Teen and Young Adult Wellness Through a Naturopathic Approach

Teens and young adults face innumerable changes. Not only are they learning who they are, their bodies and minds are constantly evolving. Pressures of society, school, work, and home alter the way young people develop and inevitably affect their health. I see this period of life as a pivotal time to implement healthy lifestyle practices and PREVENT disease manifestations. If we truly want to heal our community, we need to teach our young on how to take care of their body, mind, and spirit.

Naturopathic and integrative medicine offer solutions to common concerns teens and young adults face. In this post I will focus on topics and concerns I have treated in practice, witnessed as a camp counselor, and experienced as a former teen and young adult. Although pharmaceuticals are within my tool box as a provider and prescribed on an individualized basis, I will focus on naturopathic therapies below. 

How can teens achieve better Skin health?

I look at skin health as a sandwich: it’s not just what your skin is exposed to, it’s also about what’s going on inside and vice versa. Our skin is the largest organ of the body and often expresses what is going on at a deeper level. When a patient comes in with skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, rashes, hives, eczema, dandruff, and psoriasis we collect information on nutrition, skincare regimen, gut health, and stress levels to identify the root cause. I explain to patients about our body’s ability to withstand stressors and how over time, chronic exposures fill our cup, and when it overflows, we see symptoms. In most cases, patients with skin concerns have underlying gut microbiome disruption, hormonal imbalances, food sensitivities, and various mental stressors. We work together to optimize detoxification processes, replenish nutrients important for skin health, discuss clean skincare, formulate personalized herbal or supplement protocols, and much more. 

Gut health is critical to feeling great as a teen

Have you ever wondered how frequently you should poop? Probably not because talking about poop is taboo, especially for teens and young adults. Investigating gastrointestinal health is a key to unlocking many systemic problems. Our immune system, several neurotransmitters, hormones, and nutrient absorption are influenced by the integrity of our gut. I inquire with patients about their stool, bowel movement frequency, nutrition, antibiotic exposure, travel history, and overall digestion. Patients should be having a bowel movement 1-3x per day that is soft, well-formed, and easy to pass. We should not be normalizing bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. When those symptoms go unchecked, it poses a risk for a plethora of diseases. Colorectal cancer is concerningly affecting more and more young people. Together we work to identify any microbial imbalances, heal the gut lining, and support nutrition and hydration to prevent future illnesses. 

Self-Esteem is connected to the wellbeing of teenagers

As the internet and social media becomes even more ingrained in our society, teens and young adults are exposed to body ideals that are near impossible to obtain. I believe my patients have a right to care about how they look; a right to feel good in their skin. By working on mental, spiritual, and physical wellness, we not only promote self-love, we identify ways to promote feeling better in your own skin. Whether it is overcoming anxiety, depression, or disordered eating or optimizing hormones, movement, nutrition, energy, there is an approach for everyone at every size. I love discussing with teens and young adults about connecting to self, to nature, and to community. Spirituality is also a topic we touch on in visits. Finding purpose and connection has been pivotal in my patient’s lives and one of the many ways we can address self-esteem issues. 

Strong Mental Health for teens

There seems to be so many things working against us in terms of mental health. Our environment, genetics, and lifestyle influence the state of our mental health. For teens and young adults, suicide is becoming more prominent. My goal for patients is to identify triggers and remove barriers to healing. By working in conjunction with mental health therapists, we process through trauma, develop a mind-body connection, create safety plans, set boundaries, and learn how to breathe. Testing available for assessing mental health includes but is not limited to genetic testing for mental health drugs and neurotransmitter testing. Herbs, acupuncture, meditation, hydrotherapy, and homeopathy are some of my favorite treatments for common mental health concerns. 

Sexual Health awareness for teens

Whether you like to admit it or not, teens and young adults can be sexually active. Or, they have a curiosity around their sexual health. Do you remember a time you found it awkward to ask a question about sexual health and function? I am here to answer those questions. Puberty is a weird time; the body changes, hair develops, and exploration begins. I work with patients on understanding the changes of their bodies and discuss safe sexual health practices if they choose. Libido, erectile dysfunction, natural and pharmaceutical contraception options, fertility, pelvic pain, abuse, relationship safety, and gender and sexual identity are some common topics I discuss with teen and young adult patients.

Gynecological Health is important for teens

Period health. Period. Overwhelmed due to the inconsistencies in your period or how painful it can be? Periods are also a representation of underlying imbalances. Checking hormones, gut health, stress, period care products, and iron deficiency are some of my top approaches to menstrual health. I take extensive time with patients to teach them about their cycles. Vaginal health is also a common concern that brings patients into my practice. Whether its pelvic floor dysfunction, STIs, BV, or yeast infections, even the slightest change in vaginal health can cause immense discomfort. I ensure patients are up-to-date on appropriate screenings such as PAP smears for cervical cancer identification and prevention. Nutrient or herbal recommendations are my typical go-tos to modulate hormone production and metabolism, to balance vaginal flora, and regulate cycles. 

Sports Medicine for teens is different than adults

Teens and young adults who are involved in sports or exercise may experience injuries, pain, or mobility issues. With the current opioid epidemic, it is crucial we have alternative therapies to help manage recovery and pain. I utilize osteopathic manipulations, stretching and muscle trigger point therapy, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture as hands-on modalities for pain management. I assess patients for hyper or hypo-mobility conditions that can make them more prone to injury. Treatments can vary but electrolytes, minerals, and amino acids are useful tools for muscle recovery while herbs and supplements are useful for inflammation. 

A Naturopathic approach for teens health and wellness

While there are countless other topics that come up in patient visits, I highlighted a few that are common with the teen and young adult demographic. In our visits, we spend time delving deep into each concern while addressing concomitant symptoms. Treatments vary person to person and are based on labs, physical exams, and symptoms. I work with patients to find the treatment that aligns with their values, finances, and access.

To discover your path to healing and to work together, schedule with me, Dr. Emily Morris, for a free consultation!