5 Common Health Misconceptions

Myth: In order to lose weight, I have to count calories.
Truth: Not all calories are the same. If you are eating fast food three times per day and watching your calories, you are less likely to lose weight than someone who eats a lot more substance, but eats mostly raw fruits and vegetables. A diet that consists of 80% raw produce is best for weight loss (and health in general). It will not only help you lose excess pounds, but it will also give you more energy throughout the day. And, with 80% fruits/veggies, you do not need to count your calories (as long as the other 20% isn't ALL dessert foods). Plus, changing your lifestyle choices will help you KEEP weight OFF. This is so important for lasting weight loss.

Myth: Vaccines are safe.
Truth: Vaccines have never been proven to be safe through a TRUE safety study, which would compare a vaccine to an inert substance. Instead, vaccines have only been compared to other vaccines. On top of that, pharmaceutical companies are the ones doing the research on their vaccines... can you say CONFLICT OF INTEREST?! Vaccines HAVE been proven to be linked to autism, autoimmune disorders, and other serious illnesses. If a vaccine is considered safe, shouldn't the ingredients also be considered safe? Vaccines contain the following ingredients: mercury, aluminum, formaldehyde, polysorbate 80, African green monkey kidney cells, aspartame, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) - just to name a few. NONE of these ingredients are considered to be safe. Doesn't this, in and of itself, make the claim "Vaccines are safe" to be false?

Myth: Stay away from fats. They are unhealthy and will cause heart disease.
Truth: This is one of the biggest myths of all time! Not all fats are bad. Our bodies actually need fats to produce hormones, build cell walls, and perform many other vital functions. Fats do not cause heart disease! In order for cholesterol to clog arteries, the arteries must be damaged first. Cigarette smoke, chlorinated water, pollution, unhealthy food, and many other environmental toxins damage arteries. The best fats are high quality fish oils, flax oil, coconut oil, and some animal oils. Some healthy people eat coconut oil by the tablespoon!

Myth: All herbal supplements are good for you.
Truth: I know many Naturopaths who are similar to your conventional doctor. You go to them with a condition and they recommend a few (or many) supplements to help you with your problem. As a Naturopath, we take an oath to "treat the fundamental causes of illness." This does NOT include giving a supplement for every condition that you list. I have shadowed Naturopaths who give a nervine herb for the nervous system, an herb for the digestive system, an herb for the brain, an herb for the liver, an herb for the pancreas...etc (you get my drift). THIS IS NOT GOOD NATUROPATHY! An herbal substances, in some cases, will act like a pharmaceutical drug... just with less side effects. You might have to be on the supplement for a long time. I believe in minimal supplements and a good constitutional homeopathic remedy. In many cases people are burdening their bodies with a huge list of supplements, thinking they are supporting their bodies. They begin to have stubborn rashes that won't go away. The truth is, they are overburdening their bodies and need to stop all supplements. I am a Homeopath 100% of the time and believe that the constitutional remedy is one of the best medicine for any condition.

Myth: I need to go to the doctor every time I have a cold or flu. I need medicine to help me feel better.
Truth: In most cases, a cold/flu is NOT a bacteria infection. Your doctor will most likely give you antibiotics and send you on your way. If you take antibiotics for something that is not a bacterial infection, then you are doing damage to the healthy bacteria in your body, especially in your digestive system. On top of that, you are not going to heal any faster. Your doctor will admit this if you ask them (believe me, I have asked before). Also, many people run out to get a decongestant or other medicines that will "knock them out". This is bad practice. You are further suppressing an illness that is trying to express itself. Let it run its course. The human body is incredible and will fight off the disease without the help of a pharmaceutical drug (unless of course you are in a very poor state of health to begin with). The best medicine? REST and lots of water! Go back to the "old" days where there wasn't a quick fix to everything. Take a break from work, school, or whatever else is wearing you down. If you continue to suppress a cold or flu, it will pop up later. You will be surprised - let it run its course and you are less likely to be sick in the future.

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Svea Lynn is a traditional Naturopath, classical homeopath and holistic doula. Her private doula practice can be found here. Her Montreal Natural Fertility site can be found here.