.

HBOT involves breathing oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry to support the body's natural healing processes.

The FDA has cleared HBOT for a specific list of medical conditions. It is important to be cautious of unproven claims. We'll explain what the evidence does and does not support for your situation.

When used appropriately and under professional supervision, HBOT is generally well tolerated. A health review first ensures it is suitable for you.

Thermography is a non-invasive, radiation-free assessment that measures skin-surface temperature and circulation patterns. At our Roswell clinic we use the professional CRT 2000 Thermographic System.

The CRT 2000 is a professional Contact Regulation Thermometry instrument by Eidam Diagnostics. A precision sensor records skin-surface temperature at standardized measurement points, before and after a gentle cooling stimulus, so it can observe how your body regulates temperature rather than capturing a single snapshot.

No. The FDA advises that thermography is not a substitute for mammography and should not be used in place of it for breast-cancer screening. It may be used as an adjunct alongside recommended screening.

It can highlight areas of temperature or circulation change that may warrant further evaluation, as one part of a broader, individualized wellness assessment.

No. The sensor is touched lightly to the skin at each measurement point. There is no radiation, no injections and no compression, and there is no downtime afterward.

Integrative cardiology combines conventional heart care with nutrition, lifestyle and stress-management strategies to support cardiovascular health as a whole.

No. It is designed to complement your cardiologist's treatment, never to replace it. We coordinate with your care team.

A whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet, regular activity, healthy weight, good sleep and stress management all meaningfully support cardiovascular wellness.

Integrative cancer support is supportive care, such as nutrition, symptom relief and wellbeing strategies, provided alongside conventional oncology treatment to help patients feel their best. It complements, and never replaces, your oncology care.

No. We do not offer or claim any cure for cancer. Our role is to provide supportive, complementary care that works together with the treatment directed by your oncology team.

It can help support nutrition, energy, comfort and quality of life during treatment, always coordinated closely with your oncologist and care team.

No. We do not offer protocols intended to treat cancer, and we would steer you away from anyone who does. What we provide is supportive care alongside the treatment your oncology team directs: nutrition, help with treatment side effects, sleep and comfort. Anything taken by mouth is reviewed with your oncology team first, because some supplements and herbs interfere with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone-blocking drugs.

Standard panels are designed to detect disease. Functional testing looks at how well your systems are working, including digestion and the gut microbiome, nutrient status at the cellular level, toxic exposure, cortisol rhythm and detailed hormone patterns. It is useful when your routine labs come back normal but your symptoms have not gone away.

We use food reaction panels to build a personalized elimination and reintroduction trial, which is how the research supports using them. We also test for environmental and inhalant triggers such as pollens, dust mites, animal dander and indoor mold spores, and we screen for celiac disease and gluten reactivity where that is relevant.

Yes. Urine mycotoxin panels are used alongside a careful history of water damage and exposure, and heavy metal testing covers lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium and other toxic elements. Because exposure history matters as much as the number on the report, we interpret these results in context rather than treating a value in isolation.

Yes. Comprehensive stool analysis can identify Helicobacter pylori, parasites, bacterial pathogens and yeast overgrowth, alongside markers for digestion, absorption and intestinal inflammation. Stool antigen and breath testing are the methods that detect active H. pylori infection, which is what matters when deciding on treatment.

It depends on the panel. Blood draws are arranged locally, while many urine, saliva and stool kits are completed at home and mailed directly to the laboratory. We will tell you exactly what each test involves before anything is ordered.

Coverage varies widely by plan and by test. Some conventional panels are commonly covered while many specialty functional panels are not. Please see our Finances and Insurance page or call the office and our team will explain your options before any testing is ordered.

Testing describes patterns, it does not by itself explain how you feel, and no panel replaces a proper clinical evaluation. We interpret every result against your history, your symptoms and your other medical care, we tell you when a finding is suggestive rather than conclusive, and we refer you when something needs conventional diagnosis or urgent attention.