--- title: Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Naturopathic Doctor description: A Naturopathic doctor's holistic approach to health is becoming a real differentiator in healthcare. Get in-depth engagement, focus on prevention, & more. image: https://blog.sofiahealth.com/hubfs/_Old%20blog%20banner%202%20(17-35).png --- - - - [![Sofia Health](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/9040910/interactive-176723981363.png)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLI2TxkCCQvrP%2Bcc705GqGTEuPc9fqIGJOGKMzqAIrPKh74KA%2Ff%2FhoIoTuXQo73PyQjXSKYTSajI5TqDU0m0jnG8nZfN%2FZPCh6KDO0wUti0ueUKYdZm07G%2FvJNxDLmNIq3Y2B%2FToFNemeUPUAngw2mjk9U3bMUxsd32f&webInteractiveContentId=176723981363&portalId=9040910) ### Topics Filter by topic Podcast Wellness Health Mental Wellbeing healing Meditation holistic health health coach Solopreneur Success Wellness Business health and wellness coaching Entrepreneurship Tools & Resources naturopathic Nutrition Spiritual Health Marketing Social Media Yoga Doula Sleep Starting Up Insider Sell Online dietitian kids nutritionist Back Office Chronic Diseases Fertility Gift Guides Gratitude Herbal Teas Homeschool Insomnia PTSD TTC autoimmune disease weight loss ### Stay up to date SUBSCRIBE ### Stay up to date [naturopathic](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/naturopathic) # Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Naturopathic Doctor ![Picture of Sofia Health Staff](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/hubfs/Sofia.png) By [Sofia Health Staff](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/author/team-sofia-health) on March, 18 2021 [mailto:?body=https://blog.sofiahealth.com/5-reasons-to-choose-a-naturopathic-doctor](mailto:?body=https://blog.sofiahealth.com/5-reasons-to-choose-a-naturopathic-doctor) ![Female doctor sitting at a table in an office, holding a clipboard smiling at a female patient](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/hubfs/_Old%20blog%20banner%202%20(17-35).png) Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are different from typical MDs. Many people are unaware of naturopathic physicians, mainly because most "normal" doctors follow the allopathic model. In fact, the chances are that unless you seek a naturopath, you aren't likely to find one. There are several reasons a naturopathic doctor might be preferable to a standard MD. Here are five reasons you should choose a naturopathic physician.    > Table of Contents > > [1. Patient Interaction](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/5-reasons-to-choose-a-naturopathic-doctor#patient-interaction) > [2. Rigor of Education](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/5-reasons-to-choose-a-naturopathic-doctor#rigor-of-education) > [3. Bigger 'Health Arsenal' ](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/5-reasons-to-choose-a-naturopathic-doctor#bigger-health-arsenal) > [4. Cheaper Costs](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/5-reasons-to-choose-a-naturopathic-doctor#cheaper-cost) > [5. Strong Focus on Prevention](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/5-reasons-to-choose-a-naturopathic-doctor#strong-focus-on-prevention)   ## **1. Patient Interaction ** A typical meeting with your local MD usually doesn't last longer than 20 minutes. During this brief interaction, based on a few clinical observations as well as some lab and symptom diagnoses, your doctor will try and form an understanding of your ailment. NDs, on the other hand, typically have consultations that last up to two hours, with follow-ups that go on for about 30 minutes. NDs want to know everything about you to make a more thorough diagnosis.   ![young male doctor smiling and speaking to an older male patient in a doctors office.](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/naturopathic%20doctor%202.png?width=824&name=naturopathic%20doctor%202.png)   ## **2. Rigor of Education** Many people are concerned that NDs don't receive the same rigorous training as traditional MDs. To become a registered ND, however, you must complete a four-year postgraduate program, pass a registration exam, and (in many cases) complete a residency. The only difference regarding education is the focus. Notably, NDs take many of the same courses as MDs, with an additional focus on a range of natural therapies.   ## **3. Bigger 'Health Arsenal' ** MDs are limited in the number of treatments they have available to cure certain ailments, and all are likely within the confines of Western medicine. NDs can call upon herb-based therapies, acupuncture, aromatherapy, Chinese medicine, and homeopathy, among others. Moreover, NDs in some areas can also prescribe drugs if necessary, so they have more choices of treatment than standard MDs.   ![medicine capsules on a wooden spoon, surrounded by 3 springs of greenery](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/naturopathic%20medicine.png?width=813&name=naturopathic%20medicine.png)   ## **4. Cheaper Costs ** Naturopathic doctors will usually implement dietary changes, natural remedies, and certain types of exercise to correct your problem first. These treatments are usually significantly cheaper than prescriptions. In addition to simply treating a symptom, prescriptions can also have harmful side effects, which may then require additional drugs to remedy. The irony, of course, is that these new drugs will also have side effects, wreaking havoc on your health, and your wallet. Consider the option of an ND treatment plan before going the traditional MD route.  ## **5. Strong Focus on Prevention ** Naturopathic doctors firmly believe in the philosophy that *prevention* is the key to living a long and healthy life. MDs typically only focus on dealing with symptoms rather than treating the likely host of your maladies. In this respect, NDs are more interested in the underlying cause of the problem. NDs believe that a vast majority of medical problems are a direct result of hormonal imbalances and poor nutrition. An ND will help you create and implement lifestyle changes that enhance your life, treat the root cause of the problem, and prevent the problem from recurring.   NDs often get negative press if any. However, most ailments can be treated by an ND at a far better cost, with greater lasting effects. So, before you run off to the MD, give your local ND a shot. You might be surprised by the outcome. [![Sofia Health Banner](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/JyaKC977S8lSndPHU2CnQNg6VKw8WhlnWC8yt3rbBl2Jc05SUFsdibioITdMrslf7Dj5dg4r1S-sNqWuLtNEsZGP-ZJJ-wy6MVnb4jegqt4iNyQBpnbnrBnYwuhFhNQZ93DljJtJ23oY6bEO5eH3Qnoe9VOE9zzr6Y-u_UYtj4fhTaWOqLQkb_tL07zr0w)](https://sofiahealth.com/) #### Recommended Articles [![Top 5 Reasons to Work with a Naturopathic Doctor](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/hubfs/Top%205%20Reasons%20Naturopathic%20Doctor%20(5).png)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/top-5-reasons-to-work-with-a-naturopathic-doctor) ###### [Top 5 Reasons to Work with a Naturopathic Doctor](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/top-5-reasons-to-work-with-a-naturopathic-doctor) - May 14, 2025 [![Alternative Medicine Explained](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/hubfs/Alternative%20Medicine%20Banner.jpg)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/alternative-medicine-explained) ###### [Alternative Medicine Explained](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/alternative-medicine-explained) - October 5, 2021 [![What is Holistic Medicine?](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/hubfs/What%20is%20Holistic%20Medicine%20Banner.jpg)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/what-is-holistic-medicine) ###### [What is Holistic Medicine?](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/what-is-holistic-medicine) - August 27, 2021 Search Articles ### Popular Posts ### Be the first to receive exclusive content from our editors delivered to your inbox. ### Recent Posts ### Recent Posts [The Right Words: Talking to Kids About Illness, Death, and Grief](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/talk-to-kids-about-illness-death-or-grief) - 18 March, 2021 [What Most Women Don’t Know to Ask in Menopause—But Should](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/questions-women-should-ask-menopause-amy-alkon) - 18 March, 2021 [Why Healthcare Feels Cold, Confusing, and Corporate](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/healthcare-feels-cold-confusing-and-corporate) - 18 March, 2021 [The Dopamine Trap: Why You’re Always Chasing—and Never Content](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/the-dopamine-trap-why-youre-never-satisfied) - 18 March, 2021 [The Surprising Signs of Inflammation Most People Ignore (and How to Reduce Them Naturally)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/the-surprising-signs-of-inflammation) - 18 March, 2021 ###### ABOUT THE COMPANY ![Sofia Health official-1](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/hubfs/Sofia%20Health%20official-1.png) ### Sofia Health Sofia Health is an online marketplace connecting consumers directly to health and wellness professionals. - - - ### Topics - [Podcast (78)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/podcast) - [Wellness (78)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/wellness) - [Health (61)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/health) - [Mental Wellbeing (40)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/mental-wellbeing) - [healing (32)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/healing) - [Meditation (24)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/meditation) - [holistic health (18)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/holistic-health) - [health coach (11)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/health-coach) - [Solopreneur Success (10)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/solopreneur-success) - [Wellness Business (10)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/wellness-business) - [health and wellness coaching (10)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/health-and-wellness-coaching) - [Entrepreneurship (8)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/entrepreneurship) - [Tools & Resources (7)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/tools-resources) - [naturopathic (6)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/naturopathic) - [Nutrition (5)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/nutrition) - [Spiritual Health (5)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/spiritual-health) - [Marketing (4)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/marketing) - [Social Media (4)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/social-media) - [Yoga (4)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/yoga) - [Doula (3)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/doula) - [Sleep (3)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/sleep) - [Starting Up (3)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/starting-up) - [Insider (2)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/insider) - [Sell Online (2)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/sell-online) - [dietitian (2)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/dietitian) - [kids (2)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/kids) - [nutritionist (2)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/nutritionist) - [Back Office (1)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/back-office) - [Chronic Diseases (1)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/chronic-diseases) - [Fertility (1)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/fertility) - [Gift Guides (1)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/gift-guides) - [Gratitude (1)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/gratitude) - [Herbal Teas (1)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/herbal-teas) - [Homeschool (1)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/homeschool) - [Insomnia (1)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/insomnia) - [PTSD (1)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/ptsd) - [TTC (1)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/ttc) - [autoimmune disease (1)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/autoimmune-disease) - [weight loss (1)](https://blog.sofiahealth.com/tag/weight-loss) see all [![Sofia Health discount code](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/9040910/6577d9df-c099-487a-86ae-4a729e09f29b.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/9040910/6577d9df-c099-487a-86ae-4a729e09f29b) ### Be the first to receive exclusive content delivered to your inbox. SUBSCRIBE ## **COMPANY** [Memberships](https://sofiahealth.com/practitioners/) [Shop Services](https://sofiahealth.com/servicecategories/) [Shop Products](https://sofiahealth.com/productcategories/) ## **ABOUT SOFIA HEALTH** Sofia Health is the premier go-to destination to find and schedule with holistic health and wellness professionals. Take control of your health today!     ## **GET IN TOUCH** [Email Us](mailto:hello@sofiahealth.com) ## **TESTIMONIALS** Share your story. Copyright @ 2022. Sofia Health, LLC. All Right Reserved. [Terms & Conditions](https://sofiahealth.com/terms/)  [Privacy](https://sofiahealth.com/privacy/) - - - - - - ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Sofia Health Staff", "url" : "https://blog.sofiahealth.com/author/team-sofia-health" }, "dateModified" : "2025-02-14T17:15:57.060Z", "datePublished" : "2021-03-18T14:57:51.000Z", "headline" : "Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Naturopathic Doctor", "image" : [ "https://blog.sofiahealth.com/hubfs/_Old%20blog%20banner%202%20(17-35).png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.sofiahealth.com/5-reasons-to-choose-a-naturopathic-doctor", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.sofiahealth.com/hubfs/Logo%20with%20Trademark-1.png" }, "name" : "Sofia Health" } } ```