Thinking of going the natural rememdy route

[Jetta]

For my mental illness, and have discovered a clinic that specializes in this very thing. A friend of my brothers suggested it so I began looking into it and learned things like food allergies and nutrition deficiencies are the root cause of many problems.

 

I found this clinic in Kansas City that I'm inquiring with because the side affects of the meds I take are getting to me. I'm just curious if anyone has thoughts about natural remedies for a something significant? I've read their testimonials which are mostly about children with autism. I am leary but figure the testing wouldn't hurt.

 

The original doctor is deceased but was said to have cured over 5000 people with my same condition. These doctors carry on his work, and of course add new technologies to enhance it. Drug companies hate this sort of thing I know but that's exactly why I want to try it so I don't have to rely on commercial, very expensive meds, for my well being.

 

Anyone go the natural route? What was the results? I plan to try this regardless because it would be nice to feel like my old pre-medicated self again.

[annie24]

Personally - I think that they are snake-oil salesmen. I think you said in a different post you have bi-polar disorder? that's not the kind of thing that can be treated with eating fruits and vegetables. It's a complicated biochemical disease. I would honestly stick with your current treatment plan.

[catfeeder]

I think you're smart for recognizing the politics of medicine. I'd be wary of the term 'cure' and shoot for best 'management' of any chronic condition. If that outcome produces what you consider a cure along the way, then you'll have learned ways of maintaining a healthy state.

 

It doesn't sound to me as though you've adopted any unrealistic thinking that would have you view this clinic as some kind of car wash. Investing in lifestyle changes that can help you wean yourself off of meds under careful supervision and alternative treatment is certainly worth a shot. Bless your heart, and I hope you'll keep us posted on your process and your thoughts about it.

 

In your corner, and my best,

Cat

[jakel]

Meds are tricky in some scenarios Im an advocate for them in others its understandable why one would want to wean off of them or decrease them with a doctors supervision. My exp is the withdrawal syndromes can be quite intense. If you don't mind me asking what Meds and what for?

[Crazyaboutdogs]

Personally - I think that they are snake-oil salesmen. I think you said in a different post you have bi-polar disorder? that's not the kind of thing that can be treated with eating fruits and vegetables. It's a complicated biochemical disease. I would honestly stick with your current treatment plan.

 

I agree. I think the problem today is that everyone thinks that by eating healthier and exercising they will suddenly be cured of all illnesses and will never get heart disease, cancer etc. Not true. Even the people who choose healthy foods and healthy lifestyles get heart attacks, cancer, mental illness, neurological disorders etc. Genetic and environmental factors in disease and illness are rarely discussed in mainstream media because that won't sell products and it won't be a feel good message that allows people to think they have complete control over whether or not they will get sick. Genetics and the complex biological/biochemical processes in our bodies can't always be fixed by food and exercise. There are always people (including physicians) who are ready to cash in on people's vulnerabilities and fears. Be careful what people tout as a miracle cure because often it is unregulated and can have side effects with other medications.

[Ariel85]

While I do believe certain medical disorders can be better healed and managed through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, I don't think mental illness falls into this category.

 

I think places like this prey on the chronically mentally ill, who hate being on meds, and try to sell them on a macrobiotic diet or yoga as a cure (for example). But as Annie pointed out, you have a brain chemical imbalance. This doesn't get "cured" by a change in diet or vitamins. It gets managed by replacing and balancing the missing chemicals. This doesn't come about from a mango or celery.

 

Again, while I do think certain supplements and dietary changes can make one feel all over healthier and promote well-being, I don't believe bipolarism is caused by improper nutrition or food allergies.

[Mesemene]

I'd shy away from anything promising a "cure" for any mental illness, since the best case scenario is usually management, not a "cure" since chemical imbalances don't just go away.

 

That said - my sister has found that in conjunction with her medication, relaxation therapy, aromatherapy, and acupressure and some other things helped her reduce her medication and cope with some of her symptoms better - so by all means, look into things that might help you take a little control back, and help you adopt a lifestyle that might let you come to a better balance with your meds.

 

Also - I don't know if you've had one doctor throughout - but if some of your meds don't make you feel quite "right" it never hurts to get a second opinion - there are usually different options medication wise, and a better combination might be possible.

[giubilante]

I have a chronic illness. True, it is a physical illness, but many with my condition are also sold these 'promise cures'. Believe me, if there was something really simple that honestly DID work, more people would be trying it.

 

That isn't to say that symptoms of both physical and mental illnesses can't be helped by diet and exercise. And when I say 'diet' here, I mean investigating and eliminating certain food groups if you prove to be sensitive to them. However, these are NOT cure alls. They can help, but you should be very, very, VERY careful about going off of your meds. I am now on a gluten free, low dairy, no nut diet, and feel a little bit better (I certainly feel awful whenever I touch wheat products), but only very moderately.

 

So, by all means investigate, but use common sense and consult with your regular doctor before you make any changes to your medications.

[Firiel]

While I do believe certain medical disorders can be better healed and managed through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, I don't think mental illness falls into this category.

 

My friend did a psychology study about exercise and depression, and the results were that just exercise is a better management for depression than just meds.

 

OP, I would suggest staying wary, like you are now. But like you said, I don't think there's anything wrong with getting tested. Be aware of cost because often insurance won't pay for natural remedies. Don't let them take advantage of you financially. I have a friend, though, whose anxiety almost disappeared once she became aware of her food allergies and started avoiding them. Different things work for different people, so as long as you stay aware and get back on your meds if you need to, I don't see a problem in trying something...

[catfeeder]

The problem with bipolar isn't the depression, it's the mania. The main problem with treating BP with meds isn't the efficacy of a drug, it's compliance. People don't usually seek treatment during mania because it feels fabulous. It's during the crash that people want help to return to some manageable version of their mania. It doesn't work that way--treatment levels off the mania and that feels lousy compared to the manic state. So meds get dumped or they get taken even while a level state feels intolerable and riddled with amplified sensitivities compared to the feel-good state of mania.

 

The main problem with going off BP meds is that self-assessment is only possible during depression, but not during mania.

 

Unless this clinic will take you in for monitoring with psychiatrists who will work in concert with your prescribing doctor to assess the effects of weaning you off the meds, I'd continue the meds and seek a program that will help you manage the side effects.

[Ariel85]

My friend did a psychology study about exercise and depression, and the results were that just exercise is a better management for depression than just meds.

 

Yeah, I have to disagree with that. Perhaps someone with temporary, situational, very minor depression can be helped a bit with a jog around the block, but someone with clinical depression doesn't even have the wherewithall to get out of bed, let alone hit the gym.

 

Mental illness is a change/imbalance in brain chemistry. If the deficit is too great in one direction, there is no amount of natural support that is going to make a dent in the problem.

[Firiel]

Well, I can ask him about the study and see what types of people were in his groups. But it was a scientific, school-sanctioned type study... not an informal poll or anything. I totally agree that medication is merited in a lot of cases (and I would argue that exercise AND medication would be a great duo for depression, at least), but in my own life, I've found exercise to be a HUGE factor in how I'm feeling depression/anxiety-wise... and I've struggled with quite a bit more than "very minor depression."

 

Natural support won't always help someone with a mental illness (or, for that matter, someone with a physical illness), but I don't see the harm in looking at it as an option because it HAS helped some people feel better in ways they didn't think were possible...

[annie24]

I agree for mild depression or situational depression, exercise and eating right can really help. But for something like bipolar disorder or severe clinical depressions, actual medication is needed (and yes, in addition to exercise). Well - exercise and eating right is a good prescription for 100% of the population!! but there are many many mental illnesses that need to be properly treated. I agree with consulting closely with an MD over this.