Dr. Augusto Benavides Panizo ND BSc

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Dr. Augusto Benavides Panizo ND BSc Naturopathic Doctor with a background in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology practicing in British Columbia, CA.

Dr. Augusto Benavides Panizo is a Naturopathic Doctor focused on a holistic approach to physical medicine and chronic pain. He also supports his patients in a primary care role, treating conditions related to hormonal health, digestive problems, and chronic stress. Born and raised in Peru, Dr. Augusto started his professional education by studying Biology for 2 years at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH), before transferring to the United States. In the US, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2016) from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). After dealing with chronic pain for several years, he found Naturopathic Medicine as both a solution to his health problems and a passion he could use to help others. This led him to Canada, where he graduated as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (2022) from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine – Boucher Campus (CCNM-Boucher Campus). In his practice, Dr. Augusto believes in comprehensive integrative care. Finding the root cause that connects the patient’s symptoms allows him to address the problem completely and effectively. His goal in patient care is not only to address a patient’s main health concerns but also to help them achieve many side benefits, such as improved mood and energy levels, as their overall health improves.

What is it?Lavender is a plant that contains essential oils with medicinal effects. The main components responsible for ...
10/12/2026

What is it?

Lavender is a plant that contains essential oils with medicinal effects. The main components responsible for the pharmacologic effects are linalyl acetate and linalool. Although lavender is known for its use in aromatherapy, the essential oil containing linalyl acetate and linalool can also be consumed in capsules, which have a more potent effect. Oral supplementation has shown positive effects for fatigue, stress, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. This is achieved through interactions between the essential oil components and the 5HT1A receptor, serotonin transporters (SERT), and voltage-dependent calcium channels.

Why take it?

Lavender can reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and calming the mind. This is particularly useful for those whose insomnia is related to anxiety and a racing mind. In fact, a standardized formulation known as Silexan has shown clinical efficacy comparable to low-dose lorazepam (a benzodiazepine sleep and anxiety medication) without the associated risk of tolerance and addiction.

How to take?

When used as aromatherapy, it can be administered through a diffuser, placed on/near a pillow, or as nighttime scent patches around bedtime. When used orally, a dose of 80mg of lavender essential oil extract (like Silexan) taken orally with dinner or a small fat-containing snack 1 hour before bedtime can improve sleep for those with insomnia stemming from anxiety.

*Disclaimer: These posts are not a replacement for proper individualized medical advice, they are meant as generalized educational information. For proper medical advice, please book an appointment with a licensed physician to discuss your specific case.

If you find these posts interesting and would like to get personalized support with your health journey, feel free to book with me –

Noble Naturopathic at West Broadway - G104-2480 Spruce St. Vancouver, BC V6H2P6

Downtown (Evolve Strength Location) - 658 Homer St #410, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R4

https://noblenaturopathic.com/dr-augusto-benavides-panizo/

Both locations offer direct billing to extended health insurance.

What is it?This is a natural hormone produced in our brains by the pineal gland in response to the time of day and the a...
10/10/2026

What is it?

This is a natural hormone produced in our brains by the pineal gland in response to the time of day and the amount of light that reaches our eyes. Although our bodies can produce enough to support good-quality sleep, our modern lifestyles, with constantly shifting bedtimes and light exposure that goes well beyond what natural sunlight provides, can disrupt the system and reduce melatonin production when we want to sleep.

Why take it?

Melatonin is a sleep-inducing signal that prepares the body for sleep. It reduces cortisol and core body temperature. These changes are essential to transition from the active part of our days to the repair process that is sleep. For people whose insomnia is related to a shifting schedule and a need to be exposed to lights until late at night, melatonin supplementation can provide a clear signal for the body to initiate sleep shortly after it is taken. This leads to falling asleep quicker and sleeping with better quality and for longer.

How to take?

Taking 3-5 mg of melatonin 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime is the optimal dose to improve sleep according to studies. However, there are some variations in the way people process melatonin. It is worth trying different amounts (1mg up to 10mg) and different spacing before bedtime (30 minutes up to 180 minutes) to find the dose and timing that works best for you.

*Disclaimer: These posts are not a replacement for proper individualized medical advice, they are meant as generalized educational information. For proper medical advice, please book an appointment with a licensed physician to discuss your specific case.

If you find these posts interesting and would like to get personalized support with your health journey, feel free to book with me –

Noble Naturopathic at West Broadway - G104-2480 Spruce St. Vancouver, BC V6H2P6

Downtown (Evolve Strength Location) - 658 Homer St #410, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R4

https://noblenaturopathic.com/dr-augusto-benavides-panizo/

Both locations offer direct billing to extended health insurance.

If you have been following my posts lately, you know how important sleep is for the human body. Sleep is not just turnin...
10/06/2026

If you have been following my posts lately, you know how important sleep is for the human body. Sleep is not just turning off our minds and bodies for several hours to rest. Although rest is an important part of sleep, sleep is more of an active process with an orchestrated sequence of events that has many specific functions, like stimulating the immune system, repairing tissues, and draining waste from our brains.

One can also appreciate the importance of good quality sleep through all of the negative consequences of sustained poor sleep, including impaired muscle growth, worsening insulin resistance, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, increased levels of inflammation, and impairment of the brain, including poor focus and a reduced ability to learn information and skills.

Although the human body was designed to sleep correctly, it relies on many cues as well as psychological and environmental circumstances that are difficult to maintain in our modern world. Because proper sleep is so impactful for the body and so difficult to achieve these days, improving our sleep through effective natural interventions is worthwhile to enjoy its many benefits to the fullest.

The most effective natural interventions to support good quality sleep are:
1. Melatonin
2. Lavender
3. L-theanine
4. Lemon Balm
5. Magnesium Bisglycinate
6. Ashwagandha

The most useful lifestyle changes that help to encourage good-quality sleep are:
1. Sleep hygiene
2. Balanced diet
3. Controlling environmental parameters

*Disclaimer: These posts are not a replacement for proper individualized medical advice, they are meant as generalized educational information. For proper medical advice, please book an appointment with a licensed physician to discuss your specific case.

If you find these posts interesting and would like to get personalized support with your health journey, feel free to book with me –

Noble Naturopathic at West Broadway - G104-2480 Spruce St. Vancouver, BC V6H2P6

Downtown (Evolve Strength Location) - 658 Homer St #410, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R4

https://noblenaturopathic.com/dr-augusto-benavides-panizo/

Both locations offer direct billing to extended health insurance.

In addition to supplements, several lifestyle approaches can help to improve or preserve brain function and reduce the r...
10/03/2026

In addition to supplements, several lifestyle approaches can help to improve or preserve brain function and reduce the risk of developing neurocognitive conditions like dementia. These are great ways to support brain function throughout our lives, and important changes to make after a diagnosis related to impaired or declining brain function, like concussions, Alzheimers disease, or an ADHD or Depression diagnosis.

Sleep – Sleep is an extremely important event for our brains. During sleep, our brains consolidate short-term memory into long-term memory. Sleep deprivation can cause forgetfulness and impaired working memory during tasks. During sleep, we also clear a significant portion of the metabolic waste produced by brain activity, waste that would otherwise accumulate and lead to the buildup of proteins and other waste products that can impair and inflame the brain. Getting 7-9 hours of good-quality sleep per night is the right amount to keep the brain running smoothly.

Balanced diet – Our brains depend on the nutrients our bodies provide to function. Deficiencies in many vitamins and minerals negatively affect brain function. Deficiencies in various amino acids from protein can limit the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, GABA, or glutamate. Lastly, stable blood sugar levels are essential for optimal brain function. Both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia can negatively impact brain function. A balanced diet with a variety of whole foods that meets daily requirements for calories, protein, and micronutrients is a great approach to improve and maintain brain function.

Alcohol abstinence – Alcohol is one, if not the most, brain-toxic molecule that we have normalized in our society. In the days following acute alcohol consumption, we experience reductions in memory, attention, energy, calmness, and executive function, as well as disruptions to sleep quality. In the long term, alcohol causes true brain damage, such as brain shrinkage and damage to areas of the brain including the hippocampus (memory processing), cerebellum (movement coordination), prefrontal cortex (personality and executive function), and limbic system (emotional processing). Recent studies have confirmed that there is no such thing as a safe alcohol consumption level for the brain. Abstaining from alcohol completely or reducing it to an absolute minimum is a great strategy to preserve brain function.

*Disclaimer: These posts are not a replacement for proper individualized medical advice, they are meant as generalized educational information. For proper medical advice, please book an appointment with a licensed physician to discuss your specific case.

If you find these posts interesting and would like to get personalized support with your health journey, feel free to book with me –

Noble Naturopathic at West Broadway - G104-2480 Spruce St. Vancouver, BC V6H2P6

Downtown (Evolve Strength Location) - 658 Homer St #410, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R4

https://noblenaturopathic.com/dr-augusto-benavides-panizo/

Both locations offer direct billing to extended health insurance.

What is it?Caffeine is an alkaloid present in many plants like coffee, tea, yerba mate, guarana, and others. Caffeine is...
09/30/2026

What is it?

Caffeine is an alkaloid present in many plants like coffee, tea, yerba mate, guarana, and others. Caffeine is also the most consumed and socially acceptable psychoactive stimulant drug, and for good reason. Caffeine’s effects on the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, and other organs are significantly gentler than most other drugs in this category. This allows caffeine to be used regularly in a way that is productive and sustainable over long periods. Depending on the source and amount, caffeine-containing beverages can provide several health benefits.

Why take it?

Caffeine restores alertness and wakefulness by inhibiting the action of adenosine, an energy metabolite that builds up as we exert ourselves and stay awake during the day. This increases many neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, dopamine, adrenaline, and serotonin. This in turn increases alertness, attention, mood, working memory, and reaction time. Note that Caffeine’s beneficial effects max out at certain dosages, and larger amounts often negatively impact brain function by overstimulating the brain.

How to take?

Caffeine is best consumed as a beverage prepared from coffee, tea, yerba mate, or guarana to enhance the effects of caffeine with the various antioxidants and balancing molecules found in these herbs. A total dose of 100 - 150 mg of caffeine consumed after breakfast and/or lunch is an effective dose for most people. Some people have genetic variations that slow down the breakdown of caffeine; they instead benefit from doses around 50 – 100 mg after breakfast.

*Disclaimer: These posts are not a replacement for proper individualized medical advice, they are meant as generalized educational information. For proper medical advice, please book an appointment with a licensed physician to discuss your specific case.

If you find these posts interesting and would like to get personalized support with your health journey, feel free to book with me –

Noble Naturopathic at West Broadway - G104-2480 Spruce St. Vancouver, BC V6H2P6

Downtown (Evolve Strength Location) - 658 Homer St #410, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R4

https://noblenaturopathic.com/dr-augusto-benavides-panizo/

Both locations offer direct billing to extended health insurance.

What is it?A B-complex is a supplement that contains all or most B vitamins, namely Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niac...
09/26/2026

What is it?

A B-complex is a supplement that contains all or most B vitamins, namely Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Biotin (B7), Folate (B9), and Cobalamin (B12). These vitamins are involved in energy metabolism, brain function, homocysteine metabolism, and cellular metabolism (including detoxification processes). Their importance for brain function stems from their role in manufacturing neurotransmitters, repairing myelin sheaths, improving cellular energy, and improving overall metabolism.

Why take it?

B1, B2, and B3 are important for energy production in the brain. Their deficiencies can cause mental fatigue and some forms of mental disease, like Dementia (B3), Migraines (B2), or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (B1).

B5 and B12 are important for the synthesis of the myelin sheath that insulates nerves, as well as the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine involved in memory. Their deficiencies are associated with brain fog and neuropathies.

B6 and B9 are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and norepinephrine, and their deficiencies are associated with depression, anxiety, and irritability.

How to take?

Taking a daily B complex product with 400-800ug of B9 (ideally methylfolate), 1000-2000ug of B12 (ideally methylcobalamin), 15-50mg of B6 (ideally as PLP), 10-100mg of B5 (Pantothenic acid), 15-100mg of B3 (Niacin), 2-10mg of B2 (ideally as riboflavin 5’-phosphate), and 10-100mg of B1 (Thiamine) is sufficient to maintain B vitamin levels at the optimal range. B complex is best taken with breakfast to make use of its energy-boosting effects.

*Disclaimer: These posts are not a replacement for proper individualized medical advice, they are meant as generalized educational information. For proper medical advice, please book an appointment with a licensed physician to discuss your specific case.

If you find these posts interesting and would like to get personalized support with your health journey, feel free to book with me –

Noble Naturopathic at West Broadway - G104-2480 Spruce St. Vancouver, BC V6H2P6

Downtown (Evolve Strength Location) - 658 Homer St #410, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R4

https://noblenaturopathic.com/dr-augusto-benavides-panizo/

Both locations offer direct billing to extended health insurance.

What is it?This is the root of a plant used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. To make medicine from this plant...
09/22/2026

What is it?

This is the root of a plant used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. To make medicine from this plant, the roots are aged for over 4 years. The ageing process creates and concentrates compounds known as ginsenosides, which have many health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Why take it?

Panax ginseng supplementation increases the levels of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which increases neurogenesis. A study also showed increased gray matter volume (more neurons) in the Parahippocampal gyrus, an area of the brain involved in memory processing. Although there are some cognitive improvements with acute dosing, long-term dosing appears to have more pronounced effects. Lastly, supplementation appears to help prevent the plaque buildup associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

How to take?

A daily dose of 400mg of an extract containing 4-10% ginsenosides, taken with breakfast, is sufficient to reap the brain benefits of Panax ginseng. For those who are sensitive to its stimulating effects or those who have longer days, taking 500mg of the root powder (2-3% ginsenosides) twice per day, with breakfast and lunch, can be a better strategy.

*Disclaimer: These posts are not a replacement for proper individualized medical advice, they are meant as generalized educational information. For proper medical advice, please book an appointment with a licensed physician to discuss your specific case.

If you find these posts interesting and would like to get personalized support with your health journey, feel free to book with me –

Noble Naturopathic at West Broadway - G104-2480 Spruce St. Vancouver, BC V6H2P6

Downtown (Evolve Strength Location) - 658 Homer St #410, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R4

https://noblenaturopathic.com/dr-augusto-benavides-panizo/

Both locations offer direct billing to extended health insurance.

What is it?Blueberries are fruits that are packed with antioxidants, low in sugar, and high in fiber, which makes them o...
09/19/2026

What is it?

Blueberries are fruits that are packed with antioxidants, low in sugar, and high in fiber, which makes them one of the best fruits to include in your diet. Their health benefits stand well above the average fruit, to the point of having measurable impacts on cognition. Their benefits stem mainly from their antioxidants, anthocyanin and pterostilbene, which not only impact cognition but also cardiovascular and liver health.

Why take it?

The antioxidants in blueberries can pe*****te the blood-brain barrier, protecting the brain from oxidative stress, which is responsible for some of the wear and tear that impairs brain function. Blueberries tend to improve episodic memory, executive function, and working memory. The mechanism appears to be an increase in neuronal growth factor in response to the reduced oxidative stress. Consuming blueberries is a great way to improve brain function now and preserve it for longer.

How to take?

A daily dietary intake of around 100g of fresh blueberries, 24g of freeze-dried blueberries, or 500ml of pure blueberry juice is sufficient to reap the benefits of blueberries. For those who prefer to supplement, 12g of blueberry powder or around 1g of blueberry anthocyanins per day is sufficient to reap the benefits of blueberries.

*Disclaimer: These posts are not a replacement for proper individualized medical advice, they are meant as generalized educational information. For proper medical advice, please book an appointment with a licensed physician to discuss your specific case.

If you find these posts interesting and would like to get personalized support with your health journey, feel free to book with me –

Noble Naturopathic at West Broadway - G104-2480 Spruce St. Vancouver, BC V6H2P6

Downtown (Evolve Strength Location) - 658 Homer St #410, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R4

https://noblenaturopathic.com/dr-augusto-benavides-panizo/

Both locations offer direct billing to extended health insurance.

What is it?This herb has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve brain function. Its effects stem from...
09/14/2026

What is it?

This herb has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve brain function. Its effects stem from flavonoids and terpenoid molecules with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, capable of improving mitochondrial function, protecting brain cells from the damage caused by plaque buildup associated with Alzheimer’s, and increasing blood flow to the brain.

Why take it?

Ginkgo Biloba has shown efficacy in reducing the decline in mental capacity associated with ageing and various neurodegenerative processes like strokes, Alzheimer’s, and vascular dementias. It has also shown efficacy in correcting the neuronal imbalances associated with depression.

How to take?

Taking 120 – 240 mg of a ginkgo biloba extract per day appears to be sufficient to reap the brain benefits of taking this herb.

*Disclaimer: These posts are not a replacement for proper individualized medical advice, they are meant as generalized educational information. For proper medical advice, please book an appointment with a licensed physician to discuss your specific case.

If you find these posts interesting and would like to get personalized support with your health journey, feel free to book with me –

Noble Naturopathic at West Broadway - G104-2480 Spruce St. Vancouver, BC V6H2P6

Downtown (Evolve Strength Location) - 658 Homer St #410, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R4

https://noblenaturopathic.com/dr-augusto-benavides-panizo/

Both locations offer direct billing to extended health insurance.

What is it?It is a natural molecule synthesized in our bodies from various amino acids that acts as a cellular energy ba...
09/12/2026

What is it?

It is a natural molecule synthesized in our bodies from various amino acids that acts as a cellular energy battery for intense bursts of activity. Although our bodies make it, they can hold significantly more than they can make. This was initially leveraged by bodybuilders and fitness people to improve muscle power/strength as well as muscle volume (through water retention within the muscles). Recently, we have realized that brain cells can also benefit from having extra fast-discharging batteries, leading to improved attention, memory, and processing during highly demanding tasks.

Why take it?

Creatine supplementation has been shown to improve several areas of cognitive function, including memory, attention time, and processing speed. Its effects are more pronounced in those with conditions that impair brain function, like ADHD, Depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Insomnia, and various others, where the cellular energetic correction of taking Creatine causes a larger shift compared to a brain that already enjoys favorable energy production.

How to take?

Taking 3 to 5 grams of creatine monohydrate dissolved in water shortly after a meal with carbohydrates is sufficient to saturate muscle tissue over time, and it also provides benefits for brain tissue. Recent studies suggest that doses of 10g to 20g per day can have stronger effects for the brain acutely, but it is unclear whether this benefit and the safety of creatine are maintained with high doses over a long period of time.

*Disclaimer: These posts are not a replacement for proper individualized medical advice, they are meant as generalized educational information. For proper medical advice, please book an appointment with a licensed physician to discuss your specific case.

If you find these posts interesting and would like to get personalized support with your health journey, feel free to book with me –

Noble Naturopathic at West Broadway - G104-2480 Spruce St. Vancouver, BC V6H2P6

Downtown (Evolve Strength Location) - 658 Homer St #410, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R4

https://noblenaturopathic.com/dr-augusto-benavides-panizo/

Both locations offer direct billing to extended health insurance.

Address

2480 Spruce Street G104
Vancouver, BC
V6H2P6

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 6pm
Tuesday 12pm - 9pm
Wednesday 11am - 6pm
Thursday 3pm - 8pm
Saturday 11am - 6pm
Sunday 12pm - 6pm

Telephone

+16049060407

Website

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