Basics of Naturopathic Medicine
“Iatrogenic Death”: By definition, it means “death induced by medical procedures; usually from drug reactions, surgeries, and/or diagnostic procedures, even when administered correctly.” This is the 3rd leading cause of death in America, right behind heart disease and cancer.
ALLOPATHIC DOCTOR vs. NATUROPATHIC methodologies:
Patients
Diagnose
Prescribe
Cure
Clients
Evaluate
Suggest
Stimulate healing
NUTRITION
Hippocrates said it best: “Let your food be your medicine, and let your medicine be your food.” DIET, is the first line of defense when addressing chronic health issues.
MEAT SOURCES
Organic, grass-fed, happy cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, sheep, etc. Their experience in life affects the nutritional value of their tissues, you are then consuming their energy and the after effects of their emotions and living conditions (ie; cramped and hot, overcrowded living spaces.) Whenever possible, always choose local, free-range, well fed animals, who have not been fed hormones and from farms with humane slaughter protocols.
VEGETABLES
60% of your daily diet needs to be vegetables! 30% lightly steamed cruciferous (broccoli, cabbage, kale or spinach) 30% raw, dark leafy greens (think BIG colorful salads!) Protein veggies: Cucumbers, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, celery, parsley, cabbage, cilantro, spinach, tomatoes, green pepper, romaine and mushrooms.
FATTY ACIDS
EFA’s are crucial to brain health and all over body function. The human body NEEDS lots of good healthy fats to operate properly. Coconut oil, olive oil, avocados and avocado oil, fish oils with Omega 3’s (salmon, mackerel, sardines, etc) raw nuts (no almonds unless tolerated, or peanuts-they have a high inflammatory rate) and flaxseed oils.
FRUITS
Low-glycemic (meaning they do not spike insulin production) fruits are best. In season blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and cranberries are the best. Pomegranates support hormones, dark cherries provide sleep support, strawberries have a multitude of benefits (and are just so yummy) and tart green Granny Smith apples, which are also an excellent fiber source, and full of naturally occurring Quercetin!
SUGAR
Avoid at all costs, or keep at least below 25-35 grams per day (keep in mind.. one soda has that much) Natural sweetener sources: local honey is best (stimulates immunity to local pollen allergens) Stevia is acceptable, but try to avoid. Monkfruit is a good alternative, but as with any sweetener, doing your best to eliminate the cravings by just avoiding as much as possible is better for your body.
HYDRATION
Aim to consume ½ of your body weight in ounces of good clean, filtered water every day (ie; if you weigh 150 lbs, drink 75 oz. of water) Proper levels of water consumption adequately hydrate every cell, keeping the cell wall plump and thin, allowing for nutrients to pass through properly to nourish the body.