By Leon Lioe
If you have been selling digital or Internet Marketing stuffs and kind of facing difficulty because of fierce competition, take a look at this alternative: Health Supplement Business – selling health products online.
Recently I came across an interesting manual called: “The Pill Gates Profit Principles” that talks about health supplement business and teaches some unique principles and strategies in selling health products online. I think perhaps it can be very useful for people who have some experience in Internet Marketing and want to explore additional income generator. NOTE: this is NOT MLM opportunity.
As you know, the Health Supplement Business is a multi-billion dollar market. Obviously this market has HUGE demand and if you can supply the demand in a unique fashion, then you will make BIG money very soon. BUT this market is also very competitive, if you want to achieve success, you need to know how to apply some of the basic principles and strategies in this industry.
Although the author’s main focus is on the health supplement business, but I find all the principles & strategies can be applied in any business. There are in total 28 principles discussed in the manual.
In this article, I will share with you 8 principles & strategies from this manual that might help you to succeed in both the health supplement and internet marketing business.
Principle #1: Market Awareness – so many online marketers fail because they market in the dark. They have no idea what’s out there, they don’t know who their competitors and who their potential joint venture partners are… You will learn a simple strategy of improving your market awareness here.
Principle #2: Whoever controls the supply, controls the market – learn how you can secure a steady supplier for your products to ensure you’ve something to sell.
Principle #3: Marketing is more than selling – in this section you will learn a simple strategy of building up your product image and how to make an irresistible offer to your customers.
Principle #4: The two emotions you MUST master in order to succeed are: LOVE and FEAR – what I can tell you here is to learn these well. Your online business will never be the same again if you can master these two things.
Principle #5: Once you have your customers trust, the money will naturally come – excellent discussion on how to gain trust from your customers.
Principle #6: Make a small change regularly – learn a simple strategy of introducing a minor change into the way you do business that can literally explode your sales overnight.
Principle #7: Create additional value for your customers – this section will teach you how to make your customers feel good because they are getting something extra with their purchase.
Principle #8: Make your customers feel safe to buy – learn a proven strategy to make your business centered around your customers.
Thank you for reading my article, hope you find it useful.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Health-Supplement-Business---The-Proven-Principles-and-Strategies-For-Selling-Health-Products-Online&id=615565] Health Supplement Business - The Proven Principles & Strategies For Selling Health Products Online
SBBOT
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday, December 14, 2009
Nutritional Supplements - Are They Safe?
How safe are nutritional supplements and do we know what is in them? Natural supplements are not systematically tested for safety or content.
According an article written by Mayo Clinic Staff, “Herbal supplements: What to know before you buy” (November 17, 2009), manufacturers of herbal supplements do not have to go through the rigorous process of FDA approval before going on the market. Are they safe?
Tale of Two Searches: a Hypothetical Example
Here is an example of how a layperson can fail to obtain important information about a supplement, by relying on one or a few sources of information:
1. Amber is under medical care for polycystic ovarian syndrome and can’t get pregnant. She does a search and takes the herb blue cohosh, an herbal supplement for hormonal balance. Later, she becomes pregnant. She continues to take the supplement, because she thinks it is beneficial.
2. Mary has painful periods. She searches the net and finds a site that mentions the herbal supplement blue cohosh is helpful for dysmenorrhea. But the article also says that the supplement has been used traditionally to induce abortion and should not be used at any time during pregnancy.
Amber, the newly pregnant woman, is still taking the supplement. There is no question that in her case, the supplement should not be taken.
How the FDA Regulates Nutritional Supplements
In 1994 Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). An article by Stephen Barrett MD, “How the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 Weakened the FDA,” (2007), explains in depth how “Amber” and her hypothetical pregnancy were not protected.
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DSHEA defined dietary supplements not as drugs, but as a separate category. DSHEA also expanded supplements to include herbal supplements. The only regulatory protection for consumers were (1) that product labels could not state that their purpose was prevention or treatment of disease, and (2) the name of the product could not include the word “cure.” Written articles about supplements, which are the primary source of purchases, were not prohibited from making any sort of claim about the supplement.
According to Barrett, this meager protection was thwarted. In 2000 the FDA loosened regulations, allowing labels of supplements to state “support or health maintenance,” such as “supports heart health” or “maintains muscle strength.”
Ingredients of Nutritional Supplements - a Mystery
Herbs are often touted to be natural sources of components of pharmaceutical products. However, pharmaceutical products are the result of years of testing and refining raw substances from their natural state, purifying them from harmful side effects.
In the case of natural supplements, Barrett explains that the FDA is limited to “after the fact” protection of consumers. Numerous cases of cancer of the urethra occurred in Belgium in 2000. According to Barrett, the active ingredient in an herbal supplement, “ aristolochia” was the culprit, and had been banned in several countries. Not until December 2007, in response to the side effects of ephedra, did the FDA require manufacturers of natural supplements to report deaths, serious side effects and birth defects.
Manufacturers of Nutritional Supplements are Concerned
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) established requirements for “good manufacturing processes” (GMP’s) for supplements in 2008. In spite of this, the Nutrition Business Journal published an article, “Ingredient Adulteration Still a Problem Despite GMPs” (Oct 1, 2009). The article claimed that adulterated ingredients and supplements laced with drugs were more rampant than ever. Wrong ingredients included pesticides and lead.
Supplement manufacturers lament the lack of standardization of ingredients that would help the development of proper dosages and product descriptions. In order to protect consumers, private, not-for-profit organizations such as the Natural Products Association and NSF International have been established to police nutritional supplements by investigating ingredients and researching benefits and side effects.
How Can We Choose Appropriate Supplements?
The Mayo Clinic article cited above asked the question “What to know before you buy.” The answer was to consult a doctor, pharmacist, the manufacturer or do extensive research before taking a supplement. Can a layperson interpret the results of scientific studies, even if they are available? The average person will read an article written on a level that they can understand, like the example of Amber and Mary. Articles may have dubious information and may be written with the sole intent to sell the product.
Let the Buyer Beware
A person who takes a natural supplement is acting under the rule of cavet emptor, “let the buyer beware.” No one, except the manufacturer, knows what is in it. People can buy a Toshiba TV and if a Samsung arrives, they know it is the wrong item. When a person buys a supplement, they have no idea what is really in the pill. Unlike the TV, the product will affect the body and long-term health. Before taking a supplement, individuals should seek trusted sources with expertise in nutrition and the supplement industry.
Sources:
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine(NCCAM )
Natural Products Association
NSF International
Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)
According an article written by Mayo Clinic Staff, “Herbal supplements: What to know before you buy” (November 17, 2009), manufacturers of herbal supplements do not have to go through the rigorous process of FDA approval before going on the market. Are they safe?
Tale of Two Searches: a Hypothetical Example
Here is an example of how a layperson can fail to obtain important information about a supplement, by relying on one or a few sources of information:
1. Amber is under medical care for polycystic ovarian syndrome and can’t get pregnant. She does a search and takes the herb blue cohosh, an herbal supplement for hormonal balance. Later, she becomes pregnant. She continues to take the supplement, because she thinks it is beneficial.
2. Mary has painful periods. She searches the net and finds a site that mentions the herbal supplement blue cohosh is helpful for dysmenorrhea. But the article also says that the supplement has been used traditionally to induce abortion and should not be used at any time during pregnancy.
Amber, the newly pregnant woman, is still taking the supplement. There is no question that in her case, the supplement should not be taken.
How the FDA Regulates Nutritional Supplements
In 1994 Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). An article by Stephen Barrett MD, “How the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 Weakened the FDA,” (2007), explains in depth how “Amber” and her hypothetical pregnancy were not protected.
Ads by Google
Want to Get High Legally?
Instantly achieve a natural high with free brainwave doses. Strong.
www.i-doser.com
Full Body Height Increase
Increase Your Full Body's Height Permanently & Fully Proportionally!
www.TopHeight.com/increase-height
DSHEA defined dietary supplements not as drugs, but as a separate category. DSHEA also expanded supplements to include herbal supplements. The only regulatory protection for consumers were (1) that product labels could not state that their purpose was prevention or treatment of disease, and (2) the name of the product could not include the word “cure.” Written articles about supplements, which are the primary source of purchases, were not prohibited from making any sort of claim about the supplement.
According to Barrett, this meager protection was thwarted. In 2000 the FDA loosened regulations, allowing labels of supplements to state “support or health maintenance,” such as “supports heart health” or “maintains muscle strength.”
Ingredients of Nutritional Supplements - a Mystery
Herbs are often touted to be natural sources of components of pharmaceutical products. However, pharmaceutical products are the result of years of testing and refining raw substances from their natural state, purifying them from harmful side effects.
In the case of natural supplements, Barrett explains that the FDA is limited to “after the fact” protection of consumers. Numerous cases of cancer of the urethra occurred in Belgium in 2000. According to Barrett, the active ingredient in an herbal supplement, “ aristolochia” was the culprit, and had been banned in several countries. Not until December 2007, in response to the side effects of ephedra, did the FDA require manufacturers of natural supplements to report deaths, serious side effects and birth defects.
Manufacturers of Nutritional Supplements are Concerned
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) established requirements for “good manufacturing processes” (GMP’s) for supplements in 2008. In spite of this, the Nutrition Business Journal published an article, “Ingredient Adulteration Still a Problem Despite GMPs” (Oct 1, 2009). The article claimed that adulterated ingredients and supplements laced with drugs were more rampant than ever. Wrong ingredients included pesticides and lead.
Supplement manufacturers lament the lack of standardization of ingredients that would help the development of proper dosages and product descriptions. In order to protect consumers, private, not-for-profit organizations such as the Natural Products Association and NSF International have been established to police nutritional supplements by investigating ingredients and researching benefits and side effects.
How Can We Choose Appropriate Supplements?
The Mayo Clinic article cited above asked the question “What to know before you buy.” The answer was to consult a doctor, pharmacist, the manufacturer or do extensive research before taking a supplement. Can a layperson interpret the results of scientific studies, even if they are available? The average person will read an article written on a level that they can understand, like the example of Amber and Mary. Articles may have dubious information and may be written with the sole intent to sell the product.
Let the Buyer Beware
A person who takes a natural supplement is acting under the rule of cavet emptor, “let the buyer beware.” No one, except the manufacturer, knows what is in it. People can buy a Toshiba TV and if a Samsung arrives, they know it is the wrong item. When a person buys a supplement, they have no idea what is really in the pill. Unlike the TV, the product will affect the body and long-term health. Before taking a supplement, individuals should seek trusted sources with expertise in nutrition and the supplement industry.
Sources:
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine(NCCAM )
Natural Products Association
NSF International
Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Thermogenics Turn Up the Heat in weight Loss
Managing weight is a fact of life for most adults; the scale goes up and down, and we promise we’ll cut back on those desserts or get back to the gym. At this point, the United States is facing an epidemic of overweight and obesity, with more than two-thirds of Americans weighing more than is considered optimal for their height.
Interestingly, while the federal government has increasingly touted exercise as one of the critical steps in losing and managing weight—even adding it to the federal dietary guidelines—a cover article in Time magazine at the height of the 2009 summer swimsuit season questioned the conventional wisdom. The theory put forth in “Why Exercise Won’t Make You Thin” is exercise stimulates appetite instead of suppressing it and feeds into the mental idea of “earning” extra calorie intake. And while the author noted muscle does burn more calories than fat, he added the difference in calorie burning is negligible.
One reason for the inefficiency in fat burning? Humans generally lack great quantities of “brown fat,” which is better at turning nutrients into energy. Researchers at Boston’s Joslin Diabetes Center recently published an analysis of amount of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and its influence on thermogenesis, mediated by the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), in almost 1,800 adults.1 They found women generally had a greater mass of functionally active BAT, and reported an inverse correlation between BAT levels and body mass index (BMI).
The question may be how to stimulate BAT activity and thermogenesis in adults. Fortunately, studies are increasingly pointing to the ability of many nutritional ingredients, from macronutrients to botanicals, to upregulate the body’s process of thermogenesis—increasing the metabolic rate to burn energy.
Every individual has a basal metabolic rate (BMR) linked to the amount of energy needed to maintain basic life functions; this generally slows as the body ages and muscle mass and activity level decline. Metabolic energy needs are also influenced by physical activity (basic and more strenuous activity, such as exercise) and digestion. In fact, the metabolic rate increases immediately after eating, as the body works to transport, metabolize and absorb nutrients.
Protein has been shown to significantly increase diet-induced thermogenesis. A review out of Maastricht University, Netherlands, noted sustaining protein intake can affect metabolic targets during weight loss, particularly during calorie restriction, helping to sustain energy expenditure and spare lean body mass.2 Additionally, moderately elevated protein intake while reducing overall calories appears to increase thermogenesis, influencing satiety, while maintaining lean muscle mass, further improving the metabolic profile.3 In one recent study, researchers out of Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, reported women (n=38) consuming a high-protein, energy-deficit diet had greater satiety and fat oxidation compared to a normal protein diet.4
Some studies suggest dairy protein in particular may exert positive effects on thermogenesis and accelerated fat loss, supported by higher calcium levels inhibiting lipogenesis and bioavailable protein affecting satiety and lipolysis.5 In one double blind, randomized study at the Minnesota Applied Research Center, subjects (n=106) reduced their caloric intake by 500 calories per day and consumed a specialized whey fraction (as Prolibra™, from Glanbia) or an isocaloric ready-to-mix beverage 20 minutes before breakfast and dinner.6 The Prolibra group lost significantly more body fat compared to control subject, with a greater preservation of lean muscle.
It may be the amino acids found in protein exert a particular effect on the body’s thermogenic pathways. Italian researchers reported providing an amino acid-infused solution to adults increased protein synthesis and energy expenditure, with the thermic effect not dependent on the dosage of amino acids.7 L-leucine specifically may stimulate protein synthesis in muscle cells and promote retention of lean muscle mass during calorie reduction.8 It also appears to regulate the oxidative use of glucose by skeletal muscle, sparing protein during energy restriction.9
The amino acid L-carnitine may also exhibit some thermogenic properties. A recent French study found providing aged rats with 30 mg/kg body weight of L-carnitine (as L-Carnipure™, from Lonza) for 12 weeks restored L-carnitine levels in muscle cells and induced positive changes in body composition including a decrease in abdominal fat mass without any change in food intake.10 A previous human trial examined the impact of L-carnitine supplementation on fat oxidation, body composition and weight development in 12 slightly overweight adults.
By Heather Granato
Interestingly, while the federal government has increasingly touted exercise as one of the critical steps in losing and managing weight—even adding it to the federal dietary guidelines—a cover article in Time magazine at the height of the 2009 summer swimsuit season questioned the conventional wisdom. The theory put forth in “Why Exercise Won’t Make You Thin” is exercise stimulates appetite instead of suppressing it and feeds into the mental idea of “earning” extra calorie intake. And while the author noted muscle does burn more calories than fat, he added the difference in calorie burning is negligible.
One reason for the inefficiency in fat burning? Humans generally lack great quantities of “brown fat,” which is better at turning nutrients into energy. Researchers at Boston’s Joslin Diabetes Center recently published an analysis of amount of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and its influence on thermogenesis, mediated by the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), in almost 1,800 adults.1 They found women generally had a greater mass of functionally active BAT, and reported an inverse correlation between BAT levels and body mass index (BMI).
The question may be how to stimulate BAT activity and thermogenesis in adults. Fortunately, studies are increasingly pointing to the ability of many nutritional ingredients, from macronutrients to botanicals, to upregulate the body’s process of thermogenesis—increasing the metabolic rate to burn energy.
Every individual has a basal metabolic rate (BMR) linked to the amount of energy needed to maintain basic life functions; this generally slows as the body ages and muscle mass and activity level decline. Metabolic energy needs are also influenced by physical activity (basic and more strenuous activity, such as exercise) and digestion. In fact, the metabolic rate increases immediately after eating, as the body works to transport, metabolize and absorb nutrients.
Protein has been shown to significantly increase diet-induced thermogenesis. A review out of Maastricht University, Netherlands, noted sustaining protein intake can affect metabolic targets during weight loss, particularly during calorie restriction, helping to sustain energy expenditure and spare lean body mass.2 Additionally, moderately elevated protein intake while reducing overall calories appears to increase thermogenesis, influencing satiety, while maintaining lean muscle mass, further improving the metabolic profile.3 In one recent study, researchers out of Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, reported women (n=38) consuming a high-protein, energy-deficit diet had greater satiety and fat oxidation compared to a normal protein diet.4
Some studies suggest dairy protein in particular may exert positive effects on thermogenesis and accelerated fat loss, supported by higher calcium levels inhibiting lipogenesis and bioavailable protein affecting satiety and lipolysis.5 In one double blind, randomized study at the Minnesota Applied Research Center, subjects (n=106) reduced their caloric intake by 500 calories per day and consumed a specialized whey fraction (as Prolibra™, from Glanbia) or an isocaloric ready-to-mix beverage 20 minutes before breakfast and dinner.6 The Prolibra group lost significantly more body fat compared to control subject, with a greater preservation of lean muscle.
It may be the amino acids found in protein exert a particular effect on the body’s thermogenic pathways. Italian researchers reported providing an amino acid-infused solution to adults increased protein synthesis and energy expenditure, with the thermic effect not dependent on the dosage of amino acids.7 L-leucine specifically may stimulate protein synthesis in muscle cells and promote retention of lean muscle mass during calorie reduction.8 It also appears to regulate the oxidative use of glucose by skeletal muscle, sparing protein during energy restriction.9
The amino acid L-carnitine may also exhibit some thermogenic properties. A recent French study found providing aged rats with 30 mg/kg body weight of L-carnitine (as L-Carnipure™, from Lonza) for 12 weeks restored L-carnitine levels in muscle cells and induced positive changes in body composition including a decrease in abdominal fat mass without any change in food intake.10 A previous human trial examined the impact of L-carnitine supplementation on fat oxidation, body composition and weight development in 12 slightly overweight adults.
By Heather Granato
When Is Candy Not Candy?
The answer to that question has been answered by politicians in Cook County, Illinois. Starting today, September 1, 2009, any item in Illinois classified as candy will have an increase in sales tax to a whopping 10.25%, up from the 2.25% charged just yesterday.
But, wait a minute! If the item that sure looks and tastes like candy is manufactured using flour as an ingredient, it will continue to be taxed as "food" at only 2.25%. Does that make any sense? A Butterfinger candy bar will see a huge tax increase, while a Butterfinger Stixx (which contains flour) will see no tax increase and remain at the 2.25% tax level. What seems to have happened is, after deciding it was a great idea to increase taxes on candy to raise more revenues to help close an enourmous budget gap, they got stuck when it came time to define the word "candy". Their brilliant solution was to pick one ingredient as the determining factor..."does an item contain flour?"
Not only is this a totally artificial differentiation, think of the problems this will pose for merchants. The "big" chains will not have too big a problem as their computerized system can be programmed to separate the items and apply the correct tax, but the smaller merchants will be living a checkout nightmare as they try to correctly apply the new tax. Will they be forced to look at the ingredients list to see if a particular item contains flour? Once again, the small business person will suffer due to the shortsightedness of the political class.
On top of that, will we see manufacturers changing their formulas to add a smidgen of flour to avoid the tax increase and gain a competitive advantage?
I think I'm going to go out this afternoon and stock up on my favorite Snickers bars. I don't suppose I will find "flour" listed on the ingredients list….. at least for now.
But, wait a minute! If the item that sure looks and tastes like candy is manufactured using flour as an ingredient, it will continue to be taxed as "food" at only 2.25%. Does that make any sense? A Butterfinger candy bar will see a huge tax increase, while a Butterfinger Stixx (which contains flour) will see no tax increase and remain at the 2.25% tax level. What seems to have happened is, after deciding it was a great idea to increase taxes on candy to raise more revenues to help close an enourmous budget gap, they got stuck when it came time to define the word "candy". Their brilliant solution was to pick one ingredient as the determining factor..."does an item contain flour?"
Not only is this a totally artificial differentiation, think of the problems this will pose for merchants. The "big" chains will not have too big a problem as their computerized system can be programmed to separate the items and apply the correct tax, but the smaller merchants will be living a checkout nightmare as they try to correctly apply the new tax. Will they be forced to look at the ingredients list to see if a particular item contains flour? Once again, the small business person will suffer due to the shortsightedness of the political class.
On top of that, will we see manufacturers changing their formulas to add a smidgen of flour to avoid the tax increase and gain a competitive advantage?
I think I'm going to go out this afternoon and stock up on my favorite Snickers bars. I don't suppose I will find "flour" listed on the ingredients list….. at least for now.
Can I Have a Side of Calorie With That?
New federal legislation in a draft of the health-care reform bill (Section 325 of H.R. 3200) is poised to require restaurant chains with 20 or more loctions to display nutrition information, calorie counts and “suggested daily caloric intake” on their menus. As with most legislation, supporters and detractors are choosing sides and priming the ammunition.
The laissez-faire crowd is howling the usual outrage about excessive government control. (Apparently it will infringe on our rights to develop morbid obesity if we have an idea what we’re eating.) Those that have larger chains are pointing out that the majority of American restaurants have less than 20 units and will be flying under the radar―a valid argument, regardless of the motive. And obviously anyone concerned about obesity’s impact on public health is cheering the bill on.
From my perspective, the legislation doesn’t seem that onerous. While the “have it your way” operation of foodservice does throw an added level of difficulty to delivering meaningful numbers, it’s certainly better than relying on the public’s sketchy-at-best knowledge of calories and nutrition. The packaged food segment has been doing it for years. There’s lots of software out there that can supply pretty accurate results. Practically speaking, one of the best provisions from the bill would benefit the large chains by overruling the current and growing patchwork of state and local menu-labeling requirements for restaurants with 20 or more stores. And while I know in my heart an order of large fries is not a good idea, seeing that they are ¼ of my required daily caloric intake might be the incentive I need to order a plain salad instead.
–Lynn A. Kuntz
The laissez-faire crowd is howling the usual outrage about excessive government control. (Apparently it will infringe on our rights to develop morbid obesity if we have an idea what we’re eating.) Those that have larger chains are pointing out that the majority of American restaurants have less than 20 units and will be flying under the radar―a valid argument, regardless of the motive. And obviously anyone concerned about obesity’s impact on public health is cheering the bill on.
From my perspective, the legislation doesn’t seem that onerous. While the “have it your way” operation of foodservice does throw an added level of difficulty to delivering meaningful numbers, it’s certainly better than relying on the public’s sketchy-at-best knowledge of calories and nutrition. The packaged food segment has been doing it for years. There’s lots of software out there that can supply pretty accurate results. Practically speaking, one of the best provisions from the bill would benefit the large chains by overruling the current and growing patchwork of state and local menu-labeling requirements for restaurants with 20 or more stores. And while I know in my heart an order of large fries is not a good idea, seeing that they are ¼ of my required daily caloric intake might be the incentive I need to order a plain salad instead.
–Lynn A. Kuntz
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Doctors offer alternative, naturally
By Hattie Klotz,
Naturopathic doctors are particularly strong in the areas of prevention and integrative medicine.
Photograph by: Getty Images, The Ottawa CitizenAccording to a survey conducted for Health Canada's Office of Natural Health Products in 2005, Canadians are surprisingly highly aware of natural health alternatives.
The survey says more than 71 per cent now consume natural health products -- traditional herbal products, vitamins and mineral supplements, traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic and homeopathic preparations.
Ottawa naturopathic doctor David Lescheid has seen this awareness in his own practice. As the doctor shortage becomes critical and wait times to even get an appointment to see the family physician seem to stretch forever, frustrated patients are turning to alternative therapies for basic medical needs, he says.
"We're seeing increasing numbers of people who come to us for their primary care needs," he says.
Dr. Lescheid and his partner Dr. Kristy Lewis chose to move to Ottawa from Toronto to set up their naturopathic practice because they recognize the growing pressure on the conventional medical system and know they offer complimentary care.
"Everybody recognizes the system is not working as it is and we believe that we should be working with people's strengths," says Dr. Lewis.
"Naturopathic doctors are particularly strong in the areas of prevention and integrative medicine. We like to work with other practitioners, and when we need to, we refer patients to other professionals."
Currently, Dr. Lescheid and Dr. Lewis have an informal arrangement with Dr. Jean-Pierre Morrissey who has an office on the floor above Pure Med Naturopathic Centre at 292 Montreal Road in Vanier. They refer patients to one another.
"People recognize it is important to optimize their health to prevent illness in the future and we're seeing more and more of that," says Dr. Lewis. "Our aim is to create a patient-centred facility with a variety of services and one that is recognized as an integrative clinic giving the best care available in partnership with other practitioners."
Since Pure Med is a private clinic, patients must pay for everything from intravenous and inhalation therapy to nutrition, homoeopathy, acupuncture, massage and an infrared sauna. However, health plans are beginning to recognize alternative treatments.
That's one of the reasons Dr. Lescheid and Dr Lewis moved to Ottawa and set up shop in Vanier.
"Typically, people who visit a naturopathic doctor are more highly educated, a significant number are white-collar workers and they have health insurance that covers this," says Dr. Lescheid.
Ottawa, with its high percentage of government employees, is fertile ground, and the couple chose Vanier because it's an area of the city that is not yet well served by alternative health practitioners.
Dr. Lescheid has a Phd in molecular biology and protein chemistry from the University of Victoria and is a former professor at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
"I bring science to the art of naturopathic medicine and, to be honest, it's the naturopathic approach to the body and medicine, the way it looks at the body as a whole, from the mental, emotional, spiritual as well as physical levels that appeals to me.
"I've had a lot of experience with the conventional medical model but I'm more of a big picture person."
Dr. Lescheid is a spokesman for the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and sits on the advisory panel for the National Health Products Directorate.
He says an important change is coming in Ontario. Naturopathic doctors will become regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act.
"We'll fall under the same umbrella as doctors," he says. "This will mean a higher level of regulatory control, which will increase credibility for the industry."
Naturopathic doctors are particularly strong in the areas of prevention and integrative medicine.
Photograph by: Getty Images, The Ottawa CitizenAccording to a survey conducted for Health Canada's Office of Natural Health Products in 2005, Canadians are surprisingly highly aware of natural health alternatives.
The survey says more than 71 per cent now consume natural health products -- traditional herbal products, vitamins and mineral supplements, traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic and homeopathic preparations.
Ottawa naturopathic doctor David Lescheid has seen this awareness in his own practice. As the doctor shortage becomes critical and wait times to even get an appointment to see the family physician seem to stretch forever, frustrated patients are turning to alternative therapies for basic medical needs, he says.
"We're seeing increasing numbers of people who come to us for their primary care needs," he says.
Dr. Lescheid and his partner Dr. Kristy Lewis chose to move to Ottawa from Toronto to set up their naturopathic practice because they recognize the growing pressure on the conventional medical system and know they offer complimentary care.
"Everybody recognizes the system is not working as it is and we believe that we should be working with people's strengths," says Dr. Lewis.
"Naturopathic doctors are particularly strong in the areas of prevention and integrative medicine. We like to work with other practitioners, and when we need to, we refer patients to other professionals."
Currently, Dr. Lescheid and Dr. Lewis have an informal arrangement with Dr. Jean-Pierre Morrissey who has an office on the floor above Pure Med Naturopathic Centre at 292 Montreal Road in Vanier. They refer patients to one another.
"People recognize it is important to optimize their health to prevent illness in the future and we're seeing more and more of that," says Dr. Lewis. "Our aim is to create a patient-centred facility with a variety of services and one that is recognized as an integrative clinic giving the best care available in partnership with other practitioners."
Since Pure Med is a private clinic, patients must pay for everything from intravenous and inhalation therapy to nutrition, homoeopathy, acupuncture, massage and an infrared sauna. However, health plans are beginning to recognize alternative treatments.
That's one of the reasons Dr. Lescheid and Dr Lewis moved to Ottawa and set up shop in Vanier.
"Typically, people who visit a naturopathic doctor are more highly educated, a significant number are white-collar workers and they have health insurance that covers this," says Dr. Lescheid.
Ottawa, with its high percentage of government employees, is fertile ground, and the couple chose Vanier because it's an area of the city that is not yet well served by alternative health practitioners.
Dr. Lescheid has a Phd in molecular biology and protein chemistry from the University of Victoria and is a former professor at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
"I bring science to the art of naturopathic medicine and, to be honest, it's the naturopathic approach to the body and medicine, the way it looks at the body as a whole, from the mental, emotional, spiritual as well as physical levels that appeals to me.
"I've had a lot of experience with the conventional medical model but I'm more of a big picture person."
Dr. Lescheid is a spokesman for the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and sits on the advisory panel for the National Health Products Directorate.
He says an important change is coming in Ontario. Naturopathic doctors will become regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act.
"We'll fall under the same umbrella as doctors," he says. "This will mean a higher level of regulatory control, which will increase credibility for the industry."
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