Naturopathy is one of the many treatment options for losing weight, but does it work? There are countless methods and products used by naturopaths to help people lose weight, such as acupuncture, herbs, and supplements, but do these actually aid in weight loss? Read this article to learn more about how naturopathy works to aid in weight loss and what method might be best for you.
What is naturopathy?
As a branch of alternative medicine, naturopathy is based on the idea that true health can be achieved only by improving a person’s quality of life through good diet, exercise, relaxation techniques and personal development. Unlike many other forms of natural medicine which focus on specific diseases or treatments, naturopathic practitioners are taught to take a holistic approach to health. This means they may recommend acupuncture as well as dietary changes to help address certain ailments. Additionally, practitioners also make use of manual manipulations (known as hands-on therapy) along with nutritional supplements to promote wellness in patients. In some cases physical treatments like colon hydrotherapy or chelation therapy may be used for detoxification purposes or for chronic conditions such as heart disease or arthritis.
What does it have to do with weight loss?: While there is no conclusive evidence that naturopathy has any effect on weight loss, several studies have shown that it can improve blood sugar levels and reduce risk factors associated with diabetes. For example, one study found that participants who took part in an intensive naturopathic program experienced significant improvements in their blood sugar levels after just three months. Another study found similar results among participants who received weekly homeopathic treatment over a six month period. These findings suggest that naturopathy could play an important role in preventing or managing type 2 diabetes as well as metabolic syndrome—two common risk factors for obesity.
Does naturopathy really work?
Most naturopaths follow similar models that combine a healthy diet with lifestyle changes (and, in some cases, homeopathic remedies). The weight-loss aspect is probably not what you’re going to like if you’re looking for an easy answer to shedding pounds. To lose weight quickly, you need to make sure you know how many calories your body requires. Naturopathic methods may actually be able to help someone get there. In addition, they provide a holistic approach by also incorporating exercise regimes into their weight-loss plan. Since so many people have been overlooking basic fitness and diet choices in order to lose weight, naturopathy could work as long as it’s supported by other health measures. Ultimately, weight loss depends on personal accountability—no matter which method you choose.
Is it safe?
You should always consult your doctor before making any dietary changes. It's important to note that while naturopathic remedies are considered generally safe, they can interact with medications. The interactions may be serious, or even life-threatening. If you're on medication for a heart condition, asthma or diabetes, you may want to avoid certain herbs because of potential dangerous interactions. Additionally, herb strength varies from one brand to another; make sure you are using a reputable brand that provides detailed product information in its label. Also consider consulting with a natural health practitioner who is trained in naturopathy and weight management if you have any questions or concerns regarding specific herbs or other alternative treatments for obesity.
And finally, be aware that just because something is natural doesn't mean it's safe. For example, some products marketed as natural could contain harmful ingredients such as pesticides or lead. Just like anything else, check labels carefully and read ingredient lists to determine whether a product is right for you. And remember: just because something claims to be natural doesn't mean it works!
Research studies on naturopathic weight loss programs
There are a handful of studies on naturopathic approaches to weight loss, but many do not have positive results. Two published in 2015 in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine concluded that naturopathic approaches did not effectively help people lose weight over six months or three months. One published in 2014 found that while a specific combination of botanicals could increase fat burning during exercise, it did not lead to long-term body fat reduction. Again, there are also promising areas for investigation with naturopathic medicine as well as other complementary approaches such as acupuncture that may one day provide effective strategies for losing weight.
But more research is needed before any strong conclusions can be drawn. In short, although naturopathic doctors do claim they can help you shed pounds, so far science doesn't back them up. If you're considering using naturopathy for weight loss, you should talk to your doctor first about whether it's right for you.
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In its most literal sense, diet is a prescribed course of food or drink taken in order to sustain life or health. In that sense, all diets technically do work for weight loss—because you’re consuming less calories than you’re burning off daily (and therefore losing some body fat), which is by definition being healthy and sustaining life. So while they may be giving themselves some cover with their word choice there, we have to remember that none of these diets have been shown effective enough over a long period of time to prove their worth as a reliable method of achieving true and lasting results. And let's be honest: If a diet worked, it wouldn't need to use hyped-up language like revolutionary or new generation.
It would just say works. Why? Because it would have proven itself over years of research. But what about eating foods with lower carb content? Does that qualify as working for weight loss too? That depends on how much protein and fat you’re consuming when you aren't on your low-carb days. Studies show that restricting your carbs can help decrease fat mass and increase your overall energy expenditure levels, but people who cut out carbs completely often end up substituting those low-carb days with more pizza nights than they would've had otherwise.
You need to do a little research before starting any diet or naturopathic program. What works for some people doesn’t necessarily work for others, so before you start looking at diets and trying them out (to see if they work), ask yourself: Are you someone who can commit to making small changes every day? Or are you a more spontaneous person who needs to try something once and then move on to something else if it doesn’t immediately give you results? Do you want a program that offers an intensive period of change and then becomes less intense after that period is over? If so, then perhaps a naturopathic clinic would be better than a diet because many diets taper off after two weeks or three months.
How To Lose Weight And Keep It Off
Most diets fail because people are focused on losing weight. Instead of focusing on weight loss, try to focus on health and your overall well-being. Consider these steps for long-term success. Start by making small changes to what you eat and drink (not how much) every day—don’t change everything at once! Focus on eating whole foods that nourish your body as opposed to processed or chemically derived foods that leave you hungry an hour later or worse yet give you a stomach ache or acne. Choose fruits and vegetables over fast food; lean proteins like chicken, turkey, eggs or fish over red meat; nut butters rather than peanut butter; skim milk instead of juice drinks. Don’t eliminate fat completely from your diet: Fat is necessary for good nutrition.
Healthy fats can be found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils such as olive oil. And keep some healthy carbohydrates like brown rice in your diet too—they will help keep you full longer and provide essential vitamins and minerals if they come from natural sources like brown rice instead of highly processed white flour.
Conclusion
Before trying naturopathy for weight loss, take some time to talk with your doctor. Not only is a medical opinion vital when it comes to your health, but you’ll also want a professional’s input when it comes to your safety. While naturopaths may be trained in certain areas of natural medicine, they don’t necessarily have all of their required licenses. What’s more, not all treatments are legal in every state. Your doctor can help steer you in the right direction and will also likely be able to point out any potential red flags during treatment.
In addition, naturopathic care isn’t cheap—and if you aren’t happy with your results, there could be some hefty fees involved. (If you decide to go ahead without talking to your doctor first, make sure that whatever treatment plan you choose has been approved by an independent organization like The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.)
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