Dr. Krissy Haglund, a naturopathic doctor in Savage, just south of Minneapolis, has found success using nutrition, supplements and detoxification to address body imbalances that can lead to mood disorders, anxiety, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She uses detailed lab testing along with nutrition, botanicals, supplements, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, biotherapeutic drainage, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and a Finnish sauna to support the body at the cellular level.

Haglund begins all new patient consults with an in-depth intake, and she thoroughly listens to each person’s unique story. “Part of the mental health healing process is giving people time to be heard,” says Haglund. “It’s helpful for the patient, and I can look for clues as to what may have gone awry in their lives that led them to this point.” By acting as a ‘health detective’, Haglund gathers those clues while also ordering specialized lab testing to further determine cellular dysfunction.

From there, she creates an individualized treatment plan that consists of lifestyle recommendations to improve nutrition, increase minerals, reduce stress and improve sleep, all of which help restore cellular function. This leads to less anxiety, a calmer nervous system and improved focus. Haglund adds that simple, cost-effective actions—such as getting outdoors into the sunshine as well as movement and deep breathing every morning—help calm the body and lower stress.

“Eating protein along with foods containing zinc and B vitamins in the morning prepares the body to make neurotransmitters, the body’s chemical messengers,” she explains. “Taking a methylated B complex can help, and vitamin C helps settle the nerves.”

Haglund notes that naturopathic approaches often start with the most cost-effective measures. She has a referral network of health professionals and will make recommendations to patients if they need additional services outside of a naturopathic doctor’s realm. Haglund emphasizes that it’s important to recognize when to make an investment in oneself and seek root-cause professional help—and to not self-diagnose via online searches or social media fads presented by people without medical training.

Naturopathic doctors receive primary-care practitioner training from accredited naturopathic schools. Four-year graduate-level naturopathic programs include classes akin to allopathic medical schools, including basic sciences, pharmacology, learning in a cadaver lab, biochemistry and physiology, along with nutrition, botanical medicine and wellness counseling.

Haglund has a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree and a certificate in natural childbirth from National University of Natural Medicine (formerly known as the National College of Naturopathic Medicine), in Portland.

“Finding the root causes of conditions provides full-body support and can provide help without putting a temporary band-aid on the condition, or taking pharmaceuticals as a first resort,” Haglund concludes.