Vancouver’s Plant-Based Naturopathic Doctor
As a primary care provider, Dr. Matthew Nagra sees patients of all backgrounds and addresses a variety of health concerns with a focus on the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as optimizing athletic performance and promoting recovery from physical injuries. Dr. Nagra takes an evidence-based approach to patient management and utilizes treatment modalities such as physical medicine and nutrition, with particular expertise in plant-based nutrition.
What Approach Does Dr. Nagra Take as a Naturopathic Doctor?
During the initial appointment, Dr. Nagra will gain an understanding of the individual’s health concerns by asking about their medical history, diet, lifestyle (sleep, exercise, etc.), stress levels, and other relevant information.
As a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Nagra prefers to work in tandem with his patients’ health care team, including their family doctor and other healthcare providers, to ensure his patients receive a thorough and well-rounded treatment plan.
After taking a detailed medical history and performing any necessary physical examinations, Dr. Nagra will create a realistic and attainable health plan customized to each patient’s needs. This could include several different components, potentially involving laboratory tests, dietary recommendations, exercise regimes, and education to empower the patient and provide a deeper understanding of their condition. Naturopathic doctors may also prescribe pharmaceutical medications, physical therapies, and nutritional supplements.
With Dr. Nagra’s recommendations, a patient will follow the prescribed treatment plan and return for a follow-up to assess their progress. The number of appointments vary between patients as some will require just a few sessions with the occasional maintenance appointment, while others will embark on a longer journey to achieve their health goals.
What Type of Education Do Naturopathic Doctors Receive?
Naturopathic medicine is a branch of healthcare that aims to resolve and prevent illness with both lifestyle and conventional medical therapies.
A naturopathic doctor (ND) practicing in Vancouver is required to have a minimum of seven years of post-secondary education, although most have at least eight years. Many NDs choose to complete a standard undergraduate degree covering the basic sciences, including Dr. Nagra who received his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. This is followed by four years at an accredited naturopathic medical school, such as the Boucher Institute, Dr. Nagra’s alma mater. They study sciences and therapies such as nutrition, physical medicine, pharmaceutical medication, and counselling.
Following their naturopathic medical studies, students must then pass comprehensive national and provincial licensing exams to be registered to practice in British Columbia (BC). Naturopathic studies differ in other parts of the world, as not all “naturopaths” receive education in one or more branches of naturopathic medicine and may not be considered licensed and regulated professionals like they are in BC.
From therapies targeting nutrition and lifestyle modifications to prescribing medication, Dr. Nagra’s evidence-based approach targets heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, digestive issues, and more. Dr. Nagra will help his patients achieve better health using knowledge and techniques specific to their needs.
Should I See a Naturopathic Doctor?
While every naturopathic doctor has a unique style of practice, Dr. Nagra focuses on disease prevention and improved overall health using lifestyle intervention. Specifically, he promotes the benefits of plant-based nutrition to achieve and maintain good health.
When transitioning to a plant-based diet, patients can benefit from seeing a naturopathic doctor, such as Dr. Nagra. This not only helps his patients ease into a new way of eating, but it also includes a full review of their diets to ensure nutritional adequacy. To provide a comprehensive examination of a patient’s health and create an individualized treatment plan, appointments with Dr. Nagra tend to be longer than those with other health care providers.
Through a combination of lifestyle modifications and medicine, Dr. Nagra’s evidence-based approach will help treat and prevent chronic illnesses. From increased energy levels and improved heart health to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, healthy weight loss, reduced inflammation, injury prevention, and more, Dr. Nagra’s naturopathic treatments can target a wide range of ailments. Backed by science and continuously reviewed, Dr. Nagra’s practices offer a well-rounded approach to improve his patients’ health.
Naturopathic Dr. Matthew Nagra
Address: 2655 Commercial Dr Vancouver, BC V5N 4C5
Phone: (604) 428-1399
Email: info@drmatthewnagra.com
