Mental Well Being

Mental health conditions can affect thoughts, emotions, perceptions and behaviour in ways that disrupt daily life. These experiences are often invisible to others, especially when a person does not feel safe or comfortable sharing them. The most common treatments for these conditions are counselling and prescription medications; both may be helpful when used appropriately.

From a naturopathic perspective, areas considered in holistic mental health care may include:

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Balanced nutrition
Healthy metabolic function
Restorative sleep
Identifying and addressing nutrient deficiencies
Effective elimination and detoxification
Digestive health
Microbiome support

Nutritional Support for Depression

For someone experiencing depression, for example, nutritional interventions that may support recovery include:

Magnesium

Prolonged stress can contribute to insufficient magnesium levels. Modern agricultural practices have contributed to mineral depletion in some soils, while food-processing methods can remove large amounts of magnesium from the foods that reach our tables. Magnesium is required by hundreds of enzymes, including many involved in brain function. A deficiency can contribute to poor nervous-system regulation and signalling.

Vitamin B3

There are many forms of vitamin B3. A careful assessment is needed to determine whether vitamin B3 is appropriate and, if so, which form to use.

Amino acids and related compounds

Several may have a direct effect on low mood. For example, acetyl-L-carnitine may support energy production in the brain, which can be an important part of treatment for some people with depression.

This list is not exhaustive, but it represents some of the ways nutrients may be used to improve low mood and other symptoms of depression.
Healthcare providers may not always consider herbal medicines, lifestyle interventions or the need to address medication-related nutrient depletions.

Targeted naturopathic interventions may also form part of broader care for people with:

Anxiety and OCD
Schizophrenia and psychosis
ADHD and hyperactivity
Insomnia
Stress, trauma and severe emotional distress
Anorexia nervosa
Addiction and alcoholism

Health problems involving the endocrine, cardiovascular, immune and renal systems, among others, may also contribute to mental health symptoms. It is therefore important to take a whole-body approach. Counselling and psychiatry may not fully resolve these symptoms if contributing physical conditions have not been identified and addressed.

For some people, including naturopathic medicine as part of their care can make a significant difference. The goal is not simply to treat the diagnosed condition, but to identify factors that may be worsening symptoms or making recovery more difficult. Addressing those factors may improve both daily functioning and quality of life.

If you would like to explore whether naturopathic medicine may be helpful for you, book an appointment to discuss your specific situation.