Why Total Health is the Future of Medicine

By Dr. Masuda, Naturopathic Doctor

When most people think of going to the doctor, it’s because something feels “off.” Maybe they’re tired, their digestion is acting up, or they’re just not feeling like themselves. But what if we flipped that model? What if instead of waiting for something to go wrong, we focused on understanding the entire picture of your health — before symptoms even appear?

That’s what we’re doing at Joy Wellness Partners through our Total Health approach, and I believe it’s the future of medicine.

The Problem with “Normal”

Patients come to me all the time saying their labs came back “normal,” but they don’t feel normal. They’re exhausted. They’re gaining weight for no reason. Their mood is off. And when they get those results, they feel dismissed — like their experience doesn’t matter just because they fall into a reference range.

Here’s what I want you to know: You are not crazy. Your symptoms are valid, and they’re usually signals that something deeper is going on.

At Joy Wellness Partners, we don’t just skim the surface. We go deeper to find out why your body is reacting the way it is — and we start with data.

Testing: The Foundation of Total Health

Before I make any recommendations, I want to see what’s happening under the hood. That’s why we begin with a comprehensive lab review, which includes:

• Inflammatory markers like hs-CRP
  
  
• Vitamin and nutrient levels
  
  
• Fasting insulin and A1C (even if your glucose is “normal”)
  
  
• Cholesterol panels with particle size
  
  
• Cortisol levels to assess adrenal health
  
  
• Complete thyroid panel — not just TSH
  
  

It’s amazing how much clarity we get from this data. For example, someone may come in feeling fine, but their labs reveal chronic inflammation or blood sugar issues that are slowly progressing. Without intervention, those things can lead to serious health problems in the future.

We’re not waiting for that to happen. We act now.

It’s Not Just About One Problem

When I meet with a patient, I don’t ask “What symptom are we treating today?” I ask, “What’s going on with the whole system?” Because everything is connected.

Someone may come in for fatigue, but when we dig in, we might find that poor sleep, blood sugar imbalance, and cortisol dysfunction are all playing a role. Or maybe a patient comes in for hormone therapy, but we discover that inflammation is blocking those hormones from doing their job.

In other words, there’s never just one thing. And if we treat only the symptom without fixing the system, it’s just a Band-Aid.

What I Often Find (Even in “Healthy” People)

One of the most surprising things for new patients is what we uncover through labs — especially when they think they’re doing okay.

Here are a few examples I see regularly:

• Elevated fasting insulin, even when glucose is normal, indicating early insulin resistance
  
  
• High homocysteine levels, which can signal inflammation and increase cardiovascular risk
  
  
• Low vitamin D or suboptimal B12, even in people who supplement
  
  
• Subclinical hypothyroidism, where TSH is “normal” but free T3 is low, leading to fatigue and weight gain
  
  
• Elevated hs-CRP, a marker of systemic inflammation, even when there are no obvious symptoms
  
  

These are the things traditional medicine often overlooks. But they matter — because they give us a chance to prevent disease, not just manage it once it’s there.

The Total Health Approach

Once we’ve gathered your lab data and done a full intake — which includes your lifestyle, stress levels, sleep, nutrition, and goals — we co-create a plan together. And this plan often includes a mix of:

• IV nutrient therapy to correct deficiencies and boost cellular health
  
  
• Bioidentical hormone optimization to restore balance and energy
  
  
• Peptide therapies to enhance regeneration and support immune health
  
  
• Lifestyle and nutrition guidance based on your specific biomarkers
  
  

The key is that everything is personalized. We’re not throwing darts at a board. We’re using real data, your real experience, and our clinical expertise to guide the path forward.

I’m Not Here to “Fix” You — I’m Here to Partner With You

One thing I always emphasize to my patients is that this isn’t a one-time thing. Your body changes over time — and your health plan should evolve with it.

That’s why we continue to monitor, reassess, and optimize as you move forward. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or just want to feel your best every day, I’m here to support you — not just for today, but for the long run.

Health isn’t a destination. It’s a relationship — with your body, your choices, and your care team. And I’m honored to be part of that journey with you.

You Deserve Better Than “Fine”

If you’ve been told “everything looks normal” but you know something’s not right…
If you’re tired of chasing symptoms with no clear answers…
Or if you’re simply ready to feel vibrant, strong, and in control of your health…

Then I invite you to explore Total Health with us.

We start with a comprehensive lab review and consultation — so we can uncover what’s really going on, together.

Because you deserve more than fine. You deserve to thrive.

Dr. Mairead Masuda
Naturopathic Doctor, Joy Wellness Partners