Homeopathy & Nutrition
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a complementary therapy which uses extremely dilute substances as a medicine, based on the theory of “like treating like”.
For longer term treatment, we would look to give what we call a “constitutional” remedy. For example, if you have a child that is gentle and quite clingy but generally sweet natured, he or she might be given a few doses of Pulsatilla. Alternatively, if your child is somewhat fearful and quiet, has a taste for indigestible things (paper, chalk etc.), then it may be that Calc carb would be given.
Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional Therapy is a holistic therapy which addresses disorders on all levels – mental/emotional and physical.
Nutrition is geared to the individual – important because no two people utilise nutrients in exactly the same way. What is nutritious for one may cause ill health to another – and it will show in your skin, your eyes, your hair and your general vitality.
We all react to foods in a difference way; biochemically we will all use nutrients essentially differently. This is termed bio-individuality.This is one of the reasons why blanket regimes and diets don’t work for everyone. Furthermore, those foods deemed ‘across the board’ good for you, may actually be contributing to your condition. For example:
- Fruit – could be feeding a yeast overgrowth
- Vegetables – some vegetables could be contributing to a stomach disorder or inflammatory condition
- Water – too much or at inappropriate times, could be contributing to indigestion or skin problems
- Dairy – may worsen inflammatory disorders
- Wheat – can be a common culprit in intolerances
- Polyunsaturated fats – toxic if heated beyond a certain temperature
Conversely, some things that are considered bad for us can be beneficial – in moderation!
- Alcohol – a glass of wine a day (particularly red) contains anti-oxidants which fight free radicals (NB I would not recommend more than one glass per day)
- Caffeine – can aid concentration (again, restricted to the equivalent of one coffee per day)
- Fat – the “good fats” found in avocados, nuts, seeds, cold water fish are excellent for mood, energy and cholesterol levels. They are also anti-inflammatory and helpful in balancing hormones. They may even aid weight loss.
- Chocolate – research now suggests that chocolate high in cocoa (more than 70%) may have anti-oxidant properties.
These lists are by no means exhaustive – and it is a matter of balance – but I hope it demonstrates that the important thing is that you find out what is right for you, the individual, before embarking on a regime that could compound any problems you may have.
To this end, there are several tests that may be carried out to determine any possible underlying causes for a particular complaint.