Welcome to the webpage of Robin Walsh BASc, ND.

Introduction

Robin completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph in Human Nutrition before attending Naturopathic College. Born and raised in Waterloo, she now practices in her familiar surroundings, as well as in Stratford ON.

While having a holistic naturopathic approach with patients, she has taken a strong interest and puts emphasis on general and sports nutrition, and also in patients achieving an optimal weight and body composition. Optimal body composition plays a central role in the prevention of long term diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and cancer. She continually strives to encourage, coach and support every patient in making lifestyle changes in order to achieve their own individual optimal health and fitness goals. In her spare time she is an avid runner, competing in marathons and half marathons and is also a competitive horseback rider.

Robin holds professional memberships with the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) and the Canadian Naturopathic Association (CNA). She is licensed in Ontario through the Board of Drugless Practitioners (BDDT-N). Robin is certified in First Line Therapy, which is an advanced certification program in recognizing the barriers to weight loss and helping patients achieve optimal body composition. Robin is also a member of the Association of Perinatal Naturopathic Doctors, a group that has a special interest in issues surrounding pregnancy and fertility.

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a complete and co-ordinated approach to health care. It is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention using natural therapies and gentle techniques.

Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine are specialists in natural medicine and preventive health care, integrating scientific knowledge with traditional healing wisdom. They are health-care professionals who use safe, gentle, non-invasive therapies to assist the whole person in maximizing the body's inherent self-healing capacity.

Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

The following tenets govern the practice of naturopathic medicine. Click on any of the principles for more information.

Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)

The naturopathic doctor seeks to identify and to remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.

First, Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)

Naturopathic doctors follow these three guidelines to avoid harming the patient:
  • Use methods and medicines which minimize the risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat.
  • Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppressing of symptoms.
  • Acknowledge, respect and work with the individual's self-healing process.

Doctor As Teacher (Docere)

Naturopathic doctors share information and knowledge with their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health.

Treat The Whole Person

Naturopathic doctors treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors.

Emphasize Prevention

Naturopathic doctors emphasize the prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness.

Support The Healing Power of The Body (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)

Naturopathic Medicine recognizes an inherent self healing process in the person which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic doctors act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and increase this inherent self-healing process.

Naturopathic Medical Treatments

Click on any of the treatments below for more information.

Clinical Nutrition

Naturopathic doctors examine the relationship between diet and health. Special diets may be recommended as well as nutritional supplements (e.g. vitamins, minerals, enzymes, etc.).

Botanical (Herbal) Medicine

The use of plants for healing dates back to the beginning of civilization and is the foundation of modern pharmacology.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Based on balancing the flow of Chi (energy) through meridian pathways, Oriental medicine includes the use of acupuncture, acupressure and Oriental herbs.

Homeopathic Medicine

Based on the principle of "like cures like" homeopathic medicine was developed in the 1700's. Minute amounts of natural substances are used to stimulate the body's self-healing abilities.

Naturopathic Hydrotherapy

The philosophy underlying naturopathic hydrotherapy is that health and healing is proportional to normal flow of healthy blood. Hot and cold applications to the skin via water cause changes in the circulation of the blood and lymph which lead to changes at the cellular, tissue, organ and organ system levels of the body.

LifeStyle Counseling and Stress Management

Physical, emotional, nutritional and environmental factors affect health. Naturopaths are trained to effectively educate patients about the interdependence of lifestyle and health.

First Line Therapy

Achieving Optimal Health and Body Composition

What is First Line Therapy?
First Line Therapy is a therapeutic lifestyle program which is designed to help you live your life in a way that improves your health. A "therapeutic lifestyle" means making choices every day that will enhance your health and help prevent disease, enabling you to achieve a full, healthy life.

First line Therapy is based in extensive scientific reseach demonstrating that many of the chronic diseases associated with aging are largely caused by lifestyle choices. These diseases include:

  • Heart disease
  • Stoke
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Osteoporosis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer

Who can benefit from FLT?
Everyone can benefit from a therapeutic lifestyle as it has been shown to optimize health and prevent disease. It is recommended as a "first line therapy" for patients sufferIng from:

  • Heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes
  • PMS
  • Fatigue
  • Hormone related disorders
  • Stress related disorders
  • PCOS
  • Menopause
  • Conditions related to overweight/obesity

Monitoring Progress
The program includes several ways to monitor progress:

  • Depending on the individual - weekly, biweekly or monthly counselling sessions with a review of diet and exercise diaries
  • Weight tracking
  • Waist and hip ratio tracking
  • Blood pressure tracking
  • BioElectrical Impedance analysis tracking...learn more about this below
  • Review and tracking of blood and urine analysis - based on individual needs

BioElectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)

BioElectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a method of assessing your "body compositon" - the measurement of fat in relation to lean body mass. It is an integral part of a health and nutrition assessment.

To learn more about BIA, and why it is benefical to assist you in achieving optimal health, click on the following links to read a four page article on BIA and its benefits: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, and Page 4.

Who can benefit from BIA testing?
BIA testing is very useful tool in the following conditions:

  • Achieving optimal body composition, and tracking weight loss and weight management
  • Tracking body composition during athletic training. BIA can track how the body is holding up to intense training by following things like phase angle, water distribution and also maintaining lean muscle tissues.
  • During training, Lance Armstrong used a daily BIA test and then used this information as one of the factors for setting his training program for that day.
  • Tracking/monitoring chronic disease
  • Tracking caloric needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Helping underweight patients gain weight

Testimonials

Karen presented to the clinic on March 6, 2006 with a strong desire to optimize her health and nutrition. Her chief complaints were fatigue, especially after exercise, and muscle cramping and strain during her workouts.

Her initial weight was 175lbs, with 28% body fat. Over the next 8 months we worked on her overall nutrition. and her pre and post exercise nutrition. We enhanced her nutrition with vitamins and minerals, re-nourished her adrenal or stress glands, and detoxified her system. By changing her nutrition and ensuring proper electrolyte balance during exercise, her muscle cramping, fatigue and strain disappeared and her overall energy increased.

As of November 30, 2006 she weighed 154lbs with 22.6% body fat. This is better than optimal for her age. I recently saw her in January, and she has maintained her weight while enjoying and thriving in her new, healthy lifestyle. Congratulations Karen on all of your hard work and efforts to achieve optimal health and wellness!
At the start of my weight loss goal, I found the motivation to exercise, but I needed guidance on proper nutrition. I had a very demanding sweet tooth that I thought was incurable and I often felt ill after eating because the snack was high in sugar or I overindulged. Now, I rarely ever crave chocolate or sweets and I can balance each meal properly by following Robin's advice.

The advice from Robin is so simple and natural. The food changes are quite easy to maintain and I have never felt this good in my life. I have energy throughout the day and most importantly I now feel that I'm in control of my life.

Karen Ranger
Don, age 58, presented to the clinic on May 12, 2006 after being diagnosed as borderline diabetic. When Don started his program, he was doing a lot of exercise, but feeling frustrated that he was not losing weight.

His starting weight with me was 220, however the majority of his weight was concentrated around his middle section, putting him at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. His initial blood work showed a cholesterol level of 7.8, high liver enzymes, high TSH (thyroid) and a fasting blood sugar level of 7.8 (optimal <5). I worked with Don to significantly change his diet, and we worked with medical foods and essential fatty acids that are designed to normalize blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

I last saw Don on Decemeber 6, 2006 and his new current weight is 210.6 with over 8 pounds of fat loss. His last blood work reveled that his liver enzymes had normalized, total cholesterol had dropped to 5.16. TSH had also dropped slightly and his HgA1C which is a long term marker for blood sugar levels was now within normal limits. Congratulations Don, on all of your hard work and accomplishments.
I was one of those people who tried for years to maintain or reduce my body weight by trying to live on a starvation diet. The actual result was weight gain, not loss, and a progression towards diabetes and high cholesterol. So, to lose weight, I believed that the starvation diet combined with strenuous physical activity at a gym would result in weight loss and improved health. That belief proved to be completely misguided. After spending 6 months working out strenuously three times per week with a personal trainer at a reputable gym, I had failed to lose even a single pound. While my muscular and cardiovascular fitness had improved, I was still failing to lose any of the excess weight which I had hoped to lose. By chance, a friend recommended that I make an appointment to see Robin Walsh.

Robin conducted a thorough review of my blood work and diet, and came up with a workable solution which has helped me to lose weight, improve my overall health, and overall fitness. Among health problems she identified at our very first appointment were borderline diabetes, high cholesterol, and overactive thyroid function. Robin has closely monitored my diet and health, and has given clear diet guidelines to follow. The result has been a steady, but healthy weight loss, blood sugar and cholesterol levels which are back into the normal range, and improved thyroid functioning. This has dramatically improved my overall health and fitness.

I would strongly recommend Robin to anyone who wishes to get sound advice on diet, nutrition, and health, and prevent the onset of very common, but very serious health conditions such as diabetes. The advice which she gives is easy to follow, but allows one to change their nutritional lifestyle in a positive way which will lead to improved nutrition and overall health.

Don P
Elizabeth, age 41, presented to the clinic on February 6, 2006 feeling very frustrated about her weight. Her battle with weight started in 1995, and while her top weight was 220lbs she usually maintained a weight between 185-190lbs regardless of what she did.

She had been to numerous weight loss programs in the city and had worked out with a personal trainer 2x/week, followed a restricted diet and had only lost 6 lbs in 6 months. Needless to say she was feeling frustrated and hopeless about her weight and was also battling depression and low energy.

Her initial weight in my clinic was 185lbs, with 53.6lbs of body fat putting her at 29.3% body fat. Over the next 9 months, we worked with essential fatty acids, thyroid support and detoxification along with the FLT program.

My last visit with Elizabeth was Jan 25, 2007 and she currently weighs 145.6lbs, with 34.1lbs of body fat which now puts her at 23.5% body fat. This is an overall weight loss of 40lbs with a 20lb loss of body fat. She has now reached an optimal body composition and is on a weight maintenance program. She reports that her mood and energy levels are better and is happy with her new weight and body composition.

Elizabeth is a true case of what healthy balanced eating, and dedication can do…congratulations on all of your hard work and accomplishments.
Look around you. Skinny people do and fat people sit. I sat in disbelief as my physician made this declaration, the lump in my throat getting larger. I had just finished listing the weight loss measures I had taken for the previous two years: various diet plans, personal training, daily walks and thyroid tests. I had followed the plans rigorously yet my body remained the same.

I got no results and now I was sitting across from a health care professional who advised me to accept my obesity. That was the last time I discussed my weight with my family physician. Six months later I am pleased to have found an effective and healthy weight loss solution, thanks to Dr. Robin Walsh.

Dr. Robin Walsh took a genuine interest in my situation. Systematically, and patiently, she determined ways to help me make my body work more efficiently and shed excess pounds. To date I have lost about 25 pounds. It took time, commitment and a willingness to follow her recommendations, but all I had to lose was weight, and I did.

When I first visited Dr. Robin Walsh I was frustrated beyond measure with my excess weight. Years of trying different eating plans, daily walks, thyroid tests and working with personal trainers and a nutritionist had yielded no results. Medical doctors could offer no help. Someone suggested I try a naturopath.

Robin Walsh is thorough, systematic and patient in her approach. With her guidance I have been able to lose the weight that has been burdening me for years, and best of all, it’s all-natural. I have lost 40 pounds, my body is working much more efficiently and I feel as though I have won a decade-long battle. Robin Walsh made all the difference.

Booking an appointment with Dr. Robin Walsh was the turning point in my struggle. I had nothing to lose but weight, and I did.

Elizabeth
Dan, age 54, presented to the clinic on February 24, 2006. He was concerned about the number of medications he was taking, and the fact that they were not being able to manage his condition. On the last visit to his medical doctor, we was told that if he couldn’t get his blood sugars under control they were going to have to put him in insulin.

Dan was taking 7 prescription medications, including three blood pressure medications and blood sugar regulating medications. He was measuring his blood sugars daily, and even with all of this support 55.2% of the time his blood sugars were outside of normal range (as per accu-check compass reports). His initial blood work reveiled that his HbA1C (long term blood sugar marker) was 0.71 which is high (0.40-0.60). He was also complaining of severe leg cramping at night, to the point where he almost felt paralyzed.

We started Dan on the FirstLine Therapy program, along with medical foods, essential fatty acids and minerals to improve the muscle cramping. My last visit with Dan was November 30, 2006 and now only 18.5% of the time are Dans blood sugar reading outside of normal limit, without the addition of insulin. This number has been steadily dropping since our first visit, and we are expecting that it will continue to drop. His last blood work revealed that his HbA1C had dropped to being within normal limits.

Dan currently has no muscle cramping, and has lost over 3 inches from his waist. Dan continue to work hard to improve his nutrition and fitness level, and is very committed to the program. Congratulations Dan, on taking the steps to optimize your health and wellness.
I am 54 and my blood sugar is going wild. It looks like the next step is needles. My weight has stayed at 200 to 208 lbs or years. I figure if I don't do something, I will not live to a ripe old age.

My kids and massage therapist encouraged me to try Naturopathic medicine . I did, and Robin Walsh has made a difference. I can now see the light and all my levels are improving. Commitment? YES… but worth it.

Dan M.
Hello Robin, thanks so much for all your help. You have been so instrumental in giving me my life back. Here is a testimonial you can use. A few month ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Robin Walsh and I am grateful for her knowledge, expertise and sincerity. Robin has been able to diagnose my condition and get me back on track to better health.

It has been many, many years since I have felt well, however, it was the kind of unwell that always made you second guess my condition. I was not sick enough to be in bed but not well enough to live a normal life.

After trying out our medical system with no satisfying results, I got desperate to find out what was wrong. I was referred to Robin by my chiropractor and called her immediately. I met with Robin about mid April and she was quick to determine that I had severe Adrenal Fatigue. Although she had made a diagnosis on the first visit, she was thorough enough to double check her findings. Since that day, I been diligent in taking the course of medicines prescribed to me.

I am very happy to report that after two months, I am feeling better that I have in years. In fact, I can't remember feeling this good and I am not out of the woods yet. I know that it will take some time yet before I am completely recovered but that's ok because I have my life back and it can only get better. I am now looking forward to planning and living the best life I can and it is all due to Robin.

Robin, thank you for caring!

Diane Drouin
Hi Robin, I felt at ease in the relaxed atmosphere. Robin helped me understand how important nutrition is, and suggested realistic options. My face is soo much better! (Jess has eczema) The dryness is totally gone and I feel much better! I'm trying to eat more fruit and veggies too, so it's going well! :)

Robin was very welcoming and pin-pointed the problems. I would definately recommend a visit to make you feel better!

Thanks a bunch!

Jess (aged 16)
Dear Dr Walsh, ND, I want to thank you for helping with my Crohn's disease. I was diagnosed 13 years ago and was told by various doctors that, despite my surgery, I would be faced with a lifetime of difficulty, discomfort, fatigue, and frequent bowel movements. I spent my days negotiating where I was in relation to the nearest bathroom.

Now that I have made the simple changes you prescribed I am finally free! I no longer need to restrict my activities. My energy level is high and I feel great!

Thank you so much, Robin. Anyone suffering from Crohn's should contact you so they can get back to enjoying a more normal lifestyle.

With gratitude,

Kathie Steele
My wife and I met with Robin Walsh for the first time while my wife was pregnant with our second child. We had received some news from her O.B. about a virus she was carrying. No one took any time to explain what this virus was and how it could affect my wife or the baby. Robin met with us outside of her regular business hours to explain what it was and suggested natural medications to help minimize any harm in coming to the baby and my wife. She was very well prepared and did research before we met.

All of Robin's suggestions worked fantastic, my wife gave birth to our second daughter weighing an even 7 pounds, with no complications or side affects to the baby as doctors suggested there might be.

Since our first meeting with Robin we have been back a few times. She is courteous, knowledgeable, and above all takes an interest in her patients and how things turned out. We have seen her at times outside of her office and she always is quick to ask if everyone is doing better.

Our family will continue to visit with Robin as sicknesses come up, and I am sure we will always get the same great level of satisfaction we have in the past.

The Lobsinger Family.

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