Dr. Katie Thomson Aitken ND

Dr. Katie Thomson Aitken ND Katie is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing at Norfolk Wellness Centre in Guelph, ON.

12/01/2025

If you think alcohol lowers anxiety - you aren't alone - but you are wrong. Alcohol actually increases anxiety over the next 24 hours.

11/27/2025

Multiple studies have demonstrated improvement in anxiety scores with a standardized extract of lavender essential oil.

Wondering what options are right for you? Speak to your health care provider 😀

If you need a naturopathic doctor to support your anxiety - I am currently accepting new patients.

Guidelines for Generalized Anxiety Disorder often suggest this kind of 3 step process:1. Evaluating if someone needs tre...
11/24/2025

Guidelines for Generalized Anxiety Disorder often suggest this kind of 3 step process:

1. Evaluating if someone needs treatment
2. Education and Informed Consent
3. Medication or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

In your experience, are these guidelines being followed?

Not trying to start a fight here but...
11/20/2025

Not trying to start a fight here but...

11/17/2025

Is eliminating dairy from your diet going to help your anxiety? Not according to a recent meta analysis. Most of the studies showed no difference, and when there was a difference it favoured milk consumption. Pass the yogurt please!

When it comes to clinical anxiety disorders - there are lots of options. This list explains the anxiety disorders - but ...
11/13/2025

When it comes to clinical anxiety disorders - there are lots of options. This list explains the anxiety disorders - but isn't comprehensive as anxiety symptoms can also be present in many other mental health conditions.

☕️ “I suffer from anxiety… do I need to give up caffeine?” The short answer: not necessarily.Caffeine affects everyone d...
11/10/2025

☕️ “I suffer from anxiety… do I need to give up caffeine?”
The short answer: not necessarily.

Caffeine affects everyone differently — some people tolerate it well, while others notice their anxiety spike with even small amounts. It’s about finding your threshold.

Here’s what we know ⬇️
Overuse (more than ~200 mg at once or 400 mg/day) is linked to restlessness, nervousness, and increased anxiety — especially if you’re female, adolescent, or have panic tendencies or certain genetics.

Suddenly quitting can backfire too — withdrawal can mimic anxiety symptoms like irritability, fatigue, or a racing heart.

☕️ The sweet spot? Gradually taper, stay hydrated, and track how your body feels. Some people thrive with one morning cup; others feel better switching to green tea or matcha.
This isn’t always about cutting caffeine out, it’s about cutting it back with awareness.

Do you notice a difference in your anxiety when you drink coffee or skip it?

If anxiety is impacting your day to day life, it's worth getting help for. Even if its "not that bad" or "you've been mo...
11/06/2025

If anxiety is impacting your day to day life, it's worth getting help for. Even if its "not that bad" or "you've been more anxious before" Things don't have to get awful before you get help.

11/05/2025

This new research has been making headlines, but is melatonin really bad for your heart?

The complicated truth is always more nuanced than a headline (or even this video!) can explain. Here are some of my thoughts on the science behind the headlines and what I'm thinking about it for my clinical practice.

As always, this isn't medical advice. Always check in with your health care team for advice on your own supplements and the risks and benefits for you.

11/03/2025

Save this list for your next appointment

10/30/2025

Standardized inventories like the GAD-7 are used in research and clinical practice to assess anxiety.

Did you catch this episode of episode of The Tranquil Mind?Find "In Defence of Hobbies" on your favourite podcast app ✨
10/28/2025

Did you catch this episode of episode of The Tranquil Mind?

Find "In Defence of Hobbies" on your favourite podcast app ✨

Address

86 Norfolk
Guelph, ON
N1H4J2

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6:30pm
Wednesday 12pm - 8pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

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