What is a Kalish Method Practitioner
Dr. Daniel Kalish is a leading figure in Functional Medicine. Over the past 20 years, he has developed an approach that focuses on uncovering the root causes of health issues. This is done through specialized lab tests and clinical assessments instead of just treating symptoms.
Dr. Kalish continues to see patients in a small private practice, but most of his time is spent training practitioners in his lab-based system. This method targets three main areas: hormones, digestion, and detoxification. When any of these systems become imbalanced, it can lead to common chronic health issues.
The Kalish Method focuses on five main conditions: weight gain, hormone imbalances (adrenal, thyroid, and sex hormones), fatigue, depression, and digestive disorders.
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Practicing the Kalish Method for 20 Years
With over 20 years in practice as a Naturopath, including training directly with Dr. Kalish for a year, I have refined my ability to uncover and treat the underlying causes of health problems. This training involved detailed review and interpretation of lab tests, which changed the way I approach client care. The Kalish Method removes much of the guesswork, enabling the creation of effective treatment plans quickly.
I now work with clients around the world, including those in the U.S., Australia, and other countries. We use Functional pathology testing kits, such as those from Vibrant Wellness, which can be sent worldwide. Once test results are ready, I conduct a full health history review and consultation through video conferencing or phone. This ensures a clear understanding of your health concerns and next steps.
I have also trained with Dr. Terry Wahls, Dr. Datsis Kharrazian and Chris Kresser, there is always so much to learn and keeping up with the latest research is a key part of my practice.
Our approach combines dietary recommendations, lifestyle modifications, and high-quality supplements to help you regain optimal health.
Conditions Treated with the Kalish Method
1. Weight Gain
Weight gain can be complex and is often linked to deeper health imbalances. Factors like stress, hormonal dysfunction, poor digestion, and inflammation all play a role. The Kalish Method looks beyond calorie counting and exercise, instead focusing on the root causes. For example, stress-induced high cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, especially around the abdomen. Insulin resistance and thyroid imbalances are other common contributors.
Testing through Vibrant Wellness can identify metabolic imbalances, adrenal function, and inflammatory markers to provide a tailored approach to weight management. Addressing hormone imbalances, improving digestion, and reducing stress can lead to sustainable weight loss and improved well-being.
2. Hormone Imbalances (Adrenal, Thyroid, and Sex Hormones)
Hormonal imbalances can affect nearly every aspect of health. The Kalish Method focuses on adrenal function, thyroid health, and sex hormones because they are interconnected. When one hormone system is out of balance, it can disrupt others. For instance, chronic stress can lead to adrenal dysfunction, which then impacts thyroid and sex hormone levels. Common symptoms include fatigue, menstrual irregularities, weight gain, mood swings, and low libido.
Testing options include measuring cortisol throughout the day, thyroid markers (TSH, T4, T3, reverse T3, and antibodies), and sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA. Using these results, we create targeted treatment plans that focus on restoring balance through lifestyle changes, nutrition, and supplements.
3. Fatigue
Persistent fatigue goes beyond feeling tired; it can be debilitating and impact daily life. Many factors contribute to fatigue, including adrenal burnout, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic inflammation. The Kalish Method focuses on identifying the root causes of fatigue through comprehensive testing.
For adrenal fatigue, Vibrant Wellness tests can measure cortisol rhythms throughout the day, revealing patterns of imbalance. Nutrient deficiencies and gut health issues are also evaluated through Organic Acids testing. With a clear understanding of your fatigue triggers, we can create a plan to restore energy levels and improve resilience through nutrition, stress management, and supplementation.
4. Depression
Depression can have a variety of underlying causes, including hormonal imbalances, poor gut health, chronic stress, and inflammation. Research shows that the gut-brain connection plays a major role in mood regulation. Inflammatory markers, imbalanced neurotransmitters, and nutrient deficiencies can all contribute to depressive symptoms.
The Kalish Method uses functional testing to explore these factors. By addressing gut health through stool testing and Organic Acids testing, we can uncover issues like bacterial imbalances, yeast overgrowth, or leaky gut. Balancing hormones, reducing inflammation, and addressing nutrient deficiencies can lead to significant improvements in mood and mental clarity.
5. Digestive Disorders
Digestive health is at the core of overall well-being. Symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn often indicate deeper imbalances. The Kalish Method aims to identify and treat the root causes of digestive problems, such as dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria), parasitic infections, and food sensitivities.
Vibrant Wellness offers advanced stool testing and Organic Acids testing to assess gut function, identify infections, and pinpoint areas of imbalance. Addressing these issues can lead to better nutrient absorption, reduced inflammation, and improved immune function.
Functional Pathology Testing
Functional testing goes beyond standard blood work, often revealing what routine tests miss. I typically recommend starting with one to three tests, depending on the client’s symptoms.
- Adrenal Testing: Measures cortisol at four points in the day to assess natural rhythms and DHEA levels. Nighttime cortisol and melatonin can also be measured for insomnia.
The DUTCH hormone test or Vibrant Wellness urinary hormone test are good options for testing adrenal function.
- Thyroid Testing: Includes a complete profile of TSH, T4, T3, reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, and thyroid receptor antibodies.
We can organize advanced thyroid testing, this is often best done with other tests like the Healthspan test listed below, or we can customize a panel for you.
- Sex Hormones: Typically measured through blood testing or the urinary hormone tests. Commonly tested hormones include progesterone, estrogens, testosterone, and DHEA.
We can also test other markers like pregnenolone, 5a-DHT and adrenal function to get an accurate assessment.
- Organic Acids Testing: Evaluates energy metabolism, fat processing, liver function, bacterial overgrowth, Candida markers, vitamin levels, and neurotransmitter activity.
This can be ordered through Mosaic labs or the Vibrant Wellness.
- Stool Testing: Checks for parasites, bacterial infections, Helicobacter pylori, and other inflammatory markers.
I recommend the Vibrant Wellness Gut Zoomer test to help you understand your gut health.
- Cholesterol Testing: Provides an extensive look at cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, clotting factors, inflammatory markers, ApoB, homocysteine and LDL particle size.
This is part of the Healthspan assessment test and it is important to test more than the basic cholesterol panel that most doctors do.
- Vibrant Wellness Healthspan Test: This test provides a comprehensive overview of key markers related to aging, vitality, and overall health resilience. It covers inflammation levels, metabolic health, micronutrient status, cardiovascular risks, oxidative stress, and more. By identifying factors that influence longevity and vitality, we can create personalized plans to improve long-term health outcomes. The Healthspan Test is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their health trajectory and optimize well-being.
Take Control of Your Health
To learn more about functional pathology testing, schedule a consultation with me at Planet Naturopath. Together, we will determine the most relevant tests to uncover and address your specific health concerns. “Test, don’t guess” is a proven approach that can save you time and money, offering a clear path to better health and well-being.