Finding Light: Novel Toronto Functional Medicine Approaches for Confronting SAD

When the days get shorter and the sunlight wanes, some Toronto functional medicine patients begin having concerns with their mood and energy. For some, this seasonal pattern can form into seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter seasons. Symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, weight gain, and feelings of sadness – it’s no wonder why SAD is dubbed the “winter blues”.

Some patients opt for integrative functional medicine to treat SAD, as personalized medicine treatments offer a root-cause approach. Biochemical, nutritional, and hormonal imbalances can contribute to seasonal mood changes, and targeting these aspects can potentially help restore balance, especially with the use of natural interventions. 

Below, we discuss what SAD is, functional medicine options for managing it, and how our treatments may be beneficial for gut health issues, cognitive function, and more. 

What is seasonal affective disorder?

You may be at risk of developing the condition if you’re female, genetically predisposed to depression and/or SAD, a young adult, and/or live far away from the equator. SAD seems to be caused by shifts in the amount of sunlight we’re exposed to – in turn, this can disrupt your biological clock. This lack of sunlight is thought to interrupt neurotransmitter functions, too, altering amounts of the ‘feel-good’ chemical serotonin.  Symptoms include low mood and feelings of helplessness; sleeping excessively; loss of interest in regular hobbies; concentration issues; appetite boosts, especially cravings for carbohydrates; social isolation.

“Approximately 15% of Canadians will report at least a mild case of SAD in their lifetime, while 2-3% will report serious cases.” – Canadian Psychological Association

Though SAD is periodic, potential hurdles can occur when it’s left untreated, such as alcohol/drug overindulgences, obesity, frequent absenteeism from work, and the worsening of current mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder. “Given SAD’s unique trajectory and significant impact on affected individuals, the importance of early recognition and personalized care strategies cannot be overstated,” confirms StatPearls. 

Examples of personalized therapies for treating SAD 

Personalized SAD treatments can target your unique biochemistry, genetics, and metabolism, as these affect how your body responds to light, supplements, and medications. For example, variations in the vitamin D receptor gene or serotonin transporter genes may affect how sun exposure impacts your mood.

Thus, a functional medicine provider may run diagnostic testing to match therapies with your needs. Some tests might include comprehensive blood panels (to measure vitamin D, inflammatory markers, thyroid hormones), DUTCH testing to scrutinize adrenal health, and/or micronutrient testing for nutritional deficiencies. Lab results are then used by your clinician to arrange for tailored functional medicine support, which goes beyond the confines of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Some therapies that may be recommended for SAD include: 

• Intramuscular injections: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with SAD – this makes senses, as the sun helps the body synthesize vitamin D. A tailored dose administered as an intramuscular injection ensures you get a rapid absorption of vitamin D, as this modality bypasses the digestive system and the nutrient enters the bloodstream immediately. For those struggling with malabsorption, these injections are reliable compared to ingesting tablets and capsules. (Note: Processing the dose oral supplements can be delayed and hindered by the digestive process.)
• IV nutrient therapy: If you’re deficient in other nutrients linked to SAD (i.e. vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins), IV therapy can be considered. IV drips also rapidly enter the bloodstream for immediate use; they may be supportive for cellular health, and may help the mitochondria  energy production in your body. 
• Light pod therapy: Also called photobiomodulation, this method safely exposes your body to therapeutic light wavelengths, which can help with resetting the circadian rhythm. These exposures have been shown to stimulate mitochondrial energy production and boost serotonin and endorphins levels. 
• HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy): When you sit in this enclosed chamber, you inhale 100% oxygen – this boosts oxygen delivery to your tissues and cells. Though not specific to SAD, one study showed that patients with incomplete spinal cord injury experienced reductions in both anxiety and depression from HBOT. 
• Psychotherapy: A clinical psychotherapist can introduce you to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), ‘talk therapy’ that can help with identifying and reframing negative thoughts. You can also explore new stress management techniques, such as meditation.
• PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy): PEMF is designed to stimulate your cells with low frequency electromagnetic waves. Preliminary evidence suggests PEMF treatments may contribute to managing treatment-resistant depression and fatigue when combined with other treatment modalities, such as light therapy.

We want to stress that therapeutic treatments should be merged with lifestyle modifications, such as eating antioxidant-rich meals, getting regular exercise, and healthily practicing stress management. And prior to embarking on new therapies, patients should consult with clinicians experienced in functional and integrative medicine – some therapies (e.g. HBOT) do require medical supervision, screening, and contraindication checks. At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, the treatments listed above (and more!) are available for new and existing patients. If you want to step-up your wellness game – especially to prevent and/or treat SAD – please visit us today. 

Suggested reading: Functional Medicine Toronto Mindset: The Surprising Nutrient Behind Hair Loss

Customizing patient care with functional clinical insight 

Custom healthcare can be accessed in the heart of Toronto. We are located in Yorkville, a neighborhood with access to both parking and public transportation. Think of our clinic as a wellness sanctuary – a place where you can take actionable steps towards health enhancements. 

We have a professional therapeutic partnership between ourselves and our patients, and we encourage you to ask questions anytime! Education is key to making personal health decisions, and ample time is provided for each appointment. We carefully discuss your condition, how to interpret laboratory testing reports, and what you can personally do to help reach optimal function. Explaining the rationale of treatments is important to us and our patients – we can integrate treatment plans with several modalities, including allopathic/Western medicine, psychotherapy, naturopathic medicine, intravenous therapy, hormone optimization tactics, preventative medicine, light pod therapy, nutritional / botanical supplementation, and more. 

A holistic health/lifestyle strategy that combines complementary and naturopathic medicine is suitable for chronic conditions, especially neurodegenerative and autoimmune conditions, menopausal symptoms (i.e. vaginal dryness), and recovery from environmental toxins (i.e. heavy metals). We adapt all modalities, even making doses of IV therapy, botanical medicine, and hormone therapies (i.e. bio-identical hormones) unique to your biology only. 

Note: Tailoring your therapies will involve a hearty discussion between our health provider and yourself. During your first appointment, we’ll discuss your lifestyle and environmental factors, genetic predispositions, current diet, and more – comprehending these allows us to adapt therapies for your needs. 

What’s causing your low mood and chronic fatigue? Let’s investigate this with our patient-centred approach to wellness! Call us now to book your first consultation with our functional medicine Toronto providers – in-person and virtual sessions are available.

Disclaimer: 

Some therapies discussed in this article  may have emerging or mixed evidence for seasonal mood concerns and may not be appropriate for everyone. Recommendations are individualized following clinical assessment and are not intended to replace primary mental health care or medical treatment when indicated. The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

Campbell PD, Miller AM, Woesner ME. Bright Light Therapy: Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond. Einstein J Biol Med. 2017;32:E13-E25. PMID: 31528147; PMCID: PMC6746555.Canadian Psychological Association. ““Psychology Works” Fact Sheet: Seasonal Affective Disorder (Depression with Seasonal Pattern).” Canadian Psychological Association, posted 31 Dec. 2020, updated 27 Nov. 2024, cpa.ca/psychology-works-fact-sheet-seasonal-affective-disorder-depression-with-seasonal-pattern/. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Chen, Zuo, et al. “Treatment Measures for Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Network Meta-analysis.” Journal of Affective Disorders, vol. 350, 2024, pp. 531-536, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.028. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Feng JJ, Li YH. Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on depression and anxiety in the patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (a STROBE-compliant article). Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Jul;96(29):e7334. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000007334. PMID: 28723746; PMCID: PMC5521886.

Forneris CA, Nussbaumer-Streit B, Morgan LC, Greenblatt A, Van Noord MG, Gaynes BN, Wipplinger J, Lux LJ, Winkler D, Gartlehner G. Psychological therapies for preventing seasonal affective disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 May 24;5(5):CD011270. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011270.pub3. PMID: 31124141; PMCID: PMC6533196.

Jahan-Mihan A, Stevens P, Medero-Alfonso S, Brace G, Overby LK, Berg K, Labyak C. The Role of Water-Soluble Vitamins and Vitamin D in Prevention and Treatment of Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder in Adults. Nutrients. 2024 Jun 17;16(12):1902. doi: 10.3390/nu16121902. PMID: 38931257; PMCID: PMC11206829.

Larsen, Erik R., et al. “Transcranial Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields for Treatment-resistant Depression: A Multicenter 8-week Single-arm Cohort Study: The Eighth Trial of the Danish University Antidepressant Group.” European Psychiatry : The Journal of the Association of European Psychiatrists, vol. 63, no. 1, 2020, p. e18, https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2020.3. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Mohammad Alizadeh MA, Abrari K, Lashkar Blouki T, Ghorbanian MT, Jadidi M. Pulsed electromagnetic field attenuated PTSD-induced failure of conditioned fear extinction. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2019 Jun;22(6):650-659. doi: 10.22038/ijbms.2019.32576.7797. PMID: 31231493; PMCID: PMC6570745.

Munir S, Gunturu S, Abbas M. Seasonal Affective Disorder. [Updated 2024 Apr 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568745/

“Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).” CAMH, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 2025, www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/seasonal-affective-disorder. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Van Belkum, S.M., et al. “Treatment of Depression with Low-strength Transcranial Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields: A Mechanistic Point of View.” Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, vol. 71, 2016, pp. 137-143, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.07.006. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.

IV Therapy Toronto: What Most People Don’t Realize About Hydration

What do you think of when you hear about hydration? For many people, drinking water might come to mind. But functional IV therapists in Toronto have an outlook on hydration that goes beyond ‘eight glasses a day’! 

Your hydration can disclose surprising things about your absorption, use and regulation of fluids. In fact, “Water’s importance for prevention of nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases has emerged more recently because of the shift toward large proportions of fluids coming from caloric beverages,” confirms a Nutrition Reviews article. 

In this post from our IV therapy Toronto clinic, we share surprising views on hydration and how an individualized approach can enhance your fluid intake.  

Surprising Insights on Hydration

FACT: Dehydration can manifest as unique symptoms

Dehydration can masquerade as other symptoms. Next to having dry mouth and thirst, dehydration can appear as: 

• Fatigue or afternoon energy ‘crashes’
• Headaches and migraines
• Sugar or salt cravings
• Mood swings
• Constipation
• Concentration difficulties
• Tight muscles

“Even mild dehydration – as little as 2% fluid loss – can effect memory, mood, concentration, and reaction time.”

– National Council on Aging

Water has a role in nearly every physiological function, including digestion, hormonal health, detoxification, and cognitive performances – this is why dehydration symptoms can vary. And when hydration dips, the body may compensate in subtle ways.

FACT: Your fluid intake changes everyday

Your need for fluids shifts with stress, hormonal imbalances, lack of sleep, and even body temperature. For instance, on days you experience high stress in the workplace, cortisol levels might heighten and increase fluid turnover; then, you end up losing more water and electrolytes. Another example is perimenopause – hormonal fluctuations can alter fluid balance and temperature regulation. Thus, functional medicine providers advise patients to think about hydration the same way as nutrition – it may need to be personalized due to lifestyle, stress, and health conditions. 

FACT: Hydration goes beyond drinking H2O 

Did you know that drinking water doesn’t guarantee hydration? Proper hydration relies on a unique balance of water, electrolytes, minerals, and your ability to transport fluid across cell membranes. Without these factors, you can drink lots of water and still feel thirsty and tired. Functional medicine views hydration as a cellular and systemic process. When you’re optimally hydrated, your tissues, organs, and biochemical pathways can optimally function. That said, why not try adding coconut or maple  water to your water bottle? It naturally contains electrolytes to help with sustenance throughout the day. 

FACT: Personalized testing may provide insight into factors related to hydration

A functional medicine approach may include the use of lab data, such as urine samples and blood tests, to help assess aspects of overall health that can influence hydration needs. These findings may also help identify potential nutrient deficiencies that could impact fluid balance. Results may be used to inform individualized health plans, allowing healthcare providers to tailor recommendations based on clinical findings. If appropriate, you may choose to discuss the following testing options with your clinician:

Comprehensive Blood Work (Core Foundation)

Comprehensive blood testing may be used as a foundational assessment to evaluate factors related to fluid and electrolyte balance. This may include:

• Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, and chloride
• Kidney function: Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• Serum osmolality: Reflects fluid concentration in the blood
• Albumin: A protein that may influence fluid distribution
• Glucose: As fluctuations may impact fluid balance

In some cases, this testing may also provide insight into nutrient deficiencies that can influence overall hydration and metabolic function.

Hormonal Assessment for Fluid and Electrolyte Balance (Blood Work)

Targeted blood tests may also be considered to evaluate hormonal factors that can influence fluid regulation and electrolyte balance. Key markers may include:

• Cortisol (serum, typically morning ± additional timing if indicated): Reflects aspects of the body’s stress response, which may influence fluid balance
• Aldosterone: A hormone involved in sodium retention and potassium balance
• Renin (plasma renin activity): Works in conjunction with aldosterone in regulating blood pressure and fluid status
• Electrolytes: Including sodium, potassium, and chloride for current balance assessment
• Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH / Vasopressin, if indicated): Involved in regulating water balance and urine concentration

This type of assessment may provide insight into hormonal influences on hydration and electrolyte regulation and is typically interpreted as part of a broader clinical evaluation.

Clinical Perspective on Hydration

Hydration involves more than simply addressing thirst. Maintaining adequate fluid intake is one component of supporting overall health. When combined with appropriate nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and guidance from a qualified healthcare provider, hydration strategies may contribute to overall well-being.

So, if you’re fighting chronic stress, low energy, and gut health disruptions, know that we’ve got your back with personalized care. Our aim is to tackle the root cause of your health concerns with patience and education. Our integrative clinic is located in the Yorkville neighbourhood, and we’re ready to support your health journey!  

If you are experiencing chronic stress, low energy, and gut health disruptions, a personalized approach to care may help address contributing factors. Our goal is to support you in exploring the underlying drivers of your health concerns through education and individualized care. Located in the Yorkville neighbourhood, our integrative clinic offers support as you navigate your health journey.

Suggested reading: Can Heavy Metals Cause Neurodegeneration? A Functional IV Therapy Toronto Report

Stay Hydrated in Our IV Lounge 

Supporting hydration may be considered as part of a functional medicine approach. When becoming a patient at Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, care may include:

• Extended appointment durations: Each patient’s session is extended to provide ample education, especially on how to interpret personal lab reports and practice healthy habits. 
• Tailor-made supplements from our In-house dispensary:Botanical medicine, incorporating plant-based therapies to support overall health and well-being, may be provided in various forms such as teas, topical preparations, and oils, based on individual needs and preferences.
• Access to our IV Lounge: Doses of intravenous therapy are customized for your biological needs, including nutrient deficiencies. IV drips can be blended with amino acids, vitamins, minerals, NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), ATP (adenosine triphosphate), antioxidants like glutathione and NAC, and more!

By aligning with Supernatural Yorkville, located within the same space as Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, patients may have access to a range of wellness technologies and modalities, including PEMF, red light therapy, cryotherapy, frequency-based meditation sessions, and lymphatic drainage. These can be integrated into a personalized health plan, which may also amalgamate conventional treatments with naturopathic medicine, psychotherapy, intramuscular vitamin shots, acupuncture, and more. 

Take note: All of our treatments, especially IV vitamin therapy, are not substitutes for healthy living – when these are combined with daily exercise, balanced eating and additional functional medicine strategies, they can help support general wellness (i.e. energy, cellular health). 

You, too, can experience the nourishing effects of nutritional IV drips. Simply click here to send our downtown Toronto IV Lounge a message or view our map by scrolling to the end of this page.  

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media.

References

“10 Reasons Why Hydration Is Important.” National Council on Aging, 2 Jan. 2025, www.ncoa.org/article/10-reasons-why-hydration-is-important/.

An, R. “Plain Water Consumption in Relation to Energy Intake and Diet Quality among US Adults, 2005–2012.” Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, vol. 29, no. 5, 2016, pp. 624-632, https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12368. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

“Dehydration.” MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 5 Aug. 2023, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000982.htm.

Gaby AR. Intravenous nutrient therapy: the “Myers’ cocktail”. Altern Med Rev. 2002 Oct;7(5):389-403. PMID: 12410623.

Leib, David E., et al. “Thirst.” Current Biology: CB, vol. 26, no. 24, 2016, p. R1260, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2016.11.019. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Meade, Robert D., et al. “Ageing Attenuates the Effect of Extracellular Hyperosmolality on Whole-body Heat Exchange during Exercise-heat Stress.” The Journal of Physiology, vol. 598, no. 22, 2020, pp. 5133-5148, https://doi.org/10.1113/JP280132. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Popkin, Barry M., and Irwin H. Rosenberg. “Water, Hydration and Health.” Nutrition Reviews, vol. 68, no. 8, 2010, p. 439, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Riebl, Shaun K., and Brenda M. Davy. “The Hydration Equation: Update on Water Balance and Cognitive Performance.” ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, vol. 17, no. 6, 2013, p. 21, https://doi.org/10.1249/FIT.0b013e3182a9570f. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.