Have you ever been to a primary care doctor and wondered why they focus on treating symptoms instead of addressing the root cause of your illness? Rather than take a patient-centered approach to address questions like, “Why are you ill?” they prescribe medications that alleviate symptoms but don’t do much to solve the underlying issue that’s causing you to be sick.
When you have a runny nose, you’re handed an antihistamine. When you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you’re prescribed a pill that treats the number. The truth is that this approach only tackles your symptoms. When the root cause isn’t fixed, your symptoms can get exponentially worse. Remember - your body’s dysfunction isn’t due to your meds not working.
This begs the question: Wouldn't you rather address the underlying cause of your health concerns so you can experience long-term relief? As a naturopathic doctor in El Cajon, CA, Dr. Erica Oberg takes a functional approach to medicine and well-being instead of treating the symptoms her patients endure.
Health is a state of vibrant vitality, abundant energy, and positive affect. It can be learned, cultivated, and practiced by everyone. Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine combines the rigors of science with the wisdom of nature and our bodies. She is passionate about helping people experience a higher level of health and vitality. As such, her clinical practice focuses on preventing, reversing, and taming chronic disease, neuro-degeneration, and anti-aging.
Dr. Oberg specializes in nutrition & lifestyle, IV therapy, and identifying the underlying causes of disease using advanced testing and creating customized treatment plans to help individuals dial in their lifestyle, dietary supplements, peptides, bioidentical hormones, anti-aging pharmaceuticals, and more. If you’re looking for individualized, science-based, proactive functional, integrative, or natural medicine, we believe you’ll resonate with Dr. Oberg and work your way through life’s challenges with help from our functional medicine clinic in El Cajon, CA.
Dr. Oberg and her team of licensed providers specialize in a range of naturopathic and science-based services, including but not limited to:
If you're ready to reclaim your vitality and learn more about Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine, we make it easy to get started. The first step is to have a complimentary 15-minute phone call to ask questions and determine if her approach is a good fit. Once Dr. Oberg understands your health needs and goals, your journey to optimal health and wellness truly begins.
Now that you know more about what makes Dr. Oberg different from other physicians, let's dig a little deeper into some of the most popular programs and clinical services offered at her functional medicine clinic.
As people get older, many things change in life. Often, those changes are good, like having more self-control, financial freedom, and patience. Others are hard to deal with, especially when they're out of our control. Like all things in life, our hormones change when we get older. These fluctuations can cause problems for both men and women, including:
If those symptoms sound familiar, you're not alone. A 2019 American Psychological Association survey found that almost half of women aged 30 to 60 in the US have experienced symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. Of course, as men age, they suffer from imbalanced hormones, too. Research from BodyLogicMD states that nearly 38% of males in America aged 45 and older have a testosterone deficiency.
The good news is that balancing your hormones and addressing the root cause of your symptoms doesn’t have to be hard. It’s a realistic goal with Dr. Oberg by your side. As a functional medicine doctor in El Cajon, CA, she can help your body metabolize and detoxify both your own hormones and the endocrine-disrupting chemicals infiltrating your life. When your hormones are in harmony, you experience improved energy, mood, and overall health – and that’s something to be excited about.
Our comprehensive Three-Month Hormone Balancing Program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your hormonal health. This is no "one-and-done service" - it's a holistic journey that spans three transformative months, offering the support and guidance to become confident, capable, and healthier than ever. Features of our hormone balancing program include:
You will receive support throughout your journey from Dr. Oberg, who will provide healthcare services, and our health coaches, who offers personalized coaching tailored to your specific needs.
Nutrition has a significant impact on hormonal health. A customized hormone-balancing diet plan will be provided to help nourish the body optimally based on individual goals.
We provide a range of practical strategies and tips for regulating hormone balance through your nervous system. These techniques aim to empower you to take control of your well-being.
When appropriate, we’ll prescribe you hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), or growth hormone peptide therapy to help balance your hormones.
At our functional medical office, we make it a point to correct the root causes of our patient's problems. We don't treat symptoms - but we do use them to figure out the underlying issues you're facing. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it could be time to consider HRT.
When you mention hormone replacement therapy, most people think the treatment is exclusively for females going through menopause. While that's partially true - HRT can relieve night sweats, hot flashes, and other menopause-related problems - men also deal with imbalanced hormones.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.
When your sleep patterns change - like when you have trouble falling or staying asleep - it could be a sign of a hormone imbalance. Testosterone is involved in regulating the sleep cycle, and insufficient levels of it can disrupt quality rest.
Imbalances in hormones can affect mental health and mood. If a man shows signs of irritability, mood swings, or depression, it could indicate low testosterone or other hormonal issues. Hormone replacement therapy can help regulate mood by balancing your hormone levels.
Menopause happens when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for at least 12 consecutive months. It is a result of declining sex hormone levels, causing the ovaries to stop releasing egg cells. During menopause, women face a range of challenges.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.
Irregular menstrual cycles are a common sign that women are nearing menopause, and their hormone levels may be shifting. The frequency of their periods may increase or decrease, and the amount of bleeding could be more or less than usual, while also lasting for a shorter or longer time.
Hot flashes are perhaps the most well-known symptom of menopause and a frequent sign that a woman's hormones are imbalanced. Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth and sweating that are usually most intense on your face, neck, and chest.
Don't let hormone imbalances dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your balance, energy, and vitality. By working together with Dr. Oberg and her team, you can unlock the path to a healthier, more harmonious you.
When you choose Dr. Oberg as your naturopathic doctor in El Cajon, CA, a new world of healthy living and wellness options are at your disposal. One of the most popular and effective ways to give your body the goodness it needs is with custom IV therapy at our functional medicine office.
Customized IV therapy from Dr. Oberg is all about tailoring your treatment to meet your health goals and needs. Unlike one-size-fits-all IV clinics, our team considers factors like nutrient deficiencies, hydration levels, and overall health to create a customized infusion. This personalized approach gives you better and more applicable results, whether you're looking to get a boost of energy, fortify your immune system, or get relief from a specific ailment.
Your custom IV therapy begins with a consultation with Dr. Oberg. During your initial meeting, we’ll get a better sense of what your brain and body needs. From there, we’ll create a custom infusion for you – not just a formula that matches your height, weight, and age.
Our IV drip therapy menu includes infusions such as:
IV therapy is considered one of the best ways to get the nutrients and immune-boosting goodness your body needs because it gives you a more direct, efficient means of delivery. Unlike oral supplement, which often falls short due to digestive limitations, IV therapy ensures swift and comprehensive nutrient absorption. Some of the biggest benefits of IV therapy from a functional medicine doctor in El Cajon, CA include the following:
IV fluids and electrolytes rapidly hydrate your body, providing an efficient remedy for dehydration resulting from illness, physical activity, or excessive alcohol intake.
IV treatment is able to increase energy and fight tiredness, which can make you feel re-energized.
IV infusions containing immune-enhancing vitamins and antioxidants can fortify your immune system and assist in recovering from illness.
IV therapy containing growth factors, exosomes, and vitamins is effective in improving the health and appearance of the skin and hair. These components complement hair and facial microneedling treatments exceptionally well.
IV therapy can help reduce the symptoms of toxic exposure, like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration, whether it's from a basic hangover or prolonged exposure to molds, heavy metals, or other toxins.
Dr. Oberg’s personalized IV infusions can serve as an initial boost for making lifestyle changes and play a role in a sustained plan to control persistent conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancer, heart disease, and others.
Support Mitochondria function and Anti-aging
Dr. Oberg offers carefully sourced and research backed regenerative therapies such as exosome and stem cell infusions. These can be powerful options for people recovering from chronic infections such as long COVID or Epstein Barr or Lyme. They are also powerful for neuro-regeneration and we frequently use them in stroke recovery and for traumatic brain injury.
Dr. Oberg offers personalized IV micronutrient therapy tailored to address specific nutritional deficiencies, hydration needs, and overall health. This therapy is based on advanced testing that evaluates your cells' nutrient levels. Whether you need more energy, a stronger immune system, or relief from different health issues, IV drip therapy can be customized to help you rediscover the very best version of yourself.
As we get older, our bodies experience a range of changes that affect our health and appearance. These changes are primarily caused by issues with mitochondria and cellular aging. However, there have been significant developments in regenerative medicine, offering the potential to turn back the hands of time and improve health. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Oberg to begin your journey with regenerative medicine.
Regenerative medicine is an exciting, innovative field that centers on activating your body's innate regenerative abilities to repair and revitalize tissues, cells, and organs. Its focus is on improving your body's natural healing processes to counteract the impacts of aging and different health issues. If you find that old, nagging injuries won’t go away or that fine lines and wrinkles have become overwhelming, anti-aging medicine from a functional medicine doctor in El Cajon, CA may be perfect for you.
At our naturopathic medical office, we use treatments like IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, and Peptide Therapy to manage a broad array of health and aesthetic concerns. These treatments can aid in tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and enhancement of cellular function.
Anti-aging services offered at our functional medicine clinic include the following:
Peptides are fundamental components of proteins and play a crucial role in various biological processes, such as the aging process. Dr. Oberg offers peptide treatments to help counteract age-related decline, enhance muscle growth and performance, improve skin health, and more.
When you bring your hormones back into balance, you can fight back against issues such as fatigue, mood swings, reduced libido, and even erectile dysfunction.
Replenish vital nutrients, antioxidants, and hydration for improved energy levels, skin health, and immune support.
Exosomes are tiny vesicles generated from mesenchymal stem cells. These vesicles serve as powerful communicators, transmitting signals to various tissues in the body. Their main function is to trigger healing, regeneration, and repair processes, mimicking the actions of younger cells. They are considered to be one of the most effective strategies for combating the aging process.
When nutrition guidance, lifestyle adaptations, and powerful supplements are combined with naturopathic medical therapies from Dr. Oberg, you can reverse chronic diseases in your life and reach your anti-aging goals.
Our goal with regenerative medicine treatments is to rejuvenate deteriorating or aging tissue. Our approach to treatment centers on fixing and reversing damage instead of solely addressing symptoms like pain. Regenerative medicine harnesses the power of healthy cells to renew and restore function by enhancing the body's innate capacity for self-healing.
Dr. Oberg uses regenerative medicine to treat a range of issues, both aesthetic and injury-related, including the following:
Experience the future of anti-aging and regenerative medicine with Dr. Erica Oberg. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on your journey to a healthier, more youthful you.
When you visit our functional medicine clinic, you can rest easy knowing Dr. Erica Oberg uses her unique skills, knowledge, and naturopathic principles for the betterment of your health and well-being. Unlike many traditional primary care providers, our team combines the best aspects of traditional wisdom and modern scientific medicine to diagnose, treat, and prevent chronic diseases.
You don't have to worry about us suggesting addictive pain medications or treatments that simply mask your aesthetic or medical challenges. Instead, our goal is to address the underlying factors holding you back. If you're ready to take the first step toward purposeful progress and healthy living, contact us today.
The city of El Cajon is considering acquiring Parkway Plaza as part of a long-term redevelopment project aimed at getting ahead of declining retail trends.“The city would like to see Parkway Plaza reimagined, but it’s hard for us to talk to developers when we have no ownership stake,” City Manager Graham Mitchell said.Positioned on an 80-acre parcel in the center of El Cajon, Parkway Plaza is the largest commercial indoor mall in San Diego County. The retail center opened in 1972 and has recently seen a shift ...
The city of El Cajon is considering acquiring Parkway Plaza as part of a long-term redevelopment project aimed at getting ahead of declining retail trends.
“The city would like to see Parkway Plaza reimagined, but it’s hard for us to talk to developers when we have no ownership stake,” City Manager Graham Mitchell said.
Positioned on an 80-acre parcel in the center of El Cajon, Parkway Plaza is the largest commercial indoor mall in San Diego County. The retail center opened in 1972 and has recently seen a shift in ownership, spurring concern for the future of the space from city officials, Mitchell said.
Starwood Capital Group lost ownership of Parkway Plaza in 2020 after defaulting on Israeli-held bonds. It was then acquired by the current owners, Pacific Retail Capital partners and Golden East Investors.
City leaders hope to redevelop the indoor mall space and get ahead of declining retail trends. But Mitchell said the city faced roadblocks without having the legal authority to make those plans happen. So the City Council directed staff to research the feasibility of acquiring the property, he said.
“There’s a lot of unknown with the mall and we don’t want it to fall through the cracks and become forgotten,” Mitchell said.
El Cajon residents and city officials alike share the concern that shifts in shopping trends could lead to Parkway Plaza becoming what is known informally as a “dead mall.”
Originally, officials were not planning to take charge of the actual redevelopment process.
In December, staff spearheaded community outreach efforts to gather input from shoppers as they crafted concepts for the retail center’s redevelopment to share with the mall’s owners. The city said it would also help pay for portions of the project, such as the environmental review.
The city’s early proposal for the renovation would redesign the mall into a mixed-use site for shopping, housing, social gathering and transit access.
Now, Mitchell said, the plan to potentially acquire the retail center is in the early stages. The city is expected to have a more developed plan and timeline by April, according to a staff report.
The city is considering a variety of ways to purchase the shopping center. For example, Mitchell said funding districts are an option, but noted that “everything is on the table.”
Staff is also researching the feasibility of partnering with other developers or working alongside the existing ownership group, he said.
Officials from Pacific Retail Capital partners and Golden East Investors could not be reached for comment.
Starwood had purchased Parkway Plaza along with six other malls from Westfield Shopping in 2013 for $1.6 billion. Mitchell said the city has not formally appraised the site. However, a market appraisal performed in 2021 estimated the shopping center’s value at $150 million.
In a presentation to the City Council in 2024, an advisor from Hunden Partners estimated that a project to reimagine Parkway Plaza to a mixed-use development could be expected to increase the city’s annual revenues by at least $10 million.
“We want investment to occur there (Parkway Plaza),” Mitchell said. “We want it to be a priority of whoever owns it, and that’s what we’re trying to ensure.”
Southern California has plenty of destinations worthy of traveling to, whether you're living it up in La Jolla, an artsy and upscale beach town, or checking out the dining scene and cool wineries of Temecula. While most tourists have these places on their bucket list, El Cajon offers another kind of Golden State experience. This unsung city is brimming with attractions, from interesting museums to vast green spaces that the whole family can enjoy. When hunger strikes, El Cajon won't disappoint with its eateries. Catering to all sorts of food...
Southern California has plenty of destinations worthy of traveling to, whether you're living it up in La Jolla, an artsy and upscale beach town, or checking out the dining scene and cool wineries of Temecula. While most tourists have these places on their bucket list, El Cajon offers another kind of Golden State experience. This unsung city is brimming with attractions, from interesting museums to vast green spaces that the whole family can enjoy. When hunger strikes, El Cajon won't disappoint with its eateries. Catering to all sorts of foodies, the restaurants boast Italian crowd-pleasers, Mexican favorites, Middle Eastern fare, and every other cuisine you can think of. Even when you long for beach days, the Pacific is a short drive away.
Formally established in 1912, El Cajon was first settled by Spanish colonizers, followed by Mexican rule after gaining independence. With the expansion of the American West, the area became an agricultural hotspot for growing grapes, avocados, and citrus. After WWII, El Cajon's development continued to flourish, and visitors can learn more about its history at the many museums that cover various aspects of its past. When you're not viewing the artifacts, you're relishing the peace and quiet at the Water Conservation Garden. Complete with themed areas and wildlife encounters, this hidden gem is the best place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
El Cajon is located just 20 minutes east of San Diego. The drive from Carlsbad, an underrated beach town with family-friendly fun, takes 40 minutes. Los Angeles residents can expect to be on the road for two hours. As for where to stay in El Cajon, you can book a room at Hampton Inn and Suites, Days Inn by Wyndham, Super 8 by Wyndham, or Courtyard by Marriott. More vacation rentals are also available on Airbnb.
Aviation enthusiasts are in for a treat in El Cajon, as they can visit San Diego Air and Space Museum's Gillespie Field Annex. Although the main museum space is situated in Balboa Park, which is a cultural oasis of iconic museums, the El Cajon site holds additional aerospace exhibits such as sport and racing aircraft as well as jet planes. Some of the highlights include Baron Hilton's Staggerwing and the S-3 Viking — there's also a restoration area, where volunteers repair and reproduce airplanes. Don't miss the maritime P2 Neptune plane while wandering around the museum.
The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in western art and history. This attraction houses Danish-American artist Olaf Wieghorst's pieces that depict the American West. You can tour his living quarters, see his kitchen, admire the ranch life artworks, and stroll through the cactus garden — while you're there, the mural wall will catch your attention. The Heritage of the Americas Museum is another can't-miss, with relics that span from natural history and archaeology to anthropology and fine art. The natural history collection features fossil displays, quartz, meteorites, duckbill dinosaur eggs, and more. Over at the archaeology wing, you'll view artifacts like stone axes, pottery, ornaments, and other historic items dating back 600 B.C.
No trip to El Cajon is complete without the Water Conservation Garden. This picturesque botanical oasis is 6 acres of specialty gardens, each with its unique characteristics. Walking around the Cactus and Succulent Garden, you'll notice red aloes and purple prickly pears. The Sensory Garden, on the other hand, is where you'll savor the fresh scents. Meanwhile, the Native Habitat Garden has oaks, coastal sage scrubs, and wetlands. Swing by the Butterfly Pavillion, White Garden, and Mulch Exhibit, too.
Food is a universal love language, and El Cajon is fluent. Izzy's Cafe serves up delicious breakfast items and even tastier lunches. Visit in the morning, and you'll have a variety of options to choose from — one reviewer on Tripadvisor gave the cafe five stars, detailing, "Any kind of eggs or omelets. French toast, waffles, etc. Biscuits and gravy for the strong of heart. Lively place (diner) with excellent service and server coming back several times to check on our enjoyment." Antique Row Cafe is also a top choice for breakfast and brunch, with tasty American fare as your fuel. Another reviewer specifically recommends getting the patty melt, which, according to him, is the best in San Diego: "I have tried multiple places for Patty Melts and haven't found one better yet."
Other times, Mexican food is all you want, and Por Favor always hits the spot. Get yourself a table in the courtyard to pair your meal with a lovely ambiance. As for what to expect at this eatery, one reviewer on Tripadvisor summarizes it well: "Beautiful restaurant on Main Street in El Cajon. We had 2 beef tacos and a carnitas quesadilla off their happy hour menu and they were delicious. The carnitas quesadilla was full of carnitas and not greasy like at some Mexican restaurants."
If you haven't had enough tacos and burritos, try the ones at Hacienda Casa Blanca. Your taste buds will love the dining experience no matter what you order, but you might want to follow the lead of this reviewer, who described their experience, stating: "Absolutely amazing entrees! Ordered the chicken mole enchilada and the chicken with mole. Plenty for leftovers." Foodies can then continue their journey toward Baldwin Park, a utopia full of authentic eats that's a little over two hours away.
El Dorado Parkway was a river on New Year’s Day.As the creek spilled over its banks, floodwater rushed through homes.Now that the damage is done, the cleanup begins“A river basically went through our entire house,” said Shawna Michel, who spent her Friday cleaning out the mud-filled garage in her home. “It all happened like within like 15 minutes.”One woman had to be rescued after the floodwaters blocked her door.“She had to be evacuated by the firemen. She goes, I can't ...
El Dorado Parkway was a river on New Year’s Day.
As the creek spilled over its banks, floodwater rushed through homes.
Now that the damage is done, the cleanup begins
“A river basically went through our entire house,” said Shawna Michel, who spent her Friday cleaning out the mud-filled garage in her home. “It all happened like within like 15 minutes.”
One woman had to be rescued after the floodwaters blocked her door.
“She had to be evacuated by the firemen. She goes, I can't get out of my house, there's water three feet up,” said Michel.
I spoke with the woman who was rescued off-camera, and she told me she had never seen anything like it in her 25 years of living in the neighborhood.
One day later, the water is gone, the mud has dried, and the destruction is being assessed.
“All my high school pictures are ruined. I'm trying to salvage all of them right now,” said Michel.
Some have already been contacting their flood insurance providers, documenting what can be saved and what's lost.
“It's all mud, yeah, inside the house like this,” said Romao Agsaoay, whose home was flooded.
Physically, some of the damage can be repaired.
But the emotional toll has been taken.
“We were experiencing the new year,” said Agsaoay. “Our grandkid, my grandkids, said this is a sad new year. It's not good at all.”
Residents said crews did come by to clean up the street, but it’ll be up to those who live there to finish the job in their own homes.
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