If you’ve had a concussion, you already know the weird part: you can look “fine” on the outside, but your brain doesn’t feel like itself.

Headaches, brain fog, light sensitivity, sleep disruption, anxiety, low mood, and fatigue can linger—sometimes long after the initial injury. At Northshore Naturopathic, we take post-concussion recovery seriously and build plans that support your brain’s healing from multiple angles.

One therapy people ask about (and that we may consider in certain cases) is NAD+ IV therapy.

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Concussion symptoms can overlap with more serious conditions. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, seek urgent medical care.

Concussion recovery isn’t just “rest and wait”

A concussion is often described as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). “Mild” refers to how it looks on scans—not how it feels.

After a concussion, the brain can go through a temporary “energy crisis.” In simple terms:

• Your brain needs extra fuel to stabilize and repair

• Inflammation and oxidative stress can increase

• Sleep and nervous system regulation can get thrown off

• Symptoms can become more sensitive to stress, screens, exertion, and poor sleep

That’s why a good recovery plan usually includes more than one tool.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a molecule your body makes from vitamin B3. It’s involved in how your cells:

• Convert food into usable energy (ATP)

• Support mitochondrial function (your “cellular power plants”)

• Manage oxidative stress and repair processes

Think of NAD+ as part of the system that helps your cells make energy efficiently and recover from stress.

Why NAD+ is discussed in concussion care

After a concussion, many people feel symptoms that sound like an energy problem:

• “My brain gets tired fast.”

• “I can’t focus like I used to.”

• “I crash after screens or work.”

• “I’m sleeping but not recovering.”

Research in brain injury has explored how oxidative stress and metabolic strain can affect mitochondrial function and cellular energy pathways. NAD+ is often discussed in this context because it’s closely tied to those energy systems.

Important: NAD+ IV is not a cure for concussion, and it’s not a substitute for a proper medical assessment or a structured return-to-activity plan. But for some patients, it may be a supportive option within a broader strategy.

What NAD+ IV therapy is (and what it feels like)

NAD+ IV therapy delivers NAD+ through an intravenous infusion.

People’s experiences vary, but many describe the session as:

• Calm and steady

• Sometimes “noticeable” in the body (warmth, chest/abdomen sensations, mild nausea, or a “wired” feeling)

Because of that, we typically:

• Start conservatively

• Adjust the drip rate for comfort

• Personalize the plan based on your sensitivity (which can be higher post-concussion)

Potential ways NAD+ IV may support post-concussion recovery

Everyone’s concussion is different. When NAD+ IV is used in an integrative setting, the goals are often to support:

• Brain energy and stamina (less “crash” after mental effort)

• Focus and clarity (when brain fog is prominent)

• Resilience to stress (when the nervous system feels stuck in overdrive)

• Overall recovery capacity (as part of a larger plan)

Some people also explore NAD+ IV for other concerns beyond concussion—such as fatigue, burnout, cognitive performance, and general metabolic support—depending on their health history.

What NAD+ IV can’t replace

If you’re recovering from a concussion, NAD+ IV should not replace the fundamentals, including:

• A proper assessment (especially if symptoms are changing)

• A graded return-to-learn / return-to-work / return-to-sport plan

• Sleep support and circadian rhythm repair

• Nutrition and hydration strategies

• Neck assessment and treatment when whiplash is part of the injury

• Vestibular or vision rehab when indicated

In other words: NAD+ IV is best viewed as one supportive tool, not the whole toolbox.

A “whole-person” concussion plan at Northshore Naturopathic

Our approach is grounded in the naturopathic principle of treating the whole person. Depending on your case, your plan may include:

• Symptom pattern mapping (what triggers you: screens, exertion, stress, light, neck strain)

• Nervous system regulation strategies (breathing, pacing, gentle movement)

• Nutrition for brain repair (protein, omega-3s, blood sugar stability)

• Targeted supplements when appropriate

• Sleep support

• Therapies that may fit your presentation (which can include NAD+ IV, and/or other supportive modalities)

Who should be cautious (or avoid) NAD+ IV therapy

NAD+ IV therapy isn’t for everyone. It’s important to review your health history, medications, and goals with a qualified clinician.

You should discuss extra caution if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have complex chronic illness or are medically fragile

• Have a history of significant medication reactions

• Have symptoms that could indicate a more serious neurological issue

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent medical attention if you have concussion symptoms plus:

• Worsening severe headache

• Repeated vomiting

• New weakness, numbness, slurred speech, or confusion

• Seizure

• Loss of consciousness

Next step: let’s build a recovery plan that fits your brain

If you’re dealing with lingering post-concussion symptoms—or you want to explore whether NAD+ IV therapy makes sense for your situation—our team at Northshore Naturopathic can help.

• Book a concussion-focused visit to review your symptoms and recovery timeline

• We’ll discuss options, including foundational strategies and supportive therapies like NAD+ IV when appropriate

The post NAD+ IV Therapy After a Concussion: A Supportive Option for Brain Energy, Focus, and Recovery appeared first on Northshore Naturopathic Clinic.

In this guide, you’ll learn practical at-home tools to support brain fog and focus, plus how Northshore Naturopathic (northshorend.ca) can help you personalize the root-cause plan with naturopathic medicine, testing, and education.

What is brain fog (and why it happens)?

“Brain fog” isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a symptom cluster. Common drivers include:

• Poor sleep quality or circadian disruption
• Blood sugar swings (skipping meals, high-sugar breakfasts)
• Chronic stress and nervous system overload
• Low iron, B12, vitamin D, or omega-3 intake
• Thyroid imbalance
• Inflammation (gut issues, food sensitivities, autoimmune patterns)
• Hormone shifts (perimenopause, postpartum, high cortisol)
• Medication side effects

If your brain fog is new, severe, or paired with red flags (fainting, chest pain, sudden weakness, severe headaches, confusion, or neurological symptoms), seek urgent medical care.

The “3 Foundations” framework for clearer thinking

At Northshore Naturopathic, we often start with a simple, teachable framework:

• Fuel (steady energy from nutrition + hydration)
• Restore (sleep + recovery)
• Move (exersize + stretching)
• Connect (regulate stress response + balance nervous system)

When these improve, focus and cognition often improve too.

10 basic at-home tools for brain fog + focus

1) A 7-day brain fog tracker (your fastest win)

Track once daily for one week:

• Sleep: bedtime, wake time, night wakings
• Energy (0–10) and focus (0–10)
• Meals: timing + protein at breakfast
• Caffeine: amount + time
• Stress level (0–10)
• Movement: minutes

Patterns show up quickly—and they guide what to change first.

2) Protein-first breakfast

A high-carb breakfast can spike and crash blood sugar, worsening fog by mid-morning. Aim for 25–35g protein at breakfast.

Simple options:

• Eggs + sautéed greens
• Greek yogurt + berries + chia
• Protein smoothie (protein powder + frozen berries + spinach)
• Leftovers (yes—dinner for breakfast works)

3) Hydration with minerals

Dehydration and low electrolytes can feel like fatigue and poor concentration.

At-home tool:

• Start your day with water, and consider adding electrolytes (especially if you sweat, exercise, or drink coffee).

4) The “caffeine cut-off” rule

Caffeine can be helpful—but late caffeine can quietly wreck sleep quality. And if you are already over the edge, no caffeine or light caffeine may be the only solution.

At-home tool:

• Choose a cut-off time (often 10–12 hours before bed). If you sleep at 10 pm, stop caffeine by noon.

5) Morning light (a free circadian reset)

Natural light in the morning anchors your sleep-wake rhythm and supports daytime alertness.

At-home tool:

• Get 10–20 minutes of outdoor light within an hour of waking.

6) A 10-minute walk after meals

Post-meal walks improve blood sugar handling and can reduce the “afternoon crash.”

At-home tool:

• Walk 10 minutes after lunch (or dinner) most days.

7) Breathwork to shift out of “wired and tired”

When the nervous system is stuck in stress mode, focus often suffers.

At-home tool:

• Try physiological sighs (2 short inhales through the nose, long exhale through the mouth) for 1–3 minutes.

8) A simple sleep upgrade checklist

Sleep is the brain’s cleanup crew.

At-home tools:

• Keep the room cool and dark
• Consistent sleep/wake time (even on weekends)
• Screens off 60 minutes before bed (or use blue-light reduction)
• Magnesium glycinate may help some people (ask your clinician if it’s appropriate)

9) “One thing” focus blocks

Brain fog often worsens with constant context switching.

At-home tool:

• Set a timer for 25 minutes (one task only), then 5 minutes break. Repeat 2–4 rounds.

10) Connection booster (short and structured)

Some people notice that focusing on gratitude can reduce common interpersonal triggers that trigger stress and worsen cognitive function.

At-home tool:

• Try a 2–3 week simplified plan (guided, not extreme), then reintroduce foods systematically.

This is an area where naturopathic guidance can help you avoid unnecessary restriction.

When to consider deeper root-cause testing

If brain fog persists despite solid basics, it may be time to look deeper. Common areas to assess include:

• Iron status (ferritin), B12, vitamin D
• Thyroid function
• Blood sugar markers
• Inflammation and gut health patterns
• Hormone patterns (when relevant)

How Northshore Naturopathic can help (care + education)

If you’re tired of guessing, Northshore Naturopathic (northshorend.ca) supports patients with a root-cause, education-first approach.

Clinic support may include:

• Naturopathic consultations (in-person or virtual) to map symptoms, triggers, and priorities
• Personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans for energy, mood, and cognitive performance
• Targeted lab review and functional assessment (when appropriate)
• Supplement and botanical guidance to support sleep, stress resilience, and inflammation balance
• Education-focused coaching so you understand the “why,” not just the “what.”

A simple 7-day plan to start today

If you want a clear starting point, try this for one week:

• Protein-first breakfast daily
• Morning light 10–20 minutes
• 10-minute walk after lunch
• Caffeine cut-off by noon
• 3-minute breathwork once daily
• Track sleep, focus, and meals

Then reassess: what improved, what didn’t, and what feels most doable to continue.

Ready for a personalized plan?

Brain fog is common—but it’s not something you have to “just live with.” If you want a structured, root-cause approach with clear education and practical steps, book a visit with Northshore Naturopathic at northshorend.ca.

This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

The post Clear Brain, Clear Day: At‑Home Tools for Brain Fog + Cognitive Health appeared first on Northshore Naturopathic Clinic.

In our North Vancouver naturopathic clinic, I see this pattern all the time: people doing “all the right things” (supplements, workouts, productivity hacks) while their body is quietly waving a white flag. The good news? When we simplify and work with your biology, you can start feeling steadier—often faster than you think.

Burnout vs. anxiety (and why they often travel together)

Anxiety is often the alarm system—racing thoughts, tight chest, irritability, insomnia, a sense of urgency.

Burnout is often the battery depletion—low motivation, fatigue, brain fog, reduced resilience, feeling overwhelmed by normal tasks.

When the alarm system is constantly on, the battery drains. And when the battery is drained, the alarm gets easier to trigger. That loop is what we want to interrupt.

The “Nervous System Stack”: 5 foundations that calm the alarm

Think of this as stacking small, repeatable inputs that tell your body: you are safe enough to recover.

1) Breathing: the fastest lever you have

A simple rule: longer exhale to engage the diaphragm = stronger “brake pedal.”

Try this for 3 minutes:

• Inhale through the nose for the count of 4 (make sure you bellys is rising)
• Exhale slowly for 6–8
• Repeat 8–12 rounds

Do it before you check your phone, before meals, or before bed. Consistency beats intensity.

2) Blood sugar: stabilize the body, stabilize the mind

Blood sugar swings can mimic (or amplify) anxiety: shakiness, heart racing, irritability, cravings, and that “I can’t cope” feeling.

Start here:

• Eat protein at breakfast (aim for 25–35g)
• Add fiber (berries, chia, veggies)
• Include healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts)
• If coffee makes you edgy, don’t drink it (listen to the inteligene of your body)

3) Sleep: protect the first hour, not just the last

Most people focus on bedtime routines. Helpful—but the first hour of your day matters just as much.

Try this “bookend” approach:

• Morning: get outdoor light in your eyes within 60 minutes of waking (even on cloudy days)
• Evening: dim lights and reduce screens 60 minutes before bed when possible

If you wake at 3 a.m. with a busy mind, that’s not a personal failure—it’s often a stress chemistry pattern we can work with. Remind yourself a rested brain can deal better with its workload, then focus on your breaths instead of the thoughts.

4) Movement: choose “downshifting,” not punishment

When you’re burned out, intense workouts can sometimes add fuel to the fire.

For 2 weeks, experiment with:

• 20–40 minutes of walking (ideally outdoors)
• Gentle strength training 2–3x/week
• Mobility or yoga that leaves you feeling more grounded, not depleted

5) Inputs: reduce “micro-stress” where you can

Your nervous system doesn’t just respond to big life events—it responds to a thousand tiny signals.

Pick one:

• Turn off non-essential notifications for 7 days
• Create a “single-task zone” (no multitasking during meals)
• Add a 5-minute buffer between appointments and tasks

Small changes compound.

A 7-day reset you can actually follow

If you want a simple starting plan, try this for one week:

• 2 minutes of long-exhale breathing once per day
• Protein-forward breakfast (within 90 minutes of waking)
• 10–20 minutes outdoor walk (light + movement)
• Caffeine only in the form of tea and only after food
• One screen boundary (e.g., no phone in bed)

Track just two things:

• Your midday energy (0–10)
• Your evening calm (0–10)

We’re looking for trends, not perfection.

When it’s time to get support

If your anxiety is escalating, your sleep is consistently disrupted, or you’re feeling stuck in survival mode, it can help to get a personalized plan. In naturopathic care, we look at the full picture—stress physiology, digestion, nutrient status, hormones, inflammation, and the daily habits that either drain or restore you.

Want help building your nervous system reset plan? Book an appointment with Northshore Naturopathic and we’ll map out the most effective next steps for your body and your life.

The post Burnout + Anxiety: A Simple Nervous System Reset Plan (That Actually Fits Real Life) appeared first on Northshore Naturopathic Clinic.

Alter Your Diet

Nutrition has a large impact on how your body and mind function. Getting the right amount of nutrients will help to maintain your neurotransmitters and neuronal structures within your nervous system. In particular, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, folate, and vitamin B are all essential when it comes to managing anxiety. Eating foods like eggs, salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, avocados, bananas, yogurt and so on will help in easing your anxiety.

Make Time to Exercise

Being active throughout your day will get rid of any nervous energy you’re carrying with you. Regularly exercising also helps to improve your sleep, especially if you struggle with insomnia. Raising your heart rate while exercising will increase your body’s endorphin production, improving your mood.

Relax in Your Own Way

Whether it’s through taking a warm bath, turning to a book that brings you comfort or practicing yoga, it’s important that you find something that helps to clear your mind and relax your body. Even a quick technique like deep breathing will help you calm your mind before the anxiety takes over.

Develop a Positive Pep Talk

Negative thoughts about yourself are a common way to worsen any anxiety you’re already experiencing. An effective way to get a handle on your anxiety is to identify those thoughts and replace them when any kind of positive ones. Doing so will help you from spirally further into an episode of intense anxiety. Reframing the situation can help you change those habitual thoughts over time.

Quit Smoking

A quick fix rather than a long term solution to anxiety, smoking is a dangerous habit that can help during a stressful moment but isn’t worth the health problems that will follow. To effectively manage your anxiety in a way that’s best for both your mental and physical health, quit smoking. Studies have shown that nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes are actually linked to anxiety.

Try Meditation

Removing chaotic thoughts from your mind is one of the main goals of meditation. Replacing them with a sense of calmness for the present moment will help you to relieve anxiety. Studies conducted at John Hopkins showed that just 30 minutes of daily meditation can ease anxiety symptoms and work as an antidepressant. Adding in the relaxing scent of essential oils like lavender will help to promote good health and well-being.

Get Expert Advice

At Northshore Naturopathic Clinic, we are committed to helping patients achieve the best possible results through naturopathic treatments. Sometimes the answer can be as simple as a change in hormones or low levels of certain nutrients, and underlying changes in the gut microbiome. Located in North Vancouver, British Columbia, our naturopathic doctor offers treatments including anxiety treatments, allergy testing, food sensitivity testing, IV therapy, and more. For more information, give us a call or visit our website to book a consultation.

The post How to Effectively Manage Your Anxiety? appeared first on Northshore Naturopathic Clinic.

Pollen

Coming from sources such as grass, trees and weeds, pollen can trigger hay fever or seasonal allergies. It may cause sneezing, watery and/or itchy eyes, runny nose or stuffy nose and can be treated with over the counter medications, prescriptions or allergy shots in severe cases. To prevent an allergic reaction, stay indoors when there’s lots of pollen in the air, keep the windows closed and the air conditioner running.

Pet Dander

If you’re allergic to your pet, you’ll find that you react negatively to the proteins in their oil glands or saliva. It can take up to two years for allergies to start appearing. However, you don’t have to get rid of your pet. Just make sure there are pet-free zones in your home, you have bare floors instead of carpeting and you bathe them regularly. Regular allergy shots can help as well.

Dust Mites

These tiny bugs can cause a big problem. They’re often found in bedding, mattresses, carpeting, curtains and upholstered furniture, and feed on dead skin cells, pollen, fungi and bacteria. They love high humidity, so to prevent this from affecting you, use hypoallergenic pillows, mattress covers and wash your sheets in hot water.

Insect Stings

Bug bites can cause swelling, redness, fatigue, low fever and/or nausea. Larger stings can potentially cause a life-threatening reaction, throwing you into anaphylactic shock. To prevent severe reactions from occurring, your doctor might recommend taking an allergy shot.

Mould

Mould only needs a bit of moisture to sprout, so damp areas like the basement or bathroom are perfect places for it to grow. Breathing in mould spores can trigger an allergic reaction, so be sure to get rid of any mould growth before it causes serious health problems.

Food

Among the most common allergies to food include nuts, eggs, shellfish, wheat, soy and milk. Eating something you’re allergic to can affect you within minutes, preventing you from breathing properly, producing hives, vomiting, swelling around the mouth or diarrhea. For severe allergic reactions, used prescribed allergy medication or call 911.

Latex

A common material used in disposable gloves, medical devices and condoms, a latex allergy can trigger a variety of reactions, from itchy skin to trouble breathing. Other symptoms may include the development of a rash or hives, a runny or itchy nose, eye irritation, sneezing or wheezing.

Medication

Allergic reactions to penicillin, aspirin and other drugs can include hives, stuffiness, itchy eyes, or swelling in the face, mouth and throat. Talk to your doctor about other medication options if you’ve had an allergic reaction to something prescribed in the past.

If you’re looking for a naturopathic doctor in Vancouver, BC, then look no further than Northshore Naturopathic Clinic. We provide services that include food sensitivity testing, naturopathic ADHD treatment, IV therapy and more. Call us or visit our website to book your next appointment.

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Dandelion

Dandelion helps with both liver and gallbladder function, as the leaves help to promote bile release from the liver. This results in detoxification and allows the liver to metabolize fat more efficiently. Dandelions are also efficient in stimulating the gallbladder when consumed regularly, be it through tea or sprinkled over food.

Peppermint

Peppermint helps move the digestive system along by stimulating the flow of digestive juices. Peppermint also contains terpene, a compound that can dissolve gallstones effectively. It’s also been known to relieve spasms and acute gallbladder pain.

Psyllium

A great source of fibre, psyllium works wonders when it comes to treating gallstones. The fibre binds itself to the cholesterol in the bile, stopping the formation of gallstones. Psyllium also aids in normalizing bowel movements, which helps to reduce the chance of your gallbladder for getting congested.

Epsom Salts

Add one teaspoon of Epsom salts into water that’s sitting at room temperature. Drink this in the evening to allow your gallstones to move more easily through the bile duct.

Quebra Pedra

This herb can be boiled to create tea and consumed to alleviate gallstone symptoms. For the best results, add the Quebra Pedra herb or extract into some water and drink it for two to four weeks.

Wine

Studies have shown that participants that consumed half a glass of wine per day reduced the number of gallstone attacks they experienced by 40%. Nothing noted within the research stated that consuming more than ½ a glass of wine had a greater effect.

Castor Oil

There are many medical and healing properties in castor oil, some of which can help to reduce the overall number of gallstones in your gallbladder. The oil’s anti-inflammatory properties also aid in reducing pain and inflammation.

Apple Cider Vinegar/Juice

Apples in the form of juice or cider vinegar are capable of dissolving gallstones. The malic acid within helps in softening the stones, while the vinegar stops the liver from creating the cholesterol that’s responsible for making the gallstones in the first place. These apple products can prevent the recurring appearance of gallstones while also reducing pain during flare-ups.

Rosemary

This essential herb is effective when it comes to helping treat gallstones. It works to enhance the production of bile while halting the spasms that commonly occur within the bile duct. The consumption of rosemary can also help to break down fat.

At Northshore Naturopathic Clinic, we’re one of Northern Vancouver’s top trauma, anxiety and depression counselling centres. Our staff is dedicated to helping new and existing patients with effective naturopathic treatments to heal your body and mind. Our other services include concussion and brain injury treatment, IV therapy, food sensitivity testing and more. Call us today to book your appointment and visit our website for more information.

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