Naturopathy is a system of alternative medicine that treats diseases without using drugs. It relies on techniques like controlling diet, exercising and identifying the root cause of a disease rather than treating symptoms.
The approach to naturopathy differs in every country. For example, in India, it focuses on a holistic diet-based approach with herbs, massage and physical therapy while in the USA it is an amalgamation of homoeopathy, botanical medicine, clinical medicine and Chinese medicines. To learn more about this, we spoke to Dr. Mansi Vira, a naturopathy doctor practising in the USA:
Treating pain and burning sensation
Pain and burning sensations are common symptoms of Parkinson’s. Engage in physical therapies to cope with them. Dr Vira also suggests that these symptoms could result from a lack of magnesium in the body. There are various forms of magnesium, making it vital to identify the appropriate form, and consume medicines that help replenish magnesium levels in the body. She also suggests that our body gives us clues when lacking certain nutrients. For example, a craving for dark chocolate may indicate a magnesium deficiency.
Heavy metal concentration
Heavy metals are said to damage the nervous system. In today’s world, heavy metals can be found in everything from perfume to the food we consume. An increasing concentration of heavy metals in the body may cause gut issues that correlate to brain conditions. Dr Vira says that constipation or diarrhoea may be indicators of one’s inability to think clearly. She recommends a ProTox toxicity prediction test to assess the levels of heavy metals in the body. She also suggests being more mindful of the food we eat and its source to limit the number of heavy metals that enter our bodies.
Naturopathy medicines and treatments are individualised. However, there are several methods that one can adopt to detox, maintain a healthy lifestyle and cope with symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s. Here are a few suggestions from Dr Vira:
- Decrease consumption of processed food
- Reduce consumption of dairy and gluten
- Restrict protein intake to improve the efficacy of medicines
- Adopt anti-inflammatory foods such as celery, turmeric or ginger in the diet
- Take an IGT or IGA test to check for food sensitivity and the implications it has on your body
- Consume plenty of water and balance electrolytes in the body
Dr Vira suggests that it is vital to make detox a long-term plan and a lifestyle choice to reap its benefits and lead a healthier life.
Change begins with small steps, and simple dietary modifications can help people with Parkinson’s cope with their symptoms and lead a better life.
You can watch the entire conversation with Dr. Mansi Vira here:
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