calls for medical rethink

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4557223.stm

calls for medical rethink

The Prince of Wales is a strong supporter of homeopathic medicine

The Prince of Wales has called for a more holistic approach towards

medicine and the nation's health.

Complementary and orthodox methods of tackling diseases should be

used in tandem, Prince told a conference of medics in London.

And he stressed the important role nutrition had to play in fighting

growing health problems such as childhood obesity and allergies.

He also praised TV chef Oliver's efforts to improve school

meals.

Speaking on Tuesday to a conference on integrated health at the Royal

Society of Medicine, in central London, Prince said there had

been a real shift in thinking since he first raised the issue of

homeopathic medicine 23 years ago.

We need to harness the best of modern science and technology, but

not at the expense of losing the best of what complementary

approaches have to offer

Prince

Then the Prince was criticised for " attacking modern medicine " , but

today he was rewarded by being made an honorary fellow of the Royal

Society.

One in five people turned to complementary therapies and three-

quarters of people would like to see them available on the NHS, he

said.

But he also urged individuals to take responsibility for their health

by " choosing nutritious, organic, locally grown food " .

He claimed that years of over-refining, processing and polluting food

had led to the adverse health problems people suffered and inflicted

on their children.

An over-reliance on packaged, processed food was damaging the

nation's health and was leading to food-related epidemics and chronic

diseases, he said.

Diet

" We have lost touch with the source of our food, and our rural

communities have suffered socially from the loss of local

distinctiveness, traditions and culture. "

The Prince cited a study which found a link between nitrate levels in

vegetables and gullet cancer.

Another study by Durham County Council showed that children's

behaviour and concentration was improved by doses of fish oils and

certain fatty acids.

He also highlighted attempts by head teachers to combat behaviour

problems through diet.

" We need to harness the best of modern science and technology, but

not at the expense of losing the best of what complementary

approaches have to offer, " he said.