You are what you eat.

Bessheen Baker from the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education believes that this mantra is true.

Baker came to speak at CMU five years ago and has returned for a third time to speak on naturopathy, said Pat Cwiek, the director of the Health Professions Residential College.

This event, sponsored by the Health Professions Residential College, was one that sparked many peoples interest, she said.

“We expected to see more people,” Cwiek said. “We did a better job in advertising, but I know there were conflicts with class times.”

In order to become a naturopathic doctor, students have to participate all four years and then pass a test to become a certified naturopathic doctor, said Angela Bollini, a Clarkston sophomore and second-year student at the Institute.

The Institute is one of only nine schools in the country.

“Sadly, it is not offered at many universities … I don’t really know any other place that can teach you about herbs and the natural way of getting the body healthier so it can heal itself,” Bollini said.

The Naturopathic Institute along with Herbs Etc., 503 E. Broadway St., offers many different classes and services such as detoxing, yoga, sound therapy and healthy cooking.

“The whole study of naturopathy shifts our focus from creating synthetic medications and giving them to people … for more natural healing,” Cwiek said.

Through assessments such as muscle testing and looking into a patient’s eyes, a naturopathy doctor is able to do a full body analysis without any invasive procedures.

In order to become healthy, people need to know what is toxic to their body and what they can do to improve it, Baker said.

There are many things in the world that have influence on the human body, she said.

Baker told audience members they should be careful and take care of their bodies.

“Make the best choices that are available … when all else fails, manifest with your heart and your mind,” Baker said.

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E-mail the author: Rachael Saatio