Toronto Naturopathic Doctor and IV Vitamin Therapy Clinic
Higher Health Naturopathic Centre and IV LoungeHealth

Why human care still outruns algorithms for better health outcomes

The Night‑Shift Doctor in Your Pocket

to show the 2 lives of a woman and ai

Last week Emma downloaded her latest blood‑work PDF and pasted the results into ChatGPT.

Within seconds the AI produced a five‑paragraph analysis: ferritin on the low side, vitamin D “sub‑optimal,” possible thyroid sluggishness.

Complete with supplement dosages and a sample meal plan.

Impressive, especially at 2 a.m., and Emma printed it out to discuss at her next visit with me.

ChatGPT had done a great job with the numbers she gave it.

Yet, it had no clue she’d run a half‑marathon in June, gone plant‑based in July, and rarely sleeps more than four hours.

Those missing details can flip lab values—and health outcomes—on their head.

If you’ve experimented with AI health tools, you’re not alone.

A July 2025 survey found more than 35% of Americans (sorry I could not find a recent Canadian report) now use AI to manage some part of their health, from symptom checks to meal planning.

Yet 93% say they trust doctors more when stakes are high—an idea worth discussing.

The numbers reveal a simple truth: we adore AI’s instant answers, yet we still lean on a human’s caring energy when our health really matters.

What AI (Honestly) Does Brilliantly

Let’s give credit where it’s due. Modern algorithms can:

Spot patterns humans miss. Machine‑learning models flag subtle relationships in thousands of biomarkers, shaving hours off manual review.

Explain complex terms in plain language. Ask “What does elevated ALT mean?” and an AI will translate hepatocellular enzymes into an 8th‑grade summary.

Work 24/7—no waiting room required. Whether you’re jet‑lagged in Tokyo or nursing a cough at 4 a.m., AI responds instantly.

Stay unbiased by lifestyle quirks. Algorithms don’t judge your weekend pizza or skipped gym session.

Many diagnostic labs we use already run proprietary AI to pre‑interpret panels; our own clinic reviews those algorithmic flags daily.

Used well, AI is like a high‑resolution microscope: it zooms in on details, fast.

But here’s where speed becomes a double-edged sword.

The Caring Gap: Data ≠ Whole Person

The same efficiency that makes AI brilliant also creates blind spots. Three that matter most:

Prompts shape answers. Most patients don’t know the right follow‑up questions. Should I adjust ranges if I run endurance races?

Could night‑shift cortisol spikes distort these numbers? When you’re uploading labs at midnight, uncertain and maybe a little scared, it’s hard to know what context matters most.

Omitting a single crucial fact can swing interpretation entirely.

Nuance lives in conversation. How you tell your story, the hesitation in your voice, the side note about caring for an elderly parent—all of this guides a practitioner toward the real driver of fatigue or inflammation.

The way you mention sleep issues differently when you’re worried versus frustrated gives us clues no text box can capture.

Empathy heals. A 2024 JAMA study on chronic‑pain patients showed that physician empathy outperformed several standard treatments in improving quality‑of‑life scores.

Earlier reviews link empathetic consults to better adherence and satisfaction across conditions.

No matter how many times ChatGPT says, “I’m here for you,” it doesn’t feel your relief—or your fear.

And those emotions—supported or ignored—directly influence immune response, hormone balance, and even gene expression.

Why Empathy Is Medicine

Dr Tara and AI

Think back to your last appointment with a provider who really saw you. (I hope you’re thinking about your last visit at Higher Health.)

Maybe they remembered your daughter’s name or noticed you winced when you sat down.

That 30‑second pause to ask, “Tell me more,” activates the vagus nerve, lowers heart rate, and shifts the body toward parasympathetic repair.

Researchers call the effect “therapeutic alliance.” In cancer care, strong alliances correlate with reduced anxiety and higher survival‑quality metrics.

In primary care, every one‑point rise on the Jefferson Empathy Scale predicts higher patient enablement—the confidence to act on advice.

Science keeps finding what humanity always knew: feeling cared for changes physiology.

Naturopathic Doctors: Tech‑Optimized Humans

At Higher Health we adore technology. We upload DUTCH hormone panels, bloodwork, and gut‑microbiome reads into AI dashboards daily.

They colour‑code anomalies, rank patterns, and generate draft treatment ideas. Then the real work begins.

We ask about your 3 p.m. energy crash, not just your fasting glucose.

We connect your ferritin dip to heavier periods that started after a new IUD.

We notice your voice tense when you mention workload, hinting at cortisol rhythm issues no algorithm flagged.

The result is a blended approach: the algorithm accelerates, the doctor individualizes, and you receive a plan that fits both your mitochondria and your Monday schedule.

Have you uploaded labs to an AI tool but still felt uncertain afterward? Do you find yourself Googling symptoms at midnight, getting more confused with each search?

These are signs you might be getting data without the dialogue that makes it meaningful.

When to Call in Human Backup

check list

AI is perfect for background reading or second opinions, but consider partnering with a naturopathic doctor when:

  • Symptoms conflict. Your joint pain doesn’t match textbook autoimmune patterns.

  • You’re drowning in info. One chatbot says adrenal fatigue, another screams iron overload.

  • You need behavior change. Knowing your HbA1c (or insulin)  is high isn’t the same as revamping dinner when your kids hate vegetables.

  • Stress or emotions are part of the puzzle. (Spoiler: they almost always are.)

An ND weaves labs, lifestyle, and emotion into a single narrative—your narrative—then coaches you through the messy middle where true change happens.

The Future Isn’t Human or Machine—It’s Synergy

Some visionaries dream of a caring robot with perfect bedside manner. Until Elon ships that model, we believe the sweet spot is AI‑augmented empathy: algorithms for pattern‑spotting, humans for meaning‑making.

Already, we use voice‑note apps to transcribe appointments so we can focus on eye contact while AI summarizes action steps.

Soon, ambient sensors may flag stress spikes in real time, prompting a practitioner check‑in. Technology will keep evolving; the need for compassion won’t budge.

A 2025 Annenberg survey shows nearly eight in ten adults go online first for health answers, yet two‑thirds still prefer a human to confirm next steps.

Even as comfort with AI climbs, Pew data remind us 60% of people feel uneasy if their provider relies on AI alone.

The message is clear: people want tech’s brains, but they refuse to lose its heart.

Ready for a Human‑Centered Review of Your Data?

After 14 years helping thousands of women feel their best, our naturopathic doctors would love to support you too.

Book a free, no‑pressure consult—bring your blood work or CGM readouts, and we’ll combine AI‑enhanced insights with genuine conversation to craft a plan that fits your biology and your life.

Click here to reserve your spot. We’ll handle the data—and the caring connection—that turns numbers into real‑world vitality.

Click here and Book Your Free Consultation

Closing Thought

AI has officially joined the health‑care team. It never gets tired, and it delivers biochemical pathways on demand.

But wellness isn’t just a chemistry equation—it’s a relationship.

When algorithms meet empathy, data become decisions, and decisions become healthier, happier humans.

So keep asking ChatGPT questions. Keep exploring wearable dashboards. 

Then, when you’re ready for the piece no code can provide, sit down with someone who looks you in the eye and says, “Tell me how you’re really doing.”

That’s where healing starts—and where AI happily hands over the stethoscope.

-Dr. Tara Campbell ND, July 30th 2025.

 

References:

“More than 1 in 3 Americans are using AI to manage their health, according to new survey,” New York Post, July 24 2025 — Talker Research data showing 35 % already use AI for health tasks and 93 % still trust doctors most. New York Post

 

Pew Research Center — “60 % of Americans Would Be Uncomfortable With Provider Relying on AI in Their Own Health Care,” Feb 22 2023 — national survey of 11,004 adults on AI reliance and comfort levels. Pew Research Center

 

Annenberg Public Policy Center — “Many in U.S. Consider AI‑Generated Health Information Useful and Reliable,” July 2025 — finds 79 % look online for symptom answers and gauges trust in AI content. Annenberg Public Policy Center

 

“Physician Empathy and Chronic Pain Outcomes,” JAMA Network Open, 2024 cohort study — shows empathic care outperforms several standard chronic‑pain treatments. JAMA Network

 

“The Association of Physician Empathy With Cancer Patient Outcomes: A Meta‑Analysis,” Psycho‑Oncology, 2023 — aggregates evidence linking higher physician empathy to improved cancer‑related outcomes. PubMed

Dr TAra holding a CGM

Why Your Body Insists on Storing Fat After 45—and How to Flip the Switch

Ever feel like you’re doing everything right—eating healthy meals, loading up on salads, smoothies, and greens—but somehow, you’re hungry again an hour later?

Maybe you’ve found yourself standing in front of the fridge, wondering why your willpower has seemingly vanished.

Trust me, it’s not your imagination, and it’s certainly not because your self-control decided to take a vacation.

The real culprit? Your blood sugar. Yes, that invisible yet incredibly powerful force quietly dictates your energy, mood, hunger, and even your waistline. Intrigued yet?

Here’s why that matters—and, surprisingly, why it’s actually good news.

The Hidden Roller Coaster Inside Your Body


Your body’s immediate response is to send out insulin, a hormone that helps manage blood sugar by moving glucose from your bloodstream into your cells, where it’s used for energy.

This system generally works well. But problems arise when the spikes happen too frequently or too intensely, especially as we age.

If you’re a woman approaching or experiencing menopause, hormonal changes can amplify these effects, making blood sugar control even trickier.

High blood sugar levels followed by swift insulin responses can send your blood sugar crashing back down.

And here’s the thing—these spikes and crashes are happening all day long.

Some you clearly notice through fatigue or mood swings, while others quietly disrupt your energy and metabolism without obvious signs.

For example, even seemingly minor spikes from snacks, beverages, or small bites throughout the day can add up, subtly draining your energy, affecting your concentration, and gradually slowing your metabolism.

Additionally, nighttime spikes (or dips) —which often go unnoticed—can disrupt sleep quality, making it harder to wake up refreshed.

These hidden disruptions accumulate, influencing your overall mood, cravings, and ability to maintain a healthy weight.

Stress is another often-overlooked contributor to blood sugar spikes. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prompt your liver to release glucose into your bloodstream.

This process elevates your blood sugar, even without eating.

Frequent stress-induced spikes can lead to the same energy crashes and hunger cycles, compounding the challenges of maintaining steady blood sugar and a healthy weight.

Why These Blood Sugar Swings Lead to Weight Gain

Here’s where it gets even trickier: frequent, dramatic spikes in insulin signal your body to switch into “fat-storage mode.”

Basically, when there’s excess sugar in your blood, your body thinks it needs to save this surplus energy for later.

Unfortunately, that storage usually happens right around the areas you least want it—such as your belly, hips, and thighs.

Additionally, when insulin rapidly lowers your blood sugar too much, your brain senses an emergency. This sudden drop triggers intense hunger and cravings because your body thinks it urgently needs energy.

The result? You’re reaching for snacks again—typically something sugary or carb-rich—perpetuating the cycle of spikes and crashes.

It’s a cycle that can leave you feeling endlessly frustrated, battling cravings, and seeing little success on the scale.

If only there were a way to clearly see all these hidden spikes and understand exactly what was causing your cravings, fatigue, and weight struggles—and then easily fix it.

Good news—there is!

How a CGM Can Finally Solve the Mystery

cgm tracking

Imagine a scenario where you could pull out your phone and instantly understand why you felt fantastic and full of energy after one meal, yet starving and irritable after another. Imagine having a clear view of exactly how your favorite foods impact your blood sugar, your mood, and your energy levels in real time.

This isn’t science fiction—this is exactly what a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) offers.

A CGM is a small, wearable device typically placed on your arm or abdomen that continuously tracks glucose levels in your blood.

Originally designed for people managing diabetes, CGMs are now increasingly popular among individuals focused on weight loss and overall health optimization.

Why a CGM Changes Everything

The beauty of a CGM is its personalized insight. Instead of relying on generic nutritional advice or diets that “work” for other people, you gain clarity based on your body’s real-time reactions.

Maybe you’ve always believed your morning oatmeal or granola was a healthy choice.

With a CGM, you might discover that this seemingly healthy breakfast actually causes significant blood sugar spikes and subsequent crashes, setting you up for hunger and cravings just hours later.

Conversely, perhaps eggs with avocado or Greek yogurt with berries keeps your blood sugar steady, providing consistent energy and satisfaction throughout the morning.

These insights aren’t general—they’re specific to your body, your metabolism, and your personal response to food.

Turning Real-Time Data Into Real Results

Once you see precisely how your body reacts to various foods, meals, and even activities (like exercise or stress), choosing the best options for sustained energy and steady blood sugar becomes intuitive.

No longer are you guessing or relying on willpower alone. You have clear, immediate feedback that allows you to confidently adjust your habits and diet.

Over time, this approach does more than just improve your daily comfort. By stabilizing your blood sugar, you reduce frequent insulin spikes, helping your body shift from storing fat to burning it.

You naturally reduce belly fat, experience fewer cravings, and enjoy steadier energy throughout the day.

Your First Steps With a CGM

If you’re intrigued but skeptical—perhaps after many past diet disappointments—here’s reassuring news: getting started with a CGM is incredibly simple and requires no advanced technical knowledge.

  1. Choose Your CGM: Several user-friendly options are available, including devices like the Freestyle Libre or Dexcom. Your doctor or health provider can help you pick the best option for your lifestyle.
  2. Apply and Monitor: These monitors are discreet, painless to apply, and can be worn comfortably for days or weeks. Data syncs directly to your smartphone, providing real-time graphs and trends.
  3. Understand Your Patterns: Within just a few days, you’ll notice clear patterns—foods that stabilize your energy versus those causing spikes and crashes.
  4. Make Informed Adjustments: Armed with your personal data, you’ll naturally shift your eating habits to choices that support steady blood sugar, fewer cravings, and ultimately, weight loss.

Ready to finally decode your body’s unique signals and transform your health?

That’s exactly why Dr. Tara created her exclusive guide to using a CGM for weight loss. Originally designed for her own patients, she’s now offering it completely free to anyone who wants clear, actionable insights.

Head to CGMguide.com right now, download your free guide, and discover just how simple, intuitive, and life-changing using a CGM can be.

No more confusion. No more endless dieting frustration. Just clear, personalized insights for lasting weight loss and vibrant health.

Naturopathic doctor consulting with patient at Higher Health Clinic in Toronto

Ready to Find Out if Using a CGM is Right for You?

If you’re curious about how using a CGM can work for you, book a free consultation today. 

We’ll talk about your health goals, answer your questions, and see if a CGM could support your wellness journey.

Click here and Book Your Free Consultation

You deserve to feel energized, clear, and strong.

References:

Insulin’s Role in Weight Gain
Stress-Induced Hyperglycemia: Consequences and Management
Deepanjali Vedantam 1,✉, Devyani S Poman 2, Lakshya Motwani 3, Nailah Asif 4, Apurva Patel 5, Krishna Kishore Anne 6

Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Obesity Research: A Scoping Review
Elizabeth Hegedus 1, Sarah-Jeanne Salvy 2, Choo Phei Wee 3, Monica Naguib 4, Jennifer K Raymond 5, D Steven Fox 6, Alaina P Vidmar 7

Stress and Diabetes Mellitus: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Clinical Outcome 
Special Collection: Karger e-Journal Backfile Collection 2023
Subject Area: Endocrinology , Women’s and Children’s Health
Diletta Maria Francesca Ingrosso; Marina Primavera; Sona Samvelyan; Veronica Maria Tagi; Francesco Chiarelli