Oz, who? 6 doctors natural retailers look to

With all the recent uproar over Dr. Oz, we found ourselves wondering whose health tips and advice natural foods stores trust and lean on. We dug around and talked with Heather Isely, executive vice president of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, to find out which doctors natural retailers turn to and why. While some conventional retailers highlight the work of esteemed doctors who specialize in nutrition, plant-based foods and holistic medicine, like T. Colin Campbell, Andrew Weil and Dean Ornish, most independent natural retailers seem to view their research and teachings as sort of the baseline from which their customers are starting. While these doctors’ contributions to the natural foods community is invaluable, natural retail customers tend to seek more specialized guidance than broad-based health recommendations (like eating more plant-based foods). Here are some of the experts that natural retailers turn to often. Is there a doctor you trust that's missing from this list? Share in the comments.

This doctor has been at the forefront of natural medicine in the U.S. for years and has become one of the most reliable names for independent natural retailers around the country. Isely says Murray is one of the doctors that Natural Grocers partners with regularly; he’s appeared on the radio show that southern California-based Mother's Market & Kitchen hosts weekly; he’s scheduled for an online webinar that Sprouts is hosting this month; and he makes in-store appearances at independent stores across the country.

A renowned women’s health expert and physician, Northrup has become a go-to source for women’s health and wellness. Her speaking schedule tends to include larger venues than your average natural retailer, but her books are standard inventory for any retailer with a book section. Isely added, “Every time we feature talks about women's health, her books are some of our featured books.”

This physician and best-selling author is becoming more popular by the day—he’s contributed to the Katie Couric Show, and his Blood Sugar Solution was a featured read in a Whole Foods Market book club. But he continues to be a trusted name, with a focus on blood sugar and detoxification, for more independent operations as well. His blog posts have been featured on Natural Grocers’ Facebook page, for example, detailing the connections between sugar and weight control, and between both sugar and dairy and acne.

This nutritionist and natural health professional has spoken about blood sugar control, digestion, bone health and brain function for retailers in a variety of formats—in stores at select Sprouts and Jimbo’s locations, for example, and on the Mother's Market & Kitchen weekly radio show.

A popular name among natural retailers for his expertise in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, he also talks at some natural retailer locations about optimizing energy and aging well. His books are featured on store shelves and are among the regular selection of titles highlighted when retailers host events on blood sugar control.

Another trusted name for Natural Grocers, according to Isely, this integrative cardiologist has a lot to say about a dietary approach to heart health. Author of The Great Cholesterol Myth, he touts the importance of reducing inflammation as a way to minimize heart health risks, as opposed to the conventional drug-based approach. He also has a line of supplements to sell, but his research on cholesterol has proved to be valuable for natural foods customers. 

Another trusted name for Natural Grocers, according to Isely, this integrative cardiologist has a lot to say about a dietary approach to heart health. Author of The Great Cholesterol Myth, he touts the importance of reducing inflammation as a way to minimize heart health risks, as opposed to the conventional drug-based approach. He also has a line of supplements to sell, but his research on cholesterol has proved to be valuable for natural foods customers.