Exploring the Benefits of Naturopathy and the Carnivore Diet
Introduction
On today's episode of the Meat Medic Podcast, we have a special guest, Christina Mathewson. Christina is a traveling naturopath with extensive experience in the field of health and wellness. In this episode, we will be exploring the concept of naturopathy and discussing the carnivore diet.
Christina's background includes 15 years in the health field, starting as a health coach and eventually becoming a naturopath and herbalist. She has also trained as a life coach, recognising the importance of addressing both physical and mental well-being. Christina's personal journey with naturopathy began with experimentation on herself and her family, leading to a passion for helping others achieve lasting results.
As a traveling naturopath, Christina offers her services online through Telehealth. This digital approach allows her to work with clients around the world and fit her business around the needs of her seven children. Christina and her family embarked on a journey of traveling Australia as a whole family, which unfortunately coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown. Despite the challenges, they have embraced this new chapter of their lives.
Throughout the podcast, Christina will share her insights and experiences on naturopathy, the carnivore diet, and the benefits of adopting a holistic approach to health and well-being.
Becoming a Traveling Naturopath
As a traveling naturopath, Christina offers her services online through Telehealth. This digital approach allows her to work with clients around the world and fit her business around the needs of her seven children. Christina and her family embarked on a journey of traveling Australia as a whole family, which unfortunately coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown. Despite the challenges, they have embraced this new chapter of their lives.
Christina's decision to become a traveling naturopath was driven by a few factors. Firstly, she needed a flexible career that could accommodate her role as a mother to seven children. Working online through Telehealth allows her to have a more flexible schedule and work from anywhere. Secondly, she wanted to reach clients all over the world and offer her services to a wider audience. By becoming a traveling naturopath, she can connect with clients from different countries and cultures.
Becoming a traveling naturopath has its challenges and benefits. One of the challenges is managing her work while traveling. Christina has to balance her responsibilities as a naturopath with her responsibilities as a mother and traveler. This requires careful planning and organisation. Another challenge is establishing a consistent routine and workspace while on the road. However, Christina has also experienced many benefits from being a traveling naturopath. She has the freedom to explore different locations and experience new cultures. This not only enriches her personal life but also provides her with a broader perspective on health and wellness.
Another benefit of being a traveling naturopath is the ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds. Christina has the opportunity to work with individuals from different countries and cultures, each with their unique health challenges and goals. This allows her to expand her knowledge and expertise in naturopathy. Additionally, working online provides convenience for both Christina and her clients. They can schedule appointments at their convenience and avoid the need for travel.
In conclusion, becoming a traveling naturopath has allowed Christina to combine her passion for naturopathy with her love for travel and her role as a mother. Despite the challenges, she has found fulfilment in serving clients from around the world and exploring new places. The flexibility and convenience of working online have been beneficial for both Christina and her clients. Overall, being a traveling naturopath has been a rewarding and enriching experience.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Health
COVID-19 has had a significant influence on people's approach to health. The global pandemic has brought health to the forefront of everyone's minds as they strive to stay safe and protect themselves from the virus. People have become more aware of the importance of taking care of their health and prioritising their well-being.
One of the key takeaways from the pandemic is the importance of addressing risk factors and being proactive with health. COVID-19 has highlighted the fact that underlying health conditions can increase the severity of the illness. As a result, individuals are more motivated to manage risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. They are recognising that by taking care of their health, they can reduce their vulnerability to infectious diseases.
However, it is important to note that the pandemic has also shifted the focus of health promotion. While the emphasis on masks and vaccines is crucial in controlling the spread of the virus, there has been a lack of attention on overall health promotion. Many health campaigns and initiatives have been put on hold or deprioritised due to the urgency of the pandemic response.
The Importance of Balance
While masks and vaccines are essential tools in preventing the spread of COVID-19, it is equally important to maintain a balanced approach to health. Health promotion should not be limited to mask-wearing and vaccination, but should also encompass a holistic view of well-being.
Addressing risk factors and managing chronic conditions should remain a priority. Individuals should continue to focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and getting enough sleep. These factors play a significant role in overall health and can help prevent and manage chronic diseases.
It is essential to strike a balance between COVID-19 prevention measures and maintaining overall health. Both aspects are equally important and should be addressed proactively.
Understanding Naturopathy
Naturopathy is a holistic approach to health and wellness that focuses on supporting the body's natural healing abilities. Naturopaths aim to identify and address the root cause of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. They take into account the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a person's well-being in order to develop individualised treatment plans.
The Role of a Naturopath
A naturopath is a health practitioner who combines traditional healing wisdom with modern scientific knowledge. They often have training in various modalities such as herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle counselling, and homeopathy. Naturopaths work with their clients to address health concerns and improve overall well-being.
Addressing the Root Cause
One of the key principles of naturopathy is the importance of addressing the root cause of health issues. Rather than just suppressing symptoms, naturopaths aim to identify and treat the underlying factors contributing to a person's health concerns. This could include factors such as poor diet, environmental toxins, stress, or imbalances in the body.
By addressing the root cause, naturopaths believe that true healing can occur, leading to improved health and well-being. This approach focuses on supporting the body's natural healing processes and promoting long-term wellness.
Individualised Treatment Plans
Naturopaths recognise that each person is unique and requires an individualised approach to healing. They take into account factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and personal preferences when developing treatment plans. This ensures that the plan is tailored to the specific needs of the individual.
Individualised treatment plans may include dietary changes, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, lifestyle modifications, and other natural therapies. The goal is to support the body's natural healing abilities and promote optimal health for each individual.
It is important to note that naturopathy should not replace conventional medical care, but rather be used as a complementary approach. Naturopaths often work in collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and integrated care for their clients.
Addressing the Lack of Evidence
Naturopaths often face challenges when it comes to research and evidence-based practices. Unlike pharmaceutical companies, naturopaths do not have the same level of funding to conduct large-scale studies. As a result, the research and evidence available for naturopathy are often limited compared to traditional medicine.
Furthermore, studying plant medicine, which is a key component of naturopathy, presents its own set of challenges. Plants contain numerous compounds, and it is often difficult to isolate the effects of a single compound. Additionally, the synergistic effects of different compounds working together are important in plant medicine, making it challenging to study individual components.
Despite these challenges, ongoing research in the field of naturopathy is aiming to provide more evidence for its effectiveness. Long-term studies are crucial for understanding the long-lasting effects of naturopathic treatments. These studies help to track the progress and outcomes of patients over an extended period of time, providing valuable data on the effectiveness of naturopathy.
While the lack of evidence is a valid concern, it is important to remember that naturopathy should not be dismissed solely based on the current research landscape. Many individuals have experienced positive results from naturopathic treatments, and anecdotal evidence can play a role in guiding treatment decisions. However, it is crucial to approach naturopathy with an open mind, to continue supporting ongoing research efforts, and to prioritise long-term studies to further establish the effectiveness of naturopathic treatments.
The Benefits of the Carnivore Diet
Many people are curious about the carnivore diet and its potential benefits for health and well-being. In this section, we will explore the personal experience of our guest, Christina Mathewson, with the carnivore diet and discuss some of the positive outcomes observed.
Guest's Personal Experience
Christina has been following the carnivore diet for several months and has noticed significant improvements in her health. She initially started the diet as a result of having extremely high blood glucose levels, with fasting levels reaching as high as 21.1 mmol/L. Determined to make a change, Christina decided to explore the carnivore diet as a potential solution.
Within nine days of starting the diet, Christina saw a dramatic drop in her fasting blood glucose levels, going from 22.7 mmol/L to 12.7 mmol/L. Over the course of seven months, her blood glucose levels continued to decrease, now regularly measuring in the fives. This improvement in blood glucose control is a significant benefit of the carnivore diet for individuals struggling with high blood sugar levels.
Positive Outcomes and Challenges
In addition to improved blood glucose control, Christina has experienced several other positive outcomes from following the carnivore diet. She has noticed a substantial increase in energy levels, no longer needing to take daytime naps. Her weight has also significantly decreased, with a total loss of 39 kilograms over the past seven months.
While the carnivore diet has provided numerous benefits, Christina acknowledges that it is not without its challenges. Transitioning to a meat-based diet can be a significant adjustment, especially for individuals with a history of following plant-based diets. However, Christina advises starting with foods that you enjoy and are excited to eat, such as ribeye steaks or bacon and eggs. This helps create a positive mindset and makes the transition easier.
Christina also emphasises the importance of tracking various health metrics, such as blood glucose levels, ketones, and body measurements. This allows for a better understanding of the diet's impact and helps individuals stay motivated, even during periods where weight loss may be slower.
Addressing Concerns about Plant Toxins and Dosage
One common concern raised about the carnivore diet is the lack of plant foods and potential exposure to plant toxins. Christina addresses this concern by emphasising the importance of dosage. While plants contain various compounds and toxins, the amount consumed on a carnivore diet is significantly smaller compared to a diet rich in plant-based foods. By focusing on high-quality meats and slowly reintroducing plant foods if desired, individuals can minimise the potential negative effects of plant toxins.
Overall, Christina's personal experience with the carnivore diet highlights its potential benefits, including improved blood glucose control, increased energy levels, and significant weight loss. While challenges may arise during the transition, tracking health metrics and focusing on enjoyable foods can help individuals stay motivated and reap the rewards of this unique dietary approach.
Starting the Carnivore Diet
Starting the carnivore diet can be an exciting and transformative journey. Our guest, Christina Mathewson, shares her approach to beginning the carnivore diet and offers valuable insights on enjoying the food and tracking progress.
Approach to Starting
Christina's decision to start the carnivore diet was driven by her high blood glucose levels and the need for a drastic change. She experimented with different diets, including plant-based ones, but ultimately found success with the carnivore diet. The carnivore diet focuses on consuming primarily meat, with little to no plant-based foods.
Christina advises individuals to choose an approach that aligns with their preferences and goals. Some may prefer a gradual transition, while others may dive straight into the carnivore diet. It's important to listen to your body and make choices that feel sustainable and enjoyable.
Importance of Enjoying the Food
One of the key aspects of starting the carnivore diet is finding enjoyment in the food. Christina encourages individuals to choose their favourite meats and be excited about the meals they eat. Whether it's a juicy ribeye steak or crispy bacon and eggs, having a positive mindset towards the food can make the transition easier.
By savouring the flavours and textures of the meat, individuals can build a strong connection to their meals and feel satisfied with their food choices. This positive association with food can help sustain the carnivore diet in the long term.
Tracking Progress and Measurements
Tracking progress and measurements is another important aspect of starting the carnivore diet. Christina emphasises the value of measuring key health metrics like blood glucose levels, ketones, and body measurements. These measurements provide valuable insights into the diet's impact on the body and can help individuals stay motivated.
By monitoring these metrics, individuals can track their progress and see the positive changes that occur over time. This data also allows for adjustments and fine-tuning of the diet to optimise results.
Overall, starting the carnivore diet requires a personalised approach based on individual preferences and goals. Enjoying the food and tracking progress are essential for a successful and fulfilling journey on the carnivore diet.
Dealing with Criticism and Misconceptions
When it comes to the carnivore diet and naturopathy, there are often criticism and misconceptions surrounding these topics. It's important to address these concerns and provide clarity on the matter.
Addressing Criticism
One common criticism of the carnivore diet is the lack of plant foods and potential nutrient deficiencies. However, it's important to remember that the carnivore diet can be customised to individual needs and preferences. It's not about completely eliminating plant foods, but rather focusing on high-quality animal products and prioritising nutrient-dense options.
Similarly, naturopathy often faces criticism for the lack of evidence-based practices. While it's true that the research and evidence available for naturopathy are often limited compared to traditional medicine, it's important to acknowledge the value of individual experiences and results. Anecdotal evidence can play a role in guiding treatment decisions and should not be dismissed solely based on the current research landscape.
Importance of Individual Experiences and Results
Every individual is unique, and their experiences and results may vary. What works for one person may not work for another. It's crucial to consider and respect individual experiences and results when evaluating the effectiveness of the carnivore diet and naturopathy.
For example, while some individuals may experience significant improvements in their health and well-being on the carnivore diet, others may not see the same results. It's important to approach health and wellness with an open mind and recognise that different approaches may work for different people.
Open-Mindedness and Personal Choices in Healthcare
In healthcare, open-mindedness is essential. It's important to acknowledge that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that personal choices play a significant role in healthcare decisions.
Whether it's choosing a dietary approach like the carnivore diet or exploring naturopathy, individuals should have the freedom to make their own choices based on their unique circumstances and preferences. It's crucial to respect and support these choices, as long as they are made in an informed and responsible manner.
Ultimately, dealing with criticism and misconceptions requires an understanding of the individual nature of healthcare and the importance of respecting personal choices. By addressing concerns, highlighting individual experiences, and promoting open-mindedness, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive approach to health and wellness.
The Role of Naturopathy and Lifestyle Medicine
Naturopathy and conventional medicine have both similarities and differences. While conventional medicine often focuses on treating symptoms, naturopathy takes a holistic approach that aims to address the root cause of health issues. Naturopaths consider the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a person's well-being to develop individualised treatment plans.
Collaboration and recognising different roles are essential in the field of healthcare. Naturopaths often work in collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and integrated care for their clients. They recognise that each individual is unique and may require a combination of conventional and naturopathic approaches to achieve optimal health.
Naturopathy and lifestyle medicine emphasise the holistic approach to health and well-being. Rather than focusing on isolated symptoms or diseases, naturopaths aim to support the body's natural healing abilities and promote long-term wellness. This includes addressing the root cause of health issues, developing individualised treatment plans, and considering factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Similarities and Differences
Both naturopathy and conventional medicine have their strengths and limitations. Conventional medicine often relies on pharmaceutical interventions and advanced medical technologies to diagnose and treat diseases. It has a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices and large-scale research studies.
On the other hand, naturopathy takes a more natural and holistic approach, using herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle counselling, and homeopathy. Naturopaths focus on supporting the body's innate healing abilities and treating the underlying factors contributing to health issues.
While conventional medicine has a stronger research foundation, naturopathy faces challenges in conducting large-scale studies due to limited funding and the complexity of studying natural therapies. However, ongoing research efforts are aiming to provide more evidence for the effectiveness of naturopathic treatments.
The Importance of Collaboration and Recognising Different Roles
Collaboration between naturopaths and conventional healthcare providers is crucial for comprehensive patient care. By recognising and respecting the different roles and expertise of each practitioner, patients can receive integrated and well-rounded care.
Conventional medicine is essential for acute and emergency care, diagnostic procedures, and specialised treatments. Naturopathy can complement conventional medicine by focusing on prevention, addressing lifestyle factors, and supporting the body's natural healing processes.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide patients with the best of both worlds by combining evidence-based practices with a holistic approach to health and well-being.
The Holistic Approach of Naturopathy and Lifestyle Medicine
Naturopathy and lifestyle medicine emphasise the importance of treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. By considering all aspects of a person's well-being, including physical, mental, and emotional factors, naturopaths and lifestyle medicine practitioners can develop individualised treatment plans that promote long-term wellness.
This holistic approach recognises that the body is a complex system and that optimal health requires addressing imbalances and supporting the body's natural healing processes.
Through dietary changes, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, lifestyle modifications, and other natural therapies, naturopaths and lifestyle medicine practitioners aim to support the body's innate healing abilities and empower individuals to take an active role in their own health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, exploring naturopathy and the carnivore diet can offer numerous benefits for individuals seeking a holistic approach to their health and well-being. Throughout this blog, we have discussed key points about naturopathy, the carnivore diet, and the impact of COVID-19 on health. Here are the main takeaways:
- Naturopathy is a holistic approach to health that focuses on supporting the body's natural healing abilities and addressing the root cause of health issues.
- Individualised treatment plans developed by naturopaths take into account factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
- The carnivore diet, which involves primarily consuming meat, has been shown to have positive outcomes such as improved blood glucose control, increased energy levels, and significant weight loss.
- Starting the carnivore diet requires a personalised approach, and individuals should choose a method that aligns with their preferences and goals.
- Dealing with criticism and misconceptions is important in the field of naturopathy, and it is essential to respect individual experiences and choices in healthcare.
- Collaboration between naturopaths and conventional healthcare providers can ensure comprehensive and integrated care for individuals.
- The role of naturopathy and lifestyle medicine is to focus on treating the whole person and promoting long-term wellness by addressing the root cause of health issues.
- While evidence in naturopathy may be limited, anecdotal evidence and individual experiences can guide treatment decisions and should be respected.
We encourage readers to explore naturopathy and the carnivore diet further by consulting with qualified practitioners and conducting their own research. It is important to remember that an individualised approach to healthcare is key, and what works for one person may not work for another. By prioritising their own health and well-being, individuals can experience the benefits of a personalised and holistic approach to healthcare.
