As the days get shorter and schedules fill up, it’s easy for sleep, regular meals, and time for ourselves to slip. Cold and flu season is a good reminder to check in—especially if you’ve been feeling run down or putting off a health concern.

At BNFTS Integrative Health, a visit with our naturopathic doctor gives you space to discuss how you’re feeling. We can review your health history, nutrition, sleep, and stress, and work together on practical next steps.

Start with how you’re feeling

Persistent fatigue, poor sleep, or digestive concerns are worth discussing. We can assess possible contributing factors and, when appropriate, discuss targeted bloodwork to guide your care. Recommendations may include nutrition changes, sleep strategies, or treatment for an identified nutrient deficiency.

Bring your current supplements and questions, too. We can review what you’re taking, check doses and medication interactions, and help simplify your routine.

Choose supplements with a purpose

A few options may come up during your visit:

  • Vitamin D supports normal immune function and bone health. Supplementation can help meet your needs when intake or levels are low. 1
  • Oral vitamin C supports normal immune function and iron absorption. Taken regularly, it may slightly shorten the duration of a cold. 2
  • Probiotics may help with particular concerns. Certain strains may reduce the frequency or duration of upper respiratory infections, although evidence remains limited and benefits vary by product. 3

The goal is to choose what makes sense for your health, with a clear reason for each recommendation.

Questions about IV therapy and nutrient injections?

Our naturopathic doctor can discuss different nutrient treatments and whether they fit your needs. Examples include:

  • Vitamin C IVs: Deliver vitamin C directly into the bloodstream. Replacement may be appropriate for a confirmed deficiency when oral treatment is unsuitable. 4
  • Myers’ cocktail: Typically combine vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, and calcium. Suitability depends on your assessment; evidence for the blend’s general wellness benefits is limited. 5
  • Vitamin B12 injections: Given into a muscle rather than through an IV, these can treat B12 deficiency, particularly when absorption is impaired. Correcting a deficiency supports healthy red blood cells and nerve function, and may improve related fatigue. 6 7

We’ll discuss expected benefits, risks, and alternatives before recommending treatment. These options address specific clinical needs rather than preventing or treating colds and flu.

Everyday habits remain important: adequate sleep, balanced meals, hydration, handwashing, cleaner indoor air, and recommended vaccinations. 8

Make room for a check-in

If you’ve been meaning to address a concern, we’re here to help. You can also review your naturopathic benefits when planning care, particularly if coverage resets in January. Coverage for visits, testing, supplements, and treatments varies by plan.

Appointments with our naturopathic doctor are available at BNFTS Integrative Health.

Yours in Wellness,

Dr. Genieve Burley, DC

Clinic Director & Co-Owner | BNFTs

Co-Founder & Owner | Be Chiropractic

Integrated Health & Wellness

Vancouver, BC