Discover our interview with Valentine Cabanel, Doctor of Pharmacy and Naturopath. Her background allows her to best support her patients with non-medicinal solutions, based on sound knowledge.
Valentine Cabanel holds a doctorate in pharmacy and is a naturopath. This background allows her to best support her patients with informed, non-medicinal solutions. People consult Valentine for her expertise, kindness, and passion for helping everyone achieve well-being through natural means. We asked her a few questions about her background and her opinion on the link between health and apple cider vinegar.
Marina: When I think of pharmacies, I picture shelves of medications, prescriptions filled with chemical formulas. It's a far cry from taking care of oneself through nutrition and in a natural way. Yet you wear two hats!
How did you come to this path towards naturopathy?
From a very young age, my health problems were treated with homeopathy; my parents were quite focused on alternative medicine. I also took antibiotics, of course, but the family approach was more geared towards understanding the body.
I embarked on pharmacy studies because I was interested in understanding how medications work and how they function. These studies also combine medicine with a business dimension, which I found appealing. And pharmacy isn't just about allopathic medicine; you also cover micronutrition, aromatherapy, and more. My interest in natural medicine, dietetics, and nutrition solidified during those six years. I then supplemented my studies with a university diploma in homeopathy.
And then I found myself working in a large pharmacy, a bit like a factory, far removed from what I wanted to do. My clients often told me, "You sound like a naturopath!" To be honest, I didn't really know what that meant. I did some research and then completed an intensive, certified naturopathy training program. That's when I discovered a whole new world. Initially, for a scientist, it's quite difficult; it's a completely different approach, but the more I progressed, the more I discovered a different and truly fascinating way of thinking.
So it's not contradictory then?
No, quite the opposite! Today I combine scientific rigor with the knowledge of naturopathy! It's essential to know how to use the right medicine at the right time. At first glance, they may seem opposed, certainly, but they are truly complementary.
I always advocate for natural solutions and a focus on nutrition. In emergency medicine, where medication is sometimes necessary, such as for chemotherapy, naturopathy is, once again, invaluable. It helps to reduce the impact of side effects, among other things.
Today we hear a lot about the influence of the microbiota on self-care, but what does that actually mean?
It's not just the gut microbiota that's important; the entire integrity of the digestive lining must be considered to maintain good health. If there's an imbalance in the digestive system, micronutrients, which are essential, are poorly absorbed. Furthermore, if there's digestive inflammation, there will inevitably be brain inflammation as well, because the digestive system is connected to the brain. In short, taking care of the digestive system is absolutely crucial! I emphasize to my patients the importance of eliminating the toxic waste that accumulates in our digestive system, coming from our diet and our environment.
When discussing health, the digestive system is an essential topic! It needs to be cared for, and vinegar can help!
So how did you discover apple cider vinegar?
At the end of my studies, I specialized in micronutrition and read many books and numerous scientific journals. I delved deeply into my research and discovered the benefits of apple cider vinegar for disinfecting the digestive system and promoting overall health. Being naturally curious, I continued to learn more online. I tried it, and I loved it. So I replaced all my other vinegars with apple cider vinegar and encouraged my family to do the same!
With the use of apple cider vinegar, you quickly see the benefits for your digestive system and overall health. Whenever I have indigestion, I take two teaspoons diluted in water before each meal. It's not acidifying for the body, and it's full of micronutrients! I haven't used it externally, but I know it's great for the skin too! Used both internally and externally, a little combination of both can be very good for acne, as it also helps to restore the skin's pH balance.
Do you also recommend it to your patients?
Yes, systematically, among the first steps I tell all my patients with health problems to replace their balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar.
For your patients who suffer from acidity problems, there's no problem?
There are many misconceptions about this. People with an acidic constitution are often hesitant to use apple cider vinegar. So I explain that vinegar is actually highly alkalizing. It's particularly beneficial for heartburn. And in my opinion, there are no contraindications; apple cider vinegar is better than lemon, for example, because it's more effective due to the presence of probiotics. However, in cases of gastritis, a sensitive constitution, or ulcers, I recommend addressing these issues first before using it!
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