Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is naturopathic medicine and what is a naturopathic doctor (ND)?

    Naturopathic medicine is a distinct healthcare profession that emphasizes prevention, identifying underlying contributors to illness, and supporting the body's innate ability to heal. It is guided by seven core principles: first do no harm; the healing power of nature; identify and treat the causes; treat the whole person; doctor as teacher; prevention; and wellness promotion.

    Dr. Keyvan Farhad is a California-licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) and registered dietitian (RD). His practice focuses on digestive health through evidence-informed nutrition, lifestyle, microbiome, and natural medicine approaches tailored to each individual's needs.

  • The practice focuses on digestive health, including IBS, SIBO/IMO, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, GERD/reflux, food sensitivities, microbiome-related concerns, diverticular disease, and other chronic digestive symptoms.

    In addition to digestive health, Dr. Farhad provides nutrition and lifestyle support for:

    • Fatty liver disease (Steatosis/MASLD)

    • Prediabetes and insulin resistance

    • Metabolic health and weight management

    • High cholesterol and cardiovascular risk reduction

    • High blood pressure

    • Bone health and osteoporosis prevention

    • Healthy aging and longevity

    • Evidence-based dietary planning

    • Supplement review and optimization

    • Environmental and lifestyle factors that may impact health

    For more details, visit Services page.

  • Yes. For selected patients, advanced microbiome testing using shotgun metagenomic sequencing may be recommended to evaluate the composition and functional capacity of the gut microbiome. This can be particularly helpful for individuals with chronic digestive symptoms, complex bowel conditions, recurrent symptoms despite prior treatment, or those seeking to optimize long-term microbiome health.

    Shotgun metagenomic sequencing is one of the most advanced methods available for analyzing the gut microbiome. Unlike traditional stool tests that identify only a limited number of organisms, shotgun metagenomics evaluates the genetic material of the entire microbial community, providing a detailed assessment of bacterial species, diversity, and functional potential. This technology can offer deeper insights into microbiome composition and may help guide personalized nutrition, lifestyle, and microbiome-supportive strategies when clinically appropriate.

  • Many patients seek care after conventional gastroenterology evaluation and treatment have not fully resolved their symptoms and are looking for additional support with natural medicine, nutrition, lifestyle, digestion, and microbiome health.

    Dr. Farhad's services are intended to complement—not replace—conventional gastroenterology care. Patients are encouraged to maintain appropriate relationships with their primary care physician and gastroenterologist while pursuing additional digestive health support.

  • Prior records can be transferred in two ways. You may sign a records release form with your provider and request that records be faxed directly to our office at:

    (949) 266-0963

    Alternatively, once you have scheduled an appointment and have access to the patient portal, you can upload documents directly through the portal. Records that are helpful to have on file include prior lab work, stool testing, endoscopy and colonoscopy reports, imaging studies, and any relevant specialist notes.

  • The initial visit includes a comprehensive review of your health history, digestive symptoms, diet, lifestyle, medications, supplements, prior testing, and treatment goals. A personalized plan is then developed based on your needs.

  • No. Naturopathic Digestive Medicine is a cash-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly.

  • Yes. A superbill can be provided upon request for patients who wish to submit a claim for potential out-of-network reimbursement independently. This practice does not bill insurance directly and makes no guarantee of reimbursement. Coverage and reimbursement rates vary by plan — patients should contact their insurance carrier directly to determine their out-of-network benefits prior to their visit.

  • Prospective patients may use the Contact page for general inquiries. Established patients should use the secure patient portal for all communications.

  • Telehealth services are available only to patients who are physically located in California at the time of the appointment.