What is it?

Anxiety is actually the body’s normal response to stress and danger. That feeling of apprehension or fear of what’s about to come. However for some people this feeling is amplified or constantly present. If you struggle with anxiety you know that feeling of constant worry about past events or interaction, and nervousness about the future.

Step-by-step approach to treatment

Comprehensive intake and relevant lab testing
We always start by gathering your complete health history, assessing not only the symptoms specific to your anxiety, but also those which relate to the foundations of health - including your stress and energy levels, sleep and digestive health. Relevant lab testing is always discussed. By obtaining lab results - specifically bloodwork - we get a clearer insight into the function of your body’s physiology. These insights are a great tool for guiding treatment.

Naturopathic doctors are trained to look for lab results to be within optimal ranges, not just what may be considered conventionally “normal”. This is because you may be within all the normal lab parameters but are still experiencing very real symptoms.

Anxiety is often thought of as a condition that can only be treated with counselling and/or pharmaceuticals. Talk therapy is incredibly important and beneficial, and anti-anxiety medications definitely have their place. It is also important to look at your body’s unique physiology and digestive function. It is common for patients with inflammation, thyroid disorder, insulin dysregulation (insulin resistance) and nutrient deficiencies to also experience anxiety. This is why lab testing is an important part of anxiety assessment.

Lab tests commonly run to assess anxiety may include:

• Nutrient status

• Blood insulin and glucose markers

• Inflammatory markers

• Thyroid panel

• Female hormone panel
  

Supporting the foundations of health
As with any health concern, supporting the foundations of health is essential for lessening anxiety, and always where treatment starts. This includes assessing and addressing stress levels, sleep quality, energy levels, inflammation, insulin regulation, digestive function and nutrient deficiencies.

Customized treatment plan
Once lab results have been interpreted, a customized treatment plan will be created just for YOU. This is not a one-size-fits-all treatment plan, but rather one that is specific to your individual health concerns and addresses your body’s physiology. You will leave your appointment with a written treatment plan as well as any relevant handouts so that you feel equipped to start your treatments when you get home.
We understand that starting on a new regime of supplements and implementing lifestyle and dietary changes can be overwhelming. If you need support along the way, know that we are here for you. Additional check-in appointments can be made to support you on your journey to optimal health.

Common naturopathic treatments for anxiety include:

• Calming the nervous system with nervine herbs

• Addressing any nutrient deficiencies

• Elimination of caffeine and limiting sugar

• A nutrient-dense diet and an insulin-lowering eating plan

Follow up testing and treatment adjustments
Typically we book a follow up appointment 3 months and 6 months after starting your treatment plan so we can assess symptoms and retest necessary labs. It is our goal that, after treatment has begun, you will start to feel noticeable improvements. In some cases it’s not that simple and further assessment is required.

Know that if you’re not seeing improvements, we can always reassess, do further testing and make adjustments to your plan along the way. The goal is to get you not only feeling better, but feeling like YOU again!

Maintenance - addressing any new concerns
While we are here for you at any time along your health journey, it is not our goal to have you come in for regular appointments. Once you’ve started to have success with your treatment plan you may only require annual, bi-annual or as-needed appointments. In these appointments we assess the original concerns you presented, as well as any new symptoms or concerns you are experiencing.