The Colorado Association of Naturopathic Doctors

06/08/2026

Before the day is over, find one thing outside that you've never noticed before.
A bird. A flower. A cloud formation.
A tree you've walked past a hundred times.
No app. No goal. No step count.
Just notice it.

We spend a lot of time trying to optimize life and very little time paying attention to it.

Consider this your five-minute prescription for curiosity. That is all. Now. Go do it.

06/05/2026

Our member spotlight falls on: Dr Emeka Amara

Dr. Amara is a self-described “global nomad” whose international upbringing has profoundly shaped his perspective on medicine and healing. Born and raised in Nigeria to parents from different cultural backgrounds, he was exposed early to both traditional healing practices and modern medicine, fostering a deep appreciation for the complexity and interconnectedness of health. After earning his pharmacy degree in the Philippines and later serving in the military as a mental health practitioner supporting service members and their families, he realized he was searching for a medical philosophy that could unify science, culture, and whole-person care. He ultimately found that alignment in naturopathic medicine.

Now practicing in Colorado, Dr. Amara is passionate about helping patients identify the root causes of illness and experience the transformative “aha” moments that come with reclaiming their health. While he values every aspect of medicine, he has a particular interest in cardio-metabolic health and supporting patients in reversing chronic disease through individualized, evidence-informed care. Seeing patients regain their energy, resilience, and quality of life continues to reinforce his belief in the meaningful role naturopathic medicine can play in modern healthcare.

06/05/2026

June is Men's Health Month.

Research shows that men are less likely to seek preventive healthcare and more likely to delay care until symptoms begin to interfere with daily life.*

The challenge is that many common health concerns develop gradually. Changes in energy, sleep, mood, recovery, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cardiovascular health often begin long before a diagnosis is made.

That is why preventive care matters.

Naturopathic doctors emphasize understanding the broader factors that influence health, including nutrition, sleep, stress, physical activity, metabolic health, hormone balance, and underlying medical conditions. Through a comprehensive health history, clinical assessment, and appropriate laboratory testing, they work with patients to identify potential concerns early and support long-term health.

Men's health is about more than treating disease. It is about maintaining health, function, and quality of life over time.

This Men's Health Month, consider making prevention part of your long-term health strategy. Discover our directory of registered naturopathic doctors: www.coloradond.org

*Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Minority Health.

06/01/2026

Our congratulations to the Maine Association of Naturopathic Doctors on their recent success in modernizing naturopathic medicine in Maine. This legislation brings their scope of practice more closely in line with the rigorous education and clinical training naturopathic doctors receive during their post-graduate naturopathic medical education.

We are thrilled for our colleagues in Maine and for the patients they serve.

Here in Colorado, we are grateful that naturopathic doctors are recognized as a regulated profession with oversight, accountability, and a process for public protection. We remain hopeful that, in time, Colorado will continue to adapt its laws to more fully reflect the education, training, and capabilities of naturopathic doctors.
Congratulations, Maine. We celebrate this important milestone with you😍

As interest in holistic medicine grows, a Waterville naturopath explains how integrative care can complement conventional treatment.

05/22/2026

The science keeps pointing back to the basics.

According to the CDC, 6 in 10 U.S. adults have at least one chronic disease, and 4 in 10 have two or more. Many of these conditions are influenced by factors such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and other daily habits.

That's one reason healthcare is paying renewed attention to nutrition—not as an alternative to medicine, but as part of it.
In fact, some medical schools and health systems are expanding nutrition and culinary education as they look for better ways to address chronic disease.

Food won't replace emergency medicine, surgery, or necessary medications. But what we eat remains one of the most powerful influences on long-term health.

Sometimes progress doesn't mean abandoning the basics.
It means taking them more seriously.

Source: CDC Chronic Disease Overview

05/18/2026

One of the least glamorous—but most important—parts of healthcare is accountability.
Registered naturopathic doctors in Colorado are required to carry malpractice insurance. It’s part of practicing responsibly within a regulated profession.

We appreciate partners like NCMIC who understand the realities of building a healthcare career in fields that don’t always follow the conventional path.

One thing we especially respect is their tiered approach for newer doctors—allowing malpractice costs to increase gradually over the first five years of practice. That kind of structure recognizes that good clinicians are built over time, and that early professional support matters.

They’ve also consistently shown up for our profession in human ways—sending representatives to our conference, helping personalize resources for our members, and treating our doctors like people rather than policy numbers.
We’re grateful for their support of Colorado’s registered naturopathic doctors.

05/14/2026

We appreciated the opportunity to spend time with State Representative Ross-Keltie during CoAND’s Lobby Day at the Colorado Capitol.

One of the most valuable parts of the morning was the chance to have real conversation — to share more about registered naturopathic doctors in Colorado, answer questions, and talk about the health concerns affecting Colorado communities. It was not defensive. It was not testimony....it was just LOVELY.

Representative Keltie took time to listen and engage thoughtfully, and we appreciated the opportunity to connect during Naturopathic Medicine Week.

Lobby Day reminded us that meaningful progress often starts with conversation, curiosity, and a willingness to listen to one another.

Ready to consider a registered Naturopathic Doctor? I would love to set you up with one here: www.coloradond.org

05/11/2026

The Colorado Association of Naturopathic Doctors wrapped up Naturopathic Medicine Week with a morning at the Colorado State Capitol.

We had a wonderful time connecting with legislators, staff, and friends of the profession. We brought 80 breakfast burritos to share and were out before 8:30 a.m.—which we’re taking as a good sign.

More importantly, it was a meaningful reminder that beyond hearings, testimony, and policy discussions, the Capitol is filled with real people serving their communities. We appreciated the opportunity to sit down one-on-one, have thoughtful conversations, listen as much as we spoke, and simply connect as people.

Anyone who has spent time at the Capitol during hearings knows it can sometimes feel rushed, tense, or adversarial. Friday felt different. It was productive, welcoming, and genuinely restorative.

Special thanks to State Senator Rod Pelton for coordinating our Lobby Day and inviting us in.

05/07/2026

Colorado is a state that values health, movement, prevention, and active living.

It’s also a state where patients have access to registered naturopathic doctors—a profession regulated by the State of Colorado with its own registration, standards, and oversight.

During National Naturopathic Medicine Week, we’re recognizing the role naturopathic doctors play in supporting whole-person health through nutrition, lifestyle medicine, patient education, and personalized care.

www.coloradond.org

05/07/2026

No two patients are the same. So why should their treatment plans be?

Individualized care isn't a new concept for naturopathic doctors:
It's been central to how they practice from the very beginning. When you see an ND, your appointment isn't built around a checklist or a standard protocol. It's built around you.

That means your ND is taking into account the full picture:

•Your physical symptoms and health history being
•Your environment and lifestyle
•Your genetic predispositions
•Your personal health goals and preferences

The result is a treatment plan designed specifically for where you are right now and where you
want to be. Not a one-size-fits-all prescription, but a personalized roadmap to lasting wellness.

At your first visit, you'll spend an hour or more with your ND because truly understanding a
person takes time. That investment at the start is what makes everything that follows more
effective.

Healthcare that sees the whole you, and treats you accordingly. That's naturopathic medicine.
Make an appointment with a Colorado ND: www.coloradond.org/find-a-nd

Learn more about naturopathic medicine:
https://bit.ly/4s49CKZ