Naturopathic nutrition is a part of naturopathy, also called alternative medicine, that favors alleviating health problems through improving one’s diet and lifestyle in lieu of taking medicinal drugs or having surgery. Many beliefs common to the naturopathic system stem from practices used for hundreds or thousands of years in some parts of Asia. Naturopathic nutritionists typically take into account food allergies, intolerances, and other negative effects that stem from an unhealthy diet and try to change a client’s dietary habits. They may also suggest certain foods that tend to have beneficial effects on one’s overall health.
Certain foods may have negative effects on the wellness level of some people. Food allergies often cause severe negative reactions in the immune system. Intolerances to specific foods or components of foods can result in less severe reactions, but the effects can be just as unhealthy in the long run. An imbalance of compounds and nutrients—a high fat intake, or a low vitamin count, for instance—sometimes manifests itself as an ailment. So-called "junk foods" that usually have high energy counts, but low nutrient counts, are often shunned by naturopathic nutrition.
Individuals who follow this method often strive to find the correct diet to meet their specific needs. Some people may experience digestive problems and the issues that can occur as a consequence, such as obesity, heartburn or acne. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels may be effects of an unhealthy diet, and they could lead to heart disease.
Furthermore, when the diet is imbalanced, the immune system may not function properly. A weak immune system could leave one open to a wide variety of illnesses. The naturopathic nutrition approach relies on the assumption that a healthier diet could reduce or eliminate these ailments.
Naturopathic nutrition also takes into account that individuals who already have a relatively healthy diet could still improve their level of wellness by incorporating new healthy foods. Some foods are often associated with specific benefits. If somebody is under the weather, naturopathic nutrition dictates that a certain diet could help to cure that ailment with food rather than medicine.
Lifestyle choices other than diet are also considered in naturopathic nutrition. Exercise and eliminating stress are two areas one could focus on to ward off illnesses. Naturopathic nutritionists, people who are licensed to advise clients on naturopathic nutrition, are likely to prescribe healthy lifestyle choices in place of any kind of medicine.
Various colleges around the world can now accredit naturopathic nutritionists. Often, these nutritionists study the effects of certain foods on the body. They may also learn how to implement dietary changes when medical doctors would normally prescribe drugs. Many individuals find that employing both naturopathic nutrition and medical practice in fairly equal amounts helps them to live healthier lives.
