A Naturopath's Worst Nightmare

What are naturopaths most scared of?

And it’s not conversations about your bowel movement (we secretly love that) or a complex case…it’s toxicity. Those chemicals that we naturally live with and sneak into our food, our homes and environment.

The chemicals we live with so easily, until they become a problem. Note: This is when a naturopath comes into play

So, what if I told you as a practitioner, I have uncovered that my families toxicity levels were through the roof?

After years, at least 10 years of organic food (where possible), hippie toothpastes, homemade cleaning products and even dishwashing detergent that never quite lives up to its counterparts on the cleaning front but is ‘good’ for the environment.

Well, it’s true, we haven’t dodged the bullet but have definitely tried. So what the hell happened?

To opportunity for simplicity

A year ago, my family and I moved to remote Port Hedland, Western Australia from sunny and relaxed Fremantle. We moved ‘bush’, ‘middle of nowhere’, ‘16 hours’ drive from ‘civilisation’, to ‘the opposite end of the earth!’

You get the picture. For the opportunity for simplicity, more camping, travelling the stunning coast and to try something new and its working!

Port Hedland is also a mining town. The mine is literally in the middle of town and is sitting busily on everyone’s front door. Not glamorous I know, but the many kind, generous, hardworking people, soften the swirling mix of dust and dirt.

Hello red dust!?

Apart from your city life pristine white clothing being singed pink or your outdoor daybed never quite looking the same, the dust settles (literally and metaphorically). You get used to it.?

Although as a practitioner, I wondered on many occasions how a mine impacted people’s health. So, I opened a nutrition and naturopathy clinic, the only one currently in town for the past few years.

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The findings

Which leads me to the reality of what I am currently finding and it’s not glamourous. High levels of heavy metals. These are showing up in most patient testing and more specifically my own child's test, whose levels are beyond okay for his age and size.

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Why does it matter?

We've heard stories of heavy metals poisoning in its most severe form but what can heavy metals in the body system cause? Simply put, it stops the body working well, doing the main functions properly. This can lead to inflammation, hormone imbalance, skin conditions and neurological problems (hello foggy memory!) and left untreated cause lasting damage.

The results

As a naturopath, we sit in the privileged position, this is what we've trained for. Having an incredible network of practitioners and research to rely on. To solve this challenge will be in two parts;

Part one - the investigate hat is going (where and how they are coming from)

Part Two- a tailored protocol for each patient to support the body to reduce the impact and move the heavy metals onwards!

Want to know the silver (or red dust lining?)

The positive outcome is the change my patients has been phenomenal. Patients memory is increasing, sleep is improving and my son's wellbeing has also improved greatly. He is calmer, more engaged and sleeping like a trooper (blissful!)

What can we do as individuals?

No need to freak out. It's about awareness the the opportunity to manage it. How can you, your family or the community do this?

Step 1 Testing is the first port of call. Uncover where your body is at (get in touch on how to do this for you and your family)

Step 2 Support the body to reduce the heavy metal toxicity (tailored protocol based on each patients needs)

Step 3 Reduce the exposure in water sources and airborne source (getting more clear on sources to reduce the contact)

What you can do?

Be informed, know the realities and risks and support your family with the knowledge that you have. If you would like find out more please touch base (in Messenger) or to book your own personalised consultation online or in person head to hedlandphysio.com.

Teneeka x