Common Myths about Health and Naturopaths
A growing number of our society is becoming more health conscious when it comes to prevention, wellness, and natural approaches to managing illness by expanding their healthcare options. Let’s bust some common myths about health and working with a Naturopath:
To be healthy and heal from this issue I can’t ever drink coffee or alcohol, smoke the occasional ciggy or eat take aways again…
Nope! There are times that I recommend no indulging and only adding in the good stuff, to enable your body to fully heal – but this is usually very short term. Stripping away all the things’ people love is not part of my recommendations long term. It’s unrealistic and we want you to succeed which means us agreeing realistic and honest targets for your life and nutrition. 90% for the body, 10% for the soul is my recommendations. We don’t do guilt. Tell me what social events are coming up for you and we can help to negate the indulgences.
She’s going to make me drink pureed kale and green stuff each morning or half a swimming pool of lemon water?
Nope! I’m not going to ask you to do anything that doesn’t feel achievable to you. I will however encourage you to try new things. And green veggies are powerful superfoods! But you don’t need to be carrying liquid green things with you wherever you go on our health plans!
I need to choose between natural medicine and conventional medicine
Nope! I am an integral component of your health care team and can work alongside conventional Doctors as needed. I provide client care based on a foundation of conventional and integrative medicine. Studies have also shown that by adding naturopathic care to conventional care, clients have better overall health and outcomes.
Naturopaths are anti-drug/anti-pharmaceuticals
Nope! Many Naturopaths are NOT anti-drug/anti-pharmaceuticals. The Batchelor curriculum I studied includes the study of pharmaceuticals as well as the biochemical pathway and mechanisms of actions, indications, and adverse effects of drugs. Naturopaths also study the efficiency of conventional medications with supplements and herbs. My job is to treat you as an individual, meet you where you are, and work as part of your health care team for your best interests. Prescription medications can be part of this process.
Just because it’s natural, it must be safe
Just because it’s “natural” does not necessarily mean it’s safe. Natural products may have side effects and contradictions. I will ensure that what you are taking is safe appropriate for your needs.
Naturopaths are not scientific/evidence based
Another common myth about naturopathic medicine is that it is not science/evidence based. Regulated naturopaths go through a rigorous 4-year health science-based medical education at accredited university or college. A minimum of two years is spent studying the same biomedical sciences that prepare medical students to be doctors. Naturopathic students learn to appraise and weigh the research evidence based as a part of developing client treatment plans.
