Nutrition and medicine

"The doctors of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease."

--Thomas Edison


In case you didn't know, most medical schools do not offer adequate training in nutrition to medical students -- even today. Ever notice that most doctors won't even ask you if you are getting enough rest or drinking enough water? We could be living on potato chips for all they know.

Naturopathic medicine in contrast focuses on the body's ability to heal itself and nutrition is a key part of this -- hence why some of us have had some improvement of health while under the care of naturopaths. In the ideal world of the future all doctors will look at us holistically and help identify imbalances before they become issues. I'm not saying naturopathy is better than allopathic (western) medicine, but I am saying that you will feel a bit better cared for since they try to get to the bottom of the causes of what ails you -- including psychological, spiritual, emotional, causes, etc. I got my anemia finally in check after other doctors telling me that it was normal for some people -- and I'm feeling much better now.

Since we know that western doctors aren't getting this training it is important that we seek out information about the role of nutrution in our health issues on our own. Doctors might even agree with you when you ask if you should be taking B-12 for instance, it just might not be something they offer you on their own.

Here are a couple links to learn more:

Nutrition Education in U.S. Medical Schools (1985)
Commission on Life Sciences (CLS)

Naturopathic Medicine - Philosophy

Oh, and if you are interested in controlling bad cramping pain then you might consider some of the suggestion for controlling prostaglandin production on these pages:

What causes Menstrual Cramps and Pain (Western and Oriental Medical
Perspective)

25 Ways To Handle PMS