Mistakes In Weight Loss Management

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Rowena

 

I have taken the liberty of reposting this blog from Dan Clay, a personal trainer from Dangerously Fit

 (couldn’t have said it better myself)

http://bootcampsydney.com.au

http://personaltrainersydney.com

 

Here are the 5 biggest diet mistakes I see for

weight loss…

 

1. Not eating breakfast.

Eating first thing in the morning helps to kick start your metabolism and put your body into fat burning mode. Also if your doing training first thing in the morning it’s important to eat some carbs before you train. Your blood sugar levels get very low during the night and it’s important to put fuel into your system to get the most from your workout.

 

2. Drinking sugary drinks.

I don’t think the majority of people realize how much sugar goes into soft drinks. Most of these drinks have between 13-18 teaspoons of sugar (I believe fanta is the highest). Your body can’t handle that amount of energy at one time so it stores it away as fat for

later use. Also if you’re trying to lose weight – stop drinking fruit juices, although drinking natural juice is healthy… it’s really bad for weight loss because of the amount of

sugar they contain. Eating the whole fruit is good because you’re eating the fibre which makes it a low GI food, once you extract the sugar it’s now high GI and will effect your body exactly the same as soft drinks.

 

3. Not eating frequent enough.

Eating 5-6 meals per day increases your metabolism and will stop your body from going into starvation mode, if you only eat 1-2 times a day your body will think it’s starving and will actually try to store fat. Eat frequently through the day to ramp up your

 

4. Not eating enough fruit and veg.

Most people don’t eat enough fruit and veg, the recommended daily amount is 2 servings of fruit and 5 servings of veg a day (a serving is the size of your fist). Looking at most people’s

nutrition logs they’re lucky if they get 1-2 servings a day.  I don’t think the majority of people realize how much damage their doing to their bodies by not eating enough fruit and veg. Most deaths in the western world are caused through diet related diseases i.e heart disease, many forms of cancer, diabetes, stroke are to name a few.  Fruit and veg contain powerful antioxidants which neutralize free radicals in the body which will do your body untold amounts of damage. I’d actually go far as to say you need to eat 9-10 servings of fruit and veg a day, I also take a whole food based supplement which contains 17 fruit and veg a day – click here for more info…

 

https://www.juiceplus.com.au/nsa/content/Home.soa?site=dc008284

 

5. Not enough protein in the diet.

Not only does protein provide your body with the nutrients it needs for building muscle (which is important because muscle is the only tissue that burns calories) it also burns calories to digest, so by eating protein you’re actually burning calories – this is known as the thermic effect.

 

6. Eating too many carbs.

O.K I know this is number 6 but 5 sounds better and this one’s worth a mention…

Try to limit the amount of carbs you eat – foods such as bread, rice pasta, noodles – are loaded with calories. Instead try to get most of your carbs eating fruit and veg which provide the body with lot’s more nutrients and will keep your blood sugar levels stable.

 

In summary …

You can’t out train a poor diet, it’s like trying to bail out a sinking canoe with a teaspoon. If you’re putting too many calories into your body and the wrong type off foods it doesn’t matter how hard you train – it’s not gonna work.

Posted in Diet, Emotional Wellbeing, Nutrition | Leave a comment

Ditch The Drug Habit

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Rowena

 

People often ask me about different herbs and what I think of them.  Nature has provided us with so very many wonderful herbs to use for whatever ails us, I can understand why some people find it difficult to select an appropriate herb for any particular ailment.  The truth is, there is never just one herbal response to a health challenge.  A skillful and well trained herbalist can combine herbal remedies to suit each individual in ways that western medicines are not designed to do. 

This small compendium will give you an idea of some basic herbs many of which may be used in tea form.  For best results, it really would be wise for you to consult a properly trained and qualified herbalist.  You’d be amazed at what can be accomplished with diligent use of these materials. 

Please feel free to copy bookmark this page and use it anytime.  Refer it to your friends and encourage them to begin to learn about and understand herbal medicine.

                                      

                                          The Simple Herbal Compendium

Species

Common name

Claim
Acanthopanax gracilistylus Prickly ginseng, Wujiapi [2] Aids digestion, helps with hepatitis C, lowers blood pressure, increases stamina.[3]
Achillea millefolium Yarrow Eaten to counter poisoning, but must be eaten quickly
Allium sativum [4] Garlic Antibiotic (in vitro)/stops infection
Cardiovascular health
Aloe ferox Aloe Vera Promotes bowel movement
Anethum graveolens Dill and Dill Oil used to soothe the stomach after meals
Amorphophallus konjac Konjac Atopic dermatitis
high cholesterol
Arnica montana Arnica Used for strains, sprains, and bruises. The roots contain derivatives of thymol,[14] which are used as fungicides and preservatives and may have some anti-inflammatory effect.[15]
Artemisia annua L. Sweet sagewort Help to prevent the development of parasite resistance,it also has anti-malarial properties, and has anti-cancer properties
Artemisia absinthium L. Wormwood Removal of internal parasites
Artemisia vulgaris L. Mugwort Abortifacient, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhoea.Nervous system support
Astragalus membranaceus Astragalus ] Immune system enhancing. Possible cancer prevention
Citrus aurantium ssp. bergamia Bergamot orange Malaria
Crataegus spp. L. Hawthorn Cardiac support. Nervous tension
Cydonia oblonga Quince  
Cymbopogon flexuosus Lemon grass ] Support for headache
Digitalis lanata Balkan Foxglove Antiarrhythmic agent
Echinacea purpurea Echinacea Reduce the severity and duration of symptoms associated with cold and flu.
FoeniculumVulgare Fennel Anti-spasmodic, diuretic, pain and fever reduction
Filipendula ulmaria
(Spiraea ulmaria)		 Meadowsweet Fevers and inflammations. Pain relief. Ulcers. Bacteriostatic. Listed as therapeutical in 1652 by Nicholas Culpeper. In 1838, salicylic acid was isolated from the plant. The word Aspirin is derived from spirin, based on Meadowsweet’s synonym name Spiraea ulmaria.
Glycyrrhiza glabra Liquorice Good source of iron,
Lavandula Lavender Relaxant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic
Hydrastis canadensis Goldenseal Antimicrobial[22]
Hypericum perforatum St. John’s Wort Antidepressant
Marrubium vulgare Horehound Expectorant
Matricaria recutita
(Chamomilla recutita)		 Chamomile Relaxant / Calmative
Medivago Sativa Alfafa increase appetite and vitality, reduce water retention, and as a stimulant for digestion
Mentha × piperita Peppermint Irritable Bowel Syndrome/Peristaliss
Nepeta cataria Catnip Soothes coughs
Paeonia lactiflora Pallas Paeonia analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic
Panax Ginseng [26] Ginseng Calms the nerves
Passiflora spp. Passion-flower Insomnia
Pelargonium sidoides Umckaloabo, South African Geranium Efficacious and safe in treatment of acute bronchitis.
Phytolacca spp. Pokeweed Topical: acne
Internal: tinsilitis ; hormonal balance
Plantago spp. Plantain  and Psyllium Astringent; Bronchial support
Poppiocious seediouphylla Poppy seeds Helps sleeping/relieves pain
Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Relieves headache, calms nervous tension
Salix alba White willow Ancient medicine, already described by Greek pharmacologist Dioscorides. Bark contains salicylic acid.  This is nature’s aspirin
Symphytum officinale Comfry Stops infection; promotes healing particularly of bones.
Salvia officinalis Sage Improves cognitive function in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Tanacetum parthenium
(Chrysanthemum parthenium)		 Feverfew Relieves Migranes, helps fevers and chills.
Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Digestive; cleanses the liver
Tilia spp. Lime Blossom or Linden Flower  Relaxant, relieves insomnia
Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle Blood purifier
Valeriana officinalis Valerian Sedative, muscle relaxant
Verbascum thapsus Mullein boosts the Immune system, antispasmodic, diuretic, anodyne, and demulcent[30] Used to treat coughs, (protracted) colds, hemoptysis, catarrh, dysentery, diarrhoea and as a general tonic (like ginseng) to boost the immune system
Zingiberis rhizoma Ginger can help ease nausea from chemotherapy

You can always contact the clinic if you need help or advice with any health issues.

Posted in Herbal Medicine, Natural Medicine, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Attack Of The Killer Carbs

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Rowena

Ever wonder why you’re so often hungry for more not long after you eat a high-carb snack or meal?

New research may help explain it.

Scientists at Monash University identified key appetite control cells in the human brain. These cells are attacked after eating, but the attack is bigger and stronger following a meal rich in sugar and carbohydrates.                      

                                             

“The more carbs and sugars you eat, the more your appetite-control cells are damaged”, said Zane Andrews, MD, the lead researcher on the study. The result? You eat more.

The forces that compel you to eat and the forces that tell the brain “hey, this dude is full!” are constantly at war. When your stomach is empty, it triggers the release of a hunger hormone called ghrelin. When you’re full, a set of neurons known as POMC’s kick in.

Free radicals normally created in the body attack both the “hunger” neurons and the “anti-hunger” neurons, but the “hunger” neurons are naturally protected. This tips the scale in the direction of hunger and cravings.

And carbs create the most damage of all. According to Andrews, people in the age group of 25 to 50 are most at risk. “The neurons that tell people in that crucial age range not to overeat are being killed off”.
                                                  
Yet another reason to limit your sugar and processed carbs if you don’t want to be the victim of constant cravings.

 Dr Johnny Bowden

And I might add, as a natural therapist, if you have become a victim to this insidious trap there are so many great strategies that can be employed to assist your journey back to good health.  The first step of course is recognizing that you have a problem.  The next is to take action.  There is a class of nutrients derived from real food that will help the body return to balance if taken in sufficient quantities.  Add a sensible diet, quality herbal assistance, exercise and a balanced emotional environment and you have a recipe for truly perfect health. 

Call or contact me for help and sensitive treatment.

Posted in Advances in Nutritional Technology, Diet, Lifestyle, Nutrition | Leave a comment

Why Do I Need Vitamin D

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Rowena

 

Vitamin D and calcium are important nutrients in the prevention and cure of illness such as cancer and osteoporosis.  This alone makes them major players in the field of nutrition and “food as medicine” but there is so very much more that makes these essential nutrients.

Vitamin D works in concert with calcium and a number of other nutrients, and hormones to promote bone mineralization.

We know that vitamin D is important to maintain a healthy immune system, regulate cell growth, and prevent cancer. It also protects against the development of autoimmune disease such as inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin D decreases the severity of autoimmune disease.

Sun exposure is the very best way to get vitamin D into your system.  Unfortunately and increasingly we are spending more and more time behind a desk and less and less time out in the fresh air and sunshine.

People over 50 are at increased risk of developing vitamin D deficiency.  Skin cannot synthesize vitamin D as efficiently in the older adult.  What’s more the kidney is less able to convert vitamin D to its active hormone form.  An estimated 30-40 percent of older adults with hip fractures are vitamin D insufficient. 

Interestingly, melanin is the pigment that gives skin its colour. The high melanin content in darker skin reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight. It is very important for populations with dark-pigmented skin to consume recommended amounts of vitamin D.  Some studies suggest that older adults in these groups, especially women, are at extremely high risk of vitamin D deficiency. It’s thought that the main reason prostate cancer is so prevalent in black men is because of increased need for vitamin D.

Due to all of the above, it is strongly recommended that everyone find sources of this important vitamin in their intake of food.  Some examples of where one may find vitamin D are:

 Dairy

  Fish

Nuts and Seeds

  Meat, Fish, Poultry

     Grains

     Fruits

   Asian Foods

Click here  for a more comprehensive list of foods containing Vitamin D and Calcium

If you have any health issues with which you need help please feel free to contact the clinic for assistance and support.  Why not go to the home page and fill out the drop in form to receive access to your free 6 week online wellness course?

 

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List of Foods Containing Vitamin D and Calcium

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Rowena

 

Foods Containing Vitamin D

 

Milk 1 cup 100
Fortified rice or soy beverage 1 cup 80
Fortified orange juice 1/2 cup 45
Fortified margarine 2 tsp 51
Egg yolk 1 25
Herring or trout, cooked 75 g 156
Mackerel, cooked 75 g 80
Salmon,Atlantic, cooked 75 g 225
Salmon, canned or cooked* 75 g 608
Sardines,Atlantic, canned 75 g 70
Sardines, Pacific, canned 75 g 360
Tuna, canned, light or white 75 g 41
Tuna, canned, yellowfin (albacore, ahi) 75 g 105
Tuna, skipjack, cooked 75 g 381
Tuna, bluefin, cooked 75 g 690

 

* includes Chinook, Coho, Sockeye

 

 

Food Sources of Calcium

Dairy Foods Serving calcium (mg)
Milk, with added calcium 1 cup 430
Milk, whole, 2%, 1% skim 1 cup 300
Milk, evaporated 1/2 cup 367
Cheese, hard 50 gm 360 (average)*
Processed cheese spread 4 Tbsp 348
Cheese, processed slices 50 gm 276
Cottage cheese, 1 or 2% 2 cups 310
Cottage cheese, <0.1% 2 cups 156
Yogurt, plain 3/4 cup 290 (average)*
Yogurt, fruit bottom 3/4 cup 233 (average)*
Frozen yogurt, soft serve 1 cup 218
     
*calcium content varies, check label    
     
Beans and Bean Products Serving calcium (mg)
Tofu, medium firm or firm, made with calcium sulphate 150 gm 347
Tofu, firm, made with calcium sulphate and magnesium chloride 150 gm 234
White beans 3/4 cup 119
Navy beans 3/4 cup 93
Black turtle beans 3/4 cup 75
Pinto beans, chickpeas 3/4 cup 58
     
Nuts and Seeds Portion calcium (mg)
Tahini (sesame seed butter) 2 Tbsp 130
Almonds, dry roast 1/4 cup 93
Almond butter 2 Tbsp 88
Sesame seed kernels, dried 1/4 cup 50
     
Meats, Fish, and Poultry Serving calcium (mg)
Sardines,Atlantic, canned with bones 75 gm 286
Sardines, Pacific, canned with bones 75 gm 180
Salmon, canned with bones 75 gm 208
     
Grains Serving calcium (mg)
Bannock 1 med 84
Oats, instant, regular, no sugar added 1 pouch 165
     
Non Dairy Drinks Serving calcium (mg)
Fortified rice or soy beverage 1 cup 319**
Orange juice fortified with calcium and vitamin D 1/2 cup 165
Regular soy beverage 1 cup 110

 

**added calcium sometimes settles at the bottom of the container; shake well before drinking
 

 

Vegetables (all measures for cooked vegetables) Serving calcium (mg)
Turnip greens 1/2 cup 104
Chinese cabbage/bok choy 1/2 cup 84
Okra, frozen 1/2 cup 65
Mustard greens 1/2 cup 55
Kale 1/2 cup 49
Chinese broccoli (gai lan) 1/2 cup 46
Rutabaga 1/2 cup 43
Broccoli 1/2 cup 33
     
Fruit Serving calcium (mg)
Orange 1 med 52
     
     
Other Serving calcium (mg)
Brown sugar 1 cup 198
Blackstrap molasses 1 Tbsp 179
Regular molasses 1 Tbsp 44
     
Asian Foods Serving calcium (mg)
Dried fish, smelt 35 gm 560
Soy bean curd slab, semisoft 100 gm 308
Daylily flower 100 gm 303
Sea cucumber, fresh 100 gm 285
Soy bean milk film, stick shape 100 gm 77
Seaweed, Wakame, raw 1/2 cup 63
Seaweed, dry (agar) 1/2 cup 50
Fat-choy, dried 1/4 cup 50
Soy bean milk film, dried 100 gm 48
Boiled bone soup 1/2 cup negligible
     

 

 

 

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Phytosterols, Nature’s Idea of a Good Anti-depressant. . .

Posted on July 7, 2011 by Rowena

 

 

 

With lowered cholesterol thrown into the bargain!

 

Plant sterols, phytosterols, are cholesterol-like compounds that are found mostly in vegetable oils, nuts and legumes. There are about 44 sterols known to exist in plants.  Thus, their sole source is diet.

If you have issues with stressful lifestyle, anxiety, depression, or indeed cholesterol then you are a candidate for extra phytosterols in your life.  At the Well Body Natural Therapies Clinic, we use a pure source of high dose phytosterols supplement.  In fact any hormone-driven experience that takes place in your body is fueled by phytosterols.  It’s imperative to have instances of this amazing nutrient in your diet in large amounts.

 

Phytosterols have the same function as cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is necessary component of cell membrane and required for the synthesis of sex hormones and bile acids. However, when cholesterol is high in the blood (serum) it is associated with heart disease. Plant-based diet rich in phytosterols is known to reduce serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. On the other hand, diet based on animal food (meat, egg etc.) contributes to elevated serum cholesterol level.

For example, in one study it was found that subjects fed with wheat germ containing high phytosterol had 42% lower cholesterol in their blood as compared to those who were fed phytosterol-free wheat germ.

 

The mechanisms suggested on how phytosterols help reduce serum cholesterol include enhancing excretion of cholesterol, interfering with cholesterol synthesis, and competing for cholesterol acceptor sites in the intestinal walls.

Some animal studies have also shown that phytosterols inhibit or slow down tumor development.

On average, a conventional Western diet provides 250 mg/day of phytosterol. Whereas a vegetarian diet provides 2 times that amount.

In the following table is a list of foods high/low in phytosterols. Generally, oils have high phytosterol content than vegetables and fruits but these foods are still a very good source of this important nutrient.

 

 

 

Phytosterol food sources Total phytosterol content (mg/100g)

Nuts
Cashew

158
Almond

143
Pecan

108
Pistachio

108
Walnut

108

Legumes
Pea

135
Kidney bean

127
Broad bean

124

Oils
Rice bran

1055
Corn

952
Wheat germ

553
Flax seed

338
Cottonseed

327
Soybean

221
Peanut

206
Olive

176
Coconut

91
Palm

49

Vegetables
Beet root

25
Brussels sprout

24
Cauliflower

18
Onion

15
Carrot

12
Cabbage

11
Yam

10

Fruits
Orange

24
Banana

16
Apple

12
Cherry

12
Peach

10
Pear

8

(Source: Kritchevsky, D. 1997.)

Posted in Advances in Nutritional Technology, Diet, Emotional Wellbeing, Lifestyle, Natural Medicine, Nutrition | Tagged | 2 Comments

Vitamin A Gets an A+

Posted on June 28, 2011 by Rowena

Pomegranates are also a good source of vitamin A

A client of mine recently presented with issues pertaining to his eyesight.  After extensive consultation with him, I prescribed a program to help support his eyes and of course, I made a herbal mixture for that same purpose.  Amongst the many things I told him, one of them was to consume more foods containing Vitamin A. 

So it occurred to me that I might share with all of you what I told him.  Vitamin A is not only good for your eyes, it will regulate your immune system, it’s responsible for making white blood cells and provides excellent protection against the scourge of the 21st century, cancer.

Groups within society who particularly need extra vitamin A are vegetarians and especially vegans.  People who have difficulty absorbing and metabolizing fat as with celiac disease (gluten intolerance) or Crohn’s disease (ITB) or those with pancreatic disorders who have reduced enzyme production should all have extra vitamin A.

So foods highest in this wonderful vitamin are:

 

  1. Liver (Pâté)  The liver of any animal is full of vitamins and minerals.  Turkey liver is the best source 7533IU (150% RDA) per 100 gram serving

 

Paprika, Red Pepper, Cayenne, Chili Powder.  A tablespoon of paprika contains 3691IU (74% RDA)

 

Sweet Potatoes:  Colour is good indication that they are a very high source of vitamin A.  They provide 19218 IU (384% RDA)

 

Carrots: are fine as a cooked vegetable but retain more of their nutritious value uncooked.  As an added bonus, they are classified as “Low GI” when they’re raw.  100 grams of raw carrots provide 16705 IU (334% RDA)

 

Dark Leaves such as Kale, Spinach, Turnip, Mustard or Collard Greens.  This delicious food is not only a good source of vitamin A, they’re full of iron.  15376 IU (308% RDA) puts Kale in the lead however the other greens will yield an average of around 200 % RDA.

 

Butternut Pumpkin.  This delicious nutty flavoured vegetable will give you 11155 IU (223%RDA)

 

Dried Herbs.  Herbs are incredibly full of vitamins and minerals.  It’s a good habit to get into to use a pinch of dried herbs in all your cooking.  In fact, everyone should have a herb garden of some description, whether it’s the simple window box in the kitchen, pots out on the balcony or a fully planted area in the back yard.  Consider it your living medicine chest.  Parsley will give you 10184 IU (204% RDA)  per 100 gram serving, or 204IU (4% RDA) per tablespoon. It is followed by Dried Basil (188% RDA), Dried Marjoram (161% RDA), Dill (154% RDA), and Oregano (138% RDA)

 

Lettuce:  The kind of lettuce matters when it comes to vitamin A content. Dark colorful lettuces provide the most vitamin A with Red and Green Leaf lettuces providing 7492IU (150% RDA) per 100 gram serving, 2098IU (42% RDA) per cup shredded, and 1274IU (25% RDA) per leaf. Iceberg only provides 502IU (10% RDA) per 100g, 361IU (7% RDA) per cup shredded, and 75IU (2% RDA) per leaf.

 

Dried Apricots: Dried apricots are a great portable snack food. 100 grams will provide 3604IU (72% RDA) of vitamin A, which is 4685IU (94% RDA) per cup, and 144IU (6% RDA) per dried apricot.

 

Rock Melon (Cantaloupe):  Cantaloupe and other yellow/orange melons are a great source of vitamin A. Cantaloupe provides 3382IU (68% RDA) of vitamin A per 100 gram serving. That is 5986IU (120% RDA) per cup of melon balls, or 2334IU (47% RDA) in a medium sized wedge.

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Superfoods Best For Woman Juggling life

Posted on June 25, 2011 by Rowena

Superfoods Best For Women

There’s so much emphasis placed on diet these days. And for women, the list of nutrients we need in the form of fresh food is quite specific as opposed to those that men may need.
Without a good diet we really have no chance at good health. Good food is the fuel that runs our very complicated and finely tuned bodies. Put the wrong fuel in your car and you’ll very quickly know about it. Our bodies are so robust that they’ll often soldier on for years on the wrong fuel before something goes wrong. But why put your long-suffering body through such torture? Why not choose fuels sources that are “premium” for your machine.
As women, we have a better chance of addressing our requirements with foods from the list of foods below :


Broccoli

Broccoli is a cruciferous veggie. It’s in the same family with cauliflower and brussels sprouts. This family of veggies contains the nutrient sulforaphane which is purported to cause the leukemia and melanoma cells to self-destruct. Sulforaphane has also been shown in tests to slow the progress of breast cancer. 1 cup of raw broccoli will supply 135% of your daily vitamin C needs.

Beets

Beets, or beetroot as it’s known here in Australia is a wonderful vegetable for lowering blood pressure. The lifestyle that many women lead today means that we are all at risk of suffering from this silent killer. Managing jobs, families, husbands and friends plus a host of other ventures means that we as women are under pressure. Beetroot is extremely high in folate which is responsible for assisting in the manufacture of new cells and preventing DNA damage. DNA damage is a known precursor to cancer. It is also known to boost workout stamina so get into the beet juice before hitting the gym.


Turmeric

It’s the nutrient curcumin in turmeric that gives it it’s orange colour. That curcumin is very important in would and infection healing. It addresses inflammation very effectively without the need for blood pressure-raising anti-inflammatory drugs. And there’s a reason why so few inhabitants of India suffer Alzheimers. Turmeric helps to prevent that illness and at the same time helps to promote good digestion.

If you don’t care to smell like curry all day, I have an excellent supplement range that carries this nutrient in a capsule. Feel free to make an appointment or contact me to discuss this if you feel you could use it.

Sardines

Sardines are loaded with vitamin D, calcium, and a wonderful nutrient called selenium.  Selenium is an antioxidant that helps to keep the immune system fighting fit and protects cells from damage.  As women, because of the enormous emotional load we carry supporting everyone else’s needs, it follows that our immune systems would be under a larger load as well.

Also, sardines are a very good source of omega 3 which as you know supports joints and brain function to name a few.

Kale

This very powerful vegetable is in the same family with broccoli.  It’s a powerful preventive against cancer and supports the heart.  It’s full of vitamin C.  This bitter veggie will also help to keep your complexion clear and your eyes bright. 

Blueberries

Blueberries as mentioned in a previous article are one of nature’s super antioxidants. Not only that, they do aid in anti-inflammatory actions in the body. We know that sustained inflammation anywhere in the body can be a precursor to cancer so it’s always a good idea to deal with it as quickly as possible. Blueberries will help.

Black Beans

Black beans are tradition in Mexican food.  They are high in many minerals including folate, magnesium and iron.  They also contain more omega 3 than other members of the legume family.  Cell regeneration, red blood cell production, immune system support and good nervous system support.  Black beans are interesting because they are one of the few foods that cross over into two different categories of the food pyramid.  They are a protein and they also qualify as a carbohydrate.

Tart Cherries

Not to be confused with sweet black cherries, which are an excellent food but do not contain the same amount of therapeutic value as the bright red tart cherries. Tart cherries are beneficial in the management of pain and like black beans are indicated in anti-inflammatory support. As such, they are a lovely food to consume if you have arthritis or gout. Tart cherries make an excellent snack if you’re using the gym as they support quick recovery from post workout muscle soreness.

Almonds

Almonds are a wonderful healthy way to support your heart function.  They are also very important for gut health.  Prebiotics are non-digestible food parts that create probiotics when they pass through your intestines. Almonds, along with other high-fiber foods, belong to this category and may play a role in improving stomach problems, like irritable bowel disorders and diarrhea, and boosting calcium absorption

Quinoa

Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah) is a grain rich in protein. It contains all 9 essential amino acids. As you may know, amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Amino acids make up all of the muscles, tendons, glands and organs in the body. As the human body is not capable of storing Amino acids, they must be consumed daily in the form of a healthy diet. Quinoa fulfills that requirement.

Also try: Kiwifruit
This petite fruit contains about 70 milligrams of vitamin C—more than an orange and just 5 milligrams short of the daily recommendation for women. Research links C to improved eyesight, lower cancer risks, and better heart health. All that and a younger-looking outside, too: A high intake of C makes wrinkles less noticeable, according to Melina Jampolis, MD, a San Francisco–based physician who specializes in nutrition and is the author of The Busy Person’s Guide to Permanent Weight Loss.

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Cold and Flu Season Hits Northern Beaches

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Rowena

I’m aware I’ve written on aspects of this subject previously (To Flu Or Not To Flu – May 16, 2011) but I guess you can never have enough information when it comes to keeping yourself healthy and well.

As the inclement weather sets in below the equator many people are tempted to turn to antibiotics at the first sign of ill health. The fact of the matter is that those particular chemicals will not go far in protecting you or curing your cold nor will it give you any relief from the flu.

You’ll know you have a cold if you get symptoms of runny nose, sore throat and a cough. You might also get a headache and a slight fever (under 39C). Usually a cold will only put you to bed for a day if that. Though rest would be advisable, most people can stay on their feet during these episodes.

A flu is a different proposition. Somewhat more severe, it will involve a struggle to get out of bed. Symptoms can last for up to 10 days. Fever, aches, pains, nausea and vomiting and loss of appetite are all part and parcel of this debilitating illness.

Antibiotics won’t help

The important thing to remember is that the flu is a virus. Antibiotics are a specific class of drugs designed to kill bacteria. As by definition, a viral illness does not involve these pesky little bacteria germs, a drug designed to kill them will be useless.

Clear Soup

In my previous blog I mentioned that the flu does not like vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent tool in assisting your journey through the “valley of influenza”. Water, rest, clear soups and lots of green vegetables should be in everyone’s arsenal of war toys against the flu.

Herbal remedies bring about wonderful relief and support if used correctly. Here are but a few:

Eyebright – clears the head of mucus. Good for runny nose, runny eyes, just anything running out of the head
Ribwort – assists with mucus and catarrh in the throat. Excellent for laryngitis
Elecampane – supports and strengthens the lungs and fights infections (bacterial or viral) in that area.
Elder Berry – wonderful for support of the upper respiratory tract.
Echinacea – good for assisting the body to stave off infectious illnesses of all sorts.
Garlic – exhibits a powerful infection fighting action in the body.
Extra Vitamin C – I advise at least trebling vitamin C doses to ward off and support before and during upper respiratory illness
ImmunoStart – a product used in my clinic has proven to be a great support to immune function when used in conjunction with a sensible diet and lifestyle.
Omega 3 – as a supplement before during and after!

As well, remember to wash your hands often. Dispose of tissues thoughtfully and blow your nose often to clear the contents of an infected nasal passage and prevent that material from traveling back up to infect the sinus passages.
Gargle – gargling with warm salt water is soothing and healing on a sore throat. Do it several times a day before and during illness.

Here are some good foods to eat when you’re battling a cold or flu:

• Bananas: Soothe upset stomachs.
• Bell Peppers: Loaded with vitamin C.
• Blueberries: Curbs diarrhea, high in natural aspirin. (May lower fevers and help with the aches and pains.)
• Carrots: Loaded with beta-carotene.
• Chili Peppers: Can open sinuses, and help break up mucus in the lungs.
• Cranberries: Help prevent bacteria from sticking to cells lining the bladder and urinary tract.
• Mustard & Horseradish: Helps break up mucus in air passages.
• Onion: Has phytochemicals purported to help the body clear bronchitis and other infections.
• Rice: Curbs diarrhea.
• Tea: Black and green tea (not herbals) contain catechin, a phytochemical purported to have natural antibiotic and anti-diarrhea effects.

The tea form of all of these herbs generally works well . As always, I can make specific herbal extract formulae with these and many other herbs that will address your symptoms specifically. So call me for assistance.

Remember that symptoms can mean so many different things. It’s important to visit the clinic or your regular health provider if your symptoms become severe or last longer than normal.

Posted in Herbal Medicine, Lifestyle, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Herbs To Help You Relax – Which One

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Rowena


There are so many herbal remedies that one could use to assist with relaxation issues. You only have to walk down the herbal tea isle at the health food shop to find a myriad of choices. How does one know which is the best one to use at any given time?
You see, there must be hundreds of herbs that could help a person relax, choosing the right herb has never been the issue. Know why the sufferer has the issue in the first place is a more astute and important question to ask and that’s where the expertise comes in.

Based on a person’s symptoms, their age, general health at the time and lifestyle there might be many different reasons why someone would need support to relax.

Chamomile

Take Chamomile for instance. Chamomile acts to calm the nerves its true however which nerves and why? That is the question. I would mostly use chamomile as mentioned in a previous blog if there were problems involving the vagus nerve. That is a rather large never that comes directly from the brain and services the head, chest and stomach area mainly.

Chamomile is excellent for relieving tension from the stomach up to the head!

California Poppy

If a person were very jumpy, anxious and had difficulty relaxing because of it I might consider hops (not in the brewed form) as a good herbal choice for them. Together with California Poppy, this would make an excellent nerve tonic and soothe the troubled beast.

Valerian

Should my client be suffering from so much muscle tension that it resulted in headache or other neuralgia then valerian would be an excellent way of relaxing the muscle spasms and allowing the person to get some rest.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is indicated if the need for relaxation stems from the strain of dealing with mild depression. It’s important to note that this herb must not be used in conjunction with anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications. See your qualified therapist before dosing yourself with this herb.

Basil

Basil is a culinary herb it’s true but it’s also a member of the St. John’s Wort family and as such will give support to calming the nerves.

Passion Flower
Scullcap

If you have such a “busy head” that your simply cannot turn your thoughts off at night in order to sleep then I would suggest passion flower or skullcap. Both of these herbs are wonderful for people who are thought driven.

Oats

Oats are an excellent source of nutrients for good health but did you know they also strengthen the nervous system? In strengthening the nervous system, this herb allows good healthy strong never messages to travel freely around the body. Oddly enough, this strengthening affect also has the added bonus of a more relaxed and mellowed state of mind. The clients for whom I prescribe oats in a liquid extract form always come back to thank me.

Call For Personal Attention

I can assess each person’s needs on an individual basis. The prescriptions I make for my clients using only the best quality herbs are formulated specifically for each client.

Call or contact the clinic today if you need help with any relaxation or anxiety issues.

Posted in Herbal Medicine, Natural Medicine, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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