Homeopathy – an Aid to Weight Loss
According to statistics(published 04.04.2018) by the Health and Social Care Information Centre , in 2016 26% of adults were classified obese. In 2016/17 1 in 5 children in year 6 and 1 in 10 children in Reception were classified obese. This is of great concern because excess weight can have devastating effects on health, leading to psychological problems, a higher incidence of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer (prostate, colon, and breast) and arthritis. To embrace a weight loss program means therefore to remain healthy or to become healthier and fitter and to prevent serious illness.
However, there are obstacles to healthy weight loss, such as low thyroid function, diabetes or insulin resistance, malnutrition caused by a poor diet, high cortisol levels and stress, sleep disorders, and hormonal imbalances. These need to be addressed with the help of a professional.
The goals of reducing weight
• To prevent further weight gain
• To gradually lose weight with a calorie controlled diet and regular exercise
• To improve general health and energy levels
Changes you can make to lose weight
• Educate yourself on how to eat healthily, contact a nutritionist or join a weight loss club.
• Eat real food. Cook, using fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, lean cuts of meat. Avoid sugar, instead use in moderation natural sweeteners such as honey or dried fruit. Try to buy locally grown produce that is in season. Watch calorie intake from alcoholic drinks.
• Exercise regularly, including aerobics, weights and stretching, and have fun.
• Seek the help of a professional to remove possible obstacles to weight loss.
Various natural remedies can help speed up weight loss if coupled with the above changes. Homeopathic remedies work best if they are suited to one’s particular nature. A few frequently used aids to weight loss include the following:
Some homeopathic remedies to support a weight loss programme
Homeopathic remedies are prescribed according to a person’s characteristics, their physical and emotional symptoms. There are many remedies that can be used in cases where a person is overweight. Below are just a few commonly prescribed ones. However, if you have a serious health concern, for the most beneficial outcome, it is best to make an appointment for a detailed and personalised consultation for a constitutional prescription.
Calcarea Carbonica (from the inside layer of the oyster shell). Some common indications:
• chubby people, low energy, susceptibility to infections, especially upper respiratory
• responsible, hardworking, practical people
• easily exhausted from overexertion
• can be stubborn and anxious
• easy perspiration, particularly on the head
• like eggs, salt, weets
• aversion milk products, meat
• worse from exertion, cold and damp, and full moon
• feel cold and damp
• better in dry and warm climate
Fucus Vesiculosis (made from sea kelp), usually low potency or tincture. Common indications include:
• obesity or overweight types
• thyroid problems – goitre or hypothyroidism, exophtalmic goitre (protruding eyes)
• enlarged thyroid gland with obesity
• severe constipation
Graphites (carbon and mineral remedy, from black lead). Some common indications:
• suited to heavy set persons
• skin conditions, e.g. calluses, eczema, hives, keloids, fissures, weeping skin cracks
• thick or deformed nails
• eruptions behind the ears, on scalp, cracks on the lips or corners of the mouth
• crave chicken, beer, bland food
• worse morning on waking, or after cold drinks, around menstrual cycle
• better warm drinks, milk, walking outdoors, eating
Natrum Muriaticum (made from sodium chloride).
• tends to have a ravenous appetite, can be “pear shaped”
• craves salty food, salt , sour flavours like lemons, bitter foods
• ailments from broken relationships, broken heart, long grief, resentment
• sadness, depression, worse when consoled
• tendency to acne
• aversion bread, rich food, and milk
• tend to be very thirsty
• tendency headaches, migraines
• worse heat, sunshine, lying down, and talking
• better eating regularly, walking in open air
Phytolacca (made from poke root berries). Not taken as herbal medicine to avoid side effects: use only in 6c potency. Common indications include:
• often used for glandular swelling (cervical and mammary (mastitis and/or tender breasts)
• obesity and excess weight
• joint pains, rheumatism, sciatica better after movement
• throat problems – tonsils, worse hot drinks
• worsened damp and cold
• better cold drinks, warm dry weather, rest
Sulphur, often prescribed homeopathic remedy. Useful for a large variety of conditions. If you feel you are a “Sulphur type” and you have skin problems, especially if treated with steroids or antibiotics, please make an appointment as Sulphur often releases suppression.
Some common indications:
• skin conditions – eczema, acne, psoriasis, hives, dermatitis
• can be intellectual, messy, extroverted, critical, lazy
• big appetite and hunger at around 11 a.m.
• thirsty ice cold drinks
• can have heartburn, diarrhoea
• hot, especially hot feet
• craves sweets, chocolate, ice cream, fat, spices, beer, whisky
• aversion to fish, eggs, sour food
• better dry , warm weather,
• worse standing, bathing, warm bed
There are many other remedies such as Thyroidinum that are often prescribed and proven to be beneficial for certain types of over weight people.
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