Dr. Benjamin Robert Snider

Dr. Benjamin Robert Snider provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Digestive Health

• Food Sensitivities & Intolerances: Identifying and managing adverse reactions to certain foods through elimination diets, testing, and gut-healing protocols.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) & Functional Bowel Disorders: Holistic support for improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and restoring normal bowel function in individuals with IBS.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Addressing bacterial imbalance in the small intestine through antimicrobial herbs, specific diets (e.g., low FODMAP), and gut motility support.

Stress Anxiety Sleep Support

• Anxiety & Mood Support: Natural therapies to help manage symptoms of anxiety, mild to moderate depression, and mood swings, often addressing underlying nutritional or hormonal factors.
• Stress Management & Adrenal Support: Naturopathic strategies to build resilience to stress, support adrenal gland function, and manage symptoms of chronic stress or burnout.
• Insomnia & Sleep Disturbances: Restoring healthy sleep patterns through personalized protocols involving herbs, nutrients, and behavioral techniques.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Snider can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake: Thorough first visit involving an in-depth discussion of your health journey, symptoms, and wellness goals to form a holistic picture.
• Women's Health & Hormone Balancing: Holistic management of hormonal imbalances using nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle interventions tailored for women.
• Conventional & Specialized Lab Test Analysis: Utilizing conventional lab work and advanced functional testing to gain deeper insights into your physiological function and guide treatment.
• Men's Health Support: Naturopathic strategies to optimize men's vitality, energy, and long-term well-being.
• Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): Clinical physical examination tailored to your concerns, which may include specific naturopathic assessment methods.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Snider. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors in ON and the standards set by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

At Functional Medicine Uptown, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Snider frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• When looking for natural ways to support my body's healing limits your lifestyle and prevents you from doing operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work with focus, naturopathic medicine with Dr. Snider can help you work towards a smoother, quicker, and more comfortable postpartum recovery period. The aim is to restore optimal physiological function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy the things you love.
• Dr. Snider frequently helps patients overcome concerns about my thyroid health and energy levels by identifying underlying imbalances. A tailored naturopathic program targeting their mood swings being much less frequent and severe supports your journey back to health and enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like having sustained energy to get through their workday without crashing.
• For those whose widespread muscle aches and pains, possibly fibromyalgia has made easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips without strain feel out of reach, Dr. Snider's naturopathic approach offers a path toward sleeping soundly through the night again, consistently, for the first time in ages. Evidence-informed natural therapies can be instrumental in helping you return to easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips without strain with greater comfort and energy.
• Struggling with the frustration of joint pain or stiffness that feels inflammatory? Dr. Snider develops individualized naturopathic protocols aimed at achieving experiencing significantly decreased anxiety levels, and feeling more grounded, key to helping you get back to doing comfortably cooking and meal prepping healthy foods for their family regularly with confidence and significantly improved health.

Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Snider, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.

Dr. Snider's practice at Functional Medicine Uptown is situated in the University District neighborhood of Waterloo, near Waterloo Town Square and within easy reach of Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo. The clinic is conveniently accessible via public transit, including Waterloo's Grand River Transit (GRT) bus services and the ION Light Rail. Ample parking is generally available close to the clinic entrance, making your visit as convenient as possible. Our goal is to provide a welcoming and accessible environment to support your health journey.

Are Naturopathic treatments safe?

Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (e.g., Naturopathic Doctors or Naturopathes Agréés) are trained to provide safe and effective natural healthcare. They have extensive education in medical sciences and natural therapies, and are regulated in many Canadian provinces. They are trained to identify contraindications and potential interactions between natural therapies and conventional medications. Always inform your ND (or Naturopathe) and other healthcare providers about all treatments and supplements you are using to ensure coordinated and safe care.

What is Naturopathic Medicine and how can it help me?

Naturopathic Medicine, practiced by a qualified Naturopathic Doctor, focuses on holistic, patient-centered care. It emphasizes prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of natural therapies that support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. Your Naturopathic Doctor (or Naturopathe) will work with you to understand your unique health picture and develop a personalized plan to address your concerns, improve your vitality, and help you achieve your wellness goals.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in ON?

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, it is advisable to check whether your private or extended health insurance plan requires a referral for coverage purposes. While a referral isn't generally necessary to see an ND, some insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. Always verify your insurance details before your appointment to ensure coverage and reimbursement eligibility.

Approximately how many Naturopathic sessions will I need?

The number of Naturopathic sessions required varies greatly depending on the nature and chronicity of your health concerns, your individual health goals, your body's response to treatment, and your commitment to implementing the recommended dietary and lifestyle changes. Your Naturopathic Doctor will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated timeline after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

Does Functional Medicine Uptown offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Naturopathic services?

Yes, Functional Medicine Uptown offers direct billing for Naturopathic services to many major private insurance companies. Patients are advised to bring their insurance card and confirm their specific coverage details (such as annual maximums, per-visit limits, and referral requirements) directly with their insurer, as coverage varies. Any remaining balance not covered by insurance is the patient's responsibility.

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

No, naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in a private clinic are generally not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to check your private or extended health insurance plan, as many provide varying levels of coverage for licensed Naturopathic Doctors. Coverage levels differ significantly between plans.

What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathic Doctor) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?

Medical Doctors (MDs) generally use conventional medicine, including prescription drugs and surgery, to treat specific diseases and symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors or Naturopathes) take a holistic approach, aiming to identify and treat the underlying cause of health issues using natural therapies such as diet, herbs, homeopathy, and lifestyle changes. Naturopathic Doctors emphasize disease prevention and patient education. While their philosophies differ, they can complement each other in a comprehensive healthcare plan.

Functional Medicine Uptown
109 Erb Street West,
Waterloo, ON, N2L 1T4

Phone: (519) 745-1600

Dr. Benjamin Robert Snider is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Registration Number: 1497

Registration can typically be verified with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Naturopathic medicine aims to support overall health and well-being. It is recommended to maintain a relationship with your medical doctor for conventional medical care, diagnosis of serious conditions, and emergencies. Naturopathic care can often complement conventional treatments.