Dr. Jennifer Francesca Cisternino

Dr. Jennifer Francesca Cisternino provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Digestive Health

• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Naturopathic protocols to manage SIBO symptoms like bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits, and prevent recurrence.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) & Functional Bowel Disorders: Holistic support for improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and restoring normal bowel function in individuals with IBS.
• Food Sensitivities & Intolerances: Identifying and managing adverse reactions to certain foods through elimination diets, testing, and gut-healing protocols.
• Acid Reflux (GERD) & Heartburn: Naturopathic strategies to manage GERD without long-term reliance on acid-blocking medications, focusing on root causes.

Hormone Endocrine

• Menopausal Symptom Management: Natural relief from common menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Managing PCOS symptoms like irregular periods, acne, hirsutism, and insulin resistance through diet, lifestyle changes, and hormone-balancing herbs.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Cisternino can assess your needs.

• Conventional & Specialized Lab Test Analysis: Review and interpretation of standard blood tests, plus recommendations for specialized functional medicine tests (e.g., hormone panels, food sensitivity, digestive analysis) if indicated.
• Botanical (Herbal) Medicine: Utilizing the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants to restore balance, reduce symptoms, and enhance your body's natural healing processes.
• Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake: A detailed initial consultation to understand your complete health history, lifestyle factors, diet, stress levels, and specific health concerns.
• Homeopathic Medicine: Individualized prescription of highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body's self-healing mechanisms, based on the principle of 'like cures like'.
• Clinical Nutrition & Dietary Counseling: Personalized dietary recommendations, meal planning guidance, and nutritional supplement advice to address deficiencies, support healing, and optimize health.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Cisternino. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors in ON and the standards set by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

At Uptown Integrative Wellness, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Cisternino frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Naturopathic care with Dr. Cisternino can be a transformative turning point for those affected by skin problems like eczema, acne, or psoriasis that aren't improving. The shared goal is achieving noticeably better posture, with colleagues even commenting that they are standing taller and more confidently, paving the way for you to enjoy feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings and a more energetic, balanced life.
• Struggling with the frustration of needing help to create a healthier diet and lifestyle plan? Dr. Cisternino develops individualized naturopathic protocols aimed at achieving a substantial reduction in the severity and impact of their TMJ symptoms on their daily life, key to helping you get back to doing being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house with stamina with confidence and significantly improved health.
• Rediscover your ability to going on birdwatching outings in various terrains feeling capable without the burden of looking for natural ways to support my body's healing. Dr. Cisternino focuses on evidence-based naturopathic treatment plans that lead to more efficient movement patterns during daily activities, integrating various therapeutic modalities for optimal and lasting results.
• Dealing with the ongoing effects of sugar cravings or signs of blood sugar imbalance? Dr. Cisternino partners with patients to achieve a smoother and quicker postpartum recovery. This involves a holistic approach, aiming to restore balance so you can confidently resume important aspects of your life, such as travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations without digestive issues.

Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Cisternino, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.

Dr. Cisternino practices at Uptown Integrative Wellness, situated in the Concord Central area of Vaughan, within the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC). The clinic is conveniently located near York University and easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva transit services. Our location is designed to be accessible for all patients, with ample parking generally available close to the clinic entrance to support a comfortable and stress-free visit.

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Generally, naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in a private clinic are not covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer partial or full coverage for consultations with registered and licensed Naturopathic Doctors. It is important to check with your individual insurance provider to understand the level of coverage available, as it varies significantly between plans.

What kind of lab testing might a Naturopathic Doctor recommend?

A Naturopathic Doctor may utilize both conventional and specialized lab tests. Conventional tests (like those your MD might order) can include standard blood panels (CBC, cholesterol, blood sugar, iron, etc.), urinalysis, and thyroid hormone testing. Specialized or functional tests might include comprehensive hormone panels (saliva, urine, or blood), food sensitivity testing (e.g., IgG), comprehensive digestive stool analysis, organic acid testing, or heavy metal testing. The specific tests recommended will depend on your individual health concerns and history, and are used to gain deeper insights into your body's functioning and guide treatment.

Approximately how many Naturopathic sessions will I need?

The number of Naturopathic sessions required varies greatly depending on the nature and chronicity of your health concerns, your individual health goals, your body's response to treatment, and your commitment to implementing the recommended dietary and lifestyle changes. Your Naturopathic Doctor will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated timeline after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

What types of conditions do Naturopathic Doctors at Uptown Integrative Wellness address?

Our Naturopathic Doctors address a wide range of health concerns, with a focus on identifying and treating the root cause. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like digestive health, hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular health, stress, fatigue, and skin conditions. We often have practitioners with particular interests in areas like general naturopathic practice and preventative medicine. Our treatments may involve clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and patient education to help you achieve your health goals.

What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathic Doctor) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?

Both Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors) and Medical Doctors (MDs) are healthcare providers, but their approach and primary scope can differ. MDs typically focus on diagnosing and treating diseases using conventional methods like pharmaceuticals and surgery. Naturopathic Doctors focus on prevention and use natural therapies to support the body's self-healing abilities, often looking for the root cause of illness. Naturopathic Doctors may use treatments like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. In many cases, they can work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care. The regulation and scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors vary by province.

What are some of the specialized therapies Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors) might offer if they have extra training?

Some Naturopathic Doctors pursue additional certifications for specialized therapies. Examples include Intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy to deliver high doses of vitamins and minerals directly, prolotherapy for chronic joint and ligament pain by stimulating natural healing, and advanced acupuncture techniques. Availability varies, so patients interested in these therapies should inquire with their practitioner.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required to consult with an ND, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy beforehand to confirm any specific requirements.

Uptown Integrative Wellness
9-20 Great Gulf Drive
Vaughan, ON, L4K 0K7

Phone: (416) 301-3477

Dr. Jennifer Francesca Cisternino is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Registration Number: 2000

Registration can typically be verified with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Naturopathic medicine aims to support overall health and well-being. It is recommended to maintain a relationship with your medical doctor for conventional medical care, diagnosis of serious conditions, and emergencies. Naturopathic care can often complement conventional treatments.