Angela MacNeil N

Angela MacNeil N.D., MSc. is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and alumnus of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Prior to becoming a Naturopathic Doctor, she obtained her Honours Baccalaureate of Science in Health Studies at the University of Waterloo.

Angela has also obtained a Masters of Science in Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph. Angela's Masters' thesis was entitled the "Apparently Bioavailability of Value-Added Soybeans of Varying Isoflavone Content Incorporated into a Functional Bread". Angela's Masters degree involved coordinating a human clinical trial that investigated the absorption and metabolism of isoflavones (a component of soy that has received much scientific interest for its health attributes) that were incorporated into a bread product. The expertise that Angela has gained in the area of soy has led to her writing various soy-related articles for other healthcare professionals.

Angela has continued to expand her training, becoming certified in cosmetic acupuncture and completing the Clinical Training in Mind/Body Medicine at the Mind/Body Medical Institute at Harvard University in Boston. Mind/body medicine is a scientifically-validated medical discipline that is based on the inseparable connection between the mind and the body - the complicated interactions that take place among thoughts, the body, and the outside world. Mind/body medicine integrates modern scientific medicine, psychology, nutrition, and exercise physiology to enhance the natural healing capacities of body and mind. Studies show that between 60% and 90% of all primary-care physician visits are for stress-related complaints so mind/body medicine can be very effective for helping people reduce the stress that can cause or exacerbate conditions such as low energy, obesity, heart disease, infertility, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic pain, and more.

Recently, Angela has received her certification in FirstLine Therapy (FLT), a therapeutic lifestyle change program. Well-respected organizations, such as the National Institute of Health, National Cholesterol Education Program, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association and North American Menopause Society have recommended therapeutic lifestyle changes—such as diet, nutrition, and exercise—to address the underlying cause of many chronic illnesses. FLT is a program that includes an initial assessment of body composition. A healthy diet is then prescribed, along with a recommended exercise plan. In addition, an individualized nutritional program is established incorporating medical foods and/or dietary supplements if necessary. FLT has proven to be incredibly effective at treating such conditions as:

Elevated cholesterol
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes or metabolic syndrome

Obesity or belly fat
Osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis
Conditions related to aging

Angela takes a very “functional” approach to Naturopathic Medicine. Functional medicine involves exploring the core clinical imbalances that underlie various disease conditions. Those imbalances arise as environmental inputs such as diet, nutrients (including air and water), exercise, and trauma are processed by one’s body and mind through a unique set of genetic predispositions, attitudes, and beliefs. Angela explores the fundamental physiological processes that occur within the body that can lead to ill health, including:

The core clinical imbalances that arise from malfunctions within this complex system include:

Imbalances such as these are the precursors to the signs and symptoms by which we detect and label (diagnose) organ system disease. Improving balance is the precursor to restoring health and it involves much more than treating the symptoms.

Given Angela's educational background, her practice consists of primarily evidence-based clinical nutrition and botanical medicine, as well as stress management and exercise promotion. The other modalities she employs in practice are Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Cosmetic Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Hydrotherapy, and Lifestyle Counseling. She is currently a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the Institute of Functional Medicine.