“It's their journey, but it will also be my journey with them.“ Get to know Dr. Ineza Rodriguez

Bloom Natural Health is thrilled to welcome Dr. Ineza Rodriguez to the practice.

Dr. Ineza Rodriguez

Dr. Rodriguez specializes in 

• Hormone balance and endocrine conditions (including acne, PMS, and PCOS)

• Women’s health across all life stages

• Digestion and gut health

• Stress, anxiety, and burnout recovery

• Fatigue and energy optimization

• Skin issues such as acne and eczema

• Chronic conditions and functional lab testing

• Preventive wellness and lifestyle coaching

  
  

Originally from Puerto Rico, she began her scientific journey with a Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master’s in Biology from Inter American University. She later earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Rodriguez is passionate about making healthcare accessible to diverse communities and committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where patients feel seen, heard, and supported. 

Learn more about Dr. Rodriguez below!

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Tell us a little bit more about you--where are you from and what brought you to Bloom?

I'm actually originally from Puerto Rico--I grew up in the mountains, in a rural area, in a small town in the middle of Puerto Rico, so I was always surrounded by nature [and] naturopathic medicine. My grandparents would treat with herbs and foods, so I grew up very close to that. And what drew me to Bloom? Before I graduated I knew I wanted to join a practice. I wanted to be on a team. And once I met them [Bloom], I felt very supported. I knew I could grow as a doctor, especially just starting. It was the right place. Our values align. I feel Bloom focuses a lot on education and wellness. They really connected with the doctor I want to be--it was the perfect fit! 

It's so interesting that from when you were growing up you were exposed to naturopathic medicine. 

I grew up in a very small, very rural town. It's very different from here. My grandmother would take care of me and that's what I grew up seeing. She would look for a naturopathic [remedy] or something natural to cure any ailments that someone would have. I think I always grew up with [naturopathic medicine] first, and so it's how I’ve been since an early age. 

Did you then come to Connecticut for school? 

Yes--it’s a little bit of a long journey. My background is in biology and biotechnology. I was working at Eli Lilly--it’s a biotech company--and [during] that time, I was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism. And my allopathic doctor at that time, he just prescribed me medicine and sent me on my way. And I was like, I'm young--I need to do something else. I was researching and found naturopathic medicine. Then I visited a naturopathic doctor and it changed my life. I remember sitting in that room and I was like, whoa, I love this. I want to be like her. But it's not possible--I already have a job. I was amazed--the way she heard me, the care that I received. Two years after that, I decided to quit my job and join naturopathic medicine. And then I did a transfer from the naturopathic medicine school in Puerto Rico to Connecticut in Bridgeport.

So, were you able to resolve your thyroid issues?

Yes. I made, I would say, a 180° lifestyle change and some logistical and nutrition changes. It was really rewarding. And that's one of the reasons that I wanted to be a naturopathic doctor, because I wanted to do what [my naturopathic doctor] just did. 

You're connected to this work in a very personal way. How does that experience shape how you approach a new patient?

A lot because, at least for me personally, I feel the most important thing is listening. That's the first thing--connecting to the patient. Not only their symptoms--everything--stress, sleep, emotional well-being, and as a whole. I think that really changed me as a doctor. That’s how I want to deal with a patient. Once I really hear them, I then use labs or any other holistic tools to create their plan. But always individualize, making them feel heard--making them feel empowered. And also education--I’m really big on educating the patients. I feel that's the biggest tool I can give them. 

Is there a particular area of naturopathic medicine that you feel most passionate about teaching/helping people with?

Yes. I love wellness, women’s health, and endocrine--especially hypothyroidism or thyroid issues--and hormone balance, because of my personal experience. I feel those areas are very connected to the patients. So that when you help them, even if you make small changes, you can see a big improvement. And it's super rewarding, actually seeing that. I also like working with stress. I think everybody has a little bit of that. Also with sleep. With small changes or different tools you can see big changes--improvement in quality. So I would say those are the areas that make me passionate, that I love. 

What do you find challenging and rewarding about the practice of naturopathic medicine?

I think the challenge is that naturopathic medicine--because naturopathic medicine works with the body--sometimes takes time. So I feel that it can be very challenging in the care, but I feel it's worth it. Even if it [takes] a long time. And I think that's what I like about it: it’s seeing the patient get better and knowing that you helped. And that with your guidance you were able to be part of the healing journey, with education--educating them--and just improving quality of life. It’s the best feeling. 

You mentioned your grandmother--are there any other influences, specific teachers, other naturopathic physicians that have had an impact on you as a naturopathic doctor?

The doctor that I saw in Puerto Rico is my biggest--not mentor--but inspiration. I remember when I saw the office where I was being treated by her. Right now I can transport myself there. I was like, “I just love what she's doing for me. I just want to do this.” And I know that if I was not there at that moment in time, I would not be here. Because that, for me, was the change in my brain: that I love the work she's doing. And if not for that, I would have never left my career and started something from zero. It's hard to pick one, but all my professors and all the mentors that I had during my training, they [planted] seeds in some way, to help me be the doctor that I am. They’re very knowledgeable, and even with all of the science and evidence-based medicine they would teach, they were also very emphatic. I feel that’s something that is very important to me: evidence-based medicine, but also to have empathy and care for patients. 

When you are treating a patient who has a practitioner in traditional or conventional medicine, how do you see yourself collaborating with the other providers? 

For me this question is very important. I always see that [naturopathic and allopathic medicine] are complimentary. I don't think they should work against each other. What one doesn't have, the other one will have. We need each other. And as a naturopathic doctor I feel it’s very important for me to work with [allopathic doctors] to actually help the patient, always having in mind that the patient's wellness is first. As an example, when my patients have a medication prescribed, I will prescribe things that will help them along the way--nothing that will interact with their medicine. I feel it’s collaborative and I think healthcare would be better if there were more of that collaboration.

Do you speak other languages? Are you interested in providing care in other languages that you speak?

My first language is actually Spanish and I would love to help the Hispanic population. I would feel honored to be able to provide care, especially in my language--it would just be a pleasure and an honor. It’s something I would really like to do. I think that in the West Hartford area we have a big Hispanic population, and my areas of specialty are something that a lot of hispanic populations [encounter]. So I think I will be able to really provide care for them.

I just have a few fun questions at the end. What do you like to do with your free time now that you're in the West Hartford area?

I'm new to West Hartford, actually. I moved from New Haven. So I’ve been learning about West Hartford--I’m loving it so far. I’ve been loving the places to eat. I’m still getting to know it. I love nature. That's one of things I grew up with in the mountains--so hiking, I love that here. I love yoga and pilates. I love anything outdoors. I love reading, especially fantasy and mystery--those are the two genres that I love. And very important: I love spending time with my pets. I have two doggies and a kitty, and they're just my happiness and I love being with them.

What are their names? Your doggies and your cat?

Cocoa, Nova, and Sage--I love them. They’re my recharge. My whole family is in Puerto Rico, so they make me feel more like home. They’re my little family. 

What is your favorite healthy snack? And what is your favorite movie or TV show?

Snacks, I would say, depend on my mood. If I want something salty but healthy, I'll go with hummus, with either a healthy cracker or carrots. And if I want something sweet, I usually go with fruit with nuts or something. But I also like dark chocolate. I need to have something sweet each day, especially at the end of the day. And movies--it’s hard for me to pick one, because I really enjoy movies. I see a lot of them, but I will say any fantasy and any mystery. Anything that will keep me in my seat. Even if it's a scary movie, I love all of them. I also like “love” movies, but the first two are my top choice. 

Is there anything else that you feel like you would want to share?

I'm passionate about what I do. I know I'm a new doctor, but I'm willing to do my best to help my patients and really, really care about them. Because I believe in what I do. I believe in this medicine. I live through this medicine. I got better through naturopathic medicine. So I feel like I want to be there as guidance, and I will do my very best to always help and support [patients’] healing journey. It's their journey, but it will also be my journey with them.