Common Conditions

Our practitioners work with you to create health rather than treat disease. This is accomplished by restoring balance between all systems of the body, addressing you as a whole person. The ultimate goal is to get to the root cause of your condition and get you feeling well! Some of the conditions that naturopathic doctors frequently see are:

• Acne
• Allergies
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Bladder Infections
• Celiac Disease
• Crohn's Disease
• Diabetes
• Eczema
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches/Migraines
• Heartburn
• Heart Disease
• High Cholesterol
• Hypothyroidism
• Hypertension
• IBS
• Insomnia
• Interstitial cystitis
• Infertility
• Menopause
• Multiple sclerosis
• Multiple chemical sensitivity
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Parkinson's
• PMS
• Psoriasis
• Respiratory Infections
• Sinus Infections
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
• Ulcerative colitis
• Urinary tract infections (UTI)
• Cancer

These conditions have been previously diagnosed by the patient’s medical treatment provider and despite having these conditions, naturopathic medicine can help patients achieve well-being.

Testimonials

I had been dealing w/ respiratory issues for almost 8 months. Working with traditional doctors, they just kept trying to treat the symptoms I was having vs trying to identify why I was dealing w/ these issues. After working w/ Dr. Aponte for the first 3 months I saw significant changes in my symptoms and quality of life. I have now been a patient for 8 months and the care & amazing push to continue to find the root cause of any health issue is refreshing. Following my wellness plans Dr. Aponte has provided, my symptoms have improved & I feel 90% better. I will continue to see Dr. Aponte for any related or new issues that arise. Also, the option of being able to have appointments in person, virtual, or over the phone is helpful for any schedule.

—AC,37 year oldfemale

I felt an immediate sense of calm when I walked in the door at Lakeside Natural Medicine. The waiting area is very serene, clean and bright, with very friendly staff. I was very nervous for my first appointment, but I felt those fears and nerves melt away upon meeting with Dr. Meister. I felt very comfortable confiding about my issues and was treated with kindness, compassion, and empathy- and most importantly, with a positive attitude in finding solutions that work for me! Highly recommend Lakeside Natural Medicine.

—SS,39 year old female

Dr. Aponte has helped me this past year solve my hormonal problems and look into what was causing my hormonal symptoms all together. Within seeing Dr. Aponte for the first 3 months, I had received my period (first time in 3 years) and started to clear my skin up and also many other smaller things. She is very knowledgeable and I feel really listens to any of my concerns and questions. I highly recommend going to Lakeside Natural Medicine, their staff is always very friendly and the atmosphere is on point. Thank you Lakeside!

—ER ,17 year oldfemale

I came to Dr. Meister after over a year of struggling through symptoms of PCOS, mood issues, losing my period and ovulation, hormonal acne, and inability to lose weight. I had been turned away by my PCP, endocrinologist, and failed at trying to navigate my own treatment via “hormonal specialists” on the internet. In one conversation, she made me feel heard and validated everything I was going through with no surprise. She quickly went to work helping me and I am now on the other side of this hormonal healing journey. There’s still work ahead, but I am a whole new person now. They healed my acne, helped me lose weight, balanced my hormones, restored my cycle and chance of having children someday, and so much more! Doing phone call appointments and having supplements shipped to my home has taken all of the stress off of taking care of my health and having one less appointment to run around to. I’m so thankful for Lakeside for listening to me and healing the WHOLE me from the inside out rather than just putting bandaids on my symptoms. Couldn’t recommend them enough!

—LB,28 year oldFemale

We're so thankful to have found Dr. Aponte and Lakeside Natural Medicine! Our daughter has a complicated GI condition and Dr. Aponte has helped us make real progress in healing. She took the time to listen to our unique situation and gave us a personalized plan, along with periodic check-ins to see if what we're trying is working.

—RB,4 year oldF

I was diagnosed with IBS in July of 2022, and I struggled with my diet, always feeling bloated and sick to my stomach. My primary care physician prescribed a drug for my symptoms, and after taking this medication for six months I found no improvement in my condition. I found out about Lakeside Natural Medicine from a family member, and I saw my first Naturopathic Doctor- Katarina Meister, and it changed everything. Dr. Meister helped me with my diet and recommended certain supplements to regulate, and actually work at healing my intestines so that I could successfully stop the prescription I was taking. I am so grateful for Dr. Meister’s help!! I think she’s great, and I highly recommend her to anyone who is suffering from IBS and wants to find healing without prescription medications.

—GWJ,70 year oldFemale

I have been seeing Dr. Meister for my hormonal and digestion issues. She is the only medical provider that actually listened and tested what my body was actually producing and not producing. With the actual information she had she was able to treat me with the proper hormonal and digestive supplements/ medications. She worked with my family doctor for even a smoother course of treatment. I’ve had endometriosis and gut issues for years and no help after seeing many specialists and spending thousands of dollars. Dr. Meister has been the only provider to actually help and I feel better than I’ve ever felt in years!

It’s amazing to actually feel good and help spread my great success with lakeside to help others with issues they have struggled with for years. Not a single regret! The best ever!

—JG,43 year oldFemale

My experience at Lakeside Natural Medicine has been nothing but positive and life changing. Prior to attending Lakeside I had an unexplained weight gain, mood swings, irregular periods and low energy levels. In general I did not feel like myself. Today I am proud to say that I am the healthiest I have ever been. I am now able to maintain a healthy weight, regular energy levels, maintain better mental health and my menstrual cycles are back to normal. Four to five months after my first appointment is when I started to see these positive changes.

All of these changes were achievable with the helpful recommendations from the doctors at Lakeside. One of the first things I did was a saliva test that measured my hormone levels which were ultimately the causes of the negative changes in my body. I made dietary changes, started to take natural supplements and made more efforts to exercise.

Dr Meister was nothing but supportive, encouraging and professional as she helped me get to the root of my health issues. You can tell she truly cares for the well being of her patients and aims to provide the best long lasting natural solutions.

—ES,22 year oldFemale

Who knew healthy eating could be so easy and fun? Thanks to Dr. Axtell’s workshop, I learned how to eat more healthfully, make good choices and prepare delicious and healthy meals for my family. Without even being aware of it, I lost a few pounds and increased my energy. I’m literally bounding up the stairs at age 60! I feel terrific!

—JS,60 year oldFemale

I visited Dr. Joanne Aponte after I discovered I had h. pylori bacteria in my system. My medical doctor put me on antibiotics that I had to stop taking after 24 hours due to intense side effects that included severe diarrhea and an extremely upset stomach. Dr. Aponte had me take some supplements for 30 days and at the end a medical test proved that the bacteria was no longer an issue. lt was a painless, side-effect minus protocol. Additionally, the recommendations from Dr. Aponte not only solved my immediate problem it also put me on a path to intestinal healing that has been an issue for me for years and years. I was unprepared for how wonderful it felt to once again not have an upset stomach after every meal I ate. I continue taking some supplements and have not had any of my past discomfort reappear. I cannot express how incredibly grateful I am to Dr. Aponte and the staff at Lakeside who have been unfailingly kind and professional at every visit. I will most definitely include Lakeside going forward with any health-related issues I have.

—AA,74 year oldFemale

"We feel so fortunate to have found Dr. Axtell. We originally sought treatment for my youngest child who has had food intolerances since birth. Despite having a wholesome diet and being an overall very healthy child, she was experiencing significant joint-pain that was progressively getting worse. Dr. Axtell provided supplements and we notice significant relief within days. Since then, we have been able to reintroduce most foods and only very rarely have issues with pain or GI discomfort. Because of the amazing results with my youngest, I began working with Dr. Axtell myself. She quickly identified significant hormonal, gut, and nutritional imbalances. Prior to working with Dr. Axtell, I was eating a healthy diet (low in sugar and refined grains, and high in protein and vegetables) and exercising regularly. However, I had chronic fatigue, difficulty focusing, sleeping, controlling blood sugar, excessive water retention, and it was very difficult for me to lose weight. Dr. Axtell did extensive blood, stool, and hormone testing to determine a treatment plan. Since implementing her plan, I feel better than I have my entire adult life and I’ve lost over 30 pounds without making significant changes to my diet or exercise routine. I honestly look back and can’t believe how I made it through the days feeling as awful as I did. If would absolutely recommend Dr. Axtell without reservations to anyone who is looking to feel better and identify health issues not commonly identified by general practitioners."

—JB,38 year oldFemale

We feel so fortunate to have found Dr. Axtell. We originally sought treatment for my youngest child who has had food intolerances since birth. Despite having a wholesome diet and being an overall very healthy child, she was experiencing significant joint-pain that was progressively getting worse. Dr. Axtell provided supplements and we notice significant relief within days. Since then, we have been able to reintroduce most foods and only very rarely have issues with pain or GI discomfort. Because of the amazing results with my youngest, I began working with Dr. Axtell myself. She quickly identified significant hormonal, gut, and nutritional imbalances. Prior to working with Dr. Axtell, I was eating a healthy diet (low in sugar and refined grains, and high in protein and vegetables) and exercising regularly. However, I had chronic fatigue, difficulty focusing, sleeping, controlling blood sugar, excessive water retention, and it was very difficult for me to lose weight. Dr. Axtell did extensive blood, stool, and hormone testing to determine a treatment plan. Since implementing her plan, I feel better than I have my entire adult life and I’ve lost over 30 pounds without making significant changes to my diet or exercise routine. I honestly look back and can’t believe how I made it through the days feeling as awful as I did. If would absolutely recommend Dr. Axtell without reservations to anyone who is looking to feel better and identify health issues not commonly identified by general practitioners.

—JB,38 year oldFemale

Dr. Joanne Aponte's bedside manner is both calm and patient. She listens intently and then explains her recommendations in great detail and then provides my wellness plan printed for my convenience. She is very knowledgeable in naturopathic medicine. With her help I am symptom free, feel great and know I am leading a healthier life than before knowing her. I strongly recommend Dr. Aponte.

—CS,61 year oldFemale

I wanted to write and thank Dr. Aponte for working with me this Spring. I feel like a new person- rested, calm and without pain. The guidance and care Dr. Aponte provided was the perfect solution to my health issues and I'm so grateful.

—CB,53 year oldFemale

Dr. Axtell has provided excellent support and recommendations for our baby. Her compassion, wisdom, knowledge and caring personality all blend beautifully to help guide her patients toward balanced and harmonious health. Dr. Axtell is thorough, articulate and always follow through with us. These characteristics are so valuable in a naturopathic doctor and very important to me as a patient. We, as a family, are so thankful for Dr. Axtell’s help and guidance with out baby’s health and wellness.

—MR, mother of,1 year oldMale

It has been my pleasure and inspiration to have worked with Dr. Axtell as her patient. Even though our appointments have been via long-distance telephone, I’ve always felt that she was glad to hear my voice, truly concerned about me and my health history. Our conversations couldn’t have been more personal if we’d met face-to-face. Dr. Axtell asks all the right questions- very intuitive and understanding of my health issues. She never rushes me into an answer. In fact, she helps me vocalize my issues by asking just the right questions to identify the underlying cause and recommend natural remedies. And she has a great sense of humor. I’m reaching my goals, thanks to her help and excellent guidance.

—SB,66 year oldFemale

Dr. Axtell, I have to thank you…. I must have been somewhat low progesterone for a while. I haven’t slept this good in a YEAR. Starting the second day I used the cream, I cannot believe how well I slept. How rested I feel. I’m so calm and tolerating life so much better, so much less stressed. I feel amazing. So thank you for what you do…. Based on my symptoms it all makes sense! I also really appreciate your integrity in partnering with my OB and my decisions. I’m glad I chose naturopathy!

—SN,28 year oldFemale

Upon meeting Dr. Axtell, I found her to be respectful and professional, yet present and easygoing. In the short time that I have been seeing Dr. Axtell, my primary complaints of anxiety, low energy, insomnia and constipation, have diminished by 80-100%. She was very thorough with her questions and suggestions. Her suggestions ranged from incorporating more of an anti-inflammatory diet, seed cycling and some supplements, to creating new lifestyle habits. I began with adding deep relaxing breathing, especially before meals, and an earlier bedtime. I quickly noticed the positive effects upon my digestion, energy and sleep, as well as an inner calm which I am cultivating one moment at a time. Lastly, but just as importantly, Dr. Axtell listened, allowing my feelings to be felt as well, encouraging and inspiring me to start doing the same for myself. Thank you Dr. Axtell.

—KF,54 year oldFemale

Talking to Dr. Aponte during appointments and the natural supplements that she recommended helped me calm down, focus and control my stress. The supplements helped my mind stop thinking about things to worry about. They calmed me down without me noticing! I know there will always be set backs or difficult times, but I have the tools now to not let those times control me and I know how to regain a sense of calm. I can now focus more on just living life every day.

—BS,28 year oldMale

Dr. Axtell spent many hours outside of my appointments reviewing my case and coming up with the best wellness plan to help my body heal at the cellular level. She also sees my children and clearly understands the needs of the growing and developing child. She understands physiology and biochemistry and the difference in curative vs. palliative medicine. Now I know the difference in just feeling well and true wellness. I highly recommend Dr. Axtell for those serious about getting to the root cause of any health challenge.

—CH,40 year oldMale

I’ve seen Dr. Aponte for help with sore throats and dry skin. I saw her for my recurring sore throat over a year ago and thanks to her recommendations, I have not been bothered by sore throats since. Recently, I saw her for dry skin. I had dry flaky skin all over my face which made it embarrassing to be in front of people. She instructed me to take a few different supplements and a lotion and within a day my skin is already clearing up. I had been trying to treat it myself with no luck. Dr. Aponte continues to surprise me with the amount of things she can address.

—JB,32 year oldMale

I was so frustrated with so many other medical professionals not taking the time listen or care about me. Dr. Axtell takes the time to listen fully and understand. She also questions and gives me the room to ask my own questions and to think about what I can do differently to become healthier. Dr. Axtell helped me work through and heal so many life changing health issues. We worked together to get me through my first Ironman triathlon event, adrenal and thyroid support, depression and peri-menopause. Dr. Axtell allows me to be me, while also encouraging and challenging me to live a more wholesome, healthier lifestyle.

—CQ,51 year oldFemale

I came to Dr. Aponte looking for help clearing up my acne. I am 29 yrs old and started getting mild acne when I was about 25 years old. My first instinct was to see a dermatologist who put me on antibiotics and two topical creams. After one year on the treatment my skin looked great but I was concerned about the negative health affects these treatments may have been placing on my body. I decided to come off of the medicine and my face reacted horribly. I had worse acne than I’d ever had previously. Rather than run back to the dermatologist I came to Dr. Aponte. She spent time getting to know my health history, lifestyle choices and dietary habits. After a complete consultation she started me on a supplement regimen that has dramatically improved my skin and overall health. My acne is GONE and my face feels healthy again! I would highly recommend Dr. Aponte to anyone seeking help with a wellness issue.

—DF,29 year oldFemale

I visited Dr. Axtell two years ago to address my Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The arthritis, in particular, was troublesome. I was taking medications for it, and the medications helped somewhat, but my routine was still drastically affected. Dr. Axtell recommended a gluten-free diet along with supplements that enabled me to be pain-free with no medication. It’s been almost two years of no arthritis pain and now we are discussing stopping Avonex injections for MS.

—JS,62 year oldMale

In my first meeting with Dr. Aponte, I felt an instant rapport with her and felt comforted by her compassion. She took me seriously and listened intently to every symptom that I reported. She truly treated me as a whole person and not as just a condition. Not only did Dr. Aponte provide me with supplements and dietary advice that improved my condition but her advice and natural remedies also helped me to improve my overall wellbeing. I credit Dr. Aponte’s advice with the fact that my condition improved so quickly. I want to thank Dr. Aponte for her impeccable expertise, compassion, intuition and skill. I would recommend her to anyone.

—KL,28 year oldFemale

Prior to coming to Dr. Axtell, I was experiencing a number of ailments that were not responding to mainstream medical treatment. I suffered from severe fatigue and spent much of my day in bed because I was too tired to do anything else. My blood pressure was high in spite of taking two different medications to control it. At my first visit with Dr. Axtell, she took the time to understand my case taking into account my diet and lifestyle. She patiently answered all of my questions and explained my wellness plan every step of the way. Most of all, she gave me hope that something could be done to address my condition where other modalities had failed. After being under Dr. Axtell’s care for a few short weeks my energy level has gone through the roof. The ‘mind fog’ has lifted and I am now able to concentrate and enjoy many of the activities I used to enjoy. My blood pressure has dropped 20 points and is now at the levels it was when I was in my 20’s. As a bonus, I have lost 25 lbs. and counting. I highly recommend Dr. Axtell to anyone who truly wants to improve their health. Her caring and compassionate approach to healthcare is sure to produce positive results.

—CD,59 year oldMale

Joanne Aponte, ND is wonderful to work with, her style is warm and caring. I had some issues with my intestinal tract due to antibiotics after a bout with diverticulosis. My GI Doctor wanted to put me on Prilosec, which I resisted. Joanne came up with an alternative plan to heal my esophagus. After 6 months of following her recommendations, my next endoscopy showed no inflammation. She also reviewed my diet and made many helpful suggestions to clean up my diet. I have recommended her not only to my daughter, but many friends. I am grateful to have a Naturopathic Doctor as dedicated and knowledgeable as Joanne is to work with.

—SJ,64 year oldFemale