Certain restrictions on food are mandatory in any system of medicine for effective treatment. For example, diabetics are not allowed to consume foods that are high in sugar, and the intake of salt should be reduced by those with high blood pressure. These restrictions are applicable irrespective of whether patients opt for allopathic or homeopathic treatment. Certain specific restrictions are imposed for homeopathic treatment; for example, it is usually recommended that patients must refrain from eating or drinking anything 15-30 minutes before or after the consumption of homeopathic medicines. This is due to the way in which homeopathic medicine works and has nothing to do with avoiding the intake of a particular food product for a lifetime. A patient undergoing homeopathic treatment has to keep the medicine below their tongue so that it comes in contact with the nerves. Homeopathic medicine is absorbed through the tongue and inner lining of the mouth. This is the reason why some homeopaths advise patients not to eat anything at least 15 minutes before or after taking the medicine, so that nothing else interferes with the absorption of the medicine.