Fresno Holistic Medicine

28/07/2025

Frequently asked questions about weight loss and hormone optimization:

✔️ How much weight should I lose? What BMI do you want me at? BMI is not a realistic goal. The number on the scale is the least important marker for health. We want to work with your diet, exercise, hormones and inflammation to make sure your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glycemic control (blood sugar/insulin) are optimized. We want you to have less inflammation and pain. We want you to have energy and feel fit enough to be as mobile/active as you'd like. For some people, this means losing 10 pounds. This is an ongoing discussion and a partnership regarding your health.

✔️ Do I have to be on a diet? Yes, we highly encourage a high protein diet as a first step. Otherwise, when you start losing weight, you will lose muscle mass. Our goal is for you to lose the visceral fat that has a negative impact on your health.

✔️ Do I have to run or lift weights? Not necessarily but you have to move your body regularly. I am a big fan of walking outside, on a treadmill or in a pool, if possible.

✔️ Why would a naturopathic doctor recommend a prescription medication? GLP-1s mimic a hormone your gut already makes — helping regulate hunger, slow digestion, and stabilize blood sugar. This is not about synthetic quick-fixes or extreme deprivation.
It’s about gently supporting your body’s own signaling systems — so weight loss becomes easier, more sustainable, and in sync with how you were designed to feel.

✔️ What comes first? Diet, exercise and hormone optimization that restores balance in systems that impact metabolism, mood, thyroid, energy, and fat storage. Prescriptions are the next phase.

23/07/2025

Patients are often surprised to find out we prescribe GLP1 medications for weight loss. We have been doing so for the last 2 years. We also look at the whole picture, including hormones and inflammation.

✅ GLP-1 meds support weight loss.
✅ But if your hormones are off? Fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, and stubborn weight can linger.

But here are 3 things to know about our approach:

🔹 I have never prescribed compounded GLPs but I'm glad they are an option for those who go that route. I prescribe the FDA-approved GLP-1s and will attempt to get your insurance to cover it through a prior authorization. Or I will recommend the cash-based option that I prescribe directly to Lilly Direct. I don't profit off these prescriptions and I don't mark-up the price. Either you or your insurance pay the manufacturer directly. For cash pay, it's $350/month for the standard dosing schedule of the lowest dose. The cost goes down with micro-dosing.
🔹 Inflammation. Weight and inflammation go hand in hand.
🔹 Personalized hormone optimization

💡 The result? Long-term health, not just short-term weight loss.

Want a plan that works with your body, not against it? Call our office 559-470-3435 or shoot us an email at info@fresnoholisticmedicine.com

28/01/2025

Great 50 minute video by Dr. Lustig one of my patients shared with me on understanding the cholesterol panel. A lot of great points. I have noticed a lot of my patients are told their cholesterol levels are high, and they should switch to oatmeal for breakfast. I am not a fan of this advice and would rather my patients eat more protein, less carbs. What can you do to advocate for yourself? Ask your doctor to order either a "CardioIQ advance lipid panel" at Quest which will tell you more about your cholesterol particle size. Another option at Quest is the "metabolic risk panel" which looks more at insulin sensitivity in relation to your cholesterol. While you're at it, make sure your thyroid levels get checked too!

A metabolic blood test and cholesterol panel can be confusing, so in this ultimate guide, our Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder Dr. Casey Means talks with...

23/01/2025

Calling out insurance companies. In this case, prescription is only covered if patient has morbid obesity. This means a BMI of 40+. So for someone who has a height of 5’3”, this insurance will cover the medication once they weigh over 230 pounds. I try to get medications covered for my patients but sometimes the bureaucratic “goal post” make it impossible.

12/01/2025

Dr. Joy and I measure and optimize a lot of different hormones; but pregnenolone is the one hormone patients are often saying they've never heard of.

23/07/2022

Fresno Holistic Medicine is seeking to share space with the following provider(s) in 2023:

* Therapist/Psychologist/Psychiatrist
* Dietician/Fitness trainer (specializing in Weight Management or Sports Medicine)
* Counterstrain or pelvic floor physical therapist
* Acupuncturist
* Midwife
* Injector

This could either be an employment or office-share opportunity. We are planning to move in 2023 to accommodate more providers in the office. For more info or to set up a meeting to discuss, please email info@fresnoholisticmedicine.com with the subject line "2023 Collab". Please share this message with anyone you think would be interested.

12/05/2022

If you are looking for an infant formula during this shortage, here's just one example (dairy based) that I recommend that appears to be available.

https://byheart.com/products/whole-nutrition-formula

Introducing the first formula developed with no-compromise nutrition™: a recipe that offers all-in-one benefits with ingredients you can trust.

22/02/2022

We have recently added additional lines so can answer multiple calls at once. But this has caused some unexpected technology barriers this week with our phones and voicemail box. It looks like this should be fixed by tomorrow. 559-470-3435

Also just an update on services offered by Dr Joy for hands on care.

11/01/2022

I have 2 part-time job openings currently available for Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 am-4 pm. Both positions have the possibility of being full time within one year and some flexibility in hours.
1. Receptionist, $17-20/hour DOE
2. Medical assistant must have phlebotomy and injection experience, $17-20/hour DOE.
To apply, please send an email/cover letter to drtais@fresnoholisticmedicine.com. In the coverletter please include a few sentences about your understanding of holistic medicine. In the subject line of your email, please write down the name of one herb.

23/11/2021

While we have reduced hours this week for Thanksgiving, we are accepting new patients and scheduling new patient consults in January. Give the office a call 470-3435 or visit our website for more info: www.fresnoholisticmedicine.com

18/11/2021

I am pleased and honored to introduce you to Dr. Joy, who will be joining Fresno Holistic Medicine starting Monday Jan 3rd 2022. Dr. Joy is trained in naturopathic family medicine, but has a focus on the pediatric population. She is certified in both IV therapy and craniosacral therapy and received additional training in visceral manipulation, mind-body medicine and cell salt therapy.

Some of you know I have been trying to get other NDs to move to Fresno for over a year, and I am so happy that Dr. Joy, has roots in Hanford and happy to serve patients here in Fresno!

A note from Dr. Joy: I appreciate a gentler approach to individualized treatment by also incorporating herbal medicine, homeopathy, and dietary strategies for optimal wellness. While I treat patients from all walks of life, I believe in empowering families with little ones and teens to nurture the mind, body and spirit, allowing our future generations to thrive and feel supported well into adulthood. In keeping with naturopathic principles, I seek to address the root cause of illness, which is key to fostering health and wellbeing.

Give the office a call 559-470-3435 to schedule with Dr. Joy

We offer holistic primary care to individuals and families, in addition to adjunctive specialty care

15/09/2020

Since February the office has said farewell to our psychologist and dietician who have moved on to the next chapter of their career journeys. We currently have 1 room available for rent to a healthcare provider who aligns with holistic medicine and is looking for ways to reduce overhead costs. Please send inquiries for room rentals to drtais@fresnoholisticmedicine.com (healthcare providers only).