an A-Z of alternative therapies
Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional therapy combines science (biochemistry and nutrition) with naturopathy (natural, drug-free medicine) in order to return the patient to a state of good health. Nutritional therapy is wholistic because it is designed to treat the body as a whole - curing the causes of problems, not just the symptoms as is too often the case in conventional medicine.
May be used in most conditions, such as :
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Bloating
- Circulatory disorder
- Depression
- Digestive troubles
- Eczema
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Herpes
- High blood pressure
- Hormone problems
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Menstrual problems
- Migraine
- PMT
- Osteoporosis
- Pregnancy problems
- Reduced immunities
- Skin problems
- Stress
- Viruses
How does it work?
Nutritional therapy is the use of food and the diet to treat and prevent illness, and to restore the body to its natural, healthy equilibrium. Food has always been used for its medicinal effects, and we now know that a varied diet, rich in natural ingredients, is essential for good health. Diet is an integral element in almost all therapies.
Nutritional therapy is based on the belief that the body is made up of elements that were once the nutritional elements of food. Health problems crop up it is believed, when one of the nutritional links is weak or missing. This can occur even if the diet appears to be healthy, due to intensive farming methods of food production.
The nutritional therapist decides how it can be put back in place using nutrition and supplements.
Possible food allergies or intolerances may be identified and extra foods suggested to provide therapeutic benefits.
Treatment will always be tailored to the individual.
Experiences
At the first appointment, the therapist may take a detailed history from you about your diet, medical history and symptoms. You may also be asked how much you smoke and drink, your exercise habits, your mental state and any medication you are currently taking.
He or she may ask you to keep a diary of typical food intake over a period of about three days.
The practitioner also examines the condition of your skin, hands and other features which will give him clues to your nutritional intake.
He may carry out tests such as analysing your sweat, urine or hair, using kinesiology tests or tests to determine nutritional deficiencies and food allergies.
Some nutritional therapists use Vega testing, in which you are connected to a device designed to measure the presence of allergens. This is a painless procedure. From the results, a tailored programme of diet and supplementation will be devised.
Side effects
Symptoms may briefly worsen after treatment. Expect a coated tongue and a headache, particularly if you usually drink lots of tea and coffee.
Duration and number of sessions
The first session lasts about 1 hour.
Subsequent sessions last 15-20 minutes.
The number of sessions required will depend on the condition and how long you have had it.
You may notice the benefits immediately, but long term illnesses may take up to 10 sessions to clear.
Safety issues
- Check with your doctor before beginning a course of nutritional supplements if you are taking medication - they may be incompatible.
- There are special treatments designed for children, babies and pregnant women.
- Some supplements are toxic in excess, and excessive doses of A, D, E, B6 and Zinc may have toxic side effects. Only take these when supervised by a therapist.
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