Dr. Lela Altman, ND, LAc, FABNG
NATUROPATHIC GASTROENTEROLOGY + COMPLEX CHRONIC ILLNESS CARE
Dr. Altman provides care to patients in Seattle at The Health Collective’s clinic and telehealth services throughout Washington.
Meet Dr. Lela Altman
Hi, I’m Dr. Lela Altman (she/her). I specialize in naturopathic gastroenterology, mast cell activation disorders, and commonly overlapping conditions such as mold-related illness, fibromyalgia, long COVID, POTS, EDS, IBS, IBD, SIBO, and intestinal fungal overgrowth.
I work primarily with people who have complex, chronic symptoms and still do not have meaningful answers despite seeing multiple providers. My role is to help connect the dots, make sense of the full picture, and walk alongside patients as we work toward a clearer path forward.
I often describe my work as medical detective work. Many of the people I see have complex, overlapping symptoms and have already visited multiple specialists. While those perspectives can be helpful, the full picture is often missed. The puzzle pieces never quite come together because no one is stepping back to look at the whole person.
I take a comprehensive, whole-person approach. I gather all the clues, looking at you symptoms, history, labs, exposures and lived experience, and work to understand how your body systems are influencing one another. My goal is to identify root causes, not just manage surface-level symptoms.
I was drawn to my specialty areas through both interest in these conditions, as well as my personal experience navigating these them with little to no help from the medical community. I have also witnessed how many patients struggle to find knowledgeable practitioners who can help them on their health journey.
My clinical decisions are guided by patient autonomy, treating the whole person, and addressing underlying causes whenever possible. Above all, I aim to be a collaborative partner in your care. Together, we connect the dots, test hypotheses, and adjust along the way—so you feel supported, empowered, and truly seen throughout your healing journey.
My Clinical Philosophy
I often describe my work as medical detective work. Many of the people I see have layered, overlapping symptoms and have already been to multiple specialists. While those perspectives can be helpful, the full picture is often still missing.
My approach is comprehensive and whole-person. I look closely at symptoms, history, labs, exposures, and lived experience to understand how body systems are influencing one another. My goal is not just to manage surface symptoms, but to identify underlying causes wherever possible.
My clinical decisions are guided by patient autonomy, curiosity, and collaboration. I want patients to feel informed, empowered, and genuinely supported throughout the healing process.
Working with me is a collaborative process. You are an active partner in your care, and your experiences, goals, and preferences matter. I take time to explain what I’m seeing, why I’m recommending certain tests or treatments, and what your options are—so you can make informed decisions that feel right for your body. I strive to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported. Complex illness can be isolating. You don’t have to navigate it alone.
I approach complex and chronic conditions thoughtfully and systematically. Together, we gather information, connect patterns, and test hypotheses. I often explain things in plain language and use visuals or analogies when helpful, because understanding your own health empowers you to participate more fully in your healing. I want you to leave appointments feeling clearer—not more confused.
Because many of the conditions I treat are layered and long-standing, we move step by step, adjusting along the way based on how your body responds. I monitor progress closely, reassess regularly, and refine plans as needed. My goal is steady, sustainable improvement—not quick fixes.
How I Approach Care
Working with me is collaborative. You are an active partner in your care, and your experiences, goals, and preferences matter. I take time to explain what I’m seeing, why I’m recommending certain tests or treatments, and what your options are—so you can make informed decisions that feel right for your body.
Because the conditions I treat are often complex and long-standing, we move step by step. I monitor progress closely, reassess regularly, and refine the plan as your body responds. My goal is steady, sustainable improvement—not overwhelm or quick-fix medicine.
I am a licensed naturopathic physician (ND), licensed acupuncturist (LAc), and a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Gastroenterology (FABNG). The FABNG advanced credential reflects specialized training and experience in treating complex digestive conditions.
I completed my Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Masters in Acupuncture at Bastyr University, followed by a three-year residency, where I gained extensive experience caring for patients with chronic and overlapping health concerns. I later served as core faculty at Bastyr for over a decade, supervising clinical education and helping shape how future clinicians are trained.
I also completed formal training in evidence-based medicine (EBM) through McMaster University and previously led EBM clinic shifts. This gives me a strong foundation in research-informed care, while also recognizing the limitations of current science—especially for conditions like MCAS, SIBO, POTS, mold-related illness, and other complex chronic syndromes.
In addition, I completed an Advanced Clinical Teaching Certification through the University of Washington School of Medicine. Teaching is central to everything I do—including patient care. I believe understanding your body empowers healing, so I take time to explain findings, walk through treatment options, and help you truly grasp what’s happening and why.
My clinical experience spans a wide range of settings, including private practice, integrative medicine clinics, free clinics, and rural migrant health. Working in rural and underserved communities has deeply shaped how I practice—reinforcing the importance of listening closely, meeting people where they are, and creating realistic, compassionate treatment plans that fit real lives.
Training & Experience
I am a licensed naturopathic physician, licensed acupuncturist, and Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Gastroenterology. I completed my Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Master’s in Acupuncture at Bastyr University, followed by a three-year residency focused on complex and overlapping chronic conditions.
I later served as core faculty at Bastyr for over a decade, supervising clinical education and helping train future clinicians. I also completed formal training in evidence-based medicine through McMaster University and an Advanced Clinical Teaching Certification through the University of Washington School of Medicine.
I most often work with people dealing with conditions such as MCAS, POTS, SIBO, intestinal fungal overgrowth, IBS/IBD, fibromyalgia, mold-related illness, EDS, or combinations of these. Common concerns include digestive distress, food sensitivities, fatigue, brain fog, chronic pain, dizziness or palpitations, allergic-type reactions, inflammation, and a general sense that their body feels “stuck.”
Many of my patients come to me after seeing multiple providers and specialists without gaining a meaningful diagnosis or understanding of what is happening in their body, or receiving adequate treatment directed at the underlying causes of their symptoms. Many patients tell me they feel frustrated by being told their labs are “normal,” that symptoms are stress-related, that this is “all in their head” or that nothing more can be done. They often know something isn’t right in their body—but haven’t yet found someone who can connect all the dots. It’s also common to feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice, restrictive diets, or protocols that didn’t help—or made things worse.
People often come to me looking for clarity and a deeper understanding of what’s driving their symptoms. They want to feel heard, believed, and supported—and they want a provider who will stay curious, dig deeper and think outside the box.
Who I Serve
I most often work with patients experiencing complex digestive concerns, mast cell disorders, mold-related illness, POTS, EDS, long COVID, fibromyalgia, and overlapping chronic symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, pain, food sensitivities, dizziness, palpitations, inflammation, and digestive distress.
I work best with patients who are ready to take an active role in their care and who value a comprehensive, whole-person approach.
What Keeps Me Joyful
Outside of work, I stay grounded through gardening, yoga, playing guitar and spending time outdoors. I love hiking and cross-country skiing, and I find that being in nature helps me reset.
At home, I’m kept company by husband, two cats and dog, who bring a lot of joy, humor, and occasional chaos to my days.
Teaching is also a meaningful part of my life. Outside of patient care, I regularly teach at conferences, mentor medical students, doctors and other health professionals, and guest lecture at universities
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Get Started With Dr. Altman
If you’re looking for a physician who guides rather than dictates, who approaches healthcare as a collaborative partnership and honors your lived experience, I invite you to connect.
