Dr. Kristijana Rakic

Dr. Kristijana Rakic provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Chronic Joint Pain & Osteoarthritis Support: Naturopathic approaches to reduce joint pain and inflammation, improve mobility, and support cartilage health in osteoarthritis and other chronic joint conditions.
• Sports Injuries (Naturopathic Recovery & Performance): Supporting peak athletic performance and injury resilience through a holistic naturopathic approach.
• Ligament & Tendon Injuries (e.g., Tendinopathy, Sprains - Naturopathic Support): A comprehensive approach to accelerate recovery from soft tissue injuries and prevent recurrence.
• Headaches & Migraines (Naturopathic Management): Naturopathic strategies including acupuncture, botanical medicine, and nutritional adjustments to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Hormone Endocrine

• Menopausal Symptom Management: Utilizing botanical medicines, nutritional support, and lifestyle adjustments to ease the transition through menopause.
• Thyroid Disorders (e.g., Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's Support): A comprehensive approach to thyroid health, including diet, lifestyle, and targeted natural therapies to improve energy and metabolism.

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

• Clinical Nutrition & Dietary Counseling: Personalized dietary recommendations, meal planning guidance, and nutritional supplement advice to address deficiencies, support healing, and optimize health.
• 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.
• Homeopathic Medicine: Classical or complex homeopathy tailored to your unique symptom picture to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Botanical (Herbal) Medicine: Utilizing the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants to restore balance, reduce symptoms, and enhance your body's natural healing processes.
• Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): Clinical physical examination tailored to your concerns, which may include specific naturopathic assessment methods.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Rakic. 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 Functional Medicine Uptown, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Rakic frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose skin problems like eczema, acne, or psoriasis that aren't improving has made travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations without digestive issues feel out of reach, Dr. Rakic's naturopathic approach offers a path toward vastly improved range of motion in their hips, making stairs and getting up from chairs much easier. Evidence-informed natural therapies can be instrumental in helping you return to travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations without digestive issues with greater comfort and energy.
• With Dr. Rakic, a Naturopathic Doctor, individuals with frequent headaches or migraines that disrupt my life are guided towards feeling truly listened to and understood regarding all their health concerns. The focus is on empowering your body's innate healing ability so you can once again participate fully in activities you enjoy, such as keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match with improved endurance.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling tired all the time, no matter how much I sleep and achieved significant pain relief under the skilled care of Dr. Rakic. This renewed well-being often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as returning to a specific physical or mental hobby they had to give up due to pain or fatigue with a new lease on life.
• It's truly rewarding for Dr. Rakic to witness patients resolve brain fog or difficulty concentrating and experience better tolerance to foods they were previously sensitive or intolerant to. A holistic naturopathic approach, focusing on your unique constitution, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up or energy dips again.

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

Located within the vibrant University District of Waterloo, at 'Functional Medicine Uptown', Dr. Rakic's practice is situated in close proximity to the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. The clinic is conveniently positioned near Waterloo North Hydro and is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus routes and the ION Light Rail. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Approximately how many Naturopathic sessions will I need?

This is very individual. Some acute issues might resolve relatively quickly, while chronic or complex conditions may require a longer period of care and support to achieve lasting results. Your Naturopathic Doctor will give you a better idea after your first comprehensive visit and will regularly discuss your progress and adjust the plan as needed.

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

Medical Doctors (MDs) generally use conventional medicine, including prescription drugs and surgery, to treat specific diseases and symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors or Naturopathes) take a holistic approach, aiming to identify and treat the underlying cause of health issues using natural therapies such as diet, herbs, homeopathy, and lifestyle changes. Naturopathic Doctors emphasize disease prevention and patient education. While their philosophies differ, Naturopathic Doctors and MDs can complement each other in a patient's overall healthcare plan.

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.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm coverage requirements.

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

Naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor in a private clinic are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for consultations. Many private insurance plans, however, offer coverage for naturopathic services, so it is recommended to review your individual policy details.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first Naturopathic appointment?

Please bring copies of any recent lab test results (blood work, imaging, etc.) from the past 1-2 years, a list of current medications and supplements including dosages, and a brief health history if applicable. If you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details.

What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?

The initial appointment involves a thorough health history assessment, discussion of your concerns, and a physical examination tailored to your needs. Dr. Rakic will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include dietary, lifestyle, and natural therapies. The visit aims to understand you holistically and set the foundation for ongoing care.

What types of conditions do Naturopathic Doctors at Functional Medicine Uptown 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, digestive health issues, hormonal imbalances, stress and fatigue, skin conditions, and metabolic concerns. Our practitioners often have particular interests in areas like general naturopathic practice and preventative medicine. Treatments may involve Clinical Nutrition & Dietary Counseling, Conventional & Specialized Lab Test Analysis, lifestyle counseling, and patient education to support your health goals.

Functional Medicine Uptown
109 Erb Street West,
Waterloo, ON, N2L 1T4

Phone: (519) 745-1600

Dr. Kristijana Rakic is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Registration Number: 1543

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.