Feeling Off? It Could Be Your Nervous System
As September arrives in Toronto, the air is crisper, the days are shorter, and many of us start to feel a little “off.” Seasonal changes can challenge the body—whether it’s more frequent colds, lower energy, or feeling mentally foggy. If you’ve been noticing these shifts, it may be a sign that your nervous system and immune system need extra support.
At 2 Align Health, our naturopathic doctors in Richmond Hill and Markham help patients restore balance naturally through individualized care. Here’s how seasonal change affects your health—and what you can do to strengthen your resilience this fall.
Why Weather Changes Affect Your Immune & Nervous System
Temperature shifts: Going from warm afternoons to chilly evenings can stress the body’s natural regulation and leave you more vulnerable to viruses.
Less daylight: Shorter days mean less vitamin D, which is crucial for immune defense and mood regulation.
Stress of transitions: Back-to-school schedules, busy workplaces, and shifting routines all increase nervous system load, which can suppress immunity.
When your nervous system is out of balance, you may notice:
More frequent colds or sore throats
Poor sleep and restless nights
Digestive changes (bloating, IBS flare-ups)
Increased anxiety, irritability, or fatigue
Naturopathic Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System This Fall
1. Nutrition & Supplements
Vitamin D: Daily supplementation can reduce respiratory infections and support mood.
Probiotics: Beneficial strains help strengthen gut health, which is directly linked to immune function.
Zinc & Vitamin C: Support faster recovery if you do catch a cold.
2. Acupuncture & Massage Therapy
Acupuncture regulates the nervous system, reduces stress hormones, and improves circulation, allowing your body to adapt more easily to seasonal changes.
Massage therapy works hand-in hand by easing muscle tension and promoting deep relaxation.
Together, acupuncture and massage can support your immune system by enhancing natural killer cell activity, strengthening your body’s first line of defense against illness.
3. Stress & Sleep Support
Mindfulness and breathing exercises calm the nervous system, helping balance cortisol and improve immune resilience.
Aim for 7–8 hours of restorative sleep to optimize immune cell activity.
4. Lifestyle Basics for Toronto’s Fall Weather
Stay active: Moderate exercise like brisk walking or light jogging increases immune markers (like IgA).
Hydrate well: Cooler weather makes it easy to forget water, but fluids are key for lymphatic drainage.
Get outside: Even short nature walks lower stress and support immune system balance.
When to See a Naturopathic Doctor
If you feel your body isn’t adapting well to the seasonal change, whether it’s frequent colds, low mood, or sign of nervous system imbalance, our naturopathic doctors can help. We provide evidence-based testing, personalized nutrition, acupuncture, and stress management strategies to support and strengthen your immune system naturally.
