Q&A with Dr. Lana Butner, ND, LAc

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) help patients identify the root cause of their health issues. Learn more about what it's like to work with an ND!

Dr. Lana Butner is a licensed naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist that focuses on women’s health and gut issues. Working as her clients’ partner in health, Dr. Lana can uncover the root causes of current conditions or illnesses. Her goal is to help her patients live optimally and look and feel their best with the assistance of healthy habits, quality supplementation, work-life balance, and fulfilling relationships.

If Dr. Lana’s strategy resonates with you and you would like to learn more, you can visit her website and Instagram.

What does your practice focus on?

My practice is rooted in endocrinology and gastro issues. I feel as though everyone in NYC is stressed and everyone in NYC has stomach problems. They go hand in hand, hence the “Gut-Brain Axis.” I use a combination of naturopathic medicine, nutrition, traditional chinese medicine, acupuncture and fitness to help guide individuals to achieve their optimal health, correct their internal dysfunctions, alleviate pain, manage/eradicate their symptoms, and ultimately feel better and look better in the process!

When did you decide you wanted to become a ND?

When I saw one for the first time, by accident! 

I have always had digestive issues and generalized anxiety, both of which wax and wane, depending upon stress levels -  surprise, surprise!

For background, my undergrad was spent at Tulane in New Orleans, and as you would expect, I was pretty depleted by the end of my tenure down in the Big Easy as a post-grad in my early twenties. 

So let’s set the stage real quick: I had just moved back to Kansas to begin a Masters in Exercise Science. My mother had scheduled an appointment for me at a holistic clinic I had gone to as a teen during one of my IBS and anxiety bouts, as my symptoms were flaring up again. This time instead of the functional MD I was used to seeing, I was scheduled with the new female physician, who was an naturopathic doctor. I had never heard the term, but obviously she had “Dr.” in front of her name, so it didn't matter to me. 

I cannot reiterate enough just how monumental those first few minutes with her were. She took one look at me and just “got” me. She had me opening up and in tears within the first five minutes of our initial conversation - and I am by no means a crier! The fact that she looked at me, asked sincere questions, truly listened to my answers and then prodded even further, was completely foreign to me. She truly cared about me and my well being. 

At the end of the appointment, I made the doctor come out to the parking lot to meet my mother who was picking me up and I pointed to her, looked at my mom and said, “I am going to be a naturopathic doctor. I figured it out.”

Less than a year later, I was enrolled at SCNM in Arizona. 

Is naturopathic medicine something you grew up with, or did you have more of a conventional healthcare upbringing?

Most definitely not. I was placed on broad-spectrum antibiotics for years as a pre-teen for a not-that-bad-case of acne. Just that alone disrupted my gut microbiome to the point that it exacerbated my anxiety issues as a pre-teen and young adult. 

I was raised on a standard American diet and did not take supplements, but was always thin due to being active in dance and loving the gym. 

I should have known something bigger was at play though, as I grew up being a vegetarian in Kansas, from a family full of hunters!

 

In what instances should a patient consider seeing a ND? What would you recommend those who want to dip their toes in more holistic healthcare do to get more comfortable with naturopathic medicine principles?

I think the best thing you can do is start following NDs on social media. This is not to start any treatment protocols based on what they are talking about, but rather so that you can get a feel for what we do, what we stand for, how we treat and most importantly, how we embody or practices on a day to day basis. 

Something I started during Quarantine was a membership program specifically for individuals such as this: interested and curious but not ready to commit. 

The membership includes a private portal that is dedicated to holistic education and overall wellness. There is a plethora of video content, podcasts, educational handouts, supplement discounts, retreats (in personal and online), and other affiliate discount codes for holistic brands and products that I align with as a naturopathic physician. 

The most enjoyable part of the membership (at least for me) is the monthly wellness webinar that I host for members on a different topic each month. To me, being able to interact with individuals who are striving to better themselves and optimize their lifestyle in an aim for a healthier future truly warms my heart and fills me with happiness, hope and excitement for this generation of young women.  

 

What advice do you have for other men and women who are considering pursuing an ND degree?

Reach out to any and all holistic practitioners you know (or know of) and respect. 

They do not have to be naturopathic doctors specifically. In fact, it's interesting, educational and insightful to hear why certain practitioners chose not to go through medical school but instead chose herbalism, acupuncture, physical therapy or a nurse practitioner route. 

Ask for shadowing and interning opportunities as much as you can. The more experience you gain prior to committing to a 4 year medical education, the better. you want to make sure that this is your passion. It is not an easy road, nor is it cheap, so absolute clarity that this is your calling, your drive, your passion and your purpose is of the utmost importance. 

How did you decide to focus on women’s health specifically? What sub-areas do you focus on?

Young women are finally beginning to recognize that they must advocate for themselves and their reproductive rights. In order to advocate for yourself, you must spend time educating yourself as well as discussing relevant topics with those around you, such as your healthcare provider. I love being that healthcare provider for young women.

Growing up, I was not taught to advocate for myself, and as such I unnecessarily suffered the health consequences that followed. I don't want that for others, it does not have to be like that. Knowledge is power and I am here to educate, advocate and support.

In terms of specific areas I focus on within women’s health, PMS, PCOS, and Post Birth Control Syndrome are several examples.

 

What can one of your patients expect in their first few visits?

An open minded, zero judgement space. Our conversations are incredibly detail oriented so that patients are ensured to receive the most individualized care possible for their specific case.

As a member, you have between one or two 30-minute check-ins a month.

Outside of the membership, patients can chose to come as they see fit, but I strongly recommend monthly visits for the first quarter (4 months). That way any alterations to the treatment plans can be made, all questions can be answered/explained and any difficulties and/or roadblocks can be worked through as soon as they come up, to pave the way for success during these sometimes difficult lifestyle changes. 

 

What are some of your favorite tips and tricks for managing a hormonal imbalance?

Firstly, truly evaluate your diet. And then be open, willing and ready to make necessary changes, as so many hormonal imbalances are influenced by diet and exercise.

Secondly, balance both HIIT and cardio exercise with a restorative movement practice. You may be working out every day, but it could be doing more harm than good if you are overtaxing your adrenal glands.

 

How do you like to communicate with your patients?

I generally communicate with clients over video or in person.

I do offer 15 minute complimentary phone consultations for those who are interested in beginning their wellness journey, but want to know more before taking the leap.

I also communicate with patients between appointments via email, within reason. I won't simply disappear until the next month. That used to happen to me as a patient, and I did not like how it felt at all, so I do my best to avoid instilling that feeling in my patients. 

 

What are the challenge areas in today’s health system for women trying to manage their hormonal health? Are there any “hacks” in the system patients should be aware of to maximize their access to quality hormonal health experts?

I’ll touch on two hacks here.

First, use your FSA/HSA! Naturopathic visits are covered by those accounts, and it makes the financial portion that much less daunting. 

Second, telehealth is phenomenal: use it! Many of my patients have left NYC since COVID, so my patient-base is much more nationwide than it was at the beginning of 2020. I love that telehealth allows patients to refer their friends, mothers and family members who would otherwise not be able to come in for a visit. It truly “evens the playing field,” and allows for quality healthcare for all!