Can a Naturopath Help With Weight Loss?
I am asked this question a lot. Can a naturopath help me with weight loss? The answer is yes! Of course we can. It’s just going to happen a little differently to how you might be used to approaching your health. As a naturopath I focus on treating holistically and in doing so my clients often find they lose weight more easily and keep it off in a way that just isn’t possible if they go it alone. You shouldn’t feel ashamed if you want to lose weight or if your doctor has advised you to for health. And you shouldn’t shy away from seeking help. As a naturopath, I will always focus my attention on how you feel in your body. Not how you look. This makes a big difference. Trust me. The weight on the scale is not important. The energy and vitality you feel is.
For weight loss, there is a lot more to it than calories in, calories out. Of course the food we eat plays a big role. But so do our hormones, our stress levels and the state of our gut health. And this isn’t even scratching the surface of all the things that make up a healthy human.
In my practice, I use diet, herbs, supplements and lifestyle tweaks to help my client's achieve their goals. We are all individuals so the herbs and supplements I use will vary depending on the woman Im working with. I’m always reluctant to talk too much about what I use because I don’t want people running out and self prescribing. You can read more about why HERE. And you can read about the difference between practitioner only and off the shelf supplements HERE.
One of the more powerful and effective weight loss tools I turn to in my clinic is Metabolic Balance®. This personalised nutrition program has helped over 1 million people all over the world and it’s something I personally use myself. It’s changed my whole approach to life and my hormones are loving me again.
So what is Metabolic Balance®?
MB was developed by a team of doctors and naturopaths in Germany who spent over 25 years conducting research and integrating published nutritional knowledge to create a simple yet very effective way of eating. MB utilises a sophisticated computer analysis of pathology markers to evaluate the health of the body and its organ systems, and then matches this information with the nutritional value of whole foods.
Understanding Metabolic Balance®
It is a comprehensive program that focuses on rebalancing your metabolism through personalised nutrition. It takes into account your unique biochemistry, medical history, current health status, and personal goals to create a tailored eating plan just for you. The program aims to optimise the body's metabolic processes and promote sustainable weight loss.
Balancing Blood Sugar Levels: A Core Principle
Blood sugar regulation plays a crucial role in weight management. MB focuses on stabilising blood sugar levels by promoting a balanced intake of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) in each meal. By avoiding spikes and crashes in blood sugar, the body can maintain steady energy levels, reduce cravings, and support healthy weight loss.
Promoting Hormonal Balance
MB recognizes the role of hormones in weight regulation. The program aims to restore hormonal balance by providing the body with the nutrients it needs for optimal hormone production and function. By addressing imbalances in hormones such as insulin, cortisol, and leptin, MB helps the body better regulate appetite, metabolism, and fat storage.
Supporting Gut Health
The health of the gut plays a key role in overall well-being and weight management. MB focuses on optimising gut health by promoting a variety of whole, unprocessed foods and adequate fiber intake. A balanced and diverse diet helps nourish the beneficial gut bacteria, which is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and weight loss. If you have digestive symptoms such as bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, you might just find over the course of 12 weeks a lot of these will either go or reduce drastically.
Supporting Your Nervous system
MB holds the power to restore optimal function to the nervous system which is one of the key issues so many of us struggle with. The intricate relationship between metabolism and the nervous system is paramount, as metabolic imbalances can disrupt neural communication and compromise various bodily processes. By restoring metabolic balance through proper nutrition, adequate hydration, and mindful lifestyle choices, we nourish the nervous system at its core. Balanced nutrition fuels the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play vital roles in regulating mood, cognition, and stress responses. Coming back to one of the points made above, metabolism promotes stable blood sugar levels, preventing energy fluctuations that can trigger anxiety and fatigue. As the nervous system thrives in a balanced metabolic state, we experience enhanced mental clarity, emotional stability, and resilience in the face of stressors. By nurturing metabolic balance, we unlock the potential for a vibrant and harmonious nervous system, fostering holistic well-being and allowing our body to lose weight. When we are stressed, even if our body doesn’t feel like it, it can feel almost impossible to lose weight.
Sustainable Lifestyle Changes
MB is not a quick-fix diet but a lifestyle approach. It encourages individuals to make long-term changes in their eating habits, promoting whole foods, mindful eating, and a healthy relationship with food. By providing ongoing support and guidance, the program helps individuals develop sustainable habits that can lead to lasting weight loss and improved overall health.
Scientific Evidence and Success Stories
While individual experiences may vary, there is scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of MB for weight loss. Several studies have demonstrated significant reductions in body weight, improvements in metabolic markers, and enhanced overall well-being in participants following the program. Click HERE for an overview of these studies and where you can read more. Additionally, many individuals have shared success stories, highlighting the positive impact of MB on their weight loss journey. If you want to hear about Georgie’s experience, click HERE.
If you would like to learn more, I highly suggest you check out this page . It's quite a comprehensive overview of all things Metabolic Balance®. And if you have any questions at all, email me at hello@carolynallenhealth.com I love hearing from you. You can also book a FREE discovery call to find out more.