What and what-not to eat during homeopathic treatment
- Homoeoclinic
- Jan 1, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 15
Does Homeopathy Require Avoiding Certain Foods such as Coffee, Tea, Mint, Garlic, Onions, or Alcohol ?
This is a common question, often surrounded by misconceptions and myths. To provide clarity, it helps to understand the background of homeopathic treatment.
Homeopathic remedies are usually administered orally, with the pills or globules absorbed in the mouth. Although the exact mechanism of action is still not fully understood, it is generally believed that these remedies are absorbed through the oral mucosa. As the medicine takes effect directly from the mouth, it is recommended to avoid strong-tasting foods, beverages, and potent fragrances that might interfere with the absorption process.
Foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, mint, garlic, onions, and alcohol are often suggested for avoidance due to their strong aromas or tastes. However, in our clinical experience, these items may be consumed while on homeopathic treatment, provided a gap of at least 30 minutes is maintained between the intake of the remedy and such foods or beverages. This ensures that the action of the medicine is not compromised.
We have documented that, when this simple discipline is observed, homeopathic remedies continue to be effective without the need to eliminate these foods entirely.
It is important to note that some food restrictions may be necessary due to specific health conditions. For example, individuals with high blood pressure should avoid excessive salt, those with gastritis should steer clear of spicy foods, and patients with Hepatitis C may need to refrain from deep-fried items. These dietary adjustments are often based on both the patient's condition and the potential impact on the efficacy of homeopathic treatment.
It’s crucial to understand that no particular food is universally ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ The appropriateness of certain foods depends on the individual’s health status and the nature of their illness at a given time. Below, we offer some general suggestions to guide your dietary choices while undergoing homeopathic treatment:
Dietary Guidelines for Common Health Conditions
For Respiratory Disorders (Acute or Recurring Cough, Cold, Asthma, etc.)
It is advisable to avoid chilled drinks, cold water, and ice cream if one is sensitive to temperature changes.
Any food substances known to have previously aggravated respiratory conditions should be avoided.
Smoking should be strictly avoided.
For Skin Disorders
General Foods to Avoid in Skin Diseases:
Spicy foods should be avoided as they can exacerbate itching and burning sensations.
Artificially flavoured foods should be minimised.
Non-vegetarian foods are best avoided wherever possible.
For Vitiligo:
Avoid unripe fruits, sour fruits, sour curds, and anything excessively sour.
Fish and other marine food products should be avoided.
Avoid artificially flavoured and coloured food items such as aerated drinks and junk food.
For Urticaria:
Avoid known irritants and allergens, which can be identified through allergy tests or by recognising personal triggers.
Spicy and pungent foods should be avoided.
Artificially treated foods should be avoided.
For Psoriasis:
Avoid spicy and pungent foods.
Minimise artificially flavoured foods.
Non-vegetarian foods should be avoided as far as possible.
For Gastrointestinal Disorders (Gastritis, Ulcer, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis, Fissure-in-Ano, Piles, etc.)
Spicy and pungent foods should be avoided to prevent irritation.
Tobacco, paan-masala, gutka, supari, and smoking should be avoided.
Deep-fried, oily, and junk foods should be limited.
Irregular eating habits should be avoided.
Alcohol, beer, and aerated drinks should be avoided.
For Urinary System Disorders (Recurrent Infections, Renal Stones, etc.)
Avoid vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes and brinjal, which may aggravate symptoms.
Alcohol, beer, and aerated drinks should be avoided.
Artificially treated foods should be avoided.
Red meat should be limited or avoided.
For Patients with Hypertension:
Avoid salty foods such as wafers, pickles, papad, and salted snacks.
Deep-fried and oily foods should be avoided.
Alcohol, beer, and aerated drinks should be avoided.
For Patients with Diabetes:
Sugar and sweets should be avoided.
Fruits such as mangoes and chikoo should be limited.
Deep-fried, oily foods should be avoided, as well as irregular and heavy meals.
Aerated drinks should be avoided.
For Nephrotic Syndrome
General Guidelines:
The primary goal is to manage protein loss by ensuring an adequate intake of protein. However, excessive protein intake should be avoided to prevent damage to the kidneys from filtering excess proteins.
Sodium intake should be kept low.
Fat intake should also be moderated.
Fluid intake should be restricted based on the physician's recommendations.
Foods that can be consumed:
Cow's milk, skimmed milk, and yogurt.
Wheat, cereals, sprouts, pulses, and legumes (e.g., tur dal, moong dal, rajmah, chana, lentils).
Eggs, fish, dry fish, chicken, lean meat.
Vegetables and fruits.
Soups, sauces, chocolate drinks, and juices (low in sodium).
Wafers, popcorn, and chutneys prepared with less salt.
Moderate to low intake of vegetable oils, butter, and mayonnaise.
Noodles, spaghetti, and pancakes (low in salt).
Foods to avoid:
Excessive protein should be avoided, as high protein intake can cause tubular damage to the kidneys.
High-fat foods, especially oily food and saturated fats (e.g., ghee, margarine), should be avoided to control cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Sodium should be kept to a minimum to prevent fluid accumulation and edema.
Foods high in sodium include:
Salted wafers, popcorn, salted biscuits, snacks, chips.
Papads of all varieties.
Salted pickles, chutneys, curry powder, commercial preparations.
Commercial salad dressings, sauces, soup cubes.
Bakery products, bread, biscuits.
Salted cashew nuts, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts.
Commercial cheese, preservative-containing foods, noodle mixes.
Salted or canned meats.
Foods containing baking soda and Ajinomoto.
For Ulcerative Colitis
Diet When the Patient Is Relatively Symptom-Free:
A balanced diet, similar to the general population's, should consist of carbohydrates (e.g., rice, bread, pasta, potatoes), proteins (e.g., pulses, meat, fish, eggs, nuts), vegetables, and fruits. Protein is essential for growth and repair.
Fat intake should be moderate, as excess fat may cause wind and diarrhoea.
Dairy foods, such as milk, butter, cheese, and yogurt, can be consumed in moderation, as long as they do not cause discomfort.
Things to Avoid:
Beer, alcoholic drinks, excess fruit or fruit juice, onions, and spicy foods may aggravate symptoms and should be avoided.
Constipation can worsen symptoms of distal colitis, so an adequate amount of fibre is necessary. If fibre cannot be tolerated, bulking agents should be considered, alongside increased fluid intake.
Processed foods (with preservatives) and excessive sugar or artificial sweeteners should be avoided.
High-fat and deep-fried foods should be minimised.
Alcohol, beer, and aerated drinks should be avoided.
Diet During the Acute Phase of Ulcerative Colitis:
In acute phases, where dehydration and excessive stool production are concerns, increased fluid intake is necessary. If the symptoms are severe, a salt-glucose solution may be prescribed to aid absorption.
High-fibre foods (e.g., wholemeal bread, dried fruit, pulses) may worsen diarrhoea and should be reduced during flare-ups. Fibre can be gradually reintroduced as symptoms improve.
Fat absorption is often impaired during active inflammation, so limiting fat intake is advised, while ensuring adequate calories through carbohydrates and protein-rich foods.
Protein loss may occur due to leakage from the damaged intestinal lining. A nutrient-dense, high-calorie, high-protein diet is recommended.
If inflammation persists, vitamin and mineral supplementation may be necessary to replenish lost nutrients. Increased fluids and magnesium-rich, vitamin C-rich foods may help reduce relapse risk.
