Working with a Naturopathic Doctor in Palm Beach

If you're looking for a more holistic, root-cause approach to health care in Palm Beach County, you may have come across the term naturopathic doctor (ND). But what exactly does that mean? And how can you be sure you're working with a medically trained provider?

Here’s what you need to know about naturopathic medicine, the education behind it, and how it’s practiced in Florida.

What Is a Naturopathic Doctor?

A naturopathic doctor (ND) is a trained medical professional who blends modern science with natural therapies. NDs attend a four-year, accredited naturopathic medical school and are educated in the same biomedical sciences as conventional medical doctors—subjects like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical diagnosis.

In addition, NDs receive extensive training in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, and physical medicine. Upon completion of their education, NDs must pass rigorous board exams known as the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) to become eligible for licensure in states that regulate the profession.

Be Aware: Not All “Naturopaths” Are Created Equal

It’s important to understand that “naturopath” is not the same as “naturopathic doctor.” The term naturopath is not regulated in many states, including Florida, and can be used by individuals with no formal medical education or clinical training.

Unlike licensed naturopathic doctors, these individuals are not required to attend a medical school, do not have clinical rotations, and are not required to pass the NPLEX board exams. In some cases, their training may consist of weekend workshops or correspondence courses.

Before working with any provider who claims to practice naturopathic medicine, ask about their education, licensing, and scope of practice. Look for someone who has graduated from a CNME-accredited (Council on Naturopathic Medical Education) institution and has passed the NPLEX exams.

The Pillars of Naturopathic Medicine

Many people ask what makes Naturopathic medicine different than functional medicine? Functional medicine is used within the treatment of Naturopathic medicine however it is not the same. Naturopathic medicine works to support the body’s innate ability to heal, this means much more to Naturopathic doctors than natural supplements based on lab testing alone. Naturopathic medicine is rooted in a distinct set of principles that guide patient care:

1. First, Do No Harm – Use the least force necessary to support healing.

2. The Healing Power of Nature – Support the body’s innate ability to heal.

3. Identify and Treat the Root Cause – Go beyond symptom management.

4. Doctor as Teacher – Educate and empower patients in their health journey.

5. Treat the Whole Person – Address physical, emotional, and environmental influences.

6. Prevention – Prioritize health promotion and disease prevention.

The Therapeutic Order

NDs follow a model called the Therapeutic Order, which emphasizes using the most natural, least invasive therapies first—starting with foundational lifestyle factors like nutrition, sleep, and movement. Only when necessary do NDs escalate to more intensive therapies, such as pharmaceuticals or minor surgical interventions (in licensed states).

This approach honors the body’s intelligence while ensuring treatments are both effective and respectful of the patient’s unique needs. High force interventions, synthetic symptom relief, and natural symptom control typically comprise functional medicine. Naturopathic doctors believe it is essential to start at the foundation, the bottom of the therapeutic order called the “Foundations for Health” first, and then employ the remaining levels as needed over time. This is the true way to create real, long term healing.

When working with a Naturopathic doctor in an unlicensed state in Florida, without a secondary license ND’s stay within the “Foundations for Health” level. Working with clients on lifestyle changes and habit formation. However, some providers are not so limited, read more below.

Naturopathic Licensure: The Situation in Florida

Licensure for naturopathic doctors varies widely across the U.S. As of now, Florida does not license naturopathic doctors, although active advocacy efforts are underway through the Florida Naturopathic Physician Association to establish regulation and create a legal scope of practice for NDs in the state.

This imagine shows the current United States regulatory map of naturopathic doctors. The AANMC is the primary website to explore for interest in becoming an ND. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians is the national professional association representing licensed naturopathic doctors, naturopathic medicine students, and other healthcare professionals allied with the naturopathic profession.

In Florida, licensed NDs from other states may offer their services as naturopathic consultants. While they are unable to diagnose or treat medical conditions unless licensed under another credential, many of them hold additional licenses such as:

• Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN)

• Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc)

• Massage Therapist (LMT)

• Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)

These credentials allow NDs to provide services within those legal scopes—such as functional nutrition, herbal support, acupuncture, cupping, and mind-body practices.

Because there’s no current licensure in Florida, patients should be particularly diligent when choosing a provider. Look for NDs who are:

✅ Graduates of accredited naturopathic medical schools
✅ NPLEX board-certified
✅ Holding a current license in a regulated state
✅ Transparent about their credentials and scope of practice

Final Thoughts

In a wellness-forward community like Palm Beach County, working with a naturopathic doctor can offer a refreshing, personalized approach to health care—whether you’re navigating chronic illness, looking to optimize energy, or wanting a more natural path to healing.

While Florida’s licensure efforts are still in progress, many highly trained NDs are already making a difference here by practicing within secondary licensed disciplines. Just be sure you know the difference between a licensed naturopathic doctor and an unlicensed naturopath, so you can make informed decisions for your health.

Dr. Amanda Scott currently serves Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, and Jupiter.

Curious about how a naturopathic doctor might support you in Florida? At Covet Health and Wellness, we combine evidence-based natural therapies with clinical expertise to help you feel your best naturally.

Questions about Naturopathic Medicine? Let us know below!

Rituals and Remedies: The Key to Sleep Hygiene and Better Rest

We all know that sleep is essential, yet many of us struggle to get enough of it. Poor sleep can leave us feeling groggy, irritable, and unfocused. But beyond just feeling tired, inadequate sleep can significantly impact brain function, immune health, and overall well-being.

Why Is Sleep So Important?

During the day major energy demands are placed on the body to keep our brain, digestive system, and musculoskeletal system active. The time we spend sleeping is the time our body is able to focus on one primary goal: recovering from the physiological and emotional stress from the day. We are able to better heal, reset, and recover.

One of the major system’s active when we sleep is the glymphatic system: a specialized waste clearance pathway in the brain that is most active during deep sleep. It functions like the body's lymphatic system but is unique to the brain. This system helps remove metabolic waste products, including beta-amyloid and tau proteins, which have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. When you get high-quality sleep, cerebrospinal fluid flows through the brain more effectively, flushing out these toxins and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

The Connection Between Sleep Hygiene and Brain Health

Sleep hygiene refers to the habits and behaviors that promote restorative sleep. Poor sleep hygiene often contribute to poor sleep patterns and quality, reducing the body’s ability to focus on nighttime repair and enabling us to be fresh for the next day.

Rituals To Prepare You For Optimal Sleep

1. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day—even on weekends—helps regulate your circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.

2. Create an Optimal Sleep Environment

A cool, dark, and quiet room supports better sleep. Consider blackout curtains, white noise machines, or a comfortable mattress and pillows to improve sleep quality.

3. Limit Screen Time Before Bed

Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Try to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime or use blue light blocking glasses to minimize exposure. Orange blue light blocking lenses are important to block of the full spectrum of light at night.

Pro tip: Switch iphone to night mode starting at 6pm - go to settings, display and brightness, scroll down to "night shift" and set the time to 6:00 pm - 7:00 am and move the dial all the way to the end of the "more warm" side

4. keep active electronics away

Keeping your phone near your head, a TV on while you sleep, or a computer plugged in next to you allows for continued emission of electromagnetic frequencies which can impact sleep quality and brain health long term. Turn your phone on airplane mode and turn off wifi and bluetooth if you need to use your phone as an alarm clock.

5. Avoid Stimulants and Heavy Meals Late at Night

Caffeine, nicotine, and heavy meals can interfere with sleep. Finish larger meals 2 hours before bed and opt for a light evening snack if needed and try to limit caffeine intake to no later than 12-1pm.

6. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading, meditation, or deep breathing exercises, to signal to your body that it's time to wind down. Taking a hot shower or epsom salt bath 30-60 minutes prior to bed can be helpful too!

7. Optimize Your Sleep Position

Research suggests that sleeping on your side, particularly the left side, may enhance glymphatic system function by improving cerebrospinal fluid flow and waste clearance.

Remedies To Support Optimal Sleep

For some, stress plays a major part in interrupting thsleep and others are simply looking for ways to get even better sleep. Pairing supportive remedies with sleep hygiene rituals can be a great way to accomplish both.

Here are some of our favorite tools in the form of tas or supplements to help achieve your sleep goals:

1. Chamomile: Contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to receptors in the brain to encourage relaxation by binding to benzodiazepine receptors and interacting with GABA receptors in the brain, which promotes relaxation and sleep.

2. Passionflower: Contains flavonoids such as vitexin, which enhance GABAergic activity and promote sedation and sleep.

3. Inositol: Supports serotonin production and balances neurotransmitters, aiding in relaxation and a stable sleep cycle.

4. Magnesium Glycinate: Magnesium acts as a natural N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist and a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist which can help to calm neural activity and promote sleep. Glycine, the amino acid component of magnesium glycine, acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and can enhance sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing core body temperature.

5. L-theanine: An amino acid found in tea leaves that promotes relaxation. It increases alpha brain wave activity and modulates neurotransmitter levels, including GABA, serotonin, and dopamine which is associated with a state of relaxation and reduced anxiety.

6. Valerian root: Contains valerenic acid, which is known to modulate GABA receptors. which supports improved sleep quality. Studies have demonstrated that valerian extract can reduce sleep latency and increase total sleep time .

7. Lemon Balm: Contains several bioactive compounds, including rosmarinic acid, which is believed to modulate the GABAergic system supporting sleep quality.

To get a look at Dr. Scott’s favorite sleep support supplements and to get 10% off, click here.

Nourish & Flourish: How Plant Variety Transforms Your Gut

The secret to a thriving gut microbiome might be simpler than you think—eat more plants, and eat a wider variety of them!

A groundbreaking 2018 study, conducted by the American Gut Project, revealed that people who consumed 30 or more different plant foods per week had a significantly more diverse gut microbiome compared to those who ate fewer than 10 types.

Specifically, individuals who ate a variety of plants (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, herbs, and spices) had:

• A higher number of beneficial gut bacteria

• Greater microbial diversity, linked to improved digestion and reduced inflammation

• Better resistance to pathogens, strengthening the immune system

Interestingly, the study also found that consuming more than 30 different plant-based foods per week had a stronger impact on microbiome diversity than whether someone followed a vegan, vegetarian, or omnivorous diet. It’s the variety that matters most!

Greater microbial diversity is associated with better digestion, immunity, and overall health. So we at Covet find it important to educate others on a fun and easy strategy: Plant Points.

What Are Plant Points?

Plant Points are a simple method to track and improve gut-friendly food diversity.

The idea is straightforward:

• Each unique plant-based food you eat counts as one point.

• Aim for at least 30 points per week.

• The more variety, the better for your gut microbiome.

How to Earn More Plant Points

Ready to put this method into action? Here are some simple, practical ways to increase your Plant Points:

1. Rotate your greens - Instead of sticking to just spinach, try kale, Swiss chard, mustard greens, or arugula. Each new green adds a unique set of fibers and polyphenols that feed different gut bacteria.

2. Diversify your fruits and veggies - Swap apples for pears, mix berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries), and experiment with less common veggies like fennel, jicama, or kohlrabi.

3. Experiment with Whole Grains - Quinoa, farro, millet, buckwheat (we love Pacha Buckwheat bread - 20% off here), and bulgur are great alternatives to brown rice or whole wheat.

4. Add More Nuts & Seeds - Sprinkle pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia, flax, or hemp seeds on salads and smoothies for easy plant diversity.

5. Use a Rainbow of Herbs & Spices - Turmeric, cinnamon, basil, oregano, cilantro, and ginger all contribute Plant Points while also offering anti-inflammatory benefits.

6. Try More Legumes & Beans - Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and edamame all provide fiber and protein while feeding beneficial gut bacteri - if you like pasta, our team loves this brand.

A Sample 30 Plant Points Week

Here’s an example of how you can easily hit 30 different plant-based foods in one week:

• Monday: Oatmeal (oats, flaxseeds, almonds, cinnamon, banana)

• Tuesday: Stir-fry (broccoli, bell peppers, tofu, sesame seeds, garlic, ginger)

• Wednesday: Salad (spinach, cherry tomatoes, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, avocado, lemon dressing)

• Thursday: Quinoa bowl (quinoa, black beans, cilantro, red onion, sunflower seeds)

• Friday: Smoothie (strawberries, blueberries, chia seeds, coconut milk, kale)

• Saturday: Miso soup (miso, seaweed, mushrooms, scallions, sesame seeds)

• Sunday: Roasted veggies (sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, tahini dressing)

By following this approach, you’re naturally feeding a more diverse population of gut bacteria, supporting digestion, reducing inflammation, and improving overall health.

Your gut (and overall health) will thank you! 🌿🥑🥦

Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: Your Gut’s Dynamic Duo for Vibrant Health

PRO TIP: The more diverse amount of plant foods you eat per week the happier your gut microbiome.

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Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome. This diverse community of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and even mental health. A balanced gut microbiome helps absorb nutrients, fight off harmful pathogens, and maintain overall well-being. Keeping this ecosystem healthy means providing it with the right nourishment—enter prebiotics and probiotics!

If your gut were a garden, probiotics would be the flowers, and prebiotics would be the what you utilize to fertilize them so that they may grow and thrive. The two work together in harmony, creating a thriving microbiome that supports digestion, immunity, and even mental well-being. But what exactly is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics, and how can you incorporate them into your daily routine? Let’s break it down together!

Prebiotics: The Fuel for Your Friendly Flora

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that act as food for probiotics, helping them flourish and do their job. They create the perfect environment for beneficial bacteria to thrive, keeping your gut ecosystem balanced and resilient.

Best Prebiotic Foods to Eat:

• Garlic & Onions: These flavorful staples are packed with gut-friendly fiber. They are also beneficial for immune function and providing a potent anti-inflammatory benefit.

• Asparagus & Artichokes: Loaded with inulin, a powerful prebiotic that feeds probiotics.

• Bananas (especially slightly green ones): A delicious way to fuel your gut bacteria.

• Leeks: A cousin of garlic and onions, offering a powerful prebiotic boost.

• Dandelion Greens: A slightly bitter leafy green that’s amazing for digestion.

Probiotics: The FRIENDLY BaCTERIA

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that take up residence in your gut, helping to balance your digestive system and crowd out harmful microbes. Think of them as tiny wellness warriors that improve digestion, reduce bloating, and boost immunity. They can even have mood-enhancing benefits by supporting the gut-brain connection!

Best Probiotic Rich Foods to Eat:

• Fermented Vegetables: Sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles (look for ones that are raw and unpasteurized!)

• Coconut Yogurt: A dairy-free way to get your probiotics with a creamy twist (our team’s favorites are Culina, Cocojune, and The Coconut Cult)

• Goat Kefir or Water Kefir: A tangy, probiotic-rich drink that can be made from coconut or almond milk.

• Miso: A fermented soybean paste often used in soups, rich in beneficial bacteria.

• Kombucha: A fizzy fermented tea full of gut-loving microbes.

The Perfect Pairing: Bringing Prebiotics & Probiotics Together

For optimal gut health, try pairing prebiotic and probiotic foods in your meals. Here are some delicious ways to do it:

• Enjoy sauerkraut with a meal that includes garlic-roasted vegetables.

• Add banana slices to your coconut yogurt for a gut-friendly breakfast.

• Pair miso soup with a side of steamed asparagus.

• Toss fermented pickles into a salad with dandelion greens.

Did you know?

The more diverse fruit and vegetables you eat - the more balanced your gut health. A study published in 2018 found that individuals who consumed more than 30 different types of plant foods each week had a more diverse gut microbiome compared to those who ate fewer than 10 types. This diversity in gut bacteria is associated with better overall health. Read this blog post for tips and tricks on how to get as many plant products as you can into your diet.

By nourishing your gut with both prebiotics and probiotics, you create a balanced, happy microbiome that supports everything from digestion to immunity—and even radiant skin! So go ahead and feed your inner garden, and let your gut flora bloom.

Let us know your favorite pre and probiotic foods in the comments 🌿✨