Dr. Jacob Panka, ND, MS
As a licensed naturopathic doctor, I work with patients to reestablish the determinants of their health. I enjoy helping patients understand the puzzle of their health and collaborating with them to uncover the underlying causes of their diseases. I assist patients in identifying components of their diet and lifestyle that are holding them back from optimal health and prescribe dietary supplements and botanical medicines to support their recovery. My practice is strongly evidence-informed and I continually evaluate lab testing opportunities to further refine my patients' treatment. Working with me provides the opportunity to expand your healthcare team and discover additional solutions to your health concerns.
If you are looking to work with a naturopathic doctor who delivers high-quality holistic, functional, and integrative care, please schedule an introductory call or a new patient appointment today.
Cardiovascular Wellness
In my practice, I place a special focus on managing heart disease. My love for treating the heart and blood vessels evolved from a deep appreciation for the complexity of the brain and its fundamental dependence on the cardiovascular system. I help numerous patients regulate their blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rhythm [atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, premature contractions, bradycardia, and palpitations or tachycardia]. My approach to heart disease is built on the foundations of naturopathic medicine and is refined to meet your unique circumstances. Rapid improvements and sustained health benefits are expected. Check-out my cardiovascular wellness program to learn more about my approach to heart disease.
Rheumatological Conditions and Pain Management
As a former collegiate football player, I understand the frustrations that accompany painful joints. Seeing my own damaged joints on imaging and experiencing chronic inflammation and limited mobility for myself allows me to offer insightful treatment for my patients living with rheumatological conditions such as arthritis [osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis]. My family history also motivates me to support patients with these conditions after watching my parent and grandparents experience the challenges. Regardless of the specific condition you may be experiencing, I am confident in the role that naturopathic medicine can play in restoring your health. Let’s work together to optimize your health and uncover underlying causes of your pain.
Gastrointestinal Health and Food Allergies
My interests in gastrointestinal health include the function of the liver and gallbladder, the impact of food allergies on disease, and helping patients navigate common concerns such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, dyspepsia and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. As a naturopathic doctor, I appreciate that the underlying cause of many health concerns is gut health. Helping patients navigate the complex world of gastrointestinal health is rewarding because it provides a solid foundation for overall health. Often times when you feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing is working, focusing on your gut health can lead to breakthroughs.
Enhancing Athletic Performance
One of the reasons I got into naturopathic medicine was personally experiencing a lack of support for nutritional intervention in enhancing my own athletic performance. Helping patients feel their strongest and perform their best from an early age and throughout their careers is a very rewarding pursuit for me.
Neurological Diseases
My background in medicine began with a degree in neuroscience and a passion for understanding brain health on the most fundamental levels. I also conducted graduate research in the field of neurodegeneration with a focus on sports-related concussion, post-concussion syndrome, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. In my practice of naturopathic medicine, I work with patients who have these conditions and I also experience success supporting patients with headaches and migraines. Dementia prevention, initial visits for cognitive concerns, and treating mild cognitive impairment are also emphasized in my practice.
More about Dr. Jacob
-
Registered Naturopathic Doctor by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice
Licensed Naturopathic Doctor by the Naturopathic Medicine Examining Board of Wisconsin
-
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR
Master of Science in Clinical Research, Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR
Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH
-
Health Alerts for Eden Prairie Spring Water
The Best Form of Zinc for Added Benefits by Michele Wojciechowski in Chiropractic Economics
Tips for Reducing Stress at Home from a Naturopathic Doctor by Northwestern Health Sciences University
Why You Should Take a Magnesium Supplement by Joel Hoekstra in Mpls St Paul Magazine
What’s Your Gut Feeling? by Jamie Korf in Mpls St Paul Magazine
Naturopathic Medicine Provides a Holistic Approach to Health
-
Member of the Minnesota Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Member of the Minnesota Holistic Medicine Group
Member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Member of the Institute for Natural Medicine